War Diary of Major Walter J. Meyer,
USMC VMF-121

The following documents were donated by Michelle and Dennis Kleid with permission of Michelle's father, Major Walter J. Meyer, USMC, who flew F4U Corsairs and was stationed on Peleliu. The documents are in PDF format. They're fairly large (file sizes are indicated). The diaries represent an official record of the activities of Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-121 from 1 June 1944 through 9 September 1945. Fascinating reading!

The number of missions Major Meyer flew and the accuracy of his bridge bombings -- and all the rest -- is amazing stuff. Walter's family's favorite pages are dated "2 May 45" (when he got his medal) and "26 May 45" (a ticket home!).

Thanks, Michelle and Dennis, for sharing these documents with us. And thanks, Walter, for upholding the proud tradition of the Corps, and for giving us such a detailed window on the world of a Marine Aviator during the war in the Pacific.

• 1944, 1 Jun - 31 Dec (2.5MB)
   
• 1945, 1 Jan - 9 Sep (3.8MB)
    

Page last modified 27 February 2007