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| K e n s m e n : 4 3 r d B o m b G r o u p (H), 5 t h A A F | ||
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| S/Sgt. permt 1941 "Frank"
Franklin P. Hohmann Squadron: 65th sqdn and 403rd sqdn Position: Was made flight engineer March 1941 at albrook field p.c.z. on B-17-Bs. Crewed on Ds,Es. and LB30s Flew 130+ rts to the Galapgoes islands from Guatemala City ( Sept 17th1941 to July 1942) was transfered to the 19th bg Phillipines in Jan. but shortage of planes out of seattle held us up til july. Took a B-17-F Taxpayers Pride To Mareeba Aust. did 25 missions out of Port Moresby. Transfered to the 65th Nov. 15th 1942 did 25 missions, TDY to 8th photo 21 mile airdrome 1st of March returned to 65th to find my crew had been transfered back to Mareeba and into the 403rd only flew 8 missions with them , was returned to the states and the 19thBG June 1943. Served: above Originally from: New Jersey Training: Albrook Field Panama Canal Zone and Rio Hato Panama Citations/Medals: 2 air metals and silver star Planes: Besides 'Taxpayers Pride" 19 B-17-Es &Fs and 1 B24-D Our crew named taxpayers pride in the states flew in HOOMALIMALI, LAST STRAW, I'AM WILLING, NAUGHTY BUT NICE, OLD FAITHFUL, LAK-A-NOOKY, SUPER SNOOPER, BLUES IN THE NIGHT, HELL FROM HEAVEN MEN,OLD TOPPER,THE MUSTANG, TUGBOAT ANNIE, LOOSE GOOSE, TOJO's JINX. The 24D was named 50 cal. gal. Number of Missions: 83 Description of Missions: All but a half doz. were single missions to the Solomons, North coast of New guinea, most to Rabaul city and airdromes. Most poignant, sad or touching memory of the war: The lose of Lt. ROY K. DUFFY Jan. 8th and wounding of Lt. Eugene Benedetti, Lt. VERNON STRASWER March 7th KIA. and Sgt Ralph Thomas my asst. engineer and good buddy June 26 1943 Funniest or most fun memory of the war: It wasn't funny Any odd or strange memories from the war: Sgt Alexander Kaczmarczk got sick on the flight from Hamilton to Hickam. We left him there, He died on Capt. E Rickenbacker's raft trying to catch up with his crew as he really wanted to fight the japs. He's my HERO. Most heroic thing I saw or did: Where I was and how I celebrated when I learned the war was over: I had been discharged and was at home in Trenton N.J. with my wife of two years and our new Son. He will be 54 July 12th [ed. note: 1999] How having gone to war has affected me, what comes to mind when I think of the war: I saluted my first WAC Lt. got married to my high school sweetheart, and found a job as a electrician. To future generations: Remember the men and women that gave their lives so they can enjoy the good life they have |
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