My New Guinea Diary - Softcover

Staff Sergeant Pilot Ernest C. Ford

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0979258391 ISBN 13: 9780979258398

Publisher: White Stag Press / PDG, 2010

The Secret Landing of the 6th TCS and the 1942 New Guinea Campaign. Ford brings the reader into the cockpit and the mind of a young, green pilot who had nothing going for him but guts, a desire to serve his country, and an uncanny instinct for making death-defying, split-second decisions when defeat seemed imminent. This first-hand, blow-by-blow account delivers an overdose of adrenalin-laced battle scenes along with insightful reflections about war, Army-brass, enemies, flying, God, and survival strategy. The 6th Troop Carrier Squadron, with only thirteen C-47s, was the first to be assigned to New Guinea--shortly after General MacArthur declared the island un-winnable.

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From the Inside Flap:

None of the 6th Troop Carrier Squadron (6th TCS) pilots knew where they were when they landed in New Guinea on 13 October 1942, with their thirteen, unarmed C-47 aircraft. After parking their planes, the pilots were told, "If you survive after getting shot down, look out for sharks, be aware of alligators when crossing rivers, and yes, there are still many cannibals in New Guinea--if they catch you, they'll eat you. Don't forget the headhunters. If the Japs don't find you, the mosquitos certainly will. You'll have no radio or map--you'll be on your own. Good luck. Now get your trenches dug quickly, we'll be under a fullscale bombing attack in less than two hours." The dedication of the 6th TCS, the most highly decorated air transport squadron in World War II, was crucial to the success of Allied efforts to stem the tide of Japanese aggression. Just five miles from enemy lines, with snipers in the traffic pattern, their daily mission was to fly over some of the most challenging terrain on earth while evading Japanese Zeros. The 6th TCS had no maps, charts, radios, roads, fighter support, or fire-power.This "Diary" is a first-hand testimony from the man who was awarded six Distinguished Flying Crosses and flew 385 combat missions in two wars--the most in any U.S. military career prior to the Vietnam Conflict. Major Ernest C. Ford writes this blow-by-blow account with compelling detail of what it was like to be under constant attack with no way to fight back. His story is laced with reflective commentary on how his faith kept him going while pondering his favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:30, "...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles" Includes 81 rare photos taken by the author, five maps, and eight charts, tables, and documents.

From the Back Cover:

A first-hand testimony from the pilot who received six Distinguished Flying Crosses, flew 385 combat missions, and became the 2005 Veteran of the Year. Ford writes his blow-by-blow account with compelling detail demonstrating why the 6th Troop Carrier Squadron, the most highly decorated in WWII, was crucial to the success of Allied efforts in stemming the tide of Japanese aggression. Just five miles from enemy lines, with snipers in the traffic pattern, their daily mission was to fly over the most challenging terrain on earth while evading Japanese Zeros. They had no maps, radios, roads, or fighter support.

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