Millville Army Air Field Museum ‘America’s First Defense Airport’ March 2001

Museum Begins Year-Long Celebration Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Millville Army Air Base

The Millville Army Air Field Millville, New Jersey, was the nation’s “First Defense Air Museum is excited to chosen as the first air base to Base” at Millville Airport took announce its plans for the defend our country by the place on August 2, 1941. P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ Advocates, year 2001 with the theme United States War Department During its four year existence the organization that honors of “Celebrating the 60th at the onset of WWII. (1941-1945), more than 10,000 the WWII P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ Anniversary of America’s First Already having an existing men and women served at Fighter Plane, recently joined Air Defense Field.” forces with the MAAF Museum. grass field built by the Millville the Millville Army Air Field, “This will be our year to Flying Club, which was with 1,500 pilots receiving The Museum is proud to remember and commemorate established in 1939 by 15 advanced flight and gunnery maintain and expand the the great history that took aviation-minded men from training in P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ ‘Advocates’ membership and place at the Millville Air our community, a ground- and P-40 ‘Warhawk’ fighter will keep you informed of its Base and its impact on our breaking was held on February planes. They came to Millville activities. See the ‘Advocates’ country,” says Russell Davis, 22, 1941, when the City of from all parts of the United column on page 5. Millville Army Air Field Millville learned of the intent States to train and serve their Museum president. of the U.S. Air Corps. Just six country. The Museum honors months later the dedication of continued on page 6 MAAFM Acquires Historic Philadelphia Seaplane Base Museum Mills Family of Essington, PA, Honored

The Millville Army Air Field “We are adding artifacts Museum (MAAFM) is pleased and memorabilia from the to announce the acquisition Seaplane Museum to our of the Philadelphia Seaplane continually expanding Base Museum — its history permanent collection and will and artifacts. In November of promote the significance of the 2000, Museum assumed full seaplane as part of our ongoing responsibility for the Seaplane mission to preserve and Base Museum from curator, promote aviation history.” Robert Mills of Essington, PA, who retired and closed its The Philadelphia Seaplane facility which had been Base Museum’s history and located on the Delaware River artifacts span the very in Essington for more than 85 beginnings of flight. There is a years. The Seaplane Museum strong focus on the history of was founded by Mills’ father, the seaplane during WWI Frank Mills, Sr., in 1915. and WWII, as well as its con- Bob Mills, (center) whose family founded the Philadelphia Seaplane Base Museum tinued significance throughout was honored by the MAAF Museum for his many contributions to aviation history at a “This is another very exciting America’s aviation history — luncheon held in the hangar at Dallas Airmotive at Millville Airport. More than 300 step for our Museum” said both military and private — up people attended. Pictured here from left to right are: Andy Kondrach, MAAFM board chairman; Millville Mayor Jim Quinn; Hugh McElroy, vice president of Dallas Russell Davis, Millville Army to the present day. Airmotive; Bob Mills; Russell Davis, MAAFM president; Lewis Finch, Millville Airport Air Field Museum president. continued on page 3 manager; and Rocco Tomanelli, airports director, Delaware River and Bay Authority. President’s Report Expanding and reaching out in 2001

Beginning 2001 as President of the MAAFM for my third year brings an era of excitement! Like most volunteers, I don’t know for sure how I got so deeply involved. But in my heart of hearts, how could I not respect the patriotism and bravery of my father’s generation, exemplified by those P-47 Thunderbolt pilots who trained here at Millville, NJ, and died fighting in WWII. MAAFM Participates in CCC Millennium Festival Russell Davis Now, fully committed with a Cumberland County College in Vineland, NJ, hosted a  Expand our charitable trust growing group of volunteers Cumberland County Millennium Festival on Saturday, campaign. Gifts bequeathed the and a dedicated board of October 21. Members Jim Vertolli and John Flint manned Museum from personal wills directors, we are determined to the C-47 Nose for the day-long celebration of the county’s assure our perpetual existence. heritage and diversity. More than 75 organizations, busi- move closer to accomplishing nesses, and schools joined in the day’s activities our mission statement of  Historically preserve digital with exhibits and demonstrations. The festival’s theme “historical preservation for oral histories through our was “Respect the Past, Admire the Present, and Plan for future generations.” ongoing program with Cumberland County College the Future.” Many concrete steps are being taken to assure our longevity.  Reach more and more school Although no one volunteer can children and young adults with do it all, as a group we are our student tours, class trip MAAFM Officers/Board of Directors making notable progress. The incentives, and certificates of group I’m referring to includes merit for answering questions Andrew Kondrach, Chairman you, the reader of this being submitted by a world Russell Davis, President, Vice Chairman newsletter, as you continue to wide audience on our Jim Vertolli, Vice President, Curator show interest in our resolve. p-47advocates.com site. Sandra Ernst, Secretary Please help us as a volunteer, Edwin Ernst, Treasurer, Tourism Council  Expand the existing Museum with continued financial Donna Vertolli, Historian display space by 2,000 square support or just by sharing your George Curio • Lewis B. Finch, Jr. • Henry Wyble feet to include a special area for memories. Kim Warker • Doug Smithson • Hugh McElroy the recently donated artifacts We are focused on numerous from the Philadelphia Seaplane MAAFM Advisory Board projects as we begin the year Base Museum. Michael T. Stowe, MAAFM Founder, Historian 2001. They include: We are dedicated to the William Rich, WWII Army Fighter Pilot,  Celebrating the 60th improvement and continued Board Chairman Emeritus Anniversary of the Millville implementation of our long Dominic J. Romano, CPA, Army Air Field, dedicated on term plan. We thank you for you Certified Financial Statements & Tax Preparation August 2, 1941. past support and look forward to continuing to be a place Frank DiDomenico, Esq., Attorney, Legal Advisor  Holding three special events for WWII aviation historical Sam Donovan, Artist—Wall of Remembrance during the year: ‘Vettes & Jets’— preservation. Little things Dave Schill, Military Liaison A Corvettes and Classic Jets become big things and keep us Show, our 9th Annual Wheels John Diorio, Membership Services, Tourism Council going. Like the little boy who & Wings Sounds of John McCabe, MAAFM Store Manager recently asked if we could tell Airshow, and the MAAF him the correct colors of his Norman Gluckman, Librarian Veterans’ Reunion 2001. These grandfather’s P-47 Thunderbolt Jack Gebhard, P-47 Advocates Advisor, events will allow us to continue aircraft so his school drawing Liaison to MAAFM to educate and entertain the could be authentic. It was our community, honor and salute James Hyett, Tuskegee Liaison pleasure to be of service! Mike Hale, Information Technology our WWII veterans, help us raise funds, and bring an ever- Duty. Honor. Country. ‘Thunderbolt’ Newsletter Staff increasing tourism audience to Respectfully, Donna Vertolli, Editor our Museum. Contributors: Russell Davis, Sandra Ernst,  Apply for grants from the Andy Kondrach, Jack Gebhard, Bill Rich, Dave Schill, Bill Hogan, George Curio, Jim Vertolli Cumberland Empowerment Zone and the NJ Historical Russell Davis Commission. MAAFM President 2 MAAFM Entrusted with Philadelphia Seaplane Base Museum continued from page 1

Bob Mills Honored The MAAFM honored Bob Air Field Museum, where a Mills and the Mills Family, who permanent display is being operated the Philadelphia created. Seaplane Base since its “Robert Mills, who has been inception, at a luncheon affectionately referred to as ‘the which was held on Saturday, Old Man and the Seaplanes,’ is November 18, 2000. More than now 80 years old and is a wealth 350 people attended. The of interesting information,” honorary luncheon was noted Davis. “We enjoyed hosted by Dallas Airmotive, acknowledging his many Inc., and was held in their accomplishments and those main Hangar at Millville of his family. Seaplanes are Airport. a very specialized area of At this time, Bob Mills was aviation history and there are recognized for his outstanding very few true authorities on career in aviation as well as his the subject, but Mills is one contributions to the greater of them. We were proud to Philadelphia community sponsor an event to honor him through his work with and are looking forward to seaplanes and the role that promoting his seaplane legacy they played in U.S. aviation for generations to come!” history. The event also served Anyone interested in making a as the official announcement donation exclusively to the Bob Mills, whose father founded the Philadelphia Seaplane Base Museum in 1915, of his donation of the Museum’s Seaplane Base was recognized by Museum chairman Andy Kondrach and president Russell Davis. Philadelphia Seaplane Base Fund may call (856) 327-2347. The Seaplane Museum artifacts and history will now be proudly displayed at the collection to the Millville Army Millville Army Air Field Museum. Bob gave a wave to hundreds of his comrades and admirers from the cockpit of a TBM ‘Avenger’ torpedo bomber at a luncheon honoring his family’s legacy. Bob flew the TBM in WWII.

New Jersey Plans for the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight

Andy Kondrach, MAAFM “Planning is underway around Board Chairman, is pleased the country to celebrate the to announce that Millville Wright Brothers achievement Airport will be one of the at Kill Devil Hill on Dec. 17, historic sites recognized by 1903,” continued Kondrach, the State of New Jersey to “We do not have much time honor the 100th Anniversary to plan events to celebrate of Powered flight in the man’s ascent.” United States which will take place in 2003. The Aviation History Subcom- mittee, chaired by aviation Kondrach, who has been artist Michael O’Neal, has named chairman of the tentatively decided on four Aviation History Subcom- major events to be held at New mittee of the New Jersey Jersey’s aviation museums in Aviation Education Council, Assemblyman Alex DeCroce, “Several other states, 2003. The MAAFM will be was instrumental in creating chairman of the Assembly including Ohio and North host to one of them. the official logo (show here). Transportation Committee. Carolina, have already established their commis- “As always, volunteers are The new logo, designed by DeCroce is introducing sions to work along with the welcomed to assist with the Robert Rioux of Lavallette, legislation to formalize an federal commission which is staging of the celebration NJ, has been accepted official State Commission on already in place,” notes events,” notes Kondrach. by James Weinstein, Commis- the 100th Anniversary of Kondrach. “Please contact the Museum sioner of Transportation, and Powered Flight. if you are interested.”

3 Profile: James J. Hyett

What can we possibly say about at the onset of WWII. He made the Museum’s own ‘Tuskegee his application but was told Airman’ flight instructor Jimmy that their program was only Hyett to let everyone know for white applicants. However, how much we value him and the college informed him that his contributions to aviation if he was truly interested he history? should contact the Tuskegee Jimmy has been a part of Institute in Alabama where the Museum for more than minority students received eight years and is an absolute training. Jim was not familiar treasure! His contributions with the school but his interest to WWII are to be forever in flying was so great that he recognized and his ability to sent his application and was overcome racial bias to be accepted. He enlisted in the always commended. Army Air Corps Reserves as instructed. As a young man, Jim Hyett loved flight and yearned to become Jim had to overcome a James J. Hyett, flight instructor for the a pilot. He was one of the early multitude of obstacles simply of WWII, is shown here in front of a T-6 Trainer and a ‘barnstormers,’ learning to at to get to Alabama to begin P-T 17 Stearman Biplane. the Boulevard Airport in Phila- training. But once there, he delphia and later at the Old became part of the world he loved — the world of flight! He Star Airport in Langhorn, PA. Institute, Jim moved to Moton single and multi-engine land trained under the AAF Enlisted Field for basic training, flying and sea instrument flight As a student at the University Reserve CPT Program. of Pennsylvania in the late the North American T-6, a instructor. He taught flying at 1930’s, Jim learned that the US Beginning with primary bigger plane. Jim soon became Texas Air University in Cuero, Army was looking at colleges training in a Boeing Stearman a flight instructor who trained Texas where he prepared to train men to become pilots PT-17 Biplane at the Tuskegee fighter and bomber pilots at veterans of WWII to qualify the Tuskegee Flight School for their pilots’ licenses under 2164B. the GI Bill. Tuskegee pilots saw action Returning to his home in Wartime memories... flying P-40 ‘Warhawk’ fighter Philadelphia, Jim taught flying planes as members of the 99th at the Philadelphia Skyport Dear Editor, Pursuit Squadron, destroying Seaplane Base, where he flew During WWII I became a “Rosie the Riveter,” making enemy supply buildings, Piper Cubs with floats, the parts for the P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ at Republic Aviation railroads and the like, with Republic SeaBee, and the Corporation in Farmingdale, New York. My two sisters high explosive bombs that were Grumman Widgeon. also worked there. We were dubbed the “Homefront fitted under the fuselage. They Sisters” — with Sara, sharpening drills and Theresa, Yes, Jimmy Hyett had an were called ‘fighter bombers.’ interesting career in aviation executive secretary. Our father joined the war effort as Later, Tuskegee Airmen flew an Auxiliary Policeman in West Babylon. and enjoyed teaching flying as the Bell Air Cobra P-39, then much as the flight! Somewhere, Dad met Sgt. Dom Remedio, who was in the P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ and charge of the motor pool, stationed at our Republic then the P-51 ‘Mustang’. Hyett Jimmy Hyett is a very active Airfield and, before too long, Sgt. Remedio was invited proudly points out that “... 86 year old volunteer for to our home for Sunday dinners. Along with him, joining these great aircraft and the the Millville Army Air Field our family of seven, came Duffy McNally, Hixson, Louie Tuskegee Airmen who flew Museum. He devotes many the cook, and a young man named Mercantini. Dom them never lost a bomber that hours giving tours to children kept in touch until his death in 1996. I wonder where they escorted.” and adults — telling them the the others are? aviation history of Millville Jimmy could tell you of the along with the story of the Sincerely, many obstacles that minorities Tuskegee Airmen of WWII. Josephine Rachiele have had to overcome —both He also goes out into the Babylon, NY during WWII and throughout classrooms and to community their lives — but he’d rather Thank you, Josephine, for your note! Maybe one of these functions to speak about his just tell you that he is proud to experiences as a minority fellows will read this and respond. Or, if someone has heard be an American. of any of these men, please contact the Museum. aviator. Jim Hyett continued flying Send your brief stories or letters for ‘Wartime Memories’ to: The MAAFM is very proud of after WWII. He upgraded his Donna Vertolli, MAAFM, 1 Leddon Street, Millville Airport, and grateful to our personal Millville, NJ 08332. commercial certificate to WWII ‘Tuskegee’ Flight qualify for airlines, giving him Instructor — James J. Hyett. ratings of pilot, commercial 4 If you’ve never been to Dayton...

P-47 Thunderbolt Advocates find a welcome home at the MAAFM The Millville Army Airfield aircraft through Educational, Museum is now sharing its Scientific and Charitable means, administrative facilities with a and to promote and encourage welcomed tenant, the P-47 public understanding, apprecia- Thunderbolt Advocates. It was tion, support, participation and unanimously agreed that the interest therein. Individuals of Museum was a logical place for all ages and from all walks of this many-faceted aviation life are encouraged to become fraternity to call home. During members of the P-47 Advocates. the war years of 1941 through Among the many aspects 1945, the Millville Army which can be enjoyed by being Airfield was host to this famed associated with this active fighter aircraft with which P-47 Thunderbolt organization multitudes of pilots trained in are Special Interest Groups the deadly art of low level (SIG’s) whose functions embody bombing and strafing. The exchanging information about Museum buildings, remaining P-47 current activities and structures of that wartime history. These fields of study era, echo the memories of include: The P-47 as an Opera- that hallowed past. tional Aircraft, Museum Displays of the P-47, Thunderbolt Films The Advocates group was and Videos, Art and Photos of These pictures were sent to us from MAAFM member founded by the late David R. Baird Foster with this note... the P-47, Books and other Eldridge, a former P-47 flyer, Publications on the P-47, My wife and I recently visited the Air Force Museum at and member of the P-47 Pilots Building P-47 Scale Models, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. As we Association. Dave shared a and Thunderbolt Crash Site walked through the lovely Memorial Park outside of the deep affection for this unique Discovery & Documentation. Museum, we saw the monument for the P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ aircraft among other pilots and thought of the MAAFM. Regards. as well as with non-pilots, Membership applications and through their combined may be obtained by visiting Thanks, Baird! The photos are great and it’s good to know enthusiasm and determination, the Millville Army Airfield you were thinking of us! the group materialized. It was Museum, or by calling 856- Dave’s fervent desire that the 327-2347. Interaction with P-47 Advocates group would the P-47 Advocates can also some day have a home worthy be facilitated via Web sites, Do you have a story to tell about your of its merit. His dream has www.p47advocates.com or experiences during WWII? come true. www.p47millville.org. Annual regular Membership We have a guest book on the Museum’s Web site where you Registered with the New Jersey can submit all kinds of information and anecdotes about Fee for adults is $25.00. The Department of State as a non- yourself, your comrades or just about anything you’d like to yearly Membership Fee for have others know about aviation history, WWII, warbirds, profit organization, the asso- Students, under 18 years old the homefront, etc. We welcome your input and you’ll enjoy ciation became a tax-exempt and attending school full time, seeing what others have submitted. Check out our Web site Corporation during July 1992 is $15.00. at: www.p47millville.org. under Section 501(C) (3) of the If you’re specifically interested in the P-47 ‘Thunderbolt’ Internal Revenue Code. The Jack Gebhard WWII Fighter Plane, check out the P-47 Thunderbolt purpose for which this corpora- Vice President/Advisor Advocates Web site at: www.p47advocates.com. This site has tion was organized was to been established for a number of years and the guest book perpetuate the memory of the Bill Rich is full of interesting commentary. Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Advisor

5 Museum Begins Year-Long Celebration Honoring the 60th Anniversary of the Millville Army Air Base continued from page 1 its WWII veterans and the more than 1,000 members,” in both static and aerial displays, ground crews and base personnel memory of the 14 pilots who explains Kondrach. “They will along with a huge exhibition who kept the MAAF running died while training at Millville. be displaying hundreds of of beautifully restored antique smoothly will return to revisit a beautiful new and restored cars and trucks on the runway place and time very special to 2001 Events Slated Corvettes on the airport ramp. ramps,” explains Kondrach. them.” We’ll be matching their style In honor of the 60th Anniversary and speed with a jet aircraft “Once again we will have the The MAAF Reunion Weekend of the Millville Army Air Field exhibit that includes privately- fine people from the Garden will feature a banquet dinner- and its historic importance, owned vintage warbirds, State 50’s Auto Club to help dance with a 1940’s ‘big band’ the Millville Army Air Field business jets, and jet-powered sponsor our event and this theme, to be held in the hangar Museum has three major events military displays. year we plan to include the at Dallas Airmotive. The Museum scheduled for the year 2001. Cohanzick Antique Auto Club plans to have an original P-47 “We are certain ‘Vettes & Jets’ to our roster. ‘Thunderbolt’ Fighter Plane “We plan to give the public an will be a unique and popular fly in for display during the opportunity to appreciate our event for the Museum. It’s an “In addition, we’ve contracted weekend. history with both a taste of the opportunity to bring modern- David Schultz, of David Schultz past, a view of the present, and day aviation and automobile Airshows, who will put together The Museum’s major events for a look to the future of aviation,” technologies together for the a 2-hour aerial extravaganza of 2001 will have the assistance of explains Andy Kondrach, MAAFM enjoyment of the public,” military and civilian aircraft each sponsors Dallas Airmotive, the Board Chairman. “Our first Kondrach continued. “The day that will dazzle the audience Delaware River & Bay Authority, scheduled event is called ‘Vettes Museum will serve as the link with flying feats and aerobatics,” and Big Sky Aviation. & Jets — A Corvettes and from the past that laid the continued Kondrach. Classic Jets Show.’ This is a new “More sponsors and volunteers foundation for the technology endeavor for us, but we expect The third major event planned are needed,” points out Davis. of today and the future.” it will be a huge success.” by the MAAFM is a MAAF “Making these exciting and The Museum’s second major 60th Anniversary Reunion educational events available ‘Vettes & Jets’ is a joint effort event will be the 9th Annual Weekend, slated for Saturday to the community is a huge between the Museum and the “Wheels & Wings — Sounds and Sunday, Oct. 20 & 21, 2001. responsibility and we’ve been Lakes Corvette Club of Medford, of Thunder” Air Show. This fortunate to find dedicated NJ. It is scheduled for Saturday, “We are inviting back our Millville year’s 2-day event will take place individuals to make them April 28, 2001, at Millville Airport, Army Air Field Veterans of WWII,” on Saturday and Sunday, July 14 happen. But, as our events grow rain date Sunday, April 29. boasts Russ Davis. “And this is our & 15, 2001. larger in scope and numbers, opportunity to commemorate so must our volunteer staff. “The Lakes Club is the largest “‘Wheels & Wings’ is our and honor our true history along We welcome anyone interested Corvette Club in the greater annual weekend to display with the people who made it to contact the Museum.” Southern New Jersey area, with military and historic airplanes happen! Daring pilots, dedicated

A Real B-17 Pilot... Harry told us that, when he got to Hawaii, he was handed a book to read about the P-47 ‘Jug.’ Later, an instructor asked him where each instrument/control was while he sat in the cockpit. If a pilot was unable to locate it, the instructor placed the pilot’s hand on the instrument or control. After this simple test, he was pronounced ready to fly the ‘Jug’ without further instruction or flight time! One of the EAA guys told us that this gentleman (Harry Josephson) had visited the B-17 when it was here two years ago, but he wouldn’t go near it because he had the shakes remembering his wartime experiences. After 25 missions, pilots were allowed R & R time, but if they stayed to complete 45 missions, they could go back to the States permanently. Josephson had elected to stay for the 45 missions. By the 30th mission so many of his buddies had been killed, that he became terrified. He overcame his fear gradually by the time he had reached his 35th mission. Harry C. Josephson completed his 45 missions. And, fortunately for us, he came to Millville to see the B-17 WWII veteran Harry C. Josephson, LTC USAF (Ret.) of in October and tell us a bit of his story. Our heartfelt thanks Linwood, NJ, flew 45 missions in a B-17 in Europe. He was to you, Harry! then sent to Hawaii where he flew P-47 ‘Thunderbolts’ for three years. Museum volunteers Sandy and Ed Ernst submitted this story.

6 Original WWII B-17 “Flying Fortress” Enlightens the Community

A flying example of one of the greatest military airplanes every built, the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress,” visited Millville Airport in October 2000, as part of a national tour sponsored by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) and the EAA Aviation Foundation. The visit was sponsored by the EAA Chapter 216 of Cross Keys, New Jersey, and the Millville Army Air Field Museum. The World War II four-engine heavy bomber, “Aluminum Overcast,” on tour from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, arrived in Millville on October 1 and was open for public tours and flights through October 5.

“The EAA had an extremely MAAF Museum members take a moment out to pose in front of the B-17 ‘Aluminum Overcast’ along with its pilot, ground successful visit,” boasts Russell crew, and members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and local EAA Chapter Davis, Millville Army Air Field 216 from Cross Keys, NJ, sponsors of the warbird visit. Museum president. “More than 60 individuals had flights its programs and local chapter in the warbird and hundreds affiliates. Funds generated experienced a ground tour. during the tour helped finance We were happy to have them the ongoing maintenance of visit us and continue to help the B-17 and future restoration us promote awareness of projects. WWII aviation history in our community.” “Aluminum Overcast,” which is painted in the colors of the In addition to enabling people 398th Bomb Group, was flown of all ages to experience first- by members of the EAA hand the historic B-17 bomber, Warbirds of America Division the tour and its mission helped who are experienced in the VettesVettes && JetsJets increase awareness of the EAA, operation of WWII airplanes. Corvettes & Classic Jets Show

To benefit the Millville Army Air Field Museum

Saturday, April 28, 2001 Raindate: April 29 9am to 4pm Millville Airport, Millville, NJ

Sponsors & Hosts

Ed Ernst, MAAFM treasurer (left), was one of the ‘happy campers’ who took a ride in the WWII B-17 ‘Aluminum Overcast’ during its recent visit to Millville Airport. Ed was quick to thank members of EAA Chapter 216 of Cross Keys, NJ, for their role in bringing the historic bomber to Millville. Pictured on the right (l. to r.) are: Joseph Arsenault, EAA event coordinator; Ed Ernst; and Dan Marchetti, EAA past president and project director.

7 MILLVILLE ARMY AIR FIELD MUSEUM NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE “America’s First Defense Airport” PAID 1 Leddon Street • Millville Airport • Millville, NJ 08332 Millville, NJ 08332

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Millville, New Jersey 08332 Jersey New Millville, the memory of those who sacrificed so much for our freedom! freedom! our for much so sacrificed who those of memory the

Airport Millville alive keep help to want I Museum. Field Air Army Millville the

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Sgt. Elven Gayton, members of the winning MAAFM winning the of members Gayton, Elven Sgt.

and Devins F.M. Cpl. Trophy. / Plaque Gunnery

Capt. Carl L. Beggs with the 1st AAF Interbase Interbase AAF 1st the with Beggs L. Carl Capt.

of the 1st Army Air Force Fighter Command, awards awards Command, Fighter Force Air Army 1st the of

General Commanding Hawkins, J.R. General Brig.

leads to its whereabouts, please contact Jim Vertolli, Museum Curator. Curator. Museum Vertolli, Jim contact please whereabouts, its to leads

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gunnery, dive and skip bombing and ground gunnery. ground and bombing skip and dive gunnery,

participated in the meet. The competition included high and low altitude altitude low and high included competition The meet. the in participated

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in Westhampton Beach, New York. The trophy was presented to Capt. Capt. to presented was trophy The York. New Beach, Westhampton in

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In September 1944, Millville Army Air Base received the prestigious prestigious the received Base Air Army Millville 1944, September In Has anyone seen this trophy? this seen anyone Has