B26.COM 2004 Guest book - dedicated to Martin B-26 Marauder Men.

Date:: 12/31/2004
Time:: 10:51 PM

Hi, I am a retired American Airlines Flight engineer instructor. When I was working at LAX between the years 1966 to 1968 I worked in the 707 simulator with a former B-26 pilot by the name of Stan Clark. Stan was an AAL captain and 707 pilot instructor at the time. I used to get him to tell me war stories from time to time - but all I can remember after 37 years is that at one time or another he flew "Mild and Bitter". After I moved to DFW I no longer had contact with Stan, but If he is still around he probably could be contacted vis the AAL retired pilot group - The Gray Eagle Association ( I have no contact info for them). Harold Davey
Date:: 12/31/2004
Time:: 4:08 PM

Greetings, My father William Henry Wishard III a 2nd Lt. who died on May 25, 1945. He was killed overseas and was a crew member on a B-26. The following information was taken from his Pilot and Crew Member Physical Record Card:

Army Serial No. XXXX451
Examinations - Qualified for flying
Class I
Date 5/2/44
Signature of Flight Surgeon- (unreadable)
Station - (this was cut out)

Do you have any record or information on my father or his group?

Thank you for any information you can give me. He was shipped overseas two weeks before I was born and now my 12 year old son and I am researching this together as a way to pass on the memory of my father.

Thank you in advance you assistance would be greatly appreciated.

William "Bill" Wishard
Date:: 12/29/2004
Time:: 7:38 AM

James D. Pascoe, Marauder Man
394th B. Grp
587th B. Sqd
Served April 1943 to Nov. 1945

After Armament School at Lowery and Flex Gunnery school near Fort Meyer, I was assigned to the 394 at Kellogg Field, and joined the Ted Kubala crew as tail gunner. After being shot down on April 21st 1944 I managed to evade capture till May 9th when I and two other American airmen, John Blangio of Boston and George Gannister of Birmingham Ala. were led into a trap in Lille and captured. As for the other members of the crew: Theodore E. Kubala, pilot: William G. Jones, copilot: and John A. Debell, nav/bombardier went down with the plane. Flight Engineer Sylvester W Schrieber, and radio man, George J Mahin were captured immediately.
Date:: 12/27/2004
Time:: 5:56 PM

Marauder Man Kenneth A. Schell - From his Purple heart citation papers, he was in the 387th Bombardment Group (M), 556th bombardment Squadron (M). He is listed as an Aerial-Gunner and was under the command of Brigadier General Anderson, Richard C Saunders, Brig Gen, Chief of Staff, signed by Arthur W Egan., 1st Lt, Air Corps, Adjutant. His discharge lists him as an airplane mechanic, gunner 748. His battles and campaigns listed are Normandy; Rhineland. He was injured 12 August 1944, place unavailable. As an addition to 556th Bomb Sq (M), there are comments 123,131, &161 Hq IX BC44; GO's 23,&33/44, 6& 40/45, Hq 9th BD. Maybe someone who understands military language will have insight into the significance of these notations. I would like to find more information if possible. I have a photo of the plane and crew that flew it. The number on the plane is 1891. The crew listed is as follows: "Wild Bill" Moriarity, pilot; Jess Wilkes; Clarence E Bergand; Kenneth A. Schell, engineer; Doyle K. Grant, radio man; Charles F. Salas, gunner. This photo is dated Mar 23, 1944. I am guessing it was taken in the states as his date of departure to ETO was 15 Apr 44. Will any of this information be helpful in finding another crew member or relative of a crew member. I have been told they flew 87 missions and all six flew all missions and all returned. Thanks for your interest. I'm just the baby sister who heard stories and who now has a few of his memories. It soon will be five years since his death. I know it is a little late for me to be searching but I'm willing to give it a try. Margaret Rose (Margie) Schell Frazier.
Date:: 12/24/2004
Time:: 10:59 AM

My dad, Theodore V. Harwood, flew with the 323rd on their mission on Dec. 23rd. This is the letter he wrote sixty years ago today. Take care, Ted Harwood, II.

"12/24/44 (Christmas Eve): Dear folks, I received your swell gifts yesterday and last night we all played pop’s ring toss game, I opened the other presents tonight before chow. and all were very nice. I don’t know how to thank you as it means so much to receive things from home. I have had no mail from home for seven days, but I know it’s just the mail tie up.

I have 18 missions now and the last one was a little rough, in fact the roughest one we have had. I saw enough to make those old pictures, like “Hells’ Angles” look sick. But, the Germans took the worst of the beating.

It has been really cold here the last few days. All of the water pools are frozen over and the ground stays frozen all day. Our water system is no-operational now too, all frozen up. No snow as yet, but heavy frost every morning and the ground is all while until about 11:00 every morning.

I would very much like to be home with you folks tonight, but know you will have a good time. It is 7:00 PM here and only 11:00 A.M. there. I suppose there’s not to much activity going on in the house as yet. Nor is there much here. Most of the boys are pretty tired and are doing a lot of thinking.

I want to thank you once again for all of the lovely gifts I received and I hope that we can all be together for our next Christmas. All my love Ted."
Date:: 12/23/2004
Time:: 3:31 PM

Marauder Men - Sgt. J. A. Hodesh, Cpl. James. H. Skinner, Cpl. John Quirk - Daily Hampshire Gazette, Wednesday, July 26, 1944. Mild And Bitter, Marauder B-26 Marauder
Date:: 12/23/2004
Time:: 2:23 PM

Sixty years ago today, thirty-six B-26's of the 397th Bomb Group took off in the snow to bomb the Eller Railroad bridge. Fighter escort missed the rendezvous, leaving the group to continue on to the bridge alone. The group was attacked by three waves of 15 German fighters. They encountered heavy flak over the target area. The bridge was bombed using GEE. The bridge was hit and put out of use. Leaving the target area they were again attacked by German fighters. Eleven B-26's did not return from that mission. The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for the mission.

Today, American servicemen and women are fighting halfway around the world again. Let us remember the sacrifices of those men 60 years ago and the sacrifices of our friends and neighbors today.

God bless them all,
Wynn Anderson

Marauder Man - Andy Anderson

Wynn,
Sixty years ago today the following losses were suffered by B26 units bombing tactical targets in support of the Allied armies.

1st.PFF Squadron - 3
17th.Bomb Group - 1
320th.Bomb Group - 1
322nd.Bomb Group - 2
323rd.Bomb Group - 2
387th.Bomb Group - 5
391st Bomb Group - 16
397th.Bomb Group - 11

A sum total of 41 B26's being missing in action in addition to which many returned so badly damaged as to be of no further combat use. Your nation today does indeed owe a deep debt of gratitude to the many young men who sacrificed their lives that day to ensure that a bloody war was brought to a swift conclusion. Remember they were so young and they gave their all for peace.

On that day 60 years ago the weather was very bad, and the fighter escorts had an almost impossible task of making rendezvous with the bombers. The two Groups who suffered the most the 391st and the 397th flew without escort. In any case the entire scenario was in utter confusion both on the ground and in the air.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 12/22/2004
Time:: 10:35 PM

Marauderman's Name: Vernon L. Heim
Bomb Group: 391st
Bomb Squadron: 573rd
Years in service: 4+
Graduation Class:
Class Location:
Comments: I'm just now starting more serious research into the history of what my grandfather did. He was a flight engineer and crew chief for a B-26 nicknamed "Pink's Lady" (NOT Pink's Lady II...that I know of.) A common Internet excerpt I've found is "Still going strong with seventy-eight missions to her credit, one of the ships nicknamed “Pink’s Lady”, was the most durable Marauder in the Group. The plane had never aborted through mechanical failure, testifying to the engineering skill of her ground crew and T/Sgt Vernon L Heim, Crew Chief, of Schuylkill Haven Pa. " This quote relates to Mission #100, June 20, 1944, on Predefin and La Belle Hotesse, France.

He was listed on a single flight plan I was able to dig up on the Internet from MacDill AFB, Florida. His enter date was 4-21-1943, and mil number XXXX1609. To my knowledge, he spent time in Myrtle Beach, Florida, Greenland, England, France and Germany- ending his USAAF career at Olmstead AFB, Harrisburg/Middletown, PA. I am seeking personal stories, mission details, and mostly- a photo of the nose art or numbers for this particular plane. I'd like to relate what he and others did during the war, to my young Son. Please feel free to contact me. Thank you to the B26.COM site and those who served to defend us!

Thanks very much,
Shawn
Date:: 12/22/2004
Time:: 10:27 PM

Hello: My father, the late Edward W. Davis was a member of the 452nd Bomb Sq and arrived in England the day after the disaster at Ijmuiden. He was a pilot and flew 76 combat missions for which he was awarded 2 DFCs and 13 DAM's. His best friend was Roy Edge, with whom he trained and served. Dad was the commander of the Lt Edge's honor guard when he was buried at the American Cemetery in England. Edge was later re-buried in his hometown in Georgia. My father retired as a Lt Col from the USAF in 1965 and became the Director of the Arkansas Public Service Commission and later the President of the Arkansas Telephone Association.

He died in 1991.

Philip
Date:: 12/21/2004
Time:: 7:38 AM

I recently was very pleased to discover your web site. I thought perhaps it would help me learn a little more about my brother Floyd's plane and the crews experiences. Floyd was with the 391st BG, 573rd BS and the plane was 42-107841, named Little Pink Panties. Sorry to say Floyd has recently died. I met the entire crew at their reunion in Tampa, Florida in 1988. I am writing to ask how I might contact persons who have submitted inputs to your web site. I would like to provide some information to those who had any ties to the plane, Little Pink Panties. Example: Entry 10/14/2002, 12:53:51 PM. Johnnie F. Jones states that he flew missions in "Little Pink Panties". On April 16th, he doesn't remember which plane they flew in but their plane took a direct hit and they had to bail out. It wasn't Little Pink Panties because I had found during my previous research that she had sustained flak damage on March 25, 1945 and crash landed. The entry of 10/12/2003, 5:54 PM confirms that. Again in entry 7/7/2002, 3:41:12 PM , the son of E. Z. Rice is searching for information about the plane his farther was in during a mid-air collision and subsequent ditching on 25 August 1944. On that date, it couldn't have been Little Pink Panties. I also would like to contact Terry Marines Rogers whose father was the bombardier of Little Pink panties. I'd tell her that my brother Floyd, another member of that crew, has passed on and the only one I know of who is still with us is the pilot, Hop Cassiday.

Sincerely,
Herman J. May

Herman,
Your identity of "Little Pink Panties" is correct 42-107841 coded T6-A and its loss in a crash-landing caused by severe flak damage. Elmer Z Rice was not flying "Little Pink Panties" when he was in a mid air collision and his B26 ditched at sea off the Channel Islands. When Johnnie F Jones was shot down he had been transferred to another Group and Squadron the 387th.BG 559th Bomb Squadron.

Regards,
Trevor J Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 12/20/2004
Time:: 10:38 PM

Marauderman's Name: William C. Reynolds
Bomb Group: 386th
Bomb Squadron: 555th
Years in service: 1942-1968
Graduation Class: 42-J
Class Location: Avon Park
Comments: My father was a pilot in the 555th of the 386th. He was shot down in April 1944 and spent a year in Stalag Luft III before escaping from a March in '45. If anyone could provide information about him and those events it would be appreciated.

The real reason for this post is: I have an authentically restored Stearman PT-17 (won Best PT-17 at the annual National Stearman Fly-in) painted in the colors when my dad was in Primary at Mira Loma in 1942. I would be honored to give rides to any WW2 Marauder Man of the 386th Bomb Group (M).

The airplane is Florida. I am a former USAF pilot and current airline pilot. My family (including 2 strong sons) will help crew and can help get anyone who is less than fully mobile into the cockpit.

Terry Reynolds
Date:: 12/18/2004
Time:: 1:40 PM

BASTOGNE, Belgium - World War II-era jeeps and trucks rumbled through this town Saturday in ceremonies marking the 60th anniversary of the deadliest battle in American history, the Battle of the Bulge. Veterans from across the United States returned to find Bastogne covered in snow, just as it was that bitter cold December of 1944. The town of 14,000 took the brunt of the six-week battle that raged across the Ardennes hills of southern Belgium and Luxembourg. "The American veterans who have returned 60 years later to the battle site represent those who gave their lives on our soil, so that today we can live free," Bastogne Mayor Philippe Collard said in French at a memorial honoring U.S. General George S. Patton. Read more...



Date:: 12/16/2004
Time:: 6:59 AM

Re B26 Guest Book Entry 8-17-01 re Michael Farmer Groom, Capt. I very much like to contact the writer of this entry: Michael Groom, Jr. I was a navigator/bombardier and flew many missions with Capt. Groom. I can supply some pictures data, etc.

Sincerely, Russell P. Hall

Mr. Hall, thank you for the offer to help me tell the Marauder Man story - few people understand the concept behind B26.COM.
Date:: 12/16/2004
Time:: 4:14 AM

My name is David B. McDonald, I am the nephew of Lieutenant Albert G. Burger Jr., who died in 1944 in a raid over France. I have received many items that belonged to him from my mother who has passed them on to me. She has given me many newspaper clippings and 3 of his pilot's log books. I have seen several names of planes associated with his name but am not sure what plane or planes he flew the most or which plane he was flying when it was shot down. One newspaper article says that there were 4 parachutes seen leaving the plane. The story I got from my mother was that oil from the engine was on him and he burned all the way down. I think he lived for another 3 weeks in a hospital in France before finally succumbing to his burns.

I would like to known if anyone knows him and can tell me something about his life, his plane, his personality, and if there were any survivors of this crash. I noticed his name mentioned in missions 39, 81 and 82. I am becoming increasingly interested in the history of my ancestors of WWII. I would appreciate any correspondence on this subject. Thank you all for your sacrifices and may God Bless...

Sincerely,
David

David,
Lt Burger was flying B26 41-34989 YA-T "Rocks Off" of the 555th Bomb Squadron when he was shot down on June 12th 1944. If you would care to let us see scans of any photographs you have we will try to identify them for you.

Regards,
Trevor J Allen
historian b26.com

Guest book inquiry December 16, 2004 by David McDonald: Subject: Lt. Albert Burger.

I saw your inquiry regarding your uncle Albert G. Burger, Jr. He was a B-26 pilot in the 555th Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group. He flew his first mission with the Group on August 27, 1943, (Group mission number 009) and his last mission on June 12, 1944 was Group mission number 205. You can read about some of the missions he flew as listed: 009, 013, 015, 022, 023. On September 22nd he was assigned to fly an extra plane which as it turned out was not needed. Then he flew on mission 027, 029, we lost the Cox crew on that one, and I was wounded by flak. Mission numbers: 032, 039, 055, 092, 113, and 205 when he was shot down. Your uncle’s crew returned the U.S. in late spring of 1944. He stayed on in England and married an English bride.

Monday, June 12, 1944 The Group was briefed to fly a bombing mission to a marshalling yard target located at Bretigny-sur-orge, France. This would be a late afternoon effort and the second mission of the day for the 386th Group. Your uncle was flying a plane named, “ROCKS OFF” 134989 YA-, he was number six in the low flight in the second box of eighteen ships. At approximately 1800 hours the Group neared a place named Lillebonne on the way into enemy territory. Heavy type flak began bursting within the formation while flying at 10,000 feet.

One flak shell exploded beneath the cockpit of your uncle’s plane, the fragmentation tore the forward fuselage to ribbons setting the maze of hydraulic lines located in the nose wheel well under the cockpit on fire. A witness reported seeing somebody falling from the ship, that probably was your uncle. Another report stated that immediately after the hit, the plane swerved to the right, narrowly missing a collision with the number five plane in the low flight. Then the ship rolled over twice, went into a dive approximately for 3,000 feet, then leveled off for a few seconds. At that point the radioman Staff Sergeant John H. Nekervis was able to bail out from a waist window.

The plane floated a bit as something in the ship blew up, at that point it went into a spin until crashing into the ground and exploding. Staff Sergeant Nekervis while hanging in his parachute saw the plane crash and heard the explosion, he came down very near his plane. Four of the crew were killed in the crash. Your uncle was found still strapped in his parachute and was taken to a hospital where he died from severe burns a few weeks later. Nekervis received small cuts from underbrush on a later date while attempting to elude some German soldiers. He became a P.O.W. Five of the crewmembers were on the same crew, however that day your uncle was their pilot.

Members of the downed aircraft were 1st Lt. Albert G. Burger, Jr. pilot, 2nd Lt. Warren F. Lodge, Jr. co-pilot, Sergeant Stanley S. Kondak bombardier, Staff Sergeant Morris L. Samuelson engineer, Staff Sergeant Leon F. McGonigle tail gunner, all lost their lives due to enemy action. Tech Sergeant John H. Nekervis radioman managed to survive the war. Check out my web page listed below for more stories about the 386th Bomb Group.

Sincerely, Chester P. Klier—Historian, 386th Bomb Group
http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 12/15/2004
Time:: 6:37 AM

My name is Larry Fuller. I am the nephew of William Bower, who was killed 60 years ago on 12/23/44 near Demarath Germany. 397th Bomb Group, 599th Bomb Squadron, Draggin Lady Airplane, Mont Stephenson Pilot.

Does anyone have a current email address for Herman-Josef Stolz who did all the wonderful research on this crew and the others lost on this tragic date? I would like to thank him for his work and hope we'll all pause for a moment of remembrance on the 23rd. Thank you.
Date:: 12/14/2004
Time:: 7:05 PM

Lt. Warren H Butterfield. Bombardier, 387th BG, 558th BS. Victory Bulletin Board Program, June 19, 1945. Radio Station KFPY 920 kc 5000W, Spokane, WA
Date:: 12/13/2004
Time:: 6:54 PM

My dad, Calvin Miller (who is still living and in good health), served with the 344th and the 397th in WWII. Dad was a B-26 Tail Gunner and was credited with 51 missions. I have enjoyed looking at your website and all of the pictures and information. We have several pictures of my dad, B-26 aircraft, etc that we could send via e-mail if you are accepting such. I would love to have some of his information on your website.

Thanks,
Bob Miller

Bob - you're welcome to add whatever you want to your dad's dedication page.
Date:: 12/12/2004
Time:: 6:16 PM

Marauderman's Name: Robert Lee Pocan
Bomb Group: 320th
Bomb Squadron: 444th
Years in service: 42-45
Graduation Class: 43
Class Location: Carlsbad, New Mexico?
Comments: I am the son of Robert L Pocan, Sr. After the war, my dad went to work for Pacific Telephone in the San Francisco bay area. He started out as an installer lineman, and eventually became a Special Agent for the company's security department. He was managing their San Jose office when he passed away in 1974.

I would like to get in touch with Don Round, below, and any other aircrew who may have flown with or known my dad in Sardinia or elsewhere. I have a small collection of my dad's snapshots and records to share.

Thanks for the great website, Bob Pocan, Jr.
Date:: 12/10/2004
Time:: 8:25 PM

I am proud to say my father, now deceased, was a Marauder Man. His name is Charles C. Grudnicki and his plane was called "Tobacco Road". If anyone can provide any information or pictures of the crew, plane, or of him personally, we would be deeply grateful. My father was the most patriotic man I have ever known and I am thrilled to have found this tribute to all the Marauder Men.

Thank you,
Charlene Grudnicki Ferguson.

Dear Charlene,
Your father served with the 449th Bomb Squadron 322nd Bomb Group. "Tobacco Road" was flown from the United States to England by the following crew:

Pilot - 1.Lt Dwight L Morrison, XXXX451
Copilot - 2.Lt William G Mills, XXXX031
Navigator - 2.Lt Howard L Erickson, XXXX026
Engineer - S/Sgt Charles C Grudnicki, XXXX934
M/Sgt - James E Byers, XXXX572

On arrival at Bury St Edmunds this B26 was transferred to the 451st Bomb Squadron and later renamed "Piecemaker".

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 12/10/2004
Time:: 5:02 AM

Marauder Man: Elmer Hansard
9th Air Force
Bomb Group: 391
Bomb Squadron: 573
Yrs: 44-45
Class: 1944
Location: MS or AL (?)
Flight Crew:
Pilot: 1st Lt William Louse III
Co-Pilot: 1st Lt Melvin Reeves
Bombardier: 1st Lt Robert Schmidt
Engineer: S Sgt Robert McNeil
Radio Opp: T Sgt Ed Mclaughten
Tail gunner: S Sgt Elmer Hansard

I am writing for my grandfather, his b26 was called the Lilly Commando. I love talking to him about his experiences in the war. If you have any information about the Lilly Commando, then please contact me. I would love to get in touch with some of his crew members.

He flew 69 missions. His plane was shot on D-Day by a sniper on the Caen canal bridge, and they successfully landed in Hastings, England.

Greg Hansard
Date:: 12/9/2004
Time:: 4:45 PM

My name is Hal Winstell. My father was Henry C. Winstell, born, raised and died in New Orleans, LA. He was part of the 320th B.G, 442 B.S. He passed away 10/1/1978 after 30 beautiful years of marriage with my mother. From stories I listened to as a kid growing up in the 1950's and hungry to learn about anything that flew or flies, I learned that my dad was a crew chief on a B-26 that he always referred to as the 'Skeleton Duck.' It seems that the B.G. insignia was Donald Duck running with a bomb under his arm and this was painted on all the B-26's in the group or squadron. Evidently some enterprising crew member painted over parts of the duck insignia and the remnants looked like duck bones. The number on the tail of that plane was 118056. I am herewith attaching copies of the only four photos we ever had. The backs of the photos all say they're form 1943. I would love to see these on your great web-site. My dad is in all photos. He is the first man (tallest) on the left of the group standing in the back row. He is standing slightly to the right of the starboard engine, under the prop in the big group composite photo.

I would really love to hear form anyone who knew my dad or anything about the aircraft. Thanks for a great site. I'm going to get more familiar with it!

Thank you!
Hal Winstell

Date:: 12/7/2004
Time:: 10:30 PM

My grand father Jean Annez de Taboada was a B-26 pilot during world war two. He flew with the South African Air Force 12th Squadron one of his planes name was "S" for the saint. It would be great to get more info and maybe even a few photos. Please reply to see if possible.

Thank you very much,

From Alex Annez
Date:: 12/7/2004
Time:: 7:29 AM

I am looking for anyone who may have served with 1st Lt. Romeo Farese from Watertown Massachusetts. He was killed on 11 December 1944 in a B-26 crash in France. He was in the 451st Bomb Group. I am endeavoring to have an intersection renamed FARESE SQUARE in honor of him and his younger brother Jessie who died in France as an infantryman. I am also looking for any photographs of him. Any help would be appreciated. Art Napolitano

The purpose of this letter is to propose that the intersection of Main and Gleason Streets be named Farese Square in honor of two brothers who gave their lives in World War II. Both were raised and educated in Watertown. The family home was located on Gleason Street. Both volunteered for duty in 1942 and both lost their lives within 5 months of each other in 1944. The following information is provided to assist the Town Council in rendering its decision on this proposal.

Pvt. Jessie J. Farese
Born: June 8, 1922
Entered Service: October 28, 1942
Unit: 329th Infantry Regiment 83rd Infantry Division
Died: July 14, 1944
Place of casualty: France
Place of final internment: Danville Military Cemetery, Danville, VA

1st Lt. Romeo S. Farese
Born: April 30, 1919
Entered Service: January 3, 1942
Unit: 34th Troop Carrier Sq. 9th Troop Carrier Cmd. 9th AAF 451st Bomb Sq. 99th Bomb Gp. (M) 9th Army Air Force
Died: December 11, 1944
Place of casualty: France
Place of final internment: Danville Military Cemetery, Danville, VA
Date:: 12/7/2004
Time:: 7:16 AM

Je suis Français et je recherche sur les chutes d'avion dans mon département.

Le 8 juillet 1944 lors du bombardement du château de RIBEAUCOURT (QG Allemand) le BG 322 a perdu 9 avions:

B26 42-107627 MACR 6622
B26 42-107870 MACR 6620
B26 42-107816 MACR 6624
B26 42-95970 MACR 6625
B26 42-107695 MACR 6621
B26 42-107680 MACR 6623
B26 41-31814 MACR 6626
B26 42-107591 MACR 6627
B26 41-18276 MACR 6628

A ma connaissance 3 de ces avions sont tombés dans mon département à : AUTHEUX, TALMAS, BOURDON Je recherche l'équipage et le MACR de chaque avion.

Dans l'attente de votre réponse, je vous remercie de l'aide que vous pouvez m'apporter.

Bien amicalement

A poor translation:
I am French and I seek on the falls of plane in my department. July 8, 1944 at the time of the bombardment of the castle of RIBEAUCOURT (German HQ) the BG 322 lost 9 planes:

B26 42-107627 MACR 6622
B26 42-107870 MACR 6620
B26 42-107816 MACR 6624
B26 42-95970 MACR 6625
B26 42-107695 MACR 6621
B26 42-107680 MACR 6623
B26 41-31814 MACR 6626
B26 42-107591 MACR 6627
B26 41-18276 MACR 6628

My knowledge 3 of these planes fell into my department to: AUTHEUX, TALMAS, BOURDON . I seek the crew and the MACR of each plane. In waiting of your answer, I thank you for the assistance which you can bring to me. Sincerely
Date:: 12/6/2004
Time:: 10:21 PM

Hi. My grandfather flew with a B26 and the only information I have is that he was a Pathfinder. His name was Oliver Lee McCaskill. He passed about two years ago and I am looking for any information about his service to our country. I'd like to hear from anybody who can tell me anything about him. He was from Leland Mississippi.

Emmett,
Your grandfather was originally with the 553rd.Bomb Squadron 386th.Bomb Group and was transferred with the rest of his crew to the 1st Pathfinder Squadron (Provisional) February 14th 1944. The crew were as follows:

1.Lt Gilbert Howe, XXXX586, Pilot
F/O Olever L McCaskill, XXXX565, Co-Pilot
1.Lt Nathan E Offenhiser, XXXX191, Navigator
1.Lt Warren B Hinchee, XXXX665, Bombardier
T/Sgt Jack C Darby, XXXX616, Radio/Gunner
S/Sgt Eugene G Godziewcki, XXXX799, Engineer/Gunner
S/Sgt Edward T Kozlowski, XXXX842, Tail Gunner

The crew flew its first mission April 18th, 1944 when it led the 386th Bomb Group to Calais, France, but due to the radar going out of action the mission was abandoned.

Trevor Allen historian b26.com

Hello Emmett, saw your request in the B-26 guest book concerning your grandfather Oliver Lee McCaskill. He was a member of the Lieutenant Howe crew. Your grandfather was a co-pilot. The name of their plane was HARD LUCK 131610 AN-P.
The Howe crew flew on the 386th B.G. diversion mission number 3. They flew on the following combat missions with the Group: 003, 004, 005, 008, 010, 011, 012, 013, 014, 016, 020, 022, 027, and on a recalled mission September 26, 1943. They also flew on mission number 054, 092 (missions 92.1 & 92.2), that was February 8, 1944. On February 14, 1944 they were transferred to The 1st Pathfinder Squadron, Provisional.

The Howe crew had nicknames for each of the crew: Lt. Howe, the pilot was known as Doc. Co-pilot F/O McCaskill was known as Runt. Radioman T/Sgt. Darby was called Junior. Bombardier/Navigator Lt. Offenhiser was Nate. Engineer S/Sgt. Godziecki was called Gus. Tail gunner S/Sgt. Kozlowski was called Eddie.

You can read about the above listed missions the Howe crew flew on--go to my web page, this is by no means a complete list of their combat flights, but there is enough for you to get an idea of how things were at that time. You can also click on, Formation Diagrams regarding the above mission numbers to see where they flew in the formation on any given day. My web page address is shown below.

Chester P. Klier—Historian, 386th B.G.
http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 12/6/2004
Time:: 10:16 PM

To anyone who served or knew men who were in the 394th group nicknamed - "The Bridge Busters". My father was 1/Lt. Herchel E. Palmer, pilot. His crew is as follows:

1/Lt. David Lawton
S/Sgt. Andrew Lynch, Jr.
S/Sgt. Richard Aylward
S/Sgt. George Wolff. (585th Squadron).

They were part of the 394th Bomb Group, 98th Bomb Wing, 9th Bomb Division, 9th Air Force.

On December 2, 1944, my father and his crew were on a bombing mission over the area of Saarbrucken (spelling), Germany. Bad weather was a factor on the return flight and they were directed to bases in France and Belgium. The plane crashed somewhere in France and all were killed immediately except for S/Sgt. George Wolff. He died of injuries of December 10, 1944.

My name is Sylvia Work. I would like to hear from anyone who served with these men or a family member.

Sylvia,
The 394th Bomb Group lost ten B26's on December 2nd 1944 due either to bad weather or running out of fuel. Your father's B26 crashed near Guise, France.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 12/5/2004
Time:: 8:55 PM

My name is Scott Clemens and I am conducting research on Lt. Clint Castleberry, Jr., who was killed when his B26G, 44-67866, was lost off of the coast of Africa on November 7, 1944. I have obtained a copy of MACR 9925, which details the search for 44-67861 and 44-67866, both lost on the same date. The documentation includes orders from the 1103d AAF Base Unit Caribbean Division, ATC, which seem to detail the ferrying flights for seven B26G’s. I have not been able to find any information on where the aircraft were headed or what happened to them. I am obviously most interested in 44-67866, but the others are:

44-67859
44-67862
44-67863
44-67854
44-67853
43-34575

The MACR indicates that the two aircraft lost on 11/07/44 left five minutes apart from Roberts Field and were not flying in formation.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

Scott

Scott,
The B26's you note were all destined for delivery to the Free French Air Force, and would have been delivered to Rabat in Morocco. Where the USAAF crews would go to thereafter is open to surmise. By this time both the 9th.AAF and the 1st Tactical Air Force were operating from European bases. If you have the MACR then you probably have all the information available. Unless there is an eyewitness account I cannot see any further avenues of approach.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 12/2/2004
Time:: 11:23 PM

My name in Jason Robinson. I am a Cadet First Class in AFROTC. My grandfather is the late Capt. Thomas A. Best (B-26 Pilot). When I was young I attended a 454 BS reunion with him. I was wondering how I can contact any of the remaining members of this Squadron. I know of one of the gentlemen in particular because of his book; Gen. John Moench. I will be receiving my commission in August. My grandfather was going to commission me. Since he has passed, it would mean a great deal to me if I could contact one of the Marauder Men he flew with and be commissioned by him? Any help or advice you can give me on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,
C1C Jason M. Robinson
Date:: 12/1/2004
Time:: 10:21 PM

William Fred Cox Jr., Marauder Man, 552nd Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group
Date:: 11/30/2004
Time:: 10:00 PM

I'm one of the few survivors. I was a navigator in the original 451st at MacDill in 1942. I flew 55 combat missions over Europe before the invasion was hit and crash landed on coast of England and spent several months in hospitals recovering. I am a widower after 58 years of a wonderful marriage. Would like to hear from old squadron mates. Thank you, IRV SANOW
Date:: 11/30/2004
Time:: 5:26 PM

My uncle was CPT Albert Momenee, 386th, I believe the 554th. Would like to confirm with roster if available. Was not a pilot or crew member, believe in mission planning. Any info about him would be appreciated.

Also need a thread for bombing missions for the following dates:
13 Apr 44 Namur
7 May 44 La Pernelle/Barfluer
24 Mar 45 Dorsten
26 Mar 45 Wurzburg

Thanks ahead of time.

LT Hank Deskewies
TNSG

Listed in 386th BG roster as First Lieutenant Momenee, A.W.; 386th Group Headquarters:
Mission 147: 13 April 1944 Namyr M/Y
Mission 168: 7 May 1944 Barfleur Parnalle C/G
Mission 384: 24 Mar 1945 Dorsten CC
Mission 386: 26 Mar 1945 Wurzburg M/Y

Regards,
Alf Egil Johannessen
Date:: 11/30/2004
Time:: 7:00 AM

Found your great web site, but maybe someone can help me? My Dad was Tech/Sgt. Joseph Burgmann and he was assigned on B-26 In World War II and flown missions over Germany. He passed away on August 1979, but I never knew what Squadron he was in. Can anyone help or know how I can go about finding this information? Thank You.

Thank you for your enquiry to b26.com but with no Group or Squadron ID to go on it is almost impossible to find details on your father. If you have a photograph of your father by a B26 then we will be able to identify his unit. From there we can probably find out what he did.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com

I found a Pvt-T/Sgt Joseph G. Burgmann Jr in 323rd BG 456th BS (roster in Gen. John Moench's book)...had some faint memory of having seen this name in that list.

Best regards from Norway,
Alf Egil Johannessen
Date:: 11/30/2004
Time:: 3:12 AM

Any idea where "air field #9" in North Africa was located? If I can find the location Lawrence Kreissler was at it in N. Africa it would help piece several things together during the period after he was shot down, captured by the Germans and then returned by the Australians. Thanks again. Ken
Date:: 11/29/2004
Time:: 10:17 PM

I just read the 11/27/04 11:38 PM entry by the son of John B. Perry (and John Perry, too) who has documented his dad's experiences in the 394th BG, 587 BS. He also has photos of crews of the 587th, some with names.

My name is Jean Davis Bradfield, 587th BS, 394th BG, and a good friend of mine, Lt. Leslie N. Hood, was in the 587th. His plane was shot down on his 50th mission February 21, 1945 and died seven days later in a Muenster, Germany hospital. I have many letters from Les and am very much interested in his experiences in Europe which he was going to tell me more about "later."

I want to contact John B. Perry and his son by e-mail.
Date:: 11/28/2004
Time:: 12:55 PM

Marauder Man, Lieutenant Harry Charles Sperry, co-pilot, 599th Bomb Squadron, 397th Bomb Group
Date:: 11/28/2004
Time:: 6:31 AM

Gayle L. Smith, Group Operations Officer, 387th Bomb Group, Reunion 2000

I sought advice from several individuals on the type of presentation that I should give. They ranged from a Senator John McCain patriotic speech to a "feel good", to a President Harry S. Truman type - "Tell them like it is". I think, in today's political and socially correct society, I better steer clear of President Truman's method of calling an S.O.B. an S.O.B. or his "give them hell" method or the trial lawyers might hit me with a class action suit. read more ...

Each bomb group had 1 group operations officer. Gayle Smith was the 387ths GOO - the Marauder Man story doesn't get any clearer than Gayle's presentation.
Date:: 11/27/2004
Time:: 11:38 PM

I just discovered your site last week and over Thanksgiving, I spoke of it to my Dad, John B. Perry. He is now 84 and recovering from a broken hip. He is not very good at using the Internet but I helped him log on and enter into your Guest Book. He has documented his experiences in the 394th Bomb Group, 587 Squadron in detail and over the next few months, I will help him scan and email information to you. Please let me know what the best method is. He is really excited about getting on the Internet and getting involved with your web site. Thanks for doing such a great job. He has photos of other crews of the 587 squadron, some with names.

Best Regards and thank you for maintaining such a terrific and important web site.

Carl A. Perry
Date:: 11/26/2004
Time:: 4:38 PM

My husband, Cecil L Nelson, pilot in the 599th bomb squadron, 397th bomb group, just passed away Nov. 21, 2004. He was a WW 2 Marauder Bridge Buster. Will write more later about these wonderful men and their planes. We were married 57 years. Mrs. Cecil L. Nelson
Date:: 11/25/2004
Time:: 8:54 PM

Marauderman's Name: Ralph A. Kusluch
Bomb Group: 322nd
Bomb Squadron: 450th
Years in service: January 1941 to August 1945
Graduation Class: ?
Class Location: ?
Comments: Ralph was my uncle, at the time of his death in August 1945 I was four years old. My father was only able to tell me that his brother flew "fire hydrant" bombers. My father had no background in aviation so that's about all I had. I've always wondered what type of aircraft it was. I finally deduced it was the B-26 from watching "Wings" on TV. Growing up as a boy I always wanted to be a pilot. Unfortunately I only managed to become a naval aircrew man in the U.S. Navy. All I have of my uncle is a pair of his pilots wings. I found this web site doing a Goggle search. I do know that he died in Germany flying a German Messerschmitt. I was also told by my aunt the he was awarded the DFC with oak leaf cluster. So if anyone has more information about his squadron, a source for a picture of the airplane, or any other information I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, AEC Gerard Kusluch USN (RET)
Date:: 11/25/2004
Time:: 6:15 PM

Marauderman's Name: John B. Perry
Bomb Group: 394th.
Bomb Squadron: 587th
Years in service:3 1/2 1942-1945
Graduation Class: ?
Class Location: ?
Comments: Name of Plane: The Fly'n Dutchman, Capt. Bill Schulte - Commander; Pierce, Co-Pilot; Lt. Watson, Navigator; T/Sgt J. Perry, Radio/Gunner; S/Sgt Prosser, Flight Engineer; Sgt. Carson, Tail Gunner

John --- your crew was one of the original 387th crews flying over from the USA to England. Of interest "The Flying Dutchman" was being flown on 8/2/43 by Capt Charles G Fraser when it was severely battle damaged. It was returned to the squadron in December 1944 and flew until 2/23/45 when it was again flak damaged while 2.Lt Truman C Andrews and crew were flying it. It never returned to the squadron.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
Historian b26.com
Date:: 11/24/2004
Time:: 5:43 PM

THE STARS AND STRIPES, Wednesday, August 11, 1943, "B26 Used for Medium and Low-Level Attacks Here"

How many Marauder Men remember this article? Thanks John Beach for sending it in!
Date:: 11/22/2004
Time:: 6:09 AM

Ralph M. Wefel -- S/SGT Radio Op / Gunner; Ninth Air Force (ETO) -- 323rd BG / 455th BS -- 26 missions. Washed out Cadet Candidate by depth perception test at Santa Ana AFB, California. Attended Sioux Falls, S.D., USAAF Radio School. Joined First LT Taylor W. McGee's crew at Barksdale Field, Shreveport, LA. Flew all 26 missions from French USAAF bases. -- CHEERS, USAAF B-26 Vets !!!
Date:: 11/22/2004
Time:: 5:28 AM

I was reading your site and was intrigued by the postings from fellow veterans and some of the information you were able to obtain. My uncle was Howard E. Kithcart, he flew with the 320th, died in a crash, Feb 1945. we are looking for some info on his death and have heard a few conflicting stories. I hope that you can help us in obtaining some accurate records. I probably have written the wrong people, but one can hope. I thank you for any information that one can give. Carrie Kithcart
Date:: 11/19/2004
Time:: 6:49 AM

My good dear friend Robert L. Gridley just passed away this last Monday 15th November. We laid him to rest in Baker, LA yesterday with full military honors. He served with the 386th Bomb Group as a B-26 pilot during combat, and was located in Beaumont, France According to his WD AGO 100 he served for 25 months in the grade of 1st Lt. On his form 53-98 Battles and Campaigns: European Air Offensive--Rhineland--Ardennes--Central Europe. Decorations: European, African, Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; WWII Victory Medal; Army Occupation Medal. He separated from the Air Force 16 Jan 1947. I guess just before the AAC became a separate unit in 1947.

May he rest in peace...God Bless you Robert...

Rodney Bell Sgt. USAF 1971-75 http://udornvet.com
~Baton Rouge, LA~
Veteran of Southeast Asia
F-4D Crew Chief
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand 1973-74
*****Home of the Hunters*****

Date:: 11/18/2004
Time:: 6:49 AM

I'm trying to find information on my uncle, W. Fred Cox Jr. who was attached to the 552 Bomb Squadron, 386 Group. He was a First Pilot killed by anti-aircraft fire while flying over France September 1943. His service number was 0-662628. I would like to talk to anyone who knew him or knows any information about the bombing mission on which he was shot down. Thank you, Jay Warner

Guest book ref. November 19, 2004. Subject, W. Fred Cox, Jr. 552nd B.S., 386th B.G.

Hello Jay, I saw your notice in the guest book asking for data concerning your uncle who was a pilot in my squadron. I have been the 386th Bomb Group Historian for nearly 25 years. I was in the ship flying directly behind and slightly below your uncle when his ship was hit by flak. The fire from his left wing and engine passed over the top of my plane and extended about 100 feet to the rear. I was wounded along with both pilots flying in the plane next to my crew.

If you check into my web page as listed at the bottom of this page, you can read the entire story of his last mission, which I list as 029. Your uncle flew on the following listed missions. Diversionary missions number 2 and 3. Combat missions number: 001, 004, 006, 008, 012, 013, 015, 017, 019, 023. Then a recalled mission on September 26, 1943, and combat mission number 029 when he was shot down.

If you click on “formation diagrams” you will be able to see the flight position that he flew on all of the aforementioned missions. I try to add more stories about the 386th every few weeks, so stay in touch. At the moment I have 16 pages of photos on my web page. Many of the stories also include other photos that pertain to each particular story.

I have 181 items on my web page to click on, which includes 81 mission formation diagrams.

There was a request for information about Staff Sergeant Arthur Vermette on the web site ( see below ) - he was a member of your uncle’s crew and was flying with him when they were shot down. The entire crew was killed in action that day! That request was referred to my web page listing mission number 029.

A man in France by the name of John Chatel and I have been in contact with for several years concerning the missions the 386th flew in his area. He lives a short distance back from Normandy Beach, he also set up a wonderful display in a museum there depicting the activities of the 386th Bomb Group on D-DAY, 60 years ago last June 6, 2004. He informed me some time ago that he installed a plaque at the crash site honoring your uncle’s crew by listing their names thereon. The location is two miles south of St. Valery airdrome in an area called Cany-Barville, France. Well Jay, that is all for this sortie. Tallyho.

Chester P. Klier - Historian, 386th B.G.
Web page address: http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm
Date:: 11/16/2004
Time:: 10:32 PM

My uncle, Arthur Vermette, flew in a B26. He flew in the "Dottie" and the "Danny-Boy-2". He was killed in 1943 over France. Could you give me any info you may have on him or his crew. I believe he was a "belly" gunner. Thank you, Jim McKee

Name: Arthur J Vermette; Rank: S/Sgt; Serial Number: 16067XXX; Unit: 552nd Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group; Service State: IL; Date of Death: 27 Sept 1943; Grave Location: I - 26 - 10; Awards: Air Medal, Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart.

Mr. Vermette is buried in the Normandy American Cemetery - http://www.abmc.gov/no.htm

Mission details provided by Chester Klier, 386th Bomb Group historian. Mission number 29
Date:: 11/15/2004
Time:: 8:44 PM

James H. Skinner
Radio/Navigator
"Mild and Bitter"
452 BS
322 BG
9th Air Force

My name is John H. Beach. My uncle, James H. Skinner, flew as a radio/navigator with the B26 in the ETO. See http://www.b26.com/marauderman/james_skinner.htm.

I have noticed several folks asking for "Stars and Stripes" papers describing various missions into Holland. I have an interesting copy of Vol. 3, No. 240 Wed. Aug. 11, 1943. There is a front page article on the B26 Marauder when it's secret use was unmasked for the first time. It explained that on May 14, 1943 it was first used to bomb Velson, Holland at treetop level with complete success, but on May 17 10 B26's were lost in one operation. {It seemed that the German's crude radar and spotters was able to detect them and point effective AAA on them.} Operations were suspended until new tactics could be worked out.

On July 17, 1943 they again flew, but at a medium altitude while covered by Spitfires around them and P47s above. This raid was successful and all returned to their base. Since then they only have lost two plane using these tactics. The article further explained that they still did low lever bombing when it fit the operations and had air and ground support. There was a photo of a B26 flying over water with a tail ID of H7694.

Further information on my uncle:
My uncle was stationed in England until Sep. 1944 then in France until April 1945 and then in Belgium until he started for home in June of 1945. Anyone that has any photos of this wing or knowledge of Cpl. James H. Skinner I would like to exchange information.

Another wonderful research project:
I also have done a lot of research on a past close friend and highly decorated hero, Dr. Arie Dirk Bestebreurtje, Major, retired. See http://www.b26.com/page/arie.d.bestebreurtje.htm. I am interested in learning more about the bombing raids before Operation Market Garden, especially over Nijmegen and also during that operation. This is where Capt. Bestebreurtje jumped as a Jedburgh OSS agent. He was in the lead plane and jumped with General James Gavin.

Kind regards,
John H. Beach
Date:: 11/13/2004
Time:: 12:20 PM

My name is Leo K. Simpson. I was attached to the 444th Bomb Squadron as an instrument specialist in August of l942. Served with the 444th for approx 3 years. My last airplane as crew chief was Fubar. It ended the war with 154 missions . Our squadron was part of the 320th Bomb group and served in North Africa, Sardinia, Corsica, and France. Our planes were taken away from us in France and we served in Germany as part of the group searching for German war material. We finally returned to the zone of the interior in September 1945. I was discharged from the Air Force on September 25, 1945. - "KEEP 'EM FLYING"
Date:: 11/11/2004
Time:: 11:00 PM

Bonjour. Je suis français. J'habite près de Paris, Votre site sur les B26 Marauder est très intéressant et je vous félicite pour la somme d'informations qu'il contient. Votre °APPEL° m'incite à faire la mise au point suivante: En page 3 "Photos B 26 " ( not B26.COM ) de votre site, on voit la photo d'un B26 coupé en 2 par la flak et vous précisez que cet avion est britannique, ce qui est faux. Il est français et appartient à la 34 ème escadre de bombardement moyen des FAFL, qui est composé de 3 groupes baptisés : "Franche Comté" , "Sénégal", "Bourgogne". Cet avion est de groupe "Bourgogne" ( grands vins français ) et il est surnommé "Vosne Romanée" (célèbre chateau des vins de Bourgogne). Vous pouvez remarquer que la cocarde française bleu-blanc-rouge est peinte à la place de l'étoile à 5 branches américaine. Cet avion vole dans une formation de 18 B26 des FAFL qui vont bombarder l'usine de munitions de JOCKGRIN en Allemagne. C'est un type G. Son serial number est 4334281 . Le numéro d'identification français peint en grosses lettres vertes sur la dérive est 62. La date du bombardement est le 14 février 1945. Léquipage est de 7 membres. 3 ont disparu dans la chute. Ce sont:
Commandant ROLLAND chef de bord
Lieutenant VAL bombardier
" " BERTRAND mécanicien
4 ont la vie savuve. Ce sont:
Lieutenant MERCIER pilote
" " BEAULIEU radio
" " CHAMPROMIS navigateur
Sergent FAUDRY mitraille
L'histoire survenue à cet avion a été racontée dans un grand journal français (Paris Match) en 1965. J'ajouterai que le B26G serial number 4334253 (46) appartenant aussi à la 34 ème escadre a été abattu par la flak le 17 novembre 1944 en bombardant le pont ferroviaire de NEUENBURG sur le Rhin en Allemagne. Mon frére radio à bord de cet avion a disparu avec 4 autres membres d'équipage. En pièces jointes :
- 2 photos prises sur l'aérodrome de Pontoise près de paris en 1997 lors d'une manifestation en l'honneur du 344 ème Bomb Group équipé de B26 qui avait stationné sur ce terrain en 1944/1945. Sur l'une des photos, remarquez la maquette volante du B26 construit à la mémoire de mon frère disparu en 1944
-1 photo du B26 exposé au Musée de l'Air au Bourget près de Paris.

Amitiés d'un ancien de l'Armée de l'Air Française.


A poor translation using translator software ( accurate translation welcomed )

Hello. I am French. I live close to Paris. Your site on B26 Marauder is very interesting and I congratulate you for the sum on information which it contains. Your °APPEL° encourages to me to make the following development: On page 3 "Photographs B 26" of your site, one sees the photograph of B26 cut into 2 by the flak and you specify that this plane is British, which is false. It is French and belongs to the 34 2nd squadron of average bombardment of the FAFL, which is composed of 3 baptized groups: "Honest County", "Senegal", "Burgundy". This plane is of group "Burgundy" (high-class wines French) and it is called "Vosne Romanée" (castle of the wines of Burgundy celebrates). You can notice that the French rosette blue-white-red is painted in the place of American star with 5 branches. This plane flies in a formation of 18 B26 of the FAFL which will bombard the factory of ammunition of JOCKGRIN in Germany. It is a type G. Its serial number is 4334281. The French identification number painted in large green letters on the drift is 62. The date of the bombardment is on February 14, 1945. Léquipage is of 7 members. 3 disappeared in the fall. It is:
Commander ROLLAND chief of edge
Lieutenant VALLEY bomber
"" BERTRAND mechanic 4 have the life savuve. It is:
Pilot lieutenant DRAPER
"" BEAULIEU radio
"" CHAMPROMIS navigator
Sergeant FAUDRY grapeshot the history to this plane was told in a large French newspaper (Paris Match) in 1965. I will add that the B26G serial number 4334253 (46) also pertaining to the 34 2nd squadron was cut down by the flak on November 17, 1944 by bombarding the railway bridge of NEUENBURG on the Rhine in Allemagne. Mon radio frére on board this plane disappeared with 4 other members from crew. In enclosures:
- 2 photographs taken on the aerodrome of Pontoise close of bets in 1997 at the time of a demonstration in the honor of the 344 2nd Bomb Group equipped with B26 which had stationed on this ground into 1944/1945. On one of the photographs, notice the flying model of B26 built with the memory of my brother missing in 1944
-1 photograph from B26 exposed to the Museum from the Air in Le Bourget close to Paris.

Friendships of old of the French Air Force.
Date:: 11/11/2004
Time:: 10:16 PM

Richard Robinson, B-26 Pilot
323 BG
455 BS
"Liberty Lady" YU V 4131781 (and others?)
"Robbie" is my wife's uncle

Bailed out on return from Schipol bombing run in 1943, not sure if this was mission #54 or #55. The mission was told by Bud Hutton (Stars & Stripes). I am not sure if Bud flew on this mission, but he flew with Robbie on some. There is a pic somewhere of Robbie, and others, by the b26. This pic was used in a Kodak Ad, I believe Life Mag.

Richard was awarded the British Dist. Flying Cross, LT. Col. Geo. P. Gould of St. Paul, Minn. and 2nd LT. Richard E. Robinson of IL. and LT. Olaf A. Begre of Lichville, N. D., bombardier also received the award. Rich has Medals and Ribbons.

The Col. made a crash landing without injury to his crew. Lt. Robinson & his crew bailed out after losing both engines, the pilot jumping at 400 ft. after remaining with the plane to prevent it from crashing into a village. Both men hold the Amer. Distinguished Flying Cross & LT. Robinson also has a cluster to the award.

We are new to this B26 history and will have to tell Robbie that we are looking into his past. Any info or connection would be appreciated, nose art, missions, etc.

Question: What happens to the planes name after a crash? can it be re-used, was another plane of Robbie's called "Lady Liberty? I will have to ask him how many B-26's he had.

Thanks J & P

John --- the names painted on B26's were very personnel to both the crew assigned to that B26 and the crew chief responsible for maintaining it. Often the crew chose the name, but on occasion it was the crew chief who named it. In most Groups when a B26 was lost or salvaged the artwork and name was lost with the plane. Then when a new B26 was assigned either the original name with either 2nd or II was added, or the new plane was given an entirely new name.

One Group stood apart from the others because of the excellent artwork that adorned its Marauders. This was the 394th Bomb Group and when they lost an airplane through damage, or they moved onto another B26 they would take the nose art with them since this was normally painted onto detachable panels on the B26.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 11/9/2004
Time:: 10:12 PM

Hi, I'm interested in any information, Group, squadron, plane, missions for a Lt. Arthur J. DeSaulniers, KIA on Dec. 23,1944. Thanks, Shawn M. Kelly

Dec. 23,1944 was a particularly bad day for the 397th, during the Battle of the Bulge, on that day several Martin B-26 crews were lost. Mr. DeSaulniers was a co-pilot in the 596th Bomb Squadron, 397th Bomb Group and also flew in 1 Pathfinders.
Date:: 11/9/2004
Time:: 1:41 PM

Marauderman's Name: Lawrence Lee Kreissler
Bomb Group: 320th
Bomb Squadron: 444th
Years in service: December 1941 to December 11, 1945
Graduation Class: September 1942
Class Location: Spence Field, near Moultrie, Georgia
Plane: B26 – Missouri Mule
Comments: Looking for advice on anything that will help me dive deeper into the groups/areas my grandfather served. Thanks! Ken Nichols (grandson of Lawrence Kreissler).

Date:: 11/8/2004
Time:: 8:20 PM

I am looking for information on my uncle, Capt. James M. Peters. He flew 83 or 85 missions over Europe in WWII. He then came home and died in a training crash. He was flying out of Del Rio, Texas at the time. I would just like to know any information you might have.

Thanks,
Roy W. Peters

Hello Roy Peters: Ref. Guest book dated November 8, 2004.

Your uncle Lieutenant James Peters flew with the 554th Bomb Squadron in the 386th Bomb Group during World War Two. The following is only a partial listing of the combat missions that he flew. Group mission numbers: 007, 009, 010, 012, 014, 016, 022, 025, 027, 029, 031, 032, 034, 036, 040, 187, and 195. These can be found on my web page, click on the address shown. http://www.b26.com/historian/chester_klier.htm The position he flew in the formation can be found by clicking on Formation Diagrams. I have written complete stories concerning the above listed missions. September 27, 1943, Group Mission Number 029 - your uncle and I both flew on this one. I was wounded by flak along with two pilots from my 552nd Squadron. We had one of our planes shot down as well, entire crew was killed.

Your uncle also flew on the following missions: 092, 176, 216, and 222. If you click on Formation Diagrams your uncle’s name will come up showing where he flew in the formation and other data such as target, bomb loads, weather, bombing results, etc. At present the stories for these missions are not written.

As I understand, your uncle Captain James Peters was killed while flying in the U.S. after the war, I have no information on that. I do know that one of our 386th pilots’ was killed while serving as an instructor pilot at a B-47 Jet Bomber training facility.

I hope this information will answer some of the questions you had concerning your uncle’s military service in World War Two.

Chester P. Klier - Historian, 386th Bomb Group
Date:: 11/8/2004
Time:: 8:57 AM

Good morning! I am looking for information on my Uncle, Fred R. Ellsworth. He was a member of the 320th Bomber Group Medium and was listed as "Missing" on May 9, 1943. I am trying to put together a paragraph for the World War II memorial website. I didn't find my uncle's name on the list of people http://www.b26.com/page/320th.bomb.group.roster.htm. Also I thought he trained on a B-25 but that could be a typo. Can you help me find any information on him.

This is what I have gathered so far: "Fred R. Ellsworth (Killed in Action) enlisted in the Army Air Corps on April 29, 1941 in San Francisco, California. As a pilot of the ??????? Fred achieved the rank of Captain while serving with the 442nd Bomb Squadron, 320th Bombardment Group in the European-African Middle Eastern Theater. During his service Fred was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, Service Lapel Button, and European-African Middle Eastern Theater Medal with one bronze battle star, Purple Heart and an Air Medal. Fred’s crew flew their final mission on May 9, 1943 when their plane went down in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 20 miles north of Cape San Vito, Sicily ; none of his heroic crew survived."

My Grandparents never talked about Fred and my Dad passed away in April of 2003 so I don't have any relatives to talk to about this.

Thanks for your help,
Jill R. Scott
Date:: 11/5/2004
Time:: 6:30 AM

Tuskegee Airmen Mark 60th Anniversary

In an era of Jim Crow when the Army brass didn't think they were capable of flying, a group of pilots changed the way the military looked at blacks. The Tuskegee Airmen, their ranks thinning as the World War II fighter pilots age, hold a reunion in South Carolina that begins Friday. ... None of the bombers escorted by Tuskegee Airmen fighters were lost during World War II.
Date:: 11/4/2004
Time:: 6:34 PM

I am looking for information about a bomber pilot killed on the Monte Cassino Italy mission. His name was Woodrow Wilson Owens. He was part of the African Campaign. I would like to know the name of the American cemetery in Italy, located about 50 miles north of Rome where I believe he is buried. He was my uncle. Thank you. Susan O'Mara

2Lt. Woodrow W Owens; 320 Bomb Group, 441st Bomb Squadron; home state Maryland; date of death 21 Jan 1944; grave site location F-11-10; Awards, Air Medal/Oak Leaf Cluster. Florence American Cemetery http://www.abmc.gov/fl.htm
Date:: 11/4/2004
Time:: 6:49 AM

Many thanks to the makers of this web board. I have long enjoyed reading the notes here. I am now 79 years old, but still young in spirit - many thanks to those who have contributed here.

Francis A. Short, 322BG
Date:: 10/31/2004
Time:: 9:49 AM

Comments: I am compiling an historical account of one of the formations on the March 18, 1945 morning mission to Worms, Germany. One of the formations of that mission were 36 Douglas A-26 Invaders of the 416th BG led by a Pathfinder B-26B Marauder. That aircraft was shot down by flak while circling the IP. The tail number of the aircraft was 41-31686 (FW =*= B) and the name of the aircraft was "Tabasco". No parachutes were sighted so it is assumed all aboard perished. The MACR is 13517, which I don't have.

My focus is on writing an historical documentation of the 416th BG part in the mission and the B-26B PFF plane leading the first box was an integral part of that mission. Does anyone have the names of the B-26B crewman on Tabasco that day?
Thanks so much for any help in this matter.

Regards,
Carl Sgamboti

Tabasco - Martin B-26 Marauder, 556th Bomb Squadron, 387th Bomb Group.
Date:: 10/30/2004
Time:: 9:19 PM

Denis Cuff BombGp: ? Squadron: ? Years: ? Class: ? Location: ? Comments: Hi My uncle, Denis Cuff, flew and was shot down in a B26 in April 1945 over Italy. I was wondering if anyone knew him or had any information on him. He was part of the SAAF, but I am not sure of his squadron number. Thank you, Craig Cuff

My name is Jack Millin, the reunion organizer of the B26 Marauder Air Crew Association. Our members operated on B26 a/c on 12/21/24/25 & 30 Sqdn's SAAF in Italy. 25 Sqdn was part of Balkan Air Force operating from Biferno. The other 4 Sqnd's were based at Jesi.

Lt Denis Claude Cuff was a member of 24 Sqdn SAAF and was shot down on 21 April 1945 It was the last a/c lost by any Sqdn in 3 Wing. I will attach by separate e-mail a scan from 24 Sqdn's history giving details of your uncles last flight. The crew of 6 were 3 SAAF & 3 RAF

The history of 24 SAAF is - 'Per Noctem Per Diem' the story of 24 Squadron SAAB by E N Tucker & P M J McGregor; Publisher 24 Squadron Album Committee. Printed in South Africa by Cape Times Ltd, Cape Town.

Kind regards
Jack Millin
Date:: 10/29/2004
Time:: 8:46 PM

I am interested in any info people have concerning Col. Ralph Rhudy, who was commander of the 410th Bomb Group in September 1943. My Aunt is researching RHUDY history and family tree, we believe he is a relative. Anything you can provide or guide me to would be appreciated. Sincerely, Kent Rhudy
Date:: 10/29/2004
Time:: 8:46 PM

Léon Lebreau, FFAF Marauder Man, radioman & gunner in GB 11/20, Bretagne.
Date:: 10/26/2004
Time:: 7:24 AM

Name: Scott Nelson
Location: North Dakota

INQUIRY: Is there anyone with information about the 17th Bombardment Group 95th Squadron when they were at Pendleton, Oregon in December of 1941? I was doing research for a veteran's history project when a veteran I was interviewing, George Orr, said he was co-pilot of the plane that sunk a Japanese submarine on Christmas Eve of '41. This information was confirmed by a gunner engineer that was in the same group and squadron. It was also confirmed by an old newspaper article. The problem is the names don't match up with information I've found in books regarding the co-pilot of that ship. I would appreciate any information that any individual could provide.

Response
17th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
Authorized as 17th Observation Group on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 17th Pursuit Group in 1929. Activated on 15 Jul 1931. Redesignated 17th Attack group in 1935, and 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) in 1939. Trained and participated in maneuvers, using P-12 and P-26 (1931-1932), A-17 (1933-1939), and B-18 (1940-1941) aircraft. Used B-25's for patrol duty on the west coast after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and later patrolled the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast. Converted to Martin B-26 Marauder's in the summer of 1942.

Moved to North Africa late in 1942 and began operations on 30 Dec. Served in combat in the Mediterranean theater until the end of the war, being assigned first to Twelfth AF, then to Fifteenth (Nov 1943), and again to Twelfth (Jan 1944). Flew interdictory and close-support missions, bombing bridges, rail lines, marshalling yards, harbors, shipping, gun emplacements, troop concentrations, and other targets. Helped to bring about the defeat of Axis forces in North Africa in May 1943; assisted in the reduction of Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun 1943; participated in the invasions of Sicily in Jul and of Italy in Sep 1943; and took part in the drive toward Rome, receiving a DUC for a bombing attack on airdromes at Rome on 13 Jan 1944. Also received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for operations in Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. Took part in the invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944, and continued bombardment operations in northern Italy, France, and later in Germany. Received second DUC for bombing attacks on enemy defenses near Schweinfurt on 10 Apr 1945. Assisted in the disarmament of Germany after V-E Day. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 26 Nov 1945. Redesignated 17th Bombardment Group (Light). Activated on 19 May 1947. Apparently did not become operative. Inactivated on 1o Sep 1948.

Activated in Korea on 10 May 1952. Assigned to Far East Air Forces and equipped with Douglas B-26's for service in the Korean War. Engaged in interdiction and provided close support for UN ground forces until the armistice in Jul 1953. Moved to Japan in Oct 1954; returned to the US, Mar-Apr 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and equipped with B-57 aircraft. Redesignated 17th Bombardment Group (Tactical) in Oct 1955

SQUADRONS. 34th: 1931-1945; 1947-1948 1952- 37th: 1931-1945 1947-1948 1952-. 73d: 1947-1948; 1952-. 95th: 1931-1945 1947-1948; 1952- 432d: 1942-1945-

STATIONS. March Field, Calif, 15 Jul 1931; McChord Field, Wash, 24 Jun 1940; Pendleton, Oregon, 29 Jun 1941; Lexington County Aprt, SC, 9 Feb 1942; Barksdale Field, La 23 Jun-Nov 1942 Telergma, Algeria, Dec 1942; Sedrata, Algeria, c. 10 May 1943; Djedeida, Tunisia, 23 Jun 1943 Sardinia, Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 14 Sep 1944; Dijon, France, c. 20 Nov 1944; Horsching, Austria, Jun 1945; Clastres, France c. Oct-Nov 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass, Nov-26 Nov 1945. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Pusan, Korea, 10 May 1952; Miho, Japan, 10 Oct 1954-16 Mar 1955; Eglin AF Aux Field No 9, Apr 1955-

COMMANDERS. Capt Frank O'D Hunter, 1931-unkn; Lt Col Walter R Peck, Mar 1941; Lt Col William C Mills, Feb 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison, 16 Jun 1942; Lt Col Curtis D Slumam, 26 Jun 1942; Lt Col Karl E Baumeister, 11 Mar 1943; Lt Col Charles R Greening, 25 May 1943; Lt Col Robert A Zaiser, 18 Jul 1943; Col Donald L Gibbert, 14 Oct 1943; Col R O Harrell, 21 Jul 1944; Col Wallace C Barrett, 20 Mar 1945; Lt Col Stanford W Gregory, I Jun 1945-unkn. Unkn, 1947-1948. Col James D Kemp, 10 May 1952; Col William C Lindley Jr, II Jul 1952; Col Robert E Keating, 14 Feb 1953; Col Gordon D Timmons, 8 Apr 1953; Col George D Hughes, 1954; Col Norton W Sanders, 1954-

CAMPAIGNS. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe. Korean War: Korea Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953

DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 13 Jan 1944; Schweinfurt, Germany, 10 Apr 1945; Korea, 1 Dec 1952-30 Apr 1953. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: Apr, May, and Jun 1944. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 24 May 1952-31 Mar 1953.

INSIGNE. Shield: Or, seven crosses pattee in pale sable. Crest: On a wreath of the colors (or and sable) a griffin rampant of the first, beaked, fore-legged and winged of the second, and langued gules. Motto: TOUJOURS AU DANGER-Ever Into Danger. (Approved r9 Jan 1934)

Source: Air Force Combat Units of World War II. ISBN 0-912799-02-1
Date:: 10/25/2004
Time:: 6:52 PM

I send our condolences to the Curtin Family on the death of this fine gentleman, one of the stalwarts who made the 456th Squadron Association the tremendous organization it was all these years.

Tom, Worn and others worked so hard down through the years to keep the group active with its annual reunions, the always anticipated gathering again of old comrades-in-arms who shared those eventful WWII years.

I salute you all.
Phil Scheier
Date:: 10/25/2004
Time:: 7:20 PM

I live in Sheridan, Wyoming. Today, while performing TSA airport security, I had the privilege of meeting retired Brigadier General Henry Newcomer. In talking with him, he commanded a squadron or group of B-26's (451st?) in Europe and completed 84 missions. He was in Sheridan along with his adjutant and their squadron maintenance officer, last names unknown. Sincerely, Dale H.

Dale, you met some great Marauder Men! They had their reunion in the fine State of Wyoming.
Date:: 10/24/2004
Time:: 5:02 PM

My father, Jerome Banicki, was a navigator in B26 during WW2 and served with the 444th bomb squadron, 320th bomb group. He was a POW and bailed out 5 times during war and lived through various stories. He is also the reason the POW camp was liberated by US and not the Russians. Contact him for wonderful insight. Thanks. Ms. Banicki
Date:: 10/23/2004
Time:: 10:02 PM

First, I am sad to report that Peter Quinn has passed away. He was well known to most of us in his role in Group Headquarters during the war and also his attendance at reunions.

Secondly I want to report that last night I was the speaker at the annual formal banquet of the combined Akron University and Kent State University Air Force ROTC. It was a real honor to be there. About 200 fine looking young men and women obviously dedicated to service to their country listened to my 25 minute address and then kept me for an additional 45 minutes with questions about what it was like "back then." They now know a lot about the 386th Bomb Group and they were intensely interested and visibly impressed. We should all continue to spread the word as long as we can. I believe we were part of something of which we can be very proud.

Harry Guinther
Date:: 10/22/2004
Time:: 10:23 PM

Would appreciate locating/and or hearing from anyone who flew out of Pusan, Korea and would have known my husband, Captain Arthur B. Colwell. The squadron and bomb wing eludes me after all these years; think Art returned about 1952 after finishing his 55 missions. He was then assigned to Vance AFB, Enid, Oklahoma. where he was an instructor pilot . He was giving a final check ride when mechanical failure occurred and his plane crashed in Aline, Oklahoma March 18, 1955. We had been stationed at Vance approximately three years - one B-26 crash occurred from Vance prior to Arts -- the 26's were temporarily grounded for inspection -- the AF magazine reported in an article titled "For the Want of a Bolt" that both crashes were mechanical failure. Joan (Colwell) Geary

Mrs. Geary, B26.COM is dedicated to Martin B-26 Marauder Men who flew in WW2. I have learned that many of these guys stayed in the service and went on to fly in Douglas A/B 26s. Thanks for posting, of course the Douglas guys are welcome aboard.
Date:: 10/20/2004
Time:: 6:34 AM

Hello: I would like to have my Dad's pictures and info displayed on this site with his marauder pals. What do I have to do. I have pictures and his log book of all of his 63 missions. Help me. I am also looking for a copy of Marauder Men by John Moench. Can you help me get a copy. My dad, Lt Arthur Pakula, served with the 323 BG & 456 Squadron. His first mission was April 16, 1944 in England. He completed 63 missions. He was a pilot of a b-26 Marauder. Help me. Jackie Fitzgerald
Date:: 10/20/2004
Time:: 4:07 AM

Marauderman's Name: Rene L. Broussard (R.L. Broussard)
Bomb Group: ?
Bomb Squadron: ?
Years in service: ?
Graduation Class:
Class Location:
Comments: Looking for info on my great uncle R. L. (René) Broussard, all I know of him is he flew tail gunner in B-26's over N. Africa or FROM N. Africa. My grandma lost all letters from him and such in hurricane Carla in the 60's and my great uncle's wife threw all his military memorabilia out when he died in 1962. All I have is verbal history and that is slim. If you think you may remember him, or have a reference of him please contact me. I am trying to reconstruct a military history of my family as far back as I can go. Thanks! Tom Adams

Large image here...

Date:: 10/17/2004
Time:: 4:34 PM

I am seeking unit, group, pictures of Airman Bob (Robert) Buzzard who served with the 9th Air Force in Europe as a b-26 Tail Gunner during WW2. He served on 17 missions and missed his 18th due to Flack wounds from 17th mission. His Plane took a direct hit tearing off a wing on that 18th mission and all his beloved crew, but the bombardier were killed. Later he remembered that the poor bombardier went insane from the experience of this 18th mission in a Veteran's Hospital. I would love to find pics of him and his Aircraft and crew for his Grandson. Retired Air Force Sergeant Major Robert Buzzard passed away back in 1989 but his spirit lives on in the Buzzard Family and models of b-26's are in everyone's home. We would love to find out the name (if Any) of his B-26, nose art would be great. A crew picture too. God Bless. Jack Cassell. WE REMEMBER YOU HEROES. THANKS with all our LOVE, admiration and AWE. The Buzzards
Date:: 10/16/2004
Time:: 1:18 PM

Hello, my uncle Harold Roberts was a machine gunner in the 344th bomb group, 497th bomb squadron. Any additional info would be greatly appreciated thank you. Gary Roberts

Gary, the 344th just had their annual reunion in Orlando, Florida and the guys their gals are strong.
Date:: 10/15/2004
Time:: 6:31 PM

B-26 lost Italy August 1944 I.D? 21 August 1944 a B-26 (from Sardinia?) shot down/exploded near Futa Pass between Florence and Bologna. Two or three crewmen escaped. The rest were killed when plane exploded. Sincerely, Phillip

Phillip, The B26 was 42-95752 BN.29 442nd BS 320th.Bomb Group. Shot down by flak over the target.

Regards
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com

Wine, Women & Song; Battle Number "29"; 320th BG, 442nd BS (Duck carrying a bomb) # 42-95752. Was hit by flak on mission dated 8-21-1944. Matlock was crew crew, and the ship had 101 missions plus...
Regards,
Alf/Norway
http://home.online.no/~alfjoha/
Date:: 10/12/2004
Time:: 8:25 PM

Marauder Man, Harry Charles Sperry, Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, 599th Bomb Squadron, 397th Bomb Group. It may have been Dec 23 or the day before Christmas that, as I recall, five or six planes didn't come back and two or three others got back but were so shot up they couldn't get their landing gear down and had to belly land on the field. Fortunately, I was not on that mission. It was the next day, Christmas day, that I flew my first mission. On that day the plane ahead of us crash on take off because of frost on its wings. The plane in number five position in our flight got knocked out over the target. Other planes were shot up but I don't know if there were any others that didn't make it back. We were in number six position and were getting hit pretty badly. We could see, smell, taste and hear flack as well as feel the concussion. The Germans knocked out our right engine over the target. It took a lot of time to get the bombs out that hung up in the bomb-bay because it was hit with flack. With that, one dead engine, and the wings icing up, we were losing altitude like a rock. When we got down to about three thousand feet (lower than some of the mountain tops around there) we finally got rid of the bombs, broke below the clouds. and the ice started to break off. Straining the good engine for all it had in it we finally got back to our base. Needless to say, this was a very horrifying initiation that I will never forget. This was one of my worst mission. Although some of the missions were what we called "Milk Runs" (not much enemy fire) we had a number of bad ones in the Battle of The Bulge where, again, we lost an engine a couple of times. When you think of all the poor devils that never came back - I guess I was blessed.
Date:: 10/11/2004
Time:: 12:15 PM

RENO, Nev. - Retired Gen. Tommy Franks launched a four-state campaign swing for President Bush (news - web sites) by criticizing Sen. John Kerry (news - web sites)'s anti-Vietnam War activities and voting record on the military. More information
Date:: 10/11/2004
Time:: 11:03 AM

Marauderman's Name: George F. Myers T/Sgt Engineer/Gunner
Bomb Group: 17th
Bomb Squadron: 432nd
Years in service: 6 Mar 1943 - 9 Sept 1945
Graduation Class: Nov. 43
Class Location: Ft. Meyers, FL
Comments: My family is looking to have a thorough analysis done on our father's time in Europe. The following information is all that we have currently. Ft. Meyers 9/24 1943 - 11/43. Then to MacDill airfield, Barksdale, Lake Charles then Hunter Field. Sardinia 7/15 - 9/21 1944 (Croix de Guerre 9/19/44) ; Corsica 9/21/ - 11/26 1944 (Air Medal 21Oct 44 for mission over Tarascon France 6Aug44); Dijon, Fr 11/26 - received Purple Heart.

We are looking for all available information - missions, planes, crew, etc.

Many thanks. Great site.
Best regards,

Tim Myers
Stephen Myers
Date:: 10/8/2004
Time:: 11:13 PM

Since the incident took place over 50 years ago, I guess there's no rush now. Here's what I know:

My father-in-law, Maj. Joe S. Long, was flying a B-26 with a crew of five. He departed Kumean, South Korea, at 2300 and was headed to Yongyu, South Korea. The last message was a posit at 2353. The crew was never heard from again. A search of the area and photos did not show any wreckage.

My questions deal with the practical aspects of flying a B-26. If the aircraft experienced a mechanical (engine failure) would it be easy to leave the plane and parachute to the ground? I am not a pilot, but my understanding is that it is easier in some planes than others.

With a payload of 3,000 to 4,000 would it be possible to fly with one engine?

We have GPS and ring laser gyros these days. Fifty years ago, they had DR and Radio Direction Finding. How good were the navigators?

Given that the plane was heavily loaded, if there were an engine failure, wouldn't you drop the load of bombs anywhere and try for a landing?

Thanks for the help,
Bruce Adams

Hello Bruce, the B-26s that flew in Korea were the original A-26s and they picked up the "B" when there were no longer any Marauders in the inventory. The plane they are talking about was the Invader, North American product that I have about1500 hours in. To answer some of the questions about it. It cruised at 240 mph. It had a crew of three, except when it led the formation in a glass nosed one and then the crew was four. The navigators were very good but they were also bombardiers at the same time. Some time the navigator flew in the cockpit in the jump seat next to the pilot for it was a one pilot plane. One control. The B-26s in Korea sometime flew individual sorties at low level which 2300 feet was considered that. It was very vulnerable to ground fire at that altitude, especially 20mm. It could fly very well on one engine and I taught single engine approaches and landings in it. If it had an engine knocked out, the bombs were immediately jettisoned and the flight could continue very well on one engine at about 190mph. Approach and landing air speed was about 130, with a touch down about 105. Bail out was easy but one had to be careful that he wouldn't hit the tail, so I taught roll over tactics for bail out. The crew member in the nose bailed out down through an exit there. The tail gunner went out the side but he was below the tail and that was no problem. It sounds as if the plane in question was hit hard by ground fire which might have exploded the bombs or got some direct hits on the plane itself.

Regards,
Hugh Walker, Pilot, Marauder Man
322nd BG/ 449th BS
391st BG/ 572 BS
Date:: 10/8/2004
Time:: 3:39 PM

Saturday October 16, there will be a dedication of a monument to the 323rd Bomb Group in Samoussy, France, adjacent to the old Laon Athies airbase, Station A-69. This is where the 323rd was stationed from October 1944-February 1945.

Lou and I will attend along with around 60 people, both French and American.. We thank those whose contributions made this possible.

Lou and Carleton Rehr
Date:: 10/7/2004
Time:: 6:40 AM

Marauderman's Name: Cpl D Lucero, engineer/gunner
Bomb Group: 391st
Bomb Squadron: 574th
Years in service:
Graduation Class:
Class Location:
Comments: "....On the morning mission to Ahrweiler, Germany 23 December 1944, Subjected to fire from enemy fighters, and badly damaged the B26 and its crew managed to return safely to Roy/Amy - It was flying in position Box I, Flight 3 position 6......" - I would like to know if anyone has the aircraft number or painted name, in a state side photo on the left front panel in large letters is "LE 4" any info would be appreciated.

Thank you,
Gerald Lucero

Gerald, the B26 you mention coded "LE.4" was only a training B26 at Lake Charles, Louisiana. The B26 on the 23rd December 1944 mission was 42-107720 4L-R piloted by 2.Lt Paul R Woods.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 10/6/2004
Time:: 2:07 PM

Dr. Arie Bestebreurtje was a man that would become well known and respected in his lifetime. He was born in Rotterdam, Holland and became a champion speed skater in his younger years, and later studied law in Zurich. When the war started he joined his country's army and furthered his military training in England and later was assigned to the Office of Strategic Services. Dr. Bestebreurtje would soon make history, working behind enemy lines as a team Jedburgh on missions to Market Garden, Camp Westerbork, etc. working along side of the Dutch resistance. More information...
Date:: 10/6/2004
Time:: 5:59 AM

I note that my father-in-law, Curtis S. Church, is missing from the 320th roster. Curtis was a pilot in the 441st. He was shot down over Naples on 21 Aug 43 while flying his 46th mission (I believe his aircraft was "Snuffy Smith") and spent the remainder of the war as a POW.

He wrote a rather interesting memoir of his POW experience. A copy is in the Air Force library at Maxwell AFB and I can provide an electronic copy for the B-26 website, if desired.

Curtis was a great guy. Sadly, he died about 2 1/2 years ago.

His fishing buddies used to kid him about being a German ace. He lost 5 B-26s. One in Tampa Bay during training when an engine quit on take-off (co-pilot). Four as pilot: two belly landed with battle damage, one ditched in the Med when they ran out of fuel after going down to the surface to drop their raft to a crew whose plane just exploded while returning from a mission, and the one shot down by fighters over Naples. Amazingly, no one was killed or even seriously injured in any of these incidents. William Jones, Lt Col USAF (ret)
Date:: 10/5/2004
Time:: 7:53 PM

Mr. McCarty, This is a great site! Ashley Tribble
Date:: 10/5/2004
Time:: 1:06 PM

I am researching the 12th Infantry in WWII during the Utah beach landings. My great uncle was KIA on June 8th 1944. I have all the wounded and KIA for the 12th infantry from the archives, but I still have not been able to find one that is still alive from June 1944 from Company C. In the process of doing this, I have a contact in France that is helping me. I have been returning the favor by trying to find out info on the B26. His sisters, father in-law was a radio man on the B-26 out of North Africa. He was with the Free French, (GB 11/20 "Bretagne") that flew for the US. He is still alive. How do I get info on this squadron and would you be interested in talking to him. If so I can get the info to you. Steve
Date:: 10/5/2004
Time:: 8:34 AM

Hi, I am interested in having research done on Clifton Freeman, B-26 pilot, 322 BG, deceased Europe 2/29/1944. I am interested in any and all information. The name of his plane was "Sarah E," but at the time of his death he was co-pilot of another plane. I know the Sarah E continued on and crashed on its 130th mission. Though outside the realm of this request, I am also in any photos of Clifton and/or Sarah E. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you. John Smithwick

John,

Clifton Freeman was with the 451st Bomb Squadron,322nd Bomb Group, and was shot down by flak on 29th February 1944. I can give a list of Clifton's missions giving, date, target, plane flown in and crew on each mission.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
Date:: 10/3/2004
Time:: 11:47 AM

Leslie E. Goss - I joined the 322nd Bomb Group, 452nd Squadron, in August 1944. I flew my first mission on September 16th, 1944, the day before the launch of the Market Garden Operation. Flying out of Great Saling, England, Andrews Field, near Braintree. Target just across the Channel was the Railroad Bridge connecting Walcheron Island to mainland Holland. Two hours and 10 minutes. I flew 40 missions and then went into Germany with the 322nd on Disarmament Program. I can furnish the dates of most of my missions if this will help.
Date:: 10/2/2004
Time:: 8:29 PM

Hello, I visited fantasy of flight this summer great show the b26 he has there some memories for me 65 missions in one can you tell me about Thumper 432 sqd 17 bomb gp - I made many missions in that old bird. Leo
Date:: 10/1/2004
Time:: 7:49 AM

I would like information on a B26 named "Mission Belle". The pilot was Merle E. Parkinson and my brother, Max Anderson, was the radio-gunner. Max was in the 323rd Bomb Group, 455th Bomb Squadron. The plane flew out of England and flew over 75 missions. I never got the chance to talk to Max about his experiences. I do have his flight jacket with "Mission Belle" on the back along with 75 little bombs for the missions made. I was in England the same time he was but I was getting ready for the invasion so never got to see him. My brother was 9 years older. Him and my sister was a dance team and very good. He was a very good tap dancer that also entertained at fairs and ballrooms around Illinois. I hope to find out about the "Mission Belle", and I would sure appreciate knowing more about Max's many missions over Germany. I was in a anti-aircraft unit and was in Germany too. I went into the 84th Infantry during the Bulge. I would welcome any information from people who served with my brother. Thank you, Charles Anderson
Date:: 9/28/2004
Time:: 6:43 AM

I'm searching for details about the following 323rd BG Marauder Men:

- 1 Lt Arnold J Mandiberg, 323/453 (POW) - February 4, 1944. See Below
- 1 Lt Winton A Scott, 323/453 (POW)
- S/Sgt L.D. Morgan, 323/454 (POW)
- S/Sgt Robert C White, 323/453-455 (POW)
- S/Sgt George H. Coursen, 323/454 (KIA) - Died 23 Nov 1945; Buried Normandy American Cemetery; Plot Location B-21-17; Awards Air Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters. Source: B-26 Memorial Guide.
- T/Sgt Normand L Gobeil, 323/454 (MIA) - Dieppe Mission, 20 May 1944. Flying with Major Marion Morgan. "Morgan's right engine caught fire. His engineer, Normand L Gobeil, bailed out and damned near hit my turret as he fell. His tail gunner, L.D. Morgan, also bailed out. Postwar comments of Wilbur R. Charleston.
- Sgt Harry E McLandish, 323/453 (MIA)

What missions did they fly? Where did their plane crash (serial #, location, city, town, date)? I can't find anything about Gobeil and McLandish in the NARA.

Thank you,
Rainer Kliemann
Bavaria/Germany

Initial findings in italics: February 4, 1944, the aircrews were briefed to attack the NoBalls at Linghem and Le Grismont but poor weather led to the missions being scrubbed before take-off. Late on the 5th this attack finally got off the ground but weather over the targets forced all three boxes to drop on the secondary target-a NoBall site at Dannes. The bombing results were fair to good but the cost was three aircraft with 19 aircrewmen lost, 30 other aircraft damaged and two returning aircrew-man wounded. The Marauders going down had been flown by Capt. James N. Bryan, 1st Lt. Robert P Mims' and 1st Lt. Arthur J. Mandiberg. Some parachutes were seen. MIA were Capt. James N. Bryan, 1st Lt. John K. Brush, 1st Lt. Salvatore E. Echo, S/Sgt William J. Hendrickson, S/Sgt John A. Holton, 1st Lt. William J. Hook, 1st Lt. Leon R. Jackson, 1st Lt. Arnold J. Mandiberg, 1st Lt. John R. Martin, Sgt Harry E. McLandish, T/Sgt William F. McLaren, 1st Lt. Robert P. Mims, S/Sgt Michael R. Miyo, Sgt Paul C. Pearce, 1st Lt. Winton A. Scott, S/Sgt Silvio J. Tulipane, S/Sgt William F. Vermillion, S/Sgt Robert C. White and Capt. Charles L. Whyte.

The "Chriesman Crew" was scheduled as a spare but at the last minute it was ordered to take-off and join up in a number seven position. "As it so happened, this was in Lt. Mandiberg's flight. When the flak came up, it was fierce. One shell made a direct hit on Mandiberg's right engine. Continuing to spin, the propeller came off and flew through the formation. Behind Mandiberg, we flew through a curtain of oil, nuts and bolts." Postwar comments of John W. Price.

[About ten days went by] "...during which time the Russians insisted that we give them a complete list of all POWs by name, home address, etc. I happened to be Assistant Housing Officer on Zemke's staff and had this task as a part of my job. We completed the list, in English, and they said, "Nyet," demanding that the list be in Russian. Fortunately, we had ten or twelve men in camp who were fluent in Russian. Working around the clock, we finished this job in around two days.

Zemke's plan finally came to fruition and we were evacuated by air. We marched the fellows to the airfield, the troop carriers landed, cut one engine, loaded and took off, taking the men to Camp Lucky Strike in France.

Zemke and his staff, including me, took the last flight out and went straight to Paris where we were billeted in an Air Force hotel. Zemke tried to get air passage for all of us, but was not successful, as only he had that priority. We hung around Paris for a day or two and then took a train to Lucky Strike." Postwar comments of Arnold J. Mandiberg.

Excerpt from Marauder Men, by John O. Moench
Date:: 9/27/2004
Time:: 10:28 PM

My father, Charles K. Simmons, served as an armourer in the ground crew of "Dottie" (387th/557th), piloted by Russell C. Clarke. Dad rode over on "Queen Mary" in 43 with the majority of the men and was discharged Oct. 45. Could you give me some background on "Dottie," number of missions, etc. Thanks very much. Tom Simmons

Tom,

41-31871 KS-X "Dottie" served with the squadron right through to the end of the war in Europe completing 164 combat missions.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
Date:: 9/27/2004
Time:: 8:43 PM

I found B26.COM from a Google search on Lewis M. Kranz. I've attached a short QuickTime (4535k) | Real Video (554k) clip of a portion of the little dedication ceremony attended by the surviving members of the Kranz family and about 75 members of the St. Paul's Residences across the street. It contains Alderman Mell's remarks about the generation that produced such men as is shown with Commander Kranz in the 1944 picture at Lubbock. Regarding the picture on your web site titled "US Army Flight School, 1944, Class of 44D, Lubbock Army Airfield, Lubbock, TX", I would like to supply the following corrections and additional information. According to the widow of Lt. Lewis M. Kranz, you have him misidentified as being the 5th from the left on the back row (note: correction made). He is actually 4th from the left. You might be interested to know that today the City of Chicago City Council has dedicated a portion of a street in his honor. Below is the resolution signed by Mayor Richard M. Daley and Alderman Richard F. Mell. Attached is a copy of the picture taken at the dedication ceremony. His widow, Nina Kranz, is holding a one of the signs. She is standing next to Ald. Mell. Her grandchildren stand behind her along with her son on the left and his wife.

Sincerely yours,
Stan Hollenbeck
Date:: 9/25/2004
Time:: 10:28 AM

I am interested in a list of missions for the Ollie L (387th, 557 Squadron) piloted by F/O Charles Hinton. I am also interested in any information regarding his crew and their children. Thanks, Chuck Hinton, Jr.

Chuck, 41-31717 KS-B "Ollie L" flew 142 combat missions.

Regards,
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com

Date:: 9/25/2004
Time:: 8:47 AM

Hello to you all, my name is Colin Wingrave and I am after information about two B26s of the 344th BG, 494th BS, which crashed on March 8th 1944. We excavated the remains of one of the aircraft in 1975 and now they are on display in our museum in England. I am looking for any information on any


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