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Reminder! Please check the
"Looking for a
Lost Crewmate?" page and the
Message
Board once in a while, will ya? Someone out there might be looking for
you or you might have info to help one WWII buddy find another. Thanks! Oh,
and, please, periodically check out the "Needed" section of this page; you
just might have the info I'm looking for to help make this site complete!
|
A little surprise from Ed
Gammill to me to Joe diMauro (if you're out there,
Joe)
The Down Under Project
To all who have the book "Down Under," could you please identify crewmen
in as many photos as you can and send what you know to
Tom
Dow, Ed Gammill, and Andy Anderson? PLEASE include the relevant page
numbers and any identifying notes (ex., "Page 63, top photo on right, 1st
from left: Sgt. Joe Jones"). Thank you so much! To see the results so far
in .doc format (61.5 KB), just click here.
To download the document, RIGHT CLICK on that link and choose SAVE TARGET
AS. Web-TV users who can't download this document can write to Tom Dow at
tomtom@rtmc.net to receive a copy by
regular U.S. Post (thanks, Tom!).
News
Site of Interest
You men might be interested in visiting
a
site dedicated to Peter S. Owens, 65th SQ, who was lost in combat while
flying "Listen Up, Tojo" on 15 September 1943. The site is made by his nephew,
also named Peter Owens. Peter is writing a book and is interested in speaking
with any of you who might offer information about the experience of
flying B-17s and of the war. Please write to him at
pvowens@attbi.com
ISO Crew of Al Angelini, 63rd SQ
"I am seeking anyone who served with Al Angelini who was an engineer in
Cresser's crew, 63rd Sqdrn. Seahawks." Write to Chad at
ccjjsmith1@juno.com
Writer wants to contact Jay Zeamer and Crewmates
I'd like to contact directly or the family and friends--anyone with personal
knowledge from the war--of the following crew members of the 16 June 43 Medal
of Honor mission: Jay Zeamer, Joe Sarnoski, William Vaughan, Herbert Pugh,
Hank Dyminski, Ruby Johnston, Johnny Able Jr., Bud Thues, George Kendrick,
J.T. Britton, and Forrest Dillman. I know Mssrs. Vaughan, Pugh, Able, Thues,
Dyminski, Kendrick, and I believe Dillman have passed away, so any family
and friends with information on them would be greatly appreciated. I don't
know the health status of the remaining crew members. I've already established
contact with some members of Mr. Sarnoski, Mr. Vaughan, and Mr. Pugh's families,
but I would love to hear from anyone else who might have known them during
the war. Thanks for any help in advance. Clint Hayes Dallas, Texas
texvnwinkl@aol.com
ISO Crew of Wallace "Wally" Suarez, 64th SQ
I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who knew my father, Wallace (Wally)
Suarez, 64th Bomb. Sqdrn, 43rd Group. He was a tail gunner on a B-24. He
was killed when it crashed and exploded on take-off on April 2, 1944, at
Nadzab, New Guinea. I've been lucky enough to find the pilot, Lt. Hugh Papworth,
who's been generous with his time in reliving a bad experience and sharing
his memories of my father. I'd still, of course, like to hear from anyone
else who knew him and has memories of him they might share. I have a picture
of him with other members of his crew who are identified as Lt. M.M. Schoonmaker,
Bombardier/Superv.Arm't; Lt. L. L. Katzen, Navigator/logs; Lt. W. C. Williams,
Co-Pilot/Security; Sgt. Cliff H. Stacy, Asst. Eng/Armament; Tech. Sgt. Wayne
Smith, Asst. Eng./Engines; Staff Sgt. E. W. Sorensen, 1st Engineer/Superv.;
T. Sgt. F. B. Rickard, Waist Guns/Belly; and Sgt. Dan Hopson, Radio/Top Turret.
Thanks. Mike Suarez.
m.msuarez@worldnet.att.net
ISO Crewmates of Edward Berger, 64th SQ
My father, Edward J. Berger was in the 43rd Bomb Group, 64th SQ. and I
am looking for anyone that can provide me any information on his activities
there. If you remember him and have a story or two (maybe some photos), I
would like to talk. He passed away last year and I am just uncovering some
of his memorabilia, but don't know any of his history there.
Edward J. Berger
43rd Bomb Group 64th SQ
02 077 694
Navigator on B-24's
First Lieutenant
Served: 11/44 through 9/46
Thanks, David Berger
Write to Mr. Berger at
dberger@greenpencil.com
ISO Info about Robert Lewis Jones
Got this in the mail and am hoping you gentlemen can help the writer out:
My name is Richard Johnson I live, in Mesa Arizona. I'm an aviation history
buff and a lot of my intrest has been focused on locating and researching
military aircaft crash sites in Arizona. I have reasearched in much depth
the crash of a 43rd bomb wing B50 bomber which crashed on July 13th 1950.
One of the 4 men killed in the accident was SSGT. Robert Lewis
Jones. I know from past reasearch and talking to his surviving family
that he also served with the 43rd bomb group in the southwest pacific. The
family showed me a photo that had him with his crew in front of a B24. His
son made mention to me that after the war he wanted to stay with the 43rd.
At what point he rejoined the 43rd when it was a SAC group I don't know.
I would sure like to find anyone who served in the old 43rd group who served
with Robert Lewis Jones. He died in the line of duty while serving with the
bomb group he loved. I would be very very grateful for any help you could
provide
Sincerly, Richard Johnson:
richardjj48@hotmail.com
My cell phone number is (480)703-2897
Lucky Lucille
Got this note; maybe someone has some info?:
Searching for information on my grandfather. John F. McEachron (479-12-2200).
It's my understanding he was at one time a belly gunner on Lucky Lucille.
He passed in March of 1973, and information has been tough to come by. I
do know he was honored with the DFC. Any information/help would be greatly
appreciated!
Thanks and take care, Scott McEachron, Clinton, IA.
Write to Scott at samc65@msn.com
Sad News
I regret to inform the 43rd that Joe diMauro, of the 64th SQ, has died.
Joe was nose-gunner with the Shad Shaddox crew, a creator of fine nose-art,
a very nice person and fellow paesan'. Shad described him as "big, gentle,
bear of a man," and I think that's about right. I had the pleasure of meeting
him at the Arizona reunion where we got to share some Amaretto and stories
of being Italian, and I was looking forward to seeing him again. I know I
will, though - someday - but I'll miss him 'til then. I am leaving that link
to Joe at the top of this page because I know he still is "out
there."
Target For Tonight
A man named John writes, "My father served with the 43rd bomb group, 65th
Sq. The name of his plane was Target for the Night [I think he may probably
mean "Target for Tonight"]. He was in Australia, Port Moresby, and Wewack.
He got shot on his 13th mission in Nov. of '43 before Thanksgiving. I would
hope maybe someone would have a group photo of the crew or anything else.
He would really be surprised. Thanks alot. His name is Walter J. Wyiekrykas".
Write to John at johny1@ptd.net
A sad passing...
Robert L. Schultz, Loveland, Ohio passed away Sunday, Nov. 4, 2001. Bob
was a B-17 pilot in the 64th Sqdn of the 43rd Bomb Group. He took his 4 engine
flying experience at the end of WW11 and put it to good use flying with Delta
Airlines until the federal age limit caused his retirement as a Delta Captain.
After losing a short battle with cancer, his funeral and burial is scheduled
for 10:00 AM, Thursday, 8 Nov. 2001, in Barron, Wisconsin. Our prayers are
with his family.
49th Service Squadron
Got a letter that reads like this: "I have a question or two about my
father's outfit, the 49th Service Sq, and the 403rd Bomb Sq. The 49th Ser.
Sq arrived at Milne Bay, 1 Oct 42 aboard USAT X-20. While at Milne Bay, and
later at Marreba. The 49th acted as Base Headquarters for the Air Corps.
The 49th repaired and salvaged P-39's for the 35th, 36th,and 80th Fighter
Sqs. and B-17's for the 403rd BS. And was assigned the maintenance of all
transit aircraft at Milne Bay.
I'm trying to re-trace my fathers movements thru Papua New Guinea and
Australia. My father arrived at Brisbane 25 Feb 42 and departed Papua, 7
Oct 44. He was an Airplane Maintenance Technician 750. I'm trying to match
his move- ments with the photos he brought back with him. My question is:
Would you know which airstrip the 403rd and the 49th set up camp, while at
Milne Bay? (1 2 or 3)? Another question is: Did General Kenny fly with the
403rd? I have 2 photos of the General's flying office, (Sally) taken Somewhere
in New Guinea. I don't know exactly where but it could be Milne Bay. 14 Mile,
or Dobodura???? I know its tough to find anything on the air war in Papua
but maybe you can help. Thank You for your time!!! Sincerely Edward Klacik"
If you can help Edward out, write to him at:
eklacik@home.com
Looking for crew mentioned in 43rd BG Newsletter
Gene Dourlain writes, "I would like to say that that the article in 43rd
Bomb Group Association Newletter, 79th edition , July 2001 is most accurate
I have seen I would like to know if any other members of that crew still
around. The last time I saw Jim Smart he was on the way back to the States
to have the bullet removed from his skull. I am Gene B. Dourlain, S/Sgt
Flight-Eng on the B-32 crew of Lt Anderson's on Aug 18. My E-mail address
is
dourlain20002000@yahoo.com.
Any help that you can be will be greatly appreciated."
5th Army Air Corps Patches Needed
Gary T. Axtell needs patches for his Dad: He writes that he needs two
patches, "one for one put in casket after death and one to put in a frame
with his picture God Bless. I never seen my Dad so bad. I live 18 hours away
and the VAMC give him at the max. 6 months. He's at home and hospice is with
him. I was 1/12th Cav. Dad served in WW II. If anything, I can show him his
patch. He never talked about it. He just told me the unit he served with
in WW II.
His name: Harold Auther Axtell 1515 Lincoln Blvd. Muscatine, Iowa 52761
319-263-9368 VAMC Iowa City, Iowa.
My name: Gary Temple Axtell mail: P.O.Box 12 street: 232 Comers Rock Road
Elk Creek, VA 24326 540-655-9902 VAMC Salem, Viginia
Can you help me? I'm disabled and on SSI. Gary T. Axtell". Write to Gary
at: gtaxtell@tcia.net
Jason Kahler looking for info on his Grandpa, Harold H. Kahler:
He writes, "His name was Harold H. Kahler from WI, and he was in the 43rd
and 65th "Lucky Dicers. He was a Bombardier in B-24s and B-17s out of New
Guinea. I'm looking for any info plane names or #'s, crew lists, details
about missions he might have been in. I saw a newspaper clipping that he
was credited for destroying a japanese bridge. I just thought about looking
for info in the last month and he died last week before i got a chance to
ask him some questions. he never talked about it much more than saying he
was glad to see major bong when all the zeros were flying around. if you
or anyone else can get me any info that would be great. Thanks."
Write to Jason Kahler at
inferno_715@hotmail.com
Andy Anderson Recommends Some Books:
 Fortress Against the Sun : The B-17 Flying Fortress in the
Pacific
by Gene Eric Salecker
Price: $24.46
Hardcover - 384 pages (February 2001)
Da Capo Pr; ISBN: 1580970494 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.55 x 9.31 x 6.42
Flying into Hawaii at the height of Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor,
the B-17 was in the war from the very start. Fighting from the Philippines
to Australia, and from Hawaii to Guadalcanal, the B-17 played a significant
role at Coral Sea, Midway and the Bismark Sea. It was one of America's most
instrumental weapons against the onrushing Japanese tide.
Althought the B-17, the Flying Fortress, is one of the best loved and
most recognized planes used in World War II, no other book has yet to describe
in detail the extensive use of the B-17 in the Pacific. Fortress Against
the Sun is the first book ever dedicated solely to the use of the Boeing
B-17 in the Pacific.
Fortress Against the Sun not only tells the history of the plane in the
Pacific theater, but of the men who flew her, fought in her, serviced her
and lived with her. Drawing extensively from primary sources, including letters,
diaries, postwar memoirs, government documents and squadron histories, the
author weaves together the history of the operations and story of the men
in the air and on the ground?the strategy and the tactics along with the
mud, the rain, the heat and the insects.
 The Wild Blue: The Men and Boys Who Flew the B-24s over
Germany
by Stephen E. Ambrose
Price: $15.60
Hardcover - 299 pages (August 14, 2001)
Simon & Schuster; ISBN: 0743203399 ; Dimensions (in inches): 1.03 x 9.59
x 6.47
Stephen Ambrose is the acknowledged dean of the historians of World War II
in Europe. In three highly acclaimed, bestselling volumes, he has told the
story of the bravery, steadfastness, and ingenuity of the ordinary young
men, the citizen soldiers, who fought the enemy to a standstill -- the band
of brothers who endured together.
The very young men who flew the B-24s over Germany in World War II against
terrible odds were yet another exceptional band of brothers, and, in The
Wild Blue, Ambrose recounts their extraordinary brand of heroism, skill,
daring, and comradeship with the same vivid detail and affection.
Ambrose describes how the Army Air Forces recruited, trained, and then
chose those few who would undertake the most demanding and dangerous jobs
in the war. These are the boys -- turned pilots, bombardiers, navigators,
and gunners of the B-24s -- who suffered over 50 percent casualties.
With his remarkable gift for bringing alive the action and tension of
combat, Ambrose carries us along in the crowded, uncomfortable, and dangerous
B-24s as their crews fought to the death through thick black smoke and deadly
flak to reach their targets and destroy the German war machine.
Twenty-two-year-old George McGovern, who was to become a United States senator
and a presidential candidate, flew thirty-five combat missions (all the Army
would allow) and won the Distinguished Flying Cross. We meet him and his
mates, his co-pilot killed in action, and crews of other planes. Many went
down in flames.
Son seeking info about his Dad
My dad [Marty McDonough, Sr.] was a G-2 with the 43rd from mid 1943
through late '44.- I think he started in the 403rd and then went to the 64th
- He and I never really discussed his experiences - even after I came back
from Viet Nam in 1971. I discovered after he died in 1983 a thinly fictionalized
"novel" about his experiences - although never finished, it showed me a picture
of my father I had never really seen. Accordingly, if anyone has any recollection
of him - whether good or bad - I would be very interested in hearing about
him.
Marty McDonough (Jr):
martymcd@erols.com
Two 5th AF Links from Aerothentic Publications
Writings
by the men of the Fifth: The literary quality of these writings varies
from raw to the sophisticated, but all are expressive, historically valuable,
and each writer has his own unique expression. Most have never been previously
published, and there is nothing like hearing the words of the men themselves.
Unusual
Fifth Air Force Stories: We are still building this unique section which
promises to bring you unusual events in Fifth Air Force history, all backed
up with field research, official records, diary extracts, or whatever else
it takes. This is a new section and will take a while to build, so bear with
us !
A Link You All May Be Interested In
I got a note from Harry Meekins, USAF Retired, who has a site called
"GI Memories", a site for veterans, about veterans, by veterans.
You might like to visit it here:
http://www.gimemories.com
Looking for Grandpa
The grandson of Michael Gorun wrote that he and
his family believe that Mr Gorun was with the 43rd and ask
that you kensmen take a look at a small website they put together, check
out the pictures, and see if you recognize Michael, his crewmates,
some of the locations, etc.
The website
is here (will open in a new browser window). Please
write to Michael Gorun's family at
ryaneubanks@home.com
Looking for Dad
I would be very interested in finding out if anyone here recalls serving
with my father, Glen W. Wright, who was a crew chief and top turret
gunner with the 63rd Squadron. I have one picture of him standing in front
of an aircraft with the nose art "Barbara Jean", and think he
may be pictured on this site in the 'Hockman Crew' photograph.
Am also interested in a crew member friend he mentioned, Bob DeWitt.
Any information would be greatly appreciated. Please contact me at
jwp@jeffwrightproductions.com.
Thanks,
Jeff Wright
Please let this be a real plane
"My dad was a WWII pilot in the South Pacific. When he died I inherited
his leather flight jacket. It has a 5th AAF patch on the shoulder and the
painting on the back has the label "Ken's Men" (43rd BG). A patch on the
front pocket shows a Native American cartoon figure riding a bomb (64th SQ).
The painting on the back shows a B-24 with bombs from the bomb bay labelled
with missions he had flown (e.g., N.E.I., or Netherlands East Indies). The
plane depicted on the jacket shows a likeness on the fuselage of my mother,
whose nickname was "Demmie," and the name "Demmie's Devil." The painting
is accurate in other details, but I'm not sure if such a plane actually existed
or if Dad simply had Mom's picture painted on his jacket to honor her. Is
it possible to verify if Demmie's Devil actually existed? Where can I go
to get more information about Dad's aircraft, missions, air crew, etc.?
Thanks for any help,
Bob Williams"
Write to Bob at psychlgst@aol.com
Plane -952
"I'm looking for serving members of this crew can you help ?
2nd Lt Thomas F. Tilbrook
1st Lt Melvin D. Brady
1st Lt Malcoim J. MacNabb
T/Sgt Antino Neto
T/Sgt Donald P. Lange
T/Sgt Mathew R. Will
T/Sgt John P. Kandik
T/Sgt Robert W. White
T/Sgt William J. Conklin
I want to know the story of "Aircraft 952" What happened on the morning
of January 23, 1944
Thank you very much
Erich Ferrell Figley"
Write to Erich at
egmont2@worldnet.att.net
If this doesn't make you smile, you're just mean
"Sandy Smith from Australia wants to thank a handful of Kensmen and
associates. She writes:
Hello my name is Sandy Smith and I have been searching for a photo of
my father. I am pleased to say that I have obtained such photo
(click here to view), with the
help from my dear friends. These lovely people helped me and I wish to thank
them thru www.kensmen.com: George Wyatt, Howard Anderson
[Andy], Irene Dow, Tom Dow.
They have made a aussie family very content and complete., thank you guys.
I have enclosed this photo of Joseph Thompson. Now that I have this maybe
someone will remember the face instead of a name.
The progress of families are measured by the triumph of those who care
and I do thank you for that."
Apparently Howard Anderson has been busy as I just got a note from the
gentleman who'd been looking for information about his Uncle, Clifford Wallace,
KIA. He wrote to say that Mr. Anderson was able to tell him that Mr. Wallace
wasn't one of ours, but belonged to the 3rd BG, 13th SQ. Now he'll know where
to focus his reseach thanks to men like Howard Anderson who take the time
to help out.
Another Good Son Looking for Dad's Crewmates
Hugh Grefe of Ohio writes:
My late father, 2nd Lt. Robert E. Grefe was a bombardier in
the 5th AAF, 43rd BG. I am slowly gathering his papers since my mom has sold
her home and I am piecing together the story of his crew. I would greatly
appreciate hearing from anyone who knew him. I know that his group flew night
missions primarily against shipping targets and that they were among the
first to land in Japan. Recently I visited the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum
outside of Savannah and found it a moving experience. Is anyone working on
a museum for the 5th? If so, I will donate appropriate photos and
documents.
Write to Hugh at
h.grefe@sylvania.sev.org
Son Looking for Dad's Crewmates
I would like any information on MSgt William W. (Bill) Gregg of
the 64th Sq. I believe he was line chief for the squadron as well as flew
a few missions as ball turret gunner. If anyone knows what airplanes he flew
as crew member or any other experiences that are remembered I would be interested
in hearing about them. Please contact his son, Robert, at
rwgregg@aol.com. Thank you.
Boyce Samuel Allman
From Kim Jeffrey Allman:
"I am the second son of Boyce Samuel Allman who served as a tail gunner in
a B-24 near the close of W.W.II in the 5th AAF. My father passed away about
five years ago and I'm trying to find out information about the men and the
plane that my dad served on, and any friends of his that may still be alive
from that time. My younger brother has some letters and photos from that
time that we would like to share with the Bomber Group."
Kim Jeffrey Allman,
kallman@vnet.net
Oscar Collins, 65th SQ
My name is Oscar Collins and I was a pilot/copilot with the
65th from July 1944 to April 1945. I am sending this from my daughters email
as I do not have email access. My home address is [deleted for privacy. Please
write to the e-mail address below to get Mr. Collins' address]
My comments in approximately chronological order:
The 65th was among one of the first groups to bomb Mindanao in the PI.
On one of the missions to PortaPrincess after the bombs were released we
spotted a topsi Jap transport approaching a landing and followed it in and
strafed the harbor full of float plane (zero's). The plane that we flew was
tail number 373.
On October 28, 1944, during the invasion of Leyte our crew was assigned
to the 90th Bomb Group while the rest of the squadron went to Leyte on troop
transports. Our crew was one of six ships that flew into Tacloban airstrip
on Leyte right after the invasion. I believe that we were the first B-24's
to land in the PI (on November 24, 1944).
Regarding the 90th Bomb Group, Stars and Stripes magazine carried an article
about our assignment and the feud between the 90th and the 43rd.
Please drop me a note if you would like to discuss any other
information.
Oscar Collins
Write to Mr. Collins c/o his daughter, Cheryl, at
cacollins5@home.com
Sgt. Clarence Carter
Don Carter writes:
I have been doing a lot of searching about my Dad [Sgt. Clarence
Carter]. He was a support person in Engineering at Port Moresby. He
flew some missions as a back up gunner, but was not a crew.
I have a lot of pictures, including a nice copy of a Hard Cover Blue Back
book called "Down Under" I would like to know if anyone remembers Sergeant
Clarence Carter. He was over seas for over 2 years.
Thanks a bunch.
Write to Don at
dcarter@ou.edu
Crew of "Twin Discharge Points"
My father [Harry Miller] would like info or to contact fellow
members of his crew. He was in the 5th A.F/43 B.G/63 SQ. They flew black
B-24's that bombed shipping at night in 1945. The name of his plane was "TWIN
DISCHARGE POINTS" and the pilot's name was John Walsh.
Thanks for any help Harry Miller Jr. Email:
sevenout@ameritech.net
"Engine Trouble"
Trying to find any info on a place of the 43rd BG - 64th BS by the name
"Engine Trouble". It has an arrow thru the word engine and an arrow
thru the "e" in "engine" making it look like "Ingun Trouble"
(Indiana Trouble). The picture is of an Indian squaw kneeling on a
cloud, in braids, naked from the waist up. The jacket has a name
tag saying "J. H. Moore". Any info would be
appreciated. Thanks, Jeff Stuart.
Write to Jeff at:
Alz31548@aol.com
Elwayne Peters
Randy Peters writes:
Dear Sir or Madame:
I'm trying to find information on my father, Elwayne Peters'
time in the Pacific. I do not remember the exact name of my father's unit,
but from my recollection of his stories and pictures, I believe he may have
been part of the 43rd. BG. Dad arrived in the Pacific Theater in late 1942.
He started in Australia but quickly moved to New Guinea, where he spent several
months.
His unit moved to the Philippines where he spent most of the war. He did
go into Japan for a few months before returning to the States.
Dad was from east Tennessee and was a ground crew chief. He worked almost
exclusively with B-24's.
If any of you know from this brief, sketchy history if another unit would
be more likely, please let me know.
Many thanks to all of you who served in the 43rd. BG for your time and
sacrifice in the service of our country!!
Randy Peters
Write to Randy at:
randy.pete@mindspring.com
Note from the AF
Do you have any information concerning Pvt. Joseph Thompson,
serial number 19039138. We have an e mail searching for information. Pvt.?
Thompson was mia on 4 December, 1943 Bismark Sea Area. Destination was in
the vicinity of Hanover.
Thank you,
Neal E Sorensen
Lt. Col. AFRET
Write to Lt. Col. Sorensen at
n.e.sorensen@worldnet.att.net
Seeking Info about Francis John "Buddy" Smith
A note from Tom Smith, Jr. reads:
My uncle [Francis John "Buddy" Smith] was a pilot with
the 65th stationed at Clark Field. According to the letter from his commander,
they were on a mission to the Tainan Airdrome on Formosa. Again from the
letter, they were lined up for the run when my uncle's plane took a direct
hit to the open bomb bay. There were no survivors.
The commander was Capt. Paul B. Hansen.
Does this sound familiar or does anybody have a recollection of this?
Please contact me at
tsmith_54656@yahoo.com
P.S. By the way, Buddy was from Terre Haute, Indiana. There is also a ring,
looks to be home made, with "MAC" inscribed on it.
Bismarck Sea Officers and Crew
Frank Hohmann (of the 65th and 403rd
Squadrons) is seeking some information for Mr. John Szirt Lt. Commander
RANR in Australia. Does anyone have a list of the Officers and crew
members who participated in the Bismarck Sea Battle the first week of March
1943? If so, please send to Frank at
FPHohmann@webtv.net.
64th SQ Member
Rick Sokora writes:
My dad was a navigator on B24's in WW2. I know he was with the 43rd Bombardment
Group, 64th squadron. I would like to know on which aircraft he flew and
to who's crew he was assigned. Thank you.
Write to Rick at:
SokoraR@tyson.com
One of Ours?
Got a short note that reads: "I'm seeking any information from those
who may have served with my grandfather, Lt. P.H. "Buddy" Baker
who flew B-24's with the 5th in Luzon." Respond to:
yourid@nadn.navy.mil
In Search of Crew
Lt. Col. Dirk Salverian writes:
My Father, SSgt Haig Salverian was the nose gunner on Lt
Paul Cresser's crew, 63rd Bomb Squadron. They flew only one mission
(on the last day of the war-out of Ie Shima. Plane's name- Irene) as your
July newsletter states and sank two ships. He of course, has lost contact
with his crew- other names and positions are as follows Cresser pilot,
Griffith was the co-pilot, Voda was the Bombardier,
Angelini was the flight engineer, Lamery was Waist,
Delbert Dently was either Radar Nav or tail. The recent article
in the newsletter spurred his interest in contacting any crew members. I
know it is a long shot but any assistance would be of help. I was able to
get copies of their mission from the History Office at Bolling AFB.
Write to Dirk at:
jmmdh1@gateway.net
Attenzione
Lee B. Quilici is looking for Capt. Cassidy,
Bill Boyd, or ANY info on Bombardier Phil Rice,
all of the 65th SQ. Please send any information to Mr. Quilici
at lbq.aal.tus@prodigy.net
Looking for info on Lt. Col. Carmichael
Doug Walker writes: "I am searching for information on Lt. Col.
Carmichael, shown in the
attached photo [clicking
here will open a new browser window] to the left of Gen. Kenney.
My father, BGen Ken Walker, is to Kenney's right. I do not know
if Carmichael was attached to the 43rd. Any information or suggestions would
be appreciated. Thanks. "
Write to
Doug at dp_walker@worldnet.att.net
Lost Mates
Tom Dow writes: "I'm looking to find anyone who knows if the following
63rd men might still be with us. They were friends of S/Sgt. Allie
Dow, lost with Moore's crew aboard Ka-Puhio-Wela. These fellas sent
a V-Mail home to Allie's parents when the crew was still listed MIA. They
are:
Pvt. Anthony Bravarro;
Cpl. Paul Brager;
Sgt. Morgan R. Dems (from Skowhegan, Maine);
T/Sgt. John J. Ondris;
S/Sgt. Mark A. Hardin (who sent the V-Mail);
Pvt.Charles Parker; and
Sgt. A.S. Marks.
Even a rememberance of any of these folks would be appreciated. Ondris
and Hardin and in Down Under; perhaps someone may recall the others' photos?
Thanks."
Write to Tom Dow
at tomtom@atomic.net
One of ours?
Steve Baker writes:
I am looking for information on Col. Raymond S. Sleeper who
was a B-24 & B-17 pilot in the Australia theater during WW2. I'm not
sure if he was in the 43rd, but would welcome any information about him if
you have it available. I do know he was on Gen. McArthur's staff during part
of his TDY.
Write to Steve at
Ishoot16mm@earthlink.net
Question
Anyone know if a 2nd Lt. Kennard W. Keys fought with the
43rd? Randy Raymond writes that Lt. Keys received the
following citation:
2 February 1943, Citation:
"For meritorious achievement while participating in an aerial flight over
the sea between Lolobau Island and New Britain on 2 February 1943. This B-24D
type aircraft was engaged in an armed reconnaissance mission..."
Lt. Keys, a bombardier, went missing in action on 19 February 1943 and
the citation and MIA date match activities listed on this web site. Any info
you have ( squadron, base he was flying from when he went MIA, target of
that mission, any photos, anything) please send to
rdraymond@stratobank.com
Dayton Blanchard Searching for His Navigator
He writes, "Looking for Lt. John H. Connors, 65th Sq.,
navigator on Lt Blanchard's crew, while at Clark AB in the Phillipines.,
1945."
Write to him at
DaytfromNM@webtv.net
Info about Lt. Neil Driscoll needed
Neil Driscoll is looking for info about his Dad, 2nd Lt.
Neil J. Driscoll. He writes Lt. Driscoll "was a pilot/co-pilot in the
63rd Squadron of the 43rd Bomb Group in 1945. If you have any information
or pictures re my dad, I would appreciate it if you would please contact
me. My name is Neil Driscoll, III and my telephone # is (503) 241-0262 and
my e-mail address is
moomaw@teleport.com."
Leo Dunn Looking for Buddies
A friend of Leo Dunn wrote that Leo, who
flew in the plane "Pretty Baby", is
looking for old pals. Write to him at:
papa1999@mediaone.net
Andy Anderson sends a Link
You all might be interested in this website,
http://www.fortunecity.com/victorian/exhibition/605/ , about, according
to Andy Anderson, the "868th Sq. which flew the same type missions as
the 63rd Sq. They were detached from the 5th Bomb Group which remained in
the Philippines on Samar Island.
Near the end of the war the Japanese were trying to bring troops from
other parts of their empire to defend the homeland by ship. This squadron
was trying to get those ships."
Jack Fultz Wants Information
Anyone know of these men?
Dec. 1944 through September 1945.
Bill Burwell, Pilot Urbana-Champagne, Ill.
Wally Leaske, Radar Seattle, Wash.
Everett (Bud) Sammis, Pompano Beach, Fla.
Al Buchta, Detroit, Michigan
If so, write to Jack at
Flannelmouth@webtv.net
In Search of "Dinty" Moore, MIA
Glen Valante writes:
"Any info you could provide would be appreciated.
My father-in-law is looking for information about his brother who was
lost/MIA and was a member of the 43rd/64th. Here is what we do know:
He is: James Bernard "Dinty" Moore
Staff Sgt. USAF
Entered Service in Massachusetts
Enlisted Army Air Corp Sept 3rd, 42
We believe he was declared MIA in Nov 1943
At the time, my father-in-law was in the Pacific in the Navy, so he never
got the full information about his brother."
Write to Glen at
glen.valante@east.sun.com
Uploaded:
A scan of the gorgeous plaque
presented to me by Ken's Men : )
Andy Anderson (64th SQ) wants help identifying a
Kensman
Check out this page and see
if you remember Philip H. Kwan, the only Asian in the
43rd BG.
Kiwi Needs Assistance (gosh, is 'Kiwi' a bad thing to call
someone from New Zealand? Hope not!). She writes
in part:
Hello from New Zealand.
I'm trying to locate my second cousin, Stewart Dunbar Nisbet,
(same name as my dad!), who may? have been killed in action. A newspaper
cutting of April 7/8, 1943-1945 states: "A West Haven man, Stewart D. Nisbet,
now in New Guinea, is a member of a Flying Fortress crew whose captain,
Fred Dollenberg, has been given silver stars by Gen. Douglas
MacArthur to present to his men for gallantry in action.
Although one engine was destroyed and the plane damaged, it reached its
base safely after bombing a Jap destroyer in the Pacific war area.
Stewart's wife apparently remarried soon after the end of the war, so
we think he may have been killed in action?
Hope you may be able to help me, or point me in the right direction.
Kind regards
Linda Nisbet
Was he one of ours? Write to Ms. Nisbet at:
kiwikin@ihug.co.nz
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