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  • Privacy Guarantee. Because of unsolicited e-mail, addresses are not added to the guest book.  If you wish to contact a person in the guest book, simply cut and paste their post into an email, provide your contact information and reason for contact and your email will be promptly forwarded - guest-book@b26.com (leave the subject box "B26.COM Guest Book").
    Date:
    12/30/07
    Time:
    4:57 PM
     
    Just found this website so thought I'd ask if anyone is still around that knew my uncle, George Raymond Moon, who was part of the 451st BS 322nd BG and stationed in Great Saling, Andrews Airbase, during his last months in the ETO. He was shot down July 8, 1944 over Chateau de Ribecourt while on a night mission. He was a radio operator and tail gunner. I believe he was a technical sergeant. When I looked at Lee Lipkis' pictures in his album I couldn't help but wonder if my uncle's picture was in there. Wish I could get a closer look. My uncle's picture is in the squadron book, where he is being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. My uncle was from Tacoma, WA.

    I have to take this time to say how humbled I am to know that so many great men and women served proudly, some giving their lives, so that I can enjoy the incredible freedom that I know. Thank you is not enough, but it's what I feel - deep gratitude, heartfelt appreciation for those who stood and against evil and fought for what was right. Today, men and women are still serving and giving their lives, and it will still amount to freedom for many.

    If anyone has any information concerning my uncle George, I'd appreciate it. I would really like to know which B-26 he was on. Also, his records at the national archive burned in a serious fire they had there many years ago, so his military records are not available any longer.

    Carolyn Hawkey

    Hi Carolyn,
    B26 42-107680 SS-S 451st Bomb Squadron,322nd Bomb Group was shot down by fighters on the night of 7/8th July 1944 on a mission to bomb Chateau Ribeacourt, France.

    The crew that night consisted of 1.Lt Claude B Jones; 1.Lt Robert E Silberman; 2.Lt Wilfred L Allen; T/Sgt George R Moon; S/Sgt Raymond W Close and S/Sgt Jack W Tolbert.

    Regards,
    Trevor Allen historian b26.com

    Carolyn,
    On July 8th 1944 T/Sgt. George Raymond Moon was on board 42-107680 as Radio Operator. MACR # 6623. This Marauder was a B-26C-45-MO model. The crew:

    Pilot: 1st Lt. Claude B. Jones KIA Normandy Cemetery D-3-34
    Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Wilfred L. Allen
    Navigator-Bombardier: 1st Lt. Robert E. Silberman
    Engineer-Gunner: S/Sgt. Raymond M. Close KIA Normandy Cemetery B-6-23
    Radio Operator: T/Sgt. George R. Moon KIA Normandy Cemetery D-1-34
    Tail Gunner: S/Sgt. Jack W. Tolbert

    Best regards,
    Alf Egil Johannessen
    Date:
    12/28/07
    Time:
    9:02 PM
     
    Marauder Name: AF No 42-107592 and AF42-96249. Station 161.
    Bomb Group: 394th Bomb Group, IX BC Ninth AF
    Bomb Squadron: 584th & 587th Squadrons

    Dear B26.com,

    Background information:
    The above two listed aircraft where involved in a tragic mid air collision over Battle, on the south cost of England, while on a mission to bomb gun emplacements in Varreville, France, on D-Day June 6 1944. The crew of 42-96249 all died when the plane crashed at Ashburnham Place. The crew of 42-107592 remained on board to jettison bombs before crashing at Whatlington Level. Only the pilot survived.

    My late fathers brother, Mr. Ian Cheveralls (now 80 years old) was a messenger boy with the Civil Defense. On the day of the crash he was on duty at warden post at Whatlington Level and witnessed the crash.

    That day has stayed with my uncle all these years. After years of research and reviews of War Department documents, including official Reports Of Aircraft Accident, Station 161, he succeeded in identifying all of the crew members of 107592 and 96249. On October 29th, 2007 he arranged with the Royal British Legion, Battle to memorialize the bravery of these airmen by holding a Service of Dedication at British Legion Memorial Hall. The Rev John Eamondson (Dean of Battle) presided and Standard Bearers of the British Legion and the Royal Air Force were in attendance. A Memorial Plaque, bearing the names of all crew members, was blessed and now hangs proudly on the wall of Battle's Royal British Legion Hall.

    Sir, the reason I write this brief account is that Ian would very much like to give this information to any surviving family members of the crews who sacrificed their lives in 1944. If you can assist in any way, perhaps by using your B26 family of contacts, we would be delighted and honoured to forward more detailed information about the dedication ceremony, pictures of the Memorial Plaque, maps and other information. I list the crew members of each aircraft below.

    My uncle still lives in England while I emigrated to America in 1983. We are in frequent contact with each other and I offered to see what, if anything, I could do from this side of the Atlantic to help him bring this truly noble effort of his to close.

    Please do not hesitate to contact me personally at any time either via email, regular mail or by phone

    With my thanks in advance for any information or help

    Yours sincerely,
    Keith S Cheveralls

    Crew of 42-107592
    1.Lt Tommie J Potts, Pilot
    1.Lt Christian D Burger, Jr, Copilot
    1.Lt Leroy A Dyer, Bomb/Nav
    S/Sgt George J Kyle, Radio/gunner
    S/Sgt James M Long, Engineer/gunner
    S/Sgt George W Williams, Armourer/gunner

    Crew of 42-96249
    2.Lt Walter F Jenkins, Pilot
    2.Lt Walter S Winter, Copilot
    S/Sgt William C Hoeb, Toggler
    Sgt George S Rogers, Radio/gunner
    S/Sgt Ralph D Parker, Jr., Engineer/gunner
    Sgt Edward F Bailey, Armourer/gunner
     
    Keith here are a couple of photos of T/Sgt George Kyle, and S/Sgt James Long. Both were friends of my Fathers, and shared the same barracks with him. They were the closest friends he lost while overseas.
    Don Enlow, son of Malcolm Enlow
    Date:
    12/27/07
    Time:
    10:22 PM
     
    The 11/05/1944 a B26 Marauder was shot down at Ala (in North Italy on the Brenner Pass): I saw that tragedy.
    Which plane? What else can you tell me about this please?

    Thank you very much,
    Tonello Odorico Ala (on Brenner Pass-Italy)
     
    Dear Odorico,
    B26 43-34396 BN.01 of the 441st Bomb Squadron,320th Bomb Group was shot down by fighters 5th November 1944.

    The crew were:
    2.Lts Truman C Cole; Paul A Lewis; John W Pidock; T/Sgt Samuel N Bush; S/Sgts Wyatt B Moore; John A Kramer and Cpl Henry T McMahan.

    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    12/25/07
    Time:
    11:06 PM
     
    Marauder man's Name: Robin Keith Francis (XXXX29)
    Bomb Group: Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve
    Bomb Squadron: 14 Squadron
    Years in service: unknown
    Graduation Class: unknown
    Class Location: unknown

    Comments: Pilot Officer Robin Keith Francis was my Uncle, my mother's only brother. I have 3 medals and his DFC, awarded posthumously. He flew his B-26G Martin Marauder MK 1-A, USAFF #41-7415 / RAF #FK363, with his crew out
    of the Bone Aerodrome, Algeria, and went missing from a reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean, off Corsica, and believed killed in action June 27, 1943.

    I am trying to find a picture of him, any details concerning his actions leading to the DFC, where his body may rest (at the bottom of the Mediterranean off Corsica?), anyone still alive that may have known him, and anything about his parents from his war records, which I have yet to find.

    Ian Scarr

    Ian,
    14 Squadron records are by no means the best and there are many gaps in their records.
    As you probably know, for some reason you still cannot get missing aircrew reports from the Ministry of Defense, and this makes identification of missing crews literally impossible.

    Looking through my records I have found the following meager scraps of information for you.

    1st mentioned 2nd December 1942 when Sgt R K Francis and crew carried out a reconnaissance mission
    14 Dec 42 W/O R K Francis & crew, Sea search
    26 Jan 43 W/O R K Francis & crew, Special signal recce
    22 Mar 43 W/O R K Francis & crew, Anti-submarine patrol
    30 Mar 43 W/O R K Francis & crew, Recce
    27 Jun 43 P/O R K Francis & crew, Recce from which the crew failed to return

    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    12/23/07
    Time:
    6:37 PM
     
    B26.COM - Happy Holiday to you & yours. I wanted to pass on to you that my bombardier, Bill Churchman, was able to make a gratifying start to a contact with a WW2 combat buddy, Jack Smolenski, through the B26 Guest Book. After a few years effort the contact process was possible by Jack's daughter seeing a Churchman message in the B26 site. I'm sure this is the results you and Trevor Allen always hope for. My thanks to you both. There seems to be more Marauder folks and now their descendants that are anxious to recreate the gaps in history that were idle for many decades. The last few vets of WW2 are now handing that baton to the diminishing WW2 vets. You both deserve more credit for keeping this spirit alive than possibly will ever be bestowed on you. What you fully know inside yourselves should be a great source of satisfaction for a job well done. Also my personal thanks for giving me the opportunity to express myself through the B26 site. It has been a source that gave me much reason to accept that my small part of WW2 combat was as a job done to the best of my ability. A feeling that 12 million other Americans done what had to be done and did it with distinction. I recognize that so many of us thought we were just lucky to make it. In reality we owe that good fortune to our supportive combat buddies and all those that supported our mission. Now you guys still support us vets. When you know in your heart and mind that we did the job well, a gratifying closure is as close to the ultimate possible for human beings. Grateful as always. Max Petrisek, 17th Bomb Group, 95th Bomb Squadron.
    Date:
    12/23/07
    Time:
    5:30 AM
     
    On this date, December 23rd, in 1944, 36 Marauders of the 397th Bomb Group attacked the Eller railroad bridge. Three waves of enemy fighters attacked the formation. The bridge was destroyed. Eleven of those B-26s and their crews did not return from the mission. A Distinguished Unit Citation seems small reward for the loss of so many. May God cradle them in His bosom and may He bless this nation for whom they died.

    Wynn Anderson, son of Andy Anderson
    Date:
    12/21/07
    Time:
    6:23 AM
     
    My name is Carl Carrozza and am the webmaster of www.geocities.com/b26carrozza

    I was looking at an old 2002 post on your guest book.  I'm interested in the post by Bill Royal. If you can provide me with his e-mail...and if he still with us, I have a question about the Shopworn Angel's nose art that perhaps he can answer.

    Thanks
    Carl Carrozza
    Date:
    12/20/07
    Time:
    3:29 PM
     
    Hi, my grandfather is Lt. Colonel Edwin Zachary, still living and going strong at 89 and he turns 90 early next year.  I am trying to find things out about his B26-B days. I know very little so far about his squadron but this is what he has told me: He says he was part of the 1st Pathfinders Squadron, 9th Air force and was in France. He flew 4 missions on D-Day in the B26-B and his squadron's favorite plane was the Dee Feater. I would like to have a model built and wanted to know if there is one already out there that can be assembled . Also, any other information about his squadron would be great so I can ask him smart questions to preserve the history for my family. -Sharon Siler
    Regarding model of Dee-Feater 42-96142 X2-A (397th BG 596th BS) there is an old Airfix kit which also have the decals for Dee Feater. The kit has two options, Mild and Bitter + Dee-Feater. Available at least on eBay, search for: Airfix 1/72 Martin B-26 Marauder - Old - Series 4. Dee-Feater was Robert McLeod's plane, seen on both B/W scans.

    397th BG flew two missions on D-Day; #40 for Dunes de Varreville (Utah Beach) Coastal Defenses and #41 for Trouville Coastal Defenses. At that time they were based at Rivenhall, England. After that a short period at Hurn, England in August 1944, they moved first to Gorges, then Dreux and after that, Peronne in France. They came to Venlo, Holland in April 1945 and returned to Peronne ultimo May 1945.

    Regards,
    Alf Egil Johannessen

    Date:
    12/19/07
    Time:
    9:57 PM
     
    My Dad, Sgt. Joseph Pollock, was with the 391st Bombardment Group, 572nd Bombardment Squadron during WWII. Some of the countries he was in are Italy, France, Belgium, England, Egypt, and Ireland. He said very little about his experiences. He died on Dec. 8,1972 at the very early age of 54. He did say he was part of a ground crew. I have a picture of him standing by the nose of what I think is an A-26. He is holding his hand up to the backside of a girl painted in a dark circle. Her left leg extends down out of the circle, while she rests back on her right arm. The name is faded but it looks like Sweet Girl or Sweet-er Girl. The fuselage of the A-26 next to this reads 3 or 8 with a star M. I have a book 9th Air force by Roger Freeman showing an A-26 of the 572nd with markings C with a star P2. I am a Vietnam veteran and find the lack of knowledge of my Dad's military background disconcerting. This has prompted me to share my feelings with my kids and Grand-kids. God bless all of you of the "The Greatest Generation". From this Vet to Marauder Men my heartfelt THANKS! I hope to hear from someone. -Jim Pollock
    Date:
    12/17/07
    Time:
    8:35 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Joseph Dana
    Bomb Group: 322
    Bomb Squadron: 450
    Years in service: ?
    Graduation Class: ?
    Class Location:?
    Comments: In response to the family of 1st Lt. Lyle G. Mc Glocklin, Pilot. Written by Toni MacDonald, Ron MacDonald and Kevin Mc Glocklin ( click here )

    You posted a comment on July 23rd, 2005 about your uncle Lt. Mc Glocklin and his mission on May 9th. My grandfather was the tail gunner on that flight on May 9th. He is still alive. My sister and I have both attempted to research much of our grandfather's experiences, including that particular day. The plane was shot down, I am not sure what happened to all of the crew. My grandfather was captured and was a POW for 362 days. I would love to share with you what I know about that day. I do know that my grandfather was not flying with his normal crew on May 9th. But I do believe the name of the plane may have been the Humpback. I have had discussions with my grandfather about your uncle. I would love to share with you what I can. -Marti Lucas
    Date:
    12/17/07
    Time:
    10:03 AM
     
    My father, Lt. Cy Eaton from Northfield, Ohio, joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1940. After extensive training in Pine Bluff, AR, Mac Dill Field, FL, Lake Charles, LA, and San Angelo, Ellington Field and Midland, TX, he picked up his B-26, dubbed the "Bomb Boogie", and flew it and his crew to Boxted, England with the 386th bomber Group.

    He married my mother, Mary "Stevie" Stephens, on July 11, 1942 during a short leave. One year later, he was ready for action in Europe. His first mission on the "Bomb Boogie" was Diversion Mission #3 on July 28 and his first combat run was scheduled for July 31 with Col. Maitland flying the "Texas Tarantula" in the lead. That did not happen.

    Instead, on the morning of July 30, Cy boarded the "Wolf" as an observer pilot in order to be in on Group Mission #1 to bomb an enemy fighter base located about forty miles inland at Woensdrecht, Holland. Returning from the raid, the Wolf took heavy flak and dropped out of formation.

    That's when 15 Focke-Wulf 190's and Messerschmitt 109's attacked. Tail Gunner J.F. Cuthbertson opened fire with his twin fifties on the enemy fighters and was credited with at least one kill. But the right engine of the B-26 burst into flame as the enemy planes broke away to attack the main formation.

    Pilot Lt. Zimmerman put the landing gear down hoping it would help stabilize his plane that was rapidly showing signs of kicking over into a spin. No luck. Seconds later the ship lurched over into a slow spin. The flaming sixteen-ton bomber and its gallant crew plunged into the Zuider Zee creating a tall geyser of water at 0706 hours. No debris of any kind was observed floating on the surface off the coastline of Holland - all of the Zimmerman crew presumed dead: First Lieutenant G.F. Zimmerman. Second Lieutenants R.S. Molnar, S.D. McCollum, and C.S. Eaton, Jr. Staff Sergeants Y.P. Young, Jr., P.V. Bragg, and J.F. Cuthbertson.

    Shortly thereafter, Eaton's family was notified that he had been killed in action and it was widely reported in the press. His young wife, however, never believed he was dead. "I would feel it," she said.

    Three months later, in October, Stevie received a letter from him from Stalag Luft 3. It seems that Cy Eaton had been able to dive through the open bomb bay doors at the last minute. Badly wounded, he had been pulled out of the water by Pieter Vermaat, a Dutch fisherman. Cy was the only survivor.

    And that was just the beginning of Cy Eaton's WWII adventure. You can learn more at http://www.bombboogie.blogspot.com
    Date:
    12/17/07
    Time:
    9:52 AM
     
    Contact request: Pat Norton, 19th Sqd, 22nd Bomb Group.

    I would like to contact the above Pat Norton, since my father also served in the 19th Squadron, 22nd Bomb Group.

    I’d like to know if he knew him.

    Thanks,
    M.T. Matthews
    Son of Merrill Matthews
    Date:
    12/17/07
    Time:
    9:24 AM
     
    Hello all,

    I have just found your web page and was blown away. The photos of the loss of "King Bee" struck my heart. The little guy to the far right, Sgt. Harry Seth, is my grandfather!

    From what I understand Harry (pop pop) was the only survivor. He would rarely discuss it with the family. He had spent some time in a Nazi prisoner of war camp. After the War, Harry made his home in Butler PA. Harry went on to have 6 children and a great host of grand children and great grand children. He was my hero! A quiet man Harry Seth loved his life, his family and his country.

    Harry Seth passed away in 1996.

    Thank you for honoring his memory,
    Nathan Seth Covert
    Date:
    12/16/07
    Time:
    4:25 AM
     
    The Lt Col David Dewhurst and his B26 crew project is going great. Thanks to b26.com, one of my historians did get up to see Chester Klier and found the visit very worthwhile. Thanks!

    Plus, David Dewhurst son's have actually accompanied my other historians to see their dad's bombardier, Albert Hill, and the tail gunner, "Pee Wee" McFarland.

    There are three other members of the crew that may be still alive:

    Justin M. "Pete" Bingham, the navigator, and a later navigator, B.A. Carrell, and the radioman, Loren J. Graves.

    Could we try to look for news of these guys on b26.com?
     
    All my very best,
    Peter Herrly
    Date:
    12/15/07
    Time:
    8:15 PM
     
    Hello, my father, still living, was a B-26 pilot 397 bomb group 596 squadron. I wonder if Mr Hoch (or anyone) knew him or have photos or info.  His name is Lawrence Yeardley. He lives and still runs his own business at 88 in Charleston WV. I am especially interested in the nose art of his plane, and the squadron insignia.

    Thanks,
    Frances Yeardley
    Date:
    12/14/07
    Time:
    10:49 PM
     
    Can you please tell me the Squadron that bombed and destroyed a German Tiger Tank at Vimoutiers on June 14th 1944.The tank is on a plinth in the village. It was a Typhoon pilot who led the attack.  I forgot also say the village was bombed soon after by B26's. I'm founder of the Typhoon and Tempest Association. Ken Rimell
    Date:
    12/13/07
    Time:
    3:30 PM
     
    I ran across an inquiry ( click here ) re subject while scanning the letters requesting "connections". I'd like to tell the inquirer that I attended Anthony Van Antwerp's wedding, probably l944-45 in Detroit (?) .

    Maurice V. Duvic
    Our Country Is At War. Think and Act Accordingly
    Date:
    12/11/07
    Time:
    7:25 PM
     
    My father in law, Thomas I. Ramsey, 386th BG, 554th BS, flew the B-26 during WWII, including D-Day. My question to you, is there any B-26’s still flying today? If so can you let me know? -Michael Rostocil
     
    Fantasy of Flight , located in Florida, has a fully operational Martin B-26 Marauder - it's the only B-26 that flies.  Near Akron Ohio, at the MAPS Air Museum , there is a Martin B-26 Marauder being rebuilt.  The USAF Air Museum, Dayton, Ohio has the sister ship of the French Marauder located at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace, north of Paris.
    Date:
    12/10/07
    Time:
    3:37 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Cornelius S Keefe
    Bomb Group: 14th (RAF)
    Bomb Squadron:
    Years in service:
    Graduation Class:
    Class Location:
    Comments: In the 2003 guest book, Joan Irwin (4/10/2003, 2:21pm) wrote about her Uncle, “Mark Irwin Wireless Op/Air gunner BombGp: MAAF Squadron: 14th Years: 2 Comments: Anybody had difficulty getting access to Air Casualty Files. Whilst researching into my Uncle Sgt. Mark Irwin's crash on take off at Alghero airfield Sardinia on 13th Sept 1944 I have discovered a great deal of information on this but not been allowed anything from these files? Many thanks, Joan”. I have just started to research my Great Uncle’s death and he was aboard that same flight – I understand he was the navigator but know nothing more than this. Is it possible for you contact Joan and give her my e-mail address? Many thanks,

    Patrick Keefe
    Date:
    12/9/07
    Time:
    9:09 PM
     
    Hello
    My Granddad was a pilot in the 397th bomb group 599th bomb SQD I have a few pics of him .We were very close, I am trying to build a model of one of the ships in one of his pics I cant tell from the black and white photos if the plane is aluminum unfinished or tan? it has sharks teeth painted on it like a P-40 the top surface of the plane appears to be dark he is in shirt sleeves might have been taken in North Africa some of the V-MAIL I have also list the 320th bomb group 444th sqd. His name was Lt. Leo E Savage went by Gene short for Eugene If any one could help me with some info please contact me. Joe Solomon
    Date:
    12/8/07
    Time:
    4:44 PM
     
    Hello, my mother, age 80, has been thinking about an old boyfriend of hers who was killed in action in 1944 at age 20. (His birthday is next week, December 13 ... she still remembers after all this time.)

    She remembers his letters and pictures, though she can no longer find them; she may have lost them in one of many moves over the years. She remembers him saying that if he knew then what he knew now, he wouldn't have rushed to enlist.

    The information I've found is as follows:

    Richard F. Aylward Jr., from East Boston Massachusetts
    Staff Sergeant
    585th Bomber Squadron, 394th Bomber Group, Medium
    Listed as Killed in Action 2 December 1944
    Buried in Epinal American Cemetery in France

    I don't know if anyone on your guest list would have any additional information of any kind for her, but if so, a posting would be appreciated.

    Best regards,
    Susan Major
     
    Susan, Mr. Aylward was killed when their B26, returning from a mission, crashed near Guise France in poor weather conditions and lack of gas.

    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    12/5/07
    Time:
    9:04 PM
     
    The new logo on the homepage are insignias from the Royal Air Force Squadron 14, Royal Air Force Squadron 39 donated by Peter Thatcher, painted by Geoffrey Clive Thatcher; Gascogne 1/19, Maroc 1/22, Bourgogne 1/32, Bretagne 2/20, Franche-Comte 2/52, Senegal 2/63, from the 11 Brigade de Bombardement donated by Anciens des B-26 Marauder Francais; French Barksdale patch donated by Frances Buford Pullen (WASP); French Tactical Air Force donated by Stu Rowan, donated to b26.com by Marauder Man Jack D. White, 344 BG/497 BS.  The squadrons flew Martin B-26 Marauders in WW2.
    Date:
    12/2/07
    Time:
    7:36 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Sgt. Carl A. Royer (tail gunner)
    Bomb Group: 394th
    Bomb Squadron: 585th
    Years in service: 1944 - 1945
    Graduation Class: Aug. 1944
    Class Location: (331 AAF G1753) Barksdale Field , LA

    Crew:
    Pilot – Lt. Higgins
    CoPilot – Lt. Osborne
    Bombardier – Lt. Mahan
    Eng-Gunner – Cpl. Mahaffey
    Radio-Gunner – Cpl. Sanders
    Arm-Gunner – Sgt. Royer

    Comments: This is a wonderful site. My hats off to the “Greatest Generation” I am looking for information on my grandfather. I have a picture of 4T-C in his scrapbook that he says was his plane. Did he fly that actual plane or was that just a plane in his squadron? I am very interested in learning about the missions he flew. Is there a document titled “Official History of the 394th Bombardment Group 585th Bombardment Squadron”?

    Doug Royer
    Date:
    11/30/07
    Time:
    9:05 PM
     
    My dad, 1Lt. Kenneth P. Juhl recently passed away on November 20th, 2007. I know he would like to be remembered on your site. Here is a copy of his obituary. Maybe you can use part of it on your site. This man was a patriot and a wonderful, positive example to all he came in contact with. Please, feel free to contact me at any time. Mt dad was a member of the Thunderbird Squadron during WWII and was always proud to share his stories with anyone who cared to listen (which was really everyone!).

    Thank you and best of luck. God Bless America!

    Eric D. Faber, MSgt, USAF (Retired)
    Date:
    11/30/07
    Time:
    8:38 AM
     
    Hi, I'd like to make a dedication page to my Dad:

    Major Eugene John McCarthy
    Born: June 24, 1918
    Died: August 07, 1972
    Was assigned to the 17th Bomb Group 37th Bomb Squadron as a Pilot from January 1945 to October 1945. He was stationed in Dijon, France and Linz, Austria. With this group he flew 35 combat missions and 135 combat hours in the B26. I would love to hear from anyone who may remember him.

    Sincerely,
    Barbara Tripp
    Date:
    11/29/07
    Time:
    5:52 PM
     
    The write up regarding T.A. Morgan, member of Mo Johnson's crew that was crashed into by shot up Zero, pilot possibly dead, on July 4th, 1942. The write up regarding T.A. Morgan as we called him is accurate certainly in the important parts. I was with T.A. starting a Jefferson Barracks until July 4th which was our second mission that day. Unfortunately I believe I did disable the Zero that crashed into his plane. His family might be interested to know that on the night before he came over to my plane asking me to take a letter and mail it to his family when I got to the states. There was a rumor going around that either my crew or at least myself was going home because I had made a modification to the airplane that was very important and all future 26s were build incorporating that modification. Talking about not surviving was considered back luck, so none of us wanted to be involved. As a favor to T.A I took his letter. Upon returning from our first mission, our only scheduled for the 4th, I returned the letter to him assuring him he had as good a chance to go home as any one else. Later we were told to go on the fatal flight. Rest assured there was nothing he, the pilot or any one else could have done to avoid the crash.  That was just a part of what we were doing. I do not know the contents of the letter but obviously he wanted to say something to his family that was very personal and he was not comfortable having someone outside the family censoring it. I have told this story many times. Sorry that the story was not told to his Mother before she died.

    On another subject, I would like to contact Quinton L Thomas, 19th Sqd, 22nd Bomb Group.

    Pat Norton, 19th Sqd, 22nd Bomb Group.
    A proud member of the crew headed by Walt Krell plane #1433 also known as the Kansas Comet #2
    Date:
    11/25/07
    Time:
    11:13 PM
     
    Hello - Looking for information about the Robert F COLEMAN crew. Shot down by German Fighters of II./JG 26 on February 21st 1945 at Vragender, in the East of Holland. B-26G 43-34562 394 BG -M- 585 BSQ. Five of crew were killed in fighter attack/crash (Blossman/Black/McFarland/Brennan/Coleman). Buried at Lichtenvoorde, reburied in Ardennes. Individual identification proved to be impossible and all received a group burial in Zachary Taylor National Cemetery, Louisville, Kentucky.
     
    Three crewmen baled out:
    Edward H Adamowicz CP
    Paul J Barnochia or Barnaskie # (name badly legible in MACR) Nav
    Karl T Gilgen TTG
     
    All information about this crew is welcome!
    With kind regards,
     
    Karl Lusink
    Chairman of ARGA
    Drempt, The Netherlands
    Date:
    11/25/07
    Time:
    4:36 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Ernest William (Bill) Goodwin
    Bomb Group: 322nd BG
    Bomb Squadron: I am trying to figure this out
    Years in service: 42-46
    Graduation Class: 42
    Class Location: Corsicana Field, TX?
    Comments: 4 years ago lost my Dad's Pilot Logs and a complete set of orders as well as many photos when my home burned down. He was a B-26 pilot, flew 73 missions out of Great Saling, broke his ankle (on the ground), recuperated, then was reassigned to fly some General around in a C-46 until the end of the war. Actually spent a few months on a P-38 base somewhere near France when the General was called back stateside. Great story - the maintenance crew on the P-38 base actually built a P-38 out of spare parts, put two new engines on it and proudly presented it to their commander who had a fit and told them to get rid of it lest they all be thrown in the brig. The men asked my father if he wanted it and he spent a few days trying to figure out how to increase fuel capacity so that he could get it back to the states. Many years later I used to take him to the P-38 fly-in at Santa Maria CA and remind him that he had, then and still, cousins all over England where he could have stored it and returned later to get it.

    Anyway, I am trying to compile as much information as possible regarding his Squadron, the men, crewmembers, anything and everything, and would appreciate any help that you can give. Thanks so much.

    Marc Goodwin
    Date:
    11/21/07
    Time:
    1:52 AM
     
    I’m trying to find information on my Grandfather, Peter John Charles “Dennis” Shepherd, He was a tail gunner on an South African Air force B-26 and served in Africa and Italy during the war and he told me that he was stationed in Jesi Italy . I have no Idea what unit he was in and I am trying to locate some info about his experience during the war. So If you have some info for me please send me a e-mail.

    Thanks.
    Manny Shepherd Jr.
    Date:
    11/18/07
    Time:
    7:14 PM
     
    Back in 2000 I posted a request for information about Herbert Ratcliffe and crew aboard the “Jay Walkin Molecule”. Since that time I have acquired his original records, and have always been in possession of his jacket, insignia, medals logbook etc. I will be glad to share any info with anyone, and I have spoken to his gunner who lives in PA. Any additional info anyone has would be much appreciated.

    Doing a search of my dad recently brought up the picture on this website, specifically the page for Thomas Howard. He is mentioned to be the top left pilot in the picture however I would respectfully disagree, as my family has always been in possession of this picture and can clearly identify the top left pilot as you look at the picture as my father Herbert C. Ratcliffe. Anyone with other information please feel free to contact me as it would be great to identify all those on the crew.

    We are all proud of these men, as we should be

    Sincerely,
    Ryan Ratcliffe
    Date:
    11/18/07
    Time:
    3:17 PM
     
    Jack Smolenski is my father. He is alive and well. He is interested in communicating with Bill Churchman (2002 guest book post).
    Date:
    11/16/07
    Time:
    5:28 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: S/Sgt Earl S. Sayer
    Bomb Group: 17th Bomb Group
    Bomb Squadron: 432nd Bomb Squadron
    Years in service: 1941-1942
    Graduation Class:
    Class Location:

    I am looking for information regarding SSgt Earl Sayer. He was a rear gunner on B-26's. He was reported to be MIA over Tunisia around 12-31-1942. My Great Aunt was going to marry him, but he never came home. He had a friend named T/Sgt Chester L. Gray that wrote a letter to my Great Aunt about him being missing in action. It was told to me that he was probably shot down. I sent for MACR #1512 as that is the earliest B-26 MACR with the 17th however, he was listed in the crew. If anyone has any information, it would be much appreciated.

    SSgt Ashley J. Strabala
    USAF

    SSgt Strabala, MACR's were not started until later in 1943.

    31 December 1942.

    Whilst attacking Gabes B26 41-17905 was damaged by flak on the bomb run. After dropping its bombs the formation was attacked by enemy fighters when the already damaged 905 was again hit and exploded in mid air.

    The crew were:

    1.Lt Phillip W Bailey; 2.Lt Bernard A Gillespie; S/Sgts Joseph D Cooper; Thomas N Harris; Henry J Krupa and Earle S Sayer. 2.Lt Gillespie returned, but the rest of the crew were killed in action.

    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    11/16/07
    Time:
    12:07 PM
     
    My uncle, Samuel Betz, served in World War II in the 387th Bomb Squadron. Do you have any information on him? Please let me know what you have, his record in St. Louis was destroyed and all I got was his unit nothing more. Let me know what you have.

    Thanks,
    Jeff Betz
    Date:
    11/15/07
    Time:
    11:15 AM
     
    My father was a former B-26 pilot. His name is Marion Wallace "Wally" Morgan, 323rd BG, 454th BS . His rank was Lieutenant Colonel. He recently passed away and at the gravesite ceremony , my mother was presented an American flag. The soldier who presented the flag made a statement which began " On behalf of the President.....". My mother was unable to hear the whole statement and I am trying to get the words that were said to her that day. Can someone provide them for me or point me in the right direction to obtain the words?

    Respectfully,
    Joseph H. Morgan
     
    "On behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful nation, and a proud Air Force (or other service), this flag is presented as a token of our appreciation for the honorable and faithful service rendered by your loved one to his / her country and Air Force (or other service)".
     
    Arlington: Full Honor Graveside Funerals - Air Force
    Date:
    11/15/07
    Time:
    9:00 AM
     
    Name: SGT Cleveland Gilbert Mayfield
    ASN: XXXXX349
    Group: 344th Gp. M.
    Squadron: 496th
    Died: 15 June, 1944

    Cleveland Mayfield was my father's brother and is buried in the American Cemetery at Cambridge, England (the above info, except the ASN, is on his grave marker). He had a Class B pass and a Vital Area pass from MacDill Field in Florida so we believe he trained there. Our best information is that he was a tail gunner. Other than those points we don't know but assume that he went with the unit to Stansted, England, when it transferred there in February, 1944, and that he was in crews that flew the missions flown by the 496th from the date it went operational, 6 March, 1944, until his death on the 15th June, 1944. Question: Can I track down exactly which missions he was on (dates, objectives, composition of mission, etc.)? I really want to share this information with my father, also a WWII vet and my grandson while we are all still together.

    Thank you for being there,

    Claude B. Mayfield, Jr.
    Date:
    11/14/07
    Time:
    4:27 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: George A. Hofmann
    Bomb Group: 397
    Bomb Squadron: 596
    Years in service: 42-45
    Graduation Class: Don't Know Yet
    Class Location: Still looking
    Comments: My father was bombardier/navigator on B-26 #1252. He was shot down over France on May 8, 1944 after leaving England on a mission at 10:15AM ( he might have been filling in for a bombardier on another crew - I seem to remember him mentioning that). He bailed out, was saved by an Irvin Chute, captured by the Germans and interred in the Stalag Luft 3 prison camp until liberation. His POW number was 4698. Remarkably, I was born May 31, 1946, roughly nine months after he came home as an ex-POW! He was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries.

    My father passed away in 1996. I am going through many of his wartime personal effects that were missing for tem years. I'm sure I'll find more info but this is it for now as I "connect the dots" of a box full of photos, clippings, telegrams and many letters from my father from Stalag Luft 3.

    Al Hofmann
    A Proud Son of an ex-POW and Marauder Man
     
    Al, 42-96123 X2-B was hit by flak prior to reaching the target. It was last seen going down with two engines smoking, but apparently under control near Aboucourt, France.

    The crew that day was 2.Lts Elmer E Freeman; Harry E Walter; George A Hofmann; Sgt Oscar E Young; S/Sgt Harry J Hoderliuk and Sgt Marion Rose.

    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
     
    Mr. Hofmann:
    My father, Sterling P. Hoch, was a pilot in the 596th. He knew your father well (my father passed away in 1999). My parents had dinner with your parents in Brooklyn before the 397th sailed over on the liner Saturnia. My parents had gotten married on March 5, 1944, while the air echelon was flying over to England. Normally, my father would have flown one of the planes. My father returned to Hunter Field, GA, and then took the train with the remainder of the 397th Group up to Camp Kilmer, NJ. He would meet my mother when he could, and one evening they went to your parent's flat (I believe they said that your parents were staying with your father's parents) for dinner. I also believe my mother (Evelyn) would spend time with your mother while my father was in camp. I believe the ship departed for England on March 23, 1944.

    I have a lot of info on the 397th, and the 596th. Let me know if you are interested in anything. I don't believe I have any pictures of your father, but I will check.

    Don Hoch
    Date:
    11/13/07
    Time:
    5:02 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Burl W. Thompson
    Bomb Group: 387th Bomb Group
    Bomb Squadron: 556th Bomb Squadron
    Years in service: April 1942 – May 1945
    Graduation Class: ?
    Class Location: MacDill Field, Florida
    Comments: Air Medal w/ numerous clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart. Flew 68 combat missions, mostly from Chipping Ongar, England. Flew with Captain Mansel Campbell in the plane, “Tabasco”.  Each letter in the word, “Tabasco”, stood for the name of a member of the crew. I have his mission journal, which I hope to email to you ASAP.

    Ken Thompson (Son)
    Date:
    11/13/07
    Time:
    4:12 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: George Donald Schurr
    Bomb Group: 17th Bombardment Group
    Bomb Squadron: 95th Bombardment Squadron
    Years in service: December 1942 - October 1945

    I am researching information on my father, George D. Schurr who served initially with the 694th Anti-Aircraft Machine Gun Battalian and was then transferred to the Army Air Force where he was a gunner on a B-26. I have some original documents that include his discharge that lists battles/campaigns and decorations/citations and also 2 documents of Bronze Stars for Rome-Arno and South France, along with the original French Croix de Guerre with Palm for operations in Italy.

    I have submitted to the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis and I am afraid that his information was destroyed in the fire.

    Any information on where my father was, who he served with, what B-26 he was a crew member on would be so appreciated. He, as with so many of our relatives, never really talked about his experiences in the war. He was extremely proud of the B-26 and what was accomplished. My dad passed away 10 years ago and I am trying to re-create some of his history for my brothers, my son and nephews. I would be happy to share copies of the documents I have if it would help someone.

    Carolyn Morgan
    Date:
    11/11/07
    Time:
    4:39 PM
     
    My brother, Wiley Monson, served in the 554th Squadron of the 386th Bomb Group out of England during World War II. I think he communicated with you before his death in 1997. Did he send you a copy of the diary he kept while he was there? I have some photos, interesting news clippings and other interesting items that should go where they can be protected. Please give me some information as to how I should address this problem. I can copy all of them and send them via email to you for a dedication page. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Mike Monson
    Date:
    11/10/07
    Time:
    10:10 AM
     
    My father-in-law, Bill "WB" Wyatt, flew with the 387th bomb group in 1944/45. Bill passed away in 1997.

    We would dearly love to contact members of his crew and squadron if possible before its too late. My wife has managed to track down one of the guys from Bill's crew. I'd love to speak with these guys and interview/record their experiences before its too late.

    We have a wonderful picture of Bill and his crew (taken at Barksdale in 1944) as well as a original print of the Unit Citation issued for the Dec 23 attack on the Railroad Bridge at Mayen. We'd be happy to create a dedication page.

    Thanks,
    Paul Blumhardt
    Date:
    11/9/07
    Time:
    5:07 PM
     
    I am looking for any information on the 496th Bomb Sq. of the 344th Bomb Group (M). My uncle, S/Sgt John E. Harris, was a Top turret gunner/armorer from Mar-Oct 1944. Anyone with information about him or pictures, or anyone who personally knew him please contact. He has passed away and anyone with memories of him or pictures of him or his crew/ Aircraft would be greatly appreciated.

    Daniel Harris
    Date:
    11/8/07
    Time:
    6:41 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Robert Chapman
    Bomb Group: 322nd
    Bomb Squadron: 452nd
    Years in service: ?
    Graduation Class: ?
    Class Location:
    Aircraft: 41-31946

    Hey there folks, I'm hunting for some information about my grandfather, he was a radio/gunner on a B-26 with the 452nd of 322nd sqdn. I found a much earlier posting (2002) from someone named Gildas saying that he had a few pictures of my grandfather, and he was inquiring about a mission they flew over Brest in August of '44 that resulted in my grandfather and another bailing out while their aircraft made it back safely. Gildas, if you're still around I would love to have a copy of those pictures, I also have a letter written to my grandmother from one of the farm girls that found my grandfather, I could certainly share that with you if you'd like. If anybody knows anything else about him, please drop me a note. I would be really interested to know. Thanks a bunch.

    Robb Chapman
    Date:
    11/8/07
    Time:
    5:46 PM
     
    Hi, my dad, Arlie C "Bud" Hitchcock, flew B-26s in France in 1945. He was in the 9th Air Force, 391st Bomb Group, 574th Squadron. The plane's name was "Little Jim." He was from Michigan. Bud passed away a few years ago.

    Below was the crew he served with:

    Pilot: Earl N. Dingman, 2LT, XXXX456
    Co-pilot: Arlie Hitchcock, Jr., 2LT, XXXX332
    Bombardier: Maurice C. Suierville, F/O, X-XXX510
    Engineer/Gunner: Edgar H. Hering, CPL, XXXXX209
    Radio/Gunner: Charles M. Grimes, CPL, XXXXX951
    Gunner: Anthony J Destaffan, CPL, XXXXX290

    Does anyone recall flying/serving with him? If so, my kids and I would love to hear stories about him, his crewmates, his squadron and the missions he flew.

    Cheers!
    Jay C. Hitchcock
    Date:
    11/8/07
    Time:
    7:21 AM
     
    Sgt. James S. (Andy) Divine, XXXXX211. I served with the 322nd bomb group as a radio/gunner in France & Belgium in 1945. I don't remember the exact date, but I was a member of the crew that supposedly flew Flak Bait on its 200th mission. I don't have any pictures for a dedication page and I don't remember the crews as I flew with several different ones. I was deployed with a crew from Barksdale Field to the 386th at Beaumont, France and shortly after we arrived they were partially changed to the A-26 and my crew was split up and I was transferred to the 322nd.

    Jim Divine Dph
    Date:
    11/2/07
    Time:
    4:17 PM
     
    I'm writing on behalf of my uncle S/Sgt. Jimmie W. Sanders. My uncle was a part of 455 Bomb Squadron, 323 Bomb Group, A.P.O. 140 and his commanding officer of the squadron was Major Harold Kohnert. My uncle was a turret gunner on a plane that was shot down over Luxemburg on March 16, 1945, his crew was 1st. Lt. Warren H. Vaughan, pilot, who was not able to bail out, Co-pilot 2nd Lt. William L. Watkins, bombardiers Hugh F. Ford, engineer/tailgunner S/Sgt. James C. Terrill, and radio operator/waist gunner S/Sgt. Thaddeus K. Szarek. My uncle was able to find out about the pilot, however he was never able to find out if the co-pilot Lt. Watkins survived. Please help if you have and information on Lt. William L. Watkins.

    I was late in finding this web site or I would have taken my uncle to St. Louis for the reunion last Sept., I hope that you will have another in the up coming years.

    Thanks,
    Cam Horton
    Date:
    11/1/07
    Time:
    10:06 AM
     
    Good Morning to all of you Heroes from the Greatest Generation!

    A friend and fellow Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH) and I are assisting Joseph G. Fox, a former member of the 906th Air Engineers, who was stationed near London, England near the end of 1943, in preparation for D-Day. He was wounded by bomb shrapnel, witnessed by a LT. Charles Heinz, his OIC. He was treated for the hand wound, but no supporting documentation was submitted by the OIC for SGT Fox's award of the Purple Heart. We are looking for LT Charles Heinz for his confirmation of the incident concerning SGT Fox/ any other witnesses who may have knowledge of the incident, and/or anyone who knew SGT Fox during the prep for D-Day. We are hoping to get enough documentation in order to submit SGT Fox's application for award of the Purple Heart.

    Any and all assistance is appreciated. In advance, thank you for your assistance.
    Walter T. Shevchik, SFC E7, USA, Ret, a 30 year Army Retiree, and VietNam Veteran.

    In January 2000, Mr. Chester H. Hanson wrote to us; today his email bounced.  B26.com is for everyone who flew and supported the Martin B-26 Marauder.  The 906th Air Engineers Squadron, 486 Air Service Group dedication pages are welcomed here.

    Date:
    1/27/00
    Time:
    2:59:49 PM
    Comments
    I notice that most of the people on this site are the air crews. As a member of the 906th Air Engineers Squadron, 486 Air Service Group in England And Europe we serviced the planes these brave men flew. When the planes came from the US they were equipped with Armour plate for the instruments, we removed this plate and made seats for the pilots and crew from it, this made more sense.

    Chester H. Hanson
    Date:
    10/30/07
    Time:
    9:03 AM
     
    My dad's name was Vincent J. Mosca. He was a member of the 451st bomb squadron, 322nd bomb group. My mom and I are trying to learn more about his time in the service. We believe he was based at Andrews Field in England in 1944 or thereabouts. He was wounded by friendly fire on what was his last mission, and was sent home in November of 1944. His hometown was Milton, New York...any more info would be of great interest to us.
     
    Lee Lipkis' dedication page tells the story of the 451st. bomb squadron.
    Date:
    10/30/07
    Time:
    8:51 AM
     
    Hello, I search some information (Crew, Mission, Crash Point, etc) for the B.26 41-31954 (322BG) shot down and fall in France the 8 May 1944. I make some research for identify the "Crash Point " for the planes American downfall in France between 1942-45. I have today about 2500 planes Americans shot down in France and me research was at present to be the 8 May 1944. I have 71 years old and in France the Memory of this event must be kept.
     
    Thank you for help,
    Jean Paul Favrais (FR.)
     
    Jean-Paul,
    41-31954 ER-Z 322nd Bomb Group 450th.Bomb Squadron crashed near Isigny-sur-Mer on 9th May 1944. Crew were 1.Lts Lyle G McGlocklin (buried Normandy American Cemetery); Walter F Cook; 2.Lt Thomas M Straka; S/Sgts Norman J Huschka; Joseph R Dana and T/Sgt Robert Tomlinson.

    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    10/29/07
    Time:
    1:32 PM
     
    I was a pilot and also operations officer in the 587th Squadron and later the 394th Group Operations officer. Flew 49 missions from England the continent during WW II. Remained in the US Air Force. Served in SAC in B-29s at MacDill AFB, SAC HQ and HQ USAF. Retired voluntarily as a Colonel, in 1960. -Gene Sidwell
     
    Gene,
    You were an original pilot with the 587th Bomb Squadron and as Capt L G Sidwell you flew B26 42-96069 from the USA to the UK. Was this plane ever named by you, and if so what? It was lost on 31st May 1944 when it crashed on take off with 2.Lt John C Connelly at the controls.

    Regards,
    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    10/26/07
    Time:
    8:36 AM
     
    Dear B26.com:

    I am seeking anecdotal information about the 391st Bomb Group, 574th Bomb Squadron from Jan to Sep '44 (BEFORE Ahrweiler) -- information related to my father's service during that time, especially details about missions, crews, and ground crews... What has happened to everyone? I have letters Dad wrote home from Nov '42 to Sep '45 and some photos; he mentions several fellow Matching Green-based pilots, crew and planes.

    Marauderman's Name: John Donnely "Mac" McClurkin
    Bomb Group: 391 Bomb Squadron: 574
    Years in service: 1942-1945. Left MacDill AFB for Europe Jan 1944, arriving in England from S. America-N. Africa route Feb 1944. Flew over in: 42-95798 "Dragon Wagon" (No. 1) as Co-Pilot with Richard M. Horridge
    Graduation Class: 43-I, Sep 1943; Lubbock, Texas
    Other crew members he flew with: Orin S. Basco (FE), Rader O. Hale (RG); Royce Hay (N/B); Daniel R. Lichtenhan (A/G); Jack Dougherty (B)

    Other 391st BG members mentioned in letters and some photos: Charles B. Smutsky (B); Arlie G. Watkinson (P); Frederick E. Bush (P); Bernard C. Kinnan (B); Eugene T. Gillam (CP); William N. Hollis (CP); Carl W. Kinzer (N); Delbert C. Kromm (FE); John R. Talton (P); Lt. Kinzer; _____ Goodwin; Ed Smaltz; Capt. Melvin (medico); and Lt. Olshak ("The Mad Russian") Re-assignment: Sep '44 to Oklahoma as B-25 pilot instructor; Officer's Communications School, Chanute Field, Illinois; and then B-26 tow target pilot, Wilmington, North Carolina.
     
    I am willing to share photocopies of letters or photos if anyone is interested.

    Thank you.
    Dora McClurkin Muir

    Mrs. Muir, if the planes could fly, they flew! Nels Cassano, Crew Chief, "Truman's Folly"

    Mrs. Muir,
    Invariably the B26 was regarded by aircrews to be the property of the crew chief, and they only loaned it for missions. They depended on him to keep the plane in good working order and they invariably deferred to his judgment. Frequently the B26 was named by the crew chief, not the pilot or aircrew. For example "Mild & Bitter" was named by its crew chief.

    Secondly many B26's were not named until they arrived in the combat zone, although I agree several were named either before departure from the USA or en route. In have many instances of B26s being named by the crew who ferried them to the combat zone, and on arrival with its combat unit the name was immediately changed.

    Thirdly some B26s quickly got a reputation for being mechanical dogs, but if a crew chief said it was combat ready, then the crew took it. Don't forget as a B26 completed more and more missions it became more and more weary, hence after a period of time it would be classed as war weary and hiked off to some unsuspecting unit.

    B26's, in fact most other Allied aircraft ,when battle damaged were graded as to the severity of the damage. A rated slight damage, AC, heavier damage, both usually repairable on the squadron. B was rated more severe damage usually repaired at an Air Repair Depot. Lastly Cat E was salvage.

    Crew chiefs had no part in this battle damage rating, all they did was repair them if the could,. and if not send them away for repair. If rated cat E they were just hauled off the the airfield scrap dump.

    If they could fly, they flew. If not they were stripped down, put onto road transporters and driven to the repair depot. The main one for Marauders in England was Stansted. However several other Repair Depots could and did repair B26's. On moving to Europe the same practice applied.

    If a B26 landed away from base then the B26's were either repaired or stripped down by Emergency repair squadrons, who operated as mobile units in the countryside.
    Regards,
    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    10/25/07
    Time:
    7:53 AM
     
    Bonjour from France to Marauder Men of the 394th B.G. and their families.

    I send you a photo of the monument we have in Normandy to commemorate your passage on A 13 (Tour en Bessin) in September 1944 with flowers for V.E. 2006.

    Perhaps you met there a 12-year old boy who spent in 1944 very surprising summer holidays. I have not forgotten the crash of Lt Davis ship ( 586th Sq ) on September the 21st... I ran so rapidly that I was very far when the plane exploded. I have nor forgotten the fuselage of a Marauder you left us, a wonderful toy... I have not forgotten what you gave me, cigarettes and chewing gum... I remember precisely the 2 ground servicemen who offered me a treasure, a pair of shoes: one of them was probably a Cajun who spoke a very surprising French...

    I hope the map may help you to remember where your plane was parked or where your tent was pitched when you were on A 13.

    In July 1944 we had before your arrival on A 13 two fighter groups with Thunderbolts: 373 rd and 406th F.G.

    The small hamlet of Sainte Anne (See the map) was liberated on the night of the 8-9 June 1944 by the 3rd battalion 26 I.R. (1st U.S. Division), they lost about 40 servicemen, KIA, MIA and wounded.

    Tour en Bessin was liberated by the 2nd Battalion of the 26 I.R. I lived in a small village, Vaucelles ( See the map ). We were liberated by the British (50th Division). 2 civilians were killed. You have probably not forgotten that the "border" between the British 2nd Army and the 1rst U.S. Army was at the Eastern limit of you base. Perhaps those based near the village of Tour en Bessin remember that the spire of the church looked like a needle with a hole made by a shell just in the middle.

    In Normandy, you know, we have not forgotten. And, hiking around the country we often find hedges repaired with the PSP and SMT your engineers had put in place to build runways and taxiways.
     
    Reply to: Casey S.Apolinski
    394th B.G.
    584th B.S.
    September 1944

    To John Apolinski

    I was very happy to see the pictures on your mail (10/1/07). I was 12 in September 1944 and I spent wonderful summer holidays with the U.S. servicemen of the 406 th F.G, of the 373rd F.G. and of the 394th B.G. At this period of the war your father was based in Normandy on ALG 13 which had been built in July by US Engineers in the village of Tour en Bessin, 4 miles from the town of Bayeux. My village, Vaucelles, was half-way between the US base and Bayeux. Bayeux is the only Norman town which was not destroyed during the battle and regarded by the US military as a kind of paradise. The problem for the US servicemen was that Bayeux was in the British zone and the main road was heavily patrolled by the military police of both nations.

    Two pictures are for me very interesting: when they arrived at the end of August the officers of the 394th B.G. were probably, at first, as shown, living in their individual tents generally pitched under an apple-tree not only to protect them from the sun but from the showers of splinters of anti-aircraft shells: we can see a German bicycle. When they left at the end of September, I think officers and men disposed of big square tents with a heating system in the middle. On another picture we can clearly see a camouflage net: collective tents were pitched around the hedges under big trees and, vehicles, guns, ammunitions, were protected by nets preventing the German reconnaissance planes from seeing them.

    On the 21st of September as I watched planes of the 584th BS taking off, one of them (Lt Davis) crashed at half a mile from me and another ship belonging to586th B.S. was so badly damaged that the fuselage was left when the B.G. left ALG 13 and became for us a wonderful toy... B26.com historian Trevor Allen gave me the very precise information on Lt Davis crash.

    If, among your photos you had some with a building, a house, a church, I might perhaps help you to find the exact place where they were taken.

    Bernard Porquet CAEN Normandy France.
    Date:
    10/23/07
    Time:
    11:17 AM
     
    I was a S/Sgt. Flight Engineer-Gunner...48 missions in the waist, one in the tail, and my last one in the turret...50 missions...in the 554th Squadron/386th Bomb Group, flying my first combat mission on the Group's first mission, 30 July 1943...My aircraft was The Bad Penny and The Bad Penny 2nd.

    When I had 49 missions in--on 26 March 1944, I was advised that I was selected among 10 gunners from the 4 oldest B-26 Groups in England, to be sent back to the States to attend Gunnery Instructors School, and that I was thru flying combat missions--awaiting orders down from 9th AF HQ....as a fluke, I wound up on a what was originally scheduled "local" flight, to get my flying time in for April, before leaving. That "local" with a crew other than my regular crew was during the night, changed to a combat mission, and I had no choice but to go on it...since the Sq CO was in London on pass. I went, we got the shit shot out of us...I picked up a small piece of flak in the upper lip, hydraulic system shot out, had to crank the flaps down, no brakes, had to pull the air bottle and the locked wheels blew the tires...My orders were waiting me when we got back, and I left the next morning, came back on the Dutch liner Nieuw Amsterdam.

    I was not yet 19 when I returned to the States.. I wound up at Lake Charles Army Air Base, LA, where I met my future wife, an AirWac working in Base HQ.. We were married on 9 July 1947... Celebrated our 60th last July.

    We were discharged in July 1945...I re-enlisted in August 1946...Flew on the Berlin Airlift as flight engineer...Received a direct commission as 2/Lt via Board Action....from enlisted to officer duty on 15 August 1950...aircraft maintenance officer...Was made a regular officer in 1957, and spent the last three years as an Atlas-F missile maintenance officer....retiring voluntarily in the grade of regular major, on 1 March 1965..at age 39... I spent seven years as Plant Manager of a 535-bed hospital in Knoxville.. and six years as the Grainger County Juvenile Court and Probation Officer....calling it Quits in 1982.... We live 25 miles ENE Knoxville at Rutledge. TN...

    I'm mentioned in a couple of 386th missions, Chester Klier's Mission #8 and Mission #25.

    Take Care,

    Billie B. Boyd Jr.
    Date:
    10/22/07
    Time:
    12:31 AM
     
    Nathan Weber is looking for anyone who had personal knowledge of the B-26 accident at MacDill Field, Tampa Florida on Sept 8, 1942.

    Those that died:
    Cpt. James Ellison Glattly (my cousin)
    2nd Lt. Charles W. Armstrong
    2nd Lt Jack W. Weston
    Private Ervin Leshner the only survivor from the crash.

    I have the accident report and eyewitness statements. I would like to hear what people have to say. All these years and its been a complete mystery. Its enough to make one sick.

    They were in the 314th Bomb SQ. 21st Bomb Gp
    Date:
    10/21/07
    Time:
    9:46 AM
     
    An Excellent play about General Billy Mitchell called "Prophecy and Honor, The Sensational Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell" by Joe Moore. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the DVD go to Pacific Aviation Museum at Pearl Harbor - a great cause, a great play!
    Date:
    10/18/07
    Time:
    7:47 PM
     
    Hello,

    I am trying to find information on a 1932 West Point Graduate that my mother (now deceased) was engaged to until the mid 1930's. I know only his name and what my mother told me about him. His name was Robert Stillman and he retired as General Robert Stillman. She had his obituary sent to her cousin before her death. Her cousin was Stillman's West Point roommate. She heard news of "Bob" Stillman for years from her cousin and his wife (Colonel Bill and Eulalie Proctor). They retired to the Seattle area. He was stationed at Fort Lewis (5th Infantry Div).

    My mother told me he was in the Army Air Corps until the inception of the USAF in 1947, then converted. She said he was an early Commandant of the USAF Academy in Boulder, CO. I'm not sure when he passed away, but I know he retired to Texas with his wife. The obituary said he had Alzheimer's, but listed his cause of death as natural.

    I contacted your website because it was reported that he crash landed a B-26 upside-down at an Army Air Field. He and the co-pilot survived almost unscathed. If I remember correctly, it happened in Europe (Britain?) as the story went.

    My mother told me the reason that they broke off the engagement was that he wanted to make a career of the military and she wanted to stay put in one place. No hard feelings she said, just different outlooks on life and careers. My Mom was very independent and graduated college in 1934, the only female in her class. She told me that during their several year long engagement, that he even had his own biplane. She said he would "buzz" her home in Glens Falls, NY before he landed when he and Cousin Bill came to visit from West Point. Bill was from Glens Falls, NY too.

    He must have been quite a guy if these stories about him are not just urban legend. The few times I spoke with Cousin Bill, he assured me Bob Stillman was quite the motivated man. I would be interested in finding out more of his history if that's possible.

    Respectfully,
    Mark Hendrickson
     
    Trevor Allen wrote about the Ijmuiden mission that Mr. Robert M Stillman flew on in 1943.
    Date:
    10/18/07
    Time:
    7:07 AM
     
    I am the oldest daughter of Lt. Stanley Guistwite that was shot down in a B26 Marauder over Germany.

    Stanley is still living and is now 89 years old. His wife passed away 10 years ago. He has 4 girls and one son along with 10 Grandchildren.

    I would love to hear from anyone that knew my Dad during that time or anyone that would like to get in contact with him.

    Thanks so much.

    We need to honor these men and women that were so brave and put their lives on the line to save our county. I am very proud of not only my Dad but each and every one of you.

    Joan Becker
     
    Joan, see if your father remembers this:

    Date 18th November 1944

    41-31576 AN-Z 553rd.Bomb Squadron, 386th Bomb Group shot down by flak.

    Crew:  Capt Robert T Harris; 1st Lt's Jack Eskenazi; Stanley U Guistwite; 2.Lt Donald E Bell; T/Sgt John W Depue; S/Sgts Reuben E Samall; Spencer A Volpp

    Regards,
    Trevor Allen
    historian b26.com
    Date:
    10/17/07
    Time:
    9:53 AM
     
    Marauderman's Name: John C. Hicks
    Bomb Group: 323rd
    Bomb Squadron: 453rd
    Years in service: 1942 - 1945
    Graduation Class: ?
    Class Location: ?
    Comments: I was given some flight gear that once belonged to Sgt. Hicks during the war. I believe his gear deserves to be preserved for history. I'm interested in associating some of his military experiences to the gear. Unfortunately Mr. Hicks is no longer living so I cannot directly obtain the information. I am looking for information such as Mr. Hick's position in the aircraft, his Pilot's name, the name of his aircraft, his mission records, any photos that may be available and any other related information. Thank You, John Bartlett
    Date:
    10/16/07
    Time:
    9:18 PM
     
    Trevor, first of all, Marauder Men, I wish to thank ALL of you for your unselfish service, for without your sacrifices, life would be a LOT different for us.
     
    I attended the funeral of a famed aviator today - Tex Hill of Fighting Tigers AVG fame. I came home and began to ponder about ALL the magnificent and heroic deeds that SO MANY people performed during World War II. Many gave the ultimate price.
     
    My father, Meddie Charles Sullivan, "MC", 320th BG, 444th BS, flew the B-26 in a group called the Whitetail Marauders. Later he flew rotary wing (helicopters) in Korea and was killed in 1957 at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina while flying an OH-13 (also known as a Bell-47 helicopter.). If anybody happens to find any info on my father and/or some people who may still be living that knew him...that would be fantastic. It is with great gratitude that I thank YOU for this wonderful site. thanks Trevor, Chuck Sullivan
    Date:
    10/12/07
    Time:
    2:14 PM
     
    Looking for information about my Uncle, Russell Glasser, a B-26 pilot in the ETO. I found a photo of him as co-pilot on John Sharp's crew in training, ca. June,1942, 70th Sqdn., 38th Bomb Group.  John F Sharp was with the 69th and 70th Bomb Squadrons and was a Squadron C.O.

    I know Russell Glasser flew a tour of duty in the Marauder, returning stateside to train in the P-61 Black Widow. He flew a tour in them as well.

    Any records the family once had were lost. Russell passed away in the early 70's. He was my childhood hero.

    Thanks.
    Ralph Glasser MD
    Trojan Horsemen flight team
    Date:
    10/9/07
    Time:
    5:20 PM
     
    Hi, I'm looking for information on the JM-1s assigned to the various dets along the east coast of Florida. I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, and would like to build a scale model of a JM-1 based there, assuming there may have been a detachment there. If not, if anyone knows the locations of the JM-1 towing detachments out of the squadron at Opa Locka in Miami, I would very much appreciate it. I know they were based at Opa Locka, Ft. Lauderdale, NAS Banana River, and NAS Jacksonville. Any based in Melbourne, Vero Beach, New Smyrna, Deland, or Daytona?

    Any information appreciated!

    Cheers,
    Butch Heilig
    Date:
    10/9/07
    Time:
    1:35 PM
     
    I have been collecting and documenting the history of our World War II Veterans since 1998. I currently have over 200 veterans from all branches and ranks, in my “private library”. I have always been interested in World War II and what better way to learn this is to talk to the men and women who lived it. It is my way of keeping their memories and stories alive.

    For every World War II Veteran we loose, a piece of history is gone forever. I believe that it should be told to someone who is willing to take the time to document their story.

    For the men and women, who served during World War II, they all have a great story to tell, whether they were in combat or sitting behind a desk. They answered the call to duty in a time when more the half the world was at war.

    When it is my time to pass on, all this information will be placed in the General Patton Museum in Chiriaco Summit , CA so that future generations will know what these men and women went through. One day, all of our Veterans from World War II, will have passed on and so will their stories.

    Peter Minix
    Former Marine Sgt.
    Indio, CA
    Date:
    10/8/07
    Time:
    10:47 AM
     
    I don't see any info about B-26 pilot retired Col Allen W Stephens on your web site. My Uncle (now 91 and recovering from an illness in the hospital) flew 65 missions in WWII in a B26 Marauder. He is quoted in Stephens Ambrose's book D-Day and other Ambrose books as he flew early on D Day morning over Utah Beach Pointe de hoc (two low level bombing missions that day). He has some newspaper articles written about him from interviews and he has a diary he wrote in the war converted now to audio tape and CD. He loves Ike and served under him and after the war served at The Pentagon doing military budgets with Carter Burgess and IKE. He also has a rich career in other areas including more after war military assignments. I have info on that also.

    I would appreciate you placing a photo of him and article on your web site under your pilot area for B26/D-Day WWII.
    Date:
    10/7/07
    Time:
    6:13 PM
     
    Sgt./Radioman Henry William Samspon
    17th BG/34th BS
    Radioman Sgt. Sampson was on the Reddy Teddy as a radioman/gunner. He was injured over Italy Jan 21 1944, I believe on a bomb run over the South Railroad bridge. Sgt. Sampson often went by the name Bill Sampson. He received a severe head injury on the bomb run that day, possibly Flak related? It resulted in his medical discharge from his position in Sardinia.  If anyone from the 34th or 17th BS is still alive, I would love to chat with you. Henry Sampson was killed with his wife in a car accident in his native state of Minnesota some 14 yrs ago. I'm putting together a surprise Christmas present for his only son. Bill never talked much about his experiences in the war, so I'm looking for others to help paint the picture for his boy.
     
    Thanks for your help
    God Bless
    Keith C. Garrick
    Date:
    10/7/07
    Time:
    3:45 PM
     
    My Dad, Robert Scott FitzSimmonds, passed away on Dec. 21st, 2001 at the age of 80. I have always had great interest in my Dad's experiences in the War.

    Robert Scott FitzSimmonds / Pilot B-26 Martin Marauder
    9th Air Force
    344 Bomb Group
    495 Bomb Squadron

    He was a co-Pilot on the "Merry Jerry".
    He then got his own plane and named it for his Mom. "Ma's Blasted Event". This plane was shot up so bad they had to crash land with no landing gear and the plane split in two.
    The final plane he was assigned to had a rough start and they had to abort the first couple of missions, because there was something wrong with the plane. They named this one "The Reluctant Virgin".

    My Dad flew 65 combat missions and a lot more sorties, he was stationed and flew out of England and was involved in the assault on Normandy on D-Day. The only thing he ever said about that day was that they came in low and hit Utah Beach so hard that the casualties on the ground were practically non existent. He said that they lost more men in the training missions. This was not the case at Omaha Beach where the losses are well documented and the heavies flew above the cloud cover and dropped their bombs inland. I am exactly sure of the dates and other info. you are asking for, but I can get it and will send later.

    This is all I have right now as I wasn't really prepared to run into this website. I have pictures and more info and will send later.

    Thank you,
    Ed FitzSimmonds
    Date:
    10/5/07
    Time:
    1:46 PM
     
    I am looking for information regarding my grandfather, Richard B. Emery, who was a co-pilot with the 386th bomb group, 555th bomb squadron. He flew under Captain Holland and there was Robert L Perkins crew, I believe. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Melinda J. Emery
    Date:
    10/5/07
    Time:
    9:40 AM
     
    Marauder Man Neil Leon Nelson, b. 08/14/1916, d. 01/31/1969, Washington State, 1st Lt Army AF WWII. He was a B-26 Marauder pilot in World War II and flew 53 missions. His plane was called the "Grim Reaper". B-26-15-MA The Grim Reaper/Underground Farmer 387th 558th KX-K

    Darrin Nelson
    Date:
    10/3/07
    Time:
    6:52 PM
     
    I am trying to find out any information about my father Eddie Bashoff, also called ‘Slick”. I would appreciate any help that you can offer. I know he was in the 320th bomb group, 444th bomb squadron but that's all I know.

    Saul Bashoff
    Date:
    10/3/07
    Time:
    4:23 PM
     
    Looking for any fellow B-26 Marauder Men from:

    9th Air Force
    397th Bomb Group
    596th Bomb Squadron
    St. Quentin, France
    1943, 1944, 1945

    Anyone out there? My father, Richard Born, would love to connect.

    Thanks,
    Lori
    Date:
    10/2/07
    Time:
    11:03 AM
     
    Marauderman's Name:   Joseph (Joe) Miller
    Bomb Group:  391st
    Bomb Squadron:  574th

    Comments:  My uncle Joe was shot down on a bombing mission (target Ahrweiler) on Dec 23, 1944, just three days shy of his 20th b-day.  The name of his plane was Snake's Revenge.  I believe he was the tail gunner.  Other crew members were Dale C Detjens (MIA); Frederick T Kaye, "Phillip" and Joseph M Blair, both buried at Luxembourg American Cemetery; Edward L Potocnik, and Joseph Kowalski.  Only two of the crew members survived the crash.
     
    Joe's dad (my grandfather) immigrated from Germany in 1901 and coincidentally, Joe's plane was shot down close to the family home near Trier/Temmels.  Our German relatives claim Joe was still alive when the plane went down and was taken to a hospital where he died - I have no idea how they would know this.  Yet all reports the family in the US rec'd stated Joe died in the crash.
     
    We are looking for any information about Joe, the crash, etc. or war photos of Joe.
     
    Linda Smock
    Date:
    10/1/07
    Time:
    5:15 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Casimer (Casey) S. Apolinski
    Bomb Group: 394th
    Bomb Squadron: 584th
    Years in service: 20
    Graduation Class: 1943
    Class Location: Kirtland Army Air Field, Albuquerque, NM
    Comments:

    I'm looking for information about my father, Casimer (Casey) S. Apolinski. He was a career navigator having finished his career at Walker AFB, Roswell NM in 1962 as a Lt. Colonel, B-52 navigator. He few missions over Northern France from early 1944 to mid-June '45 in the 394th BG 484th squadron (?) on the plane Heavens Above. I have a number of photos from his collection at Bayeaux, France. His notations on the back show him with these crewmen:

    Sep 1944 Bayeaux, France
    1st Lt. Steven Stephens KIA
    1st Lt. James C. Harrison KIA
    2nd Lt. Don C. Hurley 65 missions
    2nd Lt. Casimer S. Apolinski
    1 Sep 1944
    1st Lt. Steven Stephens Nav.
    2nd Lt. Don C. Hurley Co Pilot
    2nd Lt. Casimer S. Apolinski Bomb. Nav
    1st Lt. Peter A. Gregerio Nav.
    1st Lt. Edward L Kinsella Pilot
    1 Sep 1944
    1st Lt. James C. Harrison

    I would appreciate any information available on this period in his career. Now at 85 having suffered several strokes he is unable to say much of anything.

    John Apolinski
    Date:
    9/28/07
    Time:
    6:17 PM
     
    I am searching for information about my uncle James Elisha Hendrix, 397th Bomb Group, 598th Bomb Squadron, who was a tail gunner in a B-26 out of England. -Thanks in advance, Steven Hendrix
    Date:
    9/25/07
    Time:
    12:14 PM
     
    My father served in WW2 and I am wondering if anyone knew him when they were serving. I have found many letters concerning some of the places he was in. My fathers name is Jack Mundy, he was from Fremont Nebraska. It seems from some of his letters the return address in 394th flight squadron. I now he was served in Europe and was stationed in Missouri, and Haywood Ca. He has passed away and once again the story goes that you could not get him to talk about the War. My mother thought he was in the Battle of the Bulge? I am just curious, and wonder if anyone has information. -Thank you,  Margaret Hagemanl
    Date:
    9/19/07
    Time:
    8:12 AM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Erwin Powell (my Dad)
    Bomb Group: 391st
    Bomb Squadron: 572
    Comments:  Cheers.  Nick Powell, Capt USAF (ret)
    Date:
    9/22/07
    Time:
    3:16 PM
     
    In regard to B 26 Martin Marauder, the Bar Fly [BarFly]. I have several photos of the flight crew while stationed at Great Dunmow Air Base in Essex. Among the crew is my father, Carl S. Ruth, Jr. My mom & dad traveled to Great Dunmow about 15 yrs ago & were greeted warmly by the local people who actually approached them & asked if were "a yank here in the war?" Mom & Dad were treated like heroes (they were) & directed to the chapel dedicated to US service men who saved England. Are you interested in these photos?

    Thanks for a wonderful site,
    Sharon Ruth
    Date:
    9/21/07
    Time:
    9:30 PM
     
    My father, Bob Schaffer, Brooklyn, New York, served on a plane called "Repulsive Rabbit" as a radio man & tail gunner. He was shot down over northern Italy and became a POW (perhaps on a different plane?). He actually landed in the Po River.  I am certain that he served in Africa and participated on raids on Sardinia and Southern France.

    Thank you.

    Bob Schaffer
    Date:
    9/20/07
    Time:
    1:29 AM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Staff Sergeant Earl Milo Nelson
    Bomb Group: 344
    Bomb Squadron: 496
    Years in service: ?
    Graduation Class: ?
    Class Location: ETO
    Comments: Hello: My father, Earl Milo Nelson, was a Staff Sergeant in the Army Air Corps 9th Air Force 344 BG 496 BS. He flew 58 missions as a flight maintenance/engineer gunner. I would very much like to receive any info about him, his crew, etc. I believe the name of their plane was “Fartin & Startin” (how awful!) One of his crew mates might have been nicknamed “Scottie” and another’s last name may have been Genovese. Any info is appreciated. Thank you, G. Nelson
    Date:
    9/19/07
    Time:
    8:12 AM
     
    My dad, Robert H. McMillan Jr., flew the Marauder during WWII with the 319th Bomb Group, 439th Bomb Squadron. When I was growing up, he taught me a song about the aircraft, but I've forgotten many of the words (and possibly some of the verses!). I've tried to recreate the parts I remember...if anyone knows the missing segments, please help fill the gaps!

    Thanks,
    Liz
    Date:
    9/13/07
    Time:
    5:06 PM
     
    gday, how's it going. My name is Mick Downs. I'm an Australian soldier currently serving in the middle east. I'm trying to find out info on my grandfather, SGT Eddley 'Bob' DANIELS, who was a pilot in the RAAF WW2. His war records are vague, I'm trying to find more out about his crash in a B 26 sometime around JUNE -AUGUST 1942. His records say he left Woodstock (outside Townsville AUSTRALIA) crashed 30 miles south of Buna. They mention a RAAF pool and the 19 bomb squadron and that's it.  I have a newspaper clipping from when they returned to the allied lines some time later.  His name was SGT Eddley 'Bob' DANIELS -RAAF. He passed away in the 1950s. I have a photo of him standing in front of b26 #14-1488 and apart from a few stories about walking through the jungle told to me by my mother.  That's all the info I have.  I've done some research on b26, red raiders, etc sites but nothing really matches up.  I think because he was in a 'pool' his name was not on any roll or flight manifest?  Do you know any RAAF B26 men still with us who might be able to help?  Thanks for your time, Mick
     
    Michael, I can understand your problems in tracing the events around your grandfather's service with the 19th.Bomb Squadron, 22nd.Bomb Group. The Group records are very sketchy indeed with the identities of RAAF personnel serving with them. However, it seems you are in luck because your grandfather was the copilot on Lt Hatch's crew. On 7th August 1942 B26 40-1496 "Dixie" overflew Port Moresby and continued on over the Owen Stanley mountains towards the north coast of New Guinea. The cloud below had diminished and Lt Hatch spotted an old river bottom overgrown with Kunai grass. Running out of fuel, he decided his best bet was to attempt a bellylanding in the grass. The crew disarmed a 1,000lb bomb and jettisoned it before Hatch slid "Dixie" through the grass in a perfect landing. They camped the night on a piece of dry ground under a tent constructed from their parachutes. The crew of Lt Hatch's plane included E. Daniels RAAF copilot; Don Maye bombardier; Sgt J Shemberger radio/operator; Sgt L Robinson gunner. They then proceeded to walk out of the Jungle knowing that they were some 200 miles from Port Moresby. Twenty eight days after their bellylanding they were picked up by a RAAF Hudson.

    Regards,
    Trevor Allen historian b26.com
     
    Additional information regarding 22nd BG here.
    Date:
    9/10/07
    Time:
    11:31 AM
     
    regarding the recent photos of the 17th and 394th BGs -- the picture attributed to the 394th from the bomb bay looking downward with 2 bombs -- that picture is in the book "The 397th Bomb Group (M) Bridge Busters", edited by Henry Beck. It supposedly shows Mission No. 29: Le Manoir RR Bridge, attacked May 27th, 1944, ....

    Don't know which group was borrowing from whom on this picture?

    Don Hoch
    Son of Sterling Hoch 397th BG / 596 BS
    Date:
    9/9/07
    Time:
    6:12 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Sgt Thomas A. Morgan
    Bomb Group: 22nd Bombardment Group
    Bomb Squadron: 33rd Bomber Group, Medium
    Years in service: approx. 1940 - 1942
    Graduation Class: unknown
    Class Location: unknown
    Comments:  Hello, my name is Rebecca Morgan Cheney, and I am writing in reference to my uncle, Thomas A. Morgan, from Rison, AR. He was a radio operator on B-26 #40-1468 on 4 July 1942 on a bombing mission on targets at Lae, New Guinea when it was involved in a mid-air collision with a Zero and crashed. To my knowledge, none of the 7-man crew survived or were ever found. We have searched for more information about the circumstances for many years to no avail. I was completely flabbergasted to find an account of the crash.  I have learned so much from your site about my uncle's part in the war and have seen several names which I recognize from reading his letters to my grandmother, letters from his friends, and from a diary he left. Of course, this just brings up a million more questions!

    My Uncle Tommy was just 25 years old when he was lost, the baby of a family of three sons who were all in the service during WWII. My grandmother was widowed when she was 25 in 1920, leaving her with the boys to raise on her own. She was an industrious lady, holding many jobs and starting businesses, taking in boarders ... and eventually going to school to qualify to work at the Pine Bluff Arsenal, making munitions for the war effort. She carpooled from her small town with others who worked there throughout the rest of the war. She never gave up hope that Tommy might someday return. Our local genealogical society is doing a book on WWII vets from the county, and that is what prompted me to do more research at this time.

    As I said, I have his diary and several letters that my grandmother received from his friends and the officers including one from 1st Lt. Walter Gaylor and a couple from Hubert Newell, who apparently was a close friend. I was amazed to learn that Mr. Gaylor co-wrote the book about the Red Raiders, and would love to find a way to contact him, if possible, to see if he remembers my uncle. I also have the names of the other 6 crew members on the plane from the official notification letter my grandmother received: 1st Lt. Milton O. Johnson (Bradshaw, NE), 2nd Lt. John F. Daley, Jr. (North Quincy, MA), 2nd Lt. Philip L. Jander (Houston, TX), 2nd Lt. Lawrence Werner (Coronado, CA), Sgt. William G. Smith (Marceline, MO), and Corp. Vernon D. Huddleston (Dare, VA).

    If anyone out there can help me learn more or know any of these gentlemen or their families, I would so love to hear from you. I would also like to know when my uncle enlisted and where he possibly had basic training. I believe the other name for his plane was "Sad Sack", but have been unable to find a photo of this nose art anywhere. I wrote to the gentlemen who runs the site I mentioned, but am unsure if he received my note. I would appreciate any info you professional historians might give me and any contact info you might give me for Mr. Gaylor as well.

    Regards,
    Rebecca Morgan Cheney
    Date:
    9/7/07
    Time:
    8:03 AM
     
    Hello, my name is Craig Latimore. I have a friend who drives a garbage truck for the city. As his crew was tossing the junk into the truck this photo album fell out. I would like you to put these photos on your site and maybe some one would enjoy looking at these ships and crews and might even be able to help find a fellow crew member. The pictures are of the 17th bomb group and 394th bomb group in action.

    I just wanted to say thanks so much for taking time to get these photos out to the guys. I hope that the photos with the 26s on the ground get a hit. I really would like the aircrew to see them again. You know as well as I this is an area long gone. These photos found there way to my home for a reason and I want to do everything in our power to get all the people involved the long deserved recognition they sure deserve.

    Sincerely,
    Craig Latimore
     
    Dear Craig, the photographs were quite a chance find, and thank you for passing them our way. Identities are from top to bottom.

    "Renaissance" 37th BS, 17th BG.
    "Jersey Bouncer" 37th.BS, 17th.BG
    "A Shade Raunchy" 37th.BS, 17th.BG
    General James Harold "Jimmy" Doolittle, "Silver Star" presentation 17th.BG. Man on his left is Col. Donald Gilbert, Group CO.
    YA-V 386th.BG
    Formations 1 & 2 37th.BS, 17th.BG
    U.S.O show somewhere in N Africa
    Next unknown
    B26 on bomb run 386th.BG
    B17, KX-D 8th.AAF
    2 Bombs falling on bridge 394th.BG
    Nose shot 394th.BG
    4T-C bombing 394th.BG, 585th.BS
    H9-E 43-34552 394th.BG, 586th.BS
    Group sitting down are all medics, unit unknown
    B17 tail shot off 94th.BG 8th AAF
    B26 on fire 322nd.BG
    Havoc A-20 on fire midships 416th.BG

    Trevor J Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    9/3/07
    Time:
    5:04 PM
     
    Mr. Trevor Allen,
    I made a posting on 10/10/06 about my father 1LT Edward B. Moser and asked about information about the mission he flew with George Simler; they were shot down, evaded capture and were eventually returned to England with the help of the French Underground. I was reading the postings of 2007 and I see you may have answered my questions in another posting dated 07/13/07.  Was he flying AC# 42-107670SS-T with Simler when they were shot down?  And do you have a listing of the crew?

    Thank you in advance, I continue to enjoy this website.

    Robert Moser

    Robert,
    Thank you for your recent enquiry, thanks to you I have discovered an error in my reply of 07/13/07. Simler's B26 that night was not 42-107670, but 42-107816 SS-T. The crew was:

    Maj George B Simler; 2.Lt Edward B Moser; Capts Harold J Mecke and Charles T Blight; T/Sgt George R Hill; S/Sgts Robert J Tippett; and James W Winstead.

    Trevor J Allen historian b26.com
    Date:
    9/1/07
    Time:
    10:54 AM
     
    Marauderman's Name: S/Sgt John Henry Ford
    Bomb Group: 394th
    Bomb Squadron: 584th
    Years in service: 1942-1945
    Graduation Class: 1943
    Class Location: Louisiana (?)
    Comments Hello, John Henry Ford was my grandfather. He was a radio gunner in the 584th Squadron, 394th Bombing Group. I've been trying to think of what to even say here, and I kept coming up with nothing. Only because I knew him all of my life, we were very close. He would tell me all of his war stories, but only the stories from outside of the war like pranks they pulled on each other and stuff like that. I was trying to think of something I wanted to know about the war & what my grandfather's part with it was; but I already know. I have a crate full of documents from ww2 . I also had a grandfather who liked to take pictures, of which he took many while overseas. I want to share the information that I have with anyone who needs the information. I almost feel a little guilty, because I've sold a lot of his military stuff. But that didn't last because it was only paper or metal, and I had the man in my life for so long that I don't need papers to remind me of who he was. After reading a lot of the pages and comments on this site, I now understand that there are a whole bunch of people who do need that paper. People who never knew their fathers & grandfathers. The only thing I really would like to know, is John was as crazy as everyone & himself told me he was. By looking through the photos I'd say yes he was, but I wonder if there is anyone out there who knew him? I don't know which B26 he usually flew in either. He ran 65 missions from June of 1944 to December of 44. I know the first Armorer and engineer he flew with were S/Sgt. John J Harkins & Sgt. Charles A. Murray. Are either of those guys still around? or anyone who knew John H. Ford? I know that a portion of John's info will be coming to this wonderful tribute to B26er's from someone else, but I just wanted to let you and anyone else know that I do have info about the Army Air Corps and I'd be happy to share that info. Thank you for creating this site, it truly honors those who fought so we could live as we do now.

    Respectfully,
    Diana Lordan
    Date:
    8/31/07
    Time:
    8:04 AM
     
    Name: Fletcher M. Glenn
    Bomb Group: 22nd Bomb Group
    Bomb Squadron: 33rd Bomb Sq
    Years in Service: 1939-1946
    Graduation Class: 40-E
    Location: Kelly Field, Texas
    Comments: My husband Fletcher Glenn who is now 88 years old was stationed at Langley Field, Virginia, on December 7, 1941. He had spent the preceding months at Wright Field, Ohio, training Russian pilots to fly the B-26. (Few people remember that we gave the Russians B-26s on the Lend-Lease program.) While he was at Wright Field we met on a blind date and soon made plans to be married at Christmas time. That didn’t happen. On the 8th of December he received orders to proceed to California. After flying beach patrols for about a month the B-26s were ordered to be crated up and the men and bombers shipped to Honolulu. His aircraft, B-26 SN 40-1441 was one of the group of airplanes in McArthur’s Air Force that flew from Honolulu to Brisbane using Captain Cook’s old maps for navigation, island hopping all the way, refueling at Palmyra Island, Canton Island, Fiji and New Caledonia arriving at Brisbane, Australia April 2, 1942 just shy of his 23rd birthday by four days. Not everybody was so lucky, not everyone made it all the way. He made bombing runs from Australia to Port Moresby to refuel and then on to bomb Rabaul in New Britain. After fighting the war for just 21 days (three missions) he was caught on the ground in Port Moresby while changing the very necessary generator by Japanese bombers and got a piece of shrapnel that ground its way into his thigh. That resulted in a year in and out of hospitals and being shipped back home. We finally got married in August of 1943 and he spent the rest of the war as a test pilot at Wright Field where he helped with the original tests of the newfangled helicopters among other things. Sixty four years later we are still married.
    Date:
    8/31/07
    Time:
    8:04 AM
     
    Name Hal G Berry
    Bomb Group 17th
    Bomb Squadron 95th
    Years in Service ?
    Graduation Class ?
    Class Location ?
    Comments: My Uncle Hal was a career pilot. His Squadron emblem in the war was a circular patch with a bucking horse in the middle. He finished his career as a Lt. Colonel, B-52 Commander.
     
    Bruce Berry


    Donated by Herschel D Davis & Jack D White
    Date:
    8/28/07
    Time:
    9:24 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: 1st. Lt. Robert P. Coseo
    Bomb Group: 322nd
    Bomb Squadron: 451st
    Years in service: 1942-1945
    Graduation Class: Pampa Army Flying School Class 43-B
    Class Location: Pampa, TX
    Comments: My uncle Bob passed away early in his life at 54 years in 1976. It's seems ironic after he had flown over 100+ missions over Europe and was awarded the DFC.  Looking for anyone that can shed some light on his squadron and fellow comrades. I believe his B-26 nose art was either the "Reluctant Virgin" or the "Impatient Virgin". He and my father were great friends together growing up and heroes to our families.

    Very Best Regards,

    Jerry Coseo
    Oak Ridge, NC
    Date:
    8/28/07
    Time:
    9:24 PM
     
    My father, Norman F. Schloesser, Pilot, 394th BG, 584th BS, was one of the two last to fly her please let his memory live. I severed in the U.S. Army and my Daughter is serving as well in Iraq in his memory - Jessica L. Schloesser (101st Airborne) 2nd Tour of Iraq!
     
    Paul V. Schloesser
    Date:
    8/28/07
    Time:
    9:24 PM
     
    Marauderman's Name: Charles Clifford Phillips
    Bomb Group: 22nd
    Bomb Squadron: 2nd
    Years in service: 3
    Graduation Class: ?
    Class Location: ?
    Comments: My father was a gunner who flew on the B-26. He served from 1941-1943 assigned to the 5th USAAF 22nd Bomb Group, 2nd Squadron as a gunner. Dad's group deployed Dec 8, 1941 from Langley Field in Hampton, Virginia. Most of his service was on the B-26 but he did say he flew on the 17's and 24's as well. If there is anyone with more information to share please contact me.
     
    William Phillips
    "Son of a Red Raider"
    Date:
    8/25/07
    Time:
    8:23 PM
     
    Marauderman Name: Myron M Schwab "Fritz"
    Bomb Groups: 319th and 89th
    Bomb Squadron: 440th
    Years in service: Not sure, maybe 43-45
    Grad Class: Unknown
    Class Location: Possibly Harding Field, Baton Rouge LA, Baer Field, Ft. Wayne, IN
    Does anyone remember my friend Fritz who was a bombardier/Navigator in B-26's? My only knowledge is that he was in a crash at Goose Bay, Labrador. Flew 40 missions in the Med Sea Area including Africa, Sicily, Sardinia, and Southern France. He returned stateside in 1944 to retrain in A-20 and A-26 Model aircraft. Flew 27 missions with 89th Bomb Group, 5th Air Force in the Pacific. Names of some of the aircraft he flew in were: Mitt Liebst (With Love), Dirty Bird, and Repulsive Rabbit.  If anyone remembers my friend Fritz Schwab, I would like to hear from you. Fritz is still with us! Thank you.  Don Weisgerber
    Date:
    8/25/07
    Time:
    8:23 PM
     
    Hello, I've attached the information I have for my Dad, Rolla Durham, who died of Leukemia in 1992.  I'm in the process of trying to find information from his military records but still working on that.  Is the attachment something that will help you to determine who my Dad saved or any other info?  Thanks... Donna Durham
     
    "Saves Life of American Gunner.
    Corporal Rolla Durham, 21-year-old soldier from Glen Carbon IL, used his day off at a Ninth Air Force Marauder base in the European Theatre of Operations to help save the life of an American tail gunner.  Durham, out of camp on pass when a medium Marauder bomber developed engine trouble and crashed in a wheat field, rushed to the field and saw four men escape from the burning plane.  When he heard muffled cries coming from the rear of the plane, he and a farmer, living in the area, kicked in the waist panel of the burning ship and ignored flames and exploding 50 caliber shells while they pulled the injured gunner, pined down by wreckage, to safety.  Durham, who is a military policemen with Col. Tom Seymour's Tiger Stripe Group, has been commended for his bravery."
     
    Date:
    8/25/07
    Time:
    8:23 PM
     
    Hello, my name is Donna Angell Nichols and my great uncle, Lt. Harlow Marcus Truman is mentioned on this site. He was killed in a mission over France on August 7, 1944 and he is buried on Lot B, row 19, Grave 13 in ? Laurent France (US Military cemetery- St Andre, France. (The photo copy that I have was cut off and I can't tell what is before Laurent.)

    My grandfather, Donald Arthur Truman; Uncle Harlow's oldest brother died in 1985 and his remaining brother, Paul Truman died last month.

    Thank you for putting this site together. Gramp spoke often of his lost brother and I have always wanted to know more about him.

    If anyone would like any additional information please contact me.

    Kindest regards,
    Donna Angell Nichols
     
    Mr. Harlow Truman is buried at the Normandy American Cemetery and the gravesite location you have is correct.
    Date:
    8/21/07
    Time:
    7:20 AM
     
    Large Image
     
    b26.com will post all Marauder Men reunion information from any bomb group and squadron in the guestbook.
    Date:
    8/20/07
    Time:
    4:06 PM
     
    I respectfully would like to make the following correction/addition to James Sweeney's dedication page.

    Marauderman's Name: Edward Jackson
    Bomb Group: 322
    Bomb Squadron: 451
    Years in service: 4
    Graduation Class: N/A
    Class Location: MacDill Field, Chicago, IL, (Army Air Forces Technical School), Kelly Field, Comments: The photograph shown on Lt. James Sweeney's page is incorrect as to identifying the following crew members:

    Second from right is Edward Jackson (Radio Operator) not Guy Perciballi
    Second from left standing next to Lt. Sweeney is Lt. George J. Smith (Co-Pilot) (KIA 8/6/44 also)
    Third from left is the navigator/bombardier but is not Heisler
    This picture is Lt. Sweeney's first crew. The ship's name was Smitty's Folly. My uncle was Edward Jackson (MIA and Evadee, returned on 9/6/44)

    If you could relay this to Mr. Johnson with my deepest respect and admiration. My uncle spoke highly of him.
     
    -Gerry Zatorski
    Date:
    8/14/07
    Time:
    5:15 PM
     
    Hi, My name is Adrian Beazer, my father Wendell Beazer, was in the 559th bomb squadron, 387th bomb group as a photographer. He passed away in 1967. We have recently been gathering and restoring some of his photos and have put these on cd. We have photos taken while he served in the war of planes on the ground and in the air on missions and D-Day. If there is a way you can use these we would be happy to send you a copy to use on a dedication page for Wendell on the site. We gave a copy to the Ex Confederate Air force in Arizona and have been trying to find some more info when I found this site. Hope to hear from you soon.
     
    Adrian, thank you for helping us tell the Marauder Man story. ms
    Date:
    8/14/07
    Time:
    8:47 AM
     
    My Uncle was Francis "Hank" Rassiga. Small town kid from Canaan, CT.  Lived to fly, died doing it in 1949 in a racing plane after 68 missions over France ('43-'45) in 322 BG, 452 BS.  Planes flown include: Mild and Bitter, AWOL Kid, Constant Caroline, Rusty Pelican and others.  Would love to hear about the history of that group or anyone with any info about him.  Bless you for this Marauder Man web site. There are so many who served I cannot fathom the sacrifice. Thank you all!

    Regards,
    Jon McGraw
     
    From Robert S. Tate's page: "2nd Lt. Francis J. Rassiga but in the move his right foot caught the rudder pedal, throwing the ship out of control. The pilot Robert S. Tate, of Nashville, TN fought with the controls and finally prevented the "AWOL Kid" from being AWOL' d.  Lt. Rassiga moved the wounded bombardier into the radio compartment and elevated the left leg above the rest of his body in order to stop the rapid flow of blood from the leg. He then injected a shot of morphine."
    Date:
    8/13/07
    Time:
    8:07 AM
     
    Marauderman's Name: First Lieutenant Wilson J. Cushing
    Bomb Group: 387th
    Bomb Squadron: 558th
    Years in service: 1942 - 1944
    Graduation Class: Unknown
    Class Location: Unknown
    Comments: I happen to run across an article about Captain Rollin D. Childress who led eighteen aircraft to a fuel dump in the Foret de Grimbosq on June 7, 1944. In the article, it summarizes this bombing run with his bombardier, First Lieutenant Wilson J. Cushing, my father. I have been searching for years to find information on my father’s crew, airplane, history of his missions. My father has spoken little about the actual events of the war, but has on occasion referenced a B26 named “The Grim Reaper” [T. Wakeman]. Also, I have a Christmas card he sent his parents in 1943 with that aircraft lithographed on the front of the card. My father is now 86 and I would really like to get information on the crew members and copies of any surviving photographs of his plane with crew.

    Any information would be great.
     
    Kevin W. Cushing
     
    Contact was not made between Wilson Cushing and Rollin Childress, but contact was made with Howard Weingrow, another crew member on the June 7, 1944 mission.
    Date:
    8/12/07
    Time:
    4:58 PM
     
    Regarding Gilbert Wright's post and was interested in any details he had regarding this crash. My mother's first husband was Squadron Leader "Bob" Gurney who was killed along with Chris Herron when the plane made a forced landing. Information on Bob's aviation career can be found at http://www.geocities.com/crbobgurney/

    many thanks,

    Peter Holm
    Sydney
    Date:
    8/12/07
    Time:
    4:41 PM
     
    Hi, I'm researching my late uncle (married my mother's sister in England).  He was Raymond (Ray) Lamberg AO 1 167 947 & AF 6 915 023.  Began life as Master Sergeant, and ended as Captain Flew B-26's with 1st Pathfinder Sqn. att. to 99 Combat Wing.  Based at Andrews Field (Great Saling) Essex, England in ETO from 16 Dec 1943 to 18 Nov 1945.  Recalled to service during Korean War Total service 13 years, 8 months 12 days.  I have a several photos showing embarkation ship to Europe, views of aircraft - none in detail, and one showing 'nose art' with the name "Smokey", and some crew.  I have some copy service papers, but would like more details to complete my research if anyone can help please? -Michael Green
    Date:
    8/12/07
    Time:
    4:41 PM
     
    I am trying to find some information on my Uncle, S/Sgt Gaylord M. Yoder. He was with the 386th Bomb Group, 554th Bomb Sqd at Great Dunmow, Essex England, and then to Beaumont Sur-Oise, France. His crew was Lt. Henry K. Erb, pilot, Lt. Hugh Hitchcock, co-pilot, Lt Avril R. Woosley, Bombardier, Cpl Howard A Tenney Jr, radio operator, Cpl Henry A. Smith, Engineer, Cpl. Gaylord M. Yoder Armorer. Gaylord Yoder and the crew went to England about 17 Aug 1944. Their class picture shows 331 AAF, 30 May 44, 1575, Barksdale Field, La. Does anyone know where the air force keeps the old flight logs of pilots? I would like to get some more information on missions flown etc. Thank you very much.

    Dean Ab-Hugh
    CWO-USN Ret
    Vietnam
    Date:
    8/12/07
    Time:
    4:41 PM
     
    I am not a former B26 pilot; however, I am proud and honored to say that my father is.  I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to create this web site and to honor those who flew the mediums and served our nation in its time of need.

    Ralph D. Wilson II
    Date:
    8/12/07
    Time:
    4:41 PM
     
    I'm seeking information and/or photos of