SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION

JOUR\A,-4 June 1981 Vol. , No. 2 SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION Vo(zo ABOUT THE MEMORIAL by Jordan R. Uttal(Hdq.) a member of one of our groups who It is most gratifying to advise you that 2. In memory of someone who has passed from flew on the mission to Hanover on 12 Sep- Evelyn Cohen and Dean Moyer have com- away since the war tember 1944, to the memory of a fighter mented with enthusiasm about the very 3. In honor of a special event in your lives, pilot of the 392 Fighter who fell large number of donations to the Memorial a birthday, wedding, anniversary, retire- while defending the formation on that mis- Trust which have been received with your ment, the birth of a grandchild, a gradu- sion. dues remittances. All of us are most grate- ation, business promotion, etc. purchase a book specifically dedi- ful to you who have contributed to our con- Since our September solicitation, we To requires a minimum of $15.00 I am tinuing efforts to keep the memory alive in have received 23 of these "Special Contri- cated sure however that I will have learned at the perpetuity. The bigger the capital fund butions" which have been forwarded to May annual meeting of the Board of Gov- which we leave, the greater the income that England for books or cassettes dedicated to in Norwich that perhaps inflation will be available to truly maintain our "Liv- the individuals specified by the donor. Of ernors that figure. If so, I will advise ing Memorial" for the generations to come. these 23, the contributions break down as has raised at a later date. Whatever the case I will Please be assured that no contribution is follows: you to handle your "Special Contri- too small, and as you know now, we have 14 were in memory of individuals who have be pleased and carry out your specific in- been told that contributions to the 2nd Air passed away since the war butions" as to dedication. Checks for this Division Association are tax deductible. To 2 were in honor of special birthdays structions should be made out to Second Air those of you who have not already sent in 1 was in memory of all of our 2 AD war purpose Division Association, and mailed to me your dues, we urge you to do so, and to add casualties Your donations will be ac- that extra amount, whatever you can spare, 2 were in memory of individual war casu- in Dallas. by me, and either you or the to our growing fund. alties knowledged person honored will hear At the same time we remind you of the 1 was in memory of an entire crew which family of the Librarian in Norwich acknowl- opportunity to make "Special Contribu- fell during the war from the (without mentioning the tions" over and above whatever you have 1 was in memory of all the casualties of an edging the gift the check) and wherever possi- sent in with your dues, with a specific dedi- individual group amount of which books or cassettes have cation to an individual, a crew, a group, an 1 was in memory of a recent death from ble, advising with the funds. event, service connected or otherwise. The the surviving members of the crew been purchased to answer any questions September issue of the Journal illustrated In addition, one of our groups has con- I will be pleased any information you may need on four different bookplates that are availa- ducted a drive to memorialize the recent or supply Again to all of you who have ble. We pointed out the possibilities such passing of their group adjutant. This effort this subject. we send our grateful apprecia- as: raised $625.00. contributed I. In memory of someone who was a war One of the most unusual was a donation tion. casualty

Ketteringham Hall, Norfolk, six miles south-west of Norwich. This was the Headquarters of the Second Air Division from December 1943 to fime 1945 11

Second Air Division Association PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE benefits of belonging to our Association. They will help organize mini-gettogethers, so that 2nd Division people may renew OFFICERS OUR GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS and President DAVID G. PATTERSON maintain acquaintances. They will search 28 Sore Court. Alamo, Calif 94507 This issue of the Journal is carrying Executive Vice President VINCENT D. LA RUSSA unit history, so that all may profit from a 97 Grayton Rd., Tonawanda, N Y. 14150 "thumbnail sketches" of our Association Vice President better knowledge of that Group and its part Membership Group Vice Presidents, that you might EVELYN COHEN get in history. And they will be especially inter- Apt. 06410 Delair Landing, 9301 State Road to know them better, and "meet" the per- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114. ested in the Memorial and Vice President son on the other end of the phone line, or its well-being, Journal WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE making sure their Group is P.O. mailing address, whom you Drawer B, Ipswich, Mass 01938 seek out when fully involved to assure that the Memorial Treasurer DEAN E. MOYER you need information about your Group in 549 East Main St., Evans City, Pa. 16033 continues to have the backing needed to Secretary MRS. MILTON VEYNAR WW II, its personnel, and about the Sec- 4915 Bristow Drive, Annandale, Va. 22003 preserve it into perpetuity. ond Air Division Association. In addition, they will maintain contacts Our Group Vice Presidents each serve a with the Air Force, other Veteran's organi- American Representative, Board of Governors: one-year term, and are chosen at each Memorial Trust JORDAN UTTAL zations, WW II historians and writers, the 7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt 101 year's Reunion by vote of their Group Dallas, Press, political heads, and today's citi- Texas 75230 members in attendance. The choice is made zenry, for the purpose of researching, ad- on the basis of their ability to inspire, to vancing, and disseminating our "story", — GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS lead, and their willingness to work hard for Headquarters J. LIVINGSTON JONES the Story of our Association now, of our 316 Ridgscrest Rd., Asheboro, N.C. 27203 their Group members, and 44th for the good of EIG HOWARD C HENRY, JR. "living" Memorial, of our proud part in 1649 Portland Lane, Rossmoor, the Association, during their JarneSburg, N.J. 08831 term. This preserving democracy and high human 93rd BG CHARLES J WEISS year, we are priviledged to have a strong 21 Moran Dr., Waldorf, Md. 20601 ideals for the World in those critical WW II 355th FG RALPH A. McDONOUGH contingent of these key people, and I want Box 240, RD 2, Adena, Ohio 43901 years. 389th BG to extend to each of them a warm thanks EARL L. ZIMMERMAN Your Group Vice President has under- 8922 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, Ind. 46240 for their continued good work for the Asso- 392nd BG J FRED THOMAS taken the job because he is proud of the 8933 221H Biscayne Ct., Huntington Bosch, Calif. 92646 ciation. Our Group 445th Vice Presidents are BG FRANCIS J. DiMOLA work, proud to be of service, and because 390 Madison Ave., New Milford, N.J. 07646 more than just "unit contacts", they are 446th he wants to help you. By reading his sketch, VERE A.McCARTY truly administrative executives. They are 740 Ventura St.. N. Salem, Oregon 97303 and seeing his picture, you will know him a 448th BG JOSEPH T MICHALCZYK the "backbone" of our organization; they 241 West St., Ludlow, Mass.01056 little better, and perhaps find him a person 458th BG make our Association E. A. ROKICKI "tick". Their work with interests 365 Mae Rd., Glen Burnie, Md. 21061 in life like yours. But at any 466th BG is all unpaid, voluntary, dedicated. This J. M. DANIELS rate, he will now be more than just a signa- 1306W Woodard, Denison. Texas 75020 year, the quality of their participation is un- 467th BC KENNETH DARNEY. SR ture on a letter, or a voice on the other end 4510 Ridge Rd.. Baltimore, Md. 21236 surpassed. 489th of the phone. He asks that you use his serv- BG COL. CHARLES H. FREUDENTHAL (Ref.) Just what does a 8421 Berea Dr., Vienna. Va. 22180 Group Vice President ices; he 491st likes what he is doing. Ask him to 130 MICHAEL FAGEN do? each will, during the course of the 1155 Spruce Ave., Atwater, Calif. 95301 help you find a lost 2nd Air Division friend; 492nd BG year, write, E. W.(Bill) CLAREY exchange, and/or forward ask him about your unit; ask him about 2015 Victoria Court, Loa Altos, Calif. 94022 dozens of letters and articles about and for books, articles, or people he has contact our members, and non-members, who are with whose knowledge will enrich your un- GROUP CHAIRMAN searching for renewed contacts with long- 453rd BG DONALD J OLDS derstanding and appreciation of your 1403 Highland, Rolla, Mo.65401 ago comrades of WW II, or who are inter- Group, the Air Division, the Air Force. ested in their Group or unit's part in WW II You'll be happy with the results! NEWSLETTER STAFF history. They will research out new members, Editor DAVID G. PATTERSON WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE so that everyone possible may enjoy the P.O. Drawer B,Ipswich, Mass 01938 President Art Department EDWARDJ. HOHMAN 695 Richmond Dr., Hermitage, Pa. 16146 Photographer ROBERT T COLEMAN 71 East Santa Chalice Dr., Green Valley, Ariz. 85614 THE .50 CAL. Publicity Director PLAQUE GOES ON EARL L. ZIMMERMAN 8922 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, Ind 46240 (13 left)

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEMORIAL TRUST I have just completed and mailed the 90th THOMAS C EATON. Chairman plaque and no one could have convinced me 3 Albemarle Rd. Norwich. Norfolk, Englanc that this idea would be as successful as it turned ROGER A FREEMAN out to be. I'm happy May's Barn. Dedham, Nr. Colchester, Essex. England to say that a steady im- ALFRED A. JENNER, Vice Chairman provement in materials, skills and engraving Norfolk News Co. Ltd.. Norwich, Norfolk, England techniques has been a continuing process. The PAUL R. KING last 5 plaques I made cost $2.00 Noverre House. Norwich NR2 1 RH. more, but I was England successful in absorbing MRS MICHAEL BARNE that increase with the Sotterley Hall, Beccles, Suffolk, England name being done in old English Script. It's re- CDR MARK EDMONSTONE CHEYNE ally effective. ChtchIngharn Lodge I have Ditchingham, Bungay, Suffolk, England just sent our treasurer another check DAVID J. HASTINGS for $35.00 which should bring the total benefits Westerling -, Salhouse. NR, Norwich, Norfolk, NR136R0, England to the 2nd Air Division Association up to COL M R. MARCHAND $276.00. I'm still getting Deputy Base Commander, RA F requests for the plaque Lakenheath, Brandon, Suffolk, England and I hope these last 13 units will bring that LADY MAYHEW amount up to $300.00. The cost for the plaque 58B Bracondale. Norwich NRI 2AP. England is $26.00 and it would help if you included $1.00 CHRISTOPHER SNOW 24 Grosvenor So . London WIA IAE, England for postage. Send to E. R. Rokicki, 365 Mae Road, Glen MRS FRANK THISTLETHWAITE Burnie, Md. 21061. Tel.(301) 766-1034. Wood Hall, Hethersett, Norwich, Norfolk, England Again, many thanks to all who have participated in this venture. I have asked JORDAN R UTTAL Evelyn to continue to use this money to pay the dues 7824 Meadow Park Dr., Apt. 101 for those who request this Dallas, Texas 75230. U.S.A. assistance. Bless you all. LT COL. W D WUEST The Manor. Old Buckenham. Norfolk. England 2 LIBERTY RUN - NORWICH Tom Flonnerv by LINGA

This is pretty heady stuff for an amateur, a column signature and a by-line! Thanks to editor Bill Robertie and artist Ed Hohman. I appreciate the many letters of encouragement, and quite a few telephone calls. Especially welcome are those that add a little subject matter that can be used for the Bulletin. One of the phone calls was from Colonel Fred Knorre . . .hoping to coor- dinate our San Antonio reunion schedule with his Kelly Field class reunion (1938). To most of us who went over with the Group, Col. Knorre was the 'father figure', tremendously respected, rather quiet, very competent, up there in the 'front office' keeping everything on an even keel. It is most gratifying to learn that he will attend our reunion in October. Two new members known to many 446th BG folk, are Phil Balcomb, former Ordnance Offi- Departure cer, and Art Darrigrand, S-2. Art is now a County Judge in New York State. He flew to England with us in the "Buzz Buggy." Nearly got his feet wet, too . .. but that's a story for another time. Last Bulletin we started a series of aircraft numbers, planes assigned to the 446th Bomb Group. Response has been most encouraging. As you look at the list below, see if you can recall squadron identification, airplane names, the pilot first assigned, and whether lost (if so, where and when) or returned to the U.S. Please drop me a line if you can fill in any information or correct any misinformation. As I mentioned before, I will send a copy of the finished product to all who assist. Also, please write if you know anything noteworthy about any of the airplanes or their crews. 41-28978 Crashed at Bungay 5 Oct. 44 (Berlin) 41-29125 -D Tar Heel Baby 41-29524 Crashed at Bungay 1 Jan 45 (Andernach) 41-29543 Crashed at Cliftonville 27 Apr. 44 41-29550 JU- Tailwind 42- 7494 FL- (Ryan) Lost: 20 Dec 43(Bremen) 42- 7498 RI-K Desperate Desmond (Mattes) 42- 7505 42-7539 FL (Cle) 42- 7542 Lost: 4 Apr 44 (Ditched in Eng. Channel) 42- 7554 Arrival 42-7559 Brown Knowser 42- 7564 FL Kelly (Lietke) 42- 7572 HN-M Werewolf(Princes O'Rourke)(Wylie) Lost II Apr 44(Hannover) 42- 7574 FL- Henry's Pride (Griesinger) 42- 7576 HN-A Stardust (Blackdog) 42- 7577 RI- Buzz-Buggy (Henderson) Lost: 31 Dec 43(Bordeaux) 42- 7578 FL- Hula Wahine (Goss) 42- 7581 Lost: 31 Dec 43(Bordeaux) 42- 7583 FL- Wee Willie (Sheley) Lost: 23 Mazy 4(Saarbrucker) 42- 7584 Merle Lee (Crosland) Crashed at Hawkinge, Kent Jan 44 42- 7587 FL- (Shafer) 42- 7588 FL- (Martin) 42- 7589 Lost 25 Feb 44(Furth) 42- 7592 FL-A Sweet Moonbeam McSwine (Nack?) The first aircraft listed in the March Bulletin, "Minnie," seems to have belonged to the458th Bomb Group, according to Tony North. There is also a conflict about a/c 41-29411 (FL-H)? Was it "Just One Time," or "Ridge Runner"? Or did it carry both names? John Archer writes from England that he was in the old 'Aero Club' at the Flixton (Bungay) airbase recently to inspect a mural which has been uncovered after all these years. He says that it had been whitewashed over and that there is evidence of other murals under the paintwork in The Palais D'Dance, the Movie and the Red other parts of the building. John also sent a clipping from a Norwich newspaper that featured a Cross were Lousy with GI's. visit of 2nd ADA member Art Livingston and his wife. Art, a ball-turret gunner in the 707th Squadron, had donated a complete uniform, including medals, to theNorfolk and Suffolk Avi- ation Museum. John Archer is a member of the museum which is located at Flixton. And speaking of murals, new 2nd ADA member, Jim Schultz, who worked at the officers club with Frank Bruno, got home with the painting that hung over the fireplace at the club. He sent a photo of it now hanging in his den. Lt. Charles Coates, the artist, had given it to Jim when Coates rotated home. What a prize! And what memories . . (I. hope that Jim will send another photo, a glossy black and white, suitable for printing in the Journal).

10:50 P.M. The Road Back. "All You Need is A Sticka Gum."

3 I REMEMBER: Eddy White Plane torn completely up upon hitting the water — White did a perfect job — by Myron KeiIman (392nd) causing more drag — Whitey and Jim had should get the D.F.C. Shelton went On the mission to Hanover 11 Sept. trouble controlling the ship and gave orders down on the 30th mission. Tough luck. Probably 1944, Eddy White was leading the 579th to clear the nose and prepare for ditching. got out of the plane but couldn't keep Squadron's eight airplanes — his nine- Such a feeling realizing that we were going up — as did McAllaster. Rest of teenth mission. The target was an ordnance to have to land in the Channel — yet all the crew alright — but looking for- ward to a long manufacturing plant. Bill Long, Eddy's crew members remained calm. stay in the hospital. navigator recorded these events: We had a single P-47 escort who ar- No more missions for at least 1 month." ranged with the Air Sea Rescue to meet us. Within ten "Events: Pre-briefing at 5:00 A.M. — days or so, Eddy, co-pilot Rescue sent launches out every 15 miles on Whalen, bombardier regular briefing at 5:30. Flying ship #615 Alexander, engineer a heading of 90° from Gt. Yarmouth. Hayden and gunners Egler and leading the 579th high. Shelton flying and Sabolish 30 Miles out from Yarmouth we hit the had recuperated, and surprisingly as Nose Navigator. Took off at 8:35, were re- water — ship almost completely out of con- turned to climbed to assembly and left the English duty at Wendling. trol — climbing, descending, banking, etc. Upon departing coast at 10:00. We entered the enemy coast from the hospital, one of Sea calm and sunny — very good condi- the friendly nurses, bidding — (France) at 1040, flying north of course. Eddy farewell, tions. Hit the water at 2:45 P.M. skidding said "Come back and give us A lone P-38 (probably a captured ship ra- a buzz some- to the right with a terrific crash. Hit at 105 time." Without thinking dioing our course, etc.) — was sighted in of the conse- M.P.H. — the bottom half of the plane was quence, Eddy assured the vicinity of Sigfried line. About five min- the lady that he ripped off from the bomb bays to the cam- would. utes later, ME-109's attacked formation era hatch. The tail turret and tail was torn Back at Wendling, Eddy and ahead of us. Two ships seen going down in his crew completely off. As soon as we hit, the plane mates were welcomed as flames (B-24s). One crew bailed out — an- heroes — which evidently nosed down and the rear went up they were. They rejoined their other wasn't so lucky and the plane spun Nissen hut into the air. Everything was very confusing. bunk mates — Charlie into the ground. The 109's left us suddenly Neundorf and his but most of us managed to get out. McAl- crew. They immediately went — we had no fighter cover with us at all — pubbing on laster, the Radio operator and Shelton the Charlie's night must have been at the interim when off (not alerted for the next the Nose Navigator failed groups were changing. to get out O.K. and day's mission) and in general "got back went down. Whalen pushed his way out of into the swing of things". Flak at the time was intense and quite ac- When it came to the nose up thru the canopy. White fol- flying, it was a different curate. No one sustained any injuries at the matter — Eddy lowed him. The top turret dropped and time, though. All reported o.k. didn't have a complete crew. Hayden escaped thru the hole where it was. Eddy's ability as a We finally got on course and hit the tar- lead crew pilot was Eight of us were picked up within 15 min- still honored, but it was get — PFF. Huge volumes of smoke could tough to rebuild a utes. Only three got into the life raft. lead crew once it was be seen rising from the town. Smoke rose in broken up. Neverthe- Injuries — Pilot - none; Co-Pilot - cut on less, as a squadron commander, pillars up to 15,000 ft. in a short time. All I deemed it right ankle. Bombarider - none; Engineer - important to this time our number three and four engines take advantage of Eddy's bruised. Navigator - dislocated left shoul- great experience and were smoking and streaming gas and oil. talent. I elected to re- der and broken nose. Nose Navigator - build We were hit badly. It's hard to determine his lead crew. While selecting a lead- went down. Radio operator - went down. type navigator, whether the fighters caused the damage on radio operator and gunner, Tail Gunner - dislocated toe and cut head. we gave us or the flak at the Sigfried line. Eddy, Whalen and Hayden oppor- Rt. waist - cut arm and head; Left waist - tunity to get used to Over the target the flak was heavy and in- flying B-24s again by cut neck and mouth. Plane sank in 15 min- means of new engine slow tense — our ship received many hits — lots -time flights and utes. practice in the nose, though no one was injured bombing missions. Then it hap- Were picked up by Air Sea Rescue launch pened! from the flak. Alex and I huddled together and taken to Naval Hospital in Gt. Yar- After a new engine in the nose and prayed. Bombed at 23,000 test flight, Eddy "just mouth. From there to Morley Hall for fur- happened" to be in ft. — Such flak. The sky was black with it! the vicinity of the hos- ther treatment. Navigator's shoulder out pital. He "ran" Reports later were that the German fighters the propeller to the high for 11 hours — most painful. RPM (revolutions per put up their greatest opposition in a long minute) position, time to meet us. 47 were lost in all. Here are our damages up to the target area. #1 turbo regulator shot away. #3 shot out and streaming oil. Burning also. In- terphone shot out. Bomb sight damaged. After leaving the target we left the forma- tion and feathered #4. #3 couldn't be feath- ered at the time. Picked up a P-47 escort and made it back to the Zeider Zee O.K. Got there at about 14,000 ft. Avoided flak fairly well. Had a huge hole in left wing. #3 had two cylinders shot out. Damage very complete. We had hopes of making it back to the base. At Dutch territory between Zeider Zee and the North Sea Whitey called us to bail out, but changed the order. We decided to try to cross the North Sea. Began lightening the ship throwing out all loose equipment. Someone threw out the waist window and it Missions Completed — Weissberger (N), Keilman (Cmd P), White (P), Shumaker (B), struck on the right horizontal tail plane Whalen (CP).

4 lowered the nose of the ol' B-24, and was well prepared. I asked him to repeat 500 foot altitude approach, slow to 130- buzzed the convalescent ward — not just what he had said. He did — the same words mile per hour air speed for bundles release once, but three times. The bold tail insignia were spoken. His countenance assured me at 1,000 feet, and then "get the hell out of of the 392nd Bombardment Group plus the that he meant each word he had spoken. there" tactic. numbers of the airplane were easily read by With one or more hard looks into his eyes Rest assured that I didn't sleep much that hospital personnel. I don't think Eddy had to assure finality, I turned away and headed night — the mission would be my forty- landed the airplane back at Wendling one for my jeep. I knew no words of mine third — more than anyone had flown in the hour before I as squadron commander was would change his mind. Even if they could 392nd. notified that Eddy was in trouble. — if his heart wasn't in it and he wasn't Briefing was bright and early at 6:00 Charges of willful buzzing of a hospital fully committed, he could and no doubt A.M., and I took off with Eddy White and and several counts of unprofessional con- would, jeopardize the success of the mis- crew at 9:30. The weather was clear. Our duct of an officer of the U.S. Army Air sion. It was the first time in nineteen assembly of twenty-six (26) airplanes and Forces were preferred against Eddy. The months of combat operations that a pilot of the route to the drop zone near Wesel, Ger- general court martial was held at the 14th mine had refused to fly. many, were bright and clear except for the Combat Wing Headquarters at Shipdham. I went to my office and scanned the ros- tremendous smoke screen the allies had laid I was called to the stand to testify as to ter of some twenty lead crews. — Who down to hide their intentions and move- Eddy's loyalty and pilot ability. That was could possibly take a mission like this ments along the Rhine. As we flew across easy to do, and I still remember the last "from scratch"? Who would the group Holland at 500 foot altitude, I remember question the trial judge advocate asked me commander approve without question? I the windmills, the neat green fields of the — "Would you want this pilot, Edward didn't have much time to "dwadle". Eddy countryside; and, as we neared the Rhine, White, to be returned to your squadron for White and crew was my choice. Back in my the scattered gliders and crashed transport further duty?" Without hesitation, I re- jeep I jumped and headed for the Squadron planes. The navigator and bombardier kept plied, "Yes, I would." With that I was dis- combat crew Nissen hut area with the us right on course, and we spotted the col- missed. dreaded thought that Eddy and crew may ored smoke signal at the drop zone just It wasn't until the next day that I was in- have gone pubbing — as they usually did if across the Rhine. Eddy throttled back, formed that Eddy had been returned to they weren't on alert. I was in luck. Eddy climbed to 1,000 feet slowing the airspeed duty — but had been fined a sizable sum. was about to leave for the movies. I told for the release of the bundles. The bombar- The loss of pay was tough — but tougher him that Eggleston couldn't fly the mission, dier released them in a salvo, and Eddy still, I couldn't get Eddy promoted to Cap- and I needed him and his crew. He sensed turned the formation for home. The last tain — the earned rank of a lead-crew pilot. that it was something important — or I airplanes in the formation swung wide after On 29 November 1944, eighty-one days wouldn't be doing the asking. If it were a their bundles released, and they were shot from the tragic mission to Hanover and the routine change, Sgt. Vivian would be told, up very badly with German 20 and 37 milli- ditching, Eddy and his crew returned to op- and he in turn would notify the crew con- meter ground weapons. Three B-24s were eration. They led a squadron of ten B-24s cerned. Eddy was given a real quick idea of shot up so badly they had to crash-land. on a mission to bomb a railroad viaduct at what the mission entailed. With only a mo- Several men were killed. Some were taken Atenbeken, Germany (near the Rhine ments thought, he looked me in the eye and prisoner by the Germans — but they were River). This was Eddy's twentieth mission. said, "I will if you will." That seemed re- soon overtaken by American forces and No flak, no fighters, excellent bombing re- ally impertinent and, as squadron com- freed. sults, and all airplanes of the 392nd re- mander, I felt like "dressing him down" — I vividly remember the "scarey" exit. As turned safely. but he had a point. I wouldn't ask him to we rolled out of our 180° outbound turn in Nine more missions were led without in- do anything I wouldn't do. This would be the dense smoke, we were confronted with cident, and Eddy and his crew were sweat- his thirtieth and last mission of his combat being on near collision course and altitude ing out their thirtieth mission. — What tour. He — and I — hoped it would be a of an inbound group of B-24s. Talk about would it be? "milk-run" type. Well, I didn't have the brushing wing tips! It didn't take long to 24 March 1945 was planned by General say of when or which combat missions I ram the throttles to climb power setting and Eisenhower and his staff at Supreme Allied would fly as command pilot. Squadron "get the hell out of there"! Headquarters to be a big and important commanders rotated or were selected at the We landed 5 hours and 50 minutes after day. It was the day the Allied forces were to designs of the group commander. I knew it takeoff — tired but satisfied with a job well cross the Rhine River for the final drive to wasn't my turn — nor was I scheduled for done. Eddy, his crew, and his close friend, conquer Berlin and end the war. The 2nd this mission. Nevertheless, I had Eddy's Charlie Neundorf, went pubbing that night Air Division, including the 392nd, was partial commitment, and I still had to no- on their bicycles to celebrate. — The results scheduled to fly low level re-supply mis- tify Col. Loran Johnson that Eggleston had of "that mission" were more harrowing sions to allied troops just after they crossed "crapped out"; that Eddy White and crew than actual combat. Can you imagine rid- the Rhine River the morning of the 24th. As would replace him — if I would fly with ing hell bent from a pub on narrow English lead crew commander, I selected a well- him as command pilot. country roads on a dark night? But that's experienced and competent pilot (Capt. Eg- Luckily, Col. Johnson was in his quar- another story. gleston) and crew to lead the 392nd. A cou- ters and, without mincing words, I spelled Eddy continued serving with the Air ple of practice missions were flown in out the situation. I had been with the Colo- Force. He spent several years flying trans- France, and special intelligence briefings nel for nearly two years; so he didn't ques- ports in the Arctic, and for six years he flew were held with sand box mock-ups of the tion me nor harangue about Eggleston, ten-engine B-36 bombers in the Strategic Rhine River and drop areas. All was in and of course I could take over from the Air Command. He retired as a major with readiness on the evening of the 23rd. scheduled command pilot without ques- twenty years service — including three I had just finished eating supper and was tion. With his approval, I crowded Eddy, years (1940-1943) service and a combat tour returning to my quarters — no doubt to his navigator, M. Weissberger, and bom- with the Royal Canadian Air Force. He re- write a V-Mail letter to my sweetheart wife, bardier, M. Shumaker into my jeep and tired again in 1979 from Boeing Aircraft as when Capt. Eggleston approached, saluted headed for the group intelligence building. a precision machinist in their "skunk and said, "I can't fly the mission tomor- We were given a thorough, but hasty brief- works" (new aircraft development). He row." The statement stunned me. I remem- ing: studied the route into the target, turn- built and flies his own airplane today. ber that I couldn't believe what I had ing points, land marks on the Rhine River, Yes, Eddy was awarded the Distin- heard. He had flown practice missions and the dropping area colored smoke signals, guished Flying Cross! 5 TARGET: RIVER CROSSING BRIDGES, true. Their target today was The Mighty KOBLENZ Eighth Air Force and all the shooting was by Phil Munson (4661h) going to be over open gunsights as condi- tions were perfect for visual This briefed target today is a pair of steel tracking. We we would be out of range before a correc- knew the gunners were veterans bridges, one vehicular and one rail north- who had tion could be made. retreated from targets overrun east of Koblenz, Germany across the Rhine by the ad- The bomb run was made GH — by in- vancing armies and they were down River. The purpose of their intended de- there strument. The terrain below was ten-tenths dulling their sights with a sticky struction is to cut off the retreat of the Ger- finger, just cloud covered and for some unexplainable like man armed forces Gary Cooper used to do before the tur- eastward from the reason the bombs began dropping from the present keys came into range. battle area into the Homeland and initial point plus five minutes, to the target also, interdict any In the plane it to westward bound mili- plus five minutes, at which time the target was business as usual. I had lined tary traffic coming to assist in the battles suddenly became visible. This undisciplined the floor of the Navigators com- now raging as the Allied partment with extra armies close to the execution of the drop, so unlike iron disci- flak suits for protec- Rhine. They are close tion. The bomb racks were together and parallel pline exercised in this procedure had scat- powered up and each I had put on to other and can be seen distinctly tered the ordnance all over the landscape a German Wehrmacht helmet from the air because in honor of the of the water back- below. The closest hit was about 1500 feet occasion. With a fresh on ground. course checkpoint and on the wrong bridge if you please. The below and a pilotage The bomb load map in is four two thousand GH was not very selective in picking out one hand that had the bridges pound general purpose bombs intended to bridges today. marked on it, I was ready. The bombay wreck the heavy doors were structure. Because of their On the way home thinking we were in open and an icy slipstream was weight and size howling these bombs are slung on friendly territory, I had taken off the heavy throughout the aircraft. I knelt on special heavy racks, the not usually a part of flak suit when suddenly the ship came un- floor half in apprehension and half in the aircraft, but which fury doing are installed when- der fire from light mobile flak below. We pilotage and thinking that to- ever they are used. day, very Therefore, they are sep- had passed over the German salient which shortly somebody was going to arate from and do not get a jolt — release on an electri- now everyone knows as the Bulge. The about 480,000 pounds of high cal signal from the explosive. Sperry Norden bomb- shooting quickly petered out and we care- The next glance at the ground sight, but must showed be individually finger fired fully noted the location on the map. the same village below that was from a hand held there push button. The racks Arriving home at Attlebridge the visibil- before. We were crawling down to the themselves looked battered and bent from ity was seven miles, the best for any landing target at a hastily calculated groundspeed repeated usage of 15 knots but they were in place in the in the last three months. There was a New and there was no turning back aircraft holding now. 8000 pounds of heavy ex- Years party planned for tonight and the plosive. Who dares say to the Crew Chief Mission Alert was on for tomorrow. Oh those wonderful weather wizards who has been up all night working on the with their 123 knot groundspeed! The slow ship that the racks look like a real shaky do pace continued until finally the Leaders and they might not work. This might get smoke markers and bombs were dropped. I you a court marshall and anyhow it was too pressed down on the firing button and late for all that. This was to have conse- nothing happened. The racks were quences later. jammed. I then tried to salvo as we went through the air markers and the salvo bar We were flying today in aircraft number would not go down, so off came the Wehr- 262, aptly named H-A-R-D LUCK. The macht helmet and swinging it as a hammer motors were OK, but otherwise she wasn't the salvo bar slammed down and those fat exactly in factory condition. The rear and sausages began their inexorable descent. the nose turrets were suffering from a high They accelerated and became a blurr and altitude thrombosis and would not rotate. then disappeared from sight. Seconds later The hand held waist guns were missing the the explosions blossomed in a field far be- limiting stops and the optical sights which yond the target. The seconds of delay in re- had been torn off when the gun got loose in lease caused a futile hit on the ground be- flight, but we had flown without those be- low. All was wasted. fore and certainly the guns would fire. All During this time we had taken no anti- that was needed was a good motion of a tur- January 1, 1945 — Target — Bridges — aircraft fire. Not a burst came up all the key shoot lead angle and — Gary Cooper Koblenz — Germany. way down the run which was very uusual himself wouldn't need anything more. We Having missed the bridges yesterday we and very lucky. Immediately after bombs rumbled down the runway and up into the were sent out to get them today and having away the formation went into Blue. a diving left missed them today we will very likely be hand turn to get off the target and get back This was the second mission to Koblenz sent to get them tomorow. the ground speed we needed so badly. This for the crew. On the first, the ship got forty This mission was a very unusual affair. turn afforded a clear view of the squadron flak holes, one about six inches in diameter. The weather wizards had forecast a high ve- coming down behind us. The flak coming This causes the War to at once become very locity wind from out of the northeast and up at them was intense and accurate. They personal. Now we were on a return engage- as the bomb run was directly into the north, were being hit and damaged with the bursts ment without benefit of invitation but this it was going to be a slow death pace for coming into and alongside the aircraft. Ap- mission subsequently proved how much ninety miles to the target. But even so, the parently the ground fire had been withheld change had been caused by the Allied army briefed wind velocity and true airspeed at until it was certain we would bomb at this advances and the constant bombing cam- bombing altitude would have given us an place and to conserve ammunition. Now paign. At the target there was one three gun estimated ground speed of 123 knots. It there came a voice over VHF saying, battery firing. The shots were well placed didn't work out this way. Later when we "Hello Lincoln Blue Leader, hello Lincoln for azimuth and lead but were about eighty got up there and turned on the bomb run Blue Leader, this is your number two B- feet too low. We sat up there and watched the weather was good and the visibility was Baker reporting. I have now lost two en- them bang off, comfortable in the feeling clear. Conversely, from below the same was gines and cannot hold formation. My Navi- 6 cannot navigate any gator reports he To THE NEWEST MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS longer. His table has been shot away. I am now leaving the formation. Over to you." OF THE 2AD MEMORIAL TRUST. . . Back came the response. "Roger B-Baker. WELCOME ! ! ! We read you. Goodbye and good luck. Try and pick us up on the way out if you can." It is a very great pleasure to announce the addition to our The 458th Bomb Group flying above us Board of Governors of Mr. David J. Hastings, a native of at 24,500 feet had a headwind of 180 knots Norwich, and an old friend of the 2nd Air Division. and were hanging up in the jetstream on Mr. Hastings first association with us was on the very day their props burning gasoline and going no- in 1943 that the first Liberators landed at Horsham St. Faith where. They finally aborted the mission (458 B.G.), and he still has the silver dollar that was handed and came home. to him as a very excited young schoolboy by one of the first of us who came out of the front gate. His main memories, however, center around Hethel, and the 389th Bomb Group, where he spent all his school holidays and every spare hour. LUCK DAVID J. HASTINGS As a matter of fact, he was adopted by the crew of "Pugna- cious Princess Pat" of the 566th Bomb Squadron. He also points out that his family maintained close ties with crews from Attlebridge and Shipdham. In his own words, "the kindness of the crews to the youngsters was tremendous, and one of these days it would be wonderful to meet them again." David Hastings joined the R.A.F. in 1950, served in Germany, and joined the Royal Observer Corps in Norwich on his return to civilian life in Norwich. He and his wife, Jean, to this very day continue to serve in the R.O.C. He received his pilot's license in 1963, and currently flies a Rockwell 114 Commander out of the Norwich Airport (Horsham St. Faith) on business and pleasure. He is joint managing director of his com- pany, active in Trade Associations, in civic affairs,; and an enthusiastic sailor out of the Wroxham Broads, where so many of us spent leisure hours. To Mr. and Mrs. Hastings, their son Roger, and their daughter Carol, we extend a very warm welcome into our unique 2nd Air Division family. We look forward to meeting them in the not too distant future. In the meantime however, we extend our thanks to him for undertaking to participate in our mission — to keep the memory alive of the close ties between our two peoples — who have contributed so much to each other, and to the preservation of our precious love of the freedom of the human spirit. JORDAN R. UTTAL Such is the lamentable story of the bridges at Koblenz as it occurred over New JOHNNY COME LATELY motely resembled a fighter plane. Years 1945. It should have ended there, but Right about then my calf muscles started there is an interesting finale which hap- by Bob Ma/lick (453rd) balling up in my legs and my feet began pened here in Boston about 1971. We were Johnny come lately in the war dancing a jig of their own on the rudder My wife and I had been invited to dinner and didn't arrive at the old 453rd until late pedals. I never did see any chutes open as at a friends home nearby. We drove there December of 1944, when the Krauts were the 24 went down thru the cloud deck. It and were shown inside to meet the other all softened up. Our 26 or 27 missions were just seemed to revolve so slowly, then speed guests. While the introductions were being swift flown from January thru April and up as the nose came around then go slow made I noticed a picture postcard pinned to our first 6 runs were all milk runs. We had and then speed up again to complete the a bulletin board on the wall. It was a pastel no fighter problems until later on towards flat spins. I don't remember what town we scene showing a river, a curving river. the end when the remnants of the German were even approaching in Germany. At one There was something else also, rather hard Air Force put up a brief stand. We did start time I had a record of where we went and to see from a distance, so curiously I picking up holes from mission number 7 what we carried and the dates, but it is long stepped nearer for a better look. Something and nearly always came back with a few gone. familiar here — there were two bridges over flak dents and dinges. We took one shot I think what I abhorred the most was the the water and then recognition shot into the supercharger duct work on the #2 cold. It seemed I was always freezing in through me. Yes, it was the Rhine and yes, engine that looked like an 88 MM went in, those damned electric suits for those hours it was Koblenz, many years later. The turned and ripped out the trailing edge of on end. Maybe I had the nervous cold bridges were still there. Someone had sent a the wing without exploding. sweats, but I froze all the time. postcard to our friends who could not pos- On about our 25th run we were hit by a sibly know I would see it, or that it would few ME 262's. The usual cry of "Bandits in "Anyone interested in playing so forcibly remind me how we scored a the area" went out and "Sock it in tight" golf at reunion in San Anto- clean miss on those bridges so long ago. It was the VHF cry. They dropped down from nio, please advise Pete Henry, was a clear case of H-A-R-D LUCK. No- about 12:30 high on a group to the front body present that evening knew why I and left of us and the escort P-5 l's were 164 B Portland Lane, James- stared so intently at the postcard. I was coming right after them to box them, but burg, New Jersey 08831. We looking for four bomb pocks in the terrain they went on right thru the B-24 formation must make arrangements well beyond the bridge. It was obvious that taking out one of ours who flat spun with- in advance. If we can get to- whoever had taken the picture had obliter- out smoking. gether five or six foursomes(or ated them. Some people have no respect for I figured they got the pilots. The gunners truth or history. The conversation in the in the formation didn't ask many questions more) we'll conduct some sort room went on —. I never said a word about but they did damage one of the P-51's, who of tournament, on Friday, Oc- the postcard. After all, Old Soldiers are suddenly changed angles caught fire and tober 2, 1981." only supposed to fade away. Doug MacAr- dove straight thru the cloud deck. I felt that H.C.'Pete' Henry thur said so—. everyone was shooting at anything that re- 7 speaking Nazi fighter pilot who had been on the shore battery's frequency. Needless to say, Captain Baatz immediately returnd to a blackout configuration and found his sktoirs-.:r.v.v1 "AZ;'1,- •-,,A,er.,k- %,•J way back to Old Buckenham in the dark. :7. Back at 'Old Buck', Captain Fern Titus, I believe, was returning from, the mission IN OUR FORMATION with Lt. Col. Frank 'Smiley' Sullivan (C.O. of the 732nd Squadron) in the right seat as by Del Wangsvick (453rd) Command Pilot. Navigating, as I remem- ber, was Lt. DeWitt C. Jones III — a sharp Here is more about the 22 April, 1944 What's more, the additional time so spent Navigator. Three times he directed the mission discussed by Glenn R. Matson of caused the formation to return to the Eng- plane over 'Old Buck'; that's the darkest the 458th in the March, 1981, issue of the lish coast after dark, and — unlike the place in England!" Finally convinced, 2AD Journal: My Group, the 453rd, also Royal Air Force — ours was not accus- though, the pilots managed to land in the flew this mission. I did not fly that day and tomed to nighttime flying at that time. The dark on what they thought to be the run- did not keep notes, but I did have a hand in formation broke up at the coast, and each way, and fortunately it was! flight planning, briefing, and debriefing. crew had to find the way home. (England Here is what I remember: was 'blacked out' of course, and so were Some of our aircraft were followed and the aircraft.) The resulting confusion was strafed by German fighters as they were The target was in Hamm, at the edge of inevitable and occurred on a vast scale. landing. One of our last aircraft to land had Germany's industrial Ruhr Valley, and an- Here is some of it: been unable to release his load, but spilled other Group was leading the assault. Very his 500 pound bombs on the runway. Our little time was to be spent over the heavily Our (452rd) aircraft tabbed `G' was trucks cruised around to the 'hard stands' defended Ruhr Valley; however, it seemed flown by Captain George Baatz of my and picked up crews who had landed. Fi- that the lead crew missed a final visual (732nd) Squadron. Because of being so far nally, one crew — Lt. Witton's, I believe — check-point and elected to make a second off from flight plan, he broke radio silence was still not accounted for and presumed 'run' on the target, leading the formation in to identify himself to a British 'shore bat- lost. The trucks 'shut down'. Eventually, a huge circle right over the Ruhr in order to tery'. He got a response (in good English): Lt. Witton and crew walked into the De- get back to the I.P. (Initial Point). This, of "`G' for George! For identification, turn briefing. They had landed in the dark, course, was an invitation to Germany on your lights." Captain Baatz did so, and missed the bombs on the runway, and fighters and anti-aircraft gunners and re- his aircraft was immediately riddled with walked in before anyone else on 'Old Buck' sulted in damage to and losses of B-24s. bullets, apparently from an English- knew they were back.

hem, Pa. Wally recently joined the 2nd After much searching, looking for some THE 445th HIGHLIGHTS AD and is now a butcher boy. W.F. ground personnel, I finally found my First by Frank DiMola (445th) O'Rourke is with General Mills in Ontario, Sergeant, Edger Lowe, now living in Dar- Canada.(We have them all over the world). born, Michigan. He also recently joined the I have been receiving some great mail Dave Patterson finally got his whole crew 2nd AD. He has really mellowed after 35 from both new and old members of the together by finding the last member, years because he signed and sent me a 3 Day 445th. My local mail carrier, "Rocky", has Carlton Scott of Illinois. His son Melvin of Pass! I can't use it because sombody stole a great sense of humor. On week-ends when South Carolina is also an associate mem- my bike! I also got a lead from Ralph I am home he blows the whistle and hollers ber. While on this subject, we could make Levine, Teaneck, New Jersey who, by the "Mail Call." The neighbors can't figure it our wives associate members and enjoy the way, is almost a neighbor of mine, about out. Just keep the mail coming. I love it. benefits. another ground chap, a former crew chief John H. Robinson, Memphis, Tenn., Sam Miller, Tullahoma, Tenn., was an Gino Capodagli, Conn. I knew Cappy well wrote me two letters. He sent me a clipping original member of the 700th Sqd. His ship since we joined the 44th together. I also that he had placed in his local paper and I # was 42-7619. Hey Sam do you remember contacted another crew chief, Al Ellwein, got some results from it. Also, John sent the names of the best of your crew? I have a Litchfield, Ariz.(Watch it you fly boys - us me his war records of his entire 30 missions list that would interest you. Remember Jim ground fellows are starting to swell the that he completed. But to me — to the Elliott, Doreman Donnerth, John Herman ranks). 445th and the 8th AAF — it was the story and Victor Auchard? If some of you pilots I must relate a story about my First Sgt. of one of the greatest air battles in our his- could remember the number and name of We all knew each other fairly well, so when tory. It was #11 for Robby on Feb. 24th, your ship and the crew chief, I would like to we boarded the Queen Mary in October 1944 and the target was Gotha I guess we have it. '43, Edger Lowe came over to his friends just can't say or write enough about this And of course Buddy 0. Cross, Ama- and told us to volunteer for KP. We did so mission. rillo, Texas. All he does in his spare time and were able to stay top side for most of Charles L. Turner, 702 flight engineer is besides hanging around a GE plant is go the trip. Besides we ate better. Some of the still on top of the world. In Henderson, around to the large shopping malls — set- fellows were Steve Petrock, Al Guarnieri, Kentucky he got himself involved in the oil ting up a table with a big B-24 on it and Eddie Goldsmith, Joe Fernandez, and my- industry. In his spare time he raises and looking for ex-2nd AD boys. Great job self. Boy what an All American crew that races harness horses. I hope to meet him Buddy, and you still owe me the largest was. We must have peeled one half milion this racing season in the Meadowlands in steak you can find in Texas. I expect to pick spuds. New Jersey. it up when I see you in San Antonio. I would like to thank everyone who If any -officers of the ex survived the offi- I also received many calls from past Pres- helped to make "The Birsic Memorial cers mess hall, I have the name of the cook ident of the Association, Steve Posner, Fund" a $625.00 success. We are planning who helped you thru your grunts and New York. Just to think that a few re- to purchase a microfilm viewer or a slide groans while you were in flight. His name is unions were held right here in New York projector for the Library. Some additional Wally Steiner and he is now hiding in Bethle- and I never knew about it. funds will be needed. 8 although we suggest that this "Gallup NEWS OF THE 44th B.G. Poll" be made when it's all "Over, Over THE 448th SAGA There". by George P. Duponts (448th) 200 MISSION PARTY The festivities were opened with a soft- ball game between Col. Gibson and his Major Robert L. Campbell. Although I (by Pete Henry (44th) "all-Brass" and Lt. Horne and his never personally had any occasion to talk "Buckin'-One Bars". It was a good fast- with him, his conduct as a 712th squadron I will start off by reprinting the an- moving game, but Horne and Co. pulled a commander told me that he was someone I nouncement that came out in our daily bul- bad bit of strategy by winning the game, al- could be proud to serve under. letin the day preceeding the event: though the score was close, 2-1. They are While at Sioux City preparing to go over- now known as just "The One Bars". seas, a radio operator broke his arm. His "HEAR YE: HEAR YE: HEAR YE: Interest then turned toward kegs of beer pilot visiting him to say goodbye was asked You are invited to step inside to the greatest flowing along the side-lines and other ath- not to leave him behind. He implored him carnival since Noah — the 200th mission letic events such as football, volley-ball, to ask Major Campbell to let him go with party of the 44th — on Friday, August 11 football throwing, baseball pitching, and a his crew. Major Campbell visited him and — Beer — Hot Dogs — Dancing Girls — three-legged race. This last race featured the radio operator begged him to be al- Games of Chance — The first officer found the team of Johnson and Phillips (General lowed to go with his crew. wearing insignia of rank to be shot out of a Johnson, 14th Wing Commander and Lt. Finally he said, "Look Major, it's my cannon by the lucky private who wins the Col. Phillips, 14th Wing A-3). They were left arm that is broken. I use my right arm draw — No rank for the day — what there doing nicely until just after the turn into the to key radio messages. I can make it just is is reversed — Colonels become Privates home stretch, when they seemed to make a fine." He was so persuasive that he was al- and vice-versa — Master Sergeants are re- coordinated duo-Swan Dive into the lowed to go. He was shot down on his 19th duced to 2nd Lieutenants. ground. But they got back on their three- mission and broke a leg and was captured. Athletics in the morning — the most co- legs and finished in time to congratulate the At Herrington, Kansas where the group lossal display of muscles and grit since winners. was in transit, a S/Sgt. Michael P. Core David scored a probable on Goliath — see who had contracted malaria in the Pacific the First Sergeants battle the Privates at before joining 712th had not taken his over- volleyball with no holds barred — Watch seas physical. A notice that your physical Capt. "Stretch" Weaver and his preceded everything except your own fu- "5tringbeans" compete with Sgt. "Fat neral had long been posted. Stuff" Rosen and his "Pumpkins" in the Major Campbell came into the barracks most outstanding display of Eighth Air and asked Mike why he had ignored the Force pin-ups since Mr. America signed physical order. When told he didn't know if with Minsky. — See Col. Gibson's "All- he could pass the physical, the Major asked Brass" softball team take the field against if he wanted to go overseas. Lt. Home's "Single-Bar" boys — Bike Pete Henry and General Johnson a "few" "You bet!" was the reply. races, sack races, chin races, horse races — years later. "Well we're about the same size. Give And to top off the afternoon, a softball One of the most popular gestures of the me your uniform and dog tags." the Major game between the two leading station teams day was General Johnson, holder of the said. Wearing the enlisted man's uniform, — pop bottles specially designed for um- Congressional Medal of Honor, driving to the Major passed his physical and S/Sgt. pires supplied to all spectators. the ball field. In place of the usual emblem Core went overseas with the group. And in the evening the Carnival moves of rank, there was a small khaki flag Major Campbell was killed and is buried into Hangar #2. Dice tables, games of adorned with buck-sergeant stripes. The in Margraten, Holland. chance, concessions of all sorts — the USO General was at the wheel and Sgt. Mike Fu- A small tribute to a real man. show "Petticoats", the biggest and greatest sano, his regular driver, was taking his ease .449-4449.x.e7) entertainment spectacle since the Follies of in the back seat, complete with cigar. 1918. — Brimming beakers of beer brewed All rank and army rule was dispensed In the evening, the carnival moved to one by Britain's best — Luscious hot dogs so with for the day, with the exception of the of the hangars and the U.S.O. show "Petti- tender they yelp when you bite into them — Military Police and Lt. Col. Griffin, the coats" featured the entertainment program Special entertainment by station celebrities Ground Executive Officer, who became an and was heartily acclaimed by all. Beer was including the following songs: "Going My M.P. The rules stated that any person more than plentiful — five kegs are still un- Way?" by Capt. Vaughn — A duet by Lt. found wearing rank insignia, was to serve accounted for — guess someone enjoyed a Col. Shachtman and Major Barnes entitled beer for five hours. However, in the course prolonged celebration. "We got Plenty of Nothin" and Capt. of events, someone decided on a more suit- Well, a good time was really had by all — Wright leading his S-2 choir in "It ain't able punishment — a dunk in the fish pond but it ended with the close of day. Opera- Necessarily So"— beside the Aero Club. It all started with Lt. tions were resumed on a normal keel and It's the biggest thing to hit England since McCaslin, the Group Training Officer, the Group went on to do an excellent job of the Blitz: The plying Eightballs' 200th mis- who was found "impersonating" a Master bombing on the following day. sion celebration. You can't afford to miss Sergeant. Before the afternoon was half * * « * it: It will be something to keep from your over, the dunkings were frequent regardless By 11 August 44 my crew had about a children. Come one, come all: It's Carnival of whether a person was found violating the dozen missions under our belt but the four Time at Shipdham!" rules of the day or not. "Baths" were even officers were on detached service to the handed out to General Johnson, Col. Gib- 93rd Bomb Group for G-Box training. We Well, suffice it to say that in that an- son, WAC Lt. Luce, our Cryptographic didn't know about the 200th mission party nouncement, you have read the story of Officer, and Phyllis and Sally, our Red until we landed at Shipdham, while on a what happened, before it happened. It was Cross girls. Phyllis and Sally were dressed practice mission, the afternoon of the 11th all that and then some. in cover-ails but they had their own clothes and found it still in full swing. Unfortu- To start the day off right, the boom of soaked when two men, dressed in the famil- nately, we had to return to Hardwick for our stubby little cannon at 1000 hours, sig- iar blue skirts, jackets, and hats, were also de-briefing and missed the rest of the festiv- nified reveille — a fine time of day for rev- given a "swim". A few unfortunate offi- ities. What a lousy deal! One of those miss- eille. Anyone who mighty be looking to- cers, visiting the post at the wrong time, ing kegs of beer disappeared off base for a ward innovating a permanent change in the were thrown into the drink before they had personal beer party — but that's yet an- standard Army hour for rising, could prob- a chance to explain. But it only served to other story. ably find a host of votes of approval here; get them into the spirit of things also.

9 GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS

448th Bomb Group 44th Bomb Group Joseph Michalczyk 'Pete' Henry and wife Mary Up until the time when he suffered Howard C. 'Pete' Henry has spent his first stroke Joe was a carpenter in the past 30 years working for General Ludlow, Mass. Having been forced Motors and plans to retire in 1981. to retire because of his stroke, Joe Pete's interests and hobbies are 2nd turned his attention to designing WW ADA, Golf and Photography. I II uniforms according to HIS specifi- might add that he excells in all three cations as to what the uniforms with the possible exception of his golf should have looked like at that time. game, although he does claim a hole- The photo tells the story. You will in-one as recently as 1979. Pete is have to agree that Joe has a flair for originally from Kentucky and Mary designing although I don't think the Pentagon will ever buy these. from Virginia. Pete and Mary have lived in 16 Apts., in 14 cities I wish we could print all his designs but space simply won't per- and 5 States. He do get around! mit. 'Pete' can be reached at 164B Portland Lane, Jamesburg, N.J. Joe can be reached at P.O. Box 224, Ludlow, Mass. 01056. 08831. Tel.(609) 655-0982. 458th Bomb Group 93rd Bomb Group E. A.'Rick' Rokicki and wife Ceil Charlie Weiss and wife Peg Rick joined United Airlines in 1946 and advanced from Aircraft me- Charlie Weiss worked in communi- chanic to his present position as Air- cations, intelligence and security be- craft Ground Support fore Equipment retiring from the Air Force in Manager in Baltimore. 1963. He Rick has been then went on to work for in aviation most of his the Dept. of life having State in the Foreign taken his first plane ride Service and retired at the age of from that job in 7. He bought a 1929 Travelair 1976. He now plans bi- to stay retired. plane and learned to fly in 1931, Charlie was raised in Texas and Peg taught by a WW I German pilot — was born and raised in England. much to his mother's grief! His main hobby today (he has many Charlie and Peg love the outdoors — too many) is antique and regularly hunt aircraft. He is a volunteer worker for and fish. Smithsonian and restored Charlie can the only remaining Curtiss FOC-2 Spar- be reached at 21 Moran Drive, Waldorf, Md. rowhawk, 1933 Dirigable 20601. Tel. (301)645-1660. fighter at the National Air & Space Museum restoration center. Rick can be reached 365 Mae Road, Glen Burnie, Md. 21061. 355th Fighter Group 466th Bomb Group Ralph A. McDonough J. M.'Pappy' Daniels After the war Ralph joined a ma- `Pappy' Daniels has spent his jor food chain, The Kroger Com- working life working for one depart- pany, and spent 38 years in mange- ment of the government or another. ment. Ralph took early retirement He was first employed by the U.S. and became a partner in a Food Corps of Engineers. Brokerage His first govern- firm in Columbus, Ohio. ment job was typing Ralph the first Social became heavily involved in Security cards in November amateur and De- radio and this led to his cember of 1936. He was a present responsibility pilot dur- of Emergency ing the war and retired from the Coordinator for Air the State of Ohio. Force after 33 years, 6 months and His call number 15 is K8AN. Ralph claims the wife is the goodlook- days. He is now, in his retirement, ing one a professional Sweepstakes in the family but is terribly camera shy. contestor and has won 116 Ralph prizes ranging from two rolls of toilet can be reached at Box 240, RD 2, Adena, Ohio 43901. paper to a 1977 Dodge Charger Tel.(614) 546-3930. plus $2500 in cash. You will have to write to him to get his secret. 'Pappy' can be reached at 1500 W. Shepherd St., Denison, Tex. 75020. Tel.(214) 465-5019. 389th Bomb Group Earl Zimmerman and wife June Headquarters Earl decided early in life to make a career out of the Air Force. He J. Livingston Jones and wife Tina stayed in and became a Special Agent J. Livingston Jones OSI. Retired is an engineer in 1964. Among other (BCE from Ga. Tech) things he is now and is a mem- a Private Investiga- ber of numerous organizations tor. He just can't keep in- his nose out of cluding The National Society other people's business! of Pro- While in fessional Engineers, The Profes- England during the war he did take sional Engineers Society Of North time out to marry June Courteney Carolina, American Waterworks As- who lived behind the Boundary Inn sociation and many others. His hob- on Spynke Rd. on the road to Horsham St. Faiths. Earl claims bies range from Sports, Bridge, that his only hobby is trying to keep track of the 389th gang. Earl can be reached -Travel, Golf and Dancing. at 8922 Haverstick Rd., Indianapolis, In. J. Livingston can be reached 46240. Tel. (317) 846-1462. at 316 Ridgecrest Rd., Asheboro, N.C. 27203. Tel.(919) 625-3854. 10 392nd Bomb Group James F. Thomas and wife Elva Charles H. Freudenthal After doing his stint with the Air Charlie made a career out of the Force Jim joined United Airlines as a Air Force retiring after 36 years of pilot and flew with UA1 for 34 years. active duty. He is now involved in He flew everything from the DC 3 to Real Estate in Vienna, Va. During his the 747. Originally from Sanford, spare time he is now trying to learn to North Carolina he retired in Califor- play decent golf (the lament of many nia. Jim's main hobby is golf (he golfers Charlie). He is also an avid claims no expertise just loves the reader and for the moment he is try- sport) and traveling. After 34 years ing to gather enough material to war- with the Airline it's easy to under- rant the printing of a Group History. stand his interest in travel. Charlie would really appreciate 489th types digging into their Jim can be reached at 8933 221H Biscayne Ct., Huntington 'foot lockers' fo material he can use. The only bad habit I can Beach, Calif. 92646. Tel.(714) 536-2294. discover in Charlie is that he roots for the Boston Red Sox! Charlie can be reached at 8421 Berea Dr., Vienna, Va. 22180. Tel.(703) 560-6422. 445th Bomb Group Frank DiMola and wife Elizabeth 491st Bomb Group Immediately after discharge from Mike Fagen and wife Margaret the service (well almost immediately) Mike is another who made a career Frank joined the New York Tele- out of the Air Force, but he started phone Company and has been with long before many, or most, of us them ever since. Frank didn't say having joined in February 1937. what his job was, but I know he can Upon retirement from the service do one thing flawlessly — he can do Mike went to work for the Merced some 'patching' (telephone lingo) County Welfare Department as a so- and come up with a three way con- cial worker where he joined the re- versation. His hobbies are landscap- tirees club from the Air Force and the ing, gardening, bowling and tennis with a minor hobby of 'patch- dependents of military who obtained ing in' Prez Dave Patterson, himself and me in a three way tele- jobs there. After ten years of that he retired again and decided to phone conversation. They get feindish delight in ruining my take Social Security. Now that he has fully retired he has gone whole day. back to his first hobby, stamp collecting. Of course he has ac- Frank can be reached at 390 Madison Ave., New Milford, quired a couple of more along the way such as gardening and N.J., 07646. Tel. (201) 262-2649. auto repair and tune-ups. Mike can be reached at 1155 Spruce Ave., Atwater, Calif. 95301. Tel.(209) 358-4185. 446th Bomb Group Vere McCarty and wife Marie 492nd Bomb Group In June of 1945, Vere went from Eimer W.'Bill' Clarey and wife Maxine driving B-24s across the skys to the quiet life of farming. He decided that Bill is another who made a career farming was not for him (too quiet?) out of United Airlines, retiring from and went to work for the State Vet- his job as dispatcher on July 1, 1979 erans' Affairs Department in Port- after 37 years of service. Bill has an land, Oregon and was later trans- interesting, but demanding, hobby — ferred to the Salem office and be- he restores antiques. He didn't say came Veterans Services Division what type of antiques so I'll assume head. The number of Veterans pro- it's anything except planes or cars. Bill grams he had a hand in boggles the mind so we won't try to repro- can be reached at 2015 Victoria duce them here. His hobbies are also many. Court, Los Altos, Calif. 94022. Tel. (415) Vere can be reached at 740 Ventura St N., Salem, Oregon 961-0231. 97303. Tel.(503) 393-4379. GROUP CHAIRMAN 453rd Bomb Group 467th Bomb Group Donald J. Olds and wife Mame Kenneth Darney and wife Dot As you members of the 453rd Ken retired from the Bendix Cor- know Don didn't serve with the poration after 30 years of service as a Group during the war but went over to Mechanical Designer. Not wanting to England after the war with the completely retire Ken now operates 406th Fighter Group. Back in the his own Drafting business known as early 70s when we were frantically "Darney Drafting & Design". You trying to get somebody from the might want to keep that in mind Group to act as Group VP without should you need this type of service. very much success Don voluntered to Ken is another antique buff. Only in- act as Group Chairman and then step down the following year stead of restoring old airplanes Ken when the Group was supposed to elect a VP. That never happened sticks to restoring only old Buicks. That's another thing as the Group members re-elected him to keep as Chairman in mind should you have an old Buick clunker laying around. at each reunion.Don has done a great job in build- ing the 453rd membership Ken can be reached at 4510 Ridge Road, Baltimore, Md. to its present status. 21236. Tel. (301) 668-0409. Don can be reached at 1403 Highland Dr., Rolla, Mo. 65401. Tel.(314) 364-5817. II 453rd BG NEWS. .. SOME OLD, SOME NEW HETHEL HIGHLIGHTS• by Don Olds (453) by Earl Zimmerman (389th) Remember phase training at Biggs Field, The March Journal told the story of Lou Ginsberg, piano player par excellence. Texas. I had an opportunity to return a few HOO JIVE going to Sweden and Charles Then there are the probables, Al Pekar, weeks ago and even after 38 years, I found Huntoon, its pilot, told the final chapter of Carlis Gibson, Cliff Kellow, Robert Hay- many original WWII buildings still in exist- its war-time service. Now, a couple of crew nes, Gus (Bob) Johnson, Ed Bebenroth, ence. Some of the original hangars are still members, Winfred Maxwell and Harry De- Paul Pflug, Louis Scherzer, and I'm sure being used, also the Hqs. bldg., the Offi- Sautel, have written about its early years. there are more. All of these will be attend- cers Club, Base theater and Chapel. There HOO JIVE was one of the originals, and Al ing their first 2nd ADA reunion. are a few barracks left, one being used as a Tolley flew her to England in Dec. of '43. ARCHIBALD was one of the early 453rd BOQ and a few in the old enlisted area. Harry and Winfred pretty much agree that aircraft. Some of the ground crew that serv- a gunner during phase training referred to iced her pose in front of the ARCHIBALD dance, drink, pretty women, etc., as HOO CASTLE. In the back row left to right — JIVE. So for the lack of a better name the plane became HOO JIVE. Al Tolley, the only crew member now deceased, and his 1 'ff', crew were transferred to the 389th as PFF's rftil' , after 10 missions with the 453rd BG. Sam Rainer, one of the original crew members a* The field still has the same appearance, has written a little article about HOO * to.A ,„.• the Franklin mountains in the background, JIVE's early years and it will be appearing the hot weather and the ever present sand in an upcoming Journal. And to Charles blowing in from Mexico. But, alas, it is not Huntoon up there in New Hampshire, con- /4"1* an airfield anymore, the U.S. Army has tact Paul Pflug, the original navigator taken over and it is now part of Fort Bliss. Robert Bessey, Ralph Keeney, Herman Do you recall the Juarez Passport? When down in Tampa, Fla. He has many of the Gilchrease and Eugene Fox. In the front early flight logs and other data on that air- you visited Juarez you had to change all of row are four men but I only have names for your money into $2 bills. craft that might interest you. His address is That was to pre- three, Leonard Finkelstein, Robert Fiegl vent Kraut agents in the roster. from obtaining large de- and John Dorsey. I think they were in the nominations of U.S. currency and if $2 bills Got a letter from Joe Miele, crew chief 732nd armament shop. showed up anywhere in the world Uncle from the 735th Sq. Joe has been in and out Bob Harper, formerly in group S-2, is Sam would have a good idea where they of the hospital recently but now reports painting a water color of some 453rd planes came from. So I was informed. that he's feeling fine and at age 68 is ready forming up behind WHAM BAM with the for service again. Joe says 10111111.-0 11111.1;‘‘ I I1 11141.111Pr the 735th ground Old Buck Airfield in the background. He crews were a dedicated hustling group of thought perhaps it could be sold at San An- conscientious and energetic hard workers. tonio with the proceeds going toward the He said a combat pilot asked him to name memorial. Thanks for that generous offer, his plane HATTIEBELLE after his wife. Bob. The name was promptly painted on and One thing I'd like to get cleared up. Was HATTIEBELLE had 112 missions and was there one of the original crews that crashed still going strong when the 453rd ceased fly- on takeoff from Florida when the group ing. Juarez looks about the same, as seedy as was flying to England in Dec. '43? There is ever, but the food is just as good and I Frank Thomas, the treasurer of the 453rd one crew from the 734th Sq., Crew 43, that found the ever present dish of hot sauce on memorial committee tells me that dona- I've never heard about or seen mentioned the table. tions are coming in and a account savings after the group arrived in England. Crew 43 One of the famous watering holes, the has been set up to earn a little extra interest. had Samuel Dean, pilot; Edward Wolbers, Paso Del Norte hotel is now closed. I I'd like to urge everyone to send a least CP; Radames Caceras, Na; and Douglas walked through the beautiful lobby one last some amount to this most worthy project. Dauphin, Bomb. Enlisted men were Bert time, no doubt it will be torn down one of Most of us had a friend that didn't come Sauls, Louis Karp, James Henderson, Ken- these days. home with everyone else, maybe just a face neth Merkle and Douglas Schmoker. I've that you can still see that vanished one day heard that this crew was all killed in that and his resting place is known only by God. takeoff crash. I've heard that the officers The committee is determined that a memo- were all killed in a crash as they were hitch- rial will be erected at Old Buckingham so ing a ride to England on someone elses that their family and friends will know that plane. Some crews did indeed not fly their those who stood shoulder to shoulder with own plane across, but did go as passengers them through those turbulent times has not on other aircraft flown by group crews. But forgotten them. if they did perish in the crash of another Sounds like the San Antonio reunion will group plane, whose crew were they riding be well attended by 453rd troops. Word has with? The group history doesn't mention been received that several will be making any of this, but I'm sure there are those of their first reunion. I know I'll leave out you out there that have some memory of The old bridge to Juarez has been re- some names if I try listing them, but among the incident and I'm hoping you'll write placed and of course there is no sign of the them are, George Rundblad, and let me know what you remember. Charles medical station which was mandatory for Church, Frank Tarbell, Jack Nortridge, Ed Hope you'll all get your reservations in all returning G.1.s. with Evelyn as soon as Townsend, Al Orr, Herman Kremer, Jay all the details are If I am not mistaken the 389th did not available. Looking Jeffries, Robert Harper, Dick Rollo, Ken- forward to seeing a lot have any fatal crashes while training at ton Morris, Seymour Cohen, George Ma- of our old friends in San Antonio in Octo- Biggs, but I was told that after the war a B- tecko, Norman Raeber, George Wear and ber. 36 crashed into the Franklin mountains. 12 the old Framlingham airfield, and they had other museums. Most of the finds at West- 489th WRECKAGE FOUND with them as guests personnel of the 100th hall were presented to the Thorpe Abbott by Charles Freudenthal(489th) which has its base at Thorpe Abbotts. The enthusiasts. . . ." precise location of the crash was known as According to the records I have, this John Archer, our friend from Bungay a farmer in the parish, now retired, was could have been 42-94874, which crashed who has been of great help in the 489th Me- working in one of his fields not far away about 20:30 hours on June 25th, with only morial project, has sent me the following and saw what happened. Windows were two survivors; Sgts. James Wood and John clipping from one of the newspapers over blown out of the Methodist Church a few Fura. Lt. Edward Hamilton was the pilot. there. He didn't identify it, and judging hundred yards distant. The mission that day was to an aircraft fac- from items on the reverse side, it seems to "The 390th Group Museum team paid tory at Villacoublay, not too far from have been printed just after the end of the their first visit to the site in the winter but as Paris. John McMullen's diary gives bomb Olympic Games: the field had just been planted it was not release time as 19:27 hours, which would "Thirty-six years ago one of the vast possible to investigate. . . seem to tie in with the time of the crash if number of Air Force Libera- 'Saturday's intensive search began the plane was returning from the mission. tors which used East Anglian bases in the about 8 a.m. 'We were a bit disappointed The only other possibility I can see would war met its end only minutes after taking because we picked up only small pieces,' be the crash of Lt. Philip Sherwood and off from the airfield at Holton, near Hales- said Mr. Martin Thompson, the public rela- crew about 0900 on July 13th. That was on worth. Its bomb load blew up and only two tions officer. 'We were not quite sure at take-off, and there was one survivor, Sgt. of the 10 on board survived. what angle the plane went in. We dug about Theodore J. Harris. However, the record's "The tragedy occurred when the three different holes and came to the con- description of the crash site as a "half-mile , failing to gain height, hit a willow clusion that the Liberator went in pretty north of the field in the landing pattern" tree and the pilot tried to make a forced shallow on its belly. There was wreckage fits with the location of the wreckage, and landing in a field at Manor Farm, Westhall. scattered far and wide but all very small. It unless someone has more information I'd "On Saturday, directly after the barley was mostly on the surface but certainly not say this is the answer. crop had been harvested from the field bor- much below plow depth.' The 489th lost four aircraft that day, by dering Hares Lane, relics of the disaster "Members of the 390th Group Museum the way. Lt. Blackburn and crew to flak; F/ were recovered in a search by one of a num- have recovered so much stuff from crash 0 Saubert on landing (two killed); and Lt. ber of teams engaged in this type of mission sites over the past 12 years that they cannot Coffman to "unknown causes." Roy Wal- in East Anglia. get much more in the former control tower ler survived that last one, and maybe he'll "The searchers were members of the at Framlingham, which they have con- fill in some details for the next time around. 390th Bomb Group Memorial Museum at verted, and so they are making gifts to

lyn recently sent us a list of over 300 names very kind to us. We hope they will publish a HELL YES THE 392nd LIVES of 392nd people she had amassed over the short article on the Second Air Division As- by J. F. Thomas(392nd) years. We are in the process of getting a let- sociation. Their membership numbers in ter, a copy of "The How And The Why" of the millions, and there must be hundreds of We hope you noticed with some disap- the Association, and an application blank Second Air Division people on their rolls. pointment and anger that the 392nd Bomb to each of them. That takes some time with Also, we have written several Veterans Group didn't have one article, not even a a $25 typewriter and little typing ability. magazines re our coming reunion in San letter to Evelyn Cohen or Bill Robertie in Fortunately, Bob Powers ran off a hundred Antonio. the March issue of the Journal. That isn't copies of the "How and Why" article for This V.P. job doesn't pay much, but one Bill's fault by any means; the fault is mine me. We have asked Dave Patterson for a is amply rewarded by meeting a great many and yours. I don't know about you, but I hundred. We trust that Evelyn will furnish fine and friendly folks. Through newspaper don't expect that to happen again. I'll feed the application blanks. articles we met Gil Teske (392nd) and Jay Robertie so many articles on the Thomas We are pleased to report that Evelyn's Jefferies (453rd). Met R. C. "Dick" Bou- crew and their adventures and misadven- new member lists show us to be picking up cher on the golf course, and found Henry tures that you'll think we were a solo act. more and more members. Some of you out DeKeyser from the list that Evelyn Cohen We had a very short and intense time there are helping us. We don't know who, sent me. All outstandingly gracious people. with the 392nd Group. We did little of a he- but we certainly appreciate your efforts. Jay called all over the U.S. getting in touch roic nature, but we felt, and still feel a sense Conversely, it grieves us to report that we with his crew after we looked over our ros- of pride that we were lucky enough to fly have a member or two peeling off and leav- ter. Dick and I have played golf several our tour with the "Group From Wen- ing our Association from time to time. We times. I'm trying to play him even and its a dling." It is our biased opinion that the plan to contact them to try to get a reason chore to keep him out of my wallet. Gil has 392nd was one of the better Groups in the for their departure. If they truly no longer sons in Texas; he plans to see us at the re- Second Air Division, with a history that have an interest in our Association, that is union in San Antonio. will compare with any other. That's the one thing, but if we are losing them through Speaking of nice folks, our WWII way it was in the Big War, and that's the some action or inaction on our part, we Squadron Commander, Myron Keilman, way we intend it to be in the Association. want to know the reason. and his wife Blanch vacationed at Laguna So, how about it? We have just as many We try to write letters of welcome to all in January. We played golf, had dinner, yarns to tell, SNAFU's to report, etc. as new 392nd members reported to us. We are etc. a couple of days. Bob and Marge any other outfit. Let's get those letters and several behind, but we are working on Powers from Escondido joined us for din- stories in to Bill so he can keep the 392nd catching up. Have had several nice replies ner one evening. Had a great reunion. represented in the Association as it so ably with rundowns on the members service with Myron is another golfer you had better represented itself in the Second Air Divi- the Group. Just had one from James H. watch. He swings a mean stick. sion. Hair. He is a postal worker near Baltimore In closing, we believe the coming reunion Now that I've blown my stack, back to and just happened to see a piece of mail in San Antonio will be one of the best ever. the normal report. with Second Air Division Association logo We sincerely hope that every 392nd mem- We now have a greater respect and on it. From that he became a member. ber will make every effort to attend. The greater sympathy for Bill Robertie and Eve- Our other efforts include a call at the of- chances to get together dwindle down to a lyn Cohen, or any other persons who han- fices of the American Association of Re- precious few. dle our public relations and publicity. Eve- tired Persons at Long Beach. They were More anon. 13 fresh air temporarily alleviating the prob- camouflaged. Meandering through the gen- FIRST IMPRESSIONS lem. eral area was a section of the Grand Union From the Diary of We slowly made our way back on board, Canal, built in the 18th century to provide a Will Lundy (44th BG) but not before we managed to grab some water route for barges carrying goods to hot, unsweetened tea and "cakes" which and from London and the industrial Sept. 11, 1942 were so freely given to all travelling service- midlands. Bordering the canal and a road Solid ground! Most welcome, unsinka- men. As we were to learn, and appreciated over it is a Pub! How about that, a fine old ble, sweet smelling, beautiful foreign solid over and over again, almost all train sta- English pub right on our base. Where are ground. The Queen Mary was a great ship, tions have booths or facilities where some we? Cheddington aerodrome. And where is but I'm really happy that portion of the trip type of refreshment was graciously given to that? Near a small village of Tring — intri- is now but a memory. us. guing and musical name, that. Is this going Like most of my companions on this trip, Back on the rails southward, we rocketed to be our operations base? No, just tempo- it was our first experience outside of the along, occasionally slowing, often hearing rarily until the permanent base is comple- continental U.S. Sure, I'd been down the rather haunting sound of our train's ted. Seems that it was necessary to improve across the border to Mexico for part of a whistle as it warned of our approach across the runways and taxiways at Shipdham to day a couple of times, but Scotland is 6000 roads. As we passed the road, we could see support the heavy weight of our fully miles away. So now with every passing mo- gates closed to prevent bicycles, pedes- loaded B-24s, which should arrive in a few ment something new or completely differ- trians, or an occasional vehicle from cross- weeks. ent appeared for comparison or wonder. ing. It appeared that these gates were With nothing but time on our hands and All conversation was directed toward these opened and closed manually. No automatic few coins in our pockets, its back to basics. foreign sights. equipment here. Also, by looking ahead, I Reading of Articles of War, rifle drills, Gas There, up ahead of me, is a railway sta- learned that whenever barrage balloons Mask drills, new Olive Drab woolen gas re- tion with a troop train patiently waiting for were flying we soon would be entering a sistent clothes (special flaps etc. at all open- the shuttle boats to bring our Group city. The more numerous the balloons, the ings at wrists, front and fly), orientation ashore. As each boatload landed the troups larger the city. Also, the farther south we meetings, and, of course, the last resort, gathered their meager belongings and went the more balloons were tethered by close order drills by the hours. So much so trudged on up to the station. There to greet heavy cables to discourage low level straf- that shortly many G.I. boots began to wear us were some hardy Scots dressed in kilts ing and dive bombings. out — and no replacements. Then, enter- and making us feel welcome with lively bag- Naturally there was no luxury of a din- prising officers began utilizing bicycles to pipe music. ning car (if any did exist), so out came the save their shoe leather while directing us in The train itself was much smaller than "D" rations. There always has been criti- more close order drills, until too many those that cruise the vast distances across cism of the "D" rations, but when you are boots were holey. the States. In fact the passenger cars are al- hungry you will eat most anything. I must The unlikely combination of a pub bor- most toylike by comparison, but even have been in worse shape than I thought dering a canal, inky blackness, a bridge, though much smaller these cars do have 'cause I not only ate all I could get, but it and shaky American bike riders, resulted in some advantages over ours. actually tasted good. several unintentional swims in the murky The first obvious difference is the board- As daylight gradually faded, we were in- water as well as some cold underwater ex- ing. Rather than entering at the front or troduced to our first blackout instructions. plorations for submerged bikes. rear of the car, all we had to do was open All doors and windows must remain closed Blackouts. one of the many doors and step into the and the double covering tightly in place. I find it terribly hard to navigate at night small compartment which had opposing Absolutely no light can be allowed to be with no lights. Sure, I have a brilliant flash- bench-like seats. At the far end of the com- seen outside, no matter how dim the light light, but every time I try to use it I get a partment was a sliding door that provided might be inside. With darkness also came chorus of "Mind that torch!" or "No access to a long corridor running the length fatigue, irritability, and fitful sleep. lights" or "Mind that light, Yank". It of the car. Finally orders were received to get ready didn't take the English long to identify any The train station itself was built on a as the long train ride would soon be ended. sign of light at night as being the mistake of level with the train right up to a few inches It was long past midnight and an air raid one of us. After so many years of living in of the train. So entering was both easy and warning was in effect. So use caution — ex- brilliant desert sunshine, my night vision rapid. Soon we were under way, slowly eas- treme caution — not to show light of any just wasn't. While I was having trouble de- ing out of the station at Greenock, gathered kind, including cigaretts. London was re- termining that even buildings existed on the speed and on our way southward toward ceiving its nightly attack by German other side of the narrow streets, our English England. bombers about 30 miles away, occasionally allies could recognize friends. I finally After several hours of expressing through circling in our vicinity before or after mak- learned to negotiate the darkness by watch- both small villages and larger cities, we ing their bomb run. ing the silhouette of buildings against the stopped in the Midlands of England at That uncomfortable chill of fear accom- slightly lighter sky. No matter how many Crewe. Why? Calisthenics. Yes, right in the panied me as I followed my buddy out into carrots I ate, night viewing improved little. middle of the city's train station. Nearly total darkness and as usual toting my Money. 900 officers and men fell out, formed four worldly goods on my shoulders. Up steps Its always a problem for servicemen. In lines along the platform as best we could and into a waiting British lorry. As each the first place a private like myself with 10 and proceded to jump and flail our arms, truck filled, it slowly pulled away, the months service got a gross monthly pay of etc., much to the wonder and some amuse- driver apparently almost feeling his way ment of the natives. We were told the calis- along curving, narrow roads as his head- thenic activities were scheduled to get the lights were only tiny slits cut into covers Deceased kinks out, but I rather suspect they had a over each light. Now, finally barracks! Ed Kopacko - 93rd more immediate reason. Most of us aboard Open one door, close it, open the next, Henry A. Socha - 361st the Queen Mary had had no opportunity to close it and you are in a large room full of Neff W. Hassinger - 389th take showers or baths as fresh water was beds. In a few seconds one of the beds was Harold A. Dawson - 446th limited to drinking, etc. Salt water doesn't full of me, as it was 3:30 AM. Who cares George M. Herriott - 446th do much with a bar of soap. So without where I was. James A. Steele - 466th changing clothes, little cleaning and Next morning I awoke to see that we Edwin E. Wilson. Jr. - 467th cramped up in small compartments for were located in low rolling green hills where Paul Prazuch - 467th many hours, I'm afraid we were more than barracks were widely separated and Gadd N. Norwood. Jr. - 453rd a little ripe. The exercise mixed us with sprinkled along country lanes, all suitably

14 $30.00, and considerably less with insur- horizon. Occasionally the Naxi bombing with the tremendous fares put on by our ance deducts, etc. Secondly, English money runs come directly over our base. Even great cooks back in the States. However, is chaos! 4 dollars to the pound conversion, though we know that London is the pri- when compared with the quantity and qual- then 20 shillings to the pound. So about 20 mary target it still causes a cold chill or two ity available to the average household in cents to a shilling, $2.00 to a half-crown. and several anxious minutes when I hear England, it was way above average. Once, However, beyond that, in use I couldn't un- them overhead. They are easy to identify for a supplement, I wandered into a well- derstand the language. 2 and 6? Two and even at night by the uneven or non- stocked sweet shop in town and tried to buy six what? Threp 'n bit? Hay penny? Florin? synchronized engines. Needless to say none some delicious looking candy. Ration card? It might as well have been a foreign lan- of us had to be reminded to "mind our No? Well, if you had one you could buy 2 guage. The answer for me was to dig down torches". oz. a month! Live and learn, I goofed in my pocket and drag out my total fortune Allied airplanes. again. The one thing readily available, it of coins. Then I'd hold it out for examina- Cheddington Aerodrome has been de- seems, is fish and chips, and are they good. tion and selection for the payment of my void of aircraft ever since we arrived. It is Hot, sprinkled with salt and vinegar, purchase. Let them have their pick, hoping completely camouflaged even to having wrapped in a newspaper. Then walk away, I had enough, and thanking heaven for the small wood chips and pieces covering all of tear a hole in the paper and have a feast. completely honest English. its runways and taxiways. To better ac- Cheddington Base. Pubs. quaint us with our allied planes, the R.A.F. The base itself seems rather temporary. The public house tradition is outstand- brought in a few of their planes for us to see The flight line has a few permanent facil- ing. First throw out all your old concepts of close up. The Spitfire is a splended fighter, ities and no large hangars. Living quarters American bars and start over. Begin with a very pretty in flight and maneuverable. I are widely scattered as they should be, but neighborhood house that opens its doors to even enjoyed the sound of her engine. The there were no sewer systems. Latrines were all strangers. It welcomes those who desire Halifax appears old, boxey and slow. Her therefore of the self-contained type. That a pint or two of ale, invites them to a game .30 caliber machine guns seemed small and also means that they must be periodically of darts, hopes they will join in with others ineffective, but then it is a night bomber emptied. So guess what all of the privates in in group singing regardless of quality of where most danger is from flak. I did like our outfit were assigned to do? All too fre- voice. Friendly conversation and discus- the machine gun ammunition supply sys- quently it was the Honey Bucket brigade. sions abound. Even though I cared little for tem, which had long continuous racks mak- Many times yes, it was good to hear that the warm ale or scarce Scotch whiskey, I ing automatic feeding to all guns. The four soon we'd be moving to Shipdham. fell in love with the Pub tradition, where I engine Lancaster bomber has a very thick England. met many friends, Polish allies speaking lit- wing that should provide tremendous lift. All Americans associate England with tle English, English soldiers, etc. Maybe it appeared so thick when compared fog and rain, but so far we have had rea- Natives. with our own Davis winged Liberator. sonably good weather. But, of course, this The English people are amazing. They They gave us a flying exhibition with the is only September. What has impressed me have been at war — total war — for two Lancaster being the most impressive in my most is the seemingly timelessness ofevery- years. Everyone seems to be doing his part estimation. They "feathered" one outside thing. The buildings appear to have been to keep the Germans away from their engine and then proceded to bank into the there for ever, just like the hills and roads. homeland as well as their allies. The youths dead engine — always a no-no in my experi- The stone streets, curbs, narrow sidewalks, are in the services if possible or in military ence. No problem. Then they feathered and buildings shout age and history. production of some sort. With the men both engines on one side and still flew and "We've been here for centuries and will be gone, many of the women are taking their manuevered with ease. Very impressive, but for many more." The streets and lanes have place in the factories, fields, home guard, I still believe we still have the better air- been utilized for centuries and appear to anywhere. They have had little food due to craft. All we need is a chance to prove it. have occurred out of necessity, rather than severe rationing, no autos, air raids and or The war. any preplanning. Only those roads of Ro- alerts every night and some daytime, too. The invasion of England by Germany is man origin were designed for military use But never do I hear them complain. Cheer- still a possibility, though not so acute. Con- from one defensive point to another, and as fulness, and good humor is what I find. In sequently almost every field of any size still straight as terrain permits. It seems the hap- my wandering on the buses, I have been ap- has dead trees, stumps, limbs and other ob- hazard growth lent itself to the charm, proached many times by people who sin- stacles scattered about to discourage air- character and beauty of the country. cerely welcome me and thank me for my planes or gliders from landing. Nearly all Payday. sacrifices that I was making for them. Truly road signs had been removed making travel Sept. 30 proved to be our first payday, heart warming. I feel great compassion for difficult for all except the locals. One after- and following Army tradition we received them all, and indeed, happy to be serving noon when we took one of our cross coun- our princely sum in English money. Some- on their side. try marches complete with rifles, packs, how our leaders came to our rescue and Buses. etc., I was in the front row of four leading gave out wholesale promotions. Without With shoe leather worn out for most, a our squadron. We were a mile or so from airplanes on which to perform our "skills", couple friends and I put on our smuggled the base, following a narrow winding coun- I found out that I was a buck sergeant even civilian shoes, followed the canal to Tring try lane. As we marched around a particu- before the listing was posted showing I was daily to ride local buses. Our pass restricted larly sharp bend, I looked ahead to see two a corporal. Things are looking up! extended travel, but off we'd go in those fa- small lads playing in the road. Hearing us October 4th. mous double decker buses eastward to Wat- they turned and looked at us, then jumped At long last, some of our airplanes and ford and west to Aylesbury! Cost to serv- up, yelled "Germans", turned and ran for combat crews dropped in for a visit. The icemen was minimal, so we took in all the their very lives. No doubt we were the first 66th Squadron airplanes flew in today so routes available. The upper level permitted Americans they had ever seen, and proved that we could proudly show our allies what much better views of the most picturesque how very real an invasion possibility was to a great plane we have to take on the Ger- countryside. them. Air Raids. mans, not only over their territory, but in Food. daylight. Cheddington lies west and slightly north For the four weeks that we were at Ched- of London by possibly 30 miles. Although dington (and for several months at Ship- October 10, 1942. Germany has finally given up on most day- dham) we participated in the Lend-Lease 11:00 AM. Depart Cheddington for light raids, they continue to pound England Program. 1 started to say benefit from the Shipdham where both the 67th and 68th every night. Lately they have been concen- program, but we only participated by re- Squadron planes and crews joined us. trating their fury on London. Even at this ceiving British rations. We got our share of Now, to get down to business and put distance the defending searchlights are visi- mutton, fish, potatoes and some vegeta- some pressure on that very large German ble and occasionally the fires illuminate the bles. It was fair, at best, when compared war machine. 15 Leaving the English coast was the signifi- cant aspect, to me, of our first mission. Ever since I had geography back in Elemen- THE WHITE CLIFFS tary School, I have heard of, and have seen pictures of, the White Cliffs of Dover, and there they were, directly below me! How of beautiful; how magnificant; just as they had been shown in pictures! at first I com- pletely forgot the apprehension of this be- left out, though, was that we were always by Lyndon C. Allen (44th BG) ing our first mission. But as I watched those issued some form of nourishment to take white cliffs starting to become smaller and None of us made that second mission along to help sustain us on our waiting to as we continued east they became even without preliminarily making that first. But get back to the next meal. For the longer smaller, until finally they were gone! That I am sure each of us have particular memo- flights, I'm sure all remember those "C" apprehension suddenly came back. What ries of our first, and that's what this is all rations we were issued; for the shorter ones were we getting into? What did we have to about — my specific memories of our first. we were usually given candy bars. (For us, expect before us? Would I ever see those The White Cliffs of Dover play a signifi- "Ping Bars" were the predominant type. beautiful cliffs again? I'm not the only one cant role in these memories. No one on our crew liked them except me, who ever had that feeling, I know, but with My memory fails me as to the prelimina- so I usually made some pretty good trades no planes behind me and the cliffs gone, ries of this, our, what we thought to be, a and really enjoyed more than my share of what next! "baptism of fire". I am sure we fairly well "Ping Bars". Wish I could have one now followed the sequence Louis W. Wust — even with my diabetic condition!) But Well, it turned out to be a milk run; and described in the March, 1980, issue of the this was to be a rather long one, so I pre- no flak, no "Jerries", no nothing. The Journal, Page 10. The awakening, usual sume we were issued the "C" rations this bombing was good. Our first mission had truck ride or walk to the mess hall, those time. accomplished its purpose. It was not the delicious powdered eggs, the truck ride to Our pre-flighting, of course, was differ- "baptism of fire" we had anticipated; it the flight line; all done thousands of times ent, but once we were in the air I guess we was just a long eight hour and twenty min- ute flight. by thousands of other Second Air Division were all pretty much in the same situation. members. Of course, to us gunners, the This "Number One" for us was to be the Yes, coming back I did get to see those briefing took on a different aspect from bombing of an airfield near Nancy-Essy, majestic cliffs again. I saw them several that to which it did to pilots and others to France. Incidentally, this took place on Au- times later, by the way, but never with that whom it was so pertinent. It was more of an gust 18, 1944. After assembling over Eng- apprehension that was there on the first occasion of seeing where we were going, land somewhere, we headed east. Our plane mission; the apprehension that was so ac- what to expect along the way, etc. The ob- was one of the last in the formation and, as centuated by the passing of those White taining of our flight cloths was very similar I was tail gunner, I had no other planes to Cliffs of Dover over the horizon as we went to that which Louis described. One thing he see and give me moral support. east on that first mission.

Texas and Col. Brewer in England. Col. to be permanent. Too, they have inflation, 458th COMMENTS James Hogg now resides in Idaho, but so and another problem looms with the loot. He far we haven't convinced him to sign on by George A. Reynolds (458th BG) proposed (in jest) that I start a collection, again with the 2nd Air Division. since it will house a similar Group display as Many thanks to all who sent greeting cards It occurred to me that former 458th types the old, and call it "The 458th Memorial Ter- and notes over the holidays, and for your ex- include at least four generals, about six times minal." I have promise of several interesting pressions of appreciation for this column. It is that many colonels, a score of doctors/ stories in the near future, and look forward my pleasure in writing anything about the dentists, several serving on judicial benches, with anticipation to passing them along. Group and its members. numerous company presidents and many ex- Glenn Matson is interested in the origin and Now, to include a bit on the latter that I've ecs. I suppose one could say the Group had lit- particulars of a blue felt patch aircrew mem- neglected for too long, names of some of the tle to do with this, but all of these "heavies" bers wore behind their wings. He says it al- newer ones. The 2nd ADA and 458th extend a had new wings to test 35 years ago, and coinci- ways prompted the "snowdrops" to get one very sincere "welcome aboard" to: Dr. Rich- dence just doesn't appear strong enough to on his way back to the base with speedy dis- ard Allen, Col. Donald Brewer (in Eng.), "hold them." A colonel once summed up the patch (between missions) despite all of those Dr. Walter Burnett, W. W. Clark, Melvin Co- outfit to me thusly: "We had the best officers inebriants, other alluring diversions and the hen, Harry Craft (Crabbe), Dr. Porter Dan- and men, the best base and birds, so it just fig- very strong will to procrastinate. Can anyone ford, Dr. D. J. Desjardin, Gus Duhon, Col. ures we had the best damn Group in the 8th help with this? The patch, that is. Melvin Fields, Henry Jaber, James Keel, AF." Rick Rokicki writes that he's busy, but Evans King, Homer Knisley, Allen Kretsch- John Woodworth, another new member, faithfully follows up on every lead for new mar, Harry Lucas, John Martin, Pat McCor- sent a response to my request for serials/ members, and gives assurance he will some- mick, Harold McNeeley, Elton Miller, Dale nicknames. He was navigator on "Last Card how find the time to check on each one sent to Nelson, A. J. Paredes, A. J. Pizzica, Dr. W. Louie," named in Tonopah, and its number him. So, bug those old buddies with a short K. Ramstard, Seymore Reisman, Raymond was 53441. He also reported an error in the note to sign on — he'll be glad you did. Rocco, Raymodn Scorza, William Seaman, mission calendars for June 14th — the Guyan- Delbert Shaffer, Col. Lester Skidmore, Joe court sortie was instead flown on the 15th. Tomich, C. M. VErdin, LTC L. D. Vehslage, John added some interesting info on the May Robert Wood, Eugene Young and Maj. Bard 23rd strike on Bourges. The Group was head- Suverkrop. ing south while a large formation of that other Some enjoyable and interesting letters over four engine bird was climbing eastward. His the past year are worthy of mention — crew came so close to one of the others, they Charles Dyott, with Pan-Am in Maimi, told could actually hear its engine noise. Some of of a couple of visits back to Horsham since that kind of togetherness ain't for the birds! the war. Gus Duhon, a member of George Thanks also to our happy, smiling master Bradley's crew wrote about a crew reunion in brewer, E. A. "Gus" Gagel for the ident of AZ and the great time with seven members "My Bunnie II" — 42-51270 and "Patchie" present. D. D. Roberts reported he was a me- — 42-51219. chanic on "Oh! Mona," and John "Ingy" In- Tony North, FOTE, writes fairly regularly, gram told some of his experiences with and in his latest he reports there is much inde- "Elmer" and ole #715-G, and I think these cision on where to build the new airport termi- are the only mechanics that I knew in the as- nal building in Norwich. In '79 talk of erect- soc. Also very nice notes from Dr. Routan in ing it next to the western-most taxiway seemed Gunners conception of the B-29.

16 Dear Bill, Dear Bill, I noticed in the December issue of the newslet- Here is some more info for you to use as you LETTERS ter a picture of the Metfield explosion. I think see fit. The pictures from the luncheon on 24 the man facing the camera might be Don Whit- Jan. did not turn out, but it was a great success. ed, Ida Grove, Iowa. He was, as nearly as I There were 64 people in attendance. Once again Dear Evelyn, recall, group armament officer. I do know that three groups were not represented, 44th, 93rd Enclosed is my application and check for ten he played bass in our dance band, the Bomb- and 445th. Headquarters and 56th F.G. were dollars ($10.00) for membership in the second shells. I would like to have seen the article. I represented. The next luncheon will be on the Air Division Association. remember that I was watching a movie in a 16th of May. By popular request I am extending I was very happy to be contacted by George quonset hut at the time and the force blew the my mailing list about 100 more miles. 300+ Reynolds in regards to his book and also to hear screen from the window beside our seats. We miles for a luncheon! Now thats dedication. from Rick Rokicki about becoming a member of went outside to see what was happening and, Wally the association. I am very interested in getting in seeing the smoke, ran towards it. It was while we P.S. There were about 20-25 Air Division Asso- contact with members of the 458th. were running that a second blast went off and ciation members at the B-24 Dedication. Last month I had a reunion with the engineer the hangar door nearest us lifted slowly from its of our crew, Richard Julian, of Leominster, runners and laid over with a sigh. That stopped Mass., for the first time since June, 1945. We our curiosity! really did enjoy reminiscing about the times we The Bombshells developed out of a series of had with the 458th. jam sessions in Red Cross clubs across the USA, I am delighted with the prospects of getting probably from Blythe. Every musician in the back in contact with my ole buddies. Army Air Corps headed for the Red Cross club Wayne L. Austin as soon as he had unpacked his barracks bag. Route 1 After we landed in England, the group grew, so Newbern, Tenn. 38059 I made a couple of trips to London to visit a school friend who was a Special Services Offi- cer. Before long we had found enough instru- ments and recruited enough players to have a standard orchestration, playing both special and regular arrangements. There were about an To Vere McCarty equal number (446th), of flying and ground personnel, L to R: James W. Reid, Jr., William D. and on Skin- Just a note to let you know I read the article only rare occasions did our playing ner, Roy G. Martin, Glenn E. Tedford. in the June Journal. conflict with our flying. I do remember one One little change. The name is KOHLER — early morning coming home from playing at a Dear Mr. Michalczyk, not KELLER. RAF base and seeing the orderly coming in to I want to thank you for the opportunity of I really do like the journals very much. Just call us for briefing as I was taking off my socks. joining the 2nd Air Division Association. Like I wish I had known about the organization I was lucky enough to get a good nap between stated on the application, my late father was sooner. briefing and the gun for "start engines." with the 714 Bomb Sqdn. However, I'm not too Joe Kohler (446th) Morris Jones sure of the exact dates. I believe from late 1943 - 431 Watenhilt Ave. early 1945. I do know he was there, as I have a Dayton, Ohio 45420 photo of the squadron standing in front of a B- 24. On the back it states: 714th Bomb Sq. Dear Ms. Cohen, Seething Air Base, England. Nov. 1944. This I recently became active in a Pacific Northwest photo is an 8 x 10. My father is about in the Dear Bill: group of ex-Eighth Air Force people. Many belong middle of the 1st row behind I believe the pilots, to the 2nd Air Division that are kneeling. The purpose of this letter is to correct an Association and I, too, wish to join. I was also wondering if it is possible intentional error by James Hoseason in his of getting I flew as a B-24 Navigator any history or pictures of the book, The 1000 Day Battle. I was one of the with the 702nd Bomb Air Base at Squadron, "Seething". I also noticed editors of his original manuscript and 445th Bomb Group. We were members that there is a coat of also con- arms for the tributed some of the ideas and data, of the 2nd Wing, stationed at Tibenham, East 448th Bomb Group. I have a print including for the my diary notes and my own "D" day flight Anglia, England, Our C.O. Was Col. Terrill. Soon 714th. plan If it which is reproduced on page 129 of the book. after the 445th became operational they experi- is of interest, I was stationed in Germany enced with Without my prior knowledge or approval, the heavy losses and our aircraft came in as a the 385th M. P. BTN. from April 68 - April replacement. Flying 69. target time on my flight plan was changed from was done during 1944. We completed our 0600 to 0628. Hoseason took a novelist's liberty tour of duty just after D-Day. Kim Worden to make my flight plan agree with the route and Bob C. Shearer 1308 W. 39 St. Lorrain, times of the 448th B.G., (Seething) which are OH 44053 depicted on page 131. While this may seem to be trivial, there are two significant flaws that re- Dear Bill, Dear Sir, quire comment. First, when a book is written as Thanks for putting a photo and item in your I am doing a documentary, facts are not altered research on the second world war to make newsletter of Dec. 1980 about the Glenn Miller and I am 14 them fit a story. Such an action makes all other years old. I had gotten your groups plaque but sorry that you put the wrong date. It address from the data suspect. Second, our crew was selected to B-24 (group) Club. was Aug. 17th, 1944, not 1946, as Glenn disap- I am planning to lead the entire 8th Air Force on "D" day. Ours peared write a book in the future in 1944 on Dec. 15th. It is always nice to and what I need from you was the first heavy bomber to hit the Normandy receive the is for you to put the Journal, as they are so interesting. I following ad in your publication coast and we did it precisely at 0600, not 0628. have found another that you put member who would like to out, if you would. The ad is as The selection to lead this important mission was join the 2nd Air Division follows: Association, as his "I am looking for any second division based on our high experience level at that time father was a pilot in the 56th crews Fighter Group and who have seen combat and are willing and quite naturally, we were proud to be cho- lives near Norwich, and this son would to like to go contribute their experiences to my sen. Suffice it to say that I do not want the round the old air bases with me. book. Please, do you Specifics that are needed are as follows: intentional change in a purported documentary have any membership forms? I am Vets enclosing a who flew for the pre-invasion missions, of to become accepted as fact and remain set in clipping I had put in our local paper. concrete. breakthrough missions for the ground troops A man in Holland sent me a tape letter. and crews I have written to Hoseason taking exception who flew on "Big Week" are Begging for help for more items for his "Libera- really needed." to his arbitrary alteration of my flight plan, a tion Museum", he asked me if any of my Would it be possible to send me back issues of partial reproduction of which is enclosed. In my American friends could help. Could you run an your publication. I would join but since us letter, I requested that future editions of his item in your Journal and all the items I get will book be corrected to correspond to the teenagers are known for their waste of money it facts. go over to Holland in Sept. when the "Royal is Apparently, he is not willing to do this. true of me, too. and I wouldn't be able to sign Since Norfolk D-Day Veterans Association" go over. up most of the purchasers of the book are probably for quite a while. Please (if it is possible) Or, if any of your members would like to bring send me members of the 2nd Air Division Association, I some of those back issues, it would be something if they are coming to Norwich, if of the wanted to set the facts straight through the utmost importance to me. they'll phone me from their hotel I will come Chris McDougal Journal and would appreciate your publishing and met them. My phone no. is Norwich 3921 67th St. this disclaimer. 404840. Robert A. Jacobs (93 BG) Urbandale, Iowa 50322 Sid Cullington (ed: Glad to help Chris and I'm sure some of 203 Cannister Court (ed. note: Sorry about the date Sid but blame it Hampton, VA 23669 our members will write to you. If they don't we on the printer. He's myopic!) will transfer them to the Luftwaffe.) 17 Dear Evelyn, Dear Bill: I have just caught up with some Dear Bill, reading, During the last few days I have sorted and including the Journal which is Attached is latest information concerning the just great, and discarded some things left from my mother's realized that think I Eighth Air Force Museum's B-24 which you I had a dues notice. There- house and ran across a stock of old Winston- fore my check for thirty dollars know from previous correspondence is being (10 for dues, 5 Salem, N.C. newspapers dating randomly for blazer patch??). restored to non-flying condition by Buck Rigg, from Jan. 1944 to June 1944. The remaining amount I would given Curator, Eighth Air Force Museum. like in I found the following clipping and realized memorial to mark the memory of James P. Buck is able now to accept and store for W. the whole thing was new to me. I never heard Fluhr who served with either future use any memorabilia which we at the the 44th or 93rd of, nor visualized a 4-engine, twin-tailed GAF and finished with the 445th. Jim was Second Air Division would offer. If any of the an out- fighter plane at any time. I am sending this to standing mickey navigator and a sterling hus- readers of the Journal wish to donate items, you for your information and to use as you see band and father of a son and daughter. they should write to Buck Rigg, Curator, Eighth fit, but I would be interested in learning if any- To those with whom Jim Air Force Museum, Public Affairs Division, 2nd served, his wife one in our organization has ever heard Paula, of any- Bombardment Wing (SAC), Barksdale AFB, resides in Atlanta at 3461 Embry Circle, thing like this. Chamblee, GA. (sorry, no zip). LA 71110 and tell him of their item(s). J. D. Long The efforts of our Group V. P., Frank Di- In turn they will receive a proffer of gift mola, really paid off as he was able to patch statement which after filling out, would be re- Ralph McCool and me turned with the item(s). Envisioned for display for our first long, or any, GERMANS USE A NEW PLANE talk in thirty-eight years. purposes will be areas in the yet to be built (new) London (UP) — The Germans were re- Elsa joins me in museum by Air Division, Combat Wing, Group sending our earnest intention ported yesterday to have a new, four-engined, to make "Reunion 1981". and Squadron. twin-tailed fighter plane. The aircraft, which My congratulations to all the good people The present museum, though temporary, and American fliers saw during violent air who make 2nd Air Division real. battles not as readily accessible to the public as it will over Southern Germany, were unidentified. eventually be, is nevertheless Steve Posner (445th, 389th) very well appointed But American figher planes were reported to and quite interesting in form and content and have shot down two of the planes. would be well worth a visit if you are in this U.S. heavy bomber crews were unable to vicinity. give a full description of the new planes that I am looking forward to the reunion in San Dear Evelyn, mostly stood off from the series of sky battles Antonio, having visited there on numerous occa- I am enclosing my check in the amount of following a concentrated rocket-firing Mes- sions in the past. I know that all will have a $10.00 to cover 1981 dues and two Blazer serschmitt 110 attack on a formation of U.S. memorial experience. Patches. 1 was in the 389th and we were shot Flying Fortresses. Phillip G. Day down over Germany, April I 1, 1944. We all First Lieutenant James, E. Staber, of 237 Pennsylvania Ave. made it back with the exception of one Eng.- Wyandotte, Okla., said that the four-engined Shreveport, LA 71105 Gunner. His name was Hunnefield from Ohio. planes crossed "our bomber formations, from He was also the youngest of our crew. I am directly in front of us and I definitely saw one going to try to write a record of this last mission of our fighters knock one down." Dear Evelyn, (we had completed twelve) and if it comes out Some London air observers believed the I become okay I will send you a copy. I have never put new fighters might be an improved Focke- have recently an associate member of the B.A.D. 2 Association any of this down on paper but after 36 years I Wulf 200K, about which little is known. The and I would like to join the 2nd Division can remember most of the details. We were original 200K was a single-tailed bomber but Air Association, too. Would you please send me POW's in Stalag 17B at Krems, Austria. reecently it was reported undergoing modifi- details of Associ- ate Membership and also details of the availabil- T. W. Barksdale, Jr. (PapPY) cation as a fighter and perhaps as a super Rt. 2 Box 478 rocket platform. ity and cost of back issues of the newsletter and any other Gray Court, S. C. 29645 publications or insignia. I have always been interested in the exploits of the Eighth Air Dear Bill, Force and I joined the B.A.D. 2 Association because Interested in exchanging? I work with British Aero- space at Warton, formerly USAAF Station 582. We remember the B-24 for the 33 missions we As you probably know, many of the 2nd Air Dear Mr. Henry, flew with 'em before they took 'em away and Division Aircraft passed through Warton and For several years I did crash-research in the gave us Forts for the next 125. the site remains much as it was during war Twente district in the east of Holland. the At the moment, you have the advantage of years. I am very pleased to get in touch with you and me, at least on the surface. You would appear to I look forward to hearing from you in due I hope that you might be able to help me to have get a large number of people who are support- course. more information about the crew of a B-24-H of ing the operation. We all know that that gives C.W. Marfleet your 44 Bomber Group. the opportunity for a large number of people to On 22 December 1943, the mission to Munster boot the ball and leave you stranded. in Germany, a B-24-H of 44 Bomber Group/66 This operation has largely been a one-man Bomber squadron, serial no: 42-7533, crashed show and how much longer it will go on remains Dear Evelyn, near Vroomshoop in Holland. to be seen. The letters of appreciation restore Enclosed is my check for $15.00 for dues with Sadly 7 members of the crew were killed in the flagging spirits regularly, so the future my application for membership to the Second action and buried during the war in the General doesn't show too much likelihood of closing Air Division Association. I have enjoyed reading Cemetery at Den Ham in Holland. Their names down. But this old man would like a few people the June issue of the Journal you were so kind are 1st Lt. W. W. Oakley, pilot; 1st Lt. R. K. more than have been doing to contribute a few to send along with the application blank for Collins, co-pilot; T/Sgt. J. W. Christian, bom- lines so that his fingers don't have to work for membership in the association. Our ground bardier; S/Sgt. R. F. Smith, BTG; Sgt. A. C. every inch of space on the sixteen pages we've crew-chief, Curley Nelson sent me Timme, RWG; S/Sgt. L. R. Weaver, his Dec. 1890 LWG; S/ been trying to maintain. copy and after reading both issues, Sgt. W. Sondag, TG. I am sorry Just received Vol. 20 No. 1 of your Journal that I didn't know of this So only 3 members organization many of the crew survived this from Col. Frank Halm of the 94th. Have writ- years ago. sad day. To my knowledge all of them were ten to Sgt. Myers of the 93rd Bomb Wing at The article in the Dec. 80 issue, by Leo S. captured by the Germans. Their names are: 1st Castle AFB to tell him of our publications of the Bielinski, "BAIL-OUT BUGABOO," A It. Frank D. Powers, navigator; S/Sgt. Abel past and sent him a sample of this present one. Tanked-up 8-24, sure did bring back old memo- Fleischman, radio operator; and T/Sgt. John F. Didn't think to look it up — but, while the ries for we were flying Curly Nelsons old 8-24 Byers, engineer. 848th, 849th, 850th and 85 1st Bomb Squadrons "IRON CORSET" on the mission with Na- My questions are a.) How many aircraft of were re-activated as strategic missle squadrons, I palm, to the Royan Estuary North of Bordaux. I your Bomber Group took part in this mission?, forgot to see if a similar Lazarus-act had been b.) How was flight engineer for Arnold Richardson's many failed to return on this day?, and pulled on the squadrons of the 34th and 493rd, crew. C.) Please, I should like to get in touch with any our wing-mates. Incidentally, I was working for Many thanks Evelyn, of the above mentioned for your prompt reply crew members of your Martin-Marietta at Beale AFB on the final to my inquiry Bomber Group. about the Association, and also to phases of the Titan I program — and didn't Curly Nelson and Will Lundy for I do really hope that their letters you will give me the learn that the military unit taking over at the and help with present addresses, names of people in the Associa- if possible, of these airmen of conclusion of the TURNKEY inspection would tion. the 44th Bomber Group. be my own 848th. I hope to meet you at the reunion H. B. van Heiden this Oct. in Glad to put you on our mailing list, if you're San Antonio. Thanks Salviastraat again for the good job 16 willing to exchange. you are doing. 7531 VW Enschede Joseph L. Milliken Holland Ellis C. Lebo LTC USAFR Ret 67th Sqdn, 44th. BG.

18 Dear Bill, Dear Evelyn, Dear Bill, Decided original the would be the best copy to How lucky can I get? My second year as a After all of these months, lots of send you for printing. letters, I would like to have it member of the Association — and we are hold- meetings, etc., I thought that it might be appro- ing this year's reunion in San Antonio (a mere priate to drop you a line or two to let you know 270 miles from home). Depend on my being what was or is going on out here in California. there. Have talked to Pres. Dave Patterson several Have corresponded with Pete Henry (we times and have gotten several letters from him. served together in the 67 Sq 44 BG). Have good He keeps quite busy with Association matters, intentions of writing Bill Robertie — but likely to say the least. will put it off until I can give him something that Last September, I put a notice in the San Jose is worthy of being published in the Journal. Mercury newspaper to the effect that I planned Enclosed check is for "overdue" dues for to have a meeting here of all members of the B- 1981 — two 2nd Air Division Blazer Patches 24 groups that participated during WW II. I and two 2nd Air Division Decals (if still availa- anticipated that I would be able to find some ble) — balance to Memorial Library Fund. people that had never heard of the 2nd Air See you in San Antonio! Division and that I would be instrumental in William (Bill) S. Aldridge (44 BG) getting them to join. 282 Somerset Circle As it turned out, there was quite a cross Bedford, TX 76021 section of service personnel that came to the returned. I have contacted eight or nine people meeting. Represented were P-38, P-47, B-17 and who were interned in Sweden to no avail. I am B-24 people. It was good to have all of them sure TorbjOrn is convinced I have not attempted Dear Mac, (McCarty, 446th) attend the meeting. to get the identification for him. He has been Enclosed is the crew information I have Here is a list of the people who did attend and told avail- by letter several times of my attempts, but able for Linco's crew. Of our 31 missions also a list of the ones who were contacted but placing myself position it is in his I am not sure it my guess that at least 25 of them were in did not attend. Someone out there may recog- would be believed. "Battle Dragon" whose nose art was shown on the back nize the name of a buddy or two! of the 2nd Air Division Newsletter for June, Attendees: 2nd Air Division President Dave 1978. 705th Squadron, 446th BG. Patterson and wife Joan, Thomas O'Grady, Ed. The only reunion I've been able to attend was and Dororth Parsons, Frank Yochem, Walt and the one at Colorado Springs. I've got about 3 Shirley Ringen, Bill and Marion Crum, Ford P. more years before I retire and then hope to get Tracy, Joseph Hogue, Fred Knorre, Bill and in on more of the action. Had hoped to make Maxine Clarey. Norwich in '79 but it didn't work out. Non-attendees: Robert Meuse, John Pedgren, Linko was a veteran in the regular Army Air Bill Florentine, Jim Stokes, Ray Baker, Rohl Corps. I understand he was Gen. Hap Arnold's Barnes, John W. Delury, C. McCool, Francis J. personal mechanic. As a result, he was given a Phelan, Charles E. Hughes, Col. (ret.) and waiver to go through pilot training, from Milford W. Henry. The color picture of the "Mrs." is for your Arnold. How much higher could you go? So Bill, this is it for now. Plan to see you in files. The 13 bombs on top row was there due to George A. Linko really knew airplanes and SAT next October. the "Mrs" being the first 453rd bomber to make engines. This was demonstratd by three missions Bill Clarey (492nd) the 13 without an abortion. She was on her 70th in July '44 when Battle Dragon was shot up and -11/11/44 when she went down due to a direct out of action. July 8th we flew "Wanda Lust" hit. We didn't make it back on our next mission. to Hamm, and on July 11th, to Munich (8 hours Frank Thomas and 25 minutes). On July 12, it was Munich again, with us scheduled for "Wanda Lust". Linko refused that aircraft, said it couldn't Dear Mr. Jonasson, Dear Bill: make the trip. We were given "Happy Go It's nice to know that I have been found. In reference to your article on the 562nd Air Lucky" and made the round trip but "Wanda Frankly I didn't know that I was lost - merely Force Band shown on pages 7, Vol. 15 No. 4, Lust" wasn't so lucky. It was assigned to an- retired. My brother told me about a letter he had December 1977, please find the current, up to other crew anyway. On the way to the target it received from a relative of ours in Hartford, date status on our organization. dropped out of the formation with no further Connecticut, which related to the search for the Through the publication of the aforemen- word from her. Maybe it got to Switzerland/ I'd two of us. As you probably know, Jonathan was tioned article, cooperation of several members like to know. I've always felt that George's in the 389th Group for a much longer period of of the 562nd Air Force Band and the Veterans knowledge kept us from an adventure that might time than I. My military service was primarily Administration, we now find the following have been more than we bargained for. with the 78th Infantry Division. After spending status to apply to the twenty-eight members Another thing I can thank him for is being a number of months in an army hospital in (enlisted) who served in the second Air Division, best man when I got married at Gowen Field. Cardiff, Wales, I was transferred to the Air 8th Air Force, AAF Station 147, Ketteringham Joan is still putting up with me. Force on limited duty. Shortly thereafter the war Hall, England: Our crew broke up to fly our first two mis- with Germany ended and my brother and I Twenty members are living in U.S. with cur- sions on June 4 and 5. Our first mission together returned to the states on the same boat in the rent addresses on hand. was on D-Day. For me, personally, it was quite later part of May, 1945. Six members are deceased and are verified by an experience which I hope to write up for the I would be very interested to know if the relation or Vets. Admin. Bulletin someday. I finished my tour August 12, 389th Bomb Group has published any informa- Two members are unaccounted for and status 1944. I think the rest of the crew finished a few tion related to the part it played during the remain% unknown. days earlier. Second World War. I have seen a history of the Any additional help received through the Sec- Co-pilot Ken Shook suffered a ruptured ear regiment and division that I served in - the 78th - ond Air Division Association membership in drum and was sent to a Pathfinder crew, so and noted that my name did not appear under accounting for the following two men would be didn't finish with us. When our tour was over Purple Heart decorations. I received three Pur- deeply appreciated: Joseph F. Herde, SSN: most of us returned to the U.S. Linko stayed on ple Hearts just before being discharged from the 32884815; current address in 1945 was 5229 77th at the 705th (maybe 706th) as engineering offi- Air Force and have the feeling that the 389th Street, Elmherst, Long Island, N. Y., Instru- cer. George wasn't a great letter writer, but I Group may show my name in their records. If ment: sax and clarinet. understand he trained in B-29s and was in the you can shed any light on this I would be most Donald L. Larson, SSN: 12044134; current Far East at War's end. By the grapevine I heard obliged. address in 1945 was RD #1, Ripley, New York, he retired as Colonel. Shook was out for awhile When I receive a membership application it Instrument: trombone. then went back in the Air Force and retired in will be, filled out promptly and returned. I will It is our feeling that should we be able to the late 60s or early 70s. Selling real estate in follow your suggestion related to a current ros- obtain a status on the above two men possibly Tempe now. ter, etc. we could be the only military band throughout Other crew members were: Joseph Ticknor, I wish that my wife Gerry and I had known all the services of World War II accounting for Navigator; Damon Cox, Flight Engineer; Ken- about past reunions in England as we have been each and every enlisted man. neth Mason, Radio; Myer Chain, Ball Gunner; over many times and probably could have at- Having been the First Sergeant and Assistant William McCash and Kenneth Prey, Waist Gun- tended a couple. Bandleader of the 562nd Air Force Band, I hope ners; Arthur Ginsburg, Tail Gunner; and yours Thanks again for your kind letter and again the membership will understand my interest and truly, Gordon Bishop, Bombardier. it's nice to know I have been found - alive. concern for full acountability. Gordon D. Bishop Ralph G. Poriss Earl D. Brown RR 7, Box 144D Post Office Box 393 M/Sgt. USAF, retired Evergreen, CO 80439 Newcastle, Maine 04553

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4 389th 2nd AD 1 BOMB BLAZER GROUP PATCHES Evelyn Cohen informs me that she still has a large INSIGNIA supply of 2nd AD Blazer patches on hand so if you missed ordering one that last time around DO IT NOW. PATCHES I wish we could show you this in the original colors but printing costs forbid this. Just take my word for it Earl Zimmerman informs us that he still has a supply that they are beautiful and make a brilliant display at of the 389th insignia patches on hand and they can be reunion where everyone seems to have one. had by sending Earl $2.50, postage included. Send your Cost is $3.00 and send your check or money order to: check or money order to: Evelyn Cohen Earl Zimmerman Apt. 06410 Delair Landing 8922 Haverstick Rd. 9301 State St. Indianapolis, IN 46240 Philadelphia, PA 19114 CALLING ALL "EIGHTBALLERS"

From Norm Tillner: The thought occurred to me that some ex-44th members might like to have the 'eight- ball' insignia in jewelry form. I have had 100 tie or lapel tacs and 25 sets of cuff links made up. They are exact copies of the regular insignia. Anybody who wants one should send me a check or money order and I will ship right away. The price is $7.00 for each tac and $14.00 per pair for cuff links. Also include $1.00 for postage and handling. They are approximately .78" in diameter, or a tiny bit larger than a one cent piece. You will notice in the photo one insignia without the projecting nose. The manufacturer goofed on his origi- nal tooling and it, of course, is not authentic, but in some respects it seems more attractive than the authen- 00 tic one particularly as a charm. I only have the Send check or money order to Norman N. Tillner, manufacturer's sample of this configuration but the 324 Hazel Drive, Corona del Mar, Calif. 92625. Also tooling is made and if anyone wants this style, I will include $1.00 for postage and handling. have them made up. Same price as the others. Just (ed. note: They are beautiful and very authentic. figure an I extra 60 days for delivery. purchased two!)

NOTE: Evelyn has advised me that she has been re-supplied with 2nd ADA car decals. They are two for a dollar. Send check or money order to Evelyn Cohen, Apt. 06410 Delair Landing, 9301 State Road, Philadelphia, PA. 19114. A SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) would help her a lot.

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