WWII PT Boat Veteran

George Holasek, 85, recalls time as PT boat crewman who served as a motor machinist's mate aboard PT 167, responsible for assuring that those three supercharged, 12-cylinder Packard engines could crank the craft at speeds up to 41 knots (about 47 mph).

The native Clevelander said that by the time he was shipped to the Pacific in March 1944, his PT boat missions concentrated on intercepting troop and supply traffic on armored barges shuttling among the Japanese-occupied Solomon Islands and around New Guinea.

In recalling his service aboard one of those old "surfboards" with engines and guns, Holasek said that despite the risks and deprivations, his shipmates made it an experience worth remembering and appreciating.

In recalling his service aboard one of those old "surfboards" with engines and guns, Holasek said that despite the risks and deprivations, his shipmates made it an experience worth remembering and appreciating.
In recalling his service aboard one of those old "surfboards" with engines and guns, Holasek said that despite the risks and deprivations, his shipmates made it an experience worth remembering and appreciating.

"The best part was the camaraderie," he said. "It's been a great blessing to me to have had that opportunity."

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• WWII
• PT
• Boats
• WW2
• World
• War
• Two
• Veteran

[trevorthemonkeey]

mr holasek still around

[imkichigai]

Thanks for this video. He reminds me of my grandpa who was a GMII on PT Boats. What brave men.

[grunt182820]

the roll of a dice me thinks

[kolbpilot]

Funny the way death gets us all. Amazingly sad story how a guy on shore duty goes out on 1 mission & is the only one killed.

[deino117]

Awesome interview - what a guy.

[pumatwins]

God Bless him.

[lemonpeeler145]

Thank You sir !!!! Great interview !!!!

[chengloki]

My respects to you. A PT boat man. My respects. =Stefan=