NEWS LETTER

Vol. 16 No. 1 SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION March 1978 DEL CORONADO - SAN DIEGO - July 13, 14 and 15 DON'T MISS IT!

When the 1977 convention broke up 1888. It is the rich expression of Hotel at Lake Geneva, Evelyn and I came Del Coronado's traditional grand man- away with instructions from those as- ner and proud service to generations sembled to come up with something of as guests. Princes and Presidents have good, or better, for 1978. We think we been feted beneath the massively beau- have come up with something better. tiful sugar pine ceiling and the warmly glowing chandeliers. This completely air-conditioned room arches without a single pillar to mar the sweep and dig- nity of the scene. It is truly a regal setting. -'11116Fz ' THE GARDEN PATIO: This is a de- lightful year-round setting for cocktail parties, receptions and barbecues. You quets in the ballroom may include up can bet the family silver that we will to 1,000 persons (Think we can hit that be making use of this area. In fact the figure?). Dinner dances may be ar- mini-reunion banquets will be held here ranged for up to 800 (that's more like as there are rooms just off the patio it!). which will be used for separate Groups to congregate and discuss their business matters. In addition to an 'old world hotel atmosphere', the Del Coronado sits in THE CROWN ROOM: This has to be the middle of teeming, 20th century ac- the showplace of the entire world. It is tivity. A list of places to go and see an architectural masterpiece which has has already been published in the remained structurally unchanged since Newsletter so we can skip that and talk about the hotel itself.

. MC•k THE BALLROOM: This spacious, air- 40?1 conditioned room is luxuriously ap- pointed with exquisite crystal chan- .• deliers, rich tapestry draperies, fine 1 1 carpeting and a gleaming hardwood 1 1(3 parquet floor. The raised semicircular "Zilioril4VVIIPITOrk; stage is equipped for theatrical and • I t musical presentations. Auditorium-style s • rat 7r This is but a small sampling of what seating permits a meeting of 1,200 with -41i - • \ . waits for you in beautiful San Diego. a pleasant and open atmosphere. Ban- k IP: - Try not to miss it. Second Air Division Association ' Eighth Air Force PLEASE, DEAR GOD, LET ME LIVE' OFFICERS by Tom Allen (448th) President ...... J D. LONG, JR 102 Kemp Rd., Greensboro, N.C. 27410 Vice President E. A. ROKICKI A day in November. 1943 the bright Suddenly there were three sharp re- 365 Mae Rd., Glen Burnie, Md. 21061 morning Vice President sunshine revealed a beautiful ports then three loud bangs — two Membership EVELYN COHEN scene of the Florida coast-line. White close together and the third just a split 610 Plaza Towers, 2301 Woodward St. beaches, the shaded hues Philadelphia. Pennsylvania 19115 of greens and second later. Vice President blues and tall columns of cumulus. It The noise seemed to me to be the Newsletter WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE was a beautiful day for flying and crew same as P.O. Drawer B, Ipswich, Mass. 01938 running a car into an oak tree Treasurer 77 of the DEAN E MOYER 715th Squadron, 448th Group, at 60 MPH. An oily smoke filled the 549 East Main St., Evans City, Pa. 16033 climbed out on course towards Puerto cockpit followed by flames which Secretary MRS MILTON VEYNAR Rico. 4915 Bhstow Drive, Annandale, Va 22003 burned for a short while and then went I remember being quite pensive as I out. The smoke got thicker, the pilot looked at American Representative, Board of Governors, the view. Some local radio was slumped in his seat and the radio Memorial Trust JORDAN UTTAL station beamed through our ear-phones operator lay on the floor. 7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt 101 "That's why the lady Dallas. Texas 75230 is a tramp-. I It was a nightmare because I could wondered 'when are we coming back? hardly raise my arms. The oxygen must Under what circumstances?' GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS be shot out I thought. "Please, dear Headquarters WARREN L BURMAN A short while later as we plunged God, let me live". Whether I actually 34225 Pettibone Ave., Solon, PI* 44139 through a front line squall, 4481 BG ...... our heavily said it with my lips or shouted it or ...... CHARLES J WARTH loaded 5709 Walkerton Dr., Cincinnati, Ohio 45238 aircraft almost stalled out one whispered it in my heart — those are 93rd BG R. J. RHOADES minute and was in a dive the next. I the six words I will never forget as 3053 31s1 Ave., Columbus, Neb. 68601 wondered 38981 BG EARL L. ZIMMERMAN if our journey was going to long as I live. 8922 Haverstick Rd., Indianapohs, Ind 46240 end right then and there. The next thing I remember is seeing 392nd BG JAMES W. BLANCO Less than two months 326 Beck Rd., Lindenhurst. III 60046 later, January my right arm pull the rip-cord as if I 445th BG DAVID G PATTERSON 5th, 1944. we made a pre-dawn take- had practiced that movement from 28 Squire Ct.. Alamo, California 94507 off. It was the 446th last flight of crew 77 birth. Then I grasped my wrist with my CLARENCE H. HOOKS and the first 7619 Clearwater Road, Hixscr Tennessee 37343 time I wore a back pack left hand and only then, it seemed, did 448th BG JOSEPH T MICHALCZYK on a mission. I had heard of planes my clouded brain start thinking. 241 West St., Ludlow. Mass. 01056 blowing up 458th BG CLINTON E. WALLACE and had acquired my back "Where am I?" I hung in the harness Box 508, Brutus, Michigan 49716 chute just two days before. I had 466th taken and a large piece of the plane sliced by BG J M. DANIELS my treasured possession 1306 W. Woodard, Denison, Texas 75020 back to the in front of me. I heard a dog barking 46781 BG RAYMOND A. BETCHER barracks and wrote my name all over and watched myself drift across some 366 Reitman CI., Rochester. Mich. 48063 the webbing in indelible 4891h BG COL. pencil. railroad tracks. CHARLES H. FREUDENTHAL (Ra) If I remember 8421 Berea Dr., Vienna. Va. 22180 correctly our altitude In primary flying school someone had 491st BG THEODORE PARKER was about 24,000 feet and 297 we ap- been trying to give us a lecture on Proctor Ave., Revere. Mass. 02151 proached Kiel from 492nd BG SEBASTIAN H. CORRIERE due north after a parachute jumping and at the close he 4939 No. 89th St., Mlwaukee. Wis 53225 long flight over the North Sea through made the remark — "If you forget grey skies. Our ground speed was everything I've told you just remember GROUP CHAIRMAN about 300 and we dropped our this. 453rd 10 Reach as high as you can on the BG DONALD J. OLDS pound incendiaries right 1403 Highland, Rolla,Mo. 65401 on target. We risers and hold on tight. Let the rest of could see flak at different times and it your body go limp.- That was sure was close enough to Assoaatoon Photographer ROBERT T COLEMAN be uncomfortable easy to do. I closed my eyes just be- 210 W Lawrence, Royal Oak. Mich 48073 as the small, black clouds went drifting fore I hit so I wouldn't tense up. The past. whole time definitely wasn't more than BOARD After OF GOVERNORS we passed the target our air 10 seconds. I could see and hear the MEMORIAL TRUST speed increased as the Group leader plane burning on the other side of the THOMAS C EATON. Chairman headed for home. I stared 3 Albemarle Rd . Norwich. Norfolk, England down at a tracks. I knelt in the snow and folded line of yellow ROGER A FREEMAN nosed FW-190s that were my hands like a little child and thanked May s Barn. Dedham paralleling our course and I wondered God for sparing my life. Nr Colchester, Essex. England where they were going. I didn't have to The next evening in a Hamburg ALFRED A JENNER. Vice Chairman wonder long. Norfolk News Co. Ltd Norwich, Norfolk. England Like the best war film prison I met our Navigator. Dick ever PAUL R KING made they turned one after the Wheelock. the only other one who got Noverre House. Norwich NR2 1 RH, England other in a steep climb and little lights out. "The nose was full of flames", he MRS MICHAEL BARNE winked along the leading edges Sotteney Hall. Beccles. of their told me. The nose gunner and bombar- Suffolk. England wings. CDR MARK EDMONSTONE CHEYNEY dier were both badly injured or dead Ditchingham In our Lodge aircraft it sounded like some- and he couldn't get the nose wheel Ditchingham. Bungay, Suffolk, England one throwing gravel on a tin roof. To doors open. He was surprised that he MR TOM D COPEMAN my growing amazement 3 St Austins Grove and consterna- was still living in spite of the flames, Sheringham, tion Norfolk. England I saw heavy tracers just clearing and the last thing he remembered was RICHARD 0 GURNEY the top of our aircraft. They were com- holding on tightly to the rip-cord and Buadeswell Hall. Norwich. Norfolk England ing from behind and going far out in making another attempt to open the N J D WALTER front. Between Castle Chambers every tracer I tried to nose wheel doors. He came floating Opo St. Norwich. Norfolk. England think 'how many live ones — five or down from about 15.000 feet. LAYD MAYHEW seven — in any case far too many'. The Old Manor Farm, Framingham Pigot Norwich. Norfolk, England MRS FRANK All rights THISTLETHWAITE resened on the entire contents by the 2nd Air Division Association, Inc. Wood Nothing be Hall, Hethersett printed, in whole or in part, without Norwich, Norfolk. England written permission. FIRST WAAC BATTALION ARRIVES 557 STRONG AND THE AIR FORCE GOT 'EM ALL! So read the headlines in the Stars ery of the 8th Air Force — they were and Stripes of July 25, 1943. Wave given one day of indoctrination at a weary though they were, the WAACS heavy bomber base. made an impressive sight as they They watched salvage operations on marched to their barracks to the tune a Liberator that had crashed; They of "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" went to the briefing room where com- played by the 2nd Air Division band. bat men explained the briefing pro- This first contingent included girls cedure; They had a guided tour through who only a few months previously had a Liberator: They visited the ordnance been students, secretaries, models, shop where they examined the machine telephone operators, chorus girls and guns: They had a guided tour through the good-looking kid who served them the tower, AA defenses and Sgt. 'Smokey' Layfield sits down to teach control "off the arm" in Max's Diner on U.S. two WAACs (Hazel Bliss left and Evelyn ammunition dump; They then returned Highway No. I. Cohen right) the fine art of poker. Little did Their trip to England was something he know that Evelyn had mastered that art to remember. Less than a day out of some years previously! New York the soldiers aboard the WAAC transport had established lines London, the WAACs decided, was of communication which would have just the place they had been wanting to made Marconi sit up and take notice. see for a long time. WAACs, the GIs who happened to be around the neighborhood when the girls moved into their billets decided, were just the people they had been wanting to see for a long time. Within a few minutes of moving in — and the billets were in a house that looked like a de Mille set before the • --eV', - depression — Joes and Janes were Certainly didn't take the Joes and Janes Fire Drill — (Ito r) Ginny Bowdoin, Hazel long to 'mix it up'. doing balcony scenes that Romeo and Bliss, Anita Going, Jean Young and Doris Juliet never even thought of. Ogden. of lines weighted with tent Lengths The WAACs had fun. They liked were swung outboard carrying pegs London and being with the soldiers. portholes of the messages to the The Red Cross took them on tours of cabins. "I come from Des WAACs' historical places and bombed out areas. sergeant. Who are you Moins. I am a The soldiers took them on tours of and what do you look like?" They Pubs and dances, but at 6:30 every read. Internal communications were es- morning they stood reveille like every- tablished via the ventilator shafts. body else. The WAACs soon proved themselves to be a formidable and efficient force, and in no time at all they had gained Poor Jackie Hanify everybody they worked calls out for some- the respect of body to come and with. Once settled into their particular play with her. Down job — plotters, typists, teletype boy! operators, all vital cogs in the machin- As pretty a chorus line as I've ever seen. Can't name them all but our chief honcho, Evelyn Cohen, is number five in from the right.

When they first arrived by train at their base the WAACs demonstrated to the interrogation hut and waited for their military training and discipline by the planes to return from that day's taking exactly 12 minutes to adjust mission, after which they talked to the packs, clear the platform and start men about their experiences. After all marching to their barracks. Can't re- this they returned to their home base member any of us ever doing it that eager to get back to work now that fast! they knew how important their job First order of business for the was. WAACs was a trip to London to attend a course in Communications School. The job they did is history, but it They had two special coaches on the will never be forgotten by those men train, and as they passed through town who were fortunate enough to work after town Civilians gaped, soldiers. 1 along with them. Our only wish now is sailors and airmen of the United Na- General Kepner, along with a few thousand that more of them will re-join the 2nd tions cheered and waved. others, was on hand to greet the WAACS. Air Division via the Association. NECROLOGY 489th NOTES FROM ALL OVER

Kenneth L. Hall 448th by Charles H. Freudenthal (489th) book store in Washington. for $45! It's Joseph DelVecchio 389th still there. James R. Carey, Jr. 466th If my arithmetic is correct, we From the editor of the Halesworth B. E. Miller 466th reached the 100-member mark in Times: "I well remember your Libs. Stanley B. Montz 93rd January when Morgan Higham finally When you were using the South run- dried out after his channel bail-out on 5 way they used to groan over my house. August 1944, came aboard. Morgan. In fact, on one occasion my wife and now with the Utah National Guard family (I was away with the RAF) had Bureau, says they all got back to to be evacuated for the best part of a DOES THE WORD Halesworth the next day, just in time day as one of your machines dropped a REALLY GET AROUND? for the Glenn Miller concert. Bombar- stick of bombs on a meadow fifty yards dier Horace Davis notes, however, that away, but thanks to Providence they he missed the concert because he was did not explode.- by Pete Henry (44th) in the Royal Navy hospital in Lowes- From Gen. Napier — "Gen. Hodges, toft. who commanded the 2d Air Division On several occasions Bill Robertie when we landed in England, lives here has made reference in the News Letter in Air Force Village, and I have shown to my attempts to locate new members him some of your enclosures. for the Second Air Division Associa- Pop Tanner called me about a month tion. As of this writing, letters have ago, and Carl Hillstrom wrote me a been mailed to more than 90 newspap- long letter. . . It all takes me back ers around the country and this has many years, with many pleasant elicited more than 200 replies. But the memories.- most interesting set of circumstances MEMORY QUIZ - How big a bomb leading to a prospective new member could be hung on a B7 shackle? What started during one of my (business) Doughnuts from the Red Cross Club- was the B9 shackle used for? What mobile, 489th BG, Halesworth, 1944. sales calls in December, in Pottstown, kind of bomb was an AN-M64A1? Pa. What's the scale of a Sectional chart? While cooling my heels in the lobby. WHO FLEW — ? There have been What was an AAF Form 54? I picked up the local "House Organ" several replies to my questions on this. ****. (that's a newsletter telling about all the John Brody says he and Hugh Hodges Does anyone have a lead on Frank J. events and happenings in the various flew "Mizpah." ". . . on the first Trowbridge? Frank was the RO on divisions of a particular company) and Group mission we finally got No. 3 4905 (846th), shot down on 24 July noticed that letters had been sent to started and took off an hour after last 1944, on a mission to St. Lo in support the editor from a dozen or so news- take-off time. Climbed on course and of ground troops. He evaded success- papers. After depositing this "House became tail-end Charlie for the whole fully after bailing out and returned to Organ- in my brief case and complet- 8th as we hit the first flak. We came Halesworth in early August. the first ing the sales call, unsuccessfully. I home with a flat tire, no brakes, about one in the 489th to make it back. Last might add, I proceeded to the nearest 200 large and small holes, and no one known address was Staunton, Virginia. U.S. Post Office and obtained the hurt. Poor old "Mizpah" was out of His pilot was Edwin Florcyk; CP necessary Zip codes. The following action for several weeks." Raymond Deats; Nay. Gilbert Roberts: weekend, my "Letter-to-the-Editor" Charles Baker says he flew both "01 Bomb. Eugene Moss; Eng. Albert Kap- was sent to seven or eight papers and Buddy- and "B.T.O." Jack Robb (now nick: BG George Scofield; WG Virgil this letter was received on or about Chief of Detectives in Chattanooga) Deyo: WG William Lowther: TG Bob Feb. 1, 1978. was a gunner on R.M. Werdung's crew Lovely. "Dear Sir: that flew "01' Buddy" most of the IF YOU'RE STILL WITH ME, the I read with great interest your letter time. quiz answers are (in order): 1100 lbs. - to the Editor of the Janesville Gazette, Theo Hills says Dick Sherburne and Bombs with one lug - 500 lb. GP - 8 to Janesville, Wisconsin regarding the crew flew "Lonesome Polecat" a 1 - Unsatisfactory Report. formation of the 2nd Air Division As- couple of missions - "the second time Don't forget the Reunion! There's sociation. ended in a crash landing several miles going to be a real bunch of us there I am a native of Janesville and sub- from the airfield." Dick Dietrick was this time. Mary Bouchard - you won't scribe to the paper. This will explain the tail gunner. The "Polecat" was be the only 489th wife there, either. I the disparity in geography. regularly flown by Henry Bishop and have promises! We reside in the proximity of San crew, out of the 846th. So says Monte Diego and would certainly attend the Burch, ex co-pilot. reunion. From the Fortaleza Station Bulletin, I served with the 392nd Bomb Group 13 April 1944 — "Van Dyke beards from near inception until the end of the and other unusual methods of wearing war. I would regard it as an honor to beards are not authorized. Be clean join the Association. shaven. Boots are authorized but DO NOT wear George M. Keegan trouser legs inside boot tops.'' AIM — 28504 San Canyon Rd. story? NOTES FROM ALL OVER — "The Who knows the This 489th cripple Space #49 from the 846th squadron, and Mighty Eighth" is getting mighty hard is the date Canyon Country, CA. 91351" is before 14 August 1944, while we were to get. Richard Linn couldn't buy a still 95th NN ing. Doesn't appear Yes. The word really does get to be copy: book stores told him its out of Halesworth — note big buildings and tall around. print. I came across one in a used control tower.

4 BITS & PIECES "A FULL-HOUSE RAPIDLY EMPTIED" FROM THE 453rd by Walter M. Rude (448th) by Don Olds (453rd) was distracted by the sight of our en- It was another quiet night in the gineering clerk scurrying across the Some former 453rd people had the 715th flight-line engineering office, and floor on his hands and knees and into a opportunity for a get-together on a re- yours truly was engaged in a game of corner of the room where he promptly cent weekend in St. Louis for a little poker. The cards had been running buried his head into the corner, not re-union. Those who made it into town lousy, and my supply of pounds had unlike the proverbial ostrich burying his were, Frank Thomas, LeRoy Barnett, reached a very low point. On the next head in the sand. Serious as the situa- John Ersparmer, Maxie Seale, Jeale, deal I almost flipped; I had been dealt tion was, and even considering how John Hildebran, Norman Raeber, a pat full-house. scared I was myself, I still had to Charles Maher and myself. We spent a I was all set to make a possible kill- laugh at this ludicrous sight. couple of enjoyable days and wished ing when we all heard a strange, loud Whatever the incoming object was, more of you could have been there. noise coming from quite some distance. and we didn't find out until sometime Everyone had a nice dinner and plenty The poker game came to an immediate later, it, fortunately, struck a high piece of refreshments. halt while one and all voiced their opin- of ground just short of the base and ions as to what type of * * * aircraft it was. exploded. It was our first close-range We were all familiar with the noises of brush with a buzz-bomb. Why anyone We've built up a sizeable photo col- the regular German nocturnal visitors; ever hung such a monicker on such a lection of 453rd aircraft and the Old but this one had us all mystified, and noisy contraption, I'll never know. Buck Airfield but there's still one thing with the "RED Alert" blasting away, We had previously watched great we're looking for and that's a shot of too, we were all scared. numbers of these rascals being the B-24D that was used for assembly. The noise got louder, and our vocal launched out over the "The Wash", 'WHAM BAM' was painted in a chec- conjectures ended with a simultaneous and headed for London, theoretically; kerboard scheme and although we have rush for the one and only exit. All the and we also watched a good many some pictures of it on the ground, poker players tossed their cards on the more later on. Only one more, to my we're looking for one of it in the air. table, grabbed their money and there recollection, came near the base at So, if one of you fellows have a shot went my full-house killing. Seething; but on a number of occasions of it in flight I'm hoping you'll allow us However, a slight problem cropped we were "Red Alerted" into the bomb to borrow it for copying purposes. up. The noise from the intruder was shelters. I recall one night in particular, * * * * getting louder and louder; and when the while us "heroes" were perched in the first exiters reached the door, they be- trench-type shelters, I had the On July 5th, 1944, exactly five pleasure came afraid to continue on out and into of watching English months from the date the group com- WAF anti-aircraft the adjacent bomb shelters. The ones units shooting down five in menced operations, they flew their a row. behind were pushing and cursing the They were using "proximity fused" 100th mission. It was the first group to door jambers, and the entire situation shells, and they were complete 100 missions in so short a accurate as all turned into an undisciplined mess. Hell. A belated time. The 453rd had dropped 4,000 tons "thank you" from a I had remained behind trying to re- grateful Yank to any of our of bombs on 42 targets in Germany and English store some semblance of order and san- associate members who 58 targets in German occupied coun- may have been ity, when all of a sudden, my attention assigned to tries. The 100 mission mark was celeb- those units. rated by a grand dance at the Aero Busse11 733rd equipment Club that evening. Refreshments were of the and Lt. Witri of from the German border to served and the girls from the surround- the 734th were forced to land at vari- the Channel. Upon arrival at the base ing towns aided in the celebration. The ous airfields on the continent. So, the and finding the main runway blocked group huge cake didn't last long when the had completed 200 missions, 59 by the still burning "GOLDEN GA- eager GI's and their dancing partners more to go. BOON', Lt. Baer prepared to land on took sizeable samples. The mission it- * * ** * the short alternate runway in a self on that crosswind. With just his right landing day was uneventful. The Memorial Day of 1944 was memora- target was L'Isle Adam, wheel and receiving power from only 20 miles north ble for the men of Old Buck. We had of Paris. two engines, Lt. Baer made the most put up 34 airplanes, never before had On January 1945, dramatic, skillful crosswind landing that 5th, exactly eleven the 453rd put up so many planes on a months after the Old Buck had ever witnessed, thus sav- first mission the 453rd single raid. The target was the airfield accomplished ing himself and his crew from injury. its 200th mission. Just as at Oldenburg, Germany. Bombing re- had been the case earlier, With the crowd looking on nervously the 200 mis- sults were good and the flak was in- sions were completed in the plane touched down lightly on one the shortest tense and accurate causing slight dam- period of time on record. wheel, slowly rolled along and reduced On this age to six of the ships. Returning home memorable day two squadrons speed until the left wing tip dragged, were the plane piloted by Lt. Wilbur Earl dispatched to the then suddenly #1 prop dug into the marshalling yards at was caught in the slipstream of the Neustadt, southeast ground off the runway and swung the of Koblenz and preceding plane. Lt. Earl lost control of one other squadron carried ship around viciously. Amid a cloud of its bombs his already battered ship and it crashed to Sobernheim, just dust, the ship lay still. east of Koblenz. on the main runway. The crew es- The squadron attacking Five hours and 53 minutes from the Sobernheim en- capted injury but the 'GOLDEN GA- countered tricky moment he returned from Oldenburg, cloud formations BOON' burned up. which prevented them from Lt. Baer was awarded the DFC. In an making a Also limping home was 'ZEUS' with good run on the target. informal ceremony without precedent, Consequently, Lt. Lester Baer at the controls. He had the bombs fell one General Ted Timberlake, Colonel Ram- and a half miles been forced to drop out of formation from the aiming point. On the say Potts and Major James Stewart return and reduce speed and flew home at trip Lt. Snell of the 732nd SQ, Lt. made the presentation in the lounge of low altitude leaving a trail of jettisoned the Officer's Club. 5 SCORPION EGGS SCRAMBLED HAMM CRUSADERS CORNER by Earl Zimmerman (389(h) by Jim Blanco (392nd) On the afternoon of April 22, 1944, Immediately after touchdown Z-Bar dropped their eggs pulled to the left off the runway and the Sky Scorpions I am passing on a narrative sent to and turned toward headed for the control tower. For a on Hamm. Germany me by Col. Keilman. It is another ac- expecting to arrive after dark. few seconds no one moved but it home count of an experience on "The Most received orders to approach wasn't long until they were bailing out The Group Disasterous Mission" recently pub- with their landing lights on and from the control tower and the group England lished. Cliff Peterson gives the follow- off. About fifteen ME 410s in front of the radar shack ran in se- the IFF ing account. followed the B-24s back to England venteen directions. One Sgt. headed He was leading the high element of which caused much confusion among around the radar shack hit an engine Don Glover's squadron. His aircraft got the ground gunners. stand and was knocked unconscious, he through the intense flak over Fred- Z-Bar, flown by Lt. Edward Foley, lived to tell the story. rickshafen and were soon met by a was hit by flak near Norwich and im- Inside Z-Bar Lt. Foley was trying in gaggle of German 109s. On the second mediately called for landing instructions vain to cut the throttles but to no avail pass by the 109s one 20mm shell blew as all fields were blacked out due to and he hit the radar shack dead center the co-pilot's window and cockpit the 410s strafing any fields with runway with the props turning over high RPM. open. The co-pilot was badly lights on. He later stated that he was not about canopy of metal caught Cliff The control tower at Hethel was fil- to leave the ground once he was down. injured and pieces in his right eye and arm. led with officers from Hqs, 2nd AD, including General Timberlake Ground The 109 passed so close that the fea- personnel watched a B-24 make a spec- tures of the Pilot's face were discerna- tacular landing on the long runway, the ble. Within a few seconds the controls nosewheel had collapsed on touchdown went limp, and with the plane out of and a shower of sparks filled the air. control it went into a spin. The 'bail As the main runway was closed to traf- out' signal was given but the bomb bay fic, landing instructions were given to doors wouldn't open trapping the two use the short runway. pilots, radio man and engineer. With Tracers could be seen off in the dis- extraordinary effort they were able to tance and the gunners manning the push the bomb bay doors open and water cooled fifties around the perime- succeeded in bailing out. Cliff's chute ter hesitated to fire at any aircraft as barely opened when he hit the ground. identification was almost impossible. The plane crashed only a couple of A group of about 20 airmen, standing hundred yards from him. Close call to wot! in front of the radar shack adjacent The shack was wiped out of course runway * * * the control tower, noticed the and some civilians inside were killed, Air- lights flicker on the short runway. but Foley's entire crew survived the about passes on some craft landing lights could be seen crash and were rescued by the fire Col. Keilman also through the trees Group is sad- a half mile away fighters. other news. The 392nd runway. As the our well heading for the short It was a night to remember at Hethel dened by the passing of end of the run- engineering plane approached the and some remarked that the RAF could known and admired aircraft were turned on and the Cornelius. He passed way the lights jolly well keep the night missions. officer, "Pappy" down over the trees and past year at his home in plane dipped Were any of you on that plane with away this the landing lights on the plane seemed age of 76. Foley? Texas at the back and forth as if the pilot to swerve Notice in photo the three tire tracks looking for the control tower. The were across the field in front of the control plane was still too far away for iden- tower and the demolished radar shack. At a later date I hope to have some- tification when someone yelled "It's a thing more on the 392nd project of JU88". Everyone started to ease "Books in Braille" for our Memorial around behind the radar shack. When Library Room. In the meantime, I want the plane touched down and four big IN HEAVEN SURPRISE all you crusaders to dig into your be seen turning over it was props could Submitted by Joe Michalczyk (448th) memory and come up with some stories it was a 24. apparent I can use in this column. Either send I dreamt death came, the other night, them to me or direct to Bill Robertie And Heaven's gate swung wide. for inclusion in up-coming Newsletters. An Angel with halo bright To one and all, take care. Ushered me inside.

And there! To my astonishment. * Stood folks I'd judged and labeled: NOTE — We have made arrange- As "quite unfit"; "of little worth": ments to have the 392nd Crusader And "spiritually disabled." patch reproduced, but we need a Indignant words rose to my lips, minimum order for 165 pieces at a cost But never were set free, of $2.50 each. 392nd members may For every face showed stunned sur- send cash, check or money order to prise— me, Jim Blanco, at 326 Beck Rd., Lin- denhurst, Ill. 60046. Not one expected ME!

6 I REMEMBER: 689 HOW WAS THE ACTION? HOT & HEAVY.

by Myron H. Keilman (392nd BG) WHAT DID I DO? DON'T ASK!

B-24D, Number 123689, was assigned by Earl L. Zimmerman (389th) Group Commander, Col. John Herboth. to the 392nd Bombardment Group in The into the cockpit area August 1943. It had been classified This article refers to the article in the 109 smashed then bounced into the deputy lead ship. "war weary" as later model airplanes December Newsletter by Col. Matecko Col. Herboth's plane headed for the became available, and it was no longer of the 453rd. He told about a FW-190 ground and I don't think anyone bailed suitable for combat operations. With its ramming a lead ship and also the de- distinguished markings its new mission puty lead. out. I watching the deputy lead was to lead the group in assembling the I happened to be on that mission and was also the large eighteen airplane formations on it took place on the 7th of April, 1945 plane, and it was hit in exactly combat missions. While firing the des- with the 389th leading the 2nd Air Di- same area, right in the cockpit. The ignated colored flares, it orbited the vision to Duneberg. Prior to reaching plane stayed level for a few monents radio beacon at the assigned assembly the target, I chased the left waist gun- then pulled up about 100 feet above the altitude until all airplanes were assem- ner up to the flight deck and took his formation and plunged toward the bled in their assigned position and it place as it was a beautiful day and I ground without spinning. I do not recall was time for the group to depart for wanted a chance to look around and seeing any chutes from this plane there the wing rendezvous. throw out some chaff. either; but as it was not spinning A light blue ME-109 came straight up is a chance some of them got out. 10.111.111rr through the formation from below, fir- At the interrogation it was assumed ing at a plane behind us. He set the that the ME-109 pilot was dead when No. 4 engine on fire and that B-24 left he hit the lead ship. It was certainly a the formation. Later we learned that it suicidal way to attack a B-24 formation landed in France with no casualties. with fighter escort. As far as I can The ME-109 stalled out above the remember there were no other enemy formation with every top turret gunner planes in the area at the time. shooting at it. About that time, the What was I doing all this time with fighter cover P-5 1s got in on the act the waist gun? Nothing!!! I was so and three 51s came down to chalk up busy watching all of the action that I another kill. One of the 51s was hit by forgot about the gun and continued to our fire and the pilot bailed out. throw out the chaff. But that's what No doubt the distinguished paint job The ME-109 flipped over on its back happens to radio operators (of which was an experiment by some "always high over the formation, came looping fraternity I was one). They sand bag so thinking" person — the idea being that down from the front and rammed into much they don't know what to do the three silhouettes would make the the lead ship which was carrying our when the action comes. Color me red! real airplane difficult to discern and cause confusion to German fighter pilots as they dived their Mes- serschmitts and Folke-Wulfs at our bombing formations. To say the least, As a squadron operations officer and days 14,526 servicemen arrived in New the idea "never caught on" — 689 was then a squadron commander, I don't York for a heroes welcome. I was one of a kind. remember that it actually served to proud to be the 392nd Troop Com- It was a 1941 vintage B-24D — the lead the group in its assembly. That mander. same model I piloted in 1942 on ocean was the job of the lead crew with its I remember: The Queen never had to patrol missions from Eduador to the command pilot. zig-zag in defense against Nazi sub- marines, and it was a very smooth Galapagos Islands in defense of the As in the case of all old airplanes, voyage. We had lifeboat drill once a Panama Canal. Perhaps it was one of upon the departure of the 392nd from day. We were fed two meals a day. the original 44th Bomb Group airplanes England in June 1945, 689 was flown to We gambled money away in never end- that came to England in October 1942. Burtonwood for reclamation (scrap). It ing games of Red Dog. Remember? Perhaps 689 flew on the first bombing is entirely possible that the aluminum mission to Germany (Emden) 23 alloy of its wings, struts, wheels, skin, January 1943 when a FW-190 collided ribs, and empennage are still being 2nd AIR DIVISION DECAL with the deputy lead airplane and it, utilized to this day in British homes, with my brother, Bombardier Paul restaurants, and sculleries. We have talked about it and Keilman, crashed in to the North Sea talked about it until we are blue in from 20,000 feet. Addendum the face, but it is now a fact. Be- The scheme to return Army Air cause of the generosity of Aaron Force personnel to the United States Schultz who offered to pick up half by means of combat airplanes was the cost, we now have a decal never employed. I don't know how all which will look beautiful on your car of Eighth Air Force ground echelon window. Every member is receiving people (they were called troops) came one free with this Newsletter so re- home, but the officers and airmen (they check your envelope in case it slip- were called soldiers) of the 392nd, with ped out. While this first one is free, those of other groups of the 2nd Air additional ones will cost $1.00 each. Division, boarded the famous steamship The $1.00 will go towards defraying Queen Mary on 15 June 1945. In five the cost. Hope you like it.

7 `Rude Comments' GOT A STORY TO TELL? "SIOUX CITY SUE" Everyone has regardless of what their particular job was in the Group. If our correspondence is any indication, all our members enjoy reading about the by Walter Rude (448th) experiences of others. What these 'readers' forget is that those 'others' will enjoy reading about their experiences also. glimpse of one of the lead- Our first If you're worried about the wording of your experience just jot down the processing centers of this ing livestock facts and our capable 're-write staff(!!!) will take it from there. Remember that came while we were at 5,000 nation photos add to any article. NOW GET CRACKING! feet, and descending into the landing pattern of a base which was to be our home for the next couple of months. A served as an Air Force fighter-base, NEWS FROM full moon was shining that night, it's flying the F-86D, for a number of years. brilliant beams dancing off of the but closed down completely about 1964. THE 448th mighty Missouri River below and flood- Incidentally, your writer was stationed by Joseph T. Michalczyk (448th) ing the adjacent corn-fields with a glow there for seven years (1953-1960). In that made a picture of breathtaking 1964 the base was turned over to the At the Lake Geneva mini-reunion last beauty that only nature can create. City of Sioux City. It's chief occupants year all of the 448th people who were At that particular moment your nar- now are Ozark and North Central Air- there met in the room of Capt. Stuart rator realized, not in the slightest, that lines, a number of small-aircraft servic- K. Barr. At that time we all decided still be a part of the 34 years later he'd ing companies and several other types that our 448th membership was large City area Sioux City scene. The Sioux of commercial activities. The only enough to allow us to reserve a room, has always been known for it's corn. military activity is provided by the pre- or suite, at this years' Del Coronado curvaceous cuties, and it was cattle and sence of the Iowa Air National Guard. reunion. We figured that everyone from one of the latter, naturally, that led to a unit of the Iowa Army National the 448th who attends would share in my becoming a permanent resident of Guard, an Army Reserve unit and a the cost of this room. Siouxl and. Naval Reserve unit. In addition to sending your reserva- For those of you who were able to This issue of "COMMENTS" tions to Evelyn Cohen please drop a obtain a full-scale picture of the city wouldn't be complete without descrip- note to your Squadron contact man tel- once known as "Little Chicago", I'll tion of a 'humorous' incident that hap- ling him how many there will be in have to state that, if you were to visit pened to a well known master-sergeant your party. This will enable us to plan Sioux City today you would never rec- of the 715th. Said "Old Sarge" just better. Their names and addresses are ognize it. Completely gone are such happened to have a pair of GI lowcuts listed below. well known G.I. hangouts as The that needed repairs, so he hied himself, 712th BS — George P. Dupont, 1 1 1 American Legion Club, The Tomba with the aforementioned pedal cover- Hough Drive, Miami Springs, FL. Ballroom, the West Hotel (remember ings encasing his footsies, into Sioux 33166 ponderous Emma Pritchard who sang City. Unfortunately, as it turned out, 713th BS — Leroy Engdahl, 1785 Wex- there?); The Mayfair Hotel, The "Old Sarge" chose a repair shop that ford Dr., Vidor, TX. 77662 Rathskellar, Lakeshore Inn (over in just happened to be next door to the 714th BS — Gail J. Irish, 27 Henry South Dakota), The Ramp Tap, The Mayfair Hotel and it's only too conve- Drive, Angola, NY. 14006 G.I. Club and the Brass Rail. Still hold- nient bar. Also unfortunately, the cob- 715th BS — Walter M. Rude, 8505 ing but, but none too strongly, are such bler was busy and couldn't attend to Brunswick Ave., Riverside. CA 92504 citadels as City Hall, the Municipal "Old Sarges" needs immediately. After In the meantime, I plan to contact Building (city jail), the County Cour- removing the worn footwear, his cap, every person living in California who thouse, the Federal Building (postof- and his tie, and after about fifteen mi- served in the 448th but who has not fice), Elks Club, Younker-Davidsons nutes of tedious waiting, "Old Sarge" joined up yet. We want the largest and many more that very few of you got impatient — and thirsty. So-o-o-o turnout of all the 2nd Air Division would remember, and that, frankly, — sans shoes, tie and cap, he sneaked Groups, and we are working towards should have been torn down prior to over into the Mayfair pub. No problem that end. I hope to see you all our arrival in Sept. 1943. so far. However, our six-striper forgot there on July 13, 14 and IS. Disregarding it's architectural in- to watch the clock and I'm sure that equities (and the only two prevalent you know what happened. Come odor from the stockyards), Sioux City about 17:15 "Old Sarge" hustled him- the grade of private for cause. (2) was known to one and all as one of self back to the shoe-repair emporium MSgt. . . 6939---AC, is the top G.I. towns in the country — only to discover that the joint was hereby awarded the Good Conduct topped, possibly, only by Chicago. This closed and, locked up inside, were his Medal for meritorious service per- high rating was due, of course, mostly essential items of apparel. Unfortu- formed between the dates 1 July 1942 to the tremendous hospitality and nately — again — there appeared on and 30 June 1943. Fortunately, the friendliness of it's citizens. Although the scene a pair of U.S. Army MP's. story has a somewhat 'happy' ending. your writer was born, and spent the "Old Sarge" was taken into custody, The Air Force (USAAF), in those first 25 years of his life on the west and — in a subsequent court-martial — days, was a little more inclined to 'for- coast (Everett, Wash.), he still regards he found himself minus his six stripes. give & forget. Consequently, "Old the typical midwesterner as the nation's The 'humorous' part of this story (for Sarge" was given back his stripes at a most friendly citizen. me, anyway) came on the day following rate of one per month and again As for the base itself, the only war- the court-martial. As per usual, I read sported a fully weighted sleeve bout time structures still standing are a few the bulletin board that morning, and seven or eight months later. Even when of the old-base-supply buildings, the thereon, side-by-side, were the follow- you consider today's inflationary rates, 448th's four hangars and the large ing announcements: (1)MSgt. it was still a pretty high price to pay field-maintenance hangar. The base , 6939---AC, is hereby reduced to fora shoe repair job. 8 MORE MARKET-GARDEN by "Dusty" Worthen (93rd) 'CLARIFICATION TIME' Crew: It has been brought to our attention that many of our members think the 2nd Pilot — Joseph J. Rosacker, Iola, Kan- Air Division Association is in some way connected with the 8th Air Force sas Historical Society. Let it be understood that we are in no way connected with Co-Pilot — Glenn Tessmer, Sudbury, ANY other military organization. Massachusetts We know that two of our Group Vice Presidents were pressured by letter to Navigator — John Pace, Dallas, Texas join the 8th AFHS because the Society lists them as contact man for their Bombardier — F.D. "Dusty" Worthen, Group. They asked us if they had to join because they were Group Vice Burbank, California Presidents and we advised them that they did not. None of our members have Engineer — Otis Hair, Olton, Texas to join any other organizations unless they so desire. The 2nd Air Division Radio Operator — C J. Phil age, Association was founded 32 years ago with a specific goal and for a specific Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania purpose. Nothing has changed since that time. Gunners — C.P. "Chuck" Conley, We do not want this notice to be construed that we are AGAINST other Oswego, Oregon; T.C. "Cobb" military organizations for such is not the case. They all have their own Gibbs, Monroe, Louisiana; Bennie laudable aims and we wish them well, but we assume that capturing the 2nd Hayes, Flint, Michigan; C.S. "Sid" Air Division Association is not one of them as we have no intention of Metro, Glennridge, New Jersey surrendering. Unit: 93rd Bomb Group, 328 Squadron It has also been brought to our attention that our Roster is sometimes used as a mailing list of prospective members by other Associations. Unfortunately, September 18, A few days before because our Roster has a wide distribution, we cannot control this practice — 1944, we and several of the crews of but we certainly don't condone it. We NEVER make our Roster available for our group were briefed on a special this purpose. practice mission to be flown over the local area — at 50' altitude in forma- William G. Robertie tion. What a chance to play without a Editor reprimand. The mission was fun and low, varying in heights down to 50'. I had the feeling of having to pull my feet up to avoid obstacles below. At maybe 1,000 feet. We made landfall times a wing tip had to be tilted up a foot altitude. As we neared the target over Schouwen Island, Holland, little bit to miss a tall tree or church steeple. the small arms fire became intense. We knowing that some 20 missions later we The expressions on the faces of our were hit several times. One slug would make an unscheduled visit to English friends below was comical. We stopped in the back pack parachute of this very spot. (See Newsletter of June had no idea what this was all about but our tail gunner. 1973). We then let down to about 50' like always we would wait and wonder. The drop plan was to fly in at 50', to 100'. The view along the route to Early on the morning on September pull up to 400' at the target marker and the drop zone was incredible. Crashed 18, we were called for a mission brief- drop the cargo. Due to smoke C-47 planes, burned outlines of crashed and ing. This would be our third mission haze, the fast speed at a low gliders, gliders nosed up or on their altitude and would be a resupply effort to and other uncertainties, the accuracy back — a general mess. Our flight was of American ground troops that had made the drop was unknown. We did, over farming area. We could nearly see how- a parachute drop and glider landings in ever, see what looked like the flying feathers of the fluttering Germans the Groesbeek area south of Nijmegen, picking up supplies. After cargo away, chickens; the cows were in a full gallop Holland. This was one of three major we gained a few thousand feet and — right through fences and bushes. drop zones. headed home along about the same The Dutch farmers were waving happi- By mid-day we formed course we followed in. had up and ly. It was certainly a different sight The downed were on our way across the channel aircraft from this altitude was at than we would see at our usual 22,000 just as grim as before. We lost two planes on this mission; and apparently, it was not too successful a venture at that. We DUES never found out what it was all about. We want to thank all of you who heeded our request for prompt payment of Recently I read the Cornelius Ryan dues as this has made our job so much easier. It has also kept our creditors book, A Bridge Too Far — some 500 happy! pages of which about four pages were One thing we have noticed this year is the increase in the number of devoted to this air mission and the part members who have contributed to the Memorial Capital Fund. Most of the played by the B-24's. Our part was contributions have been modest, and this is to be expected when you consider small compared to what the ground that the majority of our members are on some form of retirement, but there forces went through during operation have been some large donations and these, coupled with the rest, have added Market-Garden, but it was a bit gratify- up to a very respectable amount. We want to thank all of you who have ing even after all these years to learn contributed. This year should see the largest donation to the Capital Fund we that in the Groesbeek area 80 percent have experienced to date. of our supplies were recovered by the One additional word. If you find that the $7.00 dues figure is beyond your U.S. troops, while in the other two means for any reason do drop Evelyn a note stating your case and your dues areas it was less than 50 percent and will be waived. Some of our members have already sent in funds to be used about 12 percent recovery. for the payment of dues for those who cannot. Believe me, we have some very If you have the opportunity, do read generous members. the book. It's good. I liked it better than the movie. 9 MISSION TO ZWICHAU As told to Dave Patterson by Mike Ciano (445th Bomb Group)

After a number of missions, and a -decided to jump out the camera hatch skies, while I was so close to them, ten day rest period, I was assigned on as our exhausted condition and the yet captive. It didn't seem logical in return as tail gunner on a newly formed urgency made any other exit impossi- the least. Many times I would wait crew. The following is an account of ble. I gave a last look down, jumped, anxiously for their return flights and my first mission with this crew. pulled the cord, and looked up to see take note of the formation pattern to April 14, 1944: The much dreaded the ship moving away. Everything then see if they had had a rough mission. sound of the Jeep halting at our Quon- became a blur until I hit Terra Firma; One morning, the nurse came in, re- set Hut: the hut door opened, and the the stinging pain ran from my ankles bandaged and resplinted both ankles, driver called out our new pilot's name. up to my head as I buckled over and and issued me a pair of wooden shoes, Before we knew it, we were eating passed out. pants too big for my small frame, and chow and off to briefing prior to I opened my eyes some time later, to an old shirt. Then struggling, I was takeoff time. After briefing, we made see German soldiers looking down at escorted by two Gestapo agents to a our usual preparations: checking out me and mumbling, and civilians in the rail station and a train headed for Ger- personal equipment; preflight prepara- background gawking at me. I was car- many. I was warned not to talk to tions, start engines, and taxi out. We ried to what looked like our American- anyone for they didn't want to provoke took off one at a time and slowly type police wagon, driven through the trouble as they were responsible for my gained altitude. We joined formation in city to a school hall, stayed there safe arrival at Dalag Luft, my next our assigned rear slot spot, and we overnight, and then by bus (with three stop. were on our way to Zwichau, Ger- of our crew members who had also The Frankfurt station was the rail many. survived) to a ward in a walled-in hos- terminous, and I must say the 8th As soon as we crossed the Channel pital in BrusselIs. There we stayed for A.A.F. had done a beautiful job of de- and were over Belgium, all hell broke two weeks. The patients were wounded struction. The station and the city was loose. Flack hit our far left engine and Luftwaffe, plus about five American just rubble piled on rubble. Everyone black smoke started pouring out of it. flyers. I was treated for splintered ank- wore black, and death was all around A hole the size of a basketball opened les, and a gashing forhead wound from us. As we were herded to a trolley for up at the feet of our waist gunner. a frag that hit me just prior to when I our short trip to Dulag Luft, civilians Another direct hit in the waist ripped jumped. All during this time we were shook their fists at us, spat on us, and open the floor. As we gathered our forbidden to speak or in any way made threatening gestures and remarks. wits and resumed our gun positions we communicate with the others; in fact Dalag Luft comprised of long, wide were informed over the intercom that our own policy was to act as if we hallways and appeared to have been the nose also was badly hit. Bullets were complete strangers to each other, built during World War I. Hallways began richocheting around my tail tur- to minimized security leaks. Every were flanked with endless doors that ret; a ME-109 was coming in at eye morning a Luftwaff Colonel doctor opened up into 5' x 7' rooms for pris- level. I opened up fire when I felt he would enter our ward, a German nurse oners. Each room had a small glass was in proper range. and was rewarded would shout "Achtung" and, regardless window near the ceiling, a cut-out sec- by the Messerschmidt disintegrating in of our physical condition and pain, we tion at the bottom of the door to slide a ball of fire, almost hitting the tail were expected to come to a rigid atten- food plates through, and was furnished turret as it exploded. By now the ship tion, and say "Good morning, doctor-. with a cot and improvised urinal. There was too crippled, and we lost altitude April 20th came, and I remember it was no sink, other plumbing, nor elec- and dropped out of formation, becom- especially because the guards and hos- tricity. The prisoners consisted of flight ing a "sitting duck" for the rest of the pital staff celebrated with much cham- crews: some British, but mostly Ameri- enemy fighters. We tried to keep our pagne and booze, as it was Hitler's can. Every day a Gestapo agent with a guns firing to discourage the fighters birthday. satchel and a large dog would visit me from getting in close enough for a clean After a week of recuperating. I was in my cell. He would open the satchel kill. But the handwriting was on the allowed to go out into the walled cour- and bring out all sorts of forms for me wall by this time. The intercom ceased tyard and sit in the sun and watch our to read and confirm. Most had to do to function; then a crew member from bombers and fighters fly over. It was with military installations in England up front crawled back to tell us to bail an odd feeling to look up and realized and the United States (PS: He knew out. Bail out! Those were words we they were free, even though in enemy lots more than I did!) He would then gunners heard in training lectures, saw bring out American cigarettes, light one demonstrated in training films; but to and let the smoke drift my way. The each of us it was always going to hap- he would try to con me into denounc- pen to "the other guy". not to me! I ing America and embracing Naziism, quickly put out the fire (luckily it was and give him Allied information. He superficial) and put on the chute. There would start out very friendly, offering were four of us in the rear section by me a smoke, and chatting. But when this time; S/Sgt Wayne Luce, badly he would offer me a pen to sign his wounded by our first blast; S/Sgt Pete forms, and all I would respond with Clark; our radio operator "Chet"; and was my name, rank. and serial number, myself. We got Luce's chute on, car- he would become very angry, slap me ried him to the waist window and re- across the face, gather up his items and leased him, pulling his ripcord at the leave the room. This procedure went last possible minute. The chute opened on for ten days. but instead of offering clear of the plane and we looked at cigarettes. he would try different offers each other and smiled. The rest of us Watching the B-24s going over their camp. to get me to cooperate, such as the promise of good living quarters, fine beets, potatoes, and what looked like "Achtung! Achtung! Flieger alarm! food, women, etc. horse meat. (Hell, what more would North American bombers approach- Eventually I was released and joined one expect of P.O.W. food when all of ing!" We would all make a wild dash hundreds of airmen ready to be trans- Europe was hard up for food?!). for the trenches, body on top of body. ferred to Stalag 17. We were put in In accordance with the Geneva Con- Then the all clear, and we would drag closed box cars which proved to be a vention, all P.O.W.'s of convention back to the barracks in silence, and all nightmare all the way to the Stalag 17 member nations were to be assured of contemplating the ordeal of punishment area near Krems, Austria. We were food quantity of at least 6% above that would face us shortly in retalia- overcrowded and with very little food. starvation level. This was barely met tion. We could not see out, and how horrify- by the Germans and so the U. S. Gov- I certainly will never forget about the ing it was when the train would stop ernment, via the Red Cross in Geneva, endless attempts at tunnelling and what suddenly, ack-ack guns would fire had food parcels made up of a can of great efforts were made to keep them a nearby, and the cars would shake from beef, powdered coffee "D" bar, blades, secret. Just about the time the diggers the vibration of nearby exploding and 5 packs of cigarettes. These parcels were ready to break through to the top, bombs. I heard much cussing and bang- were to be rationed out 2 a month, but the guards would be waiting with spot ing on the sides of the cars just be- unfortunately the Germans handed them lights on the break-through spot. It was cause of terrible fright. A steady diet of out according to how they felt and how always a surprise how accurate they this would crack a person up in a very we behaved. Many times they would were in picking the spot; but it soon short time. tell us that our own bombers destroyed dawned on us that the Germans had How happy we were to arrive at our the train load of parcels, etc. There planted a few of their own men in each destination and imprisonment. You were times we wouldn't see a parcel compound unknown to us to monitor have no idea how great a feeling it is for as long as two months. our actions. I recall that from time to to be let out into an unrestricted at- When the camp Commandant was time a few were suspected, but we mosphere from a totally restricted one. upset about something, he would order were helpless to do anything about it. Then, you walk through the main gate us out of the barracks about 5 a.m. We experienced other incidents dur- of the prison camp, and you begin to and line us up for roll call. We then ing our imprisonment brought on by feel different and wonder if you'll ever had to greet him with a loud "Gut our attempts to aid escape attempts or walk back out and free again. The first morgen Herr Commandant"., followed to resist cooperating with bizarre Ger- building we entered was a large was- by a "Heil Hitler". (The latter never man directives. Two prisoners escaped hroom and resembled something that occured). He kept us standing for hours on one occasion, but were recaptured was used 50 years before. We all were and dismissed us when he pleased. soon after. Although none of us were deloused and our heads shaven clean. When the R.A.F. was in the area, aware of the attempt, punishment, as Then, with large searchlights on watch- their chandeliers would light up the val- usual, was meted out to all. In another towers lighting our way through the ley in yellow, and then they would un- incident, an American prisoner escaped dead of night, and with barbed wire load their bombs. Punishment for us from another prison camp, was unable and guard towers ringing our periphery, would invariably follow the next day: to make contact with the underground, we walked into the first barrack build- elimination of rations, "roll calls" for and was in desperate condition without ing, and got our first view of how it hours on end, etc. food, etc. Our camp prisoners were was going to be for us for a long time. able to smuggle him into camp, hide The boys were sleeping 2 together set him and care for him, and finally de- up in 3 tiers and attached one to liver him to the underground for safe another. The tiers were about 2 feet passage. In almost every incident, the apart. German guards would eventually dig The guards began the talk of awaken- out the story of our disobediences, and ing the men and telling them to make punishment in the form of cut-off food room for "your new comrades". New or heating supplies, and/or roll call P.O.W.s meant up-to-date news on how formations in which we stood for hours the war was progressing. No one slept at attention in the rain and cold, etc. the remainder of that night as question were meted out. after question was asked. Dead of winter was now upon us and Stalag 17's living quarters consisted snow covered the valley. The days of long wooden barracks with a was- grew shorter and more time was spent hroom separating the next. The lighting indoors. To fight the devastating cold, was very dim, and the floorboards thin many days were spent cuddled up in Forced and drafty. Mattresses were made of march to freedom. the sack just to keep warm and alive. burlap filled with straw about 2" thick. Coal rations became less and less and The springs were wooden slats about The 5th U.S.A.A.F. came over with we resorted to tearing out the guts of 3" apart. We were each issued one their medium bombers many times to the barracks for fuel to keep warm, thin blanket. Occasionally, odd noises bomb the huge fuel tank storage omly to realize we had thereby created would come from the mattresses, which facilities just down the valley from us. even more drafts and cold. Morale upon investigation would reveal a new To hit the tanks, the bombers had to worsened, and our bellies were empty. nest of mice or other vermin. While release the bombs just before flying Our clothes were tattered rags from sleeping, it was common for large mice over the camp, and by heck you would constant wear. The only good thing we to run across your body during the see the bombs dropping right at you. In looking forward to was a War news night. Our diet consisted of hot water seconds the bombs were falling right report which was brought around ver- to make coffee for breakfast. For lunch past you with the odd sound bombs bally on a frequent basis by a U. S. we had hot water, dehydrated cabbage, make when falling. Then the explo- flyer from Chicago; how he got the or boiled carrots, and a piece of black sions, the black smoke, the earth shak- up-to-date news (which proved to be bread which contained sawdust to give ing. Of course, all this was preceeded very accurate and complete) is still a it body. Supper was hot water, boiled by the camp air raid alarm, shouts of (Continued on page 12)

11 our march, and passed through the MISSION TO ZWICKAU small town of Braunau, Hitler's birth- (Continued from page II) place. It was a quaint town, with very STORMY 1 narrow sidewalks and streets; stucco mystery to me. He would circulate houses and iron gates covering the very WEATHER!!!! from barracks to barracks, under stiff low first floor windows. I clearly recall You all know by now that the East security cover by his fellow prisoners, the guards pointing to a yellow/beige Coast was hit by two heavy blizzards, letting everyone in on the latest infor- stucco house and telling us it was the one on January 19 and another on mation. He was never caught, to my house that Hitler was born in. February 6. The one on January 19 knowledge. Our forced march came to an end on slowed us down quite a bit pushing Soon, spring was near at hand, and April 29th in the woods of Braunau. everything back. The one on February the war news began to come alive with We couldn't go further because the 6 brought us to a screaching halt, action. The guards were becoming less G.I.s were about 15 miles beyond. Or- particularly in this part of the East. As tolerant as the Air Force was turning ders were to settle down and wait to a result, there have been further de- Germany into a heap of rubble. Rumors see what happened. Some of the wagon lays. We have managed to dig out, and of Allied breakthrough all along the horses were slaughtered and the meat we are working constantly to bring Front was indeed promising and libera- cooked and eaten. We then cut pine things back to normal. Please don't get tion was now becoming more real. A branches to make makeshift beds and impatient about the lateness of the rumor swept the camp in March, (1945) overhead cover, for by now it was rain- Roster and/or this issue of the Newslet- that we were all going on a forced ing. All sorts of rumors were now ter. It simply could not be helped. march heading westward because the sweeping the group. Some had it that Russians were just east of Vienna. It the Germans had started a heavy offen- was all true as we could hear big guns sive. Others had the Germans surren- going off in the east, and the nights dering unconditionally. "FIELDS OF brough pink glows in the Vienna area. The follwing day many of us scat- And sure enough, on April 1, 1945, we tered independently to nearby far- LITTLE AMERICA" prisoners all began to be herded in a mhouses to get food. Rifle and machine by Martin Bowman westwardly direction and into what was gun fire by this time were close at to prove to be a frightful travel experi- hand, so we knew the Front was very ence. Our days consisted of marching a close, and liberation near. That night At long last! Hail Columbia! Believe good nine hours, with ten minute no one slept because of the very in- it or not a History of the 2nd Air breaks every two hours. We were out creasing roar of guns. Next morning Division has finally been written and is about five days when the rations German troops were seen in full re- now in print. started to run out. Now, the guards treat; our guards were to be seen no Martin Bowman has done an out- found it too much of a problem to more. Very shortly we began to hear standing job in tracing the history of allow us to get water, and so we suf- the rumbling of tanks coming up the the division from day 'one' until VE fered continually of thirst and dehydra- dirt road, and in a few minutes we saw day. He has accomplished this hurcu- tion. Two weeks out, and many were an American tank come in view. Boy! lean task by making excellent use of now without shoes; more and more What a thrilling sight to behold! An the stories told to him by participants, were depending on their comrades' officer standing half out of the tank both ground and air. Following are shoulders to hang on for dear life. hatch waved at us. G.I.s were now some of the superlatives the book has Others, too tired and starving, were fal- appearing in the area in pursuit of the so justly earned: ling to the ground, causing many be- retreating Germans. We all yelled with 'I have received your autographed hind them to fall on each other. Many maddening joy as more U. S. tanks copy of the 'Fields of Little America' were left to die on the road. It was a appeared, and we mobbed them. and haven't put it down yet." Myron sad sight indeed; it has left an indelible We now settled down for the night Keilman (392nd) memory of how a mass of humans can with smiles on our faces and happiness "Manx, many thanks for the copy of be made to look undignified by the in our hearts, and all agreed that Gen- your book. I want to congratulate you hands of man. eral Patton's Third Army, 15th Ar- on a job well done, and I'm so happy Into our 3rd week American fighter mored Division, was the best fighting that all your work and patience has planes began appearing daily to keep unit in the world. paid off in an excellent book." Ted tabs on the P.O.W.s. The German To finish with a happy ending: The Parker (491st) guards ran scared for cover as the next few days brought arrangements to "I just received the book, 'Fields of planes cam down to buzz us and dip evacuate us first to Stuttgart, then the Little America', and you deserve many their wings to reassure us. You have Metz, France, where we were de- compliments for your outstanding or- no idea how happy it made us feel. briefed, got medical assistance, clothes, ganization of historical material from Bombing was taking place just ahead and etc. Then to Dieppe, and by troop the bits and pieces provided by 2nd AD of us at Linz, Austria, causing us to shipped to Hoboken, New Jersey, and personnel." Jim O'Brien (44th) halt for a few hours. Then we resumed the good old U. S. A.!! "Your book is superb! Your book is fantastic! It should sell like hot cakes at the next reunion." Bob Shaffer (93rd) APRIL 1st .... APRIL 1st .... APRIL 1st The above is but a sampling of the Of course we all know that April 1st is April Fools day, but also on that comments we have received so far, and date Evelyn Cohen will have a new address. It will be Evelyn Cohen, 610 they are all in the same vein. 'Fields of Plaza Towers, 2301 Woodward St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19115. After April 1st, Little America' is well-written, well- disregard her old address which appears on the Reunion Flyer and send researched and beautifully dressed with everything to her new address. It would be a good idea to make a note of 165 interesting photos. Buy a copy. this now. You will never regret it.

Bill Robertie 12 "TONDELAYO'S" LAST MISSION TARGET: POLITZ

by Jim Blanco (392nd) to ten minutes before the next pick-up. coming either from the pilot's com- Sometimes those minutes seemed like partment or the bomb-bay. I did ex- Lt. C.L. Bell was last seen head- an eternity. This was one of those perience it coming from the sides. My ing. . times. turret had one-half inch armor in front That partial sentence covers nine dif- Flying on, and always on the alert and I had put flak vests at the back ferent experiences which could add for enemy fighters, I noted and alerted and under the jewels. My sides were pages in terms of experiences. As a the crew of a group of forty to fifty unprotected. I rotated the turret to member of Bell's crew, I remember fighters flying level and at five o'clock. nine-o'clock so that my right side was quite vividly the experience of that Someone remarked that it was the sec- toward the cockpit and my left to the day. ond group of our escorts. I was reluc- bomb-bay. Next I thought of the The mission started about 2300 hours tant to accept it, and kept watching plexi-glass dome. Shrapnel can and of 19 June, when the C.Q. came to them. They were too bunched up to be does pierce and shatter if a burst roust us out of our sacks with the our escorts. As they approached three comes close to it. So I reached down usual info of breakfast and briefing o'clock, they were a mile and a half to and put my helmet on. At this point times. After breakfast, briefing. I still two miles from our formation. One my guns were elevated, so for added recall the feeling in the pit of my fighter did a slip manuever. I noted tail protection, I lowered the guns so that stomach, because the excess trace line booms — P38? — hardly! How long I the receivers were on each side of my of our route in and out of the target watched I do not know. The 492nd was head. In this cocoon I went into the area was not visible on the floor. This leading the Wing and was starting to "Valley of Death" with a prayer to the meant a long haul. The first two mis- turn on the I.P. I thought they were Almighty and the usual promises to re- sions, or maybe five, it's still an adven- spreading out too wide. It was then form. I was scared! Not caring to lift turous experience. After that you start when the fighters hit. They definitely my head to see anything that wasn't in to sober. This was our twenty-fifth. were not our escorts! I was fascinated, my line of sight, I watched the blos- After briefing it was the usual jokes appalled and scared stiff as the fighters soms of flak and felt several bumps and horseplay to buoy up our spirits as took their toll. indicating hits in the aircraft. Then we made our way to the locker room As we turned on the I.P., they came the relieving signal: "Bombs to don our heated suits. turned on us. I can still remember away, let's get the hell out of here." After dressing I locked my locker rocket streamers and the machine gun After leaving the flak field, I climbed and discovered I had not put my side- fire. Fortunately, I think they had used down from the turret to survey battle arm away. At that time AAF Regs or- their Sunday punch earlier, but what damage. Up front, flak had hit dered no side-arms to be taken on mis- was our left was still terrifying. We sus- radio and it was a mess. There sions. Being a little late, I decided to tained were some minor damage. After they numerous holes in the skin, letting check it in to Tech Supply. I told the broke in the attack, I had the impression daylight, and one piece of flak severed Sarge, "I'll pick it up, if I come those fighter pilots must have been to- a run of wires — some of which were back." The Sarge remarked, "Don't tally without experience or training. for the #3 and #4 engine instruments. worry. Bell's crew always comes The couple that had pressed their at- I started to go aft and I will attest to back." At day's end it was certain that tack on us were a JU88 and an ME210. the fact that the combination of rubber a seer he was not. They attacked us flying with the forma- flight boots and hydraulic oil As we rode to the dispersal area, make very I tion. The JU88 started the attack at slippery cat-walks. Fortunately, felt apprehensive. This was my the first five o'clock and about two hundred bomb-bay doors mission without Joe Knight. were closed when the He was feet above us. I saw the stitch marks flak hit the hydraulic grounded with a bad cold. Group system. As I en- my fifties were making on his fuselage tered the waist section, superstition was when one man stayed gunners Asch before he broke away. The ME210 and Seymour were doing down, the odds were the crew doesn't a jig trying to came in at the same height from six avoid being hit by VERY return, or the man doesn't on a make- pistol flares o'clock, and I put the same stitches in set off by a piece of flak. up mission. his wing. Returning to the flight deck, I Joe and I had a little ritual we did As we was approached the target area surprised to see we had left the before take-off. We ate our carmels someone forma- remarked on the intercom, tion. The #3 and #4 engines from the high carbohydrates box were run- be- "Those flak-boys are really checked ning smoothly, but cause we didn't want the Luftwaffe without a tach and to out." I turned my turret to twelve manifold pressure get them, and chewed gum. gauges we did not As we o'clock to check. I will affirm they know how prepared for take-off, much power to pull back or we'd stick our certainly were "checked out." It seems advance. gum wads on It was decided to leave the the tail fin of a bomb they were shooting in a perfect rectan- and say, "Remember settings as they were for awhile and when you're up gular pattern of about 400 X 600 feet. there your soul use #1 and #2 for flight changes. By belongs to God, your What seemed worse was, our line heart belongs of this time we had hit the deck. Time to the girl back home, flight would put us right through the and your had lost it's magnitude as I busied my- a— is strictly the Luft- center of the barrage. I observed waffe's." the self leveling gas tanks and watching #3 element leader moving ever so slightly and #4 engines Take-off and forming were for the slightest mal- normal to the left, and mentally I was telling function. and I performed my duties transferring Bell to move it over, out of center. Decision gas from the wing tip time came when Bell an- tanks to the main My next actions are burned deeply in nounced tanks and leveling the we had three options: tanks. Then the memory. I looked at the flak and knew tensions started I. Land in Germany with the call, "Enemy we would not see any enemy fighters; coast ahead." 2. Ditch in the North or Baltic Seas Somewhere over De- so I started to think of other targets nmark .our first 3. Land in Sweden fighter escorts dropped with heavy flak — Berlin, Brunswick off and there was the usual wait of five and Fredrichshaven. I didn't recall flak (Continued on page 14) 13 "TONDELAYO'S" INTRODUCTION TO ENGLAND (Continued from page 13) by Tom Swint (46711) appealed and lead us to RAF Station The 467th picked me up at Exeter. The engines were sputtering as Personally, I did not like the idea of Herington. Kansas, when their chief ye landed poorly downwind. There was being a POW, nor did I care to ditch. operations clerk washed out on the a lot of screeching and then blam. As for Sweden, it was an unknown, overseas physical. I flew over with one Somebody helped me out. We straggled and I thought it the best of what was of the combat crews in old 5-2-5. out of the plane, pondering how angry available. It must have been, in spite of Our flight to West Palm, Trinidad, Col. Albert Shower would be. No lie. the last few hours, my lucky day. We Belem, Forteleza, Dakar and Marrakech Then a British Customs civilian came headed for Sweden. has been eventful. We lost an engine out and asked the pilot to make out a We limped along nursing that "gawky over Brazil, blew a supercharger out of declaration. Soon an RAF lorry took us angel" every mile to Malmo, Sweden. Forteleza and fractured a nose wheel to a rather barren building. We were As we approached Sweden, two fight- landing at Dakar. But the big foulup herded into a room with no furniture. ers appeared high at seven o'clock. I came at Marrakech! A British sergeant told us to strip turned my turret to meet them and The ATC guys said we could go into naked. Then he took all our clothes. thought, "Here we go again." For town. We did. Oh boy, did we ever. I was scared, cold and slightly some unknown reason we all held our When we got back at midnight we bruised. Some of my teeth were brok- fire. This was unusual because we were were told that our plane was scheduled en. all pretty jumpy. The planes were un- to take off in 30 minutes. We made the Soon a rather businesslike RAF of- usual. They did not have the lines of deadline but the navigator was some- ficer came in with a WAF taking notes. either the FW'S or ME's. Someone what the worse for wear. She ignored our nakedness. We re- identified them as Italian. As they ap- Somehow we got lost — bad lost. sented the off-hand manner. Then our proached closer, we were all tense The next morning. March 15, 1944, we ball-turret gunner whispered: "They waiting for them to flash their recogni- wondered about those black puffs of think we are Germans. No stuff." tion lights (guns), but none flashed. smoke. Back in the waist, where I was. The officer asked me to pronounce They were fighters from the Swedish a gunner said we must be over Spain several words. He asked me the capital Air Force coming to escort us to or Portugal. of Maryland. I said Baltimore; then Malmo. Spain, hell: Old 5-2-5 was over corrected myself to Annapolis. He What confronted me on landing was France near Le Mans. Eleven green grunted. The WAF took notes. that I would have to crank the gear flyboys and the German AA had our Finally the first pilot got through on down and kick-out the nose wheel. Not range and altitude. Those puffs were the telephone to Rackheath. home of knowing the field in which we would flak. Over the intercom the first pilot the 467th. They vouched for a missing set down, I was more than concerned said we had screwed up again. This bunch of eightballs. The serial number because we had only enough hydraulic time he said he didn't think we had of our aircraft was, indeed, one of pressure for one application of brakes. enough gasoline to get to England and theirs. Our most recent delay had been With the gear cranked down and we had battle damage. I was scared. Dakar, they thought. locked, the nose wheel kicked-out. Our The bombardier came back to the I gathered that the pilot thought it landing pattern was normal. As we waist and told us to throw out stuff — might have been easier to take the rap turned in for our final approach, but not the rum we got in Brazil. Out as German intruders, rather than face another wounded B-24 cut us out. Luck went the 50's. The pilot said we proba- Colonel Shower at Rackheath. was with us as we applied power to #3 bly would have to ditch. They were Later a 'RAF sergeant told me he and #4 engines and they responded. transmitting Mayday! Mayday! knew we were REAL Yanks when we We nursed our angel around again to Everyone was excited. I was thinking started asking about passes into town. the base leg. The B-24 that cut us off about how cold the channel would be. We got the passes and an RAF had touched down, ground looped and What a way to go. guide. I knew I was going to like Eng- burst into flames. As if by magic, an RAF Beaufighter land, and I did. Under the conditions we had flown. our landing was normal. As we passed 5e;c_Y-'4ietze-T- the burning B-24, the ammo aboard /12,/97 -- was exploding. Then came our moment 4se-- of truth. Our one application of brakes brought us within three feet of the end NORWICH 1979 of the runway. Later, after conversa- The first, and most important, step has been taken towards our return to tions with Swedish friends, we learned Norwich in 1979. Negotiations have been completed with KLM to charter a that on that day the Swedes thought stretched DC 8 with 240 seats. the entire 8th Air Force was going to Events and dates have not been firmed up as yet, but we are making land there. Twenty bombers had land- steady progress with our English friends who are helping us. At this time I ed. I never could verify it, but my must ask for a $25.00 per person, non-returnable, deposit from all those who Swedish friends say the plane that blew plan to make the trip. up on landing was the 13th to land. After the 240 seats are filled, additional reservations will have to be on a For Bell's crew it was a very long stand-by basis. We know it is difficult to plan this far in advance, but haul that lasted for five months. Bell Airlines and Hotels want some of the money 'up front' before they commit and I stayed behind for a total of ten themselves. Please send your deposit to me at my new address after April months. Through all the years and fu- 1, 1978 which is 610 Plaza Towers, 2350 Tremont St., Philadelphia, Penn. ture years I always say, "Tack a mika 19115. My telephone number remains the same (215) OR 3-7699. for Sverige'' — literally translated, Evelyn Cohen "Thanks a million for Sweden!"

14 Dear Bill: Dear Bill: I somewhere got the impression that a Thank-you for your kindness in writing so notice about the dues would be sent during promptly and making available the negatives LETTERS the month of November. Here it is De- from the printing-process to me. It's most cember and I have not yet paid my dues, kind of you. I am very, very grateful. and 1 do believe my dues are due!! I've had the prints taken off I need, and So. .here is my check. am returning the negs to you. See you in San Diego, and if you have Thank-you for the September issue of the not been there before . . . be prepared to Newsletter. It arrived safely, and was de- have a very pleasant surprise. It is the most voured here with great enthusiasm and in- beautiful spot in the world; and if I was not terest. Dear Mrs. Cohen: hooked on these Colorado mountains, I You set a very high standard in all that Enclosed please find my check for $7.00 would move to San Diego tomorrow. you do. You are so professional and so for my 1978 membership in the 2nd Air John E. Kirby (44th) good-natured in servicing the many, many Division Association. p.s. I saw a Pregnant Cow being used for thousands of us who depend on the informa- Today I received in the mail from H.C. fighting forest fires last summer in the tion you assemble, edit, and disseminate. "Pete" Henry, information about the associ- Western part of Colorado . .. it only had It's good news to know that you will be ation. The Newsletter, dated June 1977, was one fin, so must have been a naval job. over to visit us in 1979. We are starting to a wonderful surprise and was like a page of prepare NOW! one's life some 34 years ago. Meantime, I'll get my nose down and get I was in the 714 Sqdn. of 448th Bd. Gp. Dear Bill, back to finishing that manuscript and all the from Dec. 1943 to August 1944. I flew 30 I'm sure by now that you've heard that photos and drawings that are to go with it. missions as B-24 pilot-flew first misson on Lt. Clarey has been found. Charles Halliday With warm regards to you both for 12-31-43 and 30th on 6-19-44- flew two mis- called me from Nottingham to say this will Christmas. sions on D-Day 6-6-44 during the invasion, make his best Christmas. He is going to James Hoseason (SM) which was my 25th birthday. come to the reunion in San Diego to give Thanks so much for information on this him back his original "wings". Dear Evelyn: association. I didn't know it existed. The new book, "Fields of Little America" Enclosed herewith is my check to cover Garth Connole (448th) is excellent and what a beautiful complete membership dues for the Second Air Divi- (former 1st Lt.) history of the 2nd Air Division. The forward sion Association. written by you was outstanding. After these long years, I am looking for- Dear Evelyn: We should let everyone who ever served ward to participation in association activities Came across a copy of the 2nd Air Divi- in the 2nd whether ground or air know this and renewing old friendships. sion news letter Vol. 15 No. 13 Sept. 1977. book is available. I was a lead navigator attached to the It is the 1st I knew of the association and See you at the Del Coronado in San 701st squadron, 445 Bomb Group based in would like very much to become a member. Diego next summer. Tibenham, East Anglia, from July, 1944 Enclosed is a check (new dues of $7.00 and Bob Shaffer (93rd) through completion of my tour in April, $3.00 extra). I would appreciate any copys 1945 — if my fading memory serves me of News Letter mentioning the top group of Dear Evelyn, correctly. In my June, July, and August 1944. note to you yesterday I neglected Because I reside in the San Diego area, to include The 445th Bombarment Group (H), 2nd the most important portion of my may I be of any assistance in the prepara- intentions Combat Wing, 2nd Air Division Tibenham, for the day. Namely the enclosed tions for the July reunion at the Hotel del Norfolk, England. Also interested in Project check for $50.00. Coronado? Norwich '79. I would suggest that the funds be ap- Harry F. Tachovsky (445th) pointed as follows; one membership and ros- Orville P. Ball (445th) p.s. Aerial Gunner ter, and the balance to the memorial fund. Shot down Sept. 27th 1944 However, if you see an over riding need, by Over Kassel Germany - 29th Mission all means do as you see fit. Hi! Vincent Larussa (467th) P.O.W. "Kriege" 3853 Stalag III - IV I am enclosing $7.00 for membership p.s. See you in San Diego, July 13, 1978 in the Second Air Division Association. This is Dear Evelyn, in accordance with instructions A telephone Dear Sir: received conversation last evening with from Pete Henry in response to a letter Curt Vogel (458th) I just received my December 1977 issue of in Missouri reminded me which he had submitted to our local news that I've never written to express my in- the Second Air Division Assn. Newsletter. media. I must terest in Norwich '79. commend you on the article on I was a member of the page 3 466th BG during I haven't been traveling much commer- titled, "War is, and was. Hell" writ- WWII, stationed, as ten by Don most were, just outside cially, since a polio attack in 1950 saddled Baumler (445th BG). Norwich at Attleboro. Also the article I do not remember me with crutches -- a real pain in the butt you printed on page 11- my squadron clearly; "News of the 445th Bomb it was either 387B whenever steps of any kind are involved. Group" by David sqdn or 487th. I am not Hence, Patterson. sure. I do re- my ultimate decision will probably member my pilot was a Lt. hinge on It's the first time I have ever read any Hoover and availability of facilities and accom- Co-pilot Lt. Suto. I was a replacement modations I can handle. articles concerning the 445th Bomb Group tail gunner to crew #505 on the B-24 The Le- But all things being equal (and the Good since I returned from Combat in January mon. Lord 1945. willing) I expect to be there. Edmond A. Turcotte (466th) Off we go etc. I do sincerely hope that there is a possi- Al Hilborn (458th) bility of locating the Crew Members I flew Combat with, in Tibenham, England in 1944. Dear Evelyn: I am eagerly awaiting the new Roster so I Received my 1978 membership card and can contact more men from the "Fighting Dear Bill: the December News Letter last month. You 445th Bomb Group". Just wanted to let you know how much I should have my 78 dues plus a donation to If your office is interested in some more appreciate the Newsletter you put out and all the fund by now. stories and info on the 445th Bomb Group - the hard work that must go with it. Now that I finished reading the News Let- let me know - also have some pictures. I was with the 467th at Rackheath, and Ed ter please be advised that I desire to be Herbert Rudh, USAF Retired Goldsmith shared the same Nissen with me! placed on the list for Norwich 79. Put me 445th Bomb Group I'm sending along a couple of photos you down for a party of two and let me know (ed: We are always interested in stories might like to have; even though one picture is a the details as they become available. Herb, so start pounding away. That goes for Memorial to a B-17 outfit at Gt. Ashfield, you After reading the letters in the News Let- the other 3000 plus members also!) can still appreciate the sentiment. ter it shows that you did your usual out- All the best to you and your wife for the standing job on the Lake Geneva Conven- Dear Bill: coming holidays. tion, Sorry I missed it. Where's the guy that took the picture of Walt Laughlin (467th) I look forward to seeing you and the the bail out hanging from the big oak tree (ed. seems as if EVERYBODY bunked with many friends of the Second Air Division near the guard shanty at Bungay. April 10. Goldsmith at one time or another!) Association at San Diego this year and in 1945? That was Me. ROG on pilot Dick Norwich in 1979. Peacock's crew. Robert L. (Bob) Anderson I hit the silk that day from the ship 453rd BG "Ronnie". Bob Landis (446th)

IS Dear Evelyn: Hello Bill: Dear Bill: Because of our many mutual interests and I have a few snapshots and a clipping that It was very thoughtful of you to send me common goals, we are trying to acquaint more may be of some value to you. The problem copies of a news article on Col. Budd J. Peaslee Air Force veterans with the Air Force Histori- is. my memory is not that good when it as was published in the 2nd Air Division cal Foundation. As a non-profit, public organi- comes to recalling the names of the men in Association Newsletter of March 1974. May we zation established in 1953 by General Carl the photo. have permission to use this material in our Spaatz and others, the Air Force Historical history of the 2nd Scouting Force? Foundation is dedicated to the objective and If you will refer to our roster, you will find authentic recording of Air Force history. Its that Budd lives in California at present. goals and programs are described more fully in To your knowledge, are there any other the enclosed brochure. Additionally. the Foun- articles that were printed in past years in your dation has recently undertaken a major book nesletter about the 355th or any of its pilots? project tentatively scheduled for publication I sure would appreciate having copies of next year which will address the almost over- anything else that was printed. For this, we whelming problems faced by our key leaders in would be willing to exchange information that the build-up for World War II and the begin- we might have covering 355th Group, if you nings of the Air Force as a separate service. have any interest in any matter. This will be the first in a projected series of Gordon H. Hunsberger (355th) books covering our rich service traditions and led: That was the only story we were able to enormous achievements. find on Col. Peaslee and we would love to Probably many of your friends taking part in receive stories on the 355th anytime.) your forthcoming military reunion are currently 67th members of the Foundation. We believe there Squadron Air Mechanics. Standing - Schnilder, ?, myself, Hamilton, ?, Morten, Choaanski. Kneel- are more, however, who may wish to support ing - Pukle, Mears, Strickland, Boyd. this organization who are not presently aware Maybe somebody else of its existence. Without intending to impose can remember them better than I can. any heavy administrative burden Hope they are of some Hi Evelyn: on your value to you, and keep reunion meeting, we up the good work. Enclosed is $5.00 for dues for 2nd A.D. Just would greatly appreciate Howard Brunner (44th BG) your cooparation by heard from Pete Henry and rec'd some info. re merely making our (ed: EVERYTHING is of value brochure available to Howard. the Reunion at Lake Geneva, Wis. in July. each of your registrants Hope I spelled the names correctly!) upon signing in at your reunion site. If you can Didn't know about them and 2 A.D. as I had assist us in this mutually beneficial cause, no way of knowing due to lack of publicity — please advise on the number of attendees ran across, by accident 2 AD in the Denver anticipated and we will furnish the brochures to Post. the person and address you designate. Am planning (tentative) on going to Lake G. Best wishes for a successful reunion. For However, will definitely know by 10 May — I. Dear Miss Cohen: future reference, we will be How much partial payment?, 2. Will come pleased to run a I enclose my check for $25.00, since I publicity notice of your meeting in the Aero- single. 3. If you are in contact wianother single. would have been sending dues earlier if I had Erdie B. Stevens (446th) space Historian magazine. about the organization. I'm late as it John B. McPherson known 1091 Macon Street is, also, since Earl Zimmerman called me last Aurora, Colo. 80010 year! Dear Evelyn: If you have an address for Mike Scalzi, or Bill: I was mighty surprised to see myself smiling Ed Bowen, I would appreciate having it. We at Adolphe Menjou in the photo reprinted on Don't know if anyone else has noticed it or flew with the 389th and finished up with the not, but the photo of the Wright Brothers' Kitty the back page of the Newsletter before last. 453rd. How well I remember that day — Mr. Menjou's Hawk Flyer is upside down! Those "Wright My Newsletter sent to me was Dec. 1974. If guys" were pretty good in their day, but I know unexpected and casual arrival in our 93rd you have a later one I'd appreciate it, also - A.R.C. Aeroclub snack bar and my frantic for a fact that they hadn't been checked out on Thanks. inverted flying at that time! effort to provide a suitable "tea" for the Harold 0. Erwin occasion. Mr. Menjou talked at some length to Rick Rokicki (458th) an increasingly large number of G.I.'s and (389th, 453rd) P.S. — You owe me a letter! expressed withering criticism of fellow actors in P.P.S. — One hell'uva job on the Newsletter Hollywood who had not turned out to serve in again! the war effort. This was in the first half of 1943 Dear Evelyn: (Ed: Picky, picky, picky.) and more actors would finally venture to serve Enclosed is my check in the amount of $7.00 in later years but Menjou was certainly one of to cover my 1978 dues in the Second Air the earliest to offer his services in W.W. II. If I Division Association together with additional Dear Evelyn: remember correctly, he had also volunteered in amount as a donation to the Memorial Library My 2ADA dues are enclosed and we are the First World War. in Norwich. looking forward to the San Diego Convention When a photographer arrived, the boys I have thoroughly enjoyed the news letters 78 next summer. Since we live in Tucson, it's grouped for the picture and Adolphe assumed a and other information I received from the only a day away. There are many of the 467th typical Menjou expression until the shutter association and from Joe Michalczyk. contact people in the west and I am starting im- clicked after which he relaxed into his natural, man for my old group. the 448th. My wife and I mediately to try locating some of them with the serious manner and continued his comments on are going to do our best to make the San Diego help of my navigator up in Spokane Wa. the current U.S.O. scene. Reunion. I read, with interest, the article in the Dec. Sherman F. Furey, Jr. Newsletter by Carl E. Dorothy M. Harrison Epting Jr. as my crew 448th Bomb Group went thru combat training with them in Muroc (93rd) and we all went to England together as Dear Evelyn: replacement crews Dear Evelyn: on the British ship "Largs Happy New Year to you! Bay" in a 14 day convoy. Sorry I am late with dues. Just too I kept a daily diary many Enclosed is a check for $32.00 — $7.00 and have many things going on. I am a sports editor for a pictures, formation sheets and membership fee and $25.00 gift towards the other material so will begin putting some of it newspaper in Washington. Mo. and also in Norwich Library fund. charge of umpires for together for later articles. about five high schools Both of us plan to be at the convention in San and a junior college. There is just not enough Meanwhile, could you please send me Carl's Diego and will try to get a lot of the 389th to hours in the day. In addition have been busy address so I can get in touch with him. As a with some Ex-POW sessions of the Greater attend. suggestion, if the addresses of the people St. Louis Chapter of which I am a member We've recently heard from Chauncey Stroup, writing articles were included (with their per- and we held a state meeting recently for all Al Kopp. Bill Holland (he's a grandpa!!). mission) it might facilitate old buddies getting Missouri Ex-POWs. Howard Lyons, Ben Walsh, Jim Frankin- together — particularly for the conventions and Then there is probably not very many burger, Howard Hinchman, Paul Blakeman, trips to Norwich. Our own plans now include members of the 2nd Air Division from World Ted Watson, Harold Beatty, Earl Zimmerman, Rackheath in '79. War II that have an eight year old son and a and Louis Krause. Ralph Elliott 467 BG 13 year old son. That's two ball games a Thank all of the staff for their hard work and Major, U.S.A.F.. Ret. week. Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. we hope you have a most successful year in led: We eliminate addresses Ralph simply to I enjoy the Second Division news and every 1978. save space for more letters. Since the new once in a while see something about some- Roy Jonasson roster has been printed more addresses can be body I am familiar with or know. 564th Squadron found within it's pages. I'm looking forward to D. H. "Dutch" Borcherding (93rd) 389th Bomb Group receiving those articles you mentioned.)

16 Dear Evelyn: Dear Ms. Cohen: Dear Evelyn: My check for $20 is enclosed; my dues, I am dropping you little Enclosed is my 2nd someone a note in regard Air Div. dues and a from the 458th if there is a need, if not, to project Norwich 79. My wife few extra for Norwich Library. your election and I are and $6 a year from the members thinking of making this trip, if You folks that help run this outfit are would make the our health $50,000. permits. It has been a pleasure to read doing one hell of a bang up job. Keep up I'm almost sure SD is out this year, so I won't about all the articles that are printed in the the good work and put me on record as one bug you on that this time. But "the boss" has 2nd Air Division Association who appreciates given Newsletter. the efforts of all the good her permission for England in '79, and if I Bill Cronberger (466th) people that knit this organization can convince together. the FAA in the meantime. I'll My wife and I are planning to go to the answer the roll call. Norwich Thanks reunion in 1979. for all your good works during '77, Al Urania, 44BG and best wishes for 1978. Dear Evelyn: George Reynolds (SM) I received my first Newsletter about the 2nd Air Div. Association. I don't Dear know when Evelyn: I was ever more impressed. After Enclosed all these To Pete is my check for dues and the years, to find out that there is such an organi- Henry: balance Enclosed for the memorial. Had a grand time at zation, kind of set me back. I have read the you will find a copy of the ad which Lake Geneva and saw old friends from the letter 3 or 4 times and it brought back was in the press-telegram of Long Beach, Calif. many This 453rd. Plan on seeing all of the gang at San memories. I have quite a few pictures taken ad was brought to my attention, as I was in Diego in the in July. England and would share them with you if Sub Depot Repair Unit attached to the 446th Thanks I Bomb again for the great job you and the could be sure of getting them back. I can't Group in Bungay, England. other officers are doing. help wondering about all the articles I have forwarded a copy of this ad to one I have more J. Neil Crowley missed in past years. Sorry I didn't former member of my old outfit in Seattle, learn Wash. 435rd. 732 Sq. about this sooner as I would have loved to at- tend the meeting at Lake Geneva. I do know that there were more former Dear Evelyn: Sincerely, members in the Greater Los Angeles Area, but I was reminded it was dues time, so enclosed Harold E. Hickok in the interim of time that has passed we have is a check for $10.00. If there is a few bucks (392nd) gradually lost contact with each other. extra, please use it for the fund or to help Whether this has been through moving or someone pay their dues or whatever. I look whether through death. I know not what has forward happened to them. to receiving the newsletter very much. Dear Evelyn: However. I would at least be Who knows, I may.even get to go interested in hearing more about your to one of the I hope that you had a very pleasant organiza- reunions soon. Keep up the good work. time tion. over the holidays, and I wish you all the Sincerely, Ed Skuba, 448th best for the balance of 1978. Kenneth W. Lane (446th) The other evening I attended a party in the area here, and was talking with a man Dear Mr. Henry: and his wife who moved here a few years In response ago in to a letter that appeared in the retirement and at a slackerfed pace Long Beach newspaper: run an antique My husband was in the business. In our conversa- 44th Bomb Group during tion, we discovered World War II in that we were both in England. He lost contact with his the 467th! What a surprise. crew and He was a would very much like to have a list of the nosegunner. and though I had flown with his members. crew on a couple of occasions, we did not You can now add the name William recognize one another. J. Atkins, I would like, how- 14042 Lynmark, La Mirada, Calif. 90638. ever, to start him off with a gift membership Hope to see you in San Diego next July. in our Association, and his name and ad- Sincerely, dress are: Carol Atkins Richard E. Fletcher Victorian House Dear Pete Henry: Hartwick, N.Y. 13348 Dear Evelyn: I read with much interest your letter in one of I will include his dues with my own pay- our local newspapers Here are a bunch of heres: ment. concerning the Eighth Air Here Force. I enlisted in the Air Force on Feb. 14, is my seven dollars for 1978 dues. I still wish you would get up here some Here 1940 and was in on it's inception while stationed is my ten dollars for the Memorial day. This is not the time of year for a visit, Library Donation. at Savannah Air Base in Georgia. I went and I know that most of your spare time is overseas Here is a picture of our navigator with the first group to England in April and myself spent in the 2AD Ass'n, but one day you of 1942 and taken in Dallas just before the our first stop was High Wycombe St. Louis may hopefully find the time. and then on to reunion. Our navigator Allen Orr (who Bushy Park in London to set up belongs Thomas Goodyear Eighth Air Force to the 2nd AD Assn.) and • I hadn't Headquarters. I don't re- seen each (467th) member all the group other since the middle of August 1944! We had numbers.! served with but sent each other Christmas I am sure it was most of the ones you have Cards for a few years Dear Evelyn, mentioned. after that, then just kind of faded I was on detached service to many apart. Thanks In spite of the fact we were called back groups of the to Don Olds. that wonderful guy that Eighth as a radio gunner instruc- keeps us home early, the reunion at Lake Geneva tor since we had 453 guys together. I found out where Allen was to settle with the RAF into Orr great as always! using their radio language, was, and looked him and his wife up. I think we Enclosed which necessitated is our check to cover the dues my going to an RAF School look pretty good after 33 years don't you? My and a for six months. I $25.00 contribution to the library remember being at such wife and I had a wonderful time at the Orr's fund. places as Bovingdon, place Norwich, St. Eval and Burtonwood. I also but the visit was too short. Our pilot lives We are certainly looking forward to in Houston San remember meeting Captain Clark Gable and so we hope to have at least a Diego this summer, and by all means count threeway get-to-gether Colonel Jimmy Stewart. some day. us in for "Norwich in '79". I am Visiting with Allen very pleased to know that a person such we got to wondering if any Our very best wishes to you for the com- as yourself crew put in their 30 missions exists and that you are doing so as quick as we did. ing year! much to keep Our first mission was on the organization going. Especially May 23. 1944 and our Ruth and Milton Nichols (448th) that you are last one August 9, 1944. planning to have a reunion in That's 78 days! Besides Norwich, England the 30 missions during that time we as I have always had it in my also had 3 Dear Evelyn: mind to re-visit all aborts. I could be wrong but that the places that I knew over sure must be The news of the 1979 reunion being there. I was also on special assignment close to a record. Might ask this wonderful scheduled from the for Norwich is most exciting. I Eighth during the North African bunch of Second AD guys if "you hope invasion can top we will be able to join you for this having duty in Marrakesch and Casablanca. this"? one. Keep me posted on the details. Doesn't look like we Would certainly like to be considered for will be able to make San Bill did his usual super job on the De- membership Diego this year, darn and to be kept advised of the it. but plan on East Anglia cember Newsletter. The issue was filled with activities. next year. My rank was Tech Sgt. and my senal fine stories and I savored each one. He number was 702-1064. Many thanks Evelyn for Could also give you a lot everything and tell deserves much credit for the fine piece of of former Eighth members that Robertie fellow the same. Incidentally whom I have kept in it work he does for the association. contact with over the years. was wonderful to see you two relaxing and I am enclosing my 1978 dues plus a small Good luck in your efforts and hope to hear enjoying yourselves in St. Louis. with no contribution for the library fund. worries. from you. Best wishes for a Joyous New Year. Best John Hildebran, Regards. 453rd Carl Epting (467th) George A. Lippy (All Groups!) 17 Dear Bill, Dear Evelyn, Hello Evelyn: While reading the December Newsletter, it First of all I trust you won't take offense Received a letter from Clarence Hooks on occured to me that other readers might be at my being so familiar since we have never the Second Air Division Association and re- interested in a couple of items I could pass met, but from all accounts you are a "hail ally was good news. Over the years I have along. fellow, well met," so I do take the liberty lost all connection with the Group and last If anyone is interested (and who isn't) in of calling you Evelyn. year, I joined the 8th Air Force Historical seeing a real-life B-24J in airworthy condi- Enclosed find a check for 1978 dues and a Society in hopes some connections could be tion, complete with original nose, tail and small donation for the Memorial Library. made. top turrets, ammunition boxes and chutes, We visited it this past September and were I am now retired from Ford Motor Com- WW II radios in the radio shack, natural most impressed. Not only with the library pany and have more time to travel. metal finish with military markings (389BG, but also Miss Benns, who seems to be in For information left for Europe June 1944 566BS, I think), etc, etc., an organization charge of it. I only hope that the person from Topeka, Kansas and finally joined the called "Yesterday's Air Force" at Forbes who follows her will be as enthusiastic. She Group at Flixton Castle, Bungay, England Field, Topeka, Ks. has one along with a told us that she plans on retiring with in a and completed 36 missions with a crew pi- P-47N and a few other warbirds. The air- year or so. loted by Lt. Ralph Wingrove and Co-Pilot craft are on display daily and are flown We had planned on being in San Diego Mike Kasack and I was the navigator and occasionally in local airshows. They are try- next July but the best laid plans of mice and bombardier. I finished my tour in April 1945 ing to start a flying museum along the lines men or some such thing. Seems a daughter- and returned to the States and discharged of the Confederate Air Force at Harlingen, in-law arranged a birth of another grandchild June 1945. Texas. that same month, or that is the prognostica- Enclosed is a check for membership in the I've been a Colonel in the Confederate tion at the present time. If this turns out to Association. Thanks so much. Air Force about two years now and al- be then, we must stay in the area to take Roy E. Houghton (446th) though its not quite the same as a B-24, I care of the first grandson. So again, we are flew as engineer on their B-24 (actually its a stymied in plans to be with you and the LB-30) for a couple of days during the Air- association for the first time. However, if show 77 in October. I didn't get much flying the child should arrive early I wonder if we time but kept busy since #3 engine was would be allowed in, sort of at the last giving us problems both days (finally caught minute. Dear Evelyn: fire). The last two days of the four day Guess this is all for the moment. Hope Credit one more member for the Second show a different crew flew it, after re- you and yours had the most pleasant of Air Div. Assoc. to Sam L. Taylor of Garden installing an intake pipe and minor metal holidays and our best wishes for the coming Grove, Calif. work, and all went well in the usual CAF year. For your info, I was the first CO of the manner. Douglas Dann (448th) 788th Bomb Sq., 467th Bomb Gp. (B-24's). The CAF has a museum and aircraft dis- We were formed in Oct. 1943 — went to play which is much larger and more com- (ed: Evelyn never take offense — she takes umbrage!) Rackheath, England in March of 1944 — plete than the YAF in Topeka. We have a had our First Mission in early April '44 four day airshow at Harlingen. Texas the (788th lead the Group). I was shot down on second weekend in October every year and Dear Evelyn: April 29, 1944. Hit over Berlin and bailed we stage smaller versions around the coun- Enclosed is my check in the sum of $7.00 out over Holland — was a POW, being lib- try on national holiday weekends during the for my dues. Also enclosed is another check erated on April 29, 1945. I retired in 1968 warmer months. It was 113 degrees in for $10.00 payable to the Association, but to after 29+ yrs. and became a corporate Phoenix on Labor Day. The four day air- be used as a donation for the Memorial executive. Retired a second time in 1974 show is quite an experience and draws large Library in Norwich, England. It was my after open heart surgery. (President, crowds. Early hotel reservations are a must. pleasure in November '76 to visit Moscow, Continental/Moss-Gordin, Prattville, Ala.) available for mem- Both organizations are Russia and London, England. While in Lon- Decided to stay-in -Prattville (11 miles from bership and further information can be ob- don I hopped a train and made a trip all by Maxwell AFB). Enjoying life and occasion- respective tained by writing to them at their myself to Norwich where I visited the Lib- ally meet former 2nd Air Div. guys. Hope cities. Hope this is of interest. rary. You can talk about meeting old convention/reunion. availa- to make the next If you have any information as to friends, reliving old war Memories, and all If you have any extra copies of old bility of unit histories other than the 448th of the other marvelous things that a service 'Newsletters' would appreciate you sending any other and 392nd in the 2AD as well as organization can do, but they all fade into to me. I'll cover whatever cost is involved. the word USAAF combat units, please pass obscurity when we realize and see for ourse- Nice chatting with you — Hope to see along to me. lves what a marvelous service project the sometime. (sm) you H.A. "Jack— Frost Library has become. Robert L. Salzarulo (467th) Captain Frontier Airlines I have seen war memorials all over Col. USAF (Ret.) Colonel CAF Europe, including those in Russia, East Ber- lin, etc., but there is no finer memorial than Evelyn Cohen: the living and working Memorial Library in Please enter my membership in the Sec- Norwich. It is a real fitting tribute to the ond Air Division Association. $5 dues en- 6,032 of our comrades who gave their lives closed. Dear Earl (Brown): defending freedom as the Roll of Honor so Information: I was in the 329th and the I was reading the latest issue of the 2nd appropriately states. 409th Bomb Sqdns, 93rd Bomb Grp., 20th Air Division's pamphlet and came across the My wife and I intend, if at all possible, to Combat Wg., 2nd Bomb Div., 8th Air article on "Lost & Found Department, attend the Reunion in Norwich in 1979. Force, at Hardwick. I was the pilot of a 562nd Air Force Band." However, I have searched through all my lead crew that flew 24 of 30 missions as Upon glancing at the list of members you News Letters, but I cannot find an exact Lead positions from 13 Aug 44 to 8 Apr 45, were trying to locate, I came across the date for this Reunion. I would appreciate plus flying on occasion our forming ship name of Thomas Bowman. I know this gent- your sending me the exact dates for the "Ball of Fire". I retired from the Air Force leman very well, as we were a year apart in Reunion. in 1965, under disability. graduating from Bloomsburg High School, Tom Bamford Hollis H. Hunt (93rd) Bloomsburg, PA 17815. I also can vouch for Former Sgt. and the band as they played for the 100th or Mickey Trainer Radar Man possibly 200th mission party at Rack health of the 93rd B.G. Air Base in England approximately Sep- tember 1944 and I conversed with him after Dear Evelyn: Sorry I have to pass on this year reunion. the festivities in the hanger. Tom's address Dear Evelyn: is as follows: I will however make it next year for sure. Just received a letter and the June 1977 Please give my best to all — they are all Thomas E. Bowman Newsletter from Pete Henry. I had never Friar Road the greatest. heard of the Association, and it has been If you happen to see Col. J. McAtee, Col. Sherwood Village going for over 30 years. I've missed a lot Bloomsburg, PA 17815 Wm. Doughten, Loftus, Bob Hickman or but don't want to miss anymore. I am send- Norm Keefer from the 506th - 44 B.G. give I would like to see this band get together for $10.00 - $7.00 for dues and me ing a check them a special hello and all other 44 B.G. again, because if my memory serves $3.00 just to help out. right, it was fine music. men. I was a 1st Lt. in the 714 squadron 448 Don Underwood (44th) Good luck. bomb group, from Dec. 1943 to June 1944. Jack H. Viets Also please find enclosed a ck. for $25.00 See you in San Diego. for Memorial Library, Norwich. 467th Frank R. Gibson (448th)

18 S'VAS 1.3;1

Por Force of the 8th Alustrotedstor y 1942-45 An Division 2nd Air

Action photos.491st dropping supplies over Holland 18 September, 1944. Note the allied gliders littering the fields.

A HISTORY OF INCOMPARABLE MAGNITUDE Bill Robertie, Editor Archive photos. All the 2nd AD airfields from the air and 2nd Air Division all the assembly ships. Assoc. THE COMPLETE ILLUSTRATED HISTORY OF THE 2ND AIR DIVISION 1942-5 from its formation in January 1941 through Kiel, Ploesti, the Hamm Incident, D-Day, the 'Trucking' missions, the Ardennes offensive, VE day and beyond. Compiled from personal accounts, photographs and archive material it is a tribute to the B-24s and the men who flew and maintained them. •128 pages • 11% X 8% ins • 165 illustrations Personal photos. This one of Arthur Colbourn $15.45 Air Mail $11.95 Boat outside Jarrold's Store in Norwich. from Wensum Books,33 Orford Place, Norwich, NR1 3QA,England LOOKING BACK by Bob Coleman (93rd)

A G.I. rides formation! an all British steer Nice tight Norwich at rodeo, August, 1943.

Sunrise in the E.T.O.

provide the Ladies Cross the base Red the GI's at how for thus ac- know Skills Hang in "Aero Club". demonstrated there loose later 'cause you ole' buddy quired to be Hercules'' in ain't going and Your to be at "Samson Club in present location M Red Cross (Norwich too long. Norwich or rodeo, 1943) London. BRITAIN'S SEA POWER IS YOURS

People at Trafalgar Square appear to be more interested in providing for pigeon power than in Britain's Sea Power.

Christ- before Lavatory the night facilities in It was room, while the wash section not the trias• the rate, did most elabo- through making provide the And all was washing & means for Lieutenant shaving. The inspection• had to You sort get used to of p. tour of !) could. them, if almost passed you (P.S. e

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