TarawaTalk - STORY

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MARK,
I WAS SOMEWHAT MIXED UP ON RAY'S NAVY CROSS. HE DID GET IT FOR SAVING THE PILOT AND ATTEMPTING TO SAVE HIS GUNNER. I THOUGHT THERE WERE TWO INCIDENTS.
SHIRLEY GEORGE

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ANOTHER MARINE GONE — S George, Thu Feb 2 23:33

RAYMOND (RAY) FORBUS OF A 1 10 AND H 3 10, VETERAN OF GUADALCANAL, TARAWA AND SAIPAN PASSED AWAY FRIDAY MORNING. GOD BLESS HIM SHRLEY GEORGE
- Ray Forbus — Kim Righetti, Sat Feb 4 09:19
  
  Could you put the obit online? Those were the exact places my Dad was at.My sympathies to his family. I hope he drank beer, as my Dad is undoubtedly offering him one now in Heaven!
- - RAY FORBUS — S George, Sun Feb 5 00:04
    
    I WILL GET A COPY OF THE OBIT WHEN THINGS SETTLE DOWN FOR THEM. NO, RAY,LIKE BBO DIDN[T DRINK. THEYH WER THEY DESIGNATED WALKERS. I AM SURE THINGS ARE WORKING OUT FOR ALL OF THEM, THOUGH. SHIRLEY
  - RAY FORBUS — s George, Sat Feb 4 10:56
    
    I WILL CALL JEAN AND GET THE OFFICIAL ONE. HE WAS QUITE A MAN/MARINE. IF I WILL HAVE HISI PIX POSTED TOO. SHIRLEY
  - - Ray Forbus Obituary - Posted for Shirley — Jim Hildebrand, Sun Feb 5 19:51
    - - Ray Forbus Obit — Kim Righetti, Mon Feb 6 08:55
        
        What a lovely way to remember this brave man.
      - RAY FORBUS — s George, Mon Feb 6 11:52
        
        RAY TOLD BOB THAT AFTER THE MORTAR HIT HIM, HIS ARM WAS JUST HANGING LOOSE AND WAS ''GETTING IN THE WAY''. HE TOLD THE CORPSMAN TO CUT OFF. THE CORPSMAN SAID, NO THAT HE WOJLD BLEED TO DATH. I WOULD... more
        Re: RAY FORBUS — Mark, Tue Feb 7 02:20
        
        THANKS FOR SHARING THE STORY SHIRLEY, A TRUE HERO. MARK
        STORY — s George, Sat Feb 18 15:06
        NAVY PLANE ON SAIPAN — William L, Jefferies, Sun Feb 19 11:15
        
        Hi Shirley, Are you and Mark talking about the Navy plane on Saipan that got hit when it circled back around to check on lighthouse on end of island that fired on them and and later at us with... more
        lighthouse on Saipan — Bruce M. Petty, Mon Feb 20 00:41
        
        Having lived on Saipan for five years, and having explored just about every square foot of it, and also having written a book about it, I can tell you that there is no lighthouse on the north end of... more
        "Lighthouse" on Saipan — 3L6research, Mon Feb 20 12:18
        
        Many reports from the time of the fighting for Saipan refer to the old Japanese building, located on Navy Hill, as a Lighthouse, an Observatory, or a Watchtower. It is located at 15 deg 12m 42.35s N, ... more
        Re: lighthouse on Saipan — William L. Jefferies, Mon Feb 20 12:16
        
        Bruce, You and I must be talking about something else as I was on the front lines when this happened. What year did you live on Saipan? I personlly seen the pilot bail out and plane went over hill... more
        lighthouse — Bruce M. Petty, Mon Feb 20 12:39
        
        Mr. Jeffries--I don't doubt you one bit. More than a few of our planes were shot down during the Marianas campaign, and from my research none who fell into Japanese hands survived. In fact, I had a... more
        Re: lighthouse — William L. Jefferies, Tue Feb 21 14:11
        
        On or around June 19, 1944 there what was called the Mariana Turkey Shoot as the Japanese tried to take back Saipan. My company was moving along on side of Topachau and could see the dog fights going ... more
        Saipan — Bruce Petty, Tue Feb 21 14:44
        
        Mr. Jeffries--Yes, I have read all about the nighttime tank attack, and have also interviewed a few people who were there. In my book, Voices From The Pacific War, a Frank Zark is mentioned. He... more
        NEW ZEALAND — William L. Jefferies, Wed Feb 22 14:42
        
        Bruce, How did you like New Zealand while you were there? New Zealand people treating us, Second Marine Division with open arms and hated to see us leave. Some of the older Marines married girls they ... more
        New Zealand — Bruce M. Petty, Wed Feb 22 14:51
        
        Mr. Jeffries--We still live in N.Z., have for the past eight years. In fact, my latest book is titled, New Zealand in The Pacific War. For this book, I interviewed a number of 2nd MarDiv vets,... more
        NZ Contacts — EDG, Thu Mar 1 12:45
        
        Bruce Petty do you have any information for researching NZ women. My dad had a girl friend that I have tried to locate without any luck.
        Re: NZ Contacts — Nolene De Luca, Fri Mar 2 14:10
        
        Iam a NZ'er and a Genealogist, perhaps I can be of help to you. I am also a member of the NZ Society of Genealogists. I can be contacted at home@deluca.net.nz
        NZ women — Bruce M. Petty, Thu Mar 1 13:04
        
        I interviewed a number of NZ women who were involved with U.S. servicemen here during the war. I also interviewed some of the children they left behind. Their stories are all in my book, New Zealand... more
        Re: New Zealand — William L.efferies, Wed Feb 22 17:01
        
        Glad to hear yo live in wonderful country of New Zealand. Norm Hatch is still going strong and writes and article in our "Follow Me' when it is published every 3 months. Some of our Marines like Joe... more
        Norm Hatch — Bruce M. Petty, Wed Feb 22 20:24
        
        Mr. Jeffries--I'm still in contact with Norm Hatch, and he gets my weekly newsletter from New Zealand. Just heard from him two days ago, in fact.
        MISSPELLED WORDS — William L. Jefferies, Wed Feb 22 17:08
        
        Pardon some of my misspelled words. Didn't even spell my name right. Got in too big of hurry and never checked it before sending.
        Re: Saipan — William L. Jefferies, Wed Feb 22 11:46
        
        United States Navy did stop the Japanese before they got near Saipan but the Jap planes did get there and Navy and Marine pilotes blasted them out of the air. As I mention we could see it from our... more
        Saipan — Ed Bale, Thu Feb 23 11:23
        
        Jeff You are absolutely on target. I was on the right flanks of the 6th Marines and on the left flank on the 8th Marines with 6 tanks supporting the 8th and saw what you saw. Perhaps some people... more
        Saipan — William L. Jefferies, Fri Feb 24 09:26
        
        Thanks Col. Bale, It seems some people who weren't there think they know more about what went on then we who were on the front lines. Jeff
        late comer historian — Bruce M. Petty, Thu Feb 23 23:26
        
        As a "late comer historian," let me clarify a few things. The air battle in the Mariana Islands involved more than just the Turkey Shoot. There were pre-invasion attacks on all of the Japanese air... more
        Late Comer — Ed. Bale, Wed Feb 29 11:33
        
        Here we go again. What a waste of time. Ed. Bale
        ED Bale — EDG, Thu Mar 1 10:53
        
        >>What a waste of time Who are you???
        In the '60s vernacular, — Ed Gilbert, Fri Mar 2 20:57
        
        surely you have to be %^$##ing me? You might at least bother to google . Cut and paste if necssary.
        Who are you??? — Ed Bale, Fri Mar 2 09:49
        
        You are new to this forum. Who are You???
        machine guns — Jim Browne, Sat Mar 3 14:17
        
        Aloha Ed, I'm currently the commandant of the Camp Tarawa Detachment #1255 Marine Corps League on the Big Island of Hawai'i.Our detachments primary mission is to keep the history of old Camp Tarawa... more
        ED Bale — EDG, Sat Mar 3 12:26
        
        No I am not new. I lurk but I rarely post here. I am the son of a 6th Regiment Marine and the nephew of a 26th Regiment Marine.
        Re: Who are you??? — jaymes seals, Fri Mar 2 23:26
        
        I am Sgt Jaymes Seals with the 3rdMarDiv in Okinawa, japan I am the Great grand son of Lt Albert Tidwell
        Re: Who are you??? — Ed. Bale, Sat Mar 3 12:10
        
        Thanks Jaymes. I am a 92 years old retired Marine Corps Colonel whose service includes Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian, Okinawa with the 8th Marines. Japan, Korea and VietNam with some stops in between. I was ... more
        Connection to 8th Marines — Noel Garland, Sun Mar 4 18:27
        
        Col Bale, Am wondering from your comments today and earlier, how connected was your unit(s) to the 8th Marines when they were on Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian specifically, also on Okinawa as a follow up?... more
        Walter Clyde Morgan — Patricia Byrd , Mon Dec 10 22:57
        
        I don't k ow if my uncle died on Tarawa but I believe ao. The morning after his 20th birthday in 1944. If anyone knew him please respond.
        PFC Walter C. Morgan #433978 — Jim Hildebrand, Wed Dec 12 00:31
        
        PFC Walter C. Morgan #433978, Company A, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, was killed on Saipan on 08 July 1944. He died from a gunshot wound and was buried in 2nd MarDiv... more
        Walter Clyde Morgan — foundation, Tue Dec 11 08:20
        
        Good morning Ms. Byrd, We checked our database and your uncle is not listed as one of those killed at Tarawa. Best wishes, www.ChiefRickStone.com
        Re:Re: Who are you? — EDG, Sun Mar 4 12:16
        
        So you were 23 when you spent your time at Tarawa inside a tank. My dad landed in one of the C/1/6 rubber boats.... he was 18. He was a veteran of Guadalcanal, and after Tarawa, was wounded at Saipan.
        C/1/6 — Ed. Bale, Sun Mar 4 12:57
        
        Not enough credit given to 1/6 for the rubber boat landing. As the company commander who took over China Gal, I spent most of my time either on foot with the infantry or with my head sticking outside ... more
        Re: ED Bale — William L Jefferies, Thu Mar 1 12:56
        
        Ed, I agre with you 100%. Yes, what a waste of time. Jeff
        Rewriting history — Ed. Bale, Fri Feb 24 09:13
        
        Bruce This is exactly what I mean about rewriting history. ELB
        tank attack — jack whipple, Thu Feb 23 17:48
        
        Hi Col Bale again.....I have a photo of dad and some guys from his company taken immediately after this action. The photo in the 2nd Marine Division photo from Follow Me of the three guys standing in ... more
        Col Warren Lightner — Ed. Bale, Fri Feb 24 09:22
        
        Jack Col Lightner was a friend of mine. We served in the First Mar Div in Vietnam. He did not die there. When he left Vietnam Nam he went to Norfolk, VA as the G-4 of FMFLANT. Retired somewhere in... more
        Re: Col Warren Lightner — jack whipple, Fri Feb 24 11:32
        
        Hi Col Bale....thanks for the response...I didn't know about his passing not happening in Viet Nam. Dad just said once "Lightner's name is in the USMC Gazette"....Dad was real close to him. Really... more
        Re: Saipan — Wendell Perkins, Wed Feb 22 07:19
        
        Jeff wrote, "Bruce, did you hear about the Japanese tank attack June 17, 1944 that happened 3 oclock on a very dark morning? I was lucky enough to be in on this and help stop them." What Jeff didn't... more
        marines Visit. — Joan Ellis, Thu Feb 23 15:31
        
        Great to see Tarawa Talks contributors so active again. Wonderful to read comments from those marines who actually fought on Saipan and other islands in the Pacific.Can anyone help me muster up some... more
        Visit — John Armstrong, Sat Feb 25 12:41
        
        Seiously has anyone condidered making travel arrangements, flight rates. hotels, or anything in the way of arrangements if a group of 2nd Divion veterans wanted to come for that "reunion". Airfares... more
        The project is under way and deadly serious. — Joan Ellis, Sat Feb 25 15:29
        
        John I suggest you contact me at my email address and I'll send you some names of people who will confirm details for you Joan
        Visit — John Armstrong PhM2/C, Fri Feb 24 20:21
        
        What is the air fare (we can hock the house) Or will you use old troop ships to add flavor? John Armstrong
        Reunion — Joan Ellis, Fri Feb 24 21:51
        
        Well John if all else fails we might have to see if we can find an old troop ship. How good would that be???I've heard that Australia is really turning it on for their veteran's return anniversary.... more
        Veteran's return — Joan ellis, Fri Feb 24 21:42
        
        Well John if all else fails.. we'll have to see if we can find an old troop ship. I believe there's going to be an aircraft carrier going to Australia and they're planning on having a ball for their... more
        Re: marines Visit. — William L Jefferies, Fri Feb 24 14:13
        
        Dear Joan, As you know over many years we had very nice Second Marine Division Association Reunion meetings and as always seeing our friends from New Zealand. But years and health problems have... more
        visit — John Armstrong, Sat Feb 25 20:05
        
        Maybe if we all reenlisted they would send us all as well weathered visitors.
        visit/john armstrong — TRISH SCHIESSER, Sun Feb 26 10:40
        
        JOHN, AND YOU ALL WOULD BE THE BEST WELL-WEATHERED VISITORS, APPRECIATING A GREAT PLACE AND ENJOYING IT AS WELL. HOPE YOU HAVE ACCEPTED MY APOLOGY, AND TELLING YOU "WHO [I]AM. WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT... more
        NEW ZEALAND — S George, Sat Feb 25 10:12
        
        JEFF; I WISH I COULD GO TO THIS REUNION, BUT CAN'T. BOB LOVED THAT COUNTRY SO MUCH. WHEN WE WERE THERE IN 1996 I CAME TO KNOW HOW LOVELY IT WAS. YOUR WIFE OF 65 YEARS IS BLESSED TO HAVE YOU LOVING... more
        Marines visit — joan ellis, Fri Feb 24 17:02
        
        thank you for your kind words Bill. I'm sorry to hear of your health problems but how blessed you are to have a loving,caring wife there to take care of your needs.Veteran marine friends keep me... more
        New Zealand Freinds — William L Jefferies, Fri Feb 24 19:57
        
        Thanks Joan for your thoughts. I will never forget how you folks treated all of us long way from home. I was 18 years old when I was there. Do you or any one know if June and Stan Martin are still... more
        The Martins — Joan Ellis, Fri Feb 24 21:57
        
        Bill Stan and June seem to have faded off the earth. I haven't heard from them for a few years. I did hear that June wasn't well, but Stan hasn't responded to emails from other people here. And I... more
        Re: Saipan — Rick sikkema, Wed Feb 22 07:00
        
        Mr. Jeffries is probably too modest to mention that he was heavily involved in repulsing the tank attack. If memory serves he was awarded ther Silver Star for his actions during that battle.
        NAVY PLANE — s George, Sun Feb 19 15:48
        
        YOU WERE IN THE 6TH MARINES, WEREN'T YOU, JEFF? HOW CLOSE WERE YOU TO THE 10TH ON JULY 7? BOB WAS IN THE 10TH, BUT IN A DIFFERENT AREA. JEAN TOLD ME RAY WAS IN H 3 10. THE CITATION SAYS HE WAS IN A 3 ... more
        Re: NAVY PLANE — WILLIAM L. JEFFERIES, Mon Feb 20 12:04
        
        SHIRLEY, FIRST LET ME APPOGIZE FOR NOT PRINTING IN LARGE PRINT AS I KNOW YOU HAVE EYE TROUBLE READING SMALL LETTERS. YES, I WAS IN A/1/6 ALL THROUGH THE WAR. THE 10TH BACKED US UP. I REMEMBER WHEN... more
        army — John Armstrong PhM 2/C, Tue Feb 21 14:53
        
        Same feeling about soldiers but I recall all the wounded Marines we had in our field hospital due to Army shelling , and a REFUSAL by the Army to stop shelling. The Army said "We do not take orders... more
        ARMY — s George, Thu Mar 1 18:17
        
        SEVERAL MONTHS AGO WHILE WAITING FOR A RIDE HOME FROM THE DR'S OFFICE I SAT BESIDE A MAN ABOUT MY AGE. WE GOT TO TALKING AND I FOUND OUT HE WAS A CORPSMAN STATIONED ON GUAM WHERE THEY TREATED THE... more
        NAVY PLANE — S George, Mon Feb 20 12:26
        
        THANKS JEFF, FOR TELLING THE HISTORY OF YOUR TIME ON SAIPAN JULY7, 1945. I HAVE NOTHING AGAINST THE ARMY EITHER.MY BROTHER IN LAW WAS IN PATTON'S ARMY AND MY GRANDSON WAS IN AFGHANISTAN AND IRAQ.THAT ... more
        LETTERS — John Armstrong Ph M 2/C, Tue Feb 21 15:06
        
        ARE YOU BACK IN THE FIRST GRADE??? NEEDING LARGE LETTERS MY COUSIN WAS AN ARMY LT. LEAD SCOUT WITH PATTON ACROSS EUROPE. PS I have GLAUCOME AND A "FLAP" HOLE IN ONE EYE BUT CAN STILL TELL A BLONDE... more
        LETTERS/JOHN ARMSTRONG — Trish Schiesser, Wed Feb 22 10:20
        
        JOHN, YOU OWE SHIRLEY GEORGE A BIIIG APOLOGY. YOU CAN SEE BY HER ANSWER TO YOUR NASTY LETTER TO HER WHAT SHE GOES THROUGH DAILY, HARDLY WITH ANY HELP AT ALL. SHE IS AN INTELLIGENT WOMAN AND A BRAVE... more
        your reaction — John Armstrong, Wed Feb 22 15:16
        
        I was only joking about using large letters like we did in the first grade. And that we had gone full circle in life to our old age and were doing it all over again. I guess misplaced and... more
        REACTION — s George, Sat Feb 25 02:16
        
        ONE LAST NOTE ONT THIS SUBJECT. JOHN, NO PITY PARTY, I THOUGHT I WAS BEING FUNNY, BUT GUESS IT FELL FLAT. I HAVE A LOT OF FUN WITH MY POOR EYESIGHT, I.E. OFFERING TO DRIVE FOLKS HERE AND THERE . ALSO ... more
        JOHN AND TRISH — s George, Wed Feb 22 20:57
        
        AW, COME ON GUYS. I KNEW JOHN WAS KIDDING. I GAVE IT BACK TO HIM, I THINK. JOHN, YOU ARE A JEWEL. THANK Y0U S0 MUCH FOR YOUR MANY KIND W0RDS. I ENJOY BEING HOOSE MOTHER TO A BUNCH OF OLD JAR HEADS.... more
        John/ LETTERS — Trish Schiesser, Thu Feb 23 11:25
        
        John, Let me make it up to you, for my misunderstanding by sending you a free copy of THESE GUYS . . . just send me your mailing address and a copy will be on its way. It begins with the first story... more
        EVERYTHING OK — S George, Thu Feb 23 11:52
        
        I WANT TO APOLOGIZE TO JOHN ARMSTRONG AND TRISH SCHLESSER. I WAS TRYING TO BE FUNNY ON MY POST TO JOHN. I WOULD NOT FOR THE WORLD HUR HIM OR ANY OF THE M TARAWA MEN. JOHN, YOU KEEP ON BEING FUNNY.... more
        YOUR REACTION — Trish Schiesser, Wed Feb 22 19:52
        
        I was defending Shirley - as I read your post in a different way than you say you intended it. I admire Shirley more than you know - or maybe you do know, as you say. If you take my post as a tirade, ... more
        LETTERS — s, Tue Feb 21 22:19
        
        OK, JOHN, 90 IN JULY. I;LL SEE YOUR GLAUCOMA AND FLAP WITH MH GLAUCOMA, MACULAR DEGENERATION AND ADDIAS EYE. I AM LEGALLY BLIND, BUT I CAN STILL TELL A MARINE FROM ANYONE ELSE I DO HAVE ON TOP OF... more
        NAVY PLANE — S George, Sun Feb 19 11:33
        
        I REMEMBER BOB TELLING ME THAT AFTER RAY HAD HIS ARM BLOWN OFF HE SAW A PLANE THAT HAD CRASHED. HE WENT TO IT WITH HIS TERRIBLE WOUND AND GOT THE PILOT, BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO GET THE GJNNER. THE TWO... more
        RAY FORBUS — S George, Tue Feb 7 04:39
        
        YOU ARE WELCOME, MARK. I THINK THE MEN WHO SURVIVED......AND DIDN'T... THOSE ISLANDS ARE ALL HEROS. I KNOW THEY WILL DENY IT. I ALSO AM AWARE THIS IS A SITE FOR TARAWA, BUT RAY, BOB AND ALMOST NINETY ... more
    - Ray Forbus — EDG, Sun Feb 5 10:21
      
      Is this Raymond H Forbus of Hugo Oklahoma? http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=7798
    - - RAY FORBUS — s, Sun Feb 5 10:38
        
        DEAR EDG; YES.
    - Photo of Ray Forbus (for Shirley) — Jim Hildebrand, Sat Feb 4 17:27
      
      This is a photo of Ray Forbus, taken from page 147 of Robert L. George's book TOO YOUNG TO VOTE.
    - - Photo — Kim Righetti, Sat Feb 4 23:38
        
        what a nice looking guy. Thanks for posting it.

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