flyingfortress1

[flyingfortress1]

Robert Hugh Leckie Research Part 3:

Alrighty, so a few misc docs from post war to get through, and then we have some lovely newspaper articles coming up next post.

firstly, our boy's draft card! that is some spikey ass signature. Dated Sept 1945- he's not working, living with family at the moment. We also have some details about what he looked like. Not tall, 5'7" brown eyes, brown hair and a scar on his right ankle (perhaps left over from the war?). So far Leckie's the second shortest (Smith at 5'6", Conley at 5'8")- which fits as he's a machine gunner according to his memoir.

Next up, Leckie comes up in the casuality index. Like the other indexes, I will say again- there is a lot of kids on here from the USMC- again, Peleliu perhaps...

later on, we have Leckie's marriage to Vera Keller in the 1946 Marriage index for New Jersey- quality isn't great, my bad.

Now, moving onto 1950, Leckie shows up in the census, living in Buffalo, New York at this point. He and Vera have just had their first kid (congrats to them). A few points of note, Leckie is a newspaper reporter for the local newspaper working 40 hours a week, Vera is at home but with a brand new kid, not surprising.

They're living at 400 Parkridge Avenue, Buffalo New York- in an apartment, probably renting for a time as they're still a youngish couple with a new kid. this is the place- I don't know if it's still an apartment with people in it, but it doesn't come up on zillow at all- looks kinda like a boarding house or something, but there are other people who live in it on this census record. I imagine this wasn't a permanent residence.

[flyingfortress1]

check this out!

[flyingfortress1]

Robert "Lucky" Hugh Leckie Research Part 2:

I meant to get this out a lot sooner, but uh, school got busy. Nonetheless, one graduation and thesis later, I present to you this man's muster rolls! and heads up, it's a long one. Just keep in mind- this is just what I can find, and I've only included notable entries so as always, and I am missing some of his rolls.

Leckie is among the many young men who enlist as soon as possible after Pearl Harbor and the Christmas/New Years holidays. He first shows up in the January 1942 muster roll for the depot at Philedelphia. Apparently, he enlisted on the sixth of January, which was a Tuesday. What the footnotes mean, I don't know.

By April, Leckie is in New River, and assigned to Company H, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines Regiment, 1 Marine Division. He is a Private First Class (PFC)- take a look who's also a PFC (marked by the blue)

Now by July, Leckie is already en-route to the Pacific- the 1st Marines will land in Guadalcanal in August, and leave the U.S. in June. He is still a PFC.

Skipping October 1942, April 1943, Leckie's next significant entry (i could not find his January 1943 one) is in July. At this point, the 1st Marines are in Melbourne. Leckie is no longer in Company H, but has been moved to Company E. This is probably the Shanghai-ing that Leckie talks about in his memoir- shuffling around 'problems' to solve them. Additionally, Leckie- despite the show showing this happen after he'd been in Melbourne for a while- does the whole point a gun thing at his officer in February 1943 according to his memoir. So he's also been demoted to a private by this point because of that incident. And he did regain PFC for a bit, but then lost it again while he was still in H Company after getting caught sneaking back in on the HMS Mamoora while the Marines were doing manuevers- from his memoir.

Moving onto October 1943- Leckie is now in Headquarters. This is probably around when he got moved to Battalion intell. They're still in Melbourne at this point- take a look at how many guys have been demoted for poor behavior- interesting.

Moving onto January 1944- Leckie is still with HQ, but there's an interesting notation- "HqCo; 18, pro." What does this mean? I do not know- but he is not the only guy to have this "18, pro" added- multiple dudes from across different companies also have it. I'm assuming 18 is a date, but what "pro" means, no idea. They are also in New Britain at this point.

Alright, nothing really changes in his muster rolls until- you guessed it- October 1944- one month after the start of the Pelelui campaign. I've added the whole page here- because the amount of men who are notated as "sk"- probably injured- are huge. Again, reminder of the sheer meatgrinder Peleilu was.

The neat thing is though, we can get an idea of when Leckie was wounded- he's in a hospital ship from the 1-3, then moved back from the 4-9th to the Manus Hospital in the Admiral Isl (based on memoir). My guess is he was wounded in late September (30?)- he talks about getting moved pretty quickly to the ship in his memoir.

By January 1945- he's moved back to the states, and is sick- for what, we don't know. He doesn't mention it in his memoir.

Moving onto April- he's still in the Marines, the war is still on in the Pacific- he's temporarily at a Intell Training Camp in Maryland. For what, don't know. Not mentioned in memoir

Footnotes for April- he's back to being a PFC by this point. He's also sick again at the Newton D. Beker General Hospital in West Virginia.

II'm pretty sure he should have more, as he doesn't leave the Marines until August, but it didn't come up on Ancestry. Leckie records in his memoir how he heard about the atomic bomb drop in the same hospital he was in in April (August- that's his tenth hospital visit in the Marines) but why he's there, no idea. Afterwards, a few weeks later, he leaves the marines. Leckie has at this point been in the Marines for three years and 8 months. Of those, he's been in the Pacific for two years and a half, give or take, been through two campaigns, and wounded in the third. When he joins, he is 21, when he leaves, he is just shy of 25.

[flyingfortress1]

So, thought I'd post this. The national museum of the Pacific War is doing this conference - they do great work by the way I will say as someone who actually has interned with them before. They'll actually be talking about the Pacific show, and I think Dr sledge's son is supposed to talk, and they're supposed to have some of the cast from the Pacific there as well! You can attend virtually or in person - so if you want to do the latter, as a Texan, Fredericksburg is a pretty place to go I will say. I'm honestly debating about going myself - but for sure I'd like to do the virtual ticket.

additionally, if you do go, I believe they're supposed to have their main gallery renovation done sometime in the fall - it may be the month after this, but if you're interested in the Pacific War, and you happen to be in Texas, please go check out the new gallery! I actually got to write some of the labels for that lol. They have an awesome collection there, and some awesome educational programs - including a battle reenactment show which is really neat to see.

Anyway, go check it out! They also have great archive for research, and a large oral history collection too. I think they also have some of sledges stuff - but what exactly I'm not sure.

[flyingfortress1]

Reading Islands of the Damned Thoughts Part 2:

So Burgin has gone through training, and get sent straight to Melbourne! Not too bad for a first stop, I guess. Better than pavuvu at least.

And while at Melbourne, he meets a very important person: Florence Riseley- the lady who will be his wife. He meets her with his friend Jim Burke- they're walking around the city, see two pretty girls going into a store, and decide to walk up and introduce themselves - one is Florence and the other is her friend.They are 18. They have a nice day out together, and end up escorting her and her friend to meet Florence's family at the train station. While waiting for the train, Burgin and Jim play with florences younger siblings, and this apparently wins over her mom who gives the money and says Go have the day.

Which they do! Burgin and Florence start dating, having a good time, getting to know each other etc. She's apparently very smart, and he thinks, has nice legs lol. They get along well too, and have lots of long conversations. Florence, for her part, is working in a factory- I don't remember what kind- but she's impressed her boss so much that he made her manager of the whole floor, and her work is paying her to take night classes in management. All in all, pretty impressive.

Eventually, Burgin- after six months of dating/getting to know her- gets sent with the rest of the Marines to New Britain. Before he leaves, he manages to find her, tell her they're leaving- he doesn't know where- and they just cling to each other for a while- which fair. Burgin is pretty sure she's it, he's going to marry her, but considering he might die in the war, doesn't want to leave her a widow or something- he thinks that's not the right thing to do- so decides to wait after, and they keep up their romance through many "thousands" of letters. It'll be another four or so years till they marry.

Now one thing. Florence is not actually 18. She is sixteen. Burgin is 20-21. Now he did not know this- she told him 18 when they first met, and its only through conversation while they're dating that he finds out. She is lying about her age in order to work and help her family out- which is kinda impressive tbh that she's doing all that at 16. Now, I don't think that kind of thing could fly today, but it is the 1940s (mom did not seem to be worried), and people were seen as adults much earlier in their lives. Burgin's probably not being creepy/weird, and Flo doesn't marry him until she's in her twenties- plus most of their courtship is by letter but if you want to wince, yeah, that's fine. I get it lol. Figured that should be put out there nonetheless.

[flyingfortress1]

I thought I posted this, but I did not lol. To the fellas 80 years ago who all worked together to make one of the largest invasion operations happen! Our paratroopers included.

Also rip great grandad- you made through it gold beach and the war. Hope you're doing alright somewhere.

[flyingfortress1]

Reading Islands of the Damned Thoughts Part 1:

so firstly, this is the first book or memoir that I've read so far and shared here that has been co-written- here here, Romus Valton Burgin has co written his memoir with a William Marvel- and honestly, I've heard cowritten books can be a bit hit or miss sometimes, but so far this is generally pretty well written.

The opening of the book starts off with Burgin in Pelelui, and he talks about how 13 is his lucky number - including the number of his LST and a few other dates and things.

For this bit though, I'm going to focus on his upbringing which I think is really interesting. Basically our boy Romus was born in Jewett, Texas- which is actually not that far from Dallas-Fort Worth area, and does not quite look like the railroad stop that he gets off on in the show - I'll tell you as a Texan, that area legitimate looks like North Texas which is like Lubbock and plains area. But then again, I've never been a Jewett just in that Central Texas area. Texas is just a more diverse state than you would think about because we're very big. Anyway, he was born to some very poor farmers who were still very rural at the time, we don't have the rural ectrification programs yet (! They come in the '40s and fifties) so his family don't have any electricity, nor indoor plumbing, and not even an icebox. This is definitely unlike Sledge who came from money, and unlike leckie and Philips who I'm pretty sure were at least middle class. nonetheless, his family keep their son in school - he does go to a one-room schoolhouse at one point, and later in high school, wanting to stay behind for football games (he plays in them) has to walk 8 miles in the dark afterwards home because the bus doesn't run that late. He really enjoyed football.

But, our boy does not want to become a farmer as he sees the difficulties his father has. He graduates high school and actually ends up as a stamp salesman whereupon he travels the country, and gets a nice brand new company car. He really enjoys that, seeing the country and all, but of course Pearl harbor happens.. and he's actually not really sure how that's going to affect him yet. He ends up getting thrown in jail by mistake in Nebraska I think it was because the sheriff thought he and his friend were draft dodgers especially with the nice car. In fact, unlike many of the other Pacific boys that end up going to Guadalcanal, he's pretty good to just wait until he gets called up for the draft - which I think back then was still 21. Eventually, the pressure to enlist increases, and he always just tells people I'm going to join the Marines next Friday - no matter the day of the week or the time.

Eventually, he gets his draft notice - and it's for the army! And if there's one thing that RV Burgin knows, he does not want to end up in the army. Like seriously. I'm not sure how bad the 1940s army is, but I can definitely understand his sentiment about the late 19th century army lol. So he runs down to Texas, goes to Houston, stays with a friend, and goes to the enlistment offices. Tries Air Force but they have a waitlist, tries Navy but he doesn't like the Navy recruiter, and finally tries the Marines. He's able to get his dad's permission and off he goes - he's not actually able to see his family I think before he sets off to the Pacific. So very interesting - you could almost call him just a draftee, but not quite.

Anyway, he ends up at Parris Island and New River - becomes a mortarman, and has a really interesting explanation about the mortar, how it works and honestly why it's so deadly. If I can find the book, I'll probably take a picture of that and upload it.

And lastly, my boy is tall! His father is 6'2, his mother is a mere 5'2 ( half an inch taller than me haha) and he himself is 6'1. He also got his first name because his uncles who were born as twins, got the name Romos and Remus, and his middle name because there was another boy in town with that name and his mom liked it. It is definitely a unique name and not what you'd expect from a poor farm boy from small town Texas lol. But then again, I know kids that have names like Remington or something so what do I know.

[flyingfortress1]

thank you @averagemoderncitizen!

“you just got a shitty old car that doesn’t have bluetooth. you can only buy 7 CDs and cannot repeat an artist—what are you getting?” good question, I don't usually do things by album but I do do things by soundtracks.

King Arthur: legend of the sword soundtrack- it's so cool

Dunkirk soundtrack- time for energy

Interstellar soundtrack- really enjoying it ATM

Death rides a horse soundtrack- also cool and unique.

dream machine album by des rocs

A long life of living by goodnight Texas

Ronin album by Zack hemsey

Uh, @glendylucasthree @b00ks1ut, @cirr0stratus, @chirpybirdy

[flyingfortress1]

Took me a bit longer than expected, but here is the next chapter of Riding Through an Empty World. Exploring some themes of grief, loss, and how people can change, plus incorporating differences in perspective. Hope y'all enjoy! And feedback is welcomed.

Next chapter is zombie road trip time!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/63521320/chapters/17038855

[flyingfortress1]

Happy Memorial Day everyone. Hope you are having a good day with your family and friends

For the real dudes- if your ghosts are watching- not sure if this is what you imagined lol. We do remember you, both as the people you were and what you did. Some of us are even doing our best to make sure your story gets told and shared, and many of us are hearing your story and seeking learn more about others who fought as a result. Hope that's enough and hope you rest in peace.

As for me, RIP to my great grandpas- one of you didn't make it but we still remember you.

[flyingfortress1]

thank you @glendylucasthree! I'll have to give some of those a try!

Rather Die, by Barns Courtney

2. Planetarium Stickers on a Bedroom Ceiling, by the oh hellos

3. Awake Oh Sleeper, by the Brothers Bright

4. Mermaids, by Florence the machine

5. One night in Bangkok, by Murray Head

6. Rule 29- Throne Room, by Fish in a Birdcage

7. Champion, by Barns Courtney

8. Dear Dictator, by Saint Motel

10. What are you waiting for, by Gwen Stefani

Uh, no pressure but if y'all want to give it a try @cowboydorian @warnyx @averagemoderncitizen @b00ks1ut @kamin007 @chirpybirdy @fivepoints @adamsc0rpse

[flyingfortress1]

Got my friend to start watching the Pacific with me. We've just started on the Melbourne episode.

Memorable moments include:

"now you gay kiss" after Sid and Eugene talking about Eugene trying to join up and Sid leaving before him.

The moment where those two Marines look at each other after John kills the Japanese soldier during the night battle- "they about to sloppy gay kiss"

Me- do you have a favorite character so far?

Her- not anymore! He just got shot and fucking killed!

(rip Manny) she's starting to like Leckie though.

Me asking her if John was still drunk (because I have no experience with alcohol) when puller told him he was getting the medal- her, yes based on the stuff he drank (the blockbuster) and if man was dehydrated/no food, which he was so yeah, still drunk.

[flyingfortress1]

Finally finished this. Not super happy how Chuck turned out but hey, getting back into drawing so. I did better with his sketch. Speirs came out pretty well though, and so did the horses. Always loving some constructive criticism and feedback if anyone has some.

Drawing is from my fic, Riding Through that Empty World, if you'd like to check it out.

thank you to @bleedingcoffee42 for helping me with cavalry uniforms, tack etc.

[flyingfortress1]

Thank you @warnyx for the tag!

Get to know your mutuals game...

My favorite color: red.

Last song: fire by barns Courtney (would recommend his stuff)

Currently reading: Robert Leckie's book about Guadalcanal, Challenge for the Pacific . Would recommend. It's a real interesting perspective for someone to write as a historian about an event they experienced, especially for bits where you realize he doesn't need to draw on primary sources- he is the primary source.

Currently watching: rewatching the Pacific, and watching Apothecary Diaries which is really good! It's a girl who ends up as a apothecary in the forbidden palace and solves mysteries.

Currently craving: nothing at the moment. Just ate dinner lol

Coffee or tea: I love strong coffee but tea has to win out here. I find it super comforting and I love trying different kinds of fancy teas, herbal, black, green etc

Tagging mutuals: Uh, @averagemoderncitizen @cowboydorian @glendylucast @fivepoints

@adamsc0rpse @chirpybirdy @cannibalizedkiss

@cirr0stratus @b00ks1ut hopefully that's everyone. No pressure! Play if you want.

[flyingfortress1]

So just thought, if y'all remember that scene on pavuvu where runner is suffering from malaria, and he's with Leckie in their tent. It's the one where he tells Lucky to "Read to me Daddy". So so with our sort of connotations of that in the 21st century, especially with two dudes, it's kind of funny honestly.

BUT I was thinking about it, and I don't think runner would have any idea what that means - and then I was really thinking about it. So I looked it up, and malaria can have delusions or hallucinations - just like delirium basically- as one of its side effects. Of course poor runners in the thick of the fever, and he's not joking with Lucky - he's hallucinating or the very least is delirious. Which makes me think, just considering the words, he thinks he's back home asking his dad to read to him like he's a boy- like a child because he's just a scared kid far away from home who's thinking of the comforting presence of his dad who read to him, maybe when he was sick, maybe when he was about to go to bed.

So yeah.

[flyingfortress1]

Working on a new chapter for a fanfic and I realized Perconte is going to be a more major character than I thought, but I'm not super familiar with his character (or the real dude tbh other than he looks like my nonno lol). He's not a character that gets a lot of things written about him either- any suggestions for writing this guy?

[flyingfortress1]

So I found these by accident- these are real ads btw haha. Thought I'd share them.

Healthiest marines I ever saw in Guadalcanal- not a spot of malaria or malnutrition among them in that first one. The second is Army (probably somewhere in the Canal or close by) and the third is elsewhere- I think the villagers in the background is the best part- just standing there like wtf are these American weirdos doing