The following is a personal diary from June 5th to September 9. 1951

The author is unknown, but might be a Mr. J. R. Spinna
If you have any knowledge of the author or were part of this project in any way, please let me know.

Blue Noses to Blue-Jay

June 5th 1951
11 LST's - 3 LSM, left Norfolk headed north - weather sunny and hot turning to a chilly rain while at sea - Our flag ship of convoy with commander Fuller staff LST 980.
Attaining 9 knots hour and about 200-240 miles per day.
Have 64 N.A.C. men aboard with one superintendent, four foremen and my assistant convoy Lt. Mr. Chuck Greene.
Played hearts, recorded data for N.C.A. and had bull sessions with officers of 980 on politics. Retired about 3:00 AM

June 6th
One day out - cool and clear - seas somewhat choppy - needed to repair water distillation pumps and pipeing - almost necessitated turning into port.
Convoy still in formation - played hearts most of the day with ship's officers.
Made complete check of heavy equipment aboard all ships for damaged parts so's we could inform Norfolk or New York and have parts replaced and at job site when we arrived.
Completed more paperwork - got to bed 2:00 AM

June 7th
Sunny and warm - calm sea - men all well behaved and enjoying trip.
Food very good considering everything.
Water a serious problem - capacity is 3000 gallons per day for usage - due to overload of personnel, using 9-11.000 per day.
Distiller only makes 2,500 per day so conditions could get critical.
Have informed NAC personnel to conserve.

June 8
Sunny and warm - sea still calm - men into good spirits - assigned NAC personnel to aid in laundry as ship staff short manned - spent time in chart room mapping out course to be taken.
Men checked all chains and turnbuckles to see that all machinery and equipment secure.

June 9th
Sunny day, but weather starting to get cold - now in middle of Grand Banks.
Sea shallow, and waves huge - sighted whales - stayed up all night to get a glimpse of arctic sun rise at sea.
Took photos at 4:00 am in Kodachrome of convoy and sky.

June 10
Sea rough - encountered first storm - one generator damaged, pulled by navy tug - fell back to last place in convoy formation.
Spent some time chatting with Commander Fuller and Capt. Brian on personnel.
Saw movie "Kim" - took final shots for medical clearance - weather now cold - spent as much time as possible in chart room learning about navigation.
Tomorrow expect to make turn around Newfoundland and head Northeast toward Pole.

June 11
In a north atlantic gale - hugh waves sweeping over ship, rocking it to and from - cold and very windy - engine now fixed and LST980 now at front of convoy formation once again - small LSM battered by sea - took more pictures from bow of ship of mountainous waves - had first haircut aboard ship - stencilled all my gear so that I could identify them after washed - Plan to spend some time writing today.

June 12
Very cold - Hugh waves - still running through raging storm - ship being tossed about like paper - caught up on letter writing - convoy not visible due to fog and high waves.
Played bridge with commander and staff officers.
Men still all well behaved - warm clothes issued to all who stroll decks.
Still awaiting sight of first iceberg.

June 13
Storm over with - sea still quite rough though.
Weather getting cold - can not get many U.S. radio stations any more - no local transmitter hereabouts.
Got a news flash on Louis victory over Savold on short wave over Russian propaganda out of Prague.

June 14
Crew alerted for 24 hours watch for growlers (submerged icebergs) which are more dangerous because you come upon them before you know they are there - then Smack!!!! - Also sighted first iceberg - it was in distance - Capt. Bryan estimated it was eight miles of starboard out to sea - about 300 feet high and 700 yards from pinnacle to pinnacle - we stayed far away from that one, as � of icebergs is usually submerged, and that's the part that raises havoc with ships.
Convoy now in single file until we pass Iceberg danger.
Radar and sonar playing wonderful role detecting their whereabouts.
Men all happy, and seem to be finally resigned to sea.

June 15
Practically no night - only twilight.
Sea calm, always dangerous, though, because of growlers - two days ahead of schedule - may arrive June 23rd if we can get by ice flow.
Second convoy which left port on June 10th should catch us about the 22nd, and we all should go in enmass.
Second convoy fitted in liberty ships and barrack ships - attain 14 knots - we only average 8-9 which means they can make up 1000 miles on us every three days.

June 16
Sighted a couple more Icebergs in distance and a few growlers, but diverted course to avoid them.
Commander Fuller took me with him for a tour of convoy on small LCVP.
Convoy anchored.
He inspected Navy personnel and NAC personnel.
Everone in good spirits except mild case of trench mouth reported.
Hasn't reached epidemic stage yet, but lack of medical supplies and serum may aid it, as men can't be inoculated against it. Sea very calm, weather clear but cold.
Had to set clock back one hour as we hit another time zone.
June 23rd practically confirmed as date of arrival.

June 17
Sighted coast of Greenland about 12 miles from ship.
Not visible to take pictures.
"Blue-Jay" still far off (1158 miles away yet).
Got into a swell checker game with Commander and beat him 3-1.
He's nicest regular guy you'd ever want to meet.
Incidentally, he slaughtered me in Chinese checkers.
980 officers, Capt. Bryan, Executive officer Lt. Kemp, Lt. Saari, Lt. Wise and Lt. Fawcet all take turns playing hearts with me and do they rub it in bypassing me the Queen of Spades all the time.
NAC men all happy because land sighted - men starting to get restless for action.
They've volunteered for every bit of work available just to pass the time, It's been so boring on board.

June 18
Mr. Green - my 1st Lt. for NAC - while looking through my drawer found football game - since he's from Tennessee, we had a "Sugar Bowl" game between Callfornia and Tennessee and I won 22-20.
Then we played the "Cotton Bowl" Tennessee against Notre Dame and I won 43-35.
That soured him so he's quit that game too.
Today's pay day in the Navy - I'd imagine there's some big poker games to be played tonight.

June 19
Poker and dice were rolled and played until the early hours of the morning.
As usual, the sharks made suckers of the kids.
Sighted Icebergs all around us - huge ice flow blocking passage to "Blue-Jay" - have to change course - headed south for a 100 miles until Ice-breaker come to lead us.
Men all enthused over Ice flow and beautiful glacier and mountain fjords of Greenland - Others I discovered are making log of trip also.
Had first casualty today - one of the men had little finger amputated - finger crushed in hatch when ship rolled.
Took shots of Commander and crew - all very cooperative.
Had Ice cream for first time - very good after chow we've had.
Weather extremely cold - men all wear heavy gear now.
Practically no darkness at all now - at 1:00am and 3:00am the heavens were as bright as 1:00pm and 3:00pm.
Men all watching movies tonight in Tank Deck - "Riding High" with Bing Crosby.

June 20
Ice flow and bergs hampering progress - also fog.
Commander proceeding with caution since Ice-breaker can't be located, and we were expecting them to lead us balance of journey to "Blue-Jay".
Weather now very cold and miserable in general - Convoy at a complete stop because we're surrounded by ice, and Commander fears being hemmed in.
Second Convoy at our rear, having caught us because of our plight.
Snowing heavily for first snowfall of season.
Saw birds that resemble penguins, but figured they weren't since penguins are not found at North Pole.
Approximately 200 miles from job site and thought very discouraging at being so near and yet so far.
Capt. Bryan of 980 also sad because rations running low and water supply lower.
Men getting restless more and more as land known to be near.
Icebergs and flow keeps closing in on us with every hour that passes.
The 24 hours of daylight is novel, but very hard on men who can't sleep during "daytime".

June 21
Convoy still Icebound - not yet in any great peril, but situation could get worse.
Made reconaissance run with Commander in small LCVP looking for break thru ice flow where we might find a lead thru to continue journey.
Sighted walrus and seal.
Noticed all ice three to six feet thick - too thick for LST's to try and break through without ice breaker - which incidently is still sixty miles away and trying to reach us from the north.
Men taking the idleness in stride.
Visited LST 601, men all loosing gear (or stolen) - Also informed all tools for equipment stolen.
Sent comminique to New York informing company head (Mr. Ellington) in order to have tools replaced.
Had visit with General Vaughan, General Witcomb and Commander Fuller about course of action to be taken.
Saw "Asphalt Jungle" at movie session.
Took many pictures of scenery.

June 22
Convoy still ice-bound - no progress at all toward "Blue-Jay".
Men weary and worried about wives adn home affairs.
Commander planning 0n visiting S.S. Monrovia where Admiral Britain and General Whitcomb and General Vaughan berthed to consult over ice predicament convoy in - General worry of crew and staff of both NAC and Navy is that ice flow may crush ships to pieces as they move about us - Ice breaker trying its best to get to us, but conditions and odds tremendously against us.

June 23
Commander back from visit to Monrovia.
Admiral Britain and staff decided to turn South, away from "Blue-Jay" until ice flows part us.
Discovered that bay just outside of "Blue-Jay" where we're to dock is icelocked also, so they'll dynamite it free - This means we'll be at sea another week or two - very, very discouraging to all.
Ice breaker sighted - will lead us back out to open sea and stay in warm currents until opportune time to make northward swing again.

June 24
Sunday - Raging gale ll about us - ships now freed from ice, but new menace now endangers us - Turnbuckles and clevis's which hold tremendous pontoons aren't too secure, and the way the ship is rolling and pitching in storm, causes Commander, staff and crew no end.
Attended usual Sunday mass with other Catholic boys - had chicken for last time - food shortage threatened.
Had permission of Admiral Britain to let NAC men wire home short messages for all emergency cases - Men happy because of this courtesy extended them.
Attempted to have helicopter on ice breaker deliver us mail from "Blue-Jay" to convoy here at sea, but 250 miles distance between - out of range for helicopter to attempt. Too dangerous.

June 25
5th day of no progress - ice all around - may have to shuttle back and forth in about a 25 mile area so as not to be frozen in entirely - no chance of getting to "Blue-Jay" this week - men starting to gripe - and rightfully so - food situation getting worse - rationing hasn't started as yet, but expected soon.
Commander still believes he could hug coast line and work his way through fjords clean to "Blue-Jay", but Admiral won't capitulate to trend of thought.

June 26
6th day ice bound - cold, foggy and miserable in general - Ice bergs all around - gradually closing in on us like a pair of hands around someone's throat - Staff and Crew worried - NAG personnel continuing discontentment - many plan to quit as soon as we arrive at Job Site, they're so angered at "run-around" they think they're getting.
Most though reallze that obstacles of nature the Navy is not responsible for.
Fog causes additional danger since all sea routes have bergs situated in direct course.
Have been informed that more looting of NAC equipment secured on tank deck has taken place.
Tools of al descriptions are missing, and I informed our NAC ship Superintendent to inform ship captain of condition - also sent wireless to Washington explaining condition.

June 27
Admiral Britain of task force I would presume must have caught hell from Washington, on this looting, because he issued directives to all Ship Captains and Commander Fuller to start a complete search of all ships and lockers.
An ultimatum from each Staff Captain to his crew was issued requesting return of all tools and missing gear by a specified time or general search was to follow - needless to say, better than 85% of gear returned.
Thanks to this cheeking of looting, and paper work involved, my time has passed quickly.
Am learning, or trying to learn to play accordion - Lt. Saari - a Finn - bought.
a beautiful one in Italy his last trip there - it's the most beautiful sounding instrument I've ever heard - the officers and I spend part of our evenings singing good old songs.

June 28th
Eighth day Ice bound - still no sight of Ice breaking for us to continue - walrus and sea lions sighted - not too cold, but weather damp and fog still prevails.
Fog now as serious a problem as icebergs, as they are preventing our planes from making a general survey of area and making accurate report.
There's so much Ice, that the cold air rising off from ice sifts over bay - mixes with warm air from sea and causes a constant mist or fog.
Commander Fuller and Staff and I talked about experiences in States - heard some real hair-raising tales.
Especially war years. Will relate some day.
Men miss mail from home more than any inconvenience they've experienced thus far - odd how rough exterior of men turns to putty when loved ones missed.

June 29
Had some news from Admiral Britain.
USS Taumer of our fleet may be forced to return to States in a few days - If so, he may pick up all mail aboard all ships in convoy and return it with him.
Have informed all NAG men to have all their mail ready for mail boat when it arrives - men all happy for first time in ten days.
Something to look forward to.
Was informed by Washington that additional 500 men on four more APL's (Barrack Ships) which started on 2nd convoy and now part of this task force will also be under my jurisdiction - that makes 1038 altogether, as 538 left with me on this first convoy.
I pray I get as much cooperation from each NAG Ship Superintendent on this second section as I have been g etting thus far from the first unit.
Time will tell.
This puts more work - both paper, mental and physical on my two lieutenants and myself, but it has to be done, and were the designated one to coordinate it without a gripe.

Weather still bad - no improvement over general conditions for past week or ten days.
Heard over radio a transcription of re-broadcast of White Sox-Detroit game - Detroit won 3-2 - Our set too small to pick up transmitters that are located in Northern Canada, but S.S. Monrovia has a powerful short wave set, and she rebroadcasts to all ships in force.
We heard it at 2:OOAM - although it was as light outside as any mid-afternoon in the States.

June 30th
Tenth day ice bound - still no progress - supplies running short - men thoroughly dissatisfied at everyone and everything - sea calm, but weather very cold - "Blue Nose" certificates presented - given to any person who crosses the Arctic circle - food still diminishing, but by careful rationing it's holding out.
Scuttlebutt aboard is something to behold -every conceivable yarn imaginable has spread, and it's quite ludicrous some of the tales spun.
Commander Fuller's Staff and Ship's Staff play bridge and hearts regularly now - something rare, as staff officers don play with subordinates.
Keep getting naval foul weather gear from different LST's and ships in task force - Commander Fuller has donated to me six of his prize khaki shirts and a wonderful set of navy warm jacket and pants combination.
Informed by Admiral Britain that weather stil main factor in final analysis.
Hope bergs and growlers don't cause too much havoc, as they are constantly closing in on us

July 1
Had all my clothes laundered - nice to wear clean clothes again.
Attended Mass for fourth Sunday aboard ship.
Commander Fuller has allowed MAC men to visit other ships using LCVP's - permits them to stretch their legs a little and also see how other's in convoy are living and behaving and how conditions vary from one unit to another.
Men happy because confinement has been practically unbearable - keep listening to gripes and sending reports of same to Washington for action.
Tried to borrow $l2,500 from Navy to spread amidst men who need it to make small purchases of candy and tobacco, but Army wouldn't permit the allotment.
They plan in view of the fact that we haven't been paid since May 28th to allow credit aboard - but no cash - just as wall, will stop gambling.
Just returned from visiting all ships - men on other LST's and LSM's all in wonderful spirits still - cause - better and more food than our tub - Some care if we never arrive - they're making more money being idle than they've ever made.
Others requested to be put on regular 60 hour guarantee basis of pay which is "Blue Jay" pay - I forwarded such to Washington for approval or rejection, as I was lead to believe by General's Pick, Vaughan and Whitcomb that we were to receive "Blue Jay" pay for 40 hours while at sea and the maximum guarantee of 70 hours once we landed.
Have been receiving communiqu�s regularly from Washington and NAC officials on seriousness of delay, but nothing can be done to alleviate matters.

July 2
12 days - still ice bound - snowing and colder - thermometer below zero - gear issued very warm.
Icebergs appear as ghosts out of fog whenever we approach one.
Men all had bull session about home and wives and children - missed everyone very much.
Saw Toast of New Orleans with Nano Lanza - everyone enjoyed it - practically no civilian money left - Navy ship's store has it all - but still am trying to arrange credit.
Hope I'm successful.
Heard Red Sox beat Yanks 3-1 dam it - no matter how far away I get, they still beat them.
Surprised Walt Dropo optioned out - always said he was a bum - take that short fence away from him and he was a real stiff - See many seals and polar bears through glasses, but no bears have as yet ventured close enough to be shot at.
Hope to get picture of one - maybe get a skin - Ho! Ho!
Tonight we having a serious political discussion - Commander Fuller really came out with some "inside" dope, but as usual, the argument came to a stalemate.
Expect to take small LCVP to visit ships -again tomorrow - hope to finish coordinating work between all ship foremen and superintendents.

July 3
Have ha first semblance of good news - Washington has O.K'd my request to pay men at least $25 since they've not been paid since May 28th or thereabouts.
Most of them out of cigarettes, candy and toiletry money - am to get $12,500 from Lt. Hillman on LST 509 tomorrow - hope fog doesn't prevent trip, as men sorely need funds - advised them that I have been notified by Washington and NAC officials that wages for June 9 and 23 were sent to families.
News really welcomed.
Still no progress - doubt If many will ever make a sea voyage again.
Trip itself truly interesting and educational, but boredom of monotony is chief cause off dissention.
Outside of constant fog, weather very mild and strangely worm for this far north - only about 750 from actual pole - still wear shorts or light pyjamas when I find time to sleep.
Very difficult because of daylight effect-constantly.

July 4th
Had snowfall again - am imagining folks in States all at beaches and enjoying summer breezes and picnics, etc. Here, we're still enjoying water and ice and sky and water, Ice and sky again and again.
Through flakes one can barely make out other ships in task force - it's now that, since we've been joined by 15 or 20 more ships, Tankers, LCD Troop Ships, tugs, APA's etc.
It's really a sight to see them all in formation now - you can't see the last one, they're strung out so deep.
Plan to have a turkey meal for chow today at noon - I bet dollars to donuts that men and crew will appreciate change.
Went to LST 509 and secured $12,500 but due to fog and snow was forced to return to 980 until weather permits distribution of funds to civilians on other ships - men here all paid and gambling prevailed in every conceivable corner of the lower deck.
I guess men will be men, and gambling is as much part of the Navy as ball bottom trousers.
Oh well, everyone to his own likes.
Still play cards with Commander, and still wreck him.
Met Lt. Commander McHenry from Admiral Britains Staff, and heard bull session of Staff's war experiences.
Can't emphasize the wonderful treatment and cooperation men have received from all the officers of convoy - from ensigns to Admiral - truly remarkable considering the number of constant gripes we've had with them.
Gambling still prevails - men too occupied by element to find time to gripe, but soon money will he distributed among select few and they'll revert to gripes of old -

July 5th
Heard Sox beat Yanks and as usual felt badly - I guess Sox in this year, but I'll try to keep hex on them.
More good news - ships from States, food and supplies arrived and all ships being replenished - pray that rice diet and the likes disappear from tables, but doubt it.
One more bowl of rice and I'll look like a Chinaman.
Weather holding out very well - warm and pleasant.
Took men in VP's all around with me while I paid other ships.
They were glad to get out and stretch a little.
Took some beautiful shots of huge bergs and they were extremely beautiful.
Men on other ships happier then here, but that's only because food is unquestionably better - only serious worry is still mail - no possible way of getting it from "Blue Jay", but still am trying.
For the l5th day, no progress and men finally resigned to delay and turn of events.
Have brought all my paper work up to date and kept files and accounts straight.
Wen t with Commander Fuller to visit Admiral and General Whitcomb about possible lead up through ice flow, but trip futile again - can't seem to break brasses' complacency and lack of "guts" to tackle job ahead.

July 6th
After 16 days, weather still mild and griping now at an ebb - too disgusted and plain tired of it all.
Fog comes and goes - one hour it's so dense you can see the bow of the ship from the con deck - then it's so clear, you can see the coastline with all its picturesque fjords, glaciers and mountains of snow peaks.
Received word from Rosemount that one of our NAC men aboard LST 601 had left his wife and three children destitute in Minneapolis without funds or allotment - Plan to see this "skunk" as soon as weather and sea permit to blast the hell out of him.
Wonder how many more men here are on this trip to elude family obligations?
Saw couple of good pictures aboard - the last few "nights" - White Heat with James Carney and Jean Arthur in "You Can't Take it with You - Both were old timers, but both were exciting and very entertaining.
Wrote Mrs. Warring and Ted letters today.
Read up on Bible history and other interesting sagas in history.
Average 3 to 4 hours of sleep daily - lack of physical work leaves us sluggish.
Odd, but lack of sleep hasn't thus far affected sense of reflexes or sharpness.
Plan soon to regulate hours again so's when and If we reach our destination, I be on a normal schedule again.

July 7th
Caught up on a lot of writing today - Sent cablegrams to executives of Government and NAG - Finally secured warm shoes and other foul weather gear to complete my outfits to a "T"
Plan to visit APA - Duel - about 70 miles away to secure stamps and send letters back to States - hope trip materiallzes.
Visited LST 601 and saw Mr. Dowel. Blasted him and received from him under threat of dismissal an authorization for payment of 40% of his earnings to his family - I had Capt. Whitehorse of the 601 witnessed and notarized it - the skunk claimed he forgot about it, but my ship supt. Mr. Jordan claimed he's the most hated man aboard because of his slyness, temperament, and attitude of selfishness.
To me he appeared the most uncooperative louse I've ever seen.
Returning to the 980 - Commander Fuller informed me we'd start to move North tomorrow - I passed the work around the ship and joy prevailed - If only for the fact that we would move.
It certainly was good news, so I turned in early from an extremely strenuous day.

July 8th
Sunday - and mass again - it's beautiful outside today - sun's shining and we are moving ever forward to "Blue Jay'
Men now betting on when we arrive - I've taken Tuesday at 2:30PM.
Convoy cruising through perilous ice flow at varying speeds depending on hazards of bergs and ice slush - Men all agog over splendours of glaciers - which now are only a few miles off.
Finished writing a couple more letters home, will have a small batch ready by the time we arrive - I pray they're not a censored.
Took more snap shots of surroundings - some through Commander' s binoculars for close-up shots of fjords and glaciers.
Having laundry done for last time I hope before arriving - Men now watch picture "Outpost in Morocco" with George Raft - I wish all could see how brilliant the sun shines - and it's now 9:30PM!!

July 9th
34th day at sea and as yet no site of Blue Jay - although convoy now through main portion of ice pack, still no visible proof that Blue Jay can be reached soon unless open sea appears from no where.
Our troop ship the Piconic rammed the stern of LST-1144 causing considerable damage while ships weaving through ice pack to elude icebergs.
No personnel lost, but both crews frightened to death practicably since one would die from freezing or exposure if thrown into the water.
Men all on deck watch wonderful way Navy's officers and crew synchronize as a team as orders are flung at them guiding our ship thru perilous waters.
Took snap-shots of convoy as it strung out and circled in and around ice bergs.
Also of silvery sun and beautiful glaciers that were for once - real close to ship and visible in detail.

July 10 Sighted an epic of the true sea tradition - a small Danish rowboat with eleven men all huddled together to keep warm and proudly flying the Danish Flag.
Their fishing ship had been sunk by bergs and they had weathered nature elements until we saved them.
They were all hardy blond Norsemen and very very likeable.
None complained of the disaster - only thanked God of their deliverance.
NAC men and crew chatted all day with saved Danes and heard many remarkable tales.
Ships flow in open water, and unless something unforeseen occurs, will be at Blue Jay sometime today.
Plan to take pictures of beach and landing.
1301. - One minute after l PM "Blue Jay" dropped anchor - men cheering madly - reminiscent of Times Square en New Year's - tears in many eyes as drama of past 5 days at sea now at an end.
Sea choppy and landing impossible for a while as yet - Packed all gear in preparation for debarkation - Saluted Commander and crew and staff and left by LCVP at 5:22 - landed at "Blue Jay" at 5:41.PM.
Met Jack Altig, project Superintendent and assumed official duties at once.

July 11
Worked all night since landing coordinating crews and transferring personnel from LSN and LST's to troop ship S.S. Heinzleman which will be used as barrack ship until barracks built.
One can't imagine tremendous scope of job - more equipment located in one place then ever in history of construction.
The above statement happens to be fact.
Received first mail and words can't express my delight.
Everyone else felt same way, as news from home - good or bad, was all that was needed to bolster their morals.
Was assigned one of few barracks already built - shared it with Jim Millette, Base Manager - Mel Poshael, Supt., of Heavy Equipment and Roscoe Duncan - Div. Supt. of Excavation and Fill - men a fine - good companions and real construction men.
They represent the Midwest and Far west predominantly - Jim's from Minnesota - Mel from Nebraska and Roscoe from Denver.
Chow wonderful - every kind o food imaginable - Attended chapel for safe and speedy deliverance from plight.
In constant contact with high Army and Navy officials to make sure no stumble blocks were in the way of successfully completing assigned work.
Took photos of interesting sites.
While in field found deposit of manganite - a mineral rich in iron ore - too bad I've no way of refining it - Completed unpacking and reread all letters from home - before retiring.

July 12 Dense fog in from ice flow has settled over camp - impossible for men berthed on S.S. Heintzeinan, Haan, Herserg and Monrovia to come ashore for work - Army has approximately 3,000 troops here - for what, I don't know.
Wind blew fiercely all day, giving all men ashore terrific wind burns - took out goggles so I could see through savage dust blowing all about us.
Sat in on conferences with Army and NAC officials on matters pertaining to shuttling of troops back and forth from ships in bay to shore, and vice versa - problems of transportation always important - and doubly so in our case, because whole program depends on scheduled arrival and departure times being met.
Men all working 10 hour days - 7 days per week - believe me, we're dead when the weekend comes.
Acted as liaison between my men on 1st Convoy and NAC officials on a few counts today - Men dissatisfied over many conditions (Shuttling, feeding time, cold, fact many wives aren't receiving allotments on time - sickness, etc.)
I tried to answer and aid many in their plight, but general project too large in scope for me to handle, so Jack Altig has assigned staff to lend a hand.
Bedding here ashore still major problem - not enough tents or barracks as yet and no extra beds and blankets - army trying to fly them in in airlift from Westover Field, Mass - this project is main Army Base -
Am very very busy with work here, and am going to have to assign certain days of week as letter writing days.
Supervisors all very very helpful to me and have done everything to make stay pleasant.
Odd to try to sleep here too, as it's bright as day all the time.
Read up on sports, someone had all New York Tribunes for month of June - Attended meeting of Superintendents daily at noon, and surprising how helpful they are in ironing out problems and bottlenecks on job.

July 13
Still heavy fog - cold and extremely raw - Visited Eskimo village and saw Eskimo - "Attu" who escorted Commodore Perry through to Pole - He's still allve and kicking even though that eventful trip took place in 1906 - Isn't that wonderful? And the Eskimo kids are all cute - they're dark and resemble Indians or Japs.
We saw them paddle around in their kayaks and play around with their huskies.
Eskimos stink something awful - you can smell one 30 feet away and that's the truth - The village itself comprises only eight or ten families and is considered "out-of-bounds" - I happened to be there with a surveying party.
I try to bring home some souvenirs, but I'll not bank on it, as things are scarce and priceless here - Have heard tales that many polar bears are in this area, so will be on alert - (I'm not a coward exactly, but have plenty of dark meat for them).
Still trying to aid men in settling problems, but to no avail - Checked up on time so my checks would be forwarded promptly and accurately.
Have found that Government doesn't post work to be done - (of secretive nature) then retired at midnight -

July 14th
Many men have already quit the Government and returned to States - conditions too tough and rugged for them - seems senseless to do that after dangerous 37 days we had on ship and all inconveniences we were put through -
I guess though many are spineless -
Rest of camp gradually falling into the swing of things - Housing still major problem - so's food.
With terrific and constant fog, planes can't land or ships can't dock to bring us necessary provisions.
Whenever a plane does come we have a mail call - and boy oh boy, are the men happy - impossible for me to attempt to explain the power of a letter - of how it can make or break you.
You never know until you miss getting a letter while everyone else is Constantly worried over conditions at home - pray always - Even with chill, still wear under shorts, as I want to get used to cold - otherwise, I have to bundle up like a bear when the fall and winter sets in - Took more scenic photos of unrestricted areas - cameras here are not to be issued, but I've the General's (Whitcomb) permission to be discreet in my choice of photographing.
Saw a cute husky pup, wish I could snag him for my own - don't have any idea who he belongs to.
Navy blasted harbour with TNT to break icepack and permit shuttling service again.
Taste and preparation of food excel for me - for others I don't know.
I'm easy to please on that score anyway.
Pray I lose weight, but Doc's here say you've got to eat a lot to offset cold and energy expended working -
Wake at 4;3OAM every morning - shave - shower - and have breakfast at 6AM - start work at 7AM - and finish at 6PM (one hour for lunch).
In my capacity though I never "knock-off" at 6 - more likely 9 or 10.
LST convoy leaving as they've another trip to make back here - Will sec Commander Fuller in late August when he returns.
Gets very very lonely here at times, so I work all the time to keep myself occupied.
Wish sun would come out and dampness leave - Expect Keith Wasson tomorrow from New York - will be glad to see him, because we've many many things to discuss.

July 15th
First Saturday ashore - same as all other days as far as weather is concerned - foggy and cold - none at Key Personnel arrived as expected
Still unloading tremendous amount ot machinery and equipnent -
saw Commander Fuller on beach directing operations - good to see him.
Saw two sailors killed when cable on boom broke - bodies to be flown home Monday -
Twenty to twenty-five more dissatisfied NAC workers quit - will be processed out also.
Awaiting eagerly to hear that home has received my first letter - can't understand why mail has not arrived - unless service here is worse than it appears.
Took pictures at more friends in camp - hope they all come out so that I can truly have a complete album when this mission is over - Attended first mass here on shore - Chaplain Clover had Mass - not many attended my service (6:OOAM) but I suspect that others were overflowed - incidently, Chaplain Clover also serves Jews and Protestants.
Took another hike - went way up into the glacier country - it was beautiful. Took shots from mountain side.
My work all restricted, so won't mention it in any of my notes.
Food again running short here at camp. Due to fog air lift canceled and conditions have gradually gotten critical.
Played first game of cribbage on shore with Jim Millette and Mel Poeschl - beat them both - Jim by skunk.

July 16
East wind has pushed fog into sea - sun out and everything seemed to brighten with it - morale of men low, because conditions at home unsatis factory, and because shuttle service betwcen shore and Heintzleman very very bad -
Bodies of two sailors flown home - comrades very sad as expected - Have been in contact with Washington to explain seriousness of conditions here, but as yet have not been answered.
Heard American Album of familiar music yesterday at 6:3OPM - I guess it was on Stort wave - the tite I heard it still stymies me, as I recalled it came on at 9 or 9:30 when we used to listen to it in New York.
Have been assigned a Jeep - #20 by the Army Motor Pool and use it regularly - Also learned to become a "cat skinner" - a caterpiller operator, a dozer operator and a shovel operator - the principle at lever's and foot peddles is the same in each so operating them was simplified. It's good to know the operat�ng at all this equipnent - also the maintenance of it.
As yet laundry here hasn't been constructed - wish it were as clean clothes running short.
Had first haircut ashore - Plan to do more letter writing today.

July 17
Sunny and mild - weather beautiful - men still quitting by dozen because of home troubles or petty gripes of hardships expected of everyone -
Met Johnny West, Ted and Helene's friend here. He's with Army Transportation Corps - He recognized me when I went into GHQ to 3peak to General Whitcomb - after my visit he came over and said - Don't I know you from somewhere?
Well, needleas to say we soon were chatting of Brooklyn, card playing etc.
He's first close person I've seen on whole trip - NAC, Navy and Army alerted not to go to Eskimo ar Danish Village to trade - High brass issued order when sailor wandered in Eskimo Village and purchasid small pup - that area is all "out-of-bounds".
The Danes have a Government weather bureau here -
Saw "I was a Communist in the F.B.I," also "Half Angel" with Loretta Young and Joseph Cotton - both very good pietures.<