THE HISTORY OF THE 506TH ENGINEER LIGHT PONTON COMPANY -1- Captain Jack W. R. Lemery arrived in Ft. Lewis, Washington June 1, 1942 to assume command of the 506th Engineer Light Ponton Company. The activation of the Company did not take place until June 10, 1942. It was on this date that the cadre, furnished by the 87th Engineer Battalion (Heavy Ponton) of Camp Edwards, Massachusetts, arrived. Members of the Cadre were as follows: 1st Lt. Marion J. Perry M Sgt. Glen W. McDaniels 1st/Sgt. Howard K. Long S/Sgt. John W. Layton S/Sgt. Luther E. Sliger S/Sgt. Jack C. Huggins S/Sgt. Arthur H. Wise S/Sgt. Howard V. Gafford Sgt. Robert L. Collier Cpl. Clyde Edge Cpl. Henry Rosen Pfc. John G. Norfleet Pfc. Robert P. Williams The initial work for the cadre began June 11, 1942, and consisted of cleaning the barracks and procurement of equipment and supplies. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -2- The next addition to the 506th Engineer Company came June 18, 1942. 2nd Lt. Karl E. Jones arrived from Ft. Belvoir, Virginia. Three days later the following officers also from Ft. Belvoir arrived: 2nd Lt. Bertram S. Harlin 2nd Lt. John Harrison 2nd Lt. raymond L. Martin 2nd Lt. Edward N. Sparks Due to the fact that we were in excess one officer, Lt. Harrison was transferred to the 133rd Engineer Combat Regiment, June 28, 1942. For the next three weeks the company was still busily engaged in making preparations for the arrival of the men. It was not until July 11, 1942 that the first group of 75 Privates arrived from Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. Our basic training period was initiated August 3, 1942 and lasted only three weeks consisting of such subjects as - Military Courtesy, Interior Guard Duty, Sanitation and First Aid, Defense Against Chemical Attack, Marches, Close Order Drill, Physical Training, Rigging Light Ponton Equipment, Engineer Reconnaissance, Booby Traps, Camouflage and Machine Gun Training. The Technical Training period began August 24th, 1942 and con- tinued for eight weeks. During this time very few men joined the Company. The greater part of this training period was devoted to the training of the various technicians in their line of work. Also, quite a number of ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -3- bridges were constructed along with the engaging in field problems. September 30, 1942. The entire Company proceeded by convoy to the Nisqually River for a two day field problem. As soon as the bivouac area was occupied actual construction of the bridge began. The first bridge was built by successive pontons. This was followed by an extended bridge. Before dark the bridge had been built several times and left up over night. Again the next morning the bridge was dismantled and constructed several times before being loaded up and returned to Fort Lewis. The following week of October 7, 1942, the Company again moved out by convoy to the Nisqually river for a three day problem. During these three days camouflage and blackout conditions were strictly enforced. The entire period was spent in bridge construction and the following me- thods used--two boat raft, three boat raft, reinforced, trail ferry, and flying ferry. Aerial photographs were taken by the air corps before we moved into the area and again October 8, while actual construction of the bridge was taking place. These photos were used to study the results of the camou- flage action of the company. The first night bridge constructed b the Company occurred October 20, 1942. The entire organization moved from the Company area by convoy to American Lake. The entire bridge consisting of 365 ft. was completed in 2 1/4 hours. Equipment was then loaded and the Company returned to the Company area by convoy. The climax of all training reached its peak November 3, 1942. The Company IX Corps authorizing a two week field trip for the purpose of ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -4- training and instruction. In order to have sufficient men for such a field problem 20 Officers and 58 enlisted men from the 133rd Engr. Regiment were attached wit us. With 31 vehicles the convoy moved out about 7 A.M. November 3, 1942, and moved 192 miles to Wapato, Washington, arriving at 6 P.M. Immediate- ly the company went into bivouac. On the morning of November 4, all equipment was unloaded. The company then erected the ponton bridge across the Yakima river. The bridge was built by the two boat raft system using outboard motors to maneuver the rafts in place. Length of bridge was 335 ft. Before darkness set in the ridge was dismantled and stacked on the near shore. The following day using the same method and details as the previous day the bridge was constructed and dismantled twice. On the morning of November 6, the bridge was again constructed, but this time the current was used to maneuver the rafts instead of outboard motors. The bridge was then dismantled and loaded on the trucks prepar- atory to moving out. Shortly after four o'clock that afternoon the con- voy moved 18 miles to Zillah, Washington. Here tents were pitched and camp established for the night. The Yakima River at this particular site was not very wide - 178 ft. The current was very fast and rather dangerous. During the day of November 7, 1942 the Company bridged this site twice by the successive ponton meth- od. The second time required only 55 minutes. The next morning the bridge was again constructed by successive pon- tons. Following this the equipment was loaded and the Company moved by convoy 50 miles to Kiona, Washington. The company went into bivouac for the night by the Yakima River. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -5- Tuesday, November 10, 1942, the Company encountered many new problems. The river at this particular point was approximately 255 ft. and the cur- rent was estimated to be 5 to 6 miles an hour. The most interesting pro- blem of all was the fact that all rafts were constructed downstream and maneuvered into place 400 ft. upstream. While the equipment was being unloaded by half of the company the approach on the near shore was being cleared. After all timber was cleared a new roadway was constructed by the bulldozer. Following this the bridge was constructed by the two boat rafts method. The bridge was left in overnight. The next morning the bridge was dismantled and then reconstructed in 2 1/2 hours. All of the bridge was then removed except the trestles and the hinge span rafts on either side. These were left in place so as to serve as landing stages for a flying ferry. About 500 ft. upstream there was a rather large concrete and steel trestle bridge which was used as the anchor of the flying ferry. A number of vehicles were ferried across the stream. All equipment was then dismantled. Thursday November 12 1942. Trail ferry constructed using two boat raft. Also constructed Infantry support raft with six assault boats then the equipment was loaded and convoyed 19 miles to Pasco, Washington. Friday November 13, 1942. Unloaded equipment. Two landing stages were built on the Columbia River. On the shore 2 trestles and hinge span raft was used. The near shore landing stage was similarly constructed. Two three boat rafts were used to ferry bulldozers and G.M.C. trucks. Saturday November 14, 1942. Four trestles and hinge span constructed on far shore. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -6- March 9, 1943 Departed from Company area 8:15 A.M. enroute by convoy to Zillah, Washington. Arrived at same 7:30 P.M. the same day after covering 205 miles. Bivouaced along the Yakima River. March 10, 1943 The first and second bridge platoons across the Yakima River which at this site was about 180 ft. in width. Two trestles were required both on the near and far shores. The bridge was built by the successive ponton method. One hour and fifteen minutes was the time used to span the site. The bridge was dismantled in fifty minutes. Equipment was stacked on the near shore. The light equipage platoon was used for security. March 11, 1943 Today the light equipage platoon augmented by the 1st bridge platoon succeeded in spanning the River with the foot bridge. This was an extreme- ly difficult task because of the swiftness of the current which was esti- mated to be six miles per hour. The normal method of construction had to be altered in some respects and consumed quite a little time. The exper- ience gained should prove to be invaluable in the future. We broke camp at 4:00 P.M. and proceeded by convoy to Prosser, a distance of thirty miles, arriving at 5:30 P.M. March 12, 1943 The second bridge and Light equipage platoons were assigned the task of constructing a ferry across the Yakima which at this point was estima- ted to be about 500 ft. in width. Three trestles were used on the far shore and two on the near shore. The shallowness of the water in spots ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -7- hampered operations and prevented the ferrying of anything heavier than a weapons carrier. The third platoon was detailed as security. March 13, 1943 Assault boat crossings were made with the Light equipage acting as the Engineers and the 1st Bridge platoon acting as Infantry. To add real- ism, firecrackers were obtained from a local store. At a given signal a group of previously selected men set them off as the loaded boats approached the far shore. All equipment was loaded and at 3:00 P.M. passes were issued to those men desiring to visit Prosser. March 14, 1943 Today being Sunday men were provided transportation to church. All men were required to be back by 12:30 P.M. Camp was broken at 3:30 and the Company proceeded to Kiona, a distance of 20 miles, arriving at 4:30 P.M. Tents were pitched and the Light equipage platoon was placed on security. August 1-9, 1943 During this period the usual camp duties were carried out. The fourth [week] of the Technical Training Phase was started Location-- Imperial Dam, Arizona. August 10-31, 1943 The fifth and sixth week of the Technical Training Phase were completed. The Company fired the carbine caliber 30 M1 for record. Score: 62% of the unit qualified. September 1-23, 1943 The seventh week of training was ended and the unit started ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -8- its eighth week of intensive training. Company "B" of the 403rd Engineer Battalion bivouaced with this organization and used its equipment for training from 13 September to 18 September. September 24-30, 1943 This period was used in a general review of the eight week Technical Training Phase. Special problems and weak points were emphasized. October 1-10, 1943 The 506th assisted in the training of Co. "C", 133rd Engineer Battalion in construction of floating bridges, rafts and ferries. Assault boat crossings and foot bridge construction were included in this training. October 11-18, 1943 The usual organizational duties took up most of this period. On October 18, the company left camp at 0400 in convoy to the rail head at the East yards, Yuma, Arizona (A distance of 24 miles). Equipment was loaded on flat cars. the unit then bivouaced awaiting the arrival of Pullman cars. October 19-22, 1943 Pullman Cars for personnel arrived and unit boarded train at 1600. At 0200 on the 22nd the troop train arrived at Camp Beale, California. October 23-31, 1943 All equipment was unloaded from the flat cars which accompanied the company from Yuma. A motor pool was organized and the barracks were cleaned. An intensive training program was then inaugurated in review of MTP-5/4 Subjects. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -9- November 1-9, 1943 Camp Beale, California--The company continued the intensive training program which started upon arrival at Camp Beale. November 10-December 31, 1943 This period was taken up primarily by furloughs given to members of this unit. January 1-18, 1944 A review of MTP 5-1 subjects was initiated. In this review maintenance of equipment and specialist training were emphasized. January 19-22, 1944 The company left Camp Beale at 1500 and proceeded by motor march ten miles to Spenceville. Tactical training exercises were carried out, including bombing, gas (Chlorine), strict black-out and cooking by Platoon, Squad and Individual. Al instructions were received by radio. Return to Camp Beale was by motor march at 0900, 22 January 1944. January 23-February 10, 1944 Camp Beale: Usual camp duties were carried out. A review of MTP 5-1 subjects was continued. Processing of equipment for overseas shipment was begun. February 11-29, 1944 Processing of organizational equipment continued. MTP 5-1 subjects were still being reviewed. March 1-March 13, 1944 Camp Beale, California. Company property was processed for coming overseas shipment. A review of vital subjects such as Malaria Control, First Aid and Chemical Warfare took up most of ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -10- this period. Besides this an intensive athletic program was held. March 30, 1944 Aboard USAT Sea Scamp: Personnel and equipment left Camp Stoneman at 1330 by rail and arrived at Oakland, Calif. Then this unit boarded harbor boat Catalina. Arrived at pier 6, Oakland, at 1800. Debarked from Catalina and boarded USAT Sea Scamp at 2100. March 31, 1944 Aboard USAT Sea Scamp: Sailed from pier 6, Oakland, Calif. at 1500. Destination unknown. March 31-April 30, 1944 Usual transport duties were assigned. USAT Sea Scamp arrived at Finchafen [Finschhafen], New Guinea at 1600 on 30 April 1944. June 1-30, 1944 The company proceeded by motor march to Cape Cretin, N.G. A new area was chosen and work began on installations for the repair of Navy Pontoons. A fixed bridge was installed at Buka Creek on the Shore Road. Duties here included the maintenance of Dreger & Jetties Roads and Seventh Street. July 1-31, 1944 Repair of Navy Pontoons was the principle task assigned to the 506th. Maintenance of roads around Cape Cretin was continued. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- August 1-20, 1944 -11- Cape Cretin, New Guinea: construction and Maintenance of Roads and repair of Ponton Equipment were continued. The company started repairing bridge equipment damaged enroute to the SWPA. August 11-September 21, 1944 The camp area was improved with wooden floors in all tents. A Red Cross Hut was also built. Road Maintenance continued. October 9, 1944 Two Officers and 70 Enlisted Men of Headquarters and First Bridge Platoons boarded the Navy Transport Sumpter at 1530-Destination Unknown. The balance of the company (less rear echelon) to follow. October 12, 1944 Aboard SS Augustus Thomas somewhere at sea. Left Cape Cretin, N.G. at 1200. Boarded the Augustus Thomas at 1430. Sailed at 1630-destination unknown. Rear echelon left at Cape Cretin attached to 311 Ordnance Co. October 14, 1944 Aboard SS Augustus Thomas: Arrived at Hollandia, N.G. at 1400. Anchored in harbor. Left Hollandia at 0500-destination secret-16 Oct 44. October 22, 1944 Arrived at Leyte, Philippine Islands at 0830 and anchored in San Pedro Bay. October 23, 1944 Debarked from SS Augustus Thomas at 1700 and dug in on beach. This unit arrived at Leyte, off White Beach, on A plus 2. The following morning the personnel were unloaded and unit equipment was discharged. When about half of the equipment was discharged, less kitchen, supply and headquarters equipment, the ship was bombed and beached. No casualties were suffered. The unit went into bivouac. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -12- On A plus 5 the unit was charged with building a reinforced pneumatic bridge over the Palo river just downstream of existing bridges. This bridge (180 Feet) was built in about four hours. It is considered this bridge was built under fire as sniper fire was heavy. The bridge remained in at Palo for eight days expediting traffic at that location. While the bridge was in a section crew maintained it and a large detail was attached to the 8th Engineer Squadron, north of Tacloban, where they put in a fixed bridge and assisted in road maintenance. On A plus 14 the unit moved to the vicinity of Caragara and built two floating bridges between Caragara and Barugo. These bridges, one pneumatic bridge and one Infantry Support Bridge, were built in 18 hours, without outside help, so artillery could use them in the morning. The pneumatic bridge was 190 feet and the infantry support bridge 180 feet. Since 29 November to date (10 December 1944) the unit has been engaged in building fixed bridges on the new beach road from Caragara to Capoocan. At the present time it has completed one 120 foot pile bent bridge and is completing another pile bent bridge 280 feet long. In addition material is being gathered for two more bridges about 70 feet each which should be completed by 15 December 1944. In addition to the above listed jobs, the following work for X Corps Engineer Section has been completed: Operation of X Corps engineer Dump. Collection and Storage of Bailey Bridge in X Corps Area. Building access road to Caragara L.C.M. landing. Work on Caragara San Miguel Road. Hauling engineer Supplies for X Corps. Shipped Infantry Support Bridge to Samar Island, use by ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -13- 8th Engineer Squadron. The unit has suffered no battle casualties but has lost considerable equipment due to enemy actin. At present this unit is collecting and maintaining equipment in preparation for a move. December 11-31, 1944 White Beach, Leyte, PI: All floating bridges were removed and equipment & vehicles made ready for a future operation. January 1-9, 1945 Company less rear echelon, proceeded by motor march to White Beach and bivouaced for the night. On January 3, loading of personnel and equipment began at 0800 on LST 630. Loading was completed at 1800 at which time the ship moved from shore and anchored in San Pedro Bay. LST 630 remained at anchor until 0030, 9 January 1945 at which time it sailed for Luzon, PI. January 13-15, 1945 Ship landed on Blue Beach in Lingayen Gulf near Patalan River at 1730 January 14, 1945. January 21, 1945 Rear Echelon of 1 Officer and 27 Enlisted Men boarded LST at White Beach, Leyte, PI. Arrived at White Beach, Luzon, on the 29 of January 45. This detachment reached body of the company at 1700 at Tarlac, Luzon. This unit arrived at Luzon, Lingayen Gulf on A plus 4. The following morning the personnel were unloaded and unit equipment started being discharged. No difficulties or casualties were suffered in actual landing. The unit went into bivouac. Construction on two M-3 Ponton Bridges near Carmen, Lengths: 132' and 273'. Construction started at 0530 hours 20 January 45 and was ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -14- completed in a site different from reconnoitered site. Equipment and personnel moved to bridge site under blackout conditions and remained at this assembly point until bridge head had been secured. Enemy action delayed the construction of these bridges for twenty and one half hours. Bridge equipment was ferried in LVT for the construction of the south side bridge. Two bridges necessary for this one river crossing due to the sand bar which separates the river during the dry season. Pile Bent and Trestle Bent Bridge constructed near Dagupan. The construction of this bridge was started the 21st January and completed the 26th January. Length of Bridge was 52 feet. This bridge replaced the Bailey Bridge constructed there previously. Repaired and reinforced existing pile trestle bridge near San Isidro. The construction was started 27 Jan 34. Clearance of debris from bridge site, narrowness of approach to bridge, lack of suitable storage space for equipment were some of the factors encountered. Constructed M-3 Ponton Bridge, length 200 feet, near Meycauayan. Construction started 6 February 45 and completed same day. Time lost during construction due to unusable equipment which had not been previously determined because there was no time for inspection and maintenance after removal of this bridge equipment at Carmen. Constructed rafts and furnished assault boats for the crossing of the Pasig River, 8 February 1945. Enemy action encountered and many mortar and artillery shells landed. Casualties. Constructed M-3 Ponton bridge across Pasig River at Calle Aluna Mandaluyong, Manila, 9 February 1945. Enemy action encountered and many attempts to put bridge out of use. Casualties. Bridge hit the 11th of Feb 45 and finally blown up by Jap artillery on 12 February 1945. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -15- Transported Refugees - New Bilibid Prison - and did hauling of priority Engineer Equipment necessary for operation. Salvaged, main- tained and picked up new equipment to replace loss due to enemy action. March 7-25, 1945 This period was used for repairing and maintaining equipment for future operations. On March 25 1945 warning instructions were received and on 3 April 1945 entire unit moved on three L.S.T.'s from Manila Bay, Luzon, PI, arriving 4 April 1945. While on Mindoro unit was placed under control of 24th Infantry Division for move from Mindoro to Mindanao. Instructions were received that one bridge platoon, with a headquarters detachment, equipped with on unit (250') of M-3 bridge would land in the objective area on R plus 5 being transported on a Liberty Ship. The remainder of the company would arrive at the objective area on R plus 10 moving on what shipping was available. The mission of the unit was construction of floating bridges where needed. Forward echelon of unit landed at Polloc Harbor, Mindanao, P.I. at 0800, 19 April 1945, started unloading and cleared beach by 1600, 21 April 1945. Bivouac was set up on Highway No. 1 near the Simuay river. While unit was unloading orders were received from the Engineer, X Corps to construct a floating bridge over the Simuay river by 0600, 22 April 1945. Bridge was completed and taking traffic at 0130, 22 April 1945. On 23 April 1945 sufficient equipment and men were sent to the 24th Infantry division to construct an M-3 Ferry, 23 Ton capacity, over the Libungan River near Highway No. 1. This raft was replaced on 26 April 1945 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -16- when unit constructed an M-3 bridge over the same river. On 27 April 1945 forward echelon moved from bivouac area near Simuay river 40 miles to Pikit in anticipation of bridging Pulangi River at Pikit when remainder of company arrived. On 28 April 1945 remainder of unit arrived from Mindoro and joined forward echelon at Pikit. One section of Light Equipage Platoon was immediately attached to the 24th Infantry Division and joined them at Davao. This section was with the 24th Infantry Division from 29 April 1945 to 1 June 1945 operating Infantry Support Rafts over the Davao River. As soon as the remainder of the bridge equipment arrived at Pikit plans were made to bridge the Pulangi River. This M-3 bridge was open for traffic on the 29th of April 1945. When this bridge was complete the remainder of the Infantry Support equipment was moved to Kabakan in preparation of bridging the Pulangi river at that point. The In- fantry Support Bridge was complete and taking traffic on 30 April 1945. During most of the month of May 1945 unit remained at Pikit main- taining three floating bridges and building small wooden trestle bridges and culverts along the Sayre Highway from Kabakan to Mulita river. It is estimated that 25 bridges and culverts were installed during this period. On 22 May 1945 the M-3 Bridge at Pikit was washed downstream. This was caused by high water and excessive debris. When the bridge was salvaged unit moved up Sayre Highway from Pikit to Valencia. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -17- Move from Pikit to Valencia, a distance of 70 miles, took eighteen days. The excessive time to move such a short distance was caused by road failure. An average of seven miles a day was made when road was open. On days road was closed company assisted engineer units by placing corduroy, hauling rock, and general maintenance of impassible sections. From 15 June to 30 June 1945 company was assigned a section of road from Valencia to eight miles south. during that time road was maintained, drainage improved, and bridges constructed where needed. July 1-10 1945-----Usual organizational duties. Maintained M-3 ponton bridge on Sayre Highway near Maramag. Operated Infantry Support Ferry across Pulangi River near Panadtarah. Hauled logs for 106th Engineers. Resurfaced road, constructed bridges and culverts on Sayre Highway from Km 44 to Km 55. July 11-22, 1945. Dismantled Infantry Support Ferry across Pu- langi River and M-3 ponton bridge on Sayre Highway near Maramag, re- paired equipment, cut and hauled pile and stringers. Began construction of four pile bent bridge near Maramag. Improved bridge approaches, culverts. Surfaced and graded on Sayre Highway from Km 44 to Km 55. Assisted Co. "A" 1974 Engineer Combat Battalion in dismantling Bailey Bridge at Valencia---transported it to Maramag and assembled it. Light Equipage Platoon (1 Officer and 45 EM) proceeded by motor march to Del Monte on 19 July 1945. July 26 1945. Arrived Alae, Mindanao from Valencia 79 miles. The remainder of the month of July, new Camp was constructed, installed and operated M-3 pneumatic float ferry across the Cagayan river near Cagayan. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -18- Six anchorages were installed in Macajalar Bay. August 1-11, 1945 The new area was improved and recreational facilities were installed. Company continued to operate a pneumatic float ferry across the Cagayan river. Operation of a water point at the Quarter- master supply depot near Bugo was also one of the duties assigned to this unit. Construction was begun on three warehouses, 200' X 25', 200' X 25' and 50' X 25' at the Signal Depot near Alae. A standard dock for ships with a 30 ft. draft was constructed in Macajalar Bay one mile west of intersection of Sayre Highway and Beach Road. August 12-23, 1945 The dock at Bugo was completed and the finishing touches were given to the three warehouses at the Signal Depot. Bailey Bridge Equipment for the 240th Engineers and 1874 Engrs. was hauled using 29 trucks. August 24-31, 1945 M-3 Floating Ferry at Cagayan was dismantled and returned to the Company Area. Other duties as above carried out. 13 Enlisted men returned from duty with the 24th Infantry Division. September 1-18, 1945 Usual organizational duties were carried out, including operation of water point at Bugo. Hauled supplies for the Base Engineer Depot, maintained organizational vehicles and equipment in preparation for a future operation. September 19-October 12, 1945 Company began operation of Gravel Pit near Alae, Mindanao. On the 12th of October, Floating Bridge Equipment was turned in to Base ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -19- Engineer depot. October 18, 1945 Today the 129 Enlisted Men and all officers with the exception of Lt. William J. Marett were transferred to the 106th Engineer Combat Battalion prior to departure for the United States. This marked the unofficial break up of the 506th Engineer Light Ponton company. At this same date low point personnel from the 124th Infantry, 155 Infantry, 149 FA Battalion and the 116th Field Artillery Bn. were transferred to this organization. A light ponton company in name only, the few remaining personnel from among the old members began training these Infantry and Artillerymen in basic engineer operations. Riflemen and Cannoneers became cat operators and truck drivers. October 20, 1945-November 1, 1945 Operation of the water point at Bugo was continued. General Engineer Supplies were hauled from the docks to Engineer Supply Depot. Training of Infantry and Artillery personnel was continued, with emphasis in heavy equipment operations. November 5, 1945 Company departed from Alae at 0830 and proceeded by motor march five miles north on the Sayre Highway to assume operation of the Base Engineer Depot. November 5-15, 1945 Personnel of this unit began to learn many new jobs concerned with the operation of an Engineer Depot. These included warehousemen, crane operations, checkers, both lumber and otherwise, and many others. November 15-December 7, 1945 Besides the operation of the Base Engineer Depot at North Alae, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -20- the company also operated the Heavy Equipment Depot at Bugo, Mindanao, PI. December 7-27, 1945 Duties of the 506th: Operation of Base Engineer Depot and Heavy Equipment Depot at North Alae and Bugo, Mindanao respectively. Operation of ship water point at Bugo was taken over, also maintenance of reefer [refrigerator] units at Base Quartermaster Depot. A sawmill operated by Filipino civilians at Maramag, Mindanao was supervised by this unit. December 22, 1945-January 10, 1946 Usual organizational duties were executed. Evacuation of Base Engineer Depot and Heavy Equipment Depot was continued. A dock detail for unloading and loading ships at Bugo was furnished to the Port Command. January 10-21, 1946 The same duties as above were carried out without incident. The Company was relieved of the operation and supervision of the sawmill at Maramag. January 10-31, 1946 On the 23 of January 1946, orders were received stating that this unit was to be deactivated effective the 31 of January. The company Property Book was cleared and preparations made to carry out this order. One officer and one enlisted man were chosen to take the company records to Base "K" Leyte and orders were cut assigning the remaining personnel to the 509th Ordnance Heavy Maintenance Company. This marks the end of one of the many small engineer outfits that together have done much toward the ultimate defeat of Japan. The combat record of the 506th Engineer Light Ponton Company attests to this fact. Although it will soon by forgotten, its memory will remain always in the minds of the many who have been members of a very colorful organization. [No Signature Block] ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- This document was among the personal papers of Robert T. Webber. Dad told me that he typed this history after the war while he was on Mindanao. He was one of the men of the 124th Infantry Regiment who was assigned to the 506th Engineer Light Ponton Company on 18 October 1945. There is no attribution of a source for this document, but I suspect that it was written by the Company Commander, Captain Jack W. R. Lemery. Dad may have contributed some of the information after 18 October 1945. George G. Frye was the Company Clerk of the 506th after the war. He was the enlisted man who took the company records to Base "K" in Tacloban, Leyte. I learned this during a telephone interview with Mr. Frye on 8 April 2002. On 2 April 2003 Peggy Curtis wrote: From: curtis@together.net Date: Wed Apr 2, 2003 13:23:32 America/Denver To: Paul Webber Subject: WW II Diary Dear Paul, I found your web site while looking for information about the 506th Engineers Light Ponton Co. My father, Lt. George Ratcliffe, belonged to that group. Recently he moved from his home of 50 years in Wilder, Vermont to an assisted living residence with my mother who has Alzheimer's. In the move his reunion booklet of addresses for the 506th was lost. I'm trying to replace it for him. I found information from a 1949 reunion in LaCrosse, WI complete with names and addresses. (For some reason your father's name was not on it. Is that because he was transferred in later?) I know they've had several reunions since then (a 25th in 1971, also in LaCrosse) and probably a 50th in 2001. Do you have any information about who is still around and in charge of publishing a current list of company members? Any leads you can give me would be appreciated. Your website dedicated to your father is admirable. I copied the history of the 506th Engineers to bring to my father. Thanks. Peggy Curtis, P.O. Box 577, Richmond, VT 05477 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transcribed by Paul M. Webber on 17 May 2002. Home Page: http://home.pcisys.net/~pwebber/31_id/rtw.htm