BEE-LINES - 97th & 108th
Louise A. Boehner, Editor August 18, 2001
Louise, thanks for forwarding the copy of BEE-LINES returned to you because
of
another necessary post-office change of
address... and, we have not moved! I attended
several annual meetings early on, but
my life became more complex as a health care
professional. My experience with the 97th
- 108th motivated me to take on the impossiible!
BEE-LINES:
Dear President Ray, mates, spouses, sons & daughters, August 18, 2001
Thanks for keeping alive the role of the 97th/108th (amphibious force)
that prepared
and installed the largest artificial harbor
in history on D-Day "Omaha Beach". I was just a
"punk kid" who tried to volunteer for
the underwater demolition team in boot camp. It's a
long story how I became one of four (medics)
supporting Doc Wujciak on D-day, June 6,
1944, "bloody Omaha" - Normandy. We arrived
under attack from a shore battery. "While
under continuous fire we dragged the injured
to a protected spot ...assisting (doc)... helped
evacuate to sub chaser ... hence to a
hospital ship." My diary, written on British toilet paper,
describes events from June 3rd to August
5th... (i.e. air raids, living conditions & the BIG
storm - June 19th).... when the four of
us returned to England with "doc.
The 50th Anniversary of D-Day "Omaha" at La Hotel Sofitel was really tough!
Not a
dry eye in the place
My daughter's 13
yr old identical twin boys were invited. They now
understood why I was never able to talk
about my experiences at Normandy. All they ever
heard from me was the SeaBee motto: "The
difficult we do immediately - the Impossible
takes a little longer "
I was a dental student from 1949-53 My entire dental professional life
(48 years)
has been focused on a "Practice Limited
to TMJ and Myofascial Pain." My efforts can best
be summed up in my website: http:/www.uslink.net/~uppgaard.
The politics in health care
has given us a system not in the best
interest of the patients they pretend to serve. For
those whom this is a concern, I welcome
their input! "Rocking the boat' has put me closer to
winning another impossible. As a "punk
kid I learned early that there was more than one
way to "skin a cat.
I attended annual meetings early on; however, again, my schedule does not
permit
me to attend the 2001 annual meeting in
Parkersburg, WV... In good health and fighting for
what WWII was all about.... I owe it to
the thousands at Omaha that did not return. My focus
thru life has been on important issues...
(i.e. environment and health care).
As for future annual reunions? I was third youngest in the battalion -
The fact that I will
be 78 in October does send a message..
Enclosed is a check to help with expenses....
also a few items to share with those attending
the 2001 reunion.
My best to all!!!
Uppy
Robert O. Uppgaard, DDS
Diary
Bob U. - D-Day Normandy Beach Invasion - Diary on British Toilet Paper
Saturday June 3, 1944
Left Selsey 1230. Portsmouth at 1400. Isle of Wight later. Played
ball with Doc, Corpsmen, and some of the boys. Retired in tent at 2215.
Sunday June 4, 1944
Up at 0700, ate, showered, etc., packed, and played ball. Orders
delayed 25 hours. Tired from football.
Monday June 5th
Aboard H.M.S. Fossbeck at 1630. Retired on the floor at midnight
(in the dispensary).
Tuesday - June 6th ******
Pulled out at 0815. Invasion started this morning. Waiting to land
in France this evening. Dreaming of how wonderful it will be to see home
again. Precarious feeling as we retire. Mines afloat the order 2200.
Wednesday June 7th
L.C.I. 114, a small craft, took about eight of us, including Doc
and Commander Collier in the a ship block off shore as tide was out. Shelled
by about 25 rounds from inland. Army leaving L.S.T. 's were machinegunned
by snipers. Hell broke loose as we acquired 7 casualties. Retreated to
Fossbeck - slept on deck (after schrapnel was removed) at 0200.
Thursday - June 8th
Without chow since Tuesday night. Got some when we were removed
to the H.M.S. Brittany. Gear arrived. Many of the boys still shaken by
events yesterday. The Germans still accurate with beach fire. Beach lined
with dead - wounded all evacuated.
The Minster hit a mine - 70 lost - so we hear. Radio reports: war going O.K., but not in this area. (Dick Haymes with Harry James is singing "I'll get By".
Friday - June 9th
Transferred from H.M.S. Brittany to the L.C.I. 414 where Captain
Clark was commanding operations. Afternoon - to the block ship - 555 (adjacent
the one we were bombed on) 2030. German prisoners being loaded on L.C.M.'s
from shore. 50 women (French) snipers killed - eight captured. Said 'bye
to Pee-wee Ellis. Enemy overhead again tonight. Got 2 last night (total
four).
Saturday - June 10th
Hell of a bombing from midnight till 0530. Sunk but one ship as
far as I know. Received mom's letter as I lay on some life jackets a catching
some sleep. Still as grimy as hell. Three transports landed.
Sunday - June 11th
Church service at 1000. From midnight last night till 0600 a continuous
air raid. Bombed the airfield and got an L.C.I. Two spans well underway.
Shore ramps in for two.
Monday June 12th
Very little action on the beach. Quiet last night but distant rumbling
could be heard all evening. Took a sponge bath with salt water. Two meals
today. Nap this afternoon after supper. Rumor that we will be going back
to the States soon. Hope we can live through the next ten days. It is going
to be a wonderful day.
Tuesday June 13th
Raid last night, but slept through. Portsmouth got hell. Four pierheads
came in this afternoon. At the close of the day - 22 phoenix' placed. Spent
the afternoon with Twitchell on his small craft. Five of our boys lost.
Grace is one. Didn't hit so well. Pintar also missing - still hope.
Wednesday June 14th
Armed Guard retiring in favor of the Army (397th AA). Jack Jenson
drove a bull dozer over a mine (7 more in the area) Compound fracture
of leg and lost finger. Very lucky considering Wuj and Chaplain were
seven miles inland. Had an egg today - deliciousl Wrote the folks and my
gal Kay. Jerries are up again - between blankets without clothes second
time.
Thursday June 15th
Hell broke loose last night. Bombs came too damn close. Knocked
two sentries to the deck ? treated by us. Not much sleep. Up at 1000. I.C.T.
650 floated in with no crew aboard. Dispatched. a L.C.M. and Jack and I
tied it to block ship adjacent 555. Looted it completely. Wujciak sick.
Friday June 16th
Another two hour barrage sent against Jerry last night. Minimum
of sleep. Up at 0900. Wrote Kay. Sponge bath and change of clothes. Air
raid ? retired fully dressed.
Saturday June 17th
UP for chow. Emergency call be Captain Clark. Chief Smith died
yesterday on Pierhead 408. Prepared the body. Landed French soil after
noon chow. Through Ver Ville and St. Laureant. Wuj chatted with Prisoners
in cemetary. Returned at 1800. Bill Schunaman and R.D. Tiskney on L.S.T.
133. Both from Mpls. Later knows Jean Stutsman. Retired 2035.
Sunday June 18th
Went to church. Read the New Yorker. Air raid and doc talked over
sex and relationships. Retired about 0200.
Monday June 19th
Living pretty rough. Storm and big breakers (40 feet) smothering
the block ship. Three fella's pulled out of water trying for shore with
a LCVP from tile Ancon. Sleeping in our quarters. Four Limies pulled out
of water to occupy our bunks. Water has flooded most of the boys
out of the quarters below.
Tuesday - June 20th
Storm picked up velocity. I fell asleep and Peth and Doc went on
call. Ship split in half but both halfs in contact. Living conditions poor.
Being senior I sent Angelo and Winter to a safer place with a tug.
Cleared out supplies just in time. Retired in a hump in Collier's room.
Air raid.
Wednesday - June 21st
Bad night but still alive that counts. Eat what's available. (not
much - beans & canned fruit). Retired 2300. Storm still raging
- feet wet - on the floor again.
Thursday June 22nd
Scraped together some of the gear topside. Thrived on canned-goods,
juices, etc. Doc showed up as the storm ceased this noon. Winter &
Angie later.
Friday - June 23rd
Morning move from audatious?555 to camp inland. Set up tent and
cots. Ready for good night sleep. Could hear snipers bullets as we retired.
Retired at 2300.
Saturday June 24th
Washed my hair in helmet. Wrote fellas, Kay & Ira. Smell of
dead bodies powerful. Investigated snipers nest that was 7 stories high
? overlooking beach ? also shelters & trenches. Much German literature
& gear around. Walk with Angelo & Jack to A.P.O. ? the long way.
Much deress.
Saturday June 24th
Up for chow 0715. Fixed up sick bay. Saw 7 story pill box + trenches.
Peth, Ange & I walked through Baugx to A.P.O. Put phone in working
order & sighed to the music. Retired midnight.
Sunday June 25th
Bathed in sun - went to a beautiful evening church service. Heart
to heart talk on life with Doc in tent.
Monday June 26th
Slept through a hell of a raid last night. Rain.
Tuesday June 27th
Air raid. Palmer sick. Horse got hit by truck. Doc worked on it.
Wednesday June 28th
Dive bombing in this area last night. Slept through breakfast for
once. More issue of clothes.
Thursday June 29th
Day of relaxation - mild raid last night. Can of peaches after
supper. Rain on retiring.
Friday June 30th
Breakfast same: P.eggs, bacon & cereal + coffee. Took care
of the injured horse gash 10". x 8. Wrote folks & Chief Oyler. Rations
given: carton cigarettes, gum, candy, & soap.
Saturday July 1st
Played volleyball. Medical dept. won 3 out of 5.
Sunday July 2nd
Won all dozen games. Slept & had diarrhea. Retired late.
Monday July 3rd
Rain breakfast K-rations ? mail (4 pkgs of candy & gum)
?letters from Dick, dad, ??? and K Brown. Wrote folks, K.B. ?midnight.
Tuesday July 4th
Heavy rain all night. Too heavy to sleep. Wrote some letters. Rain
all morning. Volleyball ? won all but 1 of 6 lost 15-13.
Wednesday July 5th
Raid & rain. Cleared up. "Wuj got his radio & we hooked
it up. Phono also working for the boys in West area. Wrote Jimmy.
Thursday July 6th
Rain raid volleyball & to bed about midnight.
Friday - July 7th
Showed civilian to dentist. More rain ? sun ? volleyball - wrote
letters. Retired after 0200. Raid last nite.
Saturday July 8th
Overslept to 0700. Had pan cakes for a change. Thanks to C.O. I
Won more volleyball - raid last night. Read book &. napped.
Sunday - July 9th
Rain most of the day. Read some of Collins work. Letters from
Capt. Meckel, Kay, mom and church. Peth & Ang still at (???????)
Monday July 10th
Operation on Mason - upper lip. Good job. Slept some. Wrote folks
& Kay. Listened to radio. New Commander for this unit.
Tuesday- July 11th
Commander really on ball. Fellas really complying with his message
after chow. Played v. ball. Late retirement.
Wednesday July 12th
On beach to procure supplys. Crawled out on twisted span with Doc
cleared up to a great extent. Some good games.
Thursday July 13th
Studied French. Played v-ball. Won all games.
Friday (Basteal) July 14th - French 4th
Same all but volleyball. Saw "Best Foot Forward" _L. Ball.
Saturday July 15th
French lessons # 4 reached. V-ball. Nap A.M. Worst raid - midnight.
Much fireworks.
Sunday July 16th
As I write this anti-aircraft is booming. Received letters from
Kay, Dad, & Stutz.
Monday July 17th
Swanson broke his leg. Jack & I took him to 643 collecting
and evacuation station. Saw dozens of war-casualties. Very pathetic sight.
Saw Sec. of War Stimpson as we left the air strip. Everything coming along
fine. (road repair, etc.)
Tuesday July 18th
Biggest raid last night. From 2300?0600. Constant shelling. Beautiful
day. Took Foreman for florescopy examination of foot. Volleyball &
won all games. Boxing by boys in camp. Picture: Nine Girls
Wednesday July 19th
Fresh eggs for breakfast. Played the M.P's in volleyball and won
4 out of 5: the last 15-0. Studied French. Raid at bedtime.
Thursday July 20th
Rumors are that we are headed to Cherbourgh. Others are that we
are headed for home. Bing Crosby & Judy Garland honored the Gopher
state. Judy sang "Sea-bees of the Navy" and was very good. Rain at retirement.
Attempt made on Hitler's life.
Friday - July 21st
Rain all day. Jack and I took a 35 mile tour inland for supplies.
(Formigny Trevieres la Cambe & Grandcamp). Jeep stalled due to
rain & we got soaked. Air raids are less bothersome. Morale fair -
work; no letters.
Saturday July 22nd
Hell of a raid all night. Had helmet on part of the night, as usual.
Received two boxes of candy & field glasses from home. Another "Germany
Calling" program: B(?)-1s are demolishing London & Southern
England. Americans & British are being pushed back in Normandy. More
killed so far than in World War I." Little about the attempted assissination.
Sunday July 23rd
Went to communion this A.M. Cleaned up and read my French. General
feeling: all ready to go home. Fed up with the set up. Threw three sutures
into Burns' hand (bad chisel laceration). Doc was visiting some Polish
farmer - Jack was on a joy ride with Angelo and Baretsky. Raid at midnight.
Monday July 24th
Sun finally bored a hole through the clouds. Enjoyed a little tanning.
Letters from Kay, Honey, Dick, Margie, Ira, & dads paper. Feeling of
over-joy has hit me. Stopped volleyball to read. Received rations. Saw
a thunderbolt make a forced landing at air strip.
Tuesday July 25th
Made a trip to N.O.I.C. Met Louis Ellis - brother of Carole Landis
again. Also saw the ship "My Gal Friday" (???? missing before it crashed).
Saw "Pin Up Girl" with Grable. Forget: heavy raid last night. Saw more
than 1000 heavy bombers go over today (beginning of offensive)
Wednesday - July 26th
Every night a raid (again last night). Played volleyball. Saw Show
Business" with George Murphy, Constance Moore, and Nancy Kelly. Very good.
Thursday - July 26th
No raid last night. Studied French & took a nap. Saw Joe E.
Brown in "Casanova Of Burlesque". John & Polish boy very amussing.
Wrote family, but just can't get on the ball.
Friday - July 28th
Raid last night. Volley-ball - good games, close. Movie: "Stage
Door Canteen", but air raid cut it short. Heavy raid as I retired. Must
be a dozen Jerries (at least) above.
Saturday - July 29th
Three heavy raids last night (11:30 - 2:30 -5:30). Received mail
from Kay, Kay B., Dick & Marie. Saw Destination Tokio". Yes, it was
exceptionally good. Raid ended second show. Volley-ball - won all games.
Sunday - July 30th
Communion after the hot cakes. Church after the pork chops. Walked
around Verville. Saw "Girls Primative Man" - small raid.
Monday July 31st
Wrote mom a swell letter. Small raid in distance. Played volley-ball
- good weather.
Tuesday August 1st
No raid - allies advancing down coast. Played volley-ball &
lost two heart breakers to doc & Peth $10.00. In good condition.
Wednesday August 2nd
One Jerry missed the tent (tape?) last night. Slightly exciting.
Played some good volleyball today. Tan almost black. Wrote Katie B., Kay,
Marie, Margie, & Ira.
Thursday - August 3rd
Beautiful day after small raid. Played v-ball. Rumors.
Friday August 4th
Tore down our camp site at Verville. Gave lumber to French neighbor.
Wuj (Doc Wujciak), Peth and I partook of 18 eggs at a Polish farm. Wine
& bread - churned butter topped it off. left French soil at 2000
- LCM to Bernard Carter.
Saturday August 5th
Slept between breakfast & dinner. 4 bunks subjacent ceiling.
Up (anchor?) - 1800. Last glimps of France 1840.
The above diary was typed exactly as it was written - on British toilet paper - with all its grammatical errors.
Bob
Bob Uppgaard
(I have tried to reproduce this document as accurately as I possibly can with respect to it's original grammar. Any errors or omissions are unintentional and are probably the product of scanning, OCR, correcting, and the transfer from one media type to another and the pitfalls that accompany the process. I have found the stories I have read about the Seabees very interesting. All I can say is that you guys are good and thanks for all you did. ref - 10-8-2001)