New Guinea Diary: A Doctor’S Tale from Wwii

By Sidney Goldman

A direct transcription from a one-year diary kept while serving as a physician in a jungle outpost in New Guinea.

Formatted with bold dated entries to keep the reader interested from start to finish.
Laugh and cry with Perry Goldman MD and cheer for him when tiny successes are achieved.

WWII in the Pacific began brutally for the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Establishing outposts far across the ocean after having lost so many ships was a daunting task.
Port Moresby, a small city in the southeast corner of New Guinea became a tenuous beginning foothold in an attempt to curb the Japanese expansion.
American physicians of all ages enlisted in the armed forces. Perry Goldman MD was already 33 years old, married with a three year old son and practicing General Medicine in Detroit Michigan when he joined the fight.
Without much in the way of intensive training for his role he was rapidly assigned temporary duty in San Francisco and shortly thereafter flown overseas to Australia and then transferred by train and airplane to a small jungle post outside of Port Moresby.
Perry began a personal diary the day he left San Francisco in November of 1942 and continued daily entries for exactly one year. His inner strength, emotional resilience and diverse observations of war, army politics, fellow soldiers and even humorous interjections have been transcribed by his son Sidney Goldman MD as a work of remembrance and respect. Intended originally for Perry's family and friends, the work has great appeal for anyone interested in this segment of the war since very few of the surviving participants spoke openly about their difficult experiences during their lifetime.
In fact after concluding his one year diary with a question as to when and if he would come home alive Perry remained in the Pacific an additional ten months thereby totaling 22 months in the region.
The diary is filled with thoughts, wishes, prayers and hopes throughout and the reader will identify with Perry's distress and also learn his eventual fate with addendum added by the author.
Photographs inserted were copied from Perry's own collection adding visual testimony to some of the entries.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514405086

Sidney Goldman

Sidney Goldman is a retired orthopedic surgeon living in Key West with his wife and Lily, their dog. He inherited his father’s diary late in life. Upon reading this very personal accounting, he wished to make it available to his children, grandchildren, and others interested in heroic tales from WWII.

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NEW GUINEA DIARY

A Doctor’s Tale from WWII

Sidney Goldman

Copyright © 2015 by Sidney Goldman.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2015914595

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-5144-0510-9

   Softcover   978-1-5144-0509-3

   eBook   978-1-5144-0508-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 09/15/2015

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CONTENTS

Crossing the Pacific

Australia

New Guinea

13th Bomb Squadron

8th Service Group

27th Air Depot

Return to 8th Service Group

11th Service Squadron

Furlough in Australia

Return to Port Moresby New Guinea

Waiting for Promotion

Captain Goldman

In Command for a Week

Malaria Control School Assignment

Return to Sydney

A.P.O 923 11th Replacement Control Depot

Addendum from The Detroit Jewish News SEPT 22 1944

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A NEW GUINEA DIARY 1942-43

PERRY GOLDMAN MD… MY FATHER AND HERO

ENTERED SERVICE WWII SEPTEMBER 5, 1942, AGE 32

KEPT A ONE YEAR DIARY FROM NOVEMBER 21, 1942 THRU NOVEMBER 20, 1943 WHILE SERVING IN THE U.S. ARMY AIR CORPS AS A MEDICAL OFFICER IN NEW GUINEA

PERRY HAD BEEN A GENERAL PRACTICE PHYSICIAN IN DETROIT, MICHIGAN, MARRIED TO SYBIL A SCHOOL TEACHER. THE FATHER OF A THREE YEAR OLD SON, MYSELF, HE VOLUNTEERED TO SERVE IN LATE 1942 WHEN THE WAR WAS VERY UGLY AND THE OUTCOME UNCLEAR.

AFTER A BRIEF POST IN CALIFORNIA HE WAS SENT TO A JUNGLE AIRFIELD ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PORT MORESBY NEW GUINEA

HIS VERY PERSONAL DIARY MIXES HOPES, LONGINGS AND LONLINESS WITH THE EVERY DAY HARDSHIPS, HUMOR AND TRAGEDY OF LIFE IN THIS REMOTE DUTY STATION

TRANSCRIBED IN HIS HONOR AND MEMORY FOR THE SAKE OF HIS SURVIVING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

PUBLISHED SO THAT HIS GRANDCHILDREN JOEY, ADAM, ARI, ALEXEI, EVA AND ADRIAN WILL KNOW THEIR HERITAGE

SIDNEY GOLDMAN M.D. KEY WEST, FLORIDA

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CROSSING THE PACIFIC

Saturday November 21 1942

A hectic day – sudden call to leave – packed with a rush – hurried goodbye and off to Hamilton Field. Into plane and ready to go at 11 P.M when motors cut and everybody ordered out – broken oil line and 40 gallons of oil strewn along runway – fixed by 1 A.M but blew again when tried, so 1:30 A.M and trying to find place to sleep. Would sure like to get back to Frisco and Green says amen to that.

Sunday November 22, 1942

No takeoff until tonight so back to Frisco and two happily surprised wives – and then the long wait once more. Plane finally fixed and ready to go. It is 1 A.M. when we finally take off and slowly gain altitude with our heavy load – 11 officers, 3 civilians, crew and cargo. San Francisco in all its dim out glory is soon exposed below us and presents a beautiful picture as the lights of the city and bridge flow beneath us and we head out to sea. A last long look at those sweet shores and one wonders when we will return.

Monday November 23, 1942

Arrived at Hickam Field, Oahu in 12 ¾ hours – a very smooth and uneventful trip which would have been most enjoyable were it not for the crowded condition of our ship – 5 of us in the rear bomb bay of a converted B-24 (C-87 now) and no place to lie down. Thanks to sleeping bags we kept warm. Tired, but glad to be down. Called Hotzie Rosenthal at Tripler Hospital and was he surprised and happy to see us. Took us to Royal Hawaiian Hotel facing Waikiki Beach – what a beautiful spot and how enjoyable it must have been for peacetime – now taken over by navy. Had a nice visit with Hotzie and Harold Robinson (Major). What a nice set up they have in a converted high school high up on a hill overlooking the entire city. Also saw Major Al Friedlander – in hospital 3 months for observation – neurosis and doesn’t look well. Spending the night at Hickam and wouldn’t mind it for the duration – Green agrees. Takeoff tomorrow at 8:15 A.M. – destination unknown.

Tuesday November 24, 1942

Off at 8:30 with 5 extra passengers and pretty crowded. Up and out again over the vast Pacific. Had lunch on the plane – ate emergency rations for the first time. What a vast expanse this Pacific is – and hear we were headed for a tiny dot about 1800 miles away – Canton Island. No wonder Rickenbacker missed it. We passed through our first storm on the way – steady rain and blind flying for about 1 hour – then clear again. Most of the time we flew high above the clouds – 8000 ft. Reaching Canton the plane descended and began to circle as if looking for the island when suddenly 2 pursuit ships loomed ahead and swept toward us. We held our breath until we recognized them as our own. Canton laid below – a narrow strip of sand and coral rock – dotted with tents. Nice landing thanks to one of the best pilots in the business (civilian). No vegetation in Canton except 1 palm tree. It is just below the equator, hot and desolate. Fortunately the nights are cool and no mosquitos – men stay here for 6 months and sent back to States or Hawaii. Place is well protected – and has a large underground hospital. – 4 open air theaters. Beautiful shells and coral rock. Hermit crabs and ocean full of sharks, barracudas and ray fish. Island is 50 – 500 yards wide and 27 miles around. So here we are below the equator and only 2 days out of Frisco. Tomorrow we hop to the Fijis.

Wednesday November 25 1942

We lost Wednesday early today and went into Thanksgiving Thursday.

Thursday November 26 1942

Got off to an early start and except for one severe storm that shook us up quite a bit we had a nice trip. Landed at one of the 200 islands in the Fijis – the town of Suva was at the other side of our island. Had a nice Turkey dinner and as I write this we are sitting out on the veranda of the officers club in a nice breeze and looking out over the ocean – it’s a beautiful spot and it is a comforting feeling to see anchored in the harbor a flat top (Saratoga) – battleship and 5 destroyers. This island is far different from Canton having vegetation in abundance, many species of birds including wild canaries, parrots and the Mamya Bird that walks like a chicken. Mosquitos also come as big as birds out here – so they say, but we will use netting. Sybil would love it here because of the wonderful deep sea fishing. – After supper Lou and I split a bottle of Australian champagne. It was the only cold drink we could get and as we sit here surrounded by card and crap games we can hear corks popping all over the place. Ran into Ed Robbins’ brother here – been here 4 months and is just hungry for any white woman he says. On the whole the boys like it here – especially in comparison to many other spots in the South Pacific. Fiji is considered about the best. However it seems that no matter where we go all they dream about is going home and what their chances are of getting back.

Forgot to describe that coming into Fiji our pilot flew along about 50 feet above the water – which made our speed seem terrific and kept us a little on edge. Afterward he explained that he was only fooling around and trying to show the copilot some flying fish.

Friday November 27 1942

Up at 4 A.M. Frogs hop out of our way as we walk out of our barracks and the roosters are crowing. The air smells like any farmland back in the states. Breakfast of hot cakes as usual – only had a slice of spam with it this time. We have 3 new passengers this morning and expect to be crowded.

A nice take off and a short 4 ½ hour trip to New Caledonia. (P.G.) Passed over beautiful coral reefs and green, red, blue and brown coloring. Had lunch at the airfield – spam again for a change. This island is now Free French. The natives are aborigines – very black and some with red hair. Another 5 hours and we are in Australia – 4 days away from the States and about 40 hours flying time. This field (Amberley) is about 30 miles from Brisbane and we will report there tomorrow. They tell me Karpel got in yesterday. Green and I are crowded into a small hut with 2 other medics both of whom have decided to grow Van Dykes and they look like hell (Smith Bros.) and very conspicuous – don’t approve at all and told them so. Told we wouldn’t be here long. This trip has been a thrilling experience but both Green and I feel quite lonesome and still bewildered by it all.

AUSTRALIA

Saturday November 28 1942

The new arrivals went into Brisbane today – Green and I amongst them. Had a bumpy 30 mile ride on the back of a truck. The small towns we passed through all resembled the pictures we have seen of our Midwestern towns of the early 1900’s. Many horses and wagons are in evidence and cars with charcoal gas burners on the backs. Brisbane is jammed with soldiers and sailors of both services. The feeling is none too good between the Aussies and our boys. Last night during a riot several Aussies were shot and one was killed. This won’t improve relationships any. We reported to the Colonel, M.C. – filled out questionnaires and were told we would get assignments in a few days –probably for up North. We had lunch at the Carlton Hotel and Lou was peeved because we could only eat 4 shillings’ worth and he couldn’t figure out the damn menu anyway. Then we got a haircut, saw a show where we were smart enough to buy a stall for the cheapest price which only meant sitting to one side. Had a steak dinner and got a ride back in a staff car – with 2 naval officers who told us that last night they were jumped by about 100 Aussies and beaten up a bit.

Sunday November 29 1942

Another day with nothing to do. We slept through breakfast and by 11:30 were as hungry as wolves. The flies here are terrific during the day especially outdoors where one has to fight them all the time and when they bit you really feel it. A group moved out of the barracks going north so Green and I grabbed a room with two cots in it. – even has sheets on them – though none too clean. After pounding nails all over the place to hang things up we got moved over and feel it is quite an improvement. Nothing to do around here and too damn hot to move around much. Played cards and checkers all day – and a few games of ping pong at night. My cold is not any better and I got some cough medicine at the dispensary – when the Major (Schwartz) told us about conditions up north – (none too appetizing) and mentioned that the bad feeling between Aussies and Yanks was general throughout the country. Believes they are jealous of our higher incomes – Most Aussies are poor and their standard of living is much lower than ours. Saw an outdoor movie right behind our barracks – then to bed.

Monday November 30 1942

Another dreary day with nothing much to do – except to listen to stories and more stories from pilots who have been up there and none of them sounded encouraging or tempting. It looks like we are in for a long hard war. Green is beginning to crack a little from the tone of his conversation unless he is only kidding. He threatens to go into the hospital for observation tomorrow. We are pulling out tomorrow having been assigned to new outfits but Green and I are still to be together.

Tuesday December 1 1942

Lou went to the hospital this morning – 105th General at Gatton. He probably will stay there for a few weeks then get sent back to the States – lucky stiff. Up to now it hasn’t been too bad. Wonder if I’ll be able to take it later on or will I have to develop one of those convenient neurogenic ulcers. We got our orders today – assigned to the 11th Replacement Control Depot at Muckley Field. Had to leave at 1 P.M. And I left all my laundry behind – couldn’t wait for it. We will only be about 30 miles away and perhaps I can get back to pick it up. Muckley Field is really a field camp set right in the woods amongst trees. Commanding Officer is Major Montag and seems like a right guy – must wear ties here though – damn it. Only one latrine for E.M. and officers. Use same outdoor wash facilities – wash own clothes at same place – also have open air showers but food is better than last post.

Wednesday December 2 1942

Slept on 3 blankets over spring cot – not too bad. Have to stand reveille here so up at 6:15. Then shave and breakfast. Attended sick call at 8 A.M. – 12 doctors for about 25 patients. – Through at 9 A.M. – and that’s our work for today. No officers club here so I have to sit on my cot to write this. Each post gets a little rougher than the last. New Guinea is supposed to be our next jump. We are only 7 miles from Brisbane here though which makes it easier to get to town.

Just sat around all day doing nothing and went to the show at camp (outdoor) at night.

Thursday December 3 1942

All sorts of rumors flying around today – chiefly that we were going to be organized into commando units. No news from Green yet. I’ve sort of teamed up with Karpel since Green left. We got the use of a car and picked up our laundry – then went into Brisbane for the afternoon. Met Colonel Wilson the medical C.O. who told us that we would be leaving soon and that most of us would be sent up to New Guinea. Searched all over town for an anniversary gift for Sybil but couldn’t find anything suitable. Had dinner at the Shingle Inn considered the finest restaurant in Brisbane – and it wasn’t bad. – Then we went to a movie and returned to camp on the train and bus.

Friday December 4 1942

Spent a rather uneventful day with little to do. None of us have received further orders as yet – and still no word from Green. I intend to try and call him tomorrow. The weather turned extremely cold last night and I had to use my pillow blanket to cover with. These spring cots get awfully hard when only 3 blankets separate you from the springs. I don’t believe our bedding rolls or foot lockers will catch up with us – until after the war is over. I stayed in camp all day and during the afternoon practiced throwing a boomerang for the first time. It’s quite a trick to try to control it and I wasn’t very good at it. Sent my sweethearts their pins, shells and crayons today – Probably will take 3 months to get to the States.

Saturday December 5 1942

Well – it’s not official but we were told by one of the officers at headquarters that 5 of us were going up to New Guinea, myself included. Three of us are being assigned here – lucky fellows. We are told that our destination is about 30 miles inland from Port Moresby at the foot of the Owen Stanley Range – but we shall see. When Gertner heard where he was going he promptly took sick and was sent to the hospital which now leaves four of us out of the original 19 medical officers to come up in our group. The rest remain behind. I had my first typhus shot today – 2 more to go and then some cholera shots and I’m all set. They say that after 6 months in an active combat zone we will be relieved and sent back to the States. That’s great if I can last that long – it will be worth it to get sent back home in 6 months. Incidentally – 4 of the 5 that were picked are Jewish boys.

Sunday December 6 1942

Received our official orders today and we are all going to Townsville by train and then by plane to Maple (Port Moresby). We report to Hq. 5th A.F. – Advanced Echelon for further assignments which will probably be beyond Moresby. Most of us are griping at the gross inefficiency of the army that takes men like most of us with so little training and experience and sends us to an active combat zone like New Guinea while back in the States and even up here in Australia hundreds of doctors have been around in soft spots for a year or more and many of those have had special training. Snafu is the word for it. Karpel and I went to a movie in town and came home on train and bus. It’s an eerie sight to drive through an almost completely blacked out city at night and then grope one’s way into camp with the aid of a flashlight. I don’t think I’ll tell Sybil I’m in New Guinea – she would only worry