| If you have found this site while searching for information about VPB-153, United States Navy , I'm sorry I can't provide very much. I have published the site in the hope that others (former members of the squadron, their relatives and friends), could help me learn more about VPB-153 during the latter part of WW II. |
| My father, James A. Kaup, was a member of VPB-153, and was killed in the crash of a PV-1 in early 1945. After sending a copy of the Navy Department's letter my mother received describing the circumstances of the crash to the United States Navy Patrol Squadrons HomePage I got an e-mail from a former member of the squadron. He lost two close friends in the same crash, and he remembered my father. |
| With all the old photographs, I'd like to identfy the members of the squadron from that era... |
| Click on any of the photographs below for a larger image. |
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My father, Lt(jg) James A.Kaup second from right, rear. This may be a radar specialist group. The photograph may have been taken in Clinton, Oklahoma. If you can identify anyone, or know where this photograph was taken, please let me know. |
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The four photographs here may have been taken during a memorial service for the crew lost on February 3, 1945. I have assumed that this is a Moffit Field. If you can identify anyone, or know where this photograph was taken, please let me know. |
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The photographs here may have been taken during the same memorial service. I have assumed that this is at Moffit Field. If you can identify anyone, or know where this photograph was taken, please let me know. |
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This letter describes the circumstances of the crash of BUNO: 33304 |
| 03 FEB 45 A/C: PV-1 Location: 11mi. WNW, PT. REYES Strike: YES BUNO: 33304 Cause: ILLUMINATION PARACHUTE FLARE REMAINED ATTAHED TO WING-FIRE AT 1500'/CRSHED; Lt. JOHN J. BALLENGER & 5/MISS |
Terry (wreckfinders@earthlink.net) posted this on the United States Navy Patrol Squadrons HomePage on 24 FEB 99. After writing to him at wreckfinders@earthlink.net he sent the crew list for the aircraft. |
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Pilot;Lt.John James Ballenger Lt(jg) J.A.Kaup Lt(jg).E.H.Brown III ARM3c.J.W.Field ARM2c.F.R.Wilson AOM2c.W.P.Hawk |
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| jakaup@kaup,org |
