Sometime in June of 1945 when on Tinian, I received a letter from my Uncle Mike Kendra who was married to my mother's sister Aunt Stella. Uncle Mike was 45 years old when he enlisted in the Navy during the War. He was patriotic, as most of us were during the war. The Navy needed men who were experienced in sheet metal work, as was he, so they accepted him. I received a letter from him which had been censored. The word Saipan had been censored out. However, three miles across the bay was not and I then knew he was on Saipan. It also stated that he was on the USS Burias.

For me to visit him was dangerous because I had no authority to leave the island. If caught I could be charged with desertion. We had already flown ten missions with 25 more to go. Some of our squadron had been shot down and as a result we felt our chance of survival was dim. This was war and the stakes were high. I decided what the heck. What did I have to lose by chancing a visit to see Uncle Mike.

I went to my Airplane Commander Capt. Tucker and asked him when were we scheduled to fly the next mission. Our plane was out of commission because of getting a engine change so he said four or five days. I did not tell him what I intended to do. I put on my khaki uniform with no rank or insignia and set out to visit Uncle Mike.

I went to the north part of Tinian where a seaport was located. There, I hitched a ride on an invasion barge that was delivering mail to Saipan.

When on Saipan I hitched a ride on a truck going to Saipan's seaport.

There were ships of every description anchored as far as the eye could see. I located the Navy's headquarters and inside on the wall was a chart showing every ship's location. I asked a naval officer how I could get out to the USS Burias and he said that a mail boat was going out to deliver mail.

We delivered mail to several ships then arrived at the USS Burias. I climbed up a long stairway type ladder where I was met by the Officer of the Day. He asked what I was doing there and I replied that I was a B-29 crewman and I was there to see my Uncle Mike Kendra. He said that the ship had a couple of thousand men aboard and directed me to another part of the ship. After numerous inquiries an Officer finally said, "Mike Kendra. Come on I'll take you to him."

Uncle Mike was out on deck working on some equipment with other sailors. His back was to me when I walked up and tapped him on the shoulder. I said, "Hi, Uncle Mike".

Needless to say we unashamfully shed a few tears. The sailors joined in our reunion by slapping us on the back and saying great. To reunite thousands of miles away from home in the middle of a war was unique - almost impossible.

I stayed overnight on the ship. He found a berth for me and I showered with hot water for the first time in months. The food served on the ship was great. Compared to the garbage that we were eating on Tinian, I was sorry that I had not joined the Navy. This was a treat.

The next day I said good-bye and hitched a ride to Saipan's airfield.

I went to the operation office and asked the officer in charge if he could get me a ride to Tinian. The operations officers pointed to a B-17 where there were a group of men standing about. He told me that was the General's plane and that he was leaving for Tinian in a short while. I watched as he went over to the men and spoke to them. They looked over in my direction as he returned. He said the General said "yes". I then found out that the men with the General were war correspondents and he was giving them a tour of the war zones.

When I climbed aboard the B-17 I could hardly believe my eyes. The interior had been gutted and converted into a beautiful type of living room with a bar. The General disappeared up forward and I sat with the correspondents. They began asking me questions and I told them that I was a Tail Gunner on a B-29. They asked questions relating to missions, bombing damage - fighter attacks - and when I told them about the incendiary raids - they were elated! We landed on Tinian and I said good-bye. I did not want to be questioned by the General so I departed rather hurriedly --- I hitched a ride back to the 6th Bomb Group's area.

I was so pleased that I had pulled off this escapade that I decided to try it again. I made the trip to see Uncle Mike one more time and hitched a ride back to Tinian on a B-24. A mere S/Sgt does not have the authority to travel from one island to another, especially during war time. Lucky for me that I did not get the urge to hitch hike back to the states.

Uncle Mike died shortly after coming back from the war...

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(None of the above photos are of Uncle Mike. They are photos that Joseph gave me to use on his site - Sallyann)