The first journal entry is dated October 10, 1944. A brief chronology of movements prior to the first entry is written on the back of the journal:

15 July 1944: Received orders

18 July 1944: Left Redding [CA]

19 July 1944: Reported McClellan [AFB, Sacramento, CA]

7 August 1944: Left on furlough

28 August 1944: Returned from furlough

9 September 1944: Left McClellan for [Camp] Kearns [Utah]

11 September 1944: Arrived Kearns

1 October 1944: Left Kearns

2 October 1944: Arrived Camp Stoneman [Pittsburg, CA]

10 October 1944

This afternoon we marched about 4.5 miles from Camp Stoneman to the docks in Pittsburg Calif. where we boarded the ferry “Catalina”. We were really jammed on board, having about enough space for ourselves, our equipment, and duffel bags. The trip down to San Francisco took about 4-5 hours and was only broken by a lunch of sandwiches, fruit, and candy. Time was passed by the usual bull sessions and song fests. Upon docking at SF we were given coffee and cookies by the Red Cross. After that we boarded the ship. It was the S.S. Lurline, one of the Matson Lines finest liners and also one of the largest on the Pacific. We were immediately billeted in compartment C-1 on C deck aft and went to sleep.

11 October 1944

Upon arising we discovered we were still at the dock in SF Bay. Also on board were about 600 WACs and about 350 Red Cross Workers. About 9 AM we pulled away, circled the Bay Bridge and headed for the Golden Gate which we went through while we were at chow. Everything is more or less confused as far as shipboard routine goes, but it will probably straighten out before long. A school of porpoises followed us outside the bay and a Navy blimp scoured the ocean in front of us staying with us until dark. The ship is completely blacked out at night which means that there is nothing to do after about 6:30. Latest rumor says our first stop will be Pearl Harbor.

12 October 1944

Quite a few of the boys seasick this morning. Seas are a little rough, although not bad. So far I have stayed in pretty good shape, although I can tell that I am not on dry land. Slight dizzy feeling for a few minutes this morning. Find it difficult to write between the rolling of the ship and the vibration of the engines. The ocean has taken on a deep and colorful blue. Very pretty with lots of white caps. Chow has been fair, although the manner in which it is served leaves much to be desired. The chow schedule was SNAFU today and we didn’t get to eat dinner until about 7:30. You have to stand in line to do anything as this ship is loaded with about 4000 officers, men, WACs, and others.

13 October 1944

Rough seas again today and quite a few more seasick victims. I went on deck this AM and it was raining quite hard and the wind was blowing. The roll of the ship is quite pronounced and makes walking a problem. Tonight at chow the Red Cross pass out ditty bags filled with soap, paper and envelopes, guide books, a novel, candy, sewing kit, and a carton of cigarettes. The ship’s store opened today with the usual line to sweat out. Prices are very reasonable and they have some things that are almost impossible to get in the States. Bought a Schick razor and carton of Milky Way bars for 80 cents. (Razor 55 cents).

15 October 1944

A typical day aboard ship proceeds about as follows:

6:30: Reveille. Hit the deck. All hands turn to. Getting up, dressed, washed, and brushed and then getting a bit of air on one of the open decks.

8:45: Our deck goes to chow. This takes about 25 minutes after which we go on deck again and spend the rest of the day there looking at the water and carrying and bull sessions, talking to WACs or entering one of the eternal poker or crap games. This is the only thing there is to do. Weather is getting warmer daily. We have freedom of the ship, except the boat deck and engine room and bridge.

16:45: Afternoon chow.

1800-1845: Blackout on ship. Lights in our compartment are always turned out at this time. No smoking on the open decks. If you want to read you must sit on the floor in the passageways or foyers.

1900: Taps. Everyone in quarters.

The above routine covers what activities go on aboard ship. We followed this without variation for 13 days. On the 19^th we crossed the International Date Line and therefore October 20, 1944 was checked off the calendar and as far as we were concerned it didn’t exist. Also on the 17^th we crossed the Equator and were issued membership cards in the Shellbacks by order of his majesty Neptunus Rex. The days that followed were routine and do not warrant comment.

24 October 1944

This morning when we went on deck land was sighted off the starboard bow. It was the island of New Caledonia and we prepared to put in to the port of Noumea. We had the first feeling of excitement and anticipation since leaving SF. Navy planes flew over the ship on patrol. The harbor at Noumea is protected by a large coral reef to the south. It is marked by a small lighthouse. Just inside the reef is a small island with a large lighthouse flying the French tricolor. We passed a minesweeper in the channel and a launch brought the Port Inspector aboard. About 10:00 AM we dropped anchor in the harbor. The afternoon was spent transporting troops which were disembarking here. Also some Red Cross workers, army nurses, Royal New Zealand Air Force men and sailors. We will not leave the ship here. Do not know how long we will remain here, but as there seems to be considerable cargo we will probably he hare for a couple of days. Both passengers and cargo must be transported to shore on huge power driven rafts or barges. The coast of New Caledonia at this point is quite similar to Northern California. Mountainous and hilly with lots of green foliage, but no palms or other tropical vegetation. The water is a brilliant green instead of the deep blue so predominant on the ocean. Some of the crew tried fishing off the stern of the ship without noticeable success.

This evening there was no blackout for the first time. Loudspeakers were rigged out on the starboard side of A deck promenade and they danced until 10*. Heard we are loading some troops tomorrow and leaving about 2:00 PM.

---

* Presumably, the WACs and nurses were still aboard.