Feb. 1 -

Small chalazion right lower lid.

Apr. 13 -

Killed in takeoff accident in F4U-1 on projected combat mission against Japs. Time 0540. Plane in take off, left runway and crashed into two other planes on line. All three planes burst into flames with instant explosion. Two other pilots (214 - Miller & Bernard) attempted to remove Maj. Britt but his clothing was on fire, feet were lodged tightly in cockpit, face was swollen beyond recognition, body flacid and apparently lifeless (Possibly sl. groan heard on first arrival). Attempt to remove unsuccessful. Probably killed from explosion and force of collision. When body was removed, it was burned and charred beyond recognition and fire had to be extinguished. The distal ends of all extremities were missing leaving stubs. Body completely charred and scalp broken open. No identification tags. Colt 45 pistol in plane. A few days later, watch with his engraved name found in wreckage. No identification possible from teeth. Identified by operational roster and attendant circumstances such as radio communications with 214 just prior to take off. Place of acident Fighter strip #1 Bevy.
Burial place - army, navy, and marine corps burial grounds - new part Row 42 - grave 2.
Services 4/13/43 by army chaplain attended by squadron pilots.
Key Letter I,

1. within command
2. at work
3. negligence not apparent.

Jan.

pain in back over tip of spinous process of approx. 12 th thoracic verebra. No response to heat. Injected fibrous tissue arround spine with 20 cc. of 2% novocaine. (by Dr. G. L. Kraft)

Feb.

marked improvement.

Mar. 1.

ground loop - landing - no injury.

June 30.

Shot down 3 Zeros.
Plane shot down by Jap Zero. Struck over lower left chest by tailpiece on bailing out, parachuted to water, picked up by destroyer.

July 1

XRay chest negative.

July 5

Returned to duty.

July 11

Shot down 1 Zero.

July 18

Shot down 1 Zero.

Apr. 14

examined for promotion to Major.

Apr. 25

Engaged in aerial battle with Japs. 4 F4U’s against about 40 Jap planes.
Major Peyton shot down 3 Zeros.
Rec’d 78 holes in his plane but returned to base. Puncture wound of left Deltoid area. X-Ray at army hospital (20th) shows small plug shrapnel present. Puncture wound on lateral side of left knee. X-Ray negative. No shock present.

Apr. 28

20th Hosp. advised no operation for very small piece of shrapnel.

Mar. 16

Marked diarrhea lasting 5 days
Turned into Mag 11 sick bay after ineffective Rx with bismuth subnitrate and paregoric. History of previous episode on some island in Calif. In 1939. Watery & mucous & blood streaked stools. To Mag 11 sick bay. Rx with sulfaguanidine [FN#1] satisfactory.
Returned to duty about Mar. 20.

Apr. 14

Examined for promotion to Major.

FN#1.  A sulfanilamide antimicrobial agent that is used to treat enteric infections.

May 13

Examined for promotion to Major (temp).

June 3-4th 1942

Shot Down
1 Eichii [FN#1] type dive bomber
1 Nagoya[FDN#2] type Zero.

April 12 (appro.)

joined squadron from MAG 12.

May

Had attack of malaria in Sidney due to chilling. Treated with routine quinine – atabrine- plasmodium.

June 30

Shot down 1 Zero.

Nov. 1942

Ground loop – landing – no injury.

Feb. 18

Abrasion over right tibia from athletics. Developed cellulitis with marked pain & edema. Treated effectively with sulfathiozole ointment.

Apr. 5

Acute cat. Fever, (rhinitis).

June 13

Examined for promotion to Captain.

July 15

Shot down 1 “Betty”
1 “Zero”

July 17

Shot down 2 ½ Zeros, I probable.

July 18

Shot down 1 Zero.

June 30

Shot down 2 Zero float biplanes.

July 15

Shot down 1 bomber
1 Zero

July 17

Shot down one probable.

July 18

Shot down 2 Zeros.
Shot down in combat on an escort mission, glided into water landing about 5 miles off Choiseul, wasn’t seen to get out because wing man was busy keeping 4 Zeros from.
Rescued by natives - returned to Bevy Aug. 2, 1943. Later evacuated to Lion One Hospital. Fractures of nose & front teeth, shrapnel wounds left wrist, to be sent to MOB4 Hosp.

June 20

Acute Cat. fever. – sinus & ear aches.<BR> in flight – post influenzal asthenia. <BR>Rest cure to Hilo – recovered.

March 17

F4U motor cut off at 9000 ft. after a dive and glide of about 10,000 feet. – made water landing. Thrown against sight. Small lacerations over nose & forehead not requiring sutures. Severe right lumbar muscle sprains healed readily – to duty in 5 days. (previous nasal fractutres). Nasal examination & consultation (Base 3 Hospital) showed no nasal obstruction and no demonstrable fracture March 23.

1. within command
2. at work
3. negligence not apparent “I”

Apr. 26

nausea, vomiting, anorexia & other stomache disorders. – no diagnostic findings – off 4 days,

July 20

Examined for promotion to Capt.

Aug 3

Transferred to Lion One Hosp. with acute Inf. Jaundice further recommendation for evacuation.

Dec. 1942

3 ground loops in F4F.

Mar. 23

fever, headache, dizziness relieved somewhat by aspirin.
Recurred on following day more severe. – probable malaria or dengue.
to MAG 11 sick bay.
fairly typical course of dengue fever with rash. Returned to duty April 1.

July 11

Shot down 2 probable Zeros.

July 18

Shot down 1 Zero.

July 20

examined for promotion to Captain.

Feb. 1

promoted to 1st Lieut.

April 20

began treatment to remove calloused area on foot
Rx of salicylic acid ointment.

July 3

ground loop in Russel Islands.
Laceration, frontal, right. 4 sutures.
Returned to duty July 6.

July 15

Shot down 1 Betty

July 17

Shot down 1 ½ Zeros
1 probable.

Apr. 1

promoted to 1st Lieut. Examined April 10, 1943.

Apr. 18

has had malaise, retro orbital eye, pains, backaches, head aches for past few days. Normal appetite. Sl. Fever at the start.
Rx Salicylates and high carbohydrate diet.

Apr. 28

No improvement consistently. Procedures diagnostic at 20th Field H.
urinalysis, 2. c.b.c.

Apr. 29

develop acute rhinitis. Also couigh.

May 4

Evacuated.

Transferred

Mar. 21

ground looped F4F-1 on landing, an undercut laceration of forehead about 7 stitches, laceration at base of nasal septum – I stitch.
to duty Mar. 24.

Apr. 8

residual tenderness in nasal septum. No edema.

within command

at work

negligence not apparent

brakes locked on plane - causing ground loop.

Apr. 25

In arial battle against Japs plane was seen sruggling in formation – cause unknown.
Missing in action.
Place near southeastern tip of New Georgia.

Mar. 15

diarrhea – 2 days – relieved with soda mints and paregoric.

Apr. 3

developed fever, Sever aches, in bones and retro orbitally.
Probably Dengue fever – transferred to MAG 12 Hospital, Bevy. 4/5/43.
Returned to duty well, April 8.

April 16

examined for promotion to 1st Lt.

July 11

Shot down 2 Zeros and 2 probables.
Shot down in aerial combat – had to bail out
Injured two fingers of right hand.

July 12

fractures reduced and splinted – pentothal anesthesia.

July 13

evacuated to Base Hosp. # Ebon.

Apr. 15

examined for promotion to First Lieut.

June 30

Shot down 2 Zero float and one probable

July 15

Shot down 1 ½ Bettys

July 17

Shot down 3 Zeros

July 18

Shot down 2 Zeros

April 13

examined for promotion to 1st Lieut.

June 30

Shot down 2 Zeros

July 17

Shot down in combat on escort – flames.

Jan.

Stomach complaints, slight pain especially in sharp maneuvers.
Relieved spontaneously after 2 more days of familiarization in F4Fs.

Apr. 13

examined for promotion to 1st. Lieut.

June 16

Fractured left leg in parachuting from a spinning plane at about 15000 – 20000 ft. Entered spin from division loop – last man in division. Allowed about 4 turns. Bailed out. Thinks leg struck by elevator or rudder. Almost fainted from lack of oxygen. Hung on to raft until rescued about 15 minutes later. Fracture at upper end of femur, leg internally rotated. Given first aid, splinted, plasma 250 cc, morphine gr ½ , gr ½ transferred to Lion 1.

Apr. 7

ground loop landing, plane turned over, no injuries.

Apr. 22

pilot in F4U made crash landing at approx. 1845 on runway cause: In staffing mission over Villa & Munda lost 46 inches of right wing due to AA fire or trees. Pilot able to return to base & made crash landing after dark as right tire blew. Plane nosed over, no injuries.

Apr. 27

Acute cat. Fever. Rx. Apc. – sulfathiazole gargles, bed. Sulfathiazole by mouth.

May 1

to duty.

June 30

Shot down 1 Zero.

July 11

Shot down I Zero.

July 18

Shot down 1 Zero.

Mar.

Chills & fever for a few days. Chills about every 48 hrs. to MAG 11 sick bay -
probable malaria. 12-16 neg smears in 10 days. Severe _____ chills, severe body aches, nausea, vomiting, t. spiking to 103, Malaise.
Responded to quinine after seven days of non-specific Rx. Left at MAG 11, Ebon.

Apr. 3

Transferred to Base III Hosp., Ebon.
Discharged Apr. 9. Diagnosis malaria, species undetermined.

Apr. 10

rejoined squadron at Bevy.
to duty Apr. 11.

Apr. 13

developed vesicular – pustular eruption under left axilla. Pustular opened. Rx with calamine lotion and sulfanilamide powder.

May 14

examined for promotion to 1st Lieut.

June 30

Shot down 4 Zeros & 1 probable Zero

July 11

in combat interception Rendova patrol -
plane shot up – made water landing north of New Georgia.
Returned July 13.

July 15

Shot down 1 Betty and 2 Zeros.

Feb

Acute cat. fever & asthenia 3-4 days.

diarrhea – 2 days – sl. fever .
Relieved with bismuth & paregoric.

May 14

examined for promotion to 1st Lieut.

June 30

Shot down 1 Zero Float and one probable.

July 15

Shot down I Zero & 1 Betty.

July 17

Shot down 3 Zeros.

Feb. 27

severe reaction (fever, headaches) to tetanus toxoid booster. – 1 day.

Mar. 10

earaches, sinus pain relieved by decongestants. Complaint of sl. pain in sacral region – left - __?__[FN#1] .

April 7

Shot down 1 Zero.

Apr. 10

complaint of over use of oxygen in high altitude aerial missions
500 lbs. in 1 hr.

May 14

examined for promotion to 1st Lt.

July 3

Missing in action in return from combat patrol -
The division ran into a thunderhead and planes separated.
The last contact with Spoeda.

Mar. 20

Acute cat. fever – e days – earache relieved with decongestants.

Mar. 30

turned in at Noumea with fever, severe body aches, etc. probably dengue fever.

Apr. 18

rejoined squadron at Bevy. Diagnosis of Dengue fever.
Rec’d flight physical and clearance at Noumea, To duty well.

May 14

examined for promotion to 1st Lt.

July 18

missing in action during combat while on escort flight to Kahili.

Mar. 5

diarrhea – short duration – 1-2 days.

Apr. 25

Shot down two Zeros.
In aerial battle against Jap, plane shot down. Parachuted out at 500 feet. Picked up by natives. Cared for by C/W. Returned to base Apr. 28. One 20 mm. hit radio sending shrapnel in several places into right leg. Numerous penetrating wounds seen, small gaping sl. amt. of pus. Had been dressed with sulfathiazole.

Apr. 28

Rx. Sulfanilamide powder to injuries after cleaning with ether.

Apr. 29

wounds healing well. Edema and redness resolved. Given ½ cc. Tetanus toxoid and polyvalent anti gas gangrene serum 10000 units Cl. _____ [FN#1] & 10000 units Cl. MAG 12 Hosp.

June 13

examined for promotion to 1st Lt.

July 15

Shot down 3 Bettys

July 21

Shot down 1 Zero.

Apr. 10

developing yellow pigmentation of skin & sclera. Otherwise negative.

Apr. 14

apparently toxic hepatitis with gastro intestinal symptoms. Atabrine discontinued. High carbohydrate diet. Appeared normal again April 21.

May 14

examined for promotion to 1st Lt.

June 10

Shot down 2 Zeros float.

July 9

evacuated to B. H. #2 with cellulitis of right leg & severe dermatitis.

Feb.

small abcess – skin penis., inguinal adenitis – to Aiea Hts. Hosp. – to duty in 3 days.

Mar. 28

Accident at Noumea during Carrier catapult launching of F4U’s.
“I”

within command

at work

negligence not apparent

during launching, engine shut off on catapult as it was set off and plane went into water, remaining on surface about 2 ½ ‘, but pilot knocked unconscious for several minutes, until resuscitated after several minutes in water. Attending medical off. told him he swallowed a lot of salt water. Teeth and jaw injured but apparently seemed alright after teeth repaired.

Apr. 3

first seen by squad. Fl. Surg. – 5 days after accident, having sl. productive cough, fever 100-102. Treated for 24 hrs. with sulfathiazole with some response. To MAG 12 Hospital Bevy.

Apr. 8

Returned from MAG 12, apparently told he was well. Not checked here. Had one flight diff. in landing. Checked – grounded with sl. fever. Rx rest.

Apr. 13

to duty well.

Apr. 27

Had diff. in landing, stalled in from too high off field, nosed plane over with brakes. Examined Schneider O, pulse rapid 130 & prolonged after exercise T=99.6.

Apr. 28

CBC, urinalysis, blood smear, chest X-ray at Army field hospital.

Apr. 29

T=101, pain in left chest. Coughed up very foul smelling sputum. Probably lung abscess or Bronchiestasis. XRay exam of chest: Roentgenographic examination of the chest at six fiet shows bilateral cervical ribs. The right lung field shows irregular clearly defined area of increased density above the costophrenic angle and merging with the diaphragm shadow.
Diag.:

Probable unresolved pneumonic process left lower lobs.

Heart normal.

cervical rib, bilateral. Rbc 5,190,000, wbc 10,000 , HG 70%
66 segs. 2 juiven, 32 lymphs.
Urinalysis normal

June 10

Returned to squadron.

May 14

Examined for promotion to 1st Lt.

July 15

Missing in action. When last seen was making a run on Japanese bombers.

Apr. 25

Shot down 1 Zero.

Apr. 27

Acute Cat. fever. Rx. Apc, sulfathiazole gargle, ephredine nose drops.

June 30

planes motor cut out just after take off – he glided to water landing off Koli Point but never got out of plane although it remained on surface several minutes.

Mar. 1

spun plane into water from catapult takeoff. Sl. contusion to knee over upper end of tibia.

Apr. 18

Gastric disturbances, annoying back pain, med. Yellow pigmentation, brownish urine. MAG 12 recommends evacuation. Held for awhile because of recommendation to 2nd Lieut. Rx atabrine discontinued. High carbohydrates diet.

May

Examined for to Marine Gunner.
Transferred to Base Hosp. #2

May 4

Jaundice & Malaria (pl. vivax.)
Returned to squadron about June 10.

July 17

Shot down 3 Zeros.
-missing in action after combat in escort over Kahili.
-later reported to have landed at Segi with shrapnel wounds in legs. Plasma used.

July 21

Returned to Base. Shrapnel or bullet penetrating wound in left calf.

July 22

Evacuated to B.H. #2.

Feb

earaches and nasal congestion relieved by decongestants.
-Complaint of generalized itching since Miami. Small vesicles no burrows, relieved slightly by calamine. Possibly protein sensitivity or sl. vaso-motor instability.

Apr. 13

Missing in action.
Plane last seen losing altitude rapidly but in control of flight.

May 23

Reported found by C.W.

June 27

Returned.

July 1

Evacuated thru MOB 8 Hosp.