The 6th Bomb Group

Tinian Island - Housing Areas - 6th Bomb Group


Credits: Gary Matcek, son of Jody Matcek (sergeant with 6th BG) and John Potenza, Jr., son of John Potenza (CFC gunner on "Trigger Mortis II"), Sandy Dodson and S/Sgt James L. "Les" Morgan (Gunner, "Forever Amber" and "Myas' Dragon", 39th Squadron)

6th Bomb Group Area

Here is an "educated guess" as to where everything was located. Other Group Housing Areas were north and south.

Different Views

Different views from the southeast (south of the 39th BS housing area) towards the north.
 
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
Towards the northeast.  Radar and photo shops just right of center.
 
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
Towards the north. Briefing hall left of center. Officers barracks behind.
 
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
Towards the north-northeast. Back view of "Casa Marino Casino" in center.

Tents

At first, everyone lived in tents, including the flight crews. Some had unusual decorations. According to S/Sgt Nicholas P. Matro ("Lucky Strike", 39th Squadron):

We lived in tents for a long time and each crew had their own tent. Our tent was at the end of a line of tents. Prior to our getting there, the Army or Marines, I don’t know which, had hung, from a tree near the tent, about twenty Japanese skulls painted different colors like Christmas tree ornaments. They swung back and forth in the breeze. We saw them everyday, and never thought a thing about it.

They probably wouldn't have won the prize for the "best decorated tent" with that entry.

Quonset Huts

After graduating from tents, all flight crews (including officers) slept in Quonset huts like these.
 
Or were they like this?
"On July 17, Brig Gen Davies, Wing Commander presented trophies to Sixth enlisted men who won a Wing contest for the best improved barracks. The Sixth won the Group award and the 39th Squadron with "Casa Marino Casino" who the award for the best individual quonset." ["Pirate's Log", p. 51]
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
"Casa Marina Casino" won an award for the best decorated barrack (and best-dressed flight crews?). S/Sgt Normand M. Lemoi (2nd from left)
 
With a lot of work and imagination, the men could convert the ordinary barracks into showpiece. The "Casa Marina Casino" was equipped with guitar-playing entertainers, free sombreros and even cardboard cacti planted in the front yard. As can be seen each enlisted barrack housed the enlisted men from three different flight crews - in this case 3913, 3915 and 3918.
 
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
Another view of "Casa Marina Casino" shows the landscaping.
 
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
The official "awards" ceremony - a proud moment for the 6th.
 
Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
Inside the quonset hut - just as neat as the outside.
 
Photo provided by Les Morgan, Jr., all rights reserved.
To the east of the 39th BS hut, facing west.  By July, almost everyone has added shaded porches.

Officers Barracks

Officers eventually got to stay in wooden barracks, which were presumably cooler and roomier than the enlisted barracks. They were built on the northwest section of the base, in the woods and within easy walking distance of the beach (which was about 75 feet straight down) and the Officers Club.

Operations Building

Photo provided by John Potenza, all rights reserved.
39th BS Operations Building.