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
 Home > 64th SQ BR > Interview



Major Roger "Ket" Roger Kettleson

Squadron: 64th Squadron -- 43rd Bomb Group Headquarters

Position: Pilot and Engineering Officer -- B-17 and B-24 The job was stressful, but interesting.

Served: Nov. 42 to Oct. 44

Originally from: Volunteered as Aviation Cadet in Iowa

Training: Lackland Air Force Base, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Perrin Air Force Base, Texas, and Lubbuck, Texas

Citations/Medals: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, South Pacific campaign ribbon.

Planes: Queenie, Jersey Skeeter

Number of Missions: 55

Description of Missions: Out of Australia and New Guinea, over the South Pacific. Missions were long, weather wasn't always the best, and returning to base over the mountains was sometimes a challenge.

Most poignant, sad or touching memory of the war: Losing crew members

Funniest or most fun memory of the war: The "characters" we served with.

Any odd or strange memories from the war: Not really

Most heroic thing I saw or did: Rescuing men out of wrecked planes.

Where I was and how I celebrated when I learned the war was over: AT McClellan Air Force Base in California, my wife and I walked downtown Sacramento.

How having gone to war has affected me, what comes to mind when I think of the war:  The appreciation of our country, and the freedoms we have. I was treated fine, and I had a pitcher of milk and a large bowl of salad to celebrate, at the Top of the Mark Hotel in San Francisco.

To future generations: Live the good life that you have, and treasure your freedom.

Home > 64th SQ BR > Interview