Beachbell Echo Published by 446th Bomb Group Association, Inc. ♦ 561 Muirfield Lane, West Haven, CT 06516 Organized under IRS Code 501 (C)(3) ID 33-0312046 September 2011 Vol. 26 No. 3 Station 125 APO 558, Flixton A.B. 1943-45

German Messerschmitt fighter Bf 109E7 of the 27th Fighter Squadron (JG-27) at the airport.

April 1941, the fighter (top and left) was flown by many of the top scoring fighter pilots during WW II. The prototype Messerschmitt Bf 109 first flew in 1935 After years of redesigns it was finally replaced in late 1944 with the Schwalbe (“Swallow”) which was the world’s first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft. See the interview on page 8 with Luftwaffe Eagle Johannes Steinhoff who was a master of both aircaraft.

446th Website: http://www.446bg.com 1 446 BGA Administration President’s

President: Message Walter Stelkovis By Walter Stelkovis 561 Muirfield Lane West Haven, CT 06516-7904 203-606-1616 here’s exciting news about plans for our 26th reunion in the [email protected] TWashington, DC area in the Spring of 2012. Beverly Tucker has been a busy bee working on numerous plans which not only Vice President: Louis Valenti, Jr include the World War II Memorial and the Air Space Museum 1353 Andre Street at Dulles, but also a tour of the White House. Baltimore, MD 21230 The White House visit requires specific action on your part. 410-727-7976 If we are to get government approval of our planned agenda, [email protected] and you expect to participate, we need to have your name, Membership Treasurer: address, place and date of birth plus your social security num- James Duckworth ber. If you are reluctant to reveal this info on line by sending 629 Mariposa Rd Beverly an email, then you have the option of notifying her by Stanley, NC 28164 US Postal service. Her home address is on the left side of this 704-263-8879 page. Remember, you cannot go on the guided tour without this [email protected] informaton and it must be provided to Beverly in advance — no Secretary: later than March 1st. Beverly Tucker Preliminary reunion plans include the WWII Memorial and 2210 Englewood Ave. a wreath laying at the Air Force Memorial. Other sites will be Durham, NC 27705 added later. We will post a flyer on the website with the final 919-280-1249 [email protected] price for the reunion before the December issue of the Beachbell comes out for those of you eager to send in your registration. Historian: Some of you have partaken of previous DC reunions, for me Bill Davenport it will be a first and I’m eager to be there. 13383 Wheeler Pl. If you have specific additional requests to add to the agenda Santa Ana, CA 92705 714-832-2829 please notify me ASAP. [email protected] It is time to renew your membership to the 44th Bomb Group. Enclosed in this issue of the Beachbell is the renewal card and Editor: mailing envelope. Please take this opportunity to send gift Susan Burrowbridge memberships for family, friends and loved ones. It makes a great 838 Childs Point Road Annapolis, MD 21401 gift, and Christmas is just around the corner. Let the December 727-599-4254 Beachbell be their first! [email protected]

Co-Editor: “Gone But Erin Leonard Not Forgotten” 602 Tayman Drive Annapolis, MD 21403 Fred Richard Imboden (Dick) Sept 2011 913-660-5308 Wayne Jackson Dec 2010 [email protected] Paul W. Pifer July 2011 Frederick J. Shawcross Mar 2011 Bill Stevenson Mar 2011 Dale Story May 2011

2 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 446th BG 2012 Reunion May 2 - 6 Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner Hotel 1960 Chain Bridge Road, McLean, Virginia 22102

he recently updated hotel is located in the heart of Tysons Corner, adjacent to the Tysons TCorner Center and Tysons Galleria Malls. It is just 12 miles from downtown Washington D.C. The Crowne Plaza Tysons Corner will provide complimentary shuttle service to local busi- nesses, shopping, dining and scheduled shuttle runs to and from the Dunn Loring Metro. The hotel offers many amenities including the Tuscan Grille, O’Malley’s Sports Pub, an outdoor Garden Patio, 24–hour business center, Olympic size indoor pool, and a 24–hour fitness center. Complimentary high speed wireless connection is in all public areas and free parking. Hotel reservations can be made by phone Hotel rate (including tax and a hot breakfast): $105 single; $119 double Our block of Rooms is: 446 Bomb Group Association Reservations must be made by 17 March 2012.

Phone: Call automated group reservations: 1-877-865-1877 Call Ms Luana Jang, the Executive Meetings Manager who will take reservations: 703-738-3120. Mail money and forms to: Beverly Tucker, 2210 Englewood Ave. Durham, NC 27705, 919-280-1249 * [email protected]

Reunion 2011 Registration Form

Name: ______Address: ______Telephone: ______Unit or Squadron ______Spouse & Guest Names: ______Please complete form, select your option and enclose check for each person attending. Option A - Complete package (Wednesday thru Sunday) $192 Option B - Reunion Activities (Thursday thru Sunday) $177 Option C - Banquet only Saturday evening, $65 for each person attending

Total Amount Enclosed $______

Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 3 Likely Agenda Transportation options Wednesday Airports — Afternoon: Holocaust Museum (Optional) • Dulles International Airport Dinner on your own Taxi about $35 one way Super shuttle about $22 round trip, Thursday contact Beverly for possible coupons Morning: Tour of the White House* • Reagan National Airport Lunch – Boxed lunch Taxi about $45 one way Afternoon: WWII Memorial, Korean Memorial Super shuttle about $22 if round trip Driving tour of D.C., Air Force Memorial • Baltimore Washington International with laying of wreath ceremony Taxi about $140 one way Dinner on your own Super shuttle about $51 if round trip Train Friday • Washington, DC Union station Morning: Smithsonian National Air and Space • Lorton, VA – auto train only Museum at Dulles Lunch – Likely a boxed lunch *Details about the White House Tour Afternoon: Dodona Manor, home of George C. 1. The White House can cancel tours on very Marshall short due to unforeseen national or international Dinner on your own emergencies Saturday 2. The White House requires that any and all visitors Morning: Business meeting undergo a security clearance before a “visitors pass” Afternoon: Oral History is issued. Evening: Banquet 3. The security process can take 3 to 6 weeks Sunday 4. There can be no substitutions of a security pass Morning: Chapel 5. All information for the security clearance – FOR EACH PERSON - must be received by Beverly by 1 March 2012.

All information for the security clearance – FOR EACH PERSON - must be received by Beverly by 1 March 2012. Name as it appears on your passport or drivers license – which you MUST bring with you. Name: ______Date of birth (day - month - year) – spell out the month: ______Social Security Number: ______Gender: ______Are you a US Citizen: ______If no, what is your passport number: ______City of Current residence: ______State of current residence: ______In summary: • Deadline for submitting information to Beverly for security clearance is 1 March 2012 • If you are currently uncertain if you will be attending the reunion or the tour, we encourage you to submit your information to Beverly - it is easier to remove your name from the guest list than add it.

4 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 Our bombs exploded while we waited to take off By Harlie Glen Turner I left the U.S. by sea on the of war and I didn’t see much English Queen Mary with part glory in it. The skirmish luckily of my crew while the rest of the didn’t last long. We continued crew flew overseas. We would our travel to the base by bus. all team up again in England. Once assigned to the bar- We arrived in Glasgow, Scot- racks, crews began return- land, and from there we boarded ing from the ordeal we had a train and headed for England just witnessed. The German to a staging area where our crew fighter-bombers had flown into reunited and we received orders England and were attacking our Harlie Glen Turner to proceed to Northern Ireland. planes as they were in the land- crew was back together, and now In Northern Ireland we received ing pattern. The airman next to it was our turn to make a name briefings by seasoned crews on me in the barrack received credit for ourselves. what to expect in combat. The for shooting down a German ME On May 9, 1944, our crew stories and movies shown of 109 aircraft that day and was one was assigned to fly a B-24 air- the real thing were quite hairy happy fellow. It was very hard craft by the name of “Piccadilly -- nothing like the Hollywood to get credit for shooting down Commando.” version. After a couple of weeks an enemy aircraft because usu- This was a maximum effort in Ireland we were on our way ally more than one gunner was mission meaning every flyable back to England. shooting at it. aircraft was scheduled to fly. Our orders were to report to The first couple of missions We were still in our parking the 446th Bomb Group, 707th for my training crew were flown area, preparing to taxi out for Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force, with seasoned crews. We were take-off, when one of the in- at Flixton Air Base, England. As evaluated on how we reacted cendiary bombs exploded in the part of this group, our training under fire. Not long after my first bomb bay of our plane. We were would be put to use finally. couple of missions, my training Continued on next page We traveled in darkness by train across England for safety reasons. German fighter bomb- ers couldn’t spot trains as easily at night. Just as we pulled into the train station, all hell broke out. Sirens were blowing and search lights were blazing in the sky. Planes were flying high and low, some friendly and some not! Anti-aircraft guns were firing. It was the loudest thing I had ever heard! This was my first taste Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 5 all stationed channel towards the beaches on the French coast at our take-off for the invasion of France. This mission was known positions when as D-Day. the explosion The mission began with our take-off during occurred. My early morning darkness. The air assault was to take position was place about a half hour before the ground troops in the forward were to storm the beaches. As we approached our compartment target from the air, it was an awesome site to wit- of the aircraft ness. The entire ensemble of military branches by the radio were involved and it was an incredible display of man. I was force. The air was full of planes from left to right looking into as far as the eye could see. Planes were flying in the bomb bay towards land for an assault while others were fly- as a flame ing out returning from their assault. Our mission resembling was to drop our bombs in the designated area well a blow torch ahead of the troops and return home. Unfortunately, errupted from due to cloud cover we could not see results of the bombs’ our bombing rampage. Through some occasional nose and came breaks in the cloud cover, you could see the chan- towards me. Flames and smoke quickly devel- nel below full of ships. Occasionally you could oped in the plane. A few of us had only one means see flashes of light which were probably the firing of escape; that being through the bomb bay where of guns from our Naval vessels, bombarding the the bomb had just exploded. With little hesitation, French beachheads. As our good fortune would we made our move to the bomb bay and made a have it, we encountered no enemy fighters or flak narrow escape through the scorching flames. As we on this day. sprinted from the plane, the rest of the incendiary History was in the making and I, just a 19 year bombs exploded, destroying the plane and shower- old kid, was seeing it from 15,000 feet in a B-24 ing us with debris. The “Piccadilly Commando” bomber. This is a day I would never forget. I thank would fly no more as she lay on the pavement as a God that I was in the air and not on the ground that blazing inferno. A few of us had our eyebrows and day as many brave men were lost. hair that was showing from under our flight caps, singed off from the fire. Fortunately, the entire crew Mission Over Munich escaped, with no serious injuries to report. No other July 12, 1944, will be forever remembered by aircraft were lost as a result of the explosion. me for three reasons. After much speculation, some thought the plane First, this was mission number 30. Typically might have been sabotaged. However, the truth will you ran 30 missions before being returned to the never be known. U.S. After our narrow escape from the “Piccadilly Second, this was the day my lovely daughter Commando,” my crew was assigned to a brand Sue was born. All the more reason to get this mis- new B-24 aircraft. We named it “Little Rollo” sion behind me. after our pilot, 1st Lt. Howard Roeller. Howard Third, the actual mission! During this mission was the smallest man on the crew and one hell of our B-24 aircraft was hit hard over the target area, a great pilot. Munich, . One of our engines became After flying a number of missions with “Little inoperative because of flak, forcing our plane to Rollo,” it wasn’t long before we would fly her fall out of formation and straggle by ourselves on in one of the most famous missions of the 446th three engines. There was another B-24 straggling Bomb group. On June 6, 1944, the 446th bomb behind us which was not part of our group, it was group would lead the Eighth Air Force across the also having problems. 6 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 Roeller Crew—Standing L to R: Sgt. George Sorensen (tail gunner),Sgt. Gorden Miller (waist gunner),S/Sg. Thomas Carney (radio operator), S/Sgt Martin Hollis (engineer/top turret gunner), Sgt. Harlyn G. Turner (ball turret gunner), Sgt. Albert Hebert (waist gunner). Kneeling L to R: 2/ Lt. Frank Carver (navigator), 1/Lt. Howard Roeller (pilot), 2/Lt. Richard Parent (co-pilot), and 2/Lt. George Reynolds (bombardier).

As both injured planes attempted to leave the months as a gunnery instructor. My duties were to highly hostile area, enemy fighter planes were en- train new crews on what to expect once they got gaging the other plane lagging behind. Watching into combat. The new crews viewed us as heroes, the attack between the B-24 and the enemy fighters much the same as we did those that trained us in had been exhilarating, but also gut-wrenching since Ireland a few months before. we were still in harm’s way, and in no condition to During this remaining three months, on my be of any assistance. We eventually lost sight of last pass to London, I experienced the worst the other injured B-24 as it flew beneath the cloud “German Buzz Bombing” of the war on London. cover. To this day, I’m unsure as to the fate of that To hear those buzz quite frightening as you knew aircraft. Our crew was prepared for battle as the an explosion was soon to follow. The hotel I was enemy fighters were closing, when suddenly, from staying in was hit, and my favorite pub was blown out of nowhere (probably heaven) came a flight of away by buzz bombs. Rather than press my luck, our fighters: P-38s and P-51s, to join the action. I decided to cut my pass Those friendly fighters most likely saved our ass. short and return to base Our saviors engaged the enemy and allowed us and stay there until my safe passage as we hobbled back to England on orders came through for three engines. the states. Most missions we would return from battle After completion with damage to the aircraft, most of it from flak. of my three months as (See picture of damage from another mission). a gunnery instructor, Needless to say, the beer flowed at the club those my orders finally came evenings! through for my return My missions were now complete which meant I to the U.S. to Kingman should receive orders to return to the US. Instead, I AFB, AZ. was selected to remain at the base for at least three Continued page 20 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 7 I N T E R V I E W: Luftwaffe Eagle Johannes Steinhoff By Colin D. Heaton This interview first appeared in World War II magazine in February 2000. It has been re-printed on this website with the permission of Military History magazine with the understanding that it is not for profit.

ohannes Steinhoff was truly one of the most They were being Jcharmed fighter pilots in the Luftwaffe. His blamed for Ger- exploits became legendary though his wartime many’s misfor- career ended tragically. Steinhoff served in combat tunes. Steinhoff’s from the first days of the war through April 1945. frankness got him He flew more than 900 missions and engaged in threatened with aerial combat in over 200 sorties, operating from court-martial and the Western and Eastern fronts, as well as in the banished to Italy, Mediterranean theater. Victor over 176 opponents, with similar pen- Steinhoff was himself shot down a dozen times alties imposed and wounded once. Yet he always emerged from upon others in the his crippled and destroyed aircraft in high spirits. mutiny. He opted to ride his aircraft down on nearly every Steinhoff’s recovery from injuries suffered dur- occasion, never trusting parachutes. ing a near-fatal crash in a Messerschmitt Me-262 jet Steinhoff lived through lengthy exposure to near the end of the war again illustrated his strength combat, loss of friends and comrades, the rever- of will and character and his amazing ability to sal of fortune as the tide turned against Germany, overcome all that life could throw at him. His story and political dramas that would have broken the is an inspiring tale of moral and personal courage. strongest of men. Pilots such as Steinhoff, Hannes Steinhoff died in February 1994, shortly after this Trautloft, and many others fought interview. During the interview, Steinhoff spoke not only Allied aviators but also their own cor- candidly about many topics, including the war, his rupt leadership, which was willing to sacrifice superiors and his philosophy about his country’s Germany’s best and bravest to further personal role in the postwar period following the collapse and political agendas. In both arenas, they fought of the Third Reich. a war of survival. WWII: When and where were you born, Gen- Aces like Steinhoff risked death every day to eral? defend their nation and, by voicing their opposition Steinhoff: I was born in Bottendorf, , to the unbelievable decisions of the Third Reich on September 15, 1913. This is a region in the high command, risked their careers and even their middle of Germany. lives. Steinhoff was at the forefront of the fighter WWII: Describe your family, childhood and pilots’ revolt of January 1945, when Galland was education. replaced as of fighters. A group of the most Steinhoff: My father was a mill worker, mostly decorated and valiant Luftwaffe leaders confronted agricultural work, while my mother was a tradi- the Luftwaffe commander and deputy Führer, tional housewife. She was truly a wonderful lady. Herman Göring, with a list of My youngest brother, Bernd, is an engineer and demands for the survival of their service. Their lives in Columbus, Ohio, in the United States. My main concern was the Reichsmarschall’s lack of other brother, Wolf, is a doctor, and he lives here in understanding and unwillingness to support his Germany. I have two sisters, one living in Germany pilots against accusations of cowardice and treason. and the other deceased. With regard to my educa- 8 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 tion, I attended Gymnasium, which is a little more but I could see that things were going to get more involved than your traditional high school, where I difficult. I attacked a flight of Vickers Welling- studied the classics and languages such as French, ton bombers and shot one down. It was rather English, Latin and Greek. It was truly a classical uneventful, but later I shot down two more over education that later served me well. , when I was Staffelkapitän of 10/ WWII: Your English is impeccable. How did JG.26 “Schlageter” [10th Staffel (Squadron) of you perfect it? Jagdgeschwader (Fighter ) 26] toward the Steinhoff: I really picked up most of my English end of 1939. I was then transferred to 4/JG.52 in in the countryside and during the war, speaking to February 1940, where I remained until the start of captured aviators and such. After the war I went the French campaign and the . to school to become more fluent. WWII: What was fighting on the Channel WWII: What made you want to become a coast like? ? Steinhoff: Well, the British were born fight- Steinhoff: Well, I studied how to become a ers - very tough, well trained and very sportive. teacher, in order to educate people, but with the They were brave, and I never fought against bet- conditions in Germany at that time when I was a ter pilots at any time during the war, including the young man I wanted to work but could not find a Americans. job. I then joined the armed forces and enlisted in WWII: What was the difference between fight- the navy, where I served for one year. I was in the ing the Americans and the British? navy with another friend of ours, Dietrich Hrabak, Steinhoff: Well, first of all, when we fought and we both became naval aviation cadets. Later, the RAF, it was almost evenly matched in fight- we were both transferred to the Luftwaffe after ers against fighters, so true dogfights, even in Göring became the commander in chief. the Schwarm [German fighter formation], were WWII: When did you start flying? possible. That was the truest test of men and their Steinhoff: That was in 1935, along with Hra- machines, and only the best survived. You learned bak, Trautloft, Galland, [Gunther] Lützow and quickly, or you did not come back. When the Amer- many others. We trained at the same school and icans arrived, they came over in such force that by became friends with many other flight students, the time I arrived back from Russia to fight them, most of whom became very successful and highly there was no opportunity to engage in that kind decorated aces. Unfortunately, not all of them of sportive contest. Attacking hundreds of [Boe- survived the war, and every year we lose someone ing] B-17 and [Consolidated] B-24 bombers with else. fighter escorts was not what I considered sportive, WWII: Describe your first combat. What was although I must admit it had many moments of it like for you? Steinhoff: It was late 1939, well after the Pol- ish campaign, while I was as- signed in Holland. We were flying against the (RAF) bombers that were attacking coastal industry. That was long before the Battle of Britain, Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 9 disastrous in many ways. We really learned our trade dur- WWII: How was it differ- ing the Battle of Britain, and that ent fighting the British from the knowledge saved many German Soviets? lives. Steinhoff: The Soviets were WWII: Why was the Russian disciplined, principled and some- Front such a hardship, since the what intelligent, but not well Western Allies initially had much trained in tactics. They were very better aircraft and pilots? brave for the most part, but un- Steinhoff: Well, the Soviet like the British and Americans, pilots did get better. In fact, they would break off combat there were some hotshot pilots after only a few minutes and a formed in the famous Red Ban- couple of rotations. The Soviet ner units, which had some of the excitement and sheer terror. pilot was for the most part not a best pilots in the world. I fought WWII: In your opinion, what born fighter in the air. against them in the Crimea and was the reason for the Luftwaffe’s WWII: From what I under- Caucasus later. But to answer failure to gain air superiority over stand, all chivalry and sports- your question, the hardest thing Britain in 1940? manship was absent from the war about the Russian Front was Steinhoff: There were several in Russia; is that correct? the weather, that damned cold. factors. First, there was the range Steinhoff: Absolutely cor- The second thing, and probably limitation of our fighters. After rect. In fighting the Soviets, we the most important, was the arriving on station, we had about fought an apparatus, not a human knowledge that if you were shot 20 minutes of combat time be- being--that was the difference. down or wounded and became a fore we had to return home, and There was no flexibility in their prisoner of war--that is, if they the British knew it. Second, we tactical orientation, no individual did not kill you first--you would were sent on many bomber escort freedom of action, and in that have it very bad. There was no missions, which eliminated our way they were a little stupid. If mutual respect. You were safe advantage of speed and altitude, we shot down the leader in a So- only on your side of the lines. both of which are essential to a viet fighter group, the rest were The Soviets did not treat our men fighter pilot’s success, and we simply sitting ducks, waiting to very well after they were cap- therefore lost the element of be taken out. tured, but then again as we have surprise. Another factor was the WWII: Ivan Kozhedub, the learned, the Soviets we captured British use of radar, which was a top Allied ace of the war, once did not always fare well either, shock to us pilots, although our stated that, when he fought which was unfortunate. At least leadership knew about it. This against the Luftwaffe, the Ger- in fighting against the Americans early warning system allowed man pilots seemed to work better and British, we understood that the British to concentrate their as a team, whereas the Soviets there was a similar culture, a smaller force with greater flight applied only a single method of professional respect. But with the time over the operational area, combat, which he tried to change. Soviets, this was unheard of. It engaging us at the most vulner- Do you agree? was a totally different war. able moments. Another problem Steinhoff: Yes, that, too, is WWII: So, unlike the British which hindered our success was correct. We fought as a team and Americans, the Soviets did Göring, who would not allow the from the beginning. We had not treat fellow pilots and officers war to be prosecuted according excellent training schools and as gentlemen? to logic. One example was when great combat leaders from the Steinhoff: It was definitely he altered the Luftwaffe’s targets , as well as the not there. There was no mutual from military and RAF targets to early campaigns in Poland and respect. The Americans and Brit- cities and docks, which proved the West, who led by example. ish treated us as gentlemen, as 10 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 we did our enemy pilots when he was not good, they were captured. The Soviets but because he was had no concept of chivalry as a shot down four times whole. while getting those WWII: How did the Russian victories. He had no winter affect operations? concept of Rotten- Steinhoff: Oh, it was very flieger [i.e., a wing- difficult. In many cases we had man’s responsibility], no operations. The cold would and many men did not freeze all machinery and mov- want to fly with him ing parts. Sometimes we could as their wingman, not fly because the snow was which is very bad for piled so high that we had no morale. I thought the way to remove it. It was very best thing for him was poor weather, and navigation to transfer him away was absolutely impossible. This from the women, and and the cold were the greatest he became a legend handicaps. That was absolutely in North Africa, of the worst time. course, winning the WWII: Some of the men you Diamonds [to the flew with became legends. For Knight’s Cross] and instance, in 1940 in France you scoring 158 victories. He was a over the unit, which I had served commanded a young pilot named true character and was the epito- in before, as you already know. Hans-Joachim Marseille. What me of the First World War fighter WWII: You had many meet- do you remember about him? pilot, but we were not fighting the ings with Göring. What was your Steinhoff: Marseille was in First World War. personal opinion of his leader- my wing, 4/JG.52, just before the WWII: I know this is dif- ship of the Luftwaffe? Battle of Britain and was there ficult, but which of the men Steinhoff: Göring was a shortly after it started. I was his you flew with, in your opinion, good, brilliant leader before the squadron leader, and I watched became the best leaders? war started. He was a great ace him. I knew he was a brilliant Steinhoff: That would be from the first war, and he was guy, very intelligent, very quick impossible to answer, as we very energetic and important in and aggressive, but he spent too never had any really bad fighter the buildup of the Luftwaffe in much time looking for the girls, leaders. You could not reach that the 1930s, but during the Battle and his mind was not always position if you were not tested of Britain he became lazy. Göring on operations. He actually had and deemed competent. started collecting his artwork, to be taken off flight status on WWII: You later took over diamonds and precious stones more than one occasion because command of JG.77 in the Medi- and was no longer interested in he was so exhausted from his terranean after the death of the operation of the Luftwaffe. nights on the town, if you know Joachim Muencheberg on March Toward the end of the war he what I mean. 23, 1943. Did you know him was a nuisance, and I person- WWII: So you would say he also? ally hated him. Many pilots died was a playboy? Steinhoff: Yes, he was very needlessly because of him, killed Steinhoff: He was the perfect good and an outstanding leader, before they were able to lead. playboy, but a real fighter. But very successful. He was killed I went with Galland, Latzow, he was an individual, not a team when his Me-109 lost a wing in Trautloft and others to Berlin to player. He had seven victories combat over Tunisia, fighting see General Robert Ritter von when I fired him, not because against the Americans. I took Greim to have Göring removed Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 11 and replaced, but this did not of their competence, but happen. Greim told us in January due to their loyalty to the 1945 that it was too late, and that Nazi Party, which were would never remove very few in the Jagdwaffe one of his oldest and most loyal [fighter arm]. friends from his post. This was WWII: Do you feel what eventually led to the fight- that Galland’s appoint- ers’ revolt against Göring, and ment as general of the he threatened to court-martial fighters was good for the Adolf Hitler at Eichenlaub ceremony for me and told Lützow that he service, and if so, why? Luftwaffe aces, 30 October 1942. Here Hitler would be shot for treason. Hitler Steinhoff: Definitely. shaking hands with Johannes Steinhoff ordered me, or rather banished Galland was a very ener- me, to Italy for my own safety getic man, a strong leader because I don’t think we will be along with Lützow, and Trautloft and great fighter, successful, taking up long-term residence.” was sent packing back to the loyal to his men and a most hon- He looked at me as if he was go- East. Galland was replaced as orable and honest gentleman. ing to suffer a stroke. When he General der Jagdflieger [general He was never awed by Hitler or asked me to clarify my statement, of fighters] by Colonel Gordon swayed by Göring, and he always I simply told him that since the Gollob, who was a competent answered truthfully when they United States had entered the fighter and leader, but was a questioned him on any subject, war, and they, along with Britain, fervent supporter of Hitler and a regardless of how unpopular the were supplying Russia, and we nasty little man who was hated by truth might have been. Galland had no method of attacking their almost everyone, including me. was a visionary who knew how industry beyond the Urals, I did Needless to say, none of us Kom- to turn the tide in the air war and not think we would keep mak- modores were very enthusiastic how to rebuild the fighter force, ing great gains. He sat silent for about it, and we refused to accept but his standing beside his pilots a moment, then said something it. All of the leaders remained against Göring and Hitler, as well like, “We will finish Russia soon, loyal to Galland and stayed in as many others, gave Hitler cause and turn our attentions to the contact with him, which infuri- to replace him, which was a bad West once again. They will see ated Gollob and Göring, since it mistake. Honesty in Berlin was that supporting Bolshevism is showed that the highest ranking not always fashionable. not to their benefit.” And then we and most decorated men in the WWII: Tell about the occa- were dismissed. I met with him fighter force were still going to sions on which you met Hitler- again outside Stalingrad a few do things their way. what was your impression of weeks later when he toured the WWII: I have been informed him? front. He told me: “Now I have by all of the alte Karneraden Steinhoff: I first met Hitler Russia, now I have the Cauca- [old comrades] that Gollob was around September 3, 1942, when sus. I am going to penetrate the an egomaniac who was margin- he awarded me the Oak Leaves River Volga; then after that the ally capable as a leader but did [to the Knight’s Cross]. He asked rest of Russia will be mine.” I not gain the trust of his men. Is those of us present about the war, remember looking at the others that true? which we were supposed to be around us and thinking that this Steinhoff: Well, I will say winning, and what we thought guy was nuts! this, then I will say nothing else about the new territory being I met Hitler the next time on about Gollob. Losses soared incorporated into the Reich in July 28, 1944, when I received under his leadership everywhere the east. the Swords to the Knight’s Cross. he went, much like Göring in the I mentioned something to the That was a week after the bomb first war. He placed leaders in effect that “I hope the Führer will plot to kill him, and he was not command of units not because not become too attached to it, the same man, perhaps more 12 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 withdrawn and living in a fantasy your opinion? years in Russia and the Mediter- where the war was concerned. Steinhoff: They were ab- ranean. How was fighting in the All I wanted was to get my med- solutely correct, but we were West then different from your als and get the hell out of there. receiving the blame, and most experiences in 1940? I could not stand him. Well, the of it came from Göring, hence Steinhoff: Well, I can tell you, next time I was summoned to the revolt. He made all of the as soon as I took over command Hitler we Kommodores were grand promises, and he boasted of JG.77 I was shot down on in Berlin to meet with him and to Hitler that his men could ac- my first mission while attacking Göring just prior to the revolt. complish anything at any time. B-24 Liberators, and I knew right He was pacing back and forth, Unfortunately, he did not consult then that it was a totally different mumbling about the weapons us before he made these grand war from 1940. I also realized, as we had, how we would show the overtures. my plane tumbled out of control Allies a thing or two, and so on. WWII: What, if any, changes and I took to my parachute for the It was very depressing to know did you see after the United first and last time, just how much that our country was in the hands of this madman and the lunatics around him. You know, after the July 20 plot to kill him, we were never allowed in his presence with our side arms, which was a part of our service uniform. He trusted no one. WWII: Do you feel that Hitler was indifferent to the plight of his people, the soldiers and the situation he created for himself? Steinhoff: Yes, as you said, Me-262 the situation he created for him- self. He could have cared less States entered the war, and what I had forgotten. It was different about anyone else. But it was was your opinion about it? fighting the Soviets as opposed our fate to pay for his crimes, Steinhoff: When this hap- to the combined British and and Germany will never live that pened we were in the middle of American forces, even though down. the first Russian winter, and we the Soviets outnumbered us even WWII: It is my understanding were too busy to think about it. I more. The Western Allies had that despite the abuses hurled at was just south of when I improved their already first-rate the Luftwaffe by Göring and Hit- heard the news. However, it later equipment. I had also forgotten ler, the fighter force did have sup- penetrated my mind that this was how flexible they were and how porters among the . a decisive step. The Americans they could alter their tactics to For instance, General Hasso von had tremendous willpower and fit the situation and orchestrate Manteuffel stated many times an unmatched industrial capacity brilliant attacks. that his panzer troops could for building big bombers, fight- WWII: Why did the high have gained nothing if not for ers, ships and so on. It was more command not consult the Kom- the Luftwaffe and that, without or less the end of the war--only modores and fighter leadership, the industry to produce aircraft time determined how long we who had the knowledge and and the schools and leaders to would survive. experience, before implementing train new pilots, the war was lost. WWII: You transferred to the these absurd orders and recom- Albert Speer also agreed. What is Western Front after a couple of mendations? Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 13 Steinhoff: That is a question you historians will alcohol? continue to ask long after we are all dead. I think Steinhoff: Yes, that’s right, and it worked very that the mentality in Berlin was one of pride and well, you know. He was a very likable man, and I ego. But at that time it was too late anyway. was very pleased to have the victory, but as I told WWII: From your wide experience, which him, I was even more pleased to see him uninjured aircraft was the most difficult to attack? and safe. Steinhoff: The B-17 Flying Fortress without WWII: Of all the Allied fighters you encoun- a doubt. They flew in defensive boxes, a heavy tered, which was the most difficult to handle with defensive formation, and with all of their heavy a good pilot at the controls? .50-caliber machine guns they were dangerous to Steinhoff: The Lightning. It was fast, low approach. We finally adopted the head-on attack profiled and a fantastic fighter, and a real danger pioneered by and Georg Peter Eder, when it was above you. It was only vulnerable but only a few experts could do this successfully, if you were behind it, a little below and closing and it took nerves of steel. Then you also had the fast, or turning into it, but on the attack it was a long-range fighter escorts, which made life dif- tremendous aircraft. One shot me down from long ficult, until we flew the Me-262 jets armed with range in 1944. That would be the one, although the four 30mm cannon and 24 R4M rockets. Then we P-51 [Mustang] was deadly because of the long could blast huge holes in even the tightest forma- range, and it could cover any air base in Europe. tion from outside the range of their defensive fire, This made things difficult, especially later when inflict damage, then come around and finish off the flying the jets. cripples with cannon fire. WWII: How did you get stuck as the recruiting WWII: Please describe your humorous en- officer for JV44? counter with a Lockheed P-38 pilot named Widen Steinhoff: Well, after the death of [Walter] No- in Italy in 1944. wotny, I took over command of JG.7 in December Steinhoff: This is a good story. I was test-flying 1944, after the jets were dispersed to individual an Me-109 with my aide near our base at Foggia. wings. I chose various squadron leaders, such as This was before I had been exiled from Germany, [Erich] Rudorffer, [Gerhard] Barkhorn, [Heinz] during my first tour as Kommodore of JG.77. Well, Baer and others. After and we were attacked at low level by a flight of P-38 the fighters’ revolt, I was, of course, sent back to Lightnings, about 100 American fighters in all, but Italy and fired from my job with the jets. Galland the two of us figured, why not attack? We turned recalled me when he had permission from Hitler to into them, and I flew through their formation going create his own “Squadron of Experts,” which was in the opposite direction, getting good strikes on not the original intent, but this is the way it worked a couple of them. I poured a good burst into this out. Galland gave me full authorization to scrounge P-38 and the pilot rolled over, and I saw him bail and recruit the best pilots possible. I went to every out. I had this on gun camera also. Well, he was bar and recreation hall, even a few hospitals and picked up and made a POW, and I invited him to forward units, until I had about 17 or so volunteers, my tent for a drink and dinner, as well as to spend with more on the way. The list was impressive, and the night. We drank some of the local wine... and among this group were two or three inexperienced drank and drank. I thought to myself, “What am I jet pilots, but they showed promise. going to do with this guy?” Well, it was long after WWII: So the Squadron of Experts was just midnight, so I lay down in my tent and stretched that? my legs so I could reach his head. He woke up and Steinhoff: Yes, most of us had many kills, and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t run away, you have my nine of us had over 100 victories, and a couple, word as an officer and a gentleman. Besides, you such as Baer, had over 200, and Barkhorn had 300. got me too drunk.” We slept, and he kept his word, Everyone except a couple had the Knight’s Cross and I never placed a guard on him. or higher decorations and hundreds of missions, WWII: So you subdued your opponent with and most were senior officers led by a squadron 14 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 leader with the rank of lieutenant general. It was said that even though arguments could be made in quite a unit, and I don’t think there will ever be favor of its use as either a fighter or a bomber, it another one like it. should have been focused on as a fighter so late in WWII: Were the tactics pretty much the same the war. How do you feel about that debate? with JV44 as with JG.7, or were there differences Steinhoff: It was only possible to use the jet in attack strategy? airplane as a fighter, as Galland was able to prove Steinhoff: Pretty much the same, I would say. later in the war. This is right, because it was too The only significant difference was that we could late. pretty much create our own tactics on the spot to WWII: What did you think of the possibility counter any new threat, whereas in conventional of Heinrich Himmler and the SS taking over the units you had to wait for a recommendation to be operational control of the jets? approved, and then the tactics authorized, which Steinhoff: Oh, yes, we were aware of this, but wasted valuable time. We found that attacking from that was an insane idea. That was nonsense, it the flank, entering the enemy formation from the was not possible. The training time required and side and attacking with rockets, brought many good the personnel made it unfeasible. It was simply results. It was like blasting geese with a shotgun. nonsense. Attacking from the rear was also good, although WWII: After the fighters’ revolt, how did the targets offered a lower profile. When attacking fighter pilots feel about the war? What was their from the side, we would lead the bombers a little, morale like? fire the rockets, then pull up or away and swing Steinhoff: Gunther Lützow, Galland, Traut-loft around for a rear pass on the survivors, where and myself, as well as many others, were deeply we fired our 30mm cannon. This would shred the involved. We were upset because the Luftwaffe was bombers’ wings or explode their bombs. Against torn to pieces. Morale was very poor, Galland was fighters, one cannon shell was usually sufficient standing all alone, and the importance of the fight- to bring it down. ers was negligible. It was a very bad time. WWII: Do you feel that the Me-262, if pro- WWII: How many times were you shot down duced in larger numbers earlier, would have had during the war? any effect on the war? Steinhoff: This is a very good and difficult question. Even if the jets were built in greater numbers, we did not have the trained pilots, or even the fuel. It was too late in the war, and we could not win. How- ever, if we’d had the jets in 1943, things would have been different, I am sure, but that was not to be. That was our fate. WWII: I spoke to Hajo Herrmann, who thought that the debate over the Me-262 between bomber and fighter com- mands was nonsense. He Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 15 mation and engage an you continued to have surgery American bomber for- to correct the damage. Could you mation. Our airfield tell us about that? had suffered some Steinhoff: In 1969 a British damage over the last doctor, a plastic surgeon, made several days due to new eyelids for me from the Allied bombing and skin on my forearm. From the strafing attacks, and time of the crash until this time as my jet was pick- I could not close my eyes, so ing up speed, the left I wore dark glasses to protect undercarriage struck them. I had dozens of surgeries a poorly patched cra- over the years, and I recently ter. I lost the wheel, had a heart bypass, as you know, and the plane jumped which delayed our interview. I perhaps a meter into am now full of spare parts, you the air, so I tried to could say. raise the remaining WWII: You still meet fre- right wheel. I was too quently with many of your friends low to abort takeoff, and former enemies. Do you look and my speed had forward to these gatherings? not increased enough Steinhoff: Yes. I used to meet Steinhoff: I was shot down to facilitate takeoff. I knew as I with [Douglas] Bader, [Rob- 12 times. In the 13th incident I came toward the end of the run- ert Stanford] Tuck and Johnny almost died from a crash. way that I was going to crash. Johnson quite frequently, as well WWII: How many times did The 262 hit with a great thump, as many American aces such as you bail out? then a fire broke out in the cock- [Francis] Gabreski, [Hubert] Steinhoff: I only bailed out pit as it skidded to a stop. I tried Zemke and others. We are all old once. I never trusted the para- to unfasten my belts when an men, wiser and appreciative that chutes. I always landed my dam- explosion rocked the plane, and I no one holds anyone to blame aged planes, hoping not to get felt an intense heat. My 24 R4M for anything. We are a small bounced on the way down when rockets had exploded, and the fraternity, and we are all good I lost power. I was wounded only fuel was burning me alive. I re- friends. once lightly, but never seriously member popping the canopy and WWII: How many victories until my crash. jumping out, flames all around did you have confirmed during WWII: Tell us about that me, and I fell down and began to the war? near-fatal crash. roll. The explosions continued, Steinhoff: I had 176 victories, Steinhoff: Many writers have and the concussion was deafen- with seven in the jet. covered that, but hardly anyone ing, knocking me down as I tried WWII: Well, all of your old ever asked me about it, except to get up and run away. I cannot comrades and former enemies for Raymond Toliver, so here is describe the pain. respect you greatly, including the true story. I was taking off WWII: After you escaped Hajo Herrmann, who came to see in formation on April 18, 1945, from the plane, you were taken you in the hospital after the crash. for my 900th mission. Galland to the hospital? You knew him, didn’t you? was leading the flight, which Steinhoff: Yes, sure. They Steinhoff: Yes, I met him included , thought I would die. Even the once or twice. I knew who he [Klaus] Neumann, [Eduard] surgeons had no idea that I would was. He was a good man. Schallmoser, [Ernst] Fahrmann survive, but I tricked them. WWII: You finally retired in and myself. We were to fly for- WWII: For years afterward the 1970s after many decades 16 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 of service. How did you get in- Gen. Johannes Steinhoff, 80, Dies; volved with the Bundesluftwaf fe after the war? Helped Rebuild German Air Force Steinhoff: That is a long story, By WOLFGANG SAXON, The New York Times but a good one. I spent two years Published: February 23, 1994 in the hospital after the crash, and I was still in my bed when I Lieut. Gen. Johannes Steinhoff, one of the Luftwaffe’s fighter was approached by Trautloft and aces of World War II and a mover in rebuilding the postwar Ger- others. They convinced me that I man military under NATO auspices, died on Monday in . He could do much more outside the was 80 and lived in nearby . hospital than inside, so I decided The cause was complications of a heart attack he suffered in to once again wear a uniform. December, his family said. The Communist threat was still Born in a village near Rossleben in what is now the state of a large factor, and as years went Saxony-Anhalt, General Steinhoff joined the military as a naval by we saw the more cadet in 1934 but moved to the Luftwaffe two years later. In the clearly than you in America did. war he flew almost constantly in Russia, Africa and , and It was right next door to us. finally over Germany itself. Awarded the WWII: You have written He was decorated with nearly every medal for bravery, includ- several successful books about ing the highest order of the Iron Cross. As the leader of a fighter the war, and you are internation- squadron, he downed 176 Allied planes and was himself shot down ally famous and highly respected. 12 times. At the end of the war he was severely injured in the crash How do you spend your time of a new Messerschmitt-262 jet fighter he was flying when the today in retirement? landing gear collapsed on touchdown in Munich. His injuries left Steinhoff: I used to go on his face permanently disfigured. many speaking engagements, General Steinhoff kept a contemptuous distance from Air traveling as you know to all Marshal Hermann Goring and the Nazi hierarchy, who had him of the seminars, speaking to demoted to squadron pilot. After the war he took civilian jobs young people and telling them until he rejoined ’s reviving air force as a colonel about what we did. I like meet- in 1952. He gained a reputation as an intelligent, blunt-spoken ing young people. They are the commander. future, and we should take care He held responsible positions in the North Atlantic Treaty Or- of them. ganization and in 1966 took charge of the West German Air Force, WWII: Soon you will cel- which he built it into a NATO showpiece within years. ebrate your 80th birthday. What His success led to his appointment in 1971 as chairman of the advice do you have for the alliance’s military committee. Other NATO commanders respected younger generations today? him for putting the alliance’s overarching objectives above national Steinhoff: Oh, that is a very interests, including Germany’s. good question. I would tell them After retiring from his NATO command in 1974, General this: Love your country and fight Steinhoff became a widely read author of books on German mili- for your country. Believe in truth, tary aviation during the war and the experiences of the German and that is enough. # people at that time. He also became a watercolorist, and chairman of Germany’s Dornier Aviation. General Steinhoff is survived by his wife, Ursula; a daughter, Ursula Bird of Springs; a son, Dr. Wolf, of Hoxter, Ger- many; a brother, Bernd, of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters, Greta Zehender and Lotte Hahn of Germany, and four grandchildren. His son-in-law, Michael C. Bird, is a Republican State Senator and a candidate for Governor in Colorado. # Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 17 As promised in the last Book Corner, here are some titles and brief synopses of the contents of books that reference the 446th, mostly in a small way. Some will have only a mention of the Group as part of a larger story or an interview by a Buckaroo, and a couple have stories of some of our members and their crews. There are pictures of our planes in several, and of the base at Bungay, Mary Nell [email protected] 804-966-1445 These titles are all in my own personal library, so please share with me other titles you may know and eedback about the first Book Corner and the we will print their names in the next Book Corner. Fprevious Beachbell came from Marion Sea- I have not included those books that are exclusive man, widow of Robert Seaman 704th Pilot: to the 446th, those are for another issue. “Hi, couldn’t put the Beachbell Echo down “Log of the Liberators” by Steve Birdsall - The until I read it all. Really grabbed my attention subject matter is dedicated to B-24 Groups and this month. their crews. Floyd Griesinger and his 704th crew My favorite WWII books are - flying “Henry’s Pride” tell the story of their har- An Army At Dawn by Rick Atkinson. Covers rowing first mission. “Fearless Freddie” and the the Mediterranean and European Theaters in World shooting down of Col. Crawford are covered plus War II. several pictures of 446th Liberators. In reading this I used two bookmarks - one for “From Somewhere In England The Life and where I was reading and the second for the map Times of 8th AF bomber, fighter and ground crews so I could follow where the troops were. Made me in WWII” by D.A. Lande – This covers both B-24 wonder how we won the war, but my B-24 pilot and B-17 men and their bases. There is text but husband [now deceased] said the Allies made fewer primarily black and white and colored pictures. mistakes. This book tells more of Eisenhower while Bungay and the 446th gets good coverage in this at Gibraltar and the conquest of Africa . book in both mediums. The Wild Blue by Stephen E. Ambrose. Basi- “Final Flights” by Ian McLachlan with the cally a story about George McGovern but defi- sub-title “Dramatic wartime incidents revealed by nitely can relate to the B-24 and the men who flew aviation archaeology” – Crash sites, both known them as to location and those found much later are the Calculated Risk by Jonna Doolittle Hoppes. subject of this book. The story and picture of the Jonna tells a delightful story about her grandparents Case crew crash at the end of the main runway and their life. General Doolittle had several Mas- at Flixton are briefly covered (my uncle’s death). ter’s degrees and as ‘spur of the moment’ type of Planes and the bodies of those heroes from WWII person, really had a head on his shoulders and came are still being discovered as the years have rolled out ahead. Doolittle was recalled to service because by. These discoveries are the result of the work he was the man for the job to be done - and he did done by aviation archaeologists. it. Bombed Japan in April of 1942 and realizing the “Fortress Without A Roof” sub-title is “The experienced pilots return from missions, increased Allied Bombing of the Third Reich” by Wilbur H. the missions fro 25 to 35. Of course, much to to Morrison - One would think this book is about dismay of the about to be completed pilots. B-17 Fortresses but the title came from a statement The Bitter Woods-The Battle of the Bulge by by President Franklin Roosevelt. “Hitler built a John S.D. Eisenhower. Wonderful story by Eisen- fortress around Europe, but he forgot to put a roof th hower covering from General Eisenhower to squad on it.” Bill Cagney, Navigator on the 705 Melvin leaders. Answers questions one may have.” Beyer’s crew gives us a detailed account of two Thanks, Marion for the comments. Continued on page 20 18 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 Historian’s Musings Historian’s On the evening of our President’s fiftieth birth- day I was dozing in front of the TV when I heard a Report replay of a remark by him. Comparing the raucous By Bill Davenport about his birth place and certificates to the famous UFO story, “The Roswell Incident”. This involves one of the 446th noted lead pilots, e hope you have had a great and healthy Pappy Henderson and is preserved in Casten’s Wsummer. Jean fell in early May and after “446th Revisited” on pages 285 and 286. 12 weeks hospitalized she is now home and, on Over the years since the “Revisited” publication oxygen undergoing a physical therapy program to I have had a number of requests for copies from restore shoulder range of motion and strength. Hollywood types. Check it out. As you will note the number of inquires is down 446 Wine but remains important to those who ask. So chime Viv Owen a long time friend of ours arrived in when you can. as this copy was being prepared. I have a gift for M.E. “Bud” Willis Pilot, Son Dan Willis, 2987 Bill. A wine bottle labeled “446”. This had ap- Roundhill Road, Alamo, CA 94507 looking for peared at the Orange County Fair wine exhibition info. this week. T/Sgt. John J. Vosler, KIA, Son James Vossler, Even this wine helps the association in its stated 13507 Pallwood Lane, Cypress,TX 77429 would purpose, To perpetuate the memory of the 446th like info. Bombardment Group. Keep tuned to Beachbell F.O. Earl Holderman, KIA, Nephew Dan O’Donnell,4400 Alafaya Trail, MCQ3-47, Or- Another Memorial in France Honoring a 446th Crew lando, FL 32826-2399, would like to know more. he memory of the 446th BG is recognized Howard M. Rader Crew Member, Grandson by others, through a host of monuments and Geoffrey Garst, 1800 Granby Court, Aurora, CO T memorials as remembrances to its deeds during 80011. Any stories? World War II. 706th Bomb Squadron Patch History, Lt /Col. These range from the simple plaque in the old Dean Caldwell, 4325 Plattsburg Ave, Bldg. 334 base Airmen’s Mess building now the lunch room S327, Nellis AFB, NV 89191. The 706th is now for employees of the business using some of the a fighter squadron at Nellis and they would like to old Quonset structures to artistic monuments of learn of the history of their emblem or patch. metal and stone. Station 125 Airmen’s Mess by Raymond Desnoyers, Nephew Pete Desnoy- Ross Poultry Ltd. ers, 413 Pattton Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23452. The Netherlands His uncle passed July 26, 2011, any WW 2 info Eemnes, A stone and cast bronze monument in appreciated. a park adjacent to the city hall to the 706th BS Memorial Day Wreathe Laying at WPAFB. Quinn crew of “Satan’s Little Sister” that was lost The passing of Barney Frisch our WPAFB Me- November 21, 1944 in the Zuider Zee. morial Plaque Representative led to doubt about Barendrecht, A stone monument in central plaza the 2011 wreathe laying. However I was happy to of the old city to the 705th BS Laloie crew of “Pin- find that this had occurred and that a new troop up Girl” that crashed nearby on April 5, 1945.This has taken the responsibility. Troop 307th Miami was the last group combat loss. Valley Boy Scouts Council is to be commended. Hopefully some member in the Dayton area will Soesterberg, A large impressive monument of be the association contact. stone base and aluminum representing the “Missing Continued on page 21 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 19 Book Corner — Continued from page 18 Harlie Glen Turner Continued from page 7 missions by the 446th and the experience of his crew and others. “Home By Christmas” by Martin W. Bowman - One of the chapters While I was back in the is of Lt. William Bailey’s crew of the 448th at Seething on the 12 June states and away from combat, 1944 mission and subsequent crash. The Evaders in the crew saw it wasn’t long before the war the burning wreckage of a 446th plane, which was most likely that of turned in our favor. Germany Wilbur Turner. Several members of this 705th crew were KIA and finally surrendered on May 7, others were able to evade. The 446th was not the focus of the story 1945. On August 6, and August but was referenced as it was told. 9, 1945, atomic bombs were “Fields of Little America” by Martin Bowman, subtitled “An illus- dropped on Hiroshima and trated history of the 8th Air Force 2nd Air Division 1942-1945” – The Nagasaki Japan. Japan sur- B-24 Groups made up the 2nd Air Division. The history, missions rendered a few days later on and events of these groups are covered in this book. There are many August 14, 1945. The war was pictures of 446th planes, pictures of Bungay, and of our men as there finally over! are of the other Liberator groups. My brother Donnie survived “D-Day Bombers: The Veterans’ Story” by Stephen Darlow - This the war in the South Pacific. is the most recently published of the listed titles above. Stu Merwin, We had both made it! What a Radio Operator on Charlie Ryan’s 704th crew was interviewed. You celebration we had since both will recall Ryan’s “Red Ass” was the lead plane for the 8th over Nor- Donnie and I were safely home mandy. and once again together with I looked on Amazon for each title and was amazed that all were still our family. available, though most were “out of print”. The prices were all over After the war, I flew many the map. “Log of the Liberators” and “Fields of Little America” had missions on a B-29 aircraft. I the highest price tag, but were also available from some book sellers served in the air force for 26 at most reasonable prices. I was amazed that “Fields” was available years and retired as a Chief at all. I know several years ago one of our members paid a hefty Master Sergeant. price for it on E-Bay. After I retired from the ser- To look for yourselves, google Amazon, select books, type in the vice, I settled down in Dubuque, title and author. You will see many book sellers listed for each book, Iowa. Once in Dubuque, I each with different prices. was hired as a foreman at the My current read is “The Monuments Men” by Robert M. Edsel. Dubuque Packing Plant. The subtitle is “Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure After retirement from the Hunt in History”. The 350 or so men and women from thirteen nations Dubuque Packing Plant, I re- served in Monuments, Fine Arts and Archives section (MFAA). Hitler mained in Dubuque where I and his cronies were seizing and transporting the great treasures of the have enjoyed being with my world in the occupied countries to the Third Reich. Many art curators family, fishing and hunting, and museum officials in Britain and the United States began a move playing cards, and a good cold to form a way to combat this and save these treasures. The majority beer from time to time. of those serving with MFAA were experienced in the cultural art field You can read more about Harlyn and were older, likely would not have served in any other way. Hitler Turner and his interesting family on had special underground vaults built to hold these priceless pieces and a webiste created by his grandson purposed if Germany lost the war, they would be destroyed. If I can’t Dave Keck. Check out: http://www. angelfire.com/ia2/hgturner/index. have them, no one else will. html. You can contact Harlyn thru And so, the hunt was on throughout Europe as the Allies rolled Dave Keck at dave.keck@cesco. over the occupiers. Thanks to this unique “band”, mankind can still com. # bask in the glory of such works as the works of Michelangelo and DaVinci’s Last Supper. 20 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 Historian ­—Continued from page 19 Man” formation dedicated to all and near their crash location on Iles de Chaussey, “Daisy May Allied B-24 Liberator crews. The August 26, 1944. (West Virginia Scraggs” of the 704th BS flown crew photo of “Connie” is etched USA, A highway bridge has been by the Ogden crew was ditched in the base. “Connie” was flown named for a “Ginger” KIA crew off shore of Granville, June 7, by the 707th BS Nicholson crew member Sgt. Jack W. Station.) 1944. The survivors were rescued that crashed near Schipul, on Barenbach, The 707th BS plane by fishermen from this island. A June 21, 1944. The monument “Rough Buddy” flown by the gigantic stone of granite has been is located at the Royal Dutch Lloyd crew crashed nearby in carved recognizing the crew. Aviation Museum. the mountains on September 10, The ABSA (Association Brittney Rijswijk, a stone monument 1944. They are recognized on a Souvineir Aeren) wants to put topped with a B-24 propellor blade granite stone monument in the up a monument to the Wilber is located in a park near the site of yard of the city hall. H. Turner crew of the 705th BS the crash of “Lil’ Max”. The Gill Marcilac, The Frascati 706th B-24 42-94859 that crashed near crew of the 705th BS was aboard, BS crew flying “Devil Dream” Les Brieux on June 12, 1944. September 26, 1944. crashed near this village and is Survivers and or close relatives France remembered by a large white are sought. Please contact me for stone monument at a road inter- further information. No Ameri- Schoneck, The 706th BS crew section. They were shot down can funds are sought. The same of “Ginger” is remembered by on the group’s sixth mission, as most local crew memorials a large red granite monument in December 31, 1943 have been funded by appreciative the park adjacent to the city hall locals. # Remembering My War Lt. Col. Paul E Armentrout USAF Ret.

“Remembering My War” is the story of Lt. Col Armentrout’s service and experiences dur- ing WWII, beginning with his training as an AAC cadet through his 30 missions as a B-24 Liberator Pilot. Paul and his crew were members of the 8th AF 446 Group, 706th Sq. The last 15 missions were flown as a Lead Crew. After the war, he was a member of the Air Force Reserve from 1946 to 1980. Oliver North, upon receiving this book and then reading it, invited Paul and the remaining crew members to be part of his War Stories documentary, “B-24 Bomber Boys”. The hour program was filmed in Nov 2005 at the Air Force Museum in Dayton. It was shown on the Fox News chan- nel Feb. 2006 as part of the War Stories series. This 131 page 8 by 11 soft cover book can be ordered for $20 plus $5 shipping and handling from the following: Lt. Col. Paul Armentrout 375 NW Jasper #16 Dallas, OR 97338 Phone no. 503-831-1132, email: armtrout5@msn

Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 21 lan Hague of the Norfolk Suffolk museum at Flixton has, through the years, been given many pictures by Aour members. He has made a small 60 page book of this photographic collection. In his words, “I have attempted to portray a day to day existence of all serving at Flixton”. The cost is $15 and includes postage. Checks should be made to Adam Smith, the American distributor. The book titled “The 446th Bomb Group in Suffolk” will be available in October. The American distributor is: Adam Smith 2398 S. Cannon Drive, Apt 303 Mount Prospect, IL 60056 847-357-8821, [email protected] I have received a copy from Alan and am impressed with the job he has done. The pictures and text flow in story fashion. It would be a good addition to your 446th library. Mary Nell

“Me, Mom and WWII”

l Pishioneri’s book titled, “Me, Mom and this unique histori- AWWII” has been published by Author- cal remembrance of th House. His service was as a 707 ball turret one soldier’s tour of gunner and armourer on the Robert Powell crew. duty in WWII.” The following is about the book: A review of “Hanging beneath a B-24 Liberator in flight, Al’s book states - in – 40 to 60 degrees below zero weather, bring- “MR. PISHIONERI ing his own oxygen and heat with him in this WEAVES A GREAT hostile environment; a moving target for enemy STORY THAT BRINGS fighters, gives one a unique perspective from YOU THROUGH THE TIMES WHEN ‘LOVE which to ponder who and what it’s all about. OF FAMILY’ AND The author, a veteran of 35 bombing mis- ‘LOVE OF COUNTRY’ MEANT THE WORLD TO sions over occupied Europe during World War THE PEOPLE OF AMERICA.” II, recalls his experiences illuminated by the The book can be ordered from the Author- insight of a Bachelor of Science in American House Bookstore. The Book Order Hotline History and 37 ½ years of teaching Social Stud- number is 1-888-280-7715. The email address ies. A veteran storyteller and talented artist, he is [email protected]. It can also be weaves his story by chronicling the historical special ordered from Amazon.com, Barnes & events and personal experiences of his service Noble, Borders and other book stores. A further life between the actual letters he wrote home note from AuthorHouse is to state the book is that were preserved for him by his mother. His Print-On-Demand. The Beachbell editors do original sketches further enrich the tapestry of not have a price.

22 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 TIME FOR 2012 DUES

ncluded with this issue of the BeachBell is the annual dues remittance envelope. IAs always, your support of the 446th Association guarantees the ongoing benefits of being a member. Dues are $20 annually and includes 4 quarterly issues of the newsletter, a complete roster every other year and valuable information for attending the reunion among the benefits.

Should you have any questions regarding your membership, please contact: James Duckworth at 704-263-8879, e-mail: [email protected], or drop a note to me at 629 Mariposa Road, Stanley, N.C. 28164.

Taking care of dues now will mean one less item to consider during Christmas time and income tax time. We look forward to your continuing fellowship!

Item Size Comments Caps, Shirts Cap Adjustable $15 T-Shirt Small $15 & Patches Medium “ Large “ X Large “ XXL “ XXXL $20 Special Order Polo Shirt Small $35 (plain navy Medium $35 To order: shirt with sm Large $35 Pay by check or money order made out to: pocket 446 X Large $35 446th Bomb Group patch) XXL, XXXL $35 Send payment and order details to: Patches 446th $10 Beverly Tucker 704th Sq $10 2210 Englewood Avenue 705th Sq $10 Durham, NC 27705 706th Sq $10 If questions: call: 919-280-1249 or 707th Sq $10 email: [email protected] Window Decals $5

Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011 23 Deceased Notification Program

State/Zip Area Coordinator Phone State/Zip Area Coordinator Phone

Alabama Tim Taylor 251-267-3879 New Jersey Herbert Gold 201-569-3079 Alaska Jerry Ganopole 907-277-7887 07228-08853 Al Pishioneri 732-462-8032 Arizona New Mexico Arkansas New York ...... California ...... 10021-11590 90045-91780 11714-13057 92014-92383 Keith L. Babcock 619-444-4714 13114-14895 92388-93433 Bill Davenport 714-832-2829 North Carolina James Duckworth 704-263-8879 93446-95223 North Dakota Colorado John Sampson 303-932-9932 Ohio ...... Connecticut Walter Stelkovis 203-397-2464 43040-44111 Delaware 44119-45873 Florida ...... Oklahoma David Weldon 918-914-0943 32008-32725 Oregon 32726-33138 Max Minear 386-775-3516 Pennsylvania ...... 33301-33853 John W. Hill 727-522-2412 15003-16063 Jim Thomas 717-677-0287 Bruno L. Barbi 813-465-5075 17921-19464 Steve Roat 215-990-3993 33904-34982 Betty McMahon 941-625-0370 Rhode Island Russ Lundstrom 401-253-9097 Georgia Link Veazey 770-972-5883 South Carolina James Duckworth 704-263-8879 Hawaii John T. Goss 808-732-3653 South Dakota Idaho Paul Kelly 208-432-5265 Tennessee Illinois...... Texas ...... 60004-60558 Cal Chany 847-255-7325 75007-75771 Charles Lee 972-239-9836 60611-62946 76021-77080 Indiana 77339-78552 Joe Hays 817-293-0439 Iowa 77001-77489 Alan Senior 281-494-2445 Kansas 77901-78965 Kentucky Utah Wayne Jackson 435-586-1019 Louisiana Vermont Maine Virginia Mary Nell Roos 804-966-1445 Maryland Ted Tate 301-775-2291 W.Virginia Massachusetts Washington Michigan ...... Wisconsin James Pederson 715-878-4921 40834-48829 Kurt Kersten 734-676-5988 Wyoming Minnesota Puerto Rico Mississippi Wm. G. Barlow 601-582-3972 Washington DC Missouri England Montana Netherlands Nebraska Nevada Stephen Kralj 775-348-7070 New Hampshire Colin C Drown 603-447-2106

If you would consider becoming a co-ordinator for your zip code area (or any other) please contact Charlie Lee. 972-239-9836. Place the name and telephone number of your Area co-ordinator in the family Bible and/ or the Group’s Roster’ (space provided inside back cover). This will assure timely notification and 446th BG representation at the services.

24 Beachbell Echo, Vol 26, No 3, September, 2011