Comments: You guys have a great site! It is very informative and I really enjoy it. I have always been interested in WWII Aviation and this is one of the best sites dedicated to a squadron that I have ever seen. Thanks and keep 'em flying! -Max Platts
Added: January 8, 2008
Submitted by Name: Jane Hogan From: California E-mail: Contact
Comments: Great site! I'm looking for more information about the 'Lucky Lucille' B-24. I have a photo of a crew identified as 'The Million Dollar Crew'. Don't know more than that.
Added: November 29, 2007
Submitted by Name: Ross Geerlings From: Michigan E-mail: Contact
Comments: My grandfather, John G. Van Haitsma (they called him "Van" back then) was a SGT in the 65th Squadron of the 43rd BG. He passed away a week ago today. I was looking through his 43rd BG 50th anniversary book, decided to search the internet and was pleasantly surprised to find this site!
Wondered if anyone out there had any memories of him, and also may have a picture or two to scan and contribute to the site.
Added: November 1, 2007
Submitted by Name: Bill Hunter From: louiaiana E-mail: Contact
Comments: MY dads name was Charles Hunter and he was a member of the LULU BELLE [B-17] IN NEW GUINEA. I JUST FOUND THIS SITE AND IF YOU HAVE ANY INFO.ON THE PLANE OR OTHE CREW MEMBERS I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU..I NOTICE ON KENSMEN SITE THAT THEIR IS A COUPLE OF PICTURES OF THE PLANE MY DAD PASSED AWAY A FEW YEARS AGO BUT I REMBER LISTEN TO HIM TELL STORIES ABOUT SOME MISSION THANKS BILL
Added: October 10, 2007
Submitted by Name: Heather Sporing From: Cincinnati, Ohio E-mail: Contact
Comments: My sincere gratitude to all who served our country in WWII. I've been blessed to know the former Sgt. Frank Lerner of the 5th Army Air Corps in the South Pacific. Still hoping to run across someone or something I can connect him with to give this wonderful man a wonderful surprise. Thank you all.
Added: October 7, 2007
Submitted by Name: Pete Minix From: Indio, CA E-mail: Contact
Comments: 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
Added: October 7, 2007
Submitted by Name: John Gares From: King of Prussia, PA E-mail: Contact
Comments: My Grandfather, Kevin McCracken, was in Port Moresby serving as a waist gunner and radio operator on B17's and B24's, 43rd BG - 64th squadron. He named and painted the nose art on their new B24 - the Microbe-Hunter, but it was then assigned to another crew and crashed on take-off killing all aboard. Some of his crew members were Cptn Ross (Pilot), Lt. Masters (Copilot), Kurdilla, Hayes, and Pappert. My grandfather passed away a few years ago. If anyone has any remembrances of him or info they could share regarding the crew, the Microbe-Hunter or other planes he flew, please send me an email. Thanks!
Added: October 3, 2007
Submitted by Name: Jeff Harclerode From: Harrisburg, PA E-mail: Contact
Comments: My Dad was stationed in Port Moresby with the 63rd. Master Seargent Alden (Harky) Harclerode. He passed away in September 1998. Just wondering if anyone knew him and had a story the would like to share. I also have his scrap book of photos from there. Unfortunately there are no names.
Name: Sweeny Todd
From: New York
E-mail: Contact
Very informative