Living
Quarters Guam 1945
Initial Quarters Initial living quarters were to the right of North Field's run ways. North Field was carved out of the jungle, no natives lived in this part of the island before the war. There was about 6" of red top soil, fall out from ancient volcanic mountains in the center and south end. The coral was hard and deep. The north part had been a coral reef lifted about 600 feet above sea level. Vegetation ranged from dry to lush depending on the season. Trees were lifted on their roots as if on stilts, their roots not able to penetrate the coral foundation. Bull-dozers clearing the area shoved the tree trunks into rows to make clearings for housing & facilities.
First quarters near flight line Feb 1945
Those prior to my arrival had to make do
Phase 2
Quarters, in newly cleared area for permanent quarters
Tents with floors, near out house with new rain resistant street
Quanset
Flight Crew Quarters
Probably the beginnings of a urinal
Dear
Mom: We’re settled in now, out of the
rain and mud. I’m at a comfortable
place to write.
Flight Crew Quarters
Back yard improvments Post Exchange where we bought cameras
Rainy season – some improvement – more needed
administrative
bldgs A drainage system
was installed after the rains
Second
Phase Quarters While living in
tents close to the runways, a newly cleared housing area to the south was being
built. There were Quonset buildings on
concrete slabs for administrative functions & flight crews & plywood
prefabs set on concrete block foundations for ground echelon personnel.
Personnel were housed in these for the duration. High ranking Group Officers
had Dallas Huts which were of the same plywood construction except square.
Climate The climate was humid much of the time and
effected everything we did. During the dry season the prefabs became too warm
to comfortably rest during the day. At the worst it was never too cold. The
biggest problem was winds during Typhoon season, these would almost uproot the
prefabs. The area was sprayed reducing mosquitoes at a comfortable level. Rats came into the prefabs, but didn't get
into our things.
Maj Free at enlisted mans club Maj Free was very well liked by all
Squadron Hdq Major Free, an older Army Reserve Officer, was affectionately called "The Scout Master" as he’d been one was head of the “Orderly Room” staff in charge of Enlisted mens non-flight line affairs. During the war there was little time for anything but round the clock work. This slowly phased down, things were made a bit more livable yet all knew everything was temporary. Beer was initially rationed and sold for 10 cents a can. When it was found the huge stocks on the docks were rusting from outside in we could pick up beer by the case for free. Free beer came after the period of flying supplies to prisoners of war & Typhoon struck Okinowa. Those of us who remained finally had time to take in the sights about the entire island. Most the following photos are a random assortment taken after most had returned.
Movie theater version 3. Water tower, after things got organized
Group Infrastructure I don’t have photos of the war time “theater” which was in a clearing of bull-dozed trees, with bomb boxes for seats. The theater shown above was set up for use by flight crews.
George Savages do it yourself shower