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Vol. 28, No. 2 SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION Summer 1989

To help with the restoration, send your tax-deductible donation to: Collings Foundation, Box 248, Stow, MA 01775.

Forty-five years ago, our freedom was on the line. On the front line. And on the production line. Because in Europe and the Pacific, America's fighting forces needed a new, longer-range heavy bomber. And on our assembly lines in Ft. Worth and San Diego, and on others across the country, America's working forces responded. At peak production in Ft. Worth, more than 30,000 workers, toiling around the clock, were building a new B-24 every four hours. Now we are helping to build one more. By making a grant to help 'restore one of our original B-24s to its original condition. Soon a B-24 Liberator, which first flew in the Pacific, will fly again, this time in air shows around the USA. Not as a symbol of American military might. Or of American manufacturing muscle. But of the American spirit which makes them GENERAL DYNAMICS both possible. A Strong Company For A Strong Country Second Air Division Association Eighth Air Force President's Message OFFICERS President C N (Bud)CHAMBERLAIN To The "Last Man" ?!? 769 Via Somonte, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274 by C.N. (Bud) Chamberlain Executive Vice President FRANCIS DiMOLA 390 Madison Avenue, New Milford, NJ 07646 Repeatedly, the point has been made that the 2ADA is Vice President determined to remain a "last man" organization. Thus it Membership EVELYN COHEN has been, is and shall be. There are at least three good Apt. 06-410 Delaire Landing Road Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114 reasons for this. (1) Our bylaws purposely restrict regular Vice President (voting) membership to fixed classifications of people; Journal WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE namely, those who served with the 2AD, 8th AF, or P.O. Box 627, Ipswich, Mass. 01938 attached units during WWII in England. (2) We wish to Treasurer DEAN MOYER avoid diluting our membership with those not sharing the 549 East Main St., Evans City, Pa 16033 Secretary DAVID G. PATTERSON same identity. (3) Our living Memorial in England, which 28 Squire Court, Alamo, Calif. 94507 honors our fallen 2AD comrades, was established American Representative Board of Governors JORDAN UTTAL through our largesse to their perpetual memory. Rest assured, your leadership is accutely 7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt. 101, Dallas, Texas 75230 sensitive to the need to preserve the "last man" status and has done so. DODD In spite of this, there have been frequent expressions of concern that the "last man" concept GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS may be eroding. The latest example is a letter to Evelyn Cohen from Jim Coffey published in Headquarters RAYMOND E. STRONG 320 Burlage Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 the Spring Journal. In his letter, Jim states that he is "...not going to encourage any member of 44th BG H C (Pete) HENRY his family to join" the Heritage League. He likes the idea that ours is a "last man" organiza- 164B Portland Lane, Jamesburg, NJ 08831 tion. Jim has somehow concluded that the Heritage League negates our 2ADA "last man" 93rd BG FLOYD MABEE staius. Emphatically not so! Unless he means that when the last of us is gone, we should erase 28 Hillside Ave., Dover, NJ 07801 the memory of our existence altogether. But, accepting that interpretation, in a sense, would 389th BG LLOYD E. WEST Box 256, Rush Center, KS 67575 mean our Memorial is for us alone rather than for those it honors and the generations to come. 392nd BG JOHN B. CONRAD I would hope this is not his belief. 2981 Four Pines, at Lexington. KY 40502 The role intended for the Heritage League is to prolong as long as possible the favorable 445th BG CHARLES L. WALKER impact of that Memorial. It is not intended to replace the 2ADA, but to extend its good works. 1530 S. Pomona B-32, Fullerton, CA 92632 Certainly, the Memorial Trust Governors in England under the British Charities Commission 446th WILLIAM F. DAVENPORT 13382 Wheeler Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705 will care for the Memorial in perpetuity. But, its full effectiveness can best be expressed with a 448th BG LT. COL. LEROY J. ENGDAHL,(Ret.) balanced living American and British outreach. What better source for the American view, 1785 Wexford Dr., Vidor, TX 77662 after we have left the scene, than heirs of the 2AD on this side of the Atlantic. Additionally, the 453rd BG MILTON R. STOKES younger League will provide a vehicle to help us get together in those last few years before the P.O. Box 64, Westtown, PA 19395 last of us makes his or her last flight. 458th BG E A ROKICKI wind up its affairs as that 365 Mae Rd., Glen Burnie, MD 21061 The Heritage League as a 2ADA auxiliary may have to entity one 466th BG ELWOOD NOTHSTEIN day. We are researching that scenario now. But if it does, it likely will not be prior to another 40 Meadow Dr., Spencerport, NY 14559 decade. By then, there will be an established body of interest to form a similar entity and carry 467th BG G "JEFF- GREGORY on. So, to all of the Jim Coffeys out there who may be discouraging family members from 3110 Sheridan Dr., Garland, TX 75041 joining the League, I ask you to reconsider. Encourage their participation. It has to be a 489th BG JAMES DAVIS perpetuation 2519 Shell, Midland, TX 79705 positive force for the long term good of our Association and of its works after 491st BG PATRICK J. PERRY our "last man" has gone and the 2ADA is no more. 3066 Pleasant Hill, Maumee, OH 43537 492nd BG E W CLAREY 2015 Victoria Court, Los Altos, Calif. 94022

HERITAGE LEAGUE President MRS. KURT (VICKI) WARNING Table of Contents 2736A N. Dayton, Chicago, IL 60614 President's Message Low Level Mission of 24 March 1945 Bud Chamberlain 2 Paul Homan 6 JOURNAL Editor WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE Vice President's Message December 24, 1944 P.O. Box 627, Ipswich, Mass. 01938 4 Ralph H. Elliott 9 _ Frank DiMola About the Memorial Bail Out! DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS Jordan Vital 5 Wilbur Stites 10 FREDERICK MEYER 106 Nottoway Drive, Penllyn, PA 19422 Folded Wings 9 2nd ADA Executive Committee DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES The PX Page 21 Fred Meyer 14 PATTERSON DAVID G. A Quick "How To" Guide 29 Beware of Booby-Trapped Toilets! 28 Squire Court, Alamo, Calif. 94507 Herb Lambert 14 Letters 31 Friends of the 2nd AD Memorial BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEMORIAL GROUP REPORTS Geoffrey Goreham 16 Chairman THOMAS C. EATON, Division Headquarters, Ray Strong 22 Liberators of the 8th Air Force 3 Upper King Street, Norwich. Norfolk, England Paul G. Tardiff 18 PAUL R. KING, Vice Chairman 44th News, Pete Henry 20 So. Cal. Members Return to El Toro Noverre House, Norwich NR2 RH, England Open Letter to the 93rd, Floyd Mabee 8 J. Fred Thomas 19 MRS. MICHAEL BARNE Notes from the 389th, Lloyd West 17 Crowfoots, Sotterley Beccle, Suffolk NR34 7T2 Help Build a Memorial to CDR. MARK EDMONSTONE CHEYNE 392nd Bomb Group, John Conrad 4 American Heroines 23 Ditchingham Lodge The 445th Reporting, Chuck Walker 12 Ditchingham, Bungay, Suffolk, England Memories of the Founding of 2ADA 23 ROGER A. FREEMAN 446th Bungay Bull, Bill Davenport 24 Henry X. Dietch May's Barn. Dedham, Nr. Colchester, Essex. England C076EW The 448th Speaks, Leroy Engdahl 17 An Ode to P-38's 23 FRANK W. GADBOIS 453rd Bunchered Buddies of Old Buck Green, White & Yellow Research Dept. of the A.F. Charlie Freudenthal 25 RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk. England Milt Stokes 13 DAVID J. HASTINGS 458th Bomb Group, Rick Rokicki 3 Dear 448th Buddy "Westering," Salhouse, NR, Norwich, Norfolk, NR136RO, England 466th Bomb Group, E. W. Nothstein 27 George DuPont 26 ALFRED A. JENNER Poop from Group 467, Jeff Gregory 15 Do Not Loop a B-24 - Never! 15 Ransom Rd., Norwich, Norfolk NR 14AJ E.J. Allen 27 DR. RONALD D. CLIFTON 489th Bomb Group, James Davis 22 B-24 Bashing 28 24 Grosvenor Sq., London, WIA IAE, England Missives from the 492nd, Bill Clarey 15 TEMPERLEY Tupelo Lass PROFESSOR HOWARD Heritage League, Vicki Warning 24 School of English and American Studies Amos L. Golisch 29 University of East Anglia, Earlham, Norwich, Englanc• Videotapes for the Library JORDAN UTTAL & POEMS 7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt. 101 ARTICLES Howard R. Morton 30 Dallas, Texas 75230 489th Bomb Group Over St. Lo Some Suggestions from a Member LT. COL. W.D. WUEST James M. Davis 5 Howard R. Morton 30 14 St. Andrews Close. Hingham, Norfolk NR9 4JT MRS. FRANCES DAVIES 57 Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich NR4 6NY 2 SQUADRON PATCHES: Judging by the mail I received regarding both the Squadron patches and another 458th Group Reunion, I 458th would judge that there is a definite desire for each. The "jury is still out" as far as to who will do the job and just when we can get them done, but many of our members have sent cost estimates. However, Bomb the more I explore costs, I find that you will get what you pay for, and the difference between a "low-ball" estimate with 5007o Group embroidery and a 10007o embroidered patch can be quite a lot. I planned to use the photos I took (Summer '88 Journal), but it might be necessary to again request an actual patch from our by Rick Rokicki members. If that is the case, you will be advised. Since my 754th 1989 - HILTON HEAD ISLAND: Ceil and I returned from the patch is still in the "far East," and the 753rd Squadron patch is 2ADA Executive Meeting held at the Hyatt Regency on April 3rd. hand-painted on leather, I may need these two in addition to the This was our second visit to Hilton Head and I just can't say ones I originally received from Dario DeJulio and Gerry Allen. At enough good things about this great convention location. The the very least, I would hope to have these made by the time of the... information I presently have is that there will be at least 128 from 458TH BOMB GROUP REUNION II. Again, I've asked Durward the 458th there. Both the Hyatt and the Mariner's are full; and the Trivette to proceed with planning for this event to be held in 3rd hotel, the Radisson, is filling up rapidly. The maximum seating Dayton. We would like to schedule this along with the additional at the banquet is just under 1,600. Don't miss this one, especially if work which we have requested done at our Memorial at W-P. It is you won't be able to make Norwich in 1990. more likely that we will have another separate mailing as we did in 1990 - NORWICH: At this date, the 458th leads the Association in 1987. Don't have any costs or a date as yet, so "stay tuned." planned attendance for the Norwich convention. We have 141 TAILWINDS: There's simply not enough room to list all the new presently "signed on." The plan is that we will occupy a brand new members and the latest address changes. If you want an up-to-date hotel on or very near the airfield at Horsham. Planned completion 458th Roster, please send a check for $3.50(made out to me), and I of this 100-plus room hotel, is December 1989. More info on this will mail you the latest Xerox copies. Cost includes the Xerox and after our "pathfinders," Evelyn Cohen and Jordan Uttal return mailing charges. Afterwards, you can check the new members and from their June 1989 visit. keep your roster current. Harold Lambousy saw a familiar name in 458TH BOMB GROUP HISTORY: Received word from George the last Journal, Thayer Hopkins, his pilot. Last time they saw each Reynolds that the last "loan check" repayment was mailed on other was when they bailed out on the March 6 '44 Berlin raid. Ted February 22, 1989, about four months ahead of schedule! George Urbano writes that anyone interested in an A-2 jacket and who can and I would like to thank the 53 who advanced the money to have be in the Long Island City (NY) area, give him a call at this 3rd printing possible. We've both received excellent reports on 516-781-5398 for jacket info and costs. Ted, by the way, designed the book, and several had the same idea when they said "the best the 752nd Squadron patch! John Jones, a recent new member, $19.00 value I've ever seen." I must admit that I was a bit advises that he received the 458th "History" and although he is apprehensive for a while, but the good word from George was that listed as KIA (753rd, 24/1 1/44, page 76), he is very much alive! we had just over $500.00 left in the account after all bills were paid. George will have some job exhuming him! Graham Savill advises This money will be used to complete the Memorial we dedicated in the following: Efforts are being made to re-install the 458th October 1987 at Wright-Patterson Air Force Museum. Anything Memorial, dedicated in 1976, in the new passenger terminal left over will be given to the Special Funding of the American building at Horsham St. Faith. Also, the formation of "Friends on Library Fund (read on for further info). Facts show that we com- the Second Air Division Memorial"(a British contingent formed to pleted a "successful mission" with this book and it now is up to us assist in fundraising for the Memorial Library). Graham's function to lead in an even tougher mission ... one I hope many more of you is as representative of the 458th at Horsham St. Faith. Addi- will participate in ... tionally, as an officer in the Museum at the airfield, he states that AMERICAN LIBRARIAN FUND. Although the American the land rent has been increased to 4,500 pounds yearly! It would Librarian Fund (page 4, Fall 1988 Journal) has been very well seem as if there is a move afoot to close this fully voluntary explained by Jordan Uttal, our American Representative on the Museum. Graham and his lovely wife, June, are working for us in Board of Governors, I feel just a few words are necessary to clarify many ways. If you have an opportunity, tell them "thanks." our greatest undertaking to date: the establishment of a $500,000 Address: 55 Beechwood Drive, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich NR7 Librarian Trust Fund. OLN, England. Our plan is to raise this amount in this Fund, maintain it in Trust Received word from the widows of three of our members who in the USA and contribute the income from it periodically to the have made their "Last Flight": Nelson Kramer, William Waldy Board of Governors to support the presence of an American pro- and Joseph Morrison, all passed away in late 1988. I've sent 458th fessional and a library aide in such a way as to provide continuity in BG sympathy cards to their survivors and hope that you will all the years to come. This Fund will protect our contributions and pause a moment to remember them and all others who have been preserve our tax-exempt status. Very basically, the interest earned called to their Heavenly Reward. from this source will pay the salary mentioned for both. The 458th Here's hoping that many of you were able to attend the 50th is off to a fairly good start and it is my hope that the following Anniversary of the B-24 in Texas, May 17-21. Sorry I wasn't able to information will convince you to help. be there, but more than a year ago, my sailing group committed to As of April 1st, the 458th has contributed $4,795.00 with 19 chartering a 46' Morgan "Out-Islander" for two weeks in the checks and 4 pledges (not as yet fulfilled). This averages to just over American and British Virgin Islands, our 10th annual sail in these $250.00 from 19 of us. Surely the Group with the HIGHEST waters. However, the plan to attend the San Diego B-24 50th membership in the Association can do better than "fifth place." Anniversary, Sept. 20-24, is still a "go." Those of you who need Excluding the 19 who have already contributed, if every one of the more info, check page 3, Winter 1988 Journal. 633 remaining just gave the price of a tankful of gasoline, we would Spring has "sprung" in Maryland and all the outside work certainly be the "Lead Group" on our way to another successful awaits the willing hand. As a result, the typewriter goes under cover mission. If you have any questions regarding this Special Funding, and the lawn mower emerges (with a vengeance). Wishing you all a please write me. Let's do our part to reach the goal set. Super Summer!

3 Vice President's 392nd D.G. Your writer met with the 2nd ADA's Message Executive Committee at its mid-year meeting on March 31 at Hilton Head Island. Plans by were finalized for our 42nd annual reunion John B. Conrad November 2-5, 1989. The facilities at Hilton Head are excellent. If you haven't already made reservations, do it now. Write to Evelyn Cohen, sending a $50.00 deposit for The Winter issue of the Journal carried each person attending. Myron Keilman's article on the Mighty Plans for the July 25-31, 1990 convention Eighth's big week of February 20-25, 1944, were also reviewed. The theme of including the 392nd's citation for outstand- in England reunion is "We Remember the Villages" ing performance in the raid on the this ample time to visit the villages and Messerschmitt Works at Gotha on February with bases. It's not too late to make reservations 24. Milton M. Planche, navigator, with trip back. It appears that this will be reference to the Gotha mission, has written for this reunion the 2nd ADA will hold in "on behalf of ... James A. Ziccarelli the last England, so if you would like to be there DiMola (Fuddle), now deceased,(who was) bombar- by Frank once more, please send in your $50.00 We are in the midst of a very important dier on Captain John J. Reade's lead crew in per person. drive in building a Memorial Fund for our the 578th ... Captain Reade's crew was at deposit Second Air Division Memorial Library. full strength on 2/24/44. Reade was leading Those who are also members of the 392nd Very seldom have we of the 2nd Air Divi- the 578th and, I always thought, the 392nd. BGMA have the opportunity to visit sion Association asked for the 10507o sup- can I say, after 45 years the mind is the England this year. President Lawrence G. now we are. We What port of any projects, but Gilbert advises that final detailed plans and are asking everyone to donate some funds, first to go. However, this I do know. As the Wendling Memorial no matter how small and we do mean small, usual when we were leading, Fuddle slept in specifications for to this worthwhile project. the tunnel until we approached the IP. There renovation have been received from the At our Executive Meeting in March of was not room for both of us in the high Battle Monuments Commission. Preliminary this year, it was disapponting to hear that altitude bookkeeping office. A formation of leveling and surface work is underway under such a very low percentage of our members B-24s flew ahead of us as we turned from the the direction of Tom Scott, our general con- have donated toward this drive. We are not Sqdn. John was tractor at Beeston where the Wendling looking for an immediate cash contribu- IP. I hope it wasn't 579 Memorial is located. The completion date of tion, but a pledge to do so. You can span it following this formation. I was checking the over a period of time if necessary. There is map and Fuddle was cranking up the bomb August 30 has been set for this momentous an application form in this Journal, so at sight. I noticed ground explosions ahead, effort. Attention is now focusing on plan- this moment, why not fill it out with your well off from the ME 110 plant. Grabbing ning for the dedication ceremony on October pledge and send it in. his parachute, I pulled Fuddle up and 7 with widespread participation by USAF The 445th Bomb Group is leading the airdrome. I called John on the and RAF units, British and U.S. dignitaries pack with a total of $17,930.00 and the pointed to the and our own 392nd BGMA delegation. As 467th is leading in the number of con- intercom, popped my head in the astrodome tributors with 30. Only 232 members out of and pointed to the airdrome. Seconds later an adjunct to our memorial program, discus- 7,300 have donated to the Memorial drive. (it seemed longer) John went into a gentle sions are in progress with Beeston friends for This is less than 407o of our membership. turn to avoid spreading the formation. support of the planned East Dereham behind this So, fellows and gals, let's get Fuddle cranked up again and was flat on Branch of the 2nd ADA Memorial Library drive. Make your pledge or donation right was most accurate. Indeed I do and with 392nd historical material. after you have read this plea and keep target. He Jordan busy. believe Fuddle received the DFC for this Roy C. Weber, Radio Operator, requests strike." help in locating members of his crew. His A delayed report has been received of the pilot was W.M. Forsythe, who made it to Notice to untimely death of the 392nd's good friend, Sweden after the Politz mission on 20 June Americans Interned Grace M. Kimble, 13 Ram Gorse, Harlow, 1944. Other crew members were: W.E. Essex CM20 1PX, England. Her husband, Olive, co-pilot; Norton M. Bean, navigator; In Sweden Albert Kimble, advises that "... Grace Casmier Ceckowski, bombardier; Francis E. ill on Sunday, January 29th and ... Young, flight engineer; W.E. Carrington, The Association of Americans Interned became Gilbert Brockway, Gerald Plank and James in Sweden (1943-1945) is considering an she was hospitalized on January 31st ... at amendment to our constitution which 0550 February 2nd on her brother's birthday Barton, gunners. If you have an address for would require our Association to meet she died ... her life with the 8th AF projects any of these men, please write to Roy C. twice annually, once at the 8th AF gave her so much to live for ... she has left Weber, 1520 White Spar Road, Prescott, AZ Reunions and once at the 2nd AD files of correspondence, photographs and 86303. Reunions. The benefits to both of us are memorabilia, books, etc., a spare room full Joseph B. Payton, 90 Parkway, Little obvious. We are now gathering our members for a to show for it ..." Many 392nd members Falls, NJ 07424, 577th BS, Plane 898, Terri second return to Sweden in June of 1990. have maintained correspondence with her or Ann, is searching for the following crew Interested former internees are requested to have met her at reunions in England. Grace members: Kenneth W. Anderson, co-pilot; contact me directly. and Albert were guests of the 392nd at our William Warntz, navigator; Bernard Jim McMahon, President Group's reunion dinner in Norwich in 1987 Jacklinski, radio operator; Richard E. The Association of Americans when Grace was presented with a plaque in Asahel H. Thornton, George A. Interned in Sweden (1943-1945) recognition of her friendship and service to Kirk, gunners. Please send any information P.O. Box 4954 the 392nd. you may have to Joseph B. Payton. Santa Rosa, CA 95402 Tel. (707) 525-9707 4 489th Bomb Group About the Memorial Over St. Lo by Jordan Uttal by James M. Davis usual result is that as AMERICAN LIBRARIAN FUND DRIVE: 14-inch screen. The On July 24, 1944, the 8th Air Force is turned on and the Thanks largely to articles in the Spring issue soon as the machinery would support the ground troops of the settles into his chair, (Fred Thomas, Bud Chamberlain, and American Visitor First Army in its effort to break through the the Memorial Room some of the Group VPs) there has been a everything else in German lines at St. Lo. halt - children stop nice response from you. But there is a long gradually comes to a The 489th Bomb Group would lead the of B-24s, ladies stop way to go, and we sure need your help.(See looking at pictures 8th Air Force in this effort. Early morning Monroe, our regular tabulation elsewhere in this issue). reading about Marilyn briefing told us we would make our run at examining the archives - There have been many interesting letters visitors stop 12,000 feet. Since the target could be clearly screen. Many of accompanying the remittances. I could use everyone creeps toward the identified, this sounded like the nearest the War - they begin to talk thing to a milk run since we started our tour all my space on them alone. Two impressed them remember member, and soon Tony and - only about five hours - a short time over me greatly. One was from the daughter of to the visiting of family enemy territory at 12,000 feet - no oxygen old friends who spoke of the I are surrounded by a kind one of our mask or sub-zero temperatures - definitely a pleasure she derived from her parents reunion. a new organization, milk run. interest in the Memorial and that she "There is now the 2nd Air Division As we approached the target area and wanted to share their dedication by presen- "Friends of Memorial." On the night of their first opened our bomb bay doors, we suddenly ting us with a check. The other was from fire. meeting we showed them "Faces" and were surrounded by heavy anti-aircraft one of our members who apologized for the One of the first bursts of flak hit the plane "Candles." These are people who are really size of his donation but said he just could in front and just above us. The hit was in close to 2AD. They stood and watched not be at peace with himself if he didn't the bomb bay and immediately the bomb films in total silence. It was a very make some contribution, however small. these bay was an inferno with flames streaking (He was assured by a prompt acknowledg- moving occasion. past the plane's tail. The plane imme- Bertha's efforts, the ment from me that the size of his contribu- "Thanks to diately dropped down and out and explod- visible. We are very tion was secondary by far to the splendid Memorial is much more ed in a huge ball of fire as he cleared the worked before in a spirit of his gift.) busy. I have never formation. - perhaps there isn't So, good friends, if you can get to the library like this one Because of the haze and low clouds, the it. The personal dimension Fred Thomas suggested goal of $200.00 (or another one like target could not be clearly identified - so we Everyone weeps when they more), Great! If not, please do what you is ever present. closed our bomb bay doors and started our tapes." can! see the Dzenowagis return. The following Groups were advised I believe these expressions prove two very and returned to bases. Anti-aircraft fire was to BERTHA CHANDLER: I am pleased important points. First, our 2nd Air Divi- very intense and some very large. Bertha and report that I have spoken with sion Memorial is attracting American and We could feel the concussion in front of her con- she is most desirous of maintaining local visitors, thus carrying out its intended our plane. My bombardier, Ernest Mackey, the nections with the Association, and purpose of memorializing the service and was still shaking when we landed - his front of Memorial. She is currently the supervisor sacrifice of 2nd Air Division personnel. turret must have been the Germans' target libraries in the largest of the three branch Second, it is clearly demonstrated that hav- of the day. Public Library we were the Stamford, Connecticut ing our Memorial staffed by an American The next morning at briefing am sure to St. Lo, and after System, and is settling in nicely. I Librarian and a full time Aide enables us to told we would return long before this yesterday's experience, we knew it would be she will be pleased to learn, achieve this personal dimension which will at the recent no milk run. appears in print, that perpetuate the memory of those who died, she was It was dark - and during my pre-flight Executive Committee meeting we who survived, and keep the bridge open in the inspection while entering the plane, I raised voted into Honorary Membership between our two peoples. We are up - hit the bomb fin hard enough to knock 2nd Air Division Association. These are most worthy goals. These are delighted to extend our further thanks, off my hat. Immediately I felt something the reasons we feel you should want to con- quickly Bertha, in this fashion. running down my forehead and tribute to the American Librarian Fund. discovered it was blood. My crew told me HISTORY/ 2ND AIR DIVISION BRANCH LIBRARY PROJECT: I see by I'd have to go to the hospital and they VIDEO TAPES: On two DZENOWAGIS the minutes of recent Governors' meetings stopped a truck and asked them to take me I have hand- occasions in the past year which I have missed, that there is great there. On the trip to the hospital, even videotapes carried approximately fifteen activity along this line. There will certainly though I had blood all over my face and family as gifts produced by the Dzenowagis be at least one in operation by the time we clothes, I was glad I would not be going covering to the 2nd Air Division Memorial are over again in 1990 and I will have more back to St. Lo. 2AD per- over my cut and said, untold hours of interviews with definite word after I attend the next Dr. Lavin looked known "Son, you did a good job of cutting it sonnel, the digest of some of them meeting on 22 June. as "Faces of the 2nd Air Division," and the open, and it will need sewing up. but for PAST PRESIDENT: wonderful record of our 1987 Norwich IN MEMORY OF A now, I will try and tape it together and will section recently, the Convention, beautifully and most In the "Folded Wings" sew it up after you get back." 467th Bomb appropriately entitled "Eight Candles for name of Ken Darney, Sr., I tried to reason with him that I could not Com- put my on, as Remembrance." These gifts have been Group was listed. At the Executive fly - I couldn't even helmet a sum of a lot of blood. He said, "Son, greatly appreciated by the Board of Gover- mittee meeting at Hilton Head, well as losing the Trust for the Col. has told me there would be NO nors, and the Library staff. money was voted to be sent to name. Ken medical excuse for this mission and you More important that they have them at books to be purchased in Ken's and from 1963 don't need a helmet - you'll only be at the Memorial Room is the fact that they are served as President in 1971, active sup- 12,000 feet," as he started shaving and being frequently used. I quote from two let- on, he and dear Dot have been porters of the Association. We have missed taping me up. ters from our current Trust Librarian, finished, I looked like a mummy. him since his recent death, and will When he Phyllis Hunt, to two of my colleagues, as to the plane just in time to start remember him fondly. I returned follows: the engines and take off. The flak was not "We have had more than 200 American Once again, to all of you, I. extend as bad on this second run to St. Lo, and we visitors from May to October. Many of warmest fraternal greetings, and I will did successfully drop our bombs. them have seen 'Faces of the 2nd' and always be grateful to you for your support Upon return I went to the hospital and 'Eight Candles for Remembrance.' We of our efforts to perpetuate the memory of Dr. Lavin sewed up my head. Maybe that is show them in a corner of the Library on our our service together. the way to do it - I don't even have a scar. 5 The Low Level Mission of 24 March 1945 from Neil McCluhan record Submitted by Paul Homan (448th)

-4111p -4411": 3

McCLUHAN CREW: Standing (14): John Carabello, Elias King, Neil McCluhan, John Ziegler. Kneeling (1-0: John Berardelli, Kirb, 1.Ie, Wade Dodds, Fred Wichman, Don Clark, Chris Snow.

From the commendation letter received by only a few hours previously to cover the dropped under a withering barrage of 20mm Lt. Neil McCluhan from Col. Charles B. coordinated crossings of the Rhine by allied and small arms fire from the enemy which Westover, Commanding Officer of AAF forces engaged in the invasion of Germany. severely damaged a large number of our air- Station 146, Seething, the following is taken: The execution of this mission required craft and wounded many crewmen, thereby "On 22 March 1945 you and your crew were precise formation flying at high altitude over necessitating the utmost skill to effect the especially selected to participate in the most a route from which the slightest deviation in safe return of these planes and crews to their important single air operation the Eighth Air course could result in complete failure to bases in England. Force has been called upon to execute since locate the assigned dropping area. It re- The entire operation was extraordinary the invasion of France on 6 June 1944. As quired instantaneous recognition of target in that it employed high altitude bombard- one of twenty-six crews selected from an markers and highly coordinated teamwork ment forces in a manner for which they had available one hundred you were chosen to among each crew to insure that supplies were no opportunity to train. The contribution represent this organization because the skill, not dropped in the midst of the enemy. It made by you and your crew toward the teamwork, and determination you had further required coolness and courage to success of this operation is therefore previously displayed in combat was suffi- insure the safe withdrawal of each aircraft as doubly a credit to your ability and to this ciently outstanding to assure your depen- it flew at tree top level over the prepared organization." dability on a mission requiring the utmost defenses of the enemy who were fully expect- From Neil McCluhan's Mission Diary, the precision in navigation, pilotage, and crew ing such an operation to occur at this precise following is his account of the day: "24 discipline. point. March 1945, Mission No. 10. Right across Rhine on invasion area. Briefing 0530. The purpose of the mission was to deliver The mission was accomplished as planned Target: Area just over Rhine where Allied supplies by air to an airborne army which with few exceptons on 24 March 1945, and troops invaded. It's northwest of Wesel. had been dropped behind the enemy lines was highly successful. The supplies were Takeoff 0925. Temp. + 18°C. Landing 6 three ways. Early in the morning around 1525. Bombload: 12 metal containers in lines, heater line, left front bomb bay control 1,050 Forts and Libs hit 12 airfields east of bomb bay 3 baskets in waist. Summary: The system linkage damaged, radio floor support oil the Rhine. This was followed by the mission whole crew except Berardelli flew. It was brackets damaged; #3 engine rocker box supporting the airborne troops. Then late in visual all the way with the release point at feeder line severed by small arms, Engine the afternoon 450 heavies struck four addi- 300 ft., with an air speed of 150 mph. Inter- feathered; #4 right main fuel cell punctured, tional fields in the Reich, raising to 25 the valometer setting was minimum & load away result of small arms; Small arms fire through large total of airdromes hit by the 8th in its fierce at 1330. The load we carried was in the form #4 engine nacelle on right side; Two wing attack on Nazi fighter bases. of supplies to troops who had just crossed holes through top surface of inner At the day's end the German lines were a the Rhine. We didn't hit much prop wash, between #3 and #4 engines; Hole in bottom arms; shambles, supply lines wrecked, rails torn but fighters were poor support. The small side of right hat section, result of small check and twisted, airfields gutted and cratered. arms fire over the target was very intense, & Hydraulic auxiliary line punctured at at Long columns of enemy convoys were set our plane was shot up pretty bad. We lost valve; Aileron cable badly frayed left side and wiring aflame and riddled by fighters. An entire the Gee Box, V.H.F., Radio Compass, sta. #4; Generator control panel badly motorized infantry battalion was battered remote compasses, engine instruments for #1 badly damaged; Fuel sight gauges #1 and routed by Mustang pilots who caught & 2 engines, vacuum,& inverters. Engines #1 damaged; Rear battery case damaged, #3, and #4 the unit as it roared along a highway near & 4 were shot up so that we could only get and #3 throttle cables and #1, #2, and Cologne. about 20" Hg on each of them. We climbed mixture control cables severed at sta. 4.0 Small Fighter pilots reported shooting up 45 up to 5000 ft., & came back to the enemy 4.1; Aileron trim tab cable severed; locomotives, 210 rail cars, 300 motor coastline. We then decided to come on arms hole in right elevator and stabilizer; vehicles and 21 barges. Most of these across the Channel. Just as we got over Leading edge between #2 and fuselage transportation elements were loaded with England, our #1 & 4 engines went out. The perforated; #4 supercharger shroud to be personnel." hydraulic fluid was gone & so we didn't have replaced; Righter outer wing panel, aileron, The final page of this story, as it relates to any flaps at all, & only one good pump on flap and aileron cables to be replaced; Lt. Neil McCluhan, is the following General the brakes. Just as we sighted the field, we Replace right side auxiliary fuel cells; Twelve Orders, Headquarters 2nd Air Division, lost #3 engine & so we came in with only #2 hydraulic lines in bombbay, right side to be dated 3 May 1945: "Extract of General engine operating. We cranked the gear replaced; Bombbay doors frozen shut as Orders No. 154." Subject: "Awards and down. We landed with an airspeed of 150 result of damaged tracks on front right and small Decorations." The Distinguished Flying mph, & then we went off to the right side of left side and frayed cables; Flak and #2 Cross is awarded to the following Officer: the runway. We hit a ship that was on the arms damage throughout plane; #1 and turret Neil R. McCluhan, Second Lieutenant, perimeter, as it was just sitting there for no engine instruments shot out; Tail Army Air Forces, United States Army. For apparent reason. If he hadn't started moving badly damaged. report- extraordinary achievement while serving as when he did, we would have hit him broad- The "Stars and Stripes" clipping say: Pilot of a B-24 aircraft on a special low level side. As it was, our right wing hit his right ing the 24 March activity had this to supply mission, 24 March 1945. Lieutenant wing & right vertical stabilizer. Everything "Having culminated its role in the Rhine McCluhan's aircraft sustained severe battle ended up alright though. Clark was hit over crossing Saturday with blazing bomber and damage from enemy small arms fire while the target with shrapnel & got about 14 fighter sweeps up and down enemy territory, flying at an altitude of fifty feet. Displaying superficial wounds in the legs. He made it activities of the 8th Air Force fell off sharply commendable aggressiveness, Lieutenant alright, & is getting along alright now. as approximately 250 Liberators and some McCluhan continued on to successfully com- Carabello took good care of him. We had a 250 Mustangs and Thunderbolts attacked near plete his mission. Striving to gain altitude a malfunction of our racks & as soon as we three underground storage depots engine became inoperative as he opened the bomb bay doors, the containers Brunswick and Hamburg. third reached the English coast. Lieutenant Mc- from the bomb bay went out. They went out But on Saturday, the 8th put together a Cluhan skillfully piloted his damaged air- just before we hit the Rhine, but the baskets mighty procession of bombers and fighters craft to his home base on the one remaining in the waist went out at the proper place. The which flew 3,000 sorties in cooperation with engine where he effected a safe landing ship was shot up, as the left wing was hit, & the troops streaming across the river. The without further incident. The courage, skill the tail turret was really hit. It's lucky that bombers, which had been devastating enemy and outstanding devotion to duty displayed Berardelli wasn't along. We were one of the airfields east of the Rhine for three days, and on this occasion by Lieutenant McCluhan crews selected for this long awaited mission, plastered 16 more and dropped weapons to reflects the highest credit upon himself and & it made me feel good to be on it. The air- supplies in a daring low-level operation had the Armed Forces of the United States. borne operation went from early morning paratroopers immediately after they Entered military service from Nebraska. until late today. First the airborne infantry & landed. by COMMAND OF GENERAL KEPNER: para-troopers went in, then the fighters From dawn to dusk Thunderbolts and Francis H. Griswold strafed the area. We dropped supplies next, Mustangs patroled the battle area, riddling Brigadier General, U.S.A. & then more bombers came over & bombed troop concentrations, supply columns, rail Chief of Staff the area. It was a great day for the Allies. On yards and airfields. Only 66 Nazi fighters McCluhan passed away in January the way over, we went over Dover,& saw the were met, an indication of the results of the Neil not before he gallantly fought his white cliffs. We went over Bologne & Calais, bombers' relentless attack on Luftwaffe 1988, but heart condition, and attended the and could see the effects of our bombings. fields, and 53 of these were shot down. The serious Second Air Division Reunion in Nor- That was a mission I'll never forget. 8th lost 22 bombers and four fighters during 1987 well as the re-dedication of the McFarland went down on this one." the day. wich, as Station 146, Seething, 448th Bomb Group The Engineering report on the plane Liberators which dropped supplies to the Control Tower, which was restored by a brought back by Lt. McCluhan is as follows: airborne troops bore the brunt of the losses - group of Seething area residents Left wing tip trailing edge shot away; 20 out of approximately 240 which followed dedicated with funds donated by many 448th Bomb Number 3 main fuel cell punctured in left directly behind transports and gliders and veterans. The Control Tower today side, result small arms; Explosive shell dropped the sky-fighters some 600 tons of Group as another great Memorial to those entered left side of fuselage at sta. 4.0, weapons and medical supplies from ,100 ft. stands days of 1943-45, and to those such as severing instruments, radio, and all engine The Libs had to battle through an intense terrible Neil McCluhan and his crew, whose valiant electrical wiring, approximately 110 wires, #1 storm of 20mm anti-aircraft, machine-gun in the tremendous Victory and #2 generator regulator mounts damaged, and small arms fire. efforts resulted APU converter junction box, hydraulic The massive operation of the 8th was split achieved. 7 I have received these three names from a Waldorf, MD 20601. Make checks payable ,Peta.*G A couple fellows, can't remember who. to "93rd Bomb Group Memorial Fund." St dr pen Letter Warren S. Wiesler, Anthony Varinski, and Donors' names will be noted in our handout WW II 8AF Don Henson. I had mailed applications to program that Bill is making. As of 31 Jan. these fellows, and each time they were '89, Charlie informed me that only 15 To the 93rd returned to me, address unknown. Please members (one made two donations) had send me the right addresses and I'll try again. contributed since the England Memorial. Come on fellows, what do I have to say or FOR MEMBERS: Walter by Floyd H. Mabee (93rd) INFORMATION do to get you to respond to my pleas. Would M. Burkard, 1901 Chula Vista Dr., Belmont, a song and dance help? Of the number of CA 94002 was in the 328th BS, 93rd BG. He members we have, all we would need from FOLDED WINGS OF THE 93rd (NOT started with the Group at Ft. Myers, FL you is $5 or $10 each; more would be a big MEMBERS OF 2ADA): In reference to my in '42, worked on radio equipment, and help to accomplish what I am trying to do request for information in the Spring Jour- would like to hear from any 93rd men who for the 93rd. I spend more than that every nal about Col. Leland Fiegel, I want to knew him. day for time, copies, postage and travel for twenty-four thank all who called or wrote me about him. On 3/23/89 I received a list of your benefit, at no cost to any of you. I received different dates, 1947, 48,& 49 that 93rd members who had been dropped from Enough said on this subject. he was killed in either a small plane or C-45 membership for non-payment of 1989 dues crash at Prince Patrich, Maryland. after two dues notices were sent to them by SQUADRON & GROUP EMBLEMS: I Unknown Crew Chief was able to jump to Evelyn. I had anticipated this and had a wonder sometimes if all of you even read my safety, aircraft had engine trouble. Col. pleading letter ready and mailed it the next "Open Letter to the 93rd." I do receive Fiegel was the 3rd Commanding Officer for day. As of 4/8/89 I received dues from two some words of praise at times though. I seem the 93rd, 9 Aug. '43 to 27 Sept. '44. Thanks and a notice from Mrs. Gerald Smith, to receive more help from fellows in other again for this information; I just don't have Wildwood Crest, NJ, that Maj. Smith (Ret.) Groups in the 2nd ADA. Lt./Col. Tom time to write each of you. I sure wish all of had passed away on 6/23/88. He will be McKiernan (Ret.) from the 458th BG (he was my inquiries in the Journal were answered as noted in the Folded Wings column of the also in the 93rd) found a company and sent quickly as this was. Journal. Now I'm keeping my fingers me a quote for making the emblems and crossed. I did have 597 members, working offered to put money up front for the 329th. AMERICAN LIBRARIAN FUND: I hope hard to make it 600. You just can't realize I will put up the money for the 328th and that you all read, in the Spring Journal, how devastating this is to me every year Squadron Leader M/Sgt. Joseph Beach has "An Open Letter to All Members," by J. when this list comes in. Please, fellows, pay offered for the 409th. All I need is two or Fred Thomas, past president of the 2ADA. your dues on time. If for some reason you more to put money up front for the 330th If you haven't, please do so. I had made can't, write to me and explain. I'm sure we and Group Emblems. This money will be my three-year pledge last June and have can work something out, so you won't miss paid back as they are sold. We will get 100 of made two installments. I have pledged a lot any of your Journals. each, as the price is only $212 additional cost more than I can really afford, but I truly for 100 over 50 emblems. The rates were believe in making this Fund possible for the 93rd MEMORIAL FOR USAF MUSEUM much better than any I had contacted from good of our beautiful Memorial Room. At AT DAYTON, OHIO: Just after I sent my catalogs that some have sent me. If you are our mini-reunion dinner meeting at Col- report of "Open Letter to the 93rd" for interested, send me a card, no money until I orado Springs last year, I knew that I the Spring Journal, I received report from receive them and notify you. I will need an William F. couldn't do justice speaking about this, so I our Memorial Chairman average of $227 for each Squadron and Sagamore asked Jordan Uttal to speak to the 93rd Doerner, 620 W. Highland Rd., Group emblem. members about this and he so graciously Hills, OH 44067; tel. 216-467-8726 that he presented the proposal of this fund to the had arranged for our dedication for 26 May THE STORY OF THE 93rd BOMB 93rd members present. As I know of no one at 10:00 a.m. This is the problem we have GROUP: Since my Spring report, I have more qualified to make this work than Jor- getting information to members. I must have found the original author of this History, dan, please let's back him for this worthy my report to Bill Robertie at least six weeks and he is a member. I misunderstood his last fund, to keep an American librarian and aide before the printing of the Journal, and name as Berna instead of Altilio Verna, and at our Memorial Room, for the benefit of usually by the time you receive it, some sent him an application. He called me and or yourselves and your heirs. information is incomplete, incorrect, got me straightened out, and has given me outdated. Sorry about that, I know our his blessings for us to copy this. I just didn't NEEDED: Anyone who con- INFORMATION editor has his problems also. Anyway, I want a law suit on my hands without his OK. of James K. Barret and and suggested that he knows the location tacted Bill Doerner I will now get busy and contact a printer for Ryan, Jr. please contact me. date, as it was too Edward P. change the dedication a quote. I was told by one of our Associate both flew on "Leading Lady," Worth Anniversary. So he They close to the Fort members that he had contacted a printer, #44-50487, 93rd BG, 330th BS, from Feb. has made arrangements for our dedication to that they would be around $30 members are plus postage, '45 to May '45. Their crew be 28 July at 10:00 a.m. He informed me will let you know after I contact them. Now them. the new area adja- trying to locate that he picked a space in send those cards if interested, no money at remember or know Memorial. If you Also, does anyone cent to the 8th Air Force this time. I have 21 requests so far and an fellows are that flew on note. where any of these plan to attend, please call or drop Bill a order of 60 from an East Anglian book 1/Lt. Kenton D. "Liberty Lad," 409th BS: He has contacted the Holiday Inn, Dayton dealer. More on this later. I received a phone awarded, last known McFarland, P, DSC Mall, 7999 Prestige Plaza Dr., Dayton, OH.; call from George W. Bailey, Banning, CA address Galt, Cal.; F/O Henry A. Pod- Tel. 513-434-8030. For any that wish to stay with an offer to send me his original copy, CP, Manor, Pa.; F/O Andrew make your own reservations. If we gurski, over, and I have received it. George was original Olyphant, Pa.; M/Sgt. we will plan Mordovancy, N, have a good attendance, co-pilot on the 93rd's very famous plane B, Norfolk, Va.; T/Sgt. Robert W. Slade, something further. When Bill volunteered to "Bomerang," first plane in ETO to go 50 Oda A. Smathers, R, no address listed; take on this job, I told him to pick his com- missions. T/Sgt. Johnnie Brown, Obs G, no address mittee from members in Ohio. He declined, listed; Sgt. Byron G. Kuhn, TG, Grefton, and with great dedication and a lot of travel- NOW SOME GOOD NEWS: In Jan. '89 I W. Va.; S/Sgt. Gumencindo J. Frausto, TB, ing time and expense, he has accomplished wrote to Lt./Gen. E.J. (Ted) Timberlake Limona, Fl.; S/Sgt. Floyd D. Wilson, WG, our goal on his own. Thank you, Bill, for (Ret.) and requested that he be our guest at Denver, Colo.; and S/Sgt. Louie M. your dedication, you have made my job our 93rd Mini-Reunion Dinner Meeting at Angerine, WG, Grenada, Miss. They re- somewhat less difficult. I suggested that if it Hilton Head in Nov. '89, and would he turned from successful Ploesti mission on looks like we might have a good response, he please care to address the troops after two engines, 1 Aug. '43. None of the fellows select a committee from a list of Ohio dinner. I received an affirmative answer. are members of the 2ADA. members, and try to plan a dinner or Quote: "I will be delighted to address the Would like to find T/Sgt. John J. Hayes, something so that the fellows traveling a 93rd members. That's one time I won't be who was TT Eng. for this crew in the 409th. distance have something besides the dedi- nervous talking. You can't be nervous when An old Artillery buddy, pre WWII, of John cation. This was just a thought on my part. you are among friends, and you all are my would like to find him, and I also would like What do you think? Please send your dona- friends." I thought you would all be pleased to find any or all of these fellows. tions to Charles Weiss, 21 Moran Dr., to hear this, as I am.

8 December 24 1944 Folded Wings by Ralph H. Elliott (467th) 44th The "Stars and Stripes" carried the command pilot. John was killed in the crash George Bakanic, Jr. following article in its December 27, 1944 of an early F-90 jet fighter around 1950. issue: "Record Bomb Blow 8th AF's Yule reports the mission as follows: My diary 93rd Gift to Nazis - Over 2000 Heavies-Biggest troop support today hitting at "Flew Martin J. McMahon Single Mission-Unload on Christmas Eve." just over the lines. Our railroads and roads Kenneth G. Herbert Gerolstein, Ger- The article reads in part: target was the R.R. yard at Alfred G. VanDame the "While the weather closed in again yes- many, just southwest of Koblenz. It was Thomas W. Atkinson terday to curtail air activity against the biggest effort ever put up, and we put up 63 Maj. Gerald Smith, Ret. enemy, the Eighth Air Force was still count- planes - 7 squadrons, the largest number ing up the results of its Christmas present to ever put up from this field. They even flew 389th the Nazis, delivered Sunday by more than "Big Pete," the assembly ship. It has no John N. Rutherford 2,000 heavy bombers and 900 fighters, the guns and the crew carried carbines. Howard Streight largest force of heavies ever flown on a single For the first time in months the weather Vernon W. Brown mission. was perfectly clear and bombing was visual Dr. Robert R. McCready Sunday's big air attack was part of a by squadrons. Assembly was in two groups, Joseph K. Flahne W. Strahlendorff weekend pattern, which continued yester- 4 and 3. We flew lead of Green 7. Hit the Arthur day, designed to pound the hell out of all coast at Ostend going in and cut S-east to 392nd communication lines supplying and reinforc- our IP just at our front lines. B-group (5-6-7) Arthur B. Decker ing the German armies in their current coun- escheloned in trail and made a good run into Russell J. Monr ter-offensive. It was in direct support of the the target. Yarcusko had trouble picking up William S. Hamilton U.S. First Army forces which have been the target but Nat (Parodi) did a beautiful rolled back into Belgium by the weight of the job of pilotage (going) in and we hit over but 445th German drive. Taking advantage of clear on the tracks. Our 3 squadrons all hit in Orval L. Pugh the Dec. 24 mission started for Ger- there and the pictures showed that we did a weather, David S. Vogels, Jr. morning and the first bombers good job. There was no flak and no fighters many in the Peter A. Angenend were entering Germany as the tail of the altho one group did get hit. The standard England. bomb load was 24 X 250 GP's altho we had tremendous column was leaving 446th only 6 X 250 GP and two smoke markers in Sunday's big attack continued the pound- E. Paxton Kipps (AC) 852. There was snow on the ground ing of the airdromes at Frankfort. These lie Louis Dubnow German border in and across the Rhine just opposite the bulge the from about the difficult." Germans have driven into the 1st Army lines. pilotage was 453rd The heavies dropped 100-, 250-, and Even today my memory is of the over- Herbert E. Russell 500-pound bombs on hangers and airfields. whelming number of bomber formations, Robert L. Hyer in all direc- Most of the targets the heavies went for both B-24s and B-17s, stretching Henry H. Myers for the were tiny road junctions, railroad crossings, tions. That probably accounted and where and bridges. Clear weather enabled crews to unusually late 1156 hr. take off 458th stream. I can also see the targets and to bomb visually. we fit into the bomber Bernard Pientka recall vividly the problems the bombardier Nelson H. Kramer The fighters had a good day Sunday, too, (Yarcusko) and pilotage navigator (Parodi) Joseph R. Morrison taking on the Luftwaffe in a series of had in picking up the target due to the snow SMS Charles E. Jackson, Jr. dogfights from which 76 of the Nazi fighters which made everything look the same. failed to return." About half way down the bomb run, Yar- 466th "Highlights of In another article, titled cusko thought he had the target and tried to V.A. England way: the Year," Dec. 24 was chronicled this drop, but, luckily, the bombsight malfunc- "Over 2,000 Eighth Air Force bombers tioned and when the indices crossed the 467th dispatched. Largest force of heavy bombers bombs didn't go away. At the target the Paul W. Dicks ever sent out on a single operation by any air same thing happened again, but we were able John M. Madieros force anywhere. With engines developing the to salvo and hit just over the MPI. Again, Richard L. Becker power of more than five Boulder Dams or 46 luckily, we were paralleling the tracks and Queen Marys, the Forts and Libs formed a did do some damage. 489th Dan M. Caldwell column of combat wings 400 miles long, car- As a footnote, Bill Yarcusko transferred Louis Scipione ried more men than compose an entire infan- to Chapman's crew which was hit by flak try division - Madison Square Garden would over Berlin, headed for Russia and was then 491st have been required to brief them all." by the Russians while trying to shot down John T. Gates On my original copies of the 467th Bomb land. They ended up back at Rackheath a Group formation sheets, 63 B-24s and crews, Bill with a 2-foot couple of months later, 479th comprising seven combat squadrons are the uninitiated, long "short snorter." (For Frank R. Silver listed with Colonel Shower as Command that was a roll of as many kinds of foreign Pilot for the first four • taped Group. The currency bills as you could collect, SM squadrons (I think) Daun, while the off in a bombed together with scotch tape and shown James P. McKaveney last three squadrons bombed Gerolstein. My crowd as often as possible.) If anyone on Grace M. Kimble crew was leading the seventh squadron with that crew reads this, that story would be 791st Operations Officer John Conley as worth the telling. 9 Bail Out! by Wilbur Stites (453rd)

What was it like to get shot down and "slot," the rear-most plane in one of the behind my own mask. The chaff is sup- have to bail out, is a question I'm four plane diamond-shaped elements. The posed to be thrown at a measured pace, but sometimes asked. "Well, it was exciting," I elements formed the group, flying together when Win gets the signal from me that sometimes reply. in close formation in order to achieve a there's a lot of flak he always throws it Facetious? Flippant? I don't mean it that tight bomb pattern on the target and to pro- faster, as if this might make it do more way. But how can I describe the thoughts vide concentrated fire power from our guns good; of course, it doesn't. and emotions that flood the mind and against enemy fighter attacks. Nobody says anything on the interphone. senses in a situation like that? If you've ever We approached the target at the usual One of the disciplines of our crew is to had the experience, you know what it's like. 20,000 feet altitude flying over a solid cloud maintain interphone silence on the bomb If not, you'll probably never understand, undercast about 5,000 feet below our for- run. It's important not to clutter the inter- no matter how hard I try to explain. But if mation. We reached the IP (initial point) phone with extraneous conversation that you're interested, I'll give it a try. and made the prescribed 45 degree left turn might interfere with emergency com- For me it happened on October 17, 1944. to begin the 12-minute bomb run to the munications. We were on our 23rd bombing mission. target. We're about half way through the bomb Target: the railroad martialing yards at Col- As we made our turn, I looked ahead run now. Suddenly, there is a tremendous ogne, Germany. We were flying "Lucky through my plexiglass window and saw a sound of rending, tearing metal. The plane Penny II," a gleaming silvery B-24 that had thick cloud of black smoke from anti- lurches violently, peels over on its left wing been assigned to us after her first crew com- aircraft shells bursting over the target. The and heads down toward the clouds below. pleted their tour of missions. The first black cloud was measled with red-orange The big plane is mortally stricken. A can- "Lucky Penny" had been shot down with a flashes from new-bursting shells. Hitler's non shell had whistled up through the bomb crew other than the one to whom she had anti-aircraft gunners were sending up a bay, burst through the fuselage and explod- been assigned. reception for us we weren't going to like. ed above, sending a hail of jagged metal Classified as a "heavy" bomber in World I heard the bomb bay doors rumble open. fragments into the body, wings, and War II, the B-24 with its thin, narrow wing From now on we are committed. Fly engines. Edwards, in his top turret reported mounted high on the full-bodied fuselage straight and level. No evasive maneuvers later that he saw the fuselage open up in and its twin vertical stabilizers (rudders) that would throw the bombs off target. front of his eyes like rolling back the top of was one of the most distinctive appearing I thought of other missions we had a sardine can. planes in the sky. The four supercharged flown. Ludwigshaven, Hamburg, Han- At that point, a lot of things happened at 1,200 horsepower engines powered the nover, Kassel, Dessau, and the others, 22 of once. 56,000 pound combat loaded plane, in- them so far. A total of 35 needed to com- The interphone crackled to life. "Bombs cluding its 10-man crew, to altitudes up to plete our tour. How many more times could away, Tom!" It was Lofton signaling 30,000 feet. Cruising at 165 miles an hour, we do this and get through it? Would we Welch to drop the bombs. Tom flipped the the plane could deliver 6,000 pounds of make it this time? Would / make it this emergency toggle switch and bombs, bombs on round trip missions to targets time? thankfully all 12 of them, released from more than a thousand miles away. Nose, Now we are into it. Flak is all around us. their shackels and fell away from the plane. top, and tail turrets, each with twin .50 I watch the bright flashing fire of breaking The last thing we wanted right then was a caliber machine guns plus single .50 caliber shells. I hear the c-r-r-ump-whump of the 500-pound bomb hung up in our bomb bay. guns swivel-mounted on each side, gave the close explosions and feel the big plane trem- The plane continued its downward slant plane a total defensive fire power of some ble and shudder from the shock waves. I toward the clouds with a vapor trail of 6,000 rounds a minute. hear the ping and spang of flak fragments gasoline spewing out behind. Some of the The B-24 was a tough, rugged airplane, whanging into and through the fuselage like gas lines had been ruptured by flak capable of dealing out and absorbing an gravel hitting a tin roof. fragments and gas was leaking out of the astonishing amount of punishment. But it I feel the familiar sweat of fear begin to breaks and streaming out behind. Crews in was not invulnerable. The heavy barrages trickle down my face and back. Fear? You other planes in the formation who saw us of anti-aircraft fire and determined mass at- bet! I doubt that any man can honestly disappear into the clouds thought the gas tacks by enemy fighters took a heavy toll of disclaim fear when faced with this kind of vapor trail was smoke. They assumed we planes and crews during the war in the skies mortal danger. But you control the fear. To were on fire with no chance to survive. over Europe. lose control is to panic and panic is the Lofton and Florea fought with the con- "We" were "Lofton's crew" of the prelude to disaster. trols and managed to pull the plane out of 453rd Bomb Group, based at Old I glance down at Win Pace crouched on its dive into level flight again. But all four Buckenham near Norwich in East Anglia. the floor of the fuselage busily stuffing fist- engines were running rough and we con- Ours was one of 14 groups of B-24s assign- sized bundles of "chaff" into the small tinued to lose altitude. Lofton called for ed to the Second Air Division of the Eighth porthole in the side of the plane. The thin Lonigan to give him a heading for Belgium Air Force in England. Our crew members strips of metal foil, looking like Christmas with the hope that we could set down on an were William Lofton, pilot; Bruce (Joe) tinsel, scatter in the slipstream and drift airfield in American occupied territory. He Florea, co-pilot; Leonard Lonigan, down through the thin air. This stuff is sup- then called for an interphone crew check. navigator; Thomas Welch, bombardier; posed to cloud the Germans' radar screens One by one they reported in and, Hilliard (Eddie) Edwards, engineer; John- and interfere with their flak accuracy. I miraculously, no one was hurt. nie Miller, radio operator; Edward Paulsen, always wondered why we bothered, since it By now Edwards had scrambled out of nose gunner; Winford Pace, right waist never seemed to do any good. But it was his top turret and began trying to stop gas gunner; Elden Gould, tail gunner; and me, required on bomb runs, so we did it. from leaking from the ruptured lines snak- Wilbur Stites, left waist gunner. We had an Win returns my look. His eyes above the ing along the bulkhead walls inside the additional crew member on this mission, oxygen mask are bright with question and bomb bay. Using pieces of cloth handed to Edward Rosenberg, assigned to monitor the concern. He can't see the flak breaking out- him from the flight deck by Johnnie Miller, German radio frequencies as an intelligence side from his position so he gives me our he did what he could to stop the leaks, but it gathering tactic. Gould was flying with us pre-arranged signal by rapidly opening and wasn't enough. Eddie had to balance as replacement for our regular tail gunner, closing the fingers on his free hand. "How precariously on the narrow catwalk of the Robert Hon, who was temporarily ground- bad is the flak?" he wants to know. I signal open bomb bay, working with one hand ed with a touch of flu. back by nodding my head and rapidly open- while clinging to the bomb racks with the Our take-off from the base was unevent- ing and closing my fingers several times. other. No parachute. There was no room to ful and we rendezvoused with the 30 or so "Yes, Win, there's a lot of flak," is my wear it in the close confines of the bomb other planes from the 453rd Group and signal. Win keeps shoving chaff out the bay. We didn't feel that we dared to close took up our customary position in the porthole, faster now. I can't help grinning the bomb bay doors for fear that doing so 10 might cause a spark that would ignite the then flip to her left and dive to the ground. was shortly before the Battle of the Bulge gas fumes and blow us out of the sky. She disappeared behind a high wooded hill was due to break out and we had made it Edwards was awarded the Distinguished with a thunderous crash and explosion. A into Allied occupied territory by a distance Flying Cross for his heroic actions per- black column of smoke boiled up from the of about a mile. formed in the face of deadly peril. spot where she hit. The American sergeants, from an ord- While this was happening, the rest of us I saw no parachutes come out. Who got nance company camped nearby, took me to were busy jettisoning whatever heavy items out and who didn't? their camp and into their care. I was we could sacrifice in an effort to lighten the I grabbed the metal ring of my delighted to find they also had picked up load to help keep the plane in the air. We parachute, gave it a yank and threw it from Johnnie Miller and Len Lonigan. But no opened emergency hatches to be prepared me in the same motion. I watched it spiral one had information about any other for bail-out and to ventilate the plane as away and thought, "Darn, I should have members of our crew and we were deeply much as possible. We disconnected elec- hung onto that for a souvenir." concerned about and worried about them. trically heated flying suits, most of the in- My chute popped open with a sound like A couple days later, the American terphone connections, and whatever other bursting a paper bag blown full of air. It soldiers drove us in an open-top "scout non-essential electrical equipment we stopped me with a jolt that racked my car" to Brussels from where a C47 troop could. Again, we were trying to minimize whole body. "Pulled too quick," I plane flew us back to our base at Old the possibility of an electric spark that thought. "Should have waited until I Buckenham. would surely set the gas vapors aflame. slowed." My body was still traveling at the Three days after we had gone down, we We had been losing altitude steadily and same speed as the plane, about 165 miles an walked into our hut at our air base to the suddenly broke out of the clouds at an hour. The human body will slow to about surprise and delight of the other crew with altitude of about 1,000 feet. I looked out 125 mph, then continue to fall at about that whom we shared the hut. We found them my left waist window at the ground so close rate of speed. But at the same instant I busily packing our personal belongings to below and saw several heavy vehicles, tanks knew I had done the right thing. At only send home. They had seen us go down into and armored trucks, parked in a wooded 900 feet there's very little time to delay the clouds and thought we were lost. Some area and covered with camouflage netting. opening your chute or you'll hit the ground 10 missions later, that crew went down with Just then, four bursts of flak exploded before it can open. no survivors. We had the sad duty of send- directly in front of me at a distance of The chute blossomed above me (a ing their personal belongings home. about a hundred yards. Whoever was down beautiful sight at that moment), turned me Remarkably, all 11 members of our crew there with those vehicles was shooting at us. around and started drifting me forward and of that fateful mission to Cologne survived I punched my interphone button (mine was down toward the ground. Below and ahead with no major injuries. Just a few scrapes, the one we kept operative in the waist com- I saw a man dangling from an open chute. I bruises and sprains. We were given seven partment of the plane). "Waist to pilot," I could recognize the tall, slim figure of days rest leave to get ourselves back said. "Flak at nine o'clock level." Rosenberg, our German radio monitor. He together, then back to flying again. I com- "Roger," Lofton acknowledged and was waving his arms frantically and yelling, pleted my full tour of 35 missions as did hauled back on the control column. He "Help! Help!" at the top of his voice. I most of the other members of our crew. managed to coax the struggling ship back thought, "Shut up, you dummy, you'll Sadly, we lost our pilot, Bill Lofton. He into the clouds and out of sight of the have every German in the country coming suffered an unfortunate accident on our air gunners below. in on us." He drifted on, disappearing base when he fell and fractured both But there was more to come. A few behind some trees, and I never saw him forearms. Of course, he was unable to fly minutes later we again settled out of the again, although I later learned that he had for several weeks and during that time we clouds and immediately I saw a string of landed safely. finished our missions with other pilots. fiery tracer shells zip under the left wing Now the ground was coming up fast. An Later, Lofton was killed when his plane and the two engines on that side. "Waist to open meadow on a sloping hillside. No trees crashed during a training flight at the air pilot, tracers flying under numbers one and to slam into or hang up in. In an instant, I base. two engines." hit. Hard. I pitched forward and rolled over So, what was it like to get shot down and "Roger, waist," said Bill again and again and over I don't know how many times. I have to bail out? he managed to pull the plane back into the came to rest flat on my back just like I'd Well, it was exciting. cloud cover. been when I pulled the ripcord to open the Once again we broke below the clouds at chute. an altitude of only about 900 feet. The I got my breath back, sat up and took plane was lumbering in the air. Engines stock. Everything seemed to be OK, except were faltering, cutting in and out intermit- for a pretty severe pain in my neck. Later, NOTICE tently. Gallant "Lucky Penny II" had x-rays showed no broken bones; it was just come to the end of her career. a bad sprain that left me with a sore neck From the Editor My earphones crackled, "Pilot to crew - for a few days. Undoubtedly most of you are aware of bail out! bail out! bail out!" surrounded All at once, I realized I was the fact that the Journal is issued on a I whirled from my place at the window by a dozen people in civilian clothes. Who seasonal basis instead of quarterly. In fact, and shouted to the others in my compart- were they and how did they get here so fast? it has been this way for quite some time, ment. "Bail out! Lofton says bail out!" We They were jabbering at me in a language I but some still think of the already had our parachutes snapped in didn't understand. But then I recognized Journal as being due on the first day place on the chest clamps of our harnesses some words, "Boche? American?" as they of the month on which it is ready to go, and out we went. pointed at me. And, "Belgique, Belgique," due. Confusing? There's more. When my turn came, I crouched at the as they pointed at themselves. Publishing on a seasonal basis (Spring, edge of the two-foot square escape hatch in I tapped my chest. "American," I said. Summer, Fall and Winter) simply means the floor of the compartment. I saw a man "Oh, American, American, bon, that the editor is saved from entering the go past the hatch opening, arms and legs American," they echoed, a mixture of relief nearest mental institution when delays pumping as if swimming in the air. Some- and gladness in their voices. occur. There is more. one from one of the forward sections of the With that, these fine folks began check- Our arch enemy, the Postal Service, plane, I couldn't tell who. He disappeared ing me for injuries, then helped me to my works day and night to see to it that the from view to the rear of the plane. feet, got me untangled from the parachute service we get in the delivery of the Journal I somersaulted out the escape hatch like shroud lines, and proffered cigarettes. is anything but good. In actual fact it is rolling into the water from the edge of a At that point, two American sergeants in pretty lousy. So getting these few extra days swimming pool. The windstream caught me a jeep came rolling onto the scene. Where in the month the Journal is due takes some and turned me over and around so that I did they come from and how did they get of the pressure off Evelyn and myself. was lying stretched out on my back as if here so fast? I appreciate your indulgence. lying in bed. I watched "Lucky Penny II" It turned out we had come down near the — Bill Robertie fly away from me, rear her nose in the air, little town of Malmedy in Belgium. This II The 445th Reporting by Chuck Walker The 2nd ADA Southern California Eighth us all pause to reflect. We are really for- Annual Dinner, held on the 25th of tunate to be here, aren't we! February, was a howling success to which The 8th Air Force Historical Society's some 250 attendees will attest. Few of us Jan. 1989 "8th AF News" devotes some 14 have ever been privileged to see such an array of their 25 page issue to the Kassel raid with of WWII memorabilia as was provided by interviews and articles by 445th crew Mark Hoage, his wife, and Dik Shepard. It members as well as American and German was indeed an impressive exhibit. Again, the fighter pilots. It's an engrossing story, well 445th led all Groups in the number of documented and contains considerable attendees. Of the 35 members and guests detail. I do not know the availability of the representing the 445th, the following were "8th AF News" Volume 15, No. 1, but you the most distant travelers: Al & Dorothy can write to Box 3556, Hollywood, FL 33083 Querbach and their son Ed from Kansas; and get first-hand information from John Web & Helen Uebelhoer from Arizona; Woolnough, Managing Editor. Believe me, Roger & Melba Ward from Hemet; Roy & it will be worth your time. Jean Leavitt, Art & Peggy McDermott, Ed & I asked Hank Orzechowski for ideas for a Mary Wanner, Bob & Pat Mead, all from Journal article and this is what I got from the San Fernando Valley. Terry & Mattie him. "Do you recall the bath tubs in Sather came up from La Mesa and Bob individual rooms that were part of the Russell from Chula Vista. Let's all do it shower building on our base?" (Sorry, again next year! The only disappointment Hank, I don't). "The people not flying was that Dave Patterson came down with the usually used up all the hot water by the time Chuck Walker & Al flu, which prevented him and Joan from we got back from a mission, however, once Querbach at So. Cal. being with us. and only once that I remember, I found 2nd ADA Dinner, El Toro Marine Air Base Officers Club, Feb. 25, 1989 enough hot water to fill a tub. As I soaked my weary 130 lbs. someone could have paraded Brigitte Bardot in front of me - without her towel - and I wouldn't have moved out of that hot tub! Something would have moved but not all of me!" Now, Hank, I appreciate your contribution, but I do believe Brigitte would have been much too young for you in those days. I thank Frank Mangan of Brooksville, FL for sending me this picture of the Sergeants Club at Tibenham. Frank says he and George Snook took over the club in the fall of 1944 and painted, decorated and built the bar. They had a stage, slot machines, enter- tainment and dances. No one went back to their mission hut unhappy. I'll bet not if the bar stayed open! Looking forward to seeing many of you in Committee for So. Cal. 2nd ADA Dinner, Feb. 25, 1989: (1-r): Harr) Orthman, Dick Hilton Head! Boucher, Fred Thomas, Charlie McBride. The committee also included Chuck Walker (not in picture). The Air & Space (Smithsonian) April/May 1989 issue contains a story called "Chariots of Fire" by Jay Stuller, featuring the exploits of Vincent Mazza as the first man to test an d'A Tail ejection seat from a jet aircraft in May 1949. Vince flew 30 missions with the 445th and as I recall, some of them were as hairy as his parachute jumps with the experimental seat. Much of the equipment used by the military today can trace its beginnings to the work of Vince. Get the article and read it. The 8th AF Museum's 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office at Barksdale AFB, LA (Shreveport) advises that the museum's rare B-24J should be on display by late March. The museum curator, H.D. Riggs, says, "We invite all who worked on or flew B-24s to stop by and visit this rare war horse and reminisce. Bring the grand-kids, they will love it." You might consider stopping by on your way to or from our Hilton Head reunion. Web Uebelhoer gave me a copy of the mis- sion plan for the infamous Kassel raid on 27 Sept. '44. Web was deputy lead for the 445th on that fateful day, an experience that makes Sergeants Club at Tibenham 12 Bunchered Buddies of Old Buck by Milt Stokes (453rd) It is still dark outside - it's cold, too, checks to The Collings Foundation, River some old Buddies again. The years drop 30°F. It will warm up soon. The sun makes Hill Farm, Stow, MA 01775. Your donation away; you are repairing and flying the "Big" all things better and warmer. I awoke at 3:00 is tax deductible, so please be generous. ones again. I'm always amazed at how accu- a.m. I lay awake until almost 4:00 a.m., just Bob Collings had hoped to have this B-24 rate most of your memories are once you get thinking of writing "Bunchered Buddies." ready for the Fort Worth and San Diego talking about WWII. The years fall away; There is planned organization to my piece, exhibits this year. I frankly don't think they you are real young again; those were the but one would never know it by casual can do it. Too much work is yet to be done "Glory Years," you wouldn't want to re-live reading of same. and much more money from all of us will be them again for six million dollars, and you By the calendar it is spring on the 11th of required. So get your check in today. can't forget them. So, you must attend the April. Green grass is coming up and soon "Count your blessings, name them one by reunion. Please look me up, I would like to must be mowed. The cattle love it. Our first one;" do you know that hymn? Well, we do shake your hand again. The next really "Big calf of the year was born yesterday. I noticed and sing it often. We try to take its message One" is the 2ADA's at Hilton Head, South it up on the hill across from our home. I to heart because too many of us skip through Carolina. Evelyn Cohen tells me we will fill made a mental note to take the tags and life and don't know that there are many the hotels to overflowing, but come anyway applicator to put a marker in the calf's ear blessings we have and never think about - please get your reservation in at once. later. Well, I didn't get around to this work them. Think about your eyes. What wonder- Otherwise you could be sleeping under the until 3:30 p.m. By that time, the calf was up ful organs they are. We all dread the thought stars on the shore. and running. The Angus mother didn't want of anything happening to them. Well, it hap- Now some quick notes - we got a letter me near her calf and protested with a loud pened to us last week. Lucille awakened on from Bob Jordan in Florida. He was at the bawl. That bawl brought the rest of the herd Thursday morning having trouble seeing reception for the B-24 in Kissimmee. I was running to the defense of the calf. Now I with her left eye. The vision was blurred and amazed to see people from the 15th AF, the really had trouble. The calf was finally incomplete. She had a good idea of what was ATC and the 12th AF at the mini-reunion in quieted down, tagged and released. wrong. She was educated as a nurse and still Florida. They suffered and experienced the Last year when I should have been at our thinks like one. We phoned our eye doctor same aches and pains we had in England. 2ADA reunion in Colorado Springs, I lay in and got an appointment at once. That was Below is a list of some of the people who the hospital with a broken back. At that time last Thursday, April 6. On Friday, she was attended the mini-reunion in our hotel: I vowed to give up on raising cattle, cutting, operated on for a detached retina. That is Harry & Katherine Rawls (492nd), Russell baling hay, repairing fences and a lot of the sensory membrane that lines the eye, Harriman (453rd), Bill & Wanda Blocker other foolish things we all do without much receives the image and is the immediate (460th), Richard & Cora Brown (453rd), Bob thought of the price we pay to our health instrument that permits us to see. & Betty Jordan (453rd), Clem & Nancy and well-being. But my son Kenton and son- The operation was a success. Lucille is Cogain (ATC), Hoyt & Kay Childress in-law Ken Brubaker had the cows bred and home now with bandages on both eyes. She (466th), Wes & June Bartelt (453rd), Jim & carried on as per schedule. Now we have is doing very well, despite the impatience to Anastasia Halligan (453rd), Jake & Helen renewed the cycle. This year they must do get the patches off. As an aside I must tell Mink (492nd), Betty & Charley Huntoon more of the heavy work. (I hope they read you of the humor seen even in events like (453rd), Hubert & Louisa Cripe (453rd), this.) this, by our daughter Rhonda. Before going Willard & Betty Riggs (453rd), Bill & Last night I had a late call from Bill up to the O.R. Rhonda pasted a sign on Dorothea Eagleson (453rd), John & Joan Eagleson in Florida. He called to tell me that Lucille's forehead above the eye and Hulser (15th, 451st), William & Joan Kinay the 453rd would be honored by having our instructed the surgeon, "This One!" Now (453rd), Don & Mimi Olds(453rd), Dennis & tail markings on the B-24 that is being rebuilt we must wait and pray for complete healing. June McElhenny (453rd), and Lyman & in Kissimmee, Florida. The reason we were George Rumblat and Wilbur Stites have Geneva Crumrine (453rd). honored was that our guys have given the written and told me of their plans for a John Hildebran wrote. He was last seen by most money to the restoration of the B-24. I September Midwest Mini-Reunion in us at the San Antonio Reunion. Keep in don't know all who gave of their time and Michigan. Hope you all can attend. I have touch, John. Ties with men like you keep money to this project; however, I do know planned to go but my locomotion is still this 2ADA afloat. They encourage men like that Bill Eagleson and Russ Harriman rate impaired. I never knew Wilbur Stites me to keep writing and trying to keep all of very high on that list. They both deserve our overseas but I did know George very well. you men informed. thanks and respect. George Rumblat was in the original Cadre Vernon Butka writes of visiting the 390th Maybe you were in Stow, Massachusetts and when he finished his missions, Col. Memorial Museum in Tucson, Arizona and in January of 1988 for the kick-off reception Thomas kept him on as group Bombardier. learning of our Association. He was a B-24 of this B-24 project. Bill Eagleson greeted us Both George and Wilbur showed us the large pilot in the 453rd. I sent him a membership outside of the hanger in cold, blustery capacity they have to take on the planning application and some past Journals, as he weather. He was cold, his face was red, and and execution of a big reunion as this one. just joined up. The Journal is still the best he was shaking. He had just recently gotten So the rest of us must take time to thank selling tool we have to bring old Buddies out of the hospital and he shouldn't have them and their committee. back into the ranks. been there - but his devotion to the B-24 and There was a reunion in Southern Califor- Some of us receive communications from its rebuilding was such that he just had to be nia, too. It was well-attended at the El Toro the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, for on hand to welcome us. At this time, Mr. Marine Base. I heard from Willie Wilson and which I am very thankful. The latest is from and Mrs. Collings were trying to assure us Dan Reading on that occasion. Thank you Dr. Eric Hawkinson, Vallejo, California. It that that wreck of a B-24, owned by them, both for keeping me advised. Again, I would is a long, interesting story of his stay and could be rebuilt to fly again. In Kissimmee in like to have attended, but could not. It is the experience in a Vet Hospital after the war. It February of this year it looks like they knew enthusiasm generated at these "mini" reu- is eight pages long and I would be glad to what they were saying. The B-24 will indeed nions that fuels the engines to keep the entire send you a copy if you wish. fly again, but much money and tremendous 2ADA going. You who could but don't at- I bid you all a glorious summer. Keep your effort will be required to carry it to fruition. tend miss a great deal of fun. One can re-live cards and letters coming, and don't forget Please do your part now and send your the past for a few hours, eat well, and meet your Hilton Head reservations. 13 2nd ADA Executive Committee Beware of by Fred Meyer Booby-Trapped The Executive Committee of the 2nd Air The duties and responsibilities of the Division Association met recently at the operation of the Association rest heavily on Toilets!!! Hyatt-Regency in Hilton Head, South the conscience of the Executive Committee by Herb Lambert (453rd) Carolina. This was their semi-annual and the special assignment people. Vital ser- As elsewhere in East Anglia, there was ice meeting. It is at these meetings that the vices are provided to the organization by and frost at Old Buck. I had finished my 30 work of the Association is accomplished. the members directly responsible for trips late in November and was working in Under the direction of the President and administrative services, long range analysis Operations, prior to being transferred to the Executive Vice President, the officers of and planning, data processing, audio 2AD Hqtrs from the 732nd Squadron, the Association review the needs of the visual, assistant to the representative to the 453rd Bomb Group. There was ice and frost Groups and determine what is the best Board of Governors, Memorial Trust and on the ground ... and there was ice in the course of action to expedite these needs. public relations. These services are provided "ablutions." More specifically, there was Three Group Vice Presidents serve on the on a volunteer basis. ice in the elevated water tank of the par- Executive Committee. Groups serve on a ticular 732nd toilet I was visiting. But I rotating basis, each for a term of one year. didn't know that. The committee also concerns itself with As I stood completing my reason for the the relationship between the Board of early morning visit, I yanked the pull chain. Governors, the Memorial Trust and the 2nd In a fraction of a second I literally saw stars Air Division Memorial Room at the Nor- and fireworks in my eyes and brain. I'd wich Central Library. During this past year, been hit! And I had to brace myself with my it has devoted much time to the American hands on the sides of the stall to keep from Librarian Fund. falling and blacking out. The financial health and welfare of the As I recovered, and could move and Association is another of the matters that think, I looked to see what had happened. presents itself at these semi-annual There, on the floor, was the pull chain and meetings. Plans for future reunions and attached to it was half the iron lever worked conventions, guided by the site selection by the chain. It evidently had been cracked group, always falls on the shoulders of our (l-r): John Conrad, 392nd Group VP; nearly through and was frozen in the tank's Vice President, Membership, Evelyn Elwood Nothstein, 466th Group VP; Jeff water. When I yanked, the half-piece came Cohen. Gregory, 467th Group VP. flying out of the ice and cracked me across the nose, nearly knocking me out. Later, at the base hospital, the doctor in- formed me that my nose was broken and there was nothing to do but let it mend. Fortunately there was no displacement nor any protruding bone. It healed. But I still have a scar. What an embarrassing "wound" - the only one sustained in a tour that began with Munich and ended with Hamburg. 4 A bit of irony and a bit of iron.

Change of Address (l-r): Francis DiMola, Executive Vice President; Carl Alexanderson, Past President; Evelyn When you move please send your change of Cohen, VP Membership; Jordan Uttal, 2nd Air Division Representative, Board of Gover- address to: nors, Memorial Trust; C.N.(Bud) Chamberlain, President; Dean Moyer, Treasurer; Dave Evelyn Cohen Patterson, Secretary; James Reeves, Past President. Not in photo: William Robertie, VP 06-410 Delaire Ldg. Rd. Journal; and E.(Bud) Koorndyk, Past President. Philadelphia, PA 19114 on the form below as soon as possible. To send the change to anyone else (Bill Rober- tie or Group VP) simply delays the change appearing on our records. This could mean that the next issue of the Journal will go to your old address and could be lost in the great jaws of the Post Office. CHANGE OF ADDRESS

name

address

city, state, zip

(l-r): Frederick A. Meyer, public relations; Andrew S. Low, long range analysis and plan- group ning; Hathy Vey nar, assistant representative to the Board of Governors, Memorial Trust: E.A. Rokicki, data processing services; H.C. (Pete) Henry, audio-visual services. 14 Missives from the 492nd by Bill Clarey Bill and Norma Beasley, of by Jeff Gregory Denver, Colorado, spent two weeks visiting England and Ireland this year. They visited the RAF museum at Hindon (Colindale) and took the picture of the 8th Air Howdy from Texas. Force memorial there. It looks very impressive. I wish to thank Bill I've just returned from an Executive Committee Meeting held at for his efforts. our convention headquarters, the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Hilton As of this writing, I have seven 859th Squadron shoulder patches Head Island, South Carolina. I must tell you I was very pleased left. These are the ones that Charlie Barrett had made for us with the hotel, grounds, beaches, hotel personnel and the overall recently. If anyone is interested, please send me $7.00 and I'll mail location. It was my first visit to Hilton Head and it is a beautiful you one. place for a convention. It is also expensive, so if you are on a budget, be careful. For example, the lowest green fees I heard of started at $55.00. There are 300 restaurants competing for your business; some are very expensive. The Hyatt is comfortable, and rooms are spacious. The hotel food is good, and not out of line. Each room is equipped with a safe for valuables, but remember, if you activate the safe it costs $3.00 per day. Likewise, each room is equipped with a fully stocked refrigerator, but watch it, it's expen- sive to use. All in all, I think you'll be very happy with the choice of Hilton Head for your 1989 2nd ADA reunion. There are three hotels involved and we are now filling the third. I have not seen the other two, but I'm told they both meet high standards. Of course, bus service will be provided for your convenience. 467th participation this year will be approximately 85 souls. If you find you can attend this year, I urge you to contact Evelyn. I'm sure she will do all she can for you, even at this late date. The meeting itself moved smoothly. The committee was pleased to hear a presentation by our own Joe Dzenowagis, who outlined his progress and plans for the future of this vital taping project. As you have read in this column before, this project is becoming not only an important part of 467th history, but also the 2nd ADA itself. The committee was enthusiastic in its support of Joe's efforts. This was my first attendance at an Executive Committee Meeting. I can tell you now from personal experience that the people who serve on the committee do, in fact, serve. They work hard and always for the good of the 2nd ADA and its members. They come to the meetings prepared, and everyone who wants a say, has a say. Your Association is in competent hands, but keep in mind that the 2nd ADA needs your input. Your voice will be heard if you raise it. I have one more meeting during my tenure, which will take place in November. If you have any gripes, suggestions, Hopefully, by now, you have received the notice about the 50th complaints, or any subject you wish to have raised: I will raise it. Anniversary Celebration of the First Flight of the B-24 Liberator at So, please get active! You are needed! San Diego, California, September 20-24, 1989. The Liberator Club is I will leave it to our President, Bud Chamberlain, to report in actively involved with the celebration. Contact them at the Coor- more detail on our meeting, but I will report to you that our dinating Committee, B-24 Celebration, 3940 Hancock St., Suite Norwich Convention in 1990 is on track. The 467th will have 80-90 112, San Diego, CA 92110. We're looking forward to having a people there. Evelyn says, with some passion, this is the last one. great time in Fort Worth, Texas in May. More on this next time. Definitely! Somehow, I tend to believe her. She is determined to We journeyed to North Island Naval Air Station last Saturday accommodate all who wish to attend. So if you've never returned, night for a dinner with Lt. Col. George Epperson (USAF Ret.) of why not treat yourself to a wonderful experience. We will be the General Curtis E. LeMay chapter of the 8th AFHS. It was good in Colorado housed in the Maidshead. It seems my original request to see Col. Albert J. Shower, Jack Stevens and George Russell, to Springs for the Maidshead was reinforced by a direct order from Al name a few. Commander Roach, LSO on a carrier, gave a very Shower. At-a-boy Al. Incidently, Al tells me his son will accom- interesting talk and show about how to land and not to land on an pany him to Hilton Head - Great! aircraft carrier with jet fighters. After watching it, I think that I'll By the time you read this, we will have met in convention in Fort stick to B-24s on the terra firma. Worth, Texas. Hopefully, your Board will have made several deci- I wish to Thank Charles Bastien, sions affecting the Group and its projects. I hope you enjoyed your class 43K, for the pictures and letter regarding one of visit to Texas. And a word for you Yankees - I hope you have the conventions. These are always availed yourself of this opportunity to take a deep breath of Texas appreciated. air. It's guaranteed to clear your lungs, and add years to your life. Hopefully, we will have a good turnout at Hilton Head this year. 15 Friends of the 2nd Air American Librarian Fund Division Memorial Since the last tabulation in the Spring issue, we have received I am very pleased to tell you that the through 13 April 1989 an additional 78 Friends of the 2nd Air Division Memorial checks and pledges, has been well and truly launched. Following increasing our total by over $15,000.00. Our thanks to those is a brief handout of the Friends for who have extended this support. In order to reach our information. — Geoffrey Goreham Friends of the 2nd Air Division Memorial $500,000.00 total, we need $5,500.00 per week from now until is a volunteer group formed to act in sup- 1 July 1990. Please do your part to guarantee the high level of port of the Governors of the Second Air Division Memorial Room, Norwich Central excellence of our unique 2nd Air Division Memorial. Library, Bethel Street, Norwich. The HOW WE STAND AS OF Memorial Room is a "living memorial" to How about sending this in at once? the young American men and women who 13 APRIL 1989 served on airfields throughout East Anglia PLEDGE COMMITMENT $500 during WWII. The Second Air Division flew from many •I pledge $1,000 airfields close to Norwich. Survivors of those "dark days" of WWII will remember •I pledge $500 the large formations of 8-24 Liberators droning across the East Anglian coastline to •I pledge $ attack targets in Nazi occupied Europe. Many local people recall the. horror of •To be given at once $400 257 checks and Liberators limping back, engines on fire, 53 pledges controls shot away, crews injured, often have dead. •To be given over a two been received. The "Friends" does not seek to promote year period* war; it does, however, seek to remember the great contribution made by the Second Air Division. Veterans of this period some 44 Please make all checks payable to: years ago are of an age averaging some 68 $300 years, and they remember with great affec- 2nd Air Division Association tion the warmth of the British people, especially during such austere times of war- time. Many friendships were forged then; Mail To: they still endure to this day. It is the proud Jordan R. Uttal hope of the "Friends of the Second Air Division Memorial" that they extend these 7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt. 101 friendships across the generations, so as to Dallas, Texas 75230 $200 perpetuate the Anglo-American links of yesteryear. In 1990, possibly for the last time en S153,406.00 masse, the Second Air Division returns to Name (Please Print) $150 our shores. Then, over 1,000 of them will be in Norwich once again. They will want to know "where they can buy English fish and chips and what became of the pub where Address $100 they drank 'warm' British beer?" Perhaps one last chance to trace a lost friend ... others will wish to visit, some for the first City State -Zip time since WWII, their old airfields, to recall in silent tribute lost buddies who didn't make it back. These fine people, veterans of fearful conflicts so necessary at Signature the time, have not only a special place in history, but a very special place in the hearts of the local people. To this end: Date Group Total The men and women of the Second Air Number Number Checks Division are returning to pay their tribute to 'Hopefully by 7/1/90 so that we can complete of of and the local people of East Anglia. It is their this mission at the next Norwich Convention!!! Unit Checks Pledges Pledges declared aim and wish to meet with the 453rd 31 2 33 British people, for whom they have great 467th 28 5 33 affection and admiration. To join, send fee to: Mr. John Harvey, 445th 24 6 30 The Friends of the Second Air Division Membership Secretary, FRIENDS OF THE HDQ 25 4 29 Memorial have an important part to play in SECOND AIR DIVISION MEMORIAL, 458th 20 5 25 the success of this forthcoming visit. It is c/o 'Law-so-Nil', Postwick Road, 389th 19 5 24 envisaged that schools, clubs, institutes and Postwick, Norwich. Tele: Norwich 33529. recreational centres all may wish to host Annual subscription: Adult (over 18): 489th 18 3 21 American visitors during their 1990 Con- £3.00; Junior (under 18): £1.00; Family 93rd 11 8 19 vention here in Norwich. There are many Membership: £5.00. 448th 17 1 18 ways, large and small, ways by which we All Friends of the Second Air Division 466th 15 2 17 can all ensure the goodwill of this visit. Memorial are unpaid volunteers. Any pro- 392nd 12 3 15 Join us as a Friend now, that we might ceeds resulting from their efforts will be 491st 12 3 15 continue to work towards an even greater used in promoting the work of the Second 44th 12 3 15 bond of friendship between our two great Air Division Memorial Room, Norwich 446th 6 1 7 nations. What greater tribute then, could Central Library, Bethel Street, Norwich. 492nd 5 2 we pay them, or ourselves, than that we All donations and subscriptions will be should ensure that their "living memorial" acknowledged. To assist, a S.A.E. would In addition, we have had one Red Cross and one lives on forever. be appreciated. Board of Governors check. 16 Notes From The 448th Speaks The 389th by Leroy Engdahl by Lloyd E. West out of the 2ADA MEMORIAL: To all members of By the time you read this article, the voice coming from a cassette the 389th BG who received the Spring issue celebration of the 50th Anniversary of our plane by Gen. Leon Johnson describing a of the Journal and hopefully read the arti- world famous B-24 Liberator at Ft. Worth, raid was being listened to by a couple cle "An Open Letter to All Members" by J. Texas will have been past history. At this WWII veterans with intense interest. Fred Thomas of the 392nd. In said article writing, things point to a big turnout, Needless to say, this alone made my day. he asks all VPs for their support of the especially from those groups from the 2nd The visit to Pima Air Museum and American Librarian Fund. So to comply Air Division who are participating. Davis/Montham AFB will be the highlight with the request, I am asking as your VP I want to express my thanks to those of our visit to Tucson. The reunion will be that you again read the article on page 7 of groups from the 2nd Air Division who felt held April 5th, 9th and well ahead of the the Spring issue and that you consider sup- strongly enough to formally participate June trip back to England for the 2nd A.D. porting this very worthwhile Memorial. It even though the 2nd A.D. as a unit did not reunion. has my full support. I realize that for some choose to do so. I also want to thank my In the Fall issue of the 2nd A.D. Journal, this is not possible, but participate in any fellow Group vice presidents who have page 15 showed a listing of our 2nd A.D. amount with a lump sum or a donation over mentioned this celebration in their respec- Groups' membership as of June 14, 1988. I three years. Help us to remember our fallen tive Group articles. To my knowledge, am pleased to announce that the 448th, comrades. Elsewhere in this issue you'll twenty-three Groups from the 8th A.F. and with your most appreciated help, has since find a pledge commitment that you can fill of those, fourteen of the 2nd Air Division out and send to Jordan Uttal. gained over one hundred new members. On will be participating. behalf of our older members, we extend to MEMBERSHIP: It is the item that is the I thought the picture and article by Bob these new members a most hearty welcome Number 1 concern of your VP and his assis- McGuire of the International Liberator and invite you to take part in our Group tant. Much time and expense goes into con- Club of San Diego was excellent and the tacting prospective and 2nd A.D. reunions and activities. the members. This reports and pictures by Art Cullen of the requires names and addresses, so you as At our Group reunions, we have 44th BG on the restoration progress of the members of the 389th BG can be of great established a practice of handing out an up- B-24 by the Collings Foundation have been assistance to us in securing the two items dated roster to all of our veterans attend- most informative and interesting. mentioned above. Yes, we have a listing of ing. By looking through the roster, not only all who served in the 389th during WWII, It is hoped that final restoration, which is can you tell who belongs, but also one may but the addresses are not current enough to taking place at Kissimmee, Florida (near be corresponding with a 448th veteran who be of any value, and time does not permit Orlando) will be completed in time for its does not belong. By passing this informa- your VP and assistant to secure all of these appearance at Ft. Worth. There was recent- tion along to the Group VP, he can then addresses. We thank those of you who have ly an open house, and several 2nd A.D. follow through and try to get him to join sent us a note with one or more names in it. members were there for a personal on-site our Association. Remember, without your your help is greatly appreciated. inspection of the progress being made. help, we could never have grown one hun- NEWSLETTER: By the time you read this I know many feel as I do that it is a real dred in less than a year, and with your help, article, you will have received the third copy shame that more of each series of WWII we can continue to grow. Let's see just how of the 389th newsletter. I speak for Gene aircraft were not saved for future genera- many more we can get into our membership Hartley and Frank Vadas when I say tions to see, both static and in-flight condi- before 1990. Thanks! "thank you" for the support and en- tions. So it's vitally important, for history's Remember please, if you hear of any of couragement you have given in this project. sake and especially to those of us who ser- our 448th comrades passing on, please In the not-too-distant future, video tapes viced them under the most adverse condi- notify Evelyn Cohen at 06410 Delaire Land- with narration of the history of the 389th tions and to those of us who flew them over ing, Philadelphia, PA 19114 or myself so during WWII will be available for sale. the "unfriendly" skies, to help where we we can put this in the Journal so his friends These are being produced by Dick Peter- can to see this vital project come to a suc- will know and we can pay our respects son, who is acting as historian for the cessful conclusion. The Collings Founda- under the "Folded Wings" section. Thank Group. Watch the newsletter for the sale of tion's address is River Hill Farm, Stow, MA you. these tapes. Send your letters and items of 01775. More money is needed to complete interest for members of the 389th to Gene this important project and your contribu- I know many of you feel as I do when we Barbara, Hartley, 4995 Cervato Way, Santa tions of whatever amount are vitally needed see these WWII documentaries of the heavy CA 93111. and are tax deductible. bombers. We often feel slighted that most FINANCES: It seems that wherever you In February, I flew to Tucson, Arizona of the showings feature the B-17 and we in go, the word you hear is money, so to inspect five hotels chosen from a list maybe, just maybe, a brief glimpse of our the are no in the 389th 389th different. We competing for the sixth consecutive group B-24. There are several flyable B-17s re- solicit your monetary assistance, but first reunion of the 448th Bomb Group Associa- maining but not so with our Liberator; and foremost, do consider supporting the tion. I was met at the airport by Stephen therefore it is most important that we see American Librarian Fund and help the this great opportunity to get this one at 2ADA make the Memorial a reality. Our Fuentes, National Sales Manager of the Kissimmee, Florida in the air so the people financial statement is published quarterly in Tucson Convention & Visitor's Bureau with of newer generations can see that great bird each of our newsletters. Send your dona- whom I had been working for several that served our country so well. tions to the Group to Frank C. Vadas (ad- months. He took me to each of these hotels dress below), and to Jordan Uttal (address as well as a brief tour of downtown and to Remember, if you want an attractive elsewhere in this issue). Many thanks! Davis/Montham AFB and the Pima Air B-24 (448th BG) cap, write Ben Johnson at 3990 15th St., Port Arthur, ADDRESSES: 389th VP - Lloyd E. West, Museum where I met the Deputy Director TX 77642. The price is $6.00 Box 256, Rush Center, KS 67575; Tel. for Operations who showed me around the and includes packaging and 913-372-4484. Assistant VP - Frank Vadas, headquarters building and just outsjde the postage. Also, I still have a good stock of 1026 South 9th St., Allentown, PA 18103; building and to the right, what do you think items mentioned on page 4 of the Spring Newsletter - Gene Hartley, 4995 Cervato I saw? A B-24J painted in olive drab and 1989 Journal. Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93111; Tel. although it doesn't fly, it looks great. I gave Thanks for reading; good health to you 805-964-7275. it a snappy salute. Very timely, I thought a all and may God bless you. 17 Liberators of the 8th Air Force by Paul G. Tardiff Reprinted with the kind permission of the "Yankee Wings"

INTRODUCTION and fire were too restricted for this arrange- November 1943 and May 1944 had B-24H The exploits of the 8th Air Force in ment to be effective. When the 44th BG ar- models manufactured by Ford, Douglas WWII have been written about extensively, rived, their B-24Ds had a modified ventral and Consolidated. and when aviation enthusiasts think of the gun position incorporating a .50 cal. gun In addition to the armament changes, the 8th AF, they usually think of the B-17 Fly- and scanning window for the gunner. most notable improvements introduced in ing Fortress. However, it should be However, this modification plus extra am- the "H" series included the electrically recognized that the B-24 Liberator con- mo caused pronounced tail heaviness. operated turbo-supercharger regulators and tributed considerably to the success of the Boilerplates were added to the nose section enclosed waist windows. The last B-24H 8th AF operations. And like all new to protect the occupants and act as a from Ford reached the 8th AF in June 1944. airplanes, the B-24 had its share of "bugs" counter balance. In addition, a two gun in- Many "H" models lasted until the end of when it became operational. stallation was located in the nose. the war with extensive operational records. The B-24, designed several years after the Forty-six items of modifications had to B-24.1 B-17, did not in fact notably improve on the be completed by the depots before delivery Basically similar to the "H" model, the older bomber's performance. In respect to to the combat groups. Also included in this B-24J could be distinguished by the dif- engine-out performance and general stabili- list of modifications was the beefing up of ferent type of nose turret. This new turret, ty and control it was inferior, being quite a the bomb-hoist beam and support brackets, designed by Consolidated, was hydraulical- handful for the average pilot. Yet it was which buckled under the weight of 2,000 lb. ly operated, and was not as responsive as built in bigger numbers than any other U.S. bombs. the electrically operated Emerson turret. aircraft in history. There were also troubling operational The first "J" model to reach the 8th AF Compared to its contemporaries, the problems inherent in the B-24 design; poor was a replacement delivered in November B-24 had a curious layout, dictated by the high altitude performance being the most 1943, but it was not until May 1944 that a slender Davis wing placed above the bomb serious. At over 20,000 ft. altitude instabili- new group arrived with this model as bay compartment. The Davis wing was ty made it dangerous to fly in close forma- original equipment. aerodynamically very efficient in cruising, tion because of the risk of collision. In but proved to be less so when shot up in loose formation defensive fire could not be combat. massed against attacking fighters. Because Following are some of the problems en- of the handling difficulties, B-24Ds were countered, and some of the modifications usually flown at 20,000 to 23,000 ft. made to improve the effectiveness of the altitude, some three to five thousand feet Liberator models used in the 8th AF. below the B-17s optimum altitude. This B-24D also subjected the Liberators to greater The first B-24 model scheduled for mass danger from anti-aircraft fire, and tended production was the B-24D, and the first to make their detached force more inviting Liberator group to reach the 8th AF was the to German fighter attacks. The tendency to 93rd BG arriving in England during be tail heavy also caused difficulties at September 1942. The following month the higher altitude in trimming the airplane. 44th BG arrived. These two B-24 groups The problem was so prevalent that in train- were the only operational groups flying ing, the pilots were taught a procedure with the 8th AF until June 1943, when the whereby the aircraft was climbed above 389th BG arrived. Actually the B-24 did not desired flight level and then dove back to assume a major role in the 8th AF opera- the desired altitude to bring the nose down. tions until late autumn of 1943. Poor ditching qualities was another con- The last three bomber groups sent to the Armament weakness in the nose and bel- cern. The high wing configuration was not UK were equipped with the B-24J. Later ly were apparent. The original remote con- conducive to successful water landings, as models of the "J" featured thermal wing trol ventral turret installed in early produc- the fuselage took the initial impact. The de-icers directing hot air from the engines. tion B-24Ds proved impractical and had weak bomb-bay doors collapsed and the These replaced the familiar and been deleted from aircraft equipping the inrush of water tended to break the troublesome rubber boot de-icers. On the 93rd BG. There was a provision for a .50 fuselage, causing the front section to nose negative side, the thermal de-icers also cal. gun to be fired through the open rear under. Only the lucky few escaped from a made battle damage repair more difficult. fuselage underhatch, but the field of vision B-24 ditching. The Consolidated San Diego production B-24H line continued to turn out B-24Js, and there This model introduced the long-sought, were many detail variations. Due to pro- B-24H Emerson Turret nose-mounted power turret. It was an duction requirements, there was a reversion Emerson electrically powered twin-gun to the Emerson nose turret on some of the J design. This nose turret added weight to the production lines. The last "J" to reach the forward fuselage to help bring the CG back 8th AF arrived in late November 1944. in balance. In the process, this added a total of 2500 pounds, compounding the high B-24L altitude instability. This resulted in the By the summer of 1944, the output of B-24H model being more demanding of Liberators by Ford and Consolidated pilots than the original B-24D, particularly became sufficient to meet the needs of all in the lousy winter conditions of northwest US and Allied air forces, and the other two Europe. plants, namely North American and It's interesting to note that some of the Douglas, were put to producing other air- first B-24H delivered for combat were from craft types. the Ford Willow Run production line, ar- By late summer 1944, Ford and Con- riving in England in August of 1943. The solidated production went over to the next twelve groups arriving between (continued on page 19) 18 Liberators (continuedfrom page 18) 2ADA Southern California Members Return to El Toro by J. Fred Thomas (392nd) Two hundred and fifty 2ADA members, Walker, son of Chuck Walker, were given wives and guests returned to El Toro to those whose tickets were drawn. The pro- Marine Air Station on February 25 for the gram was concluded by a half hour of old Eighth Annual 2ADA So. Cal. Reunion time barbershop harmony by Rich Lewis Dinner. As always when our members and his "Top Drawer" quartet. gather, it was another enjoyable evening of As enjoyable as was all above, especially camaraderie and good cheer. It was reward- enjoyed and appreciated was a most im- ing to see so many of our loyal supporters pressive exhibition of WWII USAF memo- again; some have attended every reunion rabilia which has been amassed by Mark dinner beginning in 1982. On the other Hoage and Dik Shepherd, two younger men hand, we were pleased to welcome quite a of another generation whose aim in life number of first-timers. Several out-of-state seems to be collecting and saving for members attended. Past President Vince posterity every piece of USAF WWII LaRussa and his wife Gloria, from memorabilia possible. Displayed were Gib- Tonawanda, NY and Charles & Lolly son Girl radios, bombsights, Mae Wests, Booth, 458th BG, from Pennsylvania, weapons, all manner of uniforms, A2 come to mind. Among many others, we jackets, etc. Also, from the home front welcomed the ever popular Col. Al Shower, were gas and food rationing coupons and produc- B-24L in order to facilitate a joint CO,467th BG. Also, good friends and sup- other mementos which brought back mem- "L" as a re- tion standard. Basically the porters George & Phyllis Epperson, 65th ories for the wives and others who minded this fined "J," and the production of FG and So. Cal. Chapter 8th AFHS,joined the home front during the war. One has to model was short lived. By the time the us. Attending from the Association ruling see the exhibition to appreciate the extent of B-24L reached England in November 1944, body were President and Mrs. C.N. (Bud) the articles displayed. We can't say enough -24M the production had given way to the B Chamberlain and Charles L. Walker, VP, in appreciation of the work and attention 50 B-24Ls went previous month. Less than 445th BG. given detail by Messrs Hoage and Shepherd to the 8th AF. in order that our members could enjoy such B-24M a collection. A small token of appreciation The first B-24Ms were received by the 8th was shown by presenting an attractive AF in January 1945. No radical changes "Rokicki" plaque to each of them. were incorporated on this model but only The dinner committee members, Harry production refinements, which included a Orthman, 492nd/44th BGs; Dick Boucher, revised cockpit cover to improve pilot 445th BG; Charles McBride, 448th BG; visibility. During 1944 the reserve of B-24 Charles Walker, 445th BG; and yours truly, aircraft was high, actually in July 1944 392nd BG; wish to thank all hands for the nearly 400 new B-24H and B-24J models cooperation and assistance given. Special were available. The decision to convert the thanks go to Jack Stevens, 467th BG; Fred 8th AF 3rd Division B-24 groups to the Breuninger, 446th BG; Bob Harper, 448th B-17 kept the reserve high. In late 1944 the BG; and Charles Walker, son of Chuck 8th AF transferred 100 B-24s to the 15th AF Walker, for their help. Especially ap- in Italy. Another 20 were given to the RAF. preciated was all the assistance given by Val Others were made available for conversion Boucher, who kept records of reservations to troop transports. Julian Ertz, 44th BG and Col. Al Shower, and money; Sally Orthman, who did con- CONCLUSION CO, 467th BG siderable typing and secretarial work; and the help of Agnes In all, 3800 Liberators of all models were In addition to an appetizing dinner McBride and Maxine Walker, received by the 8th AF between September served by the Officers Club personnel, a who joined Val and Sally at the 1942 thru May 1945. A total of 1099 were fast moving program was presented. Again, check-in table the evening of the dinner. officially listed as missing in action and 36 the Marines provided a color guard for the Another successful mission in the log. as missing to unknown causes. A total of occasion. Representing the Base CO, BG Good luck to the Ninth Annual Reunion 551 were written off in operational crashes D.V. Shuter, Chaplain Gerald Cook Committee. or through battle damage. Another 221 welcomed us aboard, he then gave the in- were destroyed in non-operational crashes vocation and conducted the color guard or damage beyond economical repair, and and Pledge of Allegiance ceremonies. After J 213 were scrapped because of age. Quite a dinner, Association President Chamberlain record. gave a brief report on the state of the In spite of its shortcomings the B-24s of Association and spoke of the ongoing the 8th AF certainly contributed their share American Librarian Fund drive. Keith of glory to final victory. Those who flew Roberts, 392nd BG, spoke and gave the and maintained these "Liberators" can be latest information on the Fort Worth justifiably proud of their contributions. celebration of the 50th anniversary of the B-24. Bob McGuire of the Liberator Club gave a short talk about the plans for the B-24 50th celebration planned for San Diego in the coming fall. Those short ad- dresses were followed by a door prize draw- ing and B-24 prints donated by Bob Harper, 448th BG, and several baskets of quality cosmetics, etc. donated by Charles Fred Thomas by 14th Bomb Wing Tailfins 19 Naval Reserve, wrote to me at the end of Dick Butler ran into a "lost" 44ther on January inquiring about WWII Air Force the golf course in Kuaui, HI. His name is squadron insignia and I forwarded his letter Howard Grimms and he was a flight to Will Lundy. Will replied that the 67th engineer on a 506th crew. I immediately squadron was the only one in the 44th BG dispatched 2ADA information to him. Dick with a squadron insignia and it was a said that Howard and three others from his pelican. Anyone care to debate that point? crew will be at the B-24 bash in Fort Worth. Any 67th people who would like to have Dick also reported that Tallichet's B-24 one made up? Will needs orders for 50 or "Delectable Doris" was returned to March by N.C. 'Pete' Henry more. Field 8 October '88 and was flying at the During the early part of January, I re- March AFB Open House 15 October '88. I was pleased to see that Bill Robertie ran ceived a letter from Mrs. Phyllis Hunt, Reports are that it will be flying at the B-24 the article in the last Journal from the Trust Librarian, Central Library, Norwich, celebration in Fort Worth in May. North Platte, Neb. Telegraph about John advising me that the following books were Paul Gregg wrote in early February pro- Zgud's stopover at the Canteen in 1944. 1 purchased for the Memorial Library from wonder if my crew was on that same train. viding a couple of new names and addresses the 44th BG endowment fund: Wainright, of Orders dated 18 April 44, Hamilton Field, 44th people. A friend of his was about to The Great American Magazine; Alvarez, retire and was asked what he was going to CA sent our crew via rail to Camp Kilmer, Alvarez; Davis, Flyby; Balliett, American NJ and on to the 44th BG, Shipdham. I do now. He replied that it would give him a Musicians; K rak el, Downriver. Many chance to finish his book. The "inquiring don't remember getting off at the Canteen thanks, again, to those of you who con- but then I don't remember half of what reporter" said, "I didn't know you were tributed to the endowment fund a number writing a book." His friend replied, "I'm went on in WWII. My wife says I wasn't of years ago. even in it! not. I'm reading one!" One of the names Paul provided was Clarence B. Hand, Col., In the Fall 1988 8-Ball Column, reference who retired after 35 years in the Air Force. was made about the work Will Lundy and Ian Shuttleworth have been doing to solve New member sent note with his member- the mystery of Jack Ketchum's B-24 piane ship application. William T. Hulsey from crash on 13 June 1945. Further details were Eastaboga, AL 36260, with the 68th Sq. included in the Winter 1988 8-Ball column. from Dec. 1940 until June 1945, lost con- In December 1988, a letter was received tact with all of his buddies. If anyone from Wing Commander Joseph C. McCar- remembers William, he would sure like to thy, Virginia Beach, VA, requesting infor- hear from them. mation about Raymond E. Davis who was I never knew there was another "Henry" killed in that same plane crash. Commander in the 44th BG until Lewis "Bob" Graham McCarthy obtained my name from HQ (68th Sqdn.) sent me a photo taken by him USAF Historical Research Center, Maxwell in January 1945. It shows Lt. Bell and Lt. AFB, AL. I immediately put Will Lundy in Henry (bombardiers) standing on a bombed touch with Commander McCarthy and the out factory building in Norwich. Is there search for next of kin for the men lost on anyone who can identify fully Lts. Bell and Ketchum's plane continued. McCarthy Henry with known addresses? phoned Mark Vance, grandnephew of B-24 flying over March AFB, 15 Oct. 88. Davis, and Vance called Will Lundy to ex- change information. A few days later, Will Speaking of contributions, I hope that received a call from Neil Howard, who is a you all read J. Fred Thomas' "Open Letter pilot on Piedmont Airlines and knows to All Members" in the Spring 1989 Jour- Mark Vance very well. Neil told Will that nal, page 7, and will send your pledge to his father, Samuel, was a pilot in the 44th Jordan Uttal. Your Group VP and his wife BG and has been looking for someone from each pledged a reasonable amount and have that outfit for years. Samuel K. Howard is since sent the money to Jordan. now a member of the 2ADA. Just to carry I GET LETTERS: this one step further, Roberta (Bobbe) Clark, widow of Jack Ketchum, sent Will a Norman Powell wrote to say that he was photograph of some officer pinning an Air sorry to read about the death of Albert Medal on Jack Ketchum and wondered if Faietti in the Winter 1988 Journal. Norm Will could identify the officer. Will said Albert was one of the cooks at the couldn't make it out from the photographs Combat Officers' Mess in Shipdham and but sent it to Goodman Griffin, who was in Norman was a dining room orderly from 44th HQ and living in Hawaii at the present October 1943 to March 1945. time. Goodie wrote back that the officer Don (Roscoe) Turner wrote asking for was (then) Major Charles Hughes. He was the address of his pilot, Robert B. Aber- nathy. They were on the Ploesti raid together. Don said he was with the 15th Bomb Squadron (L), the first Air Force unit to go to England in May 1942. They made the first raid on the Germans to in- volve the U.S. in WWII ETO. He was transferred to the 44th BG in October 1942 I and helped get them going. lihl Bob Dubowsky visited the B-24 being MINI Mil= restored in Kissimmee, FL (see Winter 1988 lila MINIM UMW OM 1 ISMOM Illnisimile Journal, page 10) and doubts that it will be ON MIME Ilimillilm l B-24 at March AFB, 8 Oct 88 ready to fly by May at the 50th Anniver- 1111111111111111111111111111111111•11111111. sary/B-24 Celebration in Fort Worth. Bob alsiv emii111111118IN positive because Mr. Charles Hughes was at wrote to the local AFA Chapter and one of that moment sitting in his living room! 11111101111.11 MIMIMINIM the local Retired Officer Association MIMIMil esamem Would you believe this story? And after 43 chapters requesting each to print an article aim mina MI=Ma Mil years. on behalf of the restoration and requesting Dr. Mark Griffith, Lt. Commander donations to the Collings Foundation. Li. Bell and Lt. Henry in Norwich

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Desk Model Plaque Wall Mounted Plaque The larger (by 2001o) pewter B-24 desk model now available. Customed to your request. Also now available is a wall mounted plaque using the pewter B-24 model. $44.95 model cost with small base $ 3.00 Bomb Group tail colors Altimeter Clock 4.00 lg. 5" x 7" walnut base 5.00 8th AF Cloisonne 5.50 engraved plate 1.75 each for service ribbons (if Large, 6/12 inch altimeter face clock, battery powered (supplied) quartz 5.00 regulation size wings desired.) O.L.C. and Battle movement mounted into a solid walnut plaque, size 9 x 12 inch with large Stars $.75 each 7 x 3¼ inch engraved plate as shown. Can be made with Airman's wings Any or all options can be had, your choice. Shipping costs (UPS): $2.50 or as pictured with 8th AF cloisonne and B-24 with your Bomb Group Chicago, east; $3.50 west. colors on vertical fin. Guaranteed 10007o satisfactory or your money back. Please give me as much information New sized B-24 gold outlined, fully vinyl covered key tab/ring, with as possible. $85.00 + $3.50 UPS. USAAF "Star & Bar" insignia on reverse, 2/14 inches long. Guaranteed to Lapel pins for civilian suit wear: D.F.C., AIR MEDAL, E.T.O., please or money back. (Also, P-51, P-47 & P-38). Cost: $5.50 p.p. PURPLE HEART. NEW: P.O.W. Pin. Cost: $6.00 each postage paid. Now available: both tie-tacs and tie bar (clasp) with: B-24, Pilot, Die struck, 8th AF lapel or tie-tac pin. Gold electroplate, 7/16 inch wide, Navigator, Bombardier, Gunner or Air Crew Member wings. Others on distinctive. Cost: $5.50 postage paid. special order. Cost: $6.50 p.p. NEW SIZE B-24 used on baseball/golf Larger, 8th Air Force Cloisonne, /14 inch full color, gold rim, lapel or cap, 2 3/8", pewter, 2 military clutch, $7.50 p.p. tie-tac. Cost: $5.50 postage paid. Custom Plaques Basic cost of the large 8th logo AF plaque with one "identifier" still Leaf Clusters are 75 cents each. Sterling Silver Battle Stars and Oak remains at $45.00. The single identifier may be either the B-24 with Leaf Clusters are $2.00 each. Group colors on the tail or full size pewter Airman's wings. The cost Shipping charges: Using Baltimore as the shipping center, any of the plaque made with "museum quality" polished .50 cal. shells, is radius extending to Chicago, $2.50. Outside that radius, $3.50. You $49.00. In both cases, the logo or shells are mounted on solid walnut MUST give me your home or business DELIVERABLE United plaques, 6/12 inches wide by 10, 10/12 or 11 inches long. The plaque Parcel Service (UPS) address. length is determined by the model you want made. Need the follow- Use any of the photos as a starting point. Any combination is ing information: NAME - as you would like it engraved; RANK - if possible (generally). If you design your own from these options and it desired; DUTY - Gunner, Pilot, Navigator, Mechanic, Crew Chief, is "compatible," I will build it. If there's a problem, I may suggest a etc.; LOCATION of airfield; BOMB GROUP - and Squadron or at- change or two before making it. If you give me the option of letting tached unit; DATES - from/to (month & year of E.T.O. duty); me decide, please say so. Overpayments will have the balance en- FLIGHT CREWS - Give number of missions, any additional infor- closed (or in some cases when the sum is "minor," an item of equal mation (plane name, number, etc.) or more worth may be sent). Underpayments will be billed with the Add $5.00 for additional identifiers (miniature airman's wings plaque shipment. Please include your telephone number with your when used with the B-24, or 8th AF cloisonne as used with .50 cal. request, it may avoid a possible delay. Do not hesitate to write or call shells). A full line of WWII ribbons is available, including: Silver (301) 766-1034 if you have any questions. Star, Bronze Star, D.F.C., Air Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct, A check for $300.00 has been sent to Dean Moyer, Treasurer American Defense, of American Campaign, National Defense, E.T.O., the Association, with the request that it be applied to the Memorial WWII Victory, Pacific Theater (for those who went on to B-29s in Special Funding as mentioned in this Journal. The total amount sent the Pacific), German Occupation, Legion of Merit, French Croix de to the 2ADA treasury now stands at $2,572. as profits made from the Guerre and Presidential Unit Citation. The last two cost an addi- sale of Service Plaques, Altimeter Clocks, Pewter Desk Models, etc. tional $1.00 OVER the standard $1.75 cost of all other ribbons. All Rick Rokicki, 365 Mae ribbons are secured on brass mounts. Bronze Battle Stars and Oak Road, Glen Burnie, MD 21061

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*=*=*=*•=11=incil=i0=1.=4=10=*=*=*=4=1.= 21 Division Headquarters by Ray Strong Several years ago, Jordan Uttal wrote an on the families of Royal Navy personnel That the tonnage of bombs dropped were article for the Journal which I believe needs while the ships were off at sea. How often I spread over 605 targets attacked by forces to be reprinted. The article refers to a used to think of those words during my of one squadron or larger, and 444 targets report issued at the end of the war which almost two and a half years of service with attacked by less than one squadron. highlights the fabulous performance of our the 2nd Air Division in England. How often The forward to this report concludes with Groups in flying B-24s in the war against I noticed and felt the tension among those this recognition of all personnel of 2AD as Germany. Jordan didn't say enthusiastical- of us on the ground while the groups were follows: ly enough, in my judgment, that he was off on a mission - the joy and gratification "The human story behind the figures able to compile this data because of the dai- when all went well - the sorrow and depres- printed in this summary can easily be ly work of his staff in gathering the data on sion when things didn't come off - and the visualized. It is obvious that the ground each mission over the course of many grief when we learned of losses. crews worked valiantly to service almost months. And he could do this because each So, you who "also served," remember 95,000 aircraft sorties. The low mechanical group had people assembling data and that you too, made a great contribution to and equipment non-effective rate is reporting it to the Division Statistical Con- the effort and the Victory. That effort and testimony to the quality of that service. The trol office. This is an example of the kind of contribution was duly noted in the final Ordnance, Chemical and Armament crews work done by each of the general and report of Division Operations written for who loaded the 20,000 tons of bombs (and specific staff sections at Division Head- General Kepner on 8 May 1945, and for- ammo), the Intelligence briefing and inter- quarters. I hope that others will write about warded by him to 8th Air Force. rogations of 400 odd missions, the com- their work in the other staff sections. The The summary forward to that detailed 57 munications personnel, the clerks, cooks, total effort of all of these sections made a page report, full of graphs, tables, and drivers, the Quartermaster people, weather, highly significant contribution to the total analyses, makes note of the following facts: medical, photo personnel, ground opera- war effort, and specifically they aided each The improved bombing accuracy of tions crews, all merged into a team which combat mission in doing a better job, 2AD, and the fact that in January, made the 2nd Air Division one of the most bombing more accurately, and improving February and March 1945 2AD led the potent and effective striking forces in the the chances of returning safely. Following is entire 8th Air Force in accuracy. world. But, the striking power rests Jordan's article, which appeared in the The growing monthly number of sorties primarily with the combat crews whose June 1983 issue of the Journal. flown and bomb tonnage dropped. deeds of heroism, devotion to duty, and The growing decline of bomber non- skilled airmanship were legion. To the of- "They also serve who only stand effective sorties. ficers and men of the combat crews who and wait." The growing decline of mechanical and flew the Liberators, Mustangs and — John Milton equipment failures to an all-time low in Thunderbolts, we dedicate this 'story in April 1945 of 2%. figures' of their achievements." Memorable words they are, written cen- The decline of crew and aircraft losses. So on behalf of all of us - thanks for turies ago by the famed English poet, in The almost 95,000 sorties flown and whatever the capacity in which you served "Paradise Regained." They were written to almost 20,000 tons of bombs dropped by and did your part to write a proud chapter describe the emotional and physical effect 2AD crews. in American history. 489th Bomb Group: From B-24s to B-29s by James M. Davis I received a letter from Mr. Richard We were advised in early November that preparing for the long flight over the Klaus, who recently became aware of the the 489th Bomb Group would cease opera- Pacific to Okinowa to become a part of the Second Air Division Association. At one tions and would return to the States to be 21st Air Force Operations against Japan. time, he was a member of the 489th Bomb reassigned. The day of departure arrived and early Group and was shot down and became a On December 1, 1944, we boarded ships one morning we were briefed on our flight P.O.W. He lost all contact with the 489th for our return to the United States and ar- to Okinowa. We were to leave Fairmont and expressed interest as to what had hap- rived in New York City on December 14th. and fly to Travis AFB in California. From pened to the 489th after he was shot down. After a thirty-day leave, we reported to there to Hickham Field in Hawaii to Guam No doubt, there are others who served at Topeka, Kansas and spent about ten days and then in to Okinowa. some time with the 489th who would be in- before we were sent by train to Davis Mon- We started our engines and taxied out for terested in what happened to the Group. tham Field in Tucson, Arizona. It was only take-off. The control tower would not clear After many years of effort, Mr. Charles then we were told we would be converted to us for take-off and finally advised us to Freudenthal is just completing a history B-29s. return to the ramp and report to opera- book of the 489th Bomb Group. It will be tions. Various personnel was sent to various published soon and all members will be ad- Then we were advised because a severe B-29 training schools over the country. vised when it is available. typhoon had destroyed the new air base Pilots were sent to Maxwell Field, Mon- they had just completed - so we would have tgomery, Alabama for B-29 transition. A Brief History of the to wait until the base was repaired before 489th Bomb Group Upon completion of training for B-29s, we by James M. Davis we could leave. were sent back to Tucson for phase train- Approximately a month passed and dur- The 489th Bomb Group was organized ing. ing that period of time, the atom bombs and activated in October 1943. After train- Although some crews kept some of the were dropped and Japan surrendered. ing, the Group departed to the European personnel that flew B-24s, there were many About two weeks later we were told that Theatre in April 1944. new airmen added during the transition our trip to Okinowa had been cancelled. The first combat mission was flown on from B-24s. Upon completion of our phase The Group was inactivated in October May 30, 1944 and the last was flown on training, we were transferred to Fairmont, 1945. As far as I know, the 489th was the November 10, 1944. A total of 106 missions Nebraska, where we were assigned our new only Group to move from B-24s in England were completed during that time. B-29s and we spent about three weeks and retrained in B-29s for Pacific duty. 22 Help Build a Memorial to American Heroines Brig. Gen. Wilma L. Vaught, president of the Women in Military Service for American Memorial Foundation, at the proposed site (left and below). A competi- tion open to any American citizen 18 years or older is currently being held to select the design.

Memorial Gate, the main entrance to the $25 fee servicewomen will pay to Arlington National Cemetery. The register (sponsors may also register women's military memorial will restore servicewomen, living or dead). But the gate as the centerpiece of a complex 'The first of the great memorials to much more is needed. We urge you to (some of it underground) that American heroism was the Bunker Hill will be among the first to respond: to include an auditorium and a Monument, completed in 1843. registra- register yourself if you have ever serv- tion room where a computer will ed, to sponsor a servicewoman, or to Now we have a chance to play a leading display photographs and career contribute whatever you can - $1, $5, part in establishing the first major highlights of registered servicewomen. $10, $25, or more. memorial to women in military service, To achieve all this, the memorial foun- Send tax-deductible donations and from the Revolutionary War to the dation, which receives requests for information to: present day. no federal funds, must raise more than 12 million Women in Military Memorial The approved site is an inspired choice - dollars, much of it by the middle of Dept. 560-G H the never-finished, now neglected next year. Some of that will come from Washington, D.C. 20042-0560

Memories of the Founding of An Ode to P-38s Second Air Division Association Submitted by John E. Stevens Oh Hedy Lamarr is a beautiful by Judge Henry X. Dietch (Ret.) Headquarters Group girl And Madeleine Carroll is too, In 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, a group of For myself, the high point of my mem- But you'll find, if you query Headquarters, former members of Second bership of over 42 years was the reunion in A different theory Air Division of the Eighth Air Force found 1963 in England when we helped to dedicate Amongst any bomber crew. themselves together at a social function the Memorial Room in the Norwich For the loveliest thing of which one at the home of Howard Moore (now de- Library. Other important events were the could sing ceased). I was fortunate to be one of that incorporation of the Association in the This side of the Heavenly Gates, group. To the best of my recollection, the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit corpora- Is no blonde or brunette initial idea of an Association just mater- tion and the subsequent incorporation Of the Hollywood set, ialized from the hope of keeping in touch recently of "The Heritage League of the But an escort of P-38s. with one another. Some of the persons who Second Air Division, USAAF," to carry on Byron, Shelley and Keats ran a dozen were present at the first several meetings the traditions in the future. In both events, dead heats were Strong, Jordan Uttal, Ray Percy I was proud to be among the original five Describing the view from the hills, Young, Howard Moore and myself(subject incorporators. I want to especially pay Of the valleys in May when the winds to correction, if others were present). tribute to President Bud Chamberlain with gently sway For many years thereafter, the reunions regards to the fruition of the Heritage An army of bright daffodils. were held in Chicago, either at the Sherman League, and I was most fortunate to have Take the daffodils, Byron, the wild House or the Knickerbocker Hotel. Mem- worked with him on the legal aspects. flowers, Shelley, bership increased very slowly at first, and Yours is the myrtle, friend Recently, I sent to the Archives of the Keats. eventually the idea spread across the coun- Just reserve me those cuties, American Memorial Room in Norwich my papers, try until now we have over 6,000 members. beauties, documents and photos pertaining to the We are probably the finest of such An escort of P-38s. type Association. I trust they will be of some veterans' groups, both in number of Pvt L.S.C. value in the future as to how and why the members and objectives. in our The conti- Association was founded. Bill Voss, my bombardier, brought this nuing success of the Association has been poem back from the POW camp at Ploesti I want to pay due to the diligence of persons like Jordan my respects to the memory at the end of August '44. He was there for of Howard Moore Uttal and Evelyn Cohen attending so well and Percy Young (also about 40 days tit a bunch of 15th Air Force deceased), who were the B-17s to the affairs of the Association. We have driving forces in flew them out under a cover of P-38s the founding of the and P-51s. (He was flying also been fortunate in the caliber of the Association. Without with another crew when they were shot Officers them, we might not have succeeded. down and rounded and Directors we have elected. up.) — J.E. S. 23 was lifted 13 December, and the Group ran its first combat mission to Bremen, Germany on 16 December. 8UNGFA In the meantime, the Aero Club opened under American Red Cross auspices for the men. Officers had a club next to their mess, ULL in the building which later housed the base theater and the enlisted men's "pub." RAF cooks worked in the officers' mess, Well, here we are; Summer is upon us - It was rebuilt in the reign of Edward I. The and the meals, with soups and thick the trees have leafed out and the seeds are in last Bigod rebuilt the residence on the site desserts, differed considerably from rhe ground for the fall's harvest. We have of the ruined castle in 1294, and its own American fare. Officers of the Group and returned from another get-together with ruins remain. These were inherited by Lord the station complement became friendly friends of yesteryear and of yesterday. Howard, who became Duke of Norfolk in from the first, and poker, ping pong, Some we met for the first time at the B-24 1483, and the ruins belong to the estate of checkers and ale drinking were shared. Anniversary in Ft. Worth. But they are all the present duke. Ironmongers (hardware stores) were friends. We endured the realities of war and In the cellars of the Three Tuns Inn, in invaded in Bungay by officers anxious to displacement from our comfortable sur- modern Bungay, are some massive walls buy bicycle clips, kerosene stoves and a roundings, all of us. It is time to describe which originally must have formed part of multitude of other things they were never some of the life at the Bungay Buckaroo the castle or its boundary walls. In Borough told about in the P.O.E. The "Black Station. Therefore, we report here "Life At Well Lane is an old Roman well. Swan" and other taverns were discovered Station 125." The original church of the Holy Cross, by the G.I. pioneers. Station 125 was activated on the grounds now St. Mary's, existed at the time of the The air echelon began coming in during of Flixton Hall, near Bungay, Suffolk, Domes day census. The church and the the third week in November, full of tales England. The hall was built by John town were nearly destroyed by a fire in about dozens of daiquiris lined up in rows Tasburgh on the site of an old manor 1688. Records of the church extend back to at Puerto Rico and sultry nights in house, used in early times as a residence for 1453. Marrakesh. the family of Bateman. The Tasburghs were A boulder traditionally known as the Keep Tuned to Beachbell. of Saxon origin and had owned property in "Druid's Stone" lies in the west end of St. the adjoining parish of St. Peter's, South Mary's churchyard, and is probably 2,000 Elmham, since the reign of Edward III. The years old in its present position. Anglos, Flixton estates were granted to them in Saxons, Danes and Normans invaded the Heritage 1544, but it was not until 1616 that the pre- land of the Celts. East Anglians were active sent hall was built, from a design of Inigo in the wars against various invaders, and Jones. A disastrous fire in December 1846 Suffolk regiments fought in all the English League destroyed everything but the walls. wars on the Continent, including the by Vicki Brooks Warning In 1753 the Flixton estates were pur- Second World War. Heritage League President chased from the husband of the daughter of The ground echelon of the 446th Bom- It's Journal article time again - it always Richard Tasburgh by William Adair. He bardment Group arrived at Station 125 at seems to come so quickly. The Officers and died in 1783, and the property passed to his Flixton, 4 and 5 November 1943 by truck Directors of the Heritage League are look- nephew, Alexander, great-great-grandson convoy from the railroad station at Bungay. ing forward to of Sir Robert Adair of Ballymena, Ulster. It Men and baggage were dumped Hilton Head in November remains in the family to this day, the pre- unceremoniously into the living sites; their and we are in the process of finalizing sent owner being Sir Shafto Adair. arrival looked like an invasion of GIs into a arrangements for our annual meeting. During the lifetime of Sir Robert Shafto Robin Hood forest. The countryside still Details of Heritage League activities at the Adair, afterward created Lord Waveney, had a late autumn beauty, but that night, in Second Air Division reunion will be forth- the church at Flixton, then a ruin, was unheated barracks and huts, officers and coming in the Heritage League newsletter rebuilt, and in 1870 the New Road was con- men discovered how clammy the English early this summer. structed. The hall was entirely restored by weather can be. We are beginning efforts to put forth a Sir Hugh Adair between 1888 and 1892, and Unit censors were snowed under by slate of new officers to be elected in a new wing was added. It was an imposing stacks of mail, most of it repeating November and are looking for individuals structure. The principal entrance faced Chaplain Gannon's observation, "Over anxious to donate some time to serve as an north, with a spacious park in front, here you know it's raining when you can't officer. We need everyone's participation in extending to the road leading to Bungay see the hills, and when you see the hills you order to continue with the Heritage League. and Harleston. know it's going to rain again soon." Anyone interested in serving as an officer or It was formerly surrounded by a moat Major Karl B. Greenlee, the Group serving on a committee should contact and approached by a drawbridge. This was Executive Officer, addressed a meeting in officer and let them one of the original deer parks in England. A the mess on the "new communal site," either myself or any herd of Fallow deer had been there since the warning of security regulations and the pit- know. The success of the Heritage League forest was enclosed; there was also a falls of Piccadilly. 2/Lt. Daniel Healy, base depends on membership activity. I am sure heronry. In 1258, Margery de Creke found- postal officer, and 2/Lt. Robert Nichols, you will find it to be a rewarding ed an Augustinian nunnery at Flixton. An base security officer, also spoke. experience. I certainly have. ivy-clad arch standing by a moated farm- Orderly rooms were improvised, and the We would like to find out what our house near station headquarters is all that various services of the station needed for members have to say and would ask that remains. the group were set up, with the help of the you send us letters as to activities you want The nearby town of Bungay is an ancient station complement. Officers and some of or ideas you may have. These letters may be settlement on the Waveney River. Some of the men drew bicycles and set off exploring directed to any of the officers, but you may the highways in the area follow the old the nearby countryside. Within a week, wish to send them direct to the editor of our Roman road; Roman coins have been passes were authorized for 15 percent of newsletter, Mrs. Norma Beasley, 1525 S. found near the town, and there are Roman, each Squadron's strength each night, and Garfield Street, Denver, CO 80210. We Anglo-Saxon and Danish remains. the liberty run to Norwich began. On 16 want letters from you, the membership. Bungay Castle, built by the Bigod family, November, however, all personnel were who came over with William the Con- restricted to base until such time as the We look forward to seeing you all in queror, was destroyed by Henry II in 1174. Group became operational. This restriction Hilton Head. 24 Green, White, and Yellow Research by Charlie Freudenthal (489th)

While the files I have accumulated on the cher 8 on top of solid overcast: "After we 489th are fairly extensive - more so than peeled off to make our race track descent most - there are still a lot of gaps, and as we were diverted to another base because of I've tried to put things together for the Halesworth's bad weather. Now I had history, these gaps seem to shift around so heard, and it might have been fiction, but I that I'm forever finding them. Two in par- know the word was out that if you landed ticular come to mind. I've wanted to in- your shot-up B-24 at another base and they clude in the book the names of those who repaired it, they could keep it if they had an went from Wendover to England by train aircraft shortage. The other aircraft went, and the Wakefield - the ground echelon, but "War Bride" had a hole in the wing with a number of gunners included who had and I didn't want to lose it to another group displaced been from the air echelon to make if they repaired it. I'd signed for "War room for priority passengers. There's not a Bride" when it had only 19 hours flying copy of these orders in the Archives records time. or at the USAF Research & Historical I broke out of the pattern and let down Center at Maxwell. They seem have to been over the North Sea, and didn't break out in pretty closely held, but if anyone out there the clear until we were only 50 feet over the has a set, I'd like to borrow them. If I can't water. We found the southwold pier, so we find these orders, Seymour Cohen and Wally Portouw of I plan to include a roster the knew we were only eight miles from of all those who came 846th, shortly before leaving Wendover. back with the Group Halesworth, and headed there, never more in December 1944. That includes Portouw was in Sheet Metal Repair, and Head- than 100 feet above the ground. The group quarters, all the Cohen in Power Turret Maintenance. squadrons, and the 369th put out two flares at the end of the runway, Air Service Group. I'm getting eye strain the mission account again argues the point but I needed at least four to get lined up. I from trying to decipher the words; some - Colonel Napier was command pilot and made two passes, trying to keep the flares in names are spelled in two or different three Jack Pritchard led the group, with Gast sight, but couldn't line up. On the third ap- ways, and an educated guess sometimes is leading a squadron. Bodine wasn't on this proach I was about 45 degrees off, but the only answer. one. One thing sure, it was a long one. thought I could make it, so I steepened the Research, I've found, is a strange and Fighter codes were Lille, Brussels, Metz, bank, chopped the throttles, pushed the demanding business. I've been it at for Strasbourg, Ulm, Munich and Lake nose down, rolled out, and we came in for a about three years now, since I started trying Constance. smooth landing. While I was making that to put together the history of the 489th Another puzzle. Lieutenant Robert V. screaming dive for the field, I came very Bomb Group - Heavy and Very Heavy. I've Pardue and crew crashed near Leiston on close to a jeep at the end of the runway. The enlisted the help of the people at the Na- June 2 on the way back from Bretigny or tional Archives, the USAF Research & Creil. They are listed as assigned to the Historical Center at Maxwell AFB, the 847th Squadron, but they didn't come over USAF Office of History, the Library of with us, and I have no orders assigning Congress, and the Office of Public Records them to the group. The tail gunner, Sgt. just outside London. Among other things, R.C. Thornburg, was fatally injured. .41 I've learned that official records aren't Navigator Robert E. Semler, Gunners always clear or correct - though they are a Charles B. Holly and Joseph J. Buckholtz, lot better than individual memories. and Radio Operator William E. Evans were Orders, too, are often not to be trusted, injured. They were flying 42-94830, especially where spelling is concerned. "Plate's Date." Can anyone provide more Which is correct - Lewis or Louis Scipione? information? I have also found a pilot Charles O'Cotnell or O'Connell? Is it named Bowie on a formation chart, leading Estrade or Estrada? The same goes for McMahon and Lovelace in the high element •a , target names: Was it Creil or Criel; Fien- of the lead squadron. Can't find any record They kept 'em villiers or Fienvillers? of this crew either. flying! (l-r): M/Sgt. George Blair, Pvt. John Here's another example. I was given a Twins? John F. Specht and Robert E. Teixeira, and Sgt. John Silvers, of the formation chart - complete; all the pilot's Specht were on Lt. John Rogers' crew in 845th Squadron's Mainte- nance section names printed legibly for all three the 845th. Charles R. and Richard J. Wim- (489th) get "their" Liberator ready for another squadrons. Outstanding, but for what mis- mer were also in the squadron, but I don't go. Spring 1944. sion? Research the records. Major Lohela know what they did. Same goes for Robert next day Colonel Morneau drove by me, was the command pilot, and the squadron N. and William N. Clark, also 845th. I have near the combat mess, and was almost past leads were Gast, Bodine and Smith. Easy so had no contact with any of them, unfor- me before I could manage a salute. He put far. Command pilot and lead crew records tunately. on his brakes and backed up for what I show that Lohela, Gast and Bodine were all Back in '44: On April 2, the ground thought would be a lecture on military together on only one mission - 11 June. echelon left for Camp Miles Standish, near courtesy, but all he said was 'Wagnon, that There's no record for Smith, but three out Boston, and sailed on the Wakefield on the was a fine landing yesterday.' That was his of four should clinch it. Wrong! Mission 13th. Colonel Napier, leading the air jeep that we had come so close to in our accounts, show Hillstrom leading the early echelon, left for Herington, Kansas, on the landing troubles." mission on 11 June, and only a few aircraft 17th. Lieutenant Colonel Vance, flying Incidental Intelligence: Bob Angle says got off the ground. In the second mission, rearguard, followed a few days later. Jump- he was the youngest man in the 489th: "Fif also early morning, William Bobo, of ing to October 14th, U. Shickel's navigator teen and a half when I joined the Eighth Air Tankersley's crew, has an entry about the was M/Sgt. Briggs, a recent transfer from Force, and 14 when I first joined up in mission, but the formation doesn't show the RCAF. On the 3rd, Lt. Waldron took August 1941. Lied about my age and never Tankersley flying that day. Further, Mit- over as Group Photo Officer, a day after have been able to shake the extra four years chell is listed as lead, and Hank Luscomb as S/Sgt. Richard Linn made Tech. to this date." Angle was assigned as an command pilot. Let's try 11 July then. This And in June: Harry Wagnon remembers Ordnance man, but reports his main duty time, only Lohela and Gast are listed, but one day, leading his squadron back to Bun- was with G-2 and OSS. 25 a...... "1.1...%"144„11 ,‘ t161.4 air" •

=T. - 61* ••• J No. • •61•4;ie,...'111r, •.III VA IV:. ' e: _ so '1,10M-11' - ;

Dear 448th Buddy,

In the past few years I've asked you to help us put up two memorials at Seething, restore the tower, and place a plaque at Wright Patterson AFB. Now again I'm asking your help to restore the very last B-24 to flying status. This is equal to trying to save the last whale or the bald eagle. I'm sure everyone would want to do that. This aircraft is down at Kissimmee, Florida and I've seen the work done. They've reduced it to skin, ribs, and struts and are now re-assembling. If you can imagine drilling out and replacing one half million rivets, you have some idea. The task is monumental but not insurmountable. When completed it will be a flying museum available _— t for reunions, etc. Perhaps we could get to fly in it. It is 4, 1 j; ._. _....— ,.... I- t- ...' -1 a most worthy cause and I hope you will help. as - _ II4' your help is needed. Every little bit helps. you, and hope we'll meet at future reunions.

Your 448th Buddy, George DuPont Send your donation of any amount to: The Collings Foundation River Hill Farm • Box 248 Stow, Massachusetts 01775 466th Bomb Group Do• Not Loop a B-24 Never! by E. W. (Bill) Nothstein by E.J. Allen (93rd) As the war wound down in 1945, I remember being asked for a contribution to establish a memorial for our fallen com- With B-24 transition at Liberal, Kansas empty flare casings were strewn about the rades. This resulted in 20,000 pounds (about completed in April 1944, 1 was sent to Lin- flight deck. These casings, some tools and $80,000 at the 1945 exchange rate) being coln, Nebraska where the roulette wheel of all loose equipment, plus years of ac- raised and presented to the Central Library fortune would spin and select nine other cumulated dust and dirt rose to the top with of Norwich on the 25th of May of that year. young men to share with me the good and us. Fortunately I was long enough that I The result has been the 2nd Air Division bad times of combat crew training and a was able to stiffen my body, brace my head Memorial Room, which has been underwrit- combat tour in the ETO. I've sometimes against the ceiling and continue to exert for- ten by our Association over the years. In wondered about the crew selection process, ward pressure on the control column and addition, there have been special what kind of mix or match criteria, if any, recover to a more desirable attitude. My endowments from individuals and groups. was used. At any rate, I soon had a crew, crew members didn't say much but they For two years (1986-1988), the Memorial and it was quite a cross section of America. gave me some awfully dirty looks. In Room was enhanced by our Fulbright I also marveled at the odds of placing two retrospect, I have concluded that it might Librarian, Bertha Chandler. Last year at pilots in the cockpit whose first names were have been better to continue on through the Colorado Springs, the membership approved Edgar and Elgar. loop so as to exert a positive G force a project entitled The American Librarian My co-pilot, Elgar Roles, was an ex-basic throughout the maneuver. Fund. The concept is to ensure the continued training instructor who liked single engine After returning presence of a librarian in the Memorial to the States in early May flying and wasn't particularly pleased at be- Room. To endow this fund, there will be a 1945, we all went our separate ways as so ing a B-24 co-pilot. He considered single- ONE TIME request for contributions. The many did. Afterward we exchanged needle-width-turns plan has been developed so that the interest rather tame. I often Christmas cards for a year or two but after from the fund will perpetuate the position of threatened to strap a saddle on one of the that I had no contact with Elgar Roles at librarian in the Memorial Room. For this to B-24's engines and let him ride out there so all. succeed, it is necessary that all of us support he could be a single engine pilot once again. About 1982 I dreamed that Roles lived in it with our pledges. I didn't especially like my name, Edgar, the Seattle area. He was originally from I was disappointed to learn that, from a and I found it difficult to call him Elgar; so North Dakota and I dream a lot, so I didn't membership of more than 350 in the 466th since he was about a foot shorter than my think too much about it at first. But the Bomb Group, only 15 responses (checks 6'4" frame, I started calling him "Shorty" dream had seemed so real and it crept into and/or pledges) have been sent in. I realize and the nickname stuck. We were my thoughts more and more until I decided that the figures in the Spring Journal (page sometimes referred to as Mutt and Jeff to put the issue to rest and look in the Seat- 18) represent about one-fourth of the time because of the difference in our heights. tle phone book. He wasn't listed there, so I remaining until our reunion in Norwich, After we had completed our combat tour I looked in the South King County book and where hopefully we can report "mission found out, much to my sorrow, that he there he was listed, and lived only a few accomplished." We cannot, however, afford resented being called Shorty. miles away! I called him that evening and to let our interest lag. A continuing effort by We were assigned to the 93rd Bomb learned that he had moved to the Seattle all is needed in order for us to reach our Group in July 1944 and later that year area in 1962, the same goal. J. Fred Thomas, in "An Open Letter year I had. He and became lead crew. As a lead crew we were to All Members" (page 7, Spring Journal), his wife were departing the following morn- required to take our turn flying the 93rd states "if only 2,500 members [out of 7,000] ing to visit relatives in North Dakota and assembly ship, the "Ball of Fire," gave $200, our goal would be met." Just a B-24D would call me when they returned. which, not think if all 7,000 responded, how simple it withstanding the description in Several weeks went by and I hadn't heard would be to reach our goal. Pledges can still "The Mighty Eighth" and other books, from him, so I called to find out what hap- be made, checks written for all or part of had by this time many flush-mounted red pened. They'd had a serious auto accident your pledge, but we must pitch in to com- lights all over the fuselage. In the early in Montana on the return trip and Elgar plete this project. morning darkness it surely did look like a had spent quite some time in a hospital I have been a member of the 2nd Air Divi- "Ball of Fire." there and still wasn't doing very well. A few sion Association for about twelve years and One day on the way back to Hardwick in more months passed and I had heard this is the first time I have been asked to give the "Ball of Fire" after assembling the nothing, so I called again. Mrs. Roles in- a substantial amount to the Association. It is group I let Elgar take the controls and do formed me that Elgar had passed away, rare in any organization to go that long what he'd been wanting to do for a long mainly as a result of the accident. without having numerous fund drives. I time: maneuvers more exciting than solid So, I didn't get to meet him face to face think that it's time for all of us to get out the comfort, single-needle width turns. He did again after all. I wanted so much to checkbooks. No amount too is small to be several "falling lear' type maneuvers and apologize to him for starting the appreciated. "Shorty" Please help make this fund then wondered aloud about the possibility nickname. drive a success. that a person could loop a B-24. After some All plans are on hold concerning the pro- discussion I agreed to try a loop. You can posed memorial window for All Saints see I was young and foolhardy in those Church in Weston Longville, pending more days. We dived to gain airspeed and when input from you. I have had a few comments we reached the red-lined speed WINDOW DECALS from correspondents: (1) 8th Air Force in- of 350 mph, I pulled back on the wheel and started the signia with short, straight wings; (2) RAF If you requested same and did not units to be represented?; loop. When we reached the straight-up at- (3) Preferred receive any, please drop me a line. rendering with crossed flags. Please send any titude, I chickened out and pushed the Some requests did not have comments you may have to me, so that I can wheel forward to abandon the maneuver a name and present them to all attending our reunion in which subjected us to a negative G or so for in some cases the request was separated November and in future Journals. about ten seconds. At this point, the from the dues statement. New members are trickling in, but returns foolishness of the maneuver became readily are slow. So far this year I have sent out let- apparent to all on board. Not one of us had Evelyn Cohen ters and applications to nearly 200 prospects. a safety harness fastened, so we were im- 06-410 Delaire Landing Hopefully the forms will be returning to mediately pressed against the "ceiling." Philadelphia, PA 19114 Evelyn soon. During forming of the group we had fired Plans are formulating for our July 1990 several dozen rounds of red-green-green reunion in Norwich. flares from our Verry pistol and all the 27 B-24 Bashing Rare B-24 Added to Murray Grainger's letter appeared in the Wall Street Journal on March 23, 1989. 8th AF Museum's New Home BARKSDALE AFB, LA. — The 8th AF Museum was recently re-dedicated at Barksdale AFB's North Gate. As of 30 January 1989 the museum had six of its dozen aircraft on outdoor display. They are B-47, F-84F, C-45, UC-64, P-51 and B-17. The museum building has an additional 3,000 sq ft of indoor displays that show "the way it was" at Barksdale AFB, the Flying a B-24 in WWII Dear [2ADA President Bud Chamberlain]: 2nd Bomb Wing and the Mighty 8th Air I received the enclosed letter from a 389th Was Half The Battle Force. The museum also has an Art Gallery BG pilot. As our President, I would The March 7 General Dynamics advertise- and Gift Shop for the aviation minded. appreciate it very much if you would write a ment asking for donations "to help restore a It is planned by the 3rd week of March to "Letter to the Editor" in response to Mr. B-24 to its original condition" just happens move the museum's rare B-24J and its C-47 Grainger's letter. to strike this particular former B-24 pilot as a next to the already in place B-17. The I agree with Mr. Chapin, and think the piece of supreme irony and unmitigated museum's "Liberator" is painted to repre- B-24 was a great aircraft. chutzpah. sent a B-24 belonging to the 466th Bomb True, "forty-five years ago, our freedom Frank Vadas Group, 8th Air Force. "Laden Maiden" was on the line" and on the night of Nov. 389th Asst. VP/Treasurer was chosen to be the fictitious third exam- 14, 1944 (at the ripe old age of 22), I flew a ple in the "Laden Maid" series. We did not B-24 and a crew of 11 out of Fairfield-Suisun Dear Bill [Robertie]: want to call it as the original "Laden Maid" (later renamed Travis Air Force Base) in You may have seen the General or its replacement craft "Laden Maid California, to join the 868th Bomb Dynamics ad in the Wall Street Journal and Again" because we didn't want to make Squadron ("The Snoopers") of the 13th Air other papers supporting the Collings Foun- people believe it was the real McCoy. Nor Force, for combat in the South Pacific: dation effort to restore a B-24J. Since did we want to call her "Laden Maid the Noemphor, Morotai and Okinawa. others may have seen it as well, they may 2nd" or "Laden Maid II" or "Laden Maid Aside from being variously called (with no also have read the rather uncomplimentary Again the 2nd" or "Laden Maid Again II" affection), "the flying prostitute"(no visible letter to the Wall Street Journal editor from or "Laden Maid Again, Again" — WHEW! means of support) "the prop hanger," "the Murray Grainger. The museum acquired its B-24 from flying brick" - and enjoying its own One such reader was 389th pilot Robert Tulsa, OK in 1978. It flew from Tulsa to notorious version of the Air Corps song: F. Chapin. His rightfully indignant letter to Barksdale under a helicopter. The "Lib" "Off we go, into the wild blue yonder - Frank Vadas reflects a view which may did not have glass of any sort nor turrets. CRASH!" - it was the worst, misbegotten, represent that of many 2ADA members. The engines and props and its interior were wrongly conceived, improperly designed and Therefore, I suggest it be published in our long gone by the time she arrived at negligently slapped together piece of junk Journal. You may also care to publish my Barksdale. All the turrets have been found ever to needlessly take the lives of American comments: and most have been installed on the ol' gal. flyers. I agree with Robert Chapin that Murray The engines and props have been found and I flew and survived 35 missions. But seven Grainger's view of the B-24 may not be installed as well, although we are still out of my original 11 crew members died - "representative of the many men who missing most of her cowling and all four not from enemy action, but from mechanical flew" her in WWII. I, for one, had a great superchargers. failures of the B-24! If they restore a B-24 deal of respect for the Lib and enjoyed fly- "It has been a slow restoration," says 8th "to its original condition," then God help ing it. My column in the Spring Journal Air Force Museum Curator, H.D. "Buck" and have mercy on whoever has to fly it attests to that. Rigg, "but it has been steady. We invite all again. However, I also pointed out in my col- who worked or flew on B-24s to stop by and If they really want to symbolize "the umn that a positive view of the B-24 was visit this rare War Horse and reminisce. American Spirit," that honor belongs to the not universal. Grainger's letter is a case in Bring your grand-kids, they love it." brave crews of the B-24, who fully knew it point. Although I thoroughly disagree with was a horrible deathtrap but went up in it him based on my own experience, Grainger anyway, because "forty-five years ago, our is certainly entitled to express feelings which freedom was on the line." represent his experience. There is no law Murray Grainger which mandates that one must like or Dear Frank [Vadas]: dislike the airplane, nor should there be, I am very concerned about the comments and nothing one might say to Mr. Grainger of Mr. Murray Grainger in the "Letters to is likely to change his mind. the Editor" section of the March 23rd Wall I feel one's B-24 admiration level is Street Journal. This was in regard to the strongly personal and, like religion, mora- restoration of the B-24 by General lity and politics, should be left to the Dynamics. individual to decide. Accordingly, it is I think this man should be brought to task inappropriate for our 2ADA to take a posi- for his statements which are certainly not tion and bring anyone "to task" for any representative of the many men that flew the conscientious statements concerning the B-24 through the World War II era. B-24. I would appreciate your comments. I will If Robert Chapin feels strongly about the certainly support any response to this. issue, I invite him to use the same forum Before I do anything, I thought it should go Grainger used. through you and the Association leadership. C.N. Chamberlain License plate of Wm. T. Brenner, 466th BC, Robert F. Chapin 2ADA President 784th Sqdn., now of Deerfield, Illinois. 28 Tupelo Lass by Amos L. Golisch I was saddened to see of the passing of seven plane formation in a matter of ten bombs descend and they hit on the hangar Jacob "Jake" Epting, original 93rd-409th minutes. The cloud cover was ten tenths area, destroying the planes on the ramp. member. His plane, with the crew of James now, except for the mountains sticking Clouds were forming ahead of us and so Thomas, was called Tupelo Lass, which through ahead. Above the mountains were we went down to three thousand feet. Capt. Epting named for his hometown of little dots, the fading 93rd Bomb Group. Startled crews asked about the group when Tupelo, Miss. It had the likeness of come- a Thomas and I took stock of our alter- our two planes landed at Tunis. They ly lass with parachute painted under the co- natives. Tupelo Lass was more streamlined thought we were the only survivors. Soon, a pilot's window. All of the crew members and still had the needle blade props. It low rumble could be heard through the had their names painted on the plane, out- would cruise better under twelve thousand clouds. The group had arrived. The Lass side of their crew positions. Under the right feet. Instead of following the group down was full of flak holes and needed patching. waist window was the inscription "Most the Adriatic Sea, I mapped a route across After closing the draft holes, I borrowed an Honorable Son, Ben Kuroki." Ben was the Italy to the cape at Civitaviccia. It was a air compressor and blew five gallons of rare only Japanese-American on combat status direct line to Tunis. After crossing the olive drab paint on the Lass, to freshen her in the Army Air Force. Tupelo Lass was a mountains, Thomas took the Lass and our up. I caught hell from Thomas for painting veteran of the Aug. 1 Ploesti raid and had formation down to 10,000 feet and set the out the old crew names and the Col. raised one bomb painted on the fuselage in the power on the three engines for 165 mph in- hell about blowing up useable hangers. We horizontal position. dicated. The weather had now cleared and lost the Lass when our crew went into Our crew met Capt. Epting after we took in the view over Italy. Some inac- Radar Lead. In Aug. '44, I saw the fuselage transferring from Col. Keith Compton's curate flak came up at one point and caused of the old girl atop a pile of plane parts near 376th Bomb Gp. at Benghazi. We only had us to notice a large airdrome. One of our Ipswich. The Lass was still kneeling with to move a few miles out of town to find the planes hadn't dropped on Weiner-Neustadt her parachute, smile intact; the enemy 93rd Col. George S. Brown was temporary and was about to unload. We watched the never brought her down. Gp. C.O. while waiting for Col. Baker's replacement, Col. Fiegel. The Col. arrived shortly and briefed us on the first ever mis- A Quick "How To" Guide for Members sion to Weiner-Neustadt. Benghazi to Who to contact for the answer to your question or problem. Weiner-Neustadt to Tunis. Refuel and return to Benghazi the next day. The "Cir- Lost Buddies & Group Historical Info: Ask the Group cus" packed up and headed for Hardwick VP a Help in search for WWII acquaintances; information few on those you now have located; info days later. on any Group ("then" or now); rosters; etc. Capt. Epting had finished his tour and chose to fly with us and the "Lass" back to Journal Data: Ask Bill Robertie England. Over Tunis, the bearings went out Questions about articles, people, photos (already published, or ones on number three engine. Tripoli was the you may want shown in a future issue); extra copies; lead time for submitting data; etc. nearest place to land and soon we were back eating dust. A new engine was flown out Membership Policy & Dues: Ask Evelyn from Cairo and we set out, with a borrowed Cohen Membership categories; Association membership A frame, policy; questions on dues (send dues to change it. A week later, the payments to her); membership cards; etc. new engine was run up and we prepared to Some notes: (1) Assn. has a policy to provide leave Libya good. free dues coverage for those for Epting met a soldier members unable to pay; from home while at Tripoli and promised (2) dues paid by new members joining after July apply to the rest him a buzz job. I went down to the of that year and all of the next; "greenhouse" after takeoff and set up the (3) dues are on a calendar year basis; statements are sent each maps. We went down on the deck, past a year end; please send dues payment back with the statement. mud fortress, with all the GIs waving wild- ly. Over the telephone lines and the final Lending Library: Ask H.C.(Pete) Henry screen of olive trees we flew. Then on to the Pete is custodian for items to borrow for mini-reunions, etc. He has: Combat movie films deck of the airport, heading for the big and video cassettes, etc. hanger. British airmen stopped in their tracks, mouths agape. Before anybody Second Air Division Memorial: Ask Jordan Uttal Ask could open the hanger doors, Jake pulled Jordan about any and all information regarding the Memorial Trust, the Library, auxiliary the back on the column and "Tupelo Lass" Memorial programs (cassette tape program; endowment program; etc.), climbed for the sky. My knees buckled donations, etc. Donations: from the pressure and I could only sit on (1) ALWAYS make checks to "2nd Air Division Assn." (2) Specify the floor and watch the altimeter climb. At on lower left corner of check or by separate note, designation: Capital fund, or other two thousand feet, we leveled out and head- contribution (books, books in memory of ..., etc.) (3) to offer a specific book: write ed for Morocco. first to Colin Sleath of the Norwich Library (ask Jordan the procedure). Our replacement engine took a flak hit (4) Donations to Capital Fund: send with annual dues to Evelyn over the second mission to the weiner- Cohen; otherwise, send to Dean Moyer (Treasurer). works. We had a fifty foot flame behind the (5) Other contributions: send to Jordan Uttal with note detailing wing and a welcome signal to all the MEs purpose, honoree(s), etc. milling around the area. Thomas shut oft Refer to Journal articles, or ask Jordan, for more details. the fuel to the damaged engine and the fire blew out. A lone 93rd plane pulled General Notes: alongside on the right wing to add some All addresses of those named above are published on page 2 of every 2nd Air Division fighter defense. There was an exchange ot Association Journal. signal lights between the radio operators Always make all checks out to "2nd Air Division Assn." unless otherwise specified. and they would stay on our wing, we would All Association Officers are eager to help you in any way they can regarding the Division lead. Five more survivors tacked around us. and the Association. Feel free to contact any one of them. The above listing provides you We went from tail-end charlie to lead of a with the best sources of information. 29 Videotapes for the Library "The Last Mission" by Howard R. Morton Norwich 1987 a complete VCR package which would be capable of playing without copying any Convention on Tape VCR from the USA, Pal I, Pal II, or Pal III "The Last Mission" is a 1/12 hour electrical origin. (VHS) video tape of the 5 days in Nor- After discussions, it was decided that the wich, May 21-25, 1987. Portions of this Trust in England would purchase the tape were provided by NBC Atlanta, system in England so that if anything went Kent Stokes of the 453rd BG, the NBC wrong they would have the seller right there Today Show and others. to look to. This was done. The TV screen is THIS TAPE MAY NOT BE SHOWN not large enough, but they are going to get a COMMERCIALLY ANYWHERE. This larger one soon. is the agreement we made with NBC. It I am going to NASA and get some tapes is only for use of the 2ADA members copied which will not have to be returned. I and their families. have sent them some tapes on Texas. M), We are now ordering this tape from pilot, Ken Wheeler, is getting tapes on the processor in five and ten lots to fill Michigan; my bombardier Bob Piccilo is the reduced number of donations and doing Virginia; the other navigator, C.L. must now request a $25.00 donation to Three years ago, I Pullen is doing Oklahoma. Now I want was successful in the Second Air Division Association securing from NASA a selection of 33 color volunteers from other states to get from (make checks payable to "The Second their respective state Chambers of Com- sound films and tapes and with the Air Division Association") from anyone merce, State Houses and prominent cooperation of B-Cal Airlines (now British who would like to have a copy. Air) got them to England for the 2nd AD businesses tapes covering the outstanding Library to copy in order to conform to qualities in that state from business, Also available is the 30-minute NBC British TV and electrical standards and then historical, geographical and tourism so that Atlanta tape as shown on TV in the return them to me. NASA gave me six the Norwich Library will have an excellent States. For this, send a $20.00 donation. months to do all of this. cross section of the USA for the students now and in the future to know more about Send your order to: Upon receiving the films and tapes, Mr. where the members of the 2nd AD came H.C. 'Pete' Hem, Colin Sleath discovered that the cost of from than what they might get from old 164B Portland Lane copying was prohibitive, so only a couple John Wayne movies and TV shows like Jamesburg, NJ 08831 were done before the package was duly Dallas. (Tel. 1-609-655-0982) returned via B-Cal. Mr. David Hastings volunteered that he had seen in Germany a These tapes can be sent direct to Colin Please allow six to eight weeks for machine that could play all different types Sleath at the Library in Norwich or to me, delivery. of tapes, so I went searching. Here in at 2222 Westerland, Apt. 94, Houston, Houston, a company supplies electric ap- Texas 77063; Tel. (713) 266-6283. I suspect pliances for employees of companies the organizations furnishing the tapes will Attention Golfers transferring people to all parts of the world. be happy to send them direct. Just let me The Ninth Annual 2ADA Golf Tour- They were very helpful and supplied the in- know so that I can keep a record and be nament will be held Thursday, November formation, including make, model, etc. for able to try and fill the voids. 2, 1989 at the Robert Trent Jones Course, Palmetto Dunes, Hilton Head Island, Some Suggestions From a Member SC. The course is within a mile of Hyatt Regency Hotel and we will have a by Howard R. Morton modified shotgun start at 08:00 a.m. That Evelyn Cohen has worked long and hard As for Jordan Uttal's project of raising means that everyone will have to be at the for the Second Air Division Association money to support a full time American course by 07:30 or earlier. and I think she deserves to rest on her librarian at the Memorial Room in Nor- The charge will be $50.00, which laurels. After all, she is like all of us who wich: For the long pull he is on the right includes green fees, one-half cart and a are trying to slow down a bit. track. However, the track record of the number of contributors from the 7,000 few golf prizes as in the past. We may or Therefore, I am suggesting that some type members indicates that this is going to be a may not provide souvenir golf balls this of 2nd AD travel agency be established to several-year project. year and possibly a light lunch after we handle the travel plans on a year round finish. This has yet to be determined. including ship, In the meantime we are without a basis for the membership, Anyone interested in playing, please "Bertha Chandler." It is therefore mN plane, rail and hotel/motel accomodations. advise the undersigned as soon as possi- suggestion that we investigate an interim With the tax status being in full considera- ble, enclosing a check for $50(refundable ten-year program which would give us the tion of the 2nd ADA, 7,000 members could if unable to attend), and advise your han- money almost immediately while Jordan's help put some nice money into the Associa- dicap or average score and Bomb Group. tion at no extra cost to them whether or not program is developing. I have some ideas they are traveling on business or pleasure. which I would like to discuss with the Pete Henry Let Evelyn take a breather as she has really leadership at their convenience. None of us 164 B Portland Lane earned it from hard work for a long, long are getting any younger, so prompt action I Jamesburg, NJ 08831 time while doing a great thankless job. believe is required. (609) 655-0982 30 Dear Bill: Dear Bill: I talked to you once a few years back and I am looking for crew members and I should have kept in touch, but you know ground personnel who flew or serviced the about the ways of mice and men. B-24 "Bomerang," Serial No. 23722. Enclosed is a picture of Jake Epting and "Bomerang" was the first 8th Air Force crew. It was taken at Ft. Meyers Beach B-24 to complete 50 missions, and was shortly after the 93rd was formed at flown back to the States in April 1944 on a Barksdale. We flew our phase training and war Bond Tour. doubled on sub-patrol. One of our (409th) "Bomerang's" First Crew: John E. planes sank a sub off of Virginia and the Stewart, Ambler, PA; Geo. W. Bailey, Los Angeles, CA; Gerald F. Conningham, Dear Bill: Group was given a Presidential Citation. Haverhill, MA; Benjamin B. Several items caught my attention in the We left Ft. Meyers and went to Grenier Klose, San Antonio, TX; Herbert Hape, Evansville, Spring number, some because I can con- Field in NH, from there to Prestwick and Ind. (located him); Herbert Ven- tribute additional information, others on to Alconbury, England. B. Daly, tondale, PA; Robt. D. Anderson, because the authors or your correspondents Scott, Ind.; Joe M. Cuellar, Gabriel, may be able to help me to identify positively Jr., San CA; Maurice P. Cotter, the B-24 concerned by its full serial. Yermo, CA; Homer 0. Sheetz, Sheals, Ind. The lead airplane in the 458th BG low left squadron flown by Capt. John Floyd and "Bomerang's" Third Crew: John M. Stauffacher, Calamine, Capt. Simes on the Christmas Eve raid over Wisc.; Murry Markowitze, the Bulge appears on the Formation Plan as Bronx, NY; Quentin L. Mor- 575 0 J3. Can Col. George W. Dicks or ris, Ridgeway, TX; Carl F. Marcussen, Gerry Covey remember whether it was a Lakewood, OH; Glen P. Hartmen, Paonia, named airplane and, if so, its nickname? Its CO; Clare C. Omley, Los Angeles, CA; serial was B-24H-1 DT 41-28575, B-24J-1 Harvey L. Heath, Burlington, NC; Frank G. Blazeck, E. Pittsburgh, PA; Kenneth FO 42-95575, B-24J-1 FO 42-50575 or Officers (I-r): Jake Epting, Hap Kendall, Al W. Neidenthal, Navarre, OH; Donald J. B-24J-5 FO 42-51575. Which one was it? Naum, Al Weir. Enlisted (14): Ed Bates, Johnston, Lewiston, PA. The B-24 in the photo on page 27 was George Ingall, Joe Forti, Dell Kettering, either B-24E-1 FO 42-7005 or B-24H-20 FO Dick Ryan. "Bomerang's" Ground Personnel: George C. Ewald, Norfolk, VA; Charles A. 42-95005. If it was the former it was certain- I have never seen anyone tell about our Chambers, Mechanicsburg, PA. ly taken during training in the USA because early endeavors in England. Fifteen planes Crew Who Flew "Bomerang" Back to no B24Es were assigned to ETO. If it was to Lille, the sub pens at L'Oriset, La the States on the War Bond Tour: Enos H. the latter, it was certainly assigned to 492nd Pallice, St. Nazaire etc. or the story of how Lee, Jaretsville, MO; Geo. C. Everhart, BG, 859th BS as X4 G+ with which it flew we were loaned to the British Coastal Com- Marysville, Kansas; Alfred B. Bergkamp, 14 missions starting on 6 June 1944 before mand to do anti-sub work for the North Cheney, Kansas; Wm. N. Ford, Jersey Ci- being MIA on the 7 July 1944 mission to African invasion. We did a lot of work with ty, NJ; Walter T. Stewart, Salt Lake City, Bernburg. It may also have been earlier what we had to go on - The only B-24s in Utah; John V. Kemp, Jr., Los Angeles, assigned to 458th BG, 754th BS as Z5 H England trying to fly with Forts (impossi- CA; Edwin D. Kleine, Richmond Hill, NY; and flown on the 29 May 1944 mission to ble). One day we went to the sub pens carry- Ralph Carroll, North East PA (located Tutow with that Group. I hope this may ing 1600 lb. armor piercing bombs. We him); Michael L. Sullivan, Detroit, MI; help identify the crew. went in first at 14,000, the Forts were to William A. Apy, New Canaan, CT. Tom Brittan come later with HE's. I saw the bombs we Anyone out there who has information 24 Lyndhurst Drive carried bounce off of the sub pens, later we on the above names, or any information Sevenoaks found out that they were 14 or 15 feet of about the "Bomerang" can contact me at Kent reinforced concrete. the address below or call me collect at TN13 2HQ I went to Norwich in '87, didn't 509-865-2481. recognize a thing, skipped Alconbury (an Kent Jaquith RAF jet base). Went down to Cornwall 760 Knight Hill Road (Redruth) and Dear Mr. Robertie: again recognized nothing. I Zillah, WA 98953 did however enjoy being in England and Your Ipswich address brings to mind my meeting a few old duffers like myself crew's being stood down from flying mis- and swapping stories. sions to do ten days bombing practice over Love the Journal - Ipswich, England in 1944. need more stories about the 93rd and the legend that We completed our tour August '44 they in created. with the 852nd Sq., 491st Div. then based at I was shot down North Pickenham. on the first raid after Ploesti (Wiener-Neustadt) August The Division's Journal is so interesting 13, 1943. Spent most of the ensuing months that I read almost every word! (21) as a POW at Stalag Luft IX. I now Having piloted B-24s, I should offer a belong to American Ex-POWs and the suggestion for John W. Archer's item on Escape and Evasion Society. I also crash landed in page 28 of the Spring '89 issue entitled our original plane (RED ASS) in Spanish "Boys Howdy." If the two port engines Morocco and spent three months interned bombed out the "ghost aircraft" would in Spain. turn violently to port, not to the right as In this photo there are 12 DFCs and 30 or Archer said. With both port engines out - more Air Medals. Bates and Forti (14): even feathered - both a pilot and co-pilot were Dan Boone, Bud Chamberlain, Irene wounded and Ingall was Zled would be needed to hold a straight course. for cadet Boone and Mike Chamberlain at the Hilton school. I look forward to future issues. Head Executive Committee Meeting. Dan If you are interested Dwight L. Turner I can tell you other was Bud's engineer, and they hadn't seen stories of the early days. 6122 Chrisbin Drive each other for 40 years. Dick Ryan Columbus, GA 31904 80 Cabot St. #5 Beverly, MA 01915 + 31 Dear Bill: Dear Bill: I would like to thank the 2nd Air Divi- Of all the articles and letters published in sion Association Journal for printing the the Journal over the past several years, I've articles by Mr. Chamberlain and by Mr. seen none relating to the inventor of the Fred Thomas in the Spring Journal. They, B-24 wing, Dave Davis. The Davis airfoil by the content of their articles, reinforced certainly played a major role in the history my decision as to what I should do with the of the B-24. Maybe it would be interesting contribution I was going to give to the to have a short biography of him sometime. librarian fund. Back in 1959 or 1960 I worked with Mr. Thanks to both authors, my decision is to Dear Bill: Davis at Hughes Aircraft Co. in El send the money to the Collings Fund. I thought I would send you this photo Segunds, CA. He was in their outside quali- Thank you, gentlemen, for helping me of my auto which has the license plate ty control department. I understand he make up my mind. Right on, Fred Breun- 2ND-AIR, the only one that can be had received little or no royalties for his unique inger of the 446th Bomb Group, I'm with here in Pennsylvania. Also, it just hap- wing design. you! pened that my inspection sticker is 3-89 E.J. Allen Victor G. Templer which is my old Bomb Group, 389th. 16636 6th Ave. SW Keep up the good work as I enjoy the Seattle, WA 98166 + + + + Journal very much. See you in Hilton Head. Dear Evelyn: William C. Nelson Dear Bill: The Second Air Division Association in 779 Old State Road In the Spring issue of the Journal on page general, and the 392nd Bomb Group in par- Apollo, PA 15613 27 is a photo of an unidentified bomber ticular, lost a good English friend and crew. I had not seen this picture before, so supporter upon the death of Mrs. Grace you can imagine my surprise in recognizing Kimble at Harlow, Essex on February 2, Dear Bill: my husband, third from left, back row. He 1989. Her death came as a shock, although In reading all issues of the Journal, I find is deceased now, but his name was Capt. she had been in poor health for a number of myself seeking names, places, and events Gilbert E. Schulze, pilot, 754th Sqd., 458th months. We are certain that her many that stir memories of my army days. BG (H). After completing his missions at friends of the 2ADA will be saddened to While randomly scanning the Spring 1989 Horsham, Norwich, England, he was made learn of her passing. issue, I was suddenly confronted by the instructor of replacement crews while Grace became interested in the 2ADA article on page 9 entitled "Division Head- assigned to Operations. He wrote that the and the 392nd BG in 1983 when she visited quarters" and this I thought should be of training flights helped break up the the U.S. cemetery near Cambridge and interest to me - for there I be back yonder monotony of the office work. This picture copied the name of a 392nd BG man off a when - and as I read it, I grew more and was probably taken between August and gravestone. It was her intention to research more excited. the end of October 1944. the background of the man whose name she It spoke of Boileau, a pond, Frenchmen, copied, from his birth until he was killed General Kepner, flags and land, and cattle while serving with the 392nd BG. During onlookers - and a ceremony! And for only her research, she learned that the man had the second time in my years of reading the died in a mid-air collision during a training Journal, I felt the surge of a personal thrill flight in the summer of 1944. However, a - for I was a part of that ceremony! portion of the crew was not aloft on the As I read the article, I looked up from my flight and survived the war. Grace was able desk and almost within reach of my fingers, to contact most of the crew who were liv- adorning my office wall, was the picture of ing, and through research and other cor- General Kepner awarding me as a ceremony respondence she became acquainted with participant the "Certificate of Merit" and those men and many others who served my gaze passed a bit further and there with the Second Air Division. As a result, proudly framed was the certificate itself "in our Association gained quite a number of recognition of conspicuous and outstanding new members. performance of military duty from In addition to research and cor- November 1943 to November 1944" signed respondence, Grace spent really more of by W.E. Kepner, Major General USA, her time and resources than she should have commanding 2nd Bombardment Division. while acting in the interest of the 392nd BG young For some reason I felt and deeply This crew no doubt a replacement crew at and 2ADA. She could always be counted on moved, and briefly forgotten were the pills Horsham St. Faith, Norwich, England, to contact a friend, run an errand, or supp- pocket and aches of in my 76 - and that 1944. Capt. Schulze is third from left, back ly a wreath to be laid at the 392nd obelisk at means age and not a year. How proud I was row, leather jacket. Wendling and/or the cemetery near Cam- to have received that honor and when I bridge, much of which was at her expense. returned from the war and resumed my I'll be watching the next issue to learn if We were able to have Grace and her hus- practice, these were the very first pictures to the others are identified. Whoever sent this band, Albert, with us at our 392nd BG adorn my wall. picture in certainly made my day, by giving mini-reunion at Norwich in 1987 where we When General Kepner died, I placed his me a very pleasant surprise. expressed gratitude to some small extent obituary beneath his picture as a poignant Enclosed is a copy of a crew which I with a "Rokicki" plaque and small gifts. reminder of him and all those many friends believe to be the same as the one pictured, It was our good fortune to correspond I made during Second Air Division days taken at a different time (due to their with Grace and Albert several times each "too many years ago." dress). However, it could be of a different year. We shall miss her, and we know many Thanks to Ray Strong and Carl Barthel crew. I do not have the names of any of the others will also. and to you for the writing and publishing of fellows except again, the one third from Fred Thomas this most interesting reminder. left, back row, is Capt. Schulze. 8932-1318E Biscayne Court Virgil 0. Hinton Geneva F. Schulze Huntington Beach, CA 802-806 Ameritrust Bldg. 2121 Riverside Drive 92646 Canton, Ohio 44702 Sidney, Ohio 45365 + + + 32 Dear Bill: fighers. Our pilot, Col. Ralph Leslie and his Thank you very much for opening and beautiful wife Betty were perfect hosts by reading my letter. I hope you don't mind planning the F-16 tour, inviting their this writing to you about an airplane that Belgium friends and making the whole once served with the 458th Bomb Group affair delightful. It was a fantasy reunion during World War II. initiated in heaven. Just for my hobby, I am doing some research work to the B-24 42-95117 that flew with the 752nd Bomb Squadron. It was involved in a crash over the eastern part of Belgium on 20 July 1944.(MACR 7255) As a second part of this hobby, I am try- ing to build it as a 1/48 scale plastic B-24 model (wingspan 27/12 "). To complete this model just the same as how it looked that famous day, I am still missing some details. If possible I want to know if the plane . - Arr any nicknames or nose art. Any other had Dear Bill: information about colors, codes, markings, (1-r): Sgt. Donald Hudspeth, Col. Ralph I guess my most memorable experience etc. pictures are always welcome. I want to Leslie, Sgt. Neil Park, Sgt. George Rake, was our 13th mission to Nurnberg. Our pay for these costs if there are any. and Lt. Veto lavecchia. plane got hit by an 88 mm shell which came Thanking you for your kind attention on Anyone know the whereabouts of three in from the belly under the flight deck. this letter and hope some day to receive a of our crewmen: James T. Ryan, navigator, I was standing at the time; it came small answer from you. up ser. 0685735, last known address 137 So. near my foot, tore the armor plate off JANSE Johnny in Enterprise, Bowling Green, Ohio; Eugene back of Mac, it just flopped over Halensebaan 63bis on the Garner, gunner, ser. 18124310, last known flight deck. 3386 Molenbeek-Wersbeek address Route 5, Paris, Texas; Robert H. The shell was a dud and never BELGIUM exploded, Rumery, radioman, ser. 33249733, last it just took my chute right out the side of known address c/o Eldredge Ave., Staten the plane. All I have left is the handle. We Island, NY. lost our hyd. system but no injuries. Any information on the above should be I remember telling our engineer Geo. sent to: Col. Ralph Leslie, 3301 Rolling Snook that if we went down, I would have Woods Drive, Palm Harbor, Florida 34683; to hitch a ride with him. tel. 813-785-4612. Thank you. Frank Mangan Veto lavecchia 31169 Park Ridge Drive 2812 Magee Avenue Brooksville, FL 34602 Philadelphia, PA 19149

Dear Bill: Finally discovered 2ADA this past Fall. Dear Bill: Sent my ten bucks to Milt Stokes, who Greetings to you. Please publish this let- passed it along to Evelyn Cohen. Seem to ter in the Journal if you can. Man, the be in good standing and have received two 10 HAPPY FELLOWS - 389th BC. June 2ADA is really something, probably worth issues of the Journal. The Journal varies 21, 1944- crew of the B-24 "Mistah Chick" at least $1,000.00 a year instead of ten. from excellent to just fair and with some ex- which crash landed in Halmstad, Sweden. Some few weeks ago I wrote you a letter, hibitions of pettiness - but I do understand Kneeling (14): Lt. Veto lavecchia, bombar- mentioned some of my crewmates, and that you as editor can only work with that dier; LI. James Ryan, navigator; Lt. Ralph related two stories to you that happened to which is submitted - no personal criticism Williams, co-pilot; 1st Lt. Ralph Leslie, us on bombing raids. You published it in of the editor! In fact you probably are to be pilot; Sgt. Eugene Garner. Standing (l-r): the Spring Journal; someone read it and congratulated for having the fortitude to Sgt. George Rake, engineer; Sgt. Neil Park, asked my pilot if it referred to him. He said handle the responsibility. Thanks. gunner; Sgt. Donald Hudspeth, gunner; it did and subsequently called me and was James Dyke Sgt. Charles Campbell, gunner; and Sgt. able to give me the names and addresses of P.O. Box 606 Robert Ruiner), radioman. three other crewmates. I have written to Mesilla Park, NM 88047 them and also I have written Evelyn and Dear Bill: given her the names and addresses of all After 44½ years, our crew of the 389th four of them and urged her to send them Dear Bill: Bomb Group, B-24 "Mistah Chick" which membership applications. In reference to the crew picture of crash landed in Halmstad, Sweden on June So, let me say this to the membership. If "Bomerang" on page 30 in the Spring '89 20, 1944, had a mini-reunion in Palm Har- you are not able to locate someone, then Journal: I recognize two of the flyers, who bor, Florida, Feb. 26-28, 1989. Five send a story to the Journal and mention were original crew members of DeMont's members of the crew and wives met and names, events and places. It is a good bet crew with myself. They are George Everhart spent three wonderful days together. Shar- that someone will read it and it will get to (bombardier) holding his hand up in the ing with us the greatness of the moment was the right person. Victory sign and Alfred Bergkamp Ms. Anne Brusselmans (and her daughter Went down to Kissimmee and saw that (engineer/top turret gunner). He's the one Yvonne Daley), many times decorated for B-24, Bill, and it is going along nicely. holding his hand in a small circle. The her service in the Belgium underground that Hope to meet you personally in Fort others I do not know. However, I do know safely hid and repatriated U.S. fliers - Worth. that this particular crew was assembled downed behind enemy lines - back to Allied Fred L. Weatherly from a variety of different crews. control. The mini-reunion was concluded 3325 Wilmer Road Bill Nelson with a VIP tour of McDill Air Force Base, Wilmer, Alabama 36587 93rd Bomb Group its strategic war room, flight line and hands-on inspection of the famed F-16 jet + + + + -4- 33 Dear Bill: Having been in Ordnance and having helped in loading several tons of bombs during my stay in the ETO, 1 was interested in the article by J.E. Gegenheimer. I realize he wasn't writing a technical article, but I would like to elaborate on some of his statements. The retaining pins were not attached to the wires, as stated. The arming wires WERE the pins after the pins were remov- ed, and they were fastened to the fuse with Fahenstock clips. When the bombs were released, the clips pulled off the ends of the wire, leaving the wire on the bomb shackle. The arming vane (propeller) was then free YB-24N instrument panel from Kingman to rotate and after so many rotations, fell off the fuse, exposing the detonation pin. Dear Bill: markings or some type of warning system There was both a nose and a tail fuse. The HELP! I am building an E-5 Turret that let other crews know the ship above safety pins were given to the bombardier, or Training Truck, similar to the ones used at them was about to let go? someone else in the event they were needed. Kingman Army Air Field and the other Thirdly, I also have an extremely rare in- The bombardier could toggle one bomb WWII gunner schools. My Sperry Ball is strument panel (photo enclosed) removed off at a time or he could salvo the load. Of completely restored, but construction of the from one of the YB-24Ns scrapped at course he had to toggle the individual suspending framework is being delayed due Kingman. As you may know, this was the bombs off from the bottom tier and not the to the lack of original specs. final, single-tail version of the long top! I desperately need Tech Manual 9-2800, Liberator line and there were only 7 of these I remember an incident where one of the Tech Order 11-65-1, photos or any other in- birds built (6 bit the dust at Kingman). I am 458th planes returned to Horsham with his formation on this vehicle that will aid me in planning on making a museum display of bomb load intact. Just why I don't recall. its accurate reconstruction. this panel, so I was wondering if any The bombardier toggled them all over Nor- Also, I have in my collection two bomb readers had photographs or information on folk County, I think. A group of us were bay doors that were taken from Liberators the B-24N? sent out to locate and mark the location of scrapped at Kingman - each is painted with Unlike some of the current aircraft each bomb. We were invited into the home a stripe running its length, one green & 13" restorers who are soliciting cash or parts of an old English gentleman who had been wide and the other yellow & 7" wide. These donations to get their project off the in the Boer war or maybe in India. After stripes run along the edge that was on the ground, I will gladly pay reasonable prices listening to his war stories and drinking underside of the ship when the doors were for any of the above. Please write. several cups of tea laced with brandy, we closed, therefore they could only be seen John C. Szabo were not quite as eager to look for UXB's, from the side when it was time to release the P.O. Box 2641 or unexploded bombs! eggs. My question: Are these squadron Riverside, CA 92516-2641 Ben Hooker + + (754th Bomb Sqdn. Ord.) Lufkin, Texas Dear Bill: Dear Pete [Henry]: In the December '88 B-24 Newsletter Thank you kindly for sending me the from the Collings Foundation, I noticed in copies of VCR tapes for the 2nd Air Divi- Dear Bill: the listing of the nine Honor sion activities and those of the 8th Air What a nice thing for you to have Squadron/Dedicated Crew level of dona- Force. reprinted the article that the Chicago tions that four were from the 15th Air Each of us can be very proud that we Tribune ran on our Ex-POW reunion. We Force, one from the 13th AF, one from the were given the opportunity to serve with the tried to find other POWs who were in our 7th AF and three from the 8th Air Force, units of the 2nd Division and all of the same room at Stalag Luft I without any suc- 734th BG. other units of the Mighty 8th Air Force. cess, other than the ones that are mentioned With so many 8-24 crews and personnel In addition to serving with the above, I in this story. Hopefully, someone who was in the 8th, why are so few interested enough along with the other members of our police in our room will see the story and contact us to help restore this one B-24J as the only unit, served with many support elements, so that we can extend this friendship. completely restored bomber of this type in such as the C.I.C., C.I.D., G2, the No writer can express the emotion and the world? engineering Bn. that built the air fields, the wonderful comradeship that the six of Work is progressing nicely, but funds are many of the invasion units, and a host of us had in getting together after not seeing or becoming vital. Why don't one of the 2nd others that include the British, French, hearing from each other for over 43 years. AD Bomb Groups pick this up as a major Poles, Swedes, and etc. Unfortunately you listed me, Ira P. project? If some Group made a sizeable Thank you too for the postcard telling Weinstein, as being in the 44th Bomb donation, the Group colors might be given me about Gen. Johnson. We had a detach- Group, when in reality I was in the 445th to this B-24J. ment that was at the 44th at Shipdham from and was shot down on the well known How about it, fellows? Any gift of any Jan. 1943 to July 1945. So many of those Kassel raid. size is acceptable. Send it to: The Collings great guys were known to most of us, Ira P. Weinstein Foundation, B-24J Project, Box 248, Stow, maybe not by name, but surely by contact President MA 01775. and everyday activities. That would hold Schram Advertising Co. Charles W. Lanham true too for the 56th F. Gp. 450 Skokie Blvd. Wesley Heights Community The best of luck to you with the activities Building 800 580 Long Hill Avenue for the films and the Memorial Library. Northbrook, IL 60062 Apt. 326 Danny Bollinger, Jr. (Ed.: See - if you had been flying with the Shelton, CT 06484 7900 E. 8th Rd. best Group in the 2nd AD (the 44th) you Plymouth, Indiana 46563 could have walked home.)

34 D'Angelo's and located him. I gave him John Walker's address and he said he was going to get in touch with him. He also wanted to know how he could join up with us, so I took him an application. I, also, am trying to locate my crew members. I am working with Virgil Thomp- son through the Search Service at the pre- sent time but thought you might run them in a letter in the Journal and someone in the same city might look in the telephone direc- tory and call a few people with the same last name for me. It would be appreciated. Here are their names: pilot Frank Bas- tian, Chicago; engineer Bill Wilbur, MA; radio operator William (Bill) Degnan, Chicago; nose gunner Fred G. Theobold, Long Island, NY; waist gunner Paul C. DiGiacomo, New York, NY; waist gunner Robert Colletti, from the state of NY, reported MIA or possibly KIA Aug. 26, 1944. Those I have located are co-pilot Donald W. Disbrow, 100 Wyboff Drive, This ex-389th BG Liberator had been set on fire by the German crew of Kampf- Vacaville, CA 95688; and navigator David geschwader 200 in April 1945. 0. Ho1st, 804 West Davis, Fayette, MO 65248. David is my brother. Dear Readers: the use with the Luftwaffe, as pictures on Enclosed is a picture of our crew. For several years I am very much recaptured Americans after the war. Thanks, Bill, for all of your good work. interested in American aircraft down in Any information as well as pictures is Dewey A. Hoist Germany and German occupied territory in greatly appreciated and helps me to do the (448th tail gunner) World War II. A year ago, Squadron Signal second volume as accurate as possible. I 6710E. 17th Publications published my book, thank you in advance for your kind Kansas City, MO 64126 "Strangers in a Strange Land." cooperation. Now the publisher wants a second volume and I am doing research for this. Hans-Heiri Stapfer Dear Bill: For this reason I am looking for informa- Bergstrasse 35 I must respond to the article "To Set the tion and pictures on downed American air- CH-8810 Horgen/ZH Record Straight" by Dave Swearingen in craft, also pictures of American bomber in Switzerland the Spring 1989 Journal wherein he refers to ± J. William Tikey's article in the Winter 1987-88 issue. I certainly cannot understand how he, or anyone, would have the impres- sion that Tikey was boasting of leading the wing or was detracting from anyone else in the air on the Leipheim mission. Tikey clearly stated that our crew was leading a squadron of the 466th and generously iden- tified the mission as a milk run. The points that he specifically made were that there were perfect weather conditions, great fighter support and superb bombing. The results of the bombing are the point of his story, 60 ME 262s were destroyed six weeks prior to D-Day. It's a great feeling, discovering some forty years later, that we took part in this action that saved how many lives among the Allied invaders? 50? 500? 5,000? This letter is in no way meant to be negative to Dave Swearingen, but to really set the record straight. I'm pleased to know that fellows like he and his crew were fighting on our side. And those who know and flew with Joe Tikey, including myself, must say the same of him. Incidentally, our combat tour included 8 group, 9 wing and 2 Front row (l-r): Frank Bastian, pilot; Dear Bill: division leads as a lead and, later, as a Donald W. Disbrow, co-pilot; David 0. This is my first time writing to you, so I pathfinder crew. Forty-five years later, Hoist, navigator. Standing (l-r): Paul C. want to let you know how much I enjoy J.W. Tikey is still my very good friend. DiGiacomo, waist gunner/armor; William reading the Journal, especially the letters. And, Dave, if you're ever in the 0. Wilbur, engineer/top turret; Robert In the Spring 1989 Journal, I read a letter neighborhood, stop in for a drink. Colletti, waist gunner; Fred G. Theobold, written by John H. Walker. He was looking Hank Tevelin nose gunner/armor; Dewey A. Hoist, tail for his crew members. His bombardier was 5099 Mirror Lakes Blvd. gunner/armor; William (Bill) Degnan, from Kansas City, MO and his last name Boynton Beach, FL 33437 radio operator. was D'Angelo. I called three or four 35 Dear Evelyn: Dear Evelyn: Dear Bill: My "finding" and then joining the 2nd Just wanted to inform the Association I have been a member for about ten years ADA has reopened up a whole almost that Lt. Wilfred Hamilton's crew had a reu- and have attended, in a way at least, two forgotten time of high adventure in my life. nion at the Viscount Hotel in Kennedy Air- Norwich conventions. What I mean is that I In addition to the new friends with 2nd AD port, NY, on June 25, 1988. Seven crew happened to be in town at the same time affinity, I have relocated a long lost dear members and four wives were present. and attended some of the functions. friend Conrad Menzel, who is hale and Some of us had not seen each other in 44 All of those in attendance I met were "fly hearty in Kansas (see August 1985 issue of years! We hired a conference room at the boys" and none of them were of the chair- the 44th Log Book, page 1, Mission to Viscount and "rapped" plenty. The warm borne troops as I was - Medical Detach- Politz.) We had a one-hour telephone visit feeling we generated among us would be ment, Headquarters Detachment, 467th the other night. We roomed together, did a difficult to describe. Allan Blue, author of Bomb Group at Rackheath. I looked in lot of flying together, and became close "The Fortunes of War" was very in- vain for anyone who knew anything about friends while I was in the 44th BG, 506th strumental in our reunion taking place. We the members of the Medical Detachments Sqdn. at Shipdham. What a great bull ses- have very good contact with him; our co- from the 788th, 789th, 790th and the 791st sion we had. Interestingly, he had been pilot M. Moorhead resides 10 miles from Squadrons. I did find someone who had discussing me with his wife just two weeks him. known our group flight surgeon, Major prior wondering what had happened to The sad part of this letter is that our Joseph Lee Mann, a close personal friend "old Ed." pilot's wife Kay wrote us that "Ham" who has passed to his rest. I served him as Bill Holmes of the Friends of the 2nd AD (that's what we called him) passed away Medical Sergeant Major for the Station in Norwich and I have been talking together November 28, 1988. He was 69 years old. Sick Quarters in the valley just below the by amateur radio every Tuesday morning at He along with our co-pilot returned us from Headquarters on the hill. 0900 EST. For anyone interested, our fre- missions where we never thought we would They were a fine bunch of men and I am quency is 21.230 MHz. My call is KB1FG, ever see our home base again. sure that most of them have had successful and his is G4TWT. Earl Nissen, of Waver- Bob Mantel careers as I have. We have our own stories ly, IA (call WOMKY) is a friend of 8200 Shore Front Pkwy of blood and gore. Ellsworth and Joyce (I don't know their last Rockaway Bch, NY 11693 I am amused by the continued use of the name) who is a 2nd ADA member and name for the Group bulletin - Poop from friend of Bill Holmes. Bill is setting up a Dear Bill: Group. A bunch of us headquarters types 2nd ADA amateur radio net which should The 2ADA has been organized for many came up with the name early in the history enhance our communications, particularly years. We now enjoy the largest member- of the Group. I believe a lot of credit goes across the pond. This morning he formed ship ever. What a great number to be in- to M/Sgt. Ed Krance, but I did have some the 2nd ADA Amateur Radio Association, volved after all of these years. Each year we input. and he elected me as chairman. We'll try travel to our convention sites to enjoy a While I cannot attend many conventions, real hard to make it fly. great time of fellowship and comradery. As I retain great memories of my participation Erla and I plan to be at the Ft. Worth we get older it gives us an opportunity to in a great organization. soiree in May and hope to see you there. We look over our shoulder and count our many Frank W. Stokes can't come to Hilton Head as we will be on blessings of life. As members of the Second 4227 James Drive a one-month cruise of the South Pacific at Air Division Association, we now have the Anchorage, AK 99504 that time. It is with very mixed emotions, opportunity to pay tribute to over 6300 but that trip was planned well in advance. brave young Americans of our 2nd Air Down to business: my wife Erla and I Division that paid the supreme sacrifice. I have decided enthusiastically to go to the feel that it is most appropriate that each Dear Evelyn: Norwich reunion in 1990 and would like to and every member support our 2nd Air Marysville has just built a new public be placed on your reservation list. I detect Division Memorial. Regardless of how large library, and come to find out, they didn't that a deposit is desired. Please fill me in on or how small a contribution might be, it is have any books on the Eighth Air Force the details. certainly the least (and maybe the last) that and Second Air Division. I have donated all Thanks for your interest and all you are each of us can do to perpetuate the memory the ones I had. Maybe the other members doing for the 2nd ADA. of these great Americans. had better check their public libraries. We Edward G. Schwarm James H. Reeves never know till we ask. 251 Regency Drive 2ADA Past President Harold H. McNeely Marstons Mills, MA 02648 Box 98, Thomasville Rd. Marysville, Ohio 43040 Moultrie, GA 31768

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