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| 384th Logbook Archive for the Year 2003 |
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| Name: Richard Lewandowski
E-mail address: rglewandowski@yahoo.com Comments: I am looking for information on my dad, Leo J Lewandowski, Jr. He was a tail gunner. His crew included Capt. James R. Gilmore, George Milligan, Charles H. Hanson, Vergil 'Hoot' Gibson, Hubert R. Peck, Jr., Noel E. Long, Mingwah Quon, Thomas Cropp, Richard H Wener, and William Phillips. Saturday, December 27th 2003 - 08:08:25 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Sam Halpert E-mail address: b17sam@hotmail.com Homepage URL: http://www.b17sam.com Comments: Regret to inform you of the death of Art Guilmet of the 384th. His family is grateful to those who responded and visited him before he passed on. Tuesday, December 23rd 2003 - 08:25:33 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Charles Siffert E-mail address: franvic@chartermi.net Comments: Thank you so much for making a site like this possible for those of us who were there to make contact with lost friends and for those who were not there to learn something about part of the Dying Breed. It was an honor to serve in the 384th Bomb Group and I will be visiting your site for future news. Sgt. Charles Siffert Thursday, December 18th 2003 - 08:07:04 PM ------------------------------------- Name: kieth newman E-mail address: kieth.newman@comcast.net Comments: Well I picked dads brain some more, got more detailed info. Found he didn't fly combat in the 545th sq. He worked in a building separated from all the others. There were 7 of them. this group worked on and helped modify, I think ,some IFF gear which was a very guarded secret. Had 4 or 5 planes modified. Some engineers did modify a low frequency radio to receive, and that an APA-11 was used a scope. From what he tells me is that not many people knew they were there or what there jobs were. Some time after the 100th mission celebration he was transferred to the 457th BG. Thats where he flew his combat missions. He can't tell me much about the equipment, he is not sure what has been declassified. Send me an e-mail if you can help me. Thank You Saturday, December 13th 2003 - 06:29:32 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Kieth Newman E-mail address: kieth.newman@comcast.net Comments: Could you add my dads name to your personnel list. Cpl Fred B. Newman, sn 39531742. Part of ground crew as radar mechanic MOS 852,RCM.He was attached to unit in Sioux City, Iowa and took ship to base. He was there till after Jul 14 1943. I have a post card w/ that date. He tells me he flew every 7th mission. I am finally able to get some info from him. He doesn't like to talk about it to much. He saw a lot of buddies take off and not return. He will be 84 this year and I'm trying to get what I can from him. One story he does share is that the plane he flew in, flew really high up letting German AA guns radar get a fix on the plane so his equipment can get their location, call to fighter and within a few hours that AA gun site is destroyed. Can you help me fill in some blanks? [added 2006-11-20] Friday, December 12th 2003 - 05:17:13 PM ------------------------------------- Name: David Walker E-mail address: pilot5131@msn.com Comments: I'm looking for anyone who has information on B-17F s/n 42-30139, SNUFFY, flown by Lt. O. SWENINGSEN, downed over Schweinfurt on Aug. 17, 1943. I understand that two of the crew members were killed but the others became POWs. I recently came across a photo of the airplane that was taken in Cheyenne, WY prior to it being shipped to Europe and would like to find out more about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Wednesday, December 3rd 2003 - 11:36:11 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Fred Calabrese E-mail address: eilfre@netzero.net Comments: Please put my name in the personnel list. I am Fred C. Calabrese, First Lt. Navigator, 545th Bomb Squadron. (added 2006-11-20) Friday, November 28th 2003 - 10:07:50 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Laurent Viton E-mail address: D010844@aol.com Comments: Hello, I would like to hear from any crew members of B-17 # 42-30048 'Flak Dancer', pilot Lt Delton G. Wheat, shot down June 26 , 1943 on the third Group mission. Some reports give this plane as crash-landed near Laon , eastern France , but I do have a doubt with that . It is reported in the gendarmeries archives that a bomber crashed near Dieppe same hour, same day after the crew has bailed out. On the five bombers lost that day only one could match and I think it could be ' Flak Dancer '. Any comment and further information are welcome! Laurent. Sunday, November 23rd 2003 - 08:53:18 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Pamela E-mail address: pamelaclax@yahoo.com Comments: Hello, I was hoping that you perhaps could direct me to someone/anyone that may have information of a pilot/navigator on the Piccadilly Princess that carried a lace edged handkerchief with him on every flight... it was given to him by his wife/girlfriend and he carried it as a good luck charm. Anyone you know that may know something about this? If so please feel free to write me at pamelaclax@yahoo.com Thanks so :) Pamela Friday, November 21st 2003 - 06:59:12 AM ------------------------------------- Name: John'Lefty' Wilson E-mail address: jowilson@mid-prairie.k12.ia.us Comments: My dad was a tail gunner for the 384th BG (H) 544th BS. His pilot was and is Ray Melzar. Their plane was the 'TREMBLIN' GREMLIN'. There were two T.G.'s in the 384th. I am searching for a photo of the nose art my dad painted on their plane and would very much like to know the serial number for their plane. Thank you for any help you can provide. Monday, November 17th 2003 - 10:06:34 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Patrick E-mail address: ikesgrunt1944@cs.com Comments: Looking for anyone with information about my wife's grandfather...Robert Edward Maahs of the 546th BS. Monday, November 17th 2003 - 05:28:13 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Ken Dodd E-mail address: firestar@train.missouri.org Comments: Great Site ! I am looking for anyone who knew SSgt Keith Krauss, a Tail Gunner from the 384th 544sq. His plane #44-8008 went down over Plauen, Germany on March 19, 1945 and was never found. Any information is appreciated. Saturday, November 15th 2003 - 06:34:35 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Ben Maxted E-mail address: ben.maxted@forestry.gov.uk Comments: Wonderful site! Spent my youth on G-U airfield unearthing pieces of B-17's spent and live rounds. Then trained as a forester on the Boughton Estate unearthing more pieces and rounds and goodness knows what. A very happy childhood thanks to you who fought for our freedom, I for one never forget your sacrifice for us. Looking for a copy of 'As Briefed' if anyone has one for sale or rent to copy. God bless you all Ben Maxted Tuesday, November 11th 2003 - 07:32:36 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Rick Bodenschatz E-mail address: RickBoden@msn.com Comments: My father, S/SGT William Bodenschatz was at G-U for the duration, then went with the Group to France. He worked in parachute shop. Has many memories. Alive and well and lives with Lucille, his high school sweetheart that 'waited for him'. Anyone know his or any memories? Saturday, November 8th 2003 - 06:22:34 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Mark Waldron E-mail address: Familywalbrad@aol.com Comments: Hi I live in Wargrave, England, and my father would be interested to hear from anyone who he isn't already in contact with who are related to the aircrew of 'sunrise serenade'. This flight crashed in 11th November 1943, in Wargrave England with only one survivor - Alan Purdy. My father has extensive details and knowledge relating to this crash as one of the few who attended the site that day. Many relations have already been in contact and met with my father, however we would still be more than happy to help any relations who would like more information Sunday, October 19th 2003 - 04:36:29 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Jessica Dwyer E-mail address: dwyerville@bellsouth.net Comments: My grandfather, 2LT Lester O. Hegstad, Crew 20-LeFevre, passed away on October 8,2003 at the at of 82. Much loved and missed. Sunday, October 19th 2003 - 11:16:14 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Jeff S E-mail address: jssel@aol.com Comments: October 14, 1943 BLACK Thursday, Lest we forget. Tuesday, October 14th 2003 - 04:49:25 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Thomas Holler E-mail address: sparkyhol@yahoo.com Comments: You have a great site. My Father, Edward R. Holler served as a waist gunner and assistant radio operator with the 384th. His aircraft, 'Mr. Five By Five' was shot down on 2/25/44 on a mission to Augsburg. My Father was a POW for 14 months, and he still keeps in touch with some of his crew members. Your site has given me access to information I can pass on to my children. Thank you Saturday, October 11th 2003 - 02:02:43 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Harry Bakker E-mail address: ha.an@wxs.nl Comments: Hello, Great site and keep up the good job! I'm a researcher from the Foundation Airwar Studygroup Groningen Drenthe 1940-45. I'm looking for any information about the Lt. J.R. Way crew who was shot down on the 25th June 43 mission to Hamburg. Any information is welcome! Thanks Harry. Friday, October 10th 2003 - 05:16:11 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Dana McKittrick E-mail address: danamc@perigee.net Comments: Follow-Up Regarding Lt Vernon McKittrick: I was told his B17 plane name was 'Big Stupe'. I have not been able to verify that nor have I found it on any lists, etc. Thanks again! Dana McKittrick - Son - Viet Nam Veteran Thursday, October 9th 2003 - 09:06:52 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Dana McKittrick E-mail address: danamc@perigee.net Comments: Hello Everyone! Looking for any crew members or friends of Lt Vernon McKittrick, Navigator/Bombardier, 545th Squadron, 384th Bomb Group. As near as I can tell, Vernon was at Grafton Underwood from approx Aug-Sept 1943 to May 1944. Thank you Dana McKittrick - son Thursday, October 9th 2003 - 08:49:48 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Mary O'Hara -Kotas E-mail address: Kotasbrownie@aol.com Comments: I found your site by luck and was glad I did. I enjoyed reading all the stories. My dad was co pilot of B-17, he had short stay at Horham, England. Grew up on stories of what they went thru. Feel it is important history be told and wrote before it is lost. keep up the good work. Thomas J. O'Hara was my dad retired 2ndLt. Died 2000 at age of 82. He and I did go to Horham in 1992 for memorial he said a lot of memories there. God Bless all who served. Sunday, October 5th 2003 - 01:26:32 PM ------------------------------------- Name: James Ruman E-mail address: shootiniron@cableone.net Comments: Great place to visit. My uncle whose name was Charles L. Ruman was a navigator in the 544th BS. He and his pilot John Ingles and the rest of the crew were lost on 9 October 1943 on a trip to Anklam, it was to have been his 9th mission. He is still missed. Friday, September 26th 2003 - 03:37:57 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Bob Masterson E-mail address: RMaster490@aol.com Comments: Hi. My dad, Otho Masterson, passed away on September 20, 2003 at age 80. He was a member of Lt. Joseph Rosio's crew which was shot down on June 26, 1943 over Villacoublay, France. He was a prisoner of war in Stalag 17B in Austria for the last 22 months of the war. He was very proud of his service and remained in the Air Force Reserve until he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1983. He was buried in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL (just outside Joliet, IL). Wednesday, September 24th 2003 - 06:09:29 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Dave Brown E-mail address: browdvdw@hotmail.com Comments: Great site. My father was a small boy in Geddington during the time of the war and has many fond memories of that time. He and friends used to jump on their bicycles if they saw the flares go out of the returning aircraft and race up to the perimeter. I too lived in Geddington from 1965 to 1983 and with my father attended the unveiling of the memorial, that was a great day for me as one of you vets very kindly gave me your 384th BG pin badge which I still cherish to date. I have a great collection of 8th AF memorabilia and books and spend many nights reading them over and over again. Am also very proud to wear my A2 with 384th insignia. Thursday, September 18th 2003 - 02:05:32 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Devi Ukrain Sharp E-mail address: devihunt@alaska.net Comments: My father Sidney Ukrain flew 30 missions as a left waist gunner while stationed at Grafton Underwood. He flew in the 'Lazy Daisy' with a variety of crewmembers. I have recently asked my father to share some memories and he has written some memoirs about his time in England. I know that my parents visited Grafton Underwood about 15 years ago and it was a thrill to see the village that my Father remembered so fondly. My Father will turn 80 in January 2003 and is in good health. He can be reached through my e-mail. Saturday, September 13th 2003 - 04:10:48 PM ------------------------------------- Name: gary burchill E-mail address: burch86@btopenworld.com Comments: hi all, This is a very good site indeed, Well done! I live in Kettering, Northamptonshire, England, and have just got hold of a print of a water color painting of B17, Spirit of 69, 42107057,coming into land over the road at Grafton Underwood during ww2. I have found out that this aircraft was reported missing in action 9/25/44, when on a mission to Frankfurt. Does anybody have any other information on this B17? who where the unfortunate crew, and any information on any other crews who may have flown this plane, As I want to make up a framed story board about this B17-g. I would be most grateful for any information. Saturday, September 13th 2003 - 03:08:51 PM ------------------------------------- Name: soo barker E-mail address: soobarker@swale.gov.uk Comments: This is a lovely site which makes sure that no-one forgets and that the stories are shared. I will visit many times I am sure. Tuesday, September 9th 2003 - 05:25:56 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Dr. Vernon L. Williams E-mail address: vwilliams@acu.edu Homepage URL: http://www.acu.edu/anglia Comments: The East Anglia Air War Project is looking for B-17 crews, ground personnel and British family members who lived around the bases in East Anglia during WWII. Please log onto the above web address to obtain more information on how to participate. The Project is looking to document the sense of community that developed between the British and Americans during the war. Questionnaires are available for download on the site and I will be doing followup interviews throughout the United States during the fall and early spring. I am currently in England interviewing British civilians. I can be reached at the email address above. Dr. Vernon L. Williams Director East Anglia Air War Project Sunday, August 31st 2003 - 08:31:42 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Charles Witt E-mail address: cngwitt@aol.com Comments: I am a former member of the 384th BG and I come to this web site often. I would like to get in touch with DENNIS THORNE who sent in the picture of the Devastating Lady. Please E Mail me. I have pictures you may be interested in. Friday, August 22nd 2003 - 01:30:20 PM ------------------------------------- Name: PAUL L. MANTLE JR E-mail address: baseballsquared@msn.com Comments: My uncle Lester L. Davis was a top turret gunner/engineer with the 544th. He flew 32 missions in the ETO and then trained for B-29s, but ended up flying for the 14th Airborne in Japan until VJ day. I am currently researching his AAF career. I have info stating that he flew on several B-17s: Fiklwitch Ser.No. 43-37703 Bird Dog Ser.No. 42-102661 Tremlin Gremlin Ser.No. 42-37982 (SU+K) Crews he flew with: Pilot Burt F. Strong(Capt) Co-pilot Edward F. Johnson Navigator Gerson Norwitz Donald Ferguson Bombardier Leo L. Cooper Joseph Peters Radio/gunner Marvin A. Gusttel Ball turret Walter B. Williams Waist gunner Steve Riggio Tail gunner Thomas P. Philbin According to research all survived the war. I will be doing an oral history in the next couple of months and will post it here and on other sites pertaining to this BG. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Great site! Semper Fi P Mantle Sunday, August 3rd 2003 - 04:24:56 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Delbert Storm E-mail address: stormwindi1@wmconnect.com Comments: Our crew flew 35 missions between the dates Aug. 4, 1944 and Dec. 11, 1944. We were in the 547th Sq. I was the ball turret gunner on the crew. I would like to introduce a subject of flak leave that hasn't been discussed much. We got our flak leave after our 25th mission in Nov. We got a week in a grand old mansion in western England. The Red Cross gal in charge was Mary, A great gal from Ireland. We got a ration of bourbon whiskey (a rarity in England) and some English beer every day. We got real good food and got to wear a sweater that was considered civilian. Mary tried to keep us happy. When we got wild, she would send us on a wild goose chase looking for a pub. She arranged softball games with an Officers flak house close to us. It was a grand week and we dreaded going back to doing 10 more missions. When we got back to the group, they had installed radar jamming carpet in all the planes. We would not have to deal with flak. WRONG!!! The flak was still there. I am sure that grand week in the country helped a lot of guys tolerate the stress of finishing their remaining missions. Tuesday, July 29th 2003 - 10:02:58 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Barbara and Sean Klinetobe (Keeler) E-mail address: BK13583@aol.com Homepage URL: http://www.cjgrr.shorturl.com Comments: Wonderful web site! My father was Dale Cameron Keeler. He was a mechanic and served at Grafton Underwood. I don't have exact dates, but we know he was there in March of '45. I have a small notebook of his, with what I believe are tail numbers of planes he saw or worked on March 22 and 23. Example.... 46872-44 338016-43 There are also pages with numbers 237822-D 297824-V 338801-B There are numerous numbers, but no date. If anyone is interested in these numbers or can shed some light, please contact me. Sean is very proud of his grandfather. I only wish he could have met him. Dad passed away in almost 30 years ago. He loved talking about his B-17's! We all miss him. Sunday, July 27th 2003 - 10:17:00 PM ------------------------------------- Name: Mike Hearne E-mail address: globeandanchor@bigplanet.com Comments: I am happy I discovered this 384th site. My father, MSgt John H. Hearne, USAF Retired, is now 83 years young and in good health. He served with the 545th Bomb Sqd. on the B-17G Ser No. 42-102518 'Damn Yankee' as the ball turret gunner/photographer. Most of his WWII photos have been lost over the years; but, he still has the aircrew photos of the original crew and the first edition of the 384th memorial book. Dad lives in Rancho Cordova, CA (suburb of Sacramento) and has survived WWII, Korea, Viet Nam, colon cancer, triple by-pass surgery, and a disintegrating spinal disc. He would like to hear from anyone who served at Grafton-Underwood or their relatives. Saturday, July 26th 2003 - 08:38:03 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Carol LaPrade E-mail address: thapooksta@aol.com Comments: My dad, Howard LaPrade was in the 384th, 545th...he was a SSgt who worked in HQ's...he met and married my mom, who at that time was in the British land army..he was always proud of his military service..and he would have loved this site...unfortunately we lost my dad in oct of 2001..but these men and women of ww2 need to be remembered and honored always...keep up the good work...and 'KEEP THE SHOW ON THE ROAD' Thursday, July 24th 2003 - 11:55:44 AM ------------------------------------- Name: Charles Witt E-mail address: cngwitt@aol.com Comments: I was a bomb release man with the 546th and flew 31 missions. i have read this wonderful web page many times in hope of finding some of my crew members. I have located the pilot Eliot H Smith and the navigator Harry. Henly. Would very yo get in contact with any other members. The picture you have of The Devastating Lady on your web site is one that I took, but I have no idea who sent it to you. Monday, July 21st 2003 - 05:56:03 PM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- End of 384th Bomb Group Log Book 2003 ARCHIVE -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |