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�44TH BOMB GROUP VETERANS ASSOCIATION BOARD
Official Journal of
President E m e r i t u s : B - G e n . J o h n H . G i b s o n (Retired)
7008 Gateridge
Dallas, T X 7 5 2 4 0 - 7 9 3 6
Phone: (972) 239-0559
Director: Robert J. Lehnhausen (68)
2540 Benton Court
Peoria, IL 61615-8838
Phone/Fax: (309) 243-1952
The 8-Ball Tails©
The 44th Bomb
Group Veterans
Association, Inc. ©
Compiled, written
Immediate Past President: Roy W. Owen (506) Director: Michael "Mike" Yuspeh (506)and published tri7214 Sardonyx St.
6304 Meadowridge Drive
yearly at 2041
New Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5839
Village Circle East,
Phone/Fax: (504) 283-3424
Phone: (707) 538-4726 Fax: (707) 538-1212
York, PA, by Ruth
e-mail: mikeyuspeh@worldnet.att.net
e-mail: Rowen44bg@aol.com
W . Davis-Morse,
Editor. Printed and
mailed Bulk Rate
President: Edw. K. "Mike" Mikoloski (66/67) Director (44 SMW)
at Salt Lake City,
Charles G. Simpson
626 Smithfield Road #702
UT under USPS
P.O.
Box
281
N. Providence, Rl 02904
Permit #6923. All
Brechenridge, CO 80424
Phone/Fax: (401) 353-0144
original written
Phone/Fax: (970) 453-0500
e-mail: EKMLIB44@msn.com
material such as
e-mail: AFMISSILEERS@compuserve.com
letters, stories,
First Vice President: Richard D. Butler (506/67)
excerpts from
Historian: C.W. "Will" Lundy (67)
44th Group VP to 2nd ADA
personal diaries or
3295 North "H" Street
16494 Wagon Wheel Drive
memoirs, drawings
San Bernardino, CA 92405-2809
Riverside, CA 92506
and photos
Phone/Fax: (909) 882-2441
Phone (909) 780-7421 Fax: (909) 780-1459
submitted to this
e-mail: willundy@aol.com
e-mail: rdbutler@excelonline.com
journal will become
P.O. Box 315, Bridgeport, CA 93517 (Sum the property of the
Phone/Fax: (760) 932-7349
Treasurer: Gerald (Jerry) Folsom (506)
44th Bomb Group
3582 East Dover Hill Road
Veterans
Membership: Search
Salt Lake City, UT 84121-5527
Association and
Phone (801) 733-7371 Fax: (801) 942-9988
Art Hand (66)
will be copyright
e-mail: 44thbgva@xmission.com
517 Elm Street
protected except
where noted. The
Paris, IL 61944-1417
text and photos
Secretary: Nancy L. Van Epps (Hq. Sqdn.)
Phone/Fax: (217) 463-5905
are otherwise
13922 River Road
e-mail: k9hwp@comwares.net
reproduced from
Pensacola, FL 32507
official USAAF and
Phone/Fax: (850) 492-2041
U.K. Representative: Steve Adams
USAF documents
28 Bassingham Rd.
and photos which
Director (67) Archivist
Norwich, England NR3 2QT
have been released
Anthony "Tony" Mastradone
Phone/Fax: 011-44-1603-400221
for publication.
9111 Tuckerman Street
e-mail: s.p.adams@btinternet.com
Permission is
Lanham, M D 20706-2709
granted for the
Phone/Fax: (301) 577-1487
ASSOCIATION MAILING ADDRESS:
contents of this
e-mail: mast@clres.com
44th BGVA
journal to be
P.O. Box 712287
reproduced
Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
specifically for
personal archives.
Otherwise, copyright material herein may be reproduced by the journal of other incorporated non-profit veterans organizations so long as this publication is
properly credited and prior permission is granted by the editor.
Those submitting letters, stories and photos to the editor or historian must do so with the understanding that this material will most likely be publishe
journal as a matter of interest to the members/subscribers of the Association and this journal. While every attempt will be made to answer all of the material
received, there is no explicit or implied guarantee that an answer will be provided or published. Except for specific requests for the return of original documents
and photos, all material submitted will become the property of the 44th Veterans Association, Inc., or its successors.
«
®
�COVER PICTURE (CONT.):
The front plane, formerly Delectable Dorises been renamed Joe, in
honor of the late Joseph P. Kennedy. It's markings are of the 359
Bomb Group, Bethel. Behind it is the All American, bearing the markings of the 453nd Bomb Group, Old Buckingham. Both are from
Second Combat Wing. Young Joe Kennedy died on a mission to
knock out Germany's V 2 rocket launching sites.
Joeis being restored at the Fantasy in Flight Museum, Polk City,
Florida. All American, the last fully restored,flyingLiberator in the world has been renamed
Dragon and his Tail. The Collins Foundation of Stowe, VT is the owner of the plane. Because it
was used in the Pacific, they have renamed it to honor all aircraft and crews that flew in the
Pacific Theater. The original All American wis lost in combat, but holds the record for the most
enemy aircraft shot down.
Wiley Noble is Secretary of the 3rd Strategic Air Depot Association National Headquarters
GOOD N E W S FOR AF STATION 115
Our UK, Representative, Steve A d a m s ,
sends word that Mrs. E. Paterson, owner of the
Shipdham Airfield property occupied by the now
defunct Arrow Air Services, has signed a lease
with the newly formed Shipdham Aero Club. In
her search for a new leasee, she had stipulated
the leasee must maintain a museum in its
facility with a theme that would perpetuate the
history of the wartime 44th F3omb Group. The
new Aero Club whose membership Includes 60
former members of the Arrow Air Services club
enthusiastically agreed to the stipulation. They
have taken occupancy and the clubhouse is
already being repaired and redecorated. Steve
Adams has pined and has been appointed
Historian and M u s e u m Director/Curator. He is
preparing to return all the 44th historical
material which he removed from the Aero Air
facility and had stored in his garage. They will be
back on display at the restored club when the
decoration is completed. While the report was
brief, a lot of enthusiasm from the Aero Club
came shining through. The club owns two airplanes and will be storing other member owned
airplanes. This is a good beginning from which
the operation can grow.
This is great news for those of us who
have always felt strongly that as long as A F 115
could remain open with some kind of flying
activity we would always have our wartime home
to revisit. The historic base has been our link to
perpetuate the love and respect we share with
the people of Shipdham and hope to carry on
through our progeny.
W e will have a more expanded report on
A F Station 115 (hopefully with some pictures)
from Steve in the next 3 F3all Tails.
IRoy Ocue*t
�The Evolution of the 44th BG To Missileer
Charlie Simpson's Story
a maintenance officer
Fourteen years after
throughout the short life
W W I I was over, and the
of the Titan 1.1 was
Cold W a r was 'heating up,'
involved in the acceptance
new weapons and new
procedure for new sites
airmen were taking center
and new missiles, and was
stage. Among those who
involved in the removal of
were part of this
those same missiles and
transition was Charlie
the dismantling of the
Simpson. In his own
same sites three years
words, he describes the
later. The Titan I was
evolutionary process:
probably like the B-24 in
I'm a lifetime member
some ways - it was a large,
of the 44th Bomb Group
complex weapon system
Veterans Association—but
that took a lot of people to
my time in the 44th was a
make it work. W e had as
long time after the unit was
many as 100 folks on a
called a Bomb Group— I
Titan I site to operate,
served in the 68th
maintain, secure and
Strategic Missile Squadron Col. CIIARIES SiivipsoN, COMMANCIER of JUE 44rh
support three nuclear
and the 44th Strategic
C O M I W SuppoRT C R O U P , EllswoRih AFB, S.D. 1981
tipped PA missiles - a big
Missile Wing. Those of us
work force for a small part
who served in the later
of the nuclear deterrence.
version of the 44th had
strong ties to our past—we all knew the
history of the original unit, and felt we had
W h e n the Titan I era ended, most of us
close ties with those of you who flew B-24's
who had served in the system went on to
during the war in Europe.
newer missiles—I headed north and east to
TITAN I
Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota, to become
I started my Air Force career in late
a missile launch officer in the newest ICBM
1959, first as an aircraft maintenance
system, the Minuteman II. The "Deuce" was
officer at Hanscom Field, Massachusetts. In
just becoming part of the inventory of the
early 1961, the Air Force began asking
Strategic Air C o m m a n d — I got to perform
officers and enlisted people to volunteer for
some of the same "acceptance" tasks at
duty in the coming intercontinental ballistic
Grand Forks as I did with the early Titan I.
missiles - an opportunity for those of us who
As a member of the eleventh missile combat
could not fly to become part of a combat
crew, out of 100, to become combat ready, I
organization. I made a quick trip to the
was involved in training those crew members
personnel office as soon as I saw a notice. I
behind m e on an entirely new weapons
was told that in a few weeks I would be
system. I spent my share of missile alerts
going into the missile career field in the
below the North Dakota prairie - we would
brand new Titan I missile at Mountain H o m e
stay on alert for 36 to 48 hours, five or six
AFB, Idaho. I spent the next four years as
times a month in those days, in a concrete
®
�CO OF TOE 0 0 T H
STRATEGIC MISSILE
CApi. CIHARIES SivipsoN
(SEATECJ) AI
DEpury MissioN
C O M M A N C I C O N S O I E VVJIIH EVAIUAIOR C A P T . DANJEI
CREW
Dowi\ii\q. 1 981
enclosure 6 0 feet below ground and between
60 and 120 miles from the air base. The big
difference was that it took about the same
number of people to operate and maintain
150 Minuteman II missiles as it did to keep
nine Titan I missiles on alert. During m y five
years in the 321st Strategic Missile Wing
(a B-25 medium bomber group in the war), I
trained and evaluated missile crews, and
represented the wing twice at the Strategic
Air Command Missile Combat Competition.
In 1969, our team of twelve officers and
N C O s brought back the Blanchard trophy as
the best missile wing in SAC.
Oyer the next seven years, I served in
two S A C Headquarters jobs: First as an
operations evaluator traveling to each of the
nine missile wings to assess their combat
readiness. Then as the chief of the office
that developed the Single Integrated
Operational Plan factors for missile
performance - the specifics of accuracy and
reliability that provided the war planners
the basis for target assignments. In 1977,1
attended Air W a r college. For m y elective
course, I spent three months reading the
histories of the 44th and 321st Strategic
Missile Wings and writing a paper about
those units.
In June 1978,1 reported to the 44th
and immediately took command of the
68th Strategic Missile Squadron. The
68th consisted of 60 young missile launch
officers who manned the five launch
control centers in western South Dakota,
around Sturgis, Spearfish, Belle Fourche,
Newell and other small towns. These five
underground centers controlled fifty
Minuteman II missiles spread over more
than 5,000 square miles of prairie.
On m y first day as commander, the
outgoing commander gave m e a package that
included some important documents - a list
of every commander of the 68th from its
initial activation in 1942 and a history of the
bomb group and bomb wing before it became
a missile unit. In those days, w e had a deep
respect for the history of our units—and
that respect continues today in the
remaining I C B M units. I served as the 68th
commander for almost two years, then
moved to the position of Assistant Deputy
Commander for Operations in the wing.
During that period, we opened the museum
at Ellsworth, with a 44th Bomb Group
display one of the highlights. It shared
center stage with a history of the high
altitude balloon flights conducted in the
mid-1930s from the Black Hills. The opening
ceremonies featured a visit from two of the
scientists from the National Geographic who
were involved in those tests—in 1980, they
were the President and Chairman of the
National Geographic Society.
�I JOHNSON
THE SCENE
In 1983,1 left the 44th for m y first
In M a y 1981,1 took command of the
overseas assignment. I had been selected to
44th Combat Support Group and became the
command a new base in Sicily—a base that
"mayor" of Ellsworth AFB, then the third
wasn't there yet. Oyer the next fourteen
largest community in South Dakota. In 1982,
months, I oversaw the activation and
I had the honor of representing the wing at
construction of a
the 44th Bomb
new ground
Group 40th
launched cruise
Anniversary
missile base—a
reunion in Rapid
task made
City. One of m y
fondest
difficult because
memories is the
we kept digging up
scene of over
U S and British
500 of you
bombs that were
snapping to
dropped during
attention when
the Sicily
General Leon
campaign. The
Johnson entered
base was the
the banquet hall
called Magliocco
at the Howard
Air Base. It was
Johnson's. Osier
captured so
the next few
rapidly that
months, I got to
German bombers
know General
that took off to
Johnson because
bomb Patton's
he visited us
landing troops
again. W e invited
were met by
him to return to
American GIs
talk to our junior
when they
officers about
returned for
the meaning of
refueling and
"officership." H e
rearming. I was
not only talked to
the first person
the young men
to arrive at what
and women of the
we then called
wing and base, he
Comiso Air Base;
made a series of
but when I left
MilNUTEMAN LAUNCEI Al VANdENbERq A F B , CAlifoRI\iA.
videos that summarized his
the following year, w e had
concept of being an officer in our nation's
an operational missile wing and over 1200
military. I also had a great opportunity. I
troops on the base.
was able to sit and talk one-on-one with him
on several occasions about leadership and
command.
*
�I spent the next forty years on bases in
Turkey and Spain as base commander-both
bases were key training locations for our
European fighter units. W e normally had
two or three squadrons of fighters from
bases in Germany or England, using our bomb
ranges and aerial combat areas. I ended my
thirty years at Minot AFB, North Dakota, as
Chief of Staff of the 57th Air Division, the
host organization for the base, with a bomb
wing and missile wing assigned to it.
Interestingly, the 57th had been the 57th
Bomb Wing in the war - and the 321st Bomb
Group (the missile wing at Grand Forks I
served in) was a part of that wing in Europe.
I'm sure that some of the bombs I watched
being dug up at Comiso were delivered by the
B-25's of the 321st in 1943.
O n July 4th, 1994,1 made my last visit
to an active 44th unit - the 44th Missile
Wing, a victim of the Strategic Arms
Reduction treaties, closed on that day.
Veterans from throughout the history of
the 44th Bomb Group, Bomb Wing, Strategic
Missile Wing and Missile Wing (we lost the
"strategic" designation in 1992), stood at
silent attention as the flag of the 44th was
folded for the last time. The memories of
the 44th are well preserved, not only in the
fine museum outside the gates at Ellsworth,
but in the minds of all of those who were a
part of a unit that played a key part in our
nation's defense for over 52 years.
Editor's Note: Charles Simpson is
Executive Director of the
Association of Air Force Missileers.
14" mi SHIP
m MM IHflllfl
Thursday. August 31 - Sunday. September 3
This Year's Attractions:
Visit the beautiful Hotel del Coronado. This is a
historic landmark, a building that is over 100 years
old. It's unique architectural style can only be found
on this building. Browse the 25 boutiques and shops.
The grounds will take your breath away. Since the
buildings were not built at the same time, no one can
understand how it all came together. The story of
construction is worth visiting this structure. It is
located on the Island of Coronado, across the bay
from San Diego. The beautiful sight is worth the visit.
As other people visit the Carrier, you can visit this
magnificent hotel.
The Aircraft Carrier visit will be limited by the numbe
that the Navy will let board at one time. Please check
on your registration if you wish to visit the carrier. This
involves a lot of walking, but the experience is well
worth your effort.
Balboa Park, The Zoo. Inside the park is the Air &
Space Museum. I know the Panda is cute, but as
some one told m e the best kept secret in the Balboa,
as well as the Zoo. Transportation will be furnished to
the park and, stop at the entrance to the Zoo. There
are trams to take you to the museums and other
attractions inside the park. W e left a whole day to visit
San Diego's main attraction.
Make your reservations
and arrangements now!!!
�lt is for the above reasons that your Board and 1
conceived and are sponsoring two (2) drives - one
that is traditional and the other that is innovative.
The former is the Fund Drive for the M D B and the
latter is a Membership Contest.
The Fund Drive was kicked off with my letter of
January 31, 2000 to each of you, appealing for
contributions to support the MASTER DATABASE
P R O G R A M (MDB) in which w e are both the
innovators and the leaders.
The new millennium arrived 'like a lamb' despite
all the pessimistic predictions of temporal or
cosmic problems by the 'gloom and doom' Y2K
Apocalypsians. And so, w e in the 44th BGVA
arrived into the new millennium with pride,
enthusiasm, energy and a spirit of hope, optimism,
innovation and challenge - not unlike the style w e
demonstrated in the war and post-war years that
earned us the reputation as The Greatest
Generation. W e made the commitments, the
sacrifices and the efforts required of us to meet the
challenges confronting us. Then, having overcome
these threats and subduing our adversaries, w e
again demonstrated the finest of human qualities
by providing our adversaries with aid and
encouragement that enabled them to become
productive members of the community of nations.
Never have a people of any generation given more
generously of its blood, sweat and tears, and
shared -- no GAVE - much of its wealth to heal the
wounds of friend and foe alike.
The 44th BGVA is but a microcosm of The Greatest
Generation, and our reincarnation, growth,
stability and success are just causes for our pride.
But, at the same time they present us with a
challenge - a challenge to insure that our sacrifices,
efforts and accomplishments are recorded accurately
and permanently in our electronic MASTER
DATABASE P R O G R A M (MDB) that can be used by
historians, researchers and our children's children.
A challenge also, to insure that all former
members of the 44th BG and its support units are
given every opportunity to join the 44th BGVA and
8
be included in this major undertaking.
As you may perhaps know, we have completed
Phase 1 (Archival information and 8500 Sorties)
and are in the process of implementing Phases 11
(Bios), 111 (340 Mission Summaries) and IV (Will
Lundy's historical data, photos, diaries, etc.).
Financially speaking, Phase 1 is fully paid; Phase
is self funded; Phases 111 and IV, however, require
separate funding that is not available from our
current and/or future operating budgets. Hence
the necessity for the Fund Drive, the first in the
44th BGVA, but a TRADITIONAL method in similar
non-profit organizations.
The EVERY MEMBER GET A MEMBER ("E-M-G-AM") CONTEST was kicked off in the winter issue of
the 8-Ball Tails, although the contest rules are only
being published in this Spring issue. The contest
is crucial to our continued growth and vitality;
because as you know, members are the critical
element of all organizations. Our records indicate
that there are some 2,000 members of the 44th BG
w h o have not joined the 44th BGVA. When you
add to this number the wives, children,
grandchildren, relatives and friends, the pool of
prospective n e w members can easily double or
triple to 4,000 or 6,000.
It is this pool of prospective members we should
try to reach, not only for the obvious benefits to the
44th BGVA, but also for the personal benefit to
each non-member - especially in view of the fact
that the only w a y they can learn about the
MILITARY DATABASE P R O G R A M (MDB) and be
able to record their military records permanently
in the N M P is by joining the 44th BGVA. 1 strongly
�believe it is our responsibility to our Comradesin-Arms to make every effort to contact them or
their families and apprise them of this
opportunity. Time is of the essence, and w e
should not procrastinate any longer. 1 urge all of
you to adopt m y 'Zero Tolerance' attitude.
When you make a donation and enroll a new
member you will be insuring the completion of
M D P and the unprecedented increase in the
growth and vitality of our cherished and beloved
organization.
FINAL THOUGHT
I W O U L D RATHER ATTEMPT TO DO SOMETHING
GREAT A N D FAIL, THAN ATTEMPT
TO DO NOTHING A N D SUCCEED.
EVERY MEMBER GET A MEMBER!
EVERY M E M B E R MAKES A DONATION.
* v*
fT'Stl/AfTOWPN-niEAMDNWIrTOlL!
GFT YOM MOWUY DONE NOW!
Have you done your Database? If not, why not? Nobody is
getting any younger. You might have to rattle around your
attic to find s o m e old pictures—but do it. You were in the
greatest conflict in the history of the world. You helped save the
world from horror beyond imagination. If you don't record it the way it
happened to you personally, future generations will think it was a turkey
shoot.
Larry Herpel is heading up the effort to load the biographies into the Database,
a project that is proceeding smoothly but slowly. Working with him is Ruth Dobbs,
wife of LTC Sterling Dobbs 68th B S and Jeffrey Deitering, w h o had a relative in the
66th. Larry could use another volunteer to enter data. To qualify, you must have basic
knowledge of your computer, and have s o m e experience in W o r d Processing. Call Larry
at (512) 3 7 6 - 7 7 8 0 . You will work in wonderment as you read the reports, that this
generation could have m a d e such a sacrifice.
Filling out forms may seem like a lot of trouble; but you will be glad you did it. Even a
hundred years from now, a grandchild, a historian or a casual researcher will be glad to
find your story. You deserve to have the details of your sacrifice on record.
To quote Tommy Shepherd, "As certain as geese fly south in the winter, we can't outlive
history. Time is of essence and essence is not to be wasted."
If you need forms for your bios, contact:
Jerry Folsom
RO. Box 7 1 2 2 8 7
Salt Lake City, Utah 8 4 1 7 1 - 2 2 8 7
�W U K2
In the past week or so most of
you readers have received a letter
from the Board and signed by our
Prez requesting financial
assistance - a donation - to assist
in the data entry of more of our
history into the new data base
program. Preliminary words have
indicated that many of you have
generously opened your purse
strings so this work can move
ahead.
This "work" that we have been
referring to, in general, resides
here in m y "war" room, but is not
"my" material. No, the fact is
that it is your material. You have
been so helpful to m e by providing
data that can be found nowhere
else. The archives have many
records and material, but it does
not have the personal, "i was
there," data. It is this material or
information about your
experiences, your life, your records
that must not be lost.
Most of us have been privileged
to view Arlo Bartsch's data based
program in action and have
marveled at the amount of
detailed data that can be placed in
this program and made available
immediately. The programming
work is excellent. Naturally, while
B
viewing this program in action,
I've been thinking and hoping that
your material could be added into
the program. So we invited Arlo to
visit, to see what is stored here
and to get his evaluation or his
program to assimilate it.
Richard "Dick" Butler, a
"neighbor," our Vice President and
active Chairman of a 2nd A D A
Committee studying Arlos'
program, kindly agreed to attend
to check out this material too. I
a m greatly relieved to learn that,
after reviewing much of this type
of material on hand, that the
program, indeed, was designed to
accommodate it all!
Once this was determined, the
next step was to ascertain or
prioritize the data entry of it,
What to do first? That proved to
be difficult for which is more
important than the other? It was
a subjective thing for me, being so
closely involved in its accumulation.
Dick and Arlo, having actual
combat experiences, helped with
their evaluation. W e agreed that
we needed to provide data about
the target and an overall summary
for every one of our 3 4 4 missions.
So, this text is now being entered.
10
A very close second task will
require more data entry expenses
due to the volume on hand. These
will be the personal diaries, some
of which are in great detail, day by
day accounts. While others might
be only the recollections of events
on one mission or an event that
you have furnished in a letter.
Another subject that is
important is photographs. A name
is just a name that we see in a
sortie report, or events in a diary,
but a photo changes all of that as
it now becomes a person. When
one accesses a sortie report in the
Program, each m a n is identified
by his name, but if we have his
photo, then his likeness appears in
the upper right corner on the
screen. W e see him, he comes into
view, becomes a person.
Yes, here and on hand are many
good crew photos that can be
utilized to access the photo of each
crew member, but we will need
more, especially in the period later
in the war. W e need to gather
more of them, group or single, for
posterity. The same is true for
personal experiences in the form of
diaries or individual stories that
you have carried all these years
and have not put in writing or
voice tapes. I urge you to get
them recorded by some means and
sent to me.
0
�Yes, data entry costs a great deal of
money; most likely much more than we can
donate. However, Arlo's program is OPEN
ENDED, so data can always be corrected or
added if and when further financing is
obtained. Remember too, that we, the
"44thers", are now the foremost pioneering
bomber group in the Second Air Division
utilizing this program, are number one. We
must maintain the status of having the first
and best available history.
My personal and sincere thanks to all of
you for making all of this possible.
7VM AccHdy
Due to space limitations and to
ensure the clarity and brevity of
submitted material, the Publisher/
Editor reserves the editorial license
to add, cut or otherwise modify all
submitted material so long as the
original context of the material is
maintained.
SILVER WINQS
A cup of gold spills from on high
A n d sunlight paints m y wings;
A cotton quilt, an azure sky,
These are an airman's things.
There is a peace, there is a joy
That moves all those who've flown
As earth unrolls, as lakes deploy,
A n d eye meets tone on tone.
And God comes, too, when spinning blade
Its winding movement stills,
W h e n need portends 'Be not afraid,
But join as one our wills.'
So let me fly on silvery wing
Until m y day runs thin,
A greater skill will surely bring
This airman gently in.
A cup of gold spills from on high
A n d brightly shows the way.
There is no night, no danger rude,
This is a wondrous day.
Have \\o\\ changed your
address, e-mail telephone number!
Please iwiiiif us at:
My course is set for altitude
W h e r e pilots all convene,
For I a m in the Hand of G o d
With flight plan He has seen.
Ray Ward
Read at services for K.J. Kurtenbach,
Stalag 17-B Camp Leader
P0B©* 712287
Salt Lake City, Ul 841 71-2287
n
�ANNOUNCING
THE EVERY-MEMBER-GET-A-MEMBER CONTEST
CASH PRIZES
The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the EVERY-MEMBER-GET-AMEMBER-CONTEST, with cash prizes totaling $700, and many other cash equivalent
prizes that raise this total to over $1,000. In addition to the cash prizes, the contest
^
winners will receive other prizes that include:
Breakfast for two at the The Westin Horton Plaza San Diego
44th BGVA Reunion SHIPDHAM TOWER lithograph
Gold Plated Pen and Pencil Set
Other prizes will be added and announced at the San Diego Reunion.
The Contest began January 1,2000 and terminates September 2,2000 at the 44th BGVA Seventh
Reunion in San Diego. Members may reproduce the entry forms and submit them, individually or
collectively, along with their checks to the following address:
44th B G V A
Attention: "E-M-G-A-M" C O N T E S T
P.O. B o x 712287
Salt Lake City, U T 84171-2287
Entries will be accepted at the Reunion to midday (1200 hours) Saturday, September 2,2000.
All of us become winners whether we win one of the prizes or not, because the end result is an increase
in our membership and the inclusion into our organization some of the 2,000 lost, mis-addressed,
deceased and/or otherwise unaffiliated colleagues and their families. W e owe it to our lost brothers to
bring them back into the fold, so that they, too, may enjoy the benefits of membership in our organization
At minimum, they and their families should be given the opportunity to know about the 44th BGVA, and
to have their records, their valorous deeds and their sacrifices entered into the 44th B G V A Military
Database. Their contributions must be included for their children's and their grandchildren's sake. To
deny them this last chance is unthinkable.
In this crucial undertaking, let us adopt a 'zero tolerance' attitude.
Every member gets a member. Contact and enroll your colleagues today.
XXgfM*"*^
BLUE RIBBON PERFORMANCE
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�EVERY-MEMBER-GET-A-MEMBER CONTEST RULES
Eligibility.
All members in good standing (Life, Regular, Associate, Honorary) of the 44th B o m b
Group Veterans Association are eligible to participate and receive prizes. Officers and
Board Members may participate, but are ineligible to receive prizes.
Method.
Points will be awarded for enrolling former members of the 44th B o m b Group, the 44th S M W , 14th Combat Wing, 44th Air Refueling
Squadron, the 3rd Strategic Air Depot, and Support Elements like Finance, MP, 806th Ordnance, 50th Sta. Complement, 464th SD,
(living or deceased), their families, friends and/or associates. Points will also be earned for re-enrolling former members (and their
families and friends) of the 44th B o m b Group Veterans Association whose memberships have lapsed since the 1998/99 membership
years.
Point Scoring.
Winners will be determined on the basis of points earned according to the following criteria:
Life Membership (40 to 59)
7 points
Life Membership (60 and over)
6 points
Regular, Associate & Abroad
1 point per year
O
/M
Prizes:
First Prize
Second Prize
Third Prize
Fourth Prize
Fifth Prize
Sixth Prize
Seventh Prize
$300
$200
$100
$50
Cross Gold, 10 ct, pen & pencil set
engraved with winner's names.
SHIPDHAM TOWER Lithograph framed.
Breakfast for Two at Westin Hotel, San Diego.
Entry Forms.
• Membership application as printed in 8 Ball Tails.
• Application forms may be reproduced.
• Appropriate dues must accompany forms.
• Forms sent by mail must be postmarked not later than 25 August 2000.
• Forms may be hand delivered at the 44th B G V A Reunion, San Diego, not later than 12:00 noon, 2 September 2000.
Mailing Address:
44th B G V A
Attention: "E-M-G-A-M" C O N T E S T
P.O. Box 712287
Salt Lake City, Utah 84171-2287
Winners not in attendance at San Diego Reunion will have their prizes mailed to them.
Membership Contest Committee:
Chair: Ed "Mike" Mikoloski
Vice: Richard Butler
Treasurer: Jerry Folsom
Members: Robert Lehnhausen
Charles Simpson
All decisions of the Contest Committee will be final.
13
�The 44th Bomb Group Band at
the Officers Club. Seated, Paul
Boensch is fourth from the left.
Major Linck is standing at the
^ ^^^^
Can anyone identify the other ^ WMfiB^te
PAUL BOENSCH AND THE
44TH BOMB GROUP BAND
Learning to be a bombardier at Childress Air Force Base in Texas was a different world for Paul Boensch, who had
studied music, among other things, at the University of Memphis, and had played in many of the Big Bands in the area. He
joined the Bieber crew at Biggs Field, El Paso, Texas, and on D-Day found himself up to his chin in snow in Greenland.
On July 7th the Consolidated Mess w a s carrying them to Bernberg, Munich, and other exciting Nazi hangouts. One day
it occurred to First Lieutenant Boensch, that drinking w a r m beer at the clubs, playing cards or riding a bike to the movie
house were short of ideal entertainment. He started a band.
When he first discussed it with Major Larry Linck, a member of the Permanent Party, in charge of the welfare and
morale of the troops, he found a kindred soul. Linck w a s not only an enthusiast, he also had a great voice, and could be
induced to sing on any occasion. They started talking to a few musicians about organizing a musical group, and the idea
blossomed.
The Major had a very persuasive personality. Maintenance men w h o usually repaired airplanes found time to build
music stands. Electricians set up lights. In a short time Paul w a s off to London to buy the popular music of the day, Don't
Sit Under the Apple Tree, I'll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time, String of Pearls, Tuxedo Junction, In The Mood, and many
more.
"Our best break came when soon after D-Day Major Linck had learned that an entire band of German musicians had
been captured at St. Lo. Twenty four hours later w e had their instruments, all in first class condition. Even their carrying
cases were top of the line, so that when w e carried them in our steam heated buses, they were well protected. Steam
heated buses were a true luxury and rarity; but somehow, the Major managed it."
"We had a string base, piano, drums, trumpets, trombones, alto saxes and tenor saxes. There were fourteen or fifteen
of us," Paul recalled, "ranging in rank from a Corporal w h o played the guitar (when he wasn't cooking for the Ground
Officers Mess); to Major Linck, w h o was the highest ranking officer. Paul w a s the Music Director. Major Linck was the
Front Man, serving also as Vocalist and Manager.
"We started playing in the Officers Club and the Aero Club
where the enlisted men could dance with the w o m e n of the RAF.
Soon w e had many invitations. W e played in lots of places,
including Black Friars Castle, a beautiful edifice that w a s turned
over to servicemen during the war. Of course, w e were still flying,
also; and at one time I climbed out of m y flight suit, and immediately dressed for a performance."
When the thirty-five missions were up, Boench and his fellow
crewmen were happy to get back to the states, and the timing
couldn't have been better. Within a few weeks his wife Helen
presented him with a beautiful baby boy. Everybody w h o w a s sent
to war found his/her o w n method of coping. For Boench, music
was his forte', and he shared it.
_
The 44th B o m b Group Band played at the Aero Club.
�MI nm num - IOOO
M i k e Y u s p e h has put together a schedule
of events that should delight e v e r y o n e — t h e
shoppers, the historical buffs a n d the animal
lovers. T h e Westin Horton Plaza is within
walking distance to great s h o p p i n g areas.
You all have the choice of touring a n
aircraft carrier d o c k e d in S a n D i e g o Bay, or
visit the beautiful historic Hotel Del
C o r o n a d o . A m o n g the planned events is a
trip to the Balboa Park Z o o , o n e of the best
in the world. They recently a n n o u n c e d the
birth of H u a M e i , daughter of Shi Shi a n d
Bai Y u n , three of the world's increasingly
rare P a n d a s .
For those w h o wish to stay over, they can
visit the harbor w h e r e the U. S. Navy,
Marines a n d Coast G u a r d are all stationed.
Seaport Village is a great place to shop, eat,
and listen to local musicians. T h e Transit
Trolley is a time saving inexpensive m o d e of
transportation.
T h e S a n Diego Aerospace M u s e u m is a
dramatic trip through aviation history.
"Lucky Lindy's" Spirit of St. Louis w a s built
there, a n d it g a v e rise to a major aviation
industry. Q u o t e s from aviation heroes, their
portraits a n d their aircrafts deck the walls of
this unique m u s e u m .
Located 12 miles north of the Mexican
border, S a n Diego's population is a blend of
Anglo, Chicano, Asian a n d African-American.
It is the h o m e of California's first mission
built in 1 7 6 9 by Father Serra while it w a s
still under Mexican rule. A gold strike in
1 8 7 0 a n d the arrival of the Santa Fe
Railroad in 1 8 8 5 set the stage for the rise of
this interesting metropolis.
SAN DIEGO REUNION PROGRAM
Saturday. September 2. 2000
9:00 A M to 12:00 Noon: General Membership Meeting at
Hotel.
1:00 PM Tour of the city of San Diego. This is one of only
two tours offered at your expense. Please
reserve early.
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Cash Bar.
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Banquet will be special. Candle
lighting, live entertainment and
dancing.
Wednesday. August 30. 2000
Board Meeting: Afternoon (time to be announced).
Thursday. August 31. 2000
9:00 A M to 12:00 Noon: Registration.
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Registration.
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Reception-Snacks and cash bar.
Dinner on your own.
Friday. September 1.2000
10:00 AM: Buses will leave hotel Westin Horton Plaza.
Sunday. September 3. 2000
10:00 A M to 11:30 AM: North Island Naval Air Station
Tour to Balboa Park Zoo - Travel to Park will be furnished
(NAS) Tour.
by
trolley
starting at 10:00 A M and run until 4:00 PM. To enter
11:30 A M to 1:00 PM: Buffet luncheon in Island Club NAS.
the Zoo you must have a ticket. These are listed on the tour
Your choice of Tours: Please check your preference
that the 44th are offering as a group. This ticket also offers you
on the Reunion Registration Form.
other perks in the Park. There are other attractions and
1:15 PM to 2:15 PM: Aircraft Carrier Tour or
museums in the Park.
Famous Hotel Del Coronado Tour.
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Cash Bar.
Buses will pick up at Island Club for the above tours and
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Casual Buffet with exciting
will return to hotel by 3:00 PM.
entertainment and plenty of dance music.
Ladies: You are located at the Westin Horton Plaza. Lots
of time for shopping at the Mall near the hotel.
San Diego sells itself. It's climate is exemplary and
Squadrons Dinner:
have you in a four diamond luxury hotel surrounded by
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Cash Bar.
your favorite shopping spots.
7:00 PM to 10:00 PM: Check bulletin board for your
Squadrons room assignment.
Theme to be announced.
J
V
15
�August 51 - September 5. 2000
Westin Horton Plaza Hotel
San Diego. California
2000
th
44 Bomb Group
REUNION Registration Form
Please Print or Type. All Information Must Be Complete.
Last Name First Name (Tag)
Spouse Squadron
Address
City
State
Phone
E-Mail
Zip Code
Guests & Relation
Number to Attend:
$195/each
Amount $
Tour #1:
Saturday, September 2: Tour Starts 1:00 P M From Hotel
Tour of San Diego provided by Old Town Trolley Tours.
This is a group tour for the 44th.
$24
4ff Attending:
Amount: $
Tour #2:
Sunday, September 3: Ticket for Zoo at Balboa Park.
Trolley all start running 10:00 A M to Balboa Park.
They will make shuttles all day from park to hotel until 4:00 PM.
You can plan your own stay until the last trolley leaves for hotel.
Please choose one: DTour of Aircraft Carrier
tt Attending O R
FITour of Del Coronado Hotel
ft Attending
Total Amount Registration and Tours: $
Registration Includes: Use of Hospitality Room; Reception; North Island Tour; Lunch at Island Club; Transportation to Aircr
Carrier or Tour Del Coronado Hotel; Squadron Dinner; Banquet with entertainment and dancing; Buffet Dinner with entertainment
and dancing; TShirt (one to each person registered) one size fits all. The most important part of this reunion, you will get to be w
friends who you spent the experience with during the trying times of World War II. San Diego is a great place to do this.
1
•
•
•
•
;
•
I
Registration must be received by August 1. 2000. No registration will be taken after that date.
Space is limited, so act at once. Don't be left out!
We would like to firm up reservations as soon as possible. Please send this registration form with your check at once to:
Checks payable to: B G V A
Mail to: Mike Yuspeh • 7214 Sardonyx Street • N e w Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Phone: (504) 283 3424 • Fax: (504) 283-3425 (pick up at 6 rings).
16
3
3
3
®]
�THE WESTIN HORTON PLAZA SAN DIEGO
910 Broadway Circle, San Diego, CA 92101
(619)239-2200
CONFIRMATION
HOTEL FAX RESERVATION FORM
FAX NUMBER (619) 239-1730
44™ Bomb Group National Reunion
44* Bomb Group National Reunion
DATE OF FAX:
GROUP NAME:
MEETING PLACE
M K t T U N G DATES: August 31. 2000 = September 4, 2000
Request* Must be Received by August 1, 2000
PLEASE PRINT:
NAME
ARRIVAL DATE
DEPARTURE DATE
COMPANY/ORGANIZATION
ADDRESS
CITY
STATE
PHONE NUMBER
FAX NUMBER
Additional Person in Room
Yes
Name of Additional Person
[
(One Form Per Room, PLEASE)
ZIP
No
C H E C K DM TIME: 4:W p.m. C H E C K O U T TIME: 12 Noon
Accommodations may not be available if arrival time is prior to 4:00 P M
For revisions or cancellations please call (WW) 6WESTIN
SiMt*
Double
P«>"bk
RATES
$95.00
1 Person
2 persons. 1 bed $95.00
2 persons. 2 beds $95.00
Request Non Smoking Room
Request Accessible Room
, First night's deposit (RECD WITHIN 4 DAYS)
. Credit card (American Express, Diner's Club, En Route,
JCB, Visa, Mastercard or Discover) - Circle One
Credit Card Number
Name on Card
Request Rollaway Crib
Expiration Date
Request Written Confirmation Sent to
Above Address
Checks should be sent to (along with a copy of this form)
The Westin Horton Ptaza San Diego
910 Broadway Circle
Reservation forms received beyond the cutoff date listed above are
San Diego, C A 92101
Subject to space and rate availability. If the room type requested is
Not available, the next available room thype wiD be assigned. If I »ill be charged one night*! room and tax, which will
Your group has a range of rates and the rare category reported has be deducted from my deposit or billed through my
Been filled, then the next available rate will apply. San Diego's
credit card in the event I cancel within 48 hours of my
Transient occupancy tax will apply to the above room rate.
Arrival. I may cancel my reservations without
Currently the rate is 10.5%. Departure dates are confirmed at
pestahy prior to 48 hours of my arrival.
check-in. Departures prior to due date will result in a $50
departure fee.
Signature
Reservations must be guaranteed by the first night's room deposit
or an accepted credit card number and signature.
Please guarantee my reservation with (circle one)
17
�BEATING THE BUSHES
By Art Hand
February, 2000
MORGAN, LONZO (67th) 2152 Chambers Road, McDonough,
GA 31253; (770) 957-7801 67th Squadron aircraft me- "
chanic.
ALBERADO, JOHN A. 58330 Bubba Road, Plaquemine, LA
70765; (504) 687-2509. John is deceased.
DAIGLE, DEWEY R 809 Haring Road, Metairie, LA; (504) 7330850. Dewey's health keeps him house bound.
HOWARD, WILLIAM H. (506th) 1353 West Hwy. 25 #70,
Dandridge, TN 37725; (423) 397-2334.
KAMANIDES, MANUEL L. (506th) 249 Grove Street, Brockton,
MA 02402; (508) 583-6031. Stevens crew and Dines.
NEWSOM, LEMUEL L. (68th) RO. Box 363, Kitty Hawk, NC
27949; (252) 261-3413. 68th Squadron gunner for D. Davis
(492nd) and Keeler crew. Completed tour.
NORTON, JAMES W. (67th) 226 Bluff Street, Kittanning, PA
16201; (724) 548-4872. 67th Squadron. Hansen's crew.
Crew lost on first mission, 11/13/43. POW. Deceased.
KOKTA, FRANK (66th) 4314 Fiexn Drive, Prince George, VA
(504) 733-3676. Deceased 1985. 66th Squardon cook(?).
KOLOBITZ, JOSEPH K. 313 Elm Street, Titusville, PA 16354;
(814) 827-6343. Corporal deceased 1995.
MANZI, FRANCIS E. 88 Westborough Street, Worcester, MA
01604; (508) 754-4531. (This is his daughter's address.)
OLSCHESKE, LOUIS E. (506th) 367 Mahogony Court, Labelle,
FL 33935; (941) 675-3911. 506th Squadron co-pilot for Lt.
Ed Jarvis crew.
PADGETT, ROBERT W. (68th) 3233 Harrison Road, Columbus,
SC 29204; (803) 782-1687. 68th Squadron with the Gayman
crew and A.V. Larson. 32 Missions.
MARTIN, WARD E. 6625 SW 73rd Court, Miami, FL 33143;
(305) 667-5265. Transferred to 98th BG early in 1942.
POOLAS, GEORGE (93rd) 63 James Street, Dover, NJ; (973)
366-8543. From 93rd BG for a short period.
McDANIEL, VESTER L (66th) 2107 Spirit Lake Road, Winter
Haven, FL 33880; (941) 293-9022.
PORTER, GERALD E. (506th) 600 Franklin Heights,
Shippensburg, PA 17257; (717) 532-4740. 506th Squadron
A.V. Larson, Durett and Atkins.
MEEK, NOEL W (67th) 131 Barnes Drive, Paducah, KY
42003; (270) 898-7139. 67th Squadron at MacDill, FL.
RENZI, VICTOR J. (67th Squadron) Baltimore, MD 21206.
Deceased 1989.
MELNIK, ALEX 125 Homewood Avenue, Butler, PA 16001;
(724) 283-4109. Deceased 3/13/98. 1st Lt. Adjutant with
50th Sta. Complement Squardon.
SHOEMAKER, RUSSELL E. 1101 Kent Avenue, Decatur, IL
62526; (217) 872-7115. Russell has Alzheimers.
MEYERRIECKS, WILLIAM J. 987 Sonesta Avenue NE, Palm
Bay, FL 32905-6321; (407) 952-6182 (winter) and 217
Kingston Drive, Ridge, NY 11691-2014; (516) 744-1458
(summer). 67th Squadron pilot, co-pilot.
*
NEAL, LUCIOUS C. 1501 E. Brainerd St., Pensacola, FL
32503; (850) 432-6226. Deceased January 23, 1984.
18
�ART HAND
And His
Unending
Search
Nearly fifty years ago Art Hand set forth to find members of the 44th BG. He started out with a card file and a
tank of gas, wandering through Illinois, Indiana and Missouri, and n o w has a computer disk of '44thers', with
information that he can break d o w n by zip code, state or city. His search never ends. If anyone knows of a
person w h o flew in a '24, let him know. He might be one more piece of the big puzzle that Art is trying to put
together.
Art was a Waist Gunner. He left the States in July of '43, went to Scotland on Trouble, then to Hardwick f
weeks, on by train to Glasgow and then off to Africa on a C54. His crew hopped across north Africa the best
way they could, mostly from town to town on C47s. They stopped off at the 93rd BG on way to the 44th . At
the last minute they needed waist gunners for the Ploesti Raid, so Art and his friend Clarence Hood volunteered.
Clarence went to Turkey and was interned. Art did not know other members of that crew.
Back in England he was a Waist Gunner on the Charles Armstrong Crew of Pathfinders in the 389th Sq. In the
beginning there were only five crews of Pathfinders. With unnamed planes, they flew ahead of the Missions,
leading different b o m b groups. W h e n Col. Gibson asked them if they wanted to go back to the 44th they were
ready. They joined the 66th Sq.
His most vivid memory was the Brunswick Mission. He knew it was a bad one, but was genuinely shocked,
when years later Will Lundy sent him a formation sheet that showed the actual number that was lost. Eleven of
the 44th planes went d o w n over Germany in about 5-10 minutes. The Eighth Air Force lost 45 heavy bombers
and 25 fighters; 88 German fighters went d o w n also.
He recently learned that his plane was the first to drop on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Tony Mastradone unearthe
that piece of information for him.
Because he was in the lead plane, it took 2 I months for him to complete his missions. Going home meant
meeting his 22 month old son, born a month after Art went overseas.
Anyone wishing information about other '44thers' in their locale, or can supply information to Art's searc
contact him at 5 I 7 Elm Street, Paris, IL 61944-1417. Tel. (2 I 7) 463-5905. E-mail: k9hwp@comwares.net. His
search could spark a local reunion in your hometown.
19
�February, 2000
Gompiled by
WlLuvidy
ALBERT, NEVIN F. Pfc- 22 February 1999 ~ No other records located.
BELL, PHILLIP W. 0-742832 - 1991 - 68th Squadron pilot. He joined the
68th Squadron on 31 January 1944. His first mission was 20 February;
followed by one the next day, and on the 24th of February, during "Bi
Week" his aircraft (famous Flak Alley) was shot down with only Phi
and three other crewmen surviving to become POWs.
CHAGNON, PAUL L. 11116914. Early 1991. S/Sgt. 67th Squadron.
was the radio operator on the H.A. Clarey crew. His first mission w
, followed quickly by three more. His fourth and last was on 27 April
when his plane was shot down. Only he and Raymond Shirley survived to become POWs.
CHASKIN, HERMAN -13046320 -1 January 1999 - 66th Squadron - Herman was a member of the Ground Echelon that
went to England on the HMS Queen Mary in September, 1942. He was a member of the R.M. Pugh Aircraft Maintenan
crew until M/Sgt. Pugh became a Flight Chief. No records available beyond that time.
FENTON (FEINSTEIN), MILTON S. 0-735298 66th Squadron -1991 - He served as a Navigator on the G.R. Insley crew
which was assigned on 4 September 1943. Their first mission of two tours was dated 9 October 1943. On April 21 his
tour of duty ended and the entire crew returned to the U.S. However, this dedicated crew signed up for a second to
returned to the 44th BG, were assigned to the 506th Squadron. Flew the first mission of the second tour on 1 August
For most of this second tour this crew was assigned as lead crew, leading the group on many missions, with Milton
the navigating. Their last mission was dated 15 February 1945, completing a total of 46 for the two tours.
FLUGMAN, HERMAN 0. 0-543494 - 506 Squadron -1974 ~ Bombardier on M.D. Mendenhall crew. His first several
missions were with Lt. Mendenhall with 26 March 1944. On May 19th he flew with the Hawkins crew and then with se
other crews including Van Ess, Lincoln and Stone. He completed his tour on 27 July, 1944.
FRETWELL, LLOYD G. 0-662039 - 6 November 1999 ~ 506th Squadron. He was a Navigator on W.H. Strong's crew, an
original combat crew. His first mission was 28 March 1943, a recall. Most of the first tough missions were with
including Kiel, Ploesti and Weiner Neustadt. His last one with the Strong crew was on 3 November, while end of to
mission was on 30 December 1943 with the Capt. Middleton crew.
GALLAGHER, PATRICK W. - 0-748620 -12 October 1999 - 506th Sq. Served as co-pilot for R.A. Parker crew on his
mission 13 November 1943, then several other pilots until 22 December 1943. At that time he became a regular on
Houghtby crew until into February, 1944. On 22 March 1944 he became a 1st pilot. He completed his tour of duty w
missions.
HENSLER, ROBERT L - 66th Squadron - Date unknown ~ Robert was not a regular combat man
but flew one mission, 19 March 1945 with Lt. Hornbreger as a nose gunner/togglier. He wrote
that he thought he had two other missions but with another group. No other records are
available.
KRAMER, HAROLD A. - 6 September 1999 ~ 460 Sub Depot personnel. No records available.
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�POWELL, CLIFFORD D. - 19176411 • 27 September 1999 ~ 506th Sq. He was an original member of the R.R. Lucas
crew that arrived in the 506th Sq. early in 1944. His first few missions were with this crew, then served with several
others as a spare until finishing the last of his 13 missions with the Beiber crew. Cliff suffered from ruptured eardr
was grounded after his 13th mission. He later served with the ground gunnery section, trap range, etc.
PUTNAM, DAVID C. 15338965 - 1969 ~ 68th Squadron. David was the radio operator on the Meador crew that was
transferred from the 392nd BG on 5 October 1943. He was assigned to several crews in his six missions, but was with
the H.C. Palmer crew that was interned in Sweden on 9 April 1944, He returned to base on 16 October 1944.
PUTNAM, HARRY H JR. 0-747139 - 6 February 2000 ~ 506th Squadron navigator. Harry flew his first combat mission
as a member of the Saylor crew on 30 December 1943. His 19th and last mission was completed on 27 March 1944 with
the Home crew. In the middle missions he flew with several other crews including Larson and Purdy's. He was residin
the Air Force Village West at the time of his passing.
SCHROEDER, NORMAN N. 36586895 -1 January 2000 - T/Sgt. Engineer Norman was assigned to the Steele crew for
his first 9 missions. The date of their first mission was 26 August 1944 and his last one with them was 27 September
November 1st he began flying as spare engineer for several pilots until 16 February when he became a "regular" with
Maynard crew until 18 March 1945. He completed his tour of duty with 34 missions flying with the Louik crew on 10 Apr
1945. He was awarded a Certificate of Valor for completing his tour, but never received his D.F.C. medal. Norman al
served with the Navy during W W #2 prior to his tour with the 44th BG, and again in the Korean Conflict. In later lif
was a dedicated volunteer worker for the Collins people on the All American B-24 and with the Yankee Air Force. A true P
STINE, RALPH I. • 19002662 - 68th Squadron - Date unknown ~ Ralph joined the Squadron on 8 March 1942, assigned
to Armament section. He was with the Ground Echelon that arrived at Shipdham on 10 October 1942. Volunteered for
combat on December 6, 1943 and flew his first mission on 16 December 1943. Two of the pilots with whom he flew w
Slaughter and Cary. He was wounded on 9 April 1944 while a nose gunner for Lt. Palmer and was his last of 23 missions.
STEPKA, RAYMOND C. - 5 December 1999 - 66th Sq. co-pilot for the P.V. Dusossoit crew. They were assigned to the
66th Sq. in late February, flew their first mission on 10 March 1945. Except for two missions in mid April, Raymond f
his other 11 missions with the Dusossoit crew. Last mission for them was the last of the war, 25 April, 1945.
TERABERRY, PHILLIP F. - 19101247 - 21 October 1999 - 67th Squadron. Phillip was a tail gunner in the 67th
Squadron, flew his first mission on 17 May 1943 as a replacement. He was assigned to the new C.S. Griffin crew for
Detached Service to North Africa in late June. He flew his first mission with this crew on 5 July 1943, and five more
17 July when the crew was shot down on the attack on Naples, Italy 17 July. Phillip successfully evaded capture and
returned to base, and eventually returned to the U.S.
UVANNI, WILLIAM A. - 33130253 - 19 October 1999 - 506th Squadron radio operator. "Bill" was assigned to the G.M.
Beiber crew, flew to England on 6 June 1944. Arrived at Shipdham on 30 June and flew his first mission on 7 July 1944
This crew's 35th and last mission was on 2 November 1944, target Dortmund, aircraft Joplin Jalopy. Bill compiled a f
diary covering much of his military duty. Half of these missions were flown in "Consolidated Mess."
VRANUS, VINCENT V. - 27 February 1998 - 66th Squadron bombardier. He was a member of the Dusossoit crew that
^.w
flew their first mission on 21 March 1945. His mission total was just six, having arrived so late in the wa
^ B
of them were with the Dusossoit crew, and the remaining four were with Graham, Alderson and Derrick.
E R R O R IN W I N T E R EDITION, 1999-1 a m very happy to report that contrary to the published
statement, Sterling L. Dobbs is alive and doing fine! My sincere apology for misleading everyone.
�ABOUT THE SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION
By: Dick Butler
2 A D A Vice President For T h e 44th B o m b Group
"44thers", including Associates, w h o are members of
the Association.
In the Association's early growing days
attendees at the annual conventions were not
identified by individual groups or their Headquarters.
Then in 1971, "44ther" Bill Robertie, w h o became
the longtime editor of the Journal, came up with the
idea of having attendees participate as members of
their respective b o m b groups. Members of our 44th
B o m b Group were the first to do so at the 1971
convention in Williamsburg, Virginia. For many
years, 44th people at the conventions were the most
numerous and led the w a y for the other groups. In
about the mid-1980s, attendance by "44thers"
began to decline, primarily due to the lack of interest
and cooperation by the then leader of our separate
44th organization. At recent 2 A D A conventions,
our 44th delegations were a m o n g those of the
smaller groups' number of attendees. But at the
1999 convention in Austin, Texas, there was a
noticeable increase in the number of our people.
This can be attributed, in part, to the decision of our
then 44th B G V A President, Roy O w e n to hold the
B G V A Board of Directors meeting in conjunction
with the 2 A D A convention. Because of this
increase in our number of attendees. Our current
President, Ed Mikoloski has agreed that future midyear Board meetings m a y be held at the time of the
annual 2 A D A convention, whenever such is
advantageous. This year that convention will be
held 26 - 29 M a y at Tampa, Florida in the Hyatt
Regency Westshore.
W e encourage our 2 A D A members to join our
Board of Director at this convention. It will be a
great one. The location makes it very convenient for
those w h o live in Florida, as well as in other parts of
the southeast U.S. to attend. For the first time, B-24
people w h o are not members of the 2 A D A are
welcome to attend. This is a significant first, so if
you are not a 2 A D A member and would like to
attend, contact me. M y address, phone and fax
numbers, and E-mail address are listed on the
Association Board page of this publication. I will be
glad to send you particulars of the event and a
registration form. Our 2 A D A members have the
foregoing in the Winter issue of the 2 A D A Journal.
Our 44th B o m b Group was one of the fourteen
B-24 groups assigned to the Second Air Division
during World W a r II. In 1948, several people w h o
had been assigned to the Division Headquarters
gathered in Chicago and conceived the idea of the
Second Air Division Association. As the war ended
in Europe, General Kepner, Commanding General of
the Second Air Division, was inspired to collect
funds to establish a Memorial in England to our
approximately 6800 comrades w h o lost their lives in
B-24's while fighting to preserve our liberty.
In a few years after that initial gathering the idea
was generated of establishing our Memorial in
perpetuity in accordance with British law. It is the
Second Air Division Memorial Library in the Central
Library in Norwich, England. In addition to serving
as a Memorial to our fallen comrades, it maintains
our link with the people w e saw on an almost daily
basis during our combat tour and w h o have
supported us over the years; the Board of Governors
whose guidance, cooperation and financial support
have been indispensable. The establishment of the 2
ADA/Fulbright Scholar to represent us in our library
is one of the accomplishments that makes the
Association unique. N o other W W I I veterans'
organization sponsors such a living Memorial to
those w h o fell in combat.
In 1994, the Central Library Building burned and
most of the Second Air Division donated books and
records were destroyed. The British Government,
through its Millennium Commission, is building a
new Central Library at a cost of about sixty million
pounds. It will include the now, expanded, Second
Air Division Memorial Library which will have the
latest electronic data retrieval and Internet access
capability. A Second Air Division Association
convention is planned to be held in Norwich in
November, 2001 for the dedication of the n e w
Memorial room.
Over the years the Association grew in
membership. Today there are about 6447 members,
including Associate Members w h o are relatives of 2
A D people. There are also Subscribing Members
w h o are individuals w h o are interested in the
Association and its activities. W e have about 452
*
22
®
�ROBERT DUBOWSKY
LT. CO. USAF (RET.)
AND HIS DROP FROM
THE SKY
If there is anything more scary than knowing
you have to bail out of a F3-24, it m u s t be not
knowing where you will end up. O n January 16,
1945 F3ob Dubowsky was co-pilot with
Captain Joseph Tesla in the lead plane, with
the Group Commander, Col. Eugene F. Snavely
riding along. This w a s Bob's 33rd Mission. The
destination was Berlin, with Dresden as the alternate
target. Fourteen miles from the IF! they turned south
toward the Marshalling Yards at Dresden, meeting only
moderate flak and no enemy fighters.
On the bomb run, things got worse. Flak w a s heavy and
accurate, and before bombs away, they took a hit in
number two engine. It caught fire immediately.
They left the formation, and the deputy lead took over.
To put out the flames in number two engine, Tesla put the
aircraft in a steep dive. A t about 16,000 feet the prop
froze. It couldn't be feathered because all the oil in the
feathering system w a s gone due to the flak. But the fire
went out.
Murphy's law prevailed, of course. If something goes bad,
it doesn't stop until the situation becomes a total debacle!
Tesla was able to hold altitude on three engines until
they passed near Nurenberg, when number four engine
suffered an oil pressure drop and had to be feathered. Not
able to hold altitude with only two engines, the plane
dropped to 10,000 feet and proceeded on at 120 mph.
Out the window went 60 caliber ammunition, 5 0 calibre
guns, bomb sight, radios, flak suits, escape kits—everything that could be detached. All alone over hostile
territory and 150 miles to go, they continued on, crossing
the Rhine River between Strasbourg and Haguenau.
Ill fortune continued. W h e n crossing the Rhine, they ran
into a gun emplacement, which peppered them with flak.
There w a s a large hole in the right wing flap, which meant
that a shell had pierced the flap and did not explode. The
explanation for that bit for fortune w a s that the shells
were time fused, preset to go off at a certain altitude, and
they were flying too low for the timing device to work. If
that wasn't enough, the number one engine w a s hit. Only
number three was functional. It w a s bail out time. Capt.
Tesla and Col. Snavely were last out.
Editor's Note: Historians are learning that slave laborers
deliberately sabotaged some weapons, in the hope that
Germany would lose. Perhaps dob's wing flap benefited
from their efforts.
23
Bob hit a snow covered ground Into a
crowd of eager watchers. They were Alsatians,
carrying the FFI medallion (Free French Interior),
and celebrating the departure of the Germans.
He shared his parachute with the Alsatian
women, keeping the packing history card, fhe
Resistance workers offered him schnaaps, and
before long an American Jeep provided him a
safe trip through the mine field in which he had
landed. Minor wounds were attended, and 10
hours after the mission started, he had the joy
of returning to Shipdham.
Gratefully, Bob promptly looked up the parachute rigger
whose initials Indicated he had packed Bob's chute. With
much delight the Englishman accepted his thanks and the
stunning sum of sixteen dollars (almost double his weekly
salary).
Bob flew two more missions to complete his 35, but
none so dramatic as the day he dropped into the frozen
land of Alsace-Lorraine.
Editors Note:
Incidentally, Bob is still looking for improvised words f
WWII songs. He seriously intends to put them on an audio
tape, so they will be preserved. If anyone remembers any,
send them to 650 Grant Court. Satellite Beach, FL 32937.
E-Mail: RDVB@aol.com.
Roy Owen writes: "At the last minute before bailing out,
Col. Snavely tossed his "50 mission hat" into the plane's
interior. (This is ironic). We, the William M. Smith crew,
along with many other crews on that Dresden mission, saw
the lead aircraft go down over the target. We were certain
we would be reporting our Commander's loss upon return to
Homebase. However, due to the length of the mission and
adverse winds we were forced to land at Orly Airport outside
of Paris, short of fuel. There were so many such recoveries
it took us three days to get fuel so we could fly on to
Shipdham. On the second or third night, one of our two crew
"sentries" left to guard the aircraft made a social excursio
to a nearby bistro. While there he met an American Gl fresh
from the front who was telling our man about his observing
the crew of a crippled bomber bail out and the airplane
crash a couple of days ago. At the crash site he had found
this "50 Mission Hat" which bore Snavely's name. I'm not
sure what kind of negotiation it took for our Gunner Fred
Marzolph to get the cap after he identified the owner as our
Group Commander, but he came back with the cap and upon
our return to Shipdham, the next day he went to the
Colonel's quarters and personally returned the cap. As I
recall, there was no reward proffered. Imagine that! One da
he goes down over the target, they recover with enough
altitude and power to limp back to friendly territory before
having to bail out. In the process he loses his precious cap
and four days later he is back safe and sound and behold his
cap is returned. How do you figure that?"
�Liberators on the assembly line.
CELEBRATING
SAN DIEGO
Everyone who
gathered at the B24's International
Celebration had a
special story to tell.
Two members of the
44th were
highlighted -- B/G
Robert Cardenas.
and Dick Butler.
Louis DeBlasio. Ann
Natilli, Julian and
Paul Ertz: John
Gately: T o m &
Sarah Parsons;
Frank Schaeffer,
Perry Morse and
your editor were in
attendance. San
Diego was the home
of C O N S O L I D A T E D AIRCRAFT C O R P O R A T I O N .
where the first B-24 was built 60 years ago.
Speakers cite familiar statistics: the B-24 was
the first mass-produced bomber: while, in combat.
its nominal bombing altitude was two or three
thousand feet below the B-17: it could carry two to
four thousand pounds more bombload faster and
further than the B-17 with an estimated 7 5 % less
publicity fedJ: was produced in higher numbers, was
used in every theatre. It was the first U.S. airplane
casualty at Pearl Harbor when one was destroyed on
the ground burning the attack, and was the last
downed in Europe just before OE Day. Ten states and
a million people were involved in its production.
One of the designers pointed out that after Pearl
Harbor. C O N S O L I D A T E D braced itself for a
Japanese attack. They disguised the Plant and roads
to it. They built a foxhole, had a gun emplacement
and a runway. Fortunately, these precautions proved
to be unnecessary.
Two assemblers at the Plant-school teachers by
occupation-described their experiences: the male
workers were given instructions on how to deal with
women. " N o cursing-ifs too upsetting: reprimand
24
gently-as w o m e n are inclined to be emotional."
Each worker worked on a single section on the
assembly line. When they went to lunch, the line
moved with a strange groaning sound. A frequently
stated Policy was that they must never cover U P a
mistake. S o m e of the girls wrote their name and
address on parts, which sometimes led to
correspondence with maintenance men.
Maintaining uniformity with the many companies
producing the Liberator was difficult. The Johnstown
Flood slowed the flow of materials. CONVAIR made
their own rivets: L O C K H E E D bought the wrong size.
At the F O R D M O T O R PLANT, discrepancies arose.
C O N S O L I D A T E engineers went to check their
assembly line, and found that it took a right angle
turn. Why? Because if they moved it straight it would
go into the next county, and F O R D would have to pay
additional taxes.
Bob Cardenas reported on the glider program.
going over the head of the military to get glider
pilots from D U P O N T . H e got to England in January
of '44: and by March was shot down. [The dramatic
story of Bob Cardenas' career will appear in a later
issuej Bob Miller f44th BG. later Commander
389thJ described arriving in England before the
Shipdham base was completed. Of all the crews that
flew at that time, not one crew finished the tour.
They flew with no fighter support, and a scarcity of
%
�bombers. In the mission to St. Nazaire. they off
loaded fuel to add bombs, using sight gauges, which
were not accurate: and the inevitable happened:
some Planes ran out of fuel.
Dick Butler served on two panel discussions. He
described the Kiel mission. May 14. 1943. This
mission, which was against the fiercely defended
submarine pens, was also the 8th Air Force first
experiment with mixing B-17 and B-24 groups
against the same target with non-compatible bomb
loading. The combination of differing performance
between the Liberator and the Fortress coupled with
unique tactics associated with the incendiary bombs
carried by the 44th requiring a two mile extension of
the bomb run meant disaster for the 44th. The B17*s. after dropping their 500 lb. H E bombs, turned
left for withdrawal which separated the formation
and left the B-24's singularly exposed to the target
area A A as they continued on the extended bomb
run. The post target separation allowed the
defending enemy fighters to down six 44th aircraft,
heavily damage several others and wound or kill
numerous crewmen. The 44th was awarded its first
Presidential Unit Citation for the Kiel Raid and never
again were these two aircraft joined together in a
strike against the same target. On a later panel
discussion. Dick read "Ode To The Men of Ploesti"
by Richard Allen Haft, a member of the 44th BG.
The accuracy of that poem was good enough for
Dick, a Pilot on that awesome mission, to present it
to the 500 participants at the San Diego Celebration.
Pat R a m m . an Englishman on the panel, was
eleven years old in 1944. He remembers the
children who hung around the Shipdham airfield did
not wish their names printed on the bombs being
loaded, for fear Hitler would come to England to get
them.
The experiences of the B-24 in WWII cover the
Planet. One airman claimed that he was standing of
the island of Okinawa when he saw an amazing cloud
rise to the west-Hiroshima. One week later he
stated that his crew could Pinpoint the next atomic
drop site-Nagasaki. Pacific bomb crews described
their assignments: fly one day. rest the next.
maintenance the third day. Fly again. They loaded
their own bombs, saved rain water for basic needs.
tolerated typhoons and bad food. The Japanese took
no Prisoners, so they had no parachutes, no booze,
no washing machine: but fortunately, no flak. If they
happened to get some beer, they dangled it in the
bomb bay. took the plane to 10.000 feet and let it
rapidly cool.
An amazing report came from the Carpetbaggers.
which were air commandos. They traveled as
individual planes, not in squadrons, chose their own
routes: dropped agents, a m m o and supplies to the
French and Belgium Underground: and answered
directly to 'Wild Bill Donovan.' Director of the O S S .
Information about this group was classified until
very recently. A similar organization flew out of
Africa, and its activities are still classified.
San Diego opened its arms to a group of
veterans, hailed as heroes. 60 years later, reports of
the B-24's dramatic escapades continue to unfold
and unfold and unfold.
Che original lithoaraph (18 1/2" x 24") of the
Control lower in Shipdham is still available for
$32.50. Remember, half a century ago, how happn
you were to see it when you made it back saiely
across the Channel?
lo order rontart:
PO Rox 71223, Salt Lahe City, HI 84171-2287
44th W%\\\
goli shirts and raps mil
be available at our San
Riego Reunion.
Ihe 44th RQVA Roster oi Members' names are
available for $7.50, including postage.
25
�HERITM
MUSEUM
A new wall of names is being erecteairTtneTlemorial Garden. Anyone
wishing to be remembered on a wall can contact the Museum.
IP—JJLi,
VOLUNTEERING AT THE
MIGHTY EIGHTH MUSEUM
By Ruth W. Davis-Morse
The Mighty Eighth
M u s e u m has lots of
volunteers, but Perry and I
were the only t w o w h o
traveled 8 0 0 miles to have the
privilege. W e spent the first
day with "Bud" Porter,
Director of Volunteers; but w e
didn't do any work. W e did a
lot of wandering around in our
blue coats, gawking at the
displays w e had seen on our
first visit. It is still a w e s o m e .
The plates with the Ploesti
story were not yet finished.
However, the Historian took
six groups of school children
through, and told the story
very well. The M u s e u m
works with the local school
system, and the goals of the
program are truly admirable.
A m o n g the projects is the
restoration of a B-47 which
w a s rapidly degenerating into
a m u d d y heap. They m o v e d
it to the M u s e u m , and school
children are joining the 165th
Airlift Wing of the Georgia
National Guard in returning it
to its formal glory. W h e n the
job is completed, the plane
will be rolled to the front of
the M u s e u m , in clear view
from I-95.
"Bud" schedules
volunteers a month in
advance; and he declares,
'this place could not operate
without us.' Various 'blue
coats' talk about their pay
increases —nothing times
nothing equals their increase.
However, there are
26
advantages to being a
volunteer—free coffee,
discounts in the gift shop and
cafeteria, and a free necktie
for Perry. W e appreciated all
that, but w e wanted to do
s o m e work.
One guide told of a group
that c a m e over from Germany,
all with limited skills in
English. The children could
read the German writings, and
were appalled at what they
learned about Hitler. None of
that information had ever
been taught in Germany. The
M u s e u m is considering
softening the display, to be
less horrifying. Perry and I
said "Don't change it. The
truth must be told."
®
�Most of the volunteers w e
met had flown in B-17's. W e
met a pilot of a Marauder,
w h o went to great lengths to
tell the unbelievable value of
that fast plane over all others.
Perry dropped a few arguments
on the value of the '24, only
to be shot d o w n in each
instance. The gentleman did
disclose that all pilots of
Marauders were crazy!!! (His
words — n o t mine)
Raymond Reirson of the
92nd B G , 1st Air Division,
drives about 4 0 miles to
volunteer, three or four days
each month. After people
view the mission b o m b run on
the video, he describes his
experiences —shot d o w n over
Germany, interned in Stalag
5 8 2 in Poland, and forced to
march west in the dead of
winter, as the Russians were
advancing from the east.
Even w h e n everyone k n e w
Germany w a s losing, Hitler
held onto American airmen,
hoping to use them as
"bargaining chips."
Phil Sellers, Public
Relations Director, gave Perry
the job of organizing his
working materials. I ran off
5,000 pieces of stationery on
their printer. Apparently there
is an ongoing need for
stationery, as the fund raising
department is constantly
doing mailings. Judy Walker,
Director of Development,
explained that entrance fees
can never cover operating
expenses.
On our last day we worked
at organizing their archival
materials. Perry clipped, and I
pasted. That task does not
require m u c h thought, but
every good institution keeps
its o w n historical records —
and it's time consuming. W e
didn't get finished, so the
next volunteer w h o s h o w s up
can pick up where w e left off.
It was an interesting four
days, and w e would like to go
back, but never again on a
Superbowl Weekend. Getting
back to York from ice-covered
Atlanta w a s another interesting
story.
LET'S GET SERIOUS
When the subject of another European tour arises, everybody
nods their head that they are interested. Then it is forgotten
until the next Reunion.
Larry Herpel
Larry Herpel will put a trip together, if the 44th wants to go. The
215 S. Medina
Museum in Norwich is planning a grand opening in 2001. Why
Lockhart, TX
not go for that auspicious event, then plot a course across
(512) 376-7780
Europe, ending up in Germany? Let me, know if you are
<lherpel@juno.com>
seriously interested, and the 44th BGVA will make it happen.
27
�From the Editor:
GDMail & E-Mail^
The 44th BGVA is one group you can join and be CERTAIN your name will not be sold to any commercial
organization. Jerry Folsom, Treasurer, guarantees that
all names, addresses and phone numbers are kept in
total confidentiality.
<^
From the diary of the late Bill Uvanni, Radioman on the
George Bieber Crew on the Consolidated Mess:
July 7,1944 - Bemberg, Germany. "On the wall-map of
Europe a red line was stretched all the way from England
to Bernberg deep in Germany. W e were briefed to expect
fighters, as this is in a fighter region; and also to expect
heavy flak ... About 5 minutes before target time w e were
hit by fighters. W e flew in the lead element and were
right up front. Approximately 60 fighters lined 15 abreast
came in at us from one o'clock and slightly high. They
fired as they came in, and you could see orange millimeter shells as they came through the air. None of the
planes from our squadron were hit, but an entire squadron (12 aircraft) were knocked out on the first pass.
S o m e blew up and others went into dives and never
came out. S o m e of the crew saw several chutes come
out of these planes... the Germans were strafing the
airmen hanging in their chutes.
Editor's Note: The Consolidated Mess had 200 holes,
but nobody was hurt. This was the crew's first
mission.
Magdeburg. I was on Lt. Westcott's crew, and the ship
flying off our left wing was Lt. Landall's crew, and both got
it at the same time when due to a flak hit, Landall lost
control and altitude, dropping right on top of Westcotts.
Three of us from Westcott's and six from Landahl's
survived. It made m e realize once again, that it was
divine intervention that any of us survived.
The family of Penny Porter Cool of Glasco, KS, waited
three generations to find out what happened to her uncle,
James M. Porter. She had been told that his crew had
made a pact, never to become P O W s ; but rather, go
down with the plane. Will Lundy was able to connect
her with John Dayberry, a life member of the 44th
BGVA, and let her know of others that survived the crash.
Peter Loncke, First Sergeant in the Belgium Air Force,
has spent the past twenty years locating crash sites,
making videos and contacting relatives of those who
were lost, both American & British. He has been in touch
with Will Lundy, who told him how to contact Bob
Vance. Loncke found two crash sites in the area of
Wesel, Germany, and was delighted to learn that Bob
and Louis DeBlasio had survived the crash of the Southem Comfort.
Editor's Note: Because of Bob's & Louis's colorful
description of the Fighter Pilot that went down on the
same day, I have made a constant effort to find him.
They did not know his name. Peter Loncke thinks he
will soon have him identified.
<^
Forwarded from the Internet Walter Lawrence to
T o m m y Shepherd:
... I was in the barbershop and noticed a video that had
pictures of B-24's on it. O n further inspection I discovered the first part of the film entitled the mission, featuring
the 44th with Gen. Johnson narrating. The amazing thing
was that it included a good shot of My Everlasting Gal the
ship w e flew most all of our missions in, and even the last
one where (due to no fault of hers) she let us down with a
big bang right after bombs away; June 29 over
From Bob Norsen (68th Sq.): "My first ride in a B-24 was
with eight other pilots as passengers. Major Curtis
LeMay was pilot. He fought that airplane like he was
wrestling alligators. I think w e helped by walking in
unison from front to back in the waist section while he
was in the pattern. I wondered at the time - This B-24 will
take M U S C L E ! It turned out that it was easy and fun to fly...
The instructors were about a week ahead of the pilots
being assigned. O n m y initial check out the instructor
kept showing m e how to steer with brakes- engines and
m
�rudder as w e used up runway. Ahead they were extending the runway with a paving machine covered with
workmen. W h e n he said "follow m e on the throttles," I
firewalled them. At the last minute w e both pulled us off
the runway, and w e mushed over the paver, men jumping
off and running for life."
"My check out lasted 15 minutes. Nothing was said, but I
think w e both learned that runway behind is in the wrong
place!"
From Kevin Watson, England: Dignitaries honored the
lost crew of the American Bomber RuthLess at Butts
Brow, a hill above the town of Eastbourne. O n R e m e m brance Sunday, Deputy Mayor Olive Woodall laid a poppy
at the foot of the memorial in the place of Mayor Beryl
Healy. The plane was named for the wife of the pilot,
Ruth. Flying without her, he was RuthLess.
Forwarded from T o m m y Shepherd, the sad news that
Father Fabian Harshaw, 62, a Benedictine monk, died
recently. Born 1906, Harshaw was ordained a priest on
May 21,1932. From 1942-46 he served as Chaplain in
the Army Air Corps, the first monk from St. Benedicts to
become a chaplain in WWII. He achieved the rank of
captain before leaving the service.
He is fondly remembered by many. Mike Yuspeh said it
succinctly: "We wouldn't fly until Father Harshaw blessed
us .... Father Harshaw furnished the wine w e men of
Jewish faith used in our weekly religious services..."
Shepherd stated, "To me, Father Harshaw is one of the
quiet, meek and genuine men (of the cloth), the best of
the best— kind of a living Beatitudes. The 44th was
definitely 'blessed'... its Commanding officers, Staff,
Support Unit Personnel, Air Crews, Ground Crews and
Administrative Personnel. I can still 'see' that lil' m a n with
the Cross Insignia on his blouse lapels. I can remember
his blessings at Reconciliation - at - oh so many times
when w e would 'meet and pass.' As a Catholic by conversion, I feel blessed by knowing this Fine Man of God."
Three years ago an entourage from the 44th BG visited
the crash site of the RuthLess, and were in awe of the
ceremony which the community of Eastbourne held on
that momentous occasion. It is nice to know that over
there, they recognize the sacrifice of Americans to help
free the world of evil that was of unimaginable proportions.
Mike Yuspeh invites one to check the New Orleans Web
Site. Great information available there:
(Gnofn.org/~506bgp44).
From Mel Trager, gunner, 506 Sq.:"... I and many Jewish
veterans would be grateful if, in addition to the Christian
Cross in F O L D E D W I N G S , w e could also
have the Star of David. I a m enclosing a
picture of the War Memorial here in Joliet
(Illinois) that I planned and built. The Cross
and Star of David were made to specification of overseas cemeteries. The Poppies
were sent to m e from the Mayor of Dunkar,
Flanders Field.
War Memorial
at Joliet, IL
1999
29
�Eastern Daily Press, England The Millennium Library in
Norwich is taking shape, and by the turn of the year it will
be rising above ground. According to Robin Hall, chief
executive of the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Company, the shell is due to be completed in June. "We aim
to have construction complete by December, 2000, and
then w e start the major job of stocking the library with
books and installing information technology."
From Jan J. Van der Veer in Friesland, a province in
Holland: Jan was a fifteen year old in 1943; and to avoid
being sent to Germany for slave labor, he went underground. He has been very helpful to Will Lundy in
supplying information about planes that went down in his
area.
One of Jan's reports was about the late Thijs Westra, a
Resistance Leader who 'dealt' in Allied Airmen. O n e B24 Waist Gunner hiding in Friesland learned to speak
Frisian without any foreign accent. He was provided with
a faked passport; and even the local Frisians did not
know that he was an American airman.
Editor's Note: Would that airman like to identify
himself, and describe his life at that time?
Describing the German Occupation, Jan wrote "All of us
knew that our lives depended on the whim of the first
German police chap that came along. All of us were
waiting for the night at last there would be that screeching
of car brakes and the thudding of rifle butts on the front
door and the shouting of 'Open up, German Police' They
might shoot you right away. They might arrest you and
torture you and try to make you talk about Resistance
secrets."
From Tony Mastradone, a piece of history—Washington
Post, October 10,1911: "For the first time in the history
of aviation, actual bomb dropping from an aeroplane took
place at College Park yesterday afternoon." Lt. Thomas
De Witte Milling, operating an army biplane, took up
former Lt. Scott, inventor of the bomb-carrying device and
on two successive trips released a 25 pound steel shell
from the chassis of the aeroplane while the machine was
flying at 41 miles an hour...It. Milling said, "With the
device Lt. Scott has invented, I a m sure it will not be long
before the army will be able to destroy any large fortress
... in the world. A fleet of rapidly moving aeroplanes at
the height of 2,000 feet, could drop each a 250 pound
bomb of nitroglycerin ... and escape unharmed, while the
shells would wreak death and destruction."
Editor's Note: Obviously, in 1917 nobody could have
even imagined the Ploesti Raid.
^5
E-Mail—DSC to Jack:
I was a Pan A m 727 FE waiting for start clearance in
Munich, Germany. I was listening to the radio, since I
was the junior crew member. This was the conversation I
overheard: Lufthansa: (in German) "Ground, what is our
start clearance time?" Ground: (in English) "If you want
an answer you must speak English. (In English) "I a m a
German, flying a German airplane in Germany. W h y must
I speak English? Beautiful English Accent: (before ground
could answer) "Because you lost the bloody war!" I was
laughing all the way back to Berlin!!!
Will and Irene visited Jan and his wife Rink ten years
ago, and it was an impressive visit. Jan has since
passed away, but his legacy of stories is in the files of
Will Lundy.
&
€>
�Everyone has a story worth telling and
worth publishing. PLEASE Send it!
Ruth w. Davis-Morse, Editor
2041 village Circle East
York, PA 17404
Telephone: (717) 846-8948
Fax:(717)846-6688
e-Mail: REWDM@BLAZENET.NET
^5
Chris Clark of Manassas, VA is trying to find information
about his Uncle Charles Franklin Clark, 506 BS. He was
a nose gunner on the Confer crew. He also flew with the
George W. Smith and Robert McMahon crew in the
489th. He flew eight missions with the 44th, and received
the D F C and 3 O L C s from General Johnson.
Chris, a Liberator buff, questions where this picture of his
uncle was taken. Also, does anybody remember Charles
Clark? Can you tell him any interesting experience you
may have had with his uncle?
Call (703) 392-9437 or write 8427 Willow Glen Ct.,
Manassas, VA 20110-4639.
Charles F. Clark 33205104 506BS 44BG
JOIN US IN SAN DIEGO
AT THE
BALBOA PARK ZOO!
HUA MEI,
DAUGHTER OF
SHI SHI A N D BAI Y U N
IS BEING PATIENT
AWAITING YOUR
ARRIVAL!
A m o n g the planned events is a trip to the Balboa Park Zoo, one of the best in the
world. They recently announced the birth of H u a Mei, daughter of Shi Shi and Bai
Yun, three of the world's increasingly rare Pandas.
SI
���44TH BOMB GROUP VETERANS ASSOCIATION BOARD
Official Journal of
President Emeritus: B-Gen John H. Gibson (Retired)
7008 Gateridge
Dallas, TX 75240-7936
Phone: (972) 239-0559
Compiled, written
Immediate Past President: Roy W. Owen (506)
6304 Meadowridge Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5839
Phone: (707) 538-4726 Fax: (707) 538-1212
e-mail: Rowen44bg@aol.com
Director: Robert J. Lehnhausen (68)
2540 Benton Court
Peoria, IL 61615-8838
Phone/Fax: (309) 243-1952
The 8-Ball Tails©
The 44th Bomb
Group Veterans
Association, Inc.©
Director: Michael "Mike" Yuspeh (506)
7214 Sardonyx St.
N e w Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Phone/Fax: (504) 283-3424
e-mail: mikeyuspeh@worldnet.att.net
and published triyearly at 2041
Village Circle East,
York, PA, by Ruth
W . Davis-Morse,
Editor. Printed and
Director (44 SMW)
mailed Bulk Rate
President: Edw. K. "Mike" Mikoloski (66/67)
at Salt Lake City,
Charles G. Simpson
626 Smithfield Road #702
U T under U S P S
P.O. Box 281
N. Providence, Rl 02904
Permit #6923. All
Breckenridge, C O 80424
Phone/Fax: (401) 353-0144
original written
Phone/Fax: (970) 453-0500
e-mail: EKMLIB44@msn.com
material
such as
e-mail: AFMISSILEERS@compuserve.com
letters,
stories,
First Vice President: Richard D. Butler (506/67)
excerpts from
Historian: C.W. "Will" Lundy (67)
44th Group VP to 2nd ADA
personal diaries or
3295 North "H" Street
16828 Mitchell Circle
memoirs, drawings
San Bernardino, CA 92405-2809
Riverside, CA 92518
and photos
Phone/Fax: (909) 882-2441
Phone (909) 780-7421 Fax: (909) 780-1459
submitted to this
e-mail: willundy@aol.com
e-mail: rdbutler@excelonline.com
journal will become
P.O. Box 315, Bridgeport, CA 93517 (Sum) the property of the
Phone/Fax: (760) 932-7349
Treasurer: Gerald (Jerry) Folsom (506)
44th Bomb Group
3582 East Dover Hill Road
Veterans
Membership: Search
Salt Lake City, UT 84121-5527
Association and
Art Hand (66)
Phone (801) 733-7371 Fax: (801) 942-9988
will be copyright
517 Elm Street
e-mail: 44thbgva@xmission.com
protected except
Paris, IL 61944-1417
where noted. The
text and photos
Phone/Fax: (217) 463-5905
Secretary & 8 Ball Tails Editor: Ruth W. Davis-Morse
are otherwise
e-mail: k9hwp@comwares.net
2041 Village Circle East
reproduced from
York, PA 17404
official U S A A F and
U.K. Representative: Steve Adams
Phone (717) 846-8948 Fax: (717) 846-6688
USAF documents
e-mail: REWDM@BLAZENET.NET
28 Bassingham Rd.
and
photos which
Norwich, England NR3 20J
have
been released
Phone/Fax: 011-44-1603-400221
Director (67) Archivist
for
publication.
e-mail: s.p.adams@btinternet.com
Anthony 'Tony" Mastradone
Permission is
9111 Tuckerman Street
granted for the
ASSOCIATION MAILING ADDRESS:
Lanham, M D 20706-2709
contents of this
44th BGVA
Phone/Fax: (301) 577-1487
journal to be
P.O. Box 712287
e-mail: mast@clres.com
reproduced
Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
specifically for
personal archives.
Otherwise, copyright material herein m a y be reproduced by the journal of other incorporated non-profit veterans organizations so long as this publication is
properly credited and prior permission is granted by the editor.
Those submitting letters, stories and photos to the editor or historian must do so with the understanding that this material will most likely be published in t
journal as a matter of interest to the members/subscribers of the Association and this journal. While every attempt will be made to answer all of the material
received, there is no explicit or implied guarantee that an answer will be provided or published. Except for specific requests for the return of original documents
and photos, all material submitted will become the property of the 44th Veterans Association, Inc., or its successors.
�ROBERT R£ASON£R'S AOUENTURES
WHILE EARNING PURPLE HEARTS
SqT. Robem
REASONER \N
1942.
FiPiy-flvE ytAns AFTER BAT O U T of Hbll CRAshed NEAR HAVERfoRdwEsi, WAIES,
(1 9 9 8 ) R E A S O N E R REiuRNEd TO TEIE CRASFI siiE TO Uy A WREATEI O N TEIE
MONUMENI TO Flis FAIIEIN CREWMEN. ThIE pRESidENT of IIHE PEMF>ROl<ESEliRE
AviAiioN G R O U P , M A I C O I M CUIIEN, A R R A N G ^ A fliqliT O V E R TEIE D E N A N I AREA
FOR B o b ANd B E R N K E R E A S O N E R iN A C E S S N A AS PART of TEIE MEMORJAI
CElEbRAlioN ANd EXpRESSiON of TEIE qiiAmudE of TEIE WEISCEI pEOpU.
The German Luftwaffe w a s not the only problem the crew of
Bat Out of He/I encountered when the 68th Squadron set off
for the submarine pens at St. Nazaire, France on Sunday,
January 3,1943. B-24s followed the B-17 formations,
dropped their bombs and continued following them out over
the ocean and back toward England. Returning home,
Reasoner's plane made it across the Channel to Wales, but
Pilot Lt. Roy Erwin had no gas to continue. At 600 feet the
plane dived straight down into a cabbage patch. Fortunately,
without gas, it did not explode. Reasoner w a s one of the
lucky ones that survived the crash. The impact w a s so
powerful, his shoes flew off-still untied, and he sustained an
injury to his heel. For that crash he earned Purple Heart #1.
Less fortunate was Clark Swanson, co-pilot, who died
instantly. Roy Erwin died two days later in the hospital; and
on January 8th, T h o m a s Davenport, Navigator, passed
away. Reasoner lived to fly again.
"After spending a week in the hospital, I w a s sent back to
Shipdham. At first they didn't have anything for m e to do. I
just hung around, doing nothing. Finally they sent m e to
Lancashire to Turret Maintenance School." Reasoner enjoyed
that for about a month, but the easy life w a s short-lived. In
March they assigned him to the crew of Pilot George Jansen
on Margaret Ann, and on M a y 14th, he w a s on his way to the
Sub Pens at Kiel, Germany.
Fighters and anti-aircraft weapons protected the Krupp
Submarine Plant, where 17 B-24s followed 109 Fortresses.
The B-17s were dropping high explosives, some of which
were falling through the Liberator's formation. To avoid this
menace, the lead pilots maneuvered away from the B-17
bomber column, becoming easy targets for the German
fighters. The 100 lb. incendiaries dropped by the Liberators
broke open immediately, so the pilots in the rear planes had to
fly in loose formation to avoid the masses of incendiary sticks
from the lead planes. The 44th lost five planes, one w a s
abandoned, 9 damaged, 12 men wounded and 51 MIA.
Among the wounded was Reasoner, whose head met a .30
cal. bullet. This earned him Purple Heart #2.
"From my position in the tail turret, I was shooting at the
fighter and watching the tracers. He w a s coming right at
me," Reasoner recalled. "All of a sudden I found myself
looking straight up at the top of the plane." He could feel the
warm blood seeping out of his wound, matting his hair.
Our of C,AS, BAI OLI of Htll< KASITLC! iN W A I E S .
�With four wounded men on board and a plane that had been
badly damaged, Lt. George Jansen managed to get them
safely back to Shipdham, succeeding in making a perfect
landing. When the 44th w a s awarded a Unit Citation for the
Kiel Mission, Reasoner was still recovering from his wound.
With the upcoming attack on Sicily, Reasoner joined the
44th's flight to Benghazi in late June, 1943. From this
airfield they bombed Italian and Sicilian fortifications, in
preparation for General Patton's and Montgomery's entry
onto the island. This w a s the prelude to the attack on
mainland Europe. They carried their bombs to Foggia, Naples
and Rome; and when the decision was made to cut off the
German oil supply at Ploesti, the Margaret Ann, Jansen's
plane was among the attacking force. This w a s another Unit
Citation mission.
"It turned out that our assignment to Benghazi was for the
low level attack on the Ploesti oil fields. After some low level
flying over England and over the desert of Libya, the day
arrived for the low level mission. W e took off at dawn for the
target," Reasoner stated.
"It was a long mission. We were in the air a total of 13 hours
and 5 minutes. W e had to fight off fighters and fly through
heavy flak before entering the fire, smoke, and explosions in
the target area to deliver our bombs. W e came through with
only a few small holes in our aircraft, but I saw several planes
go down. W e had a lot of small arms fire over the target."
August 1, 1943 is recognized as one of the most costly
missions in the War, in terms of loss of men and aircraft, and
also men captured.
"As a reward for this mission, we were given a three day pass
and a plane to carry us to Jerusalem, which w a s at that time,
a part of Palestine. Then w e set out for England.
"Spain was a neutral country, so we couldn't fly over it.
Instead w e went over Gibralter into the open Atlantic. I
looked out the window and saw a stream of oil coming from
under the plane. Another plane signaled to us that w e had a
problem, so w e turned back to North Africa, this time landing
in Marrakesh, French Morocco. It took ten days to get the
plane repaired, so when w e returned to England, w e flew solo.
"Two weeks later we got word that the Army was holed up at
Anzio and needed help to break through. By the time w e got
there, they had made the break, so they were ready to send
us back to England. Then came the Mission to Wiener-Neustadt
in Austria. It was a Messerschmidt plant.
&
C A N ANybody idENiify TEIESE T W O STRATEqisTs w h o ARE poiNiii
OUT TEIE ROUTE iN ANd OUT of PloESTi?
"The first time w e went to Wiener-Neustadt on August 13,
1943, the Germans were unprepared, thinking our planes
could not fly that far. W e had very little resistance. T w o
months later, on m y 21st mission, October 1,1943, they
were ready. This time I w a s with Lt. Coleman Whitaker's
crew on the Blackjack. I thought it would be a milk run, and
going across the mountains of Yugoslavia, I was wondering
what I should do after I finished m y last three missions-go
back to the states, join a maintenance crew, or what? As it
happened, m y decision w a s made for me."
The ME 109's came straight toward the formation. These
were experienced fighters - 60 or 70 of them. Then came
the heavy flak. It hit the bomb bay and set it afire. The plane
fell back, peeled to the left, losing altitude. At that point
there w a s no radio contact among the crew. Blackjack
passed under another aircraft, and three crew members bailed
out. Reasoner walked through fire with his eyes closed to
find an exit. The bombardier's camera w a s occuppying the
camera hatch, so he leaped out the waist window, intending
to open his parachute when he hit the clouds below. However,
drifting out of consciousness, he woke up in the clouds with
the chute opened. The plane drifted to the left, passing over
the top of another plane in the formation. T w o more crew
members emerged. At that point the plane turned right and
broke into two pieces, taking the lives of Coleman Whitaker,
Pilot; Francis Badman, Radio Operator; Wilson Riche, Asst.
Engineer; Robert Smith, Gunner and Anthony Domico,
Assistant Radio Operator. Seven planes from the 44th went
down that day. Reasoner earned his third Purple Heart.
"My parachute got caught in a tree, a few feet from the
ground," Reasoner remembered. "By that time I was totally
blind, and the Germans pulled m e from the tree.
®
�"Since I w a s sent to a hospital and not interrogated, I w a s
not legally a POW," he continued. "I w a s in a room with five
Germans with an Austrian doctor taking care of me. If the
other patients were present, he did not talk. When they were
out, he spoke very kindly in perfect English and w a s
extremely gentle in the painful procedures he had to do in
caring for m y burns.
"He told me that I needed a great deal of work done on my
face, and that he had a friend in Vienna w h o w a s a plastic
surgeon. 'Would I like to see him?' Of course I wanted
anything! that would make m y life better, so he promised to
make the arrangements. I had been in the hospital four
months, most of them in total blackness. N o w I could see a little."
During that period, kindness came from unexpected sources.
Reasoner w a s 'adopted' by some southern EuropeansSerbians and Croations. They saluted him with great respect;
and even though they had no common language, they talked.
They came in different numbers-two, three or four, and they
each brought him the same treat, apples, sugar cubes or cigarettes.
"One evening an aide came and told me to come with him to
get some clothes, that I w a s going to Vienna. I w a s outfitted
with German infantry pants, ill fitting Gl shoes and an old
jacket, and at 5:00 A.M. I w a s off on a bus to a ski resort
doubling as a medical facility.
"That doctor assured me that I needed a lot of plastic
surgery. He told m e to go back to m y hospital and he would
send for m e when he had room. I never saw him again.
"Back at the hospital we had a new doctor who was very
stern. I could hear him coming down the hall, 'Heil Hitler' to
everyone he met.
"Several days later they repeated the call to get clothes to go
to Vienna. This time, instead of the hospital, I ended up in a
large warehouse filled with a collection of laboring P O W s . W e
were transported to 17-A, which w a s mostly an English
camp. I w a s treated great. S o m e of the P O W s had been
captured at Dunkirk, and I was the first American they had seen.
"After about a month I was sent to Frankfurt-on-Main to be
interrogated and w a s assigned to Stalag Luft VI prison camp.
I expected a lengthy questioning, but it w a s very brief. When
the German folded up the paper he w a s writing on, I said, 'Is
that all? He assured m e he already knew all about m e and m y
crew, and did not need to question m e further."
There w a s a rumor in Luft VI prison camp that in accordance
with the Geneva Convention, wounded prisoners could apply
for repatriation. A prisoner, an English doctor, acted as
advisor as to w h o might qualify. He advised Reasoner to apply.
"I had to pass a long table with doctors from many
nationalities w h o were supposed to be neutral in their
evaluation-German, Swiss and Swedish. Each of them just
passed m e along, and the last one said, 'Sergeant Reasoner,
you may go home.'
'Go home! Go home! It was almost too good to be true.'
This was the beginning of a long period of hospitalization for
Reasoner. He had more skin grafts than he could remember
at the Newton D. Baker Hospital in Martinsburg, West
Virginia. When that closed, he went to Valley Forge Hospital
in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. The surgeons created new eyelids
for him, and rebuilt ears which were almost totally burned away.
Returning to civilian life was difficult, as he was self-consci
about his appearance. However he went on to get a degree in
Botany at the University of Miami, becoming a landscape
architect. In time he landed a job with the Department of
Agriculture in Miami, Florida, and
has been retired for 20 years.
He and his wife Bernice reside in
Mountville, South Carolina.
DECORATIONS
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star
Air Medal w/3 OLC
Distinguished Unit Citation w/l OLC
P O W Medal
European Theater of Operations Medal w/4 Battle Stars
Three Purple Hearts
C R E W of
TEIE MARqARET A N N
KNEEUNQ
L-R:
FRANCTS BAUMAN,
Louis CiRARd,
Piloi 1 si LT.
CEORqE JANSEN,
Bob
REASONER
SiANdiNq L-R:
CIARENCE SiRAwdbERq,
CORtt/iN Huff,
EuqtNE VickERy,
CEORqE KEISEY,
CEORqE GuilfoRd,
RODERT S»mh.
�fiv
44th BGVA Board Masting
At the 44th B G V A Board Meeting, Mike Yuspeh reported
that the site for the 2001 Reunion will probably be in
Barksdale, as that group is working very hard to complete
the B-24, n o w under reconstruction. The plane will be
renamed Louisiana Belle, and will have the serial number and
stripes of the 44th.
to the 506th B o m b S q u a d r o n
Roy O w e n is organizing a team of members to make
personal calls to inactive members of the 44th in an effort
to increase membership.
O n July 10, 2000 the
506th Bomb Squadron
lost its wartime
"Mum," when Mrs.
Linda Weston, age 89,
quietly passed away at
her home in
Portsmouth, England.
Linda, her husband Bill
"B"eryT 944
(Davies), and daughter
lived in the farmhouse just over the fence of
A A F 1 1 5 , Site 2, home of the 506th. W e
featured the Davies family in our Winter 1995
issue of the 8-Ball Tails.
Following the meeting. O w e n is going to Savannah to
inspect the diorama of the Ploesti Mission at the Mighty
Eighth Museum. He is also invited to Shipdham to speak to
a group about 44th activities during W W I I .
By-law change: The Nominating Committee is required to
submit only one nominee for each office. Each Squadron
will have a representative, but a Unit vote is not required.
The number of representatives is unchanged.
Board membership: Tony Mastradone has agreed to continue
as Archivist. Mike Yuspeh wishes to go off the Board after
this year, but will work with his replacement.
44tb Bomb Group Vetenans
Association Reunion
August 31 - Septemben 3, 2000
San Diego, California
Linda was the surrogate mother to all the
506th guys. She laundered our underwear
baked us bread,
welcomed us into
her home and
laughed her way
into our hearts. W e
last saw her at our
Shipdham barbeque
party on the England
trip in '97. She was a
faithful member of
ooT^nT
44thBQVAandis
survived by her daughter Beryl, son-in-law,
Ron and their children Rebecca, 20, and son,
Christopher 17, W e will miss her smiling face
and the care she so willingly gave to the lads
across the fence w h o were so far from home.
If you haven't registered (or the L\L)th BGVA
Reunion, you'll be missing a tot of fun. Mike l/uspeh
has taken great pains to see that it vOill be another
unforgettable eOent. The NaOal Air Stations,
Aircraft Carrier, Balboa Zoo, the shops around
Westin Plaza and the historic Hotel bet Coronado
are alt on parade in this multi-culture metropolis.
Located a short distance from the Mexican border,
San Diego is one of the most exciting cities in the
country.
There are no bonds tike the bonds of War buddies.
Don't pass up this opportunity to be together in a
unique, sometimes quaint location.
6
�2nd AIR DIVISION REUNION
The 53rd Convention of the 2nd
Air Division Association m e t at
display and murals on the wall
the Hyatt Regency Hotel in
that tell the story of the war.
Tampa, Florida. Along with the
As a special consideration to t
flurry of old friends greeting
2 AD memPersand expression of
each other in a hotel, which is
their
gratitude, Norwich has
famous for its splendor, there
extended an ancient Put valuaPle
were Poat trips, shopping
designation: status of Freedom
opportunities and a trip to the
of
Norwich Award. This gives 2
Fantasy of Flight Museum.
PERRy M O R S E ANd JsuRy F O I S O M AdMiRE TEIE icE
The Pig event after the Buffet
AD members the right to have
SCulpTURE of A LibERATOR OUTsidE TEIE BANQUET
Dinnerwasafilm presentation
riotous parades through the city,
HAII AT 2 AD REUNJON.
"Music at Theater Royal
complete with Pannersand loud
Norwich; a footstomping, rip
music. Also the right to raise
roaring, tear jerking presentation of an American
within
the city
limits. six
Long range planssheep
include
a Memorial
Garden,
show which many of the 44th had enjoyed on one
studv areas for historians and researchers, a B-24
of their English tours. The Stars and Stripes never
simulator and a 'Mission Room: He announced
looked Petter than they did on that English stage.
thata banner will be displayed for everygroup
At the Banquet on Sunday evening, David Hastings,
that flew from there.
vice Chairman of the Memorial Trust Board of
The 2 AD presented Hastings with a check for
Governors of the Norwich Museum/UPrary,
$10,000. At present there are 499 reservations for
reported on progress in the Puilding program. He
the
tour to the Grand Opening in NovemPer, with
stated that this library will be unique in the world,
a waiting list of 25-30.
and it honors the 6,700 American airmen from the
2 A D w h o died in W W H .
The candle lighting service honored those lost
"This is the finest Puilding in Norwich," he
particular missions, the ground crews w h o
declared, "it is Pecause of your vision that w e
maintained the planes and those w h o have passed
have this living memorial, it promotes a unique
away in later years. T w o memPers of the 44th
bond of friendship Petween our two countries."
participated in the lighting ceremony—BoP
Lehnhausen and Will Lundy.
in addition to the library, there will be a
restaurant, a heritage attraction center in which
the history of Norwich is told and the 2 AD
honored. There will be a model of a B-24 on
Will LuNdy ANd Dick BUTIER.
LiqlrTiNq TEIE CANdks foR IOST buddiss.
�This story is dedicated to two young men, William F. Coll of Park Hall, Maryland, and Robert Zoller of Longmont, Colorado. Their
uncles flew on B-24 # 4 1 - 2 3 7 7 8 F of the 44th B o m b Group. Both are new members of the 44th BGVA.
THE FIGHTING LADf: fi-24 #41-2377$ F
By: M/Sgt. Walter M. Patrick, U S A F (Ret.)
G U N N E R AboARd LAdy Luck TEIAT
W E N T do«/N O N TEIE Auqusi 1 6,
-
ENqiNEER O N ScRAppy II,
1 945 FoqqiA MissioN W A S
I/Sqr. WilliAM L. Coll, KIA AT PIOESTL
S/Sqi. H A R P E R F. ZOIIER.
This is the story of a fighting lady. Her official name was # 4 1 23778 F, but she also had several other stand-ins, namely
Jenny and Lady Luck. As a member of the 66th Squadron,
44th Bomb Group, she carried approximately 30 young men into
battle over the skies of Europe, namely France, Germany and
Italy, from December 6, 1942 until August 16, 1943.
Jenny appeared over the skies of Abbeyville, France with Lt.
Jimmy Kahl at the controls on December 6, 1942; and on
August 16, 1943, that same B-24, Lady Luck, made her final
exit at Foggia, Italy with Lt. Rocco A. Curelli in the left-side
seat. This account is about the trials and tribulations of # 4 1 23778, the men who flew her, their
exploits in the air, their leisure time,
and a few of the men's post-war
adventures.
The initial crew of Jenny was put
together at Barksdale Field, Louisiana
during July and August, 1942. They
were: Pilot: Lt. Jimmy Kahl; Co-Pilot:
Lt. T h o m a s S. Scrivner; Navigator:
Lt. Edward Mikoloski; Bombardier:
Lt. Edward Brennan; Engineer:
T/Sgt. William L. Coll; Radio Operator:
T/Sgt. Channing Satterfield; Right Waist Gunner;
S/Sgt. Hank Balsley; Left Waist Gunner:
S/Sgt. Walter Hazelton; and Tail Gunner: T/Sgt. George DeLacy.
The two well gunners joined the Jenny crew during the fall of
1942. Sgt. Harold Samuelian, who had some early contact
with the Jenny crew at Barksdale, was assigned in September,
1942.1 was assigned in October, 1942. I had arrived earlier in
England, in May 1942, with the 15th Bombardment Squadron.
The 15th was an A-20 outfit that made the first attack on
Europe by Americans when w e hit airdromes in Holland. It was
a low-level attack in conjunction with the Royal Air Force. I was
one of a few 44th gunners to have attended gunnery school
with the RAF. Because of losses to combat and other attrition,
I quickly moved up the ranks, so to speak, from well gunner to
waist gunner to tail gunner.
The Jenny's first mission took place on December 12, 1942.
Like most 44th crews, w e flew our first mission to the FW-190
Yellow Nose base at Abbeyville on the French coast. The first
crew loss was suffered on a mission to Romilly Sur Seine, eight
days later on December 20, 1942, when tail gunner
T/Sgt. George DeLacy's fingers froze while working on
malfunctioning guns. This injury ended his combat career;
and he would later be returned to the States.
PICTURED
C R E W of JENNy (lj\dy Luck) # 4 1 ' 2 5 7 7 8 TEIAT WENT TO WJIEIEIMSEIAVEN, GERMANy ON jANUARy 26, 1 945.
TlrEy ARE FROM IEIT, sTANdiNq S/Sqi. HANk
BAISIEY, TAU G U N N E R ; LT. JiMiviy KAIHI,
Pilor; LT. EdwARd Mikoloski, NAviqAioR;
T/Sqi. D O N SisbERT, ENqiNEER; LT. Ed
B R E N N A N , BovibARdiER; SqT. WAITER
PATRick, Riqlri WAJST G U N N E R ; ANd T/Sqi.
CbANNiNq SATTERfiEld, RAdio OPERATOR.
FRONT ROW kNEEliNq TROM IETT ARE LT.
TEIOMAS SCRJVNER, Co'piloT; Sqi. H A R O W
SAMUEIJAN, ASST. ENqiNEER; S/Sqi. WAITER
HAZEITON, LETT WAisi G U N N E R ; ANd REAR
WEII G U N N E R , S/Sqi. JAMES YouNq.
The Jenny's fifth mission took place on January 26, 1943, and
proved to be a real zinger. As all of the crews gathered in the
briefing room to get the "poop" from the briefing officer,
Captain William F. Strong, w e immediately noticed that
something was different. The route to the target was covered
with a sheet. "Why?" w e wondered. Captain Strong made his
pitch. "Gentlemen," he said, "we have finally come to the point
of why w e are here, and" - his hand flipped the sheet off "here it is." A lot of "ooohs" and "ahhhhs" answered our
question. The Jenny, along with many others, was going bigtime. The string of the flight path reached a long way, all the
way from Shipdham, England to Wilhelmshaven, Germany. This
was bound to be quite an experience. And for the crew of Jenny it was.
®
�W e were hit with everything they
had. The German fighters were
so thick, it was like w e had an
1-1.i .~~
r
r-
KIA AI
plofs,i WAS
_. qi;
CHANNiNq
FW-190 escort from the German
N
border all the way to Wilhelmshaven SAITERNE^,
and all the way back to the
Radio
North Sea and beyond.
OPERATOR O N "jENNy," "LAdy
Lut k," ANd 'ScRAppy II."
Anti-aircraft fire was intense,
especially over the target area. Over the target itself, w e had
trouble with hung-up bombs in the b o m b bay. It was at this
point that Radio Operator T/Sgt. Channing Satterfield became
a real hero. He went into the b o m b bay and managed to get
the stuck bombs to drop. Also over the target area there was
real sweating by Jenny crew members when the B-24 off our
right wing was decapitated. A German FW-190 fighter pilot
flew his plane into the B-24 amidships. Both went down in
flames.
After leaving the German coast, it was determined that our
aircraft had undergone serious damage. The crew was told
that there would probably be a crash landing upon reaching
base. No "probably" about it. With no hydraulics and no
brakes, the future looked bleak; and the crash landing took
place. But Pilot Jimmy Kahl and his flight deck crew really
came through in true heroic style. When that heavy landing
gear finally fell safely into the down-and-lock position (there
was no hydraulic fluid to operate it), I could not believe it. It
was still "sweat-time" at landing. Most of the crew gathered
back around the waist area to take their crash positions. But
on landing Jennybe\d together; and w e made it. That was just
one of many miracles performed that day by the 44th.
"Thanks" go to Pilot Jimmy Kahl and yes, to Don Siebert, also.
Flight Engineer T/Sgt. Don Siebert told Waist Gunner Walter
Hazelton a number of years later that he didn't think anybody
aboard expected to see England again. He said Lt. Kahl, the
pilot, did a masterful job taking the battered but still reliable
Liberator back home.
PiloT of ScRAppy II, C A P T . T H O M A S
E. ScRivNER (IETT) ANd his C O '
piloT, LT. EVERETTE P. ANdERSON
WERE KIA WEIEN TIHEJR plANE CAME
OUT of TEIE SMOkE ANd FlRE AT
TElEiR TARqET, WEliTE FiVE AT TEIE
ColoMbiA AouiU REfiNERy.
The battle report of damage to
Jenny from m y Combat Crew
Report said that the ship was
badly shot up. Over twohundred holes were found in the fuselage, controls were cut,
landing gear was damaged, there was no hydraulic system
and no brakes. W e would stand down for approximately a
month. In the mean time, some drastic changes took place
related to crew assignments. Lt. Kahl moved on to Jenny II,
and Lt. Thomas Scrivner moved over from the right seat to
become pilot of Lady Luck, the new name for #42-23778.
The new co-pilot would be Lt. Everett R Anderson, a transfer
from the RAF Eagle Squadron. For quite a spell there would
be new well gunners on every mission. The well gunners
continued to change until w e got to Benghazi.
Upon return from that January 26, 1943 mission to
Wilhelmshaven, the flight crews found that the ever-loving
ground crews had taken all of the regular buses to town and
left the flight crew boys stranded at home base. Not to be left
behind, some of the flight crew boys, myself included, decided
that a weapons carrier would work as well as a bus, and off
we went to town. In town w e hid the weapons carrier in an
alley so the MP's wouldn't see it. S o m e time afterwards, an
elderly English gentleman pedaled his bicycle around the
corner and into the alley, crashing headlong into the truck.
Upon returning to the scene of the crash later that night, w e
flight crew boys, discovered that the Englishman had reported
the presence of the truck to the MP's. The MP's had then
confiscated the distributor cap of the truck, thus grounding us
and making us easy prey for the lurking MP's. Within several
days, at least six airmen were reduced to privates. It was
General Johnson's policy that you had to be at least a buck
sergeant to fly combat, so this was well and good with the
bicycle casualties. W e all volunteered to fly again.
In my case, I flew several more missions before Lady Luck
was scheduled to fly again. The extra missions I flew may have
been life-saving for me. By the time the mission to Ploesti
came around, I had amassed 2 7 missions and was not
required to make that fateful trip.
That first Wilhelmshaven raid was a turning point for a lot of
things. It was at this time that the Lady Luck crew was
selected to do some US War Bonds work. The crew was
directed to report to the B-17 base for a radio broadcast
back to the USA. This was about a five-day assignment. After
many rehearsals with John Daly, we were ready for the presentation,
we thought. Our parents and friends in the States were alerted
to the big broadcast. Everybody I spoke with afterwards
swore that w e were reading from a script. Ha! Ha!
Following the January 6 mission to Wilhelmshaven, Lady Luck
went to Kiel, the Friesian Islands, Dunkirk, Rowen, Brest, and
back to Wilhelmshaven again. At this time, some of the crew
�was a man and a woman; two children were hanging on to the
parents' legs. Between the plane and the farmhouse was a
wheat field.
members volunteered for extra missions. So when the March
18, 1943 mission to Vegesack rolled around, both Balsley and
I flew with other crews. This proved to be the undoing of
Balsley. He took a hit through the stomach while flying with
Major William H. Brandon on the Suzy Q. He was the first Lady
Lucku&N member killed - until Ploesti. I flew that day with
Capt. Robert E. Miller's crew. I volunteered for the mission to
Vegesack in order to get my sergeant stripes back following
the infamous attack of the Englishman's bicycle.
The target area itself was as pictured in many photos that I
would later see. It was definitely an oil refinery area. In the
dream I clearly saw all of the installations: cracking plants,
storage areas, etc. It was a mess, bombs exploding all around
us and fires raged. In the dream I didn't see any other planes
nearby (although later facts revealed that Lt. Henry Lasco,
flying in Sad Sack, had also crashed in the general area.) What
I saw in the dream was as if a snapshot had been taken of the
crashed plane, the dead crew, the target area in the midst of
being bombed, and Hazelton and I standing there at the
scene of the crash. As it turned out, Hazelton and I were the
only survivors. W e did not go on the Ploesti mission.
On May 17th, the illustrious mission to Bordeaux, France was
pulled off with beautiful results. Enormous damage was done
to the submarine pens there by Lt. James DeVinney, 67th
Squadron Bombardier. Lt. Edward Mikoloski, the old Jenny
Navigator, was the mission's lead Navigator aboard
Maj. Howard W Moore's plane "Suzy <?"co-piloted by Colonel
Leon W. Johnson. Also aboard was Brig. General James R Hodges,
2nd Air Division, Commanding General.
Life was not all flying, and we had some leisure time for crew
leave to London. Needless to say we had some great stories
to tell our barracks buddies when we returned. On one
London trip Hazelton and I brought back a phonograph and a
big stack of records. W e had purchased all of the latest hits
of the early 1940's: Green Eyes, Blue Champagne, Chattanooga
Choo-Choo and'Amopolo, just to name a few. These records
were played and replayed in the barracks prior to our
departure to Benghazi.
During this time in late 1942 and early 1943, we fought some
terrific battles over Germany, missions to Rotterdam, Brest,
Antwerp, Belgium, and H a m m , Germany. W e also managed to
drink lots of swell beer. And the English folks, especially the
young ladies, treated the Yanks with respect. Low level training
began around June 15th, 1943. W e all knew that this foretold
something special further down the line.
It was about this time that I had my perceptive dream. I'm not
sure if I was partially awake when it occurred, but one thing is
for sure, that dream was embedded deeply into my mind, and
it is still there today. During this time I was Lady Luck's third
tail gunner, and Walter Hazelton was the right waist gunner.
The dream picture is as follows: Although I didn't see myself
on the in-going flight, I did see that our plane had crashed in
the target area. Walter Hazelton and I were outside the plane
looking in. We saw that everyone else on board was dead. I
could see a small stucco farmhouse a bit off to the left of
where I was standing by the nose compartment of the
crashed plane. Standing in the doorway of the farmhouse
When we went out to Lady Luck'in the early morning hours of
August 1 st, 1943 to board, Lt. Scrivner noticed profuse
leakage of gasoline from the wing tanks. He decided on the
spot that the plane was inoperable for the mission to Ploesti.
So he and the crew were transferred to another bomber
parked nearby, Scrappy II. Hazelton and I had already flown
the required twenty-five missions (in both cases twenty-seven
missions), and were not required to go on the Ploesti raid. As
the crew was boarding the plane Lt. Scrivner asked me, "Pat,
are you going with us on this mission?" I was undecided and
for some reason did not even remember the dream.
"Lt. Scrivner, this is what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna flip a coin.
'Heads' I go, 'tails' I stay." The coin turned up "tails" and I
stayed. I don't know why Hazelton decided to stay. The crew
was cut from eleven to nine, going without well gunners, and a
new tail gunner took m y place.
In 1854 at Balaclava,
which is very near
Ploesti, the famous
Charge of the Light
Brigade under Lord
Caridigan took place.
There the English light
calvary ran headlong
into Russian artillery.
Loses were staggering.
PIAQUE HONORiNq CAPT. THOMAS E. SCRJVNER, Pilor O N Scrwppy II 'HAT
WENT dowN AT PloEsii O N AuqusT 1, 1 945 is dispUysd by foRMER
CREWMATES WAITER M . PATRick (IETT) ANd Col. EdwARd Mikoloski. TEIE
plAQUE WAS pRESENIEd IIN TEIE NAME of C O I O N E I "Miks" AT TEIE MiqHTy
EiqHTh AiR FORCE M U S E U M duRiNq TEIE 4 4 T H BoMb GROUP'S AMNUAI
10
REUNioN AI SAVANNAH, GA.
/j\
�Similar to the Light Brigade's losses in 1854, were the losses
suffered by American forces during the August 1 air raid on
Ploesti in 1943. The percentage losses were the same. So
the crew of Lady Luck now aboard Scrappy IIm\\\ Tom
Scrivner in the pilot's seat, dashed headlong into the 44th's
target code-named White Five, the Colombia Aquila Refinery at
Ploesti. It was there that they ran into the German
command's most prized air defense secret: the deadly Q Train.
It racked the attackers with vengeance, and possibly took out
Sad Sack II, piloted by Henry A. Lasco, with the same blast of fire
that brought down Scrappy II.
That night Major Jimmy Kahl drove up to our tent, and asked
Walt and m e to get into his jeep so he could take us for a ride.
W e rode out to the parking area and sat as Jim told us what
actually happened to our comrades. Captain Robert E. Miller
had led his flight into the White Five target, which was already
on fire when he got there. When he emerged from the fire
and smoke, both of his wingmen were gone. One of the
wingmen, Captain Thomas E. Scrivner, did come out of the
smoke, the plane in flames and the pilots were seen fighting
gallantly for a crash landing. They managed to crash land into
a farmer's wheat field, but before the plane had ground to a
halt the aircraft exploded, killing all nine m e n aboard.
LETT WAisi G U N N E R O N ScRAppy II AT
PloEsii WAS
Sqr. TfiOMAS F. SchAppERT,
Also KIA.
Riqhr WAisi G U N N E R O N ScRAppy II
w h o WAS KIA AT PloESTi WAS
SqT. M A R V I N R. MickEy.'*"
In a letter to former /e/7/7/gunner Sgt. Harold Samuelian,
former Squadron Commander of the 66th Squadron, Major
Dexter Hodge, wrote, "I was leading seven planes from the
66th. Thomas Scrivner was on m y right wing and Lasco was
on m y left wing. Between the IP and the target area I saw
flames coming over the right wing of Tom's plane. He was still
flying when w e went into the smoke and explosions at our
target. I think I saw his plane crash but a m not sure. All crew
members were killed."
The Scrappy II'crew was: Pilot: Lt. Thomas Scrivner, Co-Pilot:
Lt. Everett R Anderson, Navigator: Lt. Philip R Phillips, Jr.,
Bombardier: 2nd Lt. Robert E. Young, engineer:
T/Sgt. William F. Coll, Radio Operator: S/Sgt. Channing N.
Satterfield, Left Waist Gunner: Sgt. Marvin R. Mickey, Right
Waist Gunner: Sgt. Thomas F. Schappert, and Tail Gunner:
S/Sgt. Hugh J. Malone. With the exception of T o m m y Scrivner,
the entire crew has been interned at the National Cemetery at
Jefferson Barracks, Missouri.
Between the time I experienced the dream and the day of the
fateful raid, I never told Hazelton or anyone else about it. But
I certainly had thoughts about it when I sat in on the mission
briefing the night before that last mission. Sitting there that
night I again recalled the events of m y dream from several
months before. The next day I knew in m y heart and without a
doubt that as Hazelton and I sat around waiting for the planes
to return, our crew wouldn't make it. They never did.
As he spoke about the last moment before the plane exploded,
it seemed like that was the exact same time Hazelton and I
showed up in the dream. I was so deeply touched by this
mission that I mourned for m y lost comrades. Even now they
are remembered in m y prayers. I a m sure that most of the
survivors of that particular era will say the same. I never told
Hazelton about the dream until just recently when w e got back
in touch. I do not know what his feelings are about m y story,
but I will swear on a stack of Bibles that this is the whole truth
so help m e God. As a result of the great air battle at Ploesti,
five Congressional Medal of Honor were awarded. Three were
awarded posthumously. Another went to Colonel Johnson,
commander of the 44th B o m b Group (he would eventually
achieve the rank of General), and the fifth Congressional
Medal of Honor went to Colonel John R. Kane, commander of
the 98th B o m b Group.
Following the Ploesti debacle, all combat crews of the 44th
were sent on one to two weeks of Rest and Recuperation in
Telaviv. What a treat that was to enjoy fresh sheets and
wonderful food. Following R&R, all w h o had completed twentyfive missions were started for the States via Cairo and then
back to Shipdham for a few days. After Shipdham w e left for
Prestwick where we caught the jump-off flight to the good ol' USA.
Just before leaving for the States, the 66th Squadron Adjutant
called Hazelton and m e into his office and presented us with
T/Sgt. Chevrons. "Well deserved," he said. W e then hung out
at the Red Cross center and presented the Red Cross girls
with the phonograph machine and the records. While at the
Red Cross club, I met T/Sgt. Tauno Metsa, Engineer on Lt.
Walter Hughes' plane. When w e got back stateside, Metsa and
I were assigned to the Standardization Board at Westover Field,
Massachusetts. W e would be roommates, as well as fly together
on Standardization Board missions, until Victory Day in Europe.
�were able to escape from Italian P O W camps. I met a number
of POW's while stationed at Westover, MA, who had waltzed
away after as little as a week in captivity.
The final curtain for #41-23778 (viz. Jenny and Lady Luck)
came August 16, 1943, two weeks and two days after the
Ploesti debacle. Lt. Rocco A. Curelli from the 66th Squadron
flew Lady Luck with the 67th Squadron on a bombing mission
to the Italian port city of Foggia. This was an all-new crew
flying on their second mission. The 44th Bomber Group had
already visited Foggia prior to the Ploesti mission on July 15th,
1943, and had lost quite a few planes. This second visit
proved however, a bigger disaster than the first. Seven B-24's
were lost including old faithful, Lady Luck. All of the crew
except Radio Operator T/Sgt. Wesley L. Zimmerman, was
killed. Zimmerman was taken prisoner and was only a P O W for
five weeks when he escaped the Italian P O W camp and made
his way back to the 44th. After the war he returned to his
hometown in Winston Salem, N.C. He married his hometown
sweetheart, Gladys Hege, in June of 1943 prior to going
overseas. After the war he worked for AT&T out of Winston
Salem and was issued his "Folded Wings" in 1991. Of the 25
planes dispatched to Foggia, only 13 returned to Benghazi.
As usual the 67th Squadron was the big loser followed by the
506th and the 68th. The 66th escaped without a loss.
The four survivors of the more than thirty crew members who
flew in # 4 2 - 2 3 7 7 8 include Dr. Jimmy Kahl, pilot of Jenny. He
resigned as Major to attend the University of Kansas, School
of Veterinary, then opened up a flourishing business in his
hometown of Winona, Minnesota. He still practices there today.
President of the 44th Bomb Group Veterans Association,
Colonel Edward Mikoloski, is another. Colonel Mikoloski stayed
in the service after the war and spent a great deal of time on
the staff of General Johnson. He spent time in posts around
the world, from England to the Pentagon, and retired in 1968.
The Jenny's first well gunner, Harold Samuelian, is still wit
When the war ended, he returned to his home in Fresno,
California. Harold has been a prominent member of the
merchant's community for years and years in Fresno. If you
need a good bargain, he is the one to see!
I remained in the service after the war and served with then
Captain Mikoloski at Westover Field for several years. We
pioneered the concept of l&E presentations that prevailed for
years. I went on to serve in Germany, Japan and Panama, and
retired a Senior Master Sergeant with 28 years service in
1969. I then spent time working on a monthly magazine for
the US Department of Agriculture in Washington, D.C. for 15
years before coming to my present home in Mt. Pleasant, SC.
The crew members of Lady Luck on her not so lucky day were:
Pilot: Lt. Rocco A. Curelli; Co-Pilot: John G. Papadopulos;
Navigator: Lt. Walt Rossi; Bombardier: Lt. Victor T. Torrou;
Engineer: Sgt. John H. Grinde; Radio Operator: Sgt. Wesley L
Zimmerman (POW and only survivor); Gunner: DeForest L.
Ela; Gunner: Sgt. Raymond C. Shafer; Gunner: Sgt. John R.
Hughes; Tail Gunner: Sgt. Harper F. Zoller.
Coincidentally, Lady Luck A Foggia and Scrappy ll'at Ploesti,
were flying in similar positions: the right wing slot off the
element leader. Another coincidence is that Lady Luck's radio
operator at Foggia, Wesley Zimmerman (POW), and Walter
Hazelton; who completed twenty-seven missions and was an
original crew member of Lady Luck, passed away during the
90's and were the last two crew men of # 4 1 - 2 3 7 7 8 to "Fold
their Wings."
Another casualty of the Foggia raid that made a number of
important missions including Ploesti, prior to Foggia was
Lt. Leighton Smith, pilot of Buzzin'Bear, a real warrior. Half
of his crew lost their lives at Foggia; the other half became
POW'S. Suzy-Q also went down at Foggia. She had carried
General Johnson and Major William Brandon to glory at
Ploesti. Southern Comfort-of the 506th was lost; two of the
crew died, but the remaining eight members of Lt. Horace A.
Austin's Southern Comfort were taken captive. Another
veteran of the Ploesti raid, Lt. Austin, escaped from the Italian
P O W camp. It seemed to be in vogue that American airmen
The story of #41-23778 cannot end without the mentioning
of her happy-go-Lucky shadow, Mr. Bob Hope and his USO
troupe that among others, included the very talkative Martha
Ray. Bob first showed up at Shipdham shortly before the 44th
went to Libya. Then several days prior to Ploesti he appeared
again at Benina-Main. W e thought we had seen the last of the
comedian at Benghazi, but when we boarded the C-54 at
Prestwick headed for the States, who should show up but Mr.
Bob Hope himself. W e had a continuous poker game going
from Prestwick to Iceland, and Bob kept wanting to join in; but
we kept telling him that enlisted personnel were not allowed to
gamble with officers, and in his case, civilians.
Near the end of hostilities in Europe, I was finally able to
the real life and blood Jenny. I was stationed at Westover
Field, MA, at the time and was surprised one day out in the
parking lot in front of Base Operations to hear my name
called. It was the now Major Jimmy Kahl, the first pilot of
#41-23778. He had just been assigned to base operations.
12
�He introduced m e to his most gracious wife, Jenny. Of course
it was a real honor to have met the lady that was the
namesake of the plane in which I flew a number of exciting
missions. To this day I stay in contact with Jimmy, the
courageous pilot w h o carried us through the Wilhelmshaven
mission.
One of my most momentous experiences related to the 44th
B o m b Group came around Thanksgiving 1996. Colonel
Mikoloski had asked m e if I would drop in on General Johnson
at his nursing home near m y daughter's home in Springfield,
Virginia, when he found out I was going up there for the
holiday. I was taken aback at this request. Why would a
retired Master Sergeant be visiting a four-star General - no
matter what the circumstances? But I would give it m y best try.
My wife of over fifty years and I were warmly and graciously
welcomed by both the staff and by the General. I wore m y
eight-ball hat.
The General was sitting in the den having a piece of pumpkin
pie with whip cream. I knelt down in front of him and said,
"General, I know you don't know me, but I flew with Colonel
Mikoloski on Jenny and Lady Luck. I just wanted you to know
that I represent all the enlisted m e n w h o served under you.
W e thought you were the best B-24 pilot on the face of the
earth, and the bravest and most dedicated leader any of us
has ever met." He smiled his heart warming smile and said,
"Sergeant, you don't realize how your words bring back to m e
just how proud of the m e n of the 44th I am."
We went on to talk about the old days; and my wife told him
how w e used to baby sit Colonel Mike's children when w e were
stationed at Westover
Field during the early
50's. "Yes", he said, "that
was a long time ago." I
may have been the last
enlisted man to visit him
before his death.
In closing out this article about Jenny and Lady Luck, I'd like to
tell about an unusual event that happened to m e at Westover
Field in early 1945. I was taking a shower one morning when
a runner from an orderly room called m y name to inform m e
that I was to report to the Base Commander's office at 1:00
P M sharp. The big sweat began - what had I done now?
Upon arrival I was rushed into Colonel U.G. Jones' office. After
the proper protocol he said, "Sgt. Patrick, you have been
recommended for promotion to Master Sergeant, but by your
record I see that you spent some time behind prison bars."
"Yes, sir", I said, "I was a guard at a North Carolina State
Prison and entered the service a day after Pearl Harbor."
He smiled about his humor and then asked, "What does your
father do?" I told him that he was a retired Master Sergeant
with 30 years service, mostly in the Corps of Engineers, and
that I was an "Army Brat." "Where were some of the places
you grew up?" the Colonel continued. I mentioned Fort Bragg
in 1926 - 1927. "Oh, is that right? For your information I
was a 2nd Lieutenant there and was probably your school
teacher in the first grade." Wow! Was Lady Luck shining on
me! He went on to tell m e that his son, w h o had graduated
from West Point, where else, I thought, was serving with
General Patton in Europe.
Ten years after that promotion, as Lady Luck continued to
shine on me, I would be privileged to photograph and
document the retirement of Colonel Jones, Inspector General
of the Atlantic Division of MATS there at Westover Field.
Several days later I presented the Colonel a nice album of all
the important events of his retirement ceremony. I doubt that
he knew who I was, and I didn't say anything about m y
"promotion interview"
with him ten years earlier.
I should have said,
"Thanks. You were a very
good teacher."
LT. CUREIIJ ANd C R E W
(TEIE 2Nd C R E W of "LAdy
REAR Row:
Luck" #41-25778)
NAviqAioR, LT. WAITER Rossi JR.;
Piloi, LT. R O C C O A. C U R E I H ;
FRONT R O W : GUNNER, S/Sqr.
HARPER F. ZOIIER;
GUNNER, S/SqT. DETOREST L. EIA;
ENqiNEER, S/Sqi. JohN H. GRiNdE;
FJOMDARdiER, Lr. VJCTOR T. TORROU;
GvpiloT, b. JohN G PADAdopubs;
RAclb OpenAiOR, WealEy L ZMMEHMAN.
G U N N E R RAyMONd C SfwfER
(NOT iN piCTURE).
GUNNER, S/SC,T. JohN R. HuqhES.
13
�mEmoRiES O F n uuiRTimE TEEDJIGER
Cynthia Ledger Harmonowski went back to Norfolk to visit a
family member. While she was there, she and her 28 year old
son set out to find the Control Tower at Shipdham. At that tune,
1983. it was not easy to find. They climbed through nettles and
other weeds, passed mechanical works, climbed the winding
steps and looked out over the airfield.
"It really took me back in time," she stated. "I had stood up
there in 1945 and watched the American planes take offfor
home, one by one. Reliving it. almost 40 years later, was absolutely tearful. I was so glad my son, Simon, could be with me. I
always wanted him to know what it was like in England during
the war, the lost lives, the shortages, the fear of the bombings,
and the young American flyers who came to help us.
Among her clearest memories is that before departing for home, ground personnel were treated
to Trolley Runs. It was an opportunity for them to fly over the areas where the air and ground
battles had taken place. Working in administration, she had become friendly with many of the
personnel, so an officer offered to slip her aboard a Trolley Run. With all the enthusiasm of a
nineteen year old. she accepted, even though she did not qualify for the privilege. Fitted with
gear and parachute, she was ready for the big moment when another officer stepped aboard
and said, "Skip, you can't go." So she climbed off and walked back to her work station.
Realizing her disappointment, one of her American co-workers got her a pass to ride in a military
vehicle and took her to London. On Charlotte Street, the officer knocked on a small manhole
cover, and an Italian man emerged. He led them down a set of steps, and there, below the London street was a cache of black market liquor.
"The officer bought some and took me to a restaurant where we ate and drank champagne. To
me, it was just amazing. It was the first time I had ever eaten in a restaurant," she recalled. "All
of these memories came back to me when I was looking out of the Control Tower."
Cynthia met her husban?, the Late
Al.flehnA. 'Harmonowski in a
railway station, and they rapidly
became sweethearts. £he foil the
less when he lefo twiceforthe
missions in /Xfoica. /in? when the
war was ever, she knew he was
acneforeoer.^J-ate intervene?,
heweoer, an? years later they act
together in /America an? were marrie?
Qohn j health beganfoilingseveral
years age, but when he knew the
suroioors e£ the ploesti %ai? were
be recognize? in ^aoannah, he was
?etermine? te go. /4t the ?e?icalio
the ?iorama at the/Highly Eighth
/tiuseum, /}ehn rosefoemhis
wheelchair te be recognize? as one
ha? foewn en the awesome mission.
n^-hree weeks later he passe? away
CyNihiA LsdqER
(HARMONOWski)
LT. JohN HARMONOWski
1944
1944
M
�O n e of m y recent actions also involved Ruth Morse
w h e n Nancy Van Epps notified President Mike that
Hugh, her husband w h o has been long suffering with
deterioration of the vertebrae in his neck, had
reached the point that he was in too m u c h pain for
any significant amount of travel. Thus she submitted
her resignation as our Board Secretary. O u r solution
was, since the Board had recently invited Ruth Morse
to attend the Board meetings in order that she could
properly report the board proceedings in the
management of our association in the 8-Ball Tails, it
was a short step to appointing her to replace Nancy
Van Epps and also take the minutes of the meetings
as our Secretary. This proposal was submitted to the
board, unanimously approved and the appointment
accepted by Ruth Morse.
Corner
This column should be entitled The President Pro
Tempore (for the time being) Corner for sadly our
President is, once again, suffering the anguish of
losing a beloved family m e m b e r to cancer. You will
recall on November 30, 1998 his daughter Peggy lost
her fierce battle with the disease. Death c a m e again
to Mike's door on Sunday, M a y 14, to take his
precious wife and love Yelena. She finally had to
seek Heaven's rest from her struggle to survive the
cancer that was taking her from him.
Other significant activities by your PPT were a post
T a m p a Board meeting trip to Savannah to visit and
see the progress on our Ploesti display in the Mighty
8th Air Force M u s e u m . Also a visit to Shipdham
which I tacked onto a
personal trip to attend a
memorial ceremony in
Aston Clinton, England.
Both of these activities,
along with other
agenda items from the
Board meeting are
covered elsewhere in
ThE NEW TOp ON ThE PloESTi
this issue.
I hope that all of the 44th family will keep Mike in
their personal prayers as he bears the enormous
burden of grief he suffers from the loss of his loved
ones. W e hope you will find peace from your
sorrow and return to us soon, Mike.
Meanwhile, to bring you up to date on who is
minding the store, w h e n Mike decided to m o v e
Yelena to a Houston cancer treatment center, he
asked m e to assume his duties as President Pro-Tern
since Dick Butler, our Vice -President, was deeply
involved with his responsibilities as our Group Vice
President to the 2nd Air Division. So, here w e are,
back in the saddle again. I a m able to do this because
of Ruth Morse taking over publication of the 8-Ball
Tails has m a d e it
possible. I wish
to also point out
that Ruth is
doing a
commendable
job with the
"Tails."
ViswiNq rhE 44TIH B o M b G R O U P
dispiAy iN SAVANNAh.
I want to close with telling you, Lolly and I will be
attending the San Diego reunion, along with several
new, first reunion, members and some former
members we've recovered contact with, polished up
and have all p u m p e d up over getting active in the
44th family again. It will be a wonderful reunion and
w e would like your support in showing both the n e w
and re-tread members what they have been missing
w h e n the family gets together. Your attendance will
also give us the opportunity to thank you personally
for the beautiful gifts you bestowed upon us in
absentia at N e w Orleans marking our retirement as
your President and First Lady, i
COMMEMO'
RATivE PIAQUE AT M A C D I I I AFB, MAy 2 6 ,
2 0 0 0 duRiNq Ths 2Nd AiR DivisioN
REUNiON. L TO R: JERRy FOISOM, Bob
LEEINhAUSEN, M E I MuRRAck, HARRy SNEAd,
Will LuNdy, ANd Roy O W E N bEhiNd TIHE
1fir£jjf
CAMERA.
15
�A Quick Visit to Shipdham
By Roy Owen
Taking advantage of an invitation to attend a June 4
memorial dedication honoring a 406th Bomb Squadron (Carpetbagger) crew piloted by an old friend that
crashed on January 3,1945 killing the entire crew at
Aston Clinton, England, I tacked on a visit to Norwich
and Shipdham. Phyllis Dubois was involved in assisting the Aston Clinton committee in locating family
and friends of the deceased crew and traveled from
Norwich to attend the ceremony. Thus she was able
to transport m e to Norwich and also graciously
provide and drive her car to facilitate m y visit to AF
115 to visit the new Aero Club and pay m y respects
for the 44th BGVA to Mrs. Eileen Paterson and Mr.
Andrew Doubleday, owner of the old 14th Combat
Wing Hq. Site.
dham Aero Club and I found the old Aero Air complex
completely cleaned up, freshly painted and the
Museum R o o m being decorated by Steve Adams, the
pub bar all refinished and the pub room being
refurnished. The kitchen is newly painted and the
installation of new kitchen equipment is forthcoming.
Best of all, the main hangar has all been cleaned up
and they are hangaring eight aircraft including a
beautiful twin engine Beech. The club is open from
Friday afternoon to Sunday sundown. The underground fuel tanks and refueling system have been
repaired and certified and the main runway has
been resurfaced and CAA certified. Steve Adams has
joined the club, is in charge of decorating and takes
his turn operating the club on occasional weekends.
Contrary to an unsubstantiated report by a former
44th H M O member (and emphatically denied by our
representative, Steve Adams) that the airfield w a s
closed and fenced off, the main runway was closed
and the buildings and main hangar were a
shambles. As I had previously reported that Mrs.
Paterson had leased the airfield to the new Ship-
So in spite of what the naysayers report, it is obvio
that our desire to see our old "Home Base" is still
alive and firmly in the flying business keeping the
doors open and the Welcome mat out when w e wish
to revisit AAF 115. Mrs. Paterson says, as far as she
is concerned, this is the w a y it will remain.
MikE KiNq of TEIE A E R O Club, M R S . E. PATERSON ANd STEVE
ANdREw DoublEdAy ANd STEVE AdAMs iN fnoNi of 14ih C B W
HEAdQUARTERS. NoiE ThE SlARS ANd SlRipES FlyilMq ATOP TEIE TOWER iN
hoNOR of My visii.
siANdiNq by ThE Flyirsiq 8'BAII MARkER iN TRONT of TEIE A E R O Club
16
�wheel trailer to haul all of these boxes of records, as well
as the computer, copier, FAX, printer, etc.
First, let m e express m y thanks to you, one and all, for
your generous support of our appeal for more funds to
keep the data entry work going, adding more data into
our basic data needs for your historyl I don't have the
exact amount of funds contributed so far, as money
continues to arrive; but I do know that we now have
additional funds to continue on with this work.
My old computer that I leave up here now will no longer
be adequate to utilize the C D - R O M on which all of our
history is stored. So a new one is vital and is expected
any day. Yesterday I drove to the "big" city of
Bridgeport to use their library computer to access m y email. Would you believe I had 4 3 messages waitingl
Except for three days in early April, 1945, all individual
sorties have been entered into our history base. Tony
Mastradone continues to work with the personnel at the
Archives to first locate these missing files, then copy so
we can have the data entry team complete this work.
Yes, some of it was personal, but the bulk of it covered
appeals from relatives or friends of our combat personnel
asking if I, we, have any data about this man who served
with us. These requests come not only from the U.S.,
but from Europe as well. One from northern Ireland, one
from Sweden, from England, etc.
Arlo Bartsch's team has also continued work to enter
summary reports of each of these 3 4 4 missions in
support of all the individual sorties already in the data
base. At last count they were well past the half way
point with these brief summaries.
We still need to locate and add the many names of our
members other than combat personnel who supported
our operational activities as they all contributed to the
results that brought us final victory in Europe. Basically,
these are the men who supported the 44th B G itself units like the M.Rs, Weather, SOth Station Complement,
Quartermaster, etc. If any of you out there have rosters
or data about these support units, could you please copy
and send to m e ? W e want to make sure that we give
credit to each and all that served with us.
People are using their computers to surf the Internet and
are finding W E B sites with data about World War # 2 .
They are learning that AFTER ALL OF THESE M A N Y
YEARS, it now may be possible to get answers that were
denied to them during that war. They are searching now
to get those answers, and we now are in position to get
those answers for them.
Before we found Arlo with his great data entry program,
I found it difficult to come up with these answers. To do
so took many hours of digging, checking, and frustration,
as I did not have sortie reports for reference and
particulars. But now with an adequate computer and a
few key strokes, I (or anyone with this C D - R O M ) can
quickly find and copy all of the missions flown in
summary or in great detail for every mission!
Surely many of you readers may wonder why we are
trying so hard to collect fhe data to enter it all into the
computer program and wonder what it will accomplish.
Perhaps I can better illustrate the good that it is doing
already by telling you of m y experience this past month
while making m y annual relocation of residence from
San Bernardino up to Twin Lakes, here in the High
Sierras. To do so over the past ten years or so, it was
necessary for m e to box up as many of m y paper records,
books, photos, etc. in order to respond to the requests
for data about our history. It required a fair sized two-
The volume of requests continue to rise. So much so
that Larry Herpel has volunteered to assist with this
work, and is taking quite a load off me. At times there
are requests that go beyond our combat men, sorties,
etc. W e work together on them. Some are referred to m e
so I can possibly answer them from the other records
compiled by our other historians Webb Todd with the
68th Sq. and Norm Kiefer with his 506th Sq. book. Also,
Steve Adams, our representative in England, does his
share of work with the 66th Sq. history, as well as
fielding many requests over there.
9
®
�E-mail is instant action, instant answers, whether in
State or in Europe. Snail mail is almost obsolete, but is
necessary to send the data we get from our CD-ROM
back to those requesting. We find the data, then print it
out on excellent forms developed by Arlo Bartsch so
these people will finally have a hard copy to answer their
questions, and keep for family records.
Larry H e r p e l
215 S. Medina
Lockhart, TX
(512) 376-7780
<lherpel@juno.com>
A 44TH BG 2001
Even at present, it is possible to send much of this data
back via e-mail or downloading it. But surely, as the
EUROPE-ENGLAND TRIP IS ON!
public obtains more computers and becomes more
proficient, answers will be sent to them computer to
computer.
Be not discouraged that the 2nd A D Norwich trip for
next year is full; Larry Herpel is fine tuning the
I cannot say this often enough or more sincerely. The itinerary for a 44th B G V A trip for September 2001
program developed by Arlo Bartsch has provided the
when the weather is pretty.
means for our great history to be made available to the
public. It is alive, very vibrant and open ended. Now, it Generally, this tour will start in Amsterdam or
Brussels followed by a visit to the Rhine seeing
can be AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY, as long as computers
Cologne,
Karlsruhe and Wesel, then on to the Battle of
are utilized. It should be the answer to every Air Force
the Bulge area and on to Paris or through the Belgian
historian of W W # 2 . We urge them to join with us in
coastal area on the way to Rouen and the Normandy
this endeavor.
Beaches. W e will then cross the Channel and make
our way to Norwich for a visit to the N e w Library. W e
will spend a day at Shipdham where w e will have a
picnic at the 14th C B W Headquarters followed by a
tour of the Base and an evening cocktail party and
Bar-B-Que with our friends in Shipdham before
leaving for home.
P r e s i d e n t M i k e ' s r e q u e s t for
d o n a t i o n s is m o v i n g forward/
but m o r e f u n d s are still needed.
A n y donation of a n y size will b e
helpful
to c o m p l e t e t h e
m o n u m e n t a l goals which the
44th is undertaking to preserve
the glorious history of this very
special group of veterans. T h e
goal is $50,000. Don't delay.
Your place in history is at stake.
For any who wish to stay over to visit more of Europe
or England, Larry can arrange an extension as an "add
on" to the group travel plan. A detailed itinerary will be
ready for study in the next issue of the 8-Ball Tails and
at the San Diego Reunion (meaning we've cut ourselves
a little slack for reasonable adjustments before finalizing).
In the meantime, for information on making a
reservation and deposit, call Larry at 1-888-317-7483
during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST), or
at h o m e in the evening at 512-376-7780. His e-mail
address is: lherDel@iuno.com.
THIS WILL B E A G R E A T TRIP!
Better save the number of seats you'll need by making
your reservations and a deposit with Larry early.
18
®
�Deja vu
^tf, ^ o y Qcue*t>
CIAIR P. SEIAEHER holds
his (IAU(,EIIER, Lois, iN A
phoio fROM I 9 4 J.
January 21,1944, the 44th Bomb Group was targeted to strike the
German V-l missile sites at Escalles-Sur-Buchy in the Pas de Calais
area of France. Being a part of Hitler's array of secret weapons
intended to bring England to her knees, the area was strongly
defended by fighters and AA. It was not only a heavily protected
complex, the small dispersed sites were so difficult to hit from
normal bombing altitude, the attack was made at 12 thousand feet.
Lower clouds in the target area further made it necessary for second
passes over the missile sites to ensure any effective bombing results. All in all, what was
expected to be a rather routine mission, turned into a terribly costly raid. Especially for the 68th
Bomb Squadron which launched seven aircraft to have only three return.
One of those losses; the 1st Lt. Frank W. Sobotka crew with T/Sgt. Claire P. Shaeffer
as Flight Engineer was documented in the Winter 1995 issue of the 8-Ball Tails. This poignant
story came to our attention because T/Sgt. Shaeffer was, in that era, a rarity being a single parent.
His death on that raid left an orphaned four year old daughter who, after 51 years of never having
been informed of the details of her father's death, made contact with us. That story came to a
dramatic and emotional climax when Lois Cianci (Claire's daughter) and her husband Tony
accompanied us on the 1998 trip to England and France where she visited the crash site of her
father's aircraft and was presented one of hisfireblackened ID "Dog" Tags recovered by the
French Resistance.
Back in February this year, I received a letter from Oklahoma City
written by a Mrs. Jackie Ostenson Roberts which was an impassioned
request for any information about her father S/Sgt. Jack Ostenson.
68th Bomb Squadron, 44th Bomb Group, killed on January 21, 1944.
Something was jogging m y memory as I was turning the pages of the
Will Lundy Roll of Honor to the Missing Aircrew Reports ( M A C R ) of
21 January. Lo and behold, on the page facing the M A C R of the
Sobotka Crew was the M A C R of the 7s/ Lt. Gary Mathisen crew on
which her father, S/Sgt. Jack N. Ostenson was Left Waist Gunner.
Referring back to her letter I read that she was born January 30, 1944
to her Mother, Wilburta, in Boise, Idaho and her father Jack, killed
only nine days earlier along with T/Sgt. Claire Shaeffer of the 68th,
both leaving fatherless daughters.
JACIOE O S T E N S O N 6 MONths old.
So, as with Lois Shaeffer Cianci, we havefilledthe void left by the scanty information of the
M I A notification and later KIA confirmation given to her Mother. Jackie since has excitedly
joined our 44th B G V A family as a Life Member. She "can hardly wait" to join us at our reunion
in San Diego. H E R E F O R T H E FIRST TIME, SHE A N D LOIS CIANCI WILL MEET. W H A T
A N E M O T I O N A L EXPERIENCE F O R A L L T H A T W I L L S U R E L Y BE!
19
�BEATING THE BUSHES
By Art Hand
July, 2000
BAUC, ANTON R. 1016 Cora Street, JBliet, IL 60435; (815) 722-6047.
68th Squadron fire fighter. Deceased February, 2000 (See F.W.).
ifev
Note: Art's doctor has instructed him to
do no more work at the present time
COLL, WILLIAM RO. Box 269, Pari Hall, MD 20667; e-mail:
w.coll@erols.com. Association, William is nephew of William Coll who was
KIA on 1 August, 1943, Ploesti while an engineer on Lt. Scrivner's crew.
due to an irregular heart beat.
Otherwise, this listing would be more
extensive. Let us all wish Art a QUICK
SENFT, ELMER T. 2339 Redwood Road, York, PA 17404-3942; (717)
764-6678. Our only listing shows that Elmer was a Pfc. from York, PA.
recovery.
miLHA5BEmRETURnED,FORWftRDinGORDER EXRIRED.hO SUCH ADDRE55 OR MARKED UnKriOWnnfT1E5
WEHflVELI5TEDTHELfl5TKnOWnflDDRE550F50nEOFTHE5EinDIVDUflL5.
CmYOUHELRU5LOCfTTETHEM?
Lawrence H. Massey
No Street Number
Seth, West Virginia
William A. Croft
120 West Hillcrest Dr.
Carlisle, Pa 17013
Harold J. B r u m m
406 21st Ave. S W
Rochester, Minnesota 55902
Earl A. Burns
10704 Decatur St.
Omaha. Nebraska 68164
Wallace Penny
3623 Taluga Dr.
Miami, Florida 32129
Stanley Reich
1111 Alvarado Ave.
Davis, Calif. 95616
Phillip Fanning
1534 SE 15* St.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33316
William S. Strange
RFD # 3 Box 489
Marshall, Texas 75670
William R. Brady
3139 Sam Houston Forest Rd.
Moss Bluff. Lousiana 70611
Hal D. Farmer
1681 Greenbrier Dr.
Huntsville, Texas 77340
James E. Keith
14919 Redwood Cove
Houston, Texas 77062
Albert T. Wheaton
13209 Oak Park Blvd.
GarfieldHeights, Ohio
Kenneth L. Buchner
669 E. Oakland Pk Blvd
Oakland Park, Florida 33334
William H. Martin
3781 Goldfinch St.
San Diego, CA 92103-3911
James E. Keith
Houston, Texas
IF 50, FLEPI5E COTITftCT U5 m P.O BOX 71^87. 5rULAKE CITY, UT 8171-^87. TOE (801) 733-7371
20
�folded
Wings
July, 2000
Gowpiled by
Will Lundy
BARLOW, ARCHIE D. T/Sgt. 14151313 68th Sqdn. FW on 23 April
2000. Archie served as an Engineer on the H. R. Howington crew
which joined the 44th BG on 5 October 1943. He flew 9 missions from 5
November 1943 to 21 January 1944. On January 21st this crew was
shot down, with Archie and four others from this crew managing to
successfully evade capture and eventually returned to duty. Deta
of this evasion can be read in Webb Todd's book, History of the
68th Squadron. Four crew members were KIA while one was
captured and became a POW.
BAUC, ANTON R. Pic. 36658870 68th Squadron. FW in February, 2000. He served
as a Fire Fighter, primarily involved with aircraft crashes on or near the Shipdham Base.
June 1944, a B-24 from another base crashed several miles away, but Shipdham crews responded. Explosions killed tw
of these fire fighters, but Anton and four others continued to search for survivors. For this action Anton was awar
Bronze Star.
CHAFFEE. THOMAS L. 1st Lt. 0-704147 67th Sqdn. FW in September, 1999. He served as a Navigator on the George
B. Haag crew while assigned to the 492nd BG and then transferred to the 67th Sqdn. in August 1944. His first 44th
mission was on 14 August 1944 and last one was dated 25 August, completing his tour of duty of 25 (?) missions. On
September 1944 he was transferred to the 12th RCD to return to the U.S.
CHANDLER, JAMES A. 17010687 68th Sqdn. FW on 10 February 2000. He joined the Squadron on 12/10/42, assigned
to Ordnance. On 5/28/44 he was promoted to Munition Worker and on 2/5/45 was promoted to 905. He returned to the
U.S. on the Queen Mary in June, 1945.
CRANE, JAMES J. 12074922 66th Sqdn. FW in February, 1992. He served as a gunner on the R. £ Harleman crew tha
flew their first mission on 21 February 1944 and last one on 27 March 1944. On this date they were shot down near th
Spanish border after bombing their target. It was their eighth mission. James was one of the four crew men who su
the ditching to become a POW.
COX, HOWARD D. 35275530 67th Sqdn. FW on 4/10/2000 reported by Mrs. April C. Nicola. Howard was a Pvt. when h
went over to England on the Queen Mary in Sept. 1942. Unable to identify his activities while he served with us whi
based at Shipdham.
DOMINO, JOSEPH S. FW on 17 September 1999. Last contact was made with him on 2/1/90. He was
an early member of the 44th BG, but was transferred to the 98th BG in early 1942 at Barksdale Field, LA.
FITCH, ALLEN A. 13047486 67th Sqdn-FW on 13 February 2000. Allen was a member of the
Ground Echelon that went to England on the Queen Mary, departing NYC on 5 Sept. 1942. He
served first as an Aircraft Mechanic until promoted to Assistant Crew Chief from H Grisham's
crew. He was on S. Calloway's crew, Sgt. in January 1945 until returning to the U.S. in
June, 1945. He returned in 1981 after 41 years of working at the Penn Tech Paper Mill.
21
�GALLATIN, ELBERT H. 18060293 67th Sqdn. FW on 9 January 2000. As with Allen Fitch above, was a member of the
Ground Echelon that went to England on the Queen Mary in September, 1942. He, too, was an aircraft mechanic, serve
a line crew. By January, 1944, he had been promoted to an Assistant Crew Chief on the KD. Gong crew, and continue
serve in that capacity with Sgt. Gong until the 44th BG returned to the U.S. in June, 1945. (See KD. Gong below.)
GONG, KUN D. 34132986 67th Sqdn. FW on 24 December 1999. "KD" was an early member of the 67th Sq, was assigned
as an engineer on "Blue Goose", piloted by G. W. Warne on 29 May 1942. He was part of a three plane unit selected t
perform secret photographic work of NE Canada, Greenland and Iceland. In late September joined the 67th Sqdn. to fl
England. "KD" became a Crew Chief, assigned to Flight "C", promoted to M/Sgt. As with most ground personnel, he,
returned to the U.S. after victory in Europe, flew home with his combat crew.
INDORF, FRANK E. 0-694877 66th Sqdn. Navigator-PFF-Radar. FW on 9 May 2000. Frank's first mission occurred on
June 1944, with H.D. Stanhope's crew and several more. His last of 29 was flown with the Elmer W. Smith crew, date
February 1945.
MAHANEY, FRANCIS X. 33198065 506th Sqdn. Tail Turret Gunner. FW on 25 August, 1999 at age of 78. Francis flew
first mission (of two) on April 1, 1944 with the E.A Herzing crew. But his second one was the terrible 8 April one w
were shot down along with ten other 44th BG ships and crews. Happily, though, all ten men on board survived to bec
POWs. Aircraft flown was Rubber Check.
MORAN, JOHN V. ASN#? 506th Sqdn. FW on 4/1/2000.
MYERS, DOUGLAS B. 0-730575 Co-pilot 506th Sqdn. FW in 1999. Lt. Myers was one of the original members of the 5
Squadron. He served as co-pilot for Capt. Swanson, flew to England in early 1943 via the southern route, south Amer
Africa, etc. He flew five missions, his first being on 22 March 1943, and his last one was 14 May, 1943 (Kiel). T
was awarded a Unit Citation for this one. This crew was shot down by swarms of fighters, with only four men surviv
become POWs.
NESBITT, FLOYD M. ASN ?? 506th Sqdn. FW on 1 April 2000. Floyd served as Engineer on the P. J. Durett crew. Th
departed the U.S. on 6 June 1944. He flew his first 34 missions with Lt. Durett on 7August and ending 31 December.
then flew his final mission of his tour with Lt. Confer's crew.
PICK, RICHARD S. 0-747102 66th Sqdn. FW on 29 December 1999. Richard flew many of his early missions with the
McCormick crew as Navigator-GEE. But with that classification, he flew mostly in cloudy weather and with lead cre
served with various crews. He completed his tour of duty on 7 October 1944 flying lead with the Lt. C. C. McDonnell c
SAFOS, VANGELO STEPHEN 0-795302 67th Sqdn. FW in July 1994. Vangelo flew his first of five missions while in n
Africa on 25 Sept. 1943 serving as Navigator for the J.D. Kessler crew. His next was a very tough mission to Wiener
Neustadt on 1 Oct. 1943 with this same crew. His fifth mission was with the W.S. Aldridge crew on 4 Jan 1944 to Kie
Germany. Later, on 12 April 1944, he transferred to the 50th Station Complement Squadron. Later still, he transfe
491st BG. He remained in service, retired as a Major.
SCHROEDER,
^^
*j&_^
I]
<i
JAMES A. 0-678513 68th Sqdn. FW on 16 May 1990. James served as a Navigator on the Philip W. Bell
crew which was assigned to the 68th Sq. on 1/31/44. He flew his first mission on 20 Feb. 44. Crew had
abort on Feb. 21, but flew their second mission on 24 February. Just after bombing their plane was
attacked and shot down. Six crewmen were KIA, with four men being captured and made
POWs. Lt. Schroeder was seriously injured, apparently, as he later was repatriated.
»
®
�THOMPSON, RALPH WILLIAM 0-706012 67th Sqdn. Pilot F W 1 March 2000. Lt. Thompson flew his 30 missions as copilot on the W.F Gilbert crew. First mission completed on 30 May 1944, with his final one of his tour completed on 3 August
WILLIAMS, RICHARD 14044924 68th Sqdn. FW on 11 March 2000. Richard served as a Flight Chief, M/Sgt. He was with
the Ground echelon that departed NY Harbor in Sept. 1942, was with the 68th Engineering until departing England again
for the U.S. on 16 June 1945. He was with the men on Temporary assignment to North Africa, departed 6/26/43 for
Benghazi. In late August, returned to Shipdham. But again, on 16 September, returned to Africa, to Tunis, until shortly
1 October 1943.
WOLFSON, MURRAY R. ASN 506th Sqdn. FW in 1992 Murray flew his first mission as Radio Operator with the V.J.
Scherzberg crew on 27 February 1945. His remaining missions were flown with the LG. Pyle crew. His 8th and last
mission was flown on 25 April 1945, the last mission of the war for the 44th BG.
M $ Escape
by T/S Forrest S. dark
67th Squadron 4 4 B G
Swiss internee on mission to Lec(;fefo,Ger.
3 Awrif 1 9 4 4 —
by armed guards and there were mines
to cross. There was also a risk that
we might be captured or shot by
snipers in German holdout pockets or
I took many risks in my fife out one ofresistance or be mistaken for the
tr>e greatest, if not tl?e most dangerous,
enemy by the Trench waguis.
happened in the closing days and
weeks of W W I I when as a young
We walked at night over the Alps
airman I attempted to escape into
from Geneva to the border. It took
liberated Trance. I attempted this as a t^ree days. W e hid by day in abanrisk with another airman because we
doned farm ouifdmgs. It was bitterly
wanted to get back to the U.S. by
cold and snowing most of t^e way.
Christmas.
It was all a gamble to see if we could
We eluded our Swiss armed guards at make it. W e were waging into a
the Bern railway station and mixed
confused wartime situation where
with the crowds on the city streets.
nobody trusted t(?e other and even the
Dressed as civilians we got a taxi to guides could not always be trusted.
tv>e legation disguised as Swiss.
But we went on.
We hid in the American Legation in
Bern, Switzerland, and were taken to
W> border with Trance and turned
over to a Trench freedom filter guide
to get us across the border. It was
risky oecause the oorder was patroffed
on the farmhouse's huge wooden door.
A Trenchman answered and welcomed
us. But w e cou(d not wait, so the next
morning at first light we started
walking again toward a sma(( village.
As w e did so w e were apprehended by
a U S army patrol. The colonel on the
patrol to(d us w e were waging in the
direction of a mine field and there
were snipers aoout.
Our risk taking had paid off this time
and we did make it l^ome a few days
after Christmas 1944. It was then w e
learned that there had been a great
battle to the north of us. That battle
was the Battle of the Bulge, the last
great German offensive of W W I I .
After that my life was never the
Tinally we got to the border, crossed same, if I ^ad faifed that risk I likely
would not be here to te(( the story. I
under some barbed wire, avoided the
(earned that there is nothing so strong
patrofs and waded across an icy
as the desire to return home, to one's
stream. W e were told to go to an
isolated farmhouse just inside Trance. country, and it is worthtakingrisks for.
W e did as we were told and knocked
23
�From the Editor:
(3DMail & E-MaM
Bob Vance and our newfound Belgium friend, Peter Loncke are
keeping a stream of information flowing about Operation Varsity. In
addition to Peter finding the Southern Comfort-Bob and Louis
DeBlasio's plane- he has located the Fighter Pilot who went
down the same day. His name is John Delaney, and he lives in
Asbury, N e w Jersey. N o w Louis, Bob and John have an information
exchange communication going; and interestingly, their memories of
events differ a great deal. Each refreshes the other's memory.
A B O U T THE OTHER QUEEN
Sgt. Lyle Latimer returned from England on the Queen Elizabeth in
October, 1944. To Latimer, the trip home was a wonderful
experience. Four of his group shared the B-Deck of that luxurious
liner enjoying every comfort.
To dodge a storm the Queen E took a southern route, so when they
came to the East Coast of the U.S., they got an off-shore view
from Florida to N e w York Harbor. When they swung into landing
position, the Queen was in the middle of various seagoing vessels
that blew whistles and horns at and for the returning veterans. The
people on board waved and cheered them from all sides as they
came into the last phase of landing.
"There was a WAC Dance Band ashore, waving and playing modern
American style music," he recalled. "We had time to watch others
leave the ship, and also, to observe the various items involved in
Joseph Crandell of Groveland, Illinois wrote that his brother, 1st Lt.unloading a ship of that size. For a farm-boy, it was especially
informative.
Leonard Crandell piloted the other plane that went down at
Wesel, as shown on the Harvel film. That plane is about 75 yards
"At Camp Shanks, NY we were delighted all over again. We found
from the Southern Comfort, and the depression is still there in the
fresh American bread, T-bone steaks and fresh milk!" He and his
ground where it crashed and exploded. The entire crew was KIA.
buddies rode a Troop Train to Jefferson Barracks, M O , an unforgetJoseph is contacting Peter to learn more details about his findings.
table ride, because it was GOING H O M E .
Peter is in contact with veteran groups from the RAF, New Zealand
and Australia, helping them locate planes, lay memorial wreaths,
and find burial plots.
Can anybody identify these three cheerful
gentlemen? I assume the picture was
taken in a pub in England.
Editor's Note: Latimer's first bomb run was on DDay to the
invasion targets of Caen. He flew with the crew of 2nd Lt. Joseph
Hermann, pilot. Latimer said that as the tail gunner, he did not
care where they went, but did like to see where they had been!"
Paul Oberlin to Will Lundy:... (describing a European vacation)
"Steve (Adams) met us in Norwich, and w e drove to Shipdham.
For me, the biggest best highlight was to see and go in the Control
Tower, as m y Dad had spent a lot of time there...
Would you like an artist's rendering of our plane? John Bills, the
son of a Liberator flyer, will do individual pictures, complete with
insignia, nose art, serial numbers, battle damage, tail identification.
The price is reasonable. The samples are impressive. Call
770-346-9517 or E-Mail john7linda@mindspring.com.
Dear American Friends,
I would like to wish you a great Independence Day 2000.
I hope that the Veterans will receive a lot of attention from the
youngsters.
If you think they do not pay enough respect to your fight for the
cause of freedom, be sure that in the other side of the Atlantic
ocean, at least one Belgian guy does.
®
�May they never have to pay the price for their easy-going way of
life. The less you care about freedom, the more you risk to lose it.
have memories of friends, drinking buddies, guys in the next chair
at briefings, etc. who did not make it. It is sad to say that my
memory of some of my close friends who did not make it has faded.
Thank you for MY freedom.
Your dedicated friend from over here, waiting eagerly to be over
there with you.
Luc Dewez
e£
I always look forward to receiving m y copy of the 8 Ball Tails. The
picture on the front page of the Spring 2000 edition showing the
"Delectable Doris" (now renamed "Joe"), and the "All American"
(now renamed "The Dragon and his Tail") flying together, are a very
pretty sight indeed. When reading your comments on page 3
regarding these two planes however, you state the "All American",
the last fully restored, flying Liberator in the world....".
I would take issue a bit with this statement. The Confederate Air
Force's "Diamond Lil" a completely restored B-24 has been in
continuous service since it came off the assembly line in the Spring
of 1940. It carries serial number 18. Almost certainly Diamond LIL
is the longest continuously serving World War II era aircraft flying today.
Some people do not consider LIL a true B-24 because in appearance
it does not have the cowling of turbocharged engines and the
exhaust stacks are on top like a PBY. Additionally, the plane is
about 9 feet shorter than a D Model. From a non cosmetic
standpoint, LIL is significantly different from later model B-24s
However it is and was a B-24A. It also was designated an LB-30A
Liberator I, under its original lend lease purchase order.
There have been times when the airplane underwent repairs and
restoration, but it has never missed a scheduled tour season with
the CAF. It did not go out on tour last summer because the aircraft
it flies with, a B-29 " FIFI", did not go out on tour, and the two
planes always travel together. Although the LIL was having new
fuel tanks installed, and other maintenance performed, it could have
been put together to go on tour last summer had FIFI been in a
position to go. Today, LIL is coming together nicely and will probably
be undergoing recurrency flights within the month of May.
Larry Herpel < lherpellgljuno.com >
(30
SIX SETS OF INITIALS
by Jack Butler (44th)
Let me tell you about 6 men to the 44th Bomb Group... All I know
about them is that on six separate occasions, prior to May, 1944,
each of them took off into the wild blue yonder. They were headed
east into the rising sun over Germany. They never returned. I never
met them and never knew them, yet I can never forget them. Let m e
tell you why I can never forget them.
All of us members of the 2nd Air Division had a lot in common. We
are survivors. Would you be reading this otherwise? Most of us
Why then do I have such a vivid recollection of these six whom I d
not know?
Well, in May, 1944, when I arrived at the 44th Bomb Group as a
replacement navigator, I was assigned to an empty sack in a four
man room. It was in a permanent building with inside plumbing.
There were two double deck bunk beds. The vacant bed was a
lower bunk. I thought this was great, but a little strange that the
upstairs guys had not claimed it. They had not claimed it because
they knew that there were six sets of initials burned into the rails
below the upper bunk. Each set of initials had marks burned by
cigarettes which counted completed missions. As I recall, the
completed missions ranged from 3 to 14.1 distinctly remember one
set of markers showed the last completed mission as 12. Obviously
he had not completed his number 13.
From May until December of 1944, the last thing I saw before I
went to sleep were those initials burned into the bed rail above me.
Not until recently did I realize those initials were also burned into
m y memory.
Is it possible that those six guys got together and put in a good
word for #7? All I know is that I made it OK, but there were several
occasions when I, and m y various crews, needed and had incredibly
good luck at the right time.
Editor's Note: To locate which of the two Jack Butlers sent this
message, I searched the Database AND COULDN'T FIND HIM!
However, I learned by e-mail that he was John £ Butler and his
new address is 12704 Transit Cove, Austin, TX 78727-5118. Phone
(5121833-7643.
EmailJackB839@aol.com.
Jack was in both the 66th and 67th Squadrons. He went over with
Bob Knowles and Howard Robb, and sometimes flew with
others. He was over there from May, 1944 to December, 1944.
The news of his life is that he has two German great granddaughters, thanks to his grandson who took a German bride after serving
in the Gulf War. Jack was visited by the German grandmother of his
two great grandchildren. A resident of Hamburg, she is unable to
discuss the war events which occurred when she was ten years old.
Among the tidbits ofinformation which Jack learned is that
600,000 women and children were evacuated from the city during
the summer of '43. The 44th was bombing oil refineries, but before
the War was over, most of the homes were destroyed.
Through cyberspace, Jack's grandson informed him that a 1 kilo ton
bomb was found in the middle of Stuttgart. The authorities evacuated
half the city to diffuse it. Apparently they find an unexploded bomb
over there from time to time. The memory of WWII does not go
away for either side.
�3D
A REOUEST FOR HELP!
John L. Milliken reported that four members of his crew Darrel
Larsen, Morris Larkin, Leon Allen and Irwin Stovroff have not
received the DFC; even though they all completed their combat tour
together, and were shot down on the 31st, 13 August 1944.
Milliken, Martin Richard and Robert Bertoli received their DFC
on General Order 193, 2nd Bomb Division 17 August 44. Kenneth
Beckwith received his GO 212, 31 August 44. Milliken received an
additional DFC on GO 226, (3 2nd BD dated 14 September 44.
Milliken is wondering if someone in the 44th might have the GO's,
which could help the four in his crew to receive the decoration
which they earned.
saluted American officers. The tankers had no time to take
prisoners, and so the meek-looking medics were still there
when Brig. Gen. I.D. White bustled in for a staff conference in
front of the town hall, still there when the tankers gassed up
and still there when they rolled out again under cover of night.
Editor's Note: Nobody was happier to see the armed vehicles
enter Ahlen than Louis DeBlasio, Bob Vance and John
Delaney, all POWs in a German hospital in Ahlen.
&
Another Request for HELP!
As a school project, two teenagers in Holland are looking for
Editor's Note: Roy Owen advises those who have not received
stories about the liberation of their land in 1945, and any
their DFC to write Air Force Personnel Headquarters, Decorations expressions of kindness, gratitude and courage which the
Department, Randolph Field, Texas.
Dutch people showed to their liberators. Their address is:
Evelien aan de Wiel, Wittenstein 183, 3328 M V Dordrecht,
3D
the Netherlands.
From the Stars and Stripes comes the memory of General
Patton's push through Germany, forwarded by Bob Vance:
Fritzi Selasky of Lubock, Texas has donated her husband's me
HELL ON WHEELS' ROLLS HELL BENT THROUGH REICH
Injured Foe, Medics, 30,000 Civilians
Welcome End of W a r for Them
AHLEN, GERMANY, March 31 (delayed), - German Army
medics and civilians alike lined the streets of this hospital
town-"the first open city" in Germany left thus far by the
retreating Wehrmacht -and cheered and waved at the Second
Army Div. tankers rolling through today on the road to Berlin.
Col. Sidney Hinds of Nashville, Tenn., who has led his CCB
across 36 miles of the Reich in less than two days, was in the
first vehicle to reach the town, as forward elements bypassed it to slice through to the Autobahn, northeast of Hamm.
Surrender
At the entrance of Ahlen, his jeep was halted by a pot-bellied,
bemedalled Nazi colonel, commandant of the town's dozen
hospitals, which held more than 2,000 German wounded
soldiers. The commandant offered him the surrender of the
town, the soldiers and his own medics and 30,000 civilians
who were still here.
to the WWII Memorial in her town. Ground breaking will begin by
Veterans Day in November. Lt. James Selasky was a navigator
with the 67th Squadron, and was among the survivors of the raid
to Ploesti, flying with Colonel Leon Johnson in the lead plane. In
Lubock, Fritzi has dedicated her efforts to educating young people
to the tragedies and triumphs of WWII.
OOPS!
For those of you who remember a Captain Joseph Testa, but
never heard of a Captain Tesla, your memory is accurate. His name
was Testa. In the article ROBERT DUBOWSKY'S DROP FROM
THE SKY, Spring issue of the 8 BTs, the Editor got it wrong.
Dubowsky is still searching for parodies to WWII songs. Even
only remember part of the song, send it to him. A long time from
now, in a WWII Museum, some young people will feel the spirit of
the young flyers who risked all to make a better world. His address
is 650 Grant Court, Satellite Beach, FL 32937; e-mail irdud(5)aol.com.
Everyone has a story worth telling and worth publishing.
PHASE Send it!
As Col. Hinds followed the Nazi bigwig's car into the town, at
first the civilians responded with a perfunctory "Heil Hitler!"
Ruth W. Davis-Morse, Editor
They then spotted American vehicles and out went the bed
2041 Village Circle East
sheets and tablecloths of surrender.
York, PA 17404
No Time for Prisoners
Telephone: (717) 846-8948 • Fax: (717) 846-6688
Dozens of Wehrmacht medics, in regular uniforms with Red
e-Mail:
REWDM@BLAZENET.NET
Cross arm bands, were among the crowd and some of them
joined in the waving. A couple of German Army doctors
26
*
-v
�sD
Memories of Bill Atkins, 67/506: ...there are four missions that I
remember well: the first, over Rhein Marshalling Yard w a s supposed
to be at high level mission, then changed at the last moment to low
level. They gave us a master briefing on a whole lot of flak w e
could expect. W e did make it through without picking up any extra
holes. Then there w a s the trip to Berlin, which seemed to me, went
right into the center of town.
Another awesome experience was the mission with Napalm to Fortde-Royan near Bordeaux, France. I w a s also on the flight to Wesel
with Major Harvel. I transferred his movie to VCR, and it has been
the mainstay of m y annual report to U.S. history classes. However,
the best mission I remember w a s after VE Day, and w e took the
political folks from Shipdham for a flight up the Rhine River, looking
at the towns that were still standing but had no roofs or floors.
QD
E-Mail from Fritz-Peter Linden,
Stadtkyll, Germany to Will Lundy:
We are putting together a magazine this year, celebrating four
important dates in the history of our town, including the events of
WWII. I a m the editor of the "official celebration magazine" and
with your information, I w a s able to translate the U.S. Air Force
assessment of the bombings in late 44/early 45.
On behalf of everybody here, I thank you very much for your help.
And if it weren't for you and all the other American soldiers back
then, I probably wouldn't be able to write this little e-mail to you.
This is the first time I can actually say thank you to one of the men
who w a s actually there.
Editor's Note: Could anybody imagine that there would ever be a
letter of gratitude from the enemy country? The recognized value of
the sacrifices of WWII keep growing in every part of the globe.
fiD
George Wright, from Wylde Green, England, started a hobby of
making models of WWII planes, and as a tribute to the 50,000
Americans w h o served in the 2 AD, he is placing them on permanent loan to the Memorial Library in Norwich. The aircrafts
represented are older planes used as markers for the division's 14
bomb groups to move into formation over the North Sea, ready to
start their missions into Germany. Lemon Drop and other colorful
lead planes will be on display.
(3D
Have you lost your medals, and want them replaced? All honorably
discharged veterans are entitled to a one time, free of charge
replacement set of their authorized medals and ribbons from the
U.S. Government. Submit request in writing to: National Personnel
Records Ctr., Attn: NRPMF, 9700 Page Ave., St. Louis, M 0 36132-5100.
®
Include your full name, service or social security number, branch of
service and dates of service. Request must be signed by the veteran.
If deceased, next of kin can sign the request. Be sure the request is
legible. It is also helpful to attach a copy of the discharge certificate, but not required. Allow 90-120 days for processing.
ABOUT THE DATABASE PROJECT,
ARE YOU LISTENING?
Speaking as the Editor of the 8 Ball Tails, I can't help
wondering whether 44thers do not submit their
Database information because the project has not been
clearly defined. Here is the plan: the entire history of
the 44th B o m b Group - the missions, the sorties, the
planes, the crews and the flyers - is being compiled
and computerized. This information will be available to
every library, high school and m u s e u m in the country
and some places overseas, not just now but 100 years
from now.
How will future generations know what happened in
WWII if the people who lived it do not tell their story?
Historians, researchers, archivists and family members
will have access to Y O U R history, but only if you put it
on record. EVERY SINGLE JOB W A S IMPORTANT. IT
T O O K FULL EFFORT TO WIN T H E W A R . R E C O R D
Y O U R CONTRIBUTION TO VICTORY.
Is it so difficult to dig in your old boxes and pull out a
handful of information and photographs about
yourself? Is it so difficult to talk into a tape recorder or
put it in writing, the harrowing moments you lived
through, the ways you coped with tough times, the
funny things you did with your buddies?
As Editor of the 8 Ball Tails, when I try to get details
about a particular person for an article, and can't find
his bio, I shake m y head sadly. I want ALL of you to be
remembered.
Write to us for your preprinted bio form:
44th B G V A Bios
PO Box 712287
Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
���44TH BOMB GROUP VETERANS ASSOCIATION BOARD
Official Journal of
President Emeritus: B-Gen. John H. Gibson (Retired)
7008 Gateridge
Dallas, TX 75240-7936
Phone: (972) 239-0559
Director: Robert J. Lehnhausen (68)
2540 Benton Court
Peoria, IL 61615-8838
Phone/Fax: (309) 243-1952
The 8-Ball Tails©
The 44th Bomb
Group Veterans
Association, Inc.©
Compiled, written
Immediate Past President: Roy W. Owen (506)
6304 Meadowridge Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5839
Phone: (707) 538-4726 Fax: (707) 538-1212
e-mail: Rowen44bg@aol.com
Director: Michael "Mike" Yuspeh (506)
7214 Sardonyx St.
New Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Phone/Fax: (504) 283-3424
e-mail: mikeyuspeh@worldnet.att.net
and published triyearly at 2041
Village Circle East,
York, PA, by Ruth
W . Davis-Morse,
Editor. Printed and
mailed Bulk Rate
Director
(44
SMW)
President: Edw. K. "Mike" Mikoloski (66/67)
at Salt Lake City,
Charles
G.
Simpson
626 Smithfield Road #702
U T under U S P S
P.O. Box 281
N. Providence, Rl 02904
Permit #6923. All
Breckenridge,
C
O
80424
Phone/Fax: (401) 353-0144
original written
Phone/Fax: (970) 453-0500
e-mail: EKMLIB44@msn.com
material such as
e-mail: AFMISSILEERS@compuserve.com
letters, stories,
First Vice President: Richard D. Butler (506/67)
excerpts from
Historian: C.W. "Will" Lundy (67)
44th Group VP to 2nd ADA
personal diaries or
3295 North "H" Street
16828 Mitchell Circle
memoirs, drawings
San Bernardino, CA 92405-2809
Riverside, CA 92518
and photos
Phone/Fax: (909) 882-2441
Phone (909) 697-5875 Fax: (909) 697-2908
submitted to this
e-mail: willundy@aol.com
e-mail: rdb24@earthlink.net
journal will become
P.O. Box 315, Bridgeport, CA 93517 (Sum) the property of the
Phone/Fax: (760) 932-7349
44th Bomb Group
Treasurer: Gerald (Jerry) Folsom (506)
Veterans
3582 East Dover Hill Road
Membership: Search
Association and
Salt Lake City, UT 84121-5527
will be copyright
Art
Hand
(66)
Phone (801) 733-7371 Fax: (801) 942-9988
protected except
517
Elm
Street
e-mail: 44thbgva@xmission.com
where noted. The
Paris, IL 61944-1417
text and photos
Phone/Fax:
(217)
463-5905
Secretary & 8 Ball Tails Editor: Ruth W. Davis-Morse
are otherwise
e-mail:
k9hwp@comwares.net
2041 Village Circle East
reproduced from
York, PA 17404
official U S A A F and
U.K. Representative: Steve Adams
Phone (717) 846-8948 Fax: (717) 846-6688
U S A F documents
28 Bassingham Rd.
e-mail: rewdm@blazenet.net
and photos which
Norwich, England NR3 2QT
have been released
Phone/Fax: 011-44-1603-400221
Director (67) Archivist
for publication.
e-mail: s.p.adams@btinternet.com
Anthony 'Tony" Mastradone
Permission is
9111 Tuckerman Street
granted for the
ASSOCIATION MAILING ADDRESS:
Lanham, M D 20706-2709
contents of this
44th BGVA
Phone/Fax: (301) 577-1487
journal to be
P.O. Box 712287
e-mail: mast@clres.com
reproduced
Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
specifically for
personal archives.
Otherwise, copyright material herein m a y be reproduced by the journal of other incorporated non-profit veterans organizations so long as this publication is
properly credited and prior permission is granted by the editor.
Those submitting letters, stories and photos to the editor or historian must do so with the understanding that this material will most likely be published in this
journal as a matter of interest to the memberslsubscribers of the Association and this journal. While every attempt will be made to answer all of the material
received, there is no explicit or implied guarantee that an answer will be provided or published. Except for specific requests for the return of original documents
and photos, all material submitted will become the property of the 44th Veterans Association, Inc., or its successors.
�—r — y — y — r
I
3AMT01, SCtl A
GSATERll W A D t,v
- ^
% S S H l'
Frank Schaeffer avoided the
Army draft by joining the Army
Air Corps in 1942, but after his
sixth mission from Shipdham, he
found himself climbing into back
rooms and hiding in pits to
elude marauding Germans and
wondering what was the
difference. After enlisting, he
had to wait six months before he
Soon attacks of pneumonia and rheumatic fever
separated Schaeffer from his buddies. When he got back
on his feet, he was assigned Engineer on Lt. B. J. Komasinski's
crew. His memory of working with his new crew in Pueblo,
Colorado was harrowing, exciting and coupled with bouts
of air sickness-problems that passed when the serious
business of war came to them. When their training was
over, they set out for the trip on the Queen Elizabeth to
the Firth of Clyde in Scotland.
Fi^Nk SchAEfftR 1945
was inducted. So he took the opportunity to
take night school courses at the
local vocational school along with flying lessons. When the
call came to report, he rode the Northeastern Railroad
through a snowstorm, to arrive on time at the 8th Street
Theater in Chicago.
Unfortunately, his dream to be a pilot faded, and he was
sent to Sheppard Field to study Airplane Mechanics,
where the biggest irritant was the CQ who wakened them
in the morning, "Drop your —- and grab your socks."
When he finished A M School, he went to Tyndall Field for
Gunnery School; where he moved up to Buck Sergeant.
To celebrate the completion of that program, and the
rank that went with it, Schaeffer drank many beers and
smoked a cigar. It didn't sit well. He barfed all over one
of his roommate's foot locker!
From
Shipdham
Schaeffer
BAR P, OIE Cock, 42-1 10024 f|ew j n
a
fROM HARRY STEEIE'S COIIECNON.
succession
of planes: Ole Cock, Bar-P,Bar-L, and
My Gal Sal, each time getting back
safely, notwithstanding holes in the
planes. [My Gal Sal crashed on take-off
several weeks later, but Schaeffer was
not on board.)
HARRY STEEIE, CREW
chiEf of "OIE Cock,"
42-110024
August 8, 1944 was a foggy morning, delaying take-off
on the mission to the German airdome near L'Perthe,
France. Komasinski's plane, My Peach, had a substitute
gunner, Coley Richardson, w h o was on his last mission.
As it turned out, it was the last for all of them.
Trouble Beginning
Until the plane reached the IP, Schaeffer remembers littl
flak activity. When they reached the b o m b run to the
target, the # 2 engine began to speed, and he could not
bring it back to cruising speed with the synchronizing
switch. The rpms increased, and he could not slow them.
FRONT LETT TO RK,III: BERNARCI J. KontAsiNski, piloT; W . SCOTT Gippmi,
co-pilot; EdqAR W . M K I I A E U , NAVIGATOR; CIIARIES H. LAJN, boMDARdicR.
STANdiNq: STANIEY J. HuUwicz, TAU quNNER; FRANK LAFAZJA, DAII TURRET;
JohN H. M c K n , RAdio OPERATOR; N E U O N E. BROTT, IEFT WAJST quN;
WAITER E. JACOD, RiqhT WAIST quN;
FRANK N. SchAEffER, FliqhT ENqiNEER ANd Top TURRET.
"We had a runaway propeller!!" he recalled. "She really
howled and went to 4,500 rpm. Our co-pilot, W. Scott
Gippert operated the feathering button, and the throttle
was closed, but the propeller refused to feather.
�"Quickly I gathered the folds in my arms, but with so much
air rushing through the open bays, more folds kept
spilling, and I had m y hands full gathering them together.
It was all I could do to keep m y arms around that bundle
of silk. I recall seeing one of the fellows drop from the
nose wheel door, and our pilot urging John McKee, radio
operator, to get going.
"Meanwhile I had gone into the forward end of the b o m b
bay to turn off the # 2 fuel selector valve. The fuel
booster p u m p switch was also turned off, as well as the
generator for that engine; but with everything off, it
continued to run wild. Lt. Gippert asked m e to replace the
feathering fuse, but I shouted 'No fuse. Circuit breakers
here' and pointed to four little red buttons. He pressed
on the button, but that was useless because the breaker
had not popped. Oil pressure was at zero, which
probably made any further feathering efforts useless."
Schaeffer took a minute to weigh his options...whether to
change chutes or risk exiting in his disheveled pile of silk.
Komasinski, seeing his indecision, bailed out, leaving
Schaeffer alone on the plane. He worked himself forward
to the front end of the rear b o m b bay, crouched and
rolled out.
By that time Schaeffer figured out that the freezing
temperature had made the oil in the propeller spinner cold
and thick, causing failure of the propeller to feather.
Meanwhile the engine continued to howl and the cowling
shook so violently, he expected the propeller to come
flying off, possibly into the fuselage. In desperation he
tried to replace the supercharger amplifier, but didn't
depress the retainer catch, so it would not come out of
it's receptacle.
The chute was pulled out of his arms with a jerk that
jammed him painfully down in his harness, and he found
himself swinging in 180 degree arcs, with the chute
nearly collapsing with each swing. Watching My Peach
from his billowing chute, he saw it follow the formation as
though a pilot was still at the controls. (When the
formation took a right turn, the plane continued forward
until it was out of sight.)
With all this excitement going on, they reached the target
and Charles Lain, bombardier released the bombs;
delaying a little, as the plane had fallen behind in their
formation.
Jump?
At that point, Schaeffer released his flak suit, took off his
oxygen mask, headset, throat mic, helmet and gloves, and
unplugged the heated suit. He saw his co-pilot doing the
same thing, so he signaled Nelson Brott, to come down
from the top turret.
Schaeffer could see other parachutes, but could not make
voice contact. His hands were freezing cold, having
jumped at 20,000 feet; his harness was cutting into his
crotch; and the air was so thin, he just dangled weakly
until the air got warmer. Then he could look down and
see the French landscape, knowing he was coming into
German Occupied Territory.
Meeting the Underground
One shot rang out and missed him, and soon he found
himself surrounded by French people who seemed to
want to help him. S o m e locals were so afraid of the
Germans, they refused to permit him into their home.
Others risked death to provide him with civilian clothing,
food and transport into a wooded area where they hid
him in a deep hole. He was accompanied by different
members of the FFI (French Underground) from time to
time, leading him to an unknown destination which
hopefully would provide safety. His companions did not
speak English, and he did not know French. With no idea
Standing on the catwalk, he suddenly realized that he had
not been given the signal to jump, so he swung out and
around the right side of the forward b o m b rack, and back
onto the catwalk behind it. Since he was wearing a chest
pack parachute, he could not have gotten through the
center of the b o m b bay between the b o m b racks. But in
swinging around the rack, his parachute rip cord handle
snagged on a b o m b shackle and pulled out about 3/4
inch. Immediately he pushed it back in, but the damage
was done. The chute suddenly began to spill while he was
getting into position on the catwalk.
V
4
�where they
were
headed, he
followed
them
through
woods, over
hills, fields,
swamps
and dozens BEINHER FAMily ~ LuciENEE, COIEEIE, GASTON, CRANdMoifiFr
BIANCEIE, lEAN-PiERRE, ANd ANdRE
of barbed
wire fences. Ultimately he ended up at the Benier home at
Orbais L'Abbaye, which is
south of Reims. It was the
residence of an elderly
woman and her two adult
children, who were kind
enough to feed him and
provide quarters where he
could reside in relative
safety. He could not leave
the house, but sometimes sat
in the back yard, which was
surrounded by a high wall.
Frwrxk EVAdiNq iN I+IE BENIER bAckyARd.
In time he learned that Richardson,
gunner, was badly injured, and was
under German control; and McKee,
radio operator, became a POW. The
rest of the crew hid in the woods
and traveled at night, protected by
HENRY
the FFI.
stung him. Cigarettes were $3.60/
pack, but Shorty solved the problem
by buying a pound of black market
tobacco in Paris; and in return for
rolling them, Schaeffer had a regular
supply for himself.
Looking out the family's front room,
Schaeffer could see German convoys
passing, trucks piled with straw, men
riding the fenders, on motorcycles and
afoot. German planes went over; and
some days he could see American
bombers in tight formations, too high
to see what kind they were. From the
radio, which the family played only once
a day, they learned that the Americans
were approaching Paris.
Louis GuyoiMARd
(ShoRTy) ~
ScllAEffER's
spy rRiENd.
On August 28 the Patton's Third Army arrived at Orlais
L'Abbaye. The town people brought out homemade flags,
greeting the soldiers and throwing flowers at the tanks.
Every time the convoy stopped, someone would run out
with a glass and bottle of wine and pass it to a soldier,
who swallowed it with a gulp and returned the glass for
the next soldier. This continued until the convoy moved on.
MEYSONET, FFI FRiENd.
This is WIIERE
ScllAEffER
A French spy called Shorty, working for the English,
befriended Schaeffer and shared the same bed. He
proudly displayed his working materials- batteries,
weapons, and equipment for communicating across the
Channel. Only a few trusted people knew that Shorty and
Schaeffer were residing at the Beniers.
Sometimes Schaeffer would help Shorty with his radio
transmissions. Other times he helped Andre pitch hay in
the barn or help care for the honey bees, which frequently
wATchEcl 5 A R M Y
T R O O P S ENTER
ORDAIS
The FFI came out, wearing the Cross of
Lorrain inside a V on their arm bands The people of the
town were delirious with delight. Coincidental^, on an
effort to find someone called Bill, another evader who the
family had come to know, Schaeffer passed his own crew
who were already on trucks headed toward the coast,
enroute England. Schaeffer returned with Bill, joining the
family in a champagne party. He dug out his old clothes
_y
�and shared them with Bill, so both had some semblance
of a uniform. (Bill Weatherwax was a B-17 pilot who had lived
with the Beniers, but later moved into the forest with the FFI.)
J\ PLEfl FOR
The next day was a day of revelry, traveling from home to LOST RECORDS
home and celebrating with families that pulled out
champagne that had been stashed away years before,
awaiting their day of liberation.
Many Germans were hiding in the woods, more afraid of
the FFI than of the Americans. American troops pressed
forward at a rapid rate, taking no time to pick up lurking
German soldiers, so the Underground sought them out,
showing little consideration to the invaders who had been
occupying their homeland.
On October 18, Schaeffer boarded a C-54 ATC in
Scotland, and eighteen hours later, was joyfully back in the
USA. He has taken the time to write a detailed account of
his experiences, and to look up members of his crew.
His work experience after the
war had been in a chemical
laboratory; then with General
Electric Company, making
X-rays; with the Chrysler
Corporation, making
outboard motors; and he is
still working two days a week
in a machine shop.
There are 8,085 Sondes entered into
the Database, but ((Jill Lundy has
diseouened that repents are missing
from IDay 8, 1944 to April 7, 1945.
Is there any chance that members
might haue them in their files, or in
boxes in the attic? Please eheek; and if
so, please get them totflill.nobody is
working harder to complete the 44th
history for future generations than ((Jill
If you can, please giue him a hand.
PAULA ERTZ,ATRAGIC L O S S
T O T H E 44™ B G V A
FRANk ScflAEffER Al
SAN DiEqo REUNION
2000.
MARVEL'S BOOK
Things become more precious as lime goes on, but
only in fhe right hands. Do you have Marvel's Liberators
Over Europe or fhe History of fhe 44th Bomb Group?
Do you know anybody who does, who would be willing
io donate it fo the Historical Library in Barksdale,
Louisiana? Barksdale, the home of many 44thers at
one time, is building a research library, and these items
would be greatly appreciated.
After enjoying the company of
Paula and Julian Ertzoverthe run
of our San Diego reunion, news
reached us that on the following
Friday they were involved in a serious automobile"
accident thattookthe life of Paula while Julian
escaped with minor injuries. Besides Julian, Paula
is survived by daughters Beth Ertz and Bera
Dordoni, sons Gary and Scott Ertzand
grandchildren Christopher, Jarron and Ashley Ertz.
Paula had just begun to devote some of her multifaceted talents to the intra communication among
long-lost members mission of the 44th B G V A She
and Julian, a semi-retired attorney, were also
assisting in finding a producer for our own "Lois
Cianci Story" as a movie. N o doubt she would have
contributed substantially. W e will miss the amazing
lady, and send ourloveand support to Julian.
�their invaluable help. Also, our appreciation to Cathy
Mastradone w h o w a s instrumental in obtaining the
Cambridge Cemetery photograph that w a s presented to
Jackie Roberts. N o easy task under the best of circumstances
but completed brilliantly through Cathy's, and Tony's
resourcefulness, perseverance and invaluable contacts in
Washington.
^
FIRST A N D F O R E M O S T , I thank you for the
beautifully fitting floral tribute, the m a n y kind
letters, faxes, e-mails, notes, telephone calls and
other w a r m expressions of compassion, concern, and
sympathy on the recent loss of m y precious and
beloved wife, Yelena.
I am especially grateful to Roy Owen who readily
and willingly stepped in to carry on the duties and
responsibilities of the office of your President — this
he did despite the personal problems he and Lolly
were struggling with as an aftermath of the death of
Lolly's father.
Congratulations to the
EVERY MEMBER GET d
MEMBER CONTEST"
(EMGfiM) winners!
It is during difficult days like these that you find your
true friends and sincere supporters very m u c h like
your o w n family...and family you are indeed to m e ,
and one I a m extremely proud of and love dearly.
•
Now to the business at hand. Our San Diego
Reunion hit another n e w high with Five Star
accommodations, elegant amenities T h e Presidential
Suite as our Hospitality R o o m ) , gourmet cuisine,
terrific tours, nostalgic music for dancing and a floor
s h o w that captivated and energized all of us,
especially, Charlie H u g h e s w h o impressed all
present with his tepsichorean talents as he responded
to the enticing calls of the alluring and energetic
vocalist to join her on the dance floor. Great
Reunions are becoming a habit with our Reunion
"Impressario", M i k e Yuspeh and I urge all members
to m a k e plans N O W for Mike's next Reunion in
Shreveport/Barksdale, L A . In m y congratulatory
message to Mike, I paraphrased a quotation from the
Greek Philosopher, Aristotle, w h o wrote, " W e are
what w e repeatedly do. E X C E L L E N C E , therefore, is
not an act but a habit." Thanks M i k e and "thanks"
to the fine and beautiful ladies mentioned in Mike's
M Y S E N I O R M O M E N T S (page 21) article for
Pictured Above: Fritzie Selasky ($300); Cynthia
Harmonowski ($200),- Robert Dunlop ($100),
Alex Toth ($50). Not Pictured: Col. Larry R. Hue}
(Cross gold pen & pencil set),- William H . Sims and
D o n Wells (Cross gold pens). The success of this
"first ever" contest m a y dictate its repetition.
The M A S T E R D A T A B A S E F U N D D R I V E is of)
to an eventful start v»ttb our members generously
"opening their wallets^ and hearts to the'tune of
some $16,000 as of this writing. Our goal of -,
$50,000 remains a valid objective tojimeet the Jong
and short term requirements Of entering the personal
data on A L L members of the 44th B o m b Qroup "(H)
living and deceased. This, undoubtedly, is one of the
mostriobleprojects undertaken by this Association
and I amfOtally committed to reaching our goal.
�M y thanks to those w h o have not yet made their
contribution. Remember that A L L donations are tax
deductible, so please G ' V E and Q E T a tax deduction.
A s an incentive to your future donations, I a m
endeavoring to establish a C H A L L E N G E C / R A N T
F U N D which will M A T C H dollar for dollar any
donations made by the members.
Donations to the MASTER DATA BASE FUND
can be mailed to:
Gerald Folsom, 44th B G V A
°/o M D B F U N D
P O Box 712287
Salt Lake City, U T 84171-2287
The personal BIOGRAPHICAL forms are still
arriving slowly and I urge all members to submit
their data as soon as possible. W e especially need
biographies on our deceased and ground support
personnel. Their data and contributions are critical to
insure the thoroughness and the completion of the
illustrious history of the 44th B o m b Group (H) in
the World W a r that Ended All World Wars.
Your Board of Directors approved Shreveport/Barksdale
A F B , Louisiana as the site of the next Reunion of
the 44th B G V A during the month of October,
2001. The firm dates will be announced as soon as
final arrangements are consummated by our
Reunion Chairman, Michael Yuspeh. M a k e your
plans N O W to attend this Reunion which promises
to top them all. Shreveport/Barksdale A F B is the
home of Eighth Air Force, 2nd B o m b Wing, the
Eighth Air Force M u s e u m and the B-24 J, and the
Eighth Air Force M u s e u m Curator are jointly restoring
and repainting with the 44th Bomb Group Markings.
Members are advised the CDs of the Master Data
Base are available at a cost of $150 of which $50
goes into the Master Data Base Fund. The C D s
come with two (2) free upgrades from Computer
Generated Data Co. (CGD). All purchases and
payments are to be made through our Treasurer,
Gerald Folsom by writing him at the following
address:
Gerald Folsom, 44,h B G V A
o/o M D B C D
P O Box 712287
Salt Lake City, U T 84171-2287
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Robert
Lehnhausen as Chairman of the n e w A W A R D S
Lastly, on behalf of the members and personally
C O M M I T T E E . Bob has already proposed several
send our sincerest expressions of sympathy and
innovative ideas that the Board will consider for
compassion to Julian Ertz on the tragic loss of his
implementation at their next meeting.
dear and beloved wife, Paula, in an automobile
accident shortly after their attendance at the San
Your Board of Directors and I continue to maintain
Diego Reunion. O u r thoughts and prayers are with
the financial stability and solvency of the Association
Julian and his family.
under the astute and financial wizardry of our highly
professional Treasurer, Gerald Folsom. His SemiAnnual Financial Report for Calendar Year 2000, as
of 30 June 2000, showed T O T A L A S S E T S at
$52,106.05,- T O T A L LIABILITIES at $33,014.34
and a N E T W O R T H at $19,091.71. Copies of this
report and one ending on December 31, 1999 were
distributed to the members attending the General
Meeting in San Diego. M y Budget for Calendar
Year 2001 lists I N C O M E at $32,500 and
E X P E N S E S at $28,080 with an expected S U R P L U S
of $4,420.
My closing thought is a tribute to our ladies.
"When you educate a man,
you educate an individual.
W h e n you educate a w o m a n ,
you educate a whole family."
�2001
EUROPEAIT
TOUR
Larry Herpel is still
France. Belgium. Germany and England.
l
th fojMstoric cities in
Ey6riTaty has an ex..,
eled
experience in our history. buJaTso the grandeurbtnafi
ar
Manorial at Caen, the beaches ot Normandy^ouerrTuv.
us to the
S H A P E H Q ot General^isenhdwer. W e wMvi$it the muse
.. and view a
newly found 44thBG
— crash•site
— « in•»Wirbin.
»»•••#•••.Belgium
uvicmii,where fl
win we ^Memorial dedication. From
Luxembourg we will visit the charming Town Squares-ofjner and BernfcasMTong the Mosel
River.
^^
From Koblenz we will cruise the Rhine to Cologne, enjoying fhe many sites along fhe way. From
Cologne and its beautiful cathedrals, we will go on to Wesel. where Louis DeBlasio. Bob Vance and
our new member. John Delaney f Fighter Pilot. 513 Sq.. 401 GroupJ. were housed as P O W s until
Patron's army came through and liberated them.
In Wesel we will inspect another crash site of one of our fallen aircraft from the 67th Sq. Here
we will have the opportunity to meet Peter Loncke. a member of fhe Belgium Air Force, who has
dedicated himself to locating crash sites and enlightening Americans. British and N e w Zealanders
of his finds. Our Belgium friend and WWII researcher. Luc Dewez, will be Joining us also.
Our trip to Liege will extend to Neuville-en-Condros home of fhe American War Memorial
f Ardennes J. 103 of our 44*" BG are honored here, including Clair Shaeffer. father of Lois Cianci.
W e will tour the beautiful city of Brussels with its wonderful architecture, then the medieval towns
of Ghent and Brugges for some great shopping and sight seeing. From Calais w e cross the Channel
to England and on to Norwich, home of fhe Memorial Library. Of course the trip will include
ShiPdham and surrounding areas, so clearly remembered as the 14th C B W Hq. A special day is
scheduled around many activities while visiting that familiar site. The tour continues to Duxford
and a visit to that fabulous Air Museum. The tour concludes in London. There are provisions for
those who wish to stay over. Contact Larry for details: Phone f512J 376-7780: E-Mail
ascoftfravel@fhriffy.net.
From the Editor: We have a limit of 48 people. Please send your deposit ($150 per person) to Larry
Herpel. 215 So. Medina, Lockhart, TX 78644. We have 42 paid applications, and others who have
expressed an interest, but have not reserved a seat. Of course, we will accept names for a stand-by
list, as this tour is still 12 months away. However, because of the negotiations involved in setting
the best Price. Larry needs to be certain we can fill the bus. More information will be forthcoming
to those who have signed UP. and will be announced in the nest issue of the 8 Ball Tails.
���saying "No, I a m a survivor. The heroes didn't come back"
were blessed with eight grandchildren. Three of the
Mikoloski surviving children and one grandson are life
members of the 44th
BGVA.
Mike's leadership commitment is firm: he wants to build
on the 44th past glory, and continue the bomb group's
winning tradition into the new Millennium.
On Thanksgiving Day,
1986, Mike married the
former Yelena
Krasnochekova, a
Russian actress, who
he met in Moscow.
Tragically, Yelena passed away several months ago, after
a lingering illness. Mike has expressed sincere gratitude
to members of the 44th, whose messages of condolence
continue to help him through this difficult time.
Editor's Note: General Johnson's and Mike's moments of
danger extended beyond wartime Europe. In 1952 they
flew to Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania in an Army
transport plane to attend a Governor's Day Celebration.
The plane crashed while attempting to land, bursting into
flames. One crew member sustained minor injuries; all
other occupants escaped unharmed.
Great Moments in President Mike's Career
After his retirement Mike took post graduate courses at
American International College, Springfield, N M and
Nichols College, Dudley, M A in Business Law, Cost
Accounting, Management and Computer Technology. H e
was owner and operator of a calculator and office
equipment company in Webster, M A before joining
T R I G O N E L E C T R O N I C S of California as their
manufacturers representative for England, Ireland and
the Eastern United States.
With all of the ceremonious occasions that Mike had
attended in his military career, his rise to the Presidency
of the 44th B o m b Group had no pomp and no ceremony.
He simply took the gavel from outgoing President Roy
O w e n in Austin, Texas, and the job began. Then, being
eager to credit his renowned predecessor for his
outstanding accomplishments in a beautiful and wellorchestrated event in N e w Orleans, Mike ended up doing
it in absentia. Roy and Lolly couldn't make it to the
Reunion. (Editor's Note: because of Mike's need to be
with Yelena during her lengthy illness and ultimate death,
Owen consented to serve as President pro tern.)
PAST PREsidENi Roy O W E N
&
PREsidENi MikE Mikoloski
JN S A N DiEqo.
Mike's granddaughter recently interviewed him for a class
project, and when she learned his history, she exclaimed,
"Grandpa, you were a hero." This he stoutly denied,
r->\
12
M A J O R G E N E R A I L E O N W . JOEINSON
GENERAI CuRiis LEMAy
ANd
ANd
CAPTAJN "MikE" Mikoloski II
MAJOR 'MikE' Mikoloski II
AWARDS & DECORATIONS
Legion of Merit, Hq. Dept. USAF Dec. 30,1966
D F C w/l O L C , 8th Air Force June 12,1943
A M w/3 O L C , 8th Air Force, April, 1943
A F Commendation Medal, 8th Air Force, Feb. 1,1968
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal
WWII Victory Medal
Medal for H u m a n e Action (Berlin Airlift)
National Defense Service Medal
Occupation Medal (Germany)
A F L S A w/3 Silver O L C
Distinguished Unit Citation w/2 O L C
French Croix de Guerre w/2 Silver Palme
�Lois CiANCi pRESENIS IEIE C.0I0R
lilEIOqRApEI of TEIE NAliONAl
GEMEIERy AT O M A E I A
BEACEI,
FRANCE TO JACWE OSTENSON
RobERTS AS A WElcOME TO IEIE
44TEI BoMb G R O U P FAMily.
WELCOME
TO THE
44™
F30MF3
GROUF
FAMILY
By Roy Owen
Roy
OWEN,
Lois
GAINO,
JAckiE RobEius
Another highly emotional event took place on Banquet Night at our National Reunion
In 'dan Diego when the two daughters who were orphaned by the loss of their
respective 6£>th f3omb Squadron fathers on the January 21,1944 raid against the
German V-1 missile launch sites at Escalles-Sur-f3uchy, France met personally for the
first time.
We told the related events of leading up to this tragically beautiful meeting in the
last (Summer 2 0 0 0 ) issue of thefi>-F3allTails.
To mark the event with Lois Cianci, our first orphaned daughter of that raid,
welcoming Jackie Roberts Into the 44th BGVA Family, Tony and Cathy Mastradone
acquired from the American Battle Monuments Commission a stunning 15"x 24" color
lithograph of the central memorial statue in the Omaha Beach National Cemetery.
They framed the litho beautifully and shipped it to the Westin Hotel for the ceremony.
The point of this was the remains of S/Sgt. Jack Ostenson, Jackie's father, were
never recovered. Thus his name is Inscribed on the marble "Wall of Honor" and a white
marble cross has been placed over the burled remains of one of those unidentified
which states "Here rests in honored glory A N A M E R I C A N SOLDIER known but to God.
Jackie, in a tearful acceptance of the beautiful gift, gave the gathering of members
her heartfelt thanks for providing all the Information she had been seeking about her
Dad In her lifetime. Looking at the members through tear filled eyes she said "You all
are now m y family, and I love you for all you have done to bring me to this momentl"
�The Reunion ~ San Diego, 2000
There are few cities quite like San Diego; and Mike Yuspeh managed to show the best of it to the 44
Lunch at the Island Club at the North Island Naval Air Station was bountiful and luxurious, and the bus
driver's account of the way navy men looked at housing three major aircraft carriers was whimsical- the
ConsteUation, a standard carrier, the John C. Stennis nuclear carrier, and soon will be hosting the Ronald
Reagan, also nuclear. They call them the Connie, the Johnnie and the Ronnie!
The Westin Hotel is a block from Horton Plaza, a shopping mall that looks like it was designed by
Disney. Architecturally dramatic shops are connected top and bottom, side to side by escalators, bridges,
and ramps. Prices weren't bad and food choices demonstrated the many cultures that inhabit that area.
Toiviy CiANci
Squadron Dinners at the Westin Hotel were a golden opportunity to catch up with old friends and old accounts
of war experiences. Will there be a time when buddies can get together and run out of memories of amazing
events? Never.
Touring the USS John C. Stennis was an athletic adventure. The deck is three football fields long,
catapults for accelerating the speed of outgoing planes, and hooks for grabbing them when they return. It
is very easy to see that the huge craft was designed to flourish in the global arena. Those who felt ambitious
climbed the seven steep stairways to the Bridge, and were surprised to learn that
the mammoth vessel housed another seven decks below. The 97,000 ton floating
city is complete with galleys capable of feeding 5,000 members of the crew, a
photo laboratory, aircraft repair shop,
ship repair shop, fuel tanks for planes
EMWEM ^ «
jou c ''^Vjz^vJ^M''' and escorts, and all the amenities to
STENNIS
&•' permit it to stay at sea for years, if
The Candle Lighting Ceremony
and the Banquet were special, replete
necessary.
with dashing young men who made up the Honor Guard. It was
here that the 44th met our newly-found orphan of the war-Jackie
Roberts. The 50 year search that this young lady made to locate
someone who could tell her about her father, S/Sgt. Jack Ostenson, is a dramatic saga which will be told in
the next issue. Ostenson's plane went down on January 21,1944, the same day, same
mission in which Lois Cianci lost her father. Were there any dry eyes when Lois handed
the lithograph of the Omaha Beach Memorial to Jackie? I don't think so. Welcoming
Jackie and her husband Lowell into the Bomb Group was a solemn moment for all.
Should anybody go to San Diego and miss the Pandas? Perry and I waited in line 40
minutes to see the new baby that hung in the tree and ignored everyone. The guide
explained that it's metabolism is so slow, it sleeps 20 hours every day. The rest of
the time, it eats. Fortunately, the zoo has no shortage of bamboo for the three exotic
critters, father, mother and baby, all on loan from the People's Republic of China.
14
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PART
15
��55 YEAKS AMV THE
AVWNTURE CONTINUES
Clay Roberts saw a picture in The crew suffered no casualties, only 22 years old. Needless to
the 2nd Air Division Magazine, but the radio operator saved his say, they were treated like royalty.
asking identities of a crew-his o w n life b y breaking from
crew. H e immediately identified procedure. H e held the b o m b bay When they were broken up as a
them, which led to a search for doors lever in the open position crew at Sioux Falls, S D in 1945,
all members. Five met in Sanfrom the IP to bombs away. His they went in ten different
Diego at the 44th B G Reunion. radio compartment was blown directions. Some made efforts
out by flak.
to contact others, but were not
"We came together as a heavy
able. Clay Roberts located Joe
bomber, B-24 Liberator crew in Their last flight as a crew wasStewart in Providence, RI, but
1944. W e delivered a B-24-J from in M a y , 1 9 4 5 w h e n they he passed away before they could
Mitchell Field, N Y via Bangor departed for Bradley Field, C T get together. Bob Dunlap had
Field, M a i n e and Goose Bay via Bluie West One, Greenland. submitted the picture to the 2 A D
Labrador to Valley, Wales. W e After flying up a fiord with wing Journal, which triggered a series
were assigned to the 68 th B o m b tips brushing rock walls, they of events that culminated in the
Squadron, 44 t h BG, and flew landed with a flat main gear tire. five surviving members making
bombing sorties over Europe."
contact and meeting in San Diego.
Fuel
shortage
"This reuniting and meeting
necessitated after over a half century
an
surpassed all our expectations,"
instrument Roberts reported. "The feelings of
landing
comradeship, the rush of emotions
100 foot
and bonding have been intense.
ceiling
W e are in daily to monthly
and 1 mile contact, and are committed to
visibility not losing contact again. W e are
at the Air scattered across the country. It
Transport almost seems that w e were
C o m m a n d destined to reunite in the year 2000,
(ATC)
because for the past 12 years I
ShipdhAM, ENC,LAN<I 1 9 4 4 :
STANdiNq: K E N Aiviitk (FLiqhT EN(,JNEIR/
field, Mingan, Quebec. They
have passed within five miles of
quNNER, John C R O S S (quNNER), Bob
were the first heavy bomber to Stockbridge, M A d o m e of Art
D U N I A P (quNNER), EdqAR F L O W E R S
land there throughout the war. Aronoff); and w e both travel the
(qUNNER) ANd JoIlN BoilEAU (RAcllO OpERATOR).
Station personnel could not
Massachusetts Turnpike at least
SirriNq: J O E S T E W A R T (boMDARdiER),
C U y RobERTS (piloT), JohN "JUNIOR"
believe that they were so
twice monthly.
RoblRTS (qUNNER), Bill LuNdouisT (toyoung, and that the pilot was
piloT) ANd A R T A R O N O F F (NAviqATOR).
17
�SAN Disqo, CAiifoRNiA 2 0 0 0
An October 27
Update on John
McClane
For those of you w h o were unable
to be with us in San Diego, w e
announced that John W . McClane
and wife, Doris had sent word they
were unable to join us because John
Sini(\q: B o b D U N L A P (quNNER).
STANdiNq: ART A R O N O T T (NAviqATOR), "JUINIOR" RobERTS
w a s facing surgery to remove a
(quiNNER), Bill LuiNdQuisT (co-piloT) ANtJ C U y RobERTS (piloT).
malignant tumor next to his right ear.
That w a s done, but sadly, it w a s
"We are the newest members of the Association
necessary to remove the entire ear.
and understand that we may be the crew with
Further diagnosis has revealed
the most surviving members. (Editor's Note: This presence of a malignancy in the lower
statement will undoubtedly be disputed in future back of his skull, which, due to the
proximity to his spine, precludes
mailings!) Our coming together this late in life
radiation therapy. H e w a s to have
has brought new meaning into all our lives at a
another polyp removed from his neck
time when we thought meaningful experiences
before Chemotherapy could be
were behind us. Our reuniting in San Diego
started.
was the' Mother of Experience' and the feeling
In spite of all this John was in good
was unanimous that we 'wouldn't have missed
spirits. H e said he w a s still driving
it for the world!' W h a t we felt and experienced
and, all things considered, feeling
is beyond description and regrettably cannot
pretty good. H e sent thanks for all the
be shared with others-especially family. W e
Best Wishes and Get Well cards,
are all 'chomping at the bit' to meet again at
letters and faxes from the 44th Family.
the 2001 Reunion in Shreveport.
It w a s a wonderful feeling, he said,
knowing he had so m a n y friends, and
said
he really missed being there to
"We regret and are sorrowed that five of our
videotape the reunion as he always
crew have passed on, but are grateful and
does. John and Doris are two of our
overjoyed that our 55 years of waiting and
most steadfast m e m b e r s ; a "Best
wondering have finally come to an end."
Wishes" card from their 44th Family
will surely m a k e this ordeal easier to
(Editor's Note: Robert's description of his crew's
for them to bear.
gathering is the best evidence that every effort
John & Doris McClane
must be made to hold the 44th BGVA tightly
together; and also, to record every detail of its120 N. Wolfe Road
history. WWH
was a unique experience in Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
human history, and must be recorded for future
generations to know.)
18
�~>
THE STORY THAT KEEPS UNFOLDING
Only a few years ago, Lois Cianci knew nothing about her
father, Clair Shaeffer, Engineer on the Sobatka crew that
hit the V-l sites in the Pas Des Calais Area at Escalles-SurBuchy. Just before the San Diego Reunion, she visited with
her father's Turret Gunner, August Smanietto and his wife,
Elaine in Santa Barbara. Later, at the Westin Hotel, getting
on the elevator, she and Milton Rosenblatt, Co-Pilot and his
wife Lila met and exchanged hugs. Milt had a long-time
memory
of Lois
that he
shared
with her.
When
Sobatica's
started
its trip to
the UK, it
was
discovered
that there
were
problems
with the
fuel
p u m p , so they stopped in Boston, Massachusetts for repair.
Given 3-4 days leave, Clair and Milt informed Lois's aunt of
his whereabouts. She and another lady brought the five
year old child to LaGuardia Airport, where they had a brief
visit. Lois has no m e m o r y of the event, but Milt remembered
it clearly. For years Lois has had a picture of Clair holding
her. N o w she knows when it was taken.
Phoio org LETT:
Lois CiANci ANd M H I O N RosENbUn.
VINTAGE
MODEL
AIRCRAFT
NORTH AMERICAN
TRAINER TURNED FIGHTER
Milt shared another piece of interest to Lois: The first time
the crew got together for practice, they were so excited,
they all rushed to the cockpit to watch the take-off.
Unbalanced, the plane never m a d e it off the ground, and
had to be sent out for repairs. He also told her about "Trim
Tab", a floppy eared, furry mutt that rode with them. Such
minute details become pieces of gold to a girl w h o has
known nothing about the father she lost for more than fifty years.
Through Will Lundy she had been able to make her first
contact with s o m e surviving crew members, Smanietto and
Rosenblatt. O n the European trip in 1997, her search for
knowledge of Clair's demise culminated at Gratenoix,
France, where the 44 th tour group visited his crash site.
19
l t m M
..
From Mark Morris, Gunner on
OLDCROW,5Q6BS:
"The March cover of Aviation
History has Keith Ferris' beautiful
painting of OLDCROW, but the
nose art is wrong. The aircraft is
mis-identified as Prince-Ass, as it
was years ago on an Air Force
calendar, and still is mislabeled in
the 8th Air Force Museum. Plainly
visible is the Ser #124283 and the
Prince-Ass wasn't delivered to the
ETO until September, 1943. Also,
on the museum plaque, Reinhart's
name is misspelled. He was the
pilot of the A/C on our left and was
shot down. The artist's conception
is really of Lt. James McAfee with
OLDCROmeatiinQ RUTH-LESS
and G.I.GALonto target blue."
�About the time that all equipment was
gone, a large formation of German fighters
approached the plane, and with no means
of protection, they waited for the blast that
would take them out of the sky. It never
came. So they limped along to Sweden
where Swedish aircrafts-old P-35's picked
them up and escorted them to the town of
Malmo. Taking no chances, a Swedish
fighter, seeing their open b o m b bay doors,
flew under to look for bombs. His radio
antenna smashed against the Princess's
damaged wing; but nevertheless, they flew
on to a safe landing.
MEETING AGAIN IN
SAN DIEGO
In friendly hands, Fitzsimmons and his
crew m e m b e r s were escorted to a King's
Palace where they were interred in the same
dwelling as German airmen.
What a place to be a POW! They ate well
in the palace, had no guards and could go
into the city any time they wished. According
to s o m e international agreement, English
P O W s were not permitted such freedom. In
the restaurants of Stockholm, American and
German airmen ate together, conversing
freely in English. They sat out the war
together and were repatriated at the same
time.
Sidney Paul and William Fitzsimmons,
shook hands for the first time in 56 years at
the Westin Hotel in San Diego. The fortunes
of life had taken them in two different
directions, and they lived to tell about it.
Both had the experience of flying in a
Liberator-- Paul as a pilot, Fitzsimmons, a
bombardier (506)- sharing some missions,
not all, and on different time tables.
By the time all of this happened, Sidney
had finished his missions and was back in
the States. He took an Instructor Flying
Course at Bryan Field, Texas, then went to
Langley Field, Virginia where he flew for
Navigator Classes.
Fitzsimmons, Bombardier on Ralph
Golubock's plane, the Princ-ess, was on a
mission to Poland on May 29, 1944. The
target was an oil refinery. Golubock reported
that they were hit by a lone fighter w h o
sprayed at the formation and happened to
hit the #1 engine and the fuel cells in the
left wing. They lost gas at a rapid rate, and
could not feather the engine. With great
effort Golubock kept the ship in flying
position; Sgt. Walter Dunlop, engineer,
transferred enough fuel for them to continue
flying. Overboard went all the heavy
materials-machine guns, ammunition, even
the treasured Norden Bombsight, plus the
Tail Gunner, w h o chose to bail out. He spent
his time in a German prison camp.
"After that I took a teaching position in a
junior high school, and two years later I
joined the National Guard. W h e n the Korean
War came about, our group was federalized,
and I was in the service for the next 21
months."
At this point Paul decided to stay in the
service. In 1952 he was assigned to Tufts
College in Massachusetts as part of the
R O T C Staff. From there he had the
20
�(
opportunity to s p e n d a year in Thule,
Greenland, an experience that he
r e m e m b e r s rather fondly.
MY SENIOR MOMENTS
by Mikfi Yuspeb
Later, at Westover Air Force Base in
Massachusetts, Paul m e t a n d married an
Air Force nurse, Catherine Elizabeth Fields,
a lady w h o shares his life a n d enthusiasm
for b o m b g r o u p reunions. (Editor's Note:
Sid believes that he and Elizabeth may be
the only 44th couple in the 44th BGVA.) In
the mid-1 950's she w a s stationed at Lake
Charles, L A in the 4 4 t h Hospital. H e says
that m a k e s her a bonafide m e m b e r .
Nobody will dispute her membership,
but
I'll bet there are other couples who are
invited to come forward and
proclaim
their dual bonafide
memberships.)
At the Reunion J had a Senior Moment. ?or those of y
who don't know what a senior moment is.- J forgot someth
When J spoke at the general Meeting J did not acknowledg
all the people who helped with the Reunion. J hope to co
that now.
Tirst Roy and Colly Owen who, with Rose ?ay, helped
the hotel. Roy and Colly had researched the place befor
Rose 9dy and J arrived. Zhey could not have picked a bet
place. Roy arranged for the aircraft carrier. Jt took m
telephone calls, but he got it done.
Dick Butler did a marvelous job getting the color g
With schools closed for the holiday, he twisted arms an
persuaded them to come. Zhe young men were excellent, a
they enjoyed visiting with us during dinner. J can't gi
enough thanks to "Mike" Mikoloski, who helped to get peo
to attend. Me had a telephone glued to his ear. Roy Owe
called all of the people on the west coast, and Zommy
Shepherd woke up his £-Mail group. Zhe letter {ferry
Msom got out was great. J thank all of them for the help
without which there would have been no reunion. Again R
came through and bought all the refreshments we had in
1613 at discount prices from the military commissary.
T>ick jCynch and Perry Morse, to whom we have given the
title of Bartenders of the 44th B(JVA, have served you wdl
theyears.
In 1967 Paul retired from the service to
r e s u m e his teaching career in Chicopee,
Massachusetts. Thirteen years later he left
teaching and b e g a n volunteering. N o w he
helps out at the Springfield Science
M u s e u m and Baystate Medical Center in
Springfield.
For a short period in their WWII
experiences, Paul a n d Fitzsimmons k n e w
and felt the s a m e fears a n d exhilaration
of flying missions together and surviving.
Fifty six years later, in San Diego they
caught u p with the rest of their stories.
On registration day, without the help of the follow
would still be waiting in line at San'Diego:Bob Schaper,
Sstelle Voelker, Rose Jay IJuspeh, Cathy Mastradone,
Morse and Zony Mastradone. At the other table we had
Bev Msom and Colly Owen working with Jerry Msom
and following up on membership. Perry Morse and Sstelle
Voelker also helped out with getting people on buses, a
making sure everyone was aboard before leaving the hote
Ruth Davis-Morse was all over the place, using her new
camera, so that everyone could be seen in the 8 Ball Zai
Zhanks to Sam Miceli and his wife Sdith, who stored and
brought both '8 Ball golf shirts and caps to the reunion
Zhey are our PX. Handling the reunion is not a one perso
job. Zhe chairman coordinates and makes decisions; but
without the help of a lot of people, this can not happen.
Zhanks to all of you for your support.
J hope to see you in Shreveport/Barksdale Tieldin O
2001. We wdl'doour utmost tomake thisanothergnatreuni
GERAICJ FOISOM ANd MikE YllSpEEl CONVERsil\q.
V
21
^
�When you submit your bio, write your story. Each one is different. Jerry gets applications from members who
record their birthplace, and the place where they were inducted, but little else. Only family members will care
about those details 100 years from now. However, your personal experiences, the moments of fear, the
moments of joy, the exhilaration of victory-those are the stories of WWII that must be recorded.
WWII is a unique period in human history. That rattling old B-24 that carried you into Nazi Germany is a
museum piece, (unless it w a s among those ground up, recycled and n o w sold as aluminum foil). The things
that happened when you were flying on those missions will never
again be replicated. Write about those events. You have no idea who
r
will be
&H& te.'/HO,
^-1
searching
.1*.
%
for that
Item
Price Postage
information,
'tetf/Z
2,* ym%$y^
Shirts
$25
$3
long after
Caps
$15
$2
you have
Pins
$5
$1
T h e 44 th B o m b Qroup Database is on-line.
Send to:
gone to the
Search: 8lh Air Force. Then 8lh Air Force
Sam Miceli
big hangar
Military Heritage Database. Then click Personal
6398 Dawson Blvd.
in the sky.
Biography or All Missions. Then put in your
Mentor, OH 44060-3648
name.
If your biography w a s submitted, you
Somebody
* * * * * * * * * * * • * * # * *
will find your pictures, then and n o w
will.
Patches
$15 $1
l.i
and your crew's picture.
it
(t
,i.i\Va>'
Roster
$20 $2
th
8 Air Force Military Heritage
Database Disk $150 $2
Send to:
44th BGVA
P.O. Box 712287
Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
%
W
If you don't find it - get
busy and submit it. Y o u are
not going to live forever,
-Dick Butler%
22
e^U^;
J
�^\
N O W THE WHOLE STORY CAN BE TOLD
by Estelle Voelker
During his lifetime, m y husband, E. Jay Spencer told this story m a n y times,
sometimes with minor variations, depending upon w h o his listeners were. H e did not
want it to appear in print, however, because he feared being court-martialled.
(Lt. Spencer passed away July 4,1998.)
It was December 11, 1944, when Jay found himself flying "S-bar" to bomb a railroad
bridge at Karlsrhue, Germany. They were loaded with four 2000 pound bombs. At
the target, three of the bombs dropped, but the fourth hung up in the b o m b bay.
W h e n they got over the channel on their return trip, the crew tried kicking it out. Jay
also tried to dislodge it by putting the plane in a nose dive and then pulling up
quickly. Nothing worked. They also heard over the radio other planes in the same
predicament being directed to the crash field. Well, Jay thought thatfieldwas aptly
1ST LT. EdqAii J. SPENCER
named ~ you went there you were likely to crash. Besides, they had already been
there and done that on another mission w h e n their hydraulics had been shot out. So
Jay inquired of his armament gunner, Al Abercrombie (Schofield's replacement) if
the b o m b could be disarmed. It could. To be sure, Jay asked him to verify it by showing him the manual. So
the crew went about disarming the beast. They even stuffed their handmade mufflers from h o m e in it. In the
meantime, Jay also inquired of his radioman, Henry Fishbone, if he had his usual burned out fuses in his
pocket. H e did. So Jay instructed him to listen only, and not to send. A n d as soon as they touched d o w n at
Shipdham, he was to replace good fuses with burned out ones in the radio.
As soon as they landed and Jay put on the brakes, the bomb let loose and skidded down the runway ahead of
them, sparks flying, until it rolled off into a ditch. All of the people standing along the runway to watch the
returning planes dove for cover, thinking that it would explode at any moment.
Jay proceeded to his hard stand as if nothing happened. However, General Johnson was not amused, and
arrived at the hard stand in short order. A s Jay wasfillingout his forms required of every pilot, he could hear
the General bawling out Abercrombie. Then Jay calmly descended from the plane through the b o m b bay,
stood up between the two, saluted General Johnson, and inquired, "is there any message you wish m e to
convey to m y crew?" The general sputtered, "Your radio was out." It sounded more like an order than a
question. "Yes sir!" Jay replied. General Johnson turned and left as quickly as he had arrived.
They had gotten away with being the only air crew to
drop a b o m b on the Shipdham runway!
TIIE SPENCER CREW
FRONT Row L'R:
S/SqT. H E N R Y FisbboNE, Radio OPERATOR; SqT. Eddii PicARdo,
TAJI quNNER; SqT. TIIOMAS (TOMMy) STEWART, A R M A M E N T quNNtit;
SqT. RobERT (Bob) Bimdick, billy TURRET quNNER; (Bimdick
did NOT fly wiTh This C R E W , AS TITE belly TURRETS W E R E NOT ussd
AT TIIAT TIME.) S/SqT. PETER (PETE) Moskovrris, ENGINEER; SqT.
C-EORqE SchorMd, WAIST qUNNER.
BAck Row L-R:
F/O JohN BEAVERS, NAviqATOR; 2*d LT. FHANI< (Mike) COIEIIA,
co-piloT; 1ST LT. EdqAR (JAy) SPENCER, piloT; 2Nd LT. W U U A M
(Bill) CREAN, DOMDARdiER.
�From the 2nd Air Division Journal
this report from R. D. (Dick Butler):
Kevin Watson of Eastbourne, England, a good friend of many 44th Bomb Group veterans, bas recently completed
and published a book entitled "RUTH LESS" and Far from Home. "RUTH-LESS" w a s a B-24D, one of the original 506th
Bomb Squadron aircraft. The original pilot and the m a n who named the plane after his wife w a s Frank Slough.
"RUTH-LESS" was flown on m a n y vital missions, including those of Kiel, 14 M a y 1943, the low level Ploesti mission of
1 August 1943, and the mission to Kjeller Airfield near Oslo, Norway on 18 November 1943. On February 2, 1944,
"RUTH LESS" crashed on Butts Brow, a hill above Eastbourne. The aircraft had received severe flak damage on a
mission to Watten in the Pas de Calais area and was attempting an emergency landing at a small airfield at Firston.
The pilot, 1st Lt James "Augie" Bolin, and the other nine crew members were aU killed.
As a young boy in 1971, Kevin Watson played in the area where the plane crashed, and discovered m a n y pieces
of the wreckage. Then in 1994, Kevin read in the local newspaper, The Eastbourne Herald, that an elderly gentleman
named Arthur King had, for the pastfiftyyears in all kinds of weather, climbed the hill to Butts Brow on every
Remembrance Sunday to lay flowers at the crash site. This inspired Kevin to seek out Mr. King and to subsequently
start a fund drive to raise money to place a permanent memorial at the site. Kevin's effort w a s successful, and on 13
M a y 1995, an impressive ceremony was held at the crash site and the granite memorial w a s dedicated. Kevin's
involvement in raising the funds and his research of "RUTH-LESS" and the m e n w h o flew it led him to write this book.
In his book, the author traces the history of the original crew from its training days at Pueblo Army Air Field, the
acquiring of the new B-24D at Saline AAF, and theflightoverseas to Shipdham. He relates "RUTH-LESS" crew expert
ences on the missions mentioned above as well as m a n y others. This book is truly a historical masterpiece and no
doubt will be used for story and research material for generations to come. With Kevin's permission, the following
poem is quoted from his book:
THE "RUTH LESS" FELLOWSHIP
We sit and view the Sussex Downs,
At grazing sheep, as seagulls cry,
Yet some of us hear other sounds,
For brave young men, destined to fly.
But "RUTH-LESS" could not make the height,
And through the mist she came to rest,
Upon a hill within our sight,
And God's hand rose on those he blessed.
They came to fight beside the Few,
To ease the burden of our pain,
were our cousins, staunch and true,
And each day we saw them again.
They died upon a foreign field,
Defending freedom to the last,
For what the daylight then revealed,
Were friends together, hands held fast.
We knew the trouble which they shared,
The engines coughed amid the cloud,
We hoped their lives would all be spared,
And ardent prayers were said aloud.
Their youthful spirits walk there still,
Past flowers blooming in the sun,
They smile down from Willingdon Hill,
Aware of duty proudly done.
-Doug Thomas, 1995
This soft-cover book is available from Kevin Watson at 29 Downs Valley Road, Lower Willingdon, Eastbourne, E
Sussex, BN20 9QG, England. The price, including postage, is $20 U.S. It is also available through Amazon.com.UK.
The "RUTH LESS" W e b site can be found at AOL. The address is: www.hometown.aol.com/kpwats7. There is also
more information there about "RUTH-LESS" and the book.
24
�OLD LIBERATORS NEVER DIE
By: H I . Watkins, Jr.
44th B o m b Group, 67th Squadron
..ENGLAND.... 1944:
General Ike has asked 8th Air Force, to load up and bomb Berlin;
Our Skipper is from Texas, age nineteen and highly skilled;
old Adolph Hitler has, no doubt, p
ed him off again.
his records say he's twenty one - that he trained at Randolph Field.
They've awakened us at four A.M., but we're still half asleep;
For more Texans on our team, are a group of teenage men,
that's our driver honking for us, just outside there, in his jeep.
who were trained as aerial gunners, way down south in Harlingen.
He drives us to the mess hall, where the coffee ain't the best;
we chow-down and fill our bellies, piggin' out on S.O.S.
Then it's onward to the briefing, where I'll wager you a maybe,
we'll be told this trip's a milk-run; "like taking candy from a baby."
Our co-pilot is an Okie - a full-blooded Cherokee;
he was also trained at Randolph; born and raised in Muskogee.
The bombardier's a Yankee, who hails from Bangor, Maine,
and our radioman's from Omaha: Dit-Dot is his nickname.
Our Chaplains always pray for us; asking God for a safe day,
and we take a precious moment; time to bow our heads and pray,
that we'll all come back this afternoon, without a loss of blood;
as a member of a bomber crew, you're in a close-knit brotherhood.
Our navigator is a lady's man, who loves 'em, leaves 'em, makes 'em c
he's now playing with his sextant, mapping out the route we'll fly.
Our engineer, age twenty five, is called Pappy on this crew;
we all met in Arizona, in September 'Forty Two.
Next, we slip into our heated suits, and draw a parachute;
we'll load lots of ammunition, 'cause today we're sure to shoot.
The crew believes that this trip, like our last one to Berlin,
Will be a real bitch-mission - we'll draw fighters going in.
Our Liberator bomber wears the name: THE TEXAS DUDE,
she's a mean four engine war machine, who has an attitude.
Crouched inside of her ball turret, rides a man before his time;
at four foot eight and age sixteen, he weighs just ninety nine.
ve flown all of 8th's bitch-missions, dating back a year or so;
and if you think I'm braggin', we've ten Purple Hearts to show.
We have also been the lead-ship, guiding less experienced crews;
we are often held on standby, but our missions w e can't choose.
He's suspended down beneath the plane, and calls it outer-space;
it's his office during business trips, and the Luftwaffe calls him Ace.
Our twin window gunners, age eighteen, are John and Tommy Klyne;
they've each scored quadruple kills with us - all M.E. One-O-Nines.
een flare from the tower, arcs the sky before it drops;
th
the pilot says it's time to fly, and winds up all four props.
roceed onto the runway, where we're first in line to roll;
e have radar in our airplane, and our bombs will take their toll.
Our tail gunner needs but one more kill, and he'll be a double Ace;
as he sits there riding backwards, he's in an advantageous place.
He sure boogered-up two Fokkers on our last trip, going in;
they have armor-plated bellies, Mates, and their pilots play to win.
I our radar MICKEY; it guides our bombs down through the clouds;
it sure p
es off the Germans, which in turn makes us feel proud.
|0ur bombardier is well equipped, and MICKEY works like magic;
in conjunction with his bombsight, the results are always tragic.
He gets mean as hell in combat; men who've challenged him are dead;
when engaging him and Shorty, Luftwaffe pilots fear to tread.
They have served as our protectors, and today's their final bout;
we have never lost in combat, 'cause they've always whipped the Krauts.
|High above the English Channel, where there's no more blinkin' fog,
the air up here is silky smooth, and we'll note it in our log.
|Jhere'll be time to take a puff or two, while the bombers group together;
then it's onward to our target, hidden from us by foul weather.
As we cross the German border, every man is well aware,
the Messerschmitts and Focke Wulfs, soon will join us in the air.
We'll face Hitler's finest pilots; one will wear his Iron Cross;
when they see our bomber's name-plate, they'll salute and call her Boss.
gtj|he Channel is behind us; o're the Netherlands we pass;
the navigator grabs his nose: "Who the hell is passin' gas?"
The bombardier defends himself: "You smell hydraulic fluid."
The pilot jokes that both of them, are in a childish mood.
Our gunners say they're ready, and quite anxious for a fight,
so they'll have a real good story, whilst we sip a few tonight,
Warm English beer works wonders, on an airman's weary body,
and Scotch whiskey mixed with coffee, blends a belly-warming toddy.
here'll be a bottle on our table, while the crew critiques the mission
our gunners get the first drink - it's our pilot's own tradition.
He sure looks out for our shooters, which with us is quite OK;
there will be no crew objections, if they save our butts today.
mig east into the rising sun, the pilot shades his eyes;
our first attack will come up-front; head-on in clear blue skies.
The Luftwaffe pilots orders are: "TAKE THE MICKEY LEADER OUT!"
To carry out their orders, will require a bunch of clout.
25
�As expected, comes the Luftwaffe; everybody on your toes;
there comes a pair of Messerschmitts, diving straight toward our nose.
Sitting tall in our positions, our adrenaline soars high;
they're engaging us both front and rear, and some of them will die.
Now the fighters have retreated, but the sky ahead is black;
as we turnonto the b o m b run, all we see up-front is flak.
Our bombardier is set to drop, and the pilot says OK;
he will interrupt the silence, to announce "OUR B O M B S AWAY."
Up front in the nose turret, a young sergeant fires a burst;
to eliminate the fighter's edge, he simply downs it first.
POOF! The Messerschmitt exploded; we saw tracers hit its tank;
our nose gunner just became an Ace, and he'll soon move up in rank.
Though our bombs have hit their target, our last mission's not complete;
it's a long flight back to England, and the Krauts despise defeat.
Their pilots have returned to base, to reload arms and gas;
they'll be back to hit the cripples, and we'll kick more Nazi ass.
The twin sergeants at the window guns, will have a chance to fight;
yonder comes a swarm of Messerschmitts, so get them in your sights.
Down goes another fighter; our old engineer got lucky...
he was feared back home by tax men; he brewed moonshine in Kentucky.
There are stragglers close behind us; some are shot up really bad;
parachutes are popping open, and there's several engines dead.
Junior pilots will come this time, and they'll get an education;
our Ace gunners are their teachers, and they ain't here on vacation.
A lone Focke Wulf high above us, lingers just beyond our range;
we all know who's in her cockpit, and his tactics never change.
Wulfgang Shroeder fears our gunners; he's engaged them twice before;
our tail gunner sent him earthward, in his parachute, both scores.
We respect the German pilots, in this game of win or die;
It's a fighter/bomber-gunner duel, we've played out in Europe's skies.
Perhaps in God's near-hereafter, we will meet them face-to-face;
we have proven they are mortals, not Der Fuehrer's master race.
His win record speaks quite well for him - a hundred ten, they say;
but the Texas Dude's still flyin', so he'll try again today.
Adolph Hitler loves his pilots; awards his best The Iron Cross;
Shroeder's sure to get his second, should his win be our first loss.
Our tour of duty is completed; we'll move to another base;
way out in the vast Pacific, the Isle of Tinian is the place.
W e thank God for His protection, while we fought in Europe's skies,
and please bless the Luftwaffe pilots, who dared challenge us, and died.
The Focke Wulf is now poised to strike; just watch her engine smoke;
our machine guns simply tickle her, as her belly mold they stroke.
'fore she dove toward her target, on her backside she did roll,
and her armor-plated belly, doesn't show a single hole.
Their senior pilots took a beating, and their ranks are growing thin,
we have grounded six more Aces, who will never fly again.
but the ack-ack gunners on the ground, surely showed a lot of guts;
them mean, kraut-eatin' bastards, really kicked our Yankee butts.
Major Schroeder max'd her engine out, as she closed in from behind,
but her power plant got riddled; our tail gunner blew her mind.
Her propeller separated, and its hub was spinning bare;
she belched out a puff of black smoke, and exploded in thin air.
Our old airplane's shot to pieces, and resembles a huge sieve;
but we've earned no Purple Hearts today, and God's decreed we'll live.
This great lady will be grounded - she's served us proud, THE TEXAS DUDE;
but, OLD LIBERATORS NEVER DIE, my friend, they just become un-crewed.
Her late pilot was unlucky; thrice he's lost to our tail gunner;
but this kill will surely haunt him; 'tis a real bitch-mission, bummer.
Ace will see his eyes in nightmares, as he did 'fore Schroeder died;
he saluted his assailant, and deep inside the victor cried.
From the Editor:
With great regret I must tell the 4 4 * WrVA that Will lund/s column and Folded Wings will not appear
in this issue. Will whose dedication to the history of this illustrious organization, is moving to a more
convenient location, taking with him the mountains of correspondence and historical documents which he
has dutifully preserved for all these years after WWII. At the rate at which veterans are passing on.
Wills work expands, and his dedication never wains. W e can only wish him the best in his newest
venture into a n e w home.
26
�(3D
From the Editor:
It is no secret that the Flying 8 Ball looks like a pool ball turned into
a personalized bomb. Of course, nobody in the pool game wants to
be behind an "8" ball. W h o originated the name, and had it assigned
to the 44th Bomb Group? Does anybody know?
SDMail & E-Mail:
Everyone has a story worth telling an J worth publishing.
PLEASE Send it!
Ruth W. Davis-Morse, Editor
2041 Village Circle East
York, PA 17404
Telephone: (717) 846-8948 • Fax: (717) 846-6688
e-mail:
REWOM@BLAZENET.HET
Bob Reasoner's picture of the two strategists tracking the
mission to Ploesti brought some interesting replies.
f
(V
(3D
CAPT. Alfred C. CARR
i
~ MAJOR HENRY G.V.
From James Boyer, crew chief of My Gal Sal, comes this picture of
his beloved plane. The Komasinski crew rode this plane on their 4th
mission to Brunswick. Jim Boyer's recollection of his delight at
receiving the new J series was dampened when, after the 14th
mission, she crashed on take-off, with him onboard, for what was
to be an errand to London. Although nobody was injured, he writes
with regret, that the plane had to be scrapped.
HART
Joseph Milliner suggested Captain Schmid on the left, an
older navigation expert that had finished his missions, but
wanted to help. On the right, General Ent. For further
consideration, he included pictures of Gen. Ent, Gen.
Brereton (who was never without his 'swagger stick'), and
Col. Kane, thinking it might be one of them.
The person I am betting on for accuracy is T/Sgt. Jean
Bressler (S 2 Section of the 44th). He says he knows it was
Captain Alfred Carr and Major H.G.V. Hart. Bressler was in
Benghazi when the picture was taken. He worked with them,
and remembers them both well.
Late report on the picture of the Ploesti strategists. Col. G.C.
'My GAI SAI.
Griffin was Group Ground Executive Officer; and was present
at the briefing. He, too, names Capt. Alfred C. Carr on the left;
Sam and Edith Miceli sold pins, hats and shirts at the Reunion. You
Major Henry G.V. Hart on the right. These were Operations
can still buy them. Here are the bargains:
Officers and Intelligence Officers w h o performed briefings for
Shirts-$25 + $3 Postage
missions.
Caps-$15+$2 Postage
Pins--$5 + $1 Postage
Editor's Note: Enjoy Millner's pictures. They are a page out of
Send to: Sam Miceli • 6398 Dawson Blvd.
history.
Mentor, OH 44060-3648
w
The $5 pin is the best buy you can find
in quality memorabilia jewelry. One inch
in diameter and in five colors-red,
yellow, gold, black and green, it has a
green nosed Flying Eight Ball, circled by
the words '44th Bomb Group, The
Flying 8-Balls'.
LEFT TO Riqhr:
G E N . ENT
GEN. BRERETON
Col. KANE
27
ml
m
���The 8 Ball Tails©
President Emeritus: B-Gen. John H. Gibson
(Retired)
7008 Gateridge
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Phone: (972) 239-0559
Director: Robert J. Lehnhausen (68)
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Phone/Fax: (309) 243-1952
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Veterans Association,
Inc.©
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Compiled, written and
published tri-yearly at
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W. Davis-Morse, Editor.
Director (44 SMW): Charles G. Simpson
Printed and mailed Bulk
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UT under USPS Permit
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#6923. All original
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written material such
e-mail: EKMLIB44@msn.com
Historian: C.W. "Will" Lundy (67)
as letters, stories,
2519WestvilleTrl
First Vice President: Richard D. Butler (506/67)
excerpts from personal
Cool, C A 95614-2008
44th Group V P to 2nd A D A
diaries or memoirs,
Phone/Fax: (530) 886-8636 (Winter)
16828 Mitchell Circle
drawings and photos
e-mail: willundy@aol.com
Riverside, C A 92518
P.O. Box 315, Bridgeport, C A 93517 (Summer)
submitted to this
Phone (909) 697-2908 Fax: (909) 697-5875
Phone/Fax: (760) 932-7349
e-mail: rdb24@earthlink.net
journal will become the
property of the 44th
Membership, Search: Art Hand (66)
Treasurer: Gerald (Jerry) Folsom (506)
Bomb Group Veterans
517 Elm Street
3582 East Dover Hill Road
Association and will be
Paris, IL 61944-1417
Salt Lake City, U T 84121 -5527
Phone/Fax: (217) 463-5905
copyright protected
Phone (801) 733-7371 Fax: (801) 942-9988
e-mail: k9hwp@comwares.net
e-mail: 44thbgva@xmission.com
except where noted.
The text and photos are
U.K. Representative: Steve Adams
Secretary & 8 Ball Tails Editor:
otherwise reproduced
28 Bassingham Rd.
Ruth W . Davis-Morse
from official USAAF
Norwich, England N R 3 2 Q T
2041 Village Circle East
Phone/Fax: 011-44-1603-400221
and USAF documents
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e-mail: s.p.adams@btinternet.com
Phone (717) 846-8948 Fax: (717) 846-6688
and photos which have
e-mail: rewdm@blazenet.net
been released for
publication. Permission
Director (67) Archivist
is granted for the
A S S O C I A T I O N MAILING A D D R E S S :
Anthony "Tony" Mastradone
44th B G V A
9111 Tuckerman Street
contents of this journal
P.O. Box 712287
Lanham, M D 20706-2709
to be reproduced
Salt Lake City, U T 84171 -2287
Phone/Fax: (301) 577-1487
specifically for personal
e-mail: mast@clres.com
archives. Otherwise,
copyright material
herein may be reproduced by the journal of other incorporated non-profit veterans organizations so long as this publication is
Immediate Past President: Roy W. Owen (506)
6304 Meadowridge Drive
Santa Rosa, C A 95409-5839
Phone: (707) 538-4726 Fax: (707) 538-1212
e-mail: Rowen44bg@aol.com
properly credited and prior permission is granted by the editor.
Those submitting letters, stories and photos to the editor or historian must do so with the understanding that this material will most
likely be published in this journal as a matter of interest to the members/subscribers of the Association and this journal. While every
attempt will be made to answer all of the material received, there is no explicit or implied guarantee that an answer will be provided
or published. Except for specific requests for the return of original documents and photos, all material submitted will become the
property of the 44th Veterans Association, Inc., or its successors.
�w i u ^msmw wmm>mMMM
If you had to name a living member of the 44th
BGVA, whose name has made it around the globe
most frequently and consistently, Historian Will
Lundy would be high on the list. From France,
Germany, Belgium and England, and particularly
here in the U S A , the Assistant Crew Chief at
Shipdham has left a mark on W W I I air war
history that will resound through the next
millennium.
"When I realized that nobody was recording the
events of my Squadron, the 67th, I started
collecting information. "I put a book together,
made 100 copies, and gave it to members of the
67th Squadron. Later I discovered there was no
record of those who died in combat," he
continued. "I thought their families should know
what happened to them. If one or two men
escaped a crash, I would look up their hometown
and see if they still lived there. Or I would try to
find somebody who knew them. Sometimes it was
pure luck. I also got access to official documents,
the briefings of those who made it back. I put it
all together in a book, which I called The Roll of
Honor and Casualties. Then I found a printer and
made 160 copies of this book. (Ed. Note: Will did
this at his own expense.)
Lundy's history of the 67th Squadron is long out
of print and old copies are eagerly sought. One
recently sold on e-Bay for $150. His Roll of Honor
augments most of the stories that appear in the 8
Ball Tails. His early recognition of the historical
value of pictures led him to start what is possibly
one of the biggest collections of W W I I aviation
memorabilia in the world. Even when he is looking
for a safe repository for his collection,
photographs, diaries and government records, he
is using it almost daily to answer one more
question from someone who is requesting
information about a long lost cousin, father, uncle
or brother. Most of the documentary information
in the Database came directly from his files; and
as much as he wants to take time to enjoy other
facets of his life, he continues to research and
respond to every e-mail that comes onto his
computer.
Will never started out to be a
historian. H e wanted to be a
pilot. To his dismay, he
learned that he couldn't enlist
in any branch of the service
because of visual limitations.
A student at UCLA working on
a degree in Psychology and
Anthropology, he saw his
classmates taking flying
lessons. H e was the only one
C. Will LuNdy - 1955
who did not become a pilot.
W h e n he was drafted in
1942, he wanted to be as close to a plane as
possible, so he applied for Aircraft Mechanics
School after Basic at Keesler Field, Mississippi.
Will AT A.M. School, KEESIER FiEld - 1 942
Will crossed the Atlantic on the Queen Mary.
With his buddies, he shared his awe at seeing
Lady Liberty on Ellis Island; but before long, he
realized that the Queen was all alone in that big
ocean, with no escort service. That was a little bit
sobering. Nevertheless, they made it safely to
Ireland, then Scotland, then England.
He remembers sunken ships in the harbor at
Firth, seeing Scottish children look at them in
wonderment and riding in a 'toy train', (big enough
for troops, but much smaller than American
versions). " W e got off the train around 2:00 A.M.
and walked through total blackness to a GI truck.
W e all stayed in line by hanging onto the shoulder
of the man ahead of him.
�" W e got to England before our combat crews who
flew over later, so to keep us busy, they had us
march up and down dirt lanes. W e marched so
long, we actually wore out our boots. Fortunately,
my buddy and I had stashed a pair of civilian
shoes in our bags, so at night we went to town and
visited a pub. W e enjoyed the company of Polish
flyers who were in the RAF, even though neither
spoke the other's language."
The realities of war came soon enough for Sgt.
Lundy. Twelve times he watched his plane Miss
bianne take off and eagerly awaited its return. On
8 March 1943, the mission was to the marshalling
yards on the west bank of the Seine River, south
of Rouen. The bombers flew unprotected, and two
were lost. Seventeen men from the Clyde Price
and Robert Blain crew were KIA; four became
POWs.
Will saw so many
brave young men
take off, never to
return, he
maintained his
equilibrium by
backing away from
strong friendships
with the combat
crews. The pain of
losing friends was
too unbearable.
In 1944, he recalls
waiting for his plane.
"In the cul-de-sac
there are the usual
Will LuNdy AT ShipdhAM
post-mission
WINTER, 194?
activities of gassing
up, patching flak
holes and/or bullet holes, engine checks, covering
up, etc., fully underway. But here — my plane is
missing! I've sweated out each plane that landed
hastily, identifying, then looking for the next. But
the ships are now all in and unloaded. M y pleas to
the adjacent departing combat crews for any sign
of its fate resulted in merely that it had been hit,
feathered # 2 engine, and fell behind. The many
stories of stragglers being jumped by enemy
aircraft continued to send chills up my spine. And
hope was almost gone.
"Too upset to leave the line, I kept busy moving
things around, making sure everything was in
readiness for her return; kicking the weeds,
watching the sky, and then the Jeeps and power
wagons as they busily traveled the perimeter,
returning the crews for debriefing. Then suddenly
one of the Jeeps turned in and screeched to a
halt. The line chief yelled, 'They're safe!! They
landed on the coast with just an engine out." I
almost needed a parachute to bring m e safely
back to earth."
A traveling maintenance crew patched up the
unnamed plane, and managed to get it safely
across the Channel, past the White Cliffs of
Dover to Friston Air Base, an R A F Fighter Base.
Will joined his crew chief, George Baccash, in
driving to southern England to ready the plane for
its return to Shipdham, then back to combat.
With Lt. Knapp at the controls, the ship's return
was an awesome experience for the eager aircraft
mechanic who volunteered to serve as engineer on
the flight. Adding to the problems of getting a
bomber off a fighter air strip, the experience was
heightened with "Doodle Bugs" (V-l Rockets)
passing overhead.
Pre-f lighted, we taxied out across the iron mats
that served as a short runway for the Spitfires,
then on down to the far south corner of this
rough, grassy plateau. It is a pretty view to see
the ocean a couple hundred feet down the
chalk-white cliffs through the co-pilot's window.
But the view back diagonally across this "airfield,"
the long way, wasn't all that inviting because it
really wasn't long. So it doesn't take much grey
matter to understand why we got as far away
from those buildings as possible. I took up a
position between and just behind the pilot and
co-pilot as they set the brakes, then fully
advanced the four throttles, then the superchargers until the full power of those spinning
propellers shook and bounced us, straining every
nut, bolt and rivet. Suddenly, brakes off and I was
hanging on for dear life as we jumped forward,
gaining momentum with each turn of the wheels.
W e are soon rapidly accelerating, crossing the
metal landing strip and off, but not up. N o w a
bump and we are airborne. No! back on the grass
again. The rough terrain keeps bounding us up, but
down we come.
����BRIGADIER GENERAL ROBERT L CARDENAS
Tesf P//of,
Combat Leader
and More
Bpoat
LEFT: B/GEN. RobERT CARdENAS
llAS floWN MORE TIHAN 6 0 diffERENT AiRCRA
i
—
JN IHIS CAREER.
«
Riqhi: CliMbiNq OUT of TIHE
XB'45'jETB0MbER.
Lt. Cardenas wrote to Mr. Dupont, I told him, "Fine thing. You raised
Brigadier General Robert L.
telling him that if he had $5,000, me from a pup, and now you're
"Bob" Cardenas, Commander of
leaving me."He replied, "If you
he would be able to get five
the 44th Bomb Group, began his
gliders and begin teaching men to ever get to England, I'll get you
military career in the Coast
into a group."
Artillery, then became a pilot as abe glider pilots.
Cadet in the Army Air Corps. He
was commissioned in July, 1941. Two weeks later a C-47 arrived To England
and out stalked a very tall Colonel. Later Cardenas went to England
In August, 1941, he was an
as 3rd pilot to deliver equipment.
"Who's in command here?" he
instructor at Kelly Field. His
section leader asked "has anyone asked. "I guess I am. I'm the only He jumped ship in London and
here flown a glider?" According to military man here." "Step around called Colonel Dent, reminding
him of his promise. Cardenas
here, son," he ordered, and we
Cardenas, "being a 2nd Lt., and
urged, saying, 'I believe a
walked
to
the
back
of
the
plane.
not knowing better, I raised my
superior's
word is his bond.'
He introduced himself as Colonel
hand before asking - why?" He
wound up being sent to 29 Palms, Fred Dent, and said he was in
"All right," Dent replied, "but y
California to establish an Army Aircharge of the Glider Program.
fly every mission." This suited
Corps Glider School.
"Didyou go to West Point?" "No." Captain Cardenas just fine. He
"Then I'll forgive you, but don't was assigned to the 506 Sq. After
29 Palms was a
four missions as co-pilot, he
contractor-operated facility, and ever
Lt. write to a civilian over the
moved to the left seat and Sidney
head of your Commanding
Cardenas was the only military
Pauljoined him in the right. He
person there. He had no gliders, Officer. "After the lecture, the Col.
pilotedPrince/PrincAss/Princess,
wrote
out
a
check
for
$5,000,
and
but it was expected that the
Baldy and His Brood, I'll Be Back
the Glider Program began.
government would supply them.
and
ConsolidatedMess, each tour
However, at Glider Meetings he
taking him deeper into enemy
had become acquainted with Mr. This opened the door for
territory. L A. Sefranekco-piloted
Cardenas's new assignment. He
Richard Dupont, a gentleman who
with him into Berlin, Eustice
was
sent
to
Wright
Field
where
he
had been named 'Glider Czar'by
Hawkins,
into Brandenburg and
tested
P-38's,
B-24's,
B-17's,
President Roosevelt, so he
Dean
Miller,
to an Aircraft
LB-30 Testing AB24's. The testing
decided to use this contact to
Components and Assembly Plant
was going fine, and then his
change the situation.
mentor, Col. Dent, was ordered to in Fredrichshaven, Germany. That
was on March 16,1944.
England for combat duty.
8
�To Switzerland
"I had to swear, practically in
the Operations Officer and the
Two days later, on a return to
blood, that I would not use this
Command Pilot of the B-29 that
Fredrichshafen, his 17th mission, opportunity to escape in one of
launched Chuck Yeager in the X-1
he flew as Command Pilot, with these planes," Cardenas
into the realm of supersonic flight.
1st Lt. Raymond J. Lacombeat
remembered. "However, the
In 1948 he was assigned Officer in
the controls. Chief& Sack Artists freedom to move around made it
Charge of Flight Test Division
sustained flak damage, causing
possible for me to make contact
projects at Muroc AFB and Chief
one engine to catch fire. Damage with the Underground. During his Air Force Test Pilot of the YB-49
to the left wing caused the aircraftinternment at Camp Maloney at
Flying Wing program. After
to descend at a 45 degree angle.
Adelboden, he made friends with completion of the Performance
Skillfully manipulating the
a Capt. Stolz, who joined him in
Phase II, he checked out Captain
controls, Lt. Lacombe succeeded an escape plan that led back to
Glen Edwards after the crash of
in righting his aircraft and
England.
the B-49 and loss of the crew, to
regaining his position in the
complete the Stability and Control
formation to complete a second
"In Geneva the train
bomb run. Additional flak damage station had one track that
set fire to a second engine,
accompanied trains
severed fuel and hydraulic lines, traveling IN-COUNTRY
and rendered the electrical system and another track for trains
inoperative.
traveling OUT-OFCOUNTRY. My contacts
With several of his crew badly arranged for me to hide in
wounded and the uncontrollable a Cafe'on the island
aircraft on fire, Lt. Lacombe flew between the two tracks. At
close to the Switzerland border
the appointed time I
where the entire crew parachuted donned a waiter's apron,
to safety, including Captain
walked out on the island
Cardenas. (For his outstanding
and jumped into a freight
skill, courage and judgement, 1st train headed out of the
TttE YB'49, JN which CARdENAS SET A SpEEd
Lt. Raymond Lacombe was
country into France. I was
RECORd iN l 949.
awarded the Oak Leaf Cluster to
accompanied by Capt. Stolz.
his Distinguished Flying Cross.
When the train slowed down near program in the remaining B-49. By
Grenoble, we jumped and were
1949, Cardenas flew the YB-49
Cardenas's chute dropped him in contacted by personnel from the
from Muroc AFB to Andrews AFB
Lake Constance, a border lake
French Underground. After D-Day, to set a transcontinental record of
between Germany & Switzerland. we were flown out in a black C-47 4 hours, 05 minutes, covering
A piece of flak clipped off part of back to England. Somewhere I
2,258 miles at a speed of 511.2
his scalp, but he was able to swim have a photograph of Capt. Stolz
mph. (Muroc has been renamed
into the neutral country.
and me with our contact in her
EdwardsAFB.)
Chalet near Geneva. I have never
At that time the Swiss governmentshown this photograph to make
was concerned with the B-17s and sure she was not placed
B-24s which were in plain view to in jeopardy."
any overhead German flight crew.
Testing
They contacted the U. S.
Returning to the States,
government, requesting an
instructor to teach their pilots howCardenas attended and
graduated from the Flight
to fly them to the safety of a
mountain airfield. "You already Performance School. He
participated in the flight
have an instructor-Captain
Cardenas," they replied. Thus the test evaluation of the
internee became the instructor of German ME-262 and the
ARADO
234-Germany's
his captors'pilots.
first jet bomber. He was This W A S A G E R M A N JET BoMbER which CARdENAs EVAluAisd.
�The Governor then appointed
became Commander of the A ir
Korea & Vietnam
General Cardenas to the Board in
Force Special Operations Force.
During the Korean War, Col.
1987 where he was elected to a
Cardenas was working on the
Next he was assigned in Europe
policymaking body for the
cutting edge with new jet fighters as Vice Commander of the 16th
and bombers. He was then
Air Force at the Torrejon Air Base, California Department of Veterans
Commander of the 51st Fighter
Spain. It was here that he had the Affairs, and to which he became
Interceptor Wing in Okinawa,
dubious honor of negotiating the
Chairman in March, 1990. He left
flying the F-86D. Later, he was withdrawal of U.S. armed forces in in 1993 to serve as Chairman of
Commander of the 18th Tactical Libya with Muhmar Quadafi.
the San Diego County United
Fighter Wing on Okinawa during
Veterans Council and as a
the Gulf of Tonkin crisis. For the "After that I became the U.S.
Director on the Board of the
next two years, he flew the F-105 Deputy to LIVE OAK at SHAPE
Veterans Memorial Center &
in combat operations over
(Supreme Headquarters Allied
Museum.
Vietnam.
Powers in Europe) in Mons,
Belgium." One of my jobs was to
On April 15,1993, the University
He returned to the U.S. to
tell the Soviete 'NYET when they of New Mexico honored him for
command the 835 Air Division at would try to close the roads, trainshis Outstanding Professional
McConnell AFB, training F-105
and/or airways into Berlin. At
Contributions and Leadership.
crews for combat in Vietnam.
SHAPE, which was the
The USAF Test Pilot School at
From there he went on to Air War
headquarters SACEUR (Supreme
Edwards AFB honored the
College, and on graduation was
Allied Commander Europe), they General on December 10,1994
assigned Chief of the Aircraft &
called us 'the tripwire' to WWIII."as a "Distinguished Alumnus"and
Missile Programs Division in the
in September, 1995, he was
Pentagon.
Prior to his retirement in June of
inducted into the "Aerospace Walk
1973, General of Honor" at Lancaster, California.
Cardenas
The Sigma Chi Fraternity awarded
served as the
the General the Sigma Chi
Chief of the JL "Significant Sig" medal during
Division of the their June 1995 national convention
Joint Strategic in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Target
Planning Staff Currently, he serves as a member
(JSTPS)
of the San Diego Advisory Board
where he was
and a Director on the Board of the
responsible for Veterans Memorial Center &
the Joint
Museum (VMC). He started a
Strategic
"Living History" library at the VMC
Target List of
so the little guys will not be
the U.S.
forgotten. The group acquired 16
Nuclear War
computers and established a
Plan.
computer school for veterans to
prepare
them better for a job and
AboVE: CoMMANdER of TITE
In 1983, he was appointed to the keep them from becoming
l 8TIT TACTJCAI FiqhTER WiNq ii\i
White House as the California
homeless. They just started a
O W N A W A , K O R E A ANd ThAilANd.
Coordinator for President
committee that works with the City
Reagan's Southwest Border
Public Administrator to provide
CARdENAs HEW F' 105's OVER
Economic Action Group. He
VIETNAM.
dignified burial and honors for
resigned in 1985 and accepted an unclaimed homeless veterans.
International Assignments
appointment by the Governor
Toward that end, the VMC is in the
From the Pentagon, he was made Dukemejian as Chairman of the
process of acquiring cemetery
Chief of the Special Operations
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency acreage from civilian cemeteries
Division at U.S. Strike Command Prevention Advisory Group, as
to be operated as Satellites of
HQ in Tampa, Florida. He rose to well as a member of the California Rosecrans National Cemetery,
the rank of Brigadier General, and Council of Criminal Justice.
since Roscrans is full!
10
��r
The 44th BG's Tour Didn't Happen
September 11, 2001 Began a New Era
It was defined in the resounding words of President George W. Bush
"We will not tire. We will not falter. We will not fail."
Larry Herpel made every effort to bring the trip about, but with every hour,
the sobering truth became more clear. Newark airport was closed!!! Othe
hyjackers were suspected to be in the area.
It will take some time for him to unwind the 16 day tour in which he had
placed so much time and energy. He asks for forbearance from all ofus who
are waiting to be reimbursed.
FACING A NEW ENEMY
The world has seen rubble before. The attack on the World Trade Center in
New York was, in a single strike, a ghost of the many nightly raids in London with
the V- 1s, and later the V-2s.
Our new enemy, the terrorists, had the advantage of total surprise. Early in
the War, the British were able to take advantage of a new invention-radar. Located
along the English Channel, they provided early warning of an upcoming
bombardment.
"I was in London, helping an English family clean their fireplace equipment,
Sgt. Perry Morse recalled. "I could barely hear the V-1 motors because the air raid
sirens were so loud. It was scary to me, but the family had become so accustomed
to the bombings, they hardly paid attention. One of the rockets dropped on the
Railroad Station, and that caused quite a bit of damage, but it rapidly got cleared
up and the trains continued to run. "
The V-2 was more destructive. This rocket powered engine revealed itself as a red flash in the sky.
explosion was powerful, and the shock wave was truly violent. Wiping out those sites had to become a
priority if England was to survive. No wonder the 44th was deployed to Pas Des Calais area at
Escalles-Sur-Buchy and other areas on the French side of the Channel to knock out this ghastly threat.
England survived; and along with the United States, determined that civilization and morality must
prevail. It still must.
President Mikoloski sums up the American situation succinctly: "The World Trade Center, America's
most visible symbol of economic freedom and flourishment, was
reduced to ashes with the greatest single day's loss of lives in our
history; the Pentagon, Bastion of the Free World's most powerful
military force, blasted by a hijacked commercial airliner with the loss of
nearly 200 precious lives...
On 7 December 1941, our generation did not know how we would
win WWII, but we knew we had to win. Now the banner has been
handed to another generation. Advanced technology has made great
weapons available.
With their strength and determination and our prayers,
America will again prevail.
W "IT
�Winbrin, Belgium 17 September 2001
Hamminkeln, Germany 19 September 2001
WINBRIN, BELGIUM
September 17,2001
Events we were
scheduled to attend
on our tour.
The 44th BGs tour was to take us to the Memorial
Site, where a monument to the Pinder crash was
unveiled. Although we could not be present, a
memorable event took place, captured photographical
and relayed to us by E-Mail, courtesy of Sgt. Peter
Loncke of the Belgian Air Force.
PhoToqRAplns kii\dly subiviiTTEd by KARI-HEJINZ G A N S E I
I!
389
392
445
Wnhdccp»ppreciKj<jnloilKciu2«oo(H«Knii4«\«loifflD.«.»o
memorial plamie dedicated to the USAf m «ho s»vt itatoa oo-Ovo»»»'<
p « and c o m e together to honor! these Pn
-" aMlftienita of the B-24 crews.
MEMORIAI PIAQUE
PJNCIER CRASIT SITE
DEdicATioiN C E R E M O N Y
This message from Peter Loncke:
Sgt. Forrest S. Clark had a special interest in that
crash. He was personally aggrieved that his close
I just returned from my mission to Winbrin.
friend, T/Sgt. Abe Sofferman, had been lost. In
What can I say, all went perfect!!! All +/-100
honor of this friendship, he had a plaque erected in
people attending were impressed by the
his honor. In Clark's words, "It took 56 years and
ceremony and memorial!!! Mission
many months of research to put this story together
accomplished!
...Belgian aviation researchers recently unearthed
I started the ceremony with one minute of
parts of a B-24 bomber buried deep in an Ardennes
silence to remember those killed at the terrorist pine forest...
attack from last Tuesday. I introduced
"The date (of the mission) was 29 January 1944
the different guest speakers. The
and the target, the city of Frankfurt, Germany. The
unveiling of the memorial was done by
pilot of that bomber was Lt. Harold Pinder, and in th
Colonel USAF Tunstall from the
crew was T/Sgt. Sofferman. I was to be on that
American Embassy, together with the
bomber, but he chose to go to get his missions done."
Mayor of Houffalize and a Belgian War
Somewhere over southern Belgium an FW190A of
veteran who was too fragile to mount
JG26 shot down the bomber. It crashed in the pine
the steps, but stayed below. Five
forests near the tiny village of Winbrin in the
flower wreaths were laid. The last post Ardennes, about 100 miles south of Brussels. The
was played and two minutes of
FW190 guns set one wing afire.
silence. The schoolchildren had stood
It was one of 863 heavy bombers dispatched on
all this time around the memorial and
that mission. Twenty-four B-17s and five B-24s failed
at the end sang a song in French, very
to return. The FW190s of the 4th Staff el ofJG26 took
moving and nice. The 44th BG was
off at 1010 hours and intercepted the B-24 formation.
represented by the Crandell family,
On most of the mission, the bombers were flying
brother of Lt. Crandell, KIA on 24
without fighter support.
March 1945.
13
�Some of the crew died in the crash and some
parachuted, among them, Lt. Pinder and Sgt.
Sofferman. They managed to get out of the badly
damaged craft before it went into a steep downward
spiral and crashed.
Fragments and some of the ammo have been dug
up at the site. The forest hid much of the plane, but
recently with the aid of metal detectors, pieces of
fuselage, shell casings and other artifacts pointed to
the plane's identity, B-24 #42-7547, Sky Queen, 67
Sq., 44BG.
Clark's research continued, "The rest of the story is
PETER E M M E R Y
one of hardship, courage and overwhelming odds.
Clark
expressed
his
deep devotion to his friend by
The surviving members of the crew were taken in by
paying for a plaque in his memory. It can be seen at
the
Winbrin, along with the monument which the city ha
Belgian
partisan
erected.
Sgt. Peter Loncke found the crash site. After muc
army and
inquiry among the villagers, a burgomaster led him
hidden in
the pine forest where the plane had gone down.
various
locations According to Loncke, the impact hole was still visi
Some of the resistance fighters were still living
in the
vicinity of could relate the events.
Winbrin
for about
30 days.
PIAQUE uNVEiUd.
Some of
the local
resistance fighters and a couple of postmen saw the
parachutes coming down. They took Sofferman and
Pinder to the hideout of the partisan resistance army
known as Armee Blanche. The area was heavily
honeycombed with German occupation troops, all
armed and ready to kill. They were under strict orders
to seek out and destroy downed allied airmen. But
the partisans kept one jump ahead of the Germans." Thanks to the research of Will Lundy, Peter
In one of the coldest winters in Europe's history,
the and many others, the crash site was
Loncke
partisan's struggled to get the airmen and some discoveredand theplane was identified.
Russian
Loncke arranged the unveiling.
escaped
prisoners to the
Comete Line,
an established
escape route,
but apparently
their presence
was made
known to the
The CEREMONY pRoqREssss.
German
police.
Unbelievable as it may seem, a Russian defector to
the German army, Gen. Vlassov, led an attack on the
partisans. Rather than risk capture and abuse from
the Nazis because of being Jewish, T/Sgt. Sofferman
chose to try evading. He was shot.
"^'li> arm"! yon io Wir W o A f "
14
�Hamminkeln, Germany
19 September 2001
A bridge was
indeed an
built between the
emotional moment
USAF, the family
for Joe and his
and friends of nine
^^^F JP '.
family and
B-24 groups and
ourselves when
the city of this
he put fresh
German town. The
flowers on the
Mayor of
site, a wreath of
1
•
^
Hamminkeln
artificial flowers
received a
with two American
PETER sTANdiiNC, dimiNc, spEEch m TITE TOWN HAII
Memorial plate
flags and a
commemorating the crews of "Operation Varsity,"
plastic-covered display holding the photograph of th
along with a painting of the planes which are now
crew and the story of the crash. He had brought
hanging in City Hall.
some sand with him from his hometown in Illinois to
On 24 March 1945, the 67th and 506 Sqs. had
scatter around the crash site. The empty sand pot, h
been assigned to drop supplies to British
then filled with soil, together with some just falle
paratroopers who had just crossed the Rhine. The
leaves from the oak tree which grows on the site. It
planes were loaded, and the guns had been
was indeed a moving experience.
removed, to make more room for materials of war.
"We traveled on to the village of Hamminkeln. We
They flew at treetop level over the little town of
set up our Memorial plate and covered it with an
Hamminkeln.
American flag. We went back downstairs where Joe
Two planes from the 44th BG went down. Everyone
met Peter Emmerich, the German FLAK operator
on the crew of Leonard Crandell were KIA. Two
who had shot down the Crandell plane. This was
survived the crash of Max Chandler's crew: Robert
indeed an emotional moment for both men."
Both Germans and Americans contributed to the
Vance and Louis DeBlasio. Sgt. Anibal Diaz on AC
Memorial plate. Along with the contributors, two
#42-50535,506 Sq., was swept out of the plane
German fighter pilots attended the ceremony. Also
when his parachute spilled open and out the ball
turret well. The force of the air pulled him into the well
present
and out of the plane. The Germans later reported him was a
mixedparty
dead. John Delaney, flying a P-47 dived at anti
from
aircraft guns and his plane crashed also.
Holland
and
America.
The group
met with
the Mayor
in a big
Council
Room. The
L TO R: P. LOINCI<E, P. E M M E R Y , JOE CRANdAtl,
M A Y O R , CONNJE, BARDARA CRANdEll, PETER, JOE, PETER EMMERIC^
Memorial
CEORqE A(\id TERRY BOETCITER (1 5 AF), ANd
M A Y O R of HAMMiNkElN.
plate and
The memorial event was orchestrated by Peter
painting
Loncke, who described the events of the day.
were presented. Contributors names and addresses
He picked up Joe, Barbara and Connie Crandell at
their hotel in Lommel. Joe was the brother of Capt. were listed on the back of the painting.
Leonard Crandell. Along with a Belgian friend, they Fifty-four years ago, nobody would ever have
dreamed that such a gathering between friends and
traveled to Hamminkeln.
Peter wrote, "We drove to the crash site which is enemies could have taken place. We of the 44th are
situated next to the crash site ofLt. Chandler. It wastruly grateful to Peter for building this bridge.
15
��down, my efforts will be devoted to
insuring that the TRUTH prevails and
that the reputation and gallant
character of our esteemed leader
and the brave men he led are duly
honored, protected and preserved.
Stay Tuned.
My closing quotation "He who slings mud loses
ground."
Edward K. MikoloskLT3resident
(Ed. Note: The courage and ski/I of
men in the Ploestimission will forever
stand as a measuring block for the
glory and irrepressible spirit of airmen
everywhere.)
The Eighth Memory
The English girls loved you
The German cities hated you
You littered Europe with bombs and fallen comrades
You learned to like the bitters and the weather
The cold was always there but so was the hope
I still see you there, children in leather and green
So much younger than you seem
Adapting, adjusting and bringing about death
Certain and doubtful all in one breath
Odds are against you, what do you have to lose?
But lose you will, if not your own life then someone you knew
Your livelihood riding cold on dedicated ground crew and never
turning back
Life in a tin can, work in a freezer shot at day by day
Boredom and terror never far away
From the Editor:
Fighters and flak stalking your every move
Members, please do not keep your
Pubs and English lovers never there long enough to soothe
change of addresses a secret. If you change Lives that ended too soon, terror that lasted too long
locations, phone number or E-Mail address, Your being there, now written on an airfield in marble stone
let us know. It will save Jerry Folsom, Art
In November they bring you poppies, hoping somewhere you're well
Hand, Roy Owen, Will Lundy and your crew
Remembering the good times, remembering your hell
members a lot of time trying to locate you.
They see you in their memories
The 44th BG is a tight band of men, families
and friends with a unique history. Let's stick They visit your mates at Maddingley
Remembering your presence, remembering your fight
together by staying in touch.
Have you visited the 44th Bomb Group's They remember you most, as those who fought in broad daylight
Web Site? If you are online, search http:// They call you "our lad's" in villages and in dales, from Norwich to Lavenham
www.44thbombgroup.com. You will love
what you see-all the information about this
From Framlingham to Deenthorpe the story is passed down
great organization, the list of planes that
Of the day the Yanks brought new hope to town
flew, the upcoming events and much more.
From Fortresses, Liberators and Mustangs the stories live
As time goes on, more information will be
In small churches, pubs and in village halls
added.
To that most sacred of places behind the altar of St. Paul's
Do you have any photos or information
You who fought without hate
about your airplane, or one that you worked
You those immortal young men of the American Mighty Eighth
on? Do not let it yellow in your attic. If you
are saving it for your children, copies can be
made at any reliable office supply
store-Kinkos, Staples, etc. (Not on a
standard photocopy machine. It doesn't
bring out details.) If you send originals, they
Write to:
will be copied and returned.
44th B o m b Group
Have you done your Database? Do it. No effort is too small to
Veterans Association
record. Hitler's Thousand Year Reich ended in six years because of
P.O. Box 712287
you. Write it, so the world will never forget the sacrifices that were
Salt
Lake
City, Utah 84171-2287
made to bring him down.
17
�Col. Griffin Goodman is best known by most members of the 44th B G V A for his droll humor, coupled by
his delightful southern accent. He passed away March 22,2001, at his home in Ft. Walton Beach. Col.
Edward K. "Mike" Mikoloski attended the funeral service. President Mike remembers that, "More than
anyone else, Colonel Griffin provided the continuity and 'sense of mission' of the 44th B o m b Group, since
he'served continuously as the E X E C U T I V E OFFICER to all of the C O M M A N D I N G O F F I C E R S of the
group, from Col. Frank Robinson at Barksdale A F B and Will Rogers A F B through Colonels Robinson,
Johnson, Posey, Dent, Gibson, Snavely and Smith at Shipdham."
In a tribute written in the 2 AD Journal, Lt. Col. Richard Butler referred to the Group Executive Office
as "Mr. 44." Butler reported, "He w a s the right hand m a n for all of the men w h o served as group
commanders at Shipdham. Griff remained in the Air Force after W W I I and served with distinction in
numerous important assignments, retiring with the grade of Colonel. He attended virtually all of our 44th
reunions and most 2nd Air Division Association conventions. He once served as President of the
Association."
As CO. of the 68th, Lt. Col. Robert Lehnhausen had little contact with 'Griff, but he was aware that as
the ranking officer on the ground side, he w a s a skilled administrator. Lehnhausen stated, "Our troops
were seldom shorted by the distribution channels of food, clothing, combat supplies and pay. It may not
have satisfied their every want, but the group policies were not onerous or unbearable.
"Some of our folks didn't understand that our Base was a part of the 'Lend Lease' arrangement with the
British. They were our landlords. Griffin's demeanor of grace and gentle persuasion, his tactful manner
in dealing with the British "Clerk of the Works" and our Norfolk neighbors, made life for the seven
commanding officers for w h o m he served much easier and pleasant. Our 44th personnel also shared in
this rapport-without knowing why. It is unusual that one gentleman should serve so long in such a
position of great responsibility. He maintained his leadership role because he w a s a valued aide to each
of those seven commanders.
"I really got to know him through visits together at the Reunions. He possessed an amazing memory of
the happenings of the 44th, both big and small. A great part of m y admiration of this humorous, talented
officer w a s his huge respect and the concern he displayed for our enlisted men and their welfare. Colonel
Goodman G. Griffin was a splendid officer and a gentleman."
Editor's Remembrance: One of Col. Goodman's recollections was about the time he was riding on an
eastbound train full of soldiers who were under his command. When he opened his orders to learn his
destination, he discovered that fact had been omitted by his commanding officer. While riding along,
pondering this omission, he questioned his First Sergeant, only to learn that he knew all the answers. He
laughingly reported, "Iliad to ask my First Sergeant where I was going!!!" (He was going to England.)
%
18
�The site of the
American Bombing of
18 November 1943
From Col. Richard "Dick" Butler:
RicliARd ANd Audirln BUTIER
O n 18 November 1943, B-24 aircraft of four groups, the 44th, the 93rd, the 389th, and the 392nd
bombed the German motor works at Kjeller Airfield near Oslo, Norway. The bombing was excellent, but
the 44th lostfiveaircraft and the crews of four of them. The 67th Squadron lost three planes and their
crews. These were piloted by Edward Dobson, Joseph Houle and Earl Johnson. The 68th Squadron lost
two aircraft, one being that piloted by Edward Mitchell. This crew was lost. The other 68th plane,
piloted by Baxter Weant with Lt. Col. William Brandon as c o m m a n d pilot, had extensive damage and
landed in Sweden. Two gunners on planes that returned to Shipdham were deceased due to fatal gun
shot wounds.
In 1993, Forrest Clark, assisted by Ed Dobson, son of the lost pilot, led an effort to rais
place a memorial at Kjeller Airfield to honor our fellow crew members w h o were lost on the mission.
On this past 30 June, my wife, Ardith, and I arrived in Oslo, Norway to start a cruise. Beca
that mission of 18 November 1943 and lost some very good friends, I wanted to see the memorial to
them. So on 1 July, Ardith and I journeyed out to the Royal Norwegian Air Force installation at Kjeller
Airfield to view the monument. W e were escorted to the site and I a m pleased to report that the
monument is in perfect condition. It and an adjacent R N A F monument are maintained by the RNAF.
The brass plaque on the stone reads below the Eighth Air Force Insignia:
U.S. nth Air Force
1343
1333
NORWAY
UNITED STATES
Here at the site of the American Bombing of 18 November 1343,
We, the Survivors of the 8th Air Force, 44th. 332nd. 33rd
And 383th Bomb Groups. Dedicate this memorial to the
Brave American Airmen who died on the Mission to
Norway in November 1343. In Remembrance of their
Sacrifice and Devotion to Freedom, w e Salute them
And the Courageous Norwegian Allies who fought
Against Nazi tyranny a Half Century ago.
...dedicated 18 November 1333
In the photo, Ardith and I are standing behind the monument. The object to our left is a split five
hundred pound b o m b casing from the mission. It is well maintained also. It was an emotional
experience for me. I a m glad w e went to Kjeller Airfield.
I might add that the Coastal Steamer cruise is wonderful. Norway is such a beautiful country
clean. The ship is a working ship and stops at numerous towns and villages. W e went all the way up into
the Arctic Circle to Kirkenes at the very northeast tip of Norway where it adjoins Russia and Finland. I
went to the Russian border. Ardith and I strongly recommend the cruise.
J
19 6
�Flying 8 Ball Patches - $14 + $2 postage.
Back copies of 8Ball Tails -• $5
Write 44th BGVA, P.O. Box 712287, Salt Lake City, U T 84171 -2287
Flying 8 Ball Shirts -- $25 + $3 postage
Flying 8 Ball Caps—$15 + $2 postage
Pins - $ 5 + $2 postage
Write S a m Miscelli, 6398 Dawson Blvd. Mentor, O H 44060-3648
Kevin Watson's book Ruth-Less and Far From Home is the story of the tragic crash of the A/C
#41-24282,506 Sq. It is available through Amazon.com; signed copies can be obtained through
hometown.aol.com/kpwats7. The cost is $20. His book is a tribute to the J a m e s Bolin crew of Ruthless.
The 44th Tour Group in 1997 will remember Kevin for graciously traveling with the group through
France and Belgium and shopping for amenities to make the members more comfortable on the bus.
Watson arranged for an awesome ceremony on Butts Brow, the hillside crash site of the Ruth/ess;
and later, the meeting at the Eastbourne Courthouse with Mayoress Beryl Hea/y
44th BOMB GROUP, The Flying Eightballs, a 115 page documentary of the 44th BG is available for
$55 from Turner Publishing Company, 412 Broadway, P.O. Box 3101, Paducah, KY 42002-3101. This
hardbound 9 x 11 book has 128 pages of historical material, and biographies of many veterans. A
good reference book for new members seeking information.
THE WILD BLUE YONDER is a chronology of the James hi. Williams crew, (66th BS) as recorded by
Warren F. McPherson. McPherson's detailed report tells the story from induction to his last
mission, concluded by a kiss on solid soil. The Tail Gunner w h o later became a minister presents a
lively and accurate account of the life of an N C O in the maelstrom of war. Cost $10 for a soft cover,
32 page ringed book. Write 1016 E Rockwood Street, Springfield, M O 65807-5092.
_
PURSUIT IN THE PYRENEES, by Archie Barlow, Jr., is an account of a three month effort of
evading the enemy in German-occupied France, 1944. The price is $20. Write L. B. Wright, 3911
Black Locust Drive, Houston, T X 77088-6904. Tel. 281-931-1932. E-mail Wrightfaljuno.com.
The Angel and the Eagle, by Joseph E Milliner is a personal story, written in 3rd person, of his
experiences as a pilot, a family man and a distraught father whose son, a helicopter pilot, tragically
disappeared in Laos during the Vietnam War. Milliner describes the fury of the Ploesti Raid, target
White V in dramatic detail. Then there w a s Foggia, where Buzzin Bear crashed, and four of the crew
were lost. According to Joe, his ever faithful Guardian Angel J O S E P H saved him from parachuting
into the flaming plane. Milliner's signed hardcover book is available for $ 11.95, (postage incl.). Write
281 Fincastle Way, Shepherdsville, KY 40165. E-mail MackieOI 26@aol.com.
I
20
�S/Sgt. Robert Reasoner Remembers
Kiel Germany
shooting at the fighter; and when sighting
through thegunsight, Ihad to bend forwardand
May 14,1943
stoop slightly. The bullet had just broken the sk
on my head. It felt just like a hard blow with a
// was a good day for a bombing mission, as hard club. The bullet had torn a slit in my helmet,
the sky was clear except for a few scattered
clippedmy headset and continued on into the
clouds below us. Soon after we crossed the
aircraft structure. My imagination took over and
coastline and were over the continent, we begancould feel the bloodseeping on my head. Ididn't
to see German fighters rising in the distance. dare
We check then, but it turned out to be my
began to have fighter attacks at irregular
imagination, because the bloodhad remainedin
intervals before we reached the target city. As the area where the bullet struck me.
we reached the outskirts ofKiel, the fighter
Even after the bombardier had dropped our
attacks intensifiedand became almost constant.
bombs, the fighters continued to attack in large
At about that time, I saw Capt. O'Brien's ship numbers. It seemed they wouldnever stop their
drop out offormation and lag behind. He was
attacks. By this time, Ihad just aboutgiven up
under heavy attack and the fighters werejust and wondered why Capt. Jansen had not rung
swarming around them. I was unable to observe the bail out bell. I looked in the waist section to
any parachutes drop from theplane because of see ifthe othergunners were still there. I could
the large number offighters in the area.
see they were still firing theirguns and it looke
As we were nearing the target, we had
like they were up to their ankles in spent 50
become "tail end Charlie "because ofthe loss ofcaliber cartridges.
Capt. O'Brien's ship. (I think we were flying #2 As the fighters had begun theirattacks rathe
position and O'Brien was#3J. Capt. Jansen hadslowly, they ended their attacks abruptly. I
calledme over the intercom and said "let me
wondered why and lookedaround for a reason.
know when the bast— are coming in!" When I
The tail gunner is the last to know! There below
calledand said "here they come!", he then
was the coastline ofthe North Sea. The timing
slipped up under the leadership ofour formationwas perfect for us. My rightgun was out of
and didsuch evasive action, that the gunners ofammo and the leftgun had a strip about
the leadship said they couldalmost touch us. At eighteen inches long.
the home base, they were worried that Capt
The safety from the fighters as we reached
Jansen wouldcut the bottom out oftheirship
the North Sea gave us a chance to lookaround
with hisprops.
for the first time. When we saw all the holes in
It seemed the fighters wouldnever stop
our plane, we thought ofthe new danger ofthe
coming in on us. Most ofthe attacks were from 6 cold waterbelow and how long we couldsurvive
o 'clockhigh and were mostly FWigO's that linedif we had to bail out or crash-landin the water.
up one behind the other and came in. Their
Also how long before we could expect to be
tracer bullets coming at me appeared to be like picked up and wouldit be in time?
little streaks of light that flashed on and off. On Anyway, Capt. Jansen kept MARGARET
one attack, Isuddenly foundmyself hanging on ANN going with her #3 engine feathered. Allot
my back out ofthe tail turret. Ididn 'tknow whatus in the waist kept a sharp lookout forany other
had happened untilI got back inposition in the signs offailure, but none appearedand we
turret. At that time Isaw a bullet hole in the arrivedback at our base at Shipdham. The
turret-plexiglass at eye level just above the engineer shot a redflare indicating "wounded
bulletproof glass on the rear ofthe turret. The aboard, "and we were cleared to land
bullet wouldhave hit me in the center ofthe
immediately. Capt. Jansen made a perfect
forehead, but I was saved because I was
landing - he held the plane on the left main
21
_v
�(
A VIEW FROM AN EAST ANGLIAN
Roger Freeman
landing wheel, as the right tire had been
flattenedby a 20mm armor piercing shell.
"I have m y own memories of you good people. I remember
When theplane slowed tillhe couldnot holdityou on your bicycles, the laughter, the singing and the shouting,
offthe right wheelany longer, he let it touchh o w you would go to the local pubs, complain bitterly about the
wet, warm English beer and then drink the pubs dry. I recall
down andmade a curve offthe runway onto
your generosity with the local children, how you would give
the beautiful green grass and soft earth of
them sweets, make a fuss of them and arrange parties for them.
England. The exit ofthe crew from
I think most of us in England remember those cheerful young
MARGARET ANN must have set some kind of
men that you were.
a record. MARGARET ANN was riddled. The
I have other memories and I make no excuses for changing
ground crew told us later that we had250
the m o o d here. These are some of m y memories that I have and
major holes (1/2 inch or bigger) in our aircraft.
they're true.
Most ofthe fuel tanks hadbeen punctured, but
"I remember being terrified as a B-24 Liberator spiraled
down
luckily the hits were above the gas line. There with one wing aflame and I was down there on the
were 3 holes in the tail turret. One hit me on ground, and s o m e equally terrified, or far more frightened
young men, were parachuting down from that blazing bomber.
the head, one came in at a slight angle and
.. I recall watching the pilot of a P-38 Lightning being literally
knocked the handle offtheplexiglass door
lifted out of his cockpit because he was so cold and numb after
behindme (an early modification to keep the
a long fighter escort mission to Berlin. "I remember seeing a
coldair offthe tailgunner), and one came
B-I7 Flying Fortress in a cloudless s u m m e r sky limping home
through the bottom ofthe turret and nearly cutfrom a raid with a shattered tail and with holes so large blown
the toes out ofmy G.I. shoes stored under thethrough both wings, you could see daylight through them.
catwalk behind the turret. In the turret, I wore
W h e n this bomber finally came in to land at the local airfield, I
silk socks coveredby wool socks and fleece recall seeing the h u m p s on the stretchers being carried to the
lined flying boots. The ground crew traced thewaiting ambulances.
"I also remember those bitter winter days in England,
bullet that hit me and presentedme with the
watching
the ground crews working on the engines. Their
steel point of a.30 calipre armor piercing
hands must have been as n u m b as they could possibly be
bullet.
because you couldn't wear gloves for some of the intricate jobs
I'm sure those ofus that stillsurvive will
they had to perform...
always remember the firstAmerican raid on
"And I remember a burning mass in an English field which,
Kiel. Allotus in the rear ofthe plane had beena few seconds previously, had been a P-51 Mustang fighter...
slightly wounded. Besides me, the two waist and I knew that somewhere in that mass was a charring body
gunners hadbeen hit by20mm explosive shell that had once been a human being ...
"I also recall the noise as I lay in m y bed early in the
fragments. The bottom gunnerhadreceived
morning.
The constant noise which you couldn't escape from
internal injuries and died on the way back to
anywhere
in East Anglia in those days as the bombers and
Shipdham.
fighters
were
warming up, taking off and going to war.
S/Sgt. Leo V. McCready was hit by a .30
"I recall the contrails in the skies as hundreds upon
cal. machine gun bulletin his stomach and
hundreds of your bombers flew out... all heading eastwards.
died the next day. M/Sgt. Robert M. Smith
And one day, when you couldn't see the sky because of an
had20mm shell fragments in his right leg, and overcast, I can recall seeing the colored assembly flares slowly
S/Sgt. RichardJ. Butler was wounded in his dropping through.
right hand, right arm and chest from.30 cal.
"I also remember the fighters sweeping back in the late
afternoons, the colors of their heraldry flashing in the sunlight...
bullets.
and the bombers coming home, some limping, but usually in
Ed. Note: S/Sgt. RobertReasoner's story good formation.
"These are m y memories... I know there are memories
was featuredin the Summer issue ofthe Eight
which you have that I cannot share ... although I know what
Ball Tails. Reasoner has the singular
they are..."Such things as the flak clouds over Berlin... over
distinction of acquiring three Purple Hearts.
Merseburg ... over H a m m ... Such things as the smell of
smoke and human sweat in the oxygen systems. Such things as
the tired grip of an oxygen mask on your face for ten hours...
the vibration and the noise of riding those bombers... Such
terrible things as seeing your comrades, w h o you probably had
22
breakfast with that morning, go down in the plane next to you
®
�r
and being helpless to do anything about it... and perhaps
worst of all, those empty beds which had been full the night
before...
These are also your memories and they are just a small part
of the story of the 8th Air Force. The 8th Air Force ... I'll
May, 2001
remind you again, the largest air striking force in history ever
committed to battle... the supreme realization of the
In this issue I would like to address a question to
American dream of daylight strategic bombardment. Yes, a
all of you combat m e n w h o could have flown the
great force indeed.
"I know that the men of the 9th Air Force bled as freely .. mission of 8 M a y 1944 and then the short period
of 4 through 7 April 1945. W e need your data if
. those of the 15th Air Force died as cruelly ... and all the
other air forces of that war have their pride, and rightly so. you participated in any of these missions, as these
five mission folders are missing or misplaced in
But no one can take away from you a record that is
unsurpassed in courage and endeavor... And the evidence is the National Archives! Tony Mastradone has m a d e
there... 47,000 men killed or missing by the end of the
several trips there asking for searches to be m a d e
Second World War... half the top awards for bravery earned for these folders, but until this time they are still
by the American Air Forces were for the 8th Air Force... so missing! Tony did find a 67th Squadron
that speaks for itself.
Engineering paper listing those 67th Sq. crews that
"Sadly, today there are people, some of them young, who
flew the mission of 8 M a y 1944 (to Brunswick), so
would scoff at all this. They would say that you have come
w e can prepare sortie reports for them, but w e
here to wallow in old glories... to gloat over a victory over
must attempt to identify the crews from the other
another nation ... that you achieved nothing ... that your
three
Squadrons for that date A N D all crews that
comrades who are not here with you died in vain, and in any
flew
any
of the four days in April 1945 (4, 5, 6 and
case they are forgotten ... Well, it goes without saying that
7 in April 1945).
there are men here tonight, with mental and physical scars
obtained during those dark days, who could tell any
'Peace-Nik' far better than I could, that there is no glory in war.
If any of you combat men remember or recall
"Of course you're not here to gloat over a victory over an participating in any of these five missions, could
old enemy... I have German friends and I'm sure some of
you please drop a note to m e with that
you do. No, you're here because you take an honest pride,
information. If you can remember the names of
and I think, if you won't admit this, it is probably the basic your crew mates, great! If not, w e m a y have to
element of your all being here. You have an honest pride of
resort to your regular crew names to show on the
being part of the 8th Air Force... indeed you do.
sortie report. A/C n a m e would be most valuable if
And as for having achieved nothing ... that is nonsense.
k n o w n or found in your o w n records.
You were part of the decisive victory over the worst tyranny
WILL SEZ
that man has ever known ... and you should be proud of it.
Your courage and endeavor are not forgotten... neither are the We are so close to completing our data entry files
people who died. Any young life is a wasted life, but nobody for all sorties flown by the 44th - well over 8000 that w e must do everything that w e can find the
died in vain. All those boys whom you lost died in a damn
good cause.
answers to these last few. So, if you have kept any
"I mentioned honest pride; if you want to keep faith with records of your missions covering these two
the sacrifice of your buddies of years gone by, there is no
periods, please take the time to check out any
better way than to promote that pride. Pride in the 8th Air
records you m a y have to determine if you were
Force ... the greatest Air Force your country has ever
involved. W e must be as accurate as possible in
produced and one of the most famous fighting units in history our historical records. T H A N K Y O U !
... Cherish that pride.
"Most of you wear the 8th Air Force symbol in some form
Secondly, a personal request to each of you
or another, either in the badge of this society or sister
non-combat personnel. The story about the 44th's
societies. I say to you, gentlemen, you have every right to
efforts
during W W #2 will never be complete
wear that with pride ... wear it with pride and so keep the
courage and endeavor of the 8th Air Force shining brightly for unless you people let m e , us, k n o w about what
each of you did at Shipdham. M u c h of what the
future generations.
(Ed Note: Roger Freeman is the foremost authority of combat
the
m e n did was recorded and saved in
history of the 8th Air Force in England during WWII. He official
is
records. But for the support personnel there
the author of "The Mighty Eighth" and other historical is very little, indeed.
writings of the era.)
®
�If you will do nothing else to help, would E A C H of
you drop m e a note (my address is on the inside
front page) to tell m e what job Y O U P E R F O R M E D .
If you don't write anything else, PLEASE give m e
your "job." Then, if you care to include more
about yourself or particular events, names of m e n
you worked with and w h o you worked for, I will
be most grateful! Look at it this way, it took at least
an average of 10 of us to keep one combat m a n
flying. For the most part our work w a s routine, but
very important to the war effort. W e might not
have had direct effect with the combat m e n or the
B-24s, but the sum total resulted in victory in
Europe. There still is a free world. A n d yes, I w a s
ground crew, too.
Truly, I cannot emphasize this enough. For all
practical purposes, all that n o w exists in our
records is your name, and even these did not
c o m e from the official records. By writing to m e
you will confirm that w e have your n a m e and get
it spelled correctly. I, we, do not have any
monthly reports of personnel from any section,
either. Nor are there any monthly reports of
Squadron Operational personnel except the one I
kept personally for the 67th Squadron for April
1945. W o u l d any of you have kept such reports in
your memorabilia? If you do, could you please
copy and send to m e ? They are priceless n o w .
Will you help m e with these records?
w h o could have served in W W #2, and then
telling them just h o w proud he w a s of us, and
most of all, to thank us for our sacrifices. H e said
that the American public have not expressed their
appreciation of their veterans as m u c h as they
should, so he w a s doing his best to seek out and
to personally express his sincere thanks to as many
veterans as he could.
He then firmly shook my hand, patted me on my
back and walked away! It took m e a bit to believe
what had just transpired, but it left a w a r m spot in
m y heart. I a m n o w relating this experience to you
in case you have never experienced such a
personal experience like this. It had happened to
m e , but in reality it w a s meant for all of you. So I
wanted to tell you about it so that you will know
that your efforts to save the free world is still much
appreciated by our people w h o still remember
your sacrifices.
FRgro
sorr>econeRg.
•d C M S L A M D
CHe
67tk
SGlU/\DRpNl
Now on a personal note, I'd like to tell you about
an incident that happened to Irene and m e while
shopping at a large grocery store a couple months
ago. As w e were pushing our large shopping cart,
a m a n of about 60 years old walked up to us,
pardoned himself for interrupting our shopping,
and asked m e if I was a World W a r veteran! It w a s
a very unusual question, so I hesitated for a
m o m e n t trying to guess what his motive was.
W h e n I finally told him that yes, I was, he then
told m e that he had been watching us for a couple
minutes, noticed our erect posture and friendly
ways, decided to stop us and ask. H e said he w a s
sure because of the look in m y eyes, but I don't
k n o w for sure what that meant.
So we chatted for a few minutes about my time in
service, about the 8th Air Force, the Liberator, etc.
Then he told m e that he often visited markets and
public places, m a d e a point of looking for m e n
V
24
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�September, 2001
Prepared by:
OfAS/>
COLUCC1, PATRICK Date ? 506th Sq. Gunner
Pat was a member of the T.G. Waters crew that arrived in
the 506th Squadron on 28 June 1944. They flew their first
mission on 1 August and he flew most of them with this
crew. The T.G. Water crew completed their tour on 2
January 1945, but Pat had missed a few, so completed his
33rd on 14 January with the V.J. Scheerzberg crew. During
most of his missions, he was a waist gunner. Both Pat and
Ginny were frequent attendees at the annual reunions. They
will be missed, indeed.
ARRAJ, ROBERT
located.
1/8/90 Not combat, no records
DAVISON, WILLIAM R. 1/29/97 13013634 68th Sq. 1st
Sgt. He joined the 68th Sq. on 6/20/42 and was promoted to
First Sergeant on 14 July 1942. He made both trips over
and back on the Queen Mary,firstin Sept. 1942 and return
on 16 June 1945.
BRADFORD, KENNETH No date 66 and 67th
DIXON, WILLARD E. 3/1/87 Cannot identify.
Squadrons. Kenneth was a gunner, both waist and nose
turret for the seven missions that he flew between 31 May
FAHEY, DONALD F. 2/28/69 37506294 68th Sq. Radio
1944 to 15 October. He flew two with R.J. Gunton, threeOperator for the T.L. Weaver crew. Donald joined the Sq.
with H.C. Henry, and two with C.R. Hinshaw.
on 5/5/44, flew their first mission on 5/21/44. This crew
was shot down on 7 July 44 while on their 21st mission.
CAMPBELL, WALTER D. 1/92 68th Sq. 39331274
Donald was one of the last crewman to bail out; was taken
Walter joined this Sq. on 21 May 1944 as a member of thePrisoner of War. He was released at war s end, departed
R.C. Ricketts crew. He served as a ball turret and waist
Europe on 3 June, arriving at the U.S. on 11 June 1945. On
gunner from 29 May 1944 to 30 December 1944 to
one of his missions, he was credited with saving the life o
complete 30 missions. He dropped from the Ricketts crewone of his crew, Sgt. Harrison.
during that summer and then flew with other crews. Late
in November, he joined the H.J. Eckstein crew and flew FUNKS, ROBERTD. 3/01 506th Sq.
with them until 30 Dec. 1944.
He was Radio Operator for the T.G. Waters crew that
arrived in the 506th Sq. on 28 June 1944. Robert and
CHANDLER, LAWRENCE W. 11/24/00 36427258 68th
Patrick Colucci (above) were crew mates. He flew 28
Sq. Engineer. He was a member oftheA.A. Starring crewmissions, most of them with T.G. Waters, but he did not
that arrived in this Sq. on 8 December 1943. Their first
finish his tour until 25 March 1945. His last three mission
combat mission was 21 January 1944, when they were
were with the W.M. Smith crew.
shot down over France. Four crewmen became POWs,
but Lawrence managed to evade capture until he returned
GAURONSKAS, EDWARD C. No date 16042233 68th
to the base four months later. Two days later he Squadron. Edward served as an Aircraft Mechanic. He was
was on his way back to the U.S.
with the Ground Echelon that made the voyage to England
on the Queen Mary in September 1942. His line crew is not
identified, but he served in this capacity until 16 June
1945, when he returned to the U.S., once again aboard the
famous Queen Mary.
25
��^9 MAIL & E-MAIL ^
^3
Feeney supplied a bit of historical trivia: When were Serial
Numbers discarded for Social Security Numbers? Joe
made that suggestion at a Pay Conference in 1968. The
idea was adopted. He believes he is holding the last card
that has both his Serial & S S # . They were to turn them
in, but he couldn't part with his.
qQ3
From Norfolk, England: Brian Peel, longtime friend and
admirer of the 44th BG, is sad to report that his mother,
Doris Peel passed away on April 11,2001 at the age of 100
years, six months. As a civilian, Mrs. Peel was involved in
the war effort, providing tea for English soldiers in the
area, housing soldiers' wives and evacuees from London.
Her efforts brought her acclaim from many dignitaries,
Stephen E. Ambrose: "It would be an exaggeration to say
including the British Secretary of State. When the
that the B-24 w o n the war for the Allies. But don't ask
Americans took over the airfield at Shipdham, she
how they could have won the war without it." (A quote
provided laundry services for men of all ranks. Brian was
from his new book, The WildBlue.)
a teenager when B-24s were flying from his hometown. He
has many w a r m memories of his associations with both
On May 2,1945,70 airmen and staff members were
flyers and maintenance crew. The 8 Ball Tails extends
honored by the French Government. Gen. Leon W
warmest condolences to him for the loss of his mother.
Johnson, commander of the 14th Wing was decorated by
Maj. Gen. Kepner. He was presented the Legion of Honor,
Order of Chevalier and Croix de Guerre with Palm. The
following members of the 44th were awarded the Croix de
A School Boy's Memory: "I was about nine years old,
Guerre with Palm: Lt. Col. William H. Brandon, Lt. Col.
living in Peterborough, England, attending All Soul's
Walter I. Bunker; Lt. Col. William R. Cameron; Lt. Col.
School. There was an American airfield nearby. At 11:00
Robert J. Lehnhausen; Lt. Col. William H. Strong. N o w
A.M. we were out in the school yard and w e heard a whole
the French Government wants to express gratitude to
lot of planes roaring overhead, still climbing. They were
E V E R Y O N E who was in or over French soil from D-Day to
two engine cargo planes with long steel cables pulling
V E Day. Monsieur Perry A. Morse recently received a
gliders. When school was out at 3:00 PM., w e heard the
lovely 'Diplome', worthy of framing, along with a letter of
roar again. The planes were coming back, with the long
appreciation. Applications are available at Veteran
cables twirling behind them. The gliders were gone. It was Administration offices.
D-Day.
James Keane, York, Pennsylvania
From Paul A. Trouve, son of Louis V Trouve, comes a
letter that solves a puzzle for Will Lundy. Louis expired 17
March 1977. His son found this letter from R. J. Convey to
A question from your editor:
Ralph Golubock, explaining w h y the plane Princess
Who named the B-24 Cadet Nurse, and for w h o m was it
C/zarMte kept showing up in unexplained ways:
named? I have read that it was in honor of a Cadet in the
nursing program at Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, PA.
LETTER FROM R. J. Comey to Ralph Golubock
That was m y school of nursing. I would surely know this
66th Squadron
lady, as it was a program that ran for only three years.
M y fiance was named Charlotte, so I named all of the
B-24s I flew Princess Charlotte. Though I trained in B24s, the first Princess Charlotte was a B-17 which I flew
across the Atlantic with m y crew.
Mike Fusano's story about chauffeuring General Leon
The first few missions, including Ploesti, I flew with
Johnson brought back a memory to Joe Feeney. Joe was
Joe Flaherty, 66th Squadron, 44th BG. He w a s a singleone of those who was picked up by the General and
engine pilot who came to the 44th straight out of flight
transported to his destination. A m o n g the General's
school, and was a permanent co-pilot on several missions
questions was whether w e were getting enough to eat. "We until I got there. He sat on the left side and I sat on the
were," Joe affirmed.
<33
<^3
^3
<^3
27
j
�base without encountering any German fighters. The
right. It was sort of a cooperative effort between the two
hydraulic system w a s now out, but there w a s enough
of us to get the plane to the target and back. Our fourth
pressure still in those spheres to work the brakes. I should
mission (13 July) saw us lose two engines and land at
have stopped at the end of the runway and received a
Malta on a small field. W e left the first B-24 there for
repairs. The Princess that went to Ploesti kept her engines hero's welcome, but I taxied back to our pad and coasted
running all the way in and all the way back - for which w e very slowly off the edge of it when the pressure finally ran
out.
were duly thankful. While several people shot at us,
The "Princess Charlotte" (really Nice & Naughty) like
including a "75," w e were extremely lucky as The Princess
all the others, got us home OK. W e were blessed with good
only picked up one bullet hole, as I remember it.
fortune as far as the crew w a s concerned.
W e flew her back to England. But immediately after
I believe I saw her fuselage on the junk heap later.
Ploesti, I moved to the left seat and m y regular co-pilot,
(Yes,
she crashed at Shipdham on 4 Jan 44 while on
Tom Drysdale, moved back into the right. Back to Ploesti.
takeoff). I still have the stencil that says "Princess
W e bombed White V, right behind General Johnson.
Charlotte"used on some of these planes.
However, so many planes were shot down, disabled or out
Completed 25 missions in The Princess - some bore
of position, it was like w e were all alone after hitting the
target on the nose. So w e rejoined another squadron of the the name in paint, others in mind only. Some bore two
names, but as far as I w a s concerned, they were all
44th and came home.
The 44th made a second trip to Africa (in September)
Princesses, and all great. Iflewmissions for the 66th
and w e had a mission to Wiener-Neustadt. Besides losing
Squadron, although for Ploesti, w e were assigned to
an engine, w e acquired an unbelievable number of holes in another squadron (67th?) to fill out the formation.
our plane. W e landed near Naples at a British fighter base,
Charlotte and I have been married 50 years and are
and left the plane there. We rode back to England on a DC-4. living here in Stowe, Vermont.
In a later raid (11 Dec. 43) to Emden, Germany out of Regards, 9 ^ /
England, w e received a direct hit on the nose, right above
the navigator, Louis Trouve. The force of the explosion
A Search
knocked him backwards, over on the nose wheel doors,
and out he went. Fortunately, though wounded, he opened
This letter from Gerhard Walter from Erding, Germany,
his chute, landed in a bay, and was picked up by the
near Munchen, translated by Robert Chombard:
Germans. (Lou and his wife, Charlotte, and I got together
in N e w York after the war.)
At the end of April, beginning of May, 1944,1 was flying
After Lou was gone, w e found flames were licking out
single engine aircraft FW-190, located at Werneuchen,
of the hole in the nose, so I pressed the alarm button,
about 22 miles N.E. Berlin.
"Prepare to Abandon Ship." The ball gunner (Neitzel?)
saw Lou go by his turret and decided things were really A little before noon this day, the sirens screamed. Some
serious. He tried to get out of his ball, but some empty
minutes later, w e heard the engines of a bomber formation
shells or perhaps a belt or two had jammed the back exit
N.E. of our base. When the formation w a s at about 11/2
door. With brute strength - and he was not a very heavily- miles from our base, w e suddenly heard a terrible machine
built guy - he pushed the door right off it's hinges and got gun fire exchange, followed by the noise of over running
out. The bombardier passed out in the nose turret and w e
engines. Little after, approximately 10 or 14 B-17s or B-24s
thought he w a s a goner.
fell in flames. None of them bombed, and thus was no
It turned out the flame w a s fed by a broken oxygen
bombs left in the wrecks, this meaning that the planes
line, and when the oxygen was used up, it went out! By
were on their return trip after having attacked their
then I was half way out of m y seat and preparing to signal target. Suddenly a plane came down at low altitude,
"abandon ship" when I realized things were not so bad,
through the clouds. W h e n the aircraft w a s at about 250
and finally got things back on keel again. However, w e
feet, the crew parachute jumps. Few minutes later, many
were now alone and I headed for the Channel, losing
came out of the clouds and ????? toward Werheuchen.
altitude at a rapid pace. When w e reached about 10,000
The same day I piloted m y F W 1 9 0 over the neighborhood,
feet or so, the bombardier's voice comes on the intercom.
when suddenly I noticed a parachute in the branches of a
H e was alive and O K - just passed out from lack of oxygen. tree. Immediately I thought, "I will go and get him for
W e very luckily crossed the Channel and returned to
myself." After landing, I rode a bike toward this forest.
28~
�c
There I saw the tree, climbed it and cut the ropes. I just
finished putting the parachute in m y bag and was ready to
ride my bike again, when I heard someone telling m e
"Hello." I was at first astonished, then I saw at about 30
feet, under a tree, a m a n in pilot's uniform. He waved his
hand and showed m e his leg, apparently wounded, but no
open wound. He was probably wounded at landing. As I
did not speak English, and himself obviously no German,
we communicated by signs. Then he offered m e a
chewing-gum tablet. I then wondered, "How will I bring
this lad to our base?" As good as had, I sat him on the seat
of the bike and pushed it out the road to the base. W h e n w e
arrived to a village, w e stopped at a brewery and w e both
drank a beer from there. I phoned to the base and asked for
a car. To start, I had some difficulties to convince them I
was not joking. After an half hour wait, I went out to take
a look. To m y great astonishment, there were several
people around with sticks w h o asked m e to give them the
pilot. Of course, m y reply w a s showing them m y pistol. "If
you dare to come too near, I will shoot." I told them, "I a m
myself a pilot, and I would not like to be mistreated by a
gang of civilians if I was shot down in enemy territory."
Fortunately, no one moved. As no vehicle w a s in sight, I
continued with m y American on the bike. After another
half mile, a Kubelwagen arrived with a driver and a
meteorologist who spoke English. W e had a brief
conversation, and I heard that m y m a n w a s a pilot of a
B-24 unit. I asked him if I could have his insignia with
wings, but he told m e he would still need it to prove his
identity. Then the car went. This history touched the life of
two young men during WWII, but each one on opposite
sides. Ed. Note: If the American pilot reads this story,
Gerhard Walter would like to be in touch. The 8 BTs would
like to bear the rest of the story.
The following photos are from the PAAB Book. Mark
states, "I wish w e had some photos of the 506 crews that
trained at Pueblo, but w e don't. Nor do w e have any
aircraft with crews -just A/C in the air. W e have no
information on others w h o may have trained at Pueblo as
crews only. W e have a lot of photos in the book, but all are
later than when 44BG members would be in them. These
people in these photos are unknown except for Jinx
Falkenberg. The others at the party are unknown."
The Band at Pueblo took time to refuel. Can anyone
identify this enthusiastic group of musicians?
^3
From Mark Morris, Pueblo, CO: A new publication, Pueblo
Army Air Base History, written by Dr. Ray Sisson, is n o w
available at the Pueblo Historical Aircraft Society, located
at the Pueblo Weisbrod Aircraft Museum, 31001 Magnuson
Ave., Pueblo, C O 81001. Dr. Sisson is a retired professor
from the University of Southern Colorado. Members of the
506 Sq. will find this book appealing, as their squadron
was formed at the P A A B in 1942. They will also enjoy the
museum, which houses interesting and well preserved
memorabilia from 59 years ago. The book costs $19.95 +
$3.00 S & H. Contact the Museum or write Mark:
marksan@iex.net or P W A M @ I E X . N E T .
From Ted Stamos: I a m trying to track down information
about m y cousin, 1st Lt. Robert G. Stamos, who died as a
co-pilot on a raid over Bernberg, Germany on April 11,
m
�<^3
1944. The pilot was 1st Lt. John D. Money, who wrote an
account of the incident... having to break out the window
Bob Norsen (68th BS) to Will Lundy: "I had just finished
on the co-pilot side to escape. Robert was dead in his seat
B-17 school as a 'qualified' 1st pilot, B-17. There they tried
of flak wounds. The last contact from John Money in the
to get us to land tail wheel first. Some did at great
44th B G V A records was in 1992. The plane was, I believe, expense. The main gear came down so hard, the drag strut
Southern Comfort II, 506 B. Sq. Only three survived, John would part, laying the plane on one wheel, a wing tip and
Money, Don Young, Wallace Kirchner. I a m trying to find
one engine.
somebody who might have known Robert, and could tell
"Early instructions on the B-24 were to land three point.
m e anything... anything at all about him. (Lt. Col.)
Some did. The result collapsed the nose gear, left the tail
Richard Butler sent m e copies of his combat record. H e
pointing at the sky (at Ft. Myers). Of course, the right way
suggested contacting the 8 B A L L TAILS, to see if anybody to land both airplanes is on the main gear with the tail
remembers Robert. M y home address is: Ted Stamos, 4423 low but not dragging. The planes fly much alike. They can
Arden View Ct, St. Paul, M N . Phone 651 633-7067. E-Mail: fly in formation easily. Same altitude. Same speed. "Lemon
ststamos@ties.kl2.mn.us.
Drop w a s one of the originals, flown across by m y close
Ed Note: The target for this mission was Junkers Aircraft friend Reginal Phillips. Phil named it that because it had
Assembly Plant. The right bomb bay doors failed to open. some defects originally that caused Phil and crew some
When approaching the target, they received a direct hit in delay to get the defects fixed. "I didn't get into the terrible
the bomb bay setting the plane afire. It flew on a short trouble on missions that many did. Many times close, but I
distance, then winged over and spht in two at the waist section.
never came back with serious damage, and only once with
an injury on board. I didn't fly a full 35 missions. Between
an operations job and then engineering modifications for
the B-24 after m y crew w a s lost, flying with another pilot,
I flew when needed as a substitute pilot. In that situation,
I seldom got to go. I remember flying for Johnny Diehl on
a H a m m Raid. Nearly frozen controls...working so hard
with stiff controls, I had the window open, drenched in
sweat. B-17s wereflyingback through our formation,
engines out, etc. "I recall one mission while the main
group did Ploesti. I stayed down to bring down another
flight, when the 'promised new crews' showed up. W e ran
training missions of semi-real missions with long and
complete briefing, then careful debriefing to review the
'mission'. The idea w a s to become so familiar with combat
mean, we both lose a lens at the same time?"
details, the new crews would be as safe as possible for
themselves and for the rest of the team. O n one of several
such missions, a diversion, m y plane w a s head-on
attacked by a twin engine Messerschmitt that launched
From David E. Sayler, Birmingham, MI:
the first rockets I had seen. "Back in the States w e had
The identities in the photo showing the 14th C B W War
mentally practiced quick evasive action. Just as they
Room are: Seated is Lt. William Church; Standing is Capt.
'stand still' out there, do a quick dive.' I did. The rockets
David Sayler, Lt. Harry Jacobs and Capt. Robert Morton.
smoked a few feet overhead. Slight rudder damage..."
"Our (stateside) experience in Sub Patrol paid off in
Europe. I w a s Operations duty one night, planning an
ordered 44th mission to Danzig (a Polish port on the
Baltic Sea at the mouth of the Vistula River), a flight well
over twice as far as Berlin. W e had not gotten back all
planes on missions to Berlin because of fuel shortage.
Using what I learned about stretching miles, flying like w e
did Sub Patrol, w e got the entire 44thflightto Danzig and
returned with fuel to spare.
<33
®
30
�posted on the bulletin board. Later, the men were able to
salvage a liaison set and were thus supplied with ready
news and entertainment. During the summer, a club w a s
From the Web Page, Aaron Williams, a relative of Capt.
set up for the Americans and Russian officers. Here, liquid
Chester L. Phillips, Jr., 67th Sq., pilot of Little Beaver
refreshments were available in the form of cognac, wines,
writes: It appears that a college prank w a s the impetus
a lager type of beer, and that "power-plus" vodka. (They
for Capt. Phillips to choose to become a combat airman:
say that the stuff can be used as lighter fluid.) The men
Williams describes an event in which the rivalry between
worked in teams with the Russians supplying labor to be
Phillips's school, Texas State Agriculture College (now
supervised by the Americans. The language w a s very
Univ. of Texas at Arlington, Texas) and Tarleton State U.
difficult to learn and very few knew enough to converse to
in Stephenville, Texas. Phillips took his o w n plane to his
the natives, although some of the Russian officers could
rivals, intending to taunt their pre-game celebration.
speak English well enough to make themselves
Unfortunately, Tarleton w a s pre-warned; a student threw
understood.
The Americans had very little opportunity to
a big board in the air, hitting the propeller and causing the
observe outside life since the Russians are hard-living,
plane to crash. Chester's punishment w a s that he could
hard-working, and hard-fighting people and such things
not complete his education. Williams believes this
as transportation for pleasure purposes are absolutely
humiliation w a s the driving force for Phillips to request
unheard of. Theirs is an all out effort to terminate the war.
combat duty. His plane went down on the Kiel Raid, 14
May, 1943. Seven of the crew were KIA, four became P O W s . However, the men did have an opportunity to observe the
operation of a small nearby village. The village functions
Williams wrote: "I want to thank all of you who sent me on a cooperative basis, with all the natives living in the
information about Capt. Phillips. Some of you remembered village and going out to work the land each day. O n certain
him as "George." I checked with the family to see what the days, they hold a bazaar at which they trade items they do
origin of "George" might be. (It w a s the name of his dog)... not buy and sell. This entire cooperative system is worked
more or less since there are no government authorities
I hope to see and meet many of you in Shreveport.
there to supervise. It w a s quite an experience to those
men, but they did welcome the opportunity to return since
the simply clean, hard life and that Russians lead is so
very strange to us. The men left there in October and
From the Archives
returned by the long circuitous route, as they had gone.
<?33
^3
Does anybody remember this?
MCMCftieS ©F A
tlSTAif WAB
8th Air Force 3rd Anniversary
Office of the Station Commander
January 28,1945
During the first part of the month, a couple of old faces
reappeared on the station after an absence of nine months.
They belonged to two enlisted members of the Chemical
Company, who, in March 1944, were transferred to the
Eastern C o m m a n d and stationed in Russia to service
bombers on shuttle missions. They reached their
destination, the southeastern part of Russia, by a
circuitous route, coming up through Persia. They found
only makeshift quarters on a barren site and in a dry
climate. Their food consisted of U.S. A r m y rations which
were flown in from the Persian Gulf Command. All other
supplies, including regular Post Exchange rations were
alsoflownin from here. N e w s w a s supplied by incoming
crews and translated Russian communiques, which were
31
���r
The 8-Ball Tails ©
President Emeritus: B-Gen. John H. Gibson
(Retired)
7008 Gateridge
Dallas, T X 75240-7936
Phone: (972) 239-0559
Director: Robert J. Lehnhausen (68)
2540 Benton Court
Peoria, IL 61615-8838
Phone/Fax: (309)243-1952
Official Journal of The
44th Bomb Group
Veterans Association,
Inc. ©
Director: Michael "Mike" Yuspeh (506)
7214 Sardonyx St.
N e w Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Phone/Fax: (504) 283-3424
e-mail: mikeyuspeh@worldnet.att.net
Compiled, written and
published tri-yearly at
2041 Village Circle
East, York, PA, by Ruth
W. Davis-Morse, Editor.
Director (44 SMW): Charles G. Simpson
Printed and mailed Bulk
President: Edw. K. "Mike" Mikoloski (66/67)
P.O. Box 281
Rate at Salt Lake City,
626 Smithfield Road #702
Breckenridge, C O 80424
UT under USPS Permit
N. Providence, Rl 02904
Phone/Fax: (970) 453-0500
#6923. All original
Phone/Fax: (401) 353-0144
e-mail: AFMISSILEERS@compuserve.com
e-mail: EKMLIB44@msn.com
written material such
Historian: C.W. "Will" Lundy (67)
as letters, stories,
First Vice President: Richard D. Butler (506/67)
2519 Westville Trl
excerpts from personal
44th Group V P to 2nd A D A
Cool, C A 95614-2008
diaries or memoirs,
16828 Mitchell Circle
Phone/Fax: (530) 886-8636 (Winter)
drawings and photos
Riverside, C A 92518
e-mail: willundy@aol.com
Phone (909) 697-2908 Fax: (909) 697-5875
P.O. Box 315, Bridgeport, C A 9 3 5 1 7 (Summer)
submitted to this
e-mail: rdb24@earthlink.net
Phone/Fax: (760) 932-7349
journal will become the
property of the 44th
Treasurer: Gerald (Jerry) Folsom (506)
Membership, Search: Art Hand (66)
Bomb Group Veterans
3582 East Dover Hill Road
517 Elm Street
Association and will be
Salt Lake City, U T 84121-5527
Paris, IL 61944-1417
Phone (801) 733-7371 Fax: (801) 942-9988
Phone/Fax: (217) 463-5905
copyright protected
e-mail: 44thbgva@xmission.com
e-mail: k9hwp@comwares.net
except where noted.
The text and photos are
Secretary & 8 Ball Tails Editor:
U.K. Representative: Steve Adams
otherwise reproduced
Ruth W . Davis-Morse
28 Bassingham Rd.
2041 Village Circle East
from official USAAF
Norwich, England N R 3 2 Q T
York, PA 17404
Phone/Fax: 011-44-1603-400221
and USAF documents
Phone (717) 846-8948 Fax: (717) 846-6688
e-mail: s.p.adams@btinternet.com
and photos which have
e-mail: rewdm@blazenet.net
been released for
publication. Permission
Director (67) Archivist
Anthony 'Tony" Mastradone
is granted for the
A S S O C I A T I O N MAILING A D D R E S S :
9111 Tuckerman Street
44th B G V A
contents of this journal
Lanham, M D 20706-2709
P.O. Box 712287
to be reproduced
Phone/Fax: (301) 577-1487
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specifically for personal
e-mail: mast@clres.com
archives. Otherwise,
copyright material
herein may be reproduced by the journal of other incorporated non-profit veterans organizations so long as this publication is
properly credited and prior permission is granted by the editor.
Immediate Past President: Roy W. Owen (506)
6304 Meadowridge Drive
Santa Rosa, C A 95409-5839
Phone: (707) 538-4726 Fax: (707) 538-1212
e-mail: Rowen44bg@aol.com
Those submitting letters, stories and photos to the editor or historian must do so with the understanding that this material will most
likely be published in this journal as a matter of interest to the members/subscribers of the Association and this journal. While every
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or published. Except for specific requests for the return of original documents and photos, all material submitted will become the
property of the 44th Veterans Association, Inc., or its successors.
�LOUISIANA BELLE
By Roy O w e n
In preceding issues w e have described our
later with twenty seven new B24-D Liberators,
negotiations with the 8th Air Force M u s e u m to
the paint was on hand and the artist was aschange the 466th B o m b Group B-24J Laden
signed his most important assignment to date,
Maiden identifying markings to that of a 44th
"Put the insignia on each of our planes."
B G aircraft. The n a m e of the aircraft, so
appropriately chosen was our Louisiana Belle;
The echoing cry from the 44th was, "The
the rationale being, the 466th was never
FLYING EIGHTBALLS of the 44th B o m b
stationed at Barksdale, while the 44th, after
Group were ready to give the Jerries a go."
being activated at MacDill Field, Florida on 15
January 1941, was the first B-24 B o m b Group
Now about the airplane: B-24J 42-50806-SH
assigned to Barksdale on 7 February 1941.
c a m e off the Ford Willow Run plant assembly
The 44th remained at Barksdale until 26 July
line in September, 1944 in the serial group 421942 during which time it trained the 90th, 93rd
50760 to 42-51076. These were the first to be
and 98th B o m b Groups before it 'graduated' to
equipped with H 2 X AN/APS-15 which operated
combat-ready and left for England to join the
on X band for radar bombing. H 2 X was the
8th Air Force.
American development of the British H2S,
known as 'Mickey' APS-15A. Thus what was to
The change of markings was totally supported
be 42-50806 E A W Q when she reached
by the 8th Air Force m u s e u m staff, the civic
Shipdham and the 68th
leaders of Shreveport and Bossier City and
B o m b Squadron of the
their Chambers of Commerce. It was approved
44th was, it could be
by the C o m m a n d e r of the 8th A F and
said, born to lead!
forwarded to H Q U S A F for final approval,
which it recently gave. Thus, the Louisiana
Wood ANd DEIU ON T^EIR
Belle will bring to Barksdale and the 8th A F
u/EddiNq dAy, M A R C E I 1 8,
Museum all the glorious heritage of one of the
1 9 4 4 iN FiNsbuRy PARI<,
most illustrious combat histories in the annals
N. LofNidoN.
of air combat, 'The Flying 8 Balls.'
STKI ElAppily MARRJEd,
W o o d y Aivd D E I REsidE iN
The answer to the question of who named the
44th B G "The Flying Eightballs," was found in
Will Todd's book, History of the 68th Bomb
Squadron. The story goes that the 44th picked
up the n a m e at Will Rogers Field. Col. Frank
W. Robison, the C O was talking with Captain
Goodman C. Griffin regarding the upcoming
shipment to an overseas base. Robinson said
he could not understand how this Air Force
could even think that he could go into combat
with this group of misfits, ninety
day wonders and odd balls. H e
has never seen such a bunch of
eightballs in his entire military
career.
By the time the combat crews
landed at Shipdham a few weeks
NATCEIEZ, M S .
When she arrived at
Shipdham, she was
assigned to veteran
Crew Chief M/Sgt.
Francis M. 'Woody' W o o d and his assistant,
'Romie' Vaughn on September 26,1944. W e
rightfully associate the word veteran with
M/Sgt. Wood, since in his total of 33 months
overseas he crewed four different B-24s before
getting 806 E, and had been awarded the
Bronze Star by Col. Leon Johnson for his
launch of 96 missions without a mechanical
abort. H e remained with 806 E until war's end,
and flew h o m e aboard her. His most precious
acquisition during his tour in England was his
FiwiNcis M Wood lovely British-born wife Delia.
�W h e n 806 arrived at A F 115, she w a s
unnamed and with no regular combat crew
assigned. W o o d took advantage of this
opportunity to n a m e 'his' plane. H e w a s proud
to title her after his birthplace, a 2,000 acre
pre-Civil W a r plantation n a m e d Belle, located
on the banks of the Tensas Northeast River in
Louisiana. The newly n a m e d Louisiana Belle
flew 57 combat missions, sustaining only one
abort after losing an engine well before target,
forcing the crew to return. She flew 52 of her
missions as lead aircraft. A m o n g the targets
she struck were tough, heavily defended sites,
such as the Kiel Sub-Pens, Dortmund,
Magdeburg, Berlin (twice) and Bottrop, where
over the target she took an 88 m m burst
directly under the plane. Her determined crew
pressed on to the target, and she returned with
over 200 flak holes to patch and two fuel cell
changes in the left wing for W o o d and his crew
to repair. Louisiana Belle flew as lead aircraft
for all three B o m b Groups in the 14th Combat
Wing. Being a lead aircraft, W o o d and his
ground crew were required, if possible, to have
her combat ready every day. Her record shows
several stretches of three and four back-toback missions.
ON TITE RAYip AT
Willow R U N ARE
TITE dispkyEd
B'24s. SECONd
iN UNE is 8 0 6 E
LOUISIANA BEIIE
In late May,
1945
Louisiana
Belle departed
Shipdham for
the U.S.
Ironically she
w a s flown by
1st Lt.
Russell G.
Erickson and
his crew of
nine, plus ten passengers; the s a m e crew w h o
had flown her over in September '44. After
arrival back in the U.S., Louisiana Belle had
LOUISIANA BEIIE
CAII LETTER "E"
one more duty to
perform: the Ford
Willow Run plant,
in a gesture of
thanks to their work
force, had a family
day and arranged
to have several of
the Ford built
aircraft on display.
Four of these aircraft were from the 44th.
The refurbished and re-painted B-24 we will
see and dedicate during the Reunion in
October is the result of the hard work and
determination of Mr. 'Buck' Rigg and his
assistant, C/M Sgt. Grillo, working with the Air
Force side; and our overall Project Officer,
Clem Haulman. Clem orchestrated all the
various efforts, working with Dick Butler, who,
after acquiring the drawings of the B-24-J
engine cowlings and other parts of the airplane
which were in need of repair, herded through
re-manufacture and shipment to Barksdale.
O n arrival, Mr. Rigg arranged for volunteer
active duty Air Force personnel to m a k e the
repairs and do the re-painting. Certainly, not
the least of the contributions necessary to the
success of this project w a s done by Mike
Yuspeh. By virtue of his o w n community
service contributions in the region, Mike has
been able to solicit funding through a number
of sources: the city governments and
Chambers of C o m m e r c e of Shreveport and
Bossier City, the Louisiana state government,
and our hotel, the Isle of Capri Hotel. Through
Mike's efforts and contacts, the entire
Louisiana Belle w a s m a d e possible.
Every member of the 44th BGVA can stand
proud of the placement of the Louisiana Belle
at Barksdale A F B . She will not only serve as a
commemorative of the glorious combat record
established by the 44th B o m b Group as a
W W I I part of the Mighty 8th Air Force, but will
also e m b o d y the history of our service to the
mission of this historic base in its wartime role.
�^Besk of our
President
Even though w e celebrated it last year, the new millennium
more accurately began THIS YEAR on January 1. It is m y
fondest wish that each and every one of you, and your
loved ones, are blessed with a healthy, prosperous, and
joyful year in this new millennium.
And, as is our custom, all new years are ushered in with
toasts and resolutions. M y toast therefore, though belated,
is "May the hinges of friendship never rust and may the
wings of love never never lose a feather. M a y your right
hand always be stretched out in friendship; but, never in
want." M y resolution is to increase m y donations to our
M A S T E R DATA BASE F U N D (MDBF) throughout this year
simply by adopting the age-old theorem of "CHARITY
BEGINS AT H O M E " W e are all literally deluged weekly, if
not daily, by mail, phone, TV, e-mail, etc. for donations to
hundreds of charitable, medical, organizational,
educational, political, international and myriad of other
worthy causes that are too numerous to mention. W e all
have our favorite charities, and rightly have supported
them over the many years of our lives because w e are a
caring generous and giving generation - truly the greatest.
But, NOW, TO-DAY w e have a need to support a noble and
worthy cause in the MDBF, conceived and designed to
preserve for posterity the illustrious history of the 44th BG
and the heroic contributions and sacrifices of the men and
women, many of w h o m made the S U P R E M E SACRIFICE
for the causes of freedom and liberty.
To date, the archival information (344 Missions and the
8085 sorties including the names of the aircrews and the
aircraft they flew) is already entered into the computer
system. Currently, w e are in the process of inserting the
personal biographies of our air, ground and support
personnel, as well as much of the information Will Lundy
has assembled. But, the more difficult and costly phase of
the M D B is to search, locate and contact the wives,
children, relatives, friends, neighbors and/or public record
centers to solicit information on our deceased colleagues
so that their gallant service and sacrifices may be included
in the computerized data base. This phase of the M D B
Project will require much time, hard work, many volunteers
and the assistance of professional researchers and/or
historians, public officials, governmental agencies,
veterans organizations and other record-keeping
institutions. And, it is this Phase that will require the
expenditure of funds that are not available from our
operating budget.
Last year your Board and I embarked on the MDB FUND
DRIVE Through your kind and generous response to my
letter of January 31, 2000, w e raised $16,000.00 with
donations still coming in, but slowing. W e must integrate
our efforts. To those w h o contributed, you have my
compliments and deepest gratitude and hope for your
continued support with this campaign.
Now, it is my sincere hope that all members will be
enjoined/inspired to build on this auspicious start by also
making a new year's resolution to donate, to our own
M D B F DRIVE, funds that you normally and regularly would
contribute to other fund drives this year. This being
consistent with the aforementioned principle of "CHARITY
BEGINS AT H O M E " I hasten to point out here that none of
my remarks/suggestions are applicable to the support you
provide your respective church, synagogue, mosque or any
other place of worship. This support should continue under
any and all circumstances.
You are reminded that all contributions to our MDBF DRIVE
are tax deductible; hence, both you and the Fund benefit by
your donation. All donations should be made out to "44th
BGVA M D B F U N D " and mailed to 44th BGVA, R0. Box
712287, Salt Lake City, Utah 84171-2287.
CLOSING THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ON GIVING.
"Some give their might; Others give with their mite;
And, some don't give w h o might."
0 0 ^
Let's all of us give a mite.
Edward K. Mikoloski, President
�ALGENEKEY
COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 66TH SQ.; AVIATION PIONEER
Early flights out of Shipdham did not
enjoy the luxury of accompaniment by
the 'Little Friends,' and the Luftwaffe
took full advantage. Life always hung
on the expertise of every crew member.
The courage of those who flew, despite
overwhelming odds, can never be
overstated.
From Will
Lundy's
record of the
66th Sq.
comes a
memory of
the late
AlgeneKey,
CO. of the
66th
Squadron,
early
pioneer in
aviation, and
valorous
participant
in W W H .
Long before
the Japanese
undertook to
start the
War at Pearl Harbor, Algene and his
brother Fred set an endurance record,
flying 653 hours and 27 minutes on a
noisy trip around their hometown that
took 27 days. (That record was never
beaten until the Astronauts took off.)
The people of Meridian, Mississippi were
strongly supportive of their first
attempt, but their enthusiasm waned
with continued efforts. On the third
attempt, the droning sounds of the
overhead plane that continued through
the nights became a real irritant; and
their air-to-air refueling was a novelty
at first, but less impressive as Vie Miss'
rattled on.
Their friend, James Keeton, brought fuel
and supplies to the brothers, early proof
that air-to-air refueling was possible.
Fred sometimes dazzled the spectators
by walking on the wing, and straddling
the engine to inspect gas lines—with no
parachute.
When the record was broken and the
plane came down, it was the biggest
celebration Meridian ever held. 30,000
people gathered at the airport to watch
the plane come in, and reporters from
all over the country flocked to the tiny
airport which had just been renamed
Key Field.
Those barnstorming pioneers and others
like them ignited the spirit of aviation in
the youth of America. When W W H
began, adventurous young men were
eager to fling themselves into that
colorful sphere. Among those whose
goals were shaped by those early airmen
was Rob Lehnhausen. "As a new pilot,
when I found myself in the same
Squadron and in the same room with m y
boyhood hero, Algene Key, it was
unbelievable to me," he recalled.
Even before the war began, both Key
brothers engaged in training airmen in
the National Guard. The move from
barnstormers to military was not a
difficult transition, and when the Guard
was activated, Fred and Al went to
Langley Field, Virginia for B-17 training.
They distinguished themselves in the
Pacific Theatre in bomb runs and Zero
kills. When McArthur departed from
Java, the Key brothers assisted in
evacuating him, troops and many
civilians to Australia. Fred's mission
numbers were completed, and he
assumed administrative and teaching
positions in this country. Later, when Al
was assigned to B-29's, it was his
brother who checked him out.
J
�According to historian Stephen Owen,
when W W I I came, Fred and Algene had
more flying time than any two pilots on
earth. Despite that, they were almost
rejected from the service, as both were
colorblind! Interestingly, their bombing
skill was heightened because of this
disadvantage. W h e n they were over
enemy territory, shapes of objects stood
out, uncluttered by colored objects
around them. Honoring the plane that
brought them world recognition, Fred
called his plane Ole Miss II, Al's was Ole
maneuvering room; then did something
only the most skilled and courageous
pilot would and could do: H e threw his
huge bomber directly into the path of
the fighters and forced them off their
course of attack and into position where
scores of Liberator guns were able to get
direct hits.' Though the bullet-riddled
airplane was nearly uncontrollable, Al
and his crew managed to salvo their
bombs over the target and limp the
crippled plane, Princess Charlotte/Sure
Shot, back over the Channel to England."
Miss m.
Algene's last mission was January 3,
1943 to St. Nazaire on the Avenger.
Apparently the dangers of his four
missions became a wake-up call to
higher authorities. Algene was too
important to the war effort to place him
in further danger, so he was taken off
combat and transferred out of the group.
H e was awarded the Distinguished
Flying Cross (the first m e m b e r of the
44th to receive this honor), Distinguished
Continuing his loyalty to his first plane, Service Cross, British Distinguished
his B-24 became Ole Miss JLH. H e arrived
Flying Cross and seven Bronze Stars.
in England during a time w h e n missions
Despite Key's aggressive spirit in the air,
were scrubbed because of bad weather
President Mike remembers him as a shy
and mechanical failures. Nevertheless,
and humble m a n on the ground, with
opportunity came, and his skill and
genuine consideration for those under
courage were exemplified on his fourth
his command.
mission. In his book A FLIGHT TO
REMEMBER,
Steven Owens described the
The Avenger, piloted by Algene Key, was
event:
the last mission of S/Sgt. Wilmer Lund,
Engr/Top Turret Gunner, w h o was KIA.
"On a sortie in a joint raid with Flying
It was his third mission.
Fortresses on January 20, 1942 on
Romilly-Sur-Seine while attacking
While under attack from enemy fighters,
German positions in France, he
a 20 m m shell penetrated the waist
encountered a direct enemy attack by
position area and exploded, seriously
two German fighters. They nose dived
wounding Sgt. Frank R. Steers, Waist
his ship coming from the sun. A writer
Gunner and S/Sgt. Charles E. Cunningham,
said of the incident: Machine gun bullets
Radio
Operator/Gunner
and cannon shell poured into Major
Key's ship like hailstones, mortally
S/Sgt. Wilmer Lund was killed instantly.
wounding his right waist gunner (S/Sgt.
He was the first m a n in the 44th B G to
Wilmer G. Lund). At the first glimpse of
lose his life to enemy action. His parents
the fighters straight ahead, Key took a
received word of his death just before
quick survey of the other Liberators
Christmas.
around him and saw that he had
Among the early ones at Barksdale
Field, Louisiana was Al Key. H e was
assigned to fly antisubmarine patrol in
the Gulf of Mexico, mostly at night, from
Florida to Texas. Captain Key was
Commander of the 66th Squadron. H e
was promoted to Major about the time
the 44th was transferred to Will Rogers
Field, Oklahoma.
�If you haven't signed up for the European trip, D O IT
N O W You will see those places that ring so clearly in
your memory. You will be traveling with that great
bunch of guys w h o joined you in slapping Nazi
Germany into submission. Larry Herpel has laid out a
fantastic itinerary. You will see the peaceful side of
France and Germany, peaceful because of your courage
and sacrifice. Peter Loncke in Belgium and Steve
Adams in England are helping arrange meaningful
events; and our European friends are waiting for the
opportunity to thank you—once again—for helping
them through the worst happening of the century.
The dates are September 11-26, leaving from New
Jersey. From Newark, w e fly into beautiful Paris, get a
half day tour, then off to your choice of sights. The City
of Lights has sights and structures that are unique
in the world: the Eiffel Tower, Arc D'Triumphe,
Notre Dame, W W I I Museum, the Louvre... your
choice of wonders.
By bus w e will travel to Caen (the 'milkrun' that
brought down the Passion Pit), Normandy (where
Jackie Roberts can read her father's name on the
Wall of Honor) and Rouen. On the 5th day w e will
leave for Luxembourg, (the safest city in the world
from invasion, until airplanes were invented.) W e
will stop by Reims and Verdun. In Reims w e will
visit Eisenhower's S H A P E Headquarters. From
there to Bastogne, where General McAuliffe uttered
that famous word, "Nuts." (He held out until the
weather cleared, then help came from the sky.)
In Wibrin, Peter Loncke has orchestrated a
memorial service for the Pinder crew, whose
plane crashed there January 29,1944. This
enthusiastic Belgium airman has become a
self-appointed investigator of crash sites,
and has been helpful to many American,
English and Australian families, informing
them of the circumstances of the crash.
From Belgium, w e cross the Rhine
River, near the most challenging
engineering feat in history—
building a bridge into Germany
while under constant enemy
fire. Here w e visit Cologne,
Wesel, Maastricht and
Liege. In Wesel w e will
visit the graves of the
Crandell and Chandler crews. Crash sites for these
two planes were located by our Belgian friend, Peter.
Louis DeBlasio and Bob Vance are the lone survivors of
those two crashes. John Delaney, a fighter pilot on a P47 dived down to strafe the anti-aircraft guns which
brought down the two Liberators, and he crashed. He
shared the P O W experience with Bob and Louis.
We will visit the Ardennes Cemetery, where Lois
Cianci's father is memoralized on the Tablet of the
Missing, then to Brussels, through Dunkirk to Calais,
then across the Channel past the White Cliffs of Dover.
By bus, we'll go to Norwich, where w e have a day to
explore before heading to Shipdham. Friends will be
waiting for us: Steve Adams, our British Board Member,
Brian Peel, an admirer of the 44th since boyhood,
Phyllis Dubois and others w h o have never been shy
to express their gratitude to the Americans. W e will
visit the Memorial Library, the Aero Club, Shipdham
Airfield and the 14th Combat Wing Hq. Then Steve
Adams and Roy O w e n have a reception and barbecue
set up where w e will visit and picnic with Andrew
Doubleday, our friends and civic leaders of Shipdham
and the members of the Shipdham Areo Club.
will visit the magnificent Duxford Imperial War
Museum where the B-52 dwarfs all other planes on
display, even the B-24, which is still under repair. At
Cambridge w e will visit the American Cemetery and
Memorial with its Wall of Honor a sight that is not
easily forgotten. W e have a day in London to
browse; then filled with joyous memories, w e leave
the following day.
get the best prices, we need a full bus. Don't
pass up this opportunity to have the trip of a
lifetime. Every happening on the trip has been
orchestrated to give you the most for your
money. Larry Herpel will assist everybody in
getting the best price to Newark the gateway city.
Reservations can still be made by calling
Ascot Travel, at this toll free number: 1888-317-7483.
E-MaiI:ascottravel@thriftynet
Please note: The price for these 15
days is $2,685. It includes 14
breakfasts, 10 dinners. Travel
insurance is not included. If you
wish to have that precaution.
the price is an additional
$49.
BUST
�">
DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS
SOCIETY
Going to the DFC Society meeting is an experience in humility. There
are airmen from all plane positions (mostly pilots) and from every
type of aircraft that flew in W W I I , Korea, Viet N a m , Gulf W a r and
Kosovo. A gab session is an invitation to hear wild adventure stories,
providing n e w insight into the w a y W W I I w a s won. M a n y commercial
pilots had s o m e hilarious accounts to relate.
We met one pilot from the 9th Air Corps who had flown to Ploesti on that awesome
mission 8/1/43. Also, fighter pilots from the 15th Air Corps, w h o accompanied
bombers on later missions. Les Howard, Past President of the H u m p Pilots Society
reminisced about the flights over the Himalayas from India to China, supplying General
Issimo Chiang Kai Chek with needed materials.
A PMB Navy Pilot remembered listening to Tokyo Rose, who played American music.
She spoke directly to the m e n on his ship, concluding her broadcast with a promise to
'get your ship tomorrow.' They did. The Japanese planes struck it, but could not take it
down. It limped into Pearl Harbor for repair.
A tour to Lackland Air Force Base brought memories of Basic Training to many of the
members, Perry included, particularly a notorious hill between the two fields that they
had to climb. They have a B-17, Mosquito and Blackbird on display there, and are
looking for old photos to go into their Air C o m m a n d M u s e u m . The newer Kelly Field is
alongside Lackland.
Perry heard a statement that he finds hard to believe: One flyer said that his plane
went d o w n in friendly territory, and a group of w o m e n went after his parachute. H e
claims he held them off at gunpoint; as if he had lost his chute, he would have had to
pay $ 3 0 0 for the loss, since he had gone d o w n in friendly territory. (Is this true?)
The government gave away thousands
of DFC's during and in later wars, for
completing missions or flying on
especially dangerous assignments.
There is no list of w h o received them.
Anyone w h o deserves a D F C , but did
not receive it, m a y contact the Society
at 6 9 2 0 Miramar Road, Suite 207-D,
San Diego, C A 92121-2642.
MIKE VUSPEH HAS
8 BALL T-SHIRTS,
SIZE LARGE,
AS WERE PRESENTED IN SAN DlEGO.
THE COST is %7, INCLUDING POSTAGE.
SEND CHECK TO:
MIKE VUSPEH
7ai4 SARDONYX STREET
NEW ORLEANS, U 7 0 i a 4 - 3 5 0 9
_y
�44th Bomb Group Veterans Assn.
Reunion Agenda
Bossier City - Barksdale AFB - Shreveport, Louisiana
October 15,16,17,18, 2001 - Isle of Capri Hotel
Monday, Oct. 15
9:00 A M to 12:00 P M
1:00 P M to 5:00 P M
1:00 P M to 5:00 P M
Registration
Registration
Board meeting
6:00 PM
7:00 P M
DELI BUFFET. Cash Bar.
Buffet (Cold Cuts, etc.)
Tuesday, Oct. 16
7:30 A M to 9:00 A M
9:00 A M To 10:30 A M
11:15 A M
3:30 P M
Breakfast Buffet
Registration
L U N C H Officers Club Barksdale Field - First bus leaves hotel. Speaker at
lunch will be Colonel Steve DePyssler (Ret.) Two buses will shuttle from hotel
to Barksdale Field. After lunch at approximately 1:45 w e will walk over to
m u s e u m where the dedication of the restored B-24 "Louisiana Belle," will
take place. Military as well as local dignitaries will be introduced and make
remarks. Approximately 3:30 first bus will leave for return to Hotel.
6:00 PM
7:00 P M
S Q U A D R O N DINNERS (location to be posted). Cash
Sit down dinner.
1:45 PM
*2/y>*'
Wednesday, Oct. 17
7:30 A M to 9:00 A M
9:00 A M to 12:00 P M
1:00 P M
BANQUET. Cash bar.
Dinner will be served.
Candlelight Ceremony
C o m b o will play for dancing.
6:00 P M
7:00 PM.
Thursday, Oct. 18
7:30 A M to 9:00 A M
8:30 AM
6:00 P M
7:00 P M
Breakfast Buffet.
Annual Membership Meeting - (location to be posted)
Tour of the City of Shreveport
Leave hotel for those members w h o purchased tickets for Tour #1.
Breakfast Buffet
Today is a free day
Tour of Natchitoches and Lunch.
Leave hotel for those members w h o purchased tickets for Tour #2.
BUFFET. Cash bar.
Dinner - barbecue with all the trimmings.
You can dance the night away with a big 17 piece band with the "Glenn
Miller" sound.
Yes, you will have a room in which to meet and visit with your buddies
every day from after breakfast until 5:00 PM.
10
��(
Thursday, October 18
8:30 AM Depart hotel
TOUR #2
9:45 AM Natchitoches, Louisiana
Founded in 1714, Natchitoches was settled before New Orleans and is the oldest settlement in
the Louisiana Purchase. You m a y remember this
intriguing little city from the movie Steel Magnolias,
which w a s filmed here. Full of French, Spanish,
Native American, African and Anglo influence,
Natchitoches retains a colorful palette of ethnic
traditions, gracious hospitality and tremendous
pride in the past that residents eagerly share with
visitors. Our eccentric step-on guide/actress clad in
costume correct to the time of early Natchitoches entertains us with her assumption of the
personalities of historical characters discussed in her unique presentation of fact and folklore
5
(ffwTT
10:30 AM Cane River Country
Lined with the cotton fields and mansions of working antebellum plantations, oak alleys,
churches and old cemeteries, scenic Cane River inspires a celebration of antebellum life like few
areas in the South.
11:00 AM Beau Fort Plantation Tour and Luncheon
An avenue of Live Oaks guides us into the exquisite garden of this working cotton plantation on
the site of historic Fort Charles, c.1760, where w e will, weather permitting, revel in the splendor
of an absolutely charming luncheon experience on the grounds. Before enjoying a fine meal
served on china with crystal, w e will tour the home. Our d o w n to earth Creole cuisine lunch
today will be two Natchitoches Meat Pies served with Dirty Rice Dressing, French Creole Beans,
Apple-Raisin Slaw, Mini Buttered Biscuits, Tea and Coffee and Pecan Pie for dessert.
12:30 PM Depart Beau Fort
12:45 PM Melrose
A National Historic Landmark Plantation, Melrose is a unique complex of nine buildings dating
back to c.1796. The plantation is rich in history and legends of courage and creativity that began
with the legendary Marie Therese Coincoin. The Souths foremost primitive artist, Clementine
Hunter, created renowned paintings here of the life and times of Cane River Country. In African
House on the plantation grounds, Hunter created with his brush what is called "the most
colorful room in Louisiana." She died on N e w Year's Day, 1988, shortly before her 102nd birthday
and is entombed in the mausoleum at St. Augustine. Guests will have the opportunity to
purchase mementos of Natchitoches and Cane River Country here at the gift shop.
2:15 PM Depart Melrose
3:45 PM Return to hotel; tour ends.
�44th Bomb Group Veterans
o<>^ Assn. Reunion - 2001
Xfi
Isle of Capri Hotel - Bossier City, LA
Barksdale AFB
October 15,16,17, & 18, 001
Reunion Registration Form
Please print or type. All Information must be complete:
First N a m e (Tag)
Last N a m e
Spouse
Squadron #
Life Member
Address
City
State
Phone
E-Mail
Zip Code
Guests & Relation
Number to Attend
@ $215.00 Each
Amount $
Tour #1- City Tour of Shreveport
Number on Tour
@ $25.00 Per Person
Amount $
Tour # 2- Tour of Natchitoches & Lunch
Number on Tour
@ $55.00 Per Person
Amount $
Total Amount Remitted
Check #
Amount $
Description of tours are in this issue of the 8 Ball Tails.
Registration Includes: Everything on agenda except tours as listed above.
Registration must be received by September 10, 2001.
Hotel registration must be made directly with Isle Of Capri Hotel & Casino by phone only
Toll free (800) 843-4753. See copy of hotel form in this issue.
Check Made Payable to: 44th Bomb Group Veterans Association (44th BGVA)
Mail to: Mike Yuspeh - 7214 Sardonyx Street - N e w Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Phone: (504)283-3424 Fax: (504) 283-3425 (Picks up on 6th ring)
E-Mail: Mikeyuspeh@juno.com
13
��BGVA 2001 Reunion
Isle Of Capri Hotel
PHONE RESERVATIONS ONLY!
711 Isle Of Capri Blvd. (Exit 20 Off of I 20)
Bossier City, LA 71171-5637
Phone: (318) 678-7777 Fax: (318) 425-4617
You must call (800) 843-4753 for reservation.
Reservation can only be m a d e by phone.
Reservation Method: Individual Call-in.
x
y ^ l S l C
01
lapiiiTriasino
^ S
r
(i\^S&
W
^
Hotel
BOSSIER CITY, LA
Reservations for this event will be m a d e by individual attendees directly with the Hotel's
Reservation Department by calling (800) 843-4753. To assure the Group Rate, attendees must
identify the group name, 44th B o m b Group Veterans Assn, Inc., and their reservation will be
accepted at the special group rate. Guests will be accommodated on a SPACE A N D RATE
AVAILABLE BASIS. The check in time is 4:00 P M and check out time is N O O N . Hotel will
accommodate any early arrivals on a space available basis.
Guaranteed Reservations: Guarantees are required for guest arriving after 4:00 PM. To
guarantee a reservation, they require a deposit equal to one nighf s room and tax at the time
reservation is made. The deposit is refundable only if reservation is canceled 4 8 hours prior to
the day of arrival. Guarantee m a y be m a d e with a check or credit card.
This is the information that you will need when making the call.
Date Of Call: Confirmation #:
Name:
Arrival Date
Departure Date:
Organizatiori: 44th B o m b Group Veterans Association
Time Of Arrival
Address:
City:
Phone:
Additional Person in room:
Zip:
State:
Fax#:
• Yes
E Mail Address:
QNO
N a m e Of Additional Person:
Rates: $89.27 Including Tax (Single/Double Each Night)
Credit Card: American Express, Visa, MASTERCARD, Discover Card
Credit card Number - Expiration Date - N a m e O n Card.
Reunion Dates: October 15,16,17,18 Year 2001
15
�PASSION PiT C R E W
F R O M L-R: JACI< BARTOH, NAviqATOR;
iRwiM SlOVROff, BoMDARdiER;
Johi\ MillikEM, PHOT.
BAck: DARREI LARSEIN, ErgqiiviEER;
MARTIN RichARd, RAdio O P E R A T O R ;
WilliAM MANJERRE, C O ' P H O T ; KENNETII
BEckwiih, GUNNER; ANd MORRJS LARION, TAI'I GUNNER.
THE
PASSION
PIT
The Times-Picayune in N e w Orleans highlighted
the John Milliken crew for having seven
members present at the 44th B G Reunion, and
their story has resounded through a number of
veteran publications. The Passion Pit
went down at the Falais Pocket near
Caen on August 13, 1944. Every
member of the crew had an
experience that was unique, none
more so than that of Bombardier,
Irwin J. Stovroff.
Stovroff recalls it thus: "It was to be our last
scheduled mission; w e were to complete our
tour. Together w e had flown very dangerous
missions, many of which were deep into
Germany. This trip was just over the Channel,
the Falais Pocket in France, a 'milk run.'
"We were on a straight run, and were to drop
our bombs on three sites, one third each time.
Then B O O M ! W e got a direct hit at the first
target. Numbers one and two engines were on
fire. W e all bailed out, right into the German
front lines. O n the way down I threw away m y
dog tags, not wanting them to know I was
Jewish.
taken out for continued interrogations. The
German officer, m y interrogator, asked m e
questions I could not and would not answer. I
gave him the usual name, rank and serial
number, and told him that was all I had to give,
and knew very little else. O n m y third trip with
him, he said, "I know w h o you are and what you
are (meaning Jewish). H e told m e he could save
m y life, then proceeded to name m y father,
mother, brother, sister, the grammar and high
school I had attended, even the name of a
former girl friend. H e then said he lived on
Ashland Avenue, next to the girl I was dating,
pre-war. H e had lived on the next street-Claremont Avenue in Buffalo, N e w York. H e
said he remembered being in class with m y older
sister, and had c o m e to Germany to be with his
grandmother, and stayed. H e again said he
would help m e , and he put a question mark on
m y records next to religion.
Later in Stalag Luft #\, I was separated from the
main compound of prisoners because I was
Jewish. I know the reason w e were not killed was
because of the courageous speeches of Col.
Zehmke and Col. Spicer, w h o warned the
German commander that if any American
officers were harmed, they would be held
responsible. Col. Spicer was put in solitaire and
sentenced to death for his speech. H e survived
until the end of the war.
"Within a week's time we were taken to a major
interrogation center outside of Frankfort,
Germany. I think it was called Wetzler. W e were
separated and placed in solitaire, and individually
16
�When I finally got home after VE Day, I went to
keep them pinned until Patton could get there
where this German traitor lived, but his parents hadfrom Cherbourg. The Passion Pit was flying on
moved.
the right wing of the c o m m a n d ship. W e had
one long b o m b run to reach three road intersecAfter this Dulag Luft (interrogation), I later
tions. W e were at about 15,000 feet when antifound myself with m y co-pilot Bill Manierre in a
aircraft fire hit us. The flak came through the
large room. Bill pointed out a beat up and dirty
b o m b bay doors, cutting the hydraulic lines.
P O W w h o was staring at us. Did I know w h o it
O u r bombs would not drop, and the plane was
on fire.
was? I looked at the man and said 'no.' Bill said,
'he must know you,' and I replied, 'I can't
figure out w h o he is.'
Suddenly Bill exclaimed, "My God! THAT'S
M Y B R O T H E R . " His brother immediately
recognized Bill, and they met and embraced.
The Germans were flabbergasted when they
found out this was happening. Major Cy
Manniere was a West Point graduate w h o had
been dropped into France, and was working
with the French Underground when captured
and tortured. H e told Bill and m e to repeat his
story, that he was a member of the Air Corps,
had been shot down and picked up by the
French Underground. If the Germans knew the
truth, he could have been shot as a spy. They
believed him, and he was sent to the same camp
as Bill and I. Their mother received two telegrams on the same day, 1:00 A M , 1:00 P M on
both sons—Missing in Action. "Fact is greater
than fiction."
l_j?
PASSJON PIT
qoiiNq dow/N.
"I gave the order to 'Bail Out', and when I
thought everyone was out, I let go of the controls and jumped. At first I didn't pull the
ripcord. I just lay on m y back, counting 'chutes.
W h e n I finally pulled the cord, I was so close that
I hit the ground in thirty seconds. I followed
procedure-rolled up the chute and hid it, and I
knew which way was north, so I started hiding
and walking. But the Germans got me. First
they put m e and a British airman in a farm house
with a concrete cellar. In one place it had soft
cement, so I started digging. But they came for
us before w e could get out. They took us to a
courtyard where I met up with the rest of m y
crew. Next they ushered us onto a German
personnel truck with a canvas top."
Stovroff is now a volunteer National Service
Officer at West Palm Beach V A Center, working
only with ex-POWs to help get pensions and
compensations. H e has met six ex-POWs that
were in his camp. A n d stranger than fiction, his
next door neighbor in Florida was in the same
barracks as Stovroff when he was in Stalag Luft
#1 "segregated." This man's family owned
K A T Z DELICATESSEN in N e w York whose
slogan was "Send a Salami to a Soldier in the
Army."
Milliken's Evasion
John Milliken, pilot, intended to get this 'milk
run' over, then sign up again. H e was captured,
but fortunately, was able to escape. "The German army was trapped, and w e were trying to
17
At that point Americans had total command of
the air, so the truck moved at night with no
lights to avoid being strafed. Milliken was at the
front of the truck, and he noticed a loose flap.
He pointed it out to his crew, suggesting that he
®
�go first, and they should follow. He bailed out
and rolled into a ditch, but nobody followed.
He considers it pure luck that he wasn't caught,
as there were two armed guards on the tail gate.
cfaom,
.j/os/tff/w/s'e est Gsip&z/it/. ^/
/
Milliken walked to a farm house, and explained
his circumstance in his best French. The w o m a n
who answered quickly ushered him to another
site, as Germans were sleeping in her house. She
provided him with a worker's shirt, cap and a
loaf of bread.
Then, using his Boy Scout knowledge, he headed
north, using the North Star as his guide, sleeping
in the bushes by day. The next night was foggy,
so he just laid low. O n the third day, hiding
under bushes alongside a stream, he woke to find
a Tiger Tank headed toward him, cutting bushes
for German soldiers to use as camouflage. So he
ran again.
"By this time I was really hungry, and I saw
something great—a cow with an udder full of
milk. So I enjoyed that. Then a bullet whizzed
by. I thought, 'four days of running, and they
got m e again.' But to m y relief, it was the Canadian First Army. I ripped off m y shirt; and with
delight, showed them m y uniform."
F r o m the Editor:
He spent a couple of days in their camp, then
hitched a ride back to London. He ran into a
bombardier from his group, w h o turned white
when he saw him.. "I thought you were dead,"
he exclaimed. (Small wonder. The Passion Pit
turned into a fireball, minutes after the crew had
exited.) All ten members of Milliken's crew had
made it safely to the ground.
Where is your Database? You write me
letters (for which I a m so grateful), but
w h e n I try to find you in the Database,
you are not there! W h y ? Your Database
is the last thing you can fling into the
future. Your children and grandchildren
are asking questions about W W I I . Y o u
have magnificent stories of an event that
cannot ever be replicated. W h a t will
happen w h e n you are not there to answer
the questions?
In two weeks after meeting the Canadians,
Milliken was back in the United States. He never
saw many of his crew again until the 44th B G V A
Reunion in N e w Orleans, 1999. Seven of the
ten joined him: Martin Richard, Engineer/
Gunner; Darrel Larsen, Gunner; Kenneth
Beckwith, Radio Operator: Jack Bertoli, Navigator; Morris Larkin, Tail Gunner and Irwin
Stovroff, Bombardier. O n e member of the crew
is dead. T w o others could not attend because of
health problems.
DO IT FOR YOUR EDITOR.
DO IT FOR YOUR CHILDREN.
DO IT FOR YOUR GRANDCHILDREN.
DO IT NOW!
%.
18
�44th B o m b Group Military Heritage Database
Personnel Information Form
Check Enclosed $.
No. of Pictures
Last Name:
No. of Audio Cassettes.
First:
Initial
Present Address:
.City:
Home Phone:
State:
.Zip:
E-mail:
Date of Birth:
City:
Date enlisted/drafted:
Date Deceased:
.Nickname:
. State:
City:
Spouse:
State:
KIAQ
Place of Interment/Burial
8th Air Force Group/s_
.Squadron/s or Unit/s
Special Military Training
Graduating Class:
Group Rank,
Date:
Group Duties.
Your A S N (Serial Number/s)_
Occupation prior to Military _
Occupation after Military and/or continued Military service:
Location:
State:
Ret. Rank.
/
�Date arrived at E T O base:__
Arrived from:
Date arrived at Shipdham: Arrived from:
Arrived how (any details):
Personal memories, experiences & stories: (These stories are a vitally important part of these "Living
Monuments." Please add additional pages if needed)
R & R Leave/s.
When?
Where'7
2
�Special Status: Shot Down 3
POW 3
MIA 3
Evaded 3
Ditched 3
Crashed 3
Escaped • Parachuted 3 Wounded 3 Hospitalized 3 Disabled • Other 3
Where. When & How
Ground Crew •
Crew Chief •
Assistant C C •
A & E Mechanic •
Armorer Q
Radio Q
Radar •
Instrument • Sheet Metals G Bombsight • Quartermaster • Motor Pool • Ordinance •
Fire Control • Control Tower • Other:
What were your duties:
Base Operations: Administration •
Clerical •
Communication •
Medical •
Security •
Photo Lab • Engineering • Mess Hall • Supply • Intelligence • Personel • Finance •
Other Duties or Assignments: . .
3
�To complete your history it would be nice to list your descendants. Space is provided below.
Descendent Relationship Address Phone
Date Departed E T O :
Destination:
How:
Trip Details:
Military Honors & Decorations:
Stars
or Clusters
Stars
or Clusters
Distinguished Service Cross
•
Air Medal
Distinguished Service Medal
•
Purple Heart
a
a
Silver Star
a
Presidential Unit Citation
•
Legion of Merit
a
Prisoner of W a r
•
Distinguished Flying Cross
•
Victory Medal W W I I
•
Bronze Star
3
European Theater Ribbon
•
Other Awards: (Including Foreign)
Please include additional pages for other thoughts, memories or stories you m a y wish to contribute:
Prepared by: Relationship:
Address & Phone:
4
�44th B o m b Group Military Heritage Database
Personal Information Data - Your "Living Monument"
It is our goal to assemble a complete record of all personnel who at one time served with
Air Force during World War II in the 44th B o m b Group.
The records of those who were on flying status have been obtained from declassified group
sion reports which have been stored in the National Archives. From this, a matrix has been developed which will allow for the search and retrieval of the following information: W h o flew what
mission, with w h o m , in what plane, to what target, on what date, enemy opposition, aircraft and
personnel losses and hundreds of cross referenced bits of detailed information.We need information, biographies, and stories of Ground Crew and Personnel also.
To make the database come "Alive", your stories, memories, photographs
and voice recordings are essential.
Cassette recordings of your memories are welcome and should be limited to
two (2) minutes per incident.
Please provide a "then and now" photo of yourself and a crew photo if available.
A Master Copy of this multi-media database in now a part of the Eighth Air Force Heritage
M u s e u m in Savannah, Georgia. Other copies will be available to museums, libraries, universities, schools and on the World Wide W e b Internet. You m a y also purchase your o w n copy of the
full database on a C D to run on a home computer from the 44th B G V A ( $ 150.00 which includes
3 future updates).
Please fill out the form carefully so that the person entering your data into the databas
pret what you have written. It is important to include your special memories. These are an important part of the database, "your memories" saving them for posterity. Should enough space not
be provided, please add additional pages.
Return completed form with $10.00 donation* if you have no photographs. If you have includ
ed photos, please submit $15.00 donation* with your form, and mail to:
44th BGVA, P.O. Box 712287, Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
Photos will be returned on request.
* Donations are encouraged to help cover costs of processing. However, please donate what
you can up to the suggested amount. Thank You.
,
�IT TOOK FIFTY SIX YEARS
BUT
SHI
FOUND
US
Waist
Gunner
Ostenson
and six other
The story of Jackie Roberts's
56 year effort to trace her
o w n heritage is a lesson in
perseverance. This newly adopted
daughter of the 44th BG, has finally
unraveled the facts of her father's
death. For years, the little she knew of
S/Sgt. Jack Ostenson, she learned from
her mother Wilberta: that he had red
curly hair and had a true zest for life.
Jackie was born nine days after his
death.
crewmen were killed; three became
POW's.
The plane was flying alongside the one
in which Clair Sheaffer (Lois Cianci's
father) went down. (It has been
speculated that the same burst of flak
brought both planes to the ground.)
"Nobody can imagine what life is like
w h e n you don't k n o w your o w n
ancestry," Jackie explained. "I got tired
of explaining to the medical
Wilberta, Jackie's mother, tried to learn
details of Jack's death, but government professionals, that I knew nothing
about m y father. If one of m y children
records were difficult to obtain. For a
became ill, the doctor would want to
while she corresponded with Jack's
k n o w the diseases that ran in our
sister, w h o w a s kind enough to send
Jackie a birthday gift every year.
W h e n she died, there w a s no further
connection to Jack's family until years
JAckJE AINld LOWEU RobERTS AT T^E
later w h e n Jackie resumed the search.
BGVA SAN Disqo REUNION.
She had assumed that there were no
other family members.
Gary Mathisen's craft went down
January SI, 1944 on a mission to
Escalles sur Buchy, a low level bombing
assignment against the V-l missiles
that were already leveling the
buildings in London. From Will
Lundy's Roll of Honor, Jackie learned
that Jack flew with the 68th Squadron
on this mission which had been
considered relatively 'safe.' Bombing
altitude was at 12,000 feet.
Seven B-24's left Shipdham, and only
three returned. E n e m y fighters were
fierce in their attacks, and on their
sixth onset, Mathisen's plane was
reported to be burning at the waist.
24
�alive. Her grandson ran a search for
Clearys on the Internet, finding 50 in
the USA. Jackie wrote 50 letters,
trying to locate John. Then a Mrs.
Cleary from Florida called to say that
although she was not the one being
sought, that she could help her. She
gave the number of a government
agency, which ultimately led her to
family. It was difficult for them to
imagine that I really didn't know
ANYTHING about m y father.
"Every time I would hear somebody
say the words 'World War II', I would
go up and question them," she
continued. "Then when they started to
question me, I had to admit that I
knew nothing, and didn't know how to
find anything out."
Roy Owen.
"It was so wonderful to find people
Knowing that Jack had come from St. who wanted to help me." she
exclaimed. "It was a new world that
George, Utah, Jackie and her husband
opened to me. Roy and Will Lundy
Lowell decided to search the Mormon
were eager to supply information about
records to see what they could learn
the mission and the plane. Sharing
about his family To her surprise,
experiences with Lois Cianci was
there were several brothers and a
wonderful. The entire Bomb Group has
sister that could be tapped for
been so kind—it's like I found a new
knowledge. She called the sister, only
family."
to learn that the lady passed away the
previous month. However, her
Jackie and her husband Lowell have
husband, Jackie's uncle, brought the
been married 42 years. They raised two
couple to his house, and she learned
children, both adults. Lowell is a retired
that she had lots of cousins, all of
government employee, now in business
whom remembered her father. Her
as a security specialist for upscale homes.
uncle had a big picture of Jack; and
when she looked at it, she realized that
Jackie studied Reflexology, Zone
he had a living replica, her daughter
Therapy and Herbalology, and will soon
Kim. She had inherited his features,
have her PhD. degree.
especially his eyes.
Next she found the daughter of the
aunt who had remembered her
birthday throughout her childhood
years. This cousin's s opening
statement was, "Where have you been
for the past fifty years?" She
presented Jackie her father's picture,
his Purple Heart and other
memorabilia, adding, "We always knew
that some day we would find you."
(Editor's Note: The value of 44th
BGVA's mission to preserve history
could not be better demonstrated than
in the stories of Lois Cianci
and Jackie Roberts.
It justifies all the of
efforts of those who
are working hard to
see that the past is
available to future
generations.)
From her new-found family she
learned that the Navigator, John
Cleary, had been a POW, and was still
25
�MEMORIES OF
T/SGT. JEAN BRESSLER
ARMY INTELLIGENCE, 14™ WING
Jean Bressler didn't fly to Ploesti, but the memory of it still
haunts him. He helped with the debriefing of those that returned.
It was the most painful and unforgettable assignment of his war
career.
"I was the only enlisted m a n from Intelligence that got sent
to Benghazi," he recalled. "Ordinarily I never went to the debriefings, but this w a s so emotion-packed, Major Hart called
and said, 'Grab your forms and get down here,' so with typewriter
in m y arms, I went. Those reports were absolutely awesome. I
can only imagine that those crews had to be haunted by that
memory for years.
"The Intelligence Building at Benina Main w a s metal. All
other building were tents, white for officers, brown for N C O S .
W e were hot in the daytime, cold at night. They warned us to
shake our shoes in the morning before w e put them on, as
centipedes climbed in to get warm. Those nasty creatures had
two pinchers that could inject poison into your skin. Then there
were the scorpions with the tail that could flip up and stab you
with poison. The kangaroo rats weren't so bad; except that at
night, you could step into one of their holes and twist your ankle.
"The Arab natives would hold up delicious-looking grapes
and try to sell them to you. If you ate them, you were certain to
get dysentery. There was a locust plague while w e were there.
The damn things would hide in the drums, and when you lifted
the lid, out they would fly.
"We had an interesting contraption for a shower. The frame
of an Italian plane was erected vertically, and a gas tank w a s
placed over top. A garden hose with a stop valve gave you a
good flow of water. A Tarpaulin around it provided privacy; but
also, protection from the cold air, if you were showering at night.
At noon the water was over 100 degrees, at
night it cooled off. If you got there at the right
time, you could have a nice warm shower.
"One night Col. Leon Johnson came into
the building where I w a s working and sat
down. I asked him, 'Colonel, are w e ever
going to get out of this place?' H e answered,
T h e 9th Air Corps wants to keep us.'
"After that Captain Howard Moore went
26
to the States to talk about our future. General Arnold decided
to send us back to England. Then Captain Hero, our
Weatherman saw the monsoon season coming. He told us to
leave now or w e wouldn't get out at all.
"Those B-24's were dusty and full of sand, barely able to
squeak over the Marrakech Mountains of French Morocco. If
w e had waited one more day, the ground would have been so
wet, the planes could not have taken off. W h e n w e got to
England, w e kissed the ground w e landed on.
Bresser believes the fortunes of war were kind to him. H e
enlisted before Pearl Harbor in 1941 so he could choose the Air
Corps, rather than be 'stuck' in the Infantry. He was stationed at
Keesler Field in Biloxi, Mississippi, studying the mechanics of
the B-24. W h e n word came for him to be transferred, he was
out of reach. His friends in the barracks packed his bags, and
on his return he started out through a blackout to the loading
area. The bags were so heavy, he could hardly drag them along.
All of a sudden a very large man, a total stranger, grabbed
his bags, rushed him to the loading area and threw the bags on
the truck. Bressler climbed aboard, and off they went to South
Bend, Indiana where he w a s trained to repair Bendix Turrets.
Bresser smiled, remembering his unbelievable fortune: those
w h o missed the truck were sent to repair planes in Alaska.
Except for serious study and long hours, life in South Bend
was luxurious. Being the first Gl's to arrive for training, the town
opened its doors and its heart. Everything was free—movies,
food, even beer.
Despite his turret training, Bresser ended up in Intelligence,
which he considered an ideal position. H e w a s given a Tech
Sergeant rating; and in the three years he w a s there, he
developed close friendships with m a n y of his English
counterparts. Having musical skills, he became the organist for
a local church.
The airmen left soon after V E day, but Bresser's group was
the last to leave England. Leaving his friends and co-workers
was truly an emotional experience. These friendships have
continued for the past 56 years, with visits to and from both
sides of the ocean.
�MEMORIES OF SHIPDHAM
From Bob Lehnhausen comes a picture and vivid memory of "Shipdham-in-the Mud." According
to Lehnhausen, m e n and machines shared the misery of soft soil, lots of rain and the d e m a n d s of
military activity.
Pictured here are shoes, boots, galoshes outside barracks, evidence
of the hellish aspects of early life o n a newly occupied air base in
England. M u d w a s
everywhere.
\*
"It w a s bad e n o u g h for the
individual to navigate the
ooze of the m u d , but to get
one of our big birds off the
hard surface of a runway,
taxi strip or a hardstand
w a s truly trouble," h e
remembered.
W-
(Editor'sNote: Despite the obstacles, the B-24s got
airborne from airstrips that would be unthinkable in
2001.)
Alex Toth's Memory of a Lucky Day
Every airman can remember anxious moments, and
declaring the need for an emergency landing because of
S/Sgt. Alex Toth's (66th Sq.) story will bring 44thers
low fuel. A W A A F told him to stand by, but Hoffiz replied,
memories of similar events.
"We're coming in. Clear the runway."
"I was the Right Waist Gunner on Ted Hoffiz's plane.
When the plane touched the ground, w e all gave a
I can't even remember the mission. It must have been a
rousing cheer. A jeep led us to a resting place, and an
long flight into Germany, as w e were getting low on fuel. I American Captain gave us a shot of American whiskey.
heard Hoffiz ask the Engineer for a fuel reading. It was
Earth never felt so good. The tank reading when w e
low. As Assistant Engineer, they asked me to verify his
landed indicated w e had only five minutes of fuel."
reading. It was low. We were over France.
Low fuel has been the source
"Next the pilot asked the Navigator to find the nearest of many anxious moments;
airfield, and we set out for San Quenton in France. When sometimes causing ditching;
we broke through the clouds to 2,000 feet and buzzed the
other times bringing a crew to
airport, we found it was full of bomb craters. It was so
the brink of death then sparing
bombed out, we couldn't possibly land.
them. Toth's crew was among
"The next closest was across the Channel at Manston.
the lucky ones.
Out the hatches we tossed all flak suits, ammo, guns,
When he goes to a bomb
everything that was expendable; and then sat there
group reunion and shares stories
silently, each with his own thoughts and prayers.
with others who did not fare so
well, he knows how lucky he was.
"Hoffiz gave the day's code word to the air tower,
27
�Dick Butler: A message
from
England
to the 2nd Air Division.
THE FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF NORWICH
I thought you would like to know that I have just returned home from the City Hall in Norwich,
after having been invited by the Leader of The Council to attend the meeting at which the
Freedom of the City was awarded to the 2nd Air Division U S A A F Association. It was a very
moving occasion that I will always remember.
The Lord Mayor was very gracious in his greeting, as were the many other Councillors with
w h o m I had worked during m y two years as Chairman of the neighbouring Authority in
Broadland.
Your Award was the first item on the Agenda; and Nick Williams, the Leader of the Council
made a deeply moving proposal. This was seconded by Councillor Ian Couzens, the Leader of
the Liberal Democrats, w h o again made a very impressive speech. H e was then followed by
Councillor Martin Verran w h o spoke at length about your bravery and sacrifice and the great
friendship that had been formed in the Forties and continued to the present day. The great debt
that the City and County o w e to the 2nd Air Division U S A A F was stressed, as was the
appreciation for your wonderful gift of the unique 2nd Air Division Memorial Library and the
huge support given to the Library by the 2nd Air Division Association over many years. Also
the joy of the Council that you will be returning to Norwich in November.
The proposal was then formally moved by The Lord Mayor and carried unanimously with
acclamation. After the meeting ended, all the Councillors I spoke to expressed their delight at
the award and h o w they look forward to meeting you later this year and their intention to make
it a memorable visit. Brenda Ferris (The Lord Mayor at the V E D a y Parade in 1995) in particular
asked m e to send you her best wishes and congratulations.
So the dream that we began in 1995, when we first discussed the possibility of obtaining the
Freedom of the City for you at a V E Parade Committee Meeting at the City Hall, has n o w
become a reality this evening and you will receive the Scroll in November at the Civic Reception
on the Tuesday evening.
Well Done, you all deserve this rare award. Indeed you are the only members of the 8th Air
Force to receive such a high honor. W e are all so proud of you.
Best wishes for the New Year.
David J Hastings, Vice Chairman
28
�T H E PINCIER C R A S H :
LT. HAROW PIIMCIER 67TIT SQ.,
WENT
piloiEd TIHE B'24 TIIAI
dowN iiN Wibmi\, BElqiuM, JANUARY 2 9 , 1 9 4 4 .
JAck PAYTON (Riqhi) fouNd ihis picTURE iN his COIIECTJON.
CAN ANyOINE idENTify ThE TWO qENTlEMEN
O N IEFT ANd MiddlE?
PiNdER qAVE This STATEMENT T O Will LuNdy foR TIHE Roll
of ItONOR: "WE W E R E M E T O N TIHE COAST O N ANd iN by
boTh M E 109s ANd F W 1 90s. Ai Aboui 1 1 0 2 houRs,
WE dROppEd OUT of CONTROI AhER AboUT TE1REE SEpARATE
ENEMy PASSES. W E TOok 2 0 M M HOTS UNdER TIHE fliqln
dEck TIHAT CUT TIHE C O N T R O I CAblES....
"ThE AJRCRAb doVE OUT of CONTROL I REMEMbER TIHE
wiNq AHRE, ANd AT IEAST TIHE # 4 ENqiNE kNOckEd OUT.
TIHE followiNq is A lisTiNq of TIHE C R E W ANd whAT
hAppENEd TO EAch of ThEM:
M^ - TM
AlviN Siubbs, BoMbARdiER, RobERT LAUCAMP, BAII
TURRET G U N N E R ; JAck RobisoN, R W G U N N E R ANd
WilliAM
P A X T O N , TAJI G U N N E R W E R E AII
KIA.
HAROUJ
PiNdER,PiloT, L A W R E N C E G R O N O , Co'piloT, DoNAld
B O O M E R , NAviqATOR, T/Sqr. E A R I H A I I , ENqiNEER;
ANd M i L s G R E E N , L W G U N N E R bECAME P O W s . A b s
SOFFERMAN,
RAdio O P E R A T O R , MANAqEd T O EVAdE, buT
WAS IATER SIHOT
by TIHE SECRET PolicE.
FOREST E. CLARI< WROTE This MEMORJAI TO SoffERMAN:
" H E W A S My bEST hu'ENd iN ThE 44Th B G . H E ANd I
WERE ON ThE SAME CREW All TflROUqh TRAJNJNq ANd iNTO
ThE MJSSiONS. I kNEW hiM AS AN ENERqEUC, sTudious
CERTfflCATE OF APPRECIATION
Tin Govuniiml of Franco is awardtao a
Gorlincalo of Annotation TO al U .
mttary personnel win served hi Franco
durtao the Normandy bnotao on Juno E, U 4 4
and tho fotowtao conflkt untJ tin Aeration
of Franco.
youNq M A N , full of ThE IOVE of lifE, of his fAMily, ANd
dEVOTEd TO ThE CAUSE of his NATJON." UpON his RETURN
TO
ThE STATES, ClARk visiTEd SoffERMAN's fAMily, shARiNq
ThE SORROW Of ThEJR MUTUAl loss.
OuoTiNq ThE BElqiAN PARUSAN RESJSTANCE fiqhTERs,
ClARk SAid of SoffERMAN, " H E hAd ThE A P P E A R A N C E of
AN iNTElliqENT MAN, A STudENT." Books hAVE bEEN
doNATEd TO ThE 2 A D M E M O R J A I LibRARy iN hoNOR of
SoffERMAN ANd OThERS W his CREW w h o WERE loST.
ThE TOWN of WibRJN hAS RECENTly dEcidsd TO plACE A
MEMORiAl plAQUE AT ThE CRAsh SiTE, AN AREA whERE ThE
44rh will bE vishiNq iN ThE upcoMJNq TOUR iiN
To Oman tho cortntooto, one must prove
that ha was ki Franco durtao W W ! and
supply a record of service and honorable
separation. Certificates w l not bo Issued
posttannusly. Send you 1 roquost atanp
wtth a copy of your otacharoa and service
record showtao your service hi Normandy
and tho ETO, to tho nearest French
Consutata Office hi tho ILS.
SEPTEMDER, 2001.
>
�WILLSEZ
so many of these great people will not have an adequate
story in the Folded Wings column this issue. Hopefully, I
will be able to research more of them and have it ready
for the next issue. I a m not yet up to speed these days.
February, 2001
Also, I think you readers should know about the great
efforts of one of our Associate Members, Pete Frizzell.
Pete is one of the top researchers of the famous low level
attack on Ploesti Oil Fields on 01 August 1943. He has
helped us verify much data about the 44th BG's
participation, both in text and photo; and has attended
s o m e of our reunions.
Have any of you "visited" Arlo Bartsch's Web Site at
http://www.8thairforce.com to view just how much 44th
BG's history data can be found there? If you haven't tried
it yet, set aside a little time to give it a try to learn more
about it and see the possibilities there for a great deal of
our history. However, do keep in mind that there are only
samplings available at this time. In fact, that is all that is
intended at this time. It is designed to offer only a taste of
the great volume of data that actually could be placed
there, not to show it all.
Pete found some 44th BG photos up for auction on the
Internet from eBay and bid successfully on a few of them
He alerted Steve Adams, w h o also was a successful
bidder on several. But when he learned from the seller
that there were large quantities, more scheduled for
bidding, he offered to purchase the lot. However, when
the seller found that he was getting very high bids on
some specific photos, he refused to honor a flat bid upon
which he had agreed. W h e n Pete learned that the photos
were from the Harvell/Robertie collection, he contacted
m e to advise us of this great collection, wanted to help us
save the great photos of our people and history.
The reason for this type of sampling is to show the viewer
what type of data is available and to what depth it can
provide. Arlo has spent well over $100,000 of his firm's
money developing the program to make this type of
information available. W e , the 44th BGVA, have also spent
an additional large sum for data entry of our history so
far. For that reason, w e cannot put all of our history out
on the Internet as free. Like most W e b Sites, they were
set up to sell a product or service, not to give it away.
Our Prez, Ed Mikoloski, made arrangements to meet Pete
at a nearby airport (Pete lives in Florida) and Ed drove
them up to Maine. They contacted this dealer w h o
permitted Pete to use his camera and film to make copies
of those photos sold but not yet mailed, and successfully
made a deal to purchase all remaining photos. Many of
these photos are originals that Capt. Harvell used in his
first book, "44th BG Liberators Over Europe" so the
collection is priceless so far as our photo history is
concerned.
Having said that, Arlo has advised me that he intends to
make all of our bio data available to the public, but only
the first page. So anyone w h o wishes to view his bio or to
see how many others have produced theirs, you can find
them now at his W e b Site. While you are on the Internet,
you might also like to see what our Treasurer, Jerry
Folsom, is developing on our own 44th BG Site at http://
www.44thbombgroup.com. It is only in the developmental
stage but should be quite interesting to everyone.
When the copying and printing is completed by Pete,
You may have noticed in the last issue of 8 Ball Tails that I these photos will be added to the present collection of
photos that I've gathered over the years. W e will have a
not only did not write this column, but I also failed to
much more complete collection for our history and
produce the Folded Wings section. The cause for these
hopefully more crew photos to add to our data base. Had
omissions is that Irene and I have moved out of Southern
it not been for Pete and his strong desire to help, these
California to the Northern portion of the state, east of
photos would n o w be scattered all over the world. He
Sacramento. This was our first move in 40 years, so it
most willingly spent his o w n money and many days of his
has been a labor intensive experience from which w e are
still suffering. There simply was no time to do the work
time in this great effort. I can't say enough good things
and m y equipment and records were not available.
about him. W e are greatly in debt to you, Pete. Our
sincere thanks is not enough.
As a consequence, the Folded Wings list has grown
considerably, thanks to the efforts of our Treasurer Jerry
o
and his aide, Lana Kopecky. They produced and mailed a
large number of letters to the addresses of our members
w h o had not renewed their membership for some time.
As feared, many of these former members are deceased,
30
�February, 2001
Prepared by:
AMBLER, JAMES C. - 6 April 1989 - 39107032 T/Sgt.
Engineer & Top Turret Gunner. 66th Squadron. James
was a member of the H. E. Etheridge crew that flew
their first mission on 30 January 1944. He was with
this same crew and on his seventh mission when they
were attacked and shot down on 24 February 1944,
target Gotha, Germany. James was one of nine
crewmen who successfully parachuted to become a
POW.
AMICK, KENNETH C. - T/Sgt. Engineer Died 1950 or
1951. Stayed in Air Force. W a s killed in crash in bad
weather. Kenneth was the Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
on the C.R. Roberts crew. They were assigned to the
68th Squadron on 19 February 1945, flew their first
mission on 10 March 1945. Their 12th and last
mission was dated 18 April 1945. Kenneth and this
crew returned to the U S in late May, flying home on A/
C #4449425
BARLOW, ARCHIE R. - 23 April 2000 -14151313 68th
Squadron T/Sgt. Engineer and top turret gunner for the
H. R. Howington crew. Archie joined the 68th
Squadron on 5 October 1943, flew his first combat
mission on 5 November 1943. While on his ninth
mission, 21 January 1944 he and his crew were shot
down over France. Four of this crew were KIA, two
became P O W s , and Archie was one of the five
crewmen to successfully evade capture. He was with
the French Underground until 23 April 1944, began his
attempt to gain freedom through the Pyrnees. He was
interned in Spain until 31 May 1944, made his way to
London, England arriving there on 1 June 1944, back
to Shipdham on the 4th and later returned to the US.
BECTON, W E N D E L L R. SR. 1 March 2000 - Cannot
locate any data for him.
BENEDICT, ROBERT L. - 29 August 1997 - 67th Sq.
Gunner on the E. C. Yatkones crew that arrived in the
67th Squadron on 8 June 1944. This crew flew their
first mission on 12 June. Robert flew various
positions as Gunner for most of his mission until 16
August 1944. He flew but three more with them,
ending with the one dated 5 November. His last of 19
mission was completed on 18 March 1945 with the R.
E. Markle crew.
BALLA, WALLACE J. - May, 2000 - 0-819292 1st Lt.
Wallace joined the 68th Squadron on 6 July 44, flew
his first mission with the Clair Hill crew. Following
that, he flew with many 68th Sq. crews,
including Sterling Dobbs, Kay, Dimpfl, etc.
, He completed his tour of 30 mission on 24
(| ^ P k X December 1944 as co-pilot for the Jack
Liebrick crew.
BETZ, HENRY C. - Henry was a member of the 464th
Sub Depot but we have no specifics about his
contributions except he was a Sergeant.
BLACK, H A R R Y - December, 1991 No data can be
located for this man.
31
�BOILEAU, JOHN 'JACK' - May, 1993 - 68th Squadron
32951768 Sgt. Radio Operator on the C. Roberts crew.
This crew joined the 68th Squadron on February 19,
1945, flew their first mission on 10 March. They
completed their 12th mission on 18 April, and flew
home on 21 May 1945 in A/C #44-49425.
BOWE, DONOVAN K. - Approx . 1993 - Listed on our
current roster as 68th Squadron but cannot locate
anything about him in the 68th Squadron records.
BURRESS, WILLIE JOE -10 November 2000 - 67th
Squadron M/Sgt|Crew Chief. "Tex" was the first
assistant crew chief on the George Baccash ground
crew back at Barksdale Field in early 1942. He was a
member of the ground echelon that went to England on
the H M S Queen Mary in Sept. 1942. Later he was
promoted to Crew Chief, and held that position to the
end of the war. His last assigned aircraft was #4448821 A-Bar, unnamed. Tex refused to allow it to be
named, citing it as bad luck.
CAMPBELL, ROBERT P. -1992 - M/Sgt. No records
can be located.
COSBY, EARL BELL - February, 1997 - He served
in the service for four years and nine months.
Cannot locate records.
COX, H O W A R D D. -10 April 2000 - 67th Squadron.
Howard was one of the ground echelon who went to
England in 1942 on the H M S Queen Mary. Cannot
identify his classification while in the 67th Sq.
CRANE, JAMES J. - February, 1992 - 66th Squadron.
12074922. James flew a total of 8 missions, first dated
21 February, 1944 with R.J. Comey crew. He was a
gunner, S/Sgt. His last one was 27 March 1944 with the
R.E. Harleman crew, was shot down, injured in the
ditching and became a POW.
CROSS, WILLIAM S. - 5 April 1988 - 68th Squadron S/Sgt. Left Waist gunner on Robert Clayton crew.
Completed 12 missions beginning on 10 March 1945
and ending on 18 April 1945. Crew not scheduled again
before the last group mission of 25 April 1945.
DALTON, ROBERT J. - 24 May 2000 - 67th Squadron.
111115102. Robert was the Radio Operator who flew
six combat missions, two with R. C. Griffith, two with
Dines, and his last one with Lt. Scarborough on 12
March 1944. There are no further missions or data
covering this Sgt.
CHAFFEE, T H O M A S L. - September, 1999 - 0-70417
1st Lt. Navigator|Thomas first served with the 492nd
BG in 1944, w a s ! member of the George B. Haag, Jr.
crew. They had completed 19 missions with them prior
DOMINO, JOSEPH S -17 September 1999 - No data
to being transferred to the 44th BG in early August,
1944. They flew ftieir first mission with the 44th on 14 can be found at this time.
August, quickly completing their 6th and last of their
tour on 25 Augustfl945. They were rotated back to the U.S. DEHANN, BEN F. - 8 December 1996.
CHAPMAN, WILLIAM A - 28 July 1997 - Apparently
not combat. Cannot locate this man on any squadron
roster.
DOEPKER, CHARLES L. - 22 October 2000 - 66th
Squadron S/Sgt. Gunner on the W. E. Ogden crew. This
crew was originally assigned to the 492nd BG, flew
approximately 24 missions with that group. This crew
CHRISTOPHER, ANTHONY J - 20 December 1997 was transferred to the 44th Group in July, 1944,
31037024 67th Squadron Engineer and Top Turret
assigned to the 66th Squadron. They flew their first and
gunner for the H. Hess crew. They flew their first
only one with the 44th BG on 31 July 1944, which
mission on 16 March 1944 and then four more quickly
apparently completed their tour of operations. Charles
until the 27th March when they were interned in Spain.
was a Canadian, born in Ottawa on January 22,1922,
Several months later they returned to England and
was 78 years old.
finally transferred to the 15th AF in Italy to complete
DUNKERLEY, GAYLE - No data found.
their tour.
A
COOMES, T H O M A S L. -15 November 1999 DUNLAP, ROBERT L. - No date found 68th Squadron.
506 and 66th. Apparently not combat and cannot
locate any data.
EDGEWORTH, WALTER - 28 September 1999.
�EDMUNDS, EARL A. -19 March 1999 HQ. & 506th
Squadron.
Laudig, Clements, and Money. He completed
A
his tour of duty on 23 March 1944, changing
c
seats with Lt. Money to fly as 1st pilot on that
last mission.
ESPER, WILLIAM D. SR. - 8 October 2000 68th
Squadron.
HESS, HOWARD -12 January 1988 - 66th Squadron.
EYDENBERG, MONTE - 22 January 1999.
HICKERSON, GLEN C. -1 June 2000 - 506th
Squadron.
FAVIM, ROBERT A. - No date given.
FEINSTEIN ( FENTON), MELTONS.-1991.
HIGGINS, WADE W. - 506th Squadron with James
Clements.
FLESBER, ISSAC A. - August 1998 68th Squadron.
HUFF, HERBERT A.-4 June 1997.
FLOWERS, EDGAR I. JR. -1988 S/Sgt. Right Waist
Gunner.
INDORF, FRANK - 9 May 2000.
FOREHAND, CHARLES C. -14 February 2000.
INDRI, VALERO -1 April 2000
F
IRISH, ARVINL. -17 April 2000.
FRANK, ERNEST F. - No date given.
GENTILE, LED T. -10 July 1990.
GOODMAN,«,AUGUST
nuuuoiT.i - 7 January 1987.
JEDLOWSKI, HAROLD J. -19 January 1998. 67th
Squadron.
JEWELL, KENNETH - No date given. 66th Squadron
Pilot.
JOHN2000
D. Jr.
GORHAK,
27
November
- 66th
Squadron.
JONES, JOHN T. - 9 February 1978 - Age of 57 cancer.
GOSSETT, ERNEST E. -16 November 2000 - 0-442695 506th Squadron Ordnance.
Pilot. Captairi Ernest Gossett and his crew flew most of
their mission! while assigned to the 492nd BG. When
JONES, PAULA.-25 August 1998.
that group wis taken off combat status, this crew was
KARAPIN, EDWARD F. - No date given
transferred to the 506 Squadron on 13 August 1944.
They flew thlr 1st mission with the 44th BG the very
next day. T h w flew eight more missions as lead crew, MCCULLOUGH, HAL -14 February 1999.
and completed their tour on 6 December, 1944.
MCDONALD, ROBERT M. -1985.
GRUEBER, ARNOLD H. - October, 1998.
MCKENNA, THOMAS J. -17 November 2000 - Pilot
HALL, FRED 1. - 26 May 2000 - 68th Squadron.
506th and 66th Squadrons.
HANDY, PAUL-27 February 1989.
MARNELL, VERL-12 April 1998.
HANNUKSELA, WAINO W. - 9 January 2001 - 506th
Squadron Pilot Waino was the co-pilot for the Charles
Conner crew that arrived in the 506th Squadron on 30
August 1943. He flew his first mission with the
McAfee crew on 7 September and many others
later. He also was co-pilot to other crews including
MICKEY, COL. WILLIAM B. - 23 August 1998 - 66th
Squadron and HQ.
MISER, VERNON - November, 1996 - 404th and 464th
Sub-Depot.
MORAN, JOHN V. -1 April 2000.
33
j
�MORTON, SAM M. - 8 June 1990.
STRANGE, WILLIAM S. - Mid-June, 2000.
MULDOON, LEWIS J. - No date given.
STRUG, EMIL-1997.
NATHANSON, DAVID - 31 October 2000. Captain 67th
Squadron and HQ. Ordnance.
TAYLOR, LT. COL. JOHN B. - 27 August 2000 - Age
79. Co-pilot for John Mueller.
NICHOLS, DERISE L. - 21 March 2000.
TERABERRY, PHILLIP F. - 21 October 1999.
NEWBOLD, ELDRED-1995.
TRUSLOW, WILLIAM B. -17 June 1999.
PARSHALL, RAYMOND H. - 26 Jan. or June 2000 of
pneumonia.
PETRIK, GEORGE A. - 25 March 2000.
PRICKETT, JOE W. - No date given.
TUTTLE, ROBERT M. - 31 July 1991.
WALSH, JAMES H. - 7 November 2000 - Evadee in
Spain 506th Squadron.
\
REECE, CHARLES E. - No date given. 506th Squadron
ground crew. \
WAWERNA, JOSEPH - 25 December 1999 - Age 84.
WEIHS, GORDON - January, 1999.
ROSCHIE, WILLIAM E. - No date given. 67th and
506th Squadrons ground crew. Musician.
RUMRILL, DEWLIN - No date. 464th Sub-Depot.
RUSSELL, GEORGE E. -14 April 1996 - 66th
Squadron Combat Engineer.
WHEATLEY, J. C. -12 August 2000.
WILLIAMS, RICHARD -11 March 2000.
v
WILKERSON, LESLIE A. - 29 June 2000 - Bio.
SAPORITO, SAM S. - 4 September 2000 - 66th
Squadron.
44th Items for Sale
'\
SCHIMKE, ROBERT S. - 27 December 1996.
Item
Shirts
Caps
Pins
Send to:
SIMMONS, HYLAN V. - 25 September 1999 - T/Sgt.
66th SquadronCrew Chief on Lemon Drop.
SLED, NOAH -|\lo date given.
STERNBACK, tAWTON L -11 November 1997.
STEWART, JOSEPH - December, 1993 - 0-2063204
Bombardier.
Shipping
$25
$15
$5
$3
$2
$1
I
S a m Miceli
6398 Dawson Blvd.
Mentor, O H 44060-3648
Patches
$15
$1
$2
I
Roster
$20
addresses
and
phone
numbers.
4,000 names,
8th A F Military $150
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Heritage Database
Past Issues of
8 Ball Tails $5
$0
Send to:
44th B G V A
P O Box 712287
Salt Lake City, U T 84171-2287 ,
STOKELUM, PAT P. - No date given.
A
Cost
r
.,
| From the Editor: Kevin Watson's book
| "Ruth-less" can be purchased through
I Amazon.co.uk. Signed copies are
I available through Kevin's website:
I KPWats7@aol.com (put in the key
I words hometown.aol.com/kpwats7).
34
�«33 MAIL & E-MAIL ^5
A new and eager member, William Ennis, son of
Donald E. Ennis, Tail Gunner in the 68th Sq, has
joined and is planning to bring his father to the
Barksdale Reunion. Ennis's last seven missions
were on the Louisiana Belle, so it will be an especially meaningful event. (Editor's Note: If there are
any of his crew reading this—come and have a Crew
Reunion).
M u s e u m . Although Pueblo is the h o m e of m a n y B24 pilots, they do not have a B-24. W e can be all
the more grateful for the efforts being made to
preserve the Louisiana Belle.
From Jerry Folsom, Treasurer of 44th BGVA:
M a n y thanks for the cards and kind messages.
(Jerry is so overwhelmed with the 44th 's business—
getting out statements, checking on lost members
and answering requests for information, he can only
give a blanket 'Thank You' to all who have sent him
greetings.)
From Col. and Mrs. Clem Haulman we received
news that their son David R. Haulman, Director of
Public Works at the U.S. A r m y Engineers Research
and Development Center, has been selected for
promotion to full Colonel is assigned to the U.S. Air
Force Reserves.
CAIN ANVONE
idENTify This SERqEANT SEU/iNq STRipES?
Haulman is the commander of the 917th Civil
Engineer Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La.
He has more than six years of active duty with the
Air Force, during which he piloted supersonic
trainers and KC-135 jet tankers, performing air-toair refueling missions in Europe, Southeast Asia and
over the North Pole. H e has also served 15 years in
the Reserves as an engineer officer.
He received his bachelor's degree in civil
engineering from the University of Southwestern
Louisiana, a master's in systems management from
the University of Southern California and a master's
in civil engineering from Mississippi State
University. H e is a registered professional engineer
in Mississippi and Louisiana.
<£3
David's identical twin, Daniel, has a Ph.D. in
History from Auburn University, and is a Research
Historian at the U S A F Historical Research Center at
Maxwell A F B , Montgomery, Alabama. Both sons
are Members of the 44th B G V A .
From T o m m y Shepherd: Can't w e do something to
urge everyone to do their Database? The W a r was
such an amazing experience, and everybody has a
story that should be told. I have memories of going
with the flight surgeon on short arm inspections. I
saw and smelled the men's experiences. I remember some of these m e n riding their bicycles from
site to site, 115 to Shipdham, to East Dereham, from
pub to pub, to fish and chips, falling off their bikes
drunk as a skunk, writing letters for the Ole M a n to
send to the next of kin and helping pack up their
personal effects. It should all be on record.
<33
From the Pueblo Historic Aircraft Society, their
publication, B-24 Airscoop: The city & county of
Pueblo, and a number of foundations have c o m e up
with the funds, and a ground-breaking ceremony has
been held for a new hangar to shelter the Aircraft
35
®
�^3
^3
F r o m E l w y n A . M e y e r 68th Squadron to Will Lundy
This is meant to be a tribute to all World War II
B o m b e r Crews, A r m y Air Corps, Marines, Navy and
especially to pilots of the Big Birds of the Army Corps
From Francis J. Peck, 67th Sq.: one of the most
memorable missions of the 34 that 1 pulled was a low
level supply drop to our paratroopers in Holland,
September, 1944. Our drop was just beyond a city of
which I cannot recall the name. Our load was
ammunition. There were several wooden boxes
strapped on the catwalk. M y job as Radio Operator/
Gunner was to cut the straps and kick the boxes off
the catwalk. While flying over the city, I heard the
nose gunner yell, "Pull 'er up, Pull 'er up, you're
going to hit the church steeple. Holding on for dear
life, I swear I could have reached d o w n and touched
that church steeple.
Almost all bomber combat crews trained as a team
before entering the combat theatre. Each member
learned their duty stations through special training
prior to their assignment to crew training. They also
knew their duty lay in putting their combat loads on
the target regardless of the enemy defenses.
Much "to do" is made of the macho image of the
fighter pilots "one on one" battles. However they
always had the choice to engage or disengage at will.
They never really had to fly into the flak shrouded
targets. I don't m e a n to say the bomber crews didn't
welcome their "little friends" presence. They saved
m a n y bombers and contributed m u c h to the success of
the European Air War.
As I cut the straps holding the boxes of ammo and
kicked them out, I saw ever so m u c h ground fire from
the Germans hiding in the brush. A s w e pulled up
and banked to get out of there, w e were being
peppered by ground fire rifles. W h e n I got to m y
radio seat, I noticed a hole in it, and the bullet had
exited just behind the pilot. The next day w e learned
that the Germans recovered most of the supplies our
group had dropped.
Bomber crews had no choice, regardless of the enemy
defenses, they had to bore in, enduring enemy flak
and fighter attacks. I k n o w of no bomber forces that
(Editor's Note: But the bullet missed both Francis and
were ever turned back from a specified target due to
his pilot, so it was a pretty good day.)
enemy defenses.
<S3
As a navigator, I was able to observe and note the
actions of our combat crews and see our losses and
successes.
Joseph E. Milliner wrote an interesting book, The
Angel and the Eagle, in which he describes his
experiences as Joe, protected by his Guardian Angel,
J O S E P H . His accounts are colorful and dynamicparticularly about the Ploesti mission. (Sections of
this chapter will be reported in another issue.)
I would like to talk about a special person who was
the pilot and commander of our crew. His name was
Rueban C. Ricketts from Danville, Virginia.
Rueban, or "Rick" as we called him, had been an
A r m y Air Corps A & E mechanic before going to pilot
Having survived the war, Milliner is living through training. H e graduated, transitioned into B-17's and
the tragedy of knowing his co-pilot son, William,
was assigned as a co-pilot in a B-17 group. Just prior
flying in a Cobra Helicopter into Laos, crashed. H e
to his group leaving for overseas, he was pulled out
believes the boy survived, but has never been
and sent to B-24 transition school. U p o n completion
repatriated. The injustice of that atrocious happening
of his training, he was m a d e a first pilot and given a
has turned the life of him and his wife Mary, into an
crew without a navigator and sent to a replacement
ongoing effort to influence the U.S. Government to
training center.
intervene. All members of the 44th B G V A can offer
prayers in William's behalf.
I was assigned to Rueban's crew as the navigator just
after m y graduation from navigation training. They
were starting the second phase of their training.
36
�>
Rueban and I had our differences at times as to w h o
should be the navigator-pilots always liked to be in
command. W e worked out our differences after going
over long water flights and coming h o m e alone in the
clouds where no "railroad tracks" were around. You
had to learn to trust your crew members. H e did.
The group turned off the target area and then flew out
over the Cuxhaven G e r m a n naval base. That's where
they nailed us. I believe they were sighting individual
aircraft as there was no heavy barragefireflak. Navy
gunners were good. W e lost two engines; the vertical
fin was shot off above the horizontal stabilizer and
the elevator, and elevator trim tabs were damaged. A
I had faith and trust in Rick's ability as a pilot. One
huge hole was blasted out of the left side between the
reason was his attention to and use of the aircraft
window and tail. The damage was reported by the top
check off sheet. Because of his previous mechanic's
turret and waist gunners.
background, he k n e w his aircraft and it's problems.
The crew chiefs liked Rick to fly their "birds" because Rick hit the bail out bell because he only had two
he could usually tell them where to look for a problem
engines and possible control damage. H e thought at
and its possible solution. This saved them m u c h time
the time it was best. A s navigator I called him on the
in getting the ship ready for the next mission. If w e
intercom and asked for the exact condition of the ship
had mechanical trouble in flight, he and the crew
and said, "If this bird is stillflying,I would rather
engineer could confer and try to solve the problem.
chance ditching than spend time in a P.W. camp."
Almost instantly six other voices came on saying
He was Mr. Safety First on the B-24. I always felt he "ditto" or words to that effect.
was a disappointed B-17 pilot and never trusted the
B-24. H e believed that the B-24 was unforgiving of
Rick said, "okay, let's try it." We had already lost t
any mistakes.
formation, they couldn't wait for us. H e took the
course I gave him out over the North Sea, jockeyed
He never made a takeoff or landing that he didn't
the B-24 on to the course, and put it in a shallow
sweat through his flight clothes. H e would always
descent slow enough to maintainflightspeed. H e sent
carry an extra jacket to change into against the
theflightengineer to assess any control cable
altitude cold. H e said flying the B-24 was real work,
damage, he reported none. Ted Sassano, the radio
especially on takeoffs and landings. H e was an
operator, gave position reports to the British Air-Sea
excellent formation flyer regardless of which side of
rescue people every 10 minutes until w e crossed the
the flight element w e were on. H e flew good tight
coast. The co-pilot, W m . Sims, was busy helping
smooth formations.
Rick maintainflightcontrol of the aircraft. Porter
Branfort, theflightengineer and Rick were in
Our worst flight catastrophe occurred on the 6th of constant contact addressing problems as they arose.
August, 1944 on the H a m b u r g mission. Our target
The gunners remained at their stations throughout.
was an oil refinery. A s w e approached the target, the
Everyone was busy, busy. W e started at about 22,000
flak cloud over the target just got blacker; probably
ft. altitude and crossed the English coast at Great
the box barrage type. Y o u could see the cloud from
Yarmouth at less than 1,000 ft. Rick called the field
50 miles away. W e had been briefed that over 300
and was cleared straight in. Luckily the wind
heavy guns could be on you at all times. The cloud
direction was right and our course was in line with the
cover was from about 18,000 feet to over 30,000 feet
main runway. Rick had been continuously trying to
in altitude. I looked through the astro d o m e at Rick
restart one of the engines. Just before crossing the
and could see the sweat running from his forehead
coast, it restarted. W e were over an hour late in
onto his oxygen mask. A s w e flew deeper into the
returning. H e greased it in with "nary a bump," used
cloud, you could smell the exploding gases from the
all the runway, turned on to the taxi strip and all
flak; the shrapnel sounded like hail as it fell causing
engines quit.
minor damage. W e bombed the target with good
results. You could see the burning gas generator plant
The airplane crew chief came out, climbed on top of
and other facilities. W e lost one ship there (J.P. McKenna's). the wing, opened the fuel ports, put his fuel dip stick
in and pulled it out dry. All tanks were empty. Later
37
®
�the South Pacific to work on our tans, or were w e
going to the Aleutians and freeze our butts, or were
w e going to England to assist the Piccadilly
Commandos.
w e learned there were over 300 holes in the tanks and
flaps. The crew chief was ready to cry. It was his
second ship he had lost. This was this B-24's first
mission. Rick comforted him by saying, "don't cry,
it's a d a m n fine airplane, it got us home." I believe
that it was later junked. After looking at the damage, I
wondered if I was wrong to want toflyback. I do not
know h o w Rick flew that plane, but he did-he knew
his job. It must have been "hell" on him both
physically and mentally. H e did it on pure grit and
stubbornness, I guess. H e was a top m a n with courage
and strength to do what had to be done. I do think that
day he really developed a love for the B-24 (he
wouldn't admit it).
Remember, all this was highly confidential rumors.
But finally it dawned on someone that as confidential
as this information was, they ought to at least confide
in the navigator, which they did. Confiding in m e
probably was not the worst mistake our esteemed
authorities ever made. Anyway, they had to tell m e
where I was supposed to go and hopefully h o w to get
there. So they told m e the day before w e left Topeka.
They said, "Okay, take this nice, new and shiny B-24
and try not to screw it up. W h e n you leave Topeka,
You can listen to people talk about the courage of head sort of northeast until you find this here Air base
in N e w England." This sounded good to m e and they
"fighter jocks," but the bomber pilots and their crews
were also nice enough to give m e some maps
had the real raw courage it took to fly into hell and
(charts?). Just out of curiosity I decided to look at
out, and they did. The pilots were the glue that made
these charts. You never can tell when you might learn
the difference. They deserve some of the cheers and
something useful.
respect they never seemed to get. Without them, w e
m a y have lost the war.
Boy, did I learn something useful! I discovered that
would be flying along the shores of Lake Erie from
I salute each of them, they were true leaders. Especially
one 1st Lt. Reuban G. Ricketts from Danville, Virginia. Toledo to Buffalo and would be over the N e w York
M y kind of pilot!
Central Railroad in Cleveland, Ohio at noon. I had
worked for the Railroad for over three years before I
went into the Air Force. M y father had worked there
for over 40 years before he retired. A n d there were at
This confession from John E. "Jack" Butler,
least 2,000 other railroad employees there also. I felt
Navigator. Jack flew with the 67th until shortly after
that I could trust m y sainted mother not to alert the
D-Day, then finished his 30 missions with the 66th.
German Luftewaffte that I would beflyingover the
H e flew in many different planes, but his favorites
Collinwood Locomotive Yard in Cleveland, Ohio at
were the Glory Bee and Southern Comfort.
noon April 15, 1944.1 have felt terrible for almost 55
years that I was unable to resist making that phone
Low Level Raid on the Collinwood Locomotive Yards. call alerting m y Mother that if a shiny n e w B-24
This highly successful low level B-24 bombing raid in
circled the N e w York Central Railroad Yard at noon
April, 1944 was one of the best kept stories of W W 2 .
April 15, 1944, it would be m e . I suspect that m y
A s a result, none of us participants received any of the
mother must have told m y old man, which would
usual medals, but better yet, none of us was court
explain w h y at least 1,000 people were cheering us on
martialled either.
as w e roared by at a very low altitude.
<^3
During April, 1944 a few of us were still young,
d u m b and enthusiastic. I understand there were
several others besides m e w h o were planning on
winning the war single handed if necessary. At any
rate, a bunch of us eager beavers had finally arrived at
Topeka, Kansas for the purpose of picking up a bright,
shiny, brand new B-24. N o w our only problem was to
pick out which rumor w e liked best. Were w e going to
Now about the Low Level Bombing of the Collinwood
Locomotive Yards. There are two gigantic smoke
stacks ideally located for a practice b o m b run. W e had
made one run over the railroad shop at about 1,000
foot altitude. Since every one on the ground knew
what was going on, w e naturally had a terrific
reception. Every one in the Air Force was by n o w
familiar with the genuinely historic L o w Level Raid
38
�r
over Ploesti so w e didn't have too m u c h trouble
convincing the crew that w e probably would never
have a better opportunity for a realistic practice run.
So w e made the b o m b run with excellent results. So
after congratulating the bombardier on his great job, I
reminded him that there were two smokestacks and
w h y not make a great day out of it. So w e did. So far
w e were having a great day. N o w w e were cruising
smoothly d o w n the shores of Lake Erie, headed more
or less toward Buffalo. At this point Knowles, our
pilot calls m e on the intercom and asks m e , "Hey
Butler, don't w e go some where near Niagra Falls?" I
was embarrassed to have to inform him that I was
already a little off course, and that if I didn't make a
correction soon, w e would be right over Niagra Falls
in about 12 minutes. H e said, " H o w long will it take
you to figure the new course?" About 12 minutes I
said. W h e n w e circled Niagra Falls w e didn't drop
below 1,000 feet and only circled
twice.
(Editor's Note: Jack waited 54
years before he would release this
tale.)
<33
From B o b Vance - this reprint of
a editorial by Gordon Sinclair of
Toronto, Canada.
The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped
billions of dollars into discouraged countries. N o w
newspapers in those countries are writing about the
decadent, warmongering Americans. I'd like to see
just one of those countries that is gloating over the
erosion of the United States dollar build its o w n
airplane. Does any other country in the world have a
plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed
Tri-Star, or the Douglas D C 10? Is so, w h y don't they
fly them? W h y do all the International lines except
Russia fly American Planes?
Why does no other land on earth even consider
putting a m a n or w o m a n on the m o o n ? You talk about
Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk
about German technocracy, and you get automobiles.
You talk about American technocracy, and you find
m e n on the m o o n - not once, but several times - and
safely h o m e again.
You talk about scandals, and the Americas put theirs
right in the store window for everybody to look at.
Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and
hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of
them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are
getting American dollars from m a and pa at h o m e to
spend here.
When the railways of France, Germany and India
"This Canadian thinks it is time to were breaking d o w n through age, it was the
speak up for the Americans as the
Americans w h o rebuilt them. W h e n the
most generous and possibly the
Pennsylvanian Railroad and the N e w York Central
least appreciated people on all the
went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose.
earth. Germany, Japan and, to a
Both are still broke.
lesser extent Britain and Italy,
were lifted out of the debris of war
I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced
by the Americans w h o poured in
to the help of other people in trouble. Can you n a m e
billions of dollars and forgave
m e even one time when someone else raced to the
other billions in debts. None of
Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside
these countries is today paying
help even during the San Francisco earthquake.
even the interest on its remaining
debts to the United States.
Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one
Canadian w h o is tired of hearing them get kicked
W h e n France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it
around. They will c o m e out of this thing with their
was the Americans w h o propped it up, and their
flag high. A n d when they do, they are entitled to
reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets
thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over
of Paris. I was there. I saw it when earthquakes hit
their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of
distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to
those."
help. This spring, 59 American communities were
Stand proud, America! Wear it proudly!
flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped.
Randy Howard - California Institute of Technology
39
��������Sneaking to the Channel and Freedom
sigh of relief. I didn't have to talk to them I just
"We continued down the path until we were
reached Into my pocket and showed it to them.
stopped near the beach. Two German soldiers
They looked it over, seemed satisfied and moved on.
were on sentry duty walking back and forth. They
walked toward each other and when they met
"When we arrived at our destination which was a
would exchange a few words, turn around and
small town on the coast of Brittany, we were met
walk back. When they were far enough away, the
by a truck (there were about eight of us on the
guide in front of our column would tap three or
train) that took us to a farmhouse about a mile
four of us to sneak by and slide down the cliff to
inland. W e went into a large barn next to the
the beach before the sentries turned around to
house. Straw on the floor was pushed aside to
come back. When we were all down, we waited for
uncover a trap door built into the floor. W e were
the Corvette to come in and pick us up. (Twenty
led down a ladder into a large room in which there
years later, m y wife and I had a chance to go
were about thirty escapees. W e were all happy to
back there; and all I can say is that I was glad it
see each other and shook hands all around, gave
was a dark night, because I don't see how we all
our names and told our stories. W e were told
made it down without casualties. I never would
that an English Corvette would come to take us
have tried it in the day light.) W e were told to
across the Channel as soon as there was a new
take off our shoes and put our socks in them, tie
moon which would occur in two days. In the
the laces together and put them around our neck
meantime we were given food and wine. In the
and roll our pants up over our knees. The
evening we were given blankets and pads on which
Corvette launched three row boats toward the
we slept.
beach and we walked out to meet them. Little did
it help to roll our pants up. W e were up to our
"The night we were to leave finally arrived. We were
waist before we knew it.
given strict instructions on how we were to
proceed to the coast. W e were warned that the
We boarded the "Corvette", were treated royally
coast was heavily guarded and we should be
by the crew and cruised to England, interrogated
perfectly quiet while we walked in single file toward
thoroughly and eventually returned to our group.
the beach. It was dark as pitch when we started.
Not a light was seen. W e headed toward the
"My wife and I did go back, and I followed the
coast single file as instructed. W e went down a
s a m e route I had taken twenty years earlier.
dirt path bordered by four foot hedgerows on
Every one I met remembered me; and at every
each side. W e had gone no further than fifty
place I stopped, friends and neighbors were
yards when one of our guides came running back
invited in, and we had party after party. I still
whispering to us to jump over the hedgerow and
have many friends in France that I correspond
hide quietly behind it. It seemed to m e that we
with to this day and we go back to see them
made one hell of a commotion jumping over the
quite often."
bushes and landing on one another before we
settled down, but a few minutes later two men
came strolling by chatting to each other and not
even realizing that just a few feet from them
about forty men were waiting for them to pass.
L TO R: ToNy Aud Lois CiAi\ci, LiU Af\d M U T O N RosENbUn
M U T W A S to-piloT oi\ T(TE PIANE ii\ wEiicEi Lois's TATEIER, CIAI'R SEIAETTER W A S killed.
#
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"ANOTHER O N E of My jobs W A S TO FiElp WRJTE phoNEy
idENTifiCATiON CARds. WE WOuld EIAVE PHOTOS TAI<EN AN(j
ATTACEI ThHEIVI TO ThlE CARds. WE Also MAdE Up TRAVEl pERMiTS.
I STill EIAVE ThlE ONES I MAdE foR MVSElf."
Department
dcs Cctes-du-Ncrd
CART'E'^IDENTITE:
^
Nationally _yi*tau*£o<L>*
i Lv\u»t
Ne kAjf
de O^AAjkvJiL^
TESTATION
!•*•
w* -#//
BESCHEINIGUNG
SIGNALEMENT
r; 6t
Cneveux
Bousaignl, Moire de
Der Unterraii hoete, BargenrieisH
^/Uu*4
tifie, afill de pouvoir se rendre en lone intwditi de U region totieti,
hcin'igt turn Zwecke der Einreise in die Kusuagprrzoae
. Monsieur, M u H m r . Madinnii i IK- \) 'J&tft e—
^<-Ci^~-^
,n,>l
Herr. Frau, Fr»ttlei»
" '•' I1""111" 'Nairn- u \ornamf
Signes Poi
Le Tit
#
)fession IBI nil (.lot<^7i lieu de natassance ffeburtotag a. Orl)
icilie i 6HUL,. • ™(- ' numei..
bnhafi in
on domicile legal — <rr residenoe habituelle
ien Kren Wohnsiu seinen ihren gewoebnlichan AofenlhaU
AAM4L*+MjfoL, a feuJuAuU^ hat.
table jusqu'an '•' Af*. l1&Ct
A faire p r o r o g e r
t o u s les six m o i s .
CERTIFICAT DE TRAVAIL
IM I
delivre sous la responsabilite de :
"»%V*
^«V
> "amiable,^ poor passer en xone Interdite
AVIS I M P O R T A N T . — Cette attMtatld
Ixloo est on posaeosion d u n s
Am lo r*rji(in ootlare. qua si la p *
frhie.
CJJ le d'ld«ntlM oflloiclle m u n i * d'un*"*
ZUR BEACHTUNO. - Dies* Booohelnlgung b*r*cht1g nur in Verbindung mit elnem
arotllchen Llchtbildauawels *ur EinrelBe in die Kilste aspen-zone.
Quahte :
Imp Modcrrn - Si Briem Li I U4I1I
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TROpUTAIPl1|uo
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M *M*> u
�<3frem itje
^ e s k nf our
President
Last month (May 30) I completed m y prescribed two (2) years as
President of this thriving organization that m y predecessor, Colonel
Roy W. Owen, presided over for five years. You put m e in charge of a
remarkable organization and a strong Executive Board, broad and deep
enough, to fulfill our mission of perpetuating our illustrious history,
honoring the memories of our deceased comrades and providing the
compassion, beneficence and friendship to the families of our fallen
colleagues. I thank all of you for giving m e this opportunity to
represent and serve you in this capacity which I consider to be a
profound privilege and unique pleasure.
I inherited from Colonel Owen a number of initiatives that he had
tendered and that would come to fruition on m y watch. One of the
greatest of these is the Master Historical Data Base ( M H D B ) that will
not only computerize the archival exploits of the 44th Bomb Group but
also the personal histories of every man or w o m a n w h o served with
the 44th in WWII.
Much has been accomplished but much remains to be done and we
cannot rest on past laurels.
As you know, the MHDB program requires funding that is clearly
above our normal operating budget that averages in the area of $30 $35,000 per annum. It is for this reason that I established the special
M H D B Fund and appealed to you for donations to insure its success
and perpetuity. To those w h o responded with your donations I thank
you for your generosity and to those w h o have not yet made their
contributions I appeal once again for whatever you can donate. Let's
make this year the year "CHARITY BEGINS AT H O M E " and, instead of
responding to those appeals w e are "deluged" with almost daily by
mail, phone, fax, e-mail, etc., send your donation this year to the
M H D B FUND, 44th BGVA, R0. Box 712287, Salt Lake City, Utah
84171-2287.
Also, when I assumed the office as your President, I committed to
insuring the financial stability of the association and the growth of
our membership. I a m pleased to let you know that according to our
Treasurer's Annual Report for the period ending December 31, 2000,
w e are financially stable and have been showing an annual surplus for
the past two years.
Our membership also continues to grow despite the ever growing
attrition due to deaths that are occurring with ever increasing
frequency. As of this writing our membership stands at 1,065
members and it is m y goal that with the membership drives still in
effect and/or planned, this number will continue to grow. Many of you
are enrolling members of your family which I believe is one of the best
"gifts" you can give your children and/or grandchildren. It is their key
to the record of your service and contribution to that great victory
over totalitarianism that made you one of those referred to by Tom
Brokaw as "The Greatest Generation." Keep enrolling them and urge
your fellow crewmen/colleagues to do the same.
Thanks to Jerry Folsom's efforts, our 44th BGVA Web Site is now up
and running and the "hits" are growing daily. Keep in mind that it is
new and w e will be making improvements as needed. Also, our newly
appointed A W A R D C O M M I T T E E under the Chairmanship of Robert
Lehnhausen received Board approval to inaugurate THE G E N E R A L
E O N W. J O H N S O N DISTINGUISHED SERVICE A W A R D this year. This
award will become an annual event and the Year 2001 Honoree will be
announced and receive this award at the Shreveport Reunion
scheduled for October 15-18, 2001. Make your reservations N O W for
another one of Mike Yuspeh's fantastic reunions. W e will visit the 8th
Air Force Headquarters, dedicate the B-24J with dignitaries from the
state of Louisiana, city of Shreveport and 8th Air Force, tour
Shreveport, dine and dance to the Big Band Music in the mode of the
one and only GIENN MILIER. RESERVE EARLY!
Congratulations to Robert "Lee" Aston on his belated award of the
DFC and two Oak Leaf Clusters to his Air Medal. He w a s notified on
M a y 15, 2001 of these awards by the Air Force Board for Correction
of Military Records for "...extraordinary achievement while serving as
Navigator on B-24 airplanes on many missions over enemy occupied
Continental Europe" on January 11 and 12, 1945 (Air Medals) and
March 15, 1945 (DFC). "Lee and Chris Spagnola are contacting their
other crew members to meet and renew their friendships at the
Shreveport Reunion in October. Other crews are also planning to
attend, including Bob Dunlop's crew, and those few that are still
remaining from m y original crew in the 66th - Jimmy, Pat, Sam,
George are you listening? I a m counting on Bill Coil's uncle and some
of "Buster" Hazelton's children to be there. See you in Shreveport.
I close with another one of my favorite quotations:
"When the Love of Power exceeds the Power of Love
Take Heed."
Edward K. Mikoloski, President
®
�1
BACI< R o w L TO R:
LEON DEI CRANdE, C O ' P H O T ,
; A j*Yj
C A N ANyoNE idENTify TTIE
CREWMEN JN T1HE fRONT ROW?
•
LT. Edu/ARd COIE,
LT
CRAiq
HAVENS,
ANd
LT. JAMES ZAicEk.
MsSMffi
•
—
ANOTHER RIDDLE RESOLVED
The mission to Zwickau, Germany on April 21,1944 was recalled, but not in time to
prevent the crash of A/C #41-29418 (68th 5q.) at Teverham Mill Lake, near
Norwich, England. Five members of the crew perished: James Zajicek, Navigator;
Edward Cole, Bombardier; Leonard Lambert, Engineer; George Houchens, Radio
Operator; Hal Wood, Ball Turret Gunner; Russell Taylor, Tail Gunner. Pilot Forrest
Havens and Co-Pilot Leon Del Grande survived, but were injured.
Very recently a police diving team found the wreckage with incomplete
lettering on the Poppy's Chillin. The explanation of the crash was rime
ice. The plane was flying into formation, travelling at 144-160 M P H
through overcast, icy conditions. W h e n it reached 14,000 feet, the
aircraft lurched violently and started swerving to the right. The pilots
could not control the ship, and it swerved back to the left, then
CIEMANS
started to spin tightly toward the ground. The plane
then turned on its back and the right wing and tail were torn off by
the violent maneuvers. The two pilots were thrown into the top of
the cockpit, the cabin ripped apart, and they were thrown clear of
the wreckage.
Just recently, fifty seven years later, a memorial stone was laid
in honor of the crew, led by a U S Air Force Guard of Honor. Cole's
sister, Elizabeth Clemans, traveled to the site. Representing the
44th at the Memorial Ceremony was President Mike Mikoloski and
U.K. Representative, Steve
Adams.
This MEMORiftl WAS
dEdiCATEd IN
TAVETihAM, OUTsidE of
Norwich, SATimdAy.
M R M E N F R O M TIHE bASE hoNOR quARd fold TITE A M E R I C A N FUq SATURdAy
duRilMC, A CEREMONy AT TAVERHAM trONORiNq AN AlWERiCAN boNlbER CREW
ThAT CRAshEd NEAR ThE TOWN 5 7 yEARS EARliER. TlHE fUq WAS pRESENTEd TO
Bsny C I E M A N S , rhE SISTER of TIIE boivibARdiER w h o pERishsd irM TEIE cRAsh.
10
�MIKE FUSANO AND THE GENERAL
"I was the
going in or out.
first one to
W h e n nothing
was happening,
see the
the man sat in a
Medal of
little cubby hole
Honor after
and pulled a
it was given
blanket over
to General
himself.
The
Leon
General jested
Johnson,"
that perhaps
said Mike
they should get
Fusano. "I
him a teepee."
congratulated
him on
From his position
receiving it,
as driver, Mike
and he
could enjoy some
immediately
of the hospitality
said, 'Don't
of great leaders.
congratulate
Miks ANd Col. JohNSON
Once
when
me. I am only
General
Johnson
the custodian of the Medal. This is for the boys
went to Hingham to visit Lord Ironside a British
who did all the work.' That was so typical of the
General, the maid came out to the car to serve
General's humility. H e was the greatest man I
Mike tea and crumpets. Lord Ironside had been
have ever known."
relieved of his command after the disastrous
Mike had the unique pleasure of being the driver battle of Dunkirk, so he returned to his special
interest of growing a variety of apples. W h e n
for the great General. Drafted from his family's
Mike would meet him on the streets, he was
olive grove in California, he went to Wichita Falls,
always
greeted warmly; and each time Lord
Texas for his Boot Camp experience, then to
Ironside
wanted a report on how the General was
Shreveport, Louisiana, where he became a member
doing.
of the 44th Bomb Group. In Barksdale he
remembers being just another Dog Face.' From
"I was directed to pick up any walking soldier,"
there he became a member of the motor pool in
Mike remembered. "The General would use that
Ft. Myers, Florida, right in the Everglades. The
opportunity
to find how things were going on the
advantage of that assignment was that they could
base.
One
night
we picked up a Master Sergeant
sometimes go to San Carlos Bay and watch the
going
off
duty
at
midnight. H e stated that there
porpoises leap about.
was rarely any food in the mess hall at that hourjust odds and ends. That was because the men on
"When we went to England,
Liberty Runs got there first
our priest, Father Lamb went
and ate it all.
with us, and I was his driver.
W h e n he got transferred to
the 1st Division, I became a
full-time driver for General
Johnson. H e had a wonderful
sense of humor. W h e n w e
would leave the base, there
was an Indian from Oklahoma
on guard duty. It was his job
to stop and challenge anyone
"That didn't ever happen
again," Mike declared. "The
General changed that,
immediately making
provisions for those going
off duty to eat.
11
�"When the 44th was going on an especially
hazardous assignment, the General would tell m e
to get his parachute, he was going along. H e would
say, 'This is going to be tough. I have to go along
to take responsibility.' O n base he drove himself,
and I drove him when he went to other bases.
Sometimes we would leave at 2:00 a.m., but he
would always insist that I get back for some
sleep, or catch up on a meal. W h e n I wasn't
driving, I had to take care of the car, a 1935
Custom Packard." O n the celebration of the 44ths
200th mission, the General took the wheel and
drove Mike through the base.
WILLIAM MENGES
ARMY COMBAT,
44TH BOMB
GROUP &
MISSILEER
1955
Nam Menges, AF Retiree, got 100 free hours
from ATT, so he called to tell m e his war
experiences. He also called Jerry Folsom to chat.
HE H A S N O T YET D O N E HIS DATABASE, but
promises to do it soon.
Menges started out with the CCC, an organization
created during the Great Depression for young
men w h o couldn't find jobs. In 1942 he was
drafted, and found himself in the 3rd Army,
manning the anti-aircraft search lights in the
Ardennes for General Patton. Later, as a combat
engineer, Menges built bridges for the advancing
army in Luxemburg and Pruuen, Germany.
Look who is dRiviNq MikE FUSANO
Mike had the great experience of being on the
same plane with General Johnson for the Trolley
Run, and heard him explain the details of
everything that had been done. It was truly a
moment of pride for everyone who had
contributed to the war effort.
When the War was over, he took advantage of the
G.I. Bill to study radio, then enlisted in the Air
Corps and was assigned to the 44th BG at Rapid
City, S.D. (He claims to be among the first to don
the Air Force blue uniform.) At Ellsworth he
became a Radar Mechanic. When the 44th had its
transformation into the Missileers, Menges was
there on Permanent Staff. His next assignment
was Expediter on the ICBM and Minuteman
Missiles.
The friendship between the two men continued
until the General's death. If Johnson was in Los
Angeles, Mike and his wife Kaye would visit with
him; and in the latter days of his life, they visited
him in the nursing home in
Fairfax, Virginia.
Menges speaks with true enthusiasm of the high
points of his service experiences. He says in
England he danced with Col. Leon Johnson's
wife, and at Geiger Field he worked with Captain
Chuck Yeager. He says he has four Battle Stars
and some Oak Leaf Clusters. Straddling three
branches of the service in one short lifetime has
been a heady experience for M/Sgt. William
Menges.
When the War was over,
Mike returned to growing
olives and making oil in
Sylmar, California, where
he resides with his wife,
Catherine. H e regards his
time spent with General
Johnson as some of the
brightest moments of his
life.
Mikr FUSANO
12
�SOME THINGS ONLY HAPPEN ONCE ... THE EUROPEAN TOUR
September, 2001 44th BGVA Europe/England Trip (A perfect trip to share with a child or grandchild.)
The trip will be a step back in time and a look into the
Day 6 takes us to Bastogne, Belgium, where an
progressive world that Y O U made possible by your
American tank is the centerpiece in the two square.
valiant sacrifice, fifty seven years ago. Not only will you Our Belgium friend, Peter Loncke will be joining us at
see the cities where you helped wipe out Nazi
the towns of Wibrin and Haufalize, where local people
strongholds, but also
will dedicate a
visit shrines and
memorial at the
cathedrals that
crash site of the
survived from
Pindercrew. From
medieval times to the
there we move to a
present. From
medieval tour, Trier,
September 11-26, you
Germany on the
will barely have time
Mosel River for
to see the wonders
dinner and our
that lie ahead, and the
evening stay. The
history that Y O U
next day's adventure
helped make. Did you
will be a 4-1/2 hour
know the Parisians cut
cruise on the Rhine
the cables of the Eiffel
River.
Tower when the city
The Gothic
fell, so the Germans
Cathedral in
could not use it as a
Cologne is still a
radio tower? It remajestic sight, even
W A R R O O M of TITE 14-TLt WiNq Hp. C A N ANyoNE idENTify TIHESE sTRATEqisTS?
though
the entire city
opened after V-E Day,
was devastated by the bombing. At Wesel we will visit
with free rides for any
the crash site of Louis DeBlasio's and Bob Vance's
G.I. who happened along. Did you know a day at the
Louvre is not nearly long enough to see the work of the plane, then later to the cemetery where their crewmen
are buried, then on across the Channel, past the White
Old Masters? You might get through one section.
At Caen the Wehrmacht was desperately holding onto Cliffs of Dover and on to Norwich. W e will see the
Memorial Library, the Shipdham Airfield and the 14th
the city, acting on Hitler's mistaken idea that the main
invasion would be at Pas de Calais. N o w Caen's biggest Combat Wing Hq., and have an opportunity to meet
our special guests from Shipdham Village and the
attraction is a Memorial M u s e u m for Peace, honoring
British Legion. Too soon we will say good-bye to Steve
those who fought both w a r s - W W I and WWII. At
Adams, Phyllis DuBois, Peter Loncke, Luc
Normandy, even those who have previously seen the
Dewez, Andrew Doubleday and all our
exhibits and cemetery will again marvel at the
other
friends; then on to Duxford,
awesome undertaking of that landing, assisted by B-24
Cambridge and London. Coming
bombers that cut off German support of the troops at
home, our heads may be swimming,
the coast. Enemy cannons still protrude from cement
but our hearts will be brimming at
bunkers, testimony of the deadly battle that ensued.
We will have lunch in Reims, a 2000 year old city and the memories of a holiday that can
never be replicated.
scene of Napoleon's last victorious battle. Reims is
Take
a young family member.
now famous for its champagne, and the home of
It's a great lesson in history.
General Eisenhower's SHAPE headquarters. From
Call Larry HerpeI at
there, we will see Verdun and Luxembourg.
1-888-317-7483.
13
��f~
PHASES Of
THI
RESIORAnON
OFTHI
"LOUISIANA
BELLE
i**#
JOIN US IN E
BARKSDALE!
V
15
�44th B o m b Group
Veterans
Assn. Reunion - 2001
€?
mm
le of Capri Hotel - Bossier City, LA
Barksdale AFB
October 15,16,17, & 18, 2001
Reunion Registration Form
Please print or type. All Information must be complete:
First N a m e (Tag)
Last N a m e
Spouse
Squadron #
Life M e m b e r
Address
City
State
Phone
E-Mail
Zip Code
Guests & Relation
Number to Attend
@ $215.00 Each
Amount $
Tour #1- City Tour of Shreveport
Number on Tour
@ $25.00 Per Person
Amount $_
Tour # 2- Tour of Natchitoches & Lunch
Number on Tour
@ $55.00 Per Person
Amount $_
Total Amount Remitted
Check #
Amount $
Description of tours are in last issue of the 8 Ball Tails.
Registration Includes: Everything on agenda except tours as listed above.
Registration must be received by September 10,2001.
Hotel registration must be m a d e directly with Isle Of Capri Hotel & Casino by phone only
Toll free (800) 843-4753.
Check M a d e Payable to: 44th B o m b Group Veterans Association (44th BGVA)
Mail to: Mike Yuspeh - 7214 Sardonyx Street - N e w Orleans, LA 70124-3509
Phone: (504)283-3424 Fax: (504) 283-3425 (Picks up on 6th ring)
E-Mail: Mikeyuspeh@juno.com
16
�MAJOR URSEI HARVEII ANC! T^E
Wolf P A C L
MARCIH 10, 1945
"This bit of history
w a s m a d e aboard
an old French
passenger vessel
that had seen
better days, the
Chantilly. It could
have been
considered a luxury
liner twenty years
ago, that is, in the
Indian Ocean trade.
The British took
her over and
ordered her to
England via N e w York. W e went aboard her there for the
memorial crossing of the North Atlantic, a normal crossing in
that ship w a s a feat without the menace of the jerry wolfpacks.
Concrete gun turrets and gun emplacements had added
considerably to the weight of the upper structure which m a y
have interfered with the ship's balance on its usual run from
Capetown, Durban to Suez on the East Coast of Africa, but one
look at this tub and the calendar w a s enough to forecast the
type of crossing w e had ahead.
survivors, and the escort w a s entirely too busy. As I
contemplated these things, one by one the big red lights on the
mast head would disappear leaving only the small red lights
moving up and down on the heavy swells, gradually
disappearing astern. I began to move about to get w a r m and
ordered the m e n to move around, but stay in the vicinity of their
assigned boat stations. I suddenly realized that I hadn't checked
the top side boats to see if the native members of the crew
(Lascars of India) had not already found refuge in them. I had
been ordered to shoot them if necessary to keep them out. I
moved forward a little uncertainly at first with legs that seemed
tired on a deck that never seemed level. Glancing into the
blackness of the life boats w a s a mere routine, knowing full
well that the boats could never be launched anyway. I looked
out to port, hoping that I couldn't see the nearest ship, but in
vain, as its full outline w a s visible to me, black against lighter
sky. I felt m y heart quicken a little as the realization of
periscopic sighting dawned on me.
My nerves had settled down a little bit and my hopes had risen
some as w e had made a turn since the last attack. I had just
ducked into a gangway to light a cigarette, and w a s coming
back on deck when a terrific explosion off our port b o w nearly
lifted our ship out of the water. At first I thought it w a s our
We ran into foul weather about the 8th of March, the a/c carrier ship and I listened for the alarm bell, but the red light on the
turned back the 10th, about 4:40 p.m., the taffrail boom w a s
ship nearest to us told m e it w a s not yet our time. This little
dipping the water with every roll, chairs and tables were lashed
freighter started to settle very fast and seemed to settle to its
down; then at 6:30, just two hours after the main escort had
watery grave even before w e had fully passed it. There were
turned back, the most terrifying sub attack you've ever read
more little red lights in the water, more gripping of the railing,
about hit us. First to go w a s the deputy commodore starboard
yes, yes, and more prayers. In quick succession two more ships
to forward, then a freighter directly opposite us, starboard,
were torpedoed beyond the point where the freighter had just
which saved us the first time, by taking the torpedo which w a s
been hit. I could also hear depth charges going off in that
intended for us. Our silhouette w a s much higher on the surface
direction and thought that it w a s about time somebody started
than the smaller vessels around us and having the
to fight back and could feel a little warmth stealing through m y
characteristics of a troopship w a s naturally the prize target for
veins from anger. Anger at the Navy at so little defense, anger
the Hun. I felt sorry for the little fellows w h o unknowingly were at the enemy for operating on such a night not giving a m a n a
running interference for us and paying with their lives. Another
chance, anger at the Army for putting skilled troops in an eight
tanker further to starboard w a s hit and sunk without burning.
knot convoy, and anger at yourself for standing there unable to
Then it became quiet. I clenched the railing at m y station
do anything but watch the slaughter. Then again, farther to
expecting the deck to heave up in m y face any moment. I
starboard, this time two more ships put up red lights. All w a s
glanced out at the red light that always goes on at top mast
quiet once more. An hour went by and nothing more happened.
when a ship w a s hit. There were three such distress signals and It w a s then midnight.
dozens of little red lights around each ship. I knew they were
attached to m e n w h o could live only a few minutes in that
I went below to the main lounge to see what was going on
Arctic water. Convoys never slow down or stop to pick up
below. There were twelve Dutch fliers from Java, an American
17
���formally open this n e w facility, which will be the finest American Memorial Library of its kind
in the world and a fitting tribute to the debt that w e o w e to the United States Air Force. At the
m o m e n t w e have over 690 U S Veterans and their families flying over for this historical
occasion. This week the Norwich City Council formally approved the rare award of the
Freedom of the City to the 2nd Air Division U S A A F Association, the only unit of the U S Air
Force to ever receive this honour.
Keeping the records of the 8th Air Force has been one of our essential tasks and we
were all so delighted w h e n w e first saw the Military Heritage Database project and realized
the massive benefits. Last year at the 2nd A D A Convention at Tampa, w e and our archivist
looked at it in more detail and c a m e away convinced that this is the most unique record w e
have ever seen. Indeed the Memorial Trust has agreed to help the project financially
because of the importance. Here is a chance for future generations to see, learn and
understand what happened in those days and a vital part of our records.
However, as I began my letter, time is against us, for unless we can get these records,
histories, stories and people on the database now, m a n y items will be lost forever in the next
year or so. Here in the U K that database will be a vital part of the Memorial Library as I a m
sure it must be in your American Air Force Memorial. Therefore m a y I end with this heartfelt
plea that you can support this database project as a most urgent item, for this understanding
and detailed record of history needs to be available both in the U S A and the U K as well as
elsewhere, so that future generations will never forget the debt that they o w e to the United
States Air Force.
In Norfolk we have a saying about the 2nd Air Division USAAF, "They came as friends,
they stayed as friends, they have remained friends and w e and future generations will
always remember them with pride and affection." This unique database will play a great part
in that appreciation.
Finally, I hope you will not object to me writing to you, but we realize that your support is
vital to the success of this outstanding project. W e do hope you will be able to m a k e the
dream become a reality.
Yours sincerely,
David J. Hastings
Vice Chairman
Editor's Note: The information on the Database will be used on both sides of the Atlantic. Do
you biography now. Your story is important.
*
20
�VIVID MEMORIES OF T. J. FEENEY, LTC USA (Ret)
66th Squadron 44th B G (Staff Sgt. Tail Gunner)
ThlE KlEJNSclHMidT CREW
BAck ROW: KlEiNSchMidT"PiloT,
SpOVER"CO'Piloi, R0SSEVELT"NAViqAT0R.
FRONT R O W : DiqqiNS"ENqiNEER,
ThoMAS"WAisT G U N N E R ,
GonshAlU'WAisT & BAII TURRET G U N N E R ,
FEENEy"TAil TURRET G U N N E R ,
GROwdEN"NosE G U N N E R & ToqqlEER,
GoRNEn^RAciio OPERATOR.
T h o m a s J. Feeney "Joe" volunteered for Aerial
Gunnery School when he learned that with a problem
of depth perception, he could not be a pilot. H e
became a Tail Gunner at Tyndall Field, Florida, then
went to Lincoln, Nebraska to join his crew. From
there it was O T U at G o w a n Field, Boise, ID, then on
to Shipdham to join the 66th Sq. of the 44th B o m b
Group.
"Our first three missions were to Magdeburg, where
w e encountered the most flak of all the missions w e
went on," he recalled. Equally disconcerting was the
ominous briefing on the morning their crew was
assigned to fly over Cologne. It still rings in Feeney's
memory: "If you hit the Cathedral, don't bother to
come back." Pilot Lt. Arnold P. Kleinschmidt, on the
Glory Bee was flying lead. They flew past the famous
Cathedral and hit their target-the Deutch Bridge
which was a primary artery for the German supply
lines, and they did c o m e back. Forty nine years later,
Feeney was pleasantly surprised to see the photograph
that had been shot at 22,000 feet by their bomb-sight
camera appear in National Geographic.
The Glory Bee and the German Jet
"On April 25, 1945 we were on a mission to
Swabische Halle. Our photo interpretation people had
spotted an airfield there with elongated runways. They
21
figured it was a jet base, so w e were sent to b o m b it.
However, in looking up, I saw one diving straight
d o w n at us from 12:00 o'clock. I turned m y turret up
and then watched as the jet went straight d o w n
through our formation. It was traveling so fast, m y
guns were always behind him as I tried to track him;
and so close, I could see the German pilot's face as he
passed by. I often thought (mistakenly) I could have
hit him with a rock instead of trying to get that turret
to m o v e fast enough to get him. However, the mission
was successful.
Bomb Stuck in Bomb Bay
Feeney and William H. Diggins, Engineer, are the
last surviving members of the Kleinschmidt crew.
Previously they had written recollections to each
other, all treasures in Feeney's book of memories.
Kleinschmidt wrote, " O n one mission w e had
dropped our bombs and realized w e had a b o m b hung
in the b o m b bay. The bombs were attached to a
shackle by a cable which activated the b o m b as it left
the b o m b bay. This one didn't leave. The engineer
crawled out with a pair of pliers and seven minutes of
oxygen at 22,000 feet to cut the wire. H e had to crawl
out on the catwalk in the bottom of the ship over the
open b o m b doors. H e did it. If he hadn't, the b o m b
could have detonated and blown us out of the sky."
�had enough altitude to m a k e it home. W h e n w e got
Feeney's eyes followed the dropping missile. "As w e
there w e were at 250 feet and the tower told us to go
moved away from the release point, the b o m b left a
trail of smoke until it hit the middle of a large; solitary around. W e didn't go around and that liner held."
farm house in the middle of a huge German field. W e
The crew remembers one more interesting facet of
were unable to assess the damage w e inflicted on this
that adventure. "As w e continued back across the
'no choice target'."
Channel and losing altitude rapidly, Kleinschmidt
ordered us to ditch everything including our machine
Remembering Frankfurt
guns, a m m o and our A-3 bags. Our A-3 bags! They
contained
our escape kits, mainly stocked with
In Feeney's records he found this report by his pilot
in
cigarette and silk stockings." (Editor'sNote: While
correspondence with L T C M a u r y Dyer, another
Kleinschmidt worried about getting them back to
friend w h o served in the 66th Sq. (deceased).
Shipdham safely, Feeney was thinking of the loss of
"I guess the worst situation I was ever in was when Ibargaining power, tossing cigarettes and silk
stockings.)
lost two engines in a snow storm over Germany.
"We were flying blind on a mission to the interior ofDelivering the Gas
Germany when I got hit by flak and lost an engine.
When the War was nearing the end, Patton's Third
The rest of the squadron flew off and left m e . W e
A r m y was swiftly and forcefully breaking through
could see the black shells exploding all around us and
w e were losing altitude. I got out of the main flight
enemy defenses. They ran short of gasoline for their
tanks, and the 44th was one of the groups that
pattern and tried to restart the engine," he said.
" W h e n I tried the engine, I lost oil pressure in another supplied them. This was a very low level drop.
Feeney remembers dropping 50 gallon drums of
engine and saw the prop of the second engine fly off
past the window into space."
gasoline at tree top level.
"Now we were down to two engines. We were out of
the Frankfurt flak area, and I called in code for fighter
help. W e were losing 200 feet per minute and I had
only a 17-mile corridor to fly through to try to make it
to a safe landing place. W e got our fighter escort and
he took us across the b o m b line where the ground
fighting was taking place in France and then broke
radio code by saying, 'Sweetheart, I'm home. You can
make it now.' That was a big no-no.
"I did not see any of them spill or shatter," he
recalled. "The reason they didn't, was the wooden
construction shaped like an hourglass with rounded
wooden tops and bottoms that permitted the drums to
roll w h e n dropped." They did not encounter flak on
this mission, but did contend with small arms fire.
One memory of that mission continues to haunt him.
H e saw a flyer from his o w n outfit hung up with his
chute draped over the rudder of another B-24.
"Sure enough, the Germans heard him. I told the crew
to watch for them and here they came. W e headed for
Encountering a 'Maverick'
the overcast 9,000 below. A s the nose gunner turned
his turret to fire, the door flew off the turret and struck
On one of our missions we were forced to abort just
the wing between the two engines and ripped a gash
short of our target and return to England. O n the
in the wing. I could see the latex liner swell out of the
return flight w e had no fighter cover. I spotted a single
gas tank on the right wing. If it broke, that was it. W e
fighter above us directly approaching our tail. I fired
were in a high-speed stall and almost shaking apart.
above him so he could see m y tracers. H e continued
But I dropped the nose and w e were okay again.
and I fired below him. Since he continued in I zeroed
in on him and forced him to turn off. The Martin
"I was trying to contact the British to get permission
Turret also fired on him. H e radioed our craft and
to land on the crash strip just across the Channel
pulled parallel to us but out of range. H e identified
when w e broke out of the overcast and I thought w e
himself as a P-51 fighter and wanted to k n o w why w e
�were firing on him. Needless to say w e kept him well
covered and he eventually pulled off and disappeared.
employed by Fairfax County, V A as Deputy Director
of Assessments until 1976.
The matter was the subject of much discussion among Feeney and his wife, Mildred, the former Mildred
our crew. W h e n w e were debriefed w e were told it
Caverly of Toronto, Canada, live in Mechanicsburg,
may well have been a P-51 but it was not one of ours.
Pennsylvania. The couple celebrated their 51 st
W e were also told that w e had no aircraft in the area
anniversary in this past March. Mildred n o w a U.S.
and the marking were unknown to our intelligence
citizen, served in the R.C.A.F., the Women's Division
people. W e were told w e did the right thing in firing
at Air Force bases in Canada and England from 1942on the craft.
46. Feeney joined the Keystone Capital Chapter of
the Retired Officers' Association, and continues to
In June, 1994 the USAF Historical Agency at
serve as its Treasurer. H e assists in fund drives to help
Maxwell A F B , A L advised m e that they had no
the Hospice Unit of the Lebanon, P A Veterans
record of downed P-51 's being rebuilt by the
Administration Medical Center.
Germans. Then in July, 1994 I learned from
L T C Maury Dyer U S A F (Ret) that when he
flew with the 44th, he was informed that the
Germans did use cannibalized parts from
aircraft that crashed or were forced to land
in Germany. H e said that "what got our
people's attention was that w e could be shot
down by one of them."
They were called 'Mavericks.'
Before the war, Feeney was attending
Northeastern University in Boston, M A .
Following discharge, he returned to the
University, earning a B S in Business
Administration. Shortly thereafter he
reenlisted in the army in CIC. After training at Ft.
Holabird, M D and serving as an agent in Washington
D C , he received a direct commission in the Finance
Corps. H e served with the A r m y Audit Agency and
held a number of General Staff assignments in
Alaska, the U.S. and Korea.
JOE ANC! MildREd FEENEY W'T^ Col. Roy DEVEcchio
AWARDS and DECORATIONS
The army decided to send him to the University of
Colorado where he earned his M B A in 1962. His last
foreign duty was a Comptroller Advisor to the Iranian
Forces and their S C S ( D O D equivalent). H e was
stationed with A R M I S H M A A G Hqs. in Tehran, Iran.
(The Shah was still ruling at that time, and the
relations with American personnel were very good.
After Feeney left, his replacement was murdered, and
matters continued to go d o w n hill after that.) His last
assignment was a Chief Pay Systems, Office Chief of
Finance, D.A. H e also served as chairman of the D O D
Military Pay Conference Committee. H e retired in
November, 1968. Following retirement he was
23
Legion of Merit, Hq. Dept. of Army, July 31, 1968
A M w/1 O L C , 8th Air Force, 1945
D O D Joint Service Commendation Army Medal,
11 March 1965
D A Army Commendation Medal. 11 March 1965
Army G C
American Campaign Medal
Europe-Africa-Middle East Campaign Medal
w/4 Battle Stars
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Reserve Medal
Imperial Iranian Forces Commendation,
November 18, 1967
�COLLECTING OUR HISTORY
In the last issue of 8 Ball Tails under Will
Sez I complimented and congratulated
our Prez, Ed Mikoloski and Pete Frizzell
for working so hard and successfully to
salvage many of our 44th BG's photos.
Pete had made a long flight from Florida
to Massachusettes to meet Ed Mikoloski
and a quick drive to southern Maine.
These two men managed to get great
cooperation from Rick Becker, a dealer,
to copy many photos already sold on the
Internet and to purchase the remaining
44th B G photos on hand at a bargain
basement price.
At that time we were sure that we had
obtained all of the photos that Bill
Robertie had accumulated after the war,
having worked with Capt. HarveII, our
official photographic officer, for years to
get copies of all that HarveII had in his
44th collection. I had contacted Bill
Robertie's widow, Hazel, verified that she
would donate all those photos remaining
in her possession. She said that she had
placed them all in a medium sized box
and would be mailing them to m e shortly,
as she was moving that next weekend.
Two weeks later the box arrived with
numerous photos, but most of them were
nose art of other groups, along with some
fine photos used in Harvell's book. But
there were no crew photos! Disappointed
with the lack of those precious photos, I
wondered if perhaps they did not take or
at least keep copies of our later 1944 and
1945 crews? It was a mystery.
But shortly afterwards Deja Vu came into
the picture. Yes, again, many beautiful
44th B G crew photos were up for bid on
the Internet! Astounding and frustrating!
H o w can that be -- where had they c o m e
from? Had w e not got all that Hazel had
in her basement? No! It was soon learned
that again, Rick Becker had many more
of our crew photos up for sale! Source?
Again, it was from Robertie's basement.
And again it was Pete Frizzell rushing to
his airport in Florida with all of his camera
equipment, flying up to meet Prez Ed,
and driving back to South Berwick, Maine
to try again to make a deal with Rick.
This is a story up to date. Surely now
there will not be a third "appearance" of
new Harvell/Robertie photos. But I can't
emphasize enough how extremely lucky
w e have been to have the interest and
support of Pete Frizzell. Without his alert
But this time it was different because the searches of the Internet, as well as his
taking time off work and having the
m a n who had purchased all of the
photographic equipment on hand,
remaining things in Hazel's basement -dropping all activities, w e surely would
things she could not take with her -- had
have lost forever a large portion of our
learned the value of old photographs after
photographic
history. Rick Becker was so
his first sale to Rick. This time it cost Rick
impressed
with
his character that he fully
$3,000, so there was no way the 44thers
trusted
Pete
with
complete control of
could afford to purchase his remaining
those precious photos. Rick even took
photos. Instead, Rick was good enough
Pete to dinner! Rick himself, deserves the
to permit Pete to take his own photos of
thanks
and appreciation of all of us. He,
his originals -- approximately 200 of
too,
helped
make it possible.
them. W e did not get the originals back
but w e did not lose those rare crew
In retrospect, our problems resulted from
photos that had eluded our efforts over
assuming that Mrs. Robertie was fully
the past 10 years. I a m sure that in the
aware of the records that Bill had
approximate 200 "new" crew photos, I
accumulated over the years. Obviously,
have very few in my collection. Now,
she did not because several years ago
when those negatives are converted to
she told m e that there were N O photos in
pictures, w e will have photos of so many
her basement. Too, Hazel was deep into
of our combat m e n available to add into
the confusion of moving. I can relate to
our data base.
that problem having just moved for the
Steve Adams was able to outbid others to first time in 40 years. She was having to
pack herself alone and time was running
obtain several of these photos, but for the
out.
So she elected to call for help to
most part, one bidder, Huckleberryduck
dispose of what remained in her
has outbid almost all others. Per Steve's
basement as she had no need for it.
arithmetic, he has already spent over
$2,200 for those that he has acquired.
Although it was a difficult situation,
And there will be many more on which to
nevertheless, w e all should give our
bid. Fortunately, too, two other m e n w h o
sincere
thanks to the Robertie family for
were very interested in these photos,
the years that they served in the 2nd A D A
managed to successfully bid on several
and for their treasure trove of 44th B G
of them. W h e n contacted by Steve
historical material.
Adams, both m e n volunteered to provide
copies for us. O n e asked to join our
organization. He is most welcome, of
v.
®
course, and he even suggested that as a
m e m b e r he might donate all of his
originals later in his life. Great! Some
wonderful things have resulted even
through the bad luck we've experienced.
24
�happened to him/them on THAT DAY. It then would
seem to be more like a book, adding the many
interesting and appropriate information to bring out
the personal touch. If there were additional diaries
written covering this same mission, how much greater
May, 2001
the scope of the "picture" could be. This data could
include the b o m b load, time of takeoff, altitude,
I suspect that most of you 44thers are aware that I temperatures, types and number of aircraft attacks,
have been working at the "job" of 44th BG Historian for type and severity of enemy actions, on to events that
many years. So I should have and did accumulate a
occurred in this or other planes that day. With so much
goodly number of your personal diaries and your
of this type of information already collected, there
accounts of personal experiences. Many of these I
surely must be some way to utilize it.
used in m y old book, Roll of Honor and Casualties, and
A few days after writing that letter I got a phone call
some of these could have made their way into the data
from our great friend, Arlo, reminding m e that he had
base for those connected with the loss of our planes
foreseen this need when he developed the program
and crews. For the most part, however, they had not
been processed, but should have. The main reason that and already had it available. He had m e turn on m y
they are not yet data entered is their condition and cost computer and then "walked" m e through it! Yes,
indeed, his program was up and running, needed only
to process. So many of them were handwritten, and
to be provided the stories! So, the program is already
are now scattered through out all of m y inept file
there, the stories and diaries are here, then the next
system.
step, of course, would be to get a move on, have them
Obviously, here in these personal stories and diaries data entered.
there are considerably more elements of our history
Arlo had an answer to that eventually, as well. I must
tied up, both large and short, that should be added to
our data base. I have saved them for years in the hopes first "dig" them out, and that is almost literal, to make
them available to a data entry team. Hopefully, there
that we could get them into other books, or hopefully,
into a computer program. But much to m y amazement, could be volunteers found out there among our
members w h o would be willing to type the stories onto
I have learned that it truly is possible! I have
a
computer disk in a uniform way. If sufficient
mentioned these diaries to Arlo Bartsch on several
occasions in the past two years but never in any detail. volunteers cannot be found, then we should pay for
this service. Then Arlo need only to get the disks to
He would always assure m e that it could be done and
transfer the data to the proper places in the data base.
that he had foreseen the value of them and wrote
IF w e get enough volunteer cooperation on this
programs to do that type of data entry.
project, w e could save money on data entry costs and
A few days ago I got serious with that subject, wrote a
w e could make our current funds go so much further,
letter to Arlo describing m y hopes and including some
enriching our data base history. In other words, it
forms and suggestions and sent them to him. Earlier I
could furnish the readers with so many more
had given him two very good diaries for him to read so
interesting and factual details about the way this war
that he could appreciate how valuable they were for
was fought and won in the air.
our history, and hoped that he might try to find a
For those of you who haven't already obtained one of
solution to get them entered. It had not happened and
Arlo's CDs let m e try to detail for you how these diaries
therefore I had incorrectly assumed that it could not be
and stories could be located in the data base. See the
done. Perhaps m y hopes that these diary stories could
following instructions, but please bear with m e as I
not be made readily available to the reader straight
have little knowledge of the proper computer
from the sortie reports that have already been entered.
terminology to use in such a procedure.
If they could, then our readers would be able to view
the sortie reports and know immediately if any crew
II u( ^£4/nay
member had recorded his experiences of what
WILL SEZ
25
�HOW TO USE THE DISK FOR PERSONAL STORIES AND DIARIES IN ARLO'S 44TH BGVA
MILITARY HERITAGE DATA BASE PROGRAM
1 - Bring up the 44th BG Data Base Program from Start Up.
2 • CLICK on LOAD SEIECTED G R O U P in the upper left section • 44th BG • it is the default Bomb Group already
loaded and waiting.
3 • On this Main Menu Screen CLICK on PERSONAL MILITARY R E C O R D S (top left block).
4 • This will bring up the Personal Selection Form. In 'FIND W H O ' type in the Block Space the last name of the
person you are checking and CLICK on SEIECT.
5 • This will bring up the 44th BG's complete listing of personnel, but specifically to the ALPHA area of the
name that you selected. Find the specific full name of your search, move cursor to this person's line, then
CLICK on it E F T SIDE BLOCK to darken it, and CLICK on the top right hand box, SEIECT.
This will bring up a summary listing of all missions flown by this person, in date sequence.
6 • Also available here are buttons to obtain Personal Biography and Crew Photos.
Move the cursor to the Mission Number desired or date or mission target and CLICK on the small box, left side.
It will darken. Then move cursor to bottom of page.
CLICK on box S H O W CREW. A FULL SCREEN SORTIE REPORT will appear for that mission. Select the name of
the crew member that has an incident or story to tell. Move the cursor to the small box to the left of his
name and CLICK on it. This will highlight that box, then move cursor down to bottom of page to the box
labeled VIEW PRINTOUT, and CLICK on that box.
This will bring up a new full screen, again with some mission data but set up only for this airman and his story
or account of this mission. It will show his full name, Rank and Duty. Below this line and for the
remainder of the page is space available for this crewman's complete story. If the story is extensive, it
will continue on to another page. Or it might show only some basic facts, such as bomb load, time of
takeoff, degree of flak, etc.
If other crew members also have personal accounts, they, too, can be accessed by the same procedure.
To return to the Flight Crew Report for this mission, CLICK on the "X" box, top right corner.
DISKS ARE AVAILABIE FOR $153. WRITE:
44th Bomb Group Veterans Association, RO. Box 71228, Salt Lake City, UT 84171-2287
hbombgrou p.com
1. .sv**: ^a&pre
v_
%
26
�February, 2001
Prepared by:
and his final one with the V. J. Scherburg crew. Pat
was a devoted member of the 44th BGVA, once getting
out of his sick bed to attend another reunion.
CRITTENDEN, CHARLES A. - Date Unknown - Mail
Returned. He appears to have been a member in the
early 1950's.
DUNKERSLEY, GAYLE J. - Date Unknown - 0-688006.
He was a Navigator on the E. A. Herzing crew that was
assigned to the 506th Squadron in March, 1944. They
flew their first mission on 1 April and their second and
last one on 8 April 1944. All crew members became
Prisoners of War for 13 months.
BEEBE, TRAVIS -17 August 1997 - He was a
member of the 806 Chemical Company that worked
closely with the Ordnance sections of the four
Squadrons.
FEINSTEIN, (FENTON) MILTON S. -1991 - 0-735298.
Navigator. 66th Squadron. He flew his first mission
with the G.R. Insley crew on 27 September 1943. This
crew completed their tour on 20 April 1944, returned
to the US for R&R. But these dedicated men returned
to the 44th again, and were assigned to the 506th
Squadron. Flew their first mission of the second tour
on 1 August 1944, many times flying in A/C Southern
Comfort. Capt. Feinstein completed his 47th mission
on 25 April 1945, the last mission of the war.
CHANDLER, LAWRENCE W. - 24 November 2000 36427258. 68th Squadron. He served as Engineer of
the A. A. Starring crew that arrived at Shipdham on 8
December 1943. This crew was involved with
learning many of the RAF lessons about the German
A.F. tactics and several practice flights. On 21
January 1944 they flew their first and last mission,
were shot down by enemy aircraft. They were one of
the four planes and crews lost by the 68th Sq. that
day. Lawrence was the only crewman to evade
capture, had many dangerous moments before he
successfully made his way back to London on 20
May. He spent two days at Shipdham before
returning to the US on 23 May 1944.
COLIC, PATRICK L. - Date Unknown - 506th
Squadron. "Pat" was a gunner on the T. G. Water's
crew that arrived in the 44th BG in June, 1944, and
the last of his tour on 14 January 1945. His
last mission with the Waters crew came on 2
January 1945, flown as Right Waist Gunner.
t Included in these last few missions were
those with the crews of H. C. Tyree, Ogden
FLESHER, ISAAC A. - August, 1998 (incorrectly shown
as Flesber in Spring issue). 16053266. Joined the 68th
Squadron on 3/31/42. Was with the ground echelon
that departed NYC in September, 1942 on board the
Queen Mary. Was a Radio Operator, transferred over to
combat, flew his first mission 27 January 1943 with
the W.T. Holmes crew. He was wounded on the Kiel
mission 14 May 1943. He also flew the Ploesti mission
on 1 August 1943 with the J. H. Diehl crew and
completed his tour of 25 missions with the Hughes
crew on 18 November 1943. He continued to serve on
DS and finally returned to the US on 14 April 1944.
27
�r FOREHAND, CHARLES C. -14 February 2001 - 67th
NORTHFELT, W A L L A C E D. - Date Unknown 506th Squadron. He served as Navigator on the
W.C. Irwin crew that was assigned to the 506th
Squadron on 27 February 1944. Their first and only
mission was 18 March 1944, when badly damaged by
flak, were forced to land in Switzerland, interned.
Squadron. He flew his first mission on the first 44th
BG mission of 7 November 1942, but with the 68th Sq.
crew of J. D. Dubard, Waist Gunner. His last mission
on Kiel raid, 14 May 1943 was with the C.L. Phillips
crew, 67th Squadron. The airplane was shot down,
with Charles and three others becoming P O W s . He had
a total of eleven missions.
PETERSON, WOODROW W. - 4 April 2001 - 67th
Squadron. Woodrow was a Radio Operator on the W. F.
Gilbert crew which flew their first mission on 30 May
1944. Included in his missions was the first mission on
D-Day, June 6th. He concluded his tour of duty - 30
missions - on 3 August 1944.
JENNEY, THELO - 5 July 2000. He was a member of
the 464th Sub-Depot.
LIGHT, HERBERT M. -11 March 2001. 0-727354. He
joined the 68th Squadron on 8/3/42, arrived in England
on 10/2/42 as the Bombardier on the J. H. Diehl crew.
He was a member of the R. Phillips crew that attacked
the Ploesti Oil Fields on 1 August 1943. Completed his
tour of duty on 22 August 1943 and transferred to the
2nd Air Division in mid-September, 1943. He was
credited with shooting down one enemy aircraft, F W
190 on 3/18/43.
PINO, PIETRO - 5 March 2001 - 0-807042. Co-pilot for
the W. L. Wahler crew that was assigned to the 67th
Squadron on 3 February 1944. First mission was flown
on 25 February, and last one dated 31 July 1944. On 8
April 1944, their aircraft was badly damaged by fighter
attacks but managed to get back to the base. There,
most of the crew bailed out before the two pilots
skillfully landed their B-24 without further damages or
injuries. Pietro's last few missions were flown with
different 1st pilots.
McCLANE, JOHN W - Date Unknown - 0-814368. 68th
Squadron. John was a Navigator on the C. D. Peretti
crew that arrived at Shipdham AAF Base on 14 April
SUDDRETH, RAY-16 November2000-0-817861 Lt.
1944. In a very short period he flew his first of 29
Suddreth joined the 68th Squadron on 3/5/44 and
missions on 22 April. And again in less than a week
completed
his tour on 10/3/44. His early missions
attacked Berlin. John seemed to consider Lili Marlene
as their aircraft. This crew was sent to a rest home for were flown as co-pilot for the J. W. Principe crew
starting on 5/23/44, and flew two of the three missions
a week on 13 September 1944. John completed his
of D-Day with that crew. On 9/10/44 he flew his first
tour on 2 October 1944 and was transferred to the
mission of many others as 1st Pilot.
70th Replacement Depot on 9 October 1944 to be
returned to the US. John was very active in his work
WILSON, ALFRED R. - 5 February 2001 - 0-753096 with the 44th BG. He served on the Board in the early
Bombardier. Alfred flew his first mission as a member
44th H M G for many years. Too, he was their official
of the D. H. Dines crew on 26 April 1944. He flew many
video technician, recording all of their reunions,
of his early missions with the R. E. Van Ess crew,
recording many interviews during these reunions even
including one on D-Day. Then, was with several
in England and every banquet in their entirety. He
different 506th Squadron crew until he completed his
seldom was able to enjoy a hot meal at any of these
tour of duty on 2 November 44 with the G. M. Beiber
affairs. John also absorbed all of the video expenses
crew.
and donated the film records to the 44th BG archives.
John also compiled three booklets of his experiences
from training and all through each of his missions.
John had the great courage to tell one and all about his
personal fears during many of these missions and in
detail. He had the courage to donate these
booklets to our archives so that everyone will
know just how difficult these missions were
for our airmen. W e salute you, John.
28
�From
Bob Laas,
this poem by
Roger
Freeman
September, 1996
D o you remember Little Joe, a guy just five feet one?
But he stood as tall as any man when up against the Hun.
He'd swing that ball and deal out lead, and most times make a kill;
He never seemed to have a care. H e thought the war a thrill.
O n e day he flew with another crew, the ship got hit and blew;
The ball was seen to spin away, and what could poor Joe do?
He had no chute inside that thing; He never had a chance.
There wasn't much to bury at a cemetery in France.
Or am I wrong? I get confused. Was Joe some other guy?
M y memories get muddled as the years go rolling by.
D o you remember Little Joe, a forty seven Ace?
A grin that went from ear to ear across his youthful face.
He knocked them down at quite a rate when up there in the blue.
It seemed like he had a winning streak that wasn't going to break.
But Joe got overconfident and made the big mistake.
He made a second strafing pass across a Jerry base.
The flak just blew his plane to bits and spread it round the place.
Or am I wrong? 1 get confused. Was Joe some other guy?
M y memories get muddled as the years go rolling by.
D o you remember Little Joe? W a s he the e.m.s. cook
With Brooklyn brogue and olive skin? His was that Latin look.
He always had a cheery word and fed us best he could,
Yet guys bitched about the chow, and never understood,
He had to work with what he had. The rations were so tight,
For oranges and eggs were saved for m e n w h o had to fight.
He didn't get a Purple Heart when knocked down by a truck,
A n d yet he served country well 'til running out of luck.
Or am I wrong? I get confused. Was Joe some other guy?
M y memories get muddled as the years go rolling by.
D o you remember Little Joe, a six foot four inch guy?
A bombardier w h o was the tops when up there in the sky.
In sighting in his targets, he never seemed to fail.
H e knew that Norden inside out, and hit them on the nail.
The flak would burst around his ship, and Messerschmidts attack,
But Joe would never leave his sight until he had a shack.
For twenty seven missions, he gave his very best;
A n d then a Jerry 2 0 mil exploded in his chest.
Or am I wrong? I get confused. Was Joe some other guy?
M y memories get muddled as the years go rolling by.
D o you remember Little Joe? I'm not sure that I do.
If tall or short, or dark or blond, brown eyes, or were they blue?
A pilot or an engineer? A sergeant or major?
A novice in the task of war? A vet', a real old stager?
I only know that he was young, a kid become a man,
Exuberant and sure he'd win to live life's full span.
I guess he was ten thousand guys w h o didn't see it through,
For cause and county matter not, he did what he must do
To make this world a better place, the challenge of his day,
T o give the whole darn human race more time to find its way.
29
�r
*39
^33 MAIL & E-MAIL ^
The 44th has sustained another tragic loss. Col
G o o d m a n Griffin passed away at his home in Ft
Walton Beach, Florida. Not only was he an
invaluable administrative officer during the war but
was a uniquely funny speaker at 44th Reunions. The
information about this beloved member is not
available for this issue. A report of his life will
appear in the next 8 Ball Tails.
The 8 Ball Tails notes the passing of a devoted
friend of the 44th B o m b Group, Salli JohnsonAbbott, youngest daughter of General Leon
Johnson. Services were held at Faith Chapel Funeral H o m e , Pensacola, Florida. President Mikoloski, longtime friend of the Johnson family, attended the funeral, February 28. Our condolences go
out to her two sons, Leon Barnes and Nathan
Abbott.
Jackie Robert's story of the search for her father,
Jack Ostenson, 68th Sq. brought this unexpected
response from Mrs. Mary C. Hoke, widow of John
L. Dickinson, Engineer on the flight that brought
d o w n A/C #42-7514. She read the Jackie's story and
called her, learning for the first time that John's
name is on the Wall of the Missing at the Ardennes
Cemetery.
Editor's Note: It is amazing to me. The number of
44th members with connections to the mission to
Escalles-Sur-Buchy, all in one issue: Milton
Rosenblatt; Lois Cianci, daughter of Clair Sheajfer;
Jackie Roberts, daughter of Jack Ostenson; Archie
Barlow; and now, our newest member, Mary Hoke.
Like ripples in a pond, every deadly mission slashed
into the lives of many people.
From Michael O'Neil, Vice President of the
Distinguished Flying Cross Society: The 8 Ball
Tails carried misleading information regarding this
organization, which he wishes to have corrected.
First, the D F C S can only advise deserving veterans
h o w to go about getting an earned D F C award. They
do not issue them. If any airman feels he has earned
the D F C but did not receive it, he should contact his
C o m m a n d i n g Officer or ex-Awards and Decorations
Officer. Only these officers can recommend the
Award. O'Neil further states that the D F C was
awarded only w h e n a m e m b e r of any and all U.S.
Military Forces "distinguishes himself by heroism
and extraordinary achievement while participating
in aerial flight."
From Denis Davison: On page 35 of Volume 3 Issue #7 - Spring, 2001 is a picture of a sergeant
sewing stripes.
I a m very proud to say that
this m a n is m y father. First
Sergeant William Robert
Davison.
It warmed m y heart w h e n
m y mother showed m e his
picture had been printed in
this newsletter.
I have this original picture here at home along
with others that I will soon send to all of you as
soon as I can get them sorted and scanned.
I regret to inform the group that m y father passed
away on January 29, 1997. H e was a wonderful man
<^9
From Luc Dewez in Belgium: "My godfather, Luc
Vansammilliette, died at the age of 65." The two had
a very close relationship. Luc V told his godchild
about the death of close friends and family when
Belgium accepted defeat; of the four year German
occupation; and in '44, the arrival of the Americans.
In return, Luc D dazzled his godfather, telling him
about the bomber stories which he had collected.
These conversations were undoubtedly the
inspiration for young Luc, a m e m b e r of the
44th B G , to write books about W W I I .
and I a m very proud of him.
®
30
��������44 TH
BOMB GROUP
VETERANS ASSOCIATION BOARD
2002
Official Journal of The
President Emeritus: B/Gen. John H. Gibson
(Ret)
7008 Gateridge Drive
Dallas, T X 75254
Phone (972) 239-0559
U.K. Representative: Steve A d a m s
28 Bassingham Rd.
Norwich, England N R 3 2 Q T
Phone/Fax: 011-44-1603-400221
e-mail: s.p.adams@btinternet.com
Compiled, written and
President: Gerald (Jerry) Folsom (506)
3582 East Dover Hill Road
Salt Lake City, U T 84121-5527
Phone (801) 733-7371 Fax: (801) 942-9988
e-mail: 44thbgva@xmission.com
Historian: Roger Fenton
4311 East Sunrise Drive
Phoenix, A Z 85044-1010
Phone: (480) 893-3761
e-mail: lomadanger@aol.com
First Vice President: Roy W. Owen (506)
6304 Meadowridge Drive
Santa Rosa, C A 95409-5839
Phone: (707) 538-4726 Fax: (707) 538-1212
e-mail: Rowen44bg@aol.com
Secretary & 8 Ball Tails Editor:
Ruth W . Davis-Morse
2041 Village Circle East
York, PA 17404
Phone (717) 846-8948 Fax: (717) 846-6688
e-mail: rewdm@blazenet.net
Treasurer: Richard Lynch (67)
Box 518
Conrad, IA 50621-0518
Phone: (641)366-2414
e-mail: r_blynch@netins.net
Immediate Past President:
Edw. K. "Mike" Mikoloski (66/67)
626 Smithfield Road #702
N. Providence, Rl 02904
Phone/Fax: (401) 353-0144
e-mail: E K M L I B 4 4 @ m s n . c o m
The 8 Ball Tails©
44th Bomb Group
Veterans Association,
Inc.©
published tri-yearly at
2041 Village Circle
East, York, PA, by Ruth
W. Davis-Morse, Editor.
Printed and mailed Bulk
Archivist: C.W. "Will" Lundy (67)
Rate at Salt Lake City,
2519 WestvilleTrl
UT under USPS Permit
Cool, C A 95614-2008
#6923. All original
Phone/Fax: (530) 886-8636 (Winter)
e-mail: willundy@aol.com
written material such
P.O. Box 315, Bridgeport, C A 93517 (Summer) as letters, stories,
Phone/Fax: (760) 932-7349
excerpts from personal
diaries or memoirs,
Membership, Search: Art Hand (66)
drawings and photos
517 Elm Street
Paris, IL 61944-1417
submitted to this
Phone/Fax: (217) 463-5905
journal will become the
e-mail: k9hwp@comwares.net
property of the 44th
Bomb Group Veterans
Director: Robert Lee Aston (67)
Association
and will be
830 Cardinal Drive
Elberton, G A 30635-2606
copyright protected
Phone/Fax: (706) 283-1337
except where noted.
e-mail: leeaston@negia.net
The text and photos are
otherwise reproduced
Director: Robert Paul Kay (Paul) (68)
10411 Brook Lane S W
from official USAAF
Tacoma, W A 98499
and USAF documents
Phone: (253) 584-4420
and photos which have
ASSOCIATION MAILING ADDRESS: been released for
publication. Permission
44th B G V A
is granted for the
P.O. Box 712287
Salt Lake City, U T 84171-2287
contents of this journal
to be reproduced
specifically for personal
archives. Otherwise,
Visit our website @ www.44thbombgroup.com
j
copyright material herein may be reproduced by the journal of other incorporated non-profit veterans organizations so long as this
publication is properly credited and prior permission is granted by the editor.
Those submitting letters, stories and photos to the editor or historian must do so with the understanding that this
most likely be published in this journal as a matter of interest to the members/subscribers of the Association and this journal. While
every attempt will be made to answer all of the material received, there is no explicit or implied guarantee that an answer will be
provided or published. Except for specific requests for the return of original documents and photos, all material submitted will
become the property of the 44th Veterans Association, Inc., or its successors.
�r
Another took At Europe
There W A S time to \&u$h; * time to crvj,
A time to be inspired A time to remember.
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Kneeling: Larry Herpel. First Row (standing): Left to Right: Sidney Paul, Elizabeth Paul; Jack Schiffer, Delores Shipley, Jackie Roberts,
Mary Aston, Marie Hughes, Ruth Morse, Ann Natilli, Louis DeBlasio, Carole Amato, Frank Amato. Back Row: Jerry Folsom, Bill Kelly,
Norman Powell, Beverly Folsom, Charlotte Huntley, Lee Aston, Russell Huntley, Perry Morse, Lois Cianci, Tony Cianci, Charlie Hughes,
Will Lundy, Irene Lundy, Rose Maglione, Larry Maglione, Lowell Roberts.
Larry Herpel is probably one of the great optimists
of this century. Imagine trying to put another trip
together after the cancellation on Nine-Eleven!
Grounded in N e w Orleans for four days, he had to
cancel the first trip by phone, begging those he
could contact to notify others. H e managed hotel
and guide cancellations, sent refunds; and then
worked on the next adventure. In late M a y the
entourage reassembled and Paris was waiting.
Walking steps d o w n the Eiffel Tower is a bit
laborious, but there is lots of trivia to be learned
along the way. The French flag was taken d o w n in
June, 1940, when France fell. Lucien Sarniquet
carried it back up August 25, 1944, when Paris
was liberated, but at his o w n peril. A lingering
German shot at him. (Until then, the Germans
were loving Paris. They hated to give it back to
the French.)
The City of Lights was celebrating Liberation Day
with a ceremony at the Arch of Triumph and a
parade of well groomed horses and riders in stately
uniforms. W e couldn't get near the Arch, as
dignitaries were everywhere.
The Castle at Versailles was breathtakingly
beautiful, but its beauty was overshadowed by bad
weather. T o see the rail car where the Treaty of
Versailles was signed, and where Hitler danced in
triumph when France fell, required a longer
journey. We'll see that on the next trip.
j
3
�Jackie Roberts and the
Administrator at
Normandy.
At Normandy, Jackie Roberts found her father's
n a m e on the Wall of Honor; and w h e n the
Administrator learned that the daughter of a
missing airman was present, he hurriedly grabbed
wet sand and highlighted Jack Ostenson's name, so
it photographed clearly. Although most of us have
been to Normandy previously, and had seen the
monument and endless rows of graves; it is no less
awesome on a return trip. It truly is hallowed
ground.
Our Belgium friend, Peter Loncke, led us to the
monument at Winbrin, honoring the Pinder crew.
O n hand for a beautiful ceremony were Joseph
Lafalize, the Burgomaster and his wife, Marleen,
w h o donated the land for the monument. It is
located only about 100 yards from the crash site of
A C #42-7547 X-Bar. This gentleman was mayor at
the time of the crash. M a n y of the local people
came to the event. S o m e remember January 29,
1944, w h e n the plane went down; and many have
a very clear m e m o r y of G e r m a n occupation. A
representative of the current mayor delivered a
stirring speech of appreciation to Americans. Peter
read his p o e m of gratitude (printed on Page 6),
and called for a m o m e n t of silence, in memory of
those w h o perished at that site.
Along with the plaque naming the crew, is a
smaller plaque inspired by Forrest S. Clark, in
honor of his friend A b e Sofferman. Wishing to
complete his tour, Sofferman flew that mission in
place of Clark, forfeiting his life for this decision.
Sidney Paul
at
Normandy.
Peter Loncke, Jerry Folsom, Joseph Hofalize and a dignitary from the local villag
honored the members of the Pinder Crew.
�The next day, Peter led the bus to the T o w n Hall
at Hamminkeln, Germany. Here a mayor's
representative and a capable interpreter honored
the members of the Crandell and Chandler crews;
w h o crashed in nearby Wesel. While enjoying tea,
coffee, soft drinks and snacks, 44th B G members
listened to declarations of gratitude for peace
between our countries. In the audience was Peter
Emmerich, the anti-aircraft gunner whose careful
aim brought d o w n K-Bar from the 67th Squadron;
and Southern Comfort from the 506 Squadron; and
according to the records, two from another group.
Bastogne stands as one of the most ferocious
battles in Europe, and it took place in the coldest
winter that the Continent had ever known. Called
'Hitler's Last Gamble,' it was the Fuhrer's last
ditch effort to turn back the tide of Allied soldiers
that were painfully but steadily advancing toward
the Fatherland. A well preserved Sherman Tank
sits in the T o w n Square, and the M u s e u m tells the
story of the grit and determination of Americans to
prevail. A look-out tower, shaped like a five point
star, provides a view of the distant town.
The names of all the 48 states are listed, all
credited for contributing to the victory which
Americans call "The Battle of the Bulge."
Europeans call it "The Ardennes Battle." General
George Patton was assigned to bring relief to
General McAuliffe's beleaguered troops.
In his earthy way, General Patton sized up
the situation. H e said, "This time the
Kraut has stuck his head in a meat
grinder; and this time I've got the
handle." W h e n Patton arrived and when
the skies cleared, the planes unleashed
furor on the enemy and supplies to our
soldiers. Hitler's last gamble was a loser.
Division. Doubleday's efforts to preserve and
enhance the complex were very apparent. W e
wandered through the old buildings, trying to
imagine their uses 57 years ago. It is a farm again,
but the land shows traces of its glorious history.
Our British friend John Page accompanied us to
the Control Tower, n o w tragically dilapidated. Its
owner sells construction cranes all over the world.
From the tower, you can look across at the Aero
Club. There are lines of light green amid the dark
green plantings. Those are traces of the 44ths
runways. The asphalt was removed years ago, but
still shows evidence of past glory. The members of
Shipdham Aero Club prepared a reception and
dinner for the group that was magnificent. Mike
Artherton, Vice Chairman, had told m e on the
previous night, that they were planning a festive
event. It was truly delightful, climaxed by inviting
Jerry Folsom to cut the ribbon to a beautiful
newly-constructed deck.
Mike gave Jerry and me a tour of the changes
which have been made, and his aspirations for the
future. The Club is eager for an on-going
relationship between their members and the
families of the 44th; and they have m u c h to offer
When we crossed the Channel and saw
that historically welcome sight, the White
Cliffs of Dover, w e remembered the song,
and w e sang it. In Norwich, Steve A d a m s
joined us at the 2nd Air Division
Memorial Library. For those w h o had not
seen it before, it was absolutely
captivating. N o matter h o w long anybody
stays there, it is never long enough.
Andrew Doubleday, his wife Debbie, neighbors
and friends joined together in hosting a spacious
setting of delightful treats in the complex where
B/Gen. Leon Johnson commanded the 14th Air
Will Lundy climbed to the top of the tower he worked so valiantly
to preserve. Unfortunately, time and circumstances have brought
the tower to almost complete ruin.
�for the arrangement. They plan to expand
the M u s e u m and strengthen the sixty year
old structures which were hurriedly
constructed to meet the immediate needs of
the War. Mike is in charge of the grounds,
and envisions a Memorial Garden. (Editors
Note: Do you have any ideas of how the
Club should be preserved? What should go
into the Memorial Garden ? They would
like to hear from the 44th. Do you have a
child or grandchild who is interested in
flying? The Aero Club would like an
exchange program with American and
British children. What a fantastic
arrangement that could be.)
Lois Cianci, Charlie Hughes and Lee
Aston took advantage of the invitation to
fly. Lois rode in a glider, and was given
the opportunity to sit at the controls. What
a joy for her, looking d o w n on the same
runways her father had looked upon long
ago. The Aero Club has 75 members w h o
fly, plus their families and 30 social
members. Currently there are fourteen
planes and five gliders based there. Are
you interested in a contact? Mike Atherton
can be reached at M.Artherton@Netcom.co.uk
The history of the 44th is tied to the
Shipdham Aero Club. All of the members,
plus Mrs. Paterson, owner, want to
maintain an on-going contact with
Americans. It is a relationship that w e
cannot allow to wither. The planes at
Duxford, the graves at Cambridge, the
monuments in London are all part of our
history and our psyche. W e know it, and
so do the English people.
When we were ready to go home, Beverly
Folsom summed up the trip very succinctly.
She said, " W e thought the 1997 trip could
never be equaled, but w e were wrong. This
one was just as amazing."
To all Aircrew of the United States
A r m y Air Force who flew in WWII.
By Peter Loncke
Sgt. Belgium Air Force
Boys of then,
w h o are m e n today,
turned in their civvies
to free m y land.
volunteers they were,
these aircrew chaps,
w h o gave the Hun
no place of fun.
Belgian people in those days
would listen carefully to their voice,
the voice of their engine
w h o night and day boasted their morale
in a magnificent way.
No one else
as those involved,
will ever understand
the meaning of it all.
A song of freedom high above,
w h o would bring relief
for the people
I so dearly love.
My father and mother,
and many more,
have prayed for you
to win the war.
We think of them,
these magnificent m e n
of the united States Air Force,
w h o served and died to free m y land.
�Vhoto Album
44* B G V A ~ Trip of Europe 2002
In Belgium: At the Wall of Honor, Jackie Roberts and Lois
Cianci pay tribute to T/Sgt. Clair P. Schaeffer, Lois's
father, whose plane piloted by Frank Sobotka, was lost
January 21,1944.
1
In Shipdham: John Page, longtime friend of the 44th
BGVA, and Peter Bovell, Chairman of the Shipdham Aero
Club, discuss the Club's future.
Steve and Jan Adams. Steve has made
major contributions to preservation of the
history of the 44th, both at the Aero Club
and in the Memorial Library of the 2nd Air
Division in Norwich.
The bus driver w a s able to wind his way to the little village of Gratenoix
and to the wooded area w e had visited in 1997. The scenery at
Beaussault looked different. Trees had been cut and the dirt road was
widened. Nevertheless, w e found it, the monument to the crash site of
the Sobotka Crew. It had been recently painted; and to Lois's delight, she
saw that the townspeople had placed a fresh bouquet of flowers on the
monument. It reminded us that the tragedy of the Sobatka Crew was not
forgotten. Lois posted a tiny flag into the bouquet, honoring her father
and letting the local people know w e had been there.
®
�r
Jerry Folsom and Mike Atherton look over the
area where a Memorial Garden is proposed.
Mike's enthusiasm spills over when he
discusses his plans for developing the
Shipdham Aero Club into a functional, living
monument to the 44th Bomb Group.
Larry Herpel stands at the entrance to the 506
Squadron Headquarters, honoring his uncle, 1st Lt.
Virgil R. Fouts. Fouts was pilot of the A/C Cactus,
which went down off the coast of Holland. There
were no survivors. It was the crew'sfirstmission
and the 506 Squadron'sfirstloss. Virgil Fouts is
recognized on the Wall of Missing at Cambridge.
It is not possible to walk into the area, as noisy dogs
provided a secure barricade. However, in the interest
of protecting against the epidemic of animal
infections, a posted sign requested that nobody enter
without carefully de-contaminating their shoes.
Andrew Doubleday points to old buildings which he is
working to preserve on his historic farm, former
headquarters of the 14th Combat Wing.
Brian Peel and Perry
Morse renew an old
friendship that started
57 years ago.
*e V*M
�In Germany: Peter Loncke, Louis DeBlasio and Jerry Folsom listen attentively to the moving ceremony in the Mayor's
office in Hamminkeln, Germany. The hospitality w a s truly gracious. Orchestrated by Peter, the Mayor's representative
delivered a beautiful statement of gratitude for peace. A piece of art depicting B 24s at nearby Wesel, painted by a
Belgium artist, hangs on the wall of the Mayor's office, a reminder of a time when the skies were less peaceful.
The restoration staff at
the air m u s e u m at
Duxford, England are
optimistic that they will
find the necessary parts
to rebuild a very old, very
dilapidated B 24.
Ready to debark from
the Rhine cruise are
Lois Cianci, Jerry
Folsom, Tony Cianci,
Larry Herpel and
Beverly Folsom.
�Shipdham. H e is irreplaceable, a
real treasure himself. Thank G o d
his work is being saved."
"Thank you for calling on me for
this most worthy cause, Will
Lundy's valuable and dedicated
work. It is very important that it
be preserved. I would like to
think that historians will look
back 200 years from n o w and
find our story of the Greatest
Generation."
"Thank you for the decal and
trying to preserve this collection
of stories. Please accept m y
donation in m e m o r y of m y Dad."
"Sending this donation in memory
of m y Uncle."
The 2,500 letters which were sent
out several months ago brought in
a sizable donations in the amount
of $13,400.00, which will be used
to record volumes of information
about our W a r experience onto
our database. Thankfully, it also
brought 40-45 new members w h o
never before belonged to the 44th
B o m b Group Veterans
Association.
Unfortunately, some letters came
back stamped "Deceased." Those
m e n were once with us, and n o w
they are gone, along with their
recollections of the War.
Many of the responses came from
widows and children of members
of the 44th. Their messages were
so gratifying, I feel that I should
share some with our readers:
"Thank God for Will Lundy!! He
answered m y plea for help in
locating m yfirsthusband's
military records and his time at
"Pleased to send this donation in
m e m o r y of m y beloved husband,
w h o gave his all."
"Sending this donation; wish I
could do more."
"Donating my first month's pay."
There are many letters written in
this vein. I wish I had saved some
of thefirst,but I never expected
such a flow of memorial letters. It
does tell m e that W W I I is still
very much a part of the awareness
of the families w h o still want to
know about those w h o fought.
The Military Heritage Database
will have true value, long after all
of us are gone.
I want to personally thank all
w h o supported this project
Gerald Folsom, President
Introducing...
Roger Fenton
44th Bomb Group Veterans
Association Board Historian
With the approval of the Board I
have, with his assent, appointed
Roger Fenton tofillthe vacancy
of our Historian left when our
long serving, beloved W i U
L u n d y stepped d o w n in order to
direct his attention to entering
the remaining archives into the
Military Heritage Database, and
update and add to his Roll of
Honor and Casualties book.
Roger began as a researcher for
families seeking information
about the 44th B G V A . H e works
with the Internet, database, and
frequent discussions with Will
Lundy, Archivist par excellent,
researching for relatives seeking
information of someone that was
in the 44th. At last count, Roger
has responded to over 200 requests.
Roger is a Member of the
Association. His father, Milton
Feinstein (Fenton)flewtwo
complete tours with the 44th B G .
Milton passed away in 1991.
(Editors Note: Getting help from
the offspring of a veteran is a
blessing to the 44th. Our history
is so complex, and technology is
so challenging, the value of
Fenton's help cannot be overstated.)
�Operation Varsity Revisited
"They told us it w a s a 'milk
run'/' Louis DeBlasio stated,
recalling March 24, 1945. It was
a low level drop of supplies for
the British Paratroopers w h o
had established a bridgehead
across the Rhine River, 2-1/2
miles W N W of the little town
of Wesel. DeBlasio had been
R W Gunner of the Chandler
crew. The recollections of Sgts.
DeBlasio and Robert Vance,
Tail Gunner, were documented
in Vol. 1, Issue 7 Winter, 1998 of
the 8 Ball Tails. Returning to
Wesel on the recent trip to
Europe sparked n e w interest in
the details of that crash.
Fourteen of the nineteen
bombers dispatched by the 2nd
Air Division did not return.
The 506 Squadron, 44th B o m b
Group led the 14th Wing on the
mission. O n the previous night
there was a leaflet-dropping
operation by other B-24 Units
and British Mosquitoes. O n the
24th, sixty-nine tons of supplies
were loaded onto the B-24's,
with each plane carrying 2-1/2
tons of over 20 bundles. Twelve
bundles were stashed in the
b o m b bay, six around the
Sperry ball turret aperture and
three in the emergency hatch in
the Tail, displacing Vance from
his tail position. This m a d e the
plane tail heavy; so to compensate,
the guns and ammunition were
removed from the aft section of
the plane.
scattered about were abandoned
parachutes left by the
advancing paratroopers. The
planes dropped to 300 feet as
they crossed the Rhine to
assure pinpoint accuracy. The
bell rang, and the two gunners
shoved out the supply bundles.
In the recent trip to Wesel,
DeBlasio was amazed to learn
that w h e n the plane stopped
burning, a teenage boy entered
the wreckage, and he was able
to fire one of the guns stowed
in the front of the plane. Crew
members had been told they
dared not to fire them, for fear
of hitting their allies.
Then, looking out the waist
window, to their horror, they
saw a m a n fall from the aircraft
flying alongside, and watched
as he hit the ground. H e had
become entangled in some
parachute shrouds, and was
pulled from the aircraft with
the supply drop. (This was Sgt.
Anibal Diaz, L W Gunner, on
Lt. Leonard Pyle's crew.)
Most of the crew had not
bothered taking their 'flak'
suits; but Vance and DeBlasio
decided to prepare for the
worst. Their decision to take
the suits saved their lives. This
was the 8th mission for the
Chandler Crew on the Southern
Comfort IV,
Sitting at an anti-aircraft gun
was a Peter Emmerich, age 16.
Peter was doing as he w a s
told-shooting at American
planes. H e shot d o w n four. Just
as the Southern Comfort was
pulling from the drop zone
and banking to the left,
Emmerich's ammunition
struck the plane, causing it to
Leading the formation, the 506 stall momentarily and shudder.
crossed the North Sea at 1,000
Sgt. T h o m a s Clark, L W
feet, and w h e n they reached the Gunner, w h o was in the waist
coast of Holland, they descended
with DeBlasio and Vance,
to 500 feet. The progress of the
helped them open the
war was apparent as the planes
bulkhead door to the b o m b
plowed eastward. Cologne and
bay; but they had to close it
other cities, bridges and docks
immediately. N u m b e r three
were almost completely
engine was afire.
destroyed. A s they approached
Wesel, they could see Allied
DeBlasio and Vance assumed
gliders on the fields, some
ditching positions; the plane
smashed into each other, and
went d o w n , then bounced
�upward. It flew another 100
feet, went d o w n again, circled
and split. DeBlasio and Vance
rolled out. Clark stumbled to
the split; but the plane
exploded before he could exit,
and he died with Chandler;
H u g h O'Donnell, Co-pilot;
Robert Dantsler, Navigator;
T h o m a s Cordes, Bombardier;
Eugene Elliott, Radio
Operator; and Sarkice Nedder,
Engineer and Top Turret Gunner.
J
9
J\
m B 1
l""i
•« igSr'v^
Sgt. Robert Vance returning to Shipdham after
his crash and P O W experience.
A member of Leslie Lee's
Crew, flying
second only to Ploesti in
as nose
losses for a low level
gunner,
mission.
Richard
Lynch,
Meeting the man who
watched the
shot him d o w n w a s an
destruction
awesome experience for
of both
Louis DeBlasio and his
Crandell's
family. Peter Emmerich
and
explained that he was 16
Chandler's
years old w h e n he w a s
planes.
pulled from
Nineteen
school and
Thomas Cordes, Bombardier on
m e n to the
taught to
Southern Comfort KIA at Wesel.
44th died on
shoot the
that mission.
anti-aircraft
DeBlasio and Vance survived
gun. With Peter
and were rescued ten days later
Loncke
by the advancing 2nd U.S.
interpreting,
Armored Division, along with
Peter talked
John Delaney, a P-47 pilot w h o
eagerly to Louis;
crashed after diving at the A A
and later,
guns and dropping white
presented him
phosphorus.
with a gift of a
Through Internet activities of
Peter Loncke, Thomas Cordes's
family has recently become
interested in this crash. It was
awesome for them to learn that
this task force supply drop
suffered all of the B-24 losses. A
total of 22 A / C went d o w n ,
was long gone. Contrary to the
assumption that the plane's
wing had been caught on a
tree, he learned that an electric
power pole had caused it to
circle and split at the fuselage.
That m a d e it possible for the
two gunners to roll to safety,
just minutes before the plane
burst into flames. With Peter
Loncke interpreting, Peter
Emmerich eagerly told his
story; and even w h e n there
w a s no interpreter, he
continued explaining his
experiences in W W I I .
Living in the area is an elderly
gentleman w h o also watched
the plane go down; but being
in ill health, he could not be
present. His wife and several of
the townspeople came to meet
us; and through their gestures,
w e felt their goodwill and
friendship.
hand-carved
wooden
cannon. The
Peter Emmerich and Louis DeBlasio
crash site did
meet 57 years after their
first encounter.
not look
familiar to
Louis—the rows of corn were
replaced with hay; the w a g o n
he and Robert Vance hid under
From a film m a d e
by Ursel Harvel,
Loncke was able
to locate the crash
site and then find
Emmerich and
others w h o had
been present in
1945. A s it
happened, the
negative had been
turned upside
down; so by
watching the
screen in the
mirror, he was
able to locate the
site.
�Russell Huntley's Games With
The Romanian Guards
good tunnel
going, but then
there w a s a big
rainstorm. Our
tunnel collapsed.
The guards
started checking
out our tunnels;
and each time
they sent a m a n
in, he c a m e back
saying that it
ended in dirt.
They just couldn't
figure out w h y
w e did that."
If the German
and Romanian
guards of the
Ploesti P O W s
spend any time
reminiscing
about prisoners
w h o were a
'pain in the
neck', I'll bet
Russell Huntley at Bern Castle.
they can't forget
Russell Huntley,
"At one point, the Romanians asked us if
67th BS. He laughs w h e n he describes his
any of us would like to work for them, in
six escape antics, all of which brought him
exchange for better food, more freedom, etc.
back to interrogations, solitary confinement
W e would be asked to sign a paper that w e
and considerable discomfort.
would not try to escape. I don't k n o w
"As prisoners, we were allowed to play
baseball, and sometimes the ball would go
over the fence. A guard with a gun would
permit one of us to climb the fence and
retrieve it, so the g a m e could go on. Once I
climbed the fence, and the group created
great excitement so the guard wouldn't
notice that I ran away. They soon caught
me, and a very polite German officer said,
'We won't punish you if you tell m e h o w you
did it.' Of course, I w a s not able to tell the
truth, so I told him I escaped through a drain
pipe. They sent a m a n through the rusty
pipe, and it broke. The officer accused m e of
lying, so I reminded him that they sent a
heavier man. He must have believed m e , as I
didn't get punished that time."
"Another time, a group of us started digging.
W e dug and dug and dug. After a long time,
w e realized that effort w a s hopeless. W e
were just tunneling up and d o w n under a big
mountain. Another time, w e had a pretty
®
whether any Americans would have
accepted; but w e would have threatened
anyone w h o might have considered it. W h y
should w e help our enemies win the war?"
Operation Tidal Wave, which targeted
Ploesti, w a s Sgt. Russell Huntley's 7th
mission. The crew of 1st Lt. Elmer H.
Reinhart, A/C 42-40371 G named G. I. Gal,
w a s following Lt. Col. Posey to Target Blue,
the Nazi's source for aviation fuel. It w a s
totally destroyed.
G.L Gal was the last ship away from Blue
Target. With part of a wing shot off, the
plane emerged into criss-cross ships, and the
pilot w a s unable to catch up with his
formation, making him an easy target for the
M E 109's. They shot a w a y most of the tail
turret, but, miraculously, George Van Son
crawled away alive. Waist gunners Alfred A.
M a s h and Robert Wolfe were injured; radio
operator Huntley gave them first aid.
j
13
�Engineer Frank Garrett reported, "Gas w a s
pouring out of a hole near #3 engine; the
tunnel w a s a wreck; the tail turret hanging
by a thread. The left vertical and horizontal
stabilizers were almost shot off; the left
ailron w a s practically gone, and there w a s a
big hole under the #1 engine with oil
streaming out."
Reinhart tried to gain altitude. The crew put
on their parachutes as the plane heaved and
quivered from nose to tail. At 3,600 feet, he
turned on the automatic pilot and hit the bail
out button. Gerald Totten, Navigator;
Richard Pendleton, Bombardier; and Charles
Starr, Co-pilot, joined the rest of the crew in
the d o w n w a r d plunge. Apparently Starr's
chute did not open properly; and it w a s later
reported that in his misery, he asked to be
shot. He w a s listed as KIA.
Huntley was interned for thirteen months at
Timis de Just, 17 k m south of Brasov, North
Romania. A m o n g his interesting recollections
w a s on August 1, 1944, a group of soldiers
c a m e with wine and cheese, celebrating the
happy event of 'defeating the American Air
Force.' Circumstance rapidly refuted their
dubious celebration. Only about a month
later, the Germans were evicted from the
area, and the Americans were set free.
Flying in a B-17 decorated with American
flags, they were transported to Bari, Italy.
Huntley's post-POW experience was no less
dramatic. He w a s sent to Atlantic City for
redistribution, and w a s hoping to become a
cadet, and ultimately a pilot. A psychiatrist
politely told him 'that he w a s proud of him;
but after his combat and P O W experience,
he needed R & R, and w a s to be sent to
Florida for 120 days. Immediately thereafter,
Huntley had another physical, and twenty
minutes later sat before the s a m e
psychiatrist. This time he w a s declared in fit
condition, and w a s to be sent to the Pacific,
flying in a B-29. Huntley called the m a n
s o m e unpleasant names, and did not go to
the Pacific.
Next he w a s told that he would become a
Master Sergeant, and w a s about to be sent
to Almagordo, N e w Mexico, as a Gunnery
Instructor. "I told them the only thing I knew
about guns w a s h o w to shoot a 50 caliber
out the nose of a B-24. They assured m e I
would do fine; and all I had to do w a s pass
this test. I took the test; and every answer
that I knew, I deliberately answered
incorrectly. Those that I didn't know, I left
blank. The next day I w a s congratulated for
doing so well on m y test!!!"
Huntley got out of that assignment by
signing up for Radar School. He w a s
assigned to a c a m p in Truax, Wisconsin,
along with a group of combat crew
returnees. The first morning a corporal c a m e
in and ordered them, all sergeants, to m o p
the floor and clean the barracks. A n uproar
ensued; the corporal ran off to report their
disobedience, and a kindly major from W W I
c a m e in and alleviated the situation. The
travails of being a returnee and e x - P O W
continued; and finally Huntley got
discharged.
He gave himself time to think it over, and
decided to re-enlist. He attended O C S ,
became a Second Lieutenant, and worked
his w a y up to Major, specializing in
electronics. His last position w a s head of
Communications for the S A C Headquarters
in O m a h a , Nebraska. After his discharge in
1965, he started a business selling Blue
Gold, a non-hazardous cleaning substance.
His customers are Pratt Whitney, Rolls
Royce and other notable corporations.
Russell's wife Charlotte started a business,
selling vitamins and herbal substances. They
retired recently, and are traveling to all the
reunions that they missed by keeping their
noses to the grindstone.
(Editors Note: It would be interesting to
know what the Romanian guards talk about,
when they remember the War. I wonder if
they still think Americans dug useless
tunnels for recreation!)
�Sgt. Dale Lee's Saga of
Evasion
(continued)...
Sgt. Dale Lee (506 Sq.) survived the Ploesti Raid, but
his plane, Southern Comfort, went down after a
successful mission to Foggia. Captured and harassed
by civilians, along with six other detainees, Lee broke
from the Italian stronghold and set forth on a harrowing
trip back to Africa, then England, then home.
The day before they managed to break out, the
Germans planned to move the prisoners into Germany.
A commotion among the guards gave the prisoners the
opportunity to use their crude tools, smash through a
brick wall, and make their escape.
"We ran like hell, as far as w e could that first night," he
recorded. "When w e could run no more, w e slid off the slope
of a steep mountain road." Straddling trees or any kind of
brush, they leaned against the mountain and took a brief rest.
Years later, with his wife Alice, Lee retraced his escape route,
and learned that they had run 18 k m that first day; and had
climbed 4,000 feet up the mountain.
They headed for Italy's high mountains, resting and
planning by day; walking at night, using the North Star as their
guide. They headed for the boot of Italy, figuring the allied
invasion would come from that direction.
The Unending Quest For Food
For food, they stole figs, grapes and garden vegetables.
One man traded his jacket for cheese that was absolutely
delicious. Unfortunately, when morning came, they saw what
was in the cheese--T)ig fat worms." " W e ate it anyway," he
recalled, "flicking the worms aside when they crawled out."
Having been told that garlic was a good blood purifier, Lee
ate three big cloves, hoping it would clear up the infected
shrapnel wounds in his legs. Its biggest effect was to give him
bad breath. Their search for food was unending and generally
unsuccessful. Every sound was threatening-even a falling leaf.
Finally, two Canadians from the British 8th Army arrived in a
4 wheel drive vehicle; and out-running Germans, w h o lobbed
shells at them, they arrived with joy at a British camp, where
food and hot coffee awaited them. Later the driver of the jeep
drove them through a rainstorm to a Red Cross station where
they enjoyed the luxury of sleeping on dry cots. From there
they made their way to the 47th Fighter Group (P-40's), who
helped them to the next camp, the 101st Airborne.
Lee's most vivid recollection of that brief encounter was a
rollicking battle with an Italian P O W over his right to have
second portions of the dinner. The m e n of the 101st cheered
Left to Right: General Jimmy Doolittle, Joe Jett, Tom Pursell, Dale Lee.
(Editors Note: Years later Doolittle autographed this picture right under his
nose, but the writing could not be picked up photographically.)
him on, as pots and pans clattered around from the skirmish.
The m e n of the 101st are forever endeared in his memory, for
supporting his right to more food.
Getting Back Into The System
After that, they got a flight to Africa, near Tunis. By then they
looked so totally disreputable, nobody could believe they were
American airmen. Only when the major at the base found their
names on the list of those who were to receive the DFCs, by
virtue of their mission to Ploesti, did he believe they were
telling the truth. They were finally back in the system.
The D F C medals were pinned on them by none other than
General Jimmy Doolittle, who was genuinely interested in
their experiences at Ploesti, and also their experiences as
escapees. H e gave them secret orders for their return to
England.
Frustrating moments continued, and tolerance was in short
supply with these escapees. At the air base near Tunis, a
mess sergeant refused to feed them because they didn't have
a mess kit. They went to the Supply Sergeant, who upbraided
them for losing their mess kits. Finally, Joe Jett, normally a
quiet, gentlemanly sort, grabbed the Supply Sergeant by the
throat and pounded his head against the wall, shouting, "When
I bailed out of that G-- D - plane on fire, the last thing I
thought about was m y mess kit." Immediately there was no
further arguing about mess kits.
The 8th Air Force in London interrogated the group, then
sent them to various camps to speak to the troops about their
experiences behind enemy lines. In time for Christmas, 1943,
they m a d e it home.
�This cartoon from the collection of Lt. James Tomblin (66th Squadron) from his account
"There I was, Story #45,001"
�Will Sez
It seems appropriate at this time to advise
everyone that earlier this year I found it absolutely
necessary to ask that I be dropped from the job of
44th B G Historian as it w a s taking nearly all of m y
available time. For years I have been attempting
to correct, update and add to m y Roll of Honor
and Casualties book as the first edition w a s
printed in 1987. Since that time I've learned of
many errors in it that needed corrections. M a n y
more events have been located that should be
added to that text to better describe what took
place in m a n y of these incidents.
The Board acted on this request, dropped me
from that position and put Roger Fenton into it.
Roger accepted the offer and n o w is busy doing a
great job of responding to the m a n y people
asking for data about our m e n w h o served during
WWII. I a m sure that he will perform with
excellence. Perhaps this will start a trend to have
more, younger people to step in, take over to
lead our Croup into the future.
Another younger man, Jim Hamilton, became
acquainted with the 44th B G w h e n he was
researching for his book. T h e Writing 69th, (now
in print). H e kindly offered to re-design m y book,
and then to m a k e the actual corrections and
additions into that book. Photos will be added, as
well, but due to all of this, it will be necessary to
produce two books. The first is nearing
completion and will cover the time period from
mid 1942 through 31 D e c e m b e r 1943. T h e
second, of course, will span the period of 1 Jan
1944 to June, 1945. If possible, w e will have a
manuscript available at our reunion in O m a h a for
examination by you that attend.
M y hope is that as soon as this change in
Historian permits, I will be able to m o v e along
more quickly with the book revision. As soon as
the text is completed, it can be transferred into
the Master Data Base. Also it can help m a k e
progress in moving more of our archival material
into the Master Data Base.
Arlo Bartsch is now well underway in his plans to
place more emphasis on our Roll of Honor, m a k e
it more prominent in his program. Jerry Folsom is
relaying m u c h of this material to his secretary,
Brenda, w h o processes it, makes it ready for data
entry.
Of course we are limited in the extent of this
work depending upon these costs. But m y hopes
are that s o m e h o w , someway, s o m e o n e will locate
donors w h o see that it is needed for the future
generations to learn. It seems very important to
m e that w e d o our best to keep the deeds
performed by our C o m b a t M e n forever readily
available. These deeds against terrible odds
managed to hold the advances of Hitler's might
away from England until others arrived to help us
take the war back to Germany.
The Military Heritage Database
To help your children and grandchildren
I when they ask questions about WWII, we
have an opportunity to make sure you are
- always there to answer them, and they are
learning YOUR version of the story
Order your Military Heritage Database disk now Make sure
you and all of your comrades of WWII have included their
contribution to the history of the 44th Bomb Group. \bu ha
Wliat will happen when you are not there to answer the
questions?
For more information regarding biographies, please
contact Jerry Folsom @ P.O. Box 712287, Salt
Lake City, Utah 84171-2287. H e has the necessary
forms to be submitted for this database. H e also
has details for ordering your very o w n disk. E-mail:
44thbgva@xmission.com
Do It Now!
§
17
�COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE SPONSORS SEMINAR ON "PLOESTI" WITH
44TH BOMB GROUP VETERANS ASSOCIATION PARTICIPATION.
The names of Colonel William R. Cameron and
T o m Holmes, Jr., will long be remembered in
Midland, Texas, where these two distinguished
members of the 44th B o m b Group Veterans
Association captivated the 150-200 members and
guests of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF)
attending the P L O E S T I Seminar sponsored by that
organization and the American Air Power Heritage
M u s e u m on Saturday, June 15, 2002. (Editors
Note: The Commemorative Air Force was formerly
known as The Confederate Air Force of Midland,
Texas.)
These two veterans of the daring low-level raid
on the oil fields in Ploesti, Romania, related their
personal experiences and observations of this
dangerous but vital mission in their typical low
key, sensitive but thorough, accurate and nonjudgmental manner. Both, Colonel Cameron and
T o m m y Holmes, had completed their combat
experience and leadership on this hazardous
mission. Colonel Cameron, as pilot of "Buzzin
Bear," led the six plane element on General
Johnson's wing serving as the Deputy Group
Leader. Their target was the Colombia Aquila
(White V ) target that was already ablaze having
been mistakenly bombed earlier by aircraft of the
93rd B o m b Group, w h o following the mission
leading 376th B o m b Group, turned at the wrong IP
(Initial Point), missing their assigned targets and
selecting "targets of opportunity." " T o m m y "
Holmes, as pilot of "A Wing and a Prayer," flew
in a separate 21 plane formation led by Colonel
James Posey against the Creditul Minier at Brazi,
(Blue Target) which they destroyed completely.
The focused, attentive and appreciative
audience responded to the presentations with long
and loud applause followed by an animated
"Question and Answer" session that reflected their
intense interest, respect and appreciation.
Also attending were Colonel Edward K.
Mikoloski, Nida Holmes and Fritzi Selasky.
18
Bill Coombes, the S E M I N A R M O D E R A T O R ,
opened the program by introducing and
acknowledging "Fritzi" Selasky as the person most
responsible for bringing this seminar to fruition.
H e stated that it was Mrs. Selasky w h o wrote him
several months ago when she heard of the monthly
seminar programs the C A F were conducting, and
suggested that they consider sponsoring one of the
"greatest air battles of all times," PLOESTI. After
several exchanges of letters and numerous
telephone calls, the program became a reality.
Among others invited, but unable to attend
were the following veterans of PLOESTI: Lt. Gen.
K.K. Compton, 376th B G and Mission
Commander, M / G e n William H . Brandon, Group
Ops 44th B G and Pilot of "SUZY Q", Colonel
Richard Butler, Reginald Philips, Robert
Lehnhausen, Henry Lasco, Charles Hughes,
William Dabney and Colonel Dexter Hodge.
Bill Coombes, in his letters to us, referred to
the affair as "...a G R E A T seminar series
program!" and also the following, "The many,
many regular attendees of these programs came to
m e and said that it was an outstanding event." Mr.
Coombes also expressed his thanks to the
participants for the unique L O N D O N C L O C K
presented to him and his wife, which they will
place in a position of honor in Bill's office with an
inscribed placard listing the 44th B G V A and
names of the donors.
Members of the 44th BGVA have a standing
invitation from the C A F to visit their Museum,
Memorial Gardens, Annual Air Show and Seminar
Programs.
(Editors Note: This report was written by the
44th 's Immediate Past President, "Mike"
Mikoloski. In his customary modesty, he failed to
mention that he was also the principle speaker at
this event. His topic was a glowing history of the
44th Bomb Group.)
�LT. ROCKFOKD C. GRIFFITH'S AMAZING FEAT
As preserved in a yellowed, updated
newspaper from the collection of
Dale Lee:
"While the parachutes of their crew
dotted the horizon, the pilot and copilot landed a "junk heap" Liberator
bomber at 150 miles an hour-saving
the life of the wounded ball turret
gunner w h o could not bail out.
"A crowd of 500 airmen and ground
crews gathered to greet returning
raiders, w h o watched in awed
silence, and broke into thunderous
cheers when the landing w a s
completed.
"The pilot w a s Second Lieutenant
Rockford C. Griffith, a twenty-three
year old farm boy from Oklahoma.
Damaged controls forced Griffith,
with the aid of his co-pilot, Second
Lieutenant Lawrence W Grono, to
hit the runway with only one wheel.
The bomber roared along on the
wheel; then one wing touched the
ground, and the Liberator s w u n g
around, skidded backwards 300
yards of the runway, and came to
rest, right side up.
Floating all around the airfield were
seven members of the crew ordered
to jump because the plane w a s
unmanageable. All landed safely.
Twice on the w a y home from Norway,
Griffith's bomber fought off attacks by
F W 190's and Ju 88's, which raked
the bomber from nose to tail with
cannon and machine-gun fire. This
knocked out two engines, destroyed
the hydraulic system and reduced the
plane to a flying junk heap. "I k n e w I
had to bring her in because of the ball
turret gunner. H e couldn't get out."
(Editors Note: The date was
November 18,1943. Can anybody
name the turret gunner whose life
was saved byLt's. Griffith and
Grono's courage and expertise?)
44th BOMB GROUP VETERANS ASSOCIATION
44th B o m b Group
Veterans Association
P.O. Box 712287
Salt Lake City, Utah 84171-2287
•
•
•
n Yes, Count me In!
Annual Membership Dues for year 2003 $25.00
Life Membership Dues 60 and over
$125.00
Life Membership Dues 40 to 59
$150.00
Join u s now eo y o u don't m i s s the next cVBall Tails.
Name
Spouse
Address
City
State
Tele:
Fax:
Zip.
E-Mail Address:
Group:
Associate:
Donation;
Crew of:
Squadron:
Relative of:
Thank you for joining usl
Due to increased costs, the Board of Directors at the annual meeting, authorized an increase of dues
to $25.00. T h e last increase w a s five years ago. Membership in the 44th B o m b Group Veterans's
Association is still a bargain in today's world.
19
�Lt. David Saylor
44ther
Discovered in
British
Columbia
This past July
Photo Identification Needed!
who served from October '43 to
November '44. He completed his 35
missions with his crew piloted by Lt.
David Saylor. AMAZING! to run into
a fellow 44ther on holiday in Canada.
Warren said he had had no contact
with his former crew members and
didn't know about our 44th BGVA.
28, Mary and
Lee Aston had
He would like to know if any of them
an amazing
are still alive. C A N A N Y OF YOU A L L
chance meeting
H E L P HIM FIND HIS C R E W
with a lost 44th
M E M B E R S ? If anyone can, write
Bomb Group air
Warren Rohrer at 1321 Cherry St.,
crewman,
Wellington, Kansas 67152; or
Warren Rohrer,
telephone at (620) 325-3222.
in the Butchart
Gardens, Victoria, B.C., while both
were touring the Pacific Coast of
Are you a Veteran who flew the low
Canada and Alaska. While walking
level mission to Ploesti?
the gardens, Lee stopped to rest on a
bench and puff on his pipe as Mary
From Luc Dewez, our Belgian friend:
went to the gift shop. Lee turned to
"For years I have been collecting
see a man that was sitting on a bench
memories of the veterans who flew
behind. Lee could hardly believe his
the low level mission to Ploesti.
eyes. The man was wearing a blue,
Recently I have been working with an
baseball-style cap with lettering that
editor, a 100th B G Veteran; and w e
read "44" Bomb Group."
are now seeking a publisher. I would
be so grateful to hear from 44th B G
veterans who were on that mission,
and who would share their
experiences, anecdotes, official
documents, photographs -- any
information that would describe the
awesome event."
•;,- -:.- -.'.- -.'.- -.'.- -.'.- •:: -.'.- -;.- -;.- -;,- •.'.- -:.- •/.- -/.- •;.- -,*.- -.'.--:,--.•.- •;.- -:.- * * *
From Steve Adams, another Ursel
Harvel's photograph: Can anyone
identify any of these men, believed to
be the cooks for the 68th Squadron?
.'..•..<.-•..<-.•..•- .•..-..'. .•..
Arthur V Cullen Crew!
Tim Mackey,
nephew of 2nd Lt.
John L. Mackey,
67th Squadron, is
hoping to find
someone who
remembers his
uncle. Lt. Mackey,
Navigator on the
John L. Mackey
Arthur V Cullen
crew He was killed on his 5th
mission to Dunkirk, France, February
15,1943. A/C #41-23783 Betty Anne/
Gallopin Ghost was brought down by
enemy fighters. Seven airmen were
killed, including Donald MacDonald,
Command Pilot.
Tim Mackey can be reached at 80
Hollow Woods Drive, Pequea, PA
17565; telephone: (717) 284-4414.
Warren Rohrer, 506 Squadron, and Lee
Aston meet in Victoria, British Columbia.
Luc is making a serious effort to
inform young people in his country,
Lee immediately moved over to sit bythe awesome experience of WWII. He
is the author of Cruel Skies, a studied
the man and introduce himself.
account of the air war in Europe. Luc
Pointing to his own 44th B G V A cap
can be contacted at 8 Paul Pastur
with the 8 Ball logo, Lee gave his
Street, 5190 Han-sur-San, Belgium.
name and discovered Warren Rohrer,
a B-24 gunner from the 506 Squadron E-mail: luc.dewez@skynet.be
•k-k
�FOLDED
MINOS
September,
2002
BURKE, RICHARD
M. Date unknown.
31170058 68th Sq.
He joined the
Squadron on 1 9 June
1943 and flew his first
mission on 13 August as a
Waist Gunner on the R. J.
Lehnhausen crew. His next one was with B.
H. Gildart on 1 October and most of his total
of 31 with that crew. He completed his tour
on 22 April 1944.
Prepared by:
*******
AYERS, EDWARD
1 May 2002. Not in 44th
BG. Was brother of man KIA only.
BILLMAN, ROBERT J. 23 March 2002 68th
Sq. 37137220. Joined the Squadron on 5
March 1942, arrived in England on 2 October as
an Engineer for the R.E. Erwin crew. He flew
five missions, the first being 7 Nov. 1942 with
M.V. Sullivan; and the fifth on 13 March 1943
flew with M. C. Howell. Possibly transferred to
the 389th BG later.
BLAINE, HAROLD E. Date unknown.
31110213. Harold first served with the 806th
Chemical, later transferred to the 67th Sq.
where he worked in Tech Supply.
BOLGER, JAMES M.
June, 2002. 506th Sq.
Flight Engineer with the James Clement's crew
for many of his missions. He arrived in England
in January 1943. He flew his first mission on 18
October, 1943 with the Bunce crew and his
third with J. Clements. He was on his second
tour at end of war when he completed his 38th
mission dated 18 April 1945. He was
discharged in September, 1945. DFC medal.
BRUMM, HAROLD J. 29 June 2001 506th Sq.
Harold was a Flight Engineer, flew his first
mission on 25 May 1944 as a member of the J.
C. Titter crew. He completed his tour of 35
missions on 9 August 1944, apparently all of
them with the J. C. Titter crew.
CANNETTI, DOMINICK Date Unknown
32626523 He joined the 68th Sq. on 14 April
1944 as a member of the C. D Peretti crew.
They flew their first mission on 22 April
1944, he as a Tail Gunner. Their last of 31
missions was completed on 2 October 1944.
The crew transferred to the 70 RCD on 9
October for assignment back to the U.S.
CARPENTER, WILLIAM W. 18 January 2000 T
129133 67th Sq. He flew his first mission on 6
November 1944 as Navigator on the J. M.
Bledsoe crew. This crew flew their last mission
of the war on 25 April 1945, with Lt. Carpenter
finishing with 30 missions or more. They
returned to the U.S. flying A/C #42-50741.
CLAESSEN, KENNETH 5 March 2001 67th Sq.
Cannot identify any data.
CLARK, CLETUS C. 9 February 2002 17157054
506th Sq. He served as Aerial Engineer on the R.
J. Hruby crew. Their first mission was dated 20
April 1944. On their sixth, 29 April, the crew
made an amazing safe ditching in the North Sea
with no injuries. They completed their 32nd and
last mission on 12 July 1944.
CLIFT, REESE R. 4 Sept. 1999 14071610
68th Sq. Aircraft Mechanic. Like most of the
ground personnel in the Engineering Sections,
Reese made both trips, to England and return, on
the Queen Mary. The "cruise" over in early
September 1942 and the return in late June, 1945.
COINER, MAYO L Date Unknown 0-678688
67th Sq. Lt. Coiner, Navigator, flew his first
mission on 21 September 1943 with the W . S.
Aldridge crew and most of his 33 missions. His
last few were flown with different PFF crews
serving as Navigator-GEE. His final mission of his
tour was with the T. L. Harrocks crew.
j
21
�COSTELLO, GEORGE B. Date Unknown
36216016 506th Sq. Aerial Engineer. George
was a regular member of the J. S. Gurman
crew, flew his first mission on 19 May 1944.
But on their fifth mission, 28 May, their aircraft
was shot down, and the entire crew became
Waist for H. W . Moore on 17 May, and Tail
Gunner on E. R. Mitchell on 29 May 1943.
His tour ended when he was Interned in
Switzerland on 18 March 1943, Tail Gunner for
R. J. Lacombe.
POWs.
GARRISON, EDWIN 13 February 2002. Cannot
identify at this time.
f
CURRIE, THOMAS
10/17/01. 12175210 67th
Sq. Thomas served as Aerial Engineer on the C.
C. Spagnola crew which completed their first
mission on 26 August 1944. He completed his
35th and last mission on 6 February 1945.
DAMBACHER, ALBERT N. July, 1995. 67th
Sq. Al was a replacement Waist Gunner on the
John J. Mueller crew. This crew started their
tour on 1 April 1944, while Al completed his
first mission on 24 February 1944 with the G.
W . Johnson crew as a Gunner. His next few
were with various pilots until his 9th when he
joined the Mueller crew on 19 April. He
completed his tolr on 25 July 1944 serving as a
Waist Gunner.
DELACY, GEORGE W. June, 2002. 66th Sq.
George was onepof the original and oldest of the
66th Sq. combat gunners at Barksdale Field. He
was the Tail Gunner on the aircraft Jenny/Lady
Luck on the first^missions flown by the 44th BG.
Unfortunately, he suffered severe frostbite on
12 December 1942 that ended his combat
career. He was 97 years old at the time of his
passing.
DOWD, JOHN Fi 2/11/01 2011 3596 68th Sq.
John was a Gunner on the D. F. Tofte crew that
joined the 68th Sq. on 8 July 1944. Their first
mission was flown on 18 July, second on 19th,
and last on 21st|July. Badly damaged by flak,
they crashlanded in Switzerland, and all of crew
were Interned. John escaped twice, was badly
treated, and finally was repatriated back to the U.S.
GILSENAN, HOWARD STEVE 3 May 2001 68th
Sq. (Difference in spelling) Gunner for the E. K.
Kohler crew that joined the Sq. in early July
1944. They flew their first mission on 16 July
most of them with the aircraft "Corky." They
spent a week in Scotland at a Rest Home, for R
& R, (3 to 10 Sept.) and continued their
missions through to 30 November 1944,
completing 34 missions for Gilsenan. On 13
December they rotated to 70th RCD to return to
the U.S.
GRALEY, BRUCE 16 April 2002 506th
Squadron Ordnance. No further data located yet.
GRAY, ARNOLD 12 June 2001 506th Sq.
Arnold was a Navigator, flew his first three
missions with different crews. His first one was
9 September 1943 with the L. S. Davenport
crew; second with H.J. Laudig on 21
September; and his third on 24 September with
J. A. Bunce. Apparently, he was assigned to the
W . M. Maynor crew, as his last four were with
this crew. They were: 5 November, 18
November, 26 November and his 11th mission
came on 20 December 1943 when they were
shot down, became POWs.
HADDOCH, SAMMY W. 1993. 14181734 66th
Sq. Sammy was a Ball Turret gunner on the D.
R. Talbott crew that flew their first mission on
30 January 1944. On 20 February, this crew
made a rough crashlanding. Then on 15 March,
on their 10th mission, they were attacked and
forced to bail out over Holland. Sammy became
a POW.
FINK, ROBERT D. 31 July 2001. Served in 44th
Headquarters.
HICKMAN, F. JACKSON October 1996 67th Sq.
Ground Crew. "Jack" was an Aircraft Mechanic.
FLISTER, HENRY ODELL Date Unknown
He was a member of Ground Echelon that went
36232737 67th Sq. He flew his first
mission as Tail Gunner for the newly
to England on the Queen Mary in early
arrived W . A. Roach crew on 1 May 43.
September, 1942. He first served on the M.
v£ In succession he then flew as Tail
Bagley crew, but later, he became an Assistant
Crew Chief on the R. D. Davis crew. He returned
Ul ^ r c Gunner for R. I. Brown on 4 May, Left
22
�to the States in May, 1945 with orders for a
month furlough and then return to duty.
However, orders were changed, most of the
men had too many "points' for further overseas
duty, so were assigned to bases near home.
HOBSON, THOMAS B. 11 July 2002. 506th
Sq. 0-791426.?Tom was one of the original
506th Sq. pilots that joined the 44th BG in
England in late February, 1943. He served as
Co-pilot for G. Rebich on their first mission on
31 March and on until after Ploesti. On 21
September 1943, he flew his first mission as 1st
Pilot after he and his crew were transferred to
the 66th Sq. His plane was damaged badly by
fighters, most If crew bailed out, and he was
captured to become a P O W on 1 Oct 1943. That
was his 21st mission. Tom was recalled into the
Army during the Korean War. He then retired as
an Army Colonel.
HUGHES, WILLIAM D. 1987 0-727993 68th Sq.
Pilot. Joined the 68th Sq. on 8 March 1942. He
arrived in England on 2 October 1942 with the
68th Sq. Air Echelon. He was co-pilot for Lt.
Cramer; then became a 1st Pilot on D S to Africa,
flew both tough missions to Ploesti and Weiner
Neustadt. Completed his tour of 25 on 18 Nov. 1943.
HURLEY, DAVID G. Date Unknown 35330744
68th Sq. Aircraft Mechanic. W a s a passenger on
A/C #42-109805 on 25 May 1945 upon return
to the U.S.
JACOBS, L. G. Date Unknown 67th Sq,
16146649. Radio Operator for the J. A. Struthers
crew. He flew his first and all 37 of his missions
with this crewlMission #1 dated 18 August
1944 and mission #37 dated 23 February 1945.
Crew returned jo the U.S. on 19 April 1945.
JOHNSON, NORMAN B. Date unknown.
39454377 68th Sq. Gunner on the H. C. Palmer
crew. Flew his first mission on 3 March 1944
and his 14th and last on 9 April 1944. Crew
was force to land in Sweden on 3 March. He
was released on 16 October 1944 and returned
to base.
JONES, CLARENCE R. 9 February 2002
12096377 68th Sq. He joined the
Squadron on 8 July 1944 as an Aerial
Engineer on the D. F. Tofte crew.
They flew their 1st mission on 18 July and
their 31st on 21 July 1944. On this last
mission they were force to land in Sweden and
Interned. Later, on 19 October, they returned to base.
KRYSZCZUK, CHESTER J. May, 1998. 506th
Sq. Chester was the nose turret gunner on the
A. R. Rockman crew that flew their 1st mission
on 1 November 1944. They completed their tour
of 30 missions plus on 11 April 1945.
KIRMSE, ROBERTS Sept. 2000 68th Sq. 0699530. Bombardier on the A. V. Larson crew,
when on their first mission dated 21 May 1944.
Then he flew missions with several different
crews. From 16 August, he was assigned to the
S. L. Dobbs crew, a PFF crew. He completed his
tour of 33 missions on 15 October 1944.
MILLER, ALLEN W. 18 May 2002 67th Sq. "Bill"
served as a Gunner on the Roger S. Markle crew
from February to May, 1945. He flew his first
mission on 12 March and his last on 18 April
1945. He is credited with at least nine missions,
but could have flown more during early April. He
is survived by his wife, Marcella and two sons.
McFARLANE, ROBERTS 30 November 2001 0
885100 68th Sq. Served as Assistant Armament
Officer in the 68th Squadron.
NELSON, OD/S E. (Curly) 23 January 2002
18085241 67th Sq. "Curly" was an Aerial
Engineer for the Capt. Howard W . Moore crew,
one of the first crews in the 67th Sq. On 5
October 1942 they departed from Gander Lake,
destination England. He flew five combat
missions with this crew from 6 Dec. 42 to 16
Feb. 43, but was "grounded" due to severe ear
problems. Reassigned to Crew Chief, he soon
established exceptional records of missions
flown without an "abort" or early return due to
mechanical problem. He and his assistant, Carl
Hall, crewed Old Iron Corset, recorded at least
129 missions with no early returns. It completed
the war, and I was proud to have flown back to
the States with these two mechanics. On the
last leg of the flights. Old Iron Corset took off
45th from Greenland and was first over the base
in Connecticut. Old and war-worn, but still one
of the fastest and best. Curly was exceptionally
popular and one of the best!
23
�NUTTER, KENT 30 May 2002. 13071509 68th
Sq. Kent joined the 68th Sq. on 26 Oct. 44 as a
Tail Gunner on the H. M. Garbade crew. Their
first mission was dated 29 November 1944.
Their last of 26 or more was dated 18 April
1945. (PossibJy flew one or more in early April,
reports missing) They returned to the U.S. flying
A/C #44-40276 ih late May, 1945.
O'BRIEN, JAMES
1ES E. 2002, 0-435700 68th Sq.
Pilot. Jim flew his first mission and first for the
44th BG on 7 November 1942. His second was
on 9 November. On 14 May 1943 he was flying
as Major and 68th Sq. Commanding Officer.
They were shot down and Jim became a P O W .
Jim was very active, attended reunions and
wrote several very good recollections of his
wartime experiences.
REED, JOHN y.|l6 May 2002 0-660004 66th
Sq. Pilot Lt. Reed flew his first mission on 12
December 1942 as a co-pilot for R. J. Abernethy.
Following that, he continued to serve as co-pilot
for several pilots, including Bill McCoy, T. E.
Scrivner, and RJE. Miller. On 4 April 1943 he
flew his first mission as a 1st Pilot. He took part
in the difficult 14 May raid on Kiel, and then on
to North Africa. Wohn completed his tour of 25
missions on 21 August 1943 in Africa.
PARTRIDGE, WILLIAM R. February, 2002 0
685953 66th and 68th Squadrons. Lt. Partridge
was a Navigatorlon the W . 0. Peterson crew
that had transferred into the 44th from the 446
BG. They had already completed ten missions
with that Group. He flew his first mission in the
44 BG as a Radar Navigator for the W . 0.
Peterson crew on 5 June 1944. On 10 October
he was transferred to the 68th Sq. and
completed his tour as a Radar Navigator on 22
February 1945 with the H.M. Garbade crew.
RAY, CHARLES W. May 2001. 14170302 67th
Sq. He was a Gunner, flew his first mission with
the D. H. Dines crew on 24 February 1944 as a
Waist Gunner. His second one was with the W .
E. Wahler crew, also as a Waist Gunner. Then
he served with several other crews . He finished
his 29th mission with the E. C. Holmer crew
on 30 December 1944.
24
ROSENGREN, ROBERT E. 19 March 2002
506th Sq. Robert was a Gunner. He flew his
first mission as Waist Gunner with the G. S.
Stevens crew. His second was with the J.
Clements crew, Belly Gunner on 30 November.
His third and fourth were as a Hatch Gunner for
the N. Purdy crew on 11 January and 14
January 44. He then joined the L. Waine crew,
flew two missions with them. Then, the entire
crew was transferred to the 15th A.F. in Italy
where they completed their tour total of 50.
SMITH, FREDERICK J. 26 January 1991
3031080 68th Sq. Sheet Metal worker. He was
a member of the Ground Echelon, Engineering
Section, that went to England in early
September 1942 and returned to the States
with them in late June, 1945. He also was one
of the men who was on D.S. to Africa in the
middle of 1943 to attack Ploesti, Weiner
Neustadt and many other targets.
SNYDER, BETHEL A. Date unknown. Service
data also unknown.
STIEFEL, MAX A. 1 June 2002 0-801102 66th
Sq. Max was a Navigator on the R. E. Felber
crew when he flew his first mission on 13
August 1943. He then transferred to the R. W .
Bridges crew, flew with them on 16 and 19
August; then 7 and 15 September. On his ninth
mission, 1 October 1943, the Bridges crew was
shot down and he became a P O W .
TAYLOR, WILLIAM Date Unknown. Cannot
locate him in our records.
THOMPSON, MOODY E. 29 June 2001
18085261 67th Sq. Moody was a member of
the 67th Ground Echelon that went to England
in early September 1942. He served there until
June 1945, when he returned back to the
States on the same Queen Mary. His job
classification cannot be located at this time.
TITKEMEYER, CHARLES W. 1 7 July 2002 0796626 66th Sq. Lt. Titkemeyer was the
Navigator on the R. E. Felber crew that joined
the 66th Squadron in June, 1943 and very soon
assigned to D.S. in North Africa. His first
mission was to the Oil Fields of Ploesti, 1
August 1943, by far the toughest. With but two
exceptions, he continued to fly as Navigator
with the Felber crew until late December, when
�they became a Lead crew. As a Lead Navigator,
he occasionally flew with other crews, until he
finished his tour of 28 missions on 12 March
1944. Charles kept a fine, detailed log of his
missions that he donated for our history.
TUREK, BENJAMIN J. 1988 67th Sq. Ground
Personnel, Engineering Section. Ben served as
Aircraft Inspector during 1943, later he was
promoted to T/Sgt. in charge of Tech. Supply.
He returned to the U.S. on board the Queen
Mary in late June, 1945.
TODD, MARK or MACK 13 March 2002 68th
Sq. Cannot identify
lent
VILLEMEZ, LAWRENCE
R. May, 1999
\WI
18062086 68th Crew Chief. Lawrence was one
of the Ground Echelon personnel w h o sailed to
England in ear[y September, 1942. He served in
that capacity until he returned to the U.S. by
flying home on A/C #44-49397, piloted by 1st
Lt. T. R. Williams. He also served in N. Africa on
D.S. in September and early October, 1943.
WAGNER, CHARLES H. Date Unknown
13029488 68th Sq. Aircraft Mechanic He, too,
was a member of the Ground Echelon that went
to England on board the Queen Mary in early
September 1942. But he returned to the U.S. in
late May 1945 as a passenger on A/C #4295021.
WHITWORTH, JOHN L. 2 January 2002
34448789 68th Sq. John served as Left Waist
Gunner on the W . H. Barry crew that was shot
down on its very first mission, 8 April 1944.
John kindly supplied his recollections of that
mission and how the crew parachuted to
become POWs.
WOOD, FRANCIS M. 1 8 May 2002 341 3301 2
68th Sq. M/Sgt. Crew Chief. He was a member
of the Ground Echelon that sailed to England in
early September, 1943. He also served in Africa
on the two Detached Service assignments in
1943. He flew back to the U. S. on 26 May,
1945 on his aircraft number 42-50806 E,
Louisiana Belle, piloted by R. G. Erikson.
ZEE, WALTER J. (Zubowicz) 7 August 2002
67th Sq. Sgt. Zee flew his first mission on 24
February 1944 as a crewmen on the R.C.
Griffith crew. He also flew as Gunner on the G.
J. Thorn crew. Later, he joined the Charles H.
Mercer crew that flew their first mission on 21
March 1944. His last of 30 missions was flown
on 6 June 1944, D-Day. Awarded the DFC medal.
DUBOIS, PHYLIS 24 April 2002 Phylis, our
great friend and former supervisor of the
American Room in the main library of Norwich,
has folded her wings. She has been a faithful
worker for that library and for our 44th BG as
well. Even after being relieved of her duties in
that American Room some years ago, she
continued her efforts to assist us in every way
possible. She was particularly concerned with
the official Roll of Honour and attempted to help
all of us to get it as accurate as possible. W e
miss her and owe her a great debt of gratitude.
Bless you, Phylis.
The 44th B o m b Group's PX
Making friends is as easy as
pointing at your cap!
"The man was wearing a blue, baseball-style cap with
lettering that read "44" Bomb Group."
Flying 8 Ball Patches $15 + $1 Postage
(Indicate Squadron: 66th, 67th, 68th, 506th w/
nose color of squadron. Also available
headquarters service squadron, all colors.)
Blue Liberator Shirts $30 + $3 Postage
Flying 8 Ball Shirts $25 + $3 Postage
Flying 8 Ball Caps $15 + $2 Postage
Pins (Specify Squadron) $5 + $1 Postage
Write: Sam Miceli
6398 Dawson Blvd.
Mentor, O H 44060-3648
WILTERDINK DONALD J. No date. No
records can be located for this man.
25
�» » «
(
^
mm
® s-jtAft
B-24 Plaque at Hill Air Field
on 8th Air Force Memorial.
From Jerry Folsom:
A Plaque with 44th B o m b Group Markings has been
installed on the 8>th Air Force Memorial near the Hill
Field Aero Space Museum at Hill Field, Roy, Utah.
Two years ago, the 44th B G V A board allocated the
money for this distinction.
The Hill Field Aero Space Museum is unique in that
it has a B-24 that was salvaged from an Aleutian
Island, being restored. Completion is expected in the
next couple months.
They have on display a 4000 pound piece of rock
from the White Cliffs of Dover with a emulated
emergency landing field that was on top of the cliff.
This is nostalgic to many crews who flew from
England.
July 31-August 1, 2 0 0 3 . The Ploesti stories are so
awesome, a new generation of B-24 buffs are eager
to meet the men who flew that mission.
&
Setting the Record Straight:
From Ed Mazer, Radio Operator and Gunner on the
Lt. William Wahler Crew, 67th Squadron: "The
bombardier who helped Tail Gunner Joseph Meskinis
was Lt. Tom Murray. The mission was to the
Langenhagen Airdrome in Germany. Wahler was able
to bring Judy's Buggy safely across the Channel
before crashing. Murray placed Meskinis in his
parachute from his turret and placed him in his
parachute harness, only to learn later that
Meskinis's chute did not open. All other members of
the crew balled out and survived. Besides Wahler,
Murray, and Mazer, the following crew members were
on that fateful mission, April b, 1944: Pietro Pino,
Co-Pilot; Grover C. Trumbo, Navigator; Clyde Bickel,
Engineer; Carl Hager, Radio Operator; Charles
Harmeyer, Ball Turret Gunner; Charles Ray, Waist
Gunner; and James Warren, Waist Gunner. (An
error in Lt. Murray9s name wae In Vol. 4, Issue #3,
Spring 2002 issue of the & Ball Tails.)
In a telephone call, I learned why Ed Mazer did not
fly with his crew on that mission. April 8,1944, was
Passover, a Jewish holiday. "A Catholic Chaplain
came to our barracks that morning. Because I was
Jewish, he gave m e a pass to London" Carl Wager
flew in his place.
Mazer read Frank Stegbauer's account in the 3
Ball Tails about his friend, the late Charles Kay,
According to Stegbauer, Ray was shot twice while
overseas; then 'shot by a friend while quail hunting.'
Mazer said, "I was a friend, but I didn't shoot him. I
shot past him at a bird, and just missed his head.
It almost scared me to death, that I came that
close."
(Editors Note: it had to be rather sobering for
Charles Kay, also.)
Attn: Ploesti Participants and Buffs: Flans are
underway for a 60th Anniversary Celebration of the
Ploesti Mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. The date is
�From Marge
Beiber, widow
of the late
George Beiber.
July 14th is Bastille Day in France, ending centuries
of rule by monarchy. July 21st is Independence Day
in Belgium. Do you know the country from which they
were liberated?
Answer: Holland.
&
From Forrest 5. Clark:
I enjoyed the
article about
Georges co-pilot, 'Jerry' Folsom. Unfortunately,
George's last name was not spelled correctly in the
article. (Editor acknowledges error). Beiber was the
beloved pilot on the Consolidated Mess and
sometimes on Joplin Jalopy, and his crew can never
praise him too highly.
George Beiber
Paul Boench, Bombardier, describes him as a man
with great concern for his crew, a good listener, and
a man with a great sense of responsibility. Boench's
happiest memory with Beiber was returning home on
the S S Brazil. "We played checkers the whole way
home," he recalled, "using a pocket-size set we had
gotten from the Red Cross."
Waist Gunner Harold Maggard considered beiber
the best pilot in the 6th Air Force; and his
reputation must have resounded through the 5 0 6
Squadron. Many unassigned airmen, needing a few
more missions to complete their tour, wanted to fly
with him. Tail Gunner Perry Morse remembers him
fondly for many reasons, including that Beiber
loaned him his officer's jacket. Navigator Willis
Edgecomb loaned his to Harold Maggard. They used
it for entry into the Officers Club to watch the
performance of their Bombardier Paul Boensch, a
member of the 44th B o m b Group Band. Lt. George
Beiber passed away M a y 23,1995.
&
From Dick Butler:
The name of the pilot who had to abandon a beloved
plane, Earthquake McGoon, in Bari, Italy, after a
harrowing scene at Wiener Neustadt, was William S.
Aid ridge.
"I was the radio operator on a B-24 of the 44th
BG. W e had dropped our bomb load and were
heading as fast as we could for home base. A s we
did so, the formation loosened up considerably. It
usually did. It was a scramble to "get the hell out of
there" W e were deep over Nazi Germany.
"I recall suddenly looking up from the top turret;
and there, to m y surprised eyes was another B-24,
bomb bay doors open and bombs clearly visible. It
looked like it was only 100 feet above us, but I know
it must have been more.
"Someone on our crew blasted over the
intercom, "Watch out, B-24 above us." Immediately
the pilot dove down and out of the way, leaving In a
hurry. A few minutes later the B-24 peeled away
and dropped out of our sights. If those bombs had
gone, we would have been blown to bits.
"Was it an intruder that had Infiltrated our
loose formation or was it an illusion? W e had been
briefed that the Germans were employing captured
American bombers to infiltrate our formations, and
in a suicide mission, try to collide with or drop
bombs.
"When we got back at Interrogation, the officers
told us they had reports of captured B-24's
intruding into our formations. Then the question
follows: Were there any German pilots trained to fly
B-24's? Answer: There were"
(Editors Note: Clark is trying to contact the
members of the K.C. Griffith crew, (67th Squadron)
including Lt. Bob Weatherwax; Co-Pilot Bill Tinsman
and Bombardier, Lt. David Edonds. Any information
about experiences with this crew would be
appreciated. Write 703 Duffer Lane, Kissimmee, FL
34759-4114; telephone (363) 427-0371; e-mail
B24vet@aoi.com).
��
Dublin Core
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Title
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8 Ball Tails
Newsletter
Dublin Core
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Title
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8 Ball Tails Volume 3 - Issue 4: Spring 2000
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
<span>44th Bomb Group Veteran's Association Website (<a class="in-cell-link" target="_blank" href="http://www.8thairforce.com/44thbg" rel="noreferrer noopener">Now Inactive</a>)</span>
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Spring 2000