spring 2016 final - 15thaf.org 2016.pdf · cerignola connection 455th bomb group association...
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C E R I G N O L ACO N N E C T I O N455th Bomb Group Association Newsletter
Spring, 2016 Editor: Craig Ward, 813 Peterstow Drive, Euless, Texas 76039phone: (817) 540-1068 email: [email protected] website: www.awardphp.com
Message from the President
ByNorman Crum
I'm happy onceagain to offer a few words ofintroduction to this edition of theCerignola Connection.
In prior introductions, Iremembered the aircraft and themen who flew and maintainedthem. I've also referred to theItalian countryside that hostedthe airfields and facilities. In thelast edition, I reflected upon theattempts to destroy the enemy'stransportation, petroleum andmanufacturing assets ... thereason why we and the Britishspent so much blood andtreasure on strategic air forces.
Today, we’ll reflect uponthe men's lives after the war.
By the time you read this,the 71st anniversary of VE Day
will have passed. It's hard toimagine the emotions that musthave swept through the souls ofthe men of the 455th on that day. Relief. Astonishment.Sadness. Anger. And maybe alittle fear as to what lay aheadfor them.
The last major bombingmission of the 15th Air Forcewas conducted on April 26,1945, with the loss of onebomber and crew. Once the455th packed up, myunderstanding is that the Wing'sbomber crews flew their planesback to the U.S., while groundcrews and fighter pilots went bysea.
I don't know how manyItalian war brides there mighthave been. There wereapproximately 45,000 Britishwomen who followed their 8thAir Force husbands back to theU.S., along with hundreds ofbabies and toddlers.
It must have been hard toadjust to civilian life. I read of ayoung attorney returning fromAir Force duty in Europe whowrote, "Back home in Brooklyn,working for my old Manhattanlaw firm, I found myself in anunsettled state. Throughout mywar service, I had been tightlydisciplined. I put a brake on my
In This Edition
Page 2 - Bomber Command
Page 3 - Assoc. Contributors
Page 4 - Can You Help?
Page 5 - Dear Editor
Pages 6 & 7 - Email addresses
Page 8 - Airman’s Hymn
Page 9 - Final Flights
Pages 10 thru 12 - Can You Help& Can You Help Responses
Page 13 - B24s Flown by Other Countries
Pages 14 thru 17 - Multi BombGroup Reunion 2016, Dallas, TX.
Page 18 - Final Flights
Page 19 - T/Sgt. Reginald D. Bennett
Page 20 - Can You Help?
Pages 21 thru 23 - Final Flights
Back Page - Message from the 455th BG Assoc. Executive Director
emotions and probably held toomuch inside me. Now I began tounravel. I couldn't concentrate. Icouldn't focus on my work. Wewere working on some importantlaw cases, but the work seemedhumdrum compared to what Ihad just been through."
There must have beenhundreds of thousands oftroubled young men who felt thesame way.
But, there were happytimes, too. After flying 50missions over Northern Italy,Southern Germany, Austria andthe Balkans, my own dad spentthe last year of the war as aninstructor/trainer in Tennessee.He was released from activeservice and returned home toUtah in time for Thanksgiving,1945.
On one of his first dayshome, he borrowed mygrandparents' car, and drove toa party at a friend's house nearthe BYU campus in Provo. Onhis way, he saw a pretty coedcarrying her books and walkinghome from class. He pulledover, rolled down the window,and asked if she'd like a ride.Since it was cold and dark, shereadily accepted.
It was a great match. They were soon
engaged, and got married in herparents' Evanston, Wyoming,home in June, 1946. Georgeand Sheila Crum celebratedtheir 59th anniversary, justbefore my dad passed away in2005.
My sister and I will beforever grateful for them, and toThe Greatest Generation theywere a part of. How many times
has this story been repeated insome variation or another?
In this edition of theCerignola Connection, wepause once again to rememberand honor the brave young menwho flew, fought, andmaintained the bombers of the455th Bomb Group.
We thank them for theirfaithful service and are gratefulfor the freedoms they defended.
2
Final Flight
Ned H. Dawkins (741) died 9 Jun 2014, at age 89, athis home in Rockingham, NC.
Mr. Dawkins proudlyserved in the United StatesArmy Air Force in World War II.
Bomber Command
Lie in the dark and listenIt's clear tonight and they're flying highHundreds of them - a thousand perhapsRiding the icy moonlit skyMen, machinery, bombs, maps,coffee, sandwiches, and fleece-lined boots,bones, and muscles, and minds and hearts.English saplings with English rootsdeep in the earth which they have left behind.Lie in the dark and let them goLie in the dark and listenthey're going over in waves and wavesHigh above villages, hills, and streams,Country churches, and little gravesand little citizens worried dreamsVery soon they'll have reached the seaand far below them will lie the baysand cliffs and sands, where they used to betaken for summer holidays.Lie in the dark and let them goTheirs is a world we'll never knowLie in the dark and listenCity magnates and steel contractorsFactory workers and politiciansSoft hysterical little actorsBallet dances, reserved musiciansSafe in warm civilian bedsCount your profits, and count your sheepLife is passing above your headsJust turn over and try to sleepLie in the dark and let them goTheirs is a debt you'll ever oweLie in the dark and listen.
Poem courtesy of Lorraine Shostack Moskewicz, daughter of Walter Shostack (aka Vladimir Shostak)
3
455TH BOMB GROUPASSOCIATION, INC.P.O. BOX 93095AUSTIN, TX. 78709-3095
PRESIDENTNorman CrumEmail: [email protected]
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR /TREASURER Gregory E. Riggs Col. USAF (Ret.)P.O. Box 93095Austin, TX. 78709-3095Email: [email protected]
The 455th Bomb Group Association, Inc. would like to thank the following Association members for their generous monetary contributions (cumulative listing):
Taxi ($25-$99)Loraine McGinnis, in memory of Joseph McGinnis
Gerald W. AdamsJohn Kay McBainVictor E. MurrayLloyd C. Kestner
W. Scott Lawing in memory of MSgt (Ret) Robert L. Denton (743)Joseph A. Abbondondelo
William E. Fredrickson in memory of Elwood (Freddie) FredricksonJohn CaufieldJarred Fishman
Takeoff ($100-$199)L. Harvey Hewitt
Charles V. VandorenFrancis G. HosimerCharles H. Rosenberg
Elmo J. HenskeAnonymous
Richard C. SkagenbergHelen A. Worster, in memory of Lt. Col John R. WorsterDorothy Wood Cloud, in memory of T/Sgt Robert D. Cloud
Henry C. ParisWesley Fellowship Class in memory of MSgt (Ret) Robert L. Denton (743)
John Edwards
Bombs away ($200-$499)Francis G. Hosimer
Karen R. Schoene, in honor of Lt Col Horst R. SchoeneVirginia Corsello, in memory of 1 Lt Anthony (Tony) CorselloCatherine Spewock, in honor of S/Sgt Andrew Spewock
Robert W. Rohler, in honor of 1Lt Charles William (Bill) RohlerThomas E. BoydL. Harvey Hewitt
Mission complete ($500 or more)Mary E. Jureka, in honor of Col John F. JurekaNorman Crum, in memory of George W. Crum
Robert O. Foernsler, in memory of Capt Ed Soderstrom & crewL. Harvey Hewit
Final Flights
Rayburn L. Anderson (743) passed away on 23 May 2007.Raymond C. Butler (740) died 21 Nov 1998.Leonard M. Beckmann (742) took his final flight on 17 Feb 2002.Lincoln H. Townsend (740) died 4 Jul 2009.
Final Flight
Gerald W. Adamsdied 8 Oct 2013 at age 90.
He served in the USArmy Air Force from April, 1943,through October, 1945. He flew50 missions as a ball turretgunner on a B-24 bomber in the455th Bomb Group.
He received the AirMedal with three oak leafclusters, the Unit Citation Badgewith oak leaf cluster, and theEuropean Theater ribbon withfive battle stars.
He also received theVictory Medal, the GoodConduct Medal, the AmericanTheater ribbon, plus amarksman's badge for the rifleand the sharpshooters badgefor the pistol.
Can You Help ?Dear Editor,
My father, Lewis Riley(740), flew 35 missions as abombardier in the 455th. Hepassed away in Jan., 2008.
The CerignolaConnection newsletter stillcomes to his former residence(where I now reside), becausenobody informed you of hispassing. I really enjoy readingthe newsletter, and I willcontinue to read the online .pdfversions. I apologize for takingso long to inform you.
Someone on my Dad'splane, probably the pilot (DickHolrock), kept a log of all themissions on which he flew. MyDad had copies of them.
I noticed the name of theplane for the first mission isBucket of Bolts, which ispictured on your website(www.awardphp.com).
Sincerely,Rob [email protected]
Can You Help? ResponseHi, Rob,
Thanks for writing.My dad, Lt. J. T. Ward
(740) flew on, among others, theBucket O’ Bolts
from December 1943, to August1944, at which time he got tocome home.
Interestingly, there wasanother B24 in the 455th BGwith a similar name ...
Bucket OF Bolts. Do you know which one
your dad flew on?Sincerely,
Craig WardEditor, Cerignola Connection
Final Flight
Robert E. Johnson (742)passed away May 30, 2010.
Dear Editor,I was looking over the roll
call list in the 455th BombGroup’s history book (455thBomb Group (H), Flight of the VulgarVultures, 1043-1945), and I do notsee my father-in-law's name.
His name is Richard M.Lipton and was a bombardier ona B-24. He was shot down andplaced in a POW camp inGermany.
He is still alive and veryalert.
Thank you,Debbie Lipton
Dear Editor ResponseHi, Debbie. Thanks for
writing.Over the years, I have
heard from several familieswhose WWII veterans of the455th BG are not listed in the rollcall list.
This 455th BG historybook (www.awardphp.com) waswritten 20 years ago, andincludes lots of omissions ofpersons who deserved to berecognized, such as Lt. Lipton.
With the millions ofdetails that the authors andeditors of the book had to siftthrough, it’s not surprising thatsome details were missed, orotherwise overlooked.
This history book, evenwith the omissions, is still one ofthe most detailed,comprehensive histories of anygroup of military aviatorsavailable anywhere. The authors
were all veterans of the 455thBomb Group, and I believe theydid a fantastic job of detailingthe legacy of the men who flewon the bombers, and the oneswho kept them flying.
What I would recommendis that you interview Lt. Liptonabout his service, captivity, andultimate return to the USA. Takenotes, send them to me, and Iwould be extremely pleased toinclude parts of his story in afuture edition of the CerignolaConnection. Crew and aircraftpictures included would be evenbetter.
I look forward to hearingback from you.
Thanks.Craig WardEditor, Cerignola Connection
4
Dear Editor,My father, Ken
Hosterman (740), was amember of the 455th BombGroup. He was a navigator. Idon't know any of the airmenhe flew with.
My father is nowdeceased, but I would love toconnect with anyone whomight have flown with him.
My Dad was inCerignola from October, 1944to June, 1945, and flew 35missions.
I remember Dad sayinghe was with the Vulgar Vultures.One of his pilots was DickHollrock. He called him Rock.
Other than that I don'tknow much more. Can youhelp me connect with anyone?
Thank you.Karen Hosterman [email protected]
Can You Help?
Subject: 741st SquadronApril, 1944 incident inquiry
Dear Editor,I am from Dana, IL, a
farming community of 200people. We have a VeteransMemorial in town.
I am preparing asummary of the Nettunocemetery visit for the small café/ gathering space in myhometown, and would like tohave as much accurateinformation as possible versusspeculation on his death.
John W. Rickey was aTSgt with 741st. His date ofdeath is listed as April 6, 1944.The mission log indicates anavigator was severely injuredon an April 3 (mission 19), and Iam presuming he died as aresult of his injuries.
I have located thetombstone of John W. Rickey inNettuno, Italy on a visit inOctober, 2015. Rickey’s servicenumber is 16016969.
I have followed up withweb searches for the possibleevent in which TSgt Rickey losthis life. I understand there weremissions on April 3, 1944, withinjuries to crew members; amission on April 4 with all planesreturning safely, and no mentionof crew injuries, after an attackon a ball-bearing factory. I didnot find any mention of amission on April 6 that may haveincluded a loss of a plane.
Questions:1) Did this squadron
complete training at HollomanAFB, New Mexico? As anaside, I worked at White SandsNational Monument after beingstationed at Holloman in 1973.While perusing the backcountry,I noted spent rounds of largecaliber shells. I recall someonetelling me the crews would shootat antelope on the groundoccasionally. Any rumors to thateffect from your association withthe group?
2) Do you have an imageof tail markings or squadronpatches for the 741st you couldshare?
3) Would you happen tohave any crew photographs thathave members identified?
4) Are any of the bombgroup pins available (noted inthe 2014 newsletter)?
I am hoping one of yourreaders may be able to shedadditional information on hispassing.
Thank you for your timeand any assistance you couldprovide.
Sincerely,Steve CinnamonCell: [email protected][email protected]
5
455th Bombardment Group
The group wasactivated July 1943, with fouressentially stand-alone bombsquadrons: 740th, 741st,742nd, and 743rd.
After a somewhatnomadic training regimen withdilapidated equipment, thepieces of the group cametogether at Langley, VA inOctober, 1943. They wereissued G and H models of theConsolidated B-24 Liberator.
They departed Langleyin December, 1943, and flew toTunisia by way of Brazil,arriving in January, 1944.They remained in Tunisia untilcompletion of their airfield atSan Giovanni, Italy, about fivemiles west of Cerignola and 20miles southwest of Foggia.
The group moved to SanGiovanni in February, 1944,and flew its first combat mission(Anzio) on 16 February 1943 aspart of the 304th Bomb Wing,Fifteenth Air Force.
The group flew its lastmission (Linz, Austria) 15months later on 25 April, 1945.The mission scheduled for thefollowing day was cancelled,and the group beganpreparations to return home.Probably no one was sorry.
The 455th BG flew 252combat missions over France,Italy, Germany, Poland,Hungary, Austria, and theBalkans. They dropped 13,249 tons of munitions. Thegroup lost 118 aircraft, 31directly to fighters, 36 directlyto flak, and 51 from all othercauses combined.
“The urge to save humanityis almost always a false
front for the urge to rule it.”
Please Vote this November.
An editorial commentfrom your editor.
455th BG E-mail Roster
Harry W. Anderson (740)San Antonio,[email protected]
Dave Bathie (assoc. 740) [email protected]
Joel BeauvaisSon, Raymond Beauvais (741)[email protected]
1st. Lt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Bell840 Kimberly Ct.Lander, WY [email protected]
Jack Blum (741) [email protected]
Mario Capocefalo (Italy)[email protected]
Howard Cooper (740)[email protected]
Robert D. (Bob) Collette (740)South Pasadena, Fl 33707dotybob@verizon .net
Bill & Joyce [email protected] <or>[email protected]
Albert E. Cratch (741)[email protected]
Janet & Russell [email protected]
Norman CrumPresident, 455th BG Assoc.Son of Cpt. George Crum (742)[email protected]
Jack Dekker (743) [email protected]
Theodore Deppe (741)[email protected]
Louise Defenbaugh YearoutGeorge Defenbaugh’s [email protected]
John Devito (assoc.)[email protected]
Curtis (Curt) Diles, Jr. (740) [email protected]
Paul H. Ditchett (742) [email protected]
Robert Emick (741)[email protected]
William E. FredricksonSon, Elwood Fredrickson (743)[email protected]
Marc GaynesSon of Seymour Gaynes (743)[email protected]
Ann GengeDaughter of Allen Durkee (743)[email protected]
Lt. Col. R. J. Haney (743)[email protected]
Fred Hamilton T/Sgt (740)[email protected]
L. Harvey Hewit (743) Haverford, [email protected]
Robert [email protected]
Frank Hosimer (741)[email protected]
Joe Kiernan (741)(215) [email protected]
Erling Kindem (742)[email protected]
Viliam [email protected]
George L. Liddle (742) [email protected]
E.J. Ledbetter, Jr. (743)[email protected]
John L. Larma (740) [email protected]
Mark L. MasonSon of Robert G. Mason (742)[email protected]
Frank [email protected]
Dave Matheson (742) [email protected]
Email addresses (cont.)
Mike McFadden (Assoc. 743)
Son-in-Law of Austin Herrity
6
THE PRICE OF VICTORY(cost of aircraft, WWII dollars)
B-17 $204,370. P-40 $44,892.B-24 $215,516. P-47 $85,578.B-25 $142,194. P-51 $51,572.B-26 $192,426. C-47 $88,574.B-29 $605,360. P-38 $97,147.
Jim MerrittSon of Lt. Jim Merritt (741)[email protected]
Vic Murray (743) [email protected]
Peter Payant (743) [email protected]
Roland J [email protected]
Wesley Powell (740) [email protected]
Brenda RaymanDaughter, E.J. Ledbetter (743)[email protected]
John Rohrer455th BG Assoc. HistorianSon of Carl Rohrer (740)[email protected]
Charles H. Rosenberg (741)[email protected].
Irving (Irv) Rubin (743)321-514-3445
Sid Schoengold (740) [email protected]
Dr. Gary R. Schoene, son, Lt Col Horst R. Schoene (743)[email protected] R. “Gus” Seefluth (742) [email protected]
Sgt. John E. [email protected]
Michael SpewockSon of Andrew Spewock (743)[email protected]
Charles E. Stark (740) [email protected]
Ted StinerSon of Lt.Theodore Stiner (741)[email protected]
Carl A. Stracka (Pilot, 743)1121 E. Moorpark Ave.Appleton, WI. 54911
Angelo Synodis (741)[email protected]
Julie SummerfieldDaughter of WalterSummerfield (743)[email protected]
Ted Tronoff (742)[email protected]
Dr. Stanley Vogelfang (741) [email protected]
John R. Worster (742). [email protected]
Craig Ward Editor, Cerignola ConnectionSon of Lt. J. T. Ward (740) [email protected]
Leland L. Young (743)[email protected]
Paul A. Young (741)[email protected]
7
Final Flight
Harry Paul Lundt (742)who went by Paul, passedaway on July 21, 2015. He was91 years old, and was able tolive at home until the last fewmonths of his life.
He was very proud ofhis service in WW II, and hismembership in the 455th BG.
He was married to mymother, Margaret Lundt, from1950 until her death in 2009.He was a terrific father to meand my brother Niles, andgrandfather to Honor andBrady Lundt.
I have always enjoyedreading the newsletter after heread it.
Sincerely,Sheila Lundt [email protected]
Dear Editor,While searching for
information on my husband'sfirst cousin (Ralph Owens,742), we found your website(www.awardphp.com) and emailaddress ([email protected]).
We would be interestedin any history, info, details, orphotos that might exist withinthe archives of the 455thBomb Group regarding RalphOwens.
Any information youcould share would be mostappreciated and treasured.
Many Thanks!!Lita and Jack OwensTucson AZ520-575-8192 - home520-471-9798 - cell
Dear Editor,Ref: information on a
B24J S.N. 44401055I hope that you can help
or direct me to someone whocan. I am looking to findinformation on my Uncle EdwardSilverman who was a gunner onThe Miss Marjorie. H i splane was shot down November22, 1944 and he was eitherkilled by enemy fire, or toowounded to bail out. Most of thisinformation is from MACR 9947.
I have been looking forpictures of his crew and planefor many years and recentlyfound this picture (at right>>>).He is in the photo to the right,standing, second from the right.
I am not sure if this is thecrew of his plane, or even whenthis was taken. But if there issome way to find out, I would begrateful for any help orguidance.
Regards,Joel [email protected]
Final FlightDear Editor,
I wanted to let you knowof the passing away of WilliamDoyle (742) on August 9, 2015,in Jupiter, FL.
He was a committedmember of your group and keptevery copy of the CerignolaConnection.
Thank you for all yourgroup does and will continue todo.
Sincerely,Cheryl DoyleDaughter-in-law
8
An Airman's Hymn
When the last long flight is over And the happy landings past
And my altimeter tells me That the crackup's come at last.
I'll point her nose for the ceiling And I'll give my crate the gun
I'll open her up and let her zoom For the airport of the sun.
Then the great God of flying men Will look at me sort o'slow
As I stow my plane in the hangar On the field where flyers go.
Then I'll look upon his face The Almighty Flying Boss
Whose wingspread fills the horizon From Orion to the Cross.
Author Unknown
9
Final FlightJohn F. Davis (741)
passed away February 1, 2016. He was born in Des Moines,Iowa, on December 15, 1918.
Mr. Davis was a long-time director for the 455th BGAssociation, and was the legal registered agent for theAssociation for many years.
He graduated from Roosevelt High School, the University ofIowa (BA 1942) and Harvard Law School (JD, 1948). He practicedlaw in Des Moines for about 40 years. He served one term asJustice of the Peace for Bloomfield Township, and as Mayor of FortDes Moines (when the Fort was primarily used for veteranshousing). He served on the Des Moines Board of Adjustment.
John was a retired Air Force Colonel. He spent over threeyears on active duty, initially in various locations around the US,then 21 months with the 455th Bomb Group at Cerignola, Italy.
He was in the Air Force reserve for the balance of his 30years in the Air Force, for many of those years as the commanderof his unit. He participated in a World War II veterans Honor Flightto Washington, D.C. in 2010.
John was an exceptional athlete. He was a high schoolwrestler and college boxer. He competed in Nastar downhill snowskiing for over 40 years, through age 92, winning over 300 goldand platinum medals. He was ranked #1, #2, or #3, a number oftimes, nationally, in his age group in Nastar rankings.
He windsurfed at his lake house at Clear Lake until he wasage 94, which largely replaced his waterskiing. He was anexceptional golfer, croquet player, and ping pong player. He holdstwo records in the Iowa Senior Olympics.
John regularly, and mostly daily, played the piano from aboutjunior high school until his death, playing at home, at Des Moinessenior centers, and on the grand piano in the Deerfield lobby.
His wife Jane Hayes Davis, survives him.
Final FlightAl Asch (740)
took his final flight on 8 Dec 2013.He was pivotal in the writing and publishing of the Vulgar
Vultures history book (455th Bomb Group H, Flight of the VulgarVultures, 1943-1945, read it online at www.awardphp.com).Colonel Alfred Asch, retired USAF, of Brentwood died at age 93.
Col. Asch was preceded in death his by wife, Naomi IdellaAsch. He is survived by his sons, David (Marcia) Asch and Peter(Joani) Asch; half-brother, Dan Asch; sister, Leona Caldecourt;grandchildren, Graeme (Corrie) Asch, Darryl (Annie) McCreary,Jennifer (Eric) Johnson and Corporal Veronica Asch USMC; greatgrandchildren, Kaelan, Aryn and Raley Asch, Aidan, Liam andFinn McCreary, Garrett and Bryce Johnson.
Final FlightFrank David Burge (742)
Frank David Burge, 90, diedpeacefully at his home onNovember 21, 2015.
He graduated from OldTown High School and attendedNorth Carolina State University.
As a member of ourGreatest Generation, Frankproudly served his country in theEuropean Theater as a memberof the Army Air Corp where hewas a tail gunner in a B-24Bomber.
He was discharged asStaff Sergeant. Upon his returnto Winston Salem, he marriedEleanor Shouse Burge on July24, 1948.
Frank owned andoperated Burge Transfer &Storage for many years andlater owned and operatedCrown Cordage until hisretirement.
Final FlightTilden Fleming (742)
died 15 Apr 2014.Tilden Fleming, age 89,
passed away peacefully at hishome in Kingsport on Tuesdaymorning, April 15, 2014.
He served in the 455thBombardment Group of the15th U.S. Army Air Force inCerignola, Italy during WorldWar II.
He was later deployedby the U.S. Navy to serve inthe Korean War.
Can You Help?
Dear Editor,I’m trying to determine
the name of my father’s B-24.He was in the 740th BombSquadron. The pilot’s name wasBob Lebsock (Ship 167).
You have a photo of thenose art on his plane on page97 of the 455th BG History Book— the woman dropping bombsas little devils poke her with theirpitchforks (see picture below)!
I hope that perhapssomeone there has that originalphoto. I know John Pierce, alsoon the crew, was the one whopainted the nose art.
How would yourecommend me tracking downany descendants of thesurvivors of that crew?
Another question: Doyou know of a resource that listswhich planes/ships went onwhich missions? I have a list ofthe missions, and how manyplanes went and how manyreturned, but not which ships orcrews went. That informationwould be extremely helpful as Iwrite my book on my dad’s warhistory.
CrewOfficers:2 Lt. Al Griffin, Pilot, Alabama2 Lt. Robert A Lebsock, Co-Pilot, Greeley, Colorado2 Lt. Kyle W. Gilliam, Navigator,Tennessee2 Lt. Odis Stewardson,Bombardier, Illinois
Enlisted men:S/Sgt. James G Williams, TailGunner, Georgia
Sgt. John F. Pierce, NoseGunner, Long Island, New YorkS/Sgt. James D. Carney, RightWaist Gunner, South DakotaS/Sgt. Billy G. Manning, Left Waist Gunner, Memphis,TennesseeS/Sgt. John H. Loutham,Engineer and Ball Gunner,TexasS/Sgt. O.D. Childers, RRadio Operator & Upper TurretGunner, Missouri
Thank you for posting thisrequest. If anyone knows thename of the plane, or knew anyof the crew or their descendants,I’d love to connect with them.
Kind regards,Gail Manning FrayDaughter, S/Sgt. Billy [email protected]
10
See next two pages forresponses from 455th BGhistorians Dave Ungemach
and John Rohrer
Final FlightRobert E. Frampton (740)died 23 Nov 2015, inUrbandale, Iowa.
Bob was born in Binger,Oklahoma, on August 30,1922. He attended school inDes Moines, Iowa and Lincoln,Nebraska.
He graduated fromDrake University with a degreein Business Administration. Bobinterrupted his studies to enlistin the Army Air Corps duringWWII, and was stationed withthe Fifteenth Air Force, 455thBomb Group in Cerignola, Italy.
He flew a B-24 bomberon nine missions, mostly toGermany and Austria, and washonorably discharged with therank of 2nd Lieutenant.
Returning from one ofthese missions, they noticedthat their B-24 had 57 holesfrom flak. None of their crewwas ever wounded.
Can You Help ? Response
Dear Gail,Your dad wasn’t flying
Magnetic Molly on the day hewas shot down. It was themission to the oil refinery atMoosbierbaum, Austria, nearVienna, 26 June 44. The planewas a B-24G, Serial Number 42-78167. I’ve never been able tofind a photo, unfortunately. TheMissing Aircrew Report (MACR)number is 6433 – do you need acopy?
My dad was also shotdown on this mission (742squadron). I’ll keep digging tosee what I can find.Dave [email protected]
Can You Help? Response
Dear, Dave.That’s great information!I have the Missing
Aircrew Report, but I don’t haveanything against which tocompare the plane’s serialnumber.
All this time, I thoughtship 167 (from the MACR) wasthe number of my dad’s plane,and I assumed he always flewon that specific plane. Since Ihave a photo of the plane withthe crew and the nose art is sodistinguishable, I assumed itwas the same plane.
This opens up a numberof questions from me to anyonereading this.
1) The crews sometimesflew other planes ... why? Wastheir “normal” plane beingrepaired?
2) Did they switch planes on aregular basis for other reasons?
Thanks,Gail Fray
Dear Gail,They often swapped
planes between crews,squadrons, even bomb groupsdue to maintenance down time,battle losses, damage, etc.
It seems that the originalcrews that arrived at SanGiovanni had a much betterchance of “keeping” the sameplane, at least from mission 1 on16 February 1944, to Mission 68on 26 June 1944. Thingsseemed to change after themission on June 26.
Dave Ungemach
Dear Dave,3) What was the serial
number of the plane my dadnormally flew and how do I findit?
4) Is there a MACR site Ican access to obtain all thelosses in the 740 Squadron? Ihave a field order from thatMission 68 to Moosbierbaumthat lists the planes and theirorder of take off.
Is there a website that Ican access that will give thatinformation about each mission?If my dad flew on differentplanes and didn’t stay with thesame ship, how would Iascertain which ship he flew onfor which mission?
Gail Fray
Dear Gail,I’m wondering if your dad
and his crew brought Sweet Kid/ Magnetic Molly into the group
with them in April 1944. Replacement crews
sometimes flew into SanGiovanni, only to have the newplane taken away from them andgiven to another crew orsquadron. There’s even anaccount of pilots drawing strawsto see who got the new plane.
Sometimes it never evenmade it past Bari, Italy, whichwas usually the first place theylanded after flying from the US.This happened to my dad – theyflew a new B-24J into Bari andnever saw it again (which wasfine with him – he said they hadnothing but problems with it).They went to San Giovanni viatruck.
Anyway, it could be thatthey swapped it with 167.Maybe others can shed somelight on that.
I’m not sure what thegroup was doing with the newcrews in April 44. My dadarrived in late May as a copilot,and immediately left his crew tofly with an experience crew. Atthe same time, an experiencedpilot was assigned to his regularcrew to fly and train with them. His original crew was shot downon 13 June. Dad, of course, wasshot down on the 26 Junemission. He survived, andmanaged to evade for threedays, before he was captured.
He was eventually takento Stalag Luft III. His originalbombardier, lost on the 13 Junemission, was one of the firstPOWs to greet him!
Sincerely,Dave [email protected]
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Dear Gail,Details of the missions
flown in WWII can be found atthe National Archives Annex inCollege Park, MD. There is amission folder for each missionwhich includes many originaldocuments, including: 1) fieldorders, 2) briefing outlines, 3)mission statistics, 4) weatherforecasts, 5) formationsdiagrams, 6) combat loadinglists, and 7) intelligencesummaries. But not all of thesedocuments can be found inevery folder.
I believe you are lookingfor the combat loading lists fromthe 740th bomb squadron foreach mission flown by yourfather. If you have a list of hismissions then you are at a goodstarting point.
I am in the process ofscanning/imaging thesedocuments and thentranscribing them for readability.
Unfortunately, I have onlyjust begun this process over thepast year, and it is going veryslowly. I get to the archives onceor twice a year, and if I had yourmission list, it would focus myresearch the next time I amthere.
From the MorningReports, found at the NationalPersonnel Records Center (partof the National Archives) in StLouis, Missouri, your father’screw joined the squadron onApril 22, 1944. The crewmembers listed at that timewere: Lebsock, Grissom,Gilliam, Stewardson, Galvin,Louthian, Manning, Pierce,Yaus, and Williams.
Morning reports were
prepared daily in each squadronto report changes in personnel,such as, MIA, KIA, transfers inor out, promotions, reductions ingrade, sick, hospitalized, etc. Ihave a partial set of thesereports and I am hoping to goback to the NPRC this summerto obtain more copies.
I will do a little moredigging in my records about thiscrew and let you know what elseI have found.
John [email protected]
Dear Gail,To continue with your
research, you may want to plana visit to Washington, DC andvisit the annex I referencedpreviously.
If you go to the websitefor the National Archives atwww.archives.gov, click on alink to “Plan a Research Visit”.
It explains that anyonecan visit and research, but youneed to obtain a researcher cardwhen you first go there. This sitehas a lot of tips and rules thatyou should familiarize yourselfwith prior to going. Doing this willmake your visit more enjoyableand productive.
Combat crews stayedtogether for the most part, butsickness or injury or a need forfurther training sometimesresulted in a juggling of crews.Rarely did a crew complete all oftheir missions totally intact.
Your reference to AlGriffin is actually A. L. (Arthur)Griffin, co-pilot on WayneSmith's crew, which was one ofthe original combat crews. Oncereplacement crews began to
arrive, it was common practiceto either have the pilot fly withanother crew for one or twomissions to acclimate to combat(as if that was truly possible), ormembers of another crew wouldride along with the new crew to“break them in”.
When I looked at theorders awarding the Air Medal tomembers of the Lebsock crew, Ifound that with the exception ofthe pilot, their first creditedcombat mission was on April 28,1944. Lebsock's first creditedmission was on April 24.
To answer your questionabout Morning Reports, they areprimarily concerned withpersonnel issues, so unless it isan exceptional circumstance,they do not mention aircraft bynumber or nickname.
Best Regards,John [email protected]
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Final Flight
Capt. George R. Johnston(740)
took his final flight 21 Jan,2016. Mr. Johnston was tailgunner on the Ed Riggs SkyWolf crew. Ed Riggs is thefather of the 455th BG Assoc.Executive Director Greg Riggs.
He was born in GrandRapids, Mich., to George andEva Johnston. George was aWorld War II tail gunner in theArmy Air Corp.
George moved with hiswife to Kingman in 1986.George is preceded in deathby his wife, Lilian Johnston,and is survived by his son,Craig Johnston of Mesa.
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FINAL FLIGHTVervin R. “Ponga” Gilson (741)
1924 - 2015After 91 years of flight, Gil's plane came to a final rest on Dec. 16, 2015, leaving a legacy of
love, service and family devotion. He navigated 35 combat missions during WWII, enjoyed 63 yearsof romance with Illa Jean, worked as a civil and structural engineer, maintained an immaculateyard, and got a hole-in-one during his passionate golf career. Upon the news of pancreatic cancera few short weeks ago, Gil said, "whatever happens, I have lived a good life. I have no regrets."
As a testament to the tenants of his religious faith, he enjoyed a sharp mind and good healthfor 91 years of his life. Even this last summer, he performed all his own yard care and homemaintenance on the beautiful house he built 35 years ago.
In 1942, Gil married Illa Jean Erlandson and became the proud father of 3 sons, Larry(Barbara), James (Meg) and Phil. He is also survived by his 6 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a great-great grandson, and a spoiled rotten cat, Mea. He was preceded in death byhis son Phil, sister LaFon and daughter-in-law Sharon Ruff Gilson.
Vervin was known as 'Gil' or 'VR' until the grandchildren bestowed the distinctive name ofPonga. Ponga was the grandfather that attended every scouting event, dance recital, swim meet,soccer match, baseball game, and school assembly. He was the grandpa and great grandpa thatwas always there.
Gil embodied the elegance and grace of the Greatest Generation. As a proud veteran ofWorld War II, Gil flew 35 missions with the 741 squadron of the 455th Bomb Group. Stationed inCerignola, Italy, Gil navigated the B24 Liberator to the oil fields of Poland, Romania, Berlin andother distant targets during the war. His plane was crippled by flak over Italy.
He returned from the war and obtained an engineering degree from the University of Utahand had a very successful engineering career. He was the construction manager for projects likethe Capital Theater.
It's impossible to describe Ponga's devotion to the love of his life, Illa Jean (Marner). Oursadness of his passing is only foreshadowed by the joy he must feel for his reunion. His family wasthe light of his life.
B-24 Liberators flown by other countries in WWII
Three B-24s were captured, and then operated by, the German secret operations unit KG 200,which also tested, evaluated and sometimes clandestinely operated captured enemy aircraft duringWorld War II. One of these was captured at Venegono, Italy on March 29, 1944. It was used onpenetration missions in RAF bomber streams at night in Luftwaffe markings. On a ferry flight fromHildesheim to Bavaria on April 6, 1945 it was shot down --- by German anti-aircraft fire.
Only one B-24 was officially delivered to the USSR, according to the Lend-Lease agreements.It was stranded in Yakutsk while flying a government mission to the Soviet Union, in November 1942.In addition, 73 Liberators of various models that had force-landed on eastern European airfields wererecovered, and 30 of them were repaired and used by the soviet 45th Heavy Bomber Aviation Division.
The B-24 bombers of the 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy) joined the Chinese Battlefield inMarch, 1944, as the heavy bombers of the Fourteenth Air Force to fight against the Japanese duringthe Second Sino-Japanese War. About 48 B-24Ms were provided by the U.S. to the ChineseNationalists Airforce after WWII, and were used during the Chinese Civil War.
The Communist Chinese Air Force had two B-24Ms captured from the Chinese Nationalistsduring the Chinese Civil War, and operated them until 1952.
14
Reunion Questions ?1) Jonathan Tudor at (207) 730-0465
E-Mail: [email protected]) Susan Tudor Prince at (978) 866-0024
E-Mail: [email protected]) Dave Blake at (913) 523-4044
E-Mail: [email protected]
15
16
17
Final FlightCharles E. Stark (740)
died 22 Aug 2015, age 92.Beloved husband of Lois
(Davis) Stark; father of RichardStark and Donald (Marie) Stark;proud grandfather of Nicole(Anthony) Traini and KimberlyStark; dear great-grandfather ofJulianna and David.
Charles proudly served inWWII in the Army Air Corps withthe 455th Bomb Group,stationed in Cerignola, Italy.
He flew 35 bombingmissions.
Final FlightJean M. Fitter (742)
died 26 Aug 2015.He graduated from Altus
High School in 1942, where heparticipated in all sports.
Jean joined the Army AirCorps and in July 1944, he wassent to Italy, assigned to the742nd Bomb Squadron as a co-pilot, and later a first pilot, of aB-24 bomber.
He flew 35 missions inthe European theater, andattained the rank of Captain.
Final FlightWilliam "Bill" G. Doyle (742)died 14 Aug 2015.
Bill Doyle, Brooklynnative and long-time resident ofTarzana, CA, died peacefully atthe home of his son, Bob, inMiami.
Bill was a champion highschool 440 runner. He was a 1stLt. and navigator on 15th AirForce B-24s, completing dozensof WWII missions over enemylines.
He earned a B.A. (UC
Berkeley) and M.A. (USC). Hespent his career as an educatorin Burbank, including manyyears as director of BurbankAdult Education.
Final FlightWilliam M. Doyle (742)
died 9 Aug 2015.William Monroe Doyle, 92,passed on to be with his Lord onAugust 9, 2015 in Jupiter,Florida.
He served proudly in theU.S. Air Force, had a rewardingcareer in the aerospaceindustry, and was a long timemember of North Palm BeachFirst Presbyterian Church.
Final FlightHarry Wilton Anderson (740)died July 9, 2015.
Harry Wilton Andersonwent to be with the lord on July9th, 2015, joining his belovedwife Merlene. Known to manyas "Andy", he enlisted in the AirForce by hitchhiking toRandolph AFB in 1941.
Soon after enlisting, hemarried the love of his life,Merlene. He proceeded to pilot'straining preparing for duty inWorld War II. After serving inItaly, based near Cerignola, onthe Adriatic Sea, and completing50 bombing missions flying B-24bombers, he earned aDistinguished Flying Cross andreturned home.
He was recalled to dutyfor the Air Force during theKorean Conflict. After attainingthe rank of Major and serving asa pilot, he remained in the AirForce for 20 years, serving inboth Okinawa and Germany.
After retiring at RandolphAFB, he joined the US CivilService working at Ft. SamHouston for another 20 years.
Growing up in the GreatDepression, the military gavehim a way to the world, and hewas forever a service-man forhis country.
The Greatest Generationis missing a hero.
Final FlightRichard H. Kuhnz (743)
died 8 July 2015.Richard Howard Kuhnz,
90, of Fond du Lac, Wisc., diedJuly 8, 2015.
He was born March 30,1925. Dick graduated fromFond du Lac High School in1943, and joined the U.S. ArmyAir Force (USAAF) shortlythereafter.
He served his country asa ball turret gunner, 15th AirForce, 455th BG, aboard a B-24"Liberator" Bomber, duringWorld War II.
Final FlightCharles J. McArthur (743)
died 26 Jun 2015.Charles J. McArthur, 93,
a resident of Elkland, TiogaCounty, Pa., passed awaypeacefully, June 26, 2015 inWellsboro, Pa. He joined theArmy Air Corp. Charles, flew 51missions as tail gunner on a B24in the European Theatre basedin North Africa and Italy.
Charles was the 1963North American Trap ShootingChampion.
50 years after the war, hewas awarded his purple heartfor his service in WWII.
18
19
Photos courtesy of Tom Bennett, son of T/Sgt. Reginald D. Bennett, recipient of three Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters for Aerial Flight Medals
Tom Bennett, 394 Terning Drive West, Eureka, MT. 59917, 406-882-4673Please contact Tom Bennett if you know one of these crewmembers, or are a relative of Mr. Bennett.
T-Sgt. Reginald D. Bennett
Can You Help?
Dear Editor,My father, Walter
Shostack, aka Vladimir Shostak,was a B-24 co-pilot, whose FinalFlight is recorded in theCerignola Connection.
Walter was co-pilot of aB-24 which succumbed to flakafter bombing the Blieburg OilRefinery in October of 1944. Hewas initially MIA until beingfound in a German PrisonCamp.
I don't know if any of hisartifacts are pictured in yourarchives, so I thought you mightenjoy seeing some of thematerial that I recently acquiredfrom my sister.
I also have his diarywhich includes his reflectionsand artistry by another POWwho reportedly died or waskilled in the camp.
Sincerely, Lorraine Shostack Moskewicz [email protected]
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Lt. Walter Shostack(aka Vladimir Shostak)
MIA - POW
Dear Editor,Could any of your readers confirm that the POW camps in
which Dad spent his time were Dulag Luft and Stalag Luft III? Hereported that he inherited a diary from a person who had died orbeen killed while a prisoner. This was the custom in the Camp.
The artistry in the diary (example above) looks a lot like whatis seen in the POW menu (below). It would be an honor to learnthe identity of the deceased person who preceded my Dad.
I feel fairly certain that Dad was in an officers' camp, andthat several there were British pilots. He spoke of RR StanfordTuck and appeared to follow his life. I just discovered in Wikipediathat RR spoke Russian as did my father.
Do you think any of your readers could help me find themissing artist in my Dad's diary?
Thank you.Lorraine [email protected]
Above is a copy of a menu which seems designed to mock life asa POW. Perhaps someone will recognize the signature.
Final Flight
Dominick L. Dote (742)Mr. Dominick L "Dickie"
Dote, age 92, of Utica, NY,passed away on Tuesday, March31, 2015.
Final FlightEdward "Red" Nestler (741)died 22 Mar 2015, at age 90.
He served in the Army AirCorps during World War II,based in Italy as an aircraftarmorer in the 455th BombGroup, from 1943 to 1945serving in the Rhineland,Normandy, North Apennines,Rome-Arno, Northern Franceand Naples-Foggia.
While serving in Italy, hevisited Rome, and met PopePius XII, and also witnessed theeruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Final FlightJohn D. Helbig (743)
died 23 Dec 1993.
Final FlightDavid J. Frawley (742)
died 7 Mar 2015. David John Frawley,
devoted husband and father,transitioned from this life onMarch 7th, 2015, at hisresidence in Kingwood, Texas,with his son Timothy by his side.
He was 91 years young. He grew up in the melting
pot that was Harlem during the1920s and 1930s, World War IIchanged the direction of his life,as he took up the call to serve inthe Army Air Corps with the455th Bomb Group from 1943-45 as a tail gunner on a B-24Liberator, flying missions intoEurope from Africa and Italy.
Final FlightRaymond Lohnes (743)
died 28 Feb 2015.Raymond W. Lohnes, a
true gentleman, passed awaypeacefully at home, surroundedby his family and friends
He was a decoratedVeteran of WWII, where heserved in the European Theaterin the Army Air Corps.
Burial will be in ArlingtonNational Cemetery.
Final FlightDuane D Bush (743)
died 10 Dec 2014.Duane D. Bush, 92,
served in the U.S. Army AirForce during World War II as anair crew member, flying onheavy bombers on missionsover Europe.
Final FlightRobert O. Foernsler (741)
died 7 Oct 2014, at age 91.He enlisted in the Army
Air Corps in October, 1942. Hereceived his pilot wings in June,1943, and was assigned as aB-24 bomber pilot with the 455thBomb Group, 741st Squadron,near Cerignola, Italy.
He flew 30 combatmissions. He was awarded theAir Medal, with two Bronze OakLeaf Clusters; the European-African-Middle EasternCampaign Medal, with oneSilver Star; the World War IIVictory Medal; and, theHonorable Service Lapel Button.
In March of 1969, heserved an unusual civilian tour.He was assigned to Ben Lisk,Vietnam, in the VietnameseLaboratory Assistance Program.
While there he served as projectengineer to evaluate a new high-velocity water jet proposed forinstallation aboard naval shipsas river war weaponry. During his brief assignmentthere, he was wounded by109mm enemy rocket fire. Hebecame one of the few civiliansawarded the Purple Heart.
Final FlightCarl R. Loiocano (741)
died 5 Aug 2014. Carl was a decorated
WWII Army Air Corps veteran,and was a POW in 1944.
He was a member of the455th Bombardment Group, andwas awarded the DistinguishedFlying Cross and Purple Heartamong many others.
Carl was a member of the455th BG Association’s Board ofDirectors for several years priorto his death.
Carl enjoyed spendingtime tinkering with electronics,woodworking, hunting, fishing,and summers at Bear Lake, NYwith his family. .
Final FlightEdward G. Spencer (740)
died 23 Jun 2013, at age 88.He served as a sergeant
in the military from June 1943served until June 1945. He wasa waist gunner on a B-24squadron stationed inCerignola, Italy, and flew 35bombing missions over centralEurope and Balkans.
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Final FlightCurtis "Bud" Diles (740), Jr.died 10 Sep 2014 at age 89.
He was also a member ofthe VFW Post 3283, and anhonorary Serbian. He was aveteran of World War II, a StaffSergeant serving in the Army AirCorps from 1943-1945.
He was shot down whilein his B-24 bomber behindenemy lines over Belgrade,Yugoslavia on September 8,1944 in the Halyard Mission, butwas rescued by the SerbianChetniks lead by General DrajaMihailovich. Had it not been forSerbia, he and his descendantswould not have been blessedwith the gift of life. The details ofthis incredible rescue aredocumented in the book "TheForgotten 500", by GregoryFreeman.
It was his life's mission tospread the truth to the worldabout the Serbians' loyalty toAmerica in WWII. The countryof Serbia recently presented himwith the Order of Karageorge'sStar with Sword, for 70 years ofexceptional service in spreadingthe truth about Serbia and itsWWII and post-war struggles.
Final FlightAndrew G. Klopchin (743)
passed away on October 14,2011, at age 87. Andy enteredthe US Army on March 15, 1943and served in Italy with the 15thArmy Air Force's 743rd BombSquadron on a B-24 bomber.
He was shot down duringtheir 35th mission over Romaniaand spent four months as anAllied prisoner of war inBulgaria.
Final FlightGordon W. Smith (741)
died 15 Jun 2013 at age 94.Mr. Smith served in the
US Army Air Corp during WWIIwith the 455th Bomb Group, 741Bomb Squadron based inCerignola, Italy.
He was an activemember of the 455th BombGroup Association veteransgroup.
Final FlightSterling Artis Bryant, Sr. (740)died in March, 2013.
Sterling enlisted in theUS Army Air Corp during WorldWar II. He was injured byenemy fire while on a bombingmission over Germany, and wastransferred to a military hospitalin San Antonio, Texas, where hemet a young nurse, and the loveof his life, Rose Marie Mock.Sterling and Rose Marie weremarried in December 1945 inFort Worth, Texas.
Sterling continued toserve his country in the AirForce Reserves and achievedthe rank of Lieutenant Colonel,before retiring from the reservesin 1983.
He also continued toattend the reunions of his flightgroup, the 455th Bomb Group,meeting the children andgrandchildren of men he servedwith during the war.
He was acknowledged byauthor Stephen Ambrose for hiscontributions to his book, “TheWild Blue: The Men and BoysWho Flew The B-24s OverGermany”.
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Can You Help ?Dear Editor,
I am trying to get someinformation about where myuncle served in Italy duringWorld War II.
Here's the info I have:1) Charles H. Roy, born
8/28/20, died 12/19/88.2) Promoted to Master
Sergeant while in Italy.3) Served in Italy from
Dec. 1943 - April, 1945. 4) Worked in Ordnance 5) Was in 455 bomb Group
and 741 Bomb Squadron.All of Uncle Charlie's
letters home in WWII havebeen saved and are in thepossession of his grand-daughter. She loaned them tome, and I was proud andfascinated!
I write and edit anewsletter for our localhistorical society and havebeen doing a special serieswith excerpts from his lettershome from Italy. Of course, hecould say nothing in his lettersabout where he was stationed,or in what battles he wasinvolved. Any family membersthat would have known thatinfo are gone.
Thus, I am writing toyou hoping you can give mesome information about wherehe was stationed in Italy, and ifyou know any specific battlesin which he was involved.
Charlie was one ofthree brothers, including myDad, who all served in andsurvived the war.
Thank you.Debbi [email protected]
Final FlightGeorge E. Defenbaugh (743)died 1 Sep 2012, at age 91.
After nearly 69 years ofmarriage George E.Defenbaugh, 91, and DorothyWaldrep Defenbaugh, 90,passed away on September 1stand September 5th,respectively.
George served in theArmy Air Corp as a bombardierduring WWII. He was stationedin Italy with the 743rd bombsquadron of the 455th bombgroup, and received theDistinguished Flying Cross.
Following the war,George earned his J.D. from theUniversity of Oklahoma andbegan his law practice inShawnee, Oklahoma.
He also served two termsin the Oklahoma House ofRepresentatives.
Final FlightAndrew G. Klopchin (743)decorated WWII veteran, POW,died 14 Oct 2011 at age 87.
Final FlightHerbert L. Pryce (740)
died July 7, 2010 at age 87.
Final FlightRobert F. Vest (GP)
died 10 Dec 2009 at age 87.
Final FlightLewis A. Riley (740)
died 24 Jan 2008 at age 86. Mr. Riley was a WWII
Army Air Corps veteran and anAir Force Reserve retiree. Hetaught chemistry and science forover 20 years in Milwaukeepublic schools.
Final FlightRobert "Bob" T. Probst (741)died 29 July 2007 at age 85.
He served in the UnitedStates Army Air Corp duringWW II, where he flew 44missions in a B-24 Liberatornamed Yo-Yo.
He received the AirMedal with 3 oak leaf clusters,the European-African-MiddleEastern Service Medal, thePresidential Citation,Distinguished Service Medal,Victory Medal and the GoodConduct Medal.
Final FlightWillie Warren "Bill" Moore(740) died 4 Sep 2006.
He was commissioned a2nd Lieutenant on May 24,1943, and sent to Tarrant Fieldin Fort Worth, Texas, for B-24pilot training, and then on toTucson, Arizona for crewassignment. Willie trained withhis crew at Langley Field,Virginia, and then flew his B-24Liberator airplane and crew toMorrison Field, Florida for finalstaging before flying throughSouth America and up theWestern Coast of Africa toCerignola, Italy in December1943 for combat.
Willie was promoted to lstlieutenant and was assigned tothe 740th Bomb Squadron, 455thBomb Group, 15th Air Force. Heflew 35 high-risk bombingmissions in areas wherehundreds of allied planes wereshot down by German fighterplanes or anti-aircraft guns. Hisplane, the "Sadie Hawkins", wasshot down on his 15th bombingmission in Rumania, but he and
all but one of his crew survived.Willie returned to the UnitedStates in September 1944 toperform instructor duties and wasdischarged a year later at CampChaffee Arkansas. He wasawarded the Distinguished FlyingCross, the Purple Heart, the AirMedal with Three Oak LeafClusters, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medalwith three Battle Stars, the GoodConduct Medal, the World War IIVictory Ribbon, and thePresidential Unit Citation.
Final FlightForest C. Shoup (742)
died 15 Mar 1998 at age 75.Lieutenant Colonel, UnitedStates Air Force
He was a U.S. Army AirCorps veteran of World War II,flying B-24 bombers out of Italyin the European Theater ofOperations.
He participated in thePloesti raids in Romania andreceived the DistinguishedFlying Cross and the Air Medal,among other military honors.
In 1948, he participatedin the Berlin Airlift and flewactive duty during the KoreanConflict. He also joined the D.C.and Delaware National Guardsand flew missions in Vietnam.He rose to the rank of lieutenantcolonel before retiring frommilitary service.
After leaving activemilitary duty, he was hired byCapital Airlines, which mergedwith United Airlines. In 1982, heretired as a 747 captain fromUnited Airlines after 32 years ofservice as an airline pilot.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE 455TH BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION, INC., EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, GREG RIGGS
This has been a challenging six months for our Association which have presented us with somedifficult decisions. I've learned of 48 final flights, including George Johnston, the last member of myfather's Sky Wolf crew. Of great official impact to the Association, John Davis, our good friend and theAssociation's legal Registered Agent, passed away in February. Our Association is chartered in Iowaand must have a Registered Agent living in Iowa. John was our only member in Iowa able to performthat function.
Counting John, we've also lost two of our seven directors, plus another one is no longer able toserve. That actually brings us below the minimum of five directors required for us to conduct businessin accordance with our bylaws. I have been in the process of trying to recruit replacement directors.You may receive a phone call from me asking you to serve for a short time.
The net result of all of this is that it appears we have taxied to a full stop and we are preparingto shut down. The current plan is for us to publish one more issue of the Cerignola Connection, theFall 2016 issue. As soon as our board of directors is again properly staffed, we will establish the finaldetails for termination of the Association.
The Association has two gentlemen who are avid 455th BG history buffs. John Rohrer, ourofficial historian, is a life member. Dave Ungemach is an associate life member. I have asked eachof them to consider, based on their extensive, personal research experiences, what location or whichlocations would best serve as a final repository for our historical documents. They are currentlyevaluating that request. If you have personal memoirs which you would like to have included with ourhistorical documents, please send them to the Association mailing address to arrive before the end ofOctober. I will close down our post office box in November.
On a much more positive note, there will be another joint reunion in Dallas from October 13-16,2016. Details are available elsewhere in this newsletter. Participating bomb groups will include: 451st,454th, 455th, 461st, 465th, 484th, and 485th. This is one last chance for as many of us as possibleto gather together as an Association. I hope to see you there. Let's see if someone can match orexceed Ormond Buffington's 2015 achievement for showing up with 15 family members!
Once again, I thank each of you for helping preserve the freedoms we sometimes take forgranted. My recent work with current war refugees simply renews my appreciation for what you did.Freedom is a precious gift!
455th Bomb Group Assoc., Inc.P.O. Box 93095Austin, TX 78709-3095
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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