September 1973 624 TURN out for 26Th REUNION $1705.00 RAISED for MEMORIAL FUND and BOOKS

NEWS LETTER

Vol. 11, No. 3 SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION September 1973 624 TURN OUT FOR 26th REUNION $1705.00 RAISED FOR MEMORIAL FUND AND BOOKS

Our drive this past year to raise funds for the Memorial Fund and needed books for the library resulted in a whop- ping total of $1705. It showed how one and two dollar donations can really add up. $1288.00 was raised as a result of our appeal with an additional $417.00 donated at the reunion. $917.00 of this amount was sent to England in the care of Tom Eaton to be used throughout the year for the purchase of books for the American Room. The remaining $788.00 will be used to establish a Memorial Fund on this side of the At- lantic. The money will be used to purchase American Securities and the Fund will be administered by the present Board of Governors. We are hoping that this small start is The beautiful Air Force Academy but the beginning and that future years We dreamed about 600 attending. We "Witchcraft". Joe brought along a beau- will see it grow through the generosity hoped for 400. We would have settled tiful wooden model of the plane and of our members, and of their generosity for 300. But the hardy Second Air Di- was gracious enough to allow us to dis- there is no doubt. vision members turned out in force for play it at the head table on the night of Our thanks to all of you. this special occasion at the Air Force our banquet. Academy and when the final tally was They came from everywhere. The in 624 members, wives, offspring and as- wind swept plains of Texas, the friendly sorted guests made this the greatest re- South, the rugged Northwest and the union we have every enjoyed. bucolic Northeast. If I were a gambling NORWICH 1975 Tom Eaton, Vice Chairman Board of man I would be willing to bet that every Governors of the Memorial Trust, and State in the Union was represented. son David traveled all the way from Highlight of the runion was, without Plans are already well under way Norwich to be with us for our first re- question, our Memorial Service at the for a return trip to Norwich in union at the Academy. He brought with Air Force Academy Chapel. It was May of 1975. In order to facilitate him, in addition to thoughtful gifts, the planned as a simple ceremony where these plans it is necessary for us to good wishes of the people of Norwich Tom Eaton would present to the Associ- ask for a $25.00 deposit from all and the other members of the Board of ation a copy of our Book of Remem- who plan to make the trip. These Governors. brances listing the 6,032 names of our deposits will be non-returnable Col. Goodman G. Griffin and his comrads who were killed in action. except for extenuating circum- lovely wife Bobbie tore themselves away It was planned that way but it turned stances and should be sent to from their Hawaiian paradise to sample out quite differently. The setting, and Charles (Joe) Warth, 5709 Walker- the rarified atmosphere of beautiful the ceremony itself, was so moving there ton Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45238. Colorado and to greet the many friends wasn't a dry eye in the Chapel. Sitting So if your planning to go please they had made at previous reunions. there high up in the mountains with the send your deposit to Joe as soon Joe Ramirez and George Dong extri- clouds drifting by at eye level there was as possible. If you missed 1972 cated themselves from their plush pads a certain serenity that could not be cap- don't miss this one — you'll never in California to join with their buddies tured anyplace else. It was fitting for forgive yourself. of the 467th BG in reminiscing about the occasion but devastating on the the exploits of their favorite plane, (Continued on page 4) Second Air Division Association LOG OF THE LIBERATORS Eighth Air Force OFFICERS Sample the following for suspense President WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE which, at the same time, is a fitting trib- P.O. Drawer B, Ipswich, Mass. 01938 Vice President WILLIAM L. BROOKS ute to the ruggedness of the B-24: Cap- 350 Norton St., Boulder, Colorado 80302 by tain Keith Cookus Vice President Crossing the coast on the way Membership EVELYN COHEN Steve 404 Atrium Apts., 2555 Welsh Rd. out they were tracked by mobile flak Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19114 Birdsall and the first feeling burst was so close Secretary RAYMOND E. STRONG 320 Burlage Circle, Chapel Hill, N.C. 27514 Cookus could hear it. He began evasive Treasurer DEAN E. MOYER action but thirty seconds later his plane 549 East Main St., Evans City, Pa. 16033 was hit and thrown out of control. As GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS the Liberator tumbled around the sky Headquarters DEAN E. MOYER 549 East Main St., Evans City, Pa. 16033 seven (7) shells found her. Cookus 44th BG CHARLES J. WARTH Nothing gives the Newsletter greater wrestled with the controls and dropped 5709 Walkerton Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45238 93rd BG GLENN A. TESSMER pleasure than to be able to announce the bomber down to 8000 feet to get 63 Brewster Rd., Sudbury, Mass. 01776 that a book written by one of its mem- away as quickly as he could. He knew 389th BG ALBERT A. KOPP bers has been published and can be seen there wasn't much of his Aircraft left: 914 Joy Ave., Rapid City, S.D. 57701 448th BG KENNETH ENGELBRECHT on bookstore shelves. There is one great- one of the shells had burst inside the 204 S. Archie Ave., Granville, III. 61326 er pleasure and that is to be able to tell bomb bay, ripping out the catwalk 458th BG FRED J. VACEK 186 Millbridge Road, Riverside, III. 60546 our members that they can purchase the which also held the bottom of the fuse- 466th BG OR. JOHN JACOBOWITZ book from the Association at something lage together. It had killed the command Lincoln at Millard, Three Rivers, Mich. 49093 467th BG RAYMOND A. BETCHER less than the $12.95 bookstore price — pilot, who had been standing between 366 Reitman Ct , Rochester, Mich. 48063 $8.50 to be exact. the pilot and co-pilot, and blown the While Steve did not serve with the radio operator from the aircraft. The PRESIDENT'S CORNER 2nd Air Division he has been interested navigator was wounded and the top tur- in its history for many years. He has ret gunner was bleeding. There was a Just prior to leaving for this years re- long felt that the two by four was being hole in the middle of the plane just as if union at Colorado Springs I spent some neglected by historians in favor of the a shark had taken a bite out of a fish. time reminiscing about the many events, more glamorous (????) kiddy-cart Cookus and his co-pilot, Tiny Holla- pertaining to the Association, of 1972 euphemisitcally referred to as the 'Fly- day, were untouched. The intercom was and 1973. ing Fortress'! He set out to put the out and the second direct hit had shot It had been a fun-filled year in spite record straight and in the process has the number I engine to pieces, leaving it of the many problems. During this time, written four other books. hanging by shreds. Cookus managed to as President, I had the opportunity to The "Log of the Liberators" is un- get the prop feathered before he lost all work with many dedicated people — of- doubtedly his best and a very potent an- of the oil pressure. The third hit had ficers of the Association and non-offi- swer to Edward Jablonski's 'Flying Fort- blown out half of the number 2 engine, cers. ress'. We are proud to have Steve as an leaving him nothing to feather. Number To name only a few. Evelyn Cohen Associate Member of the Association 3 was burning, set afire by the flash of a who never, when I called her, ran away and proud to number him among those near miss, and it trailed a long streamer and hid simply because she knew I had who contribute to the Newsletter regu- of black smoke, streaked with red. to be calling with a problem. Dean larly with his 'Time To Remember' ser- Cookus had to leave it burning because Moyer who never groaned and moaned ies. he would have no chance of getting when he had to write checks but did so back to the English Coast without it. So cheerfully in the belief that money done. The Second Air Division Associa- he looked the other way, but he spent to advance the Association had to tion is very capable of listing over 2000 couldn't forget it because the fire began be money well spent. The mini-reunion members. You have given me another filling the aircraft with gas and oil Chairmen who responded to my request opportunity to strike at this goal. It smoke. that they head up a reunion of their CAN be achieved, but only with the There had been a direct hit in the particular Group with out-right enthusi- help of all of you. base of the nose turret, splinters sailing asm. This year we had six mini-reunions. up all around the gunner, but although The membership had grown to over The 44th, 93rd, 389th, 448th, 467th it blew the top right of his turret he was 1300 and the turn-out at this years re- and 466th. At next years reunion I not hurt. He managed to extricate him- union promised to be in the vicinity of would like to see six more. I am now self from the mess and crawled back to 600 plus. I was satisfied, I was happy making a request for any member of the cockpit to tell Cookus about anoth- and I was quite content to step aside one of the other Groups, including the er shell which had gone clean through and let somebody else enjoy the honor Fighter Groups, to contact me for the the right wing. That shell, the seventh, — and it is an honor — of being Presi- expressed purpose of heading up a mini- had taken the right main landing gear dent of the 2nd Air Division Associa- reunion for your particular Group. To with it. Holladay leaned across and tion. do this is exhilarating, exciting and the shouted "No use trying to get it down, end result is very gratifying. So I beg of Buck, we ain't got it with us now"; It was not to be. you, pitch in and let us hear from you. Cookus grunted, because all the hydraul- As your newly elected President for ics were out anyway 1973 - 1974 I want to thank all of you Evelyn Cohen and I — with help from for this additional honor. It means that Dean's check book — will give you every This incident (you'll have to buy the I will have to work that much harder assistance you need. book to find out how it ends) is but this coming year to justify the trust you Once again, thank you all for this ad- one of many involving all the Groups have placed in my hands, but I would ditional honor of being your President that flew the B-24 Worldwide. I can say be less than honest if I didn't say that I for another year. It is something I will that the 2nd Air Division Groups are welcome the opportunity. cherish all my life. well represented although the informa- I was actually departing the scene, or Sincerely, tion on some is sparse due to the fact so I thought, with the job only half Bill Robertie (Continued on Page 5) 2 A SURVEY OF U.S.A.A.F. ARTWORK IN EAST ANGLIA The next part of the building revealed that not all of the artwork had been by Steve Gotts painted over. All along one outer not been recorded anywhere in official wall were over half a dozen circular unit As readers of the June 1973 edition records. (If any 2nd AD. Association insignia, obviously those of the various of this newsletter would have noted in member can confirm our suspicions we support units assigned to the 361st the article "The airfields — Thirty years would be most grateful.) Framed by the Fighter Group. Sadly, all of those on after", The Cambridge Aircraft Preserva- four insignia was the unmistakeable this wall had suffered irreparable damage tion Society began a survey in 1972 to shape of a diving Thunderbolt, which at due to damp, and the paint had flaked locate and photograph, and where possi- least gave us some idea of when these away. However, one which had been ble recover examples USAAF of artwork paintings were made. This building had painted on an inner wall still survived in in buildings once occupied by American little else to offer except for paintings almost perfect condition. airmen. The initial idea of the survey oc- of the female form. Altogether, three curred to us back in October 1971, were found: two in the General Office when we received a request from Roger and one (with swimsuit) in an air-raid Freeman (who needs little introduction) room. All were painted on plaster-board, to photograph some existing murals at and we managed to salvage the face of Horham airfield, one time home of the one, and 50% of another — the top 95th Bomb. Group, 3rd Air Division. We half!! were absolutely staggered by what we 11111111111111111111111 saw at Horham, and this undoubtedly provided us with the incentive to search other airfields in the hope of finding Top portion of more artwork. Since that time, we have female painting sal- located period artwork and grafitti at vaged from "Gen- ten other airfields in East Anglia, rang- eral Office". Botti- ing from pencil written mission lists to sham, Cambs. 23rd four foot diameter unit insignia. Sadly, April 1972. Sole surviving support unit insignia (un- some of the stations we have visited known) in Mess Hall/Airmen's Club(?) Bot- tisham, have almost disappeared completely, Cambs. 23rd April 1972. leaving few buildings for us to inspect, Once again we were not able to iden- and, although we are perhaps twenty The smallest building on the living tify the insignia, so if any Association years too late in these particular cases, site provided one of the best examples member can assist us on this one, we our society feels it very worth while of art discovered at Bottisham — a four would be very pleased. A typical ex- searching for the artwork which has sur- foot 8th Air Force insignia, but the very ample of the artwork which had been vived, so that perhaps it can be pre- best was yet to come. In what must painted over was later discovered, quite served as a fascinating part of wartime have been a mess hall was the largest by chance a few feet from the previous- history. concentration of artwork we had ever ly mentioned insignia. High up on the One of the ex-USAAF stations which seen in one building. To begin with, the internal wall we could just discern a was inspected in 1972, Bottisham air- group(?) and squadron insignia were re- vague outline of something, and just be- field, stituated about four miles east of peated on an end wall, with the excep- low it, a hand painted letter was visible Cambridge, seemed at first to offer little tion of that of the 375th FS which had on a concrete beam. Mounting a ladder, in the way of buildings. However, we been destroyed by the partial demolition one of our members proceeded to scrub soon learned that the living site was lo- of the wall. Once again, the P47 was away the flaking white-wash, revealing a cated in Bottisham village, about one shown framed by the insignia, but this painting of a B-17 being closely escorted mile from the airfield, and there were time on the tail of a German fighter! by a yellow-nosed Mustang of the 361st rumours that something in the way of Further down this building, near the en- Fighter Group! After more brush-work, artwork still existed. On the 16th April, trance door, we uncovered a superb the solitary letter was found to be part we made contact with the current owner painting of the Statue of Liberty, and of a rather poetic phrase: "Here's a of the buildings, and were allowed to opposite it another 8th Air Force insig- toast to those who love the vastness of look around them. We found paintings nia — this time of the earlier design with the sky". After this discovery, we close- in four of the buildings, most of them straight wings. ly inspected every wall in the building having been white-washed over during just in case there were more works of the period when the buildings were oc- art. Minutes later we uncovered what cupied by displaced persons after the must still rate as the most unusual paint- war. The first building which received ing ever found — we can only describe it our attention was a "Nisson" type con- as a "flying tractor", complete with struction in great danger of collapsing on (Continued on Page 8) us! At the end of this building behind a door marked "General Office" we discovered four circular unit insignia painted on the brick end wall, almost invis- ible under a thin layer of white-wash. We got to work on these and soon iden- tified the insignia as those of the com- ponent squadrons of the 361st Fighter Group, the 374th, 375th & 376th Fight- er Squadrons. The fourth insignia provided something of a mystery for us, as we failed to identify it. It would seem "Statue of Liberty" Mural in Mess Hall/ The "Flying Tractor" painting in Mess that it was probably the Group insignia, Airmen's Club(?) Bottisham, Cambs. 6th Hall/Airmen's Club(?) Bottisham, Cambs. but, as the design was unofficial, it has May 1972. 6th May 1972. 3 624 TURN OUT FOR 26th REUNION (Continued from page 1) BOARD OF GOVERNORS emotions. In retrospect, however, I and entertaining delightful guests. Every- don't think there was anybody who one felt at ease and, as I've said so often would have had it any other way. It was in the past, there were no strangers. an experience that everybody who at- The smoothness with which the en- tended will remember for the rest of tire affair went off is a tribute to Co- their lives. Chairmen Bill Brooks, our new Vice Richard Q. Gurney /.', President, and Hal McCormick. How Chairman they pulled it off with the minimum amount of confusion we had will forever remain a mystery. First of all there was the chuckwagon dinner at the Flying 'W' Ranch where 1400 people were served in 23 minutes! :*41 (local restaurants please take note.) Richard Quintin Gurney D.L., T.D., Then there was the 'street' breakfast of Bawdeswell Hall, Norfolk comes from an old and established Norfolk family. where over 6000 people in Colorado His father, Quintin Gurney, was an orig- Springs were served bacon, eggs, pan- inal Governor of the Memorial Trust. cakes and coffee, all you could eat, for Dick Gurney is a Banker, Landowner, the princely sum of $1.00. (Local econ- Farmer, President of the Norwich omists please take note.) All of these Y.M.C.A., and a man who is full of good goodies were consumed while sitting on works. One of his recreations is hunting bales of hay, but don't knock it until the fox. He is also a fisherman and a fol- you try it. lower of other county pursuits. We know this was the largest reunion He has been High Sheriff of Norfolk, Lord Mayor of Norwich (1961) and Presi- we have ever had and I dare say it was dent of the Norwich Chamber of Com- the best. Everybody was friendly, every- merce. He is a Rotarian and involved in body was happy and everybody went many organizations. Air Force Academy Chapel away with the knowledge that a Second One of his ancestors was Elizabeth Fry Air Division reunion was indeed where it the great prison reformer. He himself has The hotel accommodations were ex- was all at. been a prison visitor. Currently he is Pro- cellent. The hotel staff friendly, cooper- It is going to be very difficult to top vincial Grand Master for Freemasonry in ative and eager to please. In Norfolk. short it was this one, but I venture to suggest that He is a local director of Barclays Bank the same as being in your own home 624 members are certainly going to try. and he is also on the Head Office Board of the Bank. He is a Director of the Nor- wich Union Insurance Group. Married, 'TALLY-HO!' Shouted the Huntsmen; with four children he was born in 1914. 'THERE GOES THE Cried GIs He served in the Army and was taken prisoner by the Italians 1939-1945. The Gurney family, originally Quak- ers, have been an integral part of life in Norfolk for over two centuries. Related families include the Barclays, Birkbecks, Buxtons and Hoares all associated with or part of the banking houses of East Anglia, as well as being involved in other business enterprises. He is not without his Ameri- -4 can connections. His great, great grand- father, Joseph John Gurney,founded the Quaker College — Earlham — at Rich- mond, Virginia. soldiers at rifle practice and their tar- To sum it up there have been few The sturdy American jeep, which gets. The unbelieving officer in charge deserving causes in post war Norfolk that went everywhere and did just about gave the order to cease firing. have not had Dick Gurney as sponsor, everything, played a new and unusual The soldiers stood and looked in treasurer or supporter. A man of quality role somewhere in England during the amazement as the harassed stag fled in and of character. A strong churchman he early days of the war when it joined panic across a stream, through a is also a lay reader. red-coated British gentry in a traditional meadow and up a hill, with the jeep- stag hunt. borne amateur Robin Hoods' hot on its NOTICE With a sergeant at the wheel and two tail. The jeep jumped the stream with GIs standing in the rear, rifles to their equal ease, came off embarllanents, and shoulders, the jeep bounded out of a blazed a new trail across the meadow in The Newsletter is on the prowl for wood hot in pursuit of a frightened stag. its hazardous chase. copies of the Stars and Stripes, Following closely was a pack of baying It can now be reported that the hun- Life magazines and any printed hounds. Very much out of the money in gry Yanks didn't get the stag. But they material pertaining to the war fourth place came red-coated English did get a strong reprimand from the of- years 1942-1945. We feel that huntsmen. ficers who halted their hunt and the these old publications would con- The huntsmen were shouting admonition that "one doesn't hunt in tain much of interest to our mem- "Yoicks!" and "Tally-ho"! England unless one is invited." bers. Any help would be greatly The Yanks were shouting, "There The red-coats advised the Americans appreciated. Send anything avail- goes the ----!" that stag hunting in jeeps is definitely able to William G. Robertie, P.O. This cavalry charge from another age frowned upon. 'Gad, sir!' Drawer B, Ipswich, Mass. 01938. dashed between a squad of Yankee (ed. note. Anyone care to confess?)

4 1974 - WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA THE CECIL G. GOWING MEMORIAL FUND

by Thomas Goodyear

I have been working on the idea of establishing a fund in memory of the late Cecil Gowing, who died on May 7th at the age of 75. Cecil was such a good friend to so many of us stationed Timme Plaza near his Rackheath home during the war years, and to so many Americans who visited the area during the post-war years, and he was so very interested in the Trust, of which he was a member of the Board of Governors, that it seems fitting for those of us who loved him to make a lasting contribution to the Memorial Room to perpetuate his The 1974 reunion of the Second Air Also available nearby is a family memory. Division Association will be held in Wil- campground for those members who Accordingly, I am establishing a mington, North Carolina, July 24 would be thinking of bringing their own "Cecil G. Gowing Memorial Fund" ac- through the 28th. trailer or camper to the runion. The air- count in the First National Bank of Aaron Schultz (389th), the reunion port facilities has Piedmont Airlines Cooperstown, N.Y. Money deposited Chairman, has advised the Newsletter connecting Wilmington with over 50 into this Fund will be used to purchase that plans are well underway. He has al- cities. This should bring the traffic in books to be given to the Memorial ready reserved all but 20 rooms at the smoothly to those who are traveling by Room. My idea is that we will seek suit- Timme Plaza — Deep water port of air. able advice in selecting books dealing call .... complete with Battleship! — Complete details will be given in the with subjects that interested Cecil. He and is now in the process of finalizing January Newsletter when all the loose had spoken about the need for more arrangements for cook-outs, side trips ends have been tied up. But do plan on volumes on aviation history. Colonel and other goodies. Hotel rates are attending. Our reunions are getting larg- Capers A. Holmes, former Group Navi- $18.00 single and $22.00 double. er and more friendly with each passing gator at Rackheath and now retired and year. Don't miss out on what will un- living in Montgomery, Ala., is already at The Timme Plaza, by the way, has a doubtedly be the most enjoyable vaca- work on a list of tentative selections. If dock right at its front door. If you own tion you have ever had. funds permit, we may also purchase a boat and live on the East Coast you It will be greatly appreciated if any some books on ornithology, another can sail the inland waterway right up to members living in North Carolina get in subject of vital interest to Cecil. the front desk. The Timme Plaza has touch with Aaron and give him some My plan is to develop an attractive earned a reputation for being the pre- help. Aaron C. Schultz, P.O. Box 667, bookplate for this memorial collection, ferred business meeting and convention High Point, North Carolina 27261. GET and to have the books re-bound in hotel in North Carolina. INVOLVED! matching bindings. Lastly, we would have a separate volume, similarly bound, REUNION SCHEDULE listing the names of contributors to the Fund. 1974 — Wilmington, North Carolina I have written to Mrs. Cowing, and 1975 — Norwich, England — Alternative, Dallas - Fort Worth. she is most enthusiastic about our plan, and so is Mr. Hepworth, the Librarian. 1976 — Valley Forge, Pennsylvania — Alternative, Boston, Mass. Judge Bryan, a Member of the Board of Governors, has likewise expressed his approval. I have set myself up as the Ed. Note: Send check LOG OF THE LIBERATORS or money order administrator of the project, and will in the amount (Continued from Page of $8.50 to William G. readily receive suggestions from any 2) Robertie, P.O. Drawer B, Ipswich, Mass. source. I am going to England next 01938. that requests for Steve is sending a signed book- month, and will develop plans further at information from plate to every member of the Associa- that time. members of these tion who purchases a copy. Allow ap- So I am ready to receive contribu- Groups went un- proximately three weeks for delivery, tions, and I will be sending a special let- answered or were ter to those whom I know were friends \• of / neglected. But I NOTICE of Cecil. Already, I have one contribu- oitflogIhr can truthfully say tion of $100. We would also consider 5! that there is We still need members to volunteer donations in the form of books suitable to something for head up a mini-reunion for their for the collection, though we cannot everybody and it particular Group — be it Bomb or Fighter accept every volume sent in this way is the first book Group. If your Group did not enjoy the intimate get-together without consideration. Checks, payable to give the ven- a mini-reunion banquet offers then to the "Cecil G. Cowing Memorial erable old 'Lib- why not pitch in with the rest of Fund," can be sent to me at the follow- erator' its just us. We are ready, willing and able to ing address: dues. help each and every one of you. So Buy it, you'll lets hear from you. Thomas Goodyear love it. Springfield Center, N.Y. 13468

5 MAKE SURE YOU ARE CARRYING THE MESSAGE FOR A STRONG AMERICA Address by General Leon W. Johnson The United Nations recognizes the differ- This restraint does not mean that there may not ence, they do not have a chapel in their New arise differences between the Soviets and our- But, if we maintain a military strength As I settled down to prepare these words to York building but a "Room for Meditation", selves. use as recognized by the Soviets as sufficient meet my commitment to talk to you to-night, which any member of any nation can which is them to an unacceptable my mind wandered. It seemed to turn the clock best fits his worship. to rstaliate against that all be war, it should deter them backward. My mind focused vividly on those I repeat, it is hard for us to realize level, should there despairing, frequently men do not think and believe alike. When Sen- from actions which could lead to a direct con- always trying, sometimes Delegate to exhilarating days with the ator Warren Austen was our Chief frontation with us. Any lesser U.S. Military pos- hopeful, occasionally the Jews the Second Air Divis- the United Nations, in the late 1940s, ture would encourage the Soviets and in the Second Air Division .... their differences. that ever growing mass and the Arabs were having case of a confrontation, would leave the U.S. in ion activated to control rose and spoke, saying — "I do not most welcome little friends The Senator the same type of position which the British and of B-24s and their understand why the Arabs and the Jews cannot P-38s and the P-51s. The perform- French faced at Munich, in 1939. the P-47s, get together and settle their differences in a ance of the aircraft was recalled with admira- Therefore this is a plea, that you accept heart throb of the good Christian manner." detente, which we all want, as a desirable position, but the heart and the has been known as the you — the This world which tion but one in which our strategic forces must war years was the performance of Communist World, since great division. Free World and the continue to be maintained at a level adequate people who made up that alignments devel- to make a distinction between 1945, is changing. We see new to convey a message of strength. It is difficult we see more restraint by relative contributions of members of the Di- oping and possibly, This can only be done with the support of powers. This restraint lowers the vision. All showed a national loyalty, courage in the two super the American people, you who fought in WW II of the smaller powers. This, in adversity, demonstrated a devotion to duty, a level of fear and who saw the penalty of lack of equipment to work uncounted hours, an ability turn, makes our alliances, which were created and crews, in 1942 and 1943, must be able to willingness fear, less to improvise if required and a dedication to the for mutual protection in a period of see the dangers of military weakness in the mission — a quick ending of the war. The plac- co-hesive. years ahead .... ing of ones life on the line became common- I do not imply that Communism has aban- Make sure you are carrying the message for place. Accepted but never relished. doned its avowed goal of spreading its ideology. a strong America. WWII actions in which you stood the test are nearly thirty years behind us. In the inter- vening years most of us have moved in different directions. Some have fought in the two wars since then conducting yourselves with distinction. Others have entered the fields of educa- TO KEEP GOING THE SPIRIT THAT KEPT US GOING tion and business. Regardless of the direction in which we have moved each has been dedicated feelings for to peace, that ever elusive national status, Address by Thomas C. Eaton They echo how I feel and of my which all world leaders proclaim as their objec- Vice-Chairman, Memorial Trust you and I cannot say more. tives but which none has been able to obtain or Those lines were written before the advent we joined to- sustain for even one generation. of Hitler and the tyranny which Why has peace been so elusive? I believe it is gether to defeat. They could only have been because when we have it we quickly forget the written in freedom. suffer cost we paid for it and the reason why the price When men and women face death, it is was so high. tyranny or have a comparable experience, In 1926, when I was commissioned in the as if the scales drop from our eyes and we see Army, it appeared that a golden era was before what really matters in life. Royal us. Just eight years before, the war to make the I have the honour to belong to the world "Safe for Democracy" had been success- Norfolk Regiment, one of whose Battalions when the fully brought to an end. We believed ours was fought at the Battle of Kohima, was halted. On the the generation to enjoy the fruits of victory. Japanese advance into India that battle is in- Most even believed we would serve thirty years memorial to those killed in without hearing a shot fired in anger, while scribed these words: — many citizens considered us an unnecessary "When you go home luxury — if not worse. Tell them of us and say Until 1932 there was no recognizable For your tomorrow shadow foretelling the things to come. Then we We gave our day" began to hear rumblings from Germany, we, Those of us who were P's-O-W in the Far East junior officers did not take them very seriously. took as our motto in our post war Association Yet seven years later, Hitler faced down Eng- 'To keep going the spirit that kept us going': land's, Chamberlain and France's Daladier, at Mr. Chairman, Mr. President, Whilst the 2nd Air Division has inscribed in Munich. That dictator, believing in the de- General Johnson and Friends cadence of the capitalist countries, which had its memorial those lovely words — "In memory not responded when he started to rearm in de- Since I arrived here I have appeared on T.V. of those men, who flying from bases in these fiance of the Treaty of Versailles, and which twice, given an interview to the press, spoken at parts, gave their lives defending freedom". Such had let their defenses fall well below those he all mini re-unions, addressed the business meet- moving words in each case were carved out of had so quickly built in Germany, became con- ing on Friday (perhaps for too long) and the harsh experience of War. vinced that the leadership of the west was weak spoken to so many of you that I have lost Those of you, and your comrades, who had and would never go to war against him. This count. I really wonder what more there is I can the vision to create the Memorial Trust, the perception of weakness directly led to the out- say. I do not even have the advantage of the American Room and the American Library saw break of WW II. The U.S. was considered so far parson, who when asked how he managed to with the clarity that comes only from the holo- away, so isolationist in thought and so mili- preach two sermons on Sunday, said that in the caust of War that although from time to time tarily weak, that Hitler believed he could over- morning he preached with his false teeth in and the sword is needed if freedom is to be pre- run Europe before we woke up. Thus, in the in the evening with them out! served, it is indeed the pen, through the printed case of WW II peace was lost because of indecis- One thing I can say and I am prepared to word, that is mightier than the sword, and it is ion of western leadership based primarily upon repeat this again and again is to say a heartfelt, from the stimulus of a Library of books, in our the known weakness of their military forces. warm and very sincere thank-you for your hos- common heritage of the English language, that I believe it safe to say that peace in Korea pitality — generosity — companionship and progress is achieved and friendships made. and South Vietnam was lost because of clashing friendship this week, not only to me personally And so the American Memorial Library is ideologies — in the U.S. a belief in self-deter- but for my son David who has enjoyed himself not just an unique memorial, a collection of we shall mination of the ruled and in the Communist to the full. We both have. God willing, books or a room in which is kept the Roll of bring my world a support of the doctrine that Com- be back and next time I intend to Honour of those who died that we might live. It munism is the wave of the future. wife. is above all a means by which all people of all It is so hard for us to realize that all of the As I have spoken to so many of you this ages in Norwich and Norfolk, and indeed else- world's people do not reason alike and that all week, and experienced the spirit and comrade- where, through the stimulus of the mind. do not have the same basic concepts of "right ship of the 2nd Air Division Association I have May re-new, and re-renew, all that is best in — and wrong". I am not a student of the Bible nor been reminded so much of Belloc's lines life. That is the spirit in which we try to admin- of the Koran, but I do know that the chief "From quiet homes and first beginning ister your trust. It is in that spirit I thank you virtues of the Bible are "Truth" and "Love of Out to the undiscovered ends all for all you have done and are doing. thy neighbor", whereas, I am informed that the There's nothing worth the wear of winning But above all it is in that spirit that together chief virtue of the "Koran" is "revenge". But laughter and the love offriends" we face the future. 6 Dear Bill: Dear Bill, On behalf of the Committee and staff of Well, we're back home but things have yet LETTERS the Norwich Public Libraries I send you best to settle down. We had a good flight from wishes for the success of your Convention. It Denver to Mpls and then drove back to my scarcely seems a year since we were altogether mothers place in Brainerd, about 120 miles Dear Bill: in Norwich, happy to note the enthusiasm of from Mpls. Wouldn't you know it took longer Our many thanks to you for allowing the your comrades in viewing again the bases from to go that distance than from Denver to Mpls. Staff of the Antlers Plaza Hotel to serve the which they flew a generation ago. We really enjoyed ourselves at the reunion recent conference needs of the Second Air Di- The American Memorial Room is a much and want to express our thanks to you for vision Association. prized department of the Norwich Public Li- making it all happen for us. We have every hope that your conference braries, and one that I am proud to have asso- After everything was over and ciated looking was an outstanding success and that you en- with the Library service. As you know, back, I think the most impressive one of part of the joyed your stay with us. We would like noth- my predecessors, Mr. Tom Eaton, is whole thing was the memorial service coming to at the ing more than the opportunity to once again Colorado with his son, and I know academy, I must admit I'm not to that he and you good at work with you and will enjoy hearing from together will once more draw those things and was a little embarrassed together the links which to you on any future needs that may arise. bind us. have tears come to my eyes a couple of times. Again, many I conclude with an expression of my sin- thanks for allowing us the cere Then I looked around and saw others, men pleasure of doing gratitude for the services your Associa- and business with your fine tion has women, in the same boat so then I didn't group. rendered to the Memorial Room in feel the past. to bad. Best personal regards. Hope to see you in North Carolina. Don't Sincerely, Yours sincerely, G. you think St. Louis would be better?? Cen- Bob Hutchinson E. Amiss, Chairman trally Norwich located and everything —Give our best Director of Sales Public Libraries wishes to Hazel Committee and write when you find Antlers Plaza Hotel time. I know you probably have an avalanche of mail to answer. Lt. Col. John Woolnough: Dear Sincerely, Bill: After all these years I have just found out I have just returned Don & Mimi Olds from a seven week about your association from my son who is in tour of Europe where I visited Mr. F. A. Free- the Colorado Civil Air Patrol. It seems one of Dear Mrs. man who suggested I write to you for full his officers had returned Cohen, just from the Colo- Please particulars on joining the 2nd Air Division rado Springs meeting. accept my $3.00 as admission into Association. what appears to be a I was a navigator assigned to the My crew and I were at Attlebridge from fine organization. 458th Bomb Group at Horsham in 194445. I Allow me a few minutes of your time, for Sept. 44 thru Feb. 45. After our 35th mission I would was shot down over Germany in Feb. 1945 my crew went like to ask a favor. My father was a home and I was assigned to the B-24 Engineer/Gunner and spent 4 months in a prison camp. My trip 8th night weather recon group. during the war, assigned to the 564th to Europe was to photograph the places in I still remember our 100th Bomb Squadron, 389th mission party. I Bomb Group, and I Germany that I remember from 1945 and to can't remember ships am sure he would be in- my name but our call terested to hear of try and locate the crash site of the plane that letter was "Eglam E Easy". your organization. Further, we bailed out of. I was very successful thanks I read on page ten of your June issue News Bits of memories are trying to come back. Letter, to Mr. Freeman and several German amateur Membership a letter by Al Kopp making mention and your newsletter should help. of a 389th reunion, historians in all cases. Enclosed is my check which would also be of for $3.00. interest to him. If I am still looking for a photo of our plane, Robert F. Jonas it would not be to much trouble could you send the Iron Duke, B24J call letter I Item No. 8711 Galen Ct. my father a membership application to your 491 assigned to the 754th Squadron of the Thornton, Colo. 90229 organization, and information or an address to 458th at Horsham. Roger thought it would be which he can write to learn more about the 389th reunion. His a good idea to put a request for pictures in Dear Bill: your periodical address is: Mr. Frank Vadas, 1026 So. 9th and perhaps a crew chief or A brief letter to let you know how much Street, someone might come Allentown, Pennsylvania, 18103. up with something. my wife and I enjoyed the reunion. The high Another However I would like interesting note is that on 12 De- to join and would point of course was the Memorial Service at cember 1944, also like full info on the reunion Flight Engineer T/Sgt. Frank in Colorado the Air Force Academy. Vadas was stationed Springs which I would like at Charleston A.A.F. go- to attend. Please It was well worth all of the many hours I ing through let me hear from you as B-24 flight training prior to being soon as possible. spent looking for ex2nd Air Division mem- sent Sincerely, oversea's, when he was notified of the bers. Al Kopp did a wonderful job and I am birth of his Dick son. Twenty-nine years later I am Eselgroth sure glad he is back in the saddle for another also in the Air 11963 McDonald year. We Force, stationed at Charleston St. are working on the plans for next A.F.B., and am Culver City, Cal. year. a Flight Engineer on a M.A.C. 90230 C-141 Starlifter. (Ed. note: Can anyone help Dick In case find a photo you don't know, Pashal Quacken- Thank you of his "Iron Duke"? And welcome aboard bush had for your time. the original copy of the 389th insig- Sincerely, Dick.) nia in his possession and let me borrow it so S/Sgt. we could have John F. Vadas U.S.A.F. copies 5257 Dear Bill: made and possibly Dorchester Rd. No. 35 Charleston Heights, S.C. 29405 David and I arrived home on Thursday patches for the boys if enough evening after a delightful and most interesting of them re- Dear Bill: ten days quest them. with the Morans. This was a very See en- I am currently writing pleasant closed. a book about Nor- addition to our six days at Colorado folk airfields (mostly Springs and Bill, would 2nd Air Division) and the generous hospitality and warm it be building a history of welcome which possible to get a copy the men and machines you all gave us there. around them. The airfields We did of the film you I am mostly inter- enjoy ourselves and I cannot ex- ested in are: _Horsham St. press adequately showed at the reunion. Faith; Hardwick; in words our appreciation of Rackheath; Hethel; Shipdham; Attlebridge. all you did for us, I plan to get some of whilst I thought the con- I would be very grateful, if in your capac- vention itself the local boys together who was a great success. Please pass could not make it ity as 2nd Air Division News Letter editor, on to all concerned to the reunion. Let me know our very special thanks. the cost and lii could you send me any information and I am so forward a check to you. ma- glad I made the journey to Colo- terial on any of the airfields 2nd AD rado Am trying to obtain and the Springs and your 26th Convention. It information regarding as a whole? If you could forward address- was so the group that flew any well worthwhile and most enjoyable. out of Leuchars Scotland. es and names of ex-personnel these I have Paul Trissel on bases already sent my report to the Eng- and Abe Hallor flew with the who now organize various associations I would lish same outfit Governors and I shall be writing Jordan and neither of them could give me be indebted to you. Uttal any with his copy tomorrow. information concerning the numerical des- I believe you are an ex-member of the We look forward to welcoming you both to ignation. When I get the info I'll have another Shipdham "Flying Eight Balls" and would Norwich this Autumn when I hope we may be short sory for you. It might take some time welcome any contribution from yourself. able, in some measure, to reciprocate your though. I would be more than happy to exchange kindness to us. Keep up the good work Bill... photographs etc. Until then our very best wishes to all and As Ever I therefore look forward to hearing from our warm and sincere thanks for all that was Earl Zimmerman you and add a wish for your continued inter- done for us. (Ed. note: We also are happy that Al has est. Yours ever, agreed to ram-rod another mini reunion Earl, Yours sincerely, Tom Eaton but don't forget your own effortv. I think Martin W. Bowman (Ed. Al note: The pleasure was ours Tom, and will agree with me when I say 'you did a won- 95 Westwood Drive our own sincere thanks to Joanne and Dallas derful job in assisting him'. Having the Hellesdon, Norwich Moran for their generous offer of help.) Documentary copied is 'in the mill'. NOR 27L, England

7 U.S.A.A.F. ARTWORK IN EAST ANGLIA (Continued from page 3) with us today. Perhaps they (or he) would be interested to know that most wings, a propeller and a shot mount- a railway train and the third a caricature -gun of the artwork is still in existence, pro- ed on the bonnet! Extensive brush-work of a cook. The odd thing about the viding a sharp contrast with the odd later revealed a small infant attempting cook was that he was labelled 'R A F' things which now occupy the buildings to start the engine by turning the pro- and 'V R' which would seem to indicate they are in! peller, and the driver was found to be Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. singing that well-known ditty: "Off we go — into the wild blue yonder"! Not NOTICE only were the words painted on the wall — the sheet music was also provided! The Newsletter Caricature of cook has just been ad- drawn with colored vised by the Pub- chalks/crayons. Bot- lisher that Roger tisham, Cambs. Freeman's "The 23rd April 1972. Mighty Eighth" is once again in print. I know that many of you already have We understand that Bottisham was a copy, but for occupied by a R.A.F. Mustang Squadron those of you before the U.S.A.A.F. arrived, and so who missed out Drawing of ship done with colored chalks/ these could have been drawn at that on the first print- crayons. Bottisham, Cambs. 23rd April time. Or, were there perhaps R.A.F. per- 1972. ing your in luck. sonnel stationed in the living quarters at While this book The fourth building which was found the same time as the 361st Fighter is now selling in the bookstores for to contain artwork, supplied us with yet Group Personnel? If any Association $15.95 you can purchase a copy another mystery. Several items were member can throw any light on this through the Association for $11.50. found, and three of them were it seems problem, we would be pleased to hear Send check or money order to Wil- drawn with coloured chalks or crayons. from him! We would also very much liam G. Robertie, P.O. Drawer B, One drawing was of a ship — possibly like to know who the artist(s) were at Ipswich, Mass. 01938. the 'Queen Mary'(?), the second was of Bottisham, and whether they are still PORTRAIT GALLERY 1973 Reunion, Air Force Academy, Colorado

Lloyd A. Haug 467th and Past Bill Robertie, Tom Eaton and President Ken Darney 467th David Eaton. Betty and Dr. John Col. Griffin, Gen. Johnson and Jacobowitz. 466th Mike Fusano. 44th

Pretty wife and Lenard - Lud- Joyce and Jordan Cita!, Hdq. wig that is. 44th Hdq.

Former WAC Bobbie and Col. Griffin — Jo and Joe Jackie Hanify Warth 44th — and they are just as — a real doll nice as they look.

Past President Joe Whittaker Evelyn Cohen, Membership A portion of the 44th BG gather for a group portrait. and Wife. Hdq. Secretary, and Bill Robertie