While in Austin, Texas, 10 January 2009, I received a phone call from Bismarck Sea survivor Robert Hillman regarding his review of the USS BISMARCK SEA website. The USS George H.W. Bush (CV-77) was commisioned earlier that day. Hillman explained that he wanted to mail to me a copy of his pilot Andy Pomarico's letters and firsthand recollections, and reflections, regarding the sinking of the USS Bismarck Sea.

        I first met Hillman at the 2008 Bismarck Sea Survivors Reuninon in Las Vegas. Hillman was a TBM turret gunner at the time of the sinking of the Bismarck Sea. Hillman explanied that he had letters from his TBM pilot and friend Andy Pomarico that would be of interest to us all in clarifing their experience and for the Bismarck Sea website. Hillman also mentioned that he would send me photos of a TBM-3 Avenger that is identical to the one Pomarico and Hillman had flown.

        It is important to mention Pomarico's personality and character for one who reviews his firsthand experience and historical letters here. Hillman described Pomarico as one who was a gentleman, a honest man, steady, one who didn't drink or raise his voice. Pomarico's historical letters are significant in giving us all a clear view of the sinking of the USS Bismarck Sea and a survivor's firsthand tail of his experience in conditions that most would believe to have been against all odds to survive under such circumstances.

        It is my belief that blessed are those who find within themselves measure to carry forward clarity and goodness and understanding for all of us.

        Many thanks goes to Andy Pomarico's TBM turret gunner for still covering his back here.

ANDY POMARICO - 24 MARCH 2005 LETTER  |  Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4.html  |  Page 5