Jim,

I read the Feb. 7th BG Newsletter with great sadness, saying that the 7thBGHF had dissolved! We all knew this day would come. Nevertheless, it still comes as a shock. My first inkling that the end was near was when the Nibletts' illnesses forced them to cancel hosting last year's Tucson reunion. The same thing is happening to WWII organizations across the land as time takes its toll among the warriors of our Greatest Generation.

I joined the Foundation in 1993 not long after I had begun my years of research into my cousin's fate as a 9th BS navigator. It was unfortunate that I never was able to meet most of the fine gentlemen who helped me along the way. I never did get to any of the reunions, something I'll always regret.

The one note of cheer in the newsletter was your announcement that "I am going to keep the web site online as long as my fingers are able to type." For that, Jim, we all are extremely thankful! What a job you've done over the years to keep all 7th Group members informed despite your busy life!

My own busy retirement has kept me from reaching my one major goal--writing a book of tribute to the men of the Margolies crew and the 7th BG. By now, I'm sure there are many doubters out there who believe I'll never accomplish my goal. I can never forget what my crew's late bombardier told me. After assisting me in my research for several years, he wrote in one response: "Frankly, I'm rather afraid that if and when you do ever finish this project I will no longer be alive to read it." Jim Meredith died the following year. I owe Jim and his former crew, both living and dead, a great deal!

Here's my tentative dedication for my book-to-be with its working title The Flying Cobras: The Story of an American World War II Bomber Crew in India - This book is dedicated to the airmen of the Seventh Bombardment Group who fought with honor and with courage in the skies of World War II's forgotten theater. Most especially, it is a tribute to the comrades of the Margolies crew, five of whom paid the ultimate price. Tragically, three of these fliers remain missing to this day.

Walt

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Email from Ken McPherson:

Hi Jim,

The February newsletter came today and I see that you will be closing the organization. My family and I want to thank you again for helping me get Mom’s book finished and published. We had her 90th birthday party this last weekend and the book “Four Decades of Courage” is truly one of her finest and most proud memories. Hope all is well with you and your family. I’m sure that your efforts for the Foundation were truly appreciated by many people over the years.

Thank you again, if you ever visit Central Florida stop by and we’ll show you around The Villages - bring your golf clubs.

Ken

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