The "Ulithi" Encyclopedia/Introduction
This is a part of the story of Navy 3011, FPO, San Francisco. As a story, it is possibly conspicuous by its omission of many details, particularly those concerning the military life. But it is written under the assumption that army or navy life is just about the same everywhere—it is only the places the army or navy takes us that change. A few stories and facts about one of these places—which was a terrific change for a lot of us—are included in this volume.
A major portion of the credit for the "encyclopedia" goes to Lt. (jg) John Vollbrecht, USNR, who first presented the project over the air on the Armed Forces Radio Station for Ulithi, WVTY. The popularity of the program was so great that a mimeographed booklet called "The Ulithi Encyclopedia" was published by Lt. Vollbrecht. And, in turn, the book's popularity was so overwhelming that further study and more detailed printings became imperative. This second edition of the "encyclopedia" is the result.
The interest and "extra-curricular" contributions of so many are responsible for the present work that we can express appreciation to only a small portion of them. For encouraging its publication, credit should go to the Atoll Commander, Captain J.L. Wyatt, USN, and his Chief Staff Officer, Captain J.C. Webb, USNR. The principal debt for authoritative information is due Lt. Marshall Wees, M-C USNR, and Lt. (jg) Ray Erickson, USNR.
Dr. Marshall Wees lived with the natives and cared for their medical needs; his voluminous notes collected during his months on Fassarai have been invaluable. He has read the manuscript, but the inclusion of much more of his material is impossible because of lack of space.
Lt. Erickson compiled the natural data and provided the extensive notes on the flora and fauna of Ulithi to be found in Chapter Three.
A word of appreciation goes also to Lt. T. B. Murray, USNR; Lt. George Reed, USNR; the staff of WVTY; Ricardo and Haetae, of Ulithi; and general thanks to the hundreds of others in the service whose interest in the work has lead to this present edition.
J. Donald Cusenbery, Sle, USNR
Editor
Lt.(jg) Charles Hutaff, USNR
Armed Forces Radio Station WVTY
Ulithi, Western Carolines
September, 1945