Walter Kundis - from New York to the South Pacific

Walter remembers the journey from New York to Panama:

"Our first tanker was the SS R.G. Stewart. Three of our Squadron’s boats were loaded on the tanker on June 4, 1944, and the following day we were on our way in convoy to the Panama Canal.

The convoy that transported three PTs from New York to Panama. Walter remembered that the convoy sped along at the top speed of 8 knots, making for a long journey.

We were unloaded on the Pacific side. Panama was the last time any of us saw liberty until after the war was over. Panama City was a sailors dream come true. It had everything: wine, women, and song. We took full advantage of it all! After all we were on our way to war.

PTs 522, 523 and 524 secured on the deck of the SS R.G. Stewart. The PT boat's crew slept on their own boats during transit. Ladders can be seen in the left side of this photo go from the deck of the Stewart to the decks of each of the PT boats.

Prior to leaving the Brooklyn Navy Yard, a 40mm cannon was removed from another ship under construction and installed on PT 524. The gun was tested for the first time off the island of Toboga near Panama. During the test the cannon failed to fire. After several attempts I was told to get down from the weapon as the first loader, and let someone up there who knew what they were doing. Brown, the other Gunner’s Mate, took my place and performed the same procedures that I did with the same results.

Skipper Wolf angrily stated that after we returned to the base, both of the Gunner’s Mates would be fired and replaced. After observing what happened when Brown ejected the round that failed to fire, I noticed an excess amount of grease on the nose of the projectile. I inserted my hand inside the chamber of the barrel and discovered that we had failed to remove the grease from the chamber. This prevented the round from being fully chambered.

I proceeded to the bridge, approached the now pissed-off Skipper, and explained our findings. I requested another attempt to test fire the 40mm cannon. He reluctantly turned the boat around and headed towards the target area, stating that if we had not corrected the problem, I would be fired and removed from the crew. I accepted his proposal.

After arriving at the target area I performed all the procedures to ready the gun for firing. I announced in a loud and clear voice, "The gun is ready to fire.” After being given permission, I gave the command to fire. The pointer of the crew pressed the firing pedal. The sound of the gun firing was music to my ears. My crew status was preserved. The gun was never to misfire or malfunction again.

Walter Kundis (seated on the left), enjoys a drink in Panama City.

While at Panama we awaited the arrival of our next two PT boats. When they arrived, all the boats in our squadron, five in total, were loaded on the tanker SS Gulf Maraciabo. That tanker took all five boats to the tip of Miline Bay, New Guinea. The PTs were unloaded and we proceeded on our own power, sailing the whole length of New Guinea. We arrived at our new base at Mios Woendi."

All photos in this post courtesy the private collection of Walter Kundis.