B26.COM 2003 Guest book - dedicated to Martin B-26 Marauder Men.

Date:: 12/31/2003
Time:: 7:52 PM

Roy R Bozych BombGp: 323rd Squadron: 454th Squadron Historian Comments: Connie Vignochi - Have a little bit of a surprise for you. Checked the records for the 323rd Bomb Group and it turns out your father Raymond Vignochi actually flew with the 454th Bomb Squadron not the 455th. "Stinkin Clinkin" was one of the original 14 planes that made up the 454th when it was formed at Baer Field, Fort Wayne, Indiana, April 11,1943. Serial # was 41-34713. Radio call sign/Code was RJ-D. 41-34713 was a B-26C-6-MO. Made in Omaha, Nebraska; it was one of only 60 B-26's that had single controls instead of the normal dual controls of most B-26 bombers. An unsuccessful experiment that the Army Air Corps and Martin tried. "Stinkin Clinkin" came to its end on 11/23/43 over St. Omer, France when a falling bomb from another B-26 hit it killing the pilot, Lt. David Webb, Lt. Ernest Pollard, Sgt. Edward Palmer, Sgt. George Coursen, & Sgt. Allen Ferris. My father was also a tail gunner in the 454th. Would love to discuss with you, your Dad's collection. Roy Bozych - Historian 323rd B.G./454th B.S.
Date:: 12/31/2003
Time:: 11:57 AM

Comments: Happy New Year to you all. Greetings from Little Hallingbury. Essex. England. A B26 crashed in a field of South House Farm. Little Hallingbury, during WW11. A few years back the pilot visited my friend David Robartes who farms South House Farm to visit the site. Little Hallingbury Village History Society - www.anvil.clara.net - would love to hear from ANYBODY connected with, or knows about this event. Best Wishes from Essex - England - John Meyer
Date:: 12/31/2003
Time:: 6:08 AM

Comments: Dear Chester, In reading your excellent records of the 386th you show the award of a DSC to 2L Wilma Caldwell flying 41- 34971. This award does not appear against his name in the ABMC records. Perhaps a word from you will put this right. Bob Markham
Date:: 12/30/2003
Time:: 1:26 PM

Ronald Macklin BombGp: 17th Squadron: 34th Years: 4 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: The man that claimed that the 386th had more missions than other group may look at the 17th. We flew 606 missions. If 386th has more then he is correct. We flew first mission on Dec 30, 1942 and last on May 1, 1945.
Date:: 12/30/2003
Time:: 9:52 AM

Comments: I want to thank you for your photos and history on the B-26. I currently work at Florida Crushed Stone in Brooksville Florida. This company was built from the ground by F. Browne Gregg (whom you posted a photo of). He since sold the company and I never met him, but I give him great respect both for defending our great nation and for building a great company. Thank you, Edward Seifried
Date:: 12/30/2003
Time:: 8:14 AM

BombGp: 450 Squadron: 322 Comments: I have a photograph of Marauder 41-18122 'El Diablo', I believe the unit code reads 'W9-1' although the 9 may be an 8 (there is a heavy shadow from the tailplane obscuring part of the code). I know that this a/c served at Andrews Field with 450 BG when it was coded 'ER-U'. Does anyone have a history of this a/c who could tell me of its time after it left Andrews Field. Did it go to 3 CCRC at Toome, Northern Ireland before being shipped back to he States? Thank you. David Williams
Date:: 12/28/2003
Time:: 6:12 AM

Comments: Hi Chester, Thanks for your reply to my request ref. southern ferry route losses of 4th June 43. your story about the northern route via bluie-west one is an eye-opener, thanks for sharing it. keep up the good work. Steve Jones
Date:: 12/27/2003
Time:: 1:18 PM

Ian Hogg BombGp: RAF Squadron: 14 SQDN Years: 1944 Class: Location: Manitoba, Canada Comments: Trevor, Wondered if you had any information on my uncle's Squadron in North Africa. He was an RCAF pilot flying in RAF Squadron 14 in North Africa and patrolling the Mediterranean with old American B-26s. The pictures I included are from his check out by an RAF pilot in April 1944 at Grottaglie?
Date:: 12/27/2003
Time:: 4:24 AM

Raymond Vignochi BombGp: 323 Squadron: 455 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My father Raymond Vignochi was a tailgunner on Stinkin Clinkin. I have many photos including his diary. I found your site and seen a Paul Clouting was looking for info on this group and squadon. I can be reached. I have a lot to give. Oh, by the way, the Stinking Clinkin had "The Red Wop" on it representing my father Sgt. Raymond Vignochi under the tailgunner position. Connie Vignochi
Date:: 12/26/2003
Time:: 6:56 PM

Comments: Tony Vital, here is the info you were looking for on "Jill Flitter" The serial # was 41-34857. Radio call sign/Code is RJ-O. Type aircraft was a B-26C-10-MO It was made at Omaha, Nebraska and delivered to The Army Air Corps on March 28, 1943 at a cost of $181,098.00. It was one of the original planes that formed the 454th Squadron at Earls Colne, England the summer of 43'. It participated in the D-Day mission on June 6, 1944 and took part in the final mission of the 323rd Bomb Group, April 25, 1945, the Erding Airdrome, Germany. Bombing the airport & Me262's jet fighters based there, being one of only two planes that started and completed the war with the 454th Bomb Squadron. "Jill Flitter" survived the war having completed 195 missions. It was dropped from inventory as salvage on 6/18/45 and destroyed at Landsberg, Germany. An unfortunate end for a splendid aircraft. I'll try and find a current address for the crewmember you were looking for and get back to you. Roy Bozych - Historian 323rd B.G./454th B.S.

Martin B-26 Marauder - Jill Flitter

Date:: 12/24/2003
Time:: 11:55 PM

James B. Colvert BombGp: 386 Squadron: 554th Years: 1942-45 Class: 44D Location: Altus, OK Comments: I was an A-26 pilot flying in Capt. Carl Oates's flight on the April 12, 1945 mission to the Kemptem Ordnance Depot. This is the mission described by Chester Klier, 386 BG historian. My gunner was the late James Callery. The mission was notably unsuccessful, as historian Klier notes, because of the extremely bad weather in the target area. I believe I was flying Capt. Oates's right wing, as I remember seeing his bomb bay doors open unexpectedly shortly before we salvoed the bombs over a wooded area, as ordered (by radio from Group Headquarters presumably).

James, you were flying in the high flight number three position in the the second box. Your flight had seven ships. Your plane number was 563 RU-A. You were flying off the left wing of Captain Dickson. His bombardier claimed to have bombed at Kaufbeuren, Germany. In reality the bombs landed in nearby Mimmingin, impacting across the road dangerously close to an allied officers P.O.W. camp. However no injuries were recorded. For bomber formation data go to my web page and click on formation diagrams, then click on number 8. You will see mission number 395, click on that.

Tallyho!

Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th Bomb Group Group
Date:: 12/24/2003
Time:: 10:52 PM

Tom Bond BombGp: 344 Squadron: 494 Years: 43-44 Comments: Just sending a happy holidays to all the vets and their families, I am sure if my dad was still here he would love this site because I certainly do. Thank you all so much. My dad was Tom Bond - Bomb group 344th, plane Georgia On My Mind His web page has many pictures of different planes and people. Again a very happy holiday and new year, Margaret DeWitt (Bond)
Date:: 12/23/2003
Time:: 5:54 PM

Andy Anderson Comments: On this date in 1944, 36 B-26s of the 397th BG took off enroute to attack the Eller RR bridge. Eleven of those did not return. At this time of giving thanks and remembering our blessings we should remember their dedication and sacrifice. Wynn Anderson
Date:: 12/23/2003
Time:: 5:35 PM

Domitillo Lucero BombGp: 391 Squadron: 574 Years: 1943-44 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My dad was the engineer-gunner on a B-26, which was shot down on Dec. 23, 1944 on Mission # 203, Ahweiler, Germany railroad viaduct. I have learned that the pilot, P. Woods was able to get the aircraft back within friendly territory; the aircraft number I believe was "42-95818-4L-L". I have been puzzled by what had transpired upon crash-landing, where, and what hospital was he transported to from the aircraft. See he spent many, many months with medical care, and was still spitting shrapnel from his lips in the early sixties (my childhood memories). The other thing is, did the aircraft have a name, "Scolded Dog" or some other name similar to that. I have recently learned, that "JJ Hancock" has recently passed on, and this now leaves only two surviving crew from this craft. My father, and Fred Christensen. I sure would like to get as much information as I can, regarding his medical care upon crash-landing, and hopefully the aircraft's name. Thanks to all who have contributed to this web site, and to those responsible for keeping it alive. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Date:: 12/23/2003
Time:: 2:20 PM

David Westheimer BombGp: 98th Squadron: 344th Years: 1941-1945 Class: 43-4 Location: Turner Field Comments: B24 navigator, POW with several B26 types.

"Sitting It Out" is an exceptional story. If you respect the military and the people who volunteer to do the jobs few people seem to want to do, read Sitting It Out. If it wasn't for David Westheimer and those like him, the world as we know it today would not be the same.
Date:: 12/22/2003
Time:: 10:36 PM

Lou Offenberg BombGp: 344th Squadron: 495th Years: 3 Class: 43-1 Comments: I was the lead navigator for the 344th BG on D-Day> Our B-26 the "Mary Jo" was the first 9th AF bomber to drop bombs @ 6:19am on Utah Beach on D-Day. B-26 #876.

See Bob Witty's page
Date:: 12/22/2003
Time:: 4:30 PM

BombGp: 323 Squadron: 456 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Great site... My Father flew 50+ missions Thanks, Chris Pritchard
Date:: 12/22/2003
Time:: 9:59 AM

Francis Short BombGp: 322 Squadron: 450 Years: '44-'45 Comments: I was with the ground crew of the 322nd and stationed in England. It has always been interesting to read the entries on your site. They bring back many memories. I saw Ralph Woolf's recent posting and looked at their website as well. Wow!-what a great site. The stories are amazing and the photos are stunning. You should place a link to these guys' site. It has to be the finest B-26 unit site that I have seen. My congratulations to the 320th group members for a job well done.
Date:: 12/21/2003
Time:: 3:59 PM

Maurice Wade BombGp: 17 Squadron: 432 Years: 1942-1945 Class: ? Location: Barksdale Comments: this message is in reference to T/Sgt. Leo Green. My father was in the 432, 17th. He was a Eng. gunner. North Africa, France Italy. He flew 74 missions- 64 combat with 301 combat hrs. His name was Jesse Wade. He was from Oklahoma. My dad passed away July of 2000. I have a picture of the crew he flew with. LT. Boley, LT. Barton, Lt. Pratt, SGT. Wallace, SGT. Crocker. As so many men, dad never talked about the war. So any information, would be most appreciated.
Date:: 12/21/2003
Time:: 1:01 PM

Comments: I'm researching a number of Marauder crew losses which occurred on 4 June 1943 as part of operation 'Ugly' - the ferry flights from US to UK via North Africa. Have contact with some of the families of the crews involved, but would like to find out more about the actual procedures for these flights and have some questions regarding mixed crews. Would welcome any feed back from Marauder crews who made these flights, or knew the crews listed below. Names of crews involve: Lt. Robert Lawrence (92 BG)? Lt. Hulbert Robertson (64 TCG)? 41-34765 crashed Wales FO James Jackson (335 BG) Sgt. William Brown Lt. John Reiss (All 449BS Lt. Eugene Carby 322BG) 41-18252 crashed Wales Lt. Earl Shoop 'Mi Laine' Sgt. Shoemaker Lt. Steele 41-34718 f/landed Ireland 41-34722 crashed Devon 41-34738 " Yorks. Steve Jones, South Wales

Marauder Ferry Flight Losses Comments: Hello Steve: Read your request with interest concerning the loss of crews ferrying B-26's to the UK. You mentioned flights via the North Africa route. My squadron lost one ship flying the route to Scotland. The name of the pilot was Lt. J.G. Newton, the name of his plane was, "STINGRAY". His crew was lost on Thursday, June 3, 1943. You can read the full account of this loss on my web page listed below, click on Bluie West One. They went down en route to Iceland. On another day my crew flew through a column of smoke from a B-26 that had crashed just ahead of us as we came in on final approach to Meeks Field in Iceland. We were told later that the plane was being flown by a ferry crew, not a regular B-26 flight crew.

Tallyho!

Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th Bomb Group Group
Date:: 12/21/2003
Time:: 12:52 PM

Comments: I looking for the names of the crew of a 555bs, 386th BG Marauder shot down on the 18/6/44 over Caen. The only survivors were Bob Perkins and Sam Cochran both 555BS, who were the other members of the crew who were KIA. Pete Oliver, B26 fan

Capt. Perkins, Lt. Cochran crew. Email: BombGp: 386th Squadron: 555th Comments: Hello Pete: The Perkins crew was shot down on July 18, 1944. It was the 69th mission for Captain Robert Perkins. His co-pilot was Lt. Samuel Cochran, on this particular mission Cochran was flying in the left seat. Perkins was serving as co-pilot. It was Group mission number 232. The target was in the Caen, France area. "MISS X" was the name of their plane, tail number 296324. The crew listing: Capt. Perkins pilot, Lt. Cochran co-pilot. T/Sgt. Adolpho Lopez radioman, S/Sgt. Leo Kirk tail gunner, S/sgt. Ted Coyle engineer, and S/Sgt. Edward Murray bombardier. All of the enlisted men were killed when their plane exploded in the air. If you would care to learn more about the 386th B.G. operations check out my web page listed below. At present there are 86 stories and 79 bomber formation diagrams, plus 10 pages of photos.

Tallyho!

Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th Bomb Group Group
Date:: 12/21/2003
Time:: 7:05 PM

Arthur Rabinowitz BombGp: 397 Squadron: 597 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ETO Comments: My father, Lt. Arthur Rabinowitz, served as a bombardier/navigator and I am curious as to the where abouts of any individuals who may have served with and remember him. Barry M. Rabinowitz
Date:: 12/20/2003
Time:: 5:42 PM

John C. Dinou BombGp: 344 Squadron: 496 Years: '42 to '45 Class: 43K Location: Brooks Field Comments: The most exciting thing that happened to me is, I received the DFC on February, 2002. That's right, 2002. For action on Oct. 4, 1944. One week later, they sent me my discharge papers. I have been trying to collect 58 years of back pay.
Date:: 12/20/2003
Time:: 2:17 PM

Wessley Turner BombGp: 22 Squadron: 69th Years: 42-43 Comments: Aircraft mechanic and crew chief in Pacific Enjoyed the site.
Date:: 12/19/2003
Time:: 7:05 PM

Orrel R. Buckler BombGp: 397 Squadron: 597 Years: 1942-1946 Class: 42-J Location: Oxnard, California Comments: Dear Trevor, My Father-in-Law, Major Orrel R. Buckler (Now deceased) piloted, B-26F-1-MA "Innocence Abroad", serial number 42-96278. I recently have been looking at an old photo album which was given to my wife which includes lots of pictures, newspaper articles, cards etc. I know through my research that "Innocence Abroad" sustained heavy flak damage on August 11, 1944 and he along with his crew had to abandon the craft. Then Capt. Buckler received some injuries but I don't know any thing about the circumstances surrounding the event or the well being of his crew. If you have any information it would be greatly appreciated as Major Buckler never spoke a lot of his WW2 experience and nobody ever really brought it up including my self which I regret. Additionally, maybe you could point me in the right direction towards this research. Sincerely, Warren Emerson, Hollywood, Florida

Dear Warren - thank you for your enquiry concerned Orrel Buckler and the incident of August 11th 1944. I am intrigued how you identified 42-96278 coded 9F-X as "Innocence Abroad". You mentioned in your email many photographs your wife has, was a picture of this B26 amongst them?

The reason I ask is that "Innocents Abroad" (note the spelling) was 42-96194 coded 9F-S and continued to fly well into 1945. You are quite correct however that 42-96278 was the B26 that was flak damaged on August 11th and abandoned over airstrip B-10.

I can probably give you a listing of all your father-in-laws missions with dates, targets, crews and planes flown in. This is subject to a search fee of $15 per hour and normally runs at about 8 to 10 hours.

Regards, Trevor
Date:: 12/19/2003
Time:: 1:42 PM

John E. Bernhard BombGp: 322 Squadron: 451 Years: 43-45 Class: 1943 Location: Barksdale Comments: My father was a armorer-gunner. The pilot he trained with was Lt. Cordes. My father was part of 16 sorties on June 2-25,1945 and one combat mission on June 5, 1944, two of the sorties was on June 6, 1944. My father passed away when I was only a year old and I don't know much about him. I have all his flight logs and a picture of him and crew at Barksdale base dated March 44, if any one has any information about him or pictures of his crew, any planes or other information please contact me. Thanks, Gerald H. Bernhard
Date:: 12/18/2003
Time:: 11:10 PM

Irl J. Klinginsmith BombGp: 445th Squadron: 702 Years: '42-'45 Comments: I am trying to locate any information about a buddy of mine that I went to school with for 10 yrs. Know he went down with his plane, but don't know particulars. His name was Jay Lee Schoonover from Lucerne, MO and he was a B-26 pilot. Jay Lee was a B-26 pilot. I just don't have any information on him at all except that. He was seen going down in his plane into the water and didn't return. ( I was a gunner in a B-24 that got shot down.) I was shot down over Belgium and was a POW for over a year. Any information would be appreciated. Irl J. Klinginsmith
Date:: 12/18/2003
Time:: 8:10 PM

Comments: Mr. Allen-The 394 Bomb Group was stationed at Ardmore Army Air Field, Oklahoma, in 1943 for a short time while training combat crews. I am sure you are already aware of this. A webpage about Ardmore Army Air Field's contribution to the war effort can be viewed at http://www.brightok.net/~gsimmons. I appreciate all the time you have expended to record the history of the men who flew the B-26s. If you feel the Ardmore site is worthy of a link from your site to add a little more history, please feel free to do so. Gary D. Simmons
Date:: 12/18/2003
Time:: 7:18 PM

Comments: Looking for info on The B-26 known as "Jill Flitter", of the 454th Bomb Sqdn, 323rd Bomb Grp. Particularly crew member with last name of Izdebski from New Bedford, Mass. I went into the A.F. with his younger brother Frank in 1952. He became a member of a B-29 flight crew as an aerial gunner. Tony Vital
Date:: 12/17/2003
Time:: 9:04 PM

BombGp: 397 Squadron: 599 Years: 1944 Comments: William E. Bower crash with the B26 near the town Demerath/ Germany. Pilot was Mont Stephensen. All nine crew members were killed. On the crash place I established an intending cross. Kind regards from Germany, Hermann-Josef Stolz / Historian
Date:: 12/17/2003
Time:: 9:55 PM

The United States Army, Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii acknowledges the Staff of B26.COM with a Certificate of Appreciation "for your immeasurable support of the CILHI and its mission to return our Nation's fallen comrades home to their families with honor."

Thank you Trevor Allen, Chester Klier and John Moench, Martin B-26 Historians and Staff of B26.COM.
Date:: 12/17/2003
Time:: 4:20 PM

Paul Scott BombGp: 386 Squadron: 555 Years: 4 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My father was Paul Scott, bombardier on a B26 on D Day. Some might remember him as the tall blonde man who played the bass fiddle in the band. I know he was in Tampa at MacDill. I have a photo of him at the DOn Cesar Hotel in St Petersburg. He joined the Army in 41...was shipped to England...met my mother a married her in August, 1945, after DDay. He was from Cedartown, Georgia. I have records that say he dropped the first bomb on a Nazi tank on D Day. Does anyone remember my father? He passed away in 1979...and it missed so much. If only I had asked more of his past, he always had a good story to tell!! I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have remembered him. Take care and God bless Linda Scott

Hello Linda: I remember seeing your dad playing bass fiddle at the Group dances, They were called, Jive Bombers. He flew on "D" Day, June 6, 1944. It was Group mission number 194. His pilot that day was Lt. Hodge with plane number 296116 AN-A. They flew in the low flight number 3 position in the first box of 17 planes. Each plane carried 16 x 250 pound demolition bombs. The target was a defended position at Utah Beach. The location was La Madeleine, France. Altitude was 4500 feet under an overcast sky, visibility 12 miles. It was bombs away at 0624 hours--just six minutes before the troops hit the beaches. Bombing reasults were rated as good. The bomb run heading was 150 degrees at 185 m.p.h. Your dad fired his machine gun at a German armored car just southwest of their target. His crew reported seeing a B-17 ditched in the English Channel with a rescue ship standing by. If you wish to learn more about the 386th Bomb Group, click on my web page as listed below. There are 87 stories, 79 bomber formation diagrams, and ten pages of photos. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm Tallyho, Chester P. Klier--Histoerian, 386th B.G.
Date:: 12/17/2003
Time:: 1:57 PM

Simon Enzor BombGp: 391st Squadron: 574th Years: 44-45 Class: ? Location: ? Send: send Date: 17 Dec 2003 Time: 13:57:14 Remote Name: 148.8.54.59 Comments: Have received WONDERFUL responses from people about my dad's plane "JINX". In an interview, Simon Enzor (called "Snake" by his buddies) says the nose art on one side of the plane was a picture of "a cat biting Hitler in the rear end" and on the other side was "a picture of a boot with a snake or a snake's remains wrapped around it". Does that trigger any memories for anyone our there? Still hoping to find a photo and serial number of JINX. You have all been so GREAT! Thanks for continuing to check your records and your photos for me. L.I. Kanthack, Eddie's daughter
Date:: 12/17/2003
Time:: 11:39 PM

Squadron: 54th Air Dis Sqd Comments: Looking for info on a SSgt Thomas Hall assigned to the 54th at the end of the war. He was a POW and died in Germany just at the end of the war. Writing a book about all the men from my county in Nebraska who died in WWII. Any help would be appreciated. I'm retired from the USAF. SMSgt Larry Brooks
Date:: 12/16/2003
Time:: 6:26 AM

Comments: Hello and congrats on a great site! I found an error and something missing, however. First, the error: You said that in 1906 Traian Vuia's (incidentally the correct spelling of the man's first name is with an "i", not a "j") plane did not fly. However, according to the FAA it flew at a height of one meter for a distance of twelve meters, making it the first autonomous flight (not aided by tracks, inclines, or pulled by animals to help it take off). See the US government site: http://www.centennialofflight.gov/essay/Explorers_Record_Setters_and_Daredevils/Bleriort_1909/EX1.htm for more information. And now for the missing part: Henri Coanda built and flew the first jet propelled airplane in 1910, some 30 years earlier than the date you mention as the first jet engine flight (see: http://www.sciencedaily.com/encyclopedia/Henri_Coanda). Keep up the good work and thanks for a great site! Regards, Marina
Date:: 12/15/2003
Time:: 2:12 PM

Comments: I am a friend and fellow bowler with Lee Goodwin. He flew in the 454th and 456th. He is a past President of the local Bowlers' Association. I am proud and honored to bowl with him and know him as a friend. Lee, if you read this, I read your piece so I am ready to be quizzed on it the next meeting you see me at. Your friend, Thomas McClammy, Pensacola, Florida
Date:: 12/14/2003
Time:: 10:27 PM

Orvill Moritz BombGp: 320 Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Hello, My father was a crew chief, I believe. I would like any information you may have. He passed away in 1995. Thank you and many blessings. Lisa Moritz
Date:: 12/14/2003
Time:: 1:39 PM

Frank A Parravani BombGp: 391 Squadron: 575 Years: 44-45 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My Dad, Frank A Parravani, was a navigational bombardier. I can only remember one pilot he ever talked about and that was Jack Hoar. I would like to know more information on this Squadron, if anyone knew either of these two men please e-mail me. Susan Lowthian
Date:: 12/12/2003
Time:: 11:09 AM

Ed Mysicka BombGp: 319 Squadron: 440 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Nice site for the forgotten Martin B-26. Mike Mysicka
Date:: 12/10/2003
Time:: 4:27 PM

James Riley Rector BombGp: 397th Squadron: 599th Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I'm looking for anyone who knew Lt. James Riley Rector, a bombardier with the 599th Squadron, 397th Bomb Group. Lt. Rector was assigned initially to the Nathan Margolies B-24 combat crew at Gowen Field as its bombardier. Sometime after the crew transferred to Peterson Field in Nov. 1943, Lt. Rector appears to have been reassigned to B-26 training. The Margolies crew (whom I'm researching) never again had a permanent bombardier during the war. I just identified Rector's unit from his photo and name. I believe Rector was from Newport News, VA, and may have died in 1995. He (and his father) is registered at the National W.W.II Memorial. Additional info about Rector is being sought. Please contact me, Walt Webb
Date:: 12/10/2003
Time:: 4:27 PM

Edward Klacik BombGp: 391 Squadron: 572nd Years: 1944-1945 Class: 1944 Location: Lake Charles, LA Comments: I am the nephew of Sgt. Edward Klacik, killed February 24th, 1945. Mission number 237, target Irlich Germany rail bridge. Aircraft number 43-34337 P2-P, pilot Captain G.T. McPherson. Plane hit by flak over target. Information provided and a special thanks to Hugh Walker, Historian of the 391st Bomb Group. Mike Madron
Date:: 12/10/2003
Time:: 5:33 PM

Joe B. Dalton BombGp: 322nd Squadron: 452nd Years: 1943 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am a niece of 2Lt. Joe B. Dalton. He was Lt. Frederick Matthew's copilot on the mission to Ijmuiden on May 17, 1943. I have very little information on the mission and about my uncle and his fellow airmen. Any help would be sincerely appreciated. Jo Porter
Date:: 12/8/2003
Time:: 6:22 PM

Jack Hastings BombGp: 322 Squadron: 449th Years: ? Class: ?Location: ? Comments: Just wanted to let you folks at B26.COM know that my Father, Mr. Jack Hastings, who was with the 322nd Bombardment Group, 449th Bomb Squadron and flew 70 Missions in the E.T.O. as a Martin B-26 Marauder Flight Engineer and Top Turret Gunner, passed away this last 16th of March 2003. He went peacefully and fought a very gallant fight up to the clock striking 7:58 P.M. on that Sunday evening just like a true "Marauder Man" would always do, Fight, Fight, Fight till God calls you home. During W.W.II on the 16th of August 1944, my Father's Martin B-26 Marauder (he flew on bored this aircraft on both 6 June l944 and 8 June 1944 prior to this crash) crashed on landing at Ford Airfield. The aircraft struck not only an R.A.F. Spitfire but also a Fuel Storage Bower but also a Storage Building and "BURST in to Flames". Out of a crew of 6 men, 3 perished immediately, 3 survived. 1 survivor the Radio Operator died within 72 hours. My father saved the lives of him and the Command Pilot by pulling these two men from the aircraft after they were unable to free themselves. The Command Pilot and my Father recovered and although they could have come home they agreed to stay as long as they flew EVERY mission together until the END of the war. Captain Johnny Thomas, the Command Pilot was killed on a ROUTINE training flight aboard a B-47 Bomber at March A.F.B. in 1947. My Father kept a picture of Captain Thomas in his home on display and always told people about that "ALMOST" fatal day. He absolutely "LOVED" each and everyone connected to the Martin B-26 Marauder's. Many times during the almost 5 years that my wife and I took care of my Father he talked about those men on almost a daily basis and I being a former member of the U.S.A.F. and Oklahoma Air National Guard and Vietnam Veteran myself encouraged him to tell me "everything" he could remember. We would be somewhere having breakfast, lunch or dinner and people would see the baseball cap he always wore with the Martin B-26 Marauder and picture on it. Many times they would stop and visit and INQUIRE about his time in the military. He always took the time to talk with them. I would sit there in total amazement that after ALL those years he would re-live those days as if he were right there in the thick of things. In September 2000 on the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th I had the greatest time getting to meet the men from his 449th Bomb Squadron when they all came to Oklahoma City to hold their reunion here because my Father was unable to travel. It was the most wonderful time either HE had being able to introduce me to these men finally after all those years. I had a great time and will NEVER forget those 4 days my Father and I shared with those men. They are not only his family but now they are part of me too. God Bless ALL of them, their families and loved ones as we continue to lose THESE GREAT MEN who made History during WWII. God Rest Their Souls in Heaven, Amen~!!! Thank you ALL from the bottom of my heart for the outstanding SERVICE given to the United States Of America during WWII.

Frederick Lee Hastings, Son of Jack Hastings
Former USAF and Oklahoma Air National Guard, TSgt
Vietnam Veteran, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
Tan Son Nhut A.B. South Vietnam, September l969 - September 1970, Wing
Flight and Ground Safety Office
Date:: 12/7/2003
Time:: 6:57 PM

1st Lt. James W. Lemmond BombGp: 322 Squadron: 451 Years: 1941-1944 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My brother was the pilot of the B-26 "Carrie B." (?) on that fateful mission of July 8, 1944 when four planes were lost. I would appreciate hearing from anyone who might have known him or anyone on that mission who might have information as to what happened. Thanks for this great website. Vaughn R. Lemmond

Vaughn - the night mission of 7th/8th July 1944 to the German headquarters at Chateau de Ribeaucourt was a disaster for the 322nd Bomb Group. This was a pathfinder mission where specially equipped B26's marked the target with flares and the B26's of the 322nd were to drop individually onto the markers. Unfortunately, the Luftwaffe had many nightfighters in the air in the area the 322nd's planes where scheduled to fly and they had a free hunt on the B26's. In the dark it was impossible to identify Marauders individually as they were shot out of the sky and consequently the only report available for your brothers loss was that they were missing in action shot down by enemy nightfighters. The crew that night were 1.Lt James W Lemmond, 2.Lt Richard H Colvin; 2.Lt Raymond F Noeth; S/Sgt Harold R Vance; S/Sgt Robert H Blackstone and S/Sgt Julius L Toth. I hope this information is of use to you.In your email you say that he was flying the B26 "Carrie B", have you any reason for thinking this? Regards, Trevor J Allen, historian B26.com
Date:: 12/7/2003
Time:: 6:57 PM

William E Bower BombGp: 397 Squadron: 599 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Can you provide any sources of info on: 599th bomb squadron, 397th bomb group? My mother's brother William E Bower was killed 12/23/44. I understand that day was a particularly tough mission for the unit. thanks Larry Fuller

Larry - the team here at b26.com can provide any information you may require on the mission of 23rd December 1944 flown by the 397th.Bomb Group. This was a very tough mission flown without fighter escort to destroy a bridge the Germans were using to bring up supplies during the Battle of the Bulge. Regards, Trevor Allen, historian, b26.com
Date:: 12/6/2003
Time:: 6:06 PM

George Kelly BombGp: 17 Squadron: ? Years: 42-45 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My Dad is T/Sgt George Kelly. He was a tail gunner B-26, stationed with the 17th in North Africa. He is in a Veterans Home in Norfolk, NE at the present. Is there someone who keeps track of the Veterans of the 17th Bomb Group? Thanks Larry
Date:: 12/5/2003
Time:: 5:50 PM

Albert L Luddeke BombGp: 391 Squadron: 572 Years: 44-45 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My husband is anxious to know about his crew members: Lt. John Reed (pilot), Lt. Howard Stephens (Co-Pilot), Richard Hill (Bombardier), Bernard Francisco (Flight Engineer), Bernard Bailey (A Gunner). Al was the Rear Gunner and radioman. He does not know his class or Graduation Location. When I print your Web site it shows the numbers 01 to 60. I can only retrieve 01 on my screen to look at photos and mission schedule sheets. N. Luddeke for Al Luddeke
Date:: 12/5/2003
Time:: 2:30 PM

Comments: G'Day Trevor, My name is Nick Thiele. I'm currently an engineer in the Royal Australian Air Force. My father is in the process of writing his memoirs and he is stuck for information on a particular memory from his childhood. As a kid, during WWII, he recalls a B-26 crashing near his home town of Gin Gin in the state of Queensland (Australia of course). He is basically seeking as much information as he can about the crew, what their fates were, the name and number of the B-26, what the B-26 was doing at the time it crashed etc. Unfortunately, he recalls that the pilot may have died in this crash (possibly a LT Willard). I'd greatly appreciate it if you could pass on any info you might have on this B-26 crash. I apologize that the details I have given you are a little sketchy. Cheers Nick Thiele, Squadron Leader RAAF

I saw your request for data concerning a B-26 crash in Australia during World War Two. You might check with John Maljers, he lives in your country and has a great deal of data on B-26 aircraft numbers and nicknames. Chester P. Klier, Historian, 386th Bomb Group. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm

Nick - thanks for the enquiry, but you have given us somewhat of a poser. Can you give us a map showing the location of Gin Gin. Having no estimated date leaves us a little in the dark, but all is not lost. We will give the data base a sweep to see what we come up with. Regards, Trevor
Date:: 12/4/2003
Time:: 10:24 PM

Attention 386th Group Members: George Arnoto now deceased, his family members are looking for information about his service time. I have a copy of his service discharge paper which shows he was in the 386th B.G. No mention as to which squadron he was in. He was a S/Sgt., maybe a radioman. I would like to know which plane his crew flew, names of crew, and squadron number. To date I have assisted 49 next of kin in these matters. Can you help me make it 50? I can be reached by a guest page posting. Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th B.G. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 12/4/2003
Time:: 10:12 AM

BombGp: 32O Squadron: 444 Years: 1944 Comments: Please, could you help me to find the pictures published in the graduation book of the 32O th B G 444 BS 12th AIR FORCE airmen who crashed in PLOTTES (FRANCE BURGUNDY 71 SAONE ET LOIRE) on MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 1944 as I am preparing a bilingual commemorative booklet 1 - PILOT FIRST LIEUTENANT RICHARD W HISEY (VIRGINIA) 2 - CO PILOT LIEUTENANT THEODORE C VIEBROCK (NEW YORK) 3 - TECHNICAL SERGEANT MARCO R MONTARULI (NEW YORK) 4 - CAPTAIN JACK B FIELDS (MICHIGAN) 5 - CORPORAL CHARLES J PECK (NEW JERSEY) 6 - FIRST LIEUTENANT EARL G DAWKINS 7 - TECHNICAL SERGEANT JOSEPH A HECKO 8 - STAFF SERGEANT MARWIN MYERS 9 - CORPORAL FRANK YOHANNAN (PENNSYLVANIA) Thank you in advance for your consideration. Sincerely yours, Sylvie Monin-Badey, Ph.D - LECTURER UNIVERSITY LYON 3 - JEAN MOULIN FRANCE)
Date:: 12/1/2003
Time:: 1:32 PM

Franklin E. Swanson BombGp: 386th Squadron: 554 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: While visiting Normandy Beach I took a picture while walking among the graves of a Sergeant Franklin E.Swanson from New York who was killed on August 6th.1944. In what I think is a coincident, I recently visited Boxted Airfield in England where my Father-in-law served during the same period of time. Is it possible to find anything more about Sgt. Swanson? He was with the 386th.Bomber Group Medium, 554th. Bomber Squadron, and I assume he was stationed at Boxted. Thank You for any help you may give me. Barbara Pallister

Barbara Pallister: Sergeant Swanson was shot down Aug. 6, 1944. I was a witness to that. Six men bailed out, five chutes deployed--the sixth was a streamer, did not open fully. That was Sergeant Swanson. He was listed as KIA. That was the first mission of my second tour of combat after a two months stay in the U.S.A. This was Group mission number 245. You can read about it on my web page as listed below. Just click on mission number 245. At the moment I have 86 items on there you can click on, plus 79 mission schedule sheets. Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th B.G. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 11/30/2003
Time:: 7:12 AM

Earnest S. Ameen BombGp: 319th Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am writing this letter on behalf of my mother. My father was a Staff Sgt. in the US Army Air Corps assigned to the 319th BG and served in North Africa. His name was: Earnest S. Ameen. He passed away in 1992 in Texas. He painted many aircraft's nose art and one in particular was "Little Sirocco". I am trying to obtain more information for my mother on any planes he may have painted, the crew members of his plane (don't have the name of his plane?) and where he was trained. I have gone through many nose art websites and other archives trying to obtain more information but to no avail. Can you give me any additional information on Little Sirocco or direct me to the area I can find his name along with other crew members? Thanks so much, Rusty Ameen
Date:: 11/30/2003
Time:: 6:06 AM

Alfred Marquardt BombGp: 394 Squadron: 585 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My father, Alfred Marquardt, was in this Group and because of his stories about the time he was in the 394th I have become very interested and would like to know all about the part that you played in winning the war. I have the book Bridge Busters and LOVE it. I think it is one of the best books I have read. I wish they would make a movie about this group. I have given you my address so that I might be put on your mailing list for any information you have on the Group. I have been to Fantasy of Flight and saw the B-26 they have there.......It is beautiful!!!!!!!!! Robert E. Marquardt
Date:: 11/29/2003
Time:: 12:29 AM

George W. Gleason BombGp: 320 Squadron: 444 Years: 1941-1945 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am helping to gather info about my father's service time. He was Sgt. George (Bill) Gleason, a bombardier in the 320th/444th. He had a buddy named Ralph Combs. He is in a photo with a crew with this notation: Lt. Hampton, pilot Lt. Armstrong, co-pilot Lt. Henricks, navigator Sgt. Krausse, radio man Sgt. Ellsworth, engineer gunner Pvt. (later a Sgt.) Gleason, tail gunner (later a bombardier). Dad's mission list shows 65 missions in the EAME/ETO campaign. He started out at Camp Blanding in Starks, Florida; then went to Wichita Falls, Texas; then Savannah, Georgia; Keyfield at Meridian, Mississippi; then Barksdale Fielding Shreveport, Louisiana; then Lowery Field in Denver, Colorado, then back to Shreveport; then Newport News, Virginia and then sailed on the "Empress of Scotland" for Casablanca, Africa, then Sardinia and his missions began. I have photos and notes to share and hope someone will do the same for me. Donna Guidry
Date:: 11/27/2003
Time:: 5:43 PM

Harry Foster BombGp: 17 Squadron: 432 Years: ? Class: Location: Comments: I am looking for information about the planes my father (Harry C. Foster) flew as pilot and co-pilot in Italy out of Naples. He flew several planes, but his plane and crew flew into a mountain while he was on medical leave. The plane may have been called Sniffles or one of the others he flew. I found a picture of his plane the "Shady Lady" and have a great photo of the plane and crew I would like to upload. Can you please let me know how to get more information or point me in the right direction? I would also like information about skip bombing attack on Al-alamin. As this was part of the same bomb squadron in which my father flew. Regards,
Date:: 11/27/2003
Time:: 2:51 PM

Dale D. Davis BombGp: 22nd Squadron: 2nd Years: 1942-1943 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: DALE D. DAVIS Pilot. Flew B-26's from 7/42 to 1/43, then B-25's from 1/43 to 12/43 from Reid River, Moresby, Dobodure and Nadzab (56 missions). Survived shallow water landing after being shot down on last mission 12/22/43. I'm his son, just checking if anyone remembers him. Thanks. Mike Davis
Date:: 11/27/2003
Time:: 10:16 AM

Comments: I am not a Marauder Man myself but my Uncle James Warren "Buck" Lemmond was. Having searched your site, I find no mention of him or him plane there. I will attempt to give what information I have per your request. Name- James Warren Lemmond, 1st Lieutenant, 0-868XXX-451 BM SQDN 8th Air Corps. Father- Walter F Lemmond, Monroe, N.C. Mother- Lula Mae Lemmond, Monroe, N.C. Wife- Carrie Broom, Monroe, N.C.

My Uncle, James Warren Lemmond, was a B-26 pilot stationed near London during the years 1943-44. In the summer of 1940 he enlisted in the Home Guard at Monroe and was inducted into the National Guard September 16, 1940. His training was taken at Fort Jackson, Columbia, S.C. While there, Sgt. Lemmond was transfered to the 8th Air Corps. He obtained his wings at Ellington Field, Houston, Texas. Early in 1943, he flew his B-26 plane to England with his crew and was based near London. His targets were railroad round houses and yards, trains and robot bomb platforms. He was promoted to Operational Officer and was up for the rank of captain when he was reported missing in action. On the night of July 8, 1944, he had volunteered to fly his B-26 Bomber on a night mission to bomb a rocket platform in France. He unloaded his bombs but his plane did not make it back to his base in England. Burial information dated April 28, 1947 from the War Department stated that he was killed in action July 8, 1944 and buried in Burdon, France. A letter dated May 11, 1947 stated that after being definitely identified by his dental chart, he was given his last resting place in a government cemetery in St. Laurent, France, Plot C, Row 22, Grave 8, Headstone Cross. I hope this will be helpful to your web site. If you have any other information about Lt. James Warren Lemmond, I would be very grateful to receive it. One other thing. His B-26 was named "The Carrie B" after his wife. I watch many segments on the History Channel about the air war in Europe. Any time B-26's are shown, I am always looking for the "Carrie B". So far I have not seen it. Thank You, Sam W Lemmond
Date:: 11/26/2003
Time:: 3:29 PM

John R Swann BombGp: 397 Squadron: 599 Years: 1943-1946 Comments: I am entering this information for my father who flew in B-26's in WWII. I have a number of photos of these aircraft and their flight crews. According to his discharge papers he served in "Rhineland Central Europe".
Date:: 11/25/2003
Time:: 10:47 PM

John Robert Holland BombGp: 9TH Squadron: ? Years: 4 Class: 1941 Location: ? Comments: Hello, my name is Eric Jon Schneider and the reason I am writing is because I’m trying to find more information about my grandpa who flew in the b-26's during the war. I don't have much information except I know he was in the ninth bomb group. And my grandpa name is John Robert Holland, from Streator, IL, Blackstone County. Some people also referred to him as Jack Holland I also know that he made highest rank of staff sergeant. Any help would be greatly appreciated. See I’m also leaving for the air force in Jan. 5th and I would like to know more about my grandfather. Thank you so much. Eric Schneider
Date:: 11/25/2003
Time:: 6:50 PM

Comments: Does anyone have any information on the loss of "Barrelhouse Bessie", a 17th Group/95th Squadron B26 lost on 1 March 1943 at El Djem (La Hencha)? Thanks. Dave DeSantis
Date:: 11/25/2003
Time:: 11:54 PM

Lt. G H Croote BombGp: 3 wing Squadron: 30 Years: 1944 -1945 Class: 1940 Location: Vereening Comments: Now 86 years old fighting fit still riding a bicycle and driving. I attend monthly SAAF Association luncheons.
Date:: 11/25/2003
Time:: 6:54 AM

BombGp: 323 Squadron: 455 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I'm interested in D-Day activities of 323/455. Any details appreciated. Thanks, Bo Smilie
Date:: 11/19/2003
Time:: 6:59 AM

Frank A. Johnson BombGp: 323 Squadron: 454th Years: 1943-1946 Class: 44D Location: Waco, Texas Comments: I was 1rst Pilot on B-26, flew 26 Combat missions over Germany then War ended. Great airplane! Took Classification and Pre-flight at San Antonio, Texas, Primary At Cuero, Texas, Basic and Advance at Waco, Texas. Got crew at Barksdale Field, Shreveport,La, New airplane at Hunter Field, Savannah, Ga., Flew "Southern Route" to England.
Date:: 11/18/2003
Time:: 11:11 PM

Robert R. Nehmer BombGp: 387 Squadron: 559 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am looking for anyone who may have know my grandfather. His name was Robert R. Nehmer and he was a radio gunner. I have a couple of old pictures of him with his crew standing in front of their B-26. He was fortunate enough to survive all his missions and lived to his 70's but I was to young to appreciate what he had done. If anyone knew his or if you may be in the picture with him I would be glad to send you a copy of the picture. Adam Reed
Date:: 11/18/2003
Time:: 8:39 AM

Ray Gutfinski BombGp: 17th Squadron: 432nd Years: 1942-1944 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My father, Sgt. Ray Gutfinski, was a Radio Mechanic with the 432nd Bomb Squadron in North Africa during WWII. Roy C. Gutfinski
Date:: 11/17/2003
Time:: 6:32 PM

Comments: Hi. I urgently need a photo of IDIOTS DELIGHT II - PN-C OF THE 449TH BS, 322ND BG. This is required for a book I am writing on the Sussex England airfield where Frank Remmele landed her on 27th August 1943 after being shot up by 2 FW 190s. Can anyone assist PLEASE? Richard H Whittle
Date:: 11/17/2003
Time:: 5:55 AM

Comments: Looking for information on 'Kellys Crusaders' B-26 named Memphis Belle II....have a jacket at the Veterans Museum in Halls, TN....trying to find history.....any help would be great..... Ron Grasso
Date:: 11/17/2003
Time:: 6:32 PM

The crew of the "Blind Date," Marauder No. 43-34139, is shown after completion of their 60th mission. the pilot, 1st Lt. Robert E. McCarthy, is at left. The others are 2nd Lt. Charles F. Abel, co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Harold L. Ptaskiewicz, bombardier; T/Sgt. Clinton B. Mathews, radio operator-gunner; Sgt. Ellis J. Williamson, engineer-gunner; and S/Sgt. David R. Hyre, gunner. The plane was shot down 23 Dec 1944 in the Eller RR Bridge raid. Abel, Williamson and Hyer survived.
Date:: 11/15/2003
Time:: 2:53 PM

Comments: Thank you for explaining so well the air attack on the night of 22 December 1944 over the Mayen bridge. For so long I have wondered what had happened at that bridge. I am the daughter of Louis Ubassy. In January 1946 my father, a French Rail Road man, was sent with us, my mother and I, to work at Mayen rail-road station as part of the French occupation zone after WW2 . We lived in Mayen from January 1946 to Jan 1947. At that time I was 17 years old and I remember so well Mayen and saw the destruction. I had heard that a high place German general in Mayen had been the cause of the heavy bombing. Thanks again for the explanation. I now leave in US. Eliane M Ubassy
Date:: 11/15/2003
Time:: 11:34 AM

Samuel M. (Tex) Findley BombGp: 323 Squadron: 453 Years: 42-45 Comments: Dear Trevor, I am interested in obtaining a copy of my INDIVIDUAL FLIGHT RECORD. At a recent 453rd squadron reunion someone suggested that I contact you and that you may be able to help me. I was an engineer/tail gunner "Miss Chevious" piloted by Capt.Roscoe R. Haller and later "Sad Sack II" piloted by Capt. James Hunt. Any help will be appreciated. Sam Findley
Date:: 11/15/2003
Time:: 9:18 AM

Leonard J. Sitchenko BombGp: 391 Squadron: ? Years: 42-45 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Hello, my name is Steve Sitchenko. My uncle was Leonard J.Sitchenko #XXXX6707. He was a Sgt., and he was gunner in top turret on the B-26. I am trying to find anyone who might have served with him, or who knew him during the war. He was with 391 bomb group, European theatre. He did survive the war, but we would like to find someone who might have known him to help us with our research into his wartime missions. We believe he flew 68 missions. Thank You Very Much!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!! P.S. The squadron may be 572, but NOT SURE. THANK YOU!!
Date:: 11/13/2003
Time:: 8:20 AM

Harry Guinther BombGp: 386 Squadron: 555 Years: 1942-1945 Comments: This is to inform everyone that the 386th history book "The Story of the Crusaders" is sold out. No more editions are planned. A few copies are available at the U. S. Air Force Museum gift shop in Dayton, Ohio. Please contact them directly. More than 7000 were sold.
Date:: 11/12/2003
Time:: 10:36 PM

Lester B. Chase BombGp: 387 Squadron: 556 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am the grandson of Lester B. Chase. I believe he was a crew chief in the 556th in England during WWII. If you knew him or know anyone who might have please email me. I would like to find some of his comrades and possibly attend one of their reunions. Thank you, Steven Lehr
Date:: 11/12/2003
Time:: 10:43 PM

Sgt Albert L. Luddeke BombGp: 391st Squadron: 572nd Years: 1944-1945 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My name is Albert Luddeke. I was was a Sgt in 9th Air Force, 391st bombardment group, 572nd bombardment squadron during 1944 to 1945. I was a radio operator/waist gunner. I started in England moved to France then Holland. I would like to find out where my crew is today. It has been 58 years since we flew together. The following are my crew members: Pilot: Lt. John Reed Co-pilot: Lt. Howard Stephens Bombardier: Lt. Richard Hill Flight Engineer: Sgt. Bernard Francisco Tail Gunner: TSgt. Bernard Bailey If anyone knows the whereabouts of these men or if any of my crew members (or their families) are reading this, please get in touch with me. I would also like to know if there are any reunions for the 9th Air Force, 391st BG. Thank you for your help.
Date:: 11/12/2003
Time:: 5:25 AM

Comments: I was surprised and greatly pleased to find this site. My uncle was Everett Chrisco, of the 323rd BG. I never got to meet him, and thank you so much for a chance to see a picture, and to read about his last mission. Jeanne (Chrisco) Singleton
Date:: 11/11/2003
Time:: 8:52 AM

James Irving Harris BombGp: 387 Squadron: 556 Years: 42-45 Class: Location: Comments: Jim was my husband's uncle. He died before I had the privilege of knowing him. However, I did find his some of his surviving unit members, and enjoyed a long correspondence with Bill Thompson, until his death. This site is wonderful, and if I can contribute in any way please let me know. Chris
Date:: 11/11/2003
Time:: 2:02 AM

Richard Loring Rust BombGp: ? Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am looking for information on my Grandfather's plane and unit. Unfortunately, I never met him, and my father knew him very little. I have an image of him standing with his plane, the "Schiedam". I have been told that the plane's markings are similar to that of the 386th BG. Recently discovered relatives mentioned that they thought he was in France somewhere during WWII. Any information would be appreciated, I can send the image to anyone wanting to look at it... drop me an Email. Andrew Rust

Hello Andrew, Your grandfather was a Tech Sergeant in the 553rd Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group. His rank would indicate he could have been a B-26 crew chief or on flight status as a radioman on a flight crew. At the moment I can't tell you for sure. In the meantime check out my web page for lots of data on the 386th Bomb Group. Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th B.G. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 11/10/2003
Time:: 2:43 PM

Wesley G. Ling Email: no email BombGp: ? Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am the son of Wesley G. Ling of Burbank, CA. I just found this web site. Wesley died in 1956 in an auto accident. He flew (pilot I believe) B-26's and was shot down over France. He was in prison camp for 9 months if I remember the stories right. I do have some photos and other info packed away somewhere. I I can locate it I will forward you any info. He was also a consultant (and had a bit part) on the movie Stalag 17. If you have any info, I would appreciate it. Thanks, Chris Ling

Hello Chris, My records show your father was a B-26 pilot in the 553rd B.S., 386th B.G. His crew as follows: Lt. W.G. Ling was pilot, Lt. Mc Shea C/P, Lt. Robinson B/N, S/Sgt J.M. Hartman E/G, Knick R/G, S/Sgt. J.F. Hijowski A/G. Your father flew on the following 386th Group missions: No's. 92, 109, I also flew on that one. No's 113, 140, 173, 176, 187, 194, 200. To learn more about these and the Group in general go to my web page and click on Mission schedule sheets. Then click on the mission number. It will tell you all the facts of each mission that your father flew, which plane he flew tail number, nickname, weather conditions, bombing results etc. Chester P. Klier -- Historian, 386th B.G. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 11/9/2003
Time:: 1:13 PM

Ralph D. Wilson BombGp: 386 Squadron: 555 Years: Class: 42H Location: Elington Field Comments: Flew 69 mission from England. Planes name was "STARDUST" Joined the Army Air Corps January 10 1941 as a private Retired June 30, 1962 as a Major. Graduated from flight training as a S/Sgt. pilot, first duty station was at Tampa FL. Flew 50 missions over Korea in a T6 as forward strike director.

Hello Ralph, I saw your notice. Do you recall Group mission 110 It was the third day in a row we went to Gilze Rijen, Holland? I flew on all of them. Feb 22, 44 you flew your Star Dust 134937 YA-N in number 3 position low flight first box. I was in Buzz-N-Bitch II, in number 2 position high flight, first box. That's the mission we lost Major Thornton and Lt. Porter. Their ships collided over the target and both went down. You can read my story on my web page, click on mission 110, also click on Mission schedule sheets. They will give you all the data on the formation, weather conditions, bombing results, etc. Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th B.G. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm

Sergeant pilots! Check them out! These guys are #1! Additional reading: Lee Arbon, "They Also Flew". ISBN 1-56098-108-3
Date:: 11/8/2003
Time:: 12:34 AM

John G Fitzhugh BombGp: 391st Squadron: 574th Years: 1941-1944 Class: ? Location: Godman Field Comments: Dad was lead navigator in the box of 18 planes. He was 26 and his pilot was 19. They called Dad "Pappy"....26?.He was the old man! His Pilot was Stan Bird who Could not drive a car or ride a bicycle..they were both parked at the field(wrecked)! But Pappy said "Bird could fly that plane"! "Every time I would get in that plane for another mission, I was scared...then I would sit in the right seat so I could see. Bird would say "Morn'n Pappy!" " If Stan wasn't scared...neither was I." Pappy is my hero...always will be. Pappy and Bird are still living....87 and and 80. Pappy'son...B52 Viet Nam...Environmental Systems Repairman USAF, John G Fitzhugh, Jr.
Date:: 11/8/2003
Time:: 8:55 PM

Robert Kendall BombGp: 386 Squadron: 555 Years: Jan 42 - June 45 Class: 43F Location: Altus, Oklahoma Comments: I was pilot of replacement crew from March through Sept of 44 my crew members Kalback, Steele, Palmachuck, Paup, Phillips. All flew 65 missions. I attended the last group get together at Tampa. I would like to keep in touch in the future, could you suggest how I might do this?

Hello Robert, saw your notice. Do you recall Group mission 193, that was D-Day June 6,1944. You flew in Spam Burger 131970 YA-F number five in lead flight , first box. To find out more about the formations click on Mission schedule sheets on my web page. To read about Group missions just click on the mission numbers at the top of my web page. There are about 80 subjects on there now, I add more to it every week or so. Chester P. Klier--Historian, 386th B.G. Tallyho. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 11/6/2003
Time:: 12:47 PM

Philip Scheier BombGp: 323rd Squadron: 456th Years: 1942-1945 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Trevor and Mike, your b26 website just keeps on improving, for which, the thanks and appreciation of those in the 323rd Group, 456th Squadron, of the Ninth Air Force, among the many others also in B26s.

Am most impressed, as I messaged you earlier this week, on how many people actually visit the site. First, my brother in Florida was called by a friend who said he was browsing the internet, and came across your B26 site. While he didn't personally know anyone who was associated with the B26, he checked out the photos, and came across the photograph I had sent in earlier in the year of the crew I flew with all during the war. The pix was taken in Myrtle Beach, S.C. And since my name was in the cut-line under the pix, he recognized it as the name of his friend, Henry Scheier, and checked it out, as I wrote u earlier. And so my brother, and now all our relatives are also checking it out.

But equally impressive, Mike, as I also wrote you, and want others to know of the far reach of your B26 site, I got a surprise message Wed. night (11-5-03) from the son of my late pilot, Luther (Luke) Hargroves'. Here again, somebody in the family was trying to find someone, anyone, who might have known their dad. And lo and behold, Mike, they opened up the photo of our crew, and there was their beloved dad, Luke Hargroves, and his crew. The family contacted u Mike to get my email address, and bingo. Finally, we were in touch.

And I agree it is so helpful to get those photos, which u can post on your site. Also, as I wrote u earlier, Warren Hoerr of our squadron, and one of the founding members of our 456th Squadron Association, is planning on sending u the treasured photo album which was always on view at our annual reunions, of our squadron members. An interesting addition was when members were asked also to send in a Then and Now photo. The entire album was updated and upgraded a few years ago by Hermine Jacobs, wife of the then association president, Harvey Jacobs. As an aside, Jacobs was one of the youngest pilots in the entire bombing organization. He was only 20 when he piloted his bomber across the North Atlantic, and flew his first mission shortly after he turned 21. Again, keep up the great work, Mike, and we do appreciate the effort going into this tremendous project. Philip Scheier
Date:: 11/6/2003
Time:: 10:23 AM

1Lt. Robert Botsford BombGp: 322 Squadron: Years: 1944 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: 1lt Robert Botsford is my father-in-law's brother. He was a B-26 pilot with the 322 BG and was stationed at Andrews Field in Essex, England. He died as a passenger in a crash of a B-26 tow plane on the Isle of Man on July 4, 1944. My father-in-law was very young when his brother went away to war. His family was very distraught when his brother died and did not tell my father-in-law very much because of his age. I would like to see if I could find someone that remembers him or some information about him that I could pass along to my father-in-law. He is very proud of his brother for his service and sacrifice. Thank you, Jeff and Elizabeth Botsford Sears
Date:: 11/4/2003
Time:: 9:18 PM

Luke Hargroves BombGp: 323 Squadron: 456 Comments: I am the son of Luke Hargroves, Pilot of the Shirley Bee. I found a picture of my father in a picture posted by Phil Scheier, crew. Phil, Please contact us. Brad Hargroves
Date:: 11/2/2003
Time:: 8:58 PM

Sgt. Donald Oliver Finnell BombGp: 397th Squadron: 598th Years: ?-1945 Class: Location: Comments: I am trying to research my father's records during WW II. He was Sgt. Donald Oliver Finnell R.A. XXXXX567. He signed up regular army, May 1941 and served until Oct. 1945. Then he signed up again May 1946 and was killed stateside when his B-29 went down killing all aboard Oct. 1st, 1946. I have fought for my Dad's records but received his medals, including the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, some personnel records, dates of service but as of yet the Army will not let me have his war records, or even why he received the Air Medals. I am told that the dates I have (which are incomplete) would have put him in England flying bombing missions over occupied France. Can you please help? In order to honor him in our family records we need to have information plus my husband (a Vietnam Era soldier) and our children want to get his records in the WW II Memorial as they should be. Thanks for your time, Dawn
Date:: 11/1/2003
Time:: 10:54 PM

Lt. Robert E. McCarthy BombGp: 397 Squadron: Years: Class: Location: Comments: I am trying to learn details of the death of my father, Lt. Robert E. McCarthy, who died piloting a Marauder, "Blind Date," while returning from a raid Dec. 23, 1944, on the Eller RR Bridge. I would like to know the tail number of the plane, who was on board, and basically, what happened. Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I don't have more information. I have a photo of the crew standing in front of the plane which I would be happy to share with anyone interested. Bob McCarthy
Date:: 11/1/2003
Time:: 5:33 PM

Pres Funk BombGp: 387 Squadron: 558 Years: 43-45 Class: 43-16 Location: Victorville Comments: Looking for navigator Perry L. (Pete) Peterson whose last address location was Omaha, Nebraska.
Date:: 10/29/2003
Time:: 8:41 PM

Kenneth G. Servais BombGp: 323 Squadron: 456 Comments: Hello all you brave men out there. I am searching for photos of my father. He was a bombardier for the 456. His name was Kenneth G. Servais. Any leads would be appreciated as he has passed. I know he attended many reunions in the 90s. Thank you in advance. Chris K. Servais
Date:: 10/29/2003
Time:: 6:26 AM

Comments: My Grand Dad was a mechanic on the Geronimo. His name was Gail Ettinger and was a Tech. Sgt., he passed away before I got to know him. CDT/SSG Christopher Robert Holmes U.S. Army Hooaahh

Hello Christopher: Your grandfather was a crew chief on a B-26 named, "GERONIMO" 131630 RG-J. The pilot assigned to that plane was Captain Ralph Marble. He was a fine pilot, I flew two bombing missions with him after I retuned for a second tour. To learn more about the plane and pilot check out my web page enclosed. Tallyho! ChesterP. Klier, Historian 386th Bomb Group. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 10/28/2003
Time:: 4:38 PM

Edward Munge BombGp: 322 Squadron: 450 Years: 1942 - 1945 Comments: My dad, Edward Munge, was a B26 pilot in the 322nd Bombardment Group, 450th Bombardment Squadron during WW2. he flew 65 missions out of a base located in Great Sailing, England. He never talked much about the war as I was growing up, but I know he flew a plan called "Invictus". I have also found a few pictures of a plane named "Mary". It is sitting on the ground as if the landing gear is gone. Dad passed away on October 19 of this year. I would be interested in hearing from others who may have know him or that were in the 322 BG, 450th BS. You guys were all heroes in my eyes. Thanks, Ric Munge
Date:: 10/28/2003
Time:: 12:45 PM

Lawrence Jack Hunter, Lt. Col. USAF Ret. BombGp: 322nd Squadron: 450th Years: 1942-1945 Class: 43B Location: Ellington Field, TX Send: send Date: 28 Oct 2003 Time: 12:45:35 Comments: I accumulated more pilot time in this type aircraft than anyone, first as Instructor pilot and then combat pilot in Europe. Transferred to 410th Bomb Group, flying B-26s out in front of their 36 ship formations of A-20s. Then flew A-20s and A-26s. After the war was over I piloted an A-26 back to the USA and to Hunter Field, Savannah, Georgia.
Date:: 10/27/2003
Time:: 1:57 AM

Eugene Wallace, Col USAF (ret) Comments: Trevor, I had the pleasure of meeting one of your B-26 vets at the National D Day Museum in New Orleans, LA. His name is Eugene Wallace, Col USAF (ret) resides in Laguna Beach, CA. I must saying as a retired Marine and pilot myself, that Col Gene is a National treasure. He had an audience of his own in the museum, I happened to talk to him as he checked in at the front desk ( special recognition is given each WW II vet that comes through the doors. I am a Naval Aviator with combat experience so I naturally wanted to hear Col. Gene's story. Col Gene had flown several missions in the early part of the war but the one that caught my attention was his being shot down and escape and evading the Japanese for more than 10 months. As Col Gene puts it " he went native ". He was on a low level bombing mission when his Marauder was hit and one engine rendered inoperative. He and his crew attempted to get back to base single engine but were forced to ditch just off an island south of Rabaul. Gene said the airplane sunk and two crewman were killed from bombing. Ron Cornetta
Date:: 10/26/2003
Time:: 8:27 AM

Frank M Milliman BombGp: 323 Squadron: 456 Years: 42, 43, 44 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: My uncle Pvt. Frank Milliman enlisted July 1942 and was (per mailing address 10/5/42) stationed at McDill Field, Tampa Fl, and (per mailing address 09/07/42) Camp Croft SC-Co A 32 Inf. Trg. Bn. Brks 177. He was then (per mailing address 11/28/?? posted to 453 BS, 323 BG at Myrtle Beach, SC. He was a tail gunner in a B26 flying fortress and died in a jeep accident 9 October 1943 according to my mother in Noiremont France. Could this actually be 9 October 1944? Wasn't France Occupied by Germans in 1943? Is there a record of who he flew with, what plane etc. If yes where. Thank you, J. McDonald
Date:: 10/25/2003
Time:: 3:02 PM

Omer Middleton BombGp: 322nd Squadron: ? Years: 1942-45 Comments: My dad was with the ninth air force and with the 322nd bomber group. All I know is he said he was stationed at Braintree England, and in Germany. His name was Omer Middleton, nickname Buddy. If anyone remembers him I would love to hear from you. Omer Middleton, Jr.
Date:: 10/25/2003
Time:: 2:55 PM

Date:: 10/24/2003
Time:: 1:05 AM

Barry B. Townsend BombGp: 394th Squadron: 587th Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I'm a grandson of the late Barry B. Townsend, Ops Officer in the 587th BS, 394th BG, and was researching a few facts about my grandfather's time in his squadron. Just wanted to mention my sincere thanks to those who have put forth the effort and hard work that has gone into creating and maintaining this great resource and website. The Marauder Men will be always remembered by new generations, including mine. Nathan Townsend
Date:: 10/23/2003
Time:: 8:54 PM

Comments: This message started with a story by my brother by my dad....my brother was right about a lot of other stories. He ended up in the South Pacific for about 20 months and did a lot of flying. But not in the B-26 which was his love. One story I remember is about the time he was heading out (under strict orders to the contrary) to acquire some booze some 800 miles away. He made the trip but upon his return (he was alone), he was not allowed to exit the plane unless he gave away a lot of his loot of booze. Eventually he allowed the crew to unbolt a window to allow his release but they took all but one case of whiskey. He told me he buried the case but after drinking the bottle he had he could not remember where he buried the rest. Oh well.... John Breidenthal
Date:: 10/23/2003
Time:: 7:03 AM

Comments: Sir, I am writting to you in request for information on the Martin B-26-E "Gypsy Rose". I am an active duty soldier and currently doing a research paper on weapons, tactics and air doctrines of the US Army Air Corps in the Second World War. One of my topics is " What if" and that deals with for example, the B26E strafer model had been accepted and the B-25G/H had not, what impact that might have had. The B-25 became the premier starfer and low level bomber in the Pacific theater. I have read paragraphs and web based documents and I have seen only one photo of the modification, forward fuselage (cockpit and dorsal turret moved forward) but nothing on the solid nose, two 37mm cannon and two .50 cal machine guns. Can you help me with this paper. Photos or plans, anything might help. Thank you. Respectfully, Thomas Blouch
Date:: 10/21/2003
Time:: 10:11 PM

Charles "Chris" Crecelius BombGp: 394 Squadron: 587 Years: 44-45 Class: 1944 Location: Portland, Oregon Comments: I am writing on behalf of my father, retired Lt. Col. Charles E. Crecelius, Born June 5, 1919, deceased March 20, 1997. He flew 41 bombing missions over Germany in the B-26 Martin Marauder. Sincerely, Jan Crecelius Weade
Date:: 10/20/2003
Time:: 9:10 AM

John Smart Carmichael Lost WW2 flying hero buried with honour. The memorial service and burial of World War Two Spitfire hero, Sergeant John Smart Carmichael, took place at 1100hrs on Friday 5th September, sixty years to the day that he was shot down in action over Flanders at the age of 21.

Mr. Carmicheal, RAF Fighter Pilot, was flying support for the 322, 323, 386, 387 Bombardment Groups - mission details.
Date:: 10/17/2003
Time:: 1:17 PM

Leroy C. Richter BombGp: 17 Squadron: 34 Years: 1.5 Class: 1942 Location: University of Texas Comments: fought in the African and European Theater 1943 - 44. Held the rank of Lt. Colonel and pilot with the responsibility of Group Operations Leader. Flew 76 missions.
Date:: 10/17/2003
Time:: 11:39 AM

George H Gibbens, Jr. BombGp: Squadron: Years: Class: Location: Comments: I'd sure like to see my late father-in-law's name in here: George H Gibbens, Jr. He was a B-26 pilot, flying 2 tours out of North Africa beginning in 1943, I believe. He was awarded the DFC twice, once posthumously. Betty Gibbens Waddoups
Date:: 10/17/2003
Time:: 11:39 AM

Comments: A small correction on this site: ..\page\391\historical.htm with the text: The scheduled assignment of the 391st Bomb Group to the European Theater of Operations was delayed indefinitely after the 322nd Bomb Group's disastrous strike on the German submarine pens at Ijmuiden. These pens were not for U-Boats, but for E-Boats and R-boats. U-Boats wouldn't fit in, the pens were also of a less robust construction; the roof and walls weren't that thick compared to U-Boat pens. Kind regards, Maurice Laarman
Date:: 10/16/2003
Time:: 2:26 PM

Lt.Walter L Pulvers BombGp: 387 Squadron: 559 Years: 1940-1943 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: looking for anyone who knew my father during WW 2 in England. His plane was called "Front Burner". Thank you
Date:: 10/15/2003
Time:: 6:02 AM

Comments: My father wanted me to inquire about any information on Lane E. Spence, Pilot, who was one of my father's best friends. I found some information regarding the crew he was on as 17thBG, 95BS, 12th AF, crash time 1500 hours. Thanks very much for your help. Tom Willingham

Tom, 2nd. Lt. Lane E Spence and crew were shot down by Me109's December 23rd 1944. Trevor Allen, historian, b26.com
Date:: 10/14/2003
Time:: 4:29 PM

Marion Kasprzykowski BombGp: 344 Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Hi - I am the son of Marion Kasprzykowski aka Stinky. Unfortunately my father passed away 7 yrs ago he lived till he was 79 yrs old. He raised 2 sons and 1 daughter. My father talked about the war and the good friends he knew. Any info or updates would be greatly appreciated. Nice seeing my father in the picture. His wife rose is going to love this !!! Thank you so much !! It really means a lot to us !!! Charles Kasper -aka kasprzykowski
Date:: 10/13/2003
Time:: 7:11 PM

Albert E. Hill BombGp: 386 Squadron: 553 Comments: Lead Bombardier, 45 Combat Missions.
Date:: 10/12/2003
Time:: 5:54 PM

Walter Greer BombGp: 391 Squadron: 574 Years: 44-45 Class: ? Location: ? Comments: my uncle flew as tail gunner on a few differant plans. Does anyone know the tail number for baby bumps II, and also does anyone know the unit code numbers for Baby Bumps II, Little Pink Painties, Ruthless, The Three Bears. Thanks I'm building models of these planes and can't find the unit code numbers. Ken

Response:

Little Pink Panties: 42-107841, T6-A, was a B-26C-45-MO, and assigned to the 573rd Squadron. She was a silver Marauder, and was damaged beyond repair on March 23, 1945 due to severe flak damage. Pilots assigned to her included Clyde "Hop" Cassiday, and Phil Shoemaker.

The Three Bears: 42-95810, P2-C, a B-26B-45-MA, was assigned to the 572nd Squadron.

Ruthless: 42-95811, P2-G, B-26B-45-MA, was one of the most famous B-26s of the ETO, and was known as the Queen of the B-26s. Assigned to the 572nd, she was named after the original pilot’s wife, and was with the first planes that flew over from the states via the Southern Route.

I don’t have data yet on Baby Bumps II, but that just means I have to keep looking harder. I hope this helps.

Dane M. Donato, 391st Bombardment Group Historian
Date:: 10/11/2003
Time:: 12:58 PM

Ralph C. Zuranski BombGp: 391st Squadron: 574th Years: ETA 1945 Class: Sept 44 Location: Childress TX Comments: I trained as a bombardier at Childress TX. Graduated September of 1944. Went through overseas training at Barksdale AFB. Arrived in England some time in November. Assigned to the 391st BG and arrived at Roye Ami mid January of 1945. Was assigned to the 574th BS and began flying mission late in the month.Participated in about 35 credited missions, which included lead missions. I was further assigned to the A26 and flew a few missions as a crew member in late March. However my assignment ended on the fifth of April as a result of an aircraft accident, during a instrument training accident. I believe that I was among the few who survived a crash landing while in the nose of the B26. The crew I flew with were Cliff Hocker, Roy S. Mckim, Carl Rader, Wade Price, Waide Miller. Of these Cliff and Wade Price are deceased. I have been in contact with Waide Miller and Carl, but have not located Roy McKim.

Response:

The A-26 came late into the picture for the 391st, as well as other groups. The last mission (mission 282) where the B-26 was used as the prime aircraft was the Jena marshalling yard, on 9 April, 1945. All flights scored superior ratings. The next day, the Group send twenty-four A-26 Invaders to hit a railway viaduct at Eger, Gemany. This was the deepest penetration into Germany in the Group’s history to that date.

Dane M. Donato, 391st Bombardment Group Historian
Date:: 10/10/2003
Time:: 8:31 PM

George Carroll BombGp: 386 Squadron: 554 Years: yes Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Great reading, Chester. I go back to the days that I forgot. You did a great detaild report. Keep it up and I hope that a lot of our members appreciate it as much as I do Best to you George Carroll
Date:: 10/10 /2003
Time:: 1:14 PM

BombGp: 322 Squadron: 450 Years: 12/23/1944 Comments: Hello 322nd Bomb Group, please allow to inform you about the excavation of a B-26 plane of the former 322nd BG. On 3.October 2003, the remains of B-26G-10-MA (Serial-No.43-34423) from 450.BS / 322.BG were recovered from a bomb-crater in a meadow near the belgian border at the village of Scheid, Germany. The plane (Pilot: Lieutenant Eckrich) was on its way to bomb the town of Euskirchen on 23.December 1944, when it was shot down by german fighters. The crew of six bailed out near the town of Bad Munstereifel. The "Arbeitsgemeinschaft Luftkriegsgeschichte" found the crash-site in 1993 (the digging itself was made by another searching-team). If you are interested, contact us for further information or pictures. Axel Paul, Frank G�th
Date:: 10/10/2003
Time:: 1:09 PM

Normal L. Harvey BombGp: ? Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I was searching for information on my grandfather's brother, when I ran across your site. Great resource! I'd known from an interview he did in 1994 that he'd been XO for the Pathfinders. He passed on several years ago, after a very full life, and generally wouldn't talk about his experiences during WWII. Thank you. Bill Statz

Bill, Having written several letters to Norman Harvey asking for his help and without getting any reply I was just about to give up trying. Then in 1989 I was at the 322nd Bomb Group reunion on Statten Island when I was told that Norman had arrived there. For a day and a half I didn't see him close up,but on the night of the banquet we had just finished eating when I noticed someone walking towards our table from the corner of my eye. It was Norman and on reaching the table he just said "Trevor, let's talk". We retired to the bar and spent several hours just talking about his experiences. Unfortunately not of that conversation was taped, but the memory of that day still lasts. In the day and a half before I talked with Norman, I later found out that he studying me carefully and only when he was satisfied with my bone fide did he come to speak to me. Regards, Trevor Allen, historian, B26.com
Date:: 10/9/2003
Time:: 11:07 PM

George T. James, Jr., Col., USAF (Ret) BombGp: 391st Squadron: 572nd Years: 1944-45 Class: 44-D Location: Ellington Field Comments: Visit www.391stbombgroup.com for text on what we did, training & deployment, crew lists, incidents, pictures, airplanes, taxi sheets, etc. I would be happy to receive copies of 391st Special Orders, pictures of 391st people and airplanes, airplane names, and especially information about our ground crews. Suitable material will be put on the website. I was a co-pilot and am listed in the 572nd with Jack Crumal's crew. I would be interested to know whether any of the other B-26 groups have similar websites.
Date:: 10/9/2003
Time:: 3:12 AM

Col. Elwyn Farney Quinn BombGp: 386 Squadron: HQ 9BC Years: Class: 1940 Location: Glendale Ca Comments: Looking for Information on Missions Dates & Targets Flown By Col. Elwyn Farney Quinn, X-XXX641, Executive Officer 386BG. Erich Ferrell Figley
Date:: 10/8/2003
Time:: 11:55 PM

Peter A. Milhelish BombGp: 17th Squadron: 34th Years: 1943 1944 Comments: Hey great informational website!!.... my father retired Lt.Colonel Peter A Mihelish was a pilot and flew 1 operational mission in WW2 in a Martin B-26 with the 17th bomb group 34th squadron in north africa in 1943 then was transferred to the 97th bomb group 340th squadron and then piloted B-17 flying fortresses from Foggia, Italy... Amendola Airfield and flew 50 missions ending his tour in the middle of march 1944.. thanks Tim Milhelish
Date:: 10/8/2003
Time:: 1:41 PM

Lt. James Houston Salmon BombGp: ? Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I have just begun researching the life and military service of my late uncle, Lt. James Houston SALMON. He served as a pilot in WWII, but was killed 1 Nov 1948, while piloting a B26 for the Oklahoma Air National Guard, while returning from a search for a missing airplane. At this point in time, I know little about military aircraft, so I don't know if all B26s were Martin B26 Marauders, or if there were different types of B26s. The newspaper account I have of his death only says he was flying a B26. If you are interested in his record, I can provide you with more information -- although I am only now in the initial stages of procuring his records. If you would mind replying to my message, I would appreciate knowing if there was only one type of B26 or not. Thank you. Deborah Salmon King

Q. A26 or B26?

Deborah - In World War II the Martin aircraft company built the B26 Marauder which served operationally from 1941 to 1945, when the then USAAF decided to scrap all of it's existing B26 Marauders. The Douglas aircraft company produced the A-26 Invader which went operational during 1944 and continued in service post war. It was after the war that the Air Force decided to change the designation of the A26 Invader to the B26 Invader and this decision has caused considerable confusion ever since. Your father would have been flying the Douglas B26 Invader at the time of his accident. Incidentally, do you know the squadron/group your father was flying with during World War II. Trevor Allen, historian, b26.com
Date:: 10/8/2003
Time:: 7:48 AM

I am in the process of constructing a large-scale (1/12) replica of the B-26B Marauder. In researching the various aircraft that served in the ETO, I have decided to reproduction a specific B-26B-50 serving with the 344th BG, 497th BS, A/C #42-95864. This aircraft, named "Valkyrie", was flown by a Lt. Witherbee. The only photo I have been able to find of this A/C was taken in late 1944-early 1945, at a base somewhere in Holland. I am trying to find out when this aircraft first entered service with the 344th. Primarily, my quest is to determine if this aircraft would ever have been given Invasion stripes as part of her markings. It is unlikely that invasion stripes would have been applied in late 1944-early 1945. But since the aircraft's serial number indicates that it was produced in 1942, there is at least the chance that she would have entered service at a time when the invasion stripes were required. Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Please send any info you have to the email address appearing at the bottom of this message. Thanks, Michael W. Sandell

Michael - This B26 was operational with the 344th.Bomb Group from March 1944 and certainly wore AEAF stripes on 6th June 1944. Regards, Trevor Allen, historian, b26.com
Date:: 10/7/2003
Time:: 5:29 AM

Comments: Hello Mr. Allen, My name is Patrick Downie and my wife's paternal Grandfather flew with the 323rd bomb group, 454th bomb squadron. His name was Robert M. Knoles and I believe he was a gunner. Mr. Knoles passed away February of this year and we are planning a small honorary service for him sometime around Christmas, at a nearby aviation museum in Asheboro NC. We have some of his military service paper work, including his discharge papers, dog tags, and service annuals (which I would be glad to copy/scan and send to you), but I was also trying to track down any other information or stories. If you know others that may have flown with Mr. Knoles (they probably would have called him Bob) I would greatly appreciate any contact names. His service papers indicate that he flew with the 323 from mid 1941 to the end of 1945. Thank you for you time. Best Regard, Patrick Downie
Date:: 10/5/2003
Time:: 10:04 PM

Frank Remmele BombGp: 322 Squadron: 449 Years: 1943-44 Class: 42K Location: Ellinger Comments: Heard by the grapevine that you can do individual missions????

Frank - nice to hear from you. I would be pleased to research your missions. Regards, Trevor Allen, Historian B26.COM
Date:: 10/5/2003
Time:: 4: 01 PM

BombGp: 391st Squadron: 572nd Years: 1944 Comments: Hello all. I am an amateur researcher living in Jersey in the British Channel Islands and wonder if anyone can help ! I am trying to locate any surviving airmen who were involved in an accident which occurred on the 25th August 1944.Two B-26s collided during an operation to France. Sadly, all onboard 42-95802 Skeeter were killed. Four crew survived from 42-95797 after the a/c was shot down by flak and ditched near to the island of Guernsey in the British Channel Islands. They were picked up by a US warship later. Are any of the following crew members still out there ? Frank P Moscovic, Donald J Peters, Robert J Hetrick or Thomas W Hume. Any details of the incident would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks. Steve Bree

Dear Mr. Bree:

I think I can help you in some detail regarding the 25 August 1944 mission. On route back to Matching after hitting storage yards and troops at Brest, Lt. Thorn, flying T6-P Skeeter, left the slot position, possibly because they were running low on fuel, but we will never be certain. As per procedures, Lt. EZ Rice moved into the then empty slot position, and shortly after that, Thorn collided with Rice in P2-P, TS Ticket.

Thorn’s ship lost its horizontal stabilizer and spun off out of formation. Thorn’s navigator, Lt. Russell J. Calvert, did survive after bailing out at 500 feet. The rest of the crew (Thorn, Thomas, Parks, Annette, Evans, Noreland, and Meyer), were killed when Skeeter crashed into the sea between Sark Rock and La Moisie. According to one source, two of the crewmen did survive for short time.

Calvert was pulled from the water by fishermen aboard the Alcyon, as was Rice’s tail gunner, Sgt. Thomas W. Hume, who had bailed out of TS Ticket after the initial collision.

Another fishing vessel, the Th�r�se, rushed to the scene, and helped to pull two of the men, still alive but badly injured, from the hull before she sunk. These two men later died at a French clinic. They also pull the bodies of Thorn and Thomas, but can’t remove the other bodies before the plane sinks. Two more crew men are pulled out a month later, and William Parks, who had been killed in the nose, drifts free of the wreck and washes to shore on September 27 near L’Etacq, on Jersey. He is buried by German forces, and is only exhumed and returned to the US after the end of the war.

Due to the collision, Rice had lost his port engine. He immediately radioed for the heading of a landing strip in Cherbourg. They were losing altitude steadily, and came out of the undercast at about 3,000 feet between the islands of Guernsey and Jersey. German AA batteries opened fire immediately, killing Sgt. Shuler. The right engine is also knocked out. Rice manages to dead stick the plane in the water, a nearly impossible feat of flying, and the four surviving men, Rice, Moscovic, Peters, and Hetrick, scramble out and into their life raft.

The destroyer escort USS Borum, having witnessed the plane going down, steamed to effectuate a rescue. A German battery on Jersey fired a 3-gun salvo from 12,000 yards, but missed. Rice and the other three are then evacuated to Cherbourg aboard PT boats, and are returned to duty a few days later. Hume and Calvert make their way back to the 391st with the help the Underground.

Interestingly, in 1962, a fishing boat snagged one of the engines from Rice’s plane. It was on display at a museum in Guernsey for a time. Divers have also possibly removed the other engine, and they also brought up some of the machine guns.

Calvert has passed away, as has Rice’s bombardier, Donald J. Peters, who was killed in a tragic accident shortly after returning to the states. On March 25, 1998, a memorial plaque was dedicated to the memory of Capt. David Thorn and his crew. It reads:

A la m�morie de l’�quipage du bombardier am�ricain B 26 tomb� � l’embouchure du Trieux le 25 aout 1944 au retour d’une mission sur Brest.

E.J. Annette C.E. Norland
R.J. Calvert W.H. Parks
O.L. Evans A.L. Thomas
R.H. Meyer D.H. Thorn

Recueillis bless�s ou morts par des pecheurs de Loguivy. Age has not wearied them.

Dane M. Donato, 391st Bombardment Group Historian
Date:: 10/4/2003
Time:: 10:39 PM

Wayman Batey BombGp: Squadron: 432nd Years: 42-45 Comments: My father, Wayman Batey, had 73 missions as a tail gunner,navigator, bombadier, and co-pilot after volunteering at 19 while in his first year in college. He was in Africa, Italy, Germany, England, Tripoli. He died in 67, but I was wondering if there was anyone still alive that knew him? I don't have a scanner hooked up yet but I can find some old pictures of his buddies in front of a plane. deAnna Batey
Date:: 10/4/2003
Time:: 4:18 PM

Comments: I am the son of George Edward (Ed) Constable. Thank you so much for this site. Steve Constable
Date:: 10/4/2003
Time:: 9:12 AM

Dawson U. Kershaw BombGp: 391 Squadron: Years: 41-43? Comments: My dad was a tailgunner on the Sleepy Time Gal, his pilot was Aldous, he was stationed at Matching Green. He told us many stories, but not enough. I wish he was here so I could pick his memory and write everything down. Betsy Kershaw Arnoldi

Response:

Dear Ms. Arnoldi: Sleepy Time Gal, 42-95838 4L-B, a B-26B-50-MA, was assigned to the 574th Squadron. The plane was shot down on December 23, 1944, during the disasterous Ahrweiler mission.

I’d like to work with you to help you gain more knowledge about your father and his life in the 391st. It takes time and effort, but it is always well worth it.

Dane M. Donato, 391st Bombardment Group Historian
Date:: 10/2/2003
Time:: 6:15 PM

Major Robert M. Radlein, USAF (Ret) BombGp: 323rd Squadron: 454th Years: yes Comments: Marauder man forever! Our crew's plane: "The Ugly Duckling" 42-96-256, B-26F, RJ-J. For further story of this plane, see "Battle Over Mavaria" by Robert Forsyth. Classic Publications.
Date:: 9/30/2003
Time:: 6:15 PM

Benjamin Winget Lowell BombGp: Squadron: Years: Class: Location: Comments: My uncle, Benjamin Winget Lowell, was a pilot of a B-26 and was shot down over France on August 7, 1944. I was glad to hear of the book "Bridge Busters" and saw that you had his name listed on your web page. If any of you in the bomb group knew my uncle, or have any stories about him, I would love to hear from you. I was named after him and feel a special connection for the Marauder Men. Thanks!
Date:: 9/29/2003
Time:: 2:17 PM

B-26B-50-MA, #42-95864 was used by the 344th BG, 497th BS. I am trying to determine when she entered service with the unit. Would you have any info on this? My goal is to determine whether or not the A/C was ever given invasion stripes. Thank you. Michael Wm. Sandell
Date:: 9/26/2003
Time:: 5:44 PM

BombGp: 481st Comments: Good evening. My request may be a bit unusual, but in early October, I'm going to be singing the annual memorial service for the 481st Bombadier group which is to be held here in St. Louis, MO at Second Presbyterian Church. Because I am a USAF veteran, the minister of music at that church knew I'd be particularly interested in singing for this event. My husband Dave and I both have a keen interest in aviation and aviation history. We were both members of the US Air Force Band in Washington, DC where we met. We'd like to know more about the history of the 481st... can you fill us in with some details? We'd like to know what missions they may have flown? Where were they stationed? Unit citations? Would love to simply know more abut the unit. Thanks so much for whatever information you can provide. It will be a privilege to sing for this event. Best. Kathy Lawton Brown (and David M. Brown)

481st BOMBARDMENT LINEAGE. Constituted 481st Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 9 July 7 1942. Activated on 15 Jul 1942. Disbanded on 1 May 1944 ASSIGNMENTS. 336th Bombardment Group, 15 Jul 1942-1 May 1944. STATIONS. MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jul 1942; Ft Myers, Fla, 10 Aug 1942; Avon Park, Fla, 10 Dec 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 13 Oct 1943; Lake Charles AAFld, La, 8 Nov 1943-1 May 1944 AIRCRAFT. B-26, 1942-1944. OPERATIONS. Replacement training, Sep 1942-Apr 1944 SERVICE STREAMERS. American Theater. CAMPAIGNS. None. DECORATIONS. None. EMBLEM. None.
Date:: 9/26/2003
Time:: 4:55 PM

Dan Hallowell BombGp: Squadron: 444th Years: 1942-1945 Class: 42-F Location: Luke Field Comments: Dan Hallowell, my father, was a pilot with the 444th bomb squadron. He was from Farmer City, Illinois. He flew B-26s over North Africa. (I believe he flew some missions over France, Italy and Sicily.). He was a captain in 1943. He was promoted later, and after flying 40 missions he returned to the states taught other pilots until the war ended. After the war he flew for Braniff Airways until his death in the Electra crash of 1959. I would love to hear from anyone who knew him in WWII. I would also like to know if anyone knows how I can obtain any government records about his activities in the war. Kathy Allen
Date:: 9/25/2003
Time:: 11:16 PM

Cpl George Gillies BombGp: 322 Squadron: 452 Years: 42/43 ? Class: ? Location: Pembina, ND USA Comments: Hi, my name is Michael Greene. I am inquiring about my uncle, Cpl George Gillies, he was killed in action the night of Dec 31 1943 at an airfield in England, it may have been Andrews Field? I will relate the story as I have heard it all my life. It was typical bad whether for Dec that day he was working as ground crew, a plane I presume a b-26 was in distress and trying to find the field. My Uncle George knew the pilot and crew. He went out to the runway to light smudge pots ?, or flares ? . He was in a jeep on or near the runway, when the stricken aircraft landed on top of the jeep, killing him instantly. So the story goes, and sixty years of heartache, for his family. Any information on this incident would be much appreciated. Thanks so much, Mike

Dear Mr Green, Thank you for your inquiry regarding your uncle, Cpl George Gillies, who was KIA in World War II. We regret the delay in responding, but can inform you that your inquiry has now made its way through our backlog and has been assigned to a research archivist. You should have the results of our research efforts in a few days. We appreciate your patience. Regards, R.M. Johnson, PhD Chief, Archives Branch Air Force Historical Research Agency
Date:: 9/25/2003
Time:: 10:22 PM

Thanks! Trevor for the information on Wesley Myers. You gave me enough clues to find that it is known as The Great Squadron Tragedy and that there is another Burbank boy who was killed also Roy L. Rice, Jr.. Do not know if they were on same plane or not. I am also looking for information on a Lt. Donald A. Landis who was killed March 3, 1944 in a plane accident at Barksdale Field, Louisiana.When he entered the service he took a specialized course in piloting the Martin B26 Marauder at Laughlin Army Air Field, Del Rio, Texas. He is buried in Forestlawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California. Any more information on him would be most appreciated. Linda C. Mustion
Date:: 9/25/2003
Time:: 5:37 PM

George L. Pratt BombGp: 391 Squadron: 574 Years: 1943-45 Class: 44F Location: Columbus, MS Comments: Our plane didn't have a name - we just flew whatever plane was available. Stationed near Roye Ame, France. Norbert Hoerst was a tail gunner - he contacted me a couple of years ago. I would like to add that our group had the pygmy with the darts.

The pigmy with the darts? Please tell us more.

Mr. Pratt’s comments bring to mind something important to understand about operational life in the group. A crew was not necessarily assigned to one plane, but flew a number of ships, depending on availability, requirements of a mission, and so on. To complicate matters, individual crewmembers flew with other crews, or were asked to come on missions to round out a short crew. When I became involved with studying the history of the 391st, I, like many people, has assumed that a crew was attached to one plane, and only flew that plane for their entire combat tour.

And of course, not all planes had names, as well, or they had informal names that were never painted on the nose. Some nicknames, in fact, wouldn’t be repeated in polite company!

Dane M. Donato, 391st Bombardment Group Historian
Date:: 9/25/2003
Time:: 10:20 AM

Bill Hornbarger BombGp: 387 Squadron: 557 Years: 1943-1945 Class: MacDill Location: Flordia Comments: Bill Hornbarger was my father, he passed away in 1995. I forwarded some of his pictures to Mike and he posted them on this great web site. Dave Hornbarger
Date:: 9/24/2003
Time:: 8:30 AM

Comments: With regard to surviving members of the original 319th Bomb Group (July 1942), there are others besides David M. Jones and Windell O Myers, both of whom I know. Off the top of my head I can name Ashley E. Woolridge, Charles R. Meyers Jr., Robert Paulsen, Ray Schmidt, Jack Cattell. Given time, I could come up with a lot more. I no longer have reference material here, as I placed my B-26 papers in the (Marauder) archives at The University Akron (Ohio) before moving to California. The 319th Bomb Group quit having its own reunions five yers ago, and has been meeting since with its "sister" unit, the 17th Bomb Group. The last I knew, Jim Doherty was in charge of maintaining the 319th's roster, and he could probably give you more information. Esther M. Queneau
Date:: 9/23/2003
Time:: 5:17 PM

Albert J. DiLuzio BombGp: 394 Squadron: 586 Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: I am looking for information pertaining to the B-26 known as Mi Lei Fo flying 146 missions and shot down on 18 November 1944 over or near Gey Germany. My uncle and name sake was wireless operator and waist gunner on the plane and I am attempting to find as much information as possible about the crew, the plane and it's missions. Photos, letters, flight diaries, etc. would be appreciated. Any and all iformation is being sought. Albert J. DiLuzio II
Date:: 9/22/2003
Time:: 1:38 PM

Comments: I am trying to find out about any information about a B26 which crashed in Bricket Wood, near St.Albans, close to the HANDLEY PAGE factory at Radlett, apparently as a result of a mid air collision, during WW2. The actual location is near to a 15th century barn/mill called Moor Mill. My father and his school mates apparently took some of the bullets from the crash site and the local policeman went to the school to confiscate them! Regards, Paul Field, St. Albans, HERTS, UK.
Date:: 9/21/2003
Time:: 1:04 AM

1st. Lt. Lester E. Barton BombGp: 322 Squadron: 451 Years: 1941-45 Class: 42 Location: Chanute AFB. IL. Comments: Looking for O'Buddies of my late uncle, 1st. Lt. Lester E. Barton. He was a B-26 Marauder Pilot, flew many missions. He was in the " Great Squadron Tragedy, " Mar. 18, 1945. He flew a B-26 unnamed plane, 43-34155 SS-J, was killed in this accident over " Beauvais/Tille, France." Lt. Alex Cordes,is the only man whom lived, I heard he has passed on. He served under Capt. Glenn Nye, " Nye's Annihilator's, " I heard! Many men were killed in this terrible accident! This was with the 451st. BS. 322nd. BG. He grew up in the state of Indiana, in a small town! Hoping to find someone in his miltary life that remember's something about him! He had a brother, Sgt. Chester Barton, who was in 379th BS. 310th Bg. who was a " Gunner, " on a B-25C plane, 42-64597 killed on July 20, 1943, over Monte Carvino Airdome, Italy. Hoping to find their friends, or someone that can remember something nice to tell our family. Thank you, Judy
Date:: 9/20/2003
Time:: 9:12 PM

Richard F. Smith BombGp: 391 Squadron: 572 Years: 44-45 Comments: I post this message for 1st Lt Cloyed Singhass a member of the B26 "The Three Bears." I direct it to the second posting of the year and to Al Garcia who is looking for some answers about the same plane "The Three Bears" Lt Singhass was in France late 44 to 45. We will help if possiable. Is it possiable to communicate? Richard F Smith

The Three Bears was assigned to the 572nd Squadron of the 391st. She was a B-26B-45-MA model, serial number 42-95810 P-2. She carried an overall olive drab paint scheme, and as is fitting for one of the earlier model B-26 Marauders, she at one point carried D-Day invasion stripes. The Three Bears' nose art consisted of the ship's name in fancy script at a slight angle.

2nd Lt. Cloyd H. Singhass was assigned as Bombardier / Navigator to 2nd Lt. William R. White's crew, which consisted of the following men:

Pilot: 2nd Lt. William R. White
Copilot: 2nd Lt. Thelberth H. Thomas
Bombardier / Navigator: 2nd Lt. Cloyd H. Singhass
Radio / Gunner: Samuel T. Tate (rank unknown at this time)
Engineer / Gunner: Corporal Virgil W. Ritchie
Armorer / Gunner: Corporal Kenneth L. Taplin

Documentation shows that White flew The Three Bears from Oct. 1944 through March 1945. The Group moved from Station 166, Matching Green, Essex, UK, in late September of 1944, and continued operations beginning in early October from their new home at Roye / Amy, France. Most likely, Singhass and his crew flew very few missions if any from Matching. I will continue to research this in greater depth soon and posting the information here.

Dane Donato, 391st Historian, B26.COM
Date:: 9/20/2003
Time:: 5:52 PM

Richard W. Kelly BombGp: 17th Squadron: Years: 1942-45 Class: Location: Walnut Ridge Flying School Comments: Interested in any information regarding the 17th Bomber group you can provide. My father never told stories from the war so I have little to go on. I do know he flew in Paris and Africa. I'm not even sure of the years he served in the Army Air Corps; he could have enlisted in 1941. Thank you, Denise Caffey
Date:: 9/19/2003
Time:: 11:42 PM
Willard Wales 1923-2003 - There will be no formal funeral service, graveside service only, at the Vacaville-Elmira Cemetery, on Monday, Sept. 22, 03 at 11:00 AM.

Vacaville Elmira Cemetery PO Box 698 (click for map) Vacaville, CA 95696 (707) 448-7206
Date:: 9/19/2003
Time:: 3:37 PM

Nick Vatistas BombGp: 17 Squadron: 34 Years: 1942 - 1945 Comments: My Dad, Nick AKA "Greek", was a tail gunner with the 34th out of N. Africa. Maybe some of you remember him from the war or reunions. Just wanted to say thanks to all of you for making such a valiant contri