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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE 9TH AFA, INC. Karen Spence I I 've been considering this article for quite some time and knowing that Air Force Chief of Staff John Jumper was retiring this summer, it got me thinking about the future of Air Force Leadership. As you know, General Jumper was guest speaker at our Convention in Washington D.C. this year and he and I had an opportunity to discuss an issue that's been close to my heart for a while. It all started a few months ago when I was sitting in my doctor's waiting room (my usual hobby these days) and I happened to glance at a copy of the Air Force Times. The lead story's headline questioned this issue so I began digging further to see for myself that Air Force leadership will and should remain at the top echelon of all the services combined. In a story by Times staff writer, Laura Calarusso, the headline alludes to the fact that due to budget cuts, potential fraud, leadership shakeups at the highest levels, the question asks, "Will the Air Force bottom out in 2005?" According to General John Jumper, former Air Force Chief of Staff, the answer is a resounding 'no.' Besides the fact that Senator John McCain (R-AZ and former Navy) and - ~' =- ~ ' ~ »= ~ , , ~-- c fl - ",-- certain members of his staff put a screeching halt to the expected promotions of a number of the Air Force's highest ranking this year, budget cuts are forcing 12,000 airmen to leave the military in addition to program cuts, including research and development on the famed Raptor. Thousands fewer airmen have the opporturiity this year to re-up under new reenlistment program perk packages which are now considerably less than before. At the very top, Air Force Secretary James Roche and General Jumper departed this year (General Jumper's four-year tenure as Chief of Staff concluded and he retired in August). And the uncertainty surrounding a coming round of base closures through BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure program) has everyone from base level and higher, holding their collective breaths. Not to be outdone, funding cuts announced at the end of last year hit hard at the F/A-22 Raptor and the C- 130 cargo jet and gutted the E-10 command-and-control aircraft program. But perhaps the most telling scandal to hit government procurement since the 1980s, prompted Senator McCain to say enough already, and the brakes were applied with no looking back. The Pentagon was in shock and folks in D.C. and elsewhere were becoming protective of their jobs and their security. See Leadership on page 17 BE ON THE LOOKOUT __ ] The 9th Flyer is always looking for interesting stories, anecdotes, quips, jokes and the like for future publication. This is one way we can keep the memories a.live sharing with those with whom we served. Also, we'd like your thoughts and comments about The Flyer or any other subject you'd care to opine for our letters to the Editor section. Emails are prefered with attached photos but if you must send snail mail, '· please let us know if you wish to have the items returned to you. THE NINTH FLYER Fall 2005 Volume IX, Number 4 Published quarterly by the Ninth Air Force Association, Inc. A Tennessee non-profit veterans corporation. Chartered as a not for profit veterans corporation in Tennessee and registered with the IRS as a 501-c-19 organization, Headquarters of the Ninth Air Force Association located at: Published by Karen Spence Visit us online at: www.ninthairfon:eassoc.org Editorial Policy The Ninth Flyer is published each January, April, July and October. We solicit submitted material from any interested party who shares the goals of the Association and wishes to share information with our readers. Materials must reach the editor at least 30 days prior to publication, but no guarantees are made that those materials will be published in the next issue. Submissions should be sent via email to the editor's address below. When possible, photos should be sent electronically as JPEGs or through U.S. Postal Service. Photos cannot be returned without SASE. All entries will be published on a space available basis and will be edited for length, clarity, and good taste. Complete identification of persons, equipment or aircraft pictured must accompany photos. We encourage submissions from other veterans organizations. Items appearing in The Flyer do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association. Editorial opinions and/or comments will be clearly identified. Permission is granted to reproduce information in The Flyer unless prohibited by copyright. Please credit reprints appropriately. Contributors may send electronic submissions to: ·~-------------- ·---- ---·-- ----- ---- THE NINTH AIR FoRcE Assoc1AT10N, FALL 2005 THE CHAIRMAN'S DESK The 9th Air Force Association has a new President and Chairman. The Board of Directors convened at Shaw AFB, SC on Newly elected chairman, Lloyd Johnson, BG (Ret) Sept. 11-14, 2005, for their semiannual Board meeting. An early item on their agenda was to elect a new President and Chairman. President Mike Ingrisano unexpectedly tendered his resignation effective Sept. 1, 2005. His reasons are personal and we wish him the very best. We lost an effective and inspirational leader. Chairman Stanley Stepnitz agreed one year ago that he would serve until Sept. 05, and then resign from the position of Chairman. He too has served our Association with TmyBubbles by Lloyd Johnson I was a P-51 Mustang Fighter pilot stationed in Bangor, ME, when 'tiny bubbles' almost did me in. Air Force regulations required fighter pilots to undergo yearly training in a 'High Altitude Chamber' to demonstrate the symptoms related to the loss of oxygen while flying at high altitudes. There were several Air Force Bases in the United States that offered this orientation. Westover AFB in Massachusetts was the site that served the units at Bangor. I joined 12 other pilots and our Flight Surgeon on the morning of July 1, 1951 for our flight in a C-47 from Bangor to Springfield, MA. We were in good spirits and looking forward to an evening at the Westover Club and the chamber training the next day. I had a delicious dinner and did not consume any alcoholic beverages. We enjoyed a 2 A Omge of Gmnand outstanding devotion and dedication. Our Association has benefited greatly under the leadership of these fine gentlemen. The Board of Directors elected newly appointed Director Perry Lusby to serve as our President. Perry has been a member for many years and feels comfortable with his new position on the Board. He has years of experience and should be a valuable asset in leading our Association. See Perry's biography on page 6 ofthis issue. Lloyd Johnson was elected Chairman. He was one of the founders of the 9th AFA and has served in several positions of leadership. The affairs of the Association should continue to function smoothly under good night's sleep and arrived at the Physiological Training Center for our day of orientation and the flight in the chamber. We completed our briefing on high altitude flying and entered the chamber for our flight. Our helmets had headsets but no microphone so the audio communication would only be from the instructor to us and the use of hand signals from us to him if we needed help or information. This lack of communication procedure was changed immediately after this flight. We sat in the chamber for 30 minutes listening to a briefing by our instructor and breathing 100 percent oxygen which would reduce the chance of the nitrogen in the blood stream from changing from a liquid state into a bubble (gaseous) state. We then climbed to 25,000 feet (by pumping the air out of the chamber) and took off our masks to observe our personal symptoms of oxygen starvation. We immediately put our masks back on and began to climb THE N1Nrn AIR FoRcE AssocIATION, FALL 2005 the guidance of these two officers. Another vacancy that was discussed at length was the Base/Post Exchange officer. Frank Lewis has served admirably in this position for many years but has elected to give it up. His leaving has created a huge void in our Association's ability to generate interest in others by selling merchandise from the Ninth Air Force Association Base Exchange. You have undoubtedly noticed the absence of the Exchange Order Pages in this issue. This is a missing link and the Association really needs your help. You are encouraged to call one of your directors if you have an interest in serving in this capacity. Although the pay is not great, the satisfaction is rewarding. to 45,000 feet. All went well until the chamber reached 40,000 feet when my mask failed and started to leak. The instructor recognized the problem and immediately gave me another mask and put me in the emergency lock and descended to ground level. I was taken into a nearby room and was advised to lie on a cot having been given a mask with 100 percent oxygen to help me recover. The rest of the group completed the training and asked if I wanted to join them for lunch. I declined. I had no pain but just didn't feel too good. I went into the rest room and vomited which made me feel better. I returned to my cot and continued with the oxygen mask. It was 30 minutes or so later when I looked at my watch to check the time. I could not see the watch on my arm. Then I remembered we were told to remove our watches, fountain pens and all other things which might be dam- See Bubbles page 19 Hello, dear 9thAFA Members! Here are a few notes about the recent changes and future events for the 9th AFA. Mike Ingrisano has Fern Mann resigned as President of the Board for personal reasons. Stan Stepnitz has resigned as Chairman and Board member. Stan is knee-deep in plans to sell his home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he has lived for many years. He has bought a lot on a beautiful lake in Michigan near his home town and will build a house there within the next year. (We told him that when the house is done, we expect to have a Board Meeting there to "bless" it.) Needless to say, we will miss both Mike and Stan on the Board. Meanwhile, back at the meeting, newest Board member Perry Lusby was appointed President, and Lloyd Johnson will be the Chairman. I can't say enough good things about the folks at Shaw AFB and our reception there for the Board meeting. The quarters were very comfortable and the staff was must helpful. General Hansen talked to us about the Iraqi conflict, and ideas for enticing more members to the 9th AFA. Suggestions were made about ways to get the younger airmen interested (more about that in the Minutes). We are excited about the 2006 9th AFA Convention which will be held in Dayton, Ohio, August 23/28. Headquarters Hotel will be the Crown Plaza. This is being planned in partnership with the B-26 Marauder Historical Society. Hopefully this joint effort will benefit both organizations and encourage more people to attend. Lloyd Johnson is 9AFA Chairman, and is working hand in hand with Mr. David Miller, President of the Ma- THE SECRETARY'S PEN Directors' meeting 1Jings new ideas and c ges rauder HS. So start making your plans. Of course a visit to the Air Force Museum will be on the agenda. I understand that there have been a lot of changes there in the last few years, and I am anxious to see it again. The "Memphis Belle" will there, hopefully on display by then. Even though she is an "8th AF" airplane, she means a lot to us Memphis folks and to you who saw her here at the Memphis Convention in 2000. Lloyd is also investigating the possibility of the 9th AFA installing a plaque on the Memory Wall. If that is completed, we could also have a plaque dedication ceremony. Details will be in future issues of The FLYER. We hope to have a new Membership Directory next year, and new Membership Applications. Frank Lewis has resigned as Base Exchange Manager next year, so if you have a little spare time, volunteering for that position would be a "good thing." The more folks that we have on staff, the less work for everybody! You can help make this organization bigger and better ... whenever you go to your local VFW or American Legion club, Library or civic club meetings, talk about your experiences in the Air Force. You will undoubtedly meet someone who shares similar stories. Give them a membership application-loan them your copy of The FLYER- and ask them to join. Call Ray Lowman at 1-888-740-8899 and he will send applications to you. Karen is doing a great job with The FLYER, but she needs help from all of you. Send in your stories, and Reunion notices. We'll help keep the light on. THE NINTH AJR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 9TH Am FORCE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SHAW AFB, SUMTER, SC SEPTEMBER 12-13, 2005 1. Meeting called to order by Chairman Stan Stepnitz, at 9: 10 AM. 2. Invocation by Marvin Rosvold. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Roll call: Present: Stanley Davis, Michael Horgan, Lloyd Johnson, Perry Lusby, Vito Pedone, Marvin Rosvold, Woody Sproul, Stanley Stepnitz, Fem Mann. Absent: Orville Iverson, Bert Lok, Ray Lowman, Paul O'Dell. 5. Chairman comments: Stan Stepnitz distributed copy of his letter of resignation as Chairman and from Board of Directors, effective at the end of this meeting. He is in the process of selling his home in Maryland, and building a new home in Michigan. Michael Ingrisano resigned from Office of President and Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2005. After discussion about appointment of new President and Chairman of the Board, Fem read from By-Laws. ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Par. D. "The Board of Directors shall elect ... a Chairman to preside at their meetings .. .The current or past President may serve as ... Chairman of the Board." ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS, paragraph A. - B. -1. "The President. .. shall be elected from among current Directors, or persons who have experience as previous officers or directors of the Association." Vice President Mike Horgan was appointed "President Pro-Tern" for this Board meeting. ----- See Secretary on page 12 3 REMEMBER WHEN Blazing the trail m D-Day Reprinted with permission Stars and Stripes, ;June 1944 Here is how the Pathfinders led the successful Troop Carrier-Airborne Infantry operations on the Cherbourg Peninsula All the great promises of Troop Carrier, all the hopes which its champions have had for it, have been richly, triumphantly fulfilled. If this sounds like intemperate praise, look at the record. In the cold darkness before H-hour, 9th Troop Carrier Command dropped behind the enemy's forward defenses of Normandy Beaches, two Airborne Infantry Divisions, the lOlst and the 82nd-dropped them in the area they were supposed to have been dropped-and it did it with a total aircraft loss of less than two-and-a-half percent. In four hours, two aggressive divisions with essential equipment were where the enemy wanted them least. Compare, if you want to, our aerial loss with the Germans' Crete when more than 20 percent of participating planes and gliders were destroyed. The Plan-To understand how well the operation was carried out, you should know the plan: "to begin about four hours and thirty minutes prior to Civil Twilight (the predawn) to assist in the initial assault." That was the assignment of the 101 st American Airborne Division while the 82nd was "to land to the immediate west of the 101 st to prevent movement of enemy reserves to the east and west." Timed with out vertical landings were British operations involving one airborne division. Using the C-47 (the British called them Dakotas), Sterlings, and Horsa gliders, the British equivalent of 9th Troop Carrier, established protection for the left flank of the British beach by dropping its airborne load just where it was supposed to, at the set time and with slightly less than expected. For both nations, Troop Carrier made its mark. 4 The Operation-On 4 June, 1944 at 2134 hours, Lt. Col. Joel L. Crouch, commanding officer of 9th Troop Carrier Command Pathfinder and his pilot, Captain Vito S. Pedone, (current Director for the 9th AFA) reported their C-47 airborne. For the historically minded, that's the time the first plane was up-the tactical beginning of the liberation of Europe. Crouch and the two planes he led crossed the enemy coast, on the west shore of the Cherbourg Peninsula, at 0006 hours, 6 June-D-Day. At 0016 hours, Crouch dropped a stick of parachutists on the drop zone. There were six drop zones and there were six Pathfinder formations to mark them, each consisting of one flight. The specially trained crews of airborne infantry carried by these planes established certain radio navigational aids on the drop zones and showed marker lights for the guidance of pilots of the main column. Starting with Col. Crouch, the operation proceeded through 26 separate formations (called serials by Troop Carrier personnel) of paratroopcarrying planes, totalling 821 aircraft. After them were serials 27 and 28 totalling 103 more planes each of which towed one CG-4A glider. The paratroop-carrying planes transported payloads of 3,850 pounds including containers, supplies, equipment and troops. Once over the sea, they conscientiously gave the Navy every recognition signal they could think of. Despite the fact that our navies were all over the channel there was no repetition of the Sicilian error in which the Allied navy shot down Troop Carrier planes. As special equipment, our C-47s had flame dampers on exhaust outlets, the best navigational equipment that could be devised and flak suits for the See Blazing on page 5 Standing from left: Navigator William K. Culp, an unknown flight crew member, Commander Col. Joel Crouch, Pilot Vito Pedone. Seated from left: Flight Surgeon Edward E. Cannon, and Radio Operator Al Conrad. THENINTHAlRFoRcEAssocIATION,FALL 2005 ~----------------------Blazing from page 4 crew. There was no other armor or armament, and not one ship had a self sealing gasoline tank. Aircrews were up for between three-and-a-half and four hours during which time they, without exception, flew magnificent formation, navigated so well that there was not a single case of seriously mistaken drop, and they maintained radio silence assiduously. There were no lights in any of the planes, aircrews were dark-adapted and the only noise aside from that of the engines, came from the paratroops, most of whom sang all the way out. There were no abortions or tumbacks short of target, although one pilot made two passes and still couldn't find a DZ, so he brought his cargo home. Not more than a dozen other paratroops were brought back to base-all of them men who had been wounded by flak or small arms fire. The last paratroop serial, No. 26, dropped at 0244 hours while the first paratroops of the main column (as distinguished from Pathfinder crews) dropped at 0030 hours. The splitsecond timing in between was based on an airspeed of 150 mph except at drop. Naturally, glider tows made their approach considerably slower, although they carried no interior loads. Their CG-4As had payloads of 3,750 pounds, composed of troops, vehicles and equipment. Weather varied throughout the operation, but in the main it was favorable. Early planes reported ceiling down to about 1,000 feet despite the fact that forecast had been for a 3,000- foot ceiling. Later crews found ceiling going down as low as 500 feetnecessitating blind drops-while others found it up to 3,000 to 4,000 with moonlight breaking through. Wind was fresh but not strong; visibility good. It should be noted that as soon as the advance Pathfinder aircraft made their left turn over the Channel island to the direct approach to the six drop zones, it became necessary to make decisions to take or avoid action. According to Pedone, they could appreciate that the cloud was going to affect the success of the operations. The lead Pathfinder aircraft made the appropriate decision to avoid the clouds and most of the Troop Carriers followed the Pathfinders. By the time the first two passed that drop zone, most of the rear eshelon aircraft had already made the correction. Cloud cover was seven to 10 miles in length, three miles wide and 5,000 feet high floating at a ceiling of 500 to 700 feet above the DZ and moving very slowly. Inbound to England, the lead Pathfinder carrying Couch and Pedone, stopped at a designated military airport and reported directly in person to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After the departure, they returned to base and reloaded. Earlier that evening, the entire area had been prepared by as heavy serial bombardment as could be dared without giving the whole show away. Tactical surprise was counted on-and achieved. All planes reported flak and two or three were seen to go down in flames, but the concentration of fire which the enemy could have mustered had he known was coming was definitely not there. Fighter cover-not escort, but high cover-was maintained over the entire THENINTHAlRFORCEASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 area and a small force of Mosquitoes hung around, bombing, dive-bombing and shooting at flak emplacements and searchlights. They rambled all over the coast and caused a few C-4 7 pilots to report enemy night fighters. They kept a lot of German heads down. As for enemy ground interference there was some worry about things called air landing obstructions which Jeny had placed all over the Cherbourg Peninsula. These are posts about ten or twelve feet high planted in likely landing zones. Some are pointed at the top and they frequently have barbed wire stretched between them. However, we know of no case in which our airborne loads were dumped on these obstructions. The gliders worried the command most because they came last of all - when presumably the enemy would be alerted - and because they had to fly so slow. However only one tow plane was lost and only four gliders were prematurely or improperly released. Their job was finished at 0408 hours, and Troop Carrier was through for a while. Began then what will always be remembered by a lot of us as the great sweating-out. There was for a long time no way to know what was happening to the men we'd dropped. 5 NINTH NEWS --------------- ---·---~--- ------------- -·--·---·-·--·----· ----------------·- Welcome 9th AFAPresiden~ Perry Lusby Perry Lusby was born and raised in Kentucky where he attended school throughout his scholastic career. He enlisted prior to the draft and entered the U.S. Army early in 1941, serving with the 1st Cav. Division at Ft. Bliss, Texas until he was accepted as an Aviation Cadet in 1942, serving primarily at Chickasha, OK, undergoing Advanced Training at Foster Field, TX, and graduating in class 43B destined for Rich-mond, VA where he trained for transition to the P-40 and P-47 aircraft. Perry was transferred to Wright Field, OH, to perform accelerated service tests on the P-47 and was reassigned to the 389th Squadron, 366th Fighter Group at Bluethenthal by Karen Spence tions. He was transferred to Carribean Air Command in late 1948 and further assigned as Senior Air Advisor to the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico and the PRANG until late 1953. He attended the Air Force Instrument Pilot Instructor Course and several senior management courses while serving at that assignment Perry returned to the states and was selected to head the F-86D Field, NC. In early 1943, he trained with that group until Newly appointed 9th AFA President Perry Lusby at home today. program but instead was sought to be the Wing Operations Officer at Like AFB, A'Z. He was then tapped to serve in Norway as a member of the MAAG to the RNAF in early 1955. From there, he was assigned to the 4 7 4th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, NM, where he served as assistant Wing Operations Officer where he was promoted to Colonel. overseas orders arrived in December of that year. Perry was promoted to Assistant Group Operations Officer enroute to England and to Group Ops Officer in April, 1944. He held that position until the end of hostilities in June, 1945. He returned to the states and was assigned as Commander of Matagorda Island Bombing and Gunnery Range until a hurricane wiped out that installation in August. Then, he was briefly assigned to Williams Field, AZ followed by Squadron Officers School at Tyndall Field, FL. From there, Perry was assigned to Lackland AFB, TX, where he served as assistant deputy for Division Opera- 6 Finally, Perry's career took him to Wing Deputy for Operations until 1962, then on to Director of Operations and Director of Fighter Tanker Reece, HQ 9th AF until early retirement in 1964 when he accepted a position of General Manager, Western Division of Scholastic Publishing Company until final retirement in 1982. Among Perry's 14 military decorations are included the DFC , Soldiers Medal, the Air Medal (with clusters), the Presidential Unit Citation Award and others. He flew 86 combat missions in the P-47 and a number of During his business career, Perry served as President of his local Cham- THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 ber of Commerce, Director of the Lions Club, Director of the local hospital and also as a director of his local country club. Perry is credited with serving on a number of community projects. Since final retirement, Perry has served on many local community oriented projects, traveled extensively, and enjoys fly fishing, golf and duplicate bridge. He's been an officer of the P-47 Pilots Assn and is currently a director of the 9th AFA. His wife, Mary, is an emergency room doctor and they have two sons with families of their own. The couple enjoy three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. With such a successful military career under his belt, the 9th Air Force Association is grateful Perry accepted this position. We welcome Perry and his wife, and look forward to good things from them in the future. Editor's note-it is with regret that former President Michael Ingrisano resigned this position to take on more strenuous tasks of researching materials for an upcoming book. He and his wife, Nancy, were responsible for the success of our recent reunion in D.C. Thanks for your tireless work, Mike, and we wish you and Nancy much success in the future! LOOKING BACK ------- -------- ---- Sky roars with Yank p ---by William Randolph Hearst, Jr. Hearst Newpaper Group This is the second of a series of three articles by William Randolph Hearst, Junior, describing operations of the Ninth United States Air Force at an advanced fighter bomber field somewhere in Belgium. At an advanced Ninth U.S. Air Force fighter bomber field somewhere in Belgium, Nov. 25, 1944- The next day after my arrival, the sky was crystal clear, with the sun actually transmitting some warmth to the rain-soaked earth. There had not been a day like it for months around here and to use aviation terms it was "ceiling and visibility unlimited." As a consequence, everything in the American Air Force was up. The offensive all along the west was under way and an atmosphere of eagerness on the air bases to take advantage of the good weather was in evidence on every hand. In this group almost everybody went out at least twice. The same activity was duplicated at every other fighter and bomber field. The sky was literally roaring with planes the whole day. Add to this fighter-bomber activity supporting each army, medium bombers and heavies of the British and you may get a rough idea of the terrific aerial beating the Germans took all along the front from Holland to Switzerland. This was one day I wanted to be up in the air. Dull Moments Entirely Lacking Both Thunderbolt "piggyback" planes were being used operationally during the morning, but Lieutenant Colonel Paul Douglas assured me I would get a mission that afternoon. As it was, the morning never had a dull moment. My roommate, Lieutenant Remy L. Olson assigned to the first mission, was awakened at 5 o'clock. Having attended briefings and seen so many squadrons take off, I tried to roll over and get in a little more "sack time" as the boys call sleeping (derived from the bags we sleep in). My attempted slumbers were soon disturbed by the roar of planes just outside as the mechanics made preflight warm-ups all over the field. Finally Paul Douglas bounced in the room fully and sharply dressed as ever shouting "fire" at the top of his voice. I was washed and dressed and we went down to the squadron snack bar for breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and coffee. Right after that, we went to Lieutenant Colonel John D. Haeslers trailer with built-in stove-the nerve center of group operations. Actually the control tower is the first nerve center in every field but it is concerned only with the take off and the landing of the planes. Returning Plane Blazing The operations trailer, in addition to clearing all this information, has coming through it all orders from the higher command planning in advance future missions, the immediate status of all planes, instructions to all squadrons, flying and weather conditions and a multitude of complex details. We had no more than gotten inside when Johnny was notified from the control tower that one of our boys was returning from a mission with a fire in the right wing which had burned out and his hydraulic system and still burning in a tire. I followed his heels to a jeep and we raced across the muddy field to the tower. There by the radio, Johnny spoke to the pilot ascertaining from THE NmmAIRFoRcE AssocrATION, FALL 2005 him from the nature and extent of the fire then ordering the pilot to bring the ship in on its belly. Just outside an emergency fire truck stood by and as I saw the ship with its right wing flaming approaching the end of the runway, its wheels tucked up in preparation for a crash landing, I jumped on the back of the truck. The pilot brought the plane down leveling off about five feet above the ground and finally touching the runway amid a shower of sparks in the smoothest landing I have ever seen. Skids 500 Yards on Runway He must have been going 120 miles an hour because he skidded at least 500 yards, finally coming to a halt at the edge of the runway, a couple hundred yards away of our racing fire truck. I could see his propeller finally cease whirling as the tips of the blades, each bent back by striking the ground, came to a standstill. Pilot Lieutenant Edward Dame of Kittanning, Pa., piled out of the cockpit and got out of there in a hurry as we came alongside. The boys had their fire extinguishing hoses and shoes splitting off their spools almost before we came to a halt. Two other fire trucks as well as a couple of ambulances pulled up in a matter of seconds and soon the fire area was covered by a foamy white carbon dioxide the Army uses for extinguishing fires in planes. Everything about the plane is inflammable, such as gasoline, oil, rubber, ammunition, even aluminum, See Yank on page 8 7 and water is practically useless. After seeing that plane was not going to explode, the pilot returned to the cockpit and removed any portable pieces of equipment he had. The fire fighters were having a field day with their apparatus, splashing about the foam with the spray of three fire hoses. Half a dozen of the senior officers of the field were on the spot within a minute or two. I said the plane stopped at the edge of the runway. It was an example of the coolness with which lieutenant Dame handled the situation as it kept the runway clear, enabling the rest of the planes to use it on that clear flying day. Even as we stood there two Thunderbolts came roaring down the strip. Wind Nearly Causes Tragedy A gust of wind caught the one nearest us, slipping it over so that its wing barely missed hitting the damaged plane's wing by just about six inches. That was the first episode of a busy day. We went back to the operations trailer and listened to Johnny Haesler direct the movements of various flights. At a bomber field, there is generally one launch per day, employing all serviceable planes. Sometimes medium or light bombers will have two of these mass takeoffs. D-day was an exception as many medium groups flew three times. Fighter fields, however, particularly fighter bomber fields, fly in units of four, known as a flight, with three or four flights per squadron and three squadrons on the field. Fighting and dive bombing as they do in direct support and immediately in front of ground troops, their targets are often small installations, such as tanks or gun emplacements. Therefore they often fly four or eight planes to a mission. Thus instead of one big takeoff and a landing by the group as a whole, the field is alive all day with a small number of planes taking off and landing. Add to this practice flights by 8 Yank from page 7 new boys and test flights of newly overhauled motors and you have a damned busy runway. Right of Way Given Aircraft Crossing the perimeter of the track or runway necessitates having a combined air and ground traffic MP at each intersection. As planes always have the right of way, you often have to wait five or 10 minutes going to your barracks or mess in a jeep. This may give you some idea of traffic around a station on a busy day. After the episode of the belly landing, I went over and listened to a couple of briefings of outbound missions and interrogation of returning flyers. Between these we were standing outside soaking up a little sunshine, when three Douglas transport planes, each towing gliders, approached at about 1,000 feet. They were flying into a 40 m.p.h. breeze and appeared barely moving through the sky above us. Even as we watched them approaching, one of the tow lines broke and we spent the next few minutes sweating out the glider; it seemed for a while as though he wouldn't be able to stretch out his glide sufficiently to make the field. He did, though, as his tow plane circled the field like a mother bird watching over its young. Tow Ships Make Safe Landing Two other sets of planes also made a wide turn and one of their gliders cut loose and landed on the field. The third took up its course again but in a little while all three tow planes landed on the field. It seems that the last one tried to go on but the wind at that altitude apparently also cut its tow lines. The morning's unscheduled events on the ground reminded me of a crack made by a telephone operator in the picture, "Grand Hotel." After about a dozen incidents, occurring one after another, the girl looks up at some one standing by the switchboard and says facetiously, "You see nothing ever happens at the Grand THE NINTIJ AIR FoRCE Assoc!ATION, FALL 2005 Hotel." To complete the morning, while sitting in the operations trailer about 11:30 a.m., Haesler, who had been talking to the flying control tower turned and said laconically, "Hank Mazur and his gang have been in a fight. They ought to be back in a couple of minutes." So Technical Sergeant Don Facka, of public relations, and I went over to their pilots' room to wait for their return. I didn't realize it, but so few Luftwaffe came up nowadays, that a good dogfight, which all boys hope they'll get mixed up in, is an exceptional occurrence. With the dive bombing and strafing they do, their greatest danger is from flak. For example, when we busted in, I asked Lieutenant Gener Kesting if Captain Mazur was in yet. "No, he's not. What's up?" he asked. I told him they had been bounced by some Jerries and gotten into a fight. He snatched off his little overseas cap and banging it on the floor said "Nothing like that ever happens to me. That Mazur draws Jerries like flies. I've had 71 missions with this gang, and I have never yet seen a Jerry plane." Score: 5 Down, 3 Damaged They came in the door just then, Captain Mazure, once captain of the 1942 West Point football team, and a bunch of his "panser busters," including First Lieutenant Robert E. Caldwell, of Roseville, Calif., First Lieutenant Joseph L. Williams, of Kentucky, and Second Lieutenant Bryce A. Raiston, of North Dakota. One of their boys had been shot down when they had been jumped by 15 or 20 FW-190s just after bombing at low altitude. Between them, they had gotten five and damaged three more. The poor intelligence officer, Lieutenant Ted Skalto, was trying to get a coherent story out of them, but they were so full of their own and their See Yank page 15 New execs take hrl at 9th AFA by Ray Lowman Director, 9th AFA Folks, we have had several has held all the officer positions and changes in our officer and board chairman of many committees. He member staff has been a mentor to all of us who have since our last issue of the Flyer. Stan Stepnitz resigned as Chairman of the Board and Board Member. He was replaced by Lloyd JOhnson. Mike Ingrisano, Jr. resigned as President and Board Member and was replaced by Perry Lusby. The new officers and board members were nominated and unanimously approved by your Board during their September meeting at Shaw AFB, SC. Stan Stepnitz resigned for health reasons and a residence move to be close to aging relatives. Stan has served us well over served you. We appreciate him assuming the office of Chairman once again. Mike Ingrasino, Jr. resigned to devote his time to extensive research and writing. Mike has written several books and many articles .. He has been at the forefront in setting the record straight regarding World War II history. Mike has served our Association as a Board Member, Vice President and President. This years convention in Washington, D.C. was many years as a Board Member, Vice President, President and Chairman. Always at the forefront in volunteering for special and challenging projects such as Col. Ray Lowman USAF (Ret) 9th AFA Director one of our best and an example of his superb leadership. We also recognize the contributions made by his wife Nancy who kept things organized and running smoothly at establishing and maintaining our Web Site. He has been instrumental in establishing support for our Association from top echelon active duty, which included present and former Ninth Air Force Commanders and the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. I think you all know Lloyd Johnson as a founding member of the Ninth Air Force Association and a dedicated supporter and contributor since. He the convention. Their service and dedication to our objectives is appreciated and will be missed. Perry Lusby comes to us as a long time 9AFA and Ninth Air Force Member. In fact he was the Director of Operations at Ninth Air Force Headquarters, Shaw AFB when he retired as full Colonel. I have known and been a close friend of Perry since our cadet days. Believe me when I say we are fortunate to have him as our President. THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 .. 1ngs We regret to inform you of the following passings since our last publication. May they rest in peace ... CV1330 Hugo E. Pressnal Deceased: 5/22/04 363FG, 681FS V2862 John J. McDonough Deceased: 4/12/03 3rd Sqdron, Instrument Specialist 686 A3796 Robert L. Stuart Deceased: 1/17 /03 363FG, 381FS CV1276 James W. Laughlin Deceased: 6/12/05 362FG, 377FS CV1365 John E. Connor Deceased: 2004 404FG, 508FS V3262 Frederick G. Vosburgh 19TAC, HQ Deceased: Unknown See Wings page 10 9 CS>~ 1'."""'~«aj£,, ~"'-- ~" "So-~~,.., ~ c ~·~ "l!' -· ·;:''"JI;~:) ~= ~ '&>~r ~ ~ ~ >" "' "" "'(.;=~~-~"-"- Things we find interesting on the internet are found here with no commendation to the author or guarantee of ownership. The following information passed muster with "Ask Jeeves" so we're passing it along. -------- ------~ What's in your wallets? A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company. Consider part or all of it for future action. 1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks. 2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED." 3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. 4. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your social security number printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it. 5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive, monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you orsomeone you know: 1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them. 2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away.This weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen: Equifax: 1-800-525-62852. Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888- 397-37423. Trans Union: 1-800-680-72894. Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271 We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about! --·----------------·------------------- Wings from page 9 V3454 Bernard (Ben) R. Baker Deceased: 4/1/05 48FG, 493FS CV2154 William E. McFadden Deceased: 5/7 /04 442TG, 303TCS CV Bob V Barker Deceased: 11/11/04 Our thoughts and prayeres are extended to these members' family and friends. -----------------··---- -------------------- 10 THE NINTH AIR FoRcEAssoc1ATION, FALL 2005 _, My~on AS I SEE IT .~ by Coert Munk Dutch Dakota Assn., Holland Editor's Note: Jan Bos first came to our attention through Orv Iverson and his letter may be found in the "Letters" section of this edition. He is the editor of Dutch Dakota Association in Holland and was interviewed recently about his passion for collecting WWII information and memorabilia. The format is Q & A and The Flyer has received permission from Mr. Bos to reprint the story. T his time is Jan Bos the person in the spotlight. Jan is a reliable editor of the Dutch Dakota Association and his specialty is the Dakota, flown by the Yankees on various fronts in World War II. Q: What is the most beautiful location of your hometown? A: The skyline of Nijmegen. It can be viewed when you drive across the Waal River bridge into town. It gives the feeling that you are getting home. A: A book, titled A soldier s story written by Arthur G. Kroos. He is a veteran of the 80th AA/AT Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Kroos was in his CG-4A Waco glider enroute to the landing zones at Groesbeek. The C- 47 was shot down by German antiaircraft fire over SchouwenDuiveland islands (west coast of Holland). The crew of the C-4 7, the gliderpilot and the glider riders were captured by the Germans. Captain Kroos was liberated in 1945. Q: Who would One crew member you like to med in person? Jan Bos, 2004, in the cockpit of his old passion: was killed in the The Dakota/C-47. Now in the cockpit of the PH-DDZ (picture Paul vand en Berg) crash. A: This is a difficult question, since there are many interesting persons on the globe to ask questions. Many of them are American World War II veterans, now 80-85 years old. When there is possibilty to meet one in person, I will get in touch with him or her. Q: Who do you like the most?. A: That is an easy question. My family: my wife Ans, our daughter Judith, her husband Arnello and their daughter Renee, our first grandchild; and our youngest daughter Linda and Dennis, her boyfriend. Our children live in Nijmegen and we see them a lot. Every Tuesday Ans and I are babysitting. Q: What is on your pedestal cupboard? Q: What is the news of the day? A: There are several subjects in the news that are of interest. One of the subjects is the civil war in Sudan. Nobody (world leaders) seems to care of this conflict; then the PalestineIsraeli conflict in Gaza and of course the war in Iraq. Q: With whom would you like to change for a day? A: Andre Kuipers and especially the day he flew around the globe. (Andre is a Dutch astronaut). Q: Why did you become a volunteer of the Dutch Dakota Association? A: I would like to inform others about my hobby: the history of the C-47 s and their crew members, I would like THE NINrn AIR FoRcE AssocrATION, FALL 2005 to share the stories and pictures with the readers of the Dakota Magazine Q: What bothers you? A: Aggression in traffic and the conduct of football [soccer] supporters/ vandalism and similar problems. Q: What do you do when you witness aggression? A: Try to make an arrest. I am a cop and this is my job. But keep an eye on my personal safety Q: What is so important for you about your hobby? A: To keep the old plane flying and keep her history alive for this and future generations. 11 MOTION by Lloyd Johnson, that Perry Lusby be elected President of the 9th Air Force Association. Second by Rosvold, motion approved, effective at the close of this meeting. MOTION by Stan Stepnitz that Lloyd Johnson be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. Second by Lusby, motion approved, effective at the close of this meeting. Chairman Stepnitz said that last April he wrote to all the 9th Air Force former commanders, asking their ideas and assistance in getting more members into our Association, with varying answers. Gen. Charles F. Wald had the best answer: "Please don't take the declining numbers to indicate something is wrong with the group. You touched on a few of the reasons why the organizations' numbers are declining. Let me suggest a few more that need our consideration. Since the 1980s, our total Air Force population has decreased significantly. We have fewer and fewer folks that are eligible to be members. Secondly, our folks in the 9th remain constantly deployed. Since the first Gulf War, the 9th Air Force has been the Air Force's linchpin to all deployment supporting Central Command. It's a full time job that offers little time to participate in an outside organization. But, there are a few actions we could take to sustain and improve membership. 1. Open membership to our corporate friends. We have a large group of Corporate partners providing aircraft systems, right on up to satellites, to help make the 9th Air Force of today GREAT. Let's get them involved in our heritage and way ahead. 2. Let's make all active duty airmen of all 9th Air Force to include all our Wings, immediate temporary members. After their initial tour, normally three years, focus on getting them to be official members, paying dues and active in all activities. 3. Finally, let's work on the Lifetime Membership perspective, for 12 Secretary from page 3 corporate, active and civilian membership. We need it to be affordable, but used to encourage active participation. These are just a few ideas for increasing membership. I am encouraged about what you do and I know we can improve on the long term membership growth. Stay in touch." Gen. Michael Moseley, current Chief of Staff of the U. S. Air Force: "Thank you so much for informing me of the 9th AFA fading numbers. I agree with you. It is important to keep membership strong, as the 9th AF is too historical and proud to be forgotten. I would like to help in any way I can. Please let me know where I can be of assistance. Let's make the 9th AFA the strongest it's ever been.Count me in." From HQ US European Command, Deputy Commander Gen.Charles F. Wald ... "I am delighted to hear that the Board members are answering positively about necessary changes through Board action at your next meeting. We will distribute the Ninth Flyer that you provided to those in our command. Best wishes for a super convention and good luck and best wishes for the future. 6. D-Day Briefing Charts. Stan Stepnitz discussed the D-Day Briefing charts used by the 9th Air Force telling all the 9th Air Force what to do on DDay. The charts were uncovered by a man whose relative had received these original briefing charts, put them in a file, then died. That file cabinet was found many years later and it contained these 1944 D-Day briefing charts. Years were spent verifying the accuracy of the charts. They have been authenticated and deemed by Mr. Grant Hales, historian, to be one of the Air Force's "Crown Jewels." The charts have since been sealed in mylar for preservation. We of the 9thAFA, have been asked if we are interested in obtaining the charts. Stan will contact the owner and attempt to acquire the documents. 7. Secretary's Report. After short review, the Minutes of Board of THE NINTH AIR FoRcEAssoc1ATION, FALL 2005 Directors meeting in Arlington, VA., May 5, 2005, were approved. 8. Treasurer's Report. Chairman Stepnitz read the report sent by Paul O'Dell. Detailed copy of Treasurer's report is attached to these minutes. MOTION made that Treasurer's Report be approved as presented. Motion approved. Paul suggested that we reduce the number of Flyers that we have printed - due to decline in members. From 1,250 to 1, 100. After discussion it was concluded that because the cost of printing is the same for 1,250 is the same as 1,100, no change should be made. Paul asked for permission to mail a few "leftover" copies of the FLYER, at his expense, to some loyal members who have been with us from the beginning who are now unable to pay dues. The Board agreed that is a good idea. We could also distribute extra copies to Public Libraries, Air Force bases, Base Commanders, etc. MOTION made to have five extra copies of the FLYER sent to each Director (more if needed) for distribution as outlined above. Motion approved. Paul said that he would like to --See Secretary on page 13 _I' proceed with the transfer of management of the CDs from Ray Lowman to the treasurer, as they had previously discussed. MOTION made that management of the CDs be turned over to Treasurer Paul O'Dell whenever he and Ray Lowman can make the change. Motion approved. 9. Board Membership. Lloyd Johnson discussed the urgent need for our organization to get more members, younger members, and especially, younger Board members, so we can get their ideas and view points on ways to entice new members. Perhaps a committee should be formed. There are many people retiring out of the 9th AF every day. We need to pursue those men and women to get them interested and hopefully on the Board. They could confer on things of interest to the younger generation so we could follow up on their ideas. Vito Pedone stated we need a series of articles telling the stories of veterans in all the wars since WWII, particularly the last 15 years, to be published in the base newspapers as well as the FLYER. This will have to be encouraged by the base commanders and public relations officers saying "this is what we will do" to help keep the 9th AFA alive and perpetuate it for future generations. Perhaps we could find some college students interested in history to work on this project. Along this line, any one of us who knows an Air Force person who has recently returned from Iraq could interview them and write a story for our Flyer, or the base newspapers. Stan said he would talk to his friend Dave Worley, Chief of the D.C. National Guard, and ask for his personal story. Marvin suggested a theme of especially honored people of the 9th AF. Perhaps using biographies of the 9th AFA Great Warrior recipients for a series. 10. Future Conventions: 2006, Lloyd Johnson reported that he is now the --- Secretary from page 12 Chairman of the 2006 Convention which will be a joint effort with the B- 26 Marauder Historical Society. He is working with David Miller, President of the Marauder's. The convention headquarters will be the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dayton, Ohio, Thursday, August 24 to Monday, August 28, 2006. Mr. Miller says they have a contract with a management company to negotiate rates with the hotel. Details will be provided as they become available. 2007-Convention will be held in Colorado Springs. Lloyd Johnson is Chairman. He will work with the local Convention Bureau to secure a hotel, and date to be in mid-May, 2007. 2008-Mobile, Alabama. Ray Lowman is Chairman and has done a lot of preliminary planning. 2009-Vito Pedone discussed possibility of a cruise. Consensus of the Board was positive. Vito volunteered to put together a package of cruise information with no specific dates including costs from home through cruise and return home. Vito discussed the possibility of having a reunion of the 9th AF Pathfinders, 101 st Airborne Pathfinders, 82nd Airborne Pathfinders, and Troop Carrier groups (27) of the 9th Air Force, within the next two years. That should encompass about 3,000 people. If this comes about, it would be the last Airborne/Pathfinder Reunion. Vito will follow up and report at next meeting. 11. Plaques-Lloyd Johnson reported that the 9th AFA Memorial plaque will be installed on the wall at Colorado Springs soon. When we meet in Colorado Springs for the 2007 Convention, the plaque will be covered, then unveiled during our dedication ceremony. Discussion about putting a 9th AFA plaque at Dayton AF Museum. Cost would be approximately $1,500 to $2,000. MOTION by Lloyd Johnson that we investigate the cost and logistics of installing a 9th AFA Memorial plaque THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 at the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum at Dayton, Ohio. Seconded, Motion approved. Lloyd said that he would volunteer to do this. Lloyd discussed plaque or memorial at Chanute AFB Museum in Rantoul, IL. He showed a photo of an 8th Air Force memorial in that museum in the shape of a folding easel with model airplanes attached at Chanute, and suggested that we could do something similar for our organization. This display could be used at other museums. Marvin volunteered to investigate cost, etc., and report to next Board meeting. 12. Memorials. Vito talked about the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D. C., and said we need a plaque installed there. 13. The FLYER: Stan asked for comments for improvement or changes to the Flyer. Marvin said that he would like to see the official drawing of the 9th APA logo on the cover. The correct drawing is as shown on the cover of the Membership Directory. The shape of the "9" is different. Marvin has furnished the official drawing to Karen. Vito said he has sent his story about DDay to Karen. 14. Other business: 9th APA Board of Directors meet twice a year. After much discussion, about date of next Board meeting, it was agreed that 2006 Board meetings will be in Spring, and at Dayton Convention in August. 2007 Board meetings will be at Colorado Springs Convention in May and a Fall meeting. MOTION by Marvin Rosvold to hold 2006 Spring Board meeting in Omaha, NE. After discussion, Motion was withdrawn. MOTION by Stan Stepnitz to hold 2006 April/May Board meeting in St. Louis, MO. Motion approved. Base Exchange: Karen has been notified that she should delete the Base Exchange pages from the FLYER. In May 2005, Frank Lewis, keeper of See Secretary on page 20 13 ---, ___ Blazing from page 5 The only signal received from the airborne troops was a panel marker placed at the appointed time indicating where they wanted resupply and reinforcement. This operation, which had been decided on as part of the original plan, began before dusk on D-Day. Two hundred and eight C-47's towing 172 Horsa gliders of British manufacture (carrying 6,900 pounds) and 36 American CG-4A's crossed the Channel between 2110 hours and 2310 hours. The gliders caiTied additional elements of the airborne divisions already landed as well as items of resupply - ammunition, food - and some heavy equipment to our waiting troops. The following morning, D-plus- 1, 48 Horsas and 150 CG-4A's were released over the same spot; 249 other C-47's dropped supplies. Thus the air phase of the airborne operations to "assist in the initial assault and prevent enemy troop movements from east to west" ended at 0900 hours on D-plus- 1. The entire operation had involved 1,371 sorties by 9th Troop Carrier planes, plus 301 by gliders. Operation BackgroundBasically, the operation succeeded so brilliantly because 9th Troop Command received what every Troop Carrier outfit had been seeking since the beginning. For once, a troop carrying organization was permitted to devote itself to training for its combat assignment instead of indulging in freight hauling right up to the moment of action. The 9th had its own equipment and was not forced-as in the early Mediterranean operations-to use mixed, tired and foreign aircraft. Moreover, the high command planning for the operation took into account the various special requirementsadequate time in which to prepare for the particular operation, as well as for operations as a team under varying conditions, a well-marked route to objective, fighter protection and bombardment diversion. Coordination of the pre-invasion training and of the actual D-Day operations was achieved through the Allied Expeditionary Air Force Headquarters which controlled both 9th Troop Carrier Command and its RAF equivalent. The 9th remained under the 9th Air Force for administration and discipline, but this channel was bypassed for operations-orders went straight from AEAF to 9th TC. Troop Carrier, after years of being mistaken for the Air Transport Command (which properly has no part of carrying through and into combatTroop Carrier's job) and after suffering a great many lean days, made the grade-with plenty of room to spare. One of the most important jobs in the invasion was that of Pathfinder units which pointed the way for troop carriers and gliders. Briefly, their job is to do for Troop Carrier planes taking tatget of Rx fraud Veterans are receiving calls from a company identifying itself as the "Patient Care Group." This company is claiming that the veteran's prescriptions are now being dispensed through them and if they wanted to continue to receive their medications, they would need to provide a credit card number. 14 The Veterans Administration has not changed the process of receiving and dispensing prescriptions. This phone scam company is committing illegal interstate wire transfer (a federal offense) and veterans are asked to immediately hang up and try tracing the number from which they called you by THE NINTH AIR FORCE AssoCIATION, FALL 2005 troops into enemy territory what RAF pathfinders do for their night bombers-mark the target so the main forces can find it without delay and without error. To do the job, they had planes and crews carefully chosen from among the best in all the groups that made up 9th Troop Carrier Command. Additionally, special equipment was designed to assist in navigation-stateof- the-art for the time. At the end of each column was a flight of Pathfinder aircraft which was assigned to fly at night, probably in the face of enemy opposition. It was the job of this lead flight to hedgehop below 500 feet or so, keeping under the enemy's radar field, and fly directly to the 500 yard by 500 yard field which was assigned to them. There, they dropped special Pathfinder teams of Airborne Infantry at precisely the right moment. In such planes, there is the usual crew consisting of a pilot, copilot, navigator, radio operator and crew chief-but all trained for their special jobs. The crew of each ship would work out the problem and be briefed to carry on in case the other two don't get there. Each aircrew member had between 30 and 60 hours of special Pathfinder instruction. The 9th Troop Carrier Command made history by carrying out the largest airborne operation ever attempted and by doing it with maximum efficiency and minimum loss. dialing *69. (This may be another number in your area. Check the front, information pages of your telephone directory to determine the numbers by which you may try to trace.) If you do receive the number, contact Cindy Gaylord, VA Public Affairs Specialist, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, direct line: (386) 754- 6302, FAX: (386) 758-6005, cellphones: (386) 365-2477 or (352) 258-6242. -----· -----~--- buddies' exploits that they talked all at the same time. Ralston's plane had been somewhat shot up. His radio had gone out and flying four abreast, quite wide apart as is thier custom, he had not heard the boys warn him of the attack. The first thing he knew was he was being shot by a Jerry on his tail. He got a few bullets through his ship which almost rendered it uncontrollable and he said he was thinking of jumping, but being an old-timer, he dove for the ground, "hit the deck" as they say, and started for home. Mazure was griping like the devil because he had gotten two Jerries in his sights and missed them both-the first time he had ever missed completely in a fight. Oddly enough, throughout the fight, German flak blazed away and no one knew whether they were being chased or chasing the Hun. One of the Jerry pilots bailed out on the way down and they were kidding one kid that his victory shouldn't count as the pilot got away. Yank from page 8 It may sound a little cold blooded, but actually there is no feeling other than that of youthful excitement and enthusiasm. By the time they finished their interrogation and critique, it was time for lunch. The pilots of all three squadrons eat together and these boys, being the envy of all others, were hardly able to get any food into them for answering their questions and retelling their experiences. ·Williams had gotten two, and Caldwell, Diman and Ralston one each. Ralston got his after he peacefully headed for home in his shot-up plane. Suddenly, a P-47 Thunderbolt shot by him with a Fockewulf 190 on its tail. He swerved his ship a little and shot down the 190. Just about the time a squadron of our P-38 Lightnings dived in, the Jerries took off. Mazure was mad because he missed a couple but not nearly as much as I who had missed the whole show. My only consolidation was that I was going up right after lunch. Parting shots We had a bit of space to share with you a couple more pictures of the fun we had at Convention. Here's part of our group during Sen. Bob Dole's speech at the memorial service for the 60th anniversary of VE-Day. A bronze of FDR at the President's Memorial. Note the right forefinger is discolored from constant touching. Become a partner in the greatest militaty organization in the world Join the 9th Air Force Association Today! ~------~~----=----------~~~--~~-----~-~~--- Dues: Annua/$20 (USA); $25 (Outside USA) Utetime:$200 (up to age 50); $175 (Age 50-70); $150 (Age 70-79); $125 (Age 80 & up); Clip and send to: Paul O'Dell, 9AFA Treasurer, $500-Silver Eagle Life; $1,000-Golden Eagle Life. 9th Air Force Association www.ninthairforceassoc.org I Membership Application I --- -(date) Referred by _____ (Initials & Mem. #) I apply for membership in the Ninth Air Force Association as: A Veteran of 9thAF 0 Active duty of the 9thAF 0 An Associate who supports the purposes of 9AFA (Non-voting) My Name:--------------- SpouslJ-.------------~Country: ____ _ Address· City: ______ State_· _____ Zip_· ___ _ Home Phone: Bus.Phone: Fa/'<.-·------ E-maih-:----- if you have an alternating (winter/summer) address, please list with phone AND the months at each location. List the 9th AF organizations to which you were assigned: (use separate sheet if needeu+-----------------My Primary 9th AF Unit Number & Typ~·---------------------------- (e.g., Wing, Group, Sqdn., TAC, Hqtrs, Btn, Co, Depot, etc.) Location Approximate dates of assignment Military Specialties: Civilian Career Specialties_· ___________ _ Associates- Your 9AF relatives or special 9AF interest: _________________________ _ THENINTHAIR FoRcEAssoc1ATION, FALL 2005 15 Stepnitz steps down This is to advise you that as of now, I am resigning from the Board of Directors of the Ninth Air Force Association. Be further advised that I do so with a heavy heart. I have loved working on the Board and trying to do whatever I could to promote the Association and the 9th Air Force/USCENTAF. Why? I am in the process of leaving the State of Maryland and returning to my home state of Michigan. It is not that I only love that state, I have a brother and a sister in Michigan in less than desirable condition of health. I want to spend more time with them and cannot do so living so far from them. Needless to say, the move will be difficult in more than one way. But, it must be done. In closing, I know the Association will be in good hands. There are indications it will soon start to grow. Good luck to you and yours. Respectfully, Stan Stepnitz, former Chairman WWII 9th in the ETO I am writing to ask for your help in finding information about 9th AAF "Reece" personnel assigned to detached service to coordinate support for ground troops, do BDA, interpret photo & grid info for artillery and front line troops. My Dad, Cpl. P. M. Larkin (Photographer/ Aerial Photographer), served with 30th PRS, and was among J 2 from his squadron to be assigned such duties. As his official Army records were destroyed in the St. Louis fire of "76, and Detached Service largely went undocumented anyway, I'm having a great deal of difficulty trying to document hisservice. I know that he and another from his Squadron, I think it was Sgt. Steven Matuska, were assigned to take motion 16 to the pictures of the carpet bombing during operation Cobra breakout from the St. Lo area on 24/7 /44. Being on high ground 500 yds in front of the allied line (after a 1200 yd pull back for bombing) he was injured in the back-bombing incident that killed some 600 allied servicemen. There are several other events, but I guess there should be record of medical treatment at a field hospital, particularly as medics removed one of his dog-tags. Anyway, if you could point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. Regards, Joe Larkin Cali for memorabilia Greetings from Nijmegen. My name is Jan Bos, 51 years old, married, my wife and I have two daughters, one granddaughter. I am an amateur historian on Troop Carrier history. I collect all kind of data, stories and pictures of the aircrew members, the C-46s and C-47's and C- 53 's that dropped paratroopers, towed gliders, evacuated wounded from the front lines and supplied the troops. I am in touch with many Troop Carrier veterans or next-of-kin. Received your name and e-mail address from a friend in the 436th Troop Carrier Group. Since the Troop Carrier Groups belonged to the 9th US Air Force, thought I might include you in my Troop Carrier e-mail contact list. Thank you for your time and all the best Jan Bos Editor's note: Thanks to Orv Iverson for forwarding the above letter to us. I'm sure many of you will enjoy THE NINTl-1 AIR FoRcE AssocJATION, FALL 2005 getting to know Jan who apparently has a wealth of information to share. If you're interested in finding out what it was like for a regular GI in WWII, check out Orv's WWII story and see his online photos: http ://home.earthlink.net/ -iversonom/index.html or use a search engine like Google under Iverson,Orv's WWII story. Looking for loved ones Editor's note: The following are emails from people looking for surviving loved ones or information on lost relatives. Some are from Europeans whose English is not so good so we're publishing exactly as sent without editing. Should you be able to help, please contact the writers personally. By conducting a Google search for '555th Signal Air Warning,' I found your web page. My step-father was serving with the 555th Signal Battalion (SAW), Company B during WWII. He said they were attached to the 8th AF and later to the 9th AF. He is now deceased and I am taking my mother to a reunion of surviving Company B servicement and their wives. I would like to find out as much as I can about the 555th and SAW, to share the information at the reunion. Can anyone direct me or provide advice on where I may find this information? Sara Clarkson My name is Ben Harrison, I have a WWII A2 Bomber jacket with the insignias of the 9th Army Air Force and the 526th Fighter Bomber Sq and the 86th Fighter Bomber Group (the latter two insignias are the same). I am wondering if you know anyone who collects and conserves these relics and who might be interested in acquiring it. Ben Harrison United Kingdom ---- - See Letters on pagel 8 "" leadership from page 1 By now, you've heard or read about the Boeing scandal. Criticism from Senator McCain forced Secretary Roche to resign his post last November and he retired in January. Roche was the most vocal proponent of the Raptor program, but McCain challenged he was "unfit to serve." McCain criticized Roche and others, like General Gregory "Speedy" Martin, for their handling of a plan to lease modified 767 aircraft from Boeing as aerial refueling jets. For some time, the Air Force found itself under the shadow of probes and investigations into billions of dollars of spending, following last year's conviction of Darleen Druyun, a former civilian negotiator who admitted to and was convicted of steering four contracts to Boeing in exchange for jobs for her and her family. The Air Force Times article stated a Defense Science Board task force examined Air Force acquisition authority and whether the service had in place the necessary checks and balances. And due to the scandal, the Air Force found itself under fire from defense companies complaining they unfairly lost contracts to Boeing based on Druyun's admissions in court. On 1 October 2004, she was sentenced to nine months in federal prison. According to State Department records, Druyun worked as the principal deputy assistant for acquisition for 10 years, often without direct oversight, before leaving the Air Force in November, 2002. She admitted to pumping up the price of the 767 tankers as a "parting gift" to Boeing and handing the company more than $4.5 billion in contracts that might have gone to other firms had the competitions been fair. Included in the contracts was a $4 billion deal to upgrade the avionics of the C-130 cargo aircraft. Overseeing hundreds, if not thousands of contract executions, the Times articles states Druyan's actions have prompted Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and L-3 Communications to log complaints. Since then, more defense contractors may have jumped aboard to the tune of billions of dollars. To date, the GAO is investigating and handling the protests and other investigations are ongoing. The Defense Department inspector general has examined two contracts won by Boeing and awarded in October, 2003, which Druyan worked on and the investigation will extend to anything auditors find "suspicious," according to the article. The Times claims the clash with McCain has cost the Air Force leadership the credibility needed to be effective advocates for Air Force priorities. Even General Jumper's last days were weakened. And because the tanker scandal wrapped up so many officers and civilians, the Air Force found itself in a political duck-andcover mode. When the article broke, the Air Force's revolving door was expected to usher in a change in chief of staff, as Jumper was due to change command later in the year. Two of the primary candidates to take Jumper's spot, General Martin and General Michael Moseley, Jumper's vice Chief of Staff, were embroiled in McCain's hunt for answers on the tanker deal. Now, with time passed, we know that General Jumper has retired, and in an exclusive to the 9th Flyer, General Martin told me he will retire by year's end. At press time, "Speedy" had hung up his stars on 1 September. General Mosley has been appointed to fill General Jumper's shoes and hopefully, the flap is over and things may return to normal. Or will they? The clash with McCain has cost the Air Force leadership the credibility needed to be effective advocates for Air Force priorities. And it's a shame it all happened. I personally know General Martin. I had the opportunity to meet THE NINTH AIR FoRcE AssocIATION, FALL 2005 him during a one-on-one interview a couple of years ago and was reacquainted with him this summer during a party hosted by Eglin AFB 's base commander, Major General and Mrs. Robert "Chet-Bob" Chedister at their home. (What is it about these flyers and their ludicrous nicknames? I don't get it!) Anyway, I told "Speedy" Martin how much I had hoped he'd receive the appointment. Why not? He's one of the most personable people I've run across. Friendly. Genuine. One hell of a guy who always has a smile on his face. He became embroiled in the scandal simply through association. He worked under Druyun and although I'm not privy to his actions or inactions over the deal, in my opinion he'd have been the ideal man to bring back the credibility the Air Force lost over the scam. Although he seemed a bit saddened by mentioning the news to me, he agreed, "God has something better in store for me at this time in my life and I'm anxious to find out what it is." Meantime, during the convention banquet in D.C., I had the pleasure of asking General Jumper about his thoughts on 1) the hunt for his successor and 2) what his recommendations were to return lost credibility to the Air Force's leadership as a whole. "We are now seeing confirmations come through," he said in May, "and while some in the Senate say she (Druyun) couldn't do this by herself and that other people had to be helping, I can guarantee that any of the people I work with day in and day out, wouldn't put up with that for a minute if they knew what was going on. "Regardng civilians, it's going to be tougher. These civilians come out of high paying jobs and they divest themselves from very profitable stocks to come and work for the government. As we've seen, when you work for the government, you get dragged through --See Leadership page 18 17 H., 1. Letters from page i 6 Looking for old friends of 1st Lt. Lester E. Barton, died March 18, 1945. He was a B-26 Marauder pilot. Let me know if anyone knew him. Thank you Judy Holland Hi: My father, Dean M. Lauderback, was a member of the 9th Air Force, 86th Air Depot Group, 22nd Depot Repair Sq, during WWII. I think he might be interested in your organization. Is there a charge for membership. Do you have any other veterans of his particular unit in your roster? And, for my benefit, is there any way of finding out the particular history of that unit, such as where and when they were the cactus, so it's easy for them to say 'no, I'll stick with my high paying job and pass up the abuse,'" he added. So where does this leave us? in an article appearing in the online site Defence Talk, Jumpers successor, Gen. T. Michael Moseley commented on the future of the Air Force and the leadership we'll need to keep it at the top of all the services combined. He said for this goal to be achieved, there are a number of challenges that must first be met: focus on fighting the war on terrorism, continue to develop Airmen and recaptialize and modernize the inventory. He added that since we've been fighting terrorism for a number of years now, an air of complacency should be avoided at all costs. "Let me be clear: We cannot now, nor ever, lose sight of the fact that the mission of the United States Air Force is to fly and to fight," General Moseley said in the article. "We fly and we fight ... that's what we do. "We clearly have the best people 18 stationed, etc.? Any info will be appreciated and thanks, Ken Lauderback Help in search informations on P- 47 serial 42-76460 (371th FG. 405th FS.) pilot Lieutenant Robert A Mezzeti, killed in action the 2 August, 1944 near of Rennes (Brittany) France. The Lieutenant R.A. Mezzeti to be in niission with the Lieutenant William McCormick Jr. Thank you in advance, Jean-Paul Favrnis Good morning, I came across your web pages and I'm looking for infonnation. My dad served in Europe with the 791 st leadership from page i 7 in the world," he said. "If we are going to ask our Airmen to defend this nation, then we owe it to them to give them the best opportunities for career development ... and give them the best possible standard of living and the best possible training," he added. The general said the Air Force must continue to make the training more realistic and find the right mix of joint, coalition and composite force training. For the Air Force to train and fight, it has to have the proper equipment to ensure mission success. "Old equipment is not a new problem," General Moseley said. "We are operating the oldest inventory of aircraft in our history. The average age of the fleet has gone from 8 1/2 years old in 1967 to an average of 23 1/2 years old today, he said. General Moseley commented on the way ahead for the Air Force and the four points that will drive its future. "The future total force must be not only adaptable to today's fight, but THE NINTH AIR FORCE AssocIATION, FALL 2005 Artillery, AA. He said they were attached to the 9th Air Force. He said he didn't understand the connection. Would anyone have any insight into this? Thanks, Jim Naumec Dear Sir, I came across your association webpage in search of information about my father's service during WWII. Perhaps you can help me locate some info about his career. He was stationed in Madison, WI (1943) before being sent overseas. He was a sergeant in the 9th Army Air Force and told me that he was training troops in England before D-Day. He was burned during a training exercise and hospitalized for a short time. He was in the sixth wave to See Letters page 19 also tomorrow's fight and equally adaptable to unlmown applications. "It must be seamless among the active duty, Guard and Reserve components. - It must operate in a joint environment; not only in what is purchased, but also in the way we fight, talk and think. - It must be affordable. "To meet these challenges though, we must continue to look for better ways to operationally exploit the air and space domain," the general said. "The pioneers have given us a proud combat heritage, a heritage that speaks to us today," he said. 'Their work, their ideas, and their courage propel us toward an unlimited horizon of opportunity which is the birthright of your Air Force. "So when someone asks you what the Air Force will be doing in the future, tell them this: We will do what we have always done," he said. "We will stand on the shoulders of giants. We will take care of each other and every member of this great fighting force. We will innovate. And ... we will fly ... we will fight ... and we will win." Bubbles from page 2 aged during the chamber flight. This made sense until I remembered deciding not to leave my watch and felt my wrist. This gave me a clue that all was not well. I called to the chamber operator and told him I was losing my eyesight. He immediately put me in their ambulance and took me to the hospital I could see well enough to walk but when the hospital nurse asked me to identify my boots, I was unable to do so. Our Flight Surgeon joined the team of hospital doctors to determine my condition. I was in no pain but I could not even see the lights shown in my eyes during examinations. Also, I had lost the use of my hands and arms. The School off Aviation Medicine at Brooks AFB, TX was consulted and was familiar with this condition but could offer little help. The nitrogen in the blood stream had converted into a gaseous state during my chamber flight and the bubbles traveled in the blood stream until reaching a restriction. This condition is frequently found with divers who suffer the 'bends.' The bubbles, however, had reached the central nervous system and had lodged in the area of my brain that affected the optic nerve. This condition is extremely critical and usually fatal. Breathing pure oxygen was the only known treatment. The nitrogen bubbles needed to dissipate and return to fluid state without moving to another critical location in the brain or heart. Experts monitored my condition throughout the night. I realized with all of the medical attention given to me that my condition was critical and recovery questionable. My condition had improved slightly by noon the next day. My wife had been flown in from Bangor to assist in my recovery. I couldn't recognize her but I could distinguish the light areas in the walls that had windows and doors. Also, I began See Bubbles on page 20 letters from page 18 land at Normandy, and was later doing reconnaissance. He was definitely in Reims, as I have photos he sent of the cathedral, and later, in Stuttgart, 'setting up war governments." I have tried to get his record from the Army records center but they tell me they were most likely destroyed in the fire there in 1973. I live in Rockville, MD, about a half hour from D.C. and have a son in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (the Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps, based at Fort Meyer. Any direction you can give me in locating his records would be very much appreciated. His name was Sgt. Ely Fainstein, enlisted some time in 1942 and was discharged around December, 1945. He died in 1989. Thank you for your time, Barbara F. Bell Greetings, We own a C-47 serial# 43-16369. We know it was in the 9th AF in Europe by August of 44. We would like to find you what TCG and TCS it was with. Any help would be great. Robert Rice t Hello, I would very much appreciate it if anyone can give me information about 9th AF units based in Andover, England, 1944. My 91 year old father-inlaw was with the Royal Air Force, but was seconded to the U.S. forces for several months in 44, during the preparation build up to D-Day. His memory unfortunately is very poor these days, but he seems to remember P-38s based there. He keeps telling me about him being flown over to France, where he was dropped off with the object of locating a suitable landing site for glider borne troops to be landed around D-Day, but is very vague about those days. I have secured copies of his RAF service records, and they confirm he was at Andover at that time, but say THENINTilAlR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 nothing else. Any help will be most welcome, Derek Thomas To whom it may concern, Your website is well done and a tribute to those who served our country in the 9th Army Air Force during WWII. Do you have a historian for your association who might be able to provide information? I'm trying to locate information about my wife's father, Michael Karas, now deceased, who served in the US Army 2150th Engineers Aviation Firefighter Platoon. He was a sergeant and served from May 43 through Oct. 45. H was involved in the campaigns of Normandy, Rhineland, Northern France and Central Europe. His training took place at Camp Lake Ponchartrain, LA and photos indicate a shoulder patch for the Army Air Force. On a photo of him overseas, he is sitting on a jeep that has a Spade followed by a 9 then 2159EAFFP. Can you help guide me as to how I might find out more information. It appears his unit was assigned to a 9AAF unit. With many thanks, David Graham t Sir: My father was a member of the 2487 QM Truck Co. with the 9th AF in the ETO. I would like to find all the information about when the unit was formed and when it was deactivated after the war. I would also like to know where they were stationed while in England and then when they went over to France and Belgium along with the area of Germany that was occupied by this group. Can you also tell me what squadron they were attached to? Dad used to say that he drove a C-2 wrecker and would bring in wrecked airplanes. His name was Richard E. ABERER, service# 37-404-915. Thank you, Eugene C. Aberer 19 the BX items, said that he wanted to resign and send the supplies to someone else. Fem Mann told him that she could store the items if he wanted to ship them to her. No action has been taken. Perry Lusby said that if Frank would keep the items until the August 2006 Convention in Dayton, that Perry could display them at the Convention and try to sell everything.Then we could purchase new, up to date items for sale. Fem will contact Frank for update. Membership Directory-The 9th AFA current directory was printed in 2000. Fem will ask Paul O'Dell and/or Mary McCarthy to get an estimate of cost of printing a new Directory. Membership Application-Fern will ask Ray Lowman to follow up on updating and printing the Application. Marvin said that we have a supply of stationary blanks. He will talk to Ray Lowman about printing some for new officers. Meeting adjourned for the day at 1600. Meeting reconvened at 9:00 am, Tuesday, September 13, 2005. 12. Memorials and Museums, continued. Lloyd said that we need more exposure. Possible places for displays are The D-Day Museum in New Orleans, the new Air Force Memorial in Washington DC, Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL, Dover, DE. Vito said he would check with the Air Force Memorial and see what other groups have done there and also the Dover, DE, museum, which is prima- --- Bubbles from page 19 limited use of my hands and arms. My eyesight improved rapidly throughout the day and I was released from the hospital on 4 July. We returned to Bangor with the understanding that I was to return to Westover AFB in 30 days for another chamber flight and vigorous testing of my eyesight. I wasn't thrilled but I was determined to pass the tests and return to flight status. The second chamber flight was 20 Secretary from page 13 rily an Airborne museum. Lloyd will investigate putting a plaque at Wright-Patterson AFB Museum in Dayton. Stan Davis will send names of contacts to Lloyd. Marvin will follow up with information on the display at Chanute. Lloyd will contact the D-Day museum and get information about putting a plaque there. Stan said that there is a P-47 on display at the Museum (The Air Zoo) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mike Horgan said that the P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association had its final Reunion last May, but there are nearly 400 members of that organization still living. We should invite those people, and members of other 9th Air Force groups, including the Marauder Society, Aviation Engineers, Flight Nurses, to join with us at our 2006 Convention in Dayton, Ohio, and future conventions. Lloyd will work with Stan Stepnitz, Vito Pedone, Perry Lusby and Woody Sproul to draft a letter to mail to those 9th AF members. 9:30 a.m.-Gen. Blair Hansen joined us for a briefing. He thanked us for doing what we do and for inviting him to meet with us. Stan asked Gen. Hansen for his ideas about how to encourage the young airmen to become members of the 9thAFA. One suggestion was to contact Kathy Jones and Mr. Leper in the 9th AF Historian office at Shaw, plus the Director of Staff. They are very good writers and trying to connect the present day airmen with the past history. He uneventful. The previous chamber crew had been replaced. New procedures had been implemented. The communication system had been improved with modern two-way audio. The level-off procedure at 25,000 feet was deleted from the flight which in past procedures had negated the effort to reduce the possibility of liquid nitrogen changing into gas. It was a little scary but otherwise a pleasant experience. My eye exam was extremely THE NINTH AIR FoRCE Assoc1ATJON, FALL 2005 believes that the young airmen are looking for the feeling of belonging and being a part of this vital Air Force. Many of them are staying in t~e Air Force because of that feeling of being a part of the valiant effort and the connection to their heritage. After describing some of the things going on in Iraq, and the chain of Command, Gen Hansen was asked "Can we win?" He said he believed that absolutely we can win. There is a price tag, which is one the American people will have to pay, and it will take a long time to do it. The basic things of civil society are just crawling; security, clean water, power infrastructure, the ability to keep electricity on for both industry and people at home is a huge effort. Those things take time. These folks in Iraq are eager to be doing business and are doing it right now. Downsizing of the military has had a huge impact on our abilities. The Air Force has been cut approximately 40 per cent since Desert Storm but our tasking has gone up about 400 per cent. The result is that we have to figure out smarter, better ways to do things. The Ninth Air Force Historian office is in the process of scanning and preserving its data, papers and photos, onto an Electronic Archival system that will catalog and preserve it for the future. Hopefully a system can be worked out with Akron University Archives to share this information." There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. thorough. A special test was designed for my eyes and I thought it'd be a miracle if I passed. I did and was returned to flight status and completed 41 years of service where I remained until retirement. Subsequent chamber flights were stressful but uneventful. I didn't look forward to the annual chamber rides and really appreciated when they changed to regs to every three years rather than annually. To this day, I still feel helpless each time I step into a chamber. Address Service Requested U.S. POSTAGE PAID NON-PROFIT ORG. The address label on THE NINTH FLYER shows the date through which dues are paid by the first set of numbers on the le '• ••· You will receive a dues statement at the beginning of the new year.
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Title | Ninth Flyer 15_4_2005 |
Creator | 9th Air Force Association |
Date Original | 2005 |
Description | The quarterly newsletter, The Ninth Flyer, published by the Ninth Air Force Association, Inc. from 1991 through 2012. |
Subject Terms |
United States. Army. Air Corps. Air Force, 9th The Ninth Flyer Newsletters |
Type | Text |
Publisher | Ninth Air Force Association, Inc. |
Digital Publisher | University of Akron. Archival Services |
Date Digitized | 2014 |
Copyright Statement | This image is protected by copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code). Copyright to this image lies with The University of Akron which makes it available for personal use for private study, scholarship, or research. Any other use of this image including publications, exhibitions, or productions is prohibited without written permission of The University of Akron Archival Services. Please contact Archival Services at archives@uakron.edu for more information. |
Source Collection | 9th Air Force Association |
Medium | Document |
Collection Category | World War II |
UA College | University Libraries |
UA Department | Archival Services |
Website | http://www.uakron.edu/libraries/archives/ |
Contact Information | Telephone: 330-972-7670 Fax: 330-972-6170 E-mail: archives@uakron.edu |
transcript | OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE 9TH AFA, INC. Karen Spence I I 've been considering this article for quite some time and knowing that Air Force Chief of Staff John Jumper was retiring this summer, it got me thinking about the future of Air Force Leadership. As you know, General Jumper was guest speaker at our Convention in Washington D.C. this year and he and I had an opportunity to discuss an issue that's been close to my heart for a while. It all started a few months ago when I was sitting in my doctor's waiting room (my usual hobby these days) and I happened to glance at a copy of the Air Force Times. The lead story's headline questioned this issue so I began digging further to see for myself that Air Force leadership will and should remain at the top echelon of all the services combined. In a story by Times staff writer, Laura Calarusso, the headline alludes to the fact that due to budget cuts, potential fraud, leadership shakeups at the highest levels, the question asks, "Will the Air Force bottom out in 2005?" According to General John Jumper, former Air Force Chief of Staff, the answer is a resounding 'no.' Besides the fact that Senator John McCain (R-AZ and former Navy) and - ~' =- ~ ' ~ »= ~ , , ~-- c fl - ",-- certain members of his staff put a screeching halt to the expected promotions of a number of the Air Force's highest ranking this year, budget cuts are forcing 12,000 airmen to leave the military in addition to program cuts, including research and development on the famed Raptor. Thousands fewer airmen have the opporturiity this year to re-up under new reenlistment program perk packages which are now considerably less than before. At the very top, Air Force Secretary James Roche and General Jumper departed this year (General Jumper's four-year tenure as Chief of Staff concluded and he retired in August). And the uncertainty surrounding a coming round of base closures through BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure program) has everyone from base level and higher, holding their collective breaths. Not to be outdone, funding cuts announced at the end of last year hit hard at the F/A-22 Raptor and the C- 130 cargo jet and gutted the E-10 command-and-control aircraft program. But perhaps the most telling scandal to hit government procurement since the 1980s, prompted Senator McCain to say enough already, and the brakes were applied with no looking back. The Pentagon was in shock and folks in D.C. and elsewhere were becoming protective of their jobs and their security. See Leadership on page 17 BE ON THE LOOKOUT __ ] The 9th Flyer is always looking for interesting stories, anecdotes, quips, jokes and the like for future publication. This is one way we can keep the memories a.live sharing with those with whom we served. Also, we'd like your thoughts and comments about The Flyer or any other subject you'd care to opine for our letters to the Editor section. Emails are prefered with attached photos but if you must send snail mail, '· please let us know if you wish to have the items returned to you. THE NINTH FLYER Fall 2005 Volume IX, Number 4 Published quarterly by the Ninth Air Force Association, Inc. A Tennessee non-profit veterans corporation. Chartered as a not for profit veterans corporation in Tennessee and registered with the IRS as a 501-c-19 organization, Headquarters of the Ninth Air Force Association located at: Published by Karen Spence Visit us online at: www.ninthairfon:eassoc.org Editorial Policy The Ninth Flyer is published each January, April, July and October. We solicit submitted material from any interested party who shares the goals of the Association and wishes to share information with our readers. Materials must reach the editor at least 30 days prior to publication, but no guarantees are made that those materials will be published in the next issue. Submissions should be sent via email to the editor's address below. When possible, photos should be sent electronically as JPEGs or through U.S. Postal Service. Photos cannot be returned without SASE. All entries will be published on a space available basis and will be edited for length, clarity, and good taste. Complete identification of persons, equipment or aircraft pictured must accompany photos. We encourage submissions from other veterans organizations. Items appearing in The Flyer do not necessarily reflect the views of the Association. Editorial opinions and/or comments will be clearly identified. Permission is granted to reproduce information in The Flyer unless prohibited by copyright. Please credit reprints appropriately. Contributors may send electronic submissions to: ·~-------------- ·---- ---·-- ----- ---- THE NINTH AIR FoRcE Assoc1AT10N, FALL 2005 THE CHAIRMAN'S DESK The 9th Air Force Association has a new President and Chairman. The Board of Directors convened at Shaw AFB, SC on Newly elected chairman, Lloyd Johnson, BG (Ret) Sept. 11-14, 2005, for their semiannual Board meeting. An early item on their agenda was to elect a new President and Chairman. President Mike Ingrisano unexpectedly tendered his resignation effective Sept. 1, 2005. His reasons are personal and we wish him the very best. We lost an effective and inspirational leader. Chairman Stanley Stepnitz agreed one year ago that he would serve until Sept. 05, and then resign from the position of Chairman. He too has served our Association with TmyBubbles by Lloyd Johnson I was a P-51 Mustang Fighter pilot stationed in Bangor, ME, when 'tiny bubbles' almost did me in. Air Force regulations required fighter pilots to undergo yearly training in a 'High Altitude Chamber' to demonstrate the symptoms related to the loss of oxygen while flying at high altitudes. There were several Air Force Bases in the United States that offered this orientation. Westover AFB in Massachusetts was the site that served the units at Bangor. I joined 12 other pilots and our Flight Surgeon on the morning of July 1, 1951 for our flight in a C-47 from Bangor to Springfield, MA. We were in good spirits and looking forward to an evening at the Westover Club and the chamber training the next day. I had a delicious dinner and did not consume any alcoholic beverages. We enjoyed a 2 A Omge of Gmnand outstanding devotion and dedication. Our Association has benefited greatly under the leadership of these fine gentlemen. The Board of Directors elected newly appointed Director Perry Lusby to serve as our President. Perry has been a member for many years and feels comfortable with his new position on the Board. He has years of experience and should be a valuable asset in leading our Association. See Perry's biography on page 6 ofthis issue. Lloyd Johnson was elected Chairman. He was one of the founders of the 9th AFA and has served in several positions of leadership. The affairs of the Association should continue to function smoothly under good night's sleep and arrived at the Physiological Training Center for our day of orientation and the flight in the chamber. We completed our briefing on high altitude flying and entered the chamber for our flight. Our helmets had headsets but no microphone so the audio communication would only be from the instructor to us and the use of hand signals from us to him if we needed help or information. This lack of communication procedure was changed immediately after this flight. We sat in the chamber for 30 minutes listening to a briefing by our instructor and breathing 100 percent oxygen which would reduce the chance of the nitrogen in the blood stream from changing from a liquid state into a bubble (gaseous) state. We then climbed to 25,000 feet (by pumping the air out of the chamber) and took off our masks to observe our personal symptoms of oxygen starvation. We immediately put our masks back on and began to climb THE N1Nrn AIR FoRcE AssocIATION, FALL 2005 the guidance of these two officers. Another vacancy that was discussed at length was the Base/Post Exchange officer. Frank Lewis has served admirably in this position for many years but has elected to give it up. His leaving has created a huge void in our Association's ability to generate interest in others by selling merchandise from the Ninth Air Force Association Base Exchange. You have undoubtedly noticed the absence of the Exchange Order Pages in this issue. This is a missing link and the Association really needs your help. You are encouraged to call one of your directors if you have an interest in serving in this capacity. Although the pay is not great, the satisfaction is rewarding. to 45,000 feet. All went well until the chamber reached 40,000 feet when my mask failed and started to leak. The instructor recognized the problem and immediately gave me another mask and put me in the emergency lock and descended to ground level. I was taken into a nearby room and was advised to lie on a cot having been given a mask with 100 percent oxygen to help me recover. The rest of the group completed the training and asked if I wanted to join them for lunch. I declined. I had no pain but just didn't feel too good. I went into the rest room and vomited which made me feel better. I returned to my cot and continued with the oxygen mask. It was 30 minutes or so later when I looked at my watch to check the time. I could not see the watch on my arm. Then I remembered we were told to remove our watches, fountain pens and all other things which might be dam- See Bubbles page 19 Hello, dear 9thAFA Members! Here are a few notes about the recent changes and future events for the 9th AFA. Mike Ingrisano has Fern Mann resigned as President of the Board for personal reasons. Stan Stepnitz has resigned as Chairman and Board member. Stan is knee-deep in plans to sell his home in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, where he has lived for many years. He has bought a lot on a beautiful lake in Michigan near his home town and will build a house there within the next year. (We told him that when the house is done, we expect to have a Board Meeting there to "bless" it.) Needless to say, we will miss both Mike and Stan on the Board. Meanwhile, back at the meeting, newest Board member Perry Lusby was appointed President, and Lloyd Johnson will be the Chairman. I can't say enough good things about the folks at Shaw AFB and our reception there for the Board meeting. The quarters were very comfortable and the staff was must helpful. General Hansen talked to us about the Iraqi conflict, and ideas for enticing more members to the 9th AFA. Suggestions were made about ways to get the younger airmen interested (more about that in the Minutes). We are excited about the 2006 9th AFA Convention which will be held in Dayton, Ohio, August 23/28. Headquarters Hotel will be the Crown Plaza. This is being planned in partnership with the B-26 Marauder Historical Society. Hopefully this joint effort will benefit both organizations and encourage more people to attend. Lloyd Johnson is 9AFA Chairman, and is working hand in hand with Mr. David Miller, President of the Ma- THE SECRETARY'S PEN Directors' meeting 1Jings new ideas and c ges rauder HS. So start making your plans. Of course a visit to the Air Force Museum will be on the agenda. I understand that there have been a lot of changes there in the last few years, and I am anxious to see it again. The "Memphis Belle" will there, hopefully on display by then. Even though she is an "8th AF" airplane, she means a lot to us Memphis folks and to you who saw her here at the Memphis Convention in 2000. Lloyd is also investigating the possibility of the 9th AFA installing a plaque on the Memory Wall. If that is completed, we could also have a plaque dedication ceremony. Details will be in future issues of The FLYER. We hope to have a new Membership Directory next year, and new Membership Applications. Frank Lewis has resigned as Base Exchange Manager next year, so if you have a little spare time, volunteering for that position would be a "good thing." The more folks that we have on staff, the less work for everybody! You can help make this organization bigger and better ... whenever you go to your local VFW or American Legion club, Library or civic club meetings, talk about your experiences in the Air Force. You will undoubtedly meet someone who shares similar stories. Give them a membership application-loan them your copy of The FLYER- and ask them to join. Call Ray Lowman at 1-888-740-8899 and he will send applications to you. Karen is doing a great job with The FLYER, but she needs help from all of you. Send in your stories, and Reunion notices. We'll help keep the light on. THE NINTH AJR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 9TH Am FORCE ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SHAW AFB, SUMTER, SC SEPTEMBER 12-13, 2005 1. Meeting called to order by Chairman Stan Stepnitz, at 9: 10 AM. 2. Invocation by Marvin Rosvold. 3. Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Roll call: Present: Stanley Davis, Michael Horgan, Lloyd Johnson, Perry Lusby, Vito Pedone, Marvin Rosvold, Woody Sproul, Stanley Stepnitz, Fem Mann. Absent: Orville Iverson, Bert Lok, Ray Lowman, Paul O'Dell. 5. Chairman comments: Stan Stepnitz distributed copy of his letter of resignation as Chairman and from Board of Directors, effective at the end of this meeting. He is in the process of selling his home in Maryland, and building a new home in Michigan. Michael Ingrisano resigned from Office of President and Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2005. After discussion about appointment of new President and Chairman of the Board, Fem read from By-Laws. ARTICLE VII - BOARD OF DIRECTORS, Par. D. "The Board of Directors shall elect ... a Chairman to preside at their meetings .. .The current or past President may serve as ... Chairman of the Board." ARTICLE VIII - OFFICERS, paragraph A. - B. -1. "The President. .. shall be elected from among current Directors, or persons who have experience as previous officers or directors of the Association." Vice President Mike Horgan was appointed "President Pro-Tern" for this Board meeting. ----- See Secretary on page 12 3 REMEMBER WHEN Blazing the trail m D-Day Reprinted with permission Stars and Stripes, ;June 1944 Here is how the Pathfinders led the successful Troop Carrier-Airborne Infantry operations on the Cherbourg Peninsula All the great promises of Troop Carrier, all the hopes which its champions have had for it, have been richly, triumphantly fulfilled. If this sounds like intemperate praise, look at the record. In the cold darkness before H-hour, 9th Troop Carrier Command dropped behind the enemy's forward defenses of Normandy Beaches, two Airborne Infantry Divisions, the lOlst and the 82nd-dropped them in the area they were supposed to have been dropped-and it did it with a total aircraft loss of less than two-and-a-half percent. In four hours, two aggressive divisions with essential equipment were where the enemy wanted them least. Compare, if you want to, our aerial loss with the Germans' Crete when more than 20 percent of participating planes and gliders were destroyed. The Plan-To understand how well the operation was carried out, you should know the plan: "to begin about four hours and thirty minutes prior to Civil Twilight (the predawn) to assist in the initial assault." That was the assignment of the 101 st American Airborne Division while the 82nd was "to land to the immediate west of the 101 st to prevent movement of enemy reserves to the east and west." Timed with out vertical landings were British operations involving one airborne division. Using the C-47 (the British called them Dakotas), Sterlings, and Horsa gliders, the British equivalent of 9th Troop Carrier, established protection for the left flank of the British beach by dropping its airborne load just where it was supposed to, at the set time and with slightly less than expected. For both nations, Troop Carrier made its mark. 4 The Operation-On 4 June, 1944 at 2134 hours, Lt. Col. Joel L. Crouch, commanding officer of 9th Troop Carrier Command Pathfinder and his pilot, Captain Vito S. Pedone, (current Director for the 9th AFA) reported their C-47 airborne. For the historically minded, that's the time the first plane was up-the tactical beginning of the liberation of Europe. Crouch and the two planes he led crossed the enemy coast, on the west shore of the Cherbourg Peninsula, at 0006 hours, 6 June-D-Day. At 0016 hours, Crouch dropped a stick of parachutists on the drop zone. There were six drop zones and there were six Pathfinder formations to mark them, each consisting of one flight. The specially trained crews of airborne infantry carried by these planes established certain radio navigational aids on the drop zones and showed marker lights for the guidance of pilots of the main column. Starting with Col. Crouch, the operation proceeded through 26 separate formations (called serials by Troop Carrier personnel) of paratroopcarrying planes, totalling 821 aircraft. After them were serials 27 and 28 totalling 103 more planes each of which towed one CG-4A glider. The paratroop-carrying planes transported payloads of 3,850 pounds including containers, supplies, equipment and troops. Once over the sea, they conscientiously gave the Navy every recognition signal they could think of. Despite the fact that our navies were all over the channel there was no repetition of the Sicilian error in which the Allied navy shot down Troop Carrier planes. As special equipment, our C-47s had flame dampers on exhaust outlets, the best navigational equipment that could be devised and flak suits for the See Blazing on page 5 Standing from left: Navigator William K. Culp, an unknown flight crew member, Commander Col. Joel Crouch, Pilot Vito Pedone. Seated from left: Flight Surgeon Edward E. Cannon, and Radio Operator Al Conrad. THENINTHAlRFoRcEAssocIATION,FALL 2005 ~----------------------Blazing from page 4 crew. There was no other armor or armament, and not one ship had a self sealing gasoline tank. Aircrews were up for between three-and-a-half and four hours during which time they, without exception, flew magnificent formation, navigated so well that there was not a single case of seriously mistaken drop, and they maintained radio silence assiduously. There were no lights in any of the planes, aircrews were dark-adapted and the only noise aside from that of the engines, came from the paratroops, most of whom sang all the way out. There were no abortions or tumbacks short of target, although one pilot made two passes and still couldn't find a DZ, so he brought his cargo home. Not more than a dozen other paratroops were brought back to base-all of them men who had been wounded by flak or small arms fire. The last paratroop serial, No. 26, dropped at 0244 hours while the first paratroops of the main column (as distinguished from Pathfinder crews) dropped at 0030 hours. The splitsecond timing in between was based on an airspeed of 150 mph except at drop. Naturally, glider tows made their approach considerably slower, although they carried no interior loads. Their CG-4As had payloads of 3,750 pounds, composed of troops, vehicles and equipment. Weather varied throughout the operation, but in the main it was favorable. Early planes reported ceiling down to about 1,000 feet despite the fact that forecast had been for a 3,000- foot ceiling. Later crews found ceiling going down as low as 500 feetnecessitating blind drops-while others found it up to 3,000 to 4,000 with moonlight breaking through. Wind was fresh but not strong; visibility good. It should be noted that as soon as the advance Pathfinder aircraft made their left turn over the Channel island to the direct approach to the six drop zones, it became necessary to make decisions to take or avoid action. According to Pedone, they could appreciate that the cloud was going to affect the success of the operations. The lead Pathfinder aircraft made the appropriate decision to avoid the clouds and most of the Troop Carriers followed the Pathfinders. By the time the first two passed that drop zone, most of the rear eshelon aircraft had already made the correction. Cloud cover was seven to 10 miles in length, three miles wide and 5,000 feet high floating at a ceiling of 500 to 700 feet above the DZ and moving very slowly. Inbound to England, the lead Pathfinder carrying Couch and Pedone, stopped at a designated military airport and reported directly in person to General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After the departure, they returned to base and reloaded. Earlier that evening, the entire area had been prepared by as heavy serial bombardment as could be dared without giving the whole show away. Tactical surprise was counted on-and achieved. All planes reported flak and two or three were seen to go down in flames, but the concentration of fire which the enemy could have mustered had he known was coming was definitely not there. Fighter cover-not escort, but high cover-was maintained over the entire THENINTHAlRFORCEASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 area and a small force of Mosquitoes hung around, bombing, dive-bombing and shooting at flak emplacements and searchlights. They rambled all over the coast and caused a few C-4 7 pilots to report enemy night fighters. They kept a lot of German heads down. As for enemy ground interference there was some worry about things called air landing obstructions which Jeny had placed all over the Cherbourg Peninsula. These are posts about ten or twelve feet high planted in likely landing zones. Some are pointed at the top and they frequently have barbed wire stretched between them. However, we know of no case in which our airborne loads were dumped on these obstructions. The gliders worried the command most because they came last of all - when presumably the enemy would be alerted - and because they had to fly so slow. However only one tow plane was lost and only four gliders were prematurely or improperly released. Their job was finished at 0408 hours, and Troop Carrier was through for a while. Began then what will always be remembered by a lot of us as the great sweating-out. There was for a long time no way to know what was happening to the men we'd dropped. 5 NINTH NEWS --------------- ---·---~--- ------------- -·--·---·-·--·----· ----------------·- Welcome 9th AFAPresiden~ Perry Lusby Perry Lusby was born and raised in Kentucky where he attended school throughout his scholastic career. He enlisted prior to the draft and entered the U.S. Army early in 1941, serving with the 1st Cav. Division at Ft. Bliss, Texas until he was accepted as an Aviation Cadet in 1942, serving primarily at Chickasha, OK, undergoing Advanced Training at Foster Field, TX, and graduating in class 43B destined for Rich-mond, VA where he trained for transition to the P-40 and P-47 aircraft. Perry was transferred to Wright Field, OH, to perform accelerated service tests on the P-47 and was reassigned to the 389th Squadron, 366th Fighter Group at Bluethenthal by Karen Spence tions. He was transferred to Carribean Air Command in late 1948 and further assigned as Senior Air Advisor to the Adjutant General of Puerto Rico and the PRANG until late 1953. He attended the Air Force Instrument Pilot Instructor Course and several senior management courses while serving at that assignment Perry returned to the states and was selected to head the F-86D Field, NC. In early 1943, he trained with that group until Newly appointed 9th AFA President Perry Lusby at home today. program but instead was sought to be the Wing Operations Officer at Like AFB, A'Z. He was then tapped to serve in Norway as a member of the MAAG to the RNAF in early 1955. From there, he was assigned to the 4 7 4th Tactical Fighter Wing at Cannon AFB, NM, where he served as assistant Wing Operations Officer where he was promoted to Colonel. overseas orders arrived in December of that year. Perry was promoted to Assistant Group Operations Officer enroute to England and to Group Ops Officer in April, 1944. He held that position until the end of hostilities in June, 1945. He returned to the states and was assigned as Commander of Matagorda Island Bombing and Gunnery Range until a hurricane wiped out that installation in August. Then, he was briefly assigned to Williams Field, AZ followed by Squadron Officers School at Tyndall Field, FL. From there, Perry was assigned to Lackland AFB, TX, where he served as assistant deputy for Division Opera- 6 Finally, Perry's career took him to Wing Deputy for Operations until 1962, then on to Director of Operations and Director of Fighter Tanker Reece, HQ 9th AF until early retirement in 1964 when he accepted a position of General Manager, Western Division of Scholastic Publishing Company until final retirement in 1982. Among Perry's 14 military decorations are included the DFC , Soldiers Medal, the Air Medal (with clusters), the Presidential Unit Citation Award and others. He flew 86 combat missions in the P-47 and a number of During his business career, Perry served as President of his local Cham- THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 ber of Commerce, Director of the Lions Club, Director of the local hospital and also as a director of his local country club. Perry is credited with serving on a number of community projects. Since final retirement, Perry has served on many local community oriented projects, traveled extensively, and enjoys fly fishing, golf and duplicate bridge. He's been an officer of the P-47 Pilots Assn and is currently a director of the 9th AFA. His wife, Mary, is an emergency room doctor and they have two sons with families of their own. The couple enjoy three grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. With such a successful military career under his belt, the 9th Air Force Association is grateful Perry accepted this position. We welcome Perry and his wife, and look forward to good things from them in the future. Editor's note-it is with regret that former President Michael Ingrisano resigned this position to take on more strenuous tasks of researching materials for an upcoming book. He and his wife, Nancy, were responsible for the success of our recent reunion in D.C. Thanks for your tireless work, Mike, and we wish you and Nancy much success in the future! LOOKING BACK ------- -------- ---- Sky roars with Yank p ---by William Randolph Hearst, Jr. Hearst Newpaper Group This is the second of a series of three articles by William Randolph Hearst, Junior, describing operations of the Ninth United States Air Force at an advanced fighter bomber field somewhere in Belgium. At an advanced Ninth U.S. Air Force fighter bomber field somewhere in Belgium, Nov. 25, 1944- The next day after my arrival, the sky was crystal clear, with the sun actually transmitting some warmth to the rain-soaked earth. There had not been a day like it for months around here and to use aviation terms it was "ceiling and visibility unlimited." As a consequence, everything in the American Air Force was up. The offensive all along the west was under way and an atmosphere of eagerness on the air bases to take advantage of the good weather was in evidence on every hand. In this group almost everybody went out at least twice. The same activity was duplicated at every other fighter and bomber field. The sky was literally roaring with planes the whole day. Add to this fighter-bomber activity supporting each army, medium bombers and heavies of the British and you may get a rough idea of the terrific aerial beating the Germans took all along the front from Holland to Switzerland. This was one day I wanted to be up in the air. Dull Moments Entirely Lacking Both Thunderbolt "piggyback" planes were being used operationally during the morning, but Lieutenant Colonel Paul Douglas assured me I would get a mission that afternoon. As it was, the morning never had a dull moment. My roommate, Lieutenant Remy L. Olson assigned to the first mission, was awakened at 5 o'clock. Having attended briefings and seen so many squadrons take off, I tried to roll over and get in a little more "sack time" as the boys call sleeping (derived from the bags we sleep in). My attempted slumbers were soon disturbed by the roar of planes just outside as the mechanics made preflight warm-ups all over the field. Finally Paul Douglas bounced in the room fully and sharply dressed as ever shouting "fire" at the top of his voice. I was washed and dressed and we went down to the squadron snack bar for breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and coffee. Right after that, we went to Lieutenant Colonel John D. Haeslers trailer with built-in stove-the nerve center of group operations. Actually the control tower is the first nerve center in every field but it is concerned only with the take off and the landing of the planes. Returning Plane Blazing The operations trailer, in addition to clearing all this information, has coming through it all orders from the higher command planning in advance future missions, the immediate status of all planes, instructions to all squadrons, flying and weather conditions and a multitude of complex details. We had no more than gotten inside when Johnny was notified from the control tower that one of our boys was returning from a mission with a fire in the right wing which had burned out and his hydraulic system and still burning in a tire. I followed his heels to a jeep and we raced across the muddy field to the tower. There by the radio, Johnny spoke to the pilot ascertaining from THE NmmAIRFoRcE AssocrATION, FALL 2005 him from the nature and extent of the fire then ordering the pilot to bring the ship in on its belly. Just outside an emergency fire truck stood by and as I saw the ship with its right wing flaming approaching the end of the runway, its wheels tucked up in preparation for a crash landing, I jumped on the back of the truck. The pilot brought the plane down leveling off about five feet above the ground and finally touching the runway amid a shower of sparks in the smoothest landing I have ever seen. Skids 500 Yards on Runway He must have been going 120 miles an hour because he skidded at least 500 yards, finally coming to a halt at the edge of the runway, a couple hundred yards away of our racing fire truck. I could see his propeller finally cease whirling as the tips of the blades, each bent back by striking the ground, came to a standstill. Pilot Lieutenant Edward Dame of Kittanning, Pa., piled out of the cockpit and got out of there in a hurry as we came alongside. The boys had their fire extinguishing hoses and shoes splitting off their spools almost before we came to a halt. Two other fire trucks as well as a couple of ambulances pulled up in a matter of seconds and soon the fire area was covered by a foamy white carbon dioxide the Army uses for extinguishing fires in planes. Everything about the plane is inflammable, such as gasoline, oil, rubber, ammunition, even aluminum, See Yank on page 8 7 and water is practically useless. After seeing that plane was not going to explode, the pilot returned to the cockpit and removed any portable pieces of equipment he had. The fire fighters were having a field day with their apparatus, splashing about the foam with the spray of three fire hoses. Half a dozen of the senior officers of the field were on the spot within a minute or two. I said the plane stopped at the edge of the runway. It was an example of the coolness with which lieutenant Dame handled the situation as it kept the runway clear, enabling the rest of the planes to use it on that clear flying day. Even as we stood there two Thunderbolts came roaring down the strip. Wind Nearly Causes Tragedy A gust of wind caught the one nearest us, slipping it over so that its wing barely missed hitting the damaged plane's wing by just about six inches. That was the first episode of a busy day. We went back to the operations trailer and listened to Johnny Haesler direct the movements of various flights. At a bomber field, there is generally one launch per day, employing all serviceable planes. Sometimes medium or light bombers will have two of these mass takeoffs. D-day was an exception as many medium groups flew three times. Fighter fields, however, particularly fighter bomber fields, fly in units of four, known as a flight, with three or four flights per squadron and three squadrons on the field. Fighting and dive bombing as they do in direct support and immediately in front of ground troops, their targets are often small installations, such as tanks or gun emplacements. Therefore they often fly four or eight planes to a mission. Thus instead of one big takeoff and a landing by the group as a whole, the field is alive all day with a small number of planes taking off and landing. Add to this practice flights by 8 Yank from page 7 new boys and test flights of newly overhauled motors and you have a damned busy runway. Right of Way Given Aircraft Crossing the perimeter of the track or runway necessitates having a combined air and ground traffic MP at each intersection. As planes always have the right of way, you often have to wait five or 10 minutes going to your barracks or mess in a jeep. This may give you some idea of traffic around a station on a busy day. After the episode of the belly landing, I went over and listened to a couple of briefings of outbound missions and interrogation of returning flyers. Between these we were standing outside soaking up a little sunshine, when three Douglas transport planes, each towing gliders, approached at about 1,000 feet. They were flying into a 40 m.p.h. breeze and appeared barely moving through the sky above us. Even as we watched them approaching, one of the tow lines broke and we spent the next few minutes sweating out the glider; it seemed for a while as though he wouldn't be able to stretch out his glide sufficiently to make the field. He did, though, as his tow plane circled the field like a mother bird watching over its young. Tow Ships Make Safe Landing Two other sets of planes also made a wide turn and one of their gliders cut loose and landed on the field. The third took up its course again but in a little while all three tow planes landed on the field. It seems that the last one tried to go on but the wind at that altitude apparently also cut its tow lines. The morning's unscheduled events on the ground reminded me of a crack made by a telephone operator in the picture, "Grand Hotel." After about a dozen incidents, occurring one after another, the girl looks up at some one standing by the switchboard and says facetiously, "You see nothing ever happens at the Grand THE NINTIJ AIR FoRCE Assoc!ATION, FALL 2005 Hotel." To complete the morning, while sitting in the operations trailer about 11:30 a.m., Haesler, who had been talking to the flying control tower turned and said laconically, "Hank Mazur and his gang have been in a fight. They ought to be back in a couple of minutes." So Technical Sergeant Don Facka, of public relations, and I went over to their pilots' room to wait for their return. I didn't realize it, but so few Luftwaffe came up nowadays, that a good dogfight, which all boys hope they'll get mixed up in, is an exceptional occurrence. With the dive bombing and strafing they do, their greatest danger is from flak. For example, when we busted in, I asked Lieutenant Gener Kesting if Captain Mazur was in yet. "No, he's not. What's up?" he asked. I told him they had been bounced by some Jerries and gotten into a fight. He snatched off his little overseas cap and banging it on the floor said "Nothing like that ever happens to me. That Mazur draws Jerries like flies. I've had 71 missions with this gang, and I have never yet seen a Jerry plane." Score: 5 Down, 3 Damaged They came in the door just then, Captain Mazure, once captain of the 1942 West Point football team, and a bunch of his "panser busters," including First Lieutenant Robert E. Caldwell, of Roseville, Calif., First Lieutenant Joseph L. Williams, of Kentucky, and Second Lieutenant Bryce A. Raiston, of North Dakota. One of their boys had been shot down when they had been jumped by 15 or 20 FW-190s just after bombing at low altitude. Between them, they had gotten five and damaged three more. The poor intelligence officer, Lieutenant Ted Skalto, was trying to get a coherent story out of them, but they were so full of their own and their See Yank page 15 New execs take hrl at 9th AFA by Ray Lowman Director, 9th AFA Folks, we have had several has held all the officer positions and changes in our officer and board chairman of many committees. He member staff has been a mentor to all of us who have since our last issue of the Flyer. Stan Stepnitz resigned as Chairman of the Board and Board Member. He was replaced by Lloyd JOhnson. Mike Ingrisano, Jr. resigned as President and Board Member and was replaced by Perry Lusby. The new officers and board members were nominated and unanimously approved by your Board during their September meeting at Shaw AFB, SC. Stan Stepnitz resigned for health reasons and a residence move to be close to aging relatives. Stan has served us well over served you. We appreciate him assuming the office of Chairman once again. Mike Ingrasino, Jr. resigned to devote his time to extensive research and writing. Mike has written several books and many articles .. He has been at the forefront in setting the record straight regarding World War II history. Mike has served our Association as a Board Member, Vice President and President. This years convention in Washington, D.C. was many years as a Board Member, Vice President, President and Chairman. Always at the forefront in volunteering for special and challenging projects such as Col. Ray Lowman USAF (Ret) 9th AFA Director one of our best and an example of his superb leadership. We also recognize the contributions made by his wife Nancy who kept things organized and running smoothly at establishing and maintaining our Web Site. He has been instrumental in establishing support for our Association from top echelon active duty, which included present and former Ninth Air Force Commanders and the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. I think you all know Lloyd Johnson as a founding member of the Ninth Air Force Association and a dedicated supporter and contributor since. He the convention. Their service and dedication to our objectives is appreciated and will be missed. Perry Lusby comes to us as a long time 9AFA and Ninth Air Force Member. In fact he was the Director of Operations at Ninth Air Force Headquarters, Shaw AFB when he retired as full Colonel. I have known and been a close friend of Perry since our cadet days. Believe me when I say we are fortunate to have him as our President. THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 .. 1ngs We regret to inform you of the following passings since our last publication. May they rest in peace ... CV1330 Hugo E. Pressnal Deceased: 5/22/04 363FG, 681FS V2862 John J. McDonough Deceased: 4/12/03 3rd Sqdron, Instrument Specialist 686 A3796 Robert L. Stuart Deceased: 1/17 /03 363FG, 381FS CV1276 James W. Laughlin Deceased: 6/12/05 362FG, 377FS CV1365 John E. Connor Deceased: 2004 404FG, 508FS V3262 Frederick G. Vosburgh 19TAC, HQ Deceased: Unknown See Wings page 10 9 CS>~ 1'."""'~«aj£,, ~"'-- ~" "So-~~,.., ~ c ~·~ "l!' -· ·;:''"JI;~:) ~= ~ '&>~r ~ ~ ~ >" "' "" "'(.;=~~-~"-"- Things we find interesting on the internet are found here with no commendation to the author or guarantee of ownership. The following information passed muster with "Ask Jeeves" so we're passing it along. -------- ------~ What's in your wallets? A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company. Consider part or all of it for future action. 1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks. 2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED." 3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it. 4. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a P.O. Box, use your work address. Never have your social security number printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it. 5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. Also carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards. Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive, monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you orsomeone you know: 1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them. 2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).But here's what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.)3. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away.This weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks. Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen: Equifax: 1-800-525-62852. Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888- 397-37423. Trans Union: 1-800-680-72894. Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271 We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about! --·----------------·------------------- Wings from page 9 V3454 Bernard (Ben) R. Baker Deceased: 4/1/05 48FG, 493FS CV2154 William E. McFadden Deceased: 5/7 /04 442TG, 303TCS CV Bob V Barker Deceased: 11/11/04 Our thoughts and prayeres are extended to these members' family and friends. -----------------··---- -------------------- 10 THE NINTH AIR FoRcEAssoc1ATION, FALL 2005 _, My~on AS I SEE IT .~ by Coert Munk Dutch Dakota Assn., Holland Editor's Note: Jan Bos first came to our attention through Orv Iverson and his letter may be found in the "Letters" section of this edition. He is the editor of Dutch Dakota Association in Holland and was interviewed recently about his passion for collecting WWII information and memorabilia. The format is Q & A and The Flyer has received permission from Mr. Bos to reprint the story. T his time is Jan Bos the person in the spotlight. Jan is a reliable editor of the Dutch Dakota Association and his specialty is the Dakota, flown by the Yankees on various fronts in World War II. Q: What is the most beautiful location of your hometown? A: The skyline of Nijmegen. It can be viewed when you drive across the Waal River bridge into town. It gives the feeling that you are getting home. A: A book, titled A soldier s story written by Arthur G. Kroos. He is a veteran of the 80th AA/AT Battalion, 82nd Airborne Division. Kroos was in his CG-4A Waco glider enroute to the landing zones at Groesbeek. The C- 47 was shot down by German antiaircraft fire over SchouwenDuiveland islands (west coast of Holland). The crew of the C-4 7, the gliderpilot and the glider riders were captured by the Germans. Captain Kroos was liberated in 1945. Q: Who would One crew member you like to med in person? Jan Bos, 2004, in the cockpit of his old passion: was killed in the The Dakota/C-47. Now in the cockpit of the PH-DDZ (picture Paul vand en Berg) crash. A: This is a difficult question, since there are many interesting persons on the globe to ask questions. Many of them are American World War II veterans, now 80-85 years old. When there is possibilty to meet one in person, I will get in touch with him or her. Q: Who do you like the most?. A: That is an easy question. My family: my wife Ans, our daughter Judith, her husband Arnello and their daughter Renee, our first grandchild; and our youngest daughter Linda and Dennis, her boyfriend. Our children live in Nijmegen and we see them a lot. Every Tuesday Ans and I are babysitting. Q: What is on your pedestal cupboard? Q: What is the news of the day? A: There are several subjects in the news that are of interest. One of the subjects is the civil war in Sudan. Nobody (world leaders) seems to care of this conflict; then the PalestineIsraeli conflict in Gaza and of course the war in Iraq. Q: With whom would you like to change for a day? A: Andre Kuipers and especially the day he flew around the globe. (Andre is a Dutch astronaut). Q: Why did you become a volunteer of the Dutch Dakota Association? A: I would like to inform others about my hobby: the history of the C-47 s and their crew members, I would like THE NINrn AIR FoRcE AssocrATION, FALL 2005 to share the stories and pictures with the readers of the Dakota Magazine Q: What bothers you? A: Aggression in traffic and the conduct of football [soccer] supporters/ vandalism and similar problems. Q: What do you do when you witness aggression? A: Try to make an arrest. I am a cop and this is my job. But keep an eye on my personal safety Q: What is so important for you about your hobby? A: To keep the old plane flying and keep her history alive for this and future generations. 11 MOTION by Lloyd Johnson, that Perry Lusby be elected President of the 9th Air Force Association. Second by Rosvold, motion approved, effective at the close of this meeting. MOTION by Stan Stepnitz that Lloyd Johnson be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors. Second by Lusby, motion approved, effective at the close of this meeting. Chairman Stepnitz said that last April he wrote to all the 9th Air Force former commanders, asking their ideas and assistance in getting more members into our Association, with varying answers. Gen. Charles F. Wald had the best answer: "Please don't take the declining numbers to indicate something is wrong with the group. You touched on a few of the reasons why the organizations' numbers are declining. Let me suggest a few more that need our consideration. Since the 1980s, our total Air Force population has decreased significantly. We have fewer and fewer folks that are eligible to be members. Secondly, our folks in the 9th remain constantly deployed. Since the first Gulf War, the 9th Air Force has been the Air Force's linchpin to all deployment supporting Central Command. It's a full time job that offers little time to participate in an outside organization. But, there are a few actions we could take to sustain and improve membership. 1. Open membership to our corporate friends. We have a large group of Corporate partners providing aircraft systems, right on up to satellites, to help make the 9th Air Force of today GREAT. Let's get them involved in our heritage and way ahead. 2. Let's make all active duty airmen of all 9th Air Force to include all our Wings, immediate temporary members. After their initial tour, normally three years, focus on getting them to be official members, paying dues and active in all activities. 3. Finally, let's work on the Lifetime Membership perspective, for 12 Secretary from page 3 corporate, active and civilian membership. We need it to be affordable, but used to encourage active participation. These are just a few ideas for increasing membership. I am encouraged about what you do and I know we can improve on the long term membership growth. Stay in touch." Gen. Michael Moseley, current Chief of Staff of the U. S. Air Force: "Thank you so much for informing me of the 9th AFA fading numbers. I agree with you. It is important to keep membership strong, as the 9th AF is too historical and proud to be forgotten. I would like to help in any way I can. Please let me know where I can be of assistance. Let's make the 9th AFA the strongest it's ever been.Count me in." From HQ US European Command, Deputy Commander Gen.Charles F. Wald ... "I am delighted to hear that the Board members are answering positively about necessary changes through Board action at your next meeting. We will distribute the Ninth Flyer that you provided to those in our command. Best wishes for a super convention and good luck and best wishes for the future. 6. D-Day Briefing Charts. Stan Stepnitz discussed the D-Day Briefing charts used by the 9th Air Force telling all the 9th Air Force what to do on DDay. The charts were uncovered by a man whose relative had received these original briefing charts, put them in a file, then died. That file cabinet was found many years later and it contained these 1944 D-Day briefing charts. Years were spent verifying the accuracy of the charts. They have been authenticated and deemed by Mr. Grant Hales, historian, to be one of the Air Force's "Crown Jewels." The charts have since been sealed in mylar for preservation. We of the 9thAFA, have been asked if we are interested in obtaining the charts. Stan will contact the owner and attempt to acquire the documents. 7. Secretary's Report. After short review, the Minutes of Board of THE NINTH AIR FoRcEAssoc1ATION, FALL 2005 Directors meeting in Arlington, VA., May 5, 2005, were approved. 8. Treasurer's Report. Chairman Stepnitz read the report sent by Paul O'Dell. Detailed copy of Treasurer's report is attached to these minutes. MOTION made that Treasurer's Report be approved as presented. Motion approved. Paul suggested that we reduce the number of Flyers that we have printed - due to decline in members. From 1,250 to 1, 100. After discussion it was concluded that because the cost of printing is the same for 1,250 is the same as 1,100, no change should be made. Paul asked for permission to mail a few "leftover" copies of the FLYER, at his expense, to some loyal members who have been with us from the beginning who are now unable to pay dues. The Board agreed that is a good idea. We could also distribute extra copies to Public Libraries, Air Force bases, Base Commanders, etc. MOTION made to have five extra copies of the FLYER sent to each Director (more if needed) for distribution as outlined above. Motion approved. Paul said that he would like to --See Secretary on page 13 _I' proceed with the transfer of management of the CDs from Ray Lowman to the treasurer, as they had previously discussed. MOTION made that management of the CDs be turned over to Treasurer Paul O'Dell whenever he and Ray Lowman can make the change. Motion approved. 9. Board Membership. Lloyd Johnson discussed the urgent need for our organization to get more members, younger members, and especially, younger Board members, so we can get their ideas and view points on ways to entice new members. Perhaps a committee should be formed. There are many people retiring out of the 9th AF every day. We need to pursue those men and women to get them interested and hopefully on the Board. They could confer on things of interest to the younger generation so we could follow up on their ideas. Vito Pedone stated we need a series of articles telling the stories of veterans in all the wars since WWII, particularly the last 15 years, to be published in the base newspapers as well as the FLYER. This will have to be encouraged by the base commanders and public relations officers saying "this is what we will do" to help keep the 9th AFA alive and perpetuate it for future generations. Perhaps we could find some college students interested in history to work on this project. Along this line, any one of us who knows an Air Force person who has recently returned from Iraq could interview them and write a story for our Flyer, or the base newspapers. Stan said he would talk to his friend Dave Worley, Chief of the D.C. National Guard, and ask for his personal story. Marvin suggested a theme of especially honored people of the 9th AF. Perhaps using biographies of the 9th AFA Great Warrior recipients for a series. 10. Future Conventions: 2006, Lloyd Johnson reported that he is now the --- Secretary from page 12 Chairman of the 2006 Convention which will be a joint effort with the B- 26 Marauder Historical Society. He is working with David Miller, President of the Marauder's. The convention headquarters will be the Crown Plaza Hotel, Dayton, Ohio, Thursday, August 24 to Monday, August 28, 2006. Mr. Miller says they have a contract with a management company to negotiate rates with the hotel. Details will be provided as they become available. 2007-Convention will be held in Colorado Springs. Lloyd Johnson is Chairman. He will work with the local Convention Bureau to secure a hotel, and date to be in mid-May, 2007. 2008-Mobile, Alabama. Ray Lowman is Chairman and has done a lot of preliminary planning. 2009-Vito Pedone discussed possibility of a cruise. Consensus of the Board was positive. Vito volunteered to put together a package of cruise information with no specific dates including costs from home through cruise and return home. Vito discussed the possibility of having a reunion of the 9th AF Pathfinders, 101 st Airborne Pathfinders, 82nd Airborne Pathfinders, and Troop Carrier groups (27) of the 9th Air Force, within the next two years. That should encompass about 3,000 people. If this comes about, it would be the last Airborne/Pathfinder Reunion. Vito will follow up and report at next meeting. 11. Plaques-Lloyd Johnson reported that the 9th AFA Memorial plaque will be installed on the wall at Colorado Springs soon. When we meet in Colorado Springs for the 2007 Convention, the plaque will be covered, then unveiled during our dedication ceremony. Discussion about putting a 9th AFA plaque at Dayton AF Museum. Cost would be approximately $1,500 to $2,000. MOTION by Lloyd Johnson that we investigate the cost and logistics of installing a 9th AFA Memorial plaque THE NINTH AIR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 at the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum at Dayton, Ohio. Seconded, Motion approved. Lloyd said that he would volunteer to do this. Lloyd discussed plaque or memorial at Chanute AFB Museum in Rantoul, IL. He showed a photo of an 8th Air Force memorial in that museum in the shape of a folding easel with model airplanes attached at Chanute, and suggested that we could do something similar for our organization. This display could be used at other museums. Marvin volunteered to investigate cost, etc., and report to next Board meeting. 12. Memorials. Vito talked about the Air Force Memorial in Washington, D. C., and said we need a plaque installed there. 13. The FLYER: Stan asked for comments for improvement or changes to the Flyer. Marvin said that he would like to see the official drawing of the 9th APA logo on the cover. The correct drawing is as shown on the cover of the Membership Directory. The shape of the "9" is different. Marvin has furnished the official drawing to Karen. Vito said he has sent his story about DDay to Karen. 14. Other business: 9th APA Board of Directors meet twice a year. After much discussion, about date of next Board meeting, it was agreed that 2006 Board meetings will be in Spring, and at Dayton Convention in August. 2007 Board meetings will be at Colorado Springs Convention in May and a Fall meeting. MOTION by Marvin Rosvold to hold 2006 Spring Board meeting in Omaha, NE. After discussion, Motion was withdrawn. MOTION by Stan Stepnitz to hold 2006 April/May Board meeting in St. Louis, MO. Motion approved. Base Exchange: Karen has been notified that she should delete the Base Exchange pages from the FLYER. In May 2005, Frank Lewis, keeper of See Secretary on page 20 13 ---, ___ Blazing from page 5 The only signal received from the airborne troops was a panel marker placed at the appointed time indicating where they wanted resupply and reinforcement. This operation, which had been decided on as part of the original plan, began before dusk on D-Day. Two hundred and eight C-47's towing 172 Horsa gliders of British manufacture (carrying 6,900 pounds) and 36 American CG-4A's crossed the Channel between 2110 hours and 2310 hours. The gliders caiTied additional elements of the airborne divisions already landed as well as items of resupply - ammunition, food - and some heavy equipment to our waiting troops. The following morning, D-plus- 1, 48 Horsas and 150 CG-4A's were released over the same spot; 249 other C-47's dropped supplies. Thus the air phase of the airborne operations to "assist in the initial assault and prevent enemy troop movements from east to west" ended at 0900 hours on D-plus- 1. The entire operation had involved 1,371 sorties by 9th Troop Carrier planes, plus 301 by gliders. Operation BackgroundBasically, the operation succeeded so brilliantly because 9th Troop Command received what every Troop Carrier outfit had been seeking since the beginning. For once, a troop carrying organization was permitted to devote itself to training for its combat assignment instead of indulging in freight hauling right up to the moment of action. The 9th had its own equipment and was not forced-as in the early Mediterranean operations-to use mixed, tired and foreign aircraft. Moreover, the high command planning for the operation took into account the various special requirementsadequate time in which to prepare for the particular operation, as well as for operations as a team under varying conditions, a well-marked route to objective, fighter protection and bombardment diversion. Coordination of the pre-invasion training and of the actual D-Day operations was achieved through the Allied Expeditionary Air Force Headquarters which controlled both 9th Troop Carrier Command and its RAF equivalent. The 9th remained under the 9th Air Force for administration and discipline, but this channel was bypassed for operations-orders went straight from AEAF to 9th TC. Troop Carrier, after years of being mistaken for the Air Transport Command (which properly has no part of carrying through and into combatTroop Carrier's job) and after suffering a great many lean days, made the grade-with plenty of room to spare. One of the most important jobs in the invasion was that of Pathfinder units which pointed the way for troop carriers and gliders. Briefly, their job is to do for Troop Carrier planes taking tatget of Rx fraud Veterans are receiving calls from a company identifying itself as the "Patient Care Group." This company is claiming that the veteran's prescriptions are now being dispensed through them and if they wanted to continue to receive their medications, they would need to provide a credit card number. 14 The Veterans Administration has not changed the process of receiving and dispensing prescriptions. This phone scam company is committing illegal interstate wire transfer (a federal offense) and veterans are asked to immediately hang up and try tracing the number from which they called you by THE NINTH AIR FORCE AssoCIATION, FALL 2005 troops into enemy territory what RAF pathfinders do for their night bombers-mark the target so the main forces can find it without delay and without error. To do the job, they had planes and crews carefully chosen from among the best in all the groups that made up 9th Troop Carrier Command. Additionally, special equipment was designed to assist in navigation-stateof- the-art for the time. At the end of each column was a flight of Pathfinder aircraft which was assigned to fly at night, probably in the face of enemy opposition. It was the job of this lead flight to hedgehop below 500 feet or so, keeping under the enemy's radar field, and fly directly to the 500 yard by 500 yard field which was assigned to them. There, they dropped special Pathfinder teams of Airborne Infantry at precisely the right moment. In such planes, there is the usual crew consisting of a pilot, copilot, navigator, radio operator and crew chief-but all trained for their special jobs. The crew of each ship would work out the problem and be briefed to carry on in case the other two don't get there. Each aircrew member had between 30 and 60 hours of special Pathfinder instruction. The 9th Troop Carrier Command made history by carrying out the largest airborne operation ever attempted and by doing it with maximum efficiency and minimum loss. dialing *69. (This may be another number in your area. Check the front, information pages of your telephone directory to determine the numbers by which you may try to trace.) If you do receive the number, contact Cindy Gaylord, VA Public Affairs Specialist, North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System, direct line: (386) 754- 6302, FAX: (386) 758-6005, cellphones: (386) 365-2477 or (352) 258-6242. -----· -----~--- buddies' exploits that they talked all at the same time. Ralston's plane had been somewhat shot up. His radio had gone out and flying four abreast, quite wide apart as is thier custom, he had not heard the boys warn him of the attack. The first thing he knew was he was being shot by a Jerry on his tail. He got a few bullets through his ship which almost rendered it uncontrollable and he said he was thinking of jumping, but being an old-timer, he dove for the ground, "hit the deck" as they say, and started for home. Mazure was griping like the devil because he had gotten two Jerries in his sights and missed them both-the first time he had ever missed completely in a fight. Oddly enough, throughout the fight, German flak blazed away and no one knew whether they were being chased or chasing the Hun. One of the Jerry pilots bailed out on the way down and they were kidding one kid that his victory shouldn't count as the pilot got away. Yank from page 8 It may sound a little cold blooded, but actually there is no feeling other than that of youthful excitement and enthusiasm. By the time they finished their interrogation and critique, it was time for lunch. The pilots of all three squadrons eat together and these boys, being the envy of all others, were hardly able to get any food into them for answering their questions and retelling their experiences. ·Williams had gotten two, and Caldwell, Diman and Ralston one each. Ralston got his after he peacefully headed for home in his shot-up plane. Suddenly, a P-47 Thunderbolt shot by him with a Fockewulf 190 on its tail. He swerved his ship a little and shot down the 190. Just about the time a squadron of our P-38 Lightnings dived in, the Jerries took off. Mazure was mad because he missed a couple but not nearly as much as I who had missed the whole show. My only consolidation was that I was going up right after lunch. Parting shots We had a bit of space to share with you a couple more pictures of the fun we had at Convention. Here's part of our group during Sen. Bob Dole's speech at the memorial service for the 60th anniversary of VE-Day. A bronze of FDR at the President's Memorial. Note the right forefinger is discolored from constant touching. Become a partner in the greatest militaty organization in the world Join the 9th Air Force Association Today! ~------~~----=----------~~~--~~-----~-~~--- Dues: Annua/$20 (USA); $25 (Outside USA) Utetime:$200 (up to age 50); $175 (Age 50-70); $150 (Age 70-79); $125 (Age 80 & up); Clip and send to: Paul O'Dell, 9AFA Treasurer, $500-Silver Eagle Life; $1,000-Golden Eagle Life. 9th Air Force Association www.ninthairforceassoc.org I Membership Application I --- -(date) Referred by _____ (Initials & Mem. #) I apply for membership in the Ninth Air Force Association as: A Veteran of 9thAF 0 Active duty of the 9thAF 0 An Associate who supports the purposes of 9AFA (Non-voting) My Name:--------------- SpouslJ-.------------~Country: ____ _ Address· City: ______ State_· _____ Zip_· ___ _ Home Phone: Bus.Phone: Fa/'<.-·------ E-maih-:----- if you have an alternating (winter/summer) address, please list with phone AND the months at each location. List the 9th AF organizations to which you were assigned: (use separate sheet if needeu+-----------------My Primary 9th AF Unit Number & Typ~·---------------------------- (e.g., Wing, Group, Sqdn., TAC, Hqtrs, Btn, Co, Depot, etc.) Location Approximate dates of assignment Military Specialties: Civilian Career Specialties_· ___________ _ Associates- Your 9AF relatives or special 9AF interest: _________________________ _ THENINTHAIR FoRcEAssoc1ATION, FALL 2005 15 Stepnitz steps down This is to advise you that as of now, I am resigning from the Board of Directors of the Ninth Air Force Association. Be further advised that I do so with a heavy heart. I have loved working on the Board and trying to do whatever I could to promote the Association and the 9th Air Force/USCENTAF. Why? I am in the process of leaving the State of Maryland and returning to my home state of Michigan. It is not that I only love that state, I have a brother and a sister in Michigan in less than desirable condition of health. I want to spend more time with them and cannot do so living so far from them. Needless to say, the move will be difficult in more than one way. But, it must be done. In closing, I know the Association will be in good hands. There are indications it will soon start to grow. Good luck to you and yours. Respectfully, Stan Stepnitz, former Chairman WWII 9th in the ETO I am writing to ask for your help in finding information about 9th AAF "Reece" personnel assigned to detached service to coordinate support for ground troops, do BDA, interpret photo & grid info for artillery and front line troops. My Dad, Cpl. P. M. Larkin (Photographer/ Aerial Photographer), served with 30th PRS, and was among J 2 from his squadron to be assigned such duties. As his official Army records were destroyed in the St. Louis fire of "76, and Detached Service largely went undocumented anyway, I'm having a great deal of difficulty trying to document hisservice. I know that he and another from his Squadron, I think it was Sgt. Steven Matuska, were assigned to take motion 16 to the pictures of the carpet bombing during operation Cobra breakout from the St. Lo area on 24/7 /44. Being on high ground 500 yds in front of the allied line (after a 1200 yd pull back for bombing) he was injured in the back-bombing incident that killed some 600 allied servicemen. There are several other events, but I guess there should be record of medical treatment at a field hospital, particularly as medics removed one of his dog-tags. Anyway, if you could point me in the right direction, I'd greatly appreciate it. Regards, Joe Larkin Cali for memorabilia Greetings from Nijmegen. My name is Jan Bos, 51 years old, married, my wife and I have two daughters, one granddaughter. I am an amateur historian on Troop Carrier history. I collect all kind of data, stories and pictures of the aircrew members, the C-46s and C-47's and C- 53 's that dropped paratroopers, towed gliders, evacuated wounded from the front lines and supplied the troops. I am in touch with many Troop Carrier veterans or next-of-kin. Received your name and e-mail address from a friend in the 436th Troop Carrier Group. Since the Troop Carrier Groups belonged to the 9th US Air Force, thought I might include you in my Troop Carrier e-mail contact list. Thank you for your time and all the best Jan Bos Editor's note: Thanks to Orv Iverson for forwarding the above letter to us. I'm sure many of you will enjoy THE NINTl-1 AIR FoRcE AssocJATION, FALL 2005 getting to know Jan who apparently has a wealth of information to share. If you're interested in finding out what it was like for a regular GI in WWII, check out Orv's WWII story and see his online photos: http ://home.earthlink.net/ -iversonom/index.html or use a search engine like Google under Iverson,Orv's WWII story. Looking for loved ones Editor's note: The following are emails from people looking for surviving loved ones or information on lost relatives. Some are from Europeans whose English is not so good so we're publishing exactly as sent without editing. Should you be able to help, please contact the writers personally. By conducting a Google search for '555th Signal Air Warning,' I found your web page. My step-father was serving with the 555th Signal Battalion (SAW), Company B during WWII. He said they were attached to the 8th AF and later to the 9th AF. He is now deceased and I am taking my mother to a reunion of surviving Company B servicement and their wives. I would like to find out as much as I can about the 555th and SAW, to share the information at the reunion. Can anyone direct me or provide advice on where I may find this information? Sara Clarkson My name is Ben Harrison, I have a WWII A2 Bomber jacket with the insignias of the 9th Army Air Force and the 526th Fighter Bomber Sq and the 86th Fighter Bomber Group (the latter two insignias are the same). I am wondering if you know anyone who collects and conserves these relics and who might be interested in acquiring it. Ben Harrison United Kingdom ---- - See Letters on pagel 8 "" leadership from page 1 By now, you've heard or read about the Boeing scandal. Criticism from Senator McCain forced Secretary Roche to resign his post last November and he retired in January. Roche was the most vocal proponent of the Raptor program, but McCain challenged he was "unfit to serve." McCain criticized Roche and others, like General Gregory "Speedy" Martin, for their handling of a plan to lease modified 767 aircraft from Boeing as aerial refueling jets. For some time, the Air Force found itself under the shadow of probes and investigations into billions of dollars of spending, following last year's conviction of Darleen Druyun, a former civilian negotiator who admitted to and was convicted of steering four contracts to Boeing in exchange for jobs for her and her family. The Air Force Times article stated a Defense Science Board task force examined Air Force acquisition authority and whether the service had in place the necessary checks and balances. And due to the scandal, the Air Force found itself under fire from defense companies complaining they unfairly lost contracts to Boeing based on Druyun's admissions in court. On 1 October 2004, she was sentenced to nine months in federal prison. According to State Department records, Druyun worked as the principal deputy assistant for acquisition for 10 years, often without direct oversight, before leaving the Air Force in November, 2002. She admitted to pumping up the price of the 767 tankers as a "parting gift" to Boeing and handing the company more than $4.5 billion in contracts that might have gone to other firms had the competitions been fair. Included in the contracts was a $4 billion deal to upgrade the avionics of the C-130 cargo aircraft. Overseeing hundreds, if not thousands of contract executions, the Times articles states Druyan's actions have prompted Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems and L-3 Communications to log complaints. Since then, more defense contractors may have jumped aboard to the tune of billions of dollars. To date, the GAO is investigating and handling the protests and other investigations are ongoing. The Defense Department inspector general has examined two contracts won by Boeing and awarded in October, 2003, which Druyan worked on and the investigation will extend to anything auditors find "suspicious," according to the article. The Times claims the clash with McCain has cost the Air Force leadership the credibility needed to be effective advocates for Air Force priorities. Even General Jumper's last days were weakened. And because the tanker scandal wrapped up so many officers and civilians, the Air Force found itself in a political duck-andcover mode. When the article broke, the Air Force's revolving door was expected to usher in a change in chief of staff, as Jumper was due to change command later in the year. Two of the primary candidates to take Jumper's spot, General Martin and General Michael Moseley, Jumper's vice Chief of Staff, were embroiled in McCain's hunt for answers on the tanker deal. Now, with time passed, we know that General Jumper has retired, and in an exclusive to the 9th Flyer, General Martin told me he will retire by year's end. At press time, "Speedy" had hung up his stars on 1 September. General Mosley has been appointed to fill General Jumper's shoes and hopefully, the flap is over and things may return to normal. Or will they? The clash with McCain has cost the Air Force leadership the credibility needed to be effective advocates for Air Force priorities. And it's a shame it all happened. I personally know General Martin. I had the opportunity to meet THE NINTH AIR FoRcE AssocIATION, FALL 2005 him during a one-on-one interview a couple of years ago and was reacquainted with him this summer during a party hosted by Eglin AFB 's base commander, Major General and Mrs. Robert "Chet-Bob" Chedister at their home. (What is it about these flyers and their ludicrous nicknames? I don't get it!) Anyway, I told "Speedy" Martin how much I had hoped he'd receive the appointment. Why not? He's one of the most personable people I've run across. Friendly. Genuine. One hell of a guy who always has a smile on his face. He became embroiled in the scandal simply through association. He worked under Druyun and although I'm not privy to his actions or inactions over the deal, in my opinion he'd have been the ideal man to bring back the credibility the Air Force lost over the scam. Although he seemed a bit saddened by mentioning the news to me, he agreed, "God has something better in store for me at this time in my life and I'm anxious to find out what it is." Meantime, during the convention banquet in D.C., I had the pleasure of asking General Jumper about his thoughts on 1) the hunt for his successor and 2) what his recommendations were to return lost credibility to the Air Force's leadership as a whole. "We are now seeing confirmations come through," he said in May, "and while some in the Senate say she (Druyun) couldn't do this by herself and that other people had to be helping, I can guarantee that any of the people I work with day in and day out, wouldn't put up with that for a minute if they knew what was going on. "Regardng civilians, it's going to be tougher. These civilians come out of high paying jobs and they divest themselves from very profitable stocks to come and work for the government. As we've seen, when you work for the government, you get dragged through --See Leadership page 18 17 H., 1. Letters from page i 6 Looking for old friends of 1st Lt. Lester E. Barton, died March 18, 1945. He was a B-26 Marauder pilot. Let me know if anyone knew him. Thank you Judy Holland Hi: My father, Dean M. Lauderback, was a member of the 9th Air Force, 86th Air Depot Group, 22nd Depot Repair Sq, during WWII. I think he might be interested in your organization. Is there a charge for membership. Do you have any other veterans of his particular unit in your roster? And, for my benefit, is there any way of finding out the particular history of that unit, such as where and when they were the cactus, so it's easy for them to say 'no, I'll stick with my high paying job and pass up the abuse,'" he added. So where does this leave us? in an article appearing in the online site Defence Talk, Jumpers successor, Gen. T. Michael Moseley commented on the future of the Air Force and the leadership we'll need to keep it at the top of all the services combined. He said for this goal to be achieved, there are a number of challenges that must first be met: focus on fighting the war on terrorism, continue to develop Airmen and recaptialize and modernize the inventory. He added that since we've been fighting terrorism for a number of years now, an air of complacency should be avoided at all costs. "Let me be clear: We cannot now, nor ever, lose sight of the fact that the mission of the United States Air Force is to fly and to fight," General Moseley said in the article. "We fly and we fight ... that's what we do. "We clearly have the best people 18 stationed, etc.? Any info will be appreciated and thanks, Ken Lauderback Help in search informations on P- 47 serial 42-76460 (371th FG. 405th FS.) pilot Lieutenant Robert A Mezzeti, killed in action the 2 August, 1944 near of Rennes (Brittany) France. The Lieutenant R.A. Mezzeti to be in niission with the Lieutenant William McCormick Jr. Thank you in advance, Jean-Paul Favrnis Good morning, I came across your web pages and I'm looking for infonnation. My dad served in Europe with the 791 st leadership from page i 7 in the world," he said. "If we are going to ask our Airmen to defend this nation, then we owe it to them to give them the best opportunities for career development ... and give them the best possible standard of living and the best possible training," he added. The general said the Air Force must continue to make the training more realistic and find the right mix of joint, coalition and composite force training. For the Air Force to train and fight, it has to have the proper equipment to ensure mission success. "Old equipment is not a new problem," General Moseley said. "We are operating the oldest inventory of aircraft in our history. The average age of the fleet has gone from 8 1/2 years old in 1967 to an average of 23 1/2 years old today, he said. General Moseley commented on the way ahead for the Air Force and the four points that will drive its future. "The future total force must be not only adaptable to today's fight, but THE NINTH AIR FORCE AssocIATION, FALL 2005 Artillery, AA. He said they were attached to the 9th Air Force. He said he didn't understand the connection. Would anyone have any insight into this? Thanks, Jim Naumec Dear Sir, I came across your association webpage in search of information about my father's service during WWII. Perhaps you can help me locate some info about his career. He was stationed in Madison, WI (1943) before being sent overseas. He was a sergeant in the 9th Army Air Force and told me that he was training troops in England before D-Day. He was burned during a training exercise and hospitalized for a short time. He was in the sixth wave to See Letters page 19 also tomorrow's fight and equally adaptable to unlmown applications. "It must be seamless among the active duty, Guard and Reserve components. - It must operate in a joint environment; not only in what is purchased, but also in the way we fight, talk and think. - It must be affordable. "To meet these challenges though, we must continue to look for better ways to operationally exploit the air and space domain," the general said. "The pioneers have given us a proud combat heritage, a heritage that speaks to us today," he said. 'Their work, their ideas, and their courage propel us toward an unlimited horizon of opportunity which is the birthright of your Air Force. "So when someone asks you what the Air Force will be doing in the future, tell them this: We will do what we have always done," he said. "We will stand on the shoulders of giants. We will take care of each other and every member of this great fighting force. We will innovate. And ... we will fly ... we will fight ... and we will win." Bubbles from page 2 aged during the chamber flight. This made sense until I remembered deciding not to leave my watch and felt my wrist. This gave me a clue that all was not well. I called to the chamber operator and told him I was losing my eyesight. He immediately put me in their ambulance and took me to the hospital I could see well enough to walk but when the hospital nurse asked me to identify my boots, I was unable to do so. Our Flight Surgeon joined the team of hospital doctors to determine my condition. I was in no pain but I could not even see the lights shown in my eyes during examinations. Also, I had lost the use of my hands and arms. The School off Aviation Medicine at Brooks AFB, TX was consulted and was familiar with this condition but could offer little help. The nitrogen in the blood stream had converted into a gaseous state during my chamber flight and the bubbles traveled in the blood stream until reaching a restriction. This condition is frequently found with divers who suffer the 'bends.' The bubbles, however, had reached the central nervous system and had lodged in the area of my brain that affected the optic nerve. This condition is extremely critical and usually fatal. Breathing pure oxygen was the only known treatment. The nitrogen bubbles needed to dissipate and return to fluid state without moving to another critical location in the brain or heart. Experts monitored my condition throughout the night. I realized with all of the medical attention given to me that my condition was critical and recovery questionable. My condition had improved slightly by noon the next day. My wife had been flown in from Bangor to assist in my recovery. I couldn't recognize her but I could distinguish the light areas in the walls that had windows and doors. Also, I began See Bubbles on page 20 letters from page 18 land at Normandy, and was later doing reconnaissance. He was definitely in Reims, as I have photos he sent of the cathedral, and later, in Stuttgart, 'setting up war governments." I have tried to get his record from the Army records center but they tell me they were most likely destroyed in the fire there in 1973. I live in Rockville, MD, about a half hour from D.C. and have a son in the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry (the Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps, based at Fort Meyer. Any direction you can give me in locating his records would be very much appreciated. His name was Sgt. Ely Fainstein, enlisted some time in 1942 and was discharged around December, 1945. He died in 1989. Thank you for your time, Barbara F. Bell Greetings, We own a C-47 serial# 43-16369. We know it was in the 9th AF in Europe by August of 44. We would like to find you what TCG and TCS it was with. Any help would be great. Robert Rice t Hello, I would very much appreciate it if anyone can give me information about 9th AF units based in Andover, England, 1944. My 91 year old father-inlaw was with the Royal Air Force, but was seconded to the U.S. forces for several months in 44, during the preparation build up to D-Day. His memory unfortunately is very poor these days, but he seems to remember P-38s based there. He keeps telling me about him being flown over to France, where he was dropped off with the object of locating a suitable landing site for glider borne troops to be landed around D-Day, but is very vague about those days. I have secured copies of his RAF service records, and they confirm he was at Andover at that time, but say THENINTilAlR FORCE ASSOCIATION, FALL 2005 nothing else. Any help will be most welcome, Derek Thomas To whom it may concern, Your website is well done and a tribute to those who served our country in the 9th Army Air Force during WWII. Do you have a historian for your association who might be able to provide information? I'm trying to locate information about my wife's father, Michael Karas, now deceased, who served in the US Army 2150th Engineers Aviation Firefighter Platoon. He was a sergeant and served from May 43 through Oct. 45. H was involved in the campaigns of Normandy, Rhineland, Northern France and Central Europe. His training took place at Camp Lake Ponchartrain, LA and photos indicate a shoulder patch for the Army Air Force. On a photo of him overseas, he is sitting on a jeep that has a Spade followed by a 9 then 2159EAFFP. Can you help guide me as to how I might find out more information. It appears his unit was assigned to a 9AAF unit. With many thanks, David Graham t Sir: My father was a member of the 2487 QM Truck Co. with the 9th AF in the ETO. I would like to find all the information about when the unit was formed and when it was deactivated after the war. I would also like to know where they were stationed while in England and then when they went over to France and Belgium along with the area of Germany that was occupied by this group. Can you also tell me what squadron they were attached to? Dad used to say that he drove a C-2 wrecker and would bring in wrecked airplanes. His name was Richard E. ABERER, service# 37-404-915. Thank you, Eugene C. Aberer 19 the BX items, said that he wanted to resign and send the supplies to someone else. Fem Mann told him that she could store the items if he wanted to ship them to her. No action has been taken. Perry Lusby said that if Frank would keep the items until the August 2006 Convention in Dayton, that Perry could display them at the Convention and try to sell everything.Then we could purchase new, up to date items for sale. Fem will contact Frank for update. Membership Directory-The 9th AFA current directory was printed in 2000. Fem will ask Paul O'Dell and/or Mary McCarthy to get an estimate of cost of printing a new Directory. Membership Application-Fern will ask Ray Lowman to follow up on updating and printing the Application. Marvin said that we have a supply of stationary blanks. He will talk to Ray Lowman about printing some for new officers. Meeting adjourned for the day at 1600. Meeting reconvened at 9:00 am, Tuesday, September 13, 2005. 12. Memorials and Museums, continued. Lloyd said that we need more exposure. Possible places for displays are The D-Day Museum in New Orleans, the new Air Force Memorial in Washington DC, Chanute AFB in Rantoul, IL, Dover, DE. Vito said he would check with the Air Force Memorial and see what other groups have done there and also the Dover, DE, museum, which is prima- --- Bubbles from page 19 limited use of my hands and arms. My eyesight improved rapidly throughout the day and I was released from the hospital on 4 July. We returned to Bangor with the understanding that I was to return to Westover AFB in 30 days for another chamber flight and vigorous testing of my eyesight. I wasn't thrilled but I was determined to pass the tests and return to flight status. The second chamber flight was 20 Secretary from page 13 rily an Airborne museum. Lloyd will investigate putting a plaque at Wright-Patterson AFB Museum in Dayton. Stan Davis will send names of contacts to Lloyd. Marvin will follow up with information on the display at Chanute. Lloyd will contact the D-Day museum and get information about putting a plaque there. Stan said that there is a P-47 on display at the Museum (The Air Zoo) in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Mike Horgan said that the P-47 Thunderbolt Pilots Association had its final Reunion last May, but there are nearly 400 members of that organization still living. We should invite those people, and members of other 9th Air Force groups, including the Marauder Society, Aviation Engineers, Flight Nurses, to join with us at our 2006 Convention in Dayton, Ohio, and future conventions. Lloyd will work with Stan Stepnitz, Vito Pedone, Perry Lusby and Woody Sproul to draft a letter to mail to those 9th AF members. 9:30 a.m.-Gen. Blair Hansen joined us for a briefing. He thanked us for doing what we do and for inviting him to meet with us. Stan asked Gen. Hansen for his ideas about how to encourage the young airmen to become members of the 9thAFA. One suggestion was to contact Kathy Jones and Mr. Leper in the 9th AF Historian office at Shaw, plus the Director of Staff. They are very good writers and trying to connect the present day airmen with the past history. He uneventful. The previous chamber crew had been replaced. New procedures had been implemented. The communication system had been improved with modern two-way audio. The level-off procedure at 25,000 feet was deleted from the flight which in past procedures had negated the effort to reduce the possibility of liquid nitrogen changing into gas. It was a little scary but otherwise a pleasant experience. My eye exam was extremely THE NINTH AIR FoRCE Assoc1ATJON, FALL 2005 believes that the young airmen are looking for the feeling of belonging and being a part of this vital Air Force. Many of them are staying in t~e Air Force because of that feeling of being a part of the valiant effort and the connection to their heritage. After describing some of the things going on in Iraq, and the chain of Command, Gen Hansen was asked "Can we win?" He said he believed that absolutely we can win. There is a price tag, which is one the American people will have to pay, and it will take a long time to do it. The basic things of civil society are just crawling; security, clean water, power infrastructure, the ability to keep electricity on for both industry and people at home is a huge effort. Those things take time. These folks in Iraq are eager to be doing business and are doing it right now. Downsizing of the military has had a huge impact on our abilities. The Air Force has been cut approximately 40 per cent since Desert Storm but our tasking has gone up about 400 per cent. The result is that we have to figure out smarter, better ways to do things. The Ninth Air Force Historian office is in the process of scanning and preserving its data, papers and photos, onto an Electronic Archival system that will catalog and preserve it for the future. Hopefully a system can be worked out with Akron University Archives to share this information." There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:15 a.m. thorough. A special test was designed for my eyes and I thought it'd be a miracle if I passed. I did and was returned to flight status and completed 41 years of service where I remained until retirement. Subsequent chamber flights were stressful but uneventful. I didn't look forward to the annual chamber rides and really appreciated when they changed to regs to every three years rather than annually. To this day, I still feel helpless each time I step into a chamber. Address Service Requested U.S. POSTAGE PAID NON-PROFIT ORG. 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