Ninth Flyer Winter_1995

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SHAW AIR BASE
NINTH AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS
NOVEMBER 9, 1994
WINTER 1995
Proud Ninth Air Force and P-47 Devotees dedicated the P-47 Replica whose trek to Ninth Air Force Headquarters
we have all been following for the past six months. IT IS A THING OF BEAUTY MOUNTED IN FRONT OF
NINTH AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS.
The Ninth Air Force Association is grateful to Cot Dick Uppstrom of Air and Space Museum in Dayton, General
Mike Nelson, and General John Jumper (who missed the ceremony because of active duty assignment in the Middle
East). Without their aid and enthusiasm this project would never have succeeded.
Kudos also to the men and women of the: 20th Fighter Wing, Equipment Maintenance Squadron, Civil
Engineering Squadron, Civil Engineering Support Plans, 20th Visual lnformation--Support Graphics (NINTH AIR
FORCE) for recreating this replica in the War Image of the P-47 flown by Major Frank H. Peppers (362d FG) in his
career of 125 missions in the ETO, achieving the distinction of designation by General Vandenburg as best overall
fighter pilot in the Ninth Air Force, credited with 15 single and double span railroad bridges.
With great pride, we dedicated the display to his memory and welcomed his widow, Grace, for her gracious
participation in the program along with:
Major General Tad. J. Oelstrom, 9th AF Vice Commander; 9th AFA President, Ed MacLean; Chaplain (Major)
Wayne R. Knutson; David L. Rosmer, Chief, 9th AF Historian and Project Officer, and many P-47 Pilots.
THE
Published Quarterly by The Ninth Air Force Association
EDITOR'S MESSAGE:
This message is written with mixed emotions. This
issue of the FL YER is the last one to be produced by me
as Editor.
The task of creating the FL YER has been thoroughly
enjoyable and challenging. I will truly miss it and the
correspondence with all of you which accompanies it. But
Ed and I agreed several months ago that the vitality of the
Association would best be served by the assumption of the
responsibility by someone else, broadening the base of
interest and service and bringing in other viewpoints and
experience to this project which is a strong core of
Association strength.
The Association has been most fortunate in the
willingness of FRANK CARNAGGIO, Journalist and
Charter Member of the newly formed 9th AFA Chapter in
Birmingham, to undertake the position of Editor.
All future correspondence on the FL YER should be
addressed to Frank at:
Please accept my thanks for the cooperation you have
extended to me, making the task achievable and the
FLYER as well received as it has been.
NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, INC.
Chartered as a Not-For-Profit Veterans Corporation in
the State of Tennessee. Registered with and approved by
the IRS as a 501-C-19 organization
Its stated purposes are:
A. To Preserve and Publicize the History of the Ninth Air
Force, from its beginning in World War IL
B. To Honor and Memorialize the sacrifices of our
comrades and families.
C. To Promote Fellowship among the survivors, families
and descendants of all people assigned to the Ninth at
any time.
D. To Foster continuing quest for Individual Liberty and
Love of Our Country. ·
Send all Address changes to:
President
Vice President/Membership
Vice President Administrator/
Asst. Secretary
Secretary
Treasurer
Asst. Treasurer
Secretary/Bd. of Directors
Page 2
Ed MacLean
Jack Yarger
Chuck Mann
Marvin Rosvold
Larry Gaughran
Leonard Bennett
Bernard Cirantineo
Gordon Doule
George Getchell
Ed MacLean
Charles Mann
Vito Pedone
John Peterson
William Porter
Marvin Rosvold
Jack Yarger
Casimir Sochocki
Lloyd Johnson
Bernard Cirantineo
Laurence Gaughran
OF ASSOC.
416 Bomb Group
Retired Today's 9th Air Force
362nd Fighter Group
362nd Fighter <;Troup
Troop Carrier Commd Path
366th Fighter Group
155th Night Photo Recon Sqdn
368th Fighter Group
406th Fighter Group
323 Bomb Group
50th Fighter Group
368th Fighter Group
405th Fighter Group
1995 SCHEDULE OF REUNIONS
9th AFA - 1995 - May 25-28, Washington, D.C.
Contact Vido Pedone.
9th AFA - 1996 - Springtime, Las Vegas. Commemora­tion
of Today's Ninth- 5th Anniv. Gulf War Convention.
Contact George Getchell.
5th Biennial "SEWART AFB REUNION" (formerly
known as 314th TCW/TAW) - May 24-30, 1995 at
Marriott Hotel, Nashville, TN. For all personnel sta­tioned
at Sewart AFB in Smyrna, TN from 1948 to
June. 1970. Contact M.N. Ledbetter at
29th T.C. Sqn., 313th T.C. Group - Reunion planned
for Sept. 14-16, 1995 in Omaha, Nebraska. Contact
Robert C. Kerr,
55th FG - August 1-5, 1995, Oshkosh, Wisc. Contact
Ray Mull,
410 Bomb Group Assoc. - May 24-28, 1995, US Grant
Hotel, San Diego, CA, 1(800) 237-5029. Contact
Howard Aimes,
The 79th, 80th, 81st and 82nd Squadrons of 436th
Troop Carrier Group - October 5-7, 1995, St. Louis,
Missouri. A joint business meeting and a joint banquet
will be available, but each squadron will also do its own
"thing". The goal of the reunion is to attempt to organize
a 436th T.C. Group Assoc. For more information
contact one of the following:
79th - James Hardt -
79th - Roger Airgord -
80th -Bill Elmendorf - 1
81st - Gale Ammerman
82nd - Robert Durant -
82nd - Larry Riordan -
I
~I
MESSAGE
Life continues its good news-bad news pattern:
Good News: two of our most dependable members
have agreed to take on very important assignments:
1. LLOYD JOHNSON will chair CHAPTER AFFAIRS
JOHN PETERSON will chair MEMBERSHIP
2. Your Board of Directors agreed unanimously to
create a Ninth AFA Heritage Foundation.
3. There is a full size replica of a P-47 occupying the
front lawn of the 9th AF Headquarters at Shaw Air
Force Base.
4. Your 9th AFA will be sponsoring the May 7, 1995,
ALLIED AIR FORCES VE DAY CELEBRATION BY
THE 8th, 12th, 15th, RAF, RCAF, and Free French Air
Forces in Rheims, France.
5. The Air Force Association (Washington, D.C.)
honored the NINTH AFA at its annual conference in
Washington, D.C. and the plaque will be on permanent
display in 9th AF Headquarters, Shaw Air Force Base.
6. The 9th AF Headquarters, Shaw AFB has invited the
9th AFA to prepare a '42-'45 display to be exhibited in
the Headquarters Reception area.
7. I experienced a personal high when my fellow
members of the Board of Directors elected me as the
Chairman of the Board. Bernie Cirantineo was elected
Secretary to the Board of Directors at the same meeting.
Bad News -- is NOT REALLY BAD NEWS, IT'S
THE SORROW OF SAYING GOOD-BYE TO AN
ERA:
This issue of the FL YER is the last one to be edited
by Genevieve MacLean. Genevieve is turning her Editor
responsibilities over to Frank Camaggio.
While the President's Message is generally addressed
to the Membership, this part of my message is a
personal message to our FL YER EDITOR:
"Thank you, Genevieve for a job well done. You
protected the integrity of our FL YER by having a good
mix of subjects and a good balance of information and
entertainment. Although you were not a volunteer, you
did rise to the occasion and for that, the 9th AF A has
reason to be truly grateful, as many communications to
the FL YER confirm.
ALL FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS REGARDING THE
FLYER SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO:
FRANK CARNAGGIO
by Chuck Mann, Chairman, Elections Committee
Anyone who has said they feel "their" unit or
command is not adequately represented on the Ninth Air
Force Board of Directors should take action.
Four Directors will be elected for a 3 year term
starting in May 1995, as 1/3 of the Board is elected each
year to assure continuity. This is the policy-making and
planning body which shapes the direction and projects
for your Association.
As provided in our By-Laws, any Veteran or Family
member in good standing who was a paid-up for the
preceding calendar year, may submit their petition for
nomination for election as a Director.
Directors attend two major meetings per year at their
expense and such teleconferences as necessary. Blank
petitions are available from Chuck Mann,
You will need signatures of 10 current members who
approve of your candidacy.
For our first 4 years, your Association has never had
more nominees than openings on the Board. You can
remedy this by filing or urging another eligible member
to file. As in all elections, name recognition is important
so those who run this year and don't get enough votes
will surely be prime candidates for subsequent elections.
Return the signed petitions to me by 2/1/95. This year
you can also expect some proposals to amend the
By-Laws in areas where four years experience has
shown a definite need. Ballots with a bio-sketch on each
candidate will be mailed to all currently paid-up (1995
Dues are due and payable January 1) Veteran and
Family Members in time for votes to be returned and
tabulated before the May 25 Arlington Convention.
"FREEDOM FLIGHT AMERICA"
July 22 to August 14, 1995
This once-in-a-lifetime event will be the greatest
tribute to say THANKS to our WW II Vets and to all
our nation for its sacrifices and successes.
This will be the largest flight of WW II aircraft since
VJ Day, 1945.
Already over 570 aircraft are enrolled to make this
mass flight from California starting July 22, stopping at
ten cities along the way and the grand finale in New
York on the 50th Anniversary of VJ Day as they circle
the Statue of Liberty!
Stay tuned for further announcements of the routes
and cities where you can see this mighty armada of
fighters, bombers, transports and liaison planes in this
spectacular celebration to our nation.
Page3
9th AF A Recognition by the Association
The Air Force Association Annual Convention is
conducted in September each year in the Washington
Sheraton Hotel, Washington, D.C. The convention is
first class in every respect. There are numerous
corporate sponsors in evidence with their displays
located on the lower level. There are many, many
activities and awards ceremonies on the schedule which
involve Air Force personnel. This attracts attendance of
the blue-suit family of all ranks.
President Bill Clinton said to the Air Force Associa­tion:
"Your continuing efforts to recognize a whole
generation of heroes who fought in World War II help
to remind younger generations of the sacrifices these
veterans and their fallen comrades made so that freedom
might live." Those remarks were included in the Air
Force Association Convention Opening and Awards
Ceremonies brochure.
President Ed MacLean was invited to represent the
Ninth Air Force Association during the Opening and
Awards Ceremonies on Monday, September 12th.
AF A President Jim McCoy presents A ward of Excellence to
9th AFA President, Ed MacLean, September 12, 1994.
NEW ALABAMA CHAPTER WELCOMED ABOARD
Frank Carnaggio, Organizer & Director; Dr. Tom Flynn,
Chapter President; Ed MacLean, 9 AF A President; Charles
McEwen, Chapter Secretary & Treasurer.
Page4
Members of the Board of Directors were also invited
and encouraged to attend. Marvin Rosvold, Lloyd
Johnson, Vito Pedone, Stan Stepnitz and others were in
attendance. AFA President Jim McCoy recognized the
Ninth Air Force, and the 9th Air Force Association, for
their many fine accomplishments during and since
World War II. President Ed MacLean was presented
with the APA Award of Excellence and all members of
the Ninth Air Force Association who were present in the
Ballroom were asked to stand and be recognized. There
were thirty or so 9th APA members. Dr. Sheila Widnall,
Secretary of the Air Force, was the Keynote speaker for
the Opening and Awards Ceremony.
The Air Force Association is to be commended for its
extremely high level of excellence.
The plaque will be on permanent display at 9th AF
Headquarters, Shaw Air Force Base.
Lloyd Johnson
Lloyd Johnson, Ed MacLean, Marvin Rosvold
B.Co. 505 Pl R
Stir Up Memories?
82nd Airborne Division
Anthony J. Antoniou
Miller Place, NY 117 64
"Politically Correct History" continues to rouse
the ire of veterans and their families and friends
A resolution was adopted by the 9AFA in November
to address Congress with strong opposition to Smith­sonian
manipulating history and with a request to all
concerned that the P-47 be restored to permanent
display at the Smithsonian.
Evidence that the 9AFA is in the mainstream follows:
From Air Force Association News
HISTORY TODAY
Firestorm of Controversy Surrounds Planned
Smithsonian Exhibit
The Smithsonian Institution's prestigious National
Air and Space Museum has become the focal point of
a heated controversy over the context of a planned
exhibit marking the fiftieth anniversary of the American
A-bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Schedule to
open in May 1995, "The Last Act: The Atomic Bomb
and the End of World War II," will display for the first
time the forward fuselage section of the Enola Gay, the
B-29 Superfortress that carried the bomb dropped on
Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. During the past ten years
the historic-and in some eyes controversial-aircraft
has undergone a $1-million restoration at the museum's
Silver Hill, Maryland preservation facility.
The furor has centered not on the Enola Gay,
however, but on the interpretive displays that museum
curators have also planned to provide perspective to the
exhibit. After obtaining a copy of the initial 559-page
script last January, the Air Force Association, veterans'
groups, and some historians protested that the material
presents an unbalanced, emotionally charged, revisionist
viewpoint of history that portrays the Japanese as
innocent victims and the Americans as ruthless aggres­sors.
Particularly criticized was the planned display, in
the "emotional center" of the exhibit, "Ground Zero:
Hiroshima and Nagasaki," of dozens of horrifying
photographs showing Japanese casualties of the bomb­ing-
without providing balancing context regarding
Allied casualties and Japanese atrocities and brutality
during the war. Further protests were lodged regarding
curators' interpretations of President Harry Truman's
motives in his decision to drop the bomb.
Controversy increased this past summer after reviews
by the Museum's Director and an advisory panel found
lack of balance in the script but failed to produce
substantive changes. A group of B-29 veterans collected
eight thousand signatures on petitions demanding that
the Smithsonian "display the aircraft properly or turn it
over to a museum that will do so." Retired Air Force
Force Brigadier General Paul W. Tibbets, Jr., who had
piloted the B-29 on the historic mission, charged that
"history had been denigrated, the Enola Gay has been
miscast, and a group of valiant Americans have been
denied a historically correct representation to the
public." And twenty-four congressm~n wrote to the
Smithsonian's secretary, protesting the "outrageous bias"
of the planned exhibit.
Responding to the pressure, on August 29 the
Smithsonian announced that it would make additional
changes and add an introductory section to the exhibit
showing events in the Pacific that caused and led up to
the overwhelming Allied response to Japanese aggres­sion.
The modified script has continued to draw critics'
fire, however, as still being "a partisan interpretation
that many Americans-and most veterans-will find
objectionable."
Headline from The New
York Times 1011194
Headline from The
SIS Tribune 1211194
Smithsonian Substantially Alters
Enola Gay Exhibit After Criticism
Time For The Smithsonian Brass
To Walk The Plank
MORE BAD NEWS
Foundation's $3 Million Debt Puts Wall Of Liberty In Doubt
by Mark Allen Peterson, Stars and Stripes Contributing Editor
The Battle of Normandy Foundation is $3 million in
debt, and a government report casts doubt on whether
the foundation can carry out its proposed projects,
including the Wall of Liberty Memorial Garden in Caen,
France.
"The report is exactly correct," said Thomas Barker, a
spokesman for the foundation.
The foundation's "precarious financial condition casts
doubt on whether it can continue its operations, whether
it can pay the current and future costs of operating and
maintaining the memorial in Caen, and whether such
projects as the Wall of Liberty in Caen will proceed,"
according to the GAO.
by Von Hammerstein,
Behind the Battle Lines
Goebbels:
"My Fuehrer, I congratulate you. Roosevelt is dead. It is
written in the stars. The last half of April will be the
turning point."
17 days later Hitler would take his own life and a day
later, Goebbels and· his wife and 6 children would be
dead.
Page5
AF Archives
Dean Delmus Williams and Dr. Stanley Akers·of the
University of Akron gave presentations on the Archive
Project during the Board of Directors November
Meeting at Shaw Air Force Base. A wide-ranging
discussion of details took place. There was general
agreement that this project should be Top Shelf for 1995.
Jack Barensfeld and Jack Yarger are expected to meet
with the University personnel shortly to ascertain how
9th AFA volunteers can best assist U/A get 9th AFA
History items into appropriate classification.
Full guidelines and instructions as to how each of us
can process our memorabilia for the Archives will be
carried in the next issue of the FL YER.
The Directors summarized that Museums/Memorials
under consideration include: EAA - Oshkosh, WI; Pond
Museum - Palm Springs; Memorial Wall - USAF
Museum at Dayton; Traveling Exhibit; D-Day Museum
at New Orleans.
It was also agreed that up to $3000 would be
provided to the Ninth AF for development of an historic
display at Shaw.
Any archival material should be addressed to:
Ninth AFA Archives, c/o Dr. Stanley Akers
Director of the University of Akron Archives
Akron, OH 44325-1707
If at all possible, please identify the material as to
source and content. Also, please send a list of materials
submitted to Jack Barensfeld, 9th AFA,
Organizations - Join?
Veterans organizations are in need·· of membership.
Their membership increases in times of crisis when it is
popular to show that membership. After a war the
military falls into disfavor with the public and govern­ment
who both view it as a drain on the.economy. When
this situation occurs, not only does the government try to
disassociate from the military, but the public loses
interest in veterans' organizations. Even many of those
who served honorably in past wars start questioning
themselves: "Why should I join (or renew my member­ship)
in a veterans organization? I did not volunteer for
the military. I did not want to be in a war and I did not
enjoy myself when I was there."
I did not realize, until years after I returned home,
what my service meant to my family and country. I
should be proud of my accomplishments and those of
my comrades who went through the military experience.
I now enjoy the friendship won by being a member of a
rather elite group who suffered together at the call of our
government.
The older veterans of other wars make us see that the
time sacrificed in the service keeps our country free, and
that veterans organization fight for those who have not
yet returned as fortunate as they were when they left.
Veterans organizations all help to preserve the meager
benefit which we owe to those who gave so much for all
of us. The only power that these organizations have is
numbers of members.
This is why we should join, Veterans.
Taken from Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Bulletin.
Victory in Europe
At 0141 hour of 7 May 1945, the unconditional
surrender of Germany was signed at Reims. At 0001
hours of 9 May 1945, the surrender became effective
and WWII was over in Europe. Lt. General Hoyt S.
Vandenberg, the Commanding General of the 9th Air
Force recognized this victory. with the following order.
To All Personnel of the Ninth Air Force.
Order of the Day
The unconditional surrender of all German Forces marks
the attainment of our objective in Europe. It follows the
complete defeat of the enemy on land, sea, and in the
air. From friends and enemies alike has come evidence
of the tremendous role of air power in accomplishing
this historic success. In our pride, may we give humble
thanks to Almighty God for the faith and strength he
gave us in our cause, and pray His grace for those we
Page6
have lost in the battle. Each man who fought and died is
inseparable with those who fought and lived. By the
strength of our faith and in your determination you have
come thousands of miles to drive a powerful enemy
from the skies, then turn your weapons against the foe
on the ground to destroy his ability to resist. To each
one of you is due this credit. Our force could not have
fought without the untiring effort of the individual. We
must guard against the illusion of final success. We
must not only defeat our remaining enemy, but we must
also insure future vigilance against the cause of war. this
so the world may not again suffer under ruthless
conquerors. It is in this ultimate success that we shall
find the justification for those who have died as well as
the work that has been accomplished by those who have
survived.
from C.J. McKilloys, Ventura, CA
From THE SPIRIT- Shaw AFB Newspaper, 10114194
President deploys more troops
F-16s join deployment while other Shaw
people and equipment stand ready
As of Tuesday, that response included deploying U.S.
Air Force F-4s, F-15s, F-16s, A-lOs, F-117s, F-llls,
C-130s and F-llls, B-52s, KC-135s and airborne
warning and control system aircraft.
The aircraft will join some 200 U.S. and Allied
aircraft already in the Gulf region, said officials.
About 7,600 U.S. Air Force members will deploy to
the Gulf, joining some 3,857 airmen already in the
theater. Another 1,151 airmen are on standby, officials
said.
Shaw launched 12 F-16s from the 78th and 79th
Fighter Squadrons en route to Southwest Asia early
Thursday morning while the rest of the base stands by
for further orders.
From 9th AF Public Affairs Office
Might of Vigilant Warrior Stops Saddam Cold
IN THE ARABIAN GULF REGION -- When
Saddam Hussein, dictator of Iraq, once again threatened
his neighbors a massive display of military might
stopped him without a shot fired.
Dubbed Operation Vigilant Warrior, aircraft, troops,
ships and other war materiel deployed from bases in the
United States and elsewhere convinced Saddam to
retreat.
As commander of all air forces in the USCENTCOM
area of responsibility, Lt. Gen. John P. Jumper
established the USCENTAF headquarters in the Middle
East. He and about 85 members of the headquarters,
including several key staff members, deployed with little
notice to confront Saddam's tanks with air power.
About half of the team comes from A-3/A-5. These
people daily plan and execute operations in the area.
About 25 % of the team is comprised of intelligence
specialists from A-2. The balance spans a cross-section
of support specialties including communicators, logisti­cians,
personnel and administration specialists and a
variety of other support people.
Although the threat of direct confrontation with Iraq
has subsided, the deployment provides an excellent
opportunity for operational training. Members will be
able to refine command and control procedures, train
with coalition allies and sister services and refine
contingency plans. A big benefit is the opportunity to
conduct joint close air support training in Kuwait, said
Col. Bill Hoge, US CENT AF Chief of Plans and
Operations.
In contrast to Operation Desert Storm, the Air Force
now has extensive experience in the region's desert
environment after continuous operations since 1990.
During this deployment the Air Force. benefited from
that experience, in placing support structure and from
the use of preposition stockpiles of supplies and
equipment.
Aircraft have been flying daily over southern Iraq
since 1992 when Operation Southern Watch began.
OSW is the ongoing "no-fly zone" operation to monitor
compliance with the post-gulf War sanctions.
Most aircrews and a large portion of support forces
have Desert Shield, Desert Storm or post-Gulf War
Middle East experience. Many people have been
deployed to that area more than once.
Currently, the Air Force flies about 125 sorties per
day. About 70-75 go over Iraq. When a Navy carrier is
on station, combined sorties are about 200 per day with
about 100 over Iraq.
USCENT AF developed the plan and helped to tailor
force packages to meet U.S. Central Command air
requirements. The plan proceeded according to schedule,
said Maj. Gen. Tad Oelstrom, US CENT AF deputy
commander (Shaw Air Force Base).
"Our deployment is going extremely well," Oelstrom
said. "We were faced with a challenge and developed a
plan to meet that challenge. I'm very proud of the people
in this headquarters who have made this happen. Let's
continue to do the best job we can here to make it easier
for those people overseas so they can come home as
quickly as possible."
KUDOS TO CHUCK MANN
You have begun to receive the magnificent photo
album commemorating the Return for D-Day. We have
begun to receive the glowing reports and thanks, Chuck.
A limited number of additional copies will be available
through the BX. Contact Leonard Bennett.
Regarding the Video, which has been far more
complicated than we anticipated because of the truly
overwhelming number of videos made available, it ·is
coming into existence shortly. An unexpected delay has
been encountered because of the illness of the President,
which seems to be coming to a happy conclusion,
clearing the decks for action, but unfortunately not for
Christmas-giving as we had expected.
Page 7
8 Shaw Spirit, Nov. 22, 1994
----------------------------------------------
Photo by SSgt. Jerry Boger
Pieces of the P-47, still packed In crates, arrived at Shaw in early July.
Photo by SSgt. Jerry Boger
The2oth Equipment Maintenance Squadron, repair and reclamation section, made stands to support the
aircraft: during assembly.
TheP-47was
restored to its
original paint job
by EMS structural
maintainance.
The shop worked
all week on D-Day
stripes and stars
because each
color had to be
painted in steps
while waiting for
other colors to
dry.
Photo by SSgt. Jerry Boger
By Capt. John N. Felsher
9th Air Force Public Atfairs
ifty years ago, 9th Air Force fighters,
the P-4 7 Thunderbolt, slashed across E
rope to support Gen. George Patton's dri'
into Nazi Germany during World War I .
'l'oday, 9th AF :fightero, like the A-10 Thunder­bolt
IIs and F-16 Fighting Falcons based at Shaw are
not fighting a war but deterring one through the use
of cor.centrated airpower as part of a coalition effort
to make Iraq honor United Nations resolutions.
The times, places, machinery and people have
changed. The drive and determination to make and
keep pecple free has not changed. That is still the
ultimate mission.
A ceremony Nov. 9 in front of the 9th AF head­quarter3
helped bridge these two eras of aviation
with the dedication of a WW II P-47 Thunderbolt
fighter replica. Though the P-47 bears the name of
Maj. Frank H. Peppers, who flew such an aircraft
during the war, this commemoration honors all the
men and women who fought for freedom in the
colossal conflict 50 years ago.
"It is a great honor for us to make that connec­tion
between Frank Peppers and this airplane
today," said Maj. Gen. Tad J. Oelstrom, 9th AF
vice commander. Oelstrom also pointed out that '
the aircraft was shipped from California and put
together by volunteers from the 20th Equipment
Maintenance Squadron and 20th Civil Engineer
Squadron. These people worked during their own
time putting the pieces together and painting it in
its WW II colors.
The fighter sports the colors ofthe·377th Fighter
Squadron, 362nd Fighter Group to which Peppers
belonged in 1944-4t:. He specialized in attacking
ground targets like bridges, locomotives and troop
concentrations to weaken the German army. Major
Gen. Hoyt S. Vandenberg, then 9th AF commander,
On Nov. 2 the P-47 was loaded onto a flatbed trailer
called Peppers "the best tactical fighter pilot in the
command." Vandenberg credited the 25-year-old pilot
with destroying more than 15 bridges in his 125
;,;ombat missions. The black and white stripes are
0;ecognition markings used by Allied aircraft over the
801mandy beaches during the D-Day invasion of
<'ranre to avoid b2ing shot at by friendly forces.
"Ninth AF during that time ( 1944) was the largest
tactical air force ever put together and probably v..rill
be the largest ever. There was no doubt the ATI8
(German) forces were in full retreat. There was no
doubt about victory," Oelstrom said.
The general was assisted in the ceremony by
Grace Peppers of New York, Major Peppers' widow.
Also assisting the general was Ed MacLean, presi­dent
of the Ninth Air Force Association and a former
P-4 7 pilot. MacLean represented the 9th AF A mem­bers
who were holding their annual meeting at Shaw.
The accompanying plaque reads in part, "All gave
some, some gave all."
"Most of us in the 9th AF who flew in the war have
a recollection of some who gave all," Macl.,ean said.
"For a brief moment, we dropped 50 years off our
lives."
MacLean then read from a plaque which he ac­cepted
on behalf of the 9th AF during the Air Force
Association national convention in September. It was
a special award honoring the 9th AF for its contribu­tions
to Allied victory in Europe during WW II.
It reads, "In recognition of the 50th anniversary of
the diversified air campaign carried out by the United
States Army Air Forces' 9thAir Force. Designated the
tactical air force for the invasion of the Continent the
gallant members of the 9th, both operational and
support units, contributed significantly to the
Normandy assault preparation, were an integral part
of support of the beach operations in June 1944 and
played a major role in the drive that carried the Allies
across France, eventually to end with victory over
Germany."
Photo by SSgt. Je1.y Boger
o be transported the following day.
Shaw Spirit, Nov. 22, 1994. 9
Photo by SSgt. Jerry Boger
Members of the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron secured the aircraft to the concreto
stand.
Photo by A 1 C RGynaldo Ramon
The P-47 sits at its final resting place in front of 9th Air Force Headquarters.
Lehighton Never Forgotten
WWII Comrades
A Lehighton man deserves a medal for his efforts in
securing World War II medals for his comrades.
Staff Sgt. Marvin Diehl received the famous Air
Medal in September 1993 after almost 50 years of
waiting. After he secured his medal he thought about his
comrades who never received their deserving honors.
"Why not try for them also?" he thought.
So he wrote again to General George Eade, who was
his operationans officer, then a captain during the war,
to intercede for 10 members who qualified for the
honor.
The General answered his letter and said he would
inquire how to proceed with the Air Force. The Air
Force personnel records department gave the go-ahea.d
to have all qualifying applicants forward information.
The entire process took about five months. Diehl was
the historian for the 27th Air Transport group.
Staff Sgt. Diehl wrote to all of his comrades who
belong to the 17th organization association. They were
told they would have to supply all information to Diehl,
such as discharge date, flight time records, special
orders or any records pertaining to their time with the
27thA.T.G.
Through his research, Diehl determined that 66 pilots,
co-pilots, radio operators or flight engineers never
received the famous air medal from any group during
World War II.
He packed all the records of those recommended for
the medal and sent them to General Eade, with a
question about two members who might not qualify.
General Eade agreed that those two had insufficient
evidence and were deleted from the list. The General
did add three more members, bringing the total to 67
members.
General Eade commended Diehl for his dedication
and perseverance in compiling the records. He then
forwarded the records to the Air Force Personnel
Records department at St. Louis, Mo. From St. Louis,
the records were reviewed and approved by the Air
Force Board at Randolph Field, Texas.
General Eade was notified on Aug. 26 that all were
approved. The announcement was made at a reunion in
Denver, Colo. Aug. 25-27. The total number of Air
Medals was 93, including four Distinguished Flying
Crosses and a Purple Heart.
Page 10
Article in THE TIMES NEWS, Lehighton, Pa.
Fri., Sept. 9, 1994
By Gail Maholick, TIMES NEWS STAFF
F.Y.I.
There have been several references to airfield T-1 in
the pages of the FL YER recently. For clarification
please note that the designations El, Tl and A21C are
all names for the same airfield: the one on the cliff at
Saint-Laurent-Sur-Mer. This was the first fully-opera­tional
airfield built in Normandy. It was operational by
the afternoon of June 7, 1944. Work on it progressed
very rapidly. The enemy had denuded the cliff by
removing buildings and hedgerows and by levelling it
and shaving off high spots and filling in low spots. Their
aim was to open up sight lines for their guns and to
deny invading troops any cover. There wasn't even any
tall grass on it All of their efforts were a great help to us
All fighter planes used it for R & R, refueling and
rearming. As fighter groups moved to France there was
less need for fighter planes to use it. It was always used
by C'47's. No surface was put on it because a heavy
C-4 7 could rip up the square mesh track. The mission of
the C-47s was troop carrier, supply and evacuation.
They remained based in England throughout the
Normandy Campaign so no air group was ever based on
the field. The field started its career under the IX Air
Force, then transferred to IX Engineer Command and
ended its career under IX Service Command. It earned a
DFC during the North Sea gale of June 19 and
thereafter when it became the only point of contact with
England for supply and evacuation.
On another subject we have searched the print for
reminiscences where we seek to answer the question of
who did what first. After a lapse of a half-century
memory has a tendency to telescope events and details
become fuzzy. We must rely on documentary evidence
to fix dates for events. It's the best we can do - even
when documentary evidence is not final. The question as
to which fighter group arrived in France first has
recently been raised in the FL YER.
My memory tells me that the 366 FG arrived at Al,
Saint-Pierre-du-Mont on June 13, 1944 and flew
missions on that date. My battalion history confirms my
recollection and states: "Work progressed very rapidly
on the ALG at Saint Pierre du Mont and by June 13 the
first squadron of Allied planes to land in France since
1940 (American P-47's) touched down on the Field " -
From "Thus We Served", a history of the 834th
Engineers.
If any of our readers have documentary information
that another fighter group was in France before June 13,
1944, please bring it forward in the FL YER.
Sandy Conti, 834 Engineers
i
.I
Mailbag cont'd. from page 10
Dear Ed,
Sandy Conti, with whom I served in the 834th
Engineer Aviation Battalion, has asked me to drop you a
few lines on my recollection of Colonel Augustine
Little, Jr., who was the C-in-C of the 922nd Engineer
Aviation Regiment.
I was the Communications Sergeant and Battalion
Historian with Headquarters and Service Company.
Although some 50 years have intervened, I do have a
good recollection of both Colonel Little and Lt. Colonel
"Gil" Hall.
Prior to D-Day, the 834th came under the control of
the 922nd Engineer Aviation Regiment. The 922nd was
strictly a headquarters with command over a number of
Engineer Aviation Battalions including the 834th and
the 819th. Prior to that our unit served under the 8th AF
'
building an airdrome at Matching, England. In April
(approximately) of 1944, the 922nd was activated under
the 9th AF and both the 834th and 819th were
designated as the spearhead Engineer Aviation battalions
for constructing landing strips and airfields in Normandy
and beyond.
I met both Colonel Little and Colonel Hall when they
visited our headquarters for consultations with, first our
CO, Lt. Colonel Joseph A. Crist, and then with Colonel
John J. Livingston who was in command prior to the
invasion and then throughout the campaign in Nor­mandy
to VE Day in May of 1945.
Colonels Little and Hall appeared often at our head­quarters,
right after D-Day and then throughout the
Normandy campaign. My information is second-hand or
third-hand, but I did learn of Colonel Little's and
Colonel Hall's death, sometime prior to the liberation of
Paris. My understanding is that both officers came under
fire by a machine-gun nest somewhere outside Paris.
Sandy has told me that Colonel Little was recorded as
having died on August 29th, 1944. But, since Paris fell
to the 2nd Armored (French) and the 4th Armored (US)
on August 25th, and I had definitely heard of the
ambush prior to the fall of Paris, then I must place the
time the officers were attacked as before August 15th.
Of course, it is possible Colonel Little died of his
injuries later -- though we did hear at 834th HQ that he
had died prior to the fall of Paris.
The 834th remained under the command of the 922nd
right up to our advance into Belgium in September
1944. Sometime after that and just before the Battle of
the Bulge the battalion was returned to a point north of
Paris (Beauvais and Pontoise) and was involved in
renovating French and German airfields. About then, I
believe, we came briefly under the command of the
926th Engineer Aviation Regiment, also an administra­tive
HQ. In March of 1945 the 834th followed the
infantry into Germany -- to Erfurt, Furth, Nuremberg,
Pilsen (Czechoslovakia) and Schweinfurt -- involved in
re~ovati.ng airfields for use by the 9th,Air Force. During
this penod we were under the direct command of the
9th Engineer Command.
The 834th built Matching Airdrome in England and
detachments from Companies B, C were involved in
airfield maintenance at Wilton, Gad by, and Great
Barrington.
In Normandy we built an airstrip (E-1) at St. Laurent,
A-1 at St. Pierre du Mont, A-9 at Le Molay, A-6 at
Chipelle, A-12 at Lignerolles, A-30C at Curtils, A-37 at
LeMans, A-49C at Beille. Later we built Y-6 at Lyons
(Oct. '44), repaired A-92 at St. Trond, Belgium.
(Incidentally, the first Nazi V-2 rocket landed at St.
Trond, creating a crater on one of the runways (Oct. 1,
1944). In Germany we rehabilitated some 20-odd
airfields.
Much of this information I gathered from the
Battalion "yearbook" "Thus We Served." I wrote the
narrative section for that volume.
Should you wish further information on the 834th, I
would be happy to furnish what I can recall or find in
the History.
Andrew Hertz
New York City
Re Item in FL YER Spring '93 from Bill Clark, Las Vegas
Regarding the 155th Squadron ... they bunked with us
in Gosselies, Belgium. Cliff Mackie lived to a ripe old
age and died about 5 years ago in Newburyport, Mass.
Conolly Anderson did not die on March 4, 44. I
joined the 10 PR Group on July 22, 44 and I made
friends with Anderson since he was from TX. The
records of "Straight and Level" (Woodson, J.B.) notes
that Conolly Anderson, 2nd Lt. John Kezziah (end for
Clemson, All American) went down in the latter part of
December (25), 44. Mackie transferred to the 33rd
P.R.S. and finished the war with about 75 missions.
Furthermore about the 155th Squadron, F3/A20. ·On
October 29, Lt. Hulse, pilot, and Lt. Leavenworth, nav.
were killed after having an engine shot out. Lt. Douglas
B. Hardy made it through the war and went to medical
school and became an M.D., lived a few blocks from me
and then died last year.
Julian Mar Dock
Dallas, TX
Page 11
Mailbag cont'd. from page 11
Politically Incorrect Accurate History
Dear Mrs. MacLean,
This is but one small effort to help set the record
straight in at least one area: the enormity of the crimes
against humanity at the German concentration camp
BUCHENWALD.
Today, for whatever reason, some are impelled to
rewrite history. There seems to be a growing contempt
for facts. There is a denial of Holocaust . . who
assassinated President Kennedy .. that civilians and
U.S. troops were tortured on the Manila death march ..
that the dropping of the atomic bomb was an unneces­sary
act of violence . . and that all Americans are
war-mongers using questionable acts of heroism of 50
years ago as being little more than propaganda based
upon so-called facts that never happened.
Thank God there are still veterans who were there '
who saw and experienced first-hand, and who owe it to
our society and those who paid the supreme sacrifice to
document the facts by film ("Schindler's List"), personal
testimony, and the written word. Consider but one of
these: the Holocaust. Those who deny that it ever
happened by simply stating their claim loudly and often
according to a recent Gallup poll have caused 33
percent of Americans to think that it seems possible
that . extermination of Jews never happened. To say
nothmg about the other political prisoners - Poles,
Czechs, Russians, French, Rumanians, Hungarians,
Italians, Belgians, and some Germans.
In a subtle way, the attackers are putting history on
the offensive. Denial becomes acceptance. History is not
true, but rather stories concocted by the powerful on the
weak. Make a claim repeatedly that events never
happened and history can be rewritten to satisfy the ego
and nationality of the perpetrators of the monstrous
crimes many of us witnessed at first hand.
As a sergeant in the 312th Fighter Control Squadron
attached to General Patton's 4th Armored spearhead
group, I witnessed first hand ~arbarous Camp Buchen­wald
three days after its liberation. With one of our
captains, two other sergeants and myself, and a corporal,
we visited this infamous camp of death located just
outside Weimar, Germany 130 miles SW of Berlin.
Here during its four years of operation the total dead
numbered over 83,000. Of these, 51, 000 were executed
by hanging, beating, shooting and electrocution. Let
those who never saw it, witnessed its various methods of
torture, spoke with half-naked bodies of the living dead,
or saw the· stacks of bodies at six ovens in the
crematorium awaiting cremation, tell those of us who
did, that it never happened.
Page 12
As a 23-year old tormer college student, I, like
thousands upon thousands of others had seen enough of
the wounds and death of war, but nothing of the
barbarity of Buchenwald. I wrote a letter to my parents
explaining what we had seen and urged them to see that
it received wide distribution so others ,filight come to
know the inhumanity that man was still capable of
inflicting on others.
The letter appeared in our hometown . paper (The
Harvey Tribune), and was subsequently picked up by
the AP and UP. Letters reached my parents from South
America, Europe, and Australia, indicating that it
appeared in their press as well.
Those atrocities really did happen . . and tragically
they still are happening today. We can't let those who
~ish to. rewrite history for their own agenda succeed by
1mpugnmg those of our generation. As a small contribu­tion.
toward this end, I am enclosing a copy of my
earlier letter dated April 21, 1945. **
If you feel it has merit for THE FL YER, the 9th AF A
museum, or for file at the University of Akron (Ohio),
feel free to use it any any way you deem appropriate.
Thanks for all the continued efforts of the officers
and staff in furthering the history and singular accom­plishments
of the Ninth Air Force. Proud to be a
member several years ago . . and prouder still to be a
member of the Ninth Air Force Association today.
Congratulations on your continued success in keeping
the memories of a job well done alive by reunions and
meetings.
Clyde L. Krebs, Chicago, IL
Editor's Note: **Being held for the Archives. Thank You!
Nazi Family Hostage Law
All male relations of an identified Resistance Fighter
would be executed, female members sent to concentra­tion
camps and children placed in youth prisons.
Issued in France 7/19/1942
Germany operated 30 Concentration Camps.
P-47 Thunderbolt Advocates Formed
The P-47 Thunderbolt Advocates is a new, non-profit
organization established to "perpetuate the name, develop­ment,
physical profile and combat record of the Republic
P-47 Thunderbolt through the exchange of information among
all people interested in the Jug."
Additional information can be obtained by contacting P-47
Thunderbolt Advocates, Inc., 828 River Road, West Trenton,
NJ 08628. ·
David Eldridge
To Win The Winter Sky:
The Air War over the Ardennes. 1-,..,,-A"'"""..J
$29.95 GI Hardcover GI 0-938289 GI 528 pages GI 150 illustrations,
maps GI 6"x9" GI VETS: $25.00
Battle of the Bulge:
Hitler's Ardennes Offensive, 1944 .. 45
$34.95 GI Hardcover • 0'."938289-040-7 GI 320 pages GI 285
illustrations, 18 maps GI 9"xl2" GI VETS: $25.00
Send check or money order to COMBINED BOOKS, 151 E.
10th Avenue, Conshohocken, PA 19428.
EIGHTH AIR FORCE
BOMBER STORIES
Eye-witness accounts from American airmen
and British civilians of the perils of war
by Ian MclAchlan
NIGHT OF THE INTRUDERS
First-hand accounts chronicling the
slaughter of USAAF Mission 311
by Ian MclAchlan
FINAL FLIGHTS
Dramatic wartime incidents revealed
by aviation achaeology
by Ian M cwchlan
Orders to: Cars & Trains, Boats & Planes Bookshop
15 Cowley Road, Oxford OX4 lHP (U.K.)
Zenith Books, P.O. Box 1, Osceola, WI 54020 (U.S.)
Mailbag cont'd. from page 12
Dear Mr. MacLean,
You requested more information about the
133GAAAGUNBN (MBL).
In early June 1943 the 133d was merely a number in
the War Department files - a new unit to be activated
later that month in the schedule for our expanding army.
Lt. Col. John S. Mayer was to be its commanding
officer.
The 133d took basic training at Camp Edwards,
Mass., advance training at Fort Bragg, N.C.
In August 1944 the 133d was attached to the IX Air
Defense Command and was assigned to the defense of
Omaha Beach, Cherbourg and Reims, protecting the 17
AIB Division's strike across the Rhine, to protect the
W adir Steel Mills in Luxembourg and to protect and
defend the bridges across the Rhine at Bingen,
Oppenheim and Aulhauser.
With the ending of the conflict the Battalion's
THUNDERBOLT ODYSSEY:
WAR IN EUROPE
by Kemal Saled
Sand Springs resident Kemal Saled has written a fascinating
memoir of his career as a P-47 Thunderb.olt pilot in Europe
during World War IL The author pays tribute to the rugged
construction of the P-47, affectionately called the "Jug" by its
pilots and ground crew. The plane's massive engine and armor
plating saved many a flier's life, while its performance
enabled it to be used in multiple roles as a fighter, dive
bomber and ground attack aircraft. Highlights . include mis­sions
over France, Belgium and Germany, with flying during
the vicious weather of the Battle of the Bulge, reports of the
capture of the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen on the Rhine,
which gave the Allies a vital bridgehead into the heart of the
Reich.
P-47 Crew Chief: "Thanks for the trust and credit you gave
the ground crews. "
90th Inf. Solder: "We ground pounders owe a debt of
gratitude to you fly-boys."
P-47 Pilot: "I thought I was reading my own story."
$12.95 each• P&H, 1st copy $1.35 GI add $.45 each add'l copy
• foreign, add $3.00 for 1st copy• enclose MO or check (no
cash) to: Stonewood Press, 3107 Summit Blvd, Sand Springs,
Oklahoma 7 4063
NOTE: IF NOTICE OF BOOK PUBLISHING AND AV AIL­ABILITY
IS REQUESTED,we must respectfully ask
that one copy of the book be sent to the 9th AF
Association, care of the FL YER,
Mailbag cont'd.
primary mission of air defense and combat support was
subjugated to another mission of importance, that of
disarmament in south Germany and Austria.
Thomas Williams, Manchester, NH
Marvin Rosvold brings us a report on Wes Loegering -
Great Warrior
Wes Loegering - Great Warrior - has moved to
California to a Senior Residence near to his daughter
Susan. Regrettably he has lost much of his sight but is
ambulant, without cane or walker. He travels on bus to
YMCA about 3. times a week to work out in the pool in
therapeutic regime.
I learned for the first time that his brother Jack was a
P-47 pilot with the 78th Fighter Group in the 8th Air
Force and was downed in September 1944 to spend
balance of war as a POW.
Editor - Thank you, Marvin
Page 13
Watching all the D-Day 50th Anniversary celebra­tions
brought back a lot of memories and set me to
digging through my scrapbooks, files and such.
I have from time to time tried to find a photo of the
event that took place at Widewing on Monday, May 15
as written by Captain Butcher in his book "My Three
Years with Eisenhower- 1942 to 1945," pages 539-40, a
copy of which is enclosed.
I was with the 9AF Plans Section and working in an
outbuilding and knew all the details of Operation
Overlord, so I knew of this meeting and witnessed the
end of it as they all came out and stood on the steps of
St. Pauls School, still chatting away as they waited for
their various staff cars to pick them up. I vividly
remember thinking that if "Jerry" were to drop a bomb
just then, the war would have been over in a single
stroke.
I have visited the Truman, Eisenhower and Roosevelt
Libraries and also, in 1984, went back to the Hammer­smith
area looking for St. Pauls School but it went the
way of progress. No picture was available or even to be
seen. I have to think there has to be some picture of this
momentous event and this is why a letter is coming your
way. Hopefully the 9AF historical group can come up
with one for me.
May I hear from someone? Thank you.
W.S. Swanson,
In view to help in my search concerning allied
downed aircraft in southwestern France during World
War II, would you be so kind to insert advertisement in
your association newspaper, to try to get in touch with
the following person:
MISSING IN ACTION - 28August1944- N. Bordeaux
70 miles - 9th A.F. - 370th FG - 401th FS
p 38 42-67978
Pilot - 2/Lt. Christian CHRIST EVS
Bernard Ballanger,
It Works!!
Thank you very much to send me "The Flyer."
My quest about the airplane crashed in my village has
resulted.
Thanks to your help for the parution of my letter.
Mr. Chuinard've been very kind to communicate me
informations about this pilot KIA: William R. Perkins,
9th AF, Group 354th, Squadron 356th, Airplane P51B.
Jean Torchio, Notre-Dame-De-Cenilly,France
Page 14
I want to thank you for sending us the 9th Air Force
FL YER newsletter. We presented the French medal to
my brother over the July 4th weekend and while he
doesn't talk much about the war he expressed a desire to
find two 9th Air Force buddies. One was Frank Barone
and the other Biaggio Schibetta. It would complete the
circle if they could get in touch with my brother:
Staff Sergeant Michael J. Sciarrillo
Again, many thanks for allowing me at 62 to retrace
my brother's steps of fifty years ago. I was only 12 but I
wrote diligently and he called me "the apple of his eye."
God bless you both.
Anita and Peter Isaia
Thank you for the opportunity to meet with members
of the Ninth Air Force Association on the evening of
June 3 aboard the QE-2 in Southampton. My wife and I
enjoyed the whole evening very much indeed.
We have just arrived home after spending two weeks
in East Anglia during which time we visited several old
U.S. Airfields in the area of Braintree and Stansted, also
Matching and Chipping Ongar.
During the evening on the QE-2 I met a lady whose
name was Mary, her home was in N orthem California,
unfortunately I do not know her surname. She and her
husband had made visits to Wales. I would like to make
contact with them once again to see if they care to
correspond with us. One further clue was that I gave
Mary a special D-Day 50 pence piece (coin). Please if
you produce a newsletter, would you include my
request, if possible.
Eric Pepper,
It has been two months since we met on the beaches
of Normandy, an occasion which left me unforgettable
memories.
I hope that your stay in France was all you
anticipated, together with your friends.
In the framework of the creation of my book, entitled
"MERCI, THANK YOU" I seek the witness of veterans
who participated in the landings, an operation unique in
the annals of our century.
If you wish to send me personal photographic
documents, I shall take the greatest care of them and,
with profound pleasure, make you some copies.
Thank you for your collaboration.
Patrick Jean, Images Nouvelles
I
.. 1
Search cont'd. from page
First may I introduce myself. My name is Andrew
Taylor, a researcher and historian specialising in WW2
East Anglia. I am currently researching a book on the
airwar over the Shotley Peninsula, near Ipswich in the
county of Suffolk- 363d FG.
I am keen to obtain first-hand accounts about:
(1) On 25th March 1944 a P-51B from the 381st FS of
the 363rd FG out of Rivenhall in Essex, crashed into the
River Stour on the Essex/Suffolk border. Flown by 2/Lt.
Newman E. Tyree, the aircraft broke up in mid-air while
practice dive bombing on a target in the river. Sadly the
pilot was killed.
(2) On the 30th March 1944 a similar incident occurred
when a P-51B from the 382nd of the same Group
crashed into the Stour while dive bombing the same
target. This aircraft also broke up in mid-air. The pilot,
2/Lt. George F. Parker, also lost his life.
(3) Earlier in the month a P-51B from the 355th FS of
the 354th FG out of Boxted had crashed on the Essex
side of the River Stour in almost identical circum­stances.
The pilot of this aircraft was also killed. He was
2/Lt. S .J. Jones.
Andy M. Taylor,
Seeking stories with photos for a companion book to
8th AF Bomber Stories, dealing this time with the
Fortunes and Misfortunes of American fighters in the
ETO.
Ian McLachlan - Aviation Historian,
I am a member of a British Historical Aircraft Group
and over the many years since we were first formed
have investigated many WWII aircraft crashes.
I and my colleagues are interested in finding out
more details of the following aircraft:
C47 - Dakota. 9th Air Force. This aircraft crashed at
Kop Hill, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England at
10:30 am in October 1943 .. All 6 on board were killed
and the crash happened in bad weather. It was carrying
food - corned beef, etc. and also inner tire tubes.
Unfortunately I have no further details - not even
where the aircraft came from or was going.
I am a member of the 9th Air Force Historical
Society and found your address listed in their Station
Contact List. I should appreciate any help you can give
or failing that perhaps you can suggest who else I can
contact.
Johanna Sienkiewicz,
This is a followup to our conversation in reference to
any information pertaining to my father, First Lieuten­ant,
Joe H. Brewster (serial number 0-558697, 9th Air
Force, 19th Tactical Command, 1 OOth Wing, 367th
Fighter Group, and 393rd Fighter Squadron).
I would like to hear from anyone who knew my
father.
Joe H. Brewster, Brewster, Grove & Associates
Family of Wm Ernest Warner, died 7/57, served as
WW II pilot 53rd TCW in England and 81st TCW in
France, anxious to hear from friends from WW
Terry I. Russ (nee Warner),
Following our Association D-Day trip the Chuck
Manns and the David Childs - 362rd Group - went on a
motor trip through France and into Germany - An
incredible experience: Dave was shot down near
Kaiserlautern in 1944. This mission was to search for
the site where he parachuted in the snow and was
captured and taken to a hospital - and where his P-47
crashed on a hill top. With the aid of USAF at Ramstein
AFB, he not only found these sites but also met a
German lady who had witnessed his burned parachute
on the ground. Her son had recently helped excavate
parts from his airplane - all of which were presented to
Dave.
What emotional impact!
Folded Wings
Calvin Brewer, Pilot 441st ATC ETO.
James Aaron Swindle, 322d Bomb Group, 9/10/93
Marvin Holland, 406th FG Armament, Highland
Park, IL (Veteran Life 2870), died 10/2494. His
widow, Joan H. will take over his 9 AFA Life
membership becoming FL2870.
Charles McMahon, 409th Bomb Gp Photographer
died 11/12/94. Author of D-Day 1944 story in
Summer FL YER. His sister, Mrs. Helen Hastings,
Rochester, NY will be offered his annual Charter
membership. Charles' photos have been sent to
James Tobin of Paris, KY, who has indicated they
will ultimately go to 9AFA Archives.
Bruce Pluth - 354 FG' died 6/10/94
Page 15
FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS MONTH: THE NAZIS WERE RETREATING, THE ALLIES COULD ALMOST TASTE
VICTORY, BUT HITLER HAD ONE TERRIBLE SURPRISE LEFT: WW II'S FINAL BLOODY CONFLICT,
LAUNCHING: THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE. And We were there. "THE BATTLE MUST BE FOUGHT WITH
BRUTALITY" said Hitler. And it wa$. BUT THANKFULLY HIS DEFEAT IS HISTORY AND THE PEACE
SIGNING AT REIMS THE ULTIMATE ALLIED VICTORY.
Nothing may equal our memorable Return to D-Day, but that was Commemorative; this trip is celebratory.
WE WANT TO BE THERE. TRY TO JOIN US.
A wonderful reunion and camaraderie await you as you join
the 9th AFA on this occasion that allows you to relive a time
lost in memories when vision, determination, and grit went
hand-in-hand to create a world of freedom and peace.
OPTION#!
VE-Day+ 50 Land for only $2,750 plus air/each
Sunday, April 30, 1995 - Day 1
Leave the U.S. for your transatlantic flight to Frankfurt.
Monday, May 1, 1995 - Day 2
Arrival in Frankfurt - private luxury air-conditioned motor­coaches
for transfer from Frankfurt Airport to your hotel in
Wiesbaden. WIESBADEN PENTA HOTEL (4 nights)
Tuesday, May 2, 1995 - Day 3
Full Day Sightseeing Tour to charming Heidelberg.
Wednesday, May 3, 1995 - Day 4
Optional Tours. Evening - German Wine Tasting Dinner at
Weinhaus Meerschid in Oestrich-Winkel.
Thursday, May 4, 1995 - Day 5
Full Day Sightseening Tour of the Rheingau area, lunch
included, followed by a beautiful river cruise on the Rhine,
passing many ancient castles from Rudesheim to the Lorelei.
MILITARY PROGRAM:
Friday, May 5, 1995 - Day 6
Farewell to Germany - motorcoach to Luxembourg.
INTERCONTINENTALHOTEL (2 nights)
Wine and dine at a beautiful chateau.
Saturday, May 6, 1995 - Day 7
Morning briefing about the Battl~ of the Bulge. A typical
Walloon buffet luncheon. Visit the Bastogne Historical
Center. Private wreath-laying ceremony dedicated to the
memory of fellow Air Force men who lost their lives here.
THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOC., Inc.
Office of the President
Deliver at least
one new member
Center. Private wreath-laying ceremony dedicated to the
memory of fellow Air Force men who lost their lives here.
Sunday, May 7, 1995 - Day 8
Private motorcoach to Reims, France - champage reception
and lunch in Reims, and a private ecumenical service at
Reims Cathedral. Continue to Paris arriving late afternoon.
HOTEL TERMINUS NORD (3 nights)
Monday, May 8, 1995 - Day 9
Activities in Paris for the official ceremonies. Gala Dinner
Dance at the Cercle National des Armees.
Tuesday, May 9, 1995 - Day 10
Explore Paris on your own.
Wednesday, May 10, 1995 - Day 11
Transatlantic flight home to United States.
TRANSATLANTIC AIRFARE: New York/Frankfurt, return
Paris/New York Economy Class on wide-bodied jets. $786.00
per person incl. trip cancellation insurance.
OPTION#2
Return from Europe on the recently renovated Spectacular
QE2, May 10-15, 1995.
Mauretania - Transatlantic Class: M2-Inside $2,044
Includes economy BA air to London from most cities,
Mauretania upgrade to BA Concorde for $1,099 per person.
Included: One-way economy airfare from London to
Frankfurt, Eurostar Chunnel Train from Paris to London,
Cunard's private Oceanliner Express from London to
Southampton.
ASK FOR MICHAEL WHALEY
For additional details
NON-PROF1T
VETERANS
ORGANIZATION
U.W. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 25
Additional copies of the FL YER will he available at $2.50 while supply lasts.