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I Was Just a Radioman
Their hearts were strong, and their courage endless.
Pearl Harbor survivor, Black Cat radioman, and decorated WW 2 veteran. ARM H. P. Lawrence, tells the true story of the fight against the Japanese in this compilation of his memoirs.
One of only a handful of non-Native American code-talkers, H. P. Lawrence became a member of an elite fighting force, the Black Cats. Flying in their nocturnal missions, the Cats claws were sharp and their aim deadly.
From devastation to victory, the story of these brave men−the deadly, mysterious, and illusive Black Cats is a journey into the past where nightmares came true and hatred reigned. A time in history we should never, ever forget.
The day which will live in infamy…was just the beginning.
Grab your copy today.
Pearl Harbor survivor, Black Cat radioman, and decorated WW 2 veteran. ARM H. P. Lawrence, tells the true story of the fight against the Japanese in this compilation of his memoirs.
One of only a handful of non-Native American code-talkers, H. P. Lawrence became a member of an elite fighting force, the Black Cats. Flying in their nocturnal missions, the Cats claws were sharp and their aim deadly.
From devastation to victory, the story of these brave men−the deadly, mysterious, and illusive Black Cats is a journey into the past where nightmares came true and hatred reigned. A time in history we should never, ever forget.
The day which will live in infamy…was just the beginning.
Grab your copy today.
- GenresBiography
91 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2016
213 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
About the author
Pamela Ackerson
115 books217 followersInternational and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and a time traveling adventurer, Pamela Ackerson was born and raised in Newport, RI where history is a way of life, She lives on the Space Coast of Florida where everyone is encouraged to reach for the stars! She's hop, skip, and jump from Disney World her favorite place for fun-filled imagination and fantasy.
For the next few months, every other Thursday and Friday I will be offering a different ebook FREE on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Pamela-Ackerson/e/B00Q...
For the next few months, every other Thursday and Friday I will be offering a different ebook FREE on Amazon. www.amazon.com/Pamela-Ackerson/e/B00Q...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 2, 2019
I am a 4 time sepsis survivor
Maria actually had septic shock. The difference between sepsis and septic shock is when the organs start shutting down, which hers certainly did. My 1st and 4th septic episodes were septic shock, and although I was also on a ventilator, I was not nearly as bad as she was. Although her trauma was horrible, some end of with more severe amputations. I think she could have expanded more on her feelings while she was in the hospital. She obviously suffered some PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) which a lot of survivors suffer from, and PSS (post sepsis syndrome). A lot of survivors suffer life long from physical and emotional pain. A lot need counseling and ongoing medical care. My sepsis episodes were from two different issues. It lowers your immune system often putting you at risk for future sepsis. I very strongly disagree with her stand on no flu shots. This is the exact time in her life when she NEEDS the FLU shot and the PNEUMONIA vaccine! Her kids definitely need flu shots too to protect her! Please look up SEPSIS ALLIANCE at SEPSIS.ORG. The life you save might be yours or a loved one. They are a great resource for survivors, caregivers, family members and friends. There are also great online support groups on Facebook for survivors and for those who've lost someone to sepsis. I never asked "why me?" Maybe being a disabled RN and having seen so much suffering throughout the years, I've learned that things like sepsis doesn't discriminate
Maria actually had septic shock. The difference between sepsis and septic shock is when the organs start shutting down, which hers certainly did. My 1st and 4th septic episodes were septic shock, and although I was also on a ventilator, I was not nearly as bad as she was. Although her trauma was horrible, some end of with more severe amputations. I think she could have expanded more on her feelings while she was in the hospital. She obviously suffered some PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) which a lot of survivors suffer from, and PSS (post sepsis syndrome). A lot of survivors suffer life long from physical and emotional pain. A lot need counseling and ongoing medical care. My sepsis episodes were from two different issues. It lowers your immune system often putting you at risk for future sepsis. I very strongly disagree with her stand on no flu shots. This is the exact time in her life when she NEEDS the FLU shot and the PNEUMONIA vaccine! Her kids definitely need flu shots too to protect her! Please look up SEPSIS ALLIANCE at SEPSIS.ORG. The life you save might be yours or a loved one. They are a great resource for survivors, caregivers, family members and friends. There are also great online support groups on Facebook for survivors and for those who've lost someone to sepsis. I never asked "why me?" Maybe being a disabled RN and having seen so much suffering throughout the years, I've learned that things like sepsis doesn't discriminate
July 21, 2019
I live in the same town as Maria and heard about her being sick but never knew her story. This book was enlightening, informative, inspirational and a great read. Thank you for writing this book, sharing your story and inviting us in on your incredible journey. As a fellow runner, wife and mom, I wish you all the best!! One day, we’ll have to go for a jog together ❤️
December 14, 2018
Such a shame the book is so short and lacks detail as the sailor the book is about seems to have had an interesting and busy wartime service in the Pacific flying in Catalina squadrons.
October 17, 2019
Well written but I could not make a connection with the author or her story.
October 7, 2019
When I asked, Ski, my dad’s fellow PBY Crew, after my dad died 14 years ago, why my dad never talked about his experiences during the war.
He said he and my dad never expected to survive the War. As an example in one base in a new squadron they had 10 PBY crews. A few months later only three crews were left. That is 70 guys lost, out of 100,,,, many lost at sea with no idea what really happened. (lost, weather, mechanical, shot down)
They made a pact together, and decided if they ever made it out alive, they would never brag or talk about it, (except the liberty and dance halls), they would honor those that died, the real heroes who never had a chance to live a normal life, and live their lives accordingly.
They both lived by a his pact!
My dad flew PBY’s in WW2, 1941 thru 1945, against Hitler’s most potent stealth weapon U-boats, all over the Atlantic. From Brazil to Puerto Rico, Iceland, Greenland, England, And even covering the DDay Invasion.
This book was straight forward, detailed, and very helpful in giving me an idea of what he and his fellow sailors accomplished!
He said he and my dad never expected to survive the War. As an example in one base in a new squadron they had 10 PBY crews. A few months later only three crews were left. That is 70 guys lost, out of 100,,,, many lost at sea with no idea what really happened. (lost, weather, mechanical, shot down)
They made a pact together, and decided if they ever made it out alive, they would never brag or talk about it, (except the liberty and dance halls), they would honor those that died, the real heroes who never had a chance to live a normal life, and live their lives accordingly.
They both lived by a his pact!
My dad flew PBY’s in WW2, 1941 thru 1945, against Hitler’s most potent stealth weapon U-boats, all over the Atlantic. From Brazil to Puerto Rico, Iceland, Greenland, England, And even covering the DDay Invasion.
This book was straight forward, detailed, and very helpful in giving me an idea of what he and his fellow sailors accomplished!
January 6, 2018
Ron Miner, author of “Sketches of a Black Cat”
It has been my good fortune to have had the pleasure of interviewing quite a number of WWII Black Cats in the last few years, and I dearly wish Henry Lawrence had been one of them. But thanks to his daughter, Pamela Ackerson, Henry’s legacy is preserved for any who are a little curious about those night flying Cats, as well as enthusiasts like myself.
Long before he ever operated a radio on board a PBY painted entirely black, ARM Lawrence endured an experience only a few of us can imagine. In vivid detail, he describes the morning of December 7th as he and his fellow crewman struggled to set up defenses, protect planes, and help wounded on Ford Island as the smoke and fires raged in the harbor surrounding them. His indoctrination into war was sudden. With their PBYs destroyed, he would now embark on a new and different journey to wide ranging locations throughout the Pacific theater.
This memoir reads easily and feels like you are sitting in Henry’s own living room as he serves up his experiences in training and combat. In my case, the know-how of this “Just a Radioman” was fascinating, as I had yet to meet one who had flown in a PBY. The extent of his Black Cat adventures in late 1944 was another surprise. They were still extremely active and focused on night search and attack missions. The crew launched themselves into numerous glide bombing and strafing runs with enemy shipping that are methodically described, and they were appropriately decorated for their courageous efforts.
I would recommend “I was Just a Radioman” as a worthy addition to any personal or historical library.
(I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
It has been my good fortune to have had the pleasure of interviewing quite a number of WWII Black Cats in the last few years, and I dearly wish Henry Lawrence had been one of them. But thanks to his daughter, Pamela Ackerson, Henry’s legacy is preserved for any who are a little curious about those night flying Cats, as well as enthusiasts like myself.
Long before he ever operated a radio on board a PBY painted entirely black, ARM Lawrence endured an experience only a few of us can imagine. In vivid detail, he describes the morning of December 7th as he and his fellow crewman struggled to set up defenses, protect planes, and help wounded on Ford Island as the smoke and fires raged in the harbor surrounding them. His indoctrination into war was sudden. With their PBYs destroyed, he would now embark on a new and different journey to wide ranging locations throughout the Pacific theater.
This memoir reads easily and feels like you are sitting in Henry’s own living room as he serves up his experiences in training and combat. In my case, the know-how of this “Just a Radioman” was fascinating, as I had yet to meet one who had flown in a PBY. The extent of his Black Cat adventures in late 1944 was another surprise. They were still extremely active and focused on night search and attack missions. The crew launched themselves into numerous glide bombing and strafing runs with enemy shipping that are methodically described, and they were appropriately decorated for their courageous efforts.
I would recommend “I was Just a Radioman” as a worthy addition to any personal or historical library.
(I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.)
September 20, 2018
Short, honest, interesting.
Those personnel stationed in Hawaii on 7 December 1941 deserved a special ribbon for being there during the attack as a small, select few of the millions who would serve thereafter! Interesting yarn and very informative describing his training, job specs and equipment. Not to mention the combat missions far behind enemy lines where a malfunction or mistake meant death or capture by a hideously brutal enemy..Little Boy and Fat Man saved lives too. American lives especially so!
Those personnel stationed in Hawaii on 7 December 1941 deserved a special ribbon for being there during the attack as a small, select few of the millions who would serve thereafter! Interesting yarn and very informative describing his training, job specs and equipment. Not to mention the combat missions far behind enemy lines where a malfunction or mistake meant death or capture by a hideously brutal enemy..Little Boy and Fat Man saved lives too. American lives especially so!
February 19, 2018
A good book about a brave man
The book provides a understated and unassuming view into the life of a brave man in the Pacific during WW-II. My father was a Marine radio man in the Pacific during the timeframe of the book and the book gave me some insight into some of the activities in which my father may have been involved. Very brave men serving their country and their fellow soldiers, marines, and airmen. Thank you for your service.
The book provides a understated and unassuming view into the life of a brave man in the Pacific during WW-II. My father was a Marine radio man in the Pacific during the timeframe of the book and the book gave me some insight into some of the activities in which my father may have been involved. Very brave men serving their country and their fellow soldiers, marines, and airmen. Thank you for your service.
June 1, 2019
This definitely is not my genre, BUT I was so intrigued by the author sharing with me (at #CCAE19) about the story line that I had to purchase the paperback and read it. It was interesting to hear from the 1st peresin prospective and to envision three of the four Hawaiian Islands I've visited! I was also in awe at the amount of weight a plane could carry and drop instantly with a single bomb! History buffs will enjoy this true story!
September 22, 2019
Non-fiction for me is a treat and something I reward myself with when the fiction world is surrounding me. This book may be small but it is mighty in its story and photos. The pages contain a collection of memories and experiences of Chief ARM H. P. Lawrence. It is high on details and military information but it also gives you a perfect glimpse into the mind of the man and the era. The included collection of photos are the perfect accent to the story.
March 6, 2019
100 feet above water, the daily ride.
Told well. As a matter of fact. Impressed by the constant training and advancements in aerial flight capabilities. Another perspective, un-known by the general populace. Most interesting, for history buffs.
Told well. As a matter of fact. Impressed by the constant training and advancements in aerial flight capabilities. Another perspective, un-known by the general populace. Most interesting, for history buffs.
April 8, 2019
Must read for all WWII, Pacific theatre
I love to read person accounts from persons who were in the midst of the fight for the islands in the Pacific. Although this book is brief it details the communications used by the Army Air corps.
It is a must read
I love to read person accounts from persons who were in the midst of the fight for the islands in the Pacific. Although this book is brief it details the communications used by the Army Air corps.
It is a must read
May 2, 2019
Great Memories!
I really enjoyed this book. I served as an Aircrewman too. I flew in the EC-130Q and E-6A while attached to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE at Barbers Point, Hawaii. Thank you for your service to America Master Chief ARM Lawrence.
I really enjoyed this book. I served as an Aircrewman too. I flew in the EC-130Q and E-6A while attached to Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron THREE at Barbers Point, Hawaii. Thank you for your service to America Master Chief ARM Lawrence.
November 22, 2019
I really liked how this book was put together with the first hand account of a Black Cat radioman during the Pearl Harbor attack. I finished this on Veterans Day and featured it in my Little Free Library the next day.
May 8, 2021
I thought this was a well documented account of a very misunderstood illness and the complications it can cause. The strength of Maria and her family is also to be commended for their ability to come through this.
August 7, 2020
Having visited Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, I appreciated the first person account of the events that transpired on that fateful day. More importantly, some of the follow-up responses were brought to life.
May 12, 2025
Continued to read book mainly because it was a short read. Read more like a hip pocket diary than a short story. Honestly did not see any entertainment or informational value to this publication at all. It was a short dull and major waste of my time. I would not recommend this book to anyone. The pictures and documentation in the book were unnecessary and not well reproduced. I will assume it was needed as filler for page count.The only reason I gave it one star was the fact I didn’t have the option to give it a zero star rating.
January 1, 2022
I was intrigued by this book and it was well written. I found in interesting to see just how things happened. There were a couple of editing issues but not huge errors.
I was hoping for more story on Pearl Harbor as it felt that it was glossed over a bit too quickly. I really wished for more of that time especially with the name of the book.
It was disappointing to not have as much bit the book was well written so I can overlook it.
I was hoping for more story on Pearl Harbor as it felt that it was glossed over a bit too quickly. I really wished for more of that time especially with the name of the book.
It was disappointing to not have as much bit the book was well written so I can overlook it.
December 11, 2023
Don’t bother it’s not worth it and has no redeeming qualities. It is the story of a Navy enlisted man and is very boring. It makes you think you are going to learn something a Pearl Harbor but it is about one paragraph of the book, if it can be called a book, and just indecates he was there. Should have never been a book
and wasted a tree life.
and wasted a tree life.
February 18, 2021
Naval aviation thru enlisted man's eyes
Good story. Interesting read from aenlisted man's perspective. Like to find another free read like this. PBY S played a big role in Pacific
Good story. Interesting read from aenlisted man's perspective. Like to find another free read like this. PBY S played a big role in Pacific
March 2, 2021
Air Crewman
Well written interesting story of a young navy air crewman. His enlistment in the reserves to being called to active service.
Experiences at training schools and his assignments to operational squadrons and combat missions.
Well written interesting story of a young navy air crewman. His enlistment in the reserves to being called to active service.
Experiences at training schools and his assignments to operational squadrons and combat missions.
July 21, 2021
“I Was Just a Radioman” This true story about Pearl Harbor is a compilation of ARM H.P. Lawrence’s memoirs. It’s a fantastic read. Well written, historical, and intriguing. Events told by someone who has actually experienced it really brought the story to life. Very well done.
February 6, 2023
Good read
A good little read about a vet that saw all of the Pacific war in World War II. It was especially fun for me to read because I love PYBs and the Black Cats were the elites.
A good little read about a vet that saw all of the Pacific war in World War II. It was especially fun for me to read because I love PYBs and the Black Cats were the elites.
March 12, 2024
This was a great autobiography! The print was so big that it didn't take me very long to finish a page. I found this to be very encouraging. It was like the author was cheering me on until I finished the book this morning.
December 30, 2024
This is a brief memoir about a U.S. naval radioman in Asia. His thoughts are simple and thorough. There is little emphasis on the actual fighting witnessed, which opens a window on the mundane aspects of war.
I found it very interesting.
I found it very interesting.
February 21, 2018
Not much
It really did not develop any interest sort of looking through the calander of dates of travel, definitely needed editing.
It really did not develop any interest sort of looking through the calander of dates of travel, definitely needed editing.
October 28, 2018
Somewhat disappointing
Not what I expected but still interesting if interested in first-hand accounts of WWII. I'm more interested in the ETO than the PTO.
Not what I expected but still interesting if interested in first-hand accounts of WWII. I'm more interested in the ETO than the PTO.
February 8, 2021
I enjoyed it because my father was a radio man on a PBY
June 21, 2021
Confusing
There were too many acronyms with no explanations as to their meaning . A glossary would have been a Boone.
There were too many acronyms with no explanations as to their meaning . A glossary would have been a Boone.
June 8, 2023
Good read
I was just a radio man was interesting. It gives you an idea of what it was like to be on patrol in a PBY Catilina.
I was just a radio man was interesting. It gives you an idea of what it was like to be on patrol in a PBY Catilina.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews