John E. Osguthorpe, Salt Lake City, Utah: an interview by Becky B. Lloyd, June 24, 2004: Saving the Legacy tape no. 667

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JOHN E. 0 GUTHORPE 24 2004 The word was out that another squadron, VB-119 was coming to reli v us. When they arrived, they had newer updated model PB-4Y1 planes with belly turrets improved nose and tail turrets. I was flown back to Pearl Harbor on a transport plane called DC-4 or R-4Ds in the Navy and put in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in Honolulu. There I was restricted to the hotel and grounds until further notice. I assume that most of the squadron was also returned but I never knew. There were only about twenty of us that were housed in the hotel. Some were allowed shore leave and soon left the hotel. Others, about fifteen of us, were kept restricted to the hotel and grounds for three weeks and then flown to San Diego. When I asked what the story was, I was told I was not fit for civilian life yet. I was more of an animal than a human being. I was bitter, belligerent, and thought the hell with everybody. One day I was instructed to go the commanding officer and replied, "Go to hell. I don't have to go and see anyone." The next day, two shore patrolmen, Navy policemen, escorted me there. The commander greeted me and extended his hand. I didn't salute. He said, "I want to meet the first man who's come through this command who's fought on land, air and sea." He then pinned on me the silver aircrew wings, with three gold stars denoting that I'd fought on land, air and sea. I suppose I didn't return his salute. I do not remember. After another week, I was flown to San Diego and given one month's home leave. As he arrived at the naval base, my close friend Duane was ill and was immediately taken to sickbay. His wife was waiting for him. She had flown down from Oakland, California, but was told she would have to return the next morning at ten am to see him. He died that morning at three am of a ruptured spleen as a result of numerous bouts of 41