C E R I G N O L ACO N N E C T I O N455th Bomb Group Association Newsletter

Fall, 2012 Editor: Craig Ward, 813 Peterstow Drive, Euless, Texas 76039phone: (817) 540-1068 email: aphp@tx.rr.com website: www.awardphp.com

Message from theNEW President

ByNorman Crum

Hello! I'm very proud andhappy to be of service to the455th BG, and I'm lookingforward to eventually meeting asmany of you as possible. TheBoard recently elected me asAssociation President, and Iwelcome this challenge.

My father was CaptainGeorge W. Crum (742). Hepassed away in 2005 after along struggle with Alzheimer'sdisease. As a result of hiscondition, and because he wasa very private and modest man,I didn't have the luxury of talkingwith him and extracting as muchinformation about his militaryservice as I wanted to

Nevertheless, aftergetting in touch with a fewfriends with whom he kept incontact, and after reading asmuch as possible about the lifeof a USAAF bomber pilot andcrewmember, I think I have apretty good idea of what his,and your, wartime experiencesmust have been like.

So let me start my termof service with a simple,sincere "Thank You." I've hadthe benefit of being a memberof the post-WWII "Baby

Boomer" generation. Unlikeyou, I wasn't raised in the GreatDepression, and I didn't haveto fight WWII.

Instead, I was raised inan era where things werealways looking up. Theeconomy was growing, NASAwas on its way to the moon,legal and cultural barriers towomen and minorities weresoftening, and break-throughsin science, medicine andcommunications becamecommonplace. It's no wonderthat Tom Brokaw so famouslylabeled you as The Greatest

Generation. You are !My own children and

grandchildren now proudly, ifsometimes forgetfully, carry onyour legacy.

As a personalintroduction, may I say a fewwords about myself? I wasraised in Southern California,graduated from Brigham YoungUniversity in Provo, Utah (Dadmarried a nice Mormon girl fromWyoming), and have lived mostof my adult life in NorthernCalifornia. My wife and I havefour children and eleven grand-children. I'm pleased to reportthat we're all happy and healthy.

We own a petroleummarketing company, ValleyPacific Petroleum Services. Ourwebsite is www.vpps.net.

I look forward to workingfull-time for another 7-8 years,at which time I'll turn thebusiness over to my verycapable sons who are nowsenior managers in thecompany.

Once again, thanks forthe opportunity to be of serviceto each of you, and to the 455thBG Association. Please feelfree to contact me any time. I'dlove to hear from you.

Sincerely,Norman Crum4322 Pebble Beach DriveStockton, CA 95219-1911Home: 209-473-8136Office: 209-948-9412 Email: norman.crum@vpps.net

Can You Help?Dear Editor,

Since I was a child, Ihave wanted to know moreabout my late Uncle, Lt. WalterGunn (740).

If any of your readersknew Uncle Walter, I would loveto hear from them.

Thank You.Kirby Holtam185 Little Burwell Rd.Harvest, Alabama 35749

2

Lt. Walter Gunn (740)

Lt. Walter Gunn (740) --- Back row, Second from Left

Final FlightDear Editor,

This is to inform you ofS/Sgt Jacob “Pete” Sadler's(743) final flight.

Dad was the ball turretgunner on the Dazzlin Duchess.

He passed away in Danville, IL.on July 4, 2012.

Dad and his family enjoyreading the Cerignola

Connection. Keep up the goodwork.

Regards,Jan Sadler janlsadler1@aol.com

Dear Editor,The other day my father, Harry S. Cepura, and I were going

through the 455th Bomb Group book. We found a photo on page243 of my father and his crew in the 743rd bomb squadron.

My father’s name was mis-spelled as “Harry Sepura” . Weknew this, because my father has a copy or original of this samephoto.

My father, who just turned 92, is doing well and enjoys nowlooking through some of the old photos and names from the war.He does not have a computer, so I thought I would drop you a lineto let you know the name was mis-spelled.

Thanks,Harry (Jr) Harry S. CepuraBuilding Management SpecialistU.S. Nuclear Regulatory CommissionOffice: 301-415-7830 Cell: 202-329-0865

3

455TH BOMB GROUPASSOCIATION, INC.P.O. BOX 93095AUSTIN, TX. 78709-3095

PRESIDENTNorman CrumSon, Capt. George Crum (742)EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR /TREASURER Gregory E. Riggs Col. USAF (Ret.)Son, Col. Ed Riggs (740)SECRETARYTed TronoffPAST PRESIDENTRoderick W. ClarkeCol. USAF (Ret.)DIRECTORSJohn F. DavisCol. USAF (Ret.)Ormond H. BuffingtonT/Sgt. USAAFCarl Loiocano T/Sgt. USAAFCraig WardSon, Lt. J. T. Ward (740)Editor, Cerignola ConnectionREGISTERED AGENTJohn F. DavisCol. USAF (Ret.)ASSOCIATION HISTORIANJohn Rohrer

The 455th Bomb Group Association, Inc. would like to thank the following Association members for their

generous monetary contributions:

TAXI ($25-$99)Lloyd C. KestnerVictor E. Murray

Anonymous

TAKEOFF ($100-$199)L. Harvey Hewitt

Charles V. VandorenFrancis G. Hosimer

Charles H. RosenbergElmo J. Henske

Anonymous

BOMBS AWAY ($200-$499)Karen R. Schoene, in honor of Lt Col Horst R. SchoeneCatherine Spewock, in honor of S/Sgt Andrew Spewock

Robert W. Rohler, in honor of 1Lt Charles William (Bill) RohlerVirginia Corsello, in honor of Lt Anthony (Tony) Corsello

MISSION COMPLETE ($500 or more)

FINAL FLIGHT OF SENATOR GEORGE McGOVERN (741)

Editor’s Note: Sen. George McGovern (S.D.) passed away Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012,surrounded by his loving family and friends. During his storied life, he was a decorated WWII bomberpilot, multi-term US Senator, Presidential candidate, Ambassador, humanitarian, advocate for globalpeace, loving husband, family man, and other descriptions too numerous to mention here. He wasthe subject of a wonderful book, written by the late author Dr. Stephen Ambrose, The Wild Blue.

In the few times I had the pleasure of speaking with him (455th BG reunions), I was struck byone overall impression ... he was the ultimate Gentleman.

Thank you for your service to our country, Senator McGovern. God Bless You and your family.

Note from Greg Riggs, Executive Director, 455th BG Assoc., Inc.: What constitutes atribute? Sen. George McGovern will be remembered publically as, among other things, a politicianand a Statesman. There were many in our bomb group who agreed with his politics. There were atleast as many who disagreed with his politics. However, I'm not aware of anyone who did not likeGeorge McGovern, the man. What greater tribute is there than that? When even those who disagreewith what you stand for politically can look at you, the person, and say "There is someone whom I likeand respect," then you have written your own tribute by the quality of person you were. GeorgeMcGovern earned much admiration and respect by the life he lived.

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,My Dad, Norman W.

Funk, was a member of the454th Bomb Group, stationed atSan Giovanni airfield. The nameof his B-24 Liberator was Jody.

He was the radiooperator and waist gunner. MyDad passed away on January30, 2011.

After obtaining his DD-214, we learned that he wasawarded 6 bronze stars and 4air medals. He rarely spoke ofhis time in the war, and we werequite surprised of his warrecord. We do not have any ofthese medals.

I am writing to you todayto inquire if your newsletter andrecords cover the 454th. I haveread of some entries about the454th in your newsletter, but Iam inquiring if you know of anyrecords or newsletters for the454th.

Thank you so much foryour time, and for your devotionto these WWII veterans.

Best Regards,Stephen P. FunkALTA Investments LLC30 Echo Lake RoadWatertown, CT 06795860-604-1472 (phone)

Final Flight from November, 2006

Gen. Jacob E. Smart, afour-star General whoconceived the strategy for thedaring 1943 low-level bombingraid on the oil refineries atPloesti, Romania, and went onto help shape the postwar AirForce, died in November of2006 in Ridgeland, S.C.

General Smart, then aColonel, came up with the ideaof having planes fly exceedinglylow to bomb the tightly defendedrefineries, which were believedto be producing one-third of thefuel oil for the Nazi war machine.

In the face of protests bythe five group commanders whowould be leading the raid, hisplan of flying at treetop level wasaccepted by Gen. Dwight D.Eisenhower, the supreme Alliedcommander. Among the plan’sadvantages, Colonel Smartargued, was greater accuracy.

The mission, on August1, 1943, was deemed asuccess, even though 54 of the177 bombers that took part werelost, and 53 more were heavilydamaged. The refineries’ outputwas greatly curtailed.

Five Medals of Honorwere awarded, the most for anysingle American military action.

Colonel Smart was notallowed to fly on the Ploestimission, because his superiorsthought his knowledge of Alliedwar plans and secrets was toogreat to risk his capture.However, they later allowed himto fly 29 missions, the last ofwhich resulted in his being shotdown and put in a POW camp.

The Germans realizedthat he probably knew thingsworth knowing, and he wasrepeatedly interrogated.Although Colonel Smart knewdetails of the Normandyinvasion, he divulged nothing.

4

Can You Help?Does anyone know

anything about Crew ChiefOliver V. Shaw (740)?

His name appears on theside of the B-24 named Bucket

O’ Bolts.

Please contact youreditor if you can help, at:

aphp@tx.rr.com

Final Flight

James J. Thiel (743) tookhis final flight on August 12,2012 at the age of 89.

He completed 50missions as a ball turret gunnerin the 743rd. Jim was avolunteer fireman for 25 yearsand very active in the Veteransof Foreign Wars.

He was a chartermember of the St John, IndianaVFW post where he served fiveterms as post commander. Healso served as the district andstate commander, was on thenational committee for 30 years,and served as the national chiefof staff from 1997-99.

His wife of 64 years,Marion, still lives in St John.

Final Flight

George Vujnovich, anO.S.S. agent in World War IIwho oversaw the rescue of morethan 500 downed Allied airmenfrom Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia,his parents' homeland, died inQueens, NY in late 2010. Hewas 96.

To his friends andneighbors in his Queensneighborhood, Mr. Vujnovichwas a businessman whosupplied parts to aircraftcompanies.

But in October, 2010, hewas formally recognized fororganizing one of the greatestrescue efforts of World War II.The U.S. Army awarded him abronze star in a ceremony at theSerbian Orthodox Cathedral ofSt. Sava in Manhattan.

During a six-monthperiod in 1944, Mr. Vujnovich,an Army officer serving in theOffice of Strategic Services, theforerunner of the CentralIntelligence Agency, ran a vastaerial rescue mission thatsucceeded against impossibleodds.

He supervised Operation

Halyard (a code name chosenat random), resulting in therescue of Allied airmen, many ofthem wounded or sick, who hadbeen hidden from the Germansby villagers and guerrilla fightersin Yugoslavia's Serbian region.

Many of the airmen hadparachuted from planes shotdown during missions to bombthe Romanian oil refineries thatwere fueling the German warmachine.

Operation Halyard began

on Aug. 2, 1944, when a three-man O.S.S. team, taught by Mr.Vujnovich to blend into the localpopulation, parachuted intoSerbia to help villagers andstranded airmen carve a landingstrip for rescue planes inmountainous terrain at thevillage of Pranjane.

"I had to show them howto tie their shoes and tuck thelaces in, like the Serbs did, andhow to eat like the Serbs,pushing the food onto their forkwith a knife," Mr. Vujnovich saidon the eve of his medalpresentation.

The mission, run by Mr.Vujnovich from an O.S.S. stationin Bari, Italy, proved flawless. Atotal of 512 airmen, most ofthem Americans, were flown tosafety in Army Air Forcestransport planes based in Italywithout a single casualty or theloss of a plane.

The first four C-47transports sent to pick upairmen at Pranjane arrived atthe makeshift, unlit runway atnight. But those landings weredeemed too dangerous, so laterflights were made during the daywith large contingents of fighterplanes providing cover.

The nearest Germantroops were 30 miles or soaway, and the guerrilla armysheltering the airmen securedthe terrain close to the airstrip.German aircraft never noticedthe runway. Most of the airmenwere picked up at Pranjane, butsome were rescued fromimprovised runways elsewherein Yugoslavia.

George Mane Vujnovichwas born on May 31, 1915, in

Pittsburgh, a son of immigrantsfrom Serbia. He was studying inBelgrade with hopes ofbecoming a doctor when theGermans overran Yugoslavia inApril, 1941.

Mr. Vujnovich married hisYugoslav girlfriend, MirjanaLazich, a teacher, soonafterward, then fled with her toTurkey, Jerusalem, Cairo andfinally West Africa.

His new wife went on tothe United States while Mr.Vujnovich took jobs in Africa withPan American World Airways.He received an Armycommission there, and theO.S.S., learning of hisknowledge of Yugoslavia, soonrecruited him.

Mirjana Vujnovich wasworking at the YugoslavEmbassy in Washington whenshe learned that Serbianguerrillas were sheltering Alliedairmen. She passed theinformation on to her husband,who put together a rescue plan.

But political problemsloomed. The airmen werebeing protected by guerrillasknown as Chetniks, led by Gen.Draza Mihailovich. But theBritish and the Americans,believing that Mihailovich wasnot vigorously battling theGerman occupiers, supportedthe Chetniks' internal enemies,the Partisans, led by Josip BrozTito, the future Communist rulerof Yugoslavia.

President Franklin D.Roosevelt approved the rescuemission, but did not allow Mr.Vujnovich to lead it on theground, because WinstonChurchill did not want him

5

making direct contact withMihailovich.

After the war, scoreswere settled in Yugoslavia.

Mihailovich was executedin July, 1946 by Tito's forces,who accused him ofcollaborating with the Germans,which he denied. He wasposthumously awarded theLegion of Merit by PresidentHarry S. Truman in 1948, abelated recognition that he had,in fact, been a strong Americanally.

Tony Orsini, a B-24navigator who parachuted intoSerbia after his plane wascrippled while bombing theRomanian oil fields and wasrescued in Operation Halyard,

attended ceremonies honoringMr. Vujnovich over the years.

"He was a genius in theway he put the plan together,"Mr. Orsini, a retired bankexecutive, said in an interview.

"He was a hero."

Can You Help?Dear Editor,

I am the new historian forthe 455th Air ExpeditionaryWing. I came across your Spring2008 CC newsletter with theLucky Babe photo, includingSSgt. David Yee.

May is Asian-Americanmonth. Asian-Americans werenot that common in the AAF ofWWII. Does anyone haveinformation on SSgt. Yee?

Thank you.Gerald A. White, Jr.455 AEW Historiangerald.white@bgab.afcent.af.mil

318-481-6053

6

Editor’s Note:

See pictures below.The Spring, 2012 edition of the Cerignola Connection

included a Final Flight notice regarding the passing of CaptainGeorge Carlisle (743), a communications officer.

His son, Dave Carlisle, sent me some pictures that his fathertook while he was based in San Giovanni.

Anyone who knew Capt. Carlisle, or has any commentsabout the pictures below, is encouraged to contact Dave.

Contact information:Dave Carlisledcarlisle@scsk12.org901-756-2300

Capt. George Carlisle (743)

Dear Editor,My father, Richard

Milligan (742), served with the455th Bomb Group.

Dad passed away lastyear. He had an album ofpictures from his time he servedin Italy.

I wanted to ask if anyonewould be interested in havingcopies of these pictures.

Here are a few examplesof his picture collection.

Thank you,Brian Milliganbcmilligan1@yahoo.com

Editor’s Note:

I received several

interesting photos from Brian,

which came from his father’s WWII

picture album. I have included a

few of the more compelling ones on

this page (see right >>>>) of the

Cerignola Connection.Thank You, Brian!

7

THE UNINVITED

Flak Over Vienna ... The aircraft at 2 O’Clock was hit and went down after this photo was snapped.

Aircraft called Lucky 7.

The nose wheel collapsed and the brakes locked.6 were killed.

Final Flight

Sebastiano Manzitto (743) took his final flight on March 26,2012 in Omaha, Nebraska. Hewas a life member of the 455thBomb Group Association.

After the war, Mr.Manzitto worked for 43 yearswith the Union Pacific Railroad.

Final Flight

Philip Root (741)took his Final Flight in January,2012. Lt. Root flew as Co-pilotwith gunner Paul Peters (see

archived articles, Page 14) onLt. Lester Pinkley’s crew.

Can You Help?Dear Editor,

I was hoping you mightbe able to help me with someinformation.

My great-great uncle wasGeorge D. Kellogg, S/sgt.USAAF. He was assigned to the740th BS in Italy in 1944, andwas killed in action in anaccident with another B-24 whilereturning from a mission toAustria.

I have not been able tofind a picture of his crew withtheir B-24. I searched the 455BG History Book and could notfind a photo. I was hoping thatyou might be able to providesome information and possibly aphoto of the crew if you possessone. Here is the info I haveabout my great great uncle:

George D Kellogg, Jr.Staff Sergeant USAAF740 BSB-24H Serial Number 42-64497B-24 Nose Art Starduster Killed in Action 19 March 1944over the Adriatic Sea Killed during 455 BG mission 11 MACR 4026 (I have ordered acopy from the National Archives)

Crew:Pilot: Pidcock, James F Co-Pilot: Markham, William Navigator: Stanley, James Bombardier: Coman, William Engineer: Rockstad, Peter Asst Eng/G: Backstrom, Ben Radio/Gun: Abraham, Arthur Asst Radio/G: Brosz, Buddy Gunner: Kellogg, Jr.,George Gunner: Kilian, John

I have seen in severalplaces that your father was awitness to the accident.

I have attached the

service photo of my great-greatuncle that my father gave me. Inaddition, I found a link to a photoof the nose art of his B-24.http://www.b24bestweb.com/s

tarduster-v2.htm

Any information, photos,or direction for additionalinformation you might havewould be greatly appreciated.

Regards,Jeff Dicksjdicks@alvareztg.com

8

SSgt. George Kellogg, Jr. (740)

Final Flight

Dear Editor,I regretfully inform you of

the passing of another one ofour WWII heroes.

T/Sgt Norris T. Boswell(S/N 16162334), 15th AF, 455thBomb Grp, 742nd Sq, passedaway the morning of March 20,2012.

His two sons and twodaughters were in attendanceduring the last hours of his lifeas he passed in peace.

Please find attached apoem written to Norris by thelove of his life prior to hisdeparture to the EuropeanTheatre. (See poem below)

Betty J. Smith wouldsoon become his wife and be byhis side for 69 years beforepassing away in July of 2004.

With all respect,Blake Boswell20 Hampton CircleNiceville, FL. 32578bboswellb@cox.net

Final Flight

Winfield S. Bowers, Jr (741)

Age 90, took his final flight onArmed Force's Day, May 19,2012.

Wings carried him toHeaven from his home in MountDora, Florida, after passingpeacefully following a four-month battle with multiplemyeloma.

“Win” was a pilot ofPindown Girl and Squat and

Drop in 1944. He later returnedto the US to serve as aninstructor, mechanic, air rescuepilot, and supply squadroncommander. He retired as a Lt.Col. in 1960, after 20 years ofservice.

After retiring from themilitary, Win started BowersRefrigeration in Apopka, Florida,and later became one of thefounders of Skybolt Aeromotive,now of Leesburg, Florida.

He also flew privateaircraft, and the CollingsFoundation B-24 named All

American, which used hardwarein part supplied by Skybolt.

Win was a Life CharterMember of the 455th BombGroup (H) Association andserved as Vice President in1997. He and his late wife,Dotty, attended many Groupreunions over the years, greatlyenjoying the fellowship of fellowairmen from The GreatestGeneration.

He especiallyappreciated the letters ande-mails that he received fromthe 455th friends and familymembers, especially in the last

months of his life. Services to honor Win's

life were held on May 24 at theFirst Presbyterian Church ofApopka, Florida, followed byinterment with full militaryhonors at Woodlawn MemorialPark in Gotha, Florida.

An Italian flag was placedin Win's casket in an envelopewith the name “455th BombGroup, Cerignola, Italy” on it.The envelope was put in hishands, as well as the Americanflag, along with the last aviationparts he made for the companyhe helped found, Skybolt.

He had a lovelyceremony, both in the churchand at the graveside. The USAFHonor Guard did the flag foldingceremony, gave a 21-gunsalute, and a bugler played taps.

It was so touching. Nodry eyes were in the group.

9

Winfield S. Bowers, Jr. (741)

Can You Help Response

Dear Jeff,I saw your request for

information about Ross Strodein the Spring, 2012 issue of theCerignola Connection.

It appears he passedaway in December, 2005. Hestayed in the military followingthe war, and eventually retiredfrom the Air Force as a Lt.Colonel, living in Fairborn, Ohio.The following is an obituary Ifound on the internet.

Best Regards,Greg RiggsExecutive Director, 455th BG

Ross D. Strode

Lt. Col. (Ret.) Ross D. Strode ofFairborn, Ohio, died Friday,Dec. 2, 2005. He was 87.

He was born Feb. 3,1918, in Rockville, Ore.

He served in the U.S. AirForce, retiring in 1969 after 27years. As a bombardier duringWorld War II, he logged morethan 250 combat hours on a B-24 bomber, receiving theDistinguished Flying Cross andfive Air Medals for his combatmissions.

Following his militarycareer, he was employed by theWinters Bank as a corporatefinance director, and as an autodealer service manager.

In the early 1980s, Rossbegan volunteering at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,eventually becoming head of theretiree activities office. He wasinvolved in assisting numerousretirees with all types ofservices.

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,My father, David Aiken,

served in the USAAF in Italy in’44 and ’45. He was in the 455thBG, 742nd squadron.

I was finally able to findout this information through arecording my brother madewhere Dad stated he wasstationed near the town ofCerignola.

I don’t know much moreinformation other than the nameof his plane was Miss Davi, andhis belly gunner was JohnPolkis.

Any more info or linksyou could provide to help melearn more about my Dad’s timein the Air Corps would be greatlyappreciated.

Thanks!Dan Aiken812-325-2827 celldana@wbhcp.com

Final Flight

David M. Aiken (742) ofBloomfield, passed awaySaturday, July 23, 2011.

Mr. Aiken was bornOctober 4, 1917, in Benton,Illinois.

He was a USAAFveteran, piloting a B24 in the15th Air Force, 455th BombGroup, 742nd Air Squadron inItaly. His plane was named afterhis daughter, Miss Davi.

He was a Professor ofMusic at Indiana UniversityJacobs School of Music inBloomington, where he taughtvoice and performed in variousIU Opera productions.

Along with his wife Mary,he ran Aiken Productions, wherethey would tour the ChristmasOpera, Amahl and the Night

Visitors, in which David was castin the original NBC HallmarkHall of Fame TV production in1951 as King Melchior.

David was a key reasonthat Amahl had become themost performed opera in theworld, with thousands ofperformances done by manyorganizations each holidayseason.

Surviving relativesinclude his wife, Mary M. Aikenof Bloomfield, one daughter,Dava Lee Tobey of Florida, twosons, Daniel Aiken of Ellettsville,Indiana, and Timothy Aiken ofEvanston, Illinois. He has threegrandchildren; Kelly Aiken, KyleAiken and Macy Aiken, two stepgrandchildren, CatherineChristiansen and CarolynStombauth, and five step-great-grandchildren.

Final Flight

Dear Editor,It is with sadness that we

inform you of the passing on 6Sept., 2012 of your formercomrade in arms, our father,Meyer (Mike) Wurst, Sgt., 455thBG, 742nd Sqdn.

His service for ourcountry formed the prismthrough which he viewed theworld for the rest of his life. Hewas proud of, and humbled by,serving with so manycourageous and committedmen.

He is survived by his wife

of 67 years and 355 days, andour families of daughters-in-law,five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his sister.

Dick WurstJeff Wurst

dick.wurst@yahoo.com

Can You Help?Dear Editor,

I am researching aformer member of the 455thBG, 741st squadron. His nameis Raynor M. Thatcher, a B-24flight engineer.

Please contact me if youknow anything about Mr.Thatcher. Thank you.

Best Regards,Matt Rimmer. aafcollection@btinternet.com

10

Can You Help?Dear Editor,

I am a Canadian authorwho is writing a book of storiesabout American flyers whoendured the ordeals of WWII.

One of the chapters willbe about the crew of the lateGeorge McGovern (741). I havebeen able to contact somemembers of the crew, but I havenot been able to learn aboutKen Higgins, the radio operatorfrom Virginia.

I would greatlyappreciate if anyone could letme know if and how I couldcontact Mr. Higgins.

Thank you.Ian Darling,410 Running Brook Pl.,Waterloo, Ont., Canada, N2K 3S5author@amazingairmen.com

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,I'm interested in learning

more about your bomb groupassociation.

My wife's cousin servedwith the 455th BG in Italy duringWWII. His name was T/Sgt.Elmer Tacy.

Elmer was K.I.A. on Dec.24th, 1944, during a bombingmission. I've recently locatedhis burial site in the Sicily-RomeAmerican Cemetery. I was toldhis jobs were waist gunner andradio operator.

Please circulate his nameand this information to yourmembership. Hopefullysomeone will remembersomething about him and canrelay it to me.

Thank you for your help.Regards,

S. Neal Rileysnlcr@comcast.net

Can You Help?Responses

Dear Neal,Thank you for your email

and your interest in theassociation.

Annual membership inthe association is $15, checkpayable to 455th Bomb GroupAssociation and sent to:455th Bomb Group AssociationP.O. Box 93095Austin, TX 78709-3095

Lifetime membership is$60. The association still hasseveral hundred members, mostof them veteran members of the455th. In addition to those, wehave some family and relatives

of veteran members. Wemaintain a technical distinctionbetween members andassociate members for taxexemption purposes, but theonly practical difference is thatone must be a full member toserve on the board of directors.If you join, you would be anassociate member, and youwould begin receiving thenewsletters.

The primary activity ofthe association, at this point, isproducing a newsletter twice ayear. Craig Ward, our editor,does an excellent job. I willforward your email to him so hecan put your request in the nextedition of the newsletter.

There is a website whichyou might find interesting forinformation about the bombgroup, and a little bit about pastassociation activities. http://www.15thaf.org/304th_

BW/455th_BG/index.htm

http://www.awardphp.com.

If I can answer furtherquestions, please do nothesitate to contact me.

Greg RiggsExecutive Director455bg-h@austin.rr.com

Dear Mr. Riggs,I just learned from the

newsletter that President Barrpassed away, and I offer mycondolences to his family andyour organization.

I've also learned thatElmer Tacy was assigned to the740th Bomb Squadron of the455th Bomb Group (H) of the15th Army Air Force. He waslisted as K.I.A. on December 25,

1944. I had previously statedDecember 24, 1944.

I located a list of crashessustained by 455th aircraft andthere are entries for both dates,in Italy, involving B-24 aircraft.

To the best of myknowledge, and from an archivalphotograph, I'm certain Elmerwas assigned to a B-24. Elmerwas born in 1925 in WestVirginia, and moved with hismother to Baltimore, MDsometime before the war.

I'll send payment formembership in yourorganization.

Thank you again for yourhelp.

Regards,S. Neal Rileysnlcr@comcast.net

Dear Neal,The 740th bomb

squadron was assigned to the455th. In fact, my father,Clarence “Ed” Riggs, was a firstpilot on one of the original crewsdeploying to Italy via NorthAfrica, leaving the U.S. at thevery end of 1943.

He completed his 50missions, and returned home inJuly, 1944, probably beforeT/Sgt Tacy arrived in theater.

B-24s were the onlyaircraft flown in combat by the455th, so if your wife’s cousinwas in the 740th BS, you can besure he was involved with B-24s.

I look forward to havingyou as part of the association.

Greg RiggsExecutive Director455bg-h@austin.rr.com

11

455th BG E-mail Roster

Harry W. Anderson (740)San Antonio,TX.pomganny@aol.com

Dave Bathie (assoc. 740) davidbathie@yahoo.com

Joel BeauvaisSon, Raymond Beauvais (741)jmb1958@att.net

1st. Lt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Bell840 Kimberly Ct.Lander, WY 82520tsalix@yahoo.com

Jack Blum (741) jblum15677@aol.com

Thomas Boydvbrewster@gmail.com

Ormond Buffington (741)obuffington@charter.net

Mario Capocefalo (Italy)mario.capocefalo@alice.it

Rod Clarke (743)Alexandria, VArory@his.com

Howard Cooper (740)howcoop@sdlifestyle.com

Robert D. (Bob) Collette (740)South Pasadena, Fl 33707dotybob@verizon .net

Bill & Joyce Crawfordprintsvs@earthlink.net <or>Westerner01@earthlink.net

Albert E. Cratch (741)fishn928@cox.net

Janet & Russell CrockerJanetcrockerfr@cs.com

Norman CrumPresident, 455th BG Assoc.Son of Cpt. George Crum (742)norman.crum@vpps.net

John Davis (741)Davisjfdavis@gmail.com

Jack Dekker (743) jdek457@att.net

Theodore Deppe (741)tdeppe@indiana.edu

George Defenbaughcrusin_dordo@hotmail.com

John Devito (assoc.)jmdevito@verizon.net

Curtis (Curt) Diles, Jr. (740) cdiles@woh.rr.com

Paul H. Ditchett (742) vacationstogo@yahoo.com

William M. Doyle (742)Jupiter, FL 33477wdoyle5184@bellsouth.net

Robert Emick (741)elbo2@earthlink.net

Marc GaynesSon of Seymour Gaynes (743)Fortdearborn1@yahoo.com

Sy Gaynes (743)585 Live Oak LaneWeston, FL. 33327syjac@yahoo.com

Ann GengeDaughter of Allen Durkee (743)fredfox263@yahoo.com

Vervin “Gil” Gilson (741)gilmarner@aol.com

William C. Graves (742)Jacksonville, FL.wgraves210@aol.com

Lt. Col. R. J. Haney (743)haneyrj@comcast.net

Fred Hamilton T/Sgt (740)fastfreddy1881@att.net

L. Harvey Hewit (743) Haverford, PA.Lhhew@aol.com

Robert Hilgendorfserendipity@surry.net

Frank Hosimer (741)fghosr@hotmail.com

Joe Kiernan (741)280 Middle Holland Rd, #719Holland PA 18966(215) 396-7905jokernan@comcast.net

Erling Kindem (742)erlingk@aol.com

Viliam Klabnikvkaquam@zoznam.sk

George L. Liddle (742) oljorge@mchsi.com

E.J. Ledbetter, Jr. (743)blrayman@eplus.net.

John L. Larma (740) jnlarma@yahoo.com913-712-8773

12

455th BG Email Roster (cont.)

Mark L. MasonSon of Robert G. Mason (742)mlmason82@cox.net

Frank MastroleoMasty419@aol.com

Dave Matheson (742) ihatebugs@cox.net

Mike McFadden (Assoc. 743)Son-in-Law of Austin Herrityb24_455thbg@yahoo.com

Jim MerrittSon of Lt. Jim Merritt (741)51 N. Main St.Pennington, NJ 08534merritt66@verizon.net

Vic Murray (743) vemurray@CFL.RR.COM

Christine PainterDaughter of the late Col.Charles W. Painter, Jr. (741)christinepainter@verizon.net.

Peter Payant (743) pbpayant@cox.net

Roland J Pepin327 Al Harvey RoadStonington, CT 06378 virpep4400@aol.com

Wesley Powell (740) wesjulia@gateway.net

John RohrerSon of Carl Rohrer (740)jrohrer@spartacpa.com

Charles H. Rosenberg (741)chrose3@comcast.net.

Irving (Irv) Rubin (743)205 Buccaneer Ave, Apt 108Merritt Island, FL 32952321-514-3445

Dr Gary R. Schoene, son, Lt Col Horst R. Schoene (743)295 Schultz RoadWest Seneca, NY 14224gschoene2001@yahoo.com

Sid Schoengold (740) harsid123@netzero.com

August R. “Gus” Seefluth (742) gseefluth@gmail.com

Sgt. John E. Skeltonwoodshed704@netzero.net

Michael SpewockSon of Andrew Spewock (743)spewocks@verizon.net

Charles E. Stark (740) carbchar@comcast.net

Ted StinerSon of Lt.Theodore Stiner (741)Ted.Stiner@gmail.com

Angelo Synodis (741)angiesynodis@charter.net

Julie SummerfieldDaughter of WalterSummerfield (743)digger1649@mac.com

Ted Tronoff (742)TVTRONOFF@cs.com

Dr. Stanley Vogelfang (741) stanvog@aol.comJohn R. Worster (742). haw72@aol.com

Craig Ward Editor, Cerignola Connection

Son of Lt. J. T. Ward (740) aphp@tx.rr.com

Carl J. Wiskirchenm-meyer@insightbb.com

Leland L. Young (743)Allison Park, (Pittsburgh), PAllyoung@netzero.net

Paul A. Young (741)pyoung04@tampabay.rr.com

13

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,My father flew in the

455th Bomb Group. He saidthere was a German pilot whodefected in an ME-109, andlanded at Cerignola.

There was another guyfastened up in the fuselage, andthey had to take the panels off toget him out.

Was that story ever in thenewsletter or written upanywhere? If you have areference, I would like to look atit.

Thank You.Roger Merrittsmerritt@columbus.rr.com

(See ME-109 picture below)

14

Editor’s Note:Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of speaking to Paul Peters regarding the stories above. He

also spoke of the Final Flight of his Co-pilot, Philip Root, this past January, 2012 (see Final Flight

notice, Page 7).The interesting stories copied above first appeared in the Spring, 1996, Cerignola Connection.

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,I am the Granddaughter

of Robert Truex, and I am tryingto find any information I canabout him.

I recently received hisdeath notice. I found he waspart of the 455th Bomb Group. Ifound his name in the roll-callbook.

He went missing inAustria in June of 1944. I amhoping there is someone thatmay have some photos or somememories of him.

I just recently found outthat he is my biologicalGrandfather. My understandingfrom family is that he feared hewouldn't make it home from thewar, and that he wouldn't beremembered. My father wasadopted by a wonderful man,but no one ever spoke of Mr.Truex.

I want to make sure he isremembered the way he shouldbe. Thank you in advance forany assistance you can give me.

Regards,Kari Child109 Crestview DrNampa, Id 83686208-442-0063kchild2468@aol.com

Editor’s ResponseHi, Kari,

Your story is compelling.I'm pleased you're doing yourpart to keep the memories of allthese American heros aliveforever. Mr. Truex is a hero anda patriot.

I will put your request inthe next edition of the Cerignola

Connection (Fall 2012).Mr. Truex was in the

742nd squadron. He was aSergeant, and he may havebeen a gunner on a B24.

My father, Lt. J.T. Ward(740th sq., died 1986), was inthe 455th BG in Italy at the sametime your Grandfather wentmissing in Austria. My dad flewseveral missions into Austria in1944, so it’s possible that mydad was on the same mission inwhich your Grandfather wentmissing. Small world.

If you discover any otherinformation about Sgt. Truex,please send it along to me.

Best Regards,Craig WardEditor, Cerignola Connection

aphp@tx.rr.com

Kari’s ResponseDear Editor,

Thank you so much. Anyhelp is greatly appreciated.

I have been scanningthrough the book on the website(www.awardphp.com), and it is fullof information that gives us aconnection. It looks like myGrandfather and your dad wereon some of the same missions.

I also read through thelatest newsletter. It is wonderfuland very informative.

Thanks again.Kari Childkchild2468@aol.com

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,I have just discovered

your wonderful website! I was in the 741st from

the beginning. I was in Salt

Lake City from Sept., 1943 untilApril, 1944, when I wastransferred from Cerignola toFoggia. I went to the 301st BG,flying B-17s.

I flew on the first fivecombat missions with the 455thBG, then transferred to finish mymissions with the 301st .

I also flew as thenavigator for Col. Cool in theDec., 1943 flight from Langley toItaly, by way of N. Africa. Inavigated for him on several ofthe first missions out ofCerignola.

My original crew pilot wasJerome Slater, with co-pilot JackMontgomery. Both of thesepilots, along with the entire crew,were killed on a mission a fewweeks after my fortuitoustransfer.

I have been trying to findout what happened to Col. Cool.I know he died many years ago.I would like to know what,where, and when he did afterthe war.

His decision to transferme was a life-saver, so I have aspecial interest in him.

This much I DO know:

Col. Cool was born12/13/1905. He died01/19/1977. His son, KennethAdams Cool, Jr. was born04/02/1939. He died09/15/1990.

Do you have any otherinformation on Col. Cool?

Thank you in advancefor your help.

Best Regards,William H. Johnson whemhamilton@comcast.net

15

Dear Editor, I'm a Italian researcher,

and I am interested inBombardment Groups thatwere active during WWII in 1944in Italy.

In particular, I am seekingnews of the crew of the B-24H(41-29290) Howlingwolf, (741),downed on April 28, 1944 inPorto Santo Stefano, Italy.

I only know the name ofthe pilot (Jerome Slater) but notof other members of the crew.

Also, the crew of B-24H(42-64456) Arkansaw Joe (741),also downed on April 28, 1944on the same site. The Pilot wasRichard Callan.

I would be very grateful ifyou could fill this gap.

Thank You,George Baccigiobicca@hotmail.it

16

Dear Editor,Would it be possible to ask your readers who know Col.

Richard "Dick" Haney (743) to send him a greeting card for his 90thbirthday?Here's his email address: haneyrj@comcast.net

Lt. Col. R. J. Haney (743) home address:15535 Prince Frederick WaySilver Spring, MD 20906-1318

Thank You,Peggy Truesdale Haney (daughter-in-law)truehaney@gmail.com

Col. Haney’s 90th birthday was on Oct. 13, 2012.

Editor’s Note: On Sept. 1, 2012, Col Haney welcomed his

great-grandson, Richard James Haney, IV, into the world!

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,Can you post this photo

of the guys next to thePittsburgh Babe, and ask ifanyone who knew GeraldWilliam Becker to contact mewith information.

Would there be any cluedue to the fact that he's the onlyone wearing the dark uniform?

Gerald W. Becker islisted as a member of the 455thBG, 742nd squadron. Any ideawhat position he held on theflight crew? Thanks in advance.

JackMulticynic@aol.com

Dear Editor,I found your contact

information on the 455thBombardment Group website.

I was hoping to find a listof those members of the VulgarVultures who are still listed asMIA. I was unable to find such alist anywhere on the web site orelsewhere.

This is a personalrequest of mine. I am looking atways to honor these men whowe, at the 91st Missile Wing, areconnected to.

Any help would beappreciated.David Schrader, Lt. Col., USAFChief of Safety, 91st MissileWingDSN 453-2869 / Comm (701)723-2869BB 701-240-0267david.schrader@gmail.com

Can You Help? Response

Dear Col. Schrader,I've attached an Excel

spreadsheet with the MIAs that

I've found. Editor’s Note: This

spreadsheet is too large to include

in this newsletter. If you are

interested in receiving a copy,

please email your editor and I will

forward your request to the

appropriate person

This is a work inprogress, something that Istarted a few years ago. I wastrying to tie the MIAs to theapplicable Missing AircrewReports (MACRs) or AccidentReports (ACCREPs).

Also, sometimes the menthat were listed as FOD (Findingof Death), DED (DeclaredDead), or PDD (Presumed Dateof Death) never made it into theofficial government records asMIA, even though their remainswere never recovered. I waschecking to see if this happenedto any of the 455th BGcasualties.

The official governmentdatabase of MIAs from WWII isnow available online athttp://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/wwii/reports/.

As you can imagine,there are bound to be errors andomissions. I am a groupenthusiast, and not aprofessional researcher, soapologies in advance. This ismore reference material than anofficial listing of any sort.

My next project is toreview the KIAs to see if any ofthem were listed as missing.There is still work to be done.

Regards,Dave UngemachSon of 2nd Lt Bill Ungemach,742nd BSPOW on 26 June, 1944Moosbierbaum Mission

17

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,My Father, Melvin Junior

Dickinson, was a nose turretgunner in the 740th. His crewwas led by Pilot F. Lee Thorne.

I have spotted somephotos in the newsletter of myFathers crew.

I was wondering if therewas any way I could obtain aVulgar Vulture Stick Pin.

Thanks,M. David DickinsonMelvin.Dickinson@calpine.com

Final Flight

Col. Don M. Rawls (743)

Dear Editor,I wanted to have my

Dad’s “Final Flight” obituary inthe next newsletter.

He was a B24 pilot. Hewas shot down and captured onMay 18, 1944.

Dad passed away onFeb. 16, 2012.

Thank you,Ruth R. Morgan (daughter)Ruth.Morgan@usdoj.gov

Can You Help?

Dear Editor,I am a professor and

historian from Novi Sad, Serbia,(formerly Yugoslavia).

Can you provide memore data about Mission 107and Mission 112 (bombing ofNovi Sad) ?

I am writing a piece aboutthat day. In Serbia, it is veryhard to find information aboutAllied bombings during WW!!,because during to Cold War,Yugoslavia was in thecommunist bloc.

I hope that you will helpme to inform Novi Sadintellectual community about theheroic acts of the 455th BombGroup.Thanks for your time and help!

Sincerely,Petar Djurdjevpetardjurdjev@gmail.com

Can You Help? Response

Dear Petar,I have the bombing

photos for mission 107 and 112.The 107 photo (1 Sept)

was taken from B-24H-20-DT,Serial # 41-28994 Chattanooga

Choo Choo (740) at 11:45 AM,from about 19,500 ft.

The 112 photo (7 Sept)was taken from B-24H-25-CFSerial # 42-50400 Bucket ofBolts (740) at 10:59 AM.

Warm Regards,Dave Ungemachdavetw1@cox.net

A Big “Thank You!”to Dave Ungemach

Dear Mr Ungemach, I would like to convey my

sincere thanks to you for yourhelp.

It was just what I needed,but never expected! I am trulytouched by your generosity, yourspirit, and willingness to go outof your way to help me.

The photo of Mission 107shows the bombing of a trainstation. The photo of Mission112 shows the bombing of atrain station, PLUS the streetwhere I live now ! Amazing!

We can see the electricalpower station and residentialbuildings that were hit.

We can also see anamazing hit of a building whichwas the German cultural center(Kulturbund). Just before theattack in that building, leaders ofthe Germans in the Backsaregion held a meeting. Thebuilding received a direct hit,and there where manycasualties. It was the mostintense bombing of Novi Sadduring WWII.

Your ancestors wereindeed heroes. Thanks to theirstruggles and successesagainst the Nazi regime, ourcountry got back its freedom.

Thank you again forbeing so thoughtful.

Sincerely,Petar Djurdjevpetardjurdjev@gmail.com

18

Editor’s Note:See photos of Missions 107 and 112, Next Page

Final Flight

Richard H. Hollrock(740), at 91 years of age,passed away peacefully Sept.23, 2012 at a Bangor hospital,surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born inCrestwood, NY December 9,1920. He graduated fromBrown University in 1942 with adegree in AeronauticalEngineering. Early on in hiscareer, he was employed bySikorsky Aircraft Corp and wasa pioneer in the helicopterindustry. He later worked as aresearch engineer at KamanAircraft Corp for over 40 years.

Lt. Hollrock served in theUnited States Army Air Corp asa B-24 bomber pilot. At age 23,he was awarded the air medalfor meritorious achievement inaerial flight while participating insustained operational activitiesagainst the enemy.

Richard will be greatlymissed by his family for hiskindness, encouragement toothers, his sweet smile, andgentle ways.

Richard is survived by hisloving and devoted wife of 61years, Anne of Hampden; hisson, Rick and wife Pat of S.Deerfield, MA, their six children,Alex, Ruby, Leah, Neal, Lynnand Richie; three daughters,Alane Bamberger and husbandGary of Conway, NH and theirtwo children, Katie and Marc,Joyce Harrison and husbandDan of Hampden and their twochildren Craig and wife Laurenand Heidi, and Ardelle Hollrockof Hampden and daughterAnna.

19

Mission # 112Novi Sad, YugoslaviaSeptember 7, 1944

Mission # 107Novi Sad, YugoslaviaSeptember 1, 1944

Final Flight of Tony Corsello (741)

Anthony Michael Corsello, of McLean, Va., passed away onJanuary 10, 2012.

He was born in Brooklyn,NY, in 1922, and was a firstgeneration Italian-American. Asa youngster, he would sit on thefire escape and watch planestake off from Barren Island,admiring the pilots. CharlesLindbergh was his hero.

When WWII started, hehad no doubt about volunteeringfor the US Army Air Force at theage of 18. As a B-24 navigator,he was based in Cerignola, Italy,bombing oil facilities in Ploesti,

Romania and Vienna, Austria. After 35 missions, he

returned to NY. He attendedBrooklyn College while workingnights, printing several NY Citynewspapers. There he metVirginia Rutesky and moved toLong Island, NY. They had eightchildren: Bruce (Marguerite),Jane, Ginger (Martin Webber),Joyce, Michael (Robyn), Perry(Dianne), Joan (Patrick Daly)and Tony (Laurra). He ownedNash Lumber MerchandisingCorp., and was a distinguishedand respected salesman.

Tony's love of aviationcontinued as an active reservistwith the 514th Troop CarrierWing at nearby Mitchel Field.He was recalled during theKorean War. By that time, hehad three children. He and hisformer fellow 741st member,Dick Armellino, flew many week-ends over nearby Jones Beach.

Dick was sent to Korea,and Tony to Laon (France)Airbase, with the 38th BombWing. He flew missions in B-26Douglas fighter bombers overFrance and Germany, hoping todeter the Russians.

He resigned hiscommission in 1953. He wasawarded five Campaign Stars,three Oak Leaf Clusters and theDistinguished Flying Cross.

Returning to Long Island,he continued to grow hisbusiness and his family. He wasan active member of his churchand was Chairman of his sons'Boy Scout Troop, all four ofwhich earned the rank of EagleScout. He was very proud thatfour of his grandsons earnedtheir Eagle Scout rank. A fifth

grandchild will soon earn his.Aviation continued to be

his love. He was a supportingmember of the "Cradle ofAviation Museum" nearby atRoosevelt Field, whereLindbergh took off for his historictrip to Paris in 1927. He was anactive member of the A.F.A. inNew York City, the AmericanLegion Aviators' Post, and theLong Island Early Fliers' Club.He was involved with theCollings Foundation whichrestored the B-24 that currentlyflies all over the US.

He was a constant son,brother, husband, father andgrandfather, and as DickArmellino noted, he was aConstant Warrior. He now restsin Arlington National Cemeteryafter receiving full militaryhonors, aptly in full view of theU.S.A.F. Memorial with thecomforting sounds of planessoaring overhead.

Tony loved life with apassion, and shared it witheveryone. The world is not thesame without him!

Virginia Corsellocorsello@aol.com

Frank Hosimer remembers Tony Corsello

Tony was a navigator forGrady Mormon's crew (741). Hearrived in Cerignola as part of areplacement crew in July, 1944,after a three-week boat trip.

There were more planesthan crews, so he flew everymission the group had for thefirst 25 missions. Then he had aone week rest at Isle of Capri.

He finished the required35 missions in December,1944,

20

and arrived home by boat forChristmas.

One of his favorite storieswas that he was having a mealat a local family's house(probably of his tent-boy). Thegrandfather made anuncomplimentary remark inItalian (assuming that Tonydidn't understand) - "theAmericans just have big gunsand machines". Tony respondedin perfect Italian, "You'reDARNED right they do!”

Tony kept in touch with alot of his bomb group friends,especially Dick Armellino, evenafter Dick moved to Florida. It isamazing how many people heknew, wherever the reunionstook us. When the 15th AirForce had a reunion at a big LasVegas hotel, he had dinner withthe hotel owner and his wife.

When the squadronleader was not well enough tocontinue to organize the reuniondinners, Tony accepted the joband did it very well.

Tony will be missed by alot of folks.

Frank Hosimer (741)fghosr@hotmail.com

B-24 INSRUCTOR PILOTSHAVE EMERGENCIES, TOO!

By Jarvis StrongUSAF (Ret.) Command Pilot

Tony Corsello retired toVinson Hall, in McLean, VA,which was primarily a seniorresidence for retired serviceofficers. Tony's new friend atVinson Hall, Jarvis Strong, Lt.Col., turned out to have spenttime at the Cerignola base, in

the 459th Bomb Group and the756th SQ. He delighted in thisstory that Jarvis told him.

"During late 1944, when Iwas assigned as an instructorfor B-24s at Gowan Field, Boise,Idaho, I was given a task tocheck the co-pilot out as iscustomary to do before he flew aB-24 aircraft at Gowan Field.

He was a younglieutenant pilot originally fromOmaha, NE, who had justcompleted a combat tour of dutyof 35 missions from England asa B-24 co-pilot. After a couple ofexcellent landings he askedabout the B-24 automatic pilot.We got a bit more altitude and Ishowed him how to set it up onthe airplane to fly on automaticpilot. This was to show how thegood automatic pilot wasreliable, even when two engineswere cut back on one side. I'ddone this successfully morethan 100 times, but not this time.

WHEN I PULLED THETWO THROTTLES BACK ONTHE RIGHT SIDE, THE WINGDIPPED AS USUAL - BUT -THE AUTOMATIC PILOT GYROTUMBLED, AND THE PLANETURNED OVER ON ITS BACK.

I immediately turned theautomatic pilot off, pulled theother two throttles back andpushed the stick forward to keepthe load of the aircraft weight onthe underside. The B-24, like allbomber aircraft, is not like afighter aircraft. If I let the weightof the aircraft bear on the top ofthe aircraft, one or both wingswould buckle and the four of uswould be dead.

I managed to keep theweight of the aircraft under the

wings, and maneuvered theplane back to right-side-up. Allof us are safe. After landing,comment by the checked out co-pilot: "I've just been through 35combat missions from England,but this flip on the B-24 today ismy worst ever flyingexperience."

Such is the art of flying!

21

Can You Help?Dear Editor,

I am the son of JohnKelly (bombardier), who flewwith the 741st Bomb Squadron.

I went online and foundthe 455th BG website. I read inthe BG history book the partabout the 741st, and found myfather's crew picture (below).

My father (back row, onright) retired in 1974 with therank of Colonel after 31 years ofservice in the Army Air Corp andUSAF. He also fought in theKorean War, and the VietnamWar.

Is there a way to get ahard copy of the 455th BGHistory Book?

Thank you for your timeand effort.

Regards,Patrick Kellyflamengo1895@msn.com

22

23

A MESSAGE FROM THE 455TH BOMB GROUP ASSOC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTORGreetings! I have two major news items. First, as you've probably already noticed, Norman

Crum has been elected to fill the remainder of Carl Barr's term as President of the Association. Normhas been a long-time, second-generation supporter of the Association, and we are fortunate to havehim serving as President. All positions on the Board of Directors, including the officers, will be up forreelection, for four-year terms, in November 2013. If you have an interest in serving on the Board ofDirectors in any capacity, please contact me. Email may be directed to 455bg-h@austin.rr.com. U.S. mail may be addressed to:

455th Bomb Group Association, P.O. Box 93095, Austin, TX 78709.The second major item is that the Board of Directors voted to join the 451st Bomb Group

Association in a joint reunion in Phoenix, in October, 2013. If you've been missing the reunions, thisis the opportunity you've been waiting for! The 451st has graciously agreed to serve as the lead inorganizing details and registration. It is possible the 301st and/or the 376th (both were 15th AF B-17units) will also join us as co-sponsors. That will be interesting! Come join in those discussions!

At the annual Board of Directors meeting in November, 2011, the directors asked me to presentto the membership opportunities for giving to the Association. That appeal was included in the Spring,2012 Cerignola Connection. In response to that giving opportunity, we have received enoughcontributions to fund an additional edition of our much-loved newsletter. Acknowledgments are listedon Page 3 of this newsletter. Opportunities still exist to extend the life of the Cerignola Connection.

Checks can be made payable to 455th Bomb Group Association, and mailed to the Associationaddress. If you pay your Association dues annually, don't forget that dues for 2013 are due byDecember 31, 2012.

This is a great nation in which to live. Thank you for helping keep it that way!

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