June 2007
NEWSLETTER
of the
Seventh Bombardment Group (H)
Historical Foundation
|
FROM PRESIDENT HOVEY REED |
Locally,
in conjunction with the University of North Alabama, we have an institute for learning in retirement. I have been
asked to make a presentation to that organization this fall titled “World War II in India”. Thoughts and memories
came flooding in. There are the various publications and a biography of the period and from those, these are some
of the things that could be addressed.
The trip over was interesting. The ground crews of the 7th heading for the Philippines, but never getting there.
Over a month at sea, a brief respite in Australia, working on aircraft unknown to us prior to our arrival there,
and then continuing on Karachi. There was the sinking of the Langley. Aircraft of the 7th took part in the war
in the East Indies, but the ground crews were not involved.
The debarking in Karachi and the shock most of the group felt with the clash of cultures in the port city. Several
members of the group were doomed to three years in India before they came home. The group became combat ready during
the summer of 1942. The group moved forward to bases nearer Calcutta. Missions were flown mostly into Burma at
first. The Japanese invasion of Burma was moving north and threatening the borders of India and China. As the war
intensified, the air war became deadly. Aircraft were lost to Japanese fighters and anti-aircraft fire. These losses
were felt throughout the group. A day that stands out in ones memory was Thanksgiving Day when there was an aircraft
burning at each end of the runway. I was the crew chief of one of those airplanes.
In the Monsoon season, the group flew gasoline over the hump to assist the 14th Air Force in China. That was a
costly adventure losing as many aircraft to weather, fuel exhaustion, and navigation difficulties as we lost in
combat.
In 1944, bombing continued but later in the year, the attention was directed toward Thailand. The Japanese had
lost their water lanes to Burma and all of their supplies came over a railroad between Bangkok and Moulmein. We
flew the longest missions that were flown by B-24s in World War II. The motion picture “Bridge on the River Kwai”
resulted from that campaign.
In the winter of 1944, some of the ground crews were moved to China for an all out bombing campaign in China. It
was in China in February of 1945 that I received my orders back to the states. In the states, I was finally accepted
for flight training, but that’s another story.
Hovey Reed
|
FROM VICE-PRESIDENT CHARLIE NIBLETT |
Now is the time to make your plans to observe our 90th Anniversary of the date we were activated in
France in The Great War! We have all been a part of that great period of service to our nation. We welcome members
who served in periods when we weren’t at war or fought other wars than the majority of us WW II members. Remember
our Martin B-10/12, B-18, B-17, B-24, B-29, B-50, B-36, B-52, and B-1B brothers and sisters who have kept our flag
flying so proudly through all these 90 years. We all have something in common; unstinting service to our
nation and its freedom. This is going to be such an occasion that you will wish you had brought your children
and friends.
Speaking of aircraft, the Pima Air and Space Museum, third largest in the United States, has most of those I named,
including a B-52 D named “Texas Lady", which came from the 7th at Carswell, and a B-36 which is being assembled
now and named “City of Fort Worth”, named by the 7th. You’ll want to see these planes.
Norma and I have promised that all who come to the Reunion will have a great time in Tucson. To get here,
we have 12 airlines with more than 80 daily flights, featuring nonstop service from 24 major destinations
with easy connections. The many hotels are still competing for our business at this writing, so we will let you
know later which will furnish the most features at the cheapest price. We are planning to locate near a shopping
center with easy access to transport to the main attractions, and with hospitality room, banquet and meeting rooms,
complimentary hot breakfast, plus all features we can get for your enjoyment, for under $100, including the inevitable
tax, if possible.
At Abilene we discussed our future options, and instead of shutting down, a majority wanted to continue to meet
as long as we can. We are going to need to augment our membership some in order to overcome the aging problem.
Ideas suggested included the obvious one of recruiting our children. Note that our Sec’y/Treasurer is the son of
“a greatest generation” member. There are many others who would be proud to follow in “Dad’s” footsteps ( I can’t
think of a WW II mother, unless you count the Red Cross Ladies) . There was a fine organization of B-36 folks,
some of whom might be interested in joining with us. I remember at least one belonged to both. Many of the other
7th Bomb Group and Wing members have wondered about our history and the illustrious aviation figures who preceded
us. I have contacted the present 7th Commander and suggested he might offer membership in our Foundation to the
present 7th Bombers. They are a wonderful group of great Americans. Just becoming one of a group like ours is well
worth the $7.00 per year.
Think seriously about joining with us at Tucson next year. It would help our negotiations a lot if we could specify
how many we are preparing for; our guess is we may have 150. Be one of those and you will be happy you came.
Charlie Niblett
|
FROM SEC/TREAS JIM AUGUSTUS - son/493rd BS |
Hello
everyone! Boy 6 months passed by very fast since the last Newsletter. The November Newsletter was 20 pages long
and I thought that maybe this one wouldn’t be quite so long. However, I got so many wonderful inputs to publish
that this one also turned out to be just as long! I hope I haven’t left anyone’s email or guestbook entry out but
if I have, please send me an email and I’ll make sure I’ll include it in the “online” version of the Newsletter
on the Web Site.
I have corresponded with Hovey and Charlie and it sounds as though they are really working hard to make the reunion
in Sep 2008 a wonderful success. Charlie has sent me quite a bit of information on what they tentatively have planned
and it sounds like Tucson will have many things to offer in the way of tours and trips.
A word or two on memberships: I have heard from so many sons, daughters, grandsons and granddaughters and I would
hope that our current members are encouraging them to join our Foundation. Like the last Newsletter, this Newsletter
has numerous inquiries about fathers and grandfathers...all looking for more information about their relative’s
experiences and about the 7th Bomb Group. Every chance you get, encourage these young folks to join us and this
will help perpetuate the history of the 7th and the Foundation.
In the last Newsletter I asked for more crew photos, aircraft photos and nose art photos and I received a few more
but not very many. I’m still hoping that you all are rummaging through those old photo albums and are going to
send me more. Material for the Web Site is running low!
I try to do Web Site updates as often as I can but the last several months have been very busy…..wouldn’t you know
it, my real job always gets in the way! I’ll try to do better on updates to the Web Site.
Hopefully, by the next Newsletter this coming November, I’ll have some specifics on the Reunion next year. I hope
all that are able to attend are planning to do so!
Until next time,
Fair winds and following seas,
Jim
Mail your photos or CDs/discs to:
7thBGHF
P.O. Box 177
Cushman, AR 72526-0177
|
Carl McClellan DeLeeuw - Taps |
Carl, age 87 passed away Saturday, January 13. He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughter Jeri-Anne Nelson, son-in-law Steven Nelson, sister Carma Robertson, grandsons Carl Robert Craig and Jonathon Robert Craig and family members across the states.
He joined the Army Air Corps just prior to December 11, 1941 and served in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations for 3 1/2 years in India.
He enjoyed a 34 year career with United Airlines as a pilot flying out of Idlewild, O'Hare and then LAX while becoming active in the CBI Veterans Association and advancing to National Commander in 1987-88. He will be missed by friends all across the country.
There will be a family memorial in Park City, Utah in the summer in the mountains he so loved.
|
RESEARCHING AZON - NEEDS PHOTOS AND INFO |
Dear Sir, I came across your web site and saw the picture of the AZON crews. I am researching an article about
the AZON project and was wondering if you had any other photos about AZON. I’m especially interested in those that
show the gear carried by the B-24s to control the bomb being dropped (trailing the flare smoke). Any help is greatly
appreciated.Sincerely, Joseph J. Frantiska Jr. Ed. DJFrantiska@aol.com
FROM THE
EDITOR: Joseph, I have two photos; one of the AZON bomb itself and one after bombs away which I’ve been told are
AZONs trailing smoke. I’m not sure that’s correct as I’m not sure that more than one could be dropped and guided
at the same time. I don’t have any photos of the equipment inside the aircraft but if you ever run on to that,
I’d be interested in seeing them.Fair winds, Jim
Hovey Reed, Palacios’ friend.
|
LEONARD LUEKEN/9TH BS - A FRIEND REMEMBERED |
Jim, it is with great sadness that I report the passing of Leonard Lueken on Sunday the 28th of January is St.
Louis, MO after a month long illness. Leonard(Luke) was the radio operator on Virgil Poston's crew & I was
the navigator. He was best man at our wedding in November, 1945 & a life time friend. He will be missed by
all who knew him. Another member of the GREATEST GENERATION has passed on the big hangar in the sky.
Walt. Wegner.
FROM WALT:
Leonard
"Luke" Lueken. I, Walt Wegner, first met Luke in the summer of 1944 at March Field, Riverside, California
when we formed our B-24 crew & trained for overseas in WWII. Luke was our radio operator & I was the
navigator on Virgil Poston's crew. Our ages ran from 18-28 with only one crew member married & with a small
son. We trained hard, flew many hours, had many hours of ground school & little time off. My home was in Whitter,
some 60 miles West of our base & Luke met my parents & my wife, Maxine, who I was engaged to at that
time. In early 1945 we departed for overseas. We arrived in Pandaveswar, India & were assigned to
the 9th Bomb. Squadron, 7th Bomb Group, one of 4-squadrons there. Henry Nixon's crew who we trained with was also
there. Over the next few months we flew bombing missions about every 3-days & bombed targets in Burma &
Siam, now Thailand. These missions were very long from about 8 to 18 hours with many flying hours of boredom &
many minutes of sheer terror over the targets. During this time we received damage to our aircraft many times,
however, with god's help & a good crew we returned home safely. In May, 1945 we moved to Assam province
in Northeast India in the jungle due to the monsoon season that prevented us from bombing. We flew gas over the
"HUMP" to China, the hump being mountains ranging up to 23,000 feet. This was without question the
worst flying weather in the world over terrain that was inhospitable at best. Luke saved by tail end many times
by getting radio bearings so that I, the navigator, didn't get lost. We made a great team. These flights we around
5-6 hours each way were always many hours of sheer terror, never seeing the ground below, the sky above
& the mountains close by. One blessed day we finished our required number of missions, around 50, & were
awaiting shipment home when the war ended. The good lord had looked after us & we had all 10-crew members
still surviving. We flew one of our B-24 bombers home, a very nice trip. After arriving home, I went to Little
Rock, Arkansas where Maxine's parents lived to get married. This event took place on the 15th November, 1945 &
Leonard Lueken was the "BEST MAN". Over the years we were able to visit with Luke when we visited Maxine's
parents in Little Rock & met Betty before they were married. Time passed & we had our first crew reunion in
1978, some 33 years after the war, with all 10-screw members still alive. We managed to have 9 at the reunion at
Dayton, Ohio site of the Air Force Museum. We continued to have reunions every few years & the crew remained
close. One highlight was in 1989 when we went to Fort Worth, Texas for the 50th anniversary of the B-24. We had
a sit-down dinner for 4,000 people & Tex Beneke with the Glen Miller band played for us. Luke & Betty were
in "hog heaven". Luke & Betty attended our 50th wedding anniversary in 1995 with two other crew members
& spouses. We were planning on coming to their 50th wedding anniversary which was cancelled due
to Betty's illness. Her passing was a great loss to us as well as Luke & his family. Luke continued to stay
active & even took a trip to Spain with us. We were very happy that Luke found love again with Doris &
they had many happy years together. They were on a river cruise with us in Europe plus several reunions. We
send our love, prayers & best wishes to all of you assembled here to honor a great American & member
of the "GREATEST GENERATION". Luke, fly-high dear friend & remember that you are & will
always be the 'BEST MAN".
Walt & Maxine Wegner
|
LOOKING FOR INFO ON UNCLE MIKE GRAVITY |
I would like to find the regular crew that flew with my uncle Mike Gravity from Staten Island, NY. He was killed
in Major Kellogg’s crash in 1944. My uncle was on board as copilot for the mission but it was not his regular crew.
Thanks,Will R.
wreha@juno.com
|
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON FATHER - MARVIN NEWMAN/9TH |
I am Toby (Newman) SiegeMy father was Marvin Leonard Newman. He was a member of the 7th Bomb Group, 9th
Bomb Squadron, stationed in India from November 1943 until his death in May 1944. He was a pilot shot down
over Burma. With the death of my Mother, I have now begun to search my father's history and was hoping that
someone could assist me in my search. I have only a few letters which my mother saved over the years
but they do not speak of his duties or his career. It is also my understanding that he was a Flying Tiger. If
you could help me, I would greatly appreciate it. I am asking and continuing my search on behalf of myself
as well as my children and grandchildren. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.
(Mrs.) Toby Newman Siege
Tobysdolls@aol.com
FROM THE EDITOR: Toby,Good to hear from you. I have some information on your father and please give me a
day or so to compile it. The information I have is a description of the mission he was shot down on and the
names of the crewmembers. I show that your father was a bombardier on David Kellogg's crew. I have
a photo of your father's crew and you can view it at:http://www.7thbg.org/KelloggsCrew9.htmYour father is in the
back row far right.I'll get the info to you in a day or so........busy at work right now!!Fair winds,Jim
REPLY FROM TOBY: Dear Jim....Thank you so much for the quick reply. I am thrilled. I have looked for
so many years to find information on him so when I found your website, my heart began to race. Please check your
listing again, however. I saw him with McCoy's Crew. After checking with your link, I am certain
that the "Newman" you found is not my father. My father was Marvin Newman and he was a Navigator
with William McCoy.I appreciate anything you might be able to share with me. It is very exciting to finally
find out the things I would love to know after 63 years!!!! I was just born about six weeks before he went
on his last mission. I know it happened around May 8, 1944. Though a telegram from the War Department
informed him of the birth of this daughter, I never had the opportunity to be in his presence. I heard about
him my whole life and now you will finally give me the opportunity to find the answers to my questions. Thank
you with all my heart.
Stay well.
Toby
Tobysdolls@aol.com
FROM THE EDITOR:
The names I have on Kellogg's Crew must be in error. I did find your father on McCoy’s Crew. In this photo he is
back row second from the right.
|
9THBS PHOTO INQUIRY |
Jim,I come to you again for help in locating a 9th BS photo. You may or may not have it in your 7thBG collection.
The picture wasn't on the 7th website or in either the text or pictorial Group history. The version I have attached
is a newsprint reproduction accompanying a CBI Roundup story in the original Dec. 14, 1944, edition. The article
was titled "7th Bomb Group Now in 25th Year." The story and photo come from Weidenburner's CBI Roundup
pages at cbi-theater-5.home.comcast.net/roundup/roundup.html . The piece describes how Stratemeyer awarded
medals during a ceremony celebrating the 7th's 25th anniversary and its 3rd anniversary overseas (during WWII).
I'm interested in acquiring a better quality copy of this photo (e-mail fine) so I can identify a number of the
men. I think I know who some of them might be. I believe these were Air Medal awardees from the 9th BS; the 493rd
may have had a separate photo taken.Thanks, Jim!
Waltwwebb24@verizon.net
Walt,Sorry, no help here...looked through everything I had and drew a blank. I posted the photo in question below. Maybe someone reading the Newsletter can help you.Cheers,Jim
|
9TH PHOTO RECON SQUADRON |
Jim, My name is Jim Corbitt and I'm the historian and webmaster for the 9th Photo Recon Squad. I am trying to
help John Stanaway gather information on our squadron for a possible book. None of our boys have any actual recon
photos and since the 9th PRS did a lot of reconnaissance for the 7th BG, I was hoping you could put the word out
and help me in finding some. Of course they would be credited in the book. Thanks,
Jim Corbitt
jcorbitt@9thprs.orghttp://www.9thprs.org/
FROM THE EDITOR:Have you looked on the 7th web site under the "Targets" photos?? I'm not sure that's
what you're looking for but if not, I'll put your email in our next newsletter.
Fair winds,
Jim
|
TAPS ALBERT “PETE” SMITH - 493RD |
From the Birmingham News:
SMITH, MAJOR ALBERT DURANT II, "PETE" Retired Air Force, age 84, of Birmingham. Veteran of World War
II and the Korean War died after a lengthy illness on December 14, 2006. He is survived by his wife of 58 years,
Marian Greene Smith; son, Mell Gage Smith (Lochrane Coleman); daughter, Marian Elizabeth Hardwick (William David);
granddaughters, Lochrane Connors Smith and Marian Rebecca Hardwick. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m.
December 20, at the Cathedral.
|
SON REMEMBERS FATHER S/SGT ROBERT R. BANNER - 9TH |
My name is Robert J. Banner and I am proud to be the son of S/Sgt Robert R. Banner who passed away
on March 14, 2007. He served with distinction with "Larkin's Raiders", 9th Bomb Group, CBI.
I would like to know if an announcement of his passing could be made through the foundation
to the members who may have known him and to any of the surviving brothers of his air
crew. I would also like to know if I can establish a memorial to his service and if I could be considered for membership
in this most honorable endeavor. My phone number is 570-228-9257 and my email address is rjbanner53@yohoo.com.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Banner
FROM THE EDITOR:
Bob,I'm sorry to hear of your father's passing. I will ensure that his passing will be mentioned in the next
Newsletter which will be published around the end of May. If you have a copy of the obit that you could send
me, I can publish that in the Newsletter also, if you wish.My best wishes to you and yours,Jim
|
RESEARCHING 2ND LT. ALBERT J. SITA/492ND |
Dear Mr. Augustus,I am the president of our local Historical Society and I am attempting to research 2nd Lt.
ALBERT J. SITA who was a member of the 492nd B.S.and was killed on Nov. 21, 1944, when his B-24 (serial #44-40811)
was lost to anti-aircraft fire over Thailand while on an operational mission near the Geangluang Bridge on the
Bangkok-Chiengmai Railroad. The entire aircrew was killed.
I have sent for a copy of his MACR, but was wondering if perhaps you or someone in your organization might have
some information concerning him, the mission or the loss of his plane. Sita was the navigator, 1st Lt
Charles E. Mead was pilot, and 2nd Lt Lewis W. Cochran was co-pilot.
2nd Lt. Sita was a resident of Mansfield, Massachusetts. The surviving family members have made the
Mansfield Historical Society the repository of his military medals: the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple
Heart and Air Medal with oak leaf cluster. Thank you for your time and assistance and also a wonderful
web site.Regards,
Kevin McNatt
LynnRAV4@aol.com
|
LOOKING FOR B-17 SERIAL NUMBER |
Jim Augustus: I am a life member of the 7th. Foundation. Do you have in your records the serial number
of the B17Eflown by Capt. Elmer Parcel that was destroyed in a crash at Asansol, India on April 2, 1942?
My father was aboard.
Many thanks,
Bob Llewellyn
rjllewellyn@cox.net
FROM THE EDITOR: Bob,I'm sorry to say that I don't have that serial number. The best I can do is 41-24xx......last
two digits unknown. I'll keep looking through everything I have and if I can come up with it, I'll let you
know. In any event, I will put your email in our next Newsletter.
Fair winds,
Jim
|
DAUGHTER OF HARRY WILSON MARKEY WRITES |
Hello Jim - A number of years ago you were one of the kind men who helped me find a lot of information out about
my father, Harry Wilson Markey. Last night I had a call from David Hartley who is putting information
together for a memorial for veterans who graduated from the Beaverdam Virginia schools. My father was one
of those men. Mr. Hartley found me through the 7th Bomb Group web site...it has my old email address listed
which was connected to our business from which my husband and I just retired in May. Mr. Hartley called our
business, spoke to the new owner, our son, Harry's grandson, and got my new Tel # and email address here in Maine.
Could you revise that email address in the unlikely event someone else would like to find something our about
my father?
I have all sorts of documents to send to David - grammar school diploma, high school diploma, program for
a college memorial service in honor of my father from Randolph Macon....
It is very strange because I have been thinking about my father a lot lately...my brother died in May at age 67
under difficult circumstances and that event brought up all sorts of feelings and memories....I do not now remember
how to navigate around that web site...finding it in the first place was a fluke.
You have been so kind to me - you will never know what peace I have gained in my life being in touch with the men
who flew with and knew my father....I am now looking for peace around the circumstances following my brother's
death in San Jose'....
Thank you so much for all the work you do and all you have done for me.
Nancynmgleason@aol.com
207-766-2670
Nancy Markey Gleason
PO Box 7953Portland, ME 04112
FROM THE EDITOR:
Nancy,It is so good to hear from you and good to find you again! I received an email from Mr. Hartley and
told him I didn't have a current email address for you so I put his email in our Newsletter which I just mailed
out 2 weeks ago. I also put the Newsletter online for all to read at the 7th Bomb Group Web Site (http://www.7thbg.org).
You can find his email to me about half way down the page in the online Newsletter located here:
http://www.7thbg.org/Nov2006.htm
In any event, I am so glad he was able to find you and I will make sure to change your email address on the next
update.It was so good to hear from you and as always,
Fair winds to you and yours and have a wonderful Christmas!
Jim
|
TED HARDY 9THBS WRITES |
I would like to add my email address to the 7th BG list. I served with the 9th bomb squadron in Tezpur,
India in 1944 as a B-24 bombardier. My email is: tednchar@hotmail.com. Thanks in advance.
Ted Hardy Lt. Col. USAF Retired
FROM THE EDITOR:
Ted, I added your name to the email list today. Good to hear from you. Which crew were you on?
Do I have your crew photo on the web site? If not, would you happen to have a photo of your crew?
Thanks, Jim
|
WALTER P. CHRISTENSEN - 493RD PASSES |
I just learned that Walter P. Christensen, former 493rd Sq. copilot on the McClintock crew, died in Sonora,
CA, May 24, 2006, at age 81. After the war, he was a lawyer in Los Angeles and San Diego before retiring and moving
to Groveland, CA. In the early 1980s Walt returned to India, visiting the abandoned base at Pandaveswar. He found
the concrete runway still intact but the revetments and buildings gone. In 1989 Walt and his wife reviewed official
7th Bomb Group combat film at the National Archives and then had some of the footage transferred to VHS. He made
copies of the videos available to 7th Group members at nominal cost. He is survived by his wife Donna, two sons,
and two daughters.
Walt Webb
wwebb24@verizon.net
|
GRANDDAUGHTER OF CHARLES E. KRAMER WRITES |
Hi – I am Kristin Jennings, the granddaughter of Charles E. Kramer. I received your newsletter after completing
a change of address for my grandparents’ mail.
I just wanted to let you know that he actually passed away on 2/19/06 at Wright-Patt AFB Hospital in Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Charla Kramer McDowell, in 1979. He is survived by his wife, Charlotte
W. Kramer, his son, Nicholas Kramer, his grandson Colby McDowell, his granddaughter, Kristin McDowell Jennings,
and his great-granddaughter, Charla Jennings.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to let me know. My home # is 251-679-0809.
Thank You,
Kristin Jennings
Land Heritage Properties, Inc.
4636-B Bit & Spur Road
Mobile, AL 36608
251-652-3000 phone251-652-6566 fax
|
LOOKING FOR INFO ON CAPTAIN FREDRICK KAUFMANN - 436TH |
Jim, I am currently writing about Captain Fredrick Kaufmann, a pilot with the 436th Bomb Squadron from
May 1944 to May 1945. I am looking for any other member of the 7th Bomb Group from 1944 to the end of the
war. I am looking for stories about what it was like for flight and ground crews. I will include any stories
about training and the journey to India. Also if anyone has any photos that they would like to share. Of
course, any stories or photos will be properly credited to the person forwarding them.
Der Adler Militaria
Bryan Best-Owner
|
GOOD TO HEAR FROM EARL RAMBOW |
Jim- I appreciate your dedication to this website. I am still alive and doing well at 88 years. Had charge of
the Veteran's Day program. and gave the crowd an earful of the exploits of the 7th and 492.
Earl Rambo
wwobmar@aol.com
|
FROM ROBERT WELSER - GUNNER ON CRUMPACKER CREW 492ND |
Congrats on a great Web Site. Brand new to me. I was Upper Turret Gunner on Crumpacker Crew 492nd B S. Crew
listing shows two Merz. The last one should be Welser, instead. Also thanks for keeping me on the list. CM03.
I must owe some dues. How much?? Keep up the good work. I found another Welser (William) in the roster of
the 436th. Have you any roster of crews in the 436th. I would like to contact William Welser, if possible.
RobertW567@aol.com
FROM THE EDITOR:
Robert, I will make the correction on the crew photo on the next update. I do have a mailing address for
William Welser from the 7thBG data base: 58 Cherry Street Danville, PA 17821-1128 However, when I looked up William
Welser in the white pages online for Danville, PA, I found no matches....I did find a William Welser at this address:
PO Box 1123 Morrisville, PA 19067-9123 Phone: (215) 945-0342 The Danville address was what was in Rudy's data base
when I took over as Sec/Treas. So I sent William a Newsletter at that address. However, it could be
that he moved to the Morrisville address and Rudy didn't receive an address change. It would be worth a phone
call....he might be the one you're looking for. He was the only William Welser that came up in PA on a white
pages search online.
Good luck and fair winds,
Jim
|
LOOKING FOR INFORMATION ON FATHER - RALPH HENNING 492ND |
My father, Ralph F. Henning, formerly from Pittsburgh, Pa. and now deceased, served in the 7th BG, 492nd
squadron in the China Burma India Theatre as a radio operator/aerial gunner Tech Sergeant, 1943-45. I've not been
able to find his photo in any of the aircrew photo's on your web site and would like to find out which crew
he flew with and the name of the B-24 plane he flew on to add to my family's genealogy. Is there any
way you might have that information?
Thanks,
Tom Henning
FROM THE EDITOR:Tom, I have looked through the material I have and sorry to say that I don't have that information
on your father. However, I will be publishing a newsletter for the Foundation in May and will include your
letter in the Newsletter. Would you happen to have a photo of your father in uniform that I could put in
the Newsletter? Maybe one of the Foundation members will remember your father from the newsletter and contact
you.
Jim
REPLY FROM TOM:
Jim, Thank you for your kind efforts to find some information on my father and for including my search for information
in your upcoming newsletter. I've attached the only photo I have of my father when he served in WWII. Here
are some additional facts I picked up through research if it will help your readers recall him:NAME: Ralph F. Henning
FROM: Pittsburgh, Pa. RANK: Tech Sergeant Radio Operator/Aerial Gunner (Trained at Sioux Falls and Yuma)
ASSIGNMENT: Assigned to 7th Bombardment Group (H), 492nd Squadron, China-Burma-India AWARDS: From June, 1944 to
December, 1944 flew 43 combat missions. Earned Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross (Sept, 1944 mission(s))
If you have anyone that recalls him, they can respond to me by email at THZephyr41@aol.com. If you'd like me to
contribute funding for your newsletter please let me know. I really appreciate your kindness and wish you well.
Best wishes,
Tom Henning
|
SON REMEMBERS FATHER - ROBERT J. RANDLE 9TH |
I regret to advise you that my father, Robert J. Randle (9th LM213), died on 22 November 2006. A copy
of his obituary is attached.
John P. Randle, COL USAF (Ret)
10625 Summit Mtn Ct Knoxville, TN 37922
Robert J (Bob) Randle passed away at the age of 85 on 22 November 2006 while a resident at the Tennessee State
Veteran’s Home in Murfreesboro (Tennessee) following a series of medical issues. He was previously a resident at
the Country Cottage Assisted Living facility in Lawrenceburg (Tennessee) for more than seven years, and resided
on Story Road in West Point (Tennessee) for approximately 20 years prior. He was born 17 March 1921 in Covington
GA, and was the only son of Horace Dewit Randle and Willie May Hearn. Enlisting in the Georgia National Guard prior
to World War II, he then transferred to the US Army Air Corps and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1943.
Bob Randle served with distinction in the China Burma India Theater during WWII, receiving three Distinguished
Flying Crosses and three Air Medals for his combat missions as a B-24 Heavy Bomber pilot and earned the Command
Pilot rating. He later received a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Omaha (Nebraska) and a Masters
of Letters Degree from the University of Pittsburg (Pennsylvania). Bob Randle held a variety of demanding
positions within the United States Air Force's Strategic Air Command and Tactical Air Command, culminating in an
assignment at Headquarters Air Force in the Pentagon. Bob Randle retired from active duty with the United States
Air Force in 1964 at Sewart Air Force Base in Smyrna (Tennessee), having reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He then entered academia and taught courses in Management and Economics at Middle Tennessee State University in
Murfreesboro and Lem Mottlow Community College in Tullahoma (Tennessee) before retiring again to become a farmer
in West Point (Tennessee). Bob was preceded in death by one son (Douglas), his sister Evelyn, a former wife (Priscilla),
and his recent companion of more than 20 years, Marie Moore. He is survived by three sons (John, Steven, and Hardin),
one daughter (Amy), two sisters (Geraldine, Roselle), and a previous wife (Bobbie) as well as five grandchildren
and three great grandchildren. Bob was a Master Mason (32nd degree) from the Tullahoma Lodge and a member of both
the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. An interment service with full military honors by the Volunteer
State Honor Guard will be held at the Tennessee Veterans Cemetery in Knoxville.
|
FROM TOM AND IMOGENE SLEDGE - 492ND |
Hi Jim and Sue Congratulations on your Nov Newsletter. Most informative, excellent layout, and easy to
read-great job! I did not realize so many offspring want info on their Dads or relatives who were in the
7th. I have made a list of all those seeking info and am presently going through my files and photos to see
if I can provide any info to them. So Far I have had no success. Best wishes to you and Sue for a Happy Holiday!
TOM and IMY
FROM THE EDITOR:
Tom and Imogene,Sorry so slow in getting back to you! Thanks for your kind words on the Newsletter.
I knew this one would be fairly large as I had a lot of ground to cover. Maybe the next one won't be
so long! In any event, thank you again and hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
Fair winds,
Jim & Sue
|
LOOKING FOR INFO ON B-24 “HOMESTRETCH” |
I'm looking for any information on the Homestretch. I believe this was her serial number44-50857. The only info
I could find linked me to your web site. Any infowould be great. Please feel free to send me an email. Your site
is completely awesome. Great pictures and stories. Thanks for sharing your stories.
Jason Sumner
sumnerjm@yahoo.com
|
FROM DELSA SKINNER - FORMER HOST OF 7THBG REUNION |
I do appreciate getting the newsletter, thanks so much. I would like to tell you that my brother, Charles
H. Dana died 13 September. Charles and my husband Leland hosted the 7th Bomb Reunion at Alpine, Wyo.
I also got a letter from Dorothy Chapman and her husband James J. Chapman died 18 June. I have some pictures and
will send them later.
Sincerely,
Delsa Skinner
grandmas36@silverstar.com
|
GRANDSON SEEKS INFO - MERLE NASH 492ND |
Sir I was hoping that you could point me in the right direction my grandfather who has recently passed away
was with the 492 and was discharged around April 1947 his name was Merle Nash ( 382-26-0831) he was at Ft. Worth
Army air field I believe. I was just wondering what he did if he was air crew or maintenance any information would
be appreciated.
Thanks
John Walker
walker2200@sbcglobal.net
FROM THE EDITOR:
John, I can't find anything on your grandfather in the material I have. Let me suggest that you request his
personnel records from the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis. Their website is at : http://www.archives.gov/facilities/mo/st_louis/military_personnel_records.html
There was a fire there back in the 70s and many records were lost but I requested my dad's and was able to obtain
his. In any event, I will publish your email in the next Foundation Newsletter in May and maybe someone who
knew your grandfather will respond. You could also post your message to me in the guest book on line at the 7thBG
web site.
Best of luck,
Jim
|
SEEKS INFORMATION ON RAYMOND A. MARTIN 22ND |
I'm trying to get information on Raymond A. Martin, who was a Corporal in the 22nd Bomb when the ground personnel
of the 7th went overseas to Australia in 1941. I'm wondering if he was the Sergeant mentioned in a memoir
I have about Major Horrigan trying to escape from Bandoeng on March 7, 1942 in an old B-18 that didn't make
it that included a "Sgt. Martin" among the crew. Perhaps someone in the 22nd remembers him. Where
was he from, for instance? Perhaps you could put a note in the next Newsletter about my search for information
on him.
Best regards!
Bill
BillBartsch@cs.com
FROM THE EDITOR:
Bill, I quickly looked through my material this morning to see if I could find anything on Raymond Martin
with no luck.....I'll most certainly put your email in the next newsletter. You may want to put your email
in our guest book on the web site.
Fair winds and good luck,
Jim
|
THANKS FROM M.J. BRADLEY |
Thank you for the latest copy of the Newsletter. I am glad to know that the Foundation is still
alive. You and I have a bit more in common that just the 7th BG. I was born in Thornton, Calhoun County,
Arkansas. This is about 90 miles south of Little Rock. I am a member of the Marks family that settled
near what is now New Edinburg around l830. The Civil War Battle of Marks Mill was fought here in April of
l864.Do you know who has the Arkansas cherry wood gavel that belongs to the Foundation? It was presented
to the group at the Sacramento meeting. This is to be held by the president and passed on to his successor.
Carl Fritsche may have been the last one to have it.I'll send a dues check soon.
M. J. Bradley
Mjbcbivet@aol.com
FROM THE EDITOR:
Hello and good to hear from you. I believe that the cherry wood gavel is now in the possession of out current
Foundation President, Hovey Reed. I can't be sure of that but I think he has it.
Good hearing from you and fair winds,
Jim
|
TRYING TO LOCATE WALTER REGEHR |
I am trying to locate Walter Regehr, whose photographs appear in a photocopy history pertaining to the US Air
Corps presence on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The photocopy I have gives no information
about the author of the article or the publication in which it appeared. Nevertheless, my father's collection
of photographs includes some of the same images. (Dad enlisted in the Air Corps in 1939 and was stationed
at Clark Field. He was evacuated to Mindanao, December 29, 1941, and was captured there.)Any help you can
provide would be greatly appreciated. He and I are writing his memoir of the war years.Thank you for your
kind attention to this inquiry.
Sincerely,
Al Youngal@alyoung.com
FROM THE EDITOR:
Al,
He is a member of the 7thBG Historical Foundation and I have the following address for him:5137 Elbert WaySacramento,
CA 95842-2830
I feel that this address is probably good as I just sent out Newsletters on the 15th of Nov and his did not get
returned.
Good luck and fair winds,
Jim
|
DONALD VANCE 11THBS PASSES AWAY |
Jim,
Donald Vance of the old 11th Bomb. Sqdn passed away February 2007 in Arlington, Washington at 90 years of age.
He was in the group from September of 1939 at Hamilton Field and left the group in Australia to be a gunner on
a, A24 Dive Bomber. There he received the Silver Star for his heroic service. Interesting he never married until
he was 78.
Walter Helaas
walthelaas@msn.com
|
GRANDSON LOOKING FOR INFO ON GRANDFATHER AND RANGOON RAMBLER |
Hello all!
My name is Adam Elliott. I am the grandson of Joseph Edward Willis, who was a tail gunner on the Rangoon Rambler
(B-24 with the 493rd....Rote's crew) My grandfather is still alive and well, living with his wife in Nashville,
TN. I obtained from him a ton of information including photos, letters and government documents from his days in
the war that his parents had kept safe. Included in this information are many, many news clippings and magazine
articles about the Rangoon Rambler, which was supposedly the first B-24 to complete a full tour of duty during
the war and was sent on a bond tour. I am in the process of scanning all this information and turning it into a
book along with a detailing of the planes missions and stories. After I am done with this, I will be making a website
and posting everything online. I have a lot of information, but many conflicting fact, especially concerning specifics
of what happened on many of the 50+ missions they went on. I am looking for anyone who might have any information
or other photos about his crew as well as contact information. I am so glad to find this site!I just wanted to
say thanks in advance for any information that can be given... this has been a very exciting undertaking for me
and I was so thankful to find this very informative site. Any information at all would be extremely appreciated.
Also, I was wondering if there was some way to obtain a high resolution version of the "Rote's Crew"
air crew photos posted on the site...my family was amazed to see new photos of the crew and I would love to add
them to the photo section of the book I am writing. Thanks again,
Adam
sackofemail@gmail.com
FROM THE EDITOR:
Adam,
First, thanks so much for signing the guestbook for the 7thBG Web Site. I will take your guestbook entry
and include it in our May 2007 Newsletter and maybe it will generate more information for your book and web site.
I can no longer provide a high resolution scan of the crew photos as I’ve returned all the archived photos to the
Foundation.
Thanks again,
Jim
|
SEARCHING FOR INFO FOR NEIGHBOR—O. L. LUKE, JR. - 493RD |
Mr. Jim, My neighbor served at Pandaveswar from spring 1944 to 1945. He is in two of the crew pictures,
both Williams’ crew. The crew members are: Gordon Williams – Pilot (deceased); O.L. Luke, Jr. – Co-pilot
(my neighbor); Irvin M. Goot – Bombardier (he is currently in contact); Paul A. Wade – Navigator (recently
deceased); Ted Poniewiskie – Top turret gunner; Lyle Creason – Radio Operator; Raymond Czernick – Flight Engineer;
Winston Ibbotson – Belly turret gunner; Paul A. Harding – Tail gunner; Joe Durkin – Top turret gunner.He wants
to contact any of his crew members, maybe their families. Winston Ibbotson’s e-mail must not be valid anymore
as we could not get through. Thanks for any help that you can give me.
Keith Wynn
PresidentWynn Brothers, Inc.
wynnbrothersinc@alltel.net
FROM THE EDITOR:
Keith,
Unfortunately, the only member of the crew that I have any information on is Paul Wade's wife. She may be
able to put you in contact with other crewmembers. Her address is:Christine Wade1633 WESLEYAN DR. #217Macon,
GA 31210I can put a letter in the next newsletter asking for information if you'd like. I'll be publishing
the next newsletter in May.
Hope this helps,
Fair winds, Jim
|
TAPS FOR BELOVED HUSBAND DANNY KOCH - 9TH |
I am finally getting myself together to inform you of the passing of my beloved husband of 62 yrs Derwood "Danny"
Koch on Dec. 19, 2006. Danny left Salt Lake City, on Nov.13, 1941 with the 9th Sqdn. 7th Bomb Grp. He sailed on
the USS Republic headed for "PLUM". Was in the 493rd in India. Retuned to the States in Aug 44. Discharged
in 45. Returned to Service in 49,for 22more years. Retired CMSGT and continued on in Civil Service as top Instructor
in Jet Engine Branch at Chanute AFB, in Rantoul,IL.We attended many of the Reunions and Dan cherished his memories
of his Buddies especially in The Land of Mystery, India. Dan adored his Grandchildren and respected his Fellowman.
He kept his keen sense of humor and kept us laughing.Dan was ready for his Final Flight, "Home"
Ellen
EllenDerwooddd@aol.com
|
FROM PRESIDENT HOVEY REED - 7TH RECEIVES THANKS FROM U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY FOR MEMORBILIA DONATION |
|
TAPS |
| LEONARD LUEKEN | 9TH BS |
| ALBERT “PETE” SMITH | 493RD BS |
| ROBERT R. BANNER | 9TH BS |
| WALTER P. CHRISTENSEN | 493TH BS |
| CHARLES E. KRAMER | 436TH BS |
| ROBERT J. RANDLE | 9TH BS |
| CHARLES H. DANA | 493RD BS |
| DONALD VANCE | 11TH BS |
| DANNY KOCH | 9TH BS |
| CARL DELEEUW | 9TH BS |
|
MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS |
|
BY |
FOR |
AMOUNT |
| Robert McVay | Carl Frietsche |
$10.00 |
| Anna Jenson | George Jenson |
$50.00 |
| Diane Davis | Donald "Mike" Davis |
$50.00 |
| Harold Raiklen | Danny(Derwood)Koch |
$25.00 |
| Margoire Noller | Robert Noller |
$100.00 |
| Anne Fletcher | Robert Fletcher |
$10.00 |
| Kenneth Marks | Carl DeLeeuw |
$100.00 |
| Virgil Poston's Crew | Leonard (Luke)Luken |
$25.00 |
| Col G. E. Madison | All |
$25.00 |
|
TREASURER'S REPORT |
|
ACCOUNT BALANCE SUMMARY |
|
| REGULAR SHARES |
$740.27 |
| PREMIUM SHARES |
$26,138.56 |
| CHECKING |
$3447.78 |
| TOTAL BALANCE |
$30,326.61 |
