Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
C E R I G N O L ACO N N E C T I O N455th Bomb Group Association Newsletter
Fall, 2016 Editor: Craig Ward, 813 Peterstow Drive, Euless, Texas 76039
Phone: (817) 540-1068; Email: [email protected] Websites: www.awardphp.com & www.455th.org
Message from the President
ByNorman Crum
I'm happy to once againoffer a few words of introductionto this edition of The CerignolaConnection. I do so with mixedfeelings.
Of course, it is sad tothink about publishing the finaledition of this fine newsletter.
We enthusiastically andsincerely thank our Editor CraigWard, our Association ExecutiveGreg Riggs, and our HistorianJohn Rohrer for their excellentwork in preserving the memoryof the men who served in the455th. On behalf of the veteransthemselves and theirdescendants, I say … thank you,gentlemen. Job well done.
Mixed with this sadness
is a note of pride in knowing thatwe're winding down theAssociation in good order.
It seemed somehowdisrespectful to allow thisorganization to simply fade awaythrough neglect andindifference. As will beexplained, the time has come towrap things up. Please knowthat your Board is taking everyeffort to do so in an orderly andproper manner.
I previously commentedon Eisenhower's use of heavybombers in the TransportationPlan that was instrumental incutting-off the Normandybattlefield preparatory to the D-Day landings in 1944. As achild, I remember looking at mydad's photo-album from the warand seeing pictures of railwayyards far below enveloped insmoke. Equally important wasthe role the 455th played in thestrategic Oil Plan of the Army AirForces in Europe in WWII.
Modern militaries run onoil. In early 1944, General CarlSpaatz argued strenuously thatheavy bombers from the Eighthand Fifteenth Air Forces coulddeliver a staggering blow to theNazi war effort by concentratingon the Luftwaffe's and
In This Edition
Pages 1-2 --- Message from the President
Page 3 --- Donor Acknowledgement
Page 4 --- Fighter Pilot Thoughts
Page 5 --- Final Flights
Pages 6-7 --- Email addresses
Page 8 --- Obscure WWII facts
Page 9 --- Can You Help?
Pages 10-12 --- Dear Editor & Final Flights
Page 13 --- Were You There?
Page 14 --- Tito Partisan Letter
Page 15 --- Last Flight
Pages 16-19 --- Dear Editor
Page 20 --- 1948 455BG Reunion
Pages 21-22 --- Minutes of 455BG Directors Meeting
Page 23 --- Editor’s Message
Back Page --- Message from theExecutive Director
Wehrmacht's supply of fuel andlubricants.
But even though AAFCommanding General HapArnold and British PrimeMinister Winston Churchillfavored the Oil Plan, theEngland-based Eighth Air Forcewas forced to focus almostexclusively on bridge, roadwayand rail targets until the D-Dayarmies were firmly establishedin France.
But the Fifteenth was freeto bomb, among other targets,aircraft manufacturing andtransportation targets. Its daringApril/May 1944 raids on thePloesti oil complex inflictedsevere damage and persuadedthe allied high command toorder further oil-related raidsfrom Italy.
Tremendous air battlesoccurred over heavily-defendedoil refining targets in Romaniaand Austria. Hundreds ofplanes were lost on both sides.The ferocity of the fightconvinced Allied planners thatthey had found the enemy's fatalflaw.
Albert Speer, Germany'sbrilliant Minister of Armaments,declared in his post-warmemoirs, "In these raids thetechnological war was decided."He reported to Hitler that "theenemy has struck us at one ofour weakest points. If theypersist at it, we will soon nolonger have any fuel productionworth mentioning."
Once the Eighth AirForce was freed to poundsynthetic oil production plants incentral Germany, the twin blowshalved Nazi fuel production and
crippled their mechanizedforces.
In the end, Albert Speereloquently explained the impactthat the men of the 455th andtheir Eighth and Fifteenth AirForce brethren had on the war."This was preeminently aneconomic war between rivalproduction systems and wasdecided through attacks fromthe air, especially the oil raids inthe spring of 1944. The lossesinflicted by these air fleetsconstituted for Germany thegreatest lost battle of the war."
In this edition of TheCerignola Connection, we pay afinal tribute to the young menwho flew and serviced thewarplanes of the 455th BombGroup. We owe each of them adeep debt of gratitude.
Thank you for allowingme to be of service asAssociation President for thesepast four years.
Signing off.
2
455th Bomb Group Headquarters CastleSan Giovanni AirfieldCerignola, Italy
Final Flight
Dear Editor,I am writing to inform you
of my father's passing. Russell Allen Crocker
(742), age 91, was a member ofthe 455th Bomb Group, and thenations greatest generation.
My father was proud ofhis service, but he never talkedabout the bad side of combat.He did mention that we had totake care of those who returned,but were injured.
I thought the WoundedWarriors and USO would beappropriate organizations fordonations.
Best Regards,Mark A. Crocker
3
Donor Acknowledgment for Fall 2016 Cerignola Connection
This is the cumulative list of contributors towards the CerignolaConnection. Those in bold print have made additionalcontributions since the Spring 2016 edition. Any contributionchecks received after I knew we would have to close were returnedto the sender, but their generosity is still acknowledged in the listbelow. The last two and a half years of newsletters have been thegift of the people listed here. We all owe them our thanks. -Executive Director
Taxi ($25-$99)Joseph A. AbbondondeloGerald W. AdamsJohn CaufieldJarred FishmanWilliam E. Fredrickson, in memory of Elwood (Freddie) FredricksonLloyd C. KestnerW. Scott Lawing, in memory of MSgt (Ret) Robert L. Denton (743)John Kay McBainLoraine McGinnis, in memory of Joseph McGinnisVictor E. Murray
Takeoff ($100-$199)Annis Dominey in honor of S/Sgt J.R. Dominey, Jr.John EdwardsCharles A. GreenmanElmo J. HenskeHenry C. ParisCharles H. RosenbergRichard C. SkagenbergCharles V. VandorenWesley Fellowship Class, in memory of MSgt (Ret) Robert L.Denton (743)Dorothy Wood Cloud, in memory of T/Sgt Robert D. CloudHelen A. Worster, in memory of Lt Col John R. Worster
Bombs away ($200-$499)Thomas E. BoydVirginia Corsello, in memory of 1 Lt Anthony (Tony) CorselloFrancis G. HosimerRobert W. Rohler, in honor of 1Lt Charles William (Bill) RohlerKaren R. Schoene, in honor of Lt Col Horst R. SchoeneCatherine Spewock, in honor of S/Sgt Andrew Spewock
Mission complete ($500 or more)Norman Crum in memory of George W. CrumRobert O. Foernsler, in memory of Capt Ed Soderstrom & crewL. Harvey HewitMary E. Jureka, in honor of Col John F. Jureka
A Brief History of the 455thBombardment Group (H)
The group was activatedJuly 1943 with four essentiallystand-alone bomb squadrons:740th, 741st, 742nd, and 743rd.
After a somewhatnomadic training regimen withdilapidated equipment, thepieces of the group cametogether at Langley, VA inOctober 1943. They wereissued G and H models of theConsolidated B-24 Liberator.
Vulgar Vultures
Activated 1 June 1943 at Clovis,NM.De-activated 9 September 1945in ItalyActivated 25 March 1947De-activated 27 June 1949Activated 25 July 1956 as 455thDay Fighter Group
The 455th flew 252combat missions over France,Italy, Germany, Poland,Hungary, Austria, and theBalkans.
They dropped 13,249tons of munitions with thefollowing approximate targetingbreakout:
Marshalling yards, railroads,bridges, rolling stock ---
6,239 tonsOil refineries and storage ---
2,704 tonsAir fields ---
2,093 tonsHarbors and shipping ---
1,035 tonsTroop concentrations ---
974 tonsGun emplacements ---
204 tons
Thoughts from a retired fighter pilot
They won't let me fly theirjet fighters anymore.
The day after I no longerpulled 5-6 Gs (or more) multipletimes every day, my middlestarted expanding.
It hasn't stopped. First, my toes
disappeared, and then theequipment in the NetherRegions disappeared except onoutstanding occasions. My feetmight as well be in China. Mytoenails are turning into claws.The ladies no longer look at myass as I walk by.
My eyesight has startedto fade. I once had the bestvision of anyone I ever flew withexcept Chuck Yeager. He couldsee another aircraft at 60 miles,and I could not see it until 50miles. And he was older thanme. I guess that is why he wasan Ace.
The music has faded.Twenty-five years in closeproximity of screaming jetengines will do more damage toyour hearing than a rock band.The VA gave me some very nicehearing aids, but I don't wear thedamned things. (I don't want tolook like an old man.)
My prostate started toenlarge, and I have to pee every5 minutes. Speaking of which:The pressure is too low, thehose is too short, and the nozzleis set on spray. I find itadvisable to sit down to pee toavoid getting Wet FootSyndrome. I know the locationof every publicly accessiblebathroom within 100 miles.
My gyro tumbled and Ihave vertigo. I have had it manytimes while flying in InstrumentFlight Rules (IFR) weather, butthis is different. This is VisualFlight Rules (VFR) weather allthe time.
I walk like a drunkensailor. My golfing days are over.My back swing would put me flatof my back. A walker may notbe far in the future. If I were tofind myself on the ground in themiddle of an empty Wal-Martparking lot, I would not be ableto get up onto my feet. The legsare just not there anymore. Iwould have to crawl to ashopping cart or fence to pullmyself up.
My smoking days finallycaught up with me, and I haveemphysema/COPD. I used tocuss while climbing outreturning from North Vietnam if Iwas so high that my Zippolighter would not light so I couldhave a smoke to help me comedown from an adrenaline high.
I have had to go onoxygen in order to have enoughto live. It is a real bummer tohave to haul a bottle of O2around with me when I go out ofthe house. I wear a noseharness at home and drag aplastic tube around and anoxygen concentrator out in thegarage runs 24/7. The tube isalways snagging on somethingor someone steps on the damnthing, and it jerks my ears off.
Don't get me wrong, I likeoxygen. I used to really like itafter a night of serious partyingwhen I had an early morningmission. As soon as I got intothe cockpit I went on 100% O2
for startup, taxi, and weaponsarming pit. By the time I hadwheels up, I was ready to fight.
Some AfterThoughts:Some people wonder
why old fighter pilots (there areno Ex-Fighter Pilots) miss flyinghigh performance jets so much.
A couple of examples: 1) I start up, taxi out, and
line up on the centerline of a10,000-foot runway. I throttle upto full power, release the brakes,and go into afterburner. Thereis a huge shove against my backthat pins my helmet against theback headrest. The runwaystreaks under me faster andfaster.
At flying speed, I raisethe gear to get the wheels freeof the earth. Flaps up. Sinkdown a foot or two until the endof the runway and then the fieldboundary flashes underneath,and I pull the nose up to point tothe sky and freedom.
The horizon rapidlyexpands, and after about threeminutes, and 6-7 miles abovethe earth, I come out of burner,roll inverted, and at zero Gs letthe nose slowly drift down to thehorizon. I look out the top of mycanopy at the earth far belowand think about all thosepedestrian a-holes down therethat will never know what truejoy is.
2) I complete my missionin North Vietnam, and climb outsouth, toward the home base faraway. I have to go to 53,000feet in order to have enough fuelto make it. Once there, theadrenaline is subsiding, and Iturn off my cockpit lights to enjoythe view. There is not one
4
light visible on the ground. Butabove ... Oh, my God!! It isunbelievable! The sight is notdescribable.
Only God could havecreated something like this. Thestars and galaxies are so brightthat I do not need cockpit lightsto read my instruments.
This is something that anold fighter pilot cannot forget,and it is only one of thousandsof memories that only an oldfighter pilot can have.
They won't let me fly theirjet fighters anymore.
Final FlightFrancis J. "Frank"
Lashinsky, 91, of Cornwall, PA.,passed away August 14, 2016 atCornwall Manor.
He proudly served the455th BG Association as a pastPresident.
Born in Mahanoy City onSeptember 23, 1924, Franciswas a son of the late John andAnna (Dronginis) Lashinsky.
Francis was a graduate ofMahanoy City High School. Hetrained at the Farm Showbuilding and worked at the ArmyAir Depot at Tyndall Field as anaircraft electrician beforeentering the military.
Frank served duringWWII as a sergeant tail gunnerin the Army Air Force, completed25 missions, and survived thedestruction of four B-24's beforebecoming a prisoner of war.
In addition to his wife,Dorothy (Byrne), he is survivedby three children, threegrandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and a sister,Florence Larrousse.
Final Flight
In the Spring, 2013 issueof the Cerignola Connection,Tim Hancock wrote a letterregarding his father, 1stLieutenant John P. Hancock, thepilot of "105," of the 742ndBomb Squadron, and included acrew photo.
My uncle, Kenneth G.Trainor, was the tail gunner onthat crew. It is with greatsadness that I must report thatKenneth took his final flight onJuly 7, 2014, at age 90.
Kenneth spent his lifeafter the war in upstate NewYork, helping out around thefamily home and his brother'sfarm, and fishing local troutstreams. He had very sharpmemories of his time in Italy,and also of the technicalaspects of the B-24, its engines,the bombsight, etc., and wouldtalk about them freely, but hewould never talk about the moreemotional aspects of the war.
He remembered vividlythe members of the crew, andstayed in touch with at least oneof them, Frank Binder, for manyyears after.
Sincerely,Brian [email protected]
5
Which One?As a pilot only two bad
things can happen to you (andone of them will):1) One day you will walk out tothe aircraft, knowing it is yourlast flight.2) One day you will walk out tothe aircraft, not knowing it isyour last flight.
Dear Editor,
I have come across yourweb page and the archivalrecord on the 455th BG.
www.awardphp.com
My father, Col. (Ret.)Hamilton DeSaussure (742)was a pilot in the 455th and flewthe Miss I Hope. He stayed withthe service, flew in combat inKorea, and retired from the AirForce in 1970 as a JudgeAdvocate General.
He will be turning 95 thisNovember and is still goingreasonably strong. I am notsure why I am reaching out atthis time, but I thought, givenyour web page and interest, thatyou would like to know that thereare still some who fought andflew with the 455th who are stillaround.
My family and I are tryingto preserve some of Dad’srecollections on video. It hasbeen a bit of a struggle sinceDad has always been humbleabout his wartime experiences.He is starting to open up a bit,though, and hopefully suchthings will be preserved overtime.
Thanks for keeping the455th BG going on the internet.It is interesting to read andenjoy.
Sincerely,Hamilton DeSaussure, Jr.Attorney581 Boston Mills Road, Ste. 400Hudson, OH [email protected]
455th BG E-mail Roster
Dave Bathie (assoc. 740) [email protected]
Joel BeauvaisSon, Raymond Beauvais (741)[email protected]
1st. Lt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Bell840 Kimberly Ct.Lander, WY [email protected]
Jack Blum (741) [email protected]
Mario Capocefalo (Italy)[email protected]
Howard Cooper (740)[email protected]
Robert D. (Bob) Collette (740)South Pasadena, Fl 33707dotybob@verizon .net
Bill & Joyce [email protected] <or>[email protected]
Albert E. Cratch (741)[email protected]
Janet & Russell [email protected]
Norman CrumPresident, 455th BG Assoc.Son of Cpt. George Crum (742)[email protected]
Jack Dekker (743) [email protected] Deppe (741)[email protected]
Louise Defenbaugh YearoutGeorge Defenbaugh’s [email protected]
John Devito (assoc.)[email protected]
Curtis (Curt) Diles, Jr. (740) [email protected]
Paul H. Ditchett (742) [email protected]
Robert Emick (741)[email protected]
William E. FredricksonSon, Elwood Fredrickson (743)[email protected]
Marc GaynesSon of Seymour Gaynes (743)[email protected]
Ann GengeDaughter of Allen Durkee (743)[email protected]
Lt. Col. R. J. Haney (743)[email protected]
Fred Hamilton T/Sgt (740)[email protected]
L. Harvey Hewit (743) Haverford, [email protected]
Robert [email protected]
Frank Hosimer (741)[email protected]
Joe Kiernan (741)(215) [email protected]
Erling Kindem (742)[email protected]
Viliam [email protected]
George L. Liddle (742) [email protected]
E.J. Ledbetter, Jr. (743)[email protected]
John L. Larma (740) [email protected]
Mark L. MasonSon of Robert G. Mason (742)[email protected]
Frank [email protected]
Dave Matheson (742) [email protected]
Mike McFadden (Assoc. 743)Son-in-Law of Austin [email protected]
Jim MerrittSon of Lt. Jim Merritt (741)[email protected]
Vic Murray (743) [email protected]
Peter Payant (743) [email protected]
6
Make up your mind !
You have to make upyour mind about growing up andbecoming a pilot.
You can't do both.
Email addresses (cont.)
Roland J [email protected]
Wesley Powell (740) [email protected]
Brenda RaymanDaughter, E.J. Ledbetter (743)[email protected]
John RohrerSon of Carl Rohrer (740)[email protected]
Charles H. Rosenberg (741)[email protected].
Irving (Irv) Rubin (743)321-514-3445
Sid Schoengold (740) [email protected]
Dr. Gary R. Schoene, son, Lt Col Horst R. Schoene (743)[email protected]
August R. “Gus” Seefluth (742) [email protected]
Sgt. John E. [email protected]
Michael SpewockSon of Andrew Spewock (743)[email protected]
Charles E. Stark (740) [email protected]
Ted StinerSon of Lt.Theodore Stiner (741)[email protected]
Julie SummerfieldDaughter of WalterSummerfield (743)[email protected]
Ted Tronoff (742)[email protected]
Dr. Stanley Vogelfang (741) [email protected]
John R. Worster (742). [email protected]
Craig Ward Editor, Cerignola ConnectionSon of Lt. J. T. Ward (740) [email protected]
Leland L. Young (743)[email protected]
Paul A. Young (741)[email protected]
AS I AGE, I REALIZE THAT ...
I don't need angermanagement. I just needpeople to stop pissing me off.
My people skills are justfine. It's my tolerance of idiotsthat needs work.
The biggest lie I tellmyself is "I don't need to writethat down, I'll remember it."
The day the world runsout of wine is just too terrible tothink about.
Wouldn't it be great if wecould put ourselves in the dryerfor ten minutes; come outwrinkle-free, and three sizessmaller.
If God wanted me totouch my toes, he would've putthem on my knees.
At my age, "Gettinglucky" means walking into aroom and remembering what Icame in there for.
7
Scorpion In Your Tent
A man was conductingan All Service member briefingone day, and he posed thequestion:
"What would you do ifyou found a scorpion in yourtent?"A Sailor said, "I'd step on it." A Soldier said, "I'd hit it with myboot."A Marine said, "I'd catch it,break the stinger off, and eat it."An Airman said, "I'd call roomservice and find out why there'sa tent in my room."
Final Flight
Lt. Harry L. Jordan (743)died May 16, 2015, at age 93.
He was in the Army AirCorp, and flew 50 missions as anavigator in a B-24. He receivednumerous medals during thewar. He looked forward to everycopy of the CerignolaConnection.
Sincerely,Joan JordanWife of Harry9055 e Evans Dr.Scottsdale, AZ 85260
World War II Obscure Facts
The first Germanserviceman killed in the war waskilled by the Japanese.
Over 100,000 Alliedbomber crewmen were killedover Europe.
More U.S. servicemendied in the Air Corps than theMarine Corps.
Polish Catholic midwifeStanisawa Leszczyñskadelivered 3,000 babies at theAuschwitz concentration campduring the Holocaust inoccupied Poland.
In World War II, Britishsoldiers got a ration of threesheets of toilet paper a day.Americans got 22.
In 1941, more than threemillion cars were manufacturedin the United States. Only 139more were made during the waryears of 1942-1945.
Four of every fiveGerman soldiers killed in thewar died on the Eastern Front
Only 20 percent of themales born in the Soviet Unionin 1923 survived the war.
In World War II, theyoungest serviceman in theUnited States military wasCalvin Graham - age 12.Graham lied about his age whenhe enlisted in the US Navy. Hisreal age was not discovereduntil after he was wounded.
Only one out of every fourmen serving on German U-boats survived.
The Siege of Stalingradresulted in more Russian deaths(military and civilian) than theUnited States and Britainsustained (combined) in all ofWorld War II.
To avoid using theGerman sounding nameHamburger during World War II,Americans used the nameLiberty Steak.
Adolf Hitler's nephew,William Hitler, served in the USNavy during World War II.
Adolph Hitler and HenryFord each kept a framed pictureof the other on his desk.
During World War II, thelargest Japanese spy ring wasactually located in Mexico.
The mortality rate forPOWs in Russian camps was 85percent.
Had it been necessary fora third atom bomb, the citytargeted would have beenTokyo.
An Imperial JapaneseArmy intelligence officer, whofought in World War II, HirooOnoda refused to surrender in1945. For almost 30 years, heheld his position in thePhilippines. His formercommander traveled from Japanto personally issue ordersrelieving him from duty in 1974.
Total casualties for WorldWar II totaled between 50 - 70million people, 80 percent ofwhich came from only fourcountries - Russia, China,Germany and Poland. Over 50percent of the casualties werecivilians, with the majority ofthose being women andchildren.
8
Final Flight
George L. Liddle, Sr. (742)
Today I received theCerignola Connection, andnoticed my Dad's name in theroster. I have had his mail andmy mother's mail sent to me dueto illness.
My father passed awayon November 15, 2011. He flew49 missions in World War II as abombardier, stationed in BurySaint Edmonds, England. Hewas shot down three times andlived to not only tell the story, butreturned to the U.S., married mymother, fathered two children,got his college education, andspent his life giving back toothers.
I remember his trip to thefire department in his small townevery Christmas with 10 gifts for girls and 10 gifts for boys, as anexample.
He lived a full life, andshared his memories of his daysin the War.
We miss him every day.We are glad he lived 87 years tothe fullest!
Thank youLayne L. [email protected]
Can You Help?Dear Editor,
My father, KenHosterman, was a member ofthe 455th Bomb Group (740).
I have no idea if any of hiscomrades are still alive. I don'teven know who he flew with.
He was a B24 navigator.My father is now deceased, but Iwould love to connect withanyone who might have flownwith him.
My Dad was there fromOctober of 1944 to June of1945, and flew 35 missions. Iremember Dad saying he waswith the Vulgar Vultures.
One of his pilots was DickHollrock, and he called himRock.
Can you help me connectwith anyone who knew him? Iwould be grateful.
Thank you.Karen Hosterman [email protected]
Dear Karen,Here’s the list of your
dad’s aircraft crewmembers Icame up with from an accidentreport:Hollrock, Richard H.Stokem, FrederickRiley, LewisHosterman, Kenneth F.Lucas, George L.Caulfield, John J.Engle, RobertCleveland, RobertPost, Fred M.Rohrer, Carl R.
Regards,Dave [email protected]
Dear Karen,
There were two missionsscheduled for Nov 16, 1944.
The main mission was toMunich, and involved 28 aircraft.Richard Hollrock was flying Tail-End Charlie, also known asthe Coffin Corner.
Flak over Munich wasnotoriously accurate and deadly.Since they bombed through theclouds by Pathfinder method onthis day, the Germans could notsee the formation and theformation could not see thetarget.
Hope this helps yourunderstanding.
Sincerely,John Rohrer455th BG HistorianSon of Carl R. RohrerRichard Hollrock [email protected]
Dear John,Wow! Another "Hand of
God" moment for my Dad andyours.
Thank you for the info. I cherish it. Karen Hosterman [email protected]
9
Guess Your Age
Three mischievousGrandmas were sitting on abench outside the retirementhome when an elderlygentleman walked by.
One of the Grandmasyelled out, “Hey, we bet we cantell exactly how old you are!”
The gentleman said,“There is no way you can guessmy age!”
One of the Grandmassaid, “Sure we can! Just dropyour pants and we can tell yourexact age.”
Embarrassed, butanxious to prove they couldn'tdo it, he dropped his drawers.
The Grandmas askedhim to first turn around a coupleof times and then jump up anddown several times.
Determined to provethem wrong, he did it.
Then they all said inunison, 'You're 87 years old!'
Standing with his pantsdown around his ankles, thegent asked, 'How in the worlddid you guess my age?'
Slapping their knees,high five-ing, and grinning fromear to ear, the three elderlyladies happily crowed.....
“We were at yourbirthday party yesterday.”
Say What?
A man was telling hisneighbor, “I just bought a newhearing aid. It cost me fourthousand dollars, but it's state ofthe art. It's perfect.”
“Really,” answered theneighbor. “What kind is it ?”
“Twelve thirty.”
Veteran’s Day Tribute
Chick-fil-A, thefranchised, fast-food outlet, hasonce again proven to be apositive to the world.
This time it did so byunveiling an amazing VeteransDay tribute that left Georgiaresident Eric Comfort incomplete shock.
When Eric walked into alocal Chick-fil-A, he discovered a"Missing Man Table" thatcontained a single rose, a Bible,and a folded American flag, aswell as a plaque which had thefollowing explanation:
"This table is reserved tohonor our missing comrades inarms.
The tablecloth is white,symbolizing the purity of theirmotives, when answering thecall of duty.
The single red rose,displayed in a vase, reminds usof the life of each of the missingand their loved ones and friendsof these Americans who keepthe faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with ared ribbon, symbol of ourcontinued determination toaccount for our missing.
A pinch of saltsymbolizes the tears endured bythose missing, and their familieswho seek answers.
The Bible represents thestrength gained through faith tosustain those lost from ourcountry, founded as one nationunder God.
The glass is inverted, tosymbolize their inability to sharethis evening's toast.
The chair is empty. Theyare missing."
After the story went viral,the store manager explainedthat his team members had setup the table because they"wanted to honor veterans."
Furthermore, he offeredfree meals to all veterans andtheir family members onVeterans Day.
The manager also put upa poster so that customers couldwrite in the names of loved oneswho they have lost.
"We've had a lot ofpeople who have come in andseen it and been touched by it,"the manager continued. "It'sbeen special to see."
Final FlightThe spirit of our father,
Harry Wilton Anderson (740)lifted off July 17, 2015, to join hiscomrades in heavenly peace.
Lt. Anderson was the pilotof his beloved B-24 # 492, theLinda Ann and Her WeeWabbits. He successfullycompleted 50 bombing missionsover European targets. He wasproudest of his DistinguishedFlying Cross and Air Medal.
Harry hitchhiked toRandolph AFB from hishometown of Marlin, Texas toenlist in the Army Air Corp onAugust 9, 1941. He retired aMajor on April 30, 1966 atRandolph AFB, where it allbegan for him.
His beloved wife of 69years, Merlene, his high schoolsweetheart, followed him aroundthe world during his service.They had 3 daughters. Afterretirement, he joined the CivilService in San Antonio.
During the civilian yearshe kept in touch with his copilot,Charles Stark. Ironically, he wasthe “Last Man Standing” of thecrew of the Linda Ann. Heproudly donned his uniform forhis picture of his Final Salute tohis Captain before he himselfpassed 6 weeks later.
Dad, we thank you foryour service, the great life youlived and the great lives yougave your family during yourtime on earth with us. Rest inPeace. We love and miss you.
Sincerely,Kay [email protected] Anderson [email protected]
10
Dear Editor,I’ve been researching the
455th Bomb Group, and mydad’s participation as a waistgunner in a B24 based in SanGiovanni, Italy during WWII.
My dad was Billy G.Manning (740). He arrived inItaly on April 22, 1944, and wasshot down on June 26, 1944.
He spent the duration ofthe war in Stalag Luft IV, andwent on the march from thatPOW camp.
I would be immenselyinterested in talking withsomeone who also experiencedthese events.
If you know of anyonethat I might contact, I’d be mostappreciative of their contactinformation.
Thank you.Gail [email protected]
Dear Editor,I am the new Command
Chief at the 455th AirExpeditionary Wing here insunny Bagram, Afghanistan.
Our history and heritagedates back to the 455th BombGroup. Brig. Gen Sears and Iare very interested in ourheritage and I thought I wouldshoot you a note to introducemyself before I ask a ton ofquestions.
We are the only counter-terrorism wing in Afghanistandelivering decisive airpower onour enemies. I look forward tohearing back from you.
I hope this email findsyou well.
Sincerely, a fellow TexanPETER A. SPEEN, CMSgt,USAFCommand Chief, 455th AirExpeditionary WingBagram Airfield, AfghanistanVOIP (318) 447-6312VOSIP (318) [email protected]
Dear Chief Speen,Thanks for your email. I
appreciate your interest in the455th BG Association.
I would first like to thankyou from the bottom of my heartfor your service to our beautifulcountry. You guys, toiling on theground, and in the air, in thatpart of the world, are trueheroes. I appreciate you andyour comrades, and the noblejob that you do.
Please be safe!I assume you found my
website, which has all theprevious archived 455th BGnewsletters, the Cerignola
Connection. Also, the 455th BGhistory book is available on thesame website:
www.awardphp.comAnother website with lots
of info on the 455th BG is thefollowing address:
www.455th.orgThe webmaster of
www.455th.org is HughesGlantzberg. I have forwardedthe email to him.
I have also forwarded ourcommunication to three otherpeople who are associated withthe 455th BG. Myself, and thesethree other guys, are all sons ofaviators that were involved in thebombing of the Axis powers in WWII. Their names are GregRiggs (Executive Director of the455th BG Association), andJohn Rohrer & Dave Ungemach(both veteran historians of the455th BG).
I know they will beinterested in getting yourquestions regarding the historyand legacy of the 455th BG inWWII (1943-1945).
Please send me yourquestions, and your feedback. Iwould love to fill in some of theblanks for you and yourcomrades. I know the othergentlemen on this email threadwill be pleased to add theirinput, as well.
BTW, if you haven't readthe book The Wild Blue, by theprolific late author Dr. StephenAmbrose, it is a must-read book.It chronicles the experiences ofSen. George McGovern in the455th BG in WWII. Regardlessof your politics, I think Sen.McGovern's story, and byextension, the story of all these
wonderful guys that flew with the455th, will move you profoundly.
It will be an honor andprivilege to correspond with youand your comrades.
Please be safe, andcome home ASAP.
Best Regards,Craig WardEditor, Cerignola Connection
11
Dear Editor,I wanted to inform you
that my father, Daniel BooneMason (740), passed away onJune 8, 2016 at the age of 97 inSan Antonio Texas.
He was very proud of hisservice to our country in theArmy Air Corps as part of the455th Bomb Group. He servedin the United States Army AirCorps and U.S. Air Force,serving from October 3, 1940 toJuly of 1966, with the latter 21years as a Reservist.
He retired as a Lt.Colonel. During World War II heis credited with participation asa Bombardier in 39 combatmissions.
Dad lead an active life upuntil the end, and took greatpride in his military service. In2014, he had the good fortuneto visit D.C. as part of the AlamoHonor Flight.
In 2015, he attended theWASP Reunion at the WASPmuseum in Sweetwater, Texaswhich is where he washed out ofpilot training before becoming aNavigator/Bombardier.
Sincerely,Barbara [email protected]
12
Dear Editor,
My father is Victor E.Murray (743) of the 455th BG.
He is 92 years old andjust had abdominal surgery. Heis doing fine and should recoversoon. I am writing an articleabout my father and will submitit to you soon. I am his son, anda Vietnam veteran. I take realgood care of him.
I will stay in touch. Richard [email protected]
Final Flight
Dear Editor,Theodore "Ted" King
(740) of Syracuse, New York,died peacefully at his home onAugust 20, 2016, after a briefillness.
After High School, heenrolled at Syracuse University,but his college education wasinterrupted by WWII.
He flew as the navigatorof a B-24, flying 15 missionsfrom Cerignola, Italy fromJanuary, 1945 until the end ofthe War.
After the war, hecompleted his studies atSyracuse, graduating in 1947with a degree in BusinessAdministration.
At age 92, he thoroughlyenjoyed a trip to the WWIIMemorial in Washington, DC,courtesy of the Honor Flightorganization.
Attorneys and TheirActual Trial Questions
ATTORNEY: Doctor, how manyof your autopsies have youperformed on dead people? WITNESS: All of them. The liveones put up too much of a fight.
ATTORNEY: What was the firstthing your husband said to youthat morning? WITNESS: He said, 'Where am I, Cathy?' ATTORNEY: And why did thatupset you? WITNESS: My name is Susan!
StatisticsArmy Air Corps &
US Air Force
At its height in mid-1944,the Army Air Forces had 2.6million people and nearly80,000 aircraft of all types.
In the second decade ofthe 21st century, the US AirForce employs about 325,000active personnel (plus 170,000civilians) with approx. 5,500manned and 200 unmannedaircraft.
The current figuresrepresent about 12 percent ofthe manpower and 7 percent ofthe airplanes of the WWII peak.
Whether there will everbe another war like thatexperienced in 1940-45 isdoubtful, as fighters andbombers have given way tohelicopters and remotely-controlled drones overAfghanistan and Iraq.
But within living memory,men left the earth in 1,000-planeformations and fought majorbattles five miles high, leaving alegacy that remains timeless.
Lt. Col. Hugh Graff(Gp Dep CO)
Lt. Col. Phil Johns(Gp Exec)
Major Al Coons(Gp Intel)
Lt. Dave Wolf(Gp Weather)
13
WERE YOU THERE ?
14
15
Dear Editor,I found this letter (see above) written by my father, summarizing his experience of being shot
down, his capture by the Germans, and his liberation. Also included is a letter (see previous page)from a Tito-Partisan, dated Feb. 28, 1946, who offered assistance, prior to Dad's being captured.
Cheers, Lorraine MoskewczDaughter of Lt. Walter Shostack, [email protected]
Dear Editor,My Dad, Raymond S.
Windsand (740) was my hero! He talked a lot about the
war. I finally started to listen. Itook notes, asked himquestions, and made ascrapbook. I have all his Armypapers. He died on September15th, 2016 at the age of 96.
He went into the serviceMarch 31, 1942, and dischargedOctober 23, 1945. So, he wasprobably older than many of thesoldiers.
I'm so excited to emailsomeone with knowledge aboutthis.
Sincerely,Mary [email protected]
Dear Mary,Since your father was
Raymond S. Windsand, rightwaist gunner on the Sky Wolf, Iprobably know some thingsabout the plane and the crewthat you would find interesting,and I suspect you know a fewthings I'd find interesting.
For example, while thegroup was killing time in NewYork during the last half ofDecember 1943, my Dad, Col.Ed Riggs (740) and his crewused to hang out at theSwingland Night Club on 54thStreet in Manhattan. One night,Bob Leonard, the club owner,commented that they were all abunch of “sky wolves”.
The next morning whenDad went out to the plane, theoutline of the wolf's head hadbeen painted on the side of thenose. The lettering and the
young woman holding the bombfollowed later.
Also, the original radiooperator for the Sky Wolf wasBill Largent, but he wastransferred to another crew rightbefore the bomb group leftLangley Field. Bill was thefather of Steve Largent, AllAmerican receiver from TulsaUniversity while I was growingup (in Tulsa), and NFL Hall ofFamer for Seattle Seahawks Atthe time he retired from the NFLin 1989, is was the league's all-time leader in receptions (819),receiving yards (13,089), andtouchdown catches (100). Hewas only the second player toever lead in all three categories.
He later was a U.S.Senator from Oklahoma,promising from the beginning toserve only two terms. After 12years, he stepped down aspromised.
There are also interestingstories about many of Dad’screw members. For example,his original navigator waspassed out drunk on the floor ofthe flight deck all the way duringthat crucial flight across theAtlantic!
Col. Hugh Graf was ridingin the Sky Wolf on that crossing,and recommended to Dad thathe get himself a new navigator.Dad requested a replacementand, of course, the request wasgranted.
Mary, if you want to swaptales sometime, let me know.
Best Regards,Greg Riggs Executive Director455th BG Association, [email protected]
16
455th Bomb GroupStatistics
Authorized personnelstrength was over 4,000personnel.
The group lost 118aircraft, 31 directly to fighters,36 directly to flak, and 51 fromall other causes combined. Thefigure for combined causesincludes causes such ascollisions, ditchings, andcrashes attributable to fighter orflak damage.
As time passed, thefighter opposition decreased butthe Germans concentrated theiranti-aircraft guns around thefewer remaining targets, so thethreat from flak remainedintense. The group is creditedwith 119 enemy aircraftdestroyed, and another 78probables.
The two toughestmissions are probably these:
1) The Group hit the ballbearing plant at Steyer, Austriaon 2 April 1944. They lost 4 of40 aircraft—40 comrades. Inaddition to successful targetdamage, they were credited with27 enemy aircraft destroyed and17 probables. It was their firstheavy loss in two months ofcombat.
2) The other consensusmission was the Moosbierbaumoil refinery at Vienna, Austria on26 June 1944. Thirty-six planestook off with only 26 returning.Six of the ten losses were from asingle squadron. Several ofthose crews were on their 50thmission.
The Group received theDistinguished Unit Citation onboth missions.
Dear Editor,
My Dad, Donald F.Lonergan (741), served hiscountry during WWII as a waistgunner in a B-24 bomber namedYo Yo (see photo this page).
As a child, I wasinterested in his service, and hewas eager to explain hismissions to me. He set a perfectexample of a true American andDad.
He read the CerignolaConnection the day it arrived,and often answered many of theCan You Help sections.
He marched in theVeterans Day parade indowntown Denver with hisdaughter (Donna) and twograndaughters (Theresa andMegan) on 11/11/96. He lookedfabulous in his favorite red, whiteand blue shirt, along with hisbomber jacket.
In his office at home, hehad framed on his walls, manyphotos related to WWII, such ashis bomb group Certificate ofValor, and one picture of himselfstanding by his jeep.
He had a large bindercontaining his draft notice,pictures of his training sessions,reunion programs, and othercertificates.
He spoke fondly of hiscrew and their time in Cerginolaand Naples, Italy.
He always enjoyed thereunions, attended them often,and enjoyed hooking up with hisbuddies.
Since my dad's passingin October, 2000, I am proud tohave his binder, pictures andbomber jacket. All four of his
children have pictures that wereimportant to him.
He always brought usback souveniers from thereunions. He was a wonderfulsoldier, husband, dad andgrandfather that is truly missed.
With appreciation,Dianna Lonergan6022 Pebble Bend Ct.Cheyenne, WY [email protected]
17
Front Row (L-R)Robert Darling (Radar), Robert Foernsler (Co-Pilot)Ed Soderstrom (Pilot), George Goetz (Navigator)
Back Row (L-R)Frank DeMarco (Radio Operator), Robert Probst (Engineer)Donald Lonergan (Waist Gunner), John Tessier (Tail Gunner)Kenneth Latzka (Ball Turret Gunner)
Dear Editor,I'm looking for any information about Capt. Murray Friend or
his brother Maj. Milton Friend. I think that both of them were withthe 455th BG.
I would appreciate any information. Thank you very much.Herbert M. Sorkin, Ball Turret 739th squadron, 454th BG605 Grove St. F-11Clifton, N.J. 07013
The American Flag
The American Flag doesnot fly because the wind movespast it.
The American Flag fliesfrom the last breath of eachmilitary member who has diedprotecting it.
God Bless America!
18
Dear Editor,My father-in-law, James William Hunziker (742), was a nose gunner on the B24 Bomber Miss I
Hope. He is now 93, healthy with a great mind and memory. He wonders if any of the rest of the MissI Hope crew is still alive. Can you help us find out?
If any of the crew is still living, he’d love to hear from them.Thank you.
Lois Hunziker60287 Sweet Oak Ave, Knox City, Missouri 63446, Phone 660-434-5250Email: [email protected]
19
Dear Editor,We were assigned to the 455th BG, 743rd squadron, in October of 1944 as a replacement
crew. In March of 1945, we completed our 35 combat missions and returned home. Thank you.Fred White (743)
Back Row (L-R)TSgt. Joe Woolley (Radio Operator / Waist Gunner, age 28, from Washington State)SSgt. William Heitkamp (Tail Gunner, from California)SSgt. John Magee (Nose Gunner, age 18, from New York)SSgt. Dick Kuhmz (Ball Gunner, age 19, from Wisconsin)TSgt. Adam Czarnatowicz (Flt. Engineer, Top Turret Gunner, age 21, from New Jersey)SSgt. Warren Pulver (Waist Gunner, from New York)
Front Row (L-R)1stLt. John Ludeman (Navigator, age 22, from New York)1stLt. Americus (Fred) White (Bombardier, age 22, from Roanoke, Virginia)1stLt. John Helbig (Pilot, age 22, from Ohio)1stLt. Irving Wanhaftig (Co-Pilot, age 20, from New Jersey)
Final FlightDear Editor,
My father, Maj. Arthur Tilley (742), passed away on March 3, 2016. His plane was shot down June 26, 1944 on a bombing mission to the oil refinery at
Moosbierbaum, and was interned at Stalag 3 and Stalag 7A until the end of the war. Thank you,
Matthew Tilley [email protected]
20
Group photo of the 455BG convention, held in St Louis (1948) on the first anniversary of the AirForce as a separate branch of service. Col. Ed Riggs (740), father of 455BG Association Executive
Director Greg Riggs, is second from right in the middle row.
This map shows the route many crews from the 455th BG took to get from the USA to Cerignola in1943-1944. Cerignola Connection Editor’s father, Lt. J.T. Ward (740), said that the thunderstorms heand his crew endured (in the last week of December, 1943) on the long flight between Brazil and
West Africa were almost as terrifying as a combat mission !
21
22
Dear Editor,I was delighted to come across this your 455th BG website recently.
www.awardphp.com
I have not rummaged thru its records & issues of the Cerignola Connection beyond scanningthe first issue. On page four of the first issue is a picture of TeePee Time Gal with the caption “One ofours, crew unknown”. My dad was Co-Pilot on that plane on at least one mission (2nd Lt. Francis W.Campbell, 743rd squadron).
He now lives in Tucson & will be celebrating his 95th birthday in 2016. I look forward to introducing him to this site, and to glean what else I may from him of his time
in Cerignola. Should there be anything of substance that I can share, I shall. Respectfully,
23
A MESSAGE FROM YOUR Cerignola Connection EDITOR CRAIG WARD
It is with honor and humility that I am writing my farewell message to all of the 455th BombGroup veterans, their families, and all other Cerignola Connection readers.
Being Editor of the Cerignola Connection since 2003 has been an incredible experience. I havemade many friends and acquaintances over the last 13 years, in my role as a conduit for informationon the men who flew and maintained the B-24s that brought Hitler’s war machine to utter defeat.
My father, Lt. J. T. Ward (Co-Pilot, 740) was credited with 50 combat missions from Marchthrough November, 1944. He passed away in 1986. He left a 35 minute taped recording of his wartimerecollections as a final gift to me. He had the wisdom to know that, while I was unfortunately notinterested in his war-time experiences while he was alive, I would someday want to know the detailsof the combat missions he bravely endured with his comrades.
I was a 31 year old single guy when he died. At the time, all I wanted to do was chase girls andride motorcycles. After we buried my dad, I realized what an opportunity I had missed to bond withhim, and to show my appreciation and love for the remarkable service he had provided to our country.
In 1986, I wrote Dad a note in a thank-you card expressing my love and admiration for him asa father, as a man, and as a veteran who so bravely served our country in its time of peril. I told himhe was my hero. He died two months later.
I was so glad to have had the blessing of a little time at the end to give that message to my Dad,in writing, and verbally.
After spending many hours researching the 455th BG, using the internet, Dad’s militarydocuments, and reading numerous books on the air war over Europe, I joined the 455th Bomb GroupAssociation as an associate member (family member). After going to the San Diego reunion in theearly 2000’s, and after meeting so many of my Dad’s comrades, I was more determined than ever tolearn all I could about him and the other aviators that helped defeat the Nazis.
At a subsequent 455th BG reunion, I was asked by General Gene Hudson (741) if I would serveon the bomb group Board of Directors, and, oh, by the way, there was a need for a CerignolaConnection newsletter editor. What? Me? But, I’ve never done anything like that. Besides, the lateTom Ramey was the best Editor any newsletter could ever have.
I reluctantly agreed to do it. The first edition that I edited, Fall of 2003, was not pretty. I wasblessed to receive some “schooling” from the printer that Tom Ramey had been using for many years,Custom Printing, Inc. (Appleton, Wisconsin), and the owner Jim Vandenberg. I believe the later editionsof the newsletter would have met with the approval of Tom Ramey, and with my father, Lt. Ward.
In 13 years and 26 editions of the newsletter, my goal was to present stories of heroism,questions from family members that might receive answers from other readers, and generally be aconduit for information between people wanting answers about their loved one’s service and otherswho might have answers.
I hope and believe the goal was more or less achieved with each edition.I have used the word “hero” several times over the years in editing this newsletter. The veterans
I have had the honor of interviewing regarding their service reject the title “hero”. One 455th BGveteran said that he was NOT a hero. He said the heros were the ones that are buried in Europe, andthe ones that did not come home to America alive. I agree with that point of view, but I mustrespectfully add that if you served in a combat role in WWII, you provided a heroic service to the USA.
The older I get, and the more I learn about the commitment and service of our WWII veterans,the more humbled and appreciative I become regarding the sacrifice of these men and women.
As a grateful American, I’d like to say to all our veterans, and specifically to the 455th BGveterans, THANK YOU for your service to our country. You ARE American heroes!
A MESSAGE FROM THE 455TH BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION, INC., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREG RIGGS
It's been a good flight! Elsewhere in the newsletter (pages 21-22), you will find the minutes of our final Board of
Directors meeting. We've published them so you will know the final decisions of the Board. My articlein the Spring Cerignola Connection summarized the reasons we have come to the point of closure.The Association closes out with 111 WWII veterans still on the roster!
This is the final edition of the Cerignola Connection. I think each of you would agree with methat Craig Ward has done an absolutely outstanding job as our editor these last 13 years. Accordingto my search of our records, Craig has been our longest-running editor. He and I have worked closelytogether, and he has been a joy to work with. Craig, thanks for a job well done and a pleasant workingrelationship!
By the time everything is wrapped up for the Association, I will have been serving as ExecutiveDirector for just shy of 12 years. Again, our records indicate this is the longest term anyone hasserved. I recall getting a somewhat panicked call at my father's home early in 2005. Gene Hudsonand John Davis were calling him to get my phone number, but I happened to be in Tulsa visiting at thetime. They wanted me to take over immediately as Treasurer in somewhat of an emergency situation.Only later did I learn that being Treasure also meant being the Executive Director. That followingOctober at the reunion, my appointment was confirmed by the general membership.
I initially agreed to serve as a way of honoring my father. I was one of those children who wasblessed to have had an excellent father. Sadly, I know that far too people have not had the sameprivilege. But I was lucky, and serving the Association was another way of expressing my appreciationfor him. He made his final flight over five and a half years ago, but by then I was serving theAssociation out of my appreciation and affection for the fine men who made up its membership. I havemade many friends along the way.
So, I would like to say thank you for the opportunity to serve. Thank you for sharing yourmemories so that I have an even better understanding of what it is to serve America selflessly andsacrificially. Thank you for the friendships. I especially thank WWII veteran Ormond Buffington for hismany years of service on the Board of Directors and his personal friendship. I thank WWII veteran BillHeitkamp and second-generation member John Rohrer for stepping forward recently to serve on theBoard of Directors so we could conduct our final business in accordance with our bylaws. And thanksto Laura Flanagan and Sherrie Heitkamp for their behind-the-scenes assistance as we wrapped upsome of this final business.
And as always, I thank each of you for helping preserve the freedoms we sometimes take forgranted. There is so much going on in the world today that should heighten our sensitivity to the factthat freedom is a precious gift, it is not guaranteed, and it is not free!
455th Bomb Group Assoc., Inc.P.O. Box 93095Austin, TX 78709-3095
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
NoN profit org
US poStage
paiD
greeN bay Wi
permit 460
