James Donald Mock Tech Sergeant, U.S Army Air Corps, WWII

Before deploying overseas, SGT Donald Mock visited his parents in Andalusia (Alabama) for a short visit. After completing advanced flight training as an enlisted pilot, he was assigned to the 159th Liaison Squadron. He received a telegram on October 3, 1944 from Captain Rush Limbaugh (father of Rush Limbaugh Jr., television personality and radio personality). Mock was ordered by the telegram to report to Drew Field in Tampa, Florida, no later than midnight on October 6.

Donald Mock was about to leave when his father W. A. Mock waved his cane, shouting “Son fly low and slow.” These well-meaning words were not meant to be taken literally, as it would have made Donald’s Stinson L-5 aircraft a more difficult target. Bob Mock is the great-grandson of W. A. Mock.

James Donald Mock was conceived in Andalusia (Covington County), Alabama on February 12, 1922. Belle Moore Mock and W. A. Mock were his parents. Donald attended Andalusia Schools and graduated from Andalusia High School, 1941. In 1943, he enlisted in Army Air Corps and completed basic training at Maxwell Air Base near Montgomery, Alabama. He then completed his primary flight training at Woodward Field, Camden, South Carolina and was trained at Shaw Air Base, Sumter, South Carolina. Mock and the rest of the 159th received additional training in Texas. They then trained at Statesboro Army Air Field, Statesboro, Georgia. The men were sent to Cross City Army Air Base in Florida for processing. They then left Tampa to travel to California by train.

Two types of aircraft were operated by the squadron: the UC-64 was a single-engine utility transport capable of carrying 10 passengers, and the Stinson L-5, a single-engine Stinson L-5. The L-5 was a two passenger aircraft that could transport small quantities of freight, or could be used as an ambulance to carry the pilot and one wounded soldier. Donald Mock was trained in the L-5 ambulance.

Not only was the training intense in flying the aircraft, but also in other areas like code, blinker communications and reading signals from the air. These areas were essential for all pilots. They also had to learn how to get out of the plane in the event of a water landing. The most important part of their training was to learn how to land and take off on primitive airstrips.

Just before departing Tampa for California, Captain Limbaugh became ill and was replaced by Lieutenant William G. Price III. Price III is a former P-51 fighter pilot. The three-week journey to Hollandia, New Guinea, took the squadron from California on November 7, 1944. The 159th arrived in the Philippines on December 1st, after a brief stop. As the squadron arrived, Leyte was under attack by Japanese aircraft.

Although the 159th had no planes, they found a way for New Year’s Day to be celebrated on January 1. They “requisitioned enough plywood to make a dancefloor before dropping leaflet invites in the adjacent WAC compound. They were able acquire copper tubing from SeaBees to create a still. The party was attended by more WACs than men.

The squadron left for the Lingayen Gulf on January 31 and arrived at Apache Strip, near Mingaldan, on February 6. Finally, the 159th was ready to go. They flew missions to support the Luzon operation. Donald Mock and his crew-mates flew up to 20 missions per day. They flew supplies drops, directed air strikes and dropped propaganda leaflets. The 159th was active in Luzon, Cebu City and Panay, as well as the Negros Islands. Many of their operations were conducted with Filipino guerrillas.

Mock’s primary mission was to evacuate severely wounded soldiers from combat areas to safer areas at the rear. Donald named his plane “The Pride Of Andalusia” because he was proud of his hometown. He also shared some of his experiences with his son Bob.

One mission saw him land at an airstrip close to the battle zone, where he picked up a soldier with a serious head injury. Mock reached the hospital at the airfield, but his radio wasn’t working. He decided to land, even though he was unable to reach the ground crew to tell them about his patient. He taxied up to the Operations Building after landing but was not met with an ambulance. Mock ran inside and told the officer in charge that he needed immediate medical attention and an ambulance. Mock was told by the officer that an ambulance was only for emergencies at airports. Mock responded, “There’s an ambulance for airport emergencies only.” “If that’s not an urgent, I don’t even know what is!” Mock finally agreed and took the soldier to be treated. SGT Mock was bothered by the situation because he had have to fight with an officer in order to save a man’s lives.

Mock’s plane was hit by ground fire from an unknown Japanese position during a reconnaissance mission. Mock returned to the base and was greeted by a group P-38 fighter aircraft. SGT Mock was the first to depart ahead of the P-38s to direct them to the spot. One pilot crashed his plane into a hillside on the mountainous terrain. Donald Mock remained haunted by the memory of that accident for many years.

Mock was instructed to report to his commanding officers tent after completing one mission. Mock was told by the CO that his father had died and that he would take Mock off flight duty for just a few more days. Donald Mock said to his son Bob that he had gone to the woods to cry after the war. The CO then asked Mock to return to flight duty.

Engine failures were common during battle operations. Fuel was typically pumped from 55-gallon drums. Sometimes fuel could be contaminated with water. Donald Mock was nearly killed in one of two engine failure-related emergency landings. Later, he recalled, “When engine failed, I looked around for somewhere to land.” A nearby rice pad was the best choice. Before touching down, I slowed as much as possible. The plane turned upside-down as soon as it hit the water. I was held down by my harness upside down. I was not seriously injured by the harness.

The war in the Philippines was ending and it was decided that the 159th should be moved to Okinawa. This 700-mile move over water was a problem. Two 18-gallon wing tank tanks gave the Stinson L-5 a range of approximately 300 miles. Lt. Harlan Englander, the squadron engineer officer and MSGT, devised the solution. Charles Army, the chief of the line.

The L-5’s range was increased by 750 miles when a 75-gallon drop-tank, made from a P-51 Mustang, was installed in the rear. The squadron flew to Okinawa on August 30, 1945 following the instructions of a Navy Catalina PBY pilot boat. All of the planes in the squadron made it despite being battered by rain and storms. One pilot asked for a straight-in approach after his fuel gauge read empty. Many of the planes were running out of fuel. The C-46 pilot on final approach was cut off by his approach. Later, the C-46 pilot asked his crew who had “cut him off.” SSGT. Lou Payerl identified his self, and Tyrone Power, a Hollywood actor, asked him to come over for coffee.

The Okinawa missions of the squadron were the same as in the Philippines. Many Marines owe their lives to the Stinson L-5 ambulance service.

Donald Mock and his squadron were dispatched to Kanoya in Japan after the war was over. The squadron was assigned to fly into Japanese airfields in order to check the disablement of all Japanese aircraft. Donald Mock returned to the States on November 20, 1945. On December 5, he was discharged honorably at Camp Shelby in Mississippi.

SSGT Mock was a recipient of the American Theater of Operations Medal, Philippines Liberation Service Ribbon and the Asia-Pacific Theater of Operations Medal. He also received the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Asia-Pacific Theater of Operations Medal. The original recommendation for an Air Medal was: “I certify this enlisted soldier participated in 100 hours sustained operational missions between February 6, 1945 and March 22, 1945 during which enemy fire was probable, expected, or expected.” SSGT Mock carried 450 pounds of supplies to troops in the front area, evacuated 35 American soldiers and conducted 14 courier missions. SSGT Mock, who was based on Apache Strip, Luzon Island has a great record of service. He was often called upon to fly in dangerous flying conditions almost daily. SSGT Mock’s record of flying over uncharted terrain, and directly over enemy lines is impressive. SSGT Mock directed an air strike and repeatedly led the bombers to the target, igniting huge fires and creating smoke columns. This is just one example of SSGT Mock’s extraordinary skill and resourcefulness, which attributes reflect his loyalty to duty, and country.” The recommendation was signed 1st Lieutenant William G. Price III, U.S Army Air Corps Commanding. General George C. Kenney of the U.S Army Commanding signed the citation after it was approved.

Donald Mock returned home to work for the Coca Cola Bottling Company in Andalusia. Kathleen Tubbs was his teacher at East Three Notch Elementary in Andalusia. He married Kathleen Mock on June 15, 1949. James R. “Bob” Mock would be their first child. Donald Mock worked later as a wall-covering contractor. Kathleen Mock started Playpen Kindergarten, which she ran for 30 years.

Donald Mock flew very little after his return home. However, he shared his wartime experiences and his lessons with his son Bob. Bob was greatly influenced by his dad’s stories of flying during WW II. At an early age, he became a pilot and then became a flight instructor. He also worked as an air traffic controller. Bob retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 2013, after spending 30 years there. Bob is married to Joanne Rawls, former Joanne Rawls from Gantt (Alabama). They live in Madison, Mississippi. They have three grown children and three grandchildren.

Donald Mock, who died June 22, 1979 at the V.A. Montgomery, Alabama. His funeral took place at Foreman Funeral Home chapel on June 24, Stone Lake Gardens, Andalusia (Alabama) was the place of his burial with full military honors. His wife Kathleen Tubbs Mock and his son James R. “Bob” Mock survived him. Kathleen Mock passed away February 8, 1998.

John Vick

Bob Mock was a great help to the author in sharing his father’s story. The author remembers Miss Kathleen Tubbs, his first grade teacher at East Three Notch Elementary school. Playpen Kindergarten was attended by all three of the author’s daughters.

Sources: Wikipedia; “Overseas History and Combat History for the 159th Liaison Squadron Commando,”3rd Air Commando Group. Fifth Air Force. Nov. 7, 1944-Seo. 10, 1945; “Dick Barr & the Air Commandos,” taken from “WW II Air commandos”, Vol. II ,” 1994 Dick Barr

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