The Coral Gables Times

Thursday, June 22, 1961, page 7 (of 20)

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Was WWII Torpedoman 'Shorty' Delivered Messages Then, Too--to the Japanese

By MAURICE LABELLE Times Staffer Charles Joseph Long is a meek little man with a cheerful greeting for all as he goes about his appointed rounds as messenger for the City of Coral Gables. A few years ago, during World War II, Long used to put together one of the most lethal weapons ever conceived by man -- the torpedo. As a chief torpedoman for the Navy, Long help put Japanese ships in the bottom of the Pacific during the early and trying months of the war when the sons of the Rising Sun threatened to overrun all of Asia. The legendary exploits of the little PT boats and their gallant crews is one familiar to most Americans. HELPED Long never served on the glamorous PTs, but he and many others helped keep them going. The career Navyman's job was to nurse the intricate torpedoes and see to it that the PTs had plenty to keep sending in the Japs direction. It was also his job to teach crewmen on how to use them. "I instructed all those guys on torpedoes," said Long, reflecting about his experiences with Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 2 in and around the Island of Tulagi in the South Pacific as the Japs reached the crest of their victories. It was at nearby Guadalcanal that the tide of battle turned. WATCHED BATTLE From his Tulagi island base, "Shorty" Long could see some of his torpedoes ramming home as the PTs, backed up by larger surface ships and aircraft clashed with the Jap Navy trying to reinforce their troops on Guadalcanal. "You could see shellbursts and hits and the fires start," Shorty Long remembers. During the four-month period beginning October 1942, the PT squadron alone accounted for six destroyers, one cruiser and a patrol ship. For their exploits MTB Squadron 2 got a big write up in May 10, 1943 issue of Life Magazine. Shorty Long came in for many plaudits from PT boat commanders and had a nice "mug" shot in that issue. VICTORY'S TOLL That was the glory end of the story. In reality the victory took its toll. Keeping the PTs equipped with "fish" meant virtual round the clock work for Shorty Long and his men. "I kept shuffling back and forth between the islands," said Long. "You had no equipment. It was backbreaking work." Handling the large 18-foot long, ton-and-half torpedoes without adequate mechanical gear, sleeping only a few hours a night, inadequate food and contaminated water eventually weakened Long and many younger men. "We used to boil the water with all kind of wigglers in it. A regular day was about 20 hours," Long said. He came down with dengue fever and malaria. It was the end of a long Navy career that began back in Boston, Mass., on March 5, 1917. RETIREMENT After long months of recuperation in hospitals, Long was placed in retirement Thanksgiving Day 1942. "I liked it," said Long of the Navy. "It had security." Now he had to fend for himself. Miami, where his PT boats had once been based at Bayfront Park, beckoning. From 1943 to 1949 Long built rescue boats for the Miami Shipbuilding Corp. Later that year he came to work for the City of Coral Gables, a job he has held ever since. Shorty Long, who served on practically all types of naval ships during his 25-year naval career, now finds himself groundbound, walking approximately 10 miles a day on his messenger rounds for the City. The Longs are all Navy. His son, Charles H. Long, is a retired lieutenant commander and aviator and his daughter, Mrs. Celeste Spallone served as an aerographer in the Korean War and married a fellow shipmate who is now an electrical engineer. Shorty, who will be 63 in November, lives with Mrs. Long at 259 East 43rd St., Hialeah.

LEAVE GRANTED

Dr. Dominique-Rene de Lerma, University of Miami associate professor of music history and literature, has been granted a one-year leave of absence to serve as visiting professor of musicology at Indiana University. He has instructed more than 2,000 students since he began teaching at UM 10 years ago, when he was only 21. He also has completed 14 seasons with the UM Symphony Orchestra, playing oboe and English horn.

CITY'S FIRE BELL

Here are the City's official records are calls answered by the Fire Department and Emergency Squad: June 12--2325 Salzedo Street, Fire Station, Lt. W. O. Wood, Jr., cut finger; 5610 Riviera Dr., man unconscious, R. C. Chelberg; Ponce De Leon & Trail, auto accident, John Wood. June 13--Red & Sunset, man D.O.A. on arrival; LeJeune & Viscaya, flarepot overturned and barrier burning. June 14--Alhambra & Granada, auto fire. June 16--384 Minorca, heart attack, Mrs. Bonnie Buschi; 2 Miracle Mile, reported smoke on roof, just vapors from air conditioning. June 17--At Fire Station, lady came to station and was treated for mashed finger, Mrs. Harold Kauffman. June 18--537 Minorca Ave., fire reported, no fire.

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IN THE RED BIRD SHOPPING CENTER IT'S BOSS AWAY SALE

IN THE RED BIRD SHOPPING CENTER IT'S Belk's Home of Better Values RED & BIRD ROADS BOSS AWAY SALE THE MICE WILL PLAY WHILE THE BOSS IS AWAY -- PLEASE DON'T LET MR. ALLEN KNOW MR. SNYDER IS SELLING THIS MERCHANDISE AT THESE LOW PRICES . . . MEN'S WALK SHORTS REG. $5.99 TO $7.99 ON SALE $4.77 MEN'S SPORTS COATS ALL WOOL & SILK & WOOL REG. $32.99 & $37.99 ON SALE $26.66 MEN'S SLAX DACRON AND WOOL 55/44 BLEND REG. $10.99 ON SALE $7.77 MEN'S SUITS DACRON AND WOOL REG. $39.99 ON SALE $28.88 BACK TO SCHOOL PRINTS ASSTD. PATTERNS 59¢ yd. HIGHALDN PARK CHECKS WASH AND WEAR ALL COTTON 79¢ yd. CONE TOWELS 22x40 ASSTD. STRIPES AND SOLIDS, REG. 59c ON SALE 44¢ JEWELRY CHEST REG. $1.59 to $3.99 ON SALE 1/3 OFF SUN SUITS AND YARD BRITCHES 1-4 ● 3-6 Reg. $1.99 ON SALE $1.00 SPORT SHIRTS BOYS' 8-18 REG. $1.29 ON SALE 88¢ SHIRTS BOYS' KNIT AND WOVEN SIZES 8-20 REG. $1.99 & $2.99 ON SALE 1/2 PRICE COSTUME JEWELRY EARRINGS, BRACELETS NECKLACES REG. $1.00 ON SALE 2 for $100 BELK'S--VISIT OUR GIFT DEPT.