Vol. 28, No. 1 SECOND AIR DIVISION ASSOCIATION

TUNE IN

top-tail

Spring 1989

THEDrovervdafACHANNEL*A.sta,

GREAT PLANES Series on Consolidated B-24 LiberatorWednesday, March 22, 9:00-10:00 p.m.

Friday, March 24, 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 25, 1:00-2:00 a.m.

Thirteen PartGREAT PLANES

SeriesIncluded in GREAT PLANES, the

13-part series of one-hour programschronicling the history and develop-ment of U.S. warplanes on theDiscovery Channel (TDC), will be theB-24 Liberator. Seven new episodesare premiering in addition to theoriginal six hours which aired in July1988. GREAT PLANES airs onWednesdays at 9:00 p.m. (ET),Fridays at 4:00 p.m. (ET) and Satur-day nights at 1:00 a.m. (ET) throughApril.

The aircraft are examined in termsof their capabilities and constraints.Emphasis is placed on the planningand the actual assembly of theplanes, as well as on the personnelwho design, build and fly them.

Previously classified footage of testflights is revealed as the series tracesthe production of military aircraftfrom drawing board to prototype tothe final flight-ready model.

The series also presents commen-tary from officers, crew members andstrategists on their flying experience.Featured are comments from theEnola Gay crew about their 1945Atomic bomb mission over Hiro-shima and an account of the 1986bombing of Libyan military sites byAmerican forces.

Reflecting the pride of people whohelped develop warplanes, this seriesis a comprehensive report which paystribute to both the glamorous spot-light as well as the tremendous finan-cial and emotional price expendedover the last 50 years of designing,building and flying warplanes.

Second Air Division AssociationEighth Air Force

OFFICERS

President C N (Bud) CHAMBERLAIN769 Via Somonte, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274

Executive Vice President FRANCIS DiMOLA390 Madison Avenue, New Milford, NJ 07646

Vice PresidentMembership EVELYN COHEN

Apt. 06-410 Delaire Landing RoadPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania 19114

Vice PresidentJournal WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE

P.O. Box 627, Ipswich, Mass. 01938

Treasurer DEAN MOYER549 East Main St., Evans City, Pa 16033

Secretary DAVID G. PATTERSON28 Squire Court, Alamo, Calif. 94507

American Representative Board of Governors JORDAN UTTAL7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt. 101, Dallas, Texas 75230

E E

GROUP VICE PRESIDENTS

Headquarters RAYMOND E. STRONG320 Burlage Circle, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

44th BG HC (Pete) HENRY164B Portland Lane, Jamesburg, NJ 08831

93rd BG FLOYD MABEE28 Hillside Ave., Dover, NJ 07801

389th BG LLOYD E. WESTBox 256, Rush Center, KS 67575

392nd BG JOHN B. CONRAD2981 Four Pines, LI, Lexington, KY 40502

445th BG CHARLES L. WALKER1530 S. Pomona B-32, Fullerton, CA 92632

446th WILLIAM F. DAVENPORT13382 Wheeler Place, Santa Ana, CA 92705

448th BG LT. COL. LEROY J. ENGDAHL, (Ret.)1785 Wexford Dr., Vidor, TX 77662

453rd BG MILTON R. STOKESP.O. Box 64, Westtown, PA 19395

458th BG E A ROKICKI365 Mae Rd., Glen Burnie, MD 21061

466th BG ELWOOD NOTHSTEIN40 Meadow Dr., Spencerport, NY 14559

467th BG G "JEFF" GREGORY3110 Sheridan Dr., Garland, TX 75041

489th BG JAMES DAVIS2519 Shell, Midland, TX 79705

491st BG PATRICK J. PERRY3066 Pleasant Hill, Maumee, OH 43537

492nd BG E W (Bill) CLAREY2015 Victoria Court, Los Altos, Calif. 94022

LOOL

HERITAGE LEAGUEPresident MRS. KURT (VICKI)WARNING

2736A N. Dayton, Chicago, IL 60614

JOURNALEditor WILLIAM G. ROBERTIE

P.O. Box 627, Ipswich Mass. 01938

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONSFREDERICK MEYER

106 Nottoway Drive, Penllyn, PA 19422

DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICESDAVID G. PATTERSON

28 Squire Court, Alamo, Calif. 94507

BOARD OF GOVERNORSMEMORIAL

THOMAS C. EATON, Chairman3 Upper King Street. Norwich, Norfolk. England

PAUL R. KING, Vice ChairmanNoverre House, Norwich NR2 RH, England

MRS. MICHAEL BARNECrowfoots. Sotterley Beccle, Suffolk NR34 7T2

CDR. MARK EDMONSTONE CHEYNEDitchingham Lodge

Ditchingham, Bungay. Suffolk. England

ROGER A. FREEMANMay's Barn, Dedham, Nr. Colchester. Essex, England G076EVV

FRANK W. GADBOISDept. of the A.F.

RAF Mildenhall, Suffolk, England

DAVID J. HASTINGS"Westenng." Salhouse. NR Norwich, Norfolk NR136RO. England

ALFRED A. JENNER15 Ransom Rd., Norwich, Norfolk NR 14AJ

DR. RONALD D. CLIFTON24 Grosvenor Sq., London, WIA IAE, England

PROFESSOR HOWARD TEMPERLEYSchool of English and American Studies

University of East Anglia. Earlham. Norwich. England

JORDAN UTTAL7824 Meadow Park Drive, Apt 101

Dallas, Texas 75230

LT. COL. W.D. WUEST14 St. Andrews Close, Hingham, Norfolk NR9 4JT

MRS. FRANCES DAVIES57 Church Lane, Eaton, Norwich NR4 6NY

The 2AD Memorialand/or The B-24

by Bud Chamberlain2ADA President

Until receipt of the last Journal, I had a different topicin mind for this issue. Then, Fred Breuninger (446th)changed my priorities. On page 4 of the Winter 1988Journal, he had some important things to say, and did soeloquently. His concerns over the emphasis balance bet-ween the 2AD Memorial and the B-24 are not isolated.Since the matter is vital to what this Association is allabout, I want to share with you my views on the subject. Isuspect they reflect those of your Executive Committee,and hope they coincide with the majority of you.

First of all, I agree with Fred that the B-24 has been and still is unjustifiably treated as a"stepchild" in the family of great warbirds. As for me, I thought it was a joy to fly and foundit to be truly a pilot's airplane. However, as good as it was, it was only a machine, and no bet-ter than those who operated it. As a matter of fact, some of our own members hold less flatter-ing opinions. Among them are pilot friends and nose compartment teams, even in this Associa-tion, who felt that the designer was a fugitive from a sardine cannery. So, increasing emphasison the Lib is unlikely to have universal appeal; whereas promoting the 2AD Memorial should.After all, it is our own, and dedicated to a high purpose. True, it is not accessible to all of us,but our Memorial is having a favorable impact upon those who see it in ways not originally im-agined. Further, its potential is still evolving and needs all of the emphasis we can muster topush it along.Look at it this way. Of the more than 18,000 B-24s built, only about 15% were used in the

2AD or predecessor units. This means that there are a lot of B-24 lovers out there who nevereven heard of the 2AD, much less each of its Groups. So, even if none of us in the 2ADA"supports" remembrance of the B-24 (which is far from likely), there are still legions of B-24fans who will. On the other hand, without the 2ADA, who but our British friends would be leftto support our 2AD Memorial - that small but growing cultural haven in England to remind usall of the teamwork, sacrifice and comradeship required more than 40 years ago to perform thetasks then before us. Again, I agree with Fred that both B-24 preservation and 2AD Memorialsupport are important. But, if I must choose where the emphasis belongs, it would beunhesitatingly on the Memorial. Here's why:

1. The 2AD Memorial has the greatest potential to keep the 2AD B-24 memory alive and,more importantly, to tell what it and its crews did.

2. Our 2AD Memorial is developing ever stronger bonds of friendship between the peopleof two great nations and between generations.

3. There is a broader based potential for "in situ" education of our children and grand-children through our 2AD Memorial.

(continued on page 4)

Table of ContentsThe 2ADA Memorial and/or the B-24 An Open Letter to All Members2ADA President Bud Chamberlain 2 J. Fred Thomas 7

Vice President's Message, Frank DiMola .. . 4 Letter to a Former Crewmate

Folded Wings 9 Donald Chase 8

2ADA Film Library 10 Up We Go - Down We Go

About the Memorial, Jordan Uttal

Letters

18

30

Elwin J. McKenney

Castle Air Museum B-24 ProgressJoseph T. Beach

9

1042nd Annual Convention 35 In Honour of a Hero 12

GROUP REPORTSR.I. Man Helps German GunnerPut Ending on Grim WWII Tale

Division Headquarters, Ray Strong 9 Elizabeth Rau 15

44th News, H.C. 'Pete' Henry 20 458th Buddies Keep in Touch 16

Open Letter to the 93rd, Floyd H. Mabee. .13 To Set the Record StraightNotes from the 389th, Lloyd E. West 14 Dave Swearingen 16

392nd Bomb Group, John B. Conrad 14 A Special Salute to Milton W. Arnold

The 445th Reporting, Chuck Walker 11Jordan Uttal 19

446th Bungay Bull, William F. Davenport . . 8 Photo Brings Back Memories

Sharron Hollen 21The 448th Speaks, Leroy Engdahl 4 Still Buddies, Ron Grossman 22453rd Bunchered Buddies of Old Buck

Milton R. Stokes 17Kid Pilots Praised By General 25

458th Bomb Group, Rick Rokicki 3Tora Tora Tupelo RevisitedHenry Orzechowski 26

466th Bomb Group, E. W. Not hstein 5 Roll Out The Barrel, Buddy Cross 26Poop from Group 467, Jeff Gregory 12 Vindication, Jim Coffey 27Missives from the 492nd, Bill Clarey 17 "Boys Howdy," John W. Archer 28Heritage League, Vicki Warning 24 Bronco Riding at 20,000 Feet

J. E. Gegenheimer 28ARTICLES Group Dedicates Plaque 28

This Old Hut, Michael Donahue 6 Advice to Troops Helped Goodwill 29

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458th

BombGroup

by Rick RokickiTime sure has a way with catching up and passing ... seems as if I

just finished the December Journal article. For those who have call-ed and written to me regarding the Winter '88 Journal, I can onlytell you that I did not receive my copy until January 18, '89. I knowthat members in Texas, California, Florida and other states receiv-ed their copies two weeks or so before the USPS got around todelivering to MD! Forget about the fact that Maryland is closer toMassachusetts, forget about logic! In this case, the USPS had"help" from the IRS. That's right, BOTH government servicesconspired this time. It's quite likely that our Editor has explainedthis "SNAFU" elsewhere in this issue, but here's the up-shot of itall. Seems like the mailer (the company that affixes the label onyour Journal) had a tax problem and the IRS put a padlock on theirdoor. The seven thousand copies had to stay there until Bill Rober-tie could get our property released, and get another company to dothe job. Talk about Gremlins!458th BOMB GROUP HISTORY BOOK: Needless to say, the

late mailing mentioned above caused a number of our members tocall or write regarding the book availability. I'd previously writtenthat instructions on how to order the book would be in the Winterissue. Hopefully you have received your copy and have acted accor-dingly. The "History" (as of January 18th) has had just over 250copies sold. Bear in mind that as of this date, many of our members

may still not have received their Winter Journal. I just was advisedby George Reynolds that he has already paid back 74% of the"loan" and still has a few more checks to write before January isover. Book sales are going well and he feels that he will have paidback all the money by the time you receive this Journal. Again,anyone who has not yet ordered his copy of "458th BombardmentGroup III" should write or call George Reynolds (phone205-988-8791). Address again: George A. Reynolds, 4009 SaddleRun Circle, Helena, AL 35080. The book sells at $19.00 andpostage is included. Hard cover, lots of photos & facts and fromthe many calls and letters, extremely favorable comments from allregarding the great work George has done with this book. If youmiss this one, it's not likely you will get a second chance at futureprinting, since I very much doubt that there will ever be anotherprinting.SQUADRON PATCHES: Again, several calls and letters regar-

ding the Squadron patches. I must confess that most costs rangedfrom $10 to $16 per patch. That's much too expensive when youconsider the minimum of 25 each of 4 squadrons. Checked with mygood friend Glenn Tessmer (93rd) who still maintains contacts inTaiwan, and he feels they can do much better price-wise. 1 sent himmy ONLY 754th patch last November and haven't, as yet, receivedany more info regarding costs, set-up charges, shipping costs, etc.Glenn feels that a "guesstimate" of about $6.00 plus other costsmentioned, would be pretty close. I would appreciate hearing from

those who think that this is worth pursuing. After all, a7 to 8 hun-dred dollar "lay-out" on my part, should warrant some idea ofpotential sales.MEMBERSHIP: We continue to grow, but at a somewhat

slower pace. The following have become members since the last458th Roster print-out. Jim Perrin, SC; Chas Ivory, NJ; AlexEnglese, NY; Jim Slauson, AR; Rev. Donald Albert, OH; JohnHaines, NJ; Thayer Hopkins, CA; Jim Busby, TX; Jim Ginn, KY;John McCain, IN; John Carter, FL; and Bob Gahn, FL. Sorry tosay that God, in His infinite wisdom, has called the following totheir Heavenly Rewards: Paul Faggioli, Melvin Fields, HermanMandel and Stanley Johnson. Stan and Royna Johnson have beenpersonal friends of mine for a great many years and it was a sad daywhen Royna advised that Stan passed away in mid-December. Sym-pathy from the 458th members have been expressed to theirfamilies.

755th ARMAMENT SECTION REUNION: Received the photoand information of the "Mini-Reunion" that the 755th ArmamentSection held in Nashville, TN last October 9 & 10, 1988. Accordingto Joe Fisher and Jake Krause, it was a great success. Joe advisedthat 11 members and six wives were in attendance. They plan tomeet every two years.

Front (l-r): M/Sgt. T.F. Downey, PA; Sgt. Wendell Cook, SD;T/Sgt John Livingston, KS; Cpl. W.O. Bogart, CA. Back (l-r): 1stLt. Bill Seaman, TX; Sgt. Robert Long, IL; S/Sgt. Tom Rawlins,PA; Cpl. Willie Baker; NC; Cpl. John Krause, PA; Cpl. A.B. Hicks,TN; and Cpl. Joe Fisher, NC.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND REUNION, 1989: It's a little hard tobe very accurate in January when it comes to "numbers" inNovember, but Evelyn Cohen advises that so far, the 458th shows110 people have made their deposits for the reunion. I feel sure thatthis figure will increase as the time comes closer to the event. If youthink that you might be going, why not advise Evelyn and submityour deposit? As for Norwich in 1990, the total (so far) is 119 whohave submitted their small deposits. It would seem that this will be"that one last look," but I've long since learned to "never saynever." My intent here is to let you know that there is still a goodchance that both of these reunions still have space available.458th BOMB GROUP REUNION: Ever since the October '87

reunion and dedication we held in Dayton, I've had a few inquiriesas to whether we would consider having another Group reunion.I've asked Duke Trivette if he would consider doing it again, and hefelt that "the second time around" might not be as bad. In anycase, I would like to hear from the Group as to how this sounds. Ifenough interest in having another Dayton reunion complete with aWright-Patterson Air Museum and Memorial visit is desired, thenwe shall once again put the wheels in motion. Perhaps another citywith a bus trip to W-P may be desired. Why not send me your ideasand perhaps we can work something up. For those who have notyet seen our Memorial, it would be a great opportunity to do sowith your fellow Group friends. A card, letter or phone call fromenough people, and we could make it happen again!

3

Vice President'sMessage

by Frank DiMolaPlans are underway for our Executive

Meeting, which will be held March 31 andApril 1. It will be a preview look at the site ofour next reunion, Hilton Head, SouthCarolina. With any luck, we may receive thisissue of the Journal before meeting time.Our hearty congratulations to the Heritage

League of the Second Air Division Associa-tion for publishing their first edition forDecember 1988 of the "no name" paper ofthe League. Norma Beasley can use yourmaterial that you guys and gals are hiding.Write it up and send it to her for the nextissue. They still have no name for theirnewsletter and are waiting for suggestionsfrom all of you. Their membership is grow-ing in leaps and bounds and at the last count,it was just over 450. The most impressiveenrollment that I noticed was the largenumber of families in the League. Can youimagine large enrollment of 13 Longs, 11Homans, 10 Chamberlains, 8 Pools, 8Beasleys, and so on. Now I am sure that theHeritage League will live forever.

2nd ADA Memorial and/orthe B-24 (cont. from page 2)4. Our 2AD Memorial is a better state-

ment of sacrifices made to preserve freedomwith the hope of avoiding the same mistakesagain.

Winston Churchill, on being made anhonorary citizen of the United States,drafted a letter to President Kennedy inblank verse. It read as follows:

Our comradeshipAnd our brotherhood in armsWere unexampled.We stood togetherAnd because of thatThe free world now stands.

Surely, such comradeship is fostered morethrough strengthening the impact of our2AD Memorial than romanticizing over apiece of hardware, however beloved. Thatcomradeship will pay off again, too, shouldthe need arise. The B-24 will not. So, let's in-dividually, consistent with personal ex-perience, join with others to support preser-vation of the B-24. But, as an Associationand as Groups, let's get fully behind our2AD Memorial and all that it can be. Let'snourish that special place through vigoroussupport to the American Librarian Projectwhile the time is ripe.

The 448th Speaksby Leroy Engdahl

1989 is upon us and our 5th consecutiveGroup reunion in conjunction with thecelebration of the 50th Anniversary of ourB-24 Liberator is just around the corner,being held at Ft. Worth, Texas, May 17-21.The 448th will be staying at the Holiday

Inn South, six miles from downtown Ft.Worth, off IH-35, the Ft. Worth/WacoHighway.Those of you who attended our first

Group reunion at Shreveport/BarksdaleAFB in 1985 and Lt. General Kenneth L.Peak's entertaining speech will wish himand his wife happiness in their recent re-tirement.Those of you who attended our second

Group reunion in 1986 at Dayton, Ohio andWright/Patterson AFB Museum will bepleased to learn that our banquet speaker,then Major General Charles D. Metcalf, isnow Lt. General Metcalf. Our congratula-tions go to him.There are no generals presently at

Carswell AFB in Ft. Worth, but we areworking on getting a speaker for our Satur-day night banquet on May 20. More detailswill be in the mailing to our reunion at-tendees.

I have been in touch with Cater Lee andhe advises me that you are sending in theprofiles he asked for and he thanks you, butfor those who still have not done so, pleasedo this right away so we can send a copy ofeach one's profile to the "Station 146"Seething Tower Association for their per-manent records. Also, each of us are en-couraged to send in our 1989 membershipdues to the Tower Association. These dueshelp in keeping the restored tower in tiptopcondition for visitors in the future to enjoy.These dedicated British friends take pride inshowing the memorabilia you have sent andthe collection is reportedly one of the verybest in the East Anglia area. Let's all helpby joining!

I have appointed a Nominating Commit-tee to select a member for our Group VPfor the 1990 term. The committee membersare: Ronald Berryhill, former navigator;Allen Cassady, former bombardier; GailIrish, former asst. crew chief; and MorrisCooper, former armament/gunner. We ap-preciate these men accepting this task as it isnot an easy one and whoever takes the dutyas our Group VP will have a very big andimportant job and will need the help of allour fine people.

I have been asked to put in our column aplea to help locate all ex prisoners-of-war ofStalag Luft IV and VI for enlisted men aircrews. I am happy to comply. I am advisedthis group holds a reunion each year, and ifyou were one of the POWs and are not amember, please contact Leonard E. Rose,8103 E. 50th St., Indianapolis, Ind., 46226.

4

A reminder if you definintely intend toattend either or both reunions at HiltonHead, SC or England in 1990: Don't forgetto send in your $50.00 deposit per personper reunion. You may get your money backup to 90 days before each reunion.

Occasionally we learn of one of our 2ADmembers passing away one or even moreyears after the fact. We like to recognizeour brothers in arms demise and put it inthe "Folded Wings" column, but we don'twant to do it two years later, so please, ifyou know of one of our brothers passingaway, please let Evelyn Cohen or his GroupVP know. Thanks.

When Bob and June Marjoram ofEngland and the Waveney Flying Group at-tended our 448th reunion last October atHarlingen/McAllen, Texas, Bob broughtwith him quite a supply of the 448th teatowels for sale to help the Seething TowerFund. These sell for $10.00 plus $1.00 andtwo stamps for packing and postage. Whena number have been sold I'll write a checkon our 448th Special Account where thereceipts are deposited and send it toEngland. These new design tea towels arefor the 448th only as they have oursquadron emblems in each corner; and alsoat each corner in the 8th AF emblem our448th Bomb Group ensignia is largely ex-hibited across the top. Our assembly plane,the "Checkerboard," is largely displayedbeneath, and below that our airfield run-way layout, the Seething Village Church,and lastly, our restored Seething ControlTower. Also a brief history of our Group.The design is great and if you want one, justsend me a check for eleven dollars and twostamps.

I have a good supply of the pewter B-24tie tacs that sell for $6.00; also the smaller(3/4") silver plated B-24 lapel pins for $7.00;same but as ladies charms for $7.00; samebut as ladies earrings at $12.00 per pair.Please specify "pierced or non-pierced."Also a good supply of small U.S. Flag lapelpins at $4.00; tail patch ensignias donatedby Ben & Charlotte Everett to go in 448thSpecial Account at $2.00 each. Please sendorders to me at 1785 Wexford Dr., Vidor,TX 77662.

Ben Johnson has a supply of our attrac-tive 448th caps that feature a 4" long B-24set in yellow with Air Force blue cap having8th AF insignia design on each side belowwith 448th BG in blue in center. Caps sellfor $6.00. Send orders to Ben at 3990 15thSt., Pt. Arthur, TX 77642. Let's show whatGroup we are with at Ft. Worth by wearingan attractive 448th cap.

Hoping to see a large turnout of 2ADpersonnel at Ft. Worth, especially our448th people.

Dear Bill:On behalf of the Collings Foundation,

I would like to thank the Second AirDivision Association Journal for the finearticles written by Art Cullen regardingthe restoration of the only restoredflying B-24 in the world.

Many 2nd AD members have con-tributed to this project and the dona-tions from the 453rd BG have reachedthe level where the Group will berecognized on the side of the plane.Hopefully, many of the other 2nd ADBomb Groups will really get behind theproject so that their Bomb Group willproudly fly again.

Also, I would like to thank FredBreuninger for his thoughts and sup-port. His second point in particular -that the 2nd AD should be involved inthe only restored flying B-24 in theworld! The fact that the 453rd BG leadscontributions in BOTH the LibraryFund and the Restore the B-24 Projectsuggests that BOTH projects are worth-while and BOTH should and can besupported.The B-24 and its crews are about to

get some long overdue recognition andrespect. The two 50 year celebrations atFt. Worth and San Diego are creating alot of excitement. General Dynamics, asa Major Plane Sponsor of the CollingsFoundation B-24 Restoration Projectwill be running major ads featuring theB-24 in Fortune, Wall Street Journal,Washington Post, Business Week, U.S.News, Aviation Week and others thatwill "knock your socks off."And when we take the only restored

flying B-24 in the world around to airshows and Bomb Group reunions, it willbe with great pride that those who havedonated to the cause and made it pos-sible can say, "I helped make thathappen."

— Robert F. Collings

NEEDED ITEMS/DONATIONS

Throttle Quadrant/$200Bomb Bay Hydraulics/$400Emergency Gear Retract Winch/$375Brake Drum Assembly/$350Loran/Navcom EquipmentBall Turret Hangers/$300Trim Tab/$120Machine Replica Bomb FusesIntercoolers/$450Sight for Top Turret/$125Walk Around Oxygen Bottle/$50Bombardier PanelReplica 500# Bomb/$350Pitot Tube/$50Radio Operator's Table/$135Nose Turret Glass/$3,000Tail Turret Glass/$3,000New 56" Sc Tires/$1,100Complete Overhaul of 1830/518,000Rear Turret Ammo Chute/$400

The Collings FoundationRiver Hill Farm

Stow, Massachusetts 01775

1989 will be a big year for all of the 2ndAir Division Association members and theircomrades. Many of them will make apilgrimage to Fort Worth, Texas in May tocelebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the B-24Liberator. I will not be among you, as along dreamed of trip to Alaska is coming tofruition and budget expenditures allow foronly so many trips per year.

I plan to intensify my recruiting effortsthis year and I would appreciate all of theassistance you have to offer. The most dif-ficult part of this endeavor is to obtain thenames and addresses of our former com-rades. Please share with me any and allleads you may have, and I will follow up onthem.

Last year, 1988, we added 26 new namesto our membership list. The names arelisted below, and if you wish to contact anyof them, please write to me for the completeaddress:Ben A. Brown, Norman, OK; John M.

Capps, Dexter, MO; Anthony J. Carra,Victor, NY; Heath H. Carriker, Ellerbee,NC; John T. Cloghessy, Jr., Dyer, IN;Robert S. Cloud, Deptford, NJ; Frank J.Cook, Philadelphia, PA; Col. Robert B.Crane, Urbana, IL; Col. Charles F.DiBrell, San Antonio, TX; Harold L.Dietz, Palestine, TX; Donald H. Goede,Colorado Springs, CO; Robert J. Har-tgerink, Willow Springs, IL; W. HenryHeidtbrink, Jr., Denver, CO; Edward H.Jones, Hanford, CA; Rev. Charles W. Lan-ton, Shelton, CT; Karl I. Maijala, Sun CityWest, AZ; Robert A. Marsh, Murray Hill,NJ; Robert Mundy, Jr., Ferrisburg, VT;Donald F. Murray, Endwell, NY; Earl H.Nichols, Houston, TX; Ben Olson, Red-ding, CA; Thomas F. Reto, Youngstown,OH; Leonard H. Smith, Santa Cruz, CA;Jack H. Wendling, Filer, ID; Frank E.Wolf, Portage, IN.The American Librarian Fund is grow-

ing, but there are some who have not sent in

466th Bomb Groupby E. W. Nothstein

their pledges or contributions, urgeeveryone to send them in as soon as possi-ble. No amount is too small - every dollarcounts!

I would like to extend a special welcometo our new Associate members, MaryCronberger, Oak Park, MI and AnneCarlichs, Ridge, NY. To quote one of theseladies, she and her sons "truly enjoyreading all the memorabilia sent. I thankyou for the enjoyment my husband receivedreading all the brochures, plus the get-togethers we went to and meeting oldfriends."

Update with regards to the memorialwindow project for All Saints Church inWeston-Longville: (1) There were no draw-ings or designs formulated in 1976. (2) Themonies collected for the memorial weredonated to the Library in Norwich. (3) Atthe time of conception of the plan, BillBrooks was president of the 466th. Whenthe plan was dropped, "Poppy" Danielswas Group VP.

It was dropped due to insufficient fund-ing. It has come to my attention that the466th Bomb Group Association is in thepre-planning stages of placing a monumentat the airfield (Attlebridge). With all of thisin mind, I would like to receive some inputfrom you, the members, in order to make afair decision about this matter.

Should we continue with this effort andinstall the window and scroll in All SaintsChurch or shall we again abandon the pro-ject and put it to rest? Another alternativewould be to join with the 466th BombGroup Association and support their ef-forts to erect a monument at the airfield. Ihave not received any comments fromanyone on this subject since June in Col-orado Springs. Let's hear from you. Theaccompanying sketch was prepared by ArtSessa to give you an idea of what the pro-ject is trying to achieve.

:11.:ii.I.ttl':

Two of many possibilities for a memorial window at All Saints Church, Weston-Longville.(Renderings: A. Sessa)

5

Two bomber crews or twelve men livingtogether in the cramped quarters of aNissen Hut, located on an American air-base in England during WWII, wasn't whatyou might call a piece of cake.These young men coming from all areas

of the United States and Hawaii, with dif-ferent personalities and backgrounds, werethrown together to live, fly, and possiblyeven to die together. They did have somethings in common - they were young,cocky, intelligent, with a love of flying anda burning desire for adventure.

Early in 1944 at Westover Field,Massachusetts, our crew of four Officersand six enlisted men was formed. Aftermany training flights in a B-24 bomber wewere assigned to the 8th Air Force and sentto England where we began flying bombingraids into France and Germany.As the months went by and the number

of completed missions increased, the stressand mental strain on the crew became ap-parent. Hate and anger, especially for theenemy, began to occupy our minds.Sometimes the smallest issue among thecrew could trigger an emotional explosion.We didn't know it at the time, but we wereapproaching a condition known as "battlefatigue."

I can remember one occasion that ourspirits were dampened. It was after wereturned from a bombing raid on a target inHamm, Germany. At de-briefing our heartswere saddened when we learned that thecrew who shared out hut was missing in ac-tion. Tired and weary and emotionallydrained from the day's activities, we peddl-ed our bicycles fast to get to the warmthand comfort of the old Nissen hut. When I

This Old Hutby Michael Donahue

arrived at the hut I sensed that somethingwas wrong, for over the half round metalroof hovered a layer of mist and smoke. Iwas informed by a fireman that while wewere away, a fire had burned up the insideof the hut. Most of the crew was at theirbunks when I entered the smelly, dimly lit,water soaked hut. Dave Moore, our ballturret gunner, lay stretched out on the baresprings of his bunk with his head proppedup on a layer of charred biscuits. When Ipassed his bunk I could hear him humminghis favorite song, "I'll Be Seeing You." Irealized then that his thoughts were of hissweetheart Clare who was far across the seain Massachusetts. Without any warningDave took his 45 automatic from its holster;with gun in hand he raised it above his headand touched off a round. The bullet travel-ed through the corrugated metal, leaving anice round hole in the ceiling above hisbunk. The report from the gun echoedthrough the small quarters. It was like beinginside a bell when it rang. When the smokeand the noise cleared we all looked at Dave,who just lay there with silly damn grin onhis face. You know that foolish stunt put asmile on all our faces and brought us allback to reality.Having been relieved of flying combat,

our crew began the strenuous task of train-ing for lead crew of the 20th wing. This,among other things, was probably thereason why Bob Thomas, our nose gunner,and I almost came to blows on a cold andrainy evening. We were very good friends,but I got the crazy idea that Bob, who spenta lot of time at Squadron Operations, wasvolunteering my services for many extraground duties and flying assignments. The

6

one thing that I really took exception to wasthe time when he got me drunk while wewere on pass in London, and while at adance at Covent Guardens, he proceeded tosteal my best girl away from me.When I look back on it now, I feel

honored and grateful that I had the oppor-tunity to be part of a B-24 crew that flewthe Glenn Miller Band around England.Firing flares out of old "Balls of Fire" dur-ing the assembly of the groups was a greatexperience. But I'll be damned if I willforgive him for trying to steal my best girlaway from me in London.

Walter "Beetle" Bourland, tail gunner.When Sperry and Consolidated designedthe turrets, they had "The Beetle" in mind.Dean V. Neadue, engineer, was the silent

leader of the non-commissioned officers.He admired and respected our pilot, LelandSpencer, and co-pilot Hugo A. Pofi with apassion, and in return they had completeconfidence in his ability as a flight engineer.To these men and their ability to fly theLiberator I owe my very existence.Frank Kelly, lead navigator. Frank took

pride in getting us there and back.Kuk, lead bombardier. His hits on the

target made our trips to the continent wor-thwhile.The man who really loved everyone on

our crew was the waist gunner Jack Mar-shall. Jack was our peacemaker. Whenthings got ugly in the hut and tempersflared among the crew members, Jack withhis marvelous sense of humor would jok-ingly intervene and bring the situation to aharmonious and happy conclusion."Happy Jack" is not with us anymore,

but wherever you are, we still love you.

Heavy BomberExtravaganza!

The highlight of this year's 1941 "Wingsof Eagles" airshow, sponsored by the Na-tional Warplane Museum of Geneseo, NY,will be the return of at least six B-17 "Fly-ing Fortress" heavy bombers as well as aB-24 "Liberator" and an Avro Lancaster.In addition to the four engine bombers,

over 75 vintage World War II aircraft willbe featured, making this popular show thelargest gathering of Warbirds in theNortheast.From biplanes to jet fighters, helicopters

to current military aircraft, the sky will befilled from early morning until late after-noon. Static displays will provide entertain-ment for family members of all ages. Con-firmed dates for this event are Saturday,August 19, and Sunday, August 20. Friday,August 18 is aircraft arrival day.For further information on the 1941

"Wings of Eagles" airshow, write the Na-tional Warplane Museum, P.O. Box 159,Geneseo, NY 14454 or call (716) 243-0690.

An Open Letter To All Membersby J. Fred Thomas, 2ADA Past President

Dear member, ex-presidents are about aswell remembered as yesterday's newspaper.However, I was 392nd BG VP 1980-1985,Executive VP 1983-1984, and AssociationPresident 1984-1985. I was a member of theExecutive Committee until last June. I saythis so that newer members know I havesome knowledge of the subject I wish to ad-dress.

I wish you to consider the AmericanLibrarian Fund which was activated lastJune at Colorado Springs. The matter wasstudied for several years, and all the prosand cons were definitely considered by yourExecutive Committee, most VicePresidents, and many members. When allthe facts were on the table, the activation ofthe plan was voted by a large majority.Rumor has it that I don't like to spendmoney, and I certainly don't like to askanyone for money. That's beside the point.The facts are that we have improved our Se-cond Air Division Memorial a great deal inthe last few years. We were very fortunateto have the support of the Fulbright Foun-dation for the past two years, but that sup-port is no more, and the matter is on ourlap. Now, we can go one of two ways. Wecan either continue to go forward and con-tinue to increase our momentum, or we canforget it and see our memorial slowly returnto the rather seedy condition of a few yearsback. It isn't that the British want it thatway, it is just the fact that they don't havethe tax money to affort a staff to man ourMemorial Room. Who knows how thecoming generations will feel about ourMemorial, not to mention what interestthey will have in what we did over thereduring our bleak days of WWII. There is norefuting the fact that if we want our story tocontinue to be told and our Memorial tocontinue to be a reminder to the world ofthe part we played in history, there is nosubstitute for making sure that we will havean American on the scene to care for andsee that our Memorial continues to do itsjob as we want it done. The inescapable factthat most of us won't be around for manymore years makes our Fund just that muchmore logical and desirable.

In the planning stages, some of usthought a direct mailing to every memberwas the way to go. Wiser heads prevailed,however, and we are using only the Jour-nal. We sincerely hope it will work, but inaviation parlance, "If we don't rev thisthing up, this turkey will never get off theground." And having been an aviator fornigh on to 40 years of my life, I don't likethose words at all. And another thing, forall my questions, objections and doubts,damned if I don't find myself on the com-mittee to get this thing flying. There is justone answer to that. Many of us have spent

quite a lot of our own money and more timethan you would believe representing everymember of our Association. Now, we haveto have your help. When our ExecutiveCommittee voted to activate the Fund pro-ject, we were asked to state what we wouldpledge toward making it a success. Thirteenof us pledged $22,000. We put our moneywhere our mouths were. However, we can'tdo it all, and I'm sure you don't expect thatof us. It's your Memorial as well as ours,regardless of how you feel, so give us abreak.

I began this hoping all of you will read it,but I really want to address about 2500members who are sitting on their duffswaiting to see whether we fly or crash. Wehave had several tell us that they will give$1,000 as soon as they see we will make thisthing a success. What is my answer suppos-ed to be to that? The only way we will everknow whether we will succeed or not iswhen we receive enough of your pledges toshow we can expect to receive our desiredamount. We know we have some amongour members who just can't afford a dona-tion. Believe me, I have been there when allI had in my pockets were holes, and we cansympathize with any in that situation. Allwe would like from any who are unable tocontribute is an encouraging word. Ofcourse, any contribution whatsoever will beappreciated. On the other hand, do we nothave 2500 members out of 7,000 who caneasily afford to pledge $200 to be paid overthe next two years? We started out sayingthree years, but nearly one year has beenfrittered away. Let me simplify it for you.When one says let's raise $500,000, it's ashock, but when we stop to realize that ifthose affluent 2500 we have mentioned givejust that $200, our goal has been met. Isthat too much to expect?

Again, in the planning stages, we stressedthat all Group VPs should join with the Ex-ecutive Committee to explore all facets ofthe project. We stated that if the matterdidn't have the full support of the majorityof the VPs, the project would be unlikely tofly. So far, Vice President support seems tobe lukewarm. I tell you now, unless ourVice Presidents begin to voice their supportfor the Fund, we will surely crash. As weread the Winter issue of the Journal, onlyRay Strong, VP Hdq, made any mention ofthe importance of supporting the LibraryFund. All other VPs seemed to be sellingeverything but the Division program; most-ly projects peculiar to their Groups at theirold bases. We find nothing greatly wrongwith that. Our own 392nd BG has formedan independent Memorial Group, and wehave quite an ambitious $120,000 projectgoing to refurbish our memorial obelisk atWendling. Anyone worth his salt takes

pride in his Group, the old base, and ourBritish friends about those bases. Why notleave some marker to memorialize our serv-ing there? We drink to those endeavors,and once again, we have put our moneywhere our mouth is and given a greater thanaverage donation toward the 392nd BGproject. However, the point I'm trying tomake is: Let's not let our individual Groupactivities monopolize our thinking to thepoint where it is too highly detrimental toour Division program. After all, our in-dividual Groups didn't fly alone in WWII.It was in Wings and a Division that wemade our contributions to the winning ofthe war. So should it be in completing whatI view as our last Division "mission." Idon't want the Group VPs to get me wrong.I have been there, too, and I know whodoes the work to keep our Associationgrowing. I also know you have to do what ispopular with your own members in order tokeep their interest. I went that route forover five years. However, I recall writingarticles warning of the dangers of splinter-ing our Division organization, and I'mdistressed to see what seems to be an in-crease in that direction. Further, in fairnessto our VPs, I know most of you have givengenerous donations to the Librarian Fund.So have the officers of some of the indepen-dent Group organizations. I know some of-ficers of the 392nd BGMA have donated,and all involved fully appreciate it. What Ihope for is more vocal support from ourVPs. I don't want to make a career out ofthis thing, so let's complete this last "mis-sion" so we can direct our attention toother desirable endeavors.

I believe I have belabored and beratedmost segments of all associated organiza-tions. Let me return to that affluent 2500members sitting on that fence. Do yourselfand us a satisfying favor by sending JordanUttal some sort of pledge for $200. Thepreferred way I would hope for would befor you to send him a check for $50 with apledge to donate another $150 in the next 18months. If that isn't acceptable, send himwhatever you choose along with a sincerepledge. We want him to get enough pledgesso he can announce that our project is air-borne. I want to get back to those who saythey will give $1,000 when they know we areat cruise altitude. Let me remind you thatyour donations are tax deductible, and iffor some reason our project doesn't fly,you will get your money back. We knowyou are asked to give to every charity onearth. We just hope you deem our projectworthy of your gift. As for Jordan Uttal,tell him you are giving only because old J.Fred begged you. Seriously, I am beggingyou. I want to get this thing off our backs.Also, it is taking too much out of the oldman to compose these billets-doux.

7

SUNOAULL

In this issue, we will depart from our stan-dard "bill of fare" for the troops who readour stuff in the Journal. As I understand it, areader in another Group took issue withsome of the wording regarding the informa-tion that I lifted from the various newsreleases and recognized statements issued inJune 1944 by the people in the "real know."First of all, he deserves an answer. So I re-ferred to the last issue of our Group publica-tion where we had a similar letter for theanswer. "Aren't we democratic." Well, hereis the answer used previously. "As to wholed the D-Day mission, what real differencedoes it make 44 years later. The fact remainsthat the 446th Bomb Group under Brogger'sleadership was assigned that responsibility."

The faith placed in our Group for thisimportant mission is an honor, right?Moving along to 1989: The 446th organi-

zation is growing. Its first chapter has beencreated in Florida and named in honor ofour beloved Chaplain Gannon. Its secondmeeting was held in Ft. Myers, Florida inNovember with a turnout from all over of121. Father Joe Murphy also was present tohonor Chaplain Gannon along with Col.Brogger, who attended his first 446th get-together since September 1944, when hereturned to the ZI with a wounded leg.

Congratulations were received from theCommander-in-Chief as follows:

Dear Chaplain Gannon:I am prouder than words can say to add

my congratulations to those you are receiv-ing as the Florida Chapter of the 446thBombardment Group Association renamesitself in your honor.

I needn't point out how truly well de-served this tribute is, during World War 11

you asked for and received an age waiver soyou could join the Army Chaplain Corpsand minister to our country's defenders.You inspired the entire 446th with yourfaith and compassion, your devotion to du-ty, your willingness to sacrifice. Yourpresence in times of joy and sorrow meanteverything to the brave Airmen you served.

You then continued as a Chaplain afterthe war and during the Korean War as well,always in the highest traditions of theChaplain Corps and your calling to theministry. I salute you, Father Joseph Mur-phy, Colonel Jacob Brogger, and all themembers of the 446th, and I join you inprayerful remembrance of those who cananswer roll call no longer.

Again, congratulations, and very bestwishes. God bless you, and God blessAmerica.

- Ronald Reagan

Bill McMahon showed poetic flair, a hid-den part of his personality, with this from-the-heart tribute.

"A Man Named John"by Bill McMahon

Many years ago we met a man namedJohn. He was sent by God to shepherd hisflock, the 446th Bomb Group. Everyonewho came in contact with this shepherdnamed John left with everlasting memories.The memories and comfort that he gave usin such adverse conditions would last alifetime.Johnny, we're glad we knew you.The inspiration that this man named

John gives to all is very much alive for us,who are blessed with his presence amongus. Men came from far and near to shakehis hand, and share their lives, their hopes,their dreams; the kind words, the love andcompassion, would restore the heart andsoul, soothe the nerves, give meaning to thelong dangerous journey we were about toundertake. From his quick Irish smile andgentle way we drew strength and peace ofmind that would sustain us when thingsstarted looking hopeless.Johnny, we're glad we knew you.Now that the planes are quiet, no longer

do we go forth to do battle, we are againdrawn to this prince of peace and love. Thesame soft gentle way, the quick smile, thewarm handshake, the friendly greeting thatrekindles the flame of love and admirationfor our shepherd of long ago. As theshadows start to lengthen, we all realizehow fortunate we were to know this mannamed John.Johnny, we're glad we knew you.Besides his loving flock, he tends to his

ailing wife, gently feeding her, lots of kindwords, then a warm kiss. The kind word toother patients in the ward. His glowradiates around him like a white dove,touching all who come in contact with him.Even to this day, John goes among his flockin distant places, giving his love to hisspecial flock, the 446th Bomb Group. Fromthe bottom of our hearts, we give you oureverlasting thanks and admiration ... Welove you John. You will always fill a specialplace in our hearts. We are so fortunate toknow you. May it be God's wish that afterour final mission we make a soft landing inparadise and spend eternity together.Thank you for showing us the way.Johnny, we are glad we knew you.

Yes, Chaplain Gannon and all youFlorida guys, you did good. See you in Ft.Worth in May. Next issue we will againdescribe how it really was with the 446th.We will tell you all about Station 125. Eatyour hearts out.Keep tuned to Beach Bell.

Letter to aFormer Crewmate

Dear Bob,It's been 45 years since Hitler's cannon

fire ripped through your chest and youjoined the ranks of the 2nd Air Division's6400 KIA. I'll never forget your ultimatesacrifice.

Lately, however, I've been concernedthat when I'm gone, there will be only alingering few who personally rememberyour sacrifice, as well as the other 6400 lostAmericans. No grandchildren will visit yourgravesite: you left no children. After all,you were only 21. You didn't have muchmore than just a good start in life whenyour heart exploded.But now I see a worthy and practicable

way to ensure a proper and lasting tributeto you and our other Roll of Honor airmeninto and beyond the 21st century. Inciden-tally, Bob, as you know, a few of the fallen6400 were ground crew fellows whovolunteered to fly combat when needed.

There's a special Librarian Fund Driveunderway to raise $500,000. The money willbe invested within the U.S. and the earnedannual interest will, under the guidance ofour present and succeeding Anglo-American Board of Directors, enable us tohire a permanent full-time Memorial RoomLibrarian and Aide. Judicious husbandingof the capital assets should allow our suc-cessors to continue the hiring arrangementlong into the future, probably intoperpetuity.The literary and material upgrading of

our American Roll of Honor Room in Nor-wich Central Library the past two years byAmerican Librarian Bertha Chandler andBritish Aide Tony North has been immense-ly encouraging and proves the worthiness offull-time effort. Their enthusiasm in pro-moting general knowledge of the U.S., withemphasis on the 2nd Air Division's wartimecontribution among Norfolk's schoolchildren and adults too, is commendable.The Memorial Room is really your

Room, Bob; yours and the other "foreveryoung" men. Equally practical and sym-bolic, the Room is a little bit of our hearts -your heart - placed in the caring hands ofour British friends.

I'm contributing to the library fund drivein memory of you, dear former crewmate.And I hope at least 6399 other 2nd Air Divi-sion Association members join in honoringeach one of our revered 6400 Roll of HonorAmericans by contributing.So long for now, Bob Bonham.

— Donald V. Chase

Whether it's $10 or ten thousand,please make checks payable to

"2nd Air Division Association" and mail toJordan R. Uttal

7824 Meadow Park Dr., Apt. 101Dallas, Texas 75230

8

Up We Go -Down We Goby Elwin J. McKenney (44th)

When I read William E. Coleman's story"Channel Incident" in the Journal wherehe tells of troubles caused by the strange ac-tions of his auto pilot, I recalled a similarincident.

It was sometime in September 1943 andwe were on our way from Shipdham toMarrakech, the first leg of a trip to Tunis.We were loaded with a full crew, all our lug-gage, spare parts, equipment, bicycles, etc.This was the second tour to North Africafor our Wing; the first was to Bengasi.Lands End, England was well behind us

and we had leveled off at 12,000 feet overthe Atlantic, some place northwest of Por-tugal. It was night and we were in smoothair between cloud layers. No horizon, strict-ly on instruments. Most of our previous fly-ing had been formation, low altitude orother hands-on type, so my experience withauto pilots was very limited. We had theauto pilot set on the "warm up" mode dur-ing climb and had essentially forgottenabout it.The first sign of anything wrong was a

slight vibration and unresponsiveness inaileron control. I noticed it first and askedthe co-pilot to see if he could feel it. Hetook the controls and made some slightbanks. The vibration and tendency to over-control became more apparent and I gotback on the controls with him trying to getthings stabilized. It was too late; we werebanking back and forth with the planeresisting our efforts to level off. On top ofthis we started into first a shallow and thensteeper dive, still resisting all control ef-forts. The feeling on the wheel and ruddercontrol was first shaky with no response,then it would take hold and violently res-pond to where immediate counter controlwas necessary with the same feelings.

In a matter of seconds we were in a steepdive while banking about 70 degrees first tothe right and then to the left. All this incomplete darkness, on instruments. Abouttwo more cycles and we would have beenrolling towards the Atlantic.

I guess a light came on in my head orsomething. In desperation I banged downthe master switch bar on the auto pilot andfull control was returned. We stopped theviolent banking and concentrated on pull-ing out of the screaming dive without pull-ing the wings off that Liberator. I don'trecall the airspeed, but I do remember thealtimeter and rate of climb indicator wereunwinding like I had never seen before. Wefinally leveled out at about 4000 feet.

After getting our breath, the best courseof action seemed to be to return to base toassess damage to the plane from the violentshaking maneuvers and stress of thepullout. We returned to Shipdham andmade a very gentle landing.The next day an inspection revealed only

a few missing rivets. No structural damage.So we again took off for Marrakech, thistime with no problems.

Division Headquartersby Ray Strong

This is the first of the anecdotes,humorous events, and descriptions of thefunctions of the Division general andspecial staff. More will follow in futureissues by other members. This one was writ-ten by Carl Barthel. Carl was DivisionNavigator during the last year we were inEngland. He flew his missions with the 93rdBombardment Group and was then broughtup to Division Headquarters. He stayed inthe Air Force until retirement. He did notgive his article a title, so I gave it one, "TheAwards Ceremony and its Audience." Allof us at HQ, at one time or another, pro-bably stood in a similar formation on Mrs.Boileau's lawn overlooking the pond, evenif we were not present at the one described,and can relate to the view of the pasture.Carl will, I hope, write more later about theDivision Navigator's functions.

"The Awards Ceremony and its Audience"by Col. Carl C. Barthel

It was late in the war; France had beenliberated, the war was being fought on Ger-man soil, Italy had surrendered, we werehaving trouble finding bomber targets, andwe were having hopes of an end to the warin Europe. Word came through to anumber of officers and enlisted staff toassemble at Ketteringham Hall. We did notknow what for.The day was good; even the sun was out

for the occasion. We all formed in a line;Generals on the right, field grade officersnext, company grade next, and seniorNCOs on the left. The formation reflectedthe fact that we had spent more timefighting the war than we had at close orderdrill. A bit ragged, but we were all veteransof more than a year of war, some almostthree years.

General Kepner and Senior Staff wereout in front, and the Flag and Band were

there. Some cars drove up and a number ofofficers in a different uniform alighted.They consisted of a Senior General, hisaide, and members of his staff; all French.With proper ceremony the General pro-ceeded to present decorations to those of uswho had been called in. Starting with theFrench Legion of Honour and ending withthe Croix de Guerre, all were properlypinned and kissed on both cheeks. That wasinteresting; we had there a large Generalwho hesitated (the French general was quiteshort, next to him), then finally bowed toreceive the buss on his cheeks.

During all of this we were facing a largepond or small lake, and on the other side ofthe water was a fairly large herd of cattle.As the band played the Star Spangled Ban-ner and the Marseillaise, the cattle formedup on the far side of the lake in quite a goodformation and listened attentively to the en-tire proceedings. As citations were read,they would cock their heads to one side andthen the other almost in unison. We couldsee them but the French contingent couldnot; our discipline was good; no onelaughed or made an untoward remark.

There is a sequel to this. On 8 May 1987,my wife and I were in St. Pierre le Moutierin the center of France. That day iscelebrated as the day of Liberation ofFrance from Germany. As we drove intotown, the roads were blocked for a parade;we joined the crowd. The parade was led bythe school band, then the Gendarmes, thenthe Pcmpiers (firemen), then the veteransof WWII. There were a number of crutchesand empty sleeves in the group; they hadpaid the price of Freedom. The Mayor ad-dressed the group. I assure you that outthere in the center of France, the work ofthe 2nd Air Division, as well as others, is tothis day appreciated.

Folded Wings44th

Oswin J. UnterreinerHerman WagenfurhJames P. Horton

93rdRodney D. BortisHarvey CharleboisAnthony J. DeCillis

389thSidney Westlund

392ndCol. Joseph P. Siegfried (Ret.)

445thBilly W. Buzbee

448thArthur M. Herrington

453rdArthur Schneider

9

458thPaul S. Faggioli

Col. Melvin E. Fields (Ret.)Stanley L. JohnsonHerman Mandell

466thRay E. Wilson

Charles P. Miller

489thTheodore Bomeisler, Jr.

491stCurtis W. Alty

492ndA.G. Raisig

HDQAlbert Levit

65 FWWilliam E. Davis

2ADA Film Library Revised 1-89The following tapes are available for rent from your 2ADA film library:

Video tapes — VHS — (Order by Roman #)

I Remember ThemII A Village Remembers

I Order together

III Target for TodayThe Men Who Flew the Liberators2ADA Reunion 1973 — Colorado Springs2AD Memorial Dedication — Norwich 1963

IV The MissionNight Bombers — RAFSchweinfurt & RegensburgMemphis Bell

V Ploesti93rd B.G. in North AfricaThe Fight for the Sky2ADA Reunion Film Clip — Norwich 1983

VI The Air Force Story — Vol. I — Chapters 1-8VII The Air Force Story — Vol. I — Chapters 9-16VIII The Air Force Story — Vol. I — Chapters 17-24 Order togetherIX The Air Force Story — Vol. I — Chapters 25-26

The Air Force Story — Vol. II — Chapters 1-6

X Smashing of the ReichMedal of Honor — The Burning of Ploesti Oil

XI Some of Our Airmen Are No Longer Missing2ADA March AFB Memorial Service, 1984The Superplane that Hitler Wasted — ME-262

XII The Story of Willow RunPreflight Inspection of the B-24Flying the B-24(This tape donated to 2ADA by 467 B.G. in memory of Adam Soccia)

XIII Battleline Series — Bombing of JapanThe Last Bomb — B-29's and P-51 DocumentaryTarget Tokyo — B-24's Narrated by Ronald Reagan

XIV Aviation CadetWings of the Army

XV Air War Over EuropeTarget PloestiRaid on SchweinfurtCounterblast: HamburgGuided Missiles

XVI The Last Mission - 5 days of Norwich 1987 2ADA conventionplus additional camcorder scenes by several members

We also have available single copies of the following:

"Winged Victory""24's Get Back""Aerial Gunner"

"World War II"with Walter Cronkite10 Volumes

"Faces of the 2nd Air Division""Eight Candles for Remembrance"

S3.0)

$3.00

$3.00

S1 (X)

$9.00

$3.00

$3.00

$3.00

$3.00

$3.00

$3.00

$3.00

donated by Hugh McLaren$5.00 each

donated by Roy Jonasson(See Fall '88 Journal p. 32)

$5.00 each

Produced by Joe Dzenowagis$5.00 each

$5.00 per tape includes first class mailing. Please return them the same way ASAP.

Order from: Pete Henry164 B Portland LaneJamesburg, NJ 08831

North Central StatesMini-Reunion To Be HeldA 2ADA North Central States Mini-

Reunion will be held September 15, 16,1989 at the Dearborn Inn, Dearborn,Michigan.

Notices of the reunion have been mailedto members residing in the North Centralstates. Hotel reservation forms and reunionregistration forms should be completed andmailed no later than August 15, 1989.Contact Mr. Wilbur Stites, 9334 Kahl

Road, Black Earth, Wisconsin 53515, Tel.(608) 767-2625; or George J. Rundblad, 765Stoney Point Road, Suttons Bay, Michigan49682, Tel. (616) 271-6894 if you need moreinformation pertaining to the reunion.

Castle Air MuseumB-24 Progressby Joseph T. Beach

Especially for 93rd members and otherswho would want to attend, the projected"Dedication/Roll Out" and 93rd mini-reunion, in conjunction with roll out of therestored B-24 at the Castle (AFB) AirMuseum, is tentatively scheduled for someweekend in October 1989. There is no wayto be more precise at this time.Henry Betz, my co-chairman for the

mini-reunion, and I visited with the Com-mander of the 329th CCTS, his project of-ficer, and Mr. Russ Morrison, curator ofthe Castle Air Museum. They gave us anupdate on the restoration. It goes withoutsaying that many parts are still missing andwill either have to be manufactured orbought some place. The main wings havebeen attached to the fuselage, land-gear isin place, tail turret is just about ready forguns, and the cockpit is about 8007o com-plete. Lots of new "skin" has replaced theoriginal skin.One big thing the museum needs is lots of

"green," so please, people, reach into yourpockets (or better, write a check), and senda contribution to the Castle Air Museum,Atwatter, CA 95301 for this most worthyproject. (Be sure to indicate on your check"B-24 Restoration.")The Castle Air Museum has over 30 air-

craft on open air display, plus others storedinside (the fabric covered planes suffer inthe intense summer heat). If any 2ADAmembers are driving either North or Southalong Highway 99, the museum is just northof Merced (CA), actually in Atwatter, justoutside the main gate of Castle AFB, homeof the 93rd Bomb Wg. It's a stop well worththe time and I would encourage one and allto stop in.Any 93rd people and others interested in

the roll out who have any questions, pleasecall me at (916) 331-3331 or write: JosephT. Beach, 4128 Galbrath Dr., N.Highlands, CA 95660. If you want a writtenreply, be sure to enclose a self-addressedstamped envelope.

For former members of the 329th BombSquadron who would like to share some oftheir WWII experiences with the presentday USAF 329th CCTS (Combat Crew TngSq), please send them to either L.Col. BobMcEneany, Commander of the 329th, orMaj. Cris Kirtland, 329th B-24 project of-ficer, c/o 329th CCTS, Castle AFB, CA95342-5000.

10

The 445th Reportingby Chuck Walker

As most of you know, Buddy Cross hashad to resign as our 445th Group VP. Ihave been asked to take on the job and amdoing it willingly, and will certainly give itmy best shot, but following in the footstepsof Buddy, Frank DiMola and Dave Patter-son is a big order and will require the helpof all of you. I need your ideas and sugges-tions in order to get the job done.So now you good 445thers have a new

Group VP who is submitting his first col-umn to the Journal. With Bill Robertie'sgood editing, perhaps it will turn out to bereadable.

First off, let's welcome new membersStewart J. Ross, Lynnfield, MA; TheodoreJ. Kaye, Hilton Head, SC (we will surely seeyou in November); Lee A. Troggio, NewCastle, PA; Ralph B. Crandell, Sylvania,OH; Samuel S. Anzalone, Magnolia, DE;Joseph L. Weckesser, Rochester, NY; andEugene Waldher, Tucson, AZ. A heartywelcome to all of you! I do have one re-quest. Each of you surely knows the nameand address of other former (not necessarily445th) 2nd ADA people who should bemembers of the Association but are not.Why don't you do like Sam Anzalone didand send me or Evelyn Cohen their namesand we will get an application off to themwithout delay. Of course we will check ourroster to see if they are already membersand if they are, we will still benefit fromhaving heard from you.

This is Frank DiMola's new license plate,courtesy of his wife Elizabeth. Do any other445thers have distinctive plates?The 2nd ADA American Librarian Fund

needs our support. As shown in the Winter

'88 Journal, the fund has a long way to gobut certainly the goal of $500,000 is notunattainable. The presence of a full-timeAmerican Librarian during the last twoyears as provided by the Fulbright Founda-tion has left no doubt as to not only theneed, but the fundamental desirability foran American on the job in order to pro-mulgate the original goal we set forth as ourway of honoring those of the 2nd ADA whogave their lives in the service of their coun-try. Let's make the 445th the leader inachieving this goal, just as we led the 2nd inbombing accuracy during much of 1944!

I recently heard from Johnnie Burke,who reminded me of the B-24 Liberator50th Anniversary Celebration to be held inFt. Worth, TX, May 17-21. This event willbe sponsored by General Dynamics Corp.and American Airlines, as well as keymilitary and community agencies. You cancontact Reunion Project Office, B-24 50thAnniversary, 6424 Torreon Dr., NE, Albu-querque, NM 87109 (or call 505-821-4484).

I have also received a letter from AlQuerbach, Hanston, KS asking about our2nd ADA Southern California Mini-Reunion. He and his wife expect to attendand, although the date of 25 Feb. will belong past by the time you read this, it givesme the opportunity to remind all of you(not just the 445th) that this is an annualevent, usually held in the last week ofFebruary, and if you are planning a vaca-tion in southern California next year wewould like to have you join us.Coming back from a trip east last

September, I detoured through Scottsdale,Arizona and had the pleasure of spendingan evening with Web Uebelhoer and hiswife Helen. We hadn't seen each other since1945, so you can well imagine that Helenwasn't able to get a word in edgewise.Don't fail to sign up for the '89 Reunion

in Hilton Head, November 2-5, and also forNorwich in 1990. Evelyn Cohen advises thatavailable accomodations are going fast andwe certainly want as many of the 445th guysand their gals there as possible. Don't putoff making your reservations!

Well, this seems to be about all I can doas a starter. Perhaps, and hopefully, thenext article will be an improvement (at leastI won't have the distractions of the holidayseason and a house full of guests).

First Drink Together in 441/2 Years - Half of B-24 crew of "Shoo Shoo Baby." (r-I): BobKimball, Geo. Leininger, Bob Slusher & Mike Larson at Gastons White River Resort, Ark.,September 1988.

Control Tower atWright-Patterson?

by Lou DubnowRecently I visited the Wright-Patterson

Air Force Museum at Dayton, Ohio and en-joyed it immensely. For those of you whohaven't been there yet, I highly recommendit. It's an unforgettable experience;however, I found one thing lacking - aWWII ETO Control Tower. I'm sure thatmany of the air and ground personnelwould be interested in seeing the interior ofa typical tower and see the primitive equip-ment we had. I would like to see the towerbuilt at Dayton, together with ambulance,crash truck, fire truck, checkered caravan,etc., just the way it was way back in1942-45.There are several control towers that

have been restored in England at Thorpe-Abbotts, Framlingham and Seething, butI'm sure that there are lots of vets who can'tafford to go over to England. Why can't wehave one here? It would be a good projectfor the 8th Air Force Historical Society toundertake. It wouldn't be too difficult tobuild, nor too expensive, either.The control tower in the ETO was unique

in that it was a combination of U.S. BaseOperations and British R.A.F. Flying Con-trol. The tower was, in fact, the eyes, ears,and very heart of the airfield, and was "offlimits" to most personnel, except the C.O.,Squadron Commanders, Air Exec., andpilots who had to pick up clearances.

If you'd like to see a World War II ETO-type Control Tower at the Air ForceMuseum at Dayton, please write to me andI will see that your card or letter gets intothe right hands.

Lou Dubnow (446th BG)1189 Galesmoore Court

Westlake Village, CA 91361(805) 497-1964

Planning a Visitto Norwich?

In the 1987-88 Winter Journal a short ar-ticle of mine was published asking for peo-ple who had plans to visit Norwich and theMemorial Room to contact me before theycame so that I could help them with travelarrangements, visits to their old airfields,etc. I had an excellent response to this arti-cle and was able to assist many 2nd A.D.veterans who came to the area last summer.

It would be pointless to repeat the entirecontents of the previous article, but let meurge any prospective visitors to Englandwho are considering a trip to the Norwicharea to contact me, if possible well beforethe time of their visit, as I know I can makethings much more interesting and enjoyablefor them.

Tony NorthMemorial Trust AideCentral LibraryBethel StreetNorwich NR2 1NJ

11

by Jeff Gregory

Howdy from Texas.We all have our "I wish I hads." For example, "I wish I had

kept a record of my missions" or "I wish I had kept a diary duringthe war." Someday some of you will say, "I wish I had acquiredthe Dzenowagis' tapes when they were available." THE TIME ISNOW! Why? Because all 467th and 2nd ADA members shouldhave them, and because we (467th) want to keep this uniquehistorical project going.So, for the benefit of new members and those old boys who real-

ly haven't been listening, I am going to review some of the factsand, hopefully, encourage orders from you all.

Joe Dzenowagis and his family (wife Helen, son Joe Jr., anddaughter Joan), have literally invested thousands of their personaldollars in the making of these tapes. They have never and will neverask for a dime from the 467th. However, putting the money aside, Iwonder if you realize how lucky we are. Nothing like this projecthas ever been done before. Nothing in the history of the Eighth AirForce has even approached it. I'm not just talking about oral andvideo history of our wartime service, but I'm referring to the reu-nions, the faces, the smiles, the eyes, and the voices of those wehave known and have come to know. All of this is available to seeand hear in the comfort of your living rooms. Yes, regretfully,there are those who appear on these tapes who can never be with usagain.

Joe's "well" is bound to be running dry, but there is somethingwe can do to help. Just order 1, 2013 tapes. Monies derived fromyour contributions will be plowed back into the program for fur-ther interviews and reunion tapings.

For you new members, these tapes will help you understand whatwe are all about. For all of us, these tapes will be a treasuredreminder of past places, times and friends.These are the three tapes available from Joe at the present time:

"Faces of the Second Air Division"This documentary is valued highly by both oral historians and

persons interested in military history. It focuses on the perceptionsof WWII by those who served in the 2nd Air Division, 8th USAAF.It is based on the interviews of 32 veterans and two English friendstaken at the 39th annual 2nd ADA reunion in Chicago and includessegments of each interview, reunion activities, old photos, combatfootage, and original music and narration. It is a vivid portrayal ofthe strength and courage of a generation of men and women whowere involved in one of the most difficult struggles of mankind.VHS 55:30 minutes $39.50

"Eight Candles for Remembrance"This 60-minute documentary was developed from 1000 minutes

of footage covering major activities of almost 1000 Americans atthe 40th 2ADA reunion in Norwich, England in 1987. It drawsfrom the memories of WWII of Americans who were based thereand English citizens of that area. It includes activities such as anafternoon in the 2nd Air Division 8th AAF Memorial Room, ser-vices of remembrance in Norwich Cathedral and the AmericanCemetery at Cambridge, reception at Norwich Castle and air showat RAF Coltishall, dancing at the "Muscle Palace" and the farewellbanquet. A unique feature is the 13-minute "P.S." that includeseveryone who attended the Coltishall luncheon plus the late busarrivals to the base.

"The 467th Bomb GroupFamily Reunion Album"

This documentary is the most complete coverage of a reunion ofany bomb group in the 8th Air Force and was videotaped inShreveport, LA in September 1987 at the 467th BG family reunion.From the start of activities on a Red River paddleboat to the lastnight banquet and salute to the 467th by the 8th Air Force Com-mander, the veterans and their familes spent a weekend togethertouring Barksdale AFB, reliving war memories in the "LadenMaiden," a B-24 awaiting restoration; placed a few bets at theLouisiana Downs; were serenaded by the 8th AF Band; and danced

their feet off. Like any family album, this one includes images ofeveryone who passed in front of the camera. It is unlikely that suchextensive coverage will ever occur again.VHS 80 minutes $49.50

Well, there you have it. If I haven't convinced you of the impor-tance of this project, shame on me! Joe's address is: JoeDzenowagis, P.O. Box 421, Okemos, MI 48864; Telephone (517)349-3246.

Phil Day tells me he is receiving some nice contributions for theMail Memorial Fund and the Albert J. Shower Fund. Manythanks! We can't make it without you.

Well, it's that time again. Got your deposits in for Hilton Headand Norwich? Enough said except, Tempus Fugit.

Plans continue for the Fort Worth B-24 bash and 467th reunion.The month of May will be here soon. Phil and Ms. Cille are in themidst of their great organizing job, and I know all attendees willenjoy both ends of this double-header. More info will be forthcom-ing from Phil. Stay tuned.A special thanks to Ray Betcher for sending a copy of his taping

of the "Witchcraft" painting presentation at the Air ForceAcademy. I have sent a copy of that copy to Mrs. Fred Jansen(donor of the painting in the name of Fred Jansen). I am sure shewill enjoy it. If anyone would like to see it, perhaps we can show itin Fort Worth.

Jordan Uttal tells me the 467th leads the 2nd ADA in responsesto the appeal for the American Librarian Fund of our MemorialRoom. Isn't that great! For indeed, a finer cause cannot be found.Perhaps we can keep the lead until Hilton Head and beyond. Weare being pressed hard by other groups, but then, we are used toleading, aren't we? Dig deeply!

Speaking of Jordan Uttal, I just took a moment to re-read hismemorial message at the AFA Chapel in Colorado Springs. It ap-pears in the Fall issue and is entitled "A Salute." If you missed it,please take a moment to read it. It says so well what we're all about,and why.

Till next time - God bless you all.

In Honour of a HeroSeveral of our members thought itwould be nice to include the follow-ing in the Journal, to let the fighterpilots know that the bomber boyshave not forgotten them.

A Cambridgeshire village hashonoured an American war hero -44 years after he died leading afighter attack over Europe.And joining the villagers at Bot-

tisham, near Cambridge, at thememorial ceremony was thedaughter the hero never saw whowas flown from the United Statesspecially for the occasion.

Col. Thomas J.J. Christian com-manded the Bottisham-based 361stFighter Group in 1943-44 after

being awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in the Far East.The Group undertook long-range bomber escort and ground at-

tack missions over Nazi-occupied Europe flying P51-D Mustangs.Col. Christian died on August 12, 1944 when his Mustang took a

direct burst of flak and exploded. His body was never found.Now he is to be honoured by having a street on a new luxury

housing estate in the village named after him. A lych-gate willhouse a memorial plaque to the dashing airman who is still

remembered by the village.The site for the 35 four- and five-bedroomed houses was part of

the base for the 361st Fighter Group. The street is to be called"Thomas Christian Way."

Housebuilders, Bellway, have commissioned a prominentaeronautic artist to produce a picture for presentation to ColonelChristian's daughter. It depicts Colonel Christian flying hisMustang "Lou IV" with two other Mustangs in formation.

12

pen LetterTo the 93rd

by Floyd H. Mabee (93rd)

FOLDED WINGS OF THE 93rd (NOTMEMBERS OF 2ADA): For members thatmight have known them - Jacob P. Eptingof Jackson, Miss. Original 93rd 409thmember, flew over Sept. '42, pilot on planecalled "Red Ass." Passed away Oct. 1988.He was awarded 2 DFCs, 6 Air Medals, and2 Presidential Unit Citations. I was in-formed by crew member Richard Ryan thatEpting wrote the recommendations for Col.Baker and Maj. Jerstad for the Medal ofHonor awards both received. Both werekilled on Ploesti mission, Aug. 1, 1943.Also no longer with us is Sherwood Snittjenof Wellsburg, Iowa, who passed away Sept.6, 1988.

If any of you hear or know of the passingof any 93rd, 2nd ADA members, pleasenotify Evelyn Cohen so that they can beshown in the "Folded Wings" column ofthe Journal. Only 2nd ADA members willbe shown in the Journal. Also, please notifyme of the passing of any 93rd men whoweren't members of the Association, and Iwill show them here.MY WINTER AND SUMMER AD-

DRESSES: Please note the changes of myFlorida house number and zip codenumbers, as they were both changed lastyear. From Nov. to May, 11524 Zimmer-man Rd., Port Richey, FL 34668; Tel.813-862-2309. From May to Nov., 28Hillside Ave., Dover, NJ 07801; Tel.201-366-5916. Please note these addressesso you won't get your mail back.INFORMATION NEEDED: I have been

asked for the address of Col. Leland Fiegel.I believe he was 93rd Commander after thedeath of Col. Baker. Anyone with this in-formation, please pass it on to me, and Iwill also send him an application.INVITATION: I reported in the Winter

Journal of an invitation received fromRoger Freeman and Ltc. John H.Woolnough (Ret.), Directors of the 8th AirForce Memorial Museum Foundation, Inc.for me to participate in an "Aerial Gunnersof the Mighty Eighth" symposium held inDes Moines, Iowa on October 15, 1988. Isaid I would give details about it in the nextJournal. I met Roger in Des Moines at thesame hotel as I was in the evening he flew infrom England. I received a three-page list ofquestions that would be asked of the twoB-17 gunners, William Thorns, 96th BGand John Hill, 305th BG; and B-24 gunnersCol. John Driscoll (Ret.), 389th BG andmyself for the 93rd BG. The attendance wastwice as large as expected, and they had toopen extra rooms to accomodate. It was avery interesting session and I can now trulysay that there was very little training for theearly gunners that went overseas. At thattime, I thought myself to be a hotshot gun-ner who kne'.. everything one could

possibly know about shooting a gun. Howvery wrong I was; of the thousands ofrounds I fired at the enemy fighters, I onlyknow of two confirmed kills and onedestroyed. If I hit them it was just luck, as Ihad never been trained in how to aim thosethings. The three-page questionnaire is toolong for my report, so if anyone would likea copy, just let me know. We covered: 1) Abrief outline of aerial gunnery from WWIup to WWII was presented by JohnDriscoll. Panel members were requested tojump in with comments at any time. 2)Training we received in the U.S.A. 3)Training in the U.K. 4) Combat. Therewere several questions in that category.

I just received a video cassette of thewhole session, done by Ltc. Herbert H.Schaaf, USAF (Ret.), 4 North Lake Dr.,Statesboro, GA 30458. It cost $25 plus $3postage, well worth it if interested. I mightadd that our 93rd members are not partialto 8th AFHS reunions versus the 2nd ADAreunions. After two days, I found a 93rdAsst. member and later at the Unit Rendez-vous dinner we had the following 93rd peo-ple present: Lloyd E. Anderson, Russell L.Hulsey and wife, Jim McMahon, PaulPeloquin and wife, Eugene Flint, John J.Sarris, Richard Wilkinson and wife, andmyself. Two other 93rd men and their wivesdidn't attend. With a short meeting afterdinner that I wasn't prepared for with somenotes, I tried to convince some attendingthat just because they belonged to the 8thAFHS, that didn't mean that they belongedto the 2nd ADA. There seems to be a lackof knowledge about this, as some kept say-ing 8th ADA when they were talking aboutthe 8th AFHS. I tried to get this straight. SoI had a good supply of applications with meand gave out five, one to a 458th man, oneto a 93rd man, and one to each of thefollowing who have now joined: Robert H.Veneck, Richard E. Steelman, and EugeneFlint. Welcome, fellows, to an organizationof your old warriors. So even though the12-16 Oct. is about the time I start packingfor Florida for the winter, the trip was veryenjoyable, and I thank Roger Freeman andLtc. John H. Woolnough for the invitation.93rd MEMORIAL FOR USAF

MUSEUM AT DAYTON, OHIO: Ihaven't heard anything from my chairmanWilliam F. Doerner on this, but don't fear,as we have time for more donations for this.Send your checks made out to the "93rdBomb Group Memorial Fund" to CharlesWeiss, 21 Moran Dr., Waldorf, MD 20601.I believe that the museum must startanother area for the Memorials, as the onearea is filled.

STORIES FOR THE JOURNAL: I hopeyou enjoyed, as I did, the "Kate Smith"story written by your Asst. VP, JohnO'Grady, in the Winter Journal. He alsosent me a copy of a letter he wrote to AndyRooney, the nationally syndicated colum-nist, about a column where he had cast someaspersions upon the B-24 bomber. I wouldlike very much to quote his letter, but myallotted space is limited. For all members:Keep sending your stories in to Bill Robertie,

13

and please note you were with the 93rd.SQUADRON & GROUP EMBLEMS:

I'm still working on this. If any of youwould like to take on this job for me, itwould be greatly appreciated. I will supplysome catalogs and colored photos of thewoven emblems. I just can't do justice to allthe things I'm trying to do for you, alongwith all the correspondence I'm involved in.I need help badly. Along with "honey dothis" and "honey do that," I haven't hadany time to enjoy this beautiful, sunny,warm weather we have had here in Florida.THE STORY OF THE 93rd BOMB

GROUP: I have had several requests for acopy of this along with checks. Please don'tsend any money until I call for it; we are along way off from getting these. I just wasgoing to ask if anyone knew who had thesemade up originally, and I just found out thename and address of the 93rd man who hadthem made up. I will contact him to findout if there will be any problems with ourhaving copies made up; I don't want a lawsuit on my back. He is not yet a member ofthe 2nd ADA. I still haven't had an offerfrom any of you who has a good originalcopy where the pages aren't brown. Please,I'll guard it with my life, as I know how rarethey are. A book-dealer friend advertisedfor a copy for two years in a country-widead to book-dealers, and there wasn't oneanswer. One of our members loaned me hiscopy a couple of years ago; I wanted to seeif it could be xeroxed as the print was veryclear, but the pictures were too dark torecognize the person in the picture. I triedon several different machines, but all thesame. The paper was very brown from useand age, so I returned it to him. I justreceived a nice letter from member HowardMacreading, original member of the 93rdBG, 330th BS. He was crew chief of fiveplanes, and his favorite was "Ready andWilling." He told me he has a copy that hereceived in Nov. 1946 which cost $5.00 andcame from Washington, D.C. How luckycan one be.

"Pastor, How Can IStop Worrying?"When you worry, you have only two

things to worry about: whether you are richor whether you are poor. If you are rich,you've got nothing to worry about. If youare poor, you've got only two things toworry about: whether you are sick orwhether you are well. If you are well,you've got nothing to worry about. If youare sick, you've got only two things toworry about: whether you are going to getbetter or die. If you are going to get better,you've got nothing to worry about. If youare going to die, you've got only two thingsto worry about: whether you are going togo to heaven or to hell. If you are going toheaven, you've got nothing to worry about.If you are going to hell, you'll be so busyshaking hands and talking to your friends,you won't have any time to worry! So whyworry?

392nd D.G.

byJohn B. Conrad

Many who served in the 392nd BG havekept either limited or extensive records oftheir wartime experiences. At various times,experiences and records of others have beenreported in this column. In recent months,the writer has reviewed some very usefulmaterial that has been collected and up-dated by Quintin R. Wedgeworth, whoserved as navigator on the Boyd D. Adsitcrew, 578th BS, November 1944 to June1945. Quintin has compiled a Combat Logof a B-24 Navigator, 325 pages containing awealth of detail, for members of his crewand his family.

Quintin has spent 12 years collecting dataon aircraft assigned to the 392nd BG, andhe is still updating this record. He has arecord of some 315 B-24s, including serialnumber, squadron letter, name (if any),and the disposition of the aircraft. As maybe expected, there are some discrepanciesand some missing items. The bulk of theunknown lies in 19 names of 392ndbombers which Quintin requests your helpin matching up the name with the aircraft.The names are: Big Fat Mama, Jay's

Pool Hall, My Everlovin' Gal, Your Gal,Strippin' for Action, Big Dog, Gorgeous

Gal, Jive Bomber, Rap'Em Pappy, DragonLady, Ambling Okie, Dirty Gertie, MahIdeel, Tobapnwib, Sack Happy, Lyndy,Rat Poison, Pink Tub, and Doodle Bug.

If you flew in or serviced a B-24 with oneof the above names, please write to QuintinR. Wedgeworth, 732 Pringle Road, Weiser,Idaho 83672. Give your squadron, approx-imate date you flew or worked on the plane,and if you have it, the 3 digit nose numberor better yet, the full serial number. Anyhelp will be appreciated. If you would liketo have information on any plane, Quintinwill be glad to help you.392nd BGMA President Lawrence G.

Gilbert reports that the Wendling Memorialrenovation project is moving forward. TheAmerican Battle Monuments Commissionhas been authorized to proceed with con-tract negotiations for the reconstructionand long-term maintenance, with super-visory responsibility resting with our friendsat Beeston and the Beeston Parish Council.The undertaking, two years in the planningand fund-raising, is scheduled for comple-tion in late summer in time for the re-dedication on October 7, 1989.392nd members Kieth and Patty Roberts,

who planned and conducted last year's tourto England, are completing arrangementsfor the 1989 visit to Wendling for the re-dedication. Departure will be arrangedfrom several key cities on October 3, arriv-ing in London on Wednesday, October 4.Chartered busses will take everyone to

Kings Lynn (remember the Liberty runs?)to stay at the Duke's Head and GlobeHotels. There will be a Lord Mayor's recep-tion on Thursday morning and a visit toWendling Thursday afternoon. On Friday,you will be free to experience Market Dayin Kings Lynn, with a reunion banquet thatevening. On Saturday, October 7, we willjoin the villagers from Beeston and Wendl-ing for the re-dedication, followed by areception and lunch. On Sunday, charteredbuses will take everyone to the AmericanCemetery near Cambridge for a memorialservice, and then on to London, where ar-rangements are being completed to spendSunday, Monday and Tuesday nights at thePark Court Hotel. Tours in and aroundLondon are available. Not only is all of thisprovided at excellent group prices, you mayjoin or leave the tour at any point or addother options by contacting Kieth or PattyRoberts at 26631 Dorothea, Mission Viejo,CA 92691, or call (714) 364-3937.

If you haven't already done so, it's nottoo late to make reservations to attend the50th anniversary celebration of the B-24Liberator in Ft. Worth, May 17-21. The392nd's Bob Vickers is National Chairmanof this tremendous affair. You may write tohim at the Reunion Project Office, 6424Torreon Drive N.E., Albuquerque, NM87109. As of this writing (Jan. 10), morethan 100 392nd reservations have beenmade. At least 200 are expected to attendfrom the 392nd.

Notes from the 389thAs we begin 1989, plans for an interesting

year are beginning to take shape. So withmuch work to be done, I am asking you, asmembers of the 389th and the 2nd Air Divi-sion Association, to be vigilant and suppor-tive of those working very hard to make thisyear a very memorable one.

MEMBERSHIP: It continues to be themain concern of your VP and assistant toget those who served in the 2nd Air Divisionduring WWII to join the Association. Sincethe Fall issue of the Journal was published,your VP has mailed out 70 prospectivemember packets with 12 returning the ap-plication for membership. If you will checkyour Journal again under "Folded Wings,"you will see that the 389th lost eightmembers, the most of any group in theAssociation. Please take some time andsend us names and addresses.

LOOKING AHEAD: In the Winter issueof the Journal, on page 17, is a report byMs. Cohen as to the future reunions of the2ADA, and elsewhere in the Journal is inforegarding the 50th Anniversary of the B-24at Fort Worth, TX, May 17-21, 1989.We're hoping to have a number of membersin attendance, and will have an informal

by Lloyd E. West

mini-reunion of the 389th. Question: Whatwould you like us to do at the mini-reunionat Hilton Head? We will have more time inour hospitality room in November. Anysuggestions will be greatly appreciated.

NEWSLETTER: Some time ago, youshould have received Volume 2 of the 389th"Newsletter," and we would like any sug-gestions you might have to help us make itbetter. Also, we are in need of a name. Wewelcome your stories, notices and any itemsthat might interest someone in the