LatePass 2022

LATEPASS

THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT

BY RICHARD LAPHAM, PRESIDENT

The Flying Horsemen

449th Bombardment Group (H)

B-24 Aircraft

Long Range Heavy Bomber

WWII European Theater

15th Air Force, 47th Bomb Wing

449th Bombardment Group

Bomb Squadrons:

716, 717, 718, 719

January 1944 – April 1945

Grottaglie, Italy

Bombardment Targets

Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Rumania, Yugoslavia

254 Combat Missions

In 475 days of combat, 111 B-24 bombers lost, 199 Axis fighters destroyed

Personnel Loss/Intered or Evaded

396 KIA / 63 DED (other deaths) 359 POW / 186 Evaded / 9 Interned

Distinguished Unit Citations (DUC)

Bucharest, Romania, April 4, 1944

Ploiesti, Romania, July 9, 1944

II was excited when we opted for Nashville as the site for our 26th Group reunion, mainly because of the accolades from family and friends about the great music and honkytonks that the town had to offer. But it turned out to be much more than this Californian could have imagined! It definitely was a remarkable event, beginning with the brilliant colors of the fall season and perfect sweater weather. It was ideal for exploring every aspect of Nashville and the surrounding areas from Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, downtown honkytonk row,

the quaint town of Franklin, walking distance to the Parthenon, and the banquet highlight of Ray Steven’s CabaRay dinner show.

And we could not go to Nashville without a hearty welcome from Peter and Georgette Kennedy (718th, MIA) who just happen to reside there. They offered invaluable guidance and were a significant help in making Nashville plans come together. To top it off, the Kennedy’s hosted a 449th board member dinner in their beautiful home located in the

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Nashville “Music City” and Much, Much, More!

2022 Banquet at the CabaRay dinner and show with legendary music by Grammy winning and Country Music Hall of Fame, Mr. Ray Stevens. Photo take after the show in honor the WWII 449th BG.

SAVE THE DATE!

SEPTEMBER 15 -18 2022

IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER AFFILIATED WWII FIFTEENTH AIR FORCE BOMB GROUPS ASSOCIATIONS

AA united 15th AAF

The Veterans and members of the 449th BGA will be celebrating their 27th Reunion this year in Wichita, KN. The 449th BG will be among twelve bomb groups from the 15th AAF who flew out of southern Italy during WWII. There will be two Groups attending that were from the same Bomb Wing as the 449th. (Reference: 15th AAF/ 47th Bomb Wing/ 449th Bomb Group).

To hit a target with good success, it took careful planning in precise detail, to coordinate a formation of hundreds of aircraft from various bases throughout southern Italy. Though a mission may take six to nine hours and the actual bombing run only 20-40 minutes, an hour was spent circling the sky before heading to the target. The following excerpt is from the diary of D.C. Lapham (co-pilot 449th BG), mission number14, on January 23, 1944

Diary: The altimeter read 10,000 feet – we donned oxygen masks. The formation looked very poor. Our group, divided into two eighteen ship sections and was leading the 47th wing in the attack. The 450th, 376th and 98th bomb group had priority targets in the vicinity. Two minutes to the I.P. and an explosion rocked the ship. Top turret calls out, “We lost Ship #6, counted nine chutes.” The entire formation banked left over the Adriatic in an effort to get out of the flak. Though there were no attacks by enemy aircraft, but weather and heavy flak had taken its toll. What happen to the other Groups in the 47th Bomb Wing (98th, 376th, 450th?) What did they experience? Now it is our Mission, the mission of the future generations is to carry these stories forward. How best to do this is by coming to Wichita and joining the 15 AAF.

Wichita has come a long way from the 1800’s when it was part of the cattle punching Chisholm trail and acquiring the name the “Cow town.” In the 20th century, Wichita was propelled into aviation history, becoming known as the Air Capital of the World. Companies like

Cessna, Beech, Stearman, and Laird, had plants in Wichita and during WWII, Boeing built the B-29 bombers. Though the industry has changed dramatically in the last twenty years, Wichita has much to offer.

Of significant importance during our time in Wichita, will be the tour to McConnell AFB. It is home of KC-135 Stratotanker, the US Air Force’s first jet-powered refueling tanker used to refuel strategic bombers and tactical fighters. Next stop will be the Kansas Aviation Museum (next door to McConnell AFB) and the perfect place to watch the aircraft from McConnell take off and land!

Let’s all of us follow the yellow brick road to KANSAS!

NAME:

WICHITA, KS | SEPT. 15 – 18, 2022 WWII 449TH BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION

In conjunction with other affiliated WWII Fifteenth Air Force Bomb Groups Associations — A Joint Reunion

REGISTRATION FORM OR REGISTER ONLINE AT: WWW.449TH.COM

Total of persons attending. Are you the Veteran or Spouse/Widow of Veteran Yes No

If NO, please state relationship & Veteran’s name:

Name(s) of all attendees as they will appear on the NAME TAGS:

Other AFFILIATION: Name: Assgn.:

Name(s) of all attendees as they will appear on the NAME TAGS:

Home Address: City: State: Zip Code: Phone:

Email: Check if appropriate: New Home Address New Email Address

This is my 1st reunion Yes No I have attended # of Reunions You will be traveling by: Plane Car

Please make check payable to: 449th BG Association

Wichita Marriott 9100 Corporate Hills Dr Wichita, Kansas 66207

316-651-0333

HOTEL RATES: $102 w/ 2 Queens Beds

$102 Standard King Bed

Mail check to: Mary Crowley / 449th BG Secretary 16292 Content Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649

• Room rates will be $102.00 per night, plus tax and INCLUDES a full, hot breakfast buffet, including made to order omelets, for up to two per room.

• Rooms at the group rate will be available for probably three days before and after the reunion dates. Exact dates are yet to be determined.

• Free airport shuttle from 7:00 am – 10:00 pm. There is a phone to the hotel at the baggage claim in the airport.

• This hotel has been recently renovated and is spectacular. The staff is outstanding, and our Hospitality room will be second to none. This is a lovely property all the way around.

ANY QUESTIONS – Don’t hesitate to call! Mary Crowley California: 714-925-8111

WICHITA, KS — FUN FACTS

• Wichita was founded in 1864 as a trading post

• It is in south-central Kansas on the Arkansas River.

• 5-million longhorns were driven up the Chisholm Trail from Texas to the Wichita railhead which earned the city earned the nickname “Cowtown.”

• In the 1920s and 1930s, businessmen and aeronautical engineers established aircraft manufacturing companies: Beechcraft, Cessna, and Stearman Aircraft.

• The city became an aircraft production hub known as “The Air Capital of the World.”

• 35% of all U.S. manufactured general aviation aircraft

• Wichita is the birthplace of Pizza Hut and White Castle

name of vet you’re representing

SQDN: 716th 717th 718th 719th HQ Unknown

Registration Veteran + (1) Traveling Companion $32

449th BG Widow + (1) Traveling Companion $32

Primary Family Member (Not a Veteran, Widow or Companion) $32

Additional Guest(s) $22

THURS

Sept. 15

6:00 PM WELCOME DINNER AND MEETING

• Lasagna with Meat $40.50

• Eggplant Parmesan $40.50

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM DAY TOUR: McConnell AFB, Kansas Aviation Museum, Veterans Memorial Park $60

Sept. 16

The first stop will be McConnell AFB, followed by lunch at the Dole Center on base (lunch on your own). McConnell AFB is home of KC-135 Stratotanker, the US Air Force’s first jet-powered refueling tanker used to refuel strategic bombers and tactical fighters. Next stop is the Kansas Aviation Museum (next door to McConnell AFB) and the perfect place to watch the aircraft from McConnell take off and land! The last stop is Veterans Memorial Park which is located along the banks of the Arkansas river. It features 17 memorials representing six wars and every branch of the military, including the Order of the Purple Heart, Gold Star Families, POWs, Vietnam, Pearl Harbor survivors, Submarine service and more.

To comply with strict security regulations for McConnell AFB: Each person participating in the tour must provide in advance (by Sept 1) the following: Driver’s License Number & Social Security Number. If you do NOT have a driver’s license a State ID Card will be adequate along with your Social Security Number. Due to the sensitivity of personal information, you will be contacted in August by the association secretary for your information.

6:30 PM INDIVIDUAL BOMB GROUP DINNERS / 449th BG SQUADRON NIGHT

• London Broil $49

• Chicken Cordon Bleu $45

• Penne Pasta $40

9:00 AM MEMORIAL SERVICE Respectful attire and or Military Dress

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM 15th AF Presentations (TBA)

Sept. 17

Presentations: Veterans interact with oral history, session with WWII French nationalists, WWII memorabilia, craft demo, and more TBA.

Optional — On your own

Catch an Uber to Old Town Wichita, just a quick 10 minutes away. Old Town is the heartbeat of the city for eating, shopping, and entertainment. Walk the brick-line streets and venture into old, converted brick warehouse shops dating back to the mid-1800s. The distinctive architectural feature of the district defines the character of Old Town. And while you are there, drop in at the Museum of World Treasures. It is “quirky and fun!” It is a time capsule of history with impressive exhibits that includes an extensive WWII collection.

5:15 PM VETERAN GROUP PICTURE Location TBD

6:00 PM ALL BOMB GROUPS BANQUET DINNER

• KC Strip Loin

$52.50

• Mediterranean Salmon $46.50

• Grilled Portobello w/Spinach on Wild Rice

$40.50

Entertainment by KENNY RAY HORTON. A GOLD-RECORD awarded singer/songwriter Kenny Ray has “a pocket full of great songs, a strong voice and an addictive presence”. He will deliver a toe tapping performance that will include rhythm and songs from blue-grass, country, and gospel. Recently retiring from a 21-year Naval career, he was one of the top lead singers for the US Navy’s Premier Country and Bluegrass band “Country Current” that provided entertainment from Pearl Harbor to Washington DC.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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rolling hills on the outskirts of Nashville. A delicious dinner (What a cook!), good wine and great fellowship. I personally, gained even more respect for our host Peter than I already had. You see, I learned that he had served our country in the U.S. Navy, specifically in the submarine service – a special breed! I am honored to have heard his story and to experience genuine Tennessee hospitality. Thank you both for your commitment to the 449th BGA.

449th Bomb Group Association Business Items

• The 449th BGA has a new Vice President, Elaine Trogdon (719th). She has graciously accepted the nomination from the request of a unanimous board. Groomed for a lifetime, as it were, Elaine is a perfect fit. I am sure both of her parents would have been immensely proud! Among other duties, Elaine will be the 449th liaison with the 15th Group for our upcoming reunion in Wichita and be working out details for a smooth transition into the combined reunion. As for myself, RL (718th), I have held the positions of Acting President/ Vice President since the passing of Brigadier General Floyd Trogdon in 2019 and was unanimously elected as President

449th BG Constitution Amended

• Sandra Latta (718th, Board/Public Relations), who tirelessly dedicated hours of working through the forty year old

449th constitutional maze, was able to construct a clear path for revising and amending the original 1983 constitution. Secondly, at the required membership meeting on Saturday morning Nov 6, Sandra made available printouts, presented to the membership clear explanations for the need for changes and amendments, provided opportunity for open discussion, and initiated voting proceedings. (Hint: In 1983 the founding fathers had no clue about words such as emails and Zoom board meetings!) Page 10 Constitution Amended.

Backing up a bit, I would like to give you a snapshot of the activities that took place in Nashville.

Tour of Grand Ole Opry and sites of Nashville. Thursday morning, we were out of the starting gate and on a bus headed to the Grand Ole Opry. Not only were we taken backstage, but we also stood among the props for such greats as Minni Pearl, Dolly Parton, & Garth Brooks and we ended by walking in the footsteps of the superstars and stood center stage! The final stop of the tour was lunch at Totos. Highly recommended, it was a small roadside restaurant that had the best BBQ in Tennessee!

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449th Bomb Group Association Officers | 2022

President:

Richard Lapham, 2nd Gen, 719th

Vice President:

Elaine Trogdon Martz, 2nd Gen, 719th

Secretary: Mary Crowley, 2nd Gen, 717th

Treasurer:

Thad Mahoney, 2nd Gen, 719th

449th BG Historian: Mark Coffee, 2nd Gen, 718th

Archives Manager: Denise Riegel, 2nd Gen, 718th

449th BG Museum: David Duane Livingston

Memorial Museum

Dan & Carol Livingston, 2nd Gen, 718th

Chaplain: Rev. Denise Trogdon, 2nd Gen, 719th

Executive Assistant: Rod Miller, 2nd Gen, 716th

Public Relations: Sandra Latta, 2nd Gen, 718th

PX Officers: Gary Smith & Debbie Utz, 2nd Gen, 717th

Veterans Correspondence: Deborah Hill, 2nd Generation, 718th

Social Media Research

Tad Garner, 3rd Gen, 717th

Elaine Trogdon taking the mic with her sisters Linda, Nancy and Denise leading us in song.

Richard Lapham taking command.

Early evening, we gathered for “Bubbles & Gab” and were entertained by a WWII reenactor who recounted the personal story of Bill Hamill, Jr. (719th) and his 50 missions as a ball gunner on Nelson Wood crew. Traditionally, we end the festivities with the parade of hats and 1940’s attire. The tag-team mother /daughter from the Anderson family (717th POW) stole the show. Hats off to Cindy Keen (Ward, 718th) for finding and arranging for the entertainer who traveled from the state of Missouri!

A trip to Historic Franklin

It amazes me how much our reunions have to offer everyone. I had initially decided not to go on Friday’s Franklin Civil War tour, but rather bum around town and get the lay of the land. Besides, I had learned plenty about that era in high school and really did not feel it was noteworthy. That was until Rod Miller (716th, Board/Executive Assist) cornered several of us, giving a detailed, impassioned reenactment of his scouting trip to Franklin the previous day. (Rod- just another member going the extra mile.) Well, I’m glad I boarded the bus and honestly, I can convey I never had a history lesson in school like what I experienced in Franklin. It gave you an entirely unique perspective of the conflict as you peek through hundreds of silverdollar size bullet holes in the walls of the Carter house and surrounding building that were under siege. Lord knows what kind of antiquated weapons caused such destruction.

DPAA Zoom Meeting

The 21st century has propelled the 449th BGA into the modern age of technology. In the conference room on Friday afternoon a Zoom meeting was held with the DPAA (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, connecting Nashville, TN to Honolulu, Hawaii. Johnie Webb - Deputy Outreach & Communications, Hickman AFB – has

It is 1944! Daughter Jeanne & granddaughter Kelly representing Robert Anderson (717th), Pilot. His crew was downed 24 June ‘44 in Gidi Gidi Boom Boom on Ploesti mission. All 10 crew members became Romanian POWs.

Over a thousand bullet and shrapnel holes in buildings near the family home. A somber testament to the carnage that unfolded over 150 years ago

been a long-term, committed advocate for the recovery and repatriation of lost 449th MIA’s. (Mr. Webb has personally attended several of our reunions in the past.) The meeting was comprised of family members of the MIA Kendall crew airmen, Harvey Gann (only survivor of Kendall’s crew), additional 449th MIA families and board members. To summarize the meeting, Mr. Webb spoke directly to Harvey Gann and indicated that given the projected DPAA budget for 2022, the recovery of the Kendall crew was still viable.

Squadron Dinner

Our evening began with the ceremonial presentation of the squadron banners. Tables were arranged so the families sat in designated squadron areas.

Our guest speaker for Friday night flew in from Serbia giving a compelling account of the biggest rescue operation of WWII – the Halyard Mission. Lt. Col. John Cappello (USAF), retired in 2014 after serving over 24 years. He served as the USAF Attaché to Serbia and Israel, a command pilot having accumulated over 3,000 flying hours and is currently the President of the Halyard Mission Foundation. Lt Col. Cappello gave a highly informative background of the mission also known by The Forgotten 500, of which 41 airmen were from the 449th BG. He shared in-depth details of the contribution the Serbian un-

The Holy Grail for Country Music.

It was finger lick’n good!

derground made, whose heroic involvement was critical to the success of the mission. Please see additional article, Halyard Mission Foundation

Red Rose Memorial Service

This year’s Red Rose Memorial Service was exceptionally moving. Rev Denise Trogdon delivered a powerful eulogy, reflective of the selfless acts and sacrifices made to rescue 500 Allied airmen in Serbia. Colors were posted and retired by The Tennessee State University Air Force ROTC with Taps concluding the ceremony by Jack Strotman, Retired USAF. 194 red roses were walked in honor of deceased 449th BG airmen and crews.

They included those airmen who had passed since June 2019, who had not been previously acknowledged and families of airmen who were in attendance walked red roses for their loved ones. 43 names of airmen from the state of Tennessee were also acknowledged.

Of immense importance that allows us to continue the RED ROSE service, we received over 120 red rose donations from our membership. Thank you for your continued support.

The Banquet was a remarkable and memorable success. The Ray Stevens CabaRay dinner show and staff out did themselves to acknowledge our Veterans and Group. The performance was entertaining with lots of laughs, great old time toe tapping tunes, and the dinner was more than plentiful. Suspect there were very few in the group that were able to finish the dinner without leftovers! Thanks to Harvey Gann for turning us on to Ray Stevens.

In attendance and greatly involved in the Halyard Mission history, were Ted Byfield (718th EVD) and Jaelana Miltrovic. Ted is a 2nd generation member, and this was his first reunion. He met Jaelana, a journalist from Serbia, while he was participating in the Forgotten 500 reunion in Serbia, walking the steps of his father and meeting the families that were essential for the rescue. Both are planning to co-author a book on the Halyard Mission. Jaelana, since enjoyed a month-long trip visiting many states across the U.S. and has returned to Serbia. The 449th now has a Serbian connection!

Additional Notable Items:

• In attendance, we were honored by having three Veterans: Harvey Gann (100 years young, 718th, POW), Robert Geisert (99 years young, 719th, POW), Vernon Petersen (103 years young, 716th). Three widows/wife: Ms. Boot Baker (Denny,717th), Mrs. Evelyn Gann (718th) and Mrs. Patricia Latta (718th)

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Veterans: Geisert, Gann, Petersen

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• We had TWELVE families and/or extended family members who attended the reunion for the first time: Anderson (717th POW), Byfield (718th EVD), Carrico (718th EVD), Chandler (718th KIA), Gann (718th POW) Hoglund (716th), Koslosky (716th) Mecham (717th) Petzinger (717th) Schwartz (717th) Sterner (718th KIA), Warren (716th). The new families traveled from across the United States: MA, AZ, NV, TN, WA, KS, FL, CO, NJ, TX, PA, FL. In total, 26 states were represented.

• 3rd Generation set a new record with 21 in attendance (approximately 25 – 55 years of age) and sprinkled with several 4th generation. Younger generations Preserving the Legacy of the 449th BG.

• The Group owes Denise Reigel (718th Board/Archives) a great deal of gratitude for her vision and efforts to contact and bring in the quest speaker for our squadron dinner.

• Museum & Memorbilia: If you have ever seen a magician reach into his hat and keep pulling out oversized items that would describe the Livingtons (718th, POW & Board/449th Museum). They can always be counted on to provide displays that inform, educate, and personalize the Groups efforts in Italy. Always uniquely different each reunion!

Alan Davis (716th) provided an extensive tribute to the 449th BG connections with historical Yankee Air Museum, Will Run (Ford B-24 plant), Ypsilanti, Michigan and Maj. William Nosker, Ohio State Football legend, 718th BS CO, Pilot, DFC, KIA. Alan also generously contributed to the auction with his etched 449th BG decanters and glasses. Much sought after items!

PX & Auction: Last but not least, the unsung heroes Gary Smith & Debbie Utz (717th Board/PX) who have taken on the task of the PX sales and silent auction. Very seldom seeing the light of day, they spend 100% reunion time in the PX. A huge about of time is spent behind the scenes; packing up the PX items, loading them for travel from Florida, unpacking

at the reunion, setup and then packing up again. It’s a major move from one reunion to another! Undaunted by their task, before the doors are set to open, the PX is ready to go. Of tremendous importance to financial stability of the Bomb Group, is the amount of proceeds that are generated each year by the sales from the PX. Through their dedicated efforts, Gary & Debbie continue to stimulate sales and promote a lucrative innovative silent auction. Thank you both for your hard work, commitment and for a job well done.

• Dancing with the Stars award goes to Mrs. Patricia Latta (Widow, 718th) who was the first one out on the dance floor for line dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon and the last to leave. Her daughters tried to keep up! (Side note: Mrs. Latta has attended all 26 reunions)

• Can’t forget the shutter bugs! Thank you, Jay Hoglund, (716th) & Bill Petersen (716th) for capturing the great moments we had in Nashville.

In summary, I guess we could call our 26th 449th Reunion, the “Reunion of the Pandemic.” After four false starts! Calling and trying to reschedule the hotel, rescheduling tours, CabaRay, busing contacts, month after month — phone calls and emails not returned. In hindsight it was absolute madness. If only we had a “449th BGA Metal of Honor,” it would be awarded to Mary Crowley (449th BS Secretary) for courage under fire and bringing off a great reunion under the most difficult circumstances.

I sincerely hope that we can all take a few minutes each day to pray for the Ukrainian people. We in the 449th BGA can feel the pain and sacrifice these people are encountering. Our fathers, uncles, grandfathers fought and died against the same type of ruthless dictator, as the Ukrainians face today. God Bless Them! In the words of many of our veterans, “Freedom is not free.”

See Y’all in Wichita!

Kimberly Hoglund 3rd Gen. A tribute to her Grandfather Donald Hoglund (716th) Elliot Crew, Navigator/ 45 missions / DFC

BY ALAN DAVIS, 2ND GEN, 716TH 449TH BG 26TH REUNION PHOTOS

449TH BG CONSTITUTION AMENDED

PRESENTED AT THE MEMBERSHIP BUSINESS MEETING BY BOARD MEMBER, SANDRA LATTA 26TH REUNION, NASHVILLE, TN / NOV 6, 2022

Constitution of the 449th Bomb Group Association, World War II. Presented and adopted by the membership at the first reunion of the 449th BGA on March 14-16, 1983, Tucson, Arizona

Article IV: Board positions

• Rational for Changes: Existing language dates to BGA’s founding in 1983 and has not been amended as new officers have been appointed.

• Strike the text of Article IV and insert the following: The officers of the Association [hereafter referred to as the Board of Directors] shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, a Historian, a Chaplain, an Executive Assistant; and Managers for the following functions: Archives, Museum, Public Relations, PX, Veterans Correspondence, and Social Media Research.

• Approved by a majority vote of the membership present.

Article VI: Voting Procedures

• Rationale for Change: Existing language dates to BGA’s founding in 1983. Change needed to facilitate decision making and prepare for contingencies.

• Strike the text of Article VI and insert the following: The Association shall be governed by this constitution and any bylaws that may be appended to this constitution. The constitution and bylaws may be amended by a majority vote of the members attending called meetings and reunions of the Association; or if in the opinion of the Board of Directors a called meeting or reunion is impractical, by a majority vote of the members returning a ballot via mail or email.

• Approved by a majority vote of the membership present.

Reunions: Reflective of Article V Originally, reunions were held every 18 months. Members nominate/voted on the location east of MS River, originally rotated east/west. For the last eleven years, due to the decline of Veterans in attendance due to health and/or travel, the membership voted to have the reunions held every year to accommodate the wishes of the remaining Veterans. (Exceptions for two reunions; postponed due to a hurricane and the pandemic.)

Secondly, hosting a reunion yearly has had a direct impact on the 449th BGA financially. A vote from the membership was called to allow the Board to select the site for the next reunion that

would be financially feasible. The Board, in good faith, would take into consideration the proposed/suggested locations presented by the membership.

Third, a reunion needs to meet a minimum number of participants to financially break even. Example: meeting the quota for block hotel rooms, catering/number of dinners, bus transportation and banquet venue. Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to determine reunion attendance. Thus far, because the attendance numbers have held, we have been fortunate.

• Because of the above crucial and restrictive criteria to hold future reunions, a consideration was proposed by the Board to have our next reunion be held in conjunction with the 15th Air Force, Wichita, KS / September 2022. And that the 449th BGA would keep its individual existence intact by holding its own Squadron dinner and Saturday, Red Rose Memorial service. 449th BGA members would participate by joining group tours and attending the all-encompassing banquet dinner on Saturday night. The membership approved this proposal by a majority vote of the membership present.

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

With great sadness and a heavy heart, the “Voice of the 449th” has gone silent. Deborah Hill was an Association Board member and held the position of Veteran Correspondence. She passed away on Good Friday, April 15, 2022, and was the daughter of Rodger Meek (718th, EVD). Deborah will be truly missed especially by the Veterans and widows who she had developed a close connection with over the many years. Deborah would pick up the phone, making numerous calls each year. She spoke from the heart and dearly cared for those on the other end of the line. Our sincere condolences to her sister Teresa Andreika and her twin sister, Denise Riegel.

HISTORIAN’S CORNER

FROM THE DESK OF MARK COFFEE, GROUP HISTORIAN

BY ALAN DAVIS, 2ND GEN, 716TH

For documentation and research contact: 449historian@gmail.com

Fifteenth Air Force History

On October 9, 1943, USAAF commander “Hap” Arnold proposed to the Joint Chief of Staff that a new air force be created and based in Southern Italy. Approval was quick and on November 1 the new Fifteenth Air Force was created under the command of Maj. Gen. James H. Doolittle. Jimmy Doolittle had led the famous 1942 raid on Tokyo and had commanded the Twelfth Air Force and North African Strategic Air Forces. Operating from North Africa, the Fifteenth launched its first heavy bomber mission on November 2, 1943, attacking the Messerschmitt factory at Weiner Neustadt, Austria. By the end of November, the 15th had moved to Southern Italy with headquarters established at Bari.

Engaging in strategic bombardment operations from bases in southern Italy, the Fifteenth reached as far north as Regensburg and Munich, Germany, and Vienna, Austria, as far east as Ploesti, Romania, and as far west as southern France.

TThe first U.S. bombing raid in Europe occurred July 12, 1942, when 13 B-24 Liberators took off from Fayid, Egypt to bomb the oil refineries at Ploesti. It is not clear if any of the planes actually hit Ploesti which was obscured by clouds and little if any damage was done. The B-24’s recovered at bases in Turkey and Iraq.

The Eighth Air Force operating from England flew its first heavy bomber mission on August 17, 1942. Strategic bombing in Europe would remain the 8th’s domain until late 1943. However, poor weather common in England and Northern Europe limited

operations and many targets in Southeastern Europe were beyond the range of the 8th AF.

By November ’43 American and British forces had cleared North Africa, taken Sicily and had advanced through southern Italy to the Gustav Line south of Rome. The area controlled by the Allies included Foggia, Bari and the many airfields in the region. The prospect of better flying weather in “sunny” Italy, the ability to reach targets in Southeastern Europe and the Balkans and the prospect of a second front in the air war against Germany were highly appealing.

The Fifteenth AF was tasked with four primary objectives: 1) Destroy the German Air Force, 2) participate in the land battle in Italy, 3) continue POINTBLANK operations, and 4) weaken the German position in the Balkans. POINTBLANK was the code name for the Combined Bomber Offensive against German industry, aircraft production, oil, and armament production.

The Fifteenth AF initially consisted of 4 B-17 groups (2nd, 93rd, 97th and 301st), two B-24 groups (98th and 376th), 1 P-47 Fighter group (325th) and 3 P-38 groups (1st, 14th and 82nd). These were veteran groups that had been part of the “Desert Airforce” of the 9th and later 12th Air Forces in North Africa. The first reinforcements from Stateside were the 449th and

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In November 1943 the 15th AF was activated with a strength of 90 B-24 Liberators and 210 B-17 Flying Fortresses inherited from the Twelfth Air Force and Ninth Air Force. By May 1, 1944, the 15th Air Force contained 21 heavy-bombardment groups organized into five wings. Four of the wings were equipped with B-24 Liberators. Bomb wings (BW) generally consisted of four or more bombardment groups. Each BG consisted of 3-4 Bomb Squadrons. Example: 15th AF / 47th Bomb Wing / 449th Bomb Group / 716th BS, 717th BS, 718th BS, 719th BS.

450th Bomb Groups beginning overseas movement in December ’43 and both flying their first combat missions on January 8, 1944. These two groups joined the veteran 98th and 376th groups in the 47th Bomb Wing with Gen. Hugo Rush commanding.

The Fifteenth would continue to add Bomb Groups until reaching its authorized strength in May of 21 heavy bomb groups. They consisted of 15 B-24 Groups organized in four Bomb Wings and one Bomb Wing comprised of six B-17 Groups. The fighter forces would grow to 7 Fighter Groups, 3 flying the P-38 Lightning and 4 eventu-

ally flying the P-51 Mustang. In January, Gen. Doolittle was called to England to assume command of the Eight Air Force and Maj. Gen. Nathan F. Twinning took over command of the Fifteenth.

Initial operations through January focused on supporting the ground campaign in Italy and attacks on German held airfields. In February, a week of forecast good weather allowed Air Force Planners a longsought opportunity to implement a concentrated attack on German aircraft production with the additional goal of forcing the German Air Force into a battle of attrition. Dubbed

Operation ARGUMENT, this was a combined effort of the Eight and Fifteenth Air Forces during the period February 20-25. Interspersed with commitments to support the Anzio Beachhead, the Fifteenth flew missions to Regensburg, Germany on the 22nd and 25th and to Steyr, Austria on the 23rd in support of ARGUMENT. The attacks by the Eight and Fifteenth during the period which became known as “Big Week” inflicted significant damage to German aircraft production as well as the German Air Force. It came at a cost as the Fifteenth lost 89 bombers and 7 fighters. Most historians view Big Week as the point that air superiority passed to the side of the Allies.

In January the Eight required an airman to complete a tour of 25 missions. This number was soon raised to 30 and then 35 missions. By contrast, the Fifteenth requirement was a tour of 50 missions. The February 22 mission to Regensburg where the Eight and Fifteenth attacked the same target on the same day pointed out the disparity in tour requirements. As a result, the Fifteenth implemented a policy of awarding double credit for some long distance and highly dangerous missions. The double credits allowed airmen on average to accumulate the necessary 50 mission credits in roughly 35 actual missions.

The optimism of improved flying conditions in “sunny” Italy proved to be not always accurate. Heavy rains in March ’44 turned the unimproved airfield into seas of mud hampering operations. The 449th only managed six missions in March because of weather. This was repeated in January 1945 as few missions were able to get off the ground. Also, to reach

many targets in Southern Europe, the Fifteenth had to cross the Alps which added its own weather headaches.

The Spring of 1944 saw the increase in attacks on marshalling yards and other transportation targets. Attacks in Northwest Europe by the Eight AF were intended to hamper the Germans ability to respond to the coming cross-channel invasion Operation Overlord. The Fifteenth interdicted logistics targets supporting the German defenses in Italy as well as in the Balkans in support of the Soviet forces against the Germans.

“Today we have finished rebuilding the plants and tomorrow the bombers will come again.” A modern armed forces requires oil products in massive quantities. Many of the oil targets in Southeastern Europe and particularly the refineries surrounding Ploesti, Romania, were reachable only by the Italian-based Fifteenth. Attacks on oil production around Ploesti began on April 5 and continued with 19 more attacks into mid-August. At that point, production was almost at a halt and the Soviet ground forces were poised to overrun Ploesti. During the same period, the 15th was hitting oil production in Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Albania, Germany, Austria, Italy, Yugoslavia. Lack of oil was a major factor in the defeat of Germany.

The Fifteenth would continue fly missions in support of their four primary objectives until April 25, 1945, when combat operations ceased. Four days later on April 29, German forces in Italy surrendered. Final victory in Europe soon followed with V-E Day coming on May 8.

Commanding General Nathan Twining (1 November 1944 – 1 June 1945). He replaced General Jimmy Doolittle who was the first commander of the newly formed Fifteenth Air Force established on 1 Nov 1943. Colonel Jack Randolph, commander of the 449th BG (credited with 50 missions). General Hugo Rush, commander of the 47th Bombardment Wing (credited with 32 combat missions).

The heavy bombers of the Fifteenth flew nearly 126,000 individual aircraft crossings of targets dropping nearly 300,000 tons of bombs. Targets were spread across 11 countries in Southern Europe and the Balkans. Albert Speer, Germany’s armaments minister, wrote that he could “see omens of the war’s end almost every day in the blue southern sky when, flying provocatively low, the bombers of the Fifteenth Air Force crossed the Alps from their Italian bases to attack German industrial targets.”

The cost was high as 2,148 heavy bombers were lost on combat missions. German fighters accounted for a significant portion of the losses through August of

’44. The arrival of P-51’s in the theater and Germany’s need to pull their fighters back into the homeland to defend against attacks meant that almost all later losses were due to flak. Fifteenth AF fighters lost 650 fighter aircraft while claiming 1800 enemy aircraft destroyed. A May 20, 1945, accounting of Fifteenth AF casualties listed 2,703 known dead, 8,007 missing, 2,553 wounded and 4,351 POWs. This was an almost 30% casualty rate of the 67,441 airmen who passed through the Fifteenth. With their courage and sacrifice, the men of the Fifteenth Air Force created an unstoppable bomber force that crippled the enemy and played a decisive role in defeating Nazi Germany.

HALYARD MISSION FOUNDATION

WWhile visiting 449th Veteran Tony Orsini in New Jersey when Teresa Andreaka and I were on the Maximum Effort Tour (MET), Tony said he was in the book The Forgotten 500. I didn’t know much about the story from WWII and decided to purchase the book. Sure enough, there was our Tony Orsini in the book detailing Operation Halyard.

In the spring of 1944, the USAAF intensified the bombing of targets in Bulgaria and Romania, with the result that American aviators were being forced to bail out of damaged aircraft over Yugoslavia in increasing numbers. Chetniks under the control of Draža assisted the downed Allied airmen, and the local Serbian people took them into their homes, fed and protected them. Hospitals for sick and wounded airmen were established in Pranjani village.

Operation Halyard (or Halyard Mission) was an Allied airlift operation behind axis lines in German-occupied territory of Yugoslavia to rescue these aviators. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) started drawing up plans to evacuate downed aviators in July 1944. By December 1944 they had rescued more than 500 men. It was the largest rescue operation of American Airmen in history.

A grand total of 432 U.S. and 80 Allied personnel were airlifted during the Halyard Mission. 417 of these airmen were evacuated from Pranjani Village where the airmen and locals constructed an airstrip in a field near the village. And 41 of those rescued airmen were from the 449th Bomb Group.

The Halyard Mission Foundation was established in 2015 and has completed

construction of a permanent memorial site on Galovica Field, Serbia, the location of the first rescue missions during the Halyard Operation. The goal of the foundation is to educate, commemorate and increase awareness of the Halyard Mission and the role the Serbs played in the success of the mission.

The 449th has partnered with the Halyard Mission Foundation in their endeavor of Finding 500. They want to connect with all family members of rescued airmen to keep them informed of activities and include them in projects to commemorate this important mission with historic research, preservation of information and documents. We look forward to helping connect the Halyard Mission Foundation in Serbia with the families of the forty-one 449th rescued airmen.

THE FORGOTTEN 500

GRADO, ITALY

449TH BG REMEMBERED

Grado, Italy / 449th BG Remembered

Inspired by the Hanson recovery effort, Guido Ferluga of Trieste, Italy, decided to paint 449th BG markings on his WWII vintage Dodge WC 53 truck to honor the men of the Hanson and Kendall crews. The WC 53 was the field sedan/carryall version of the WC51/52 weapons carrier trucks built by Dodge. Mr. Feluga is a member of an Italian Recovery Team that performs search and recovery of Italian soldiers fallen during the Second World War. The truck was used in his recent wedding in January of this year.

In one of Mr. Feluga’s correspondences with Mark Coffee (449th Historian), he signed off by saying, “Hoping for something pleasant not to forget all the boys who have fallen for our freedom, never like in these moments so dark, they can be an example to avoid falling back into another world war.” —Best regards, Guido

HANSON CREW

AVIATION HISTORY MAGAZINE

TThe Hanson article was published in the prestigious AVIATION HISTORY Magazine, June 2022 issue and is on the newsstands and some Barns and Noble bookstores.

Congratulations Jeanette Gutierrez, journalist, and President of the American Rosie the Riveter Association (APPA / Michigan Willow Run Chapter). The BGA is honored by your efforts and thank you for Preserving the Legacy of the 449th BG. Jeanette authored an article on the fatal crash of the Hanson Crew (716th) / 28 February 1945. The severely damaged aircraft crashed off the coast of northern Italy into the Adriatic Sea. Eleven crew members were lost. She gives a great deal of credit to our Historian, Mark Coffee, for gathering the information for the story and his persistent work of pressuring the authorities to identify the airmen. And to Freddy Furlan, the Italian Historical Archaeologist, for his brilliance and diligent investigative skills that brought this story to light. (Mr. Furlan is also credited for the discovery of the Kendall (718th BS) crash site, 30 Jan 1944.)

MAXIMUM EFFORT TOUR

BY ALAN DAVIS, 2ND GEN, 716TH

SSince our last update in June 2021, Teresa Andreika and I have completed our Maximum Effort Tour (MET) along with help from our sister Deborah Hill. Our last trip was to the South leaving from Nashville, TN after the 26th BGA Reunion. It was the most amazing experience we could have ever imagined. We were able to visit with 31 vets! All but a handful are men we met for the first time. Many visits included wives and/or children. Some of those visited are no longer with us, making the chance to have met them even more cherished. Our archives are now brimming with a whole new collection of photos, oral stories and documents collected along the way.

Our three Maximum Effort prints now have those veteran signatures included. Our youngest was 94 and oldest still going strong at 103. We have pictures and videos of each vet signing the numbered lithograph prints and plan on creating a Documentary of the 449th BGA utilizing these to help tell the Bomb Group story. Each signature adds to the value of these prints as a group fundraiser. To be able to show our men sharing their memories into their late 90’s and beyond is precious.

The attached By The Numbers graph seemed like a fun way to share all we were able to accomplish. Thank you to everyone who supported us through donations, overnight stays, food and moral support from March through November 2021. We were never on our own, always backed up by this fantastic organization. Preserving the Legacy never meant more.

DENISE RIEGEL, TERESA ANDREIKA AND DEBORAH HILL | 2ND GENERATION DAUGHTERS OF RODGER MEEK | 718TH

MAXIMUM EFFORT TOUR

BY ALAN DAVIS, 2ND GEN, 716TH

449TH BG CENTENARIANS | HAPPY BIRTHDAY & CONGRATULATIONS

Hamilton, John - SC

Herres, Bob - FL

Copping, Clarence - IL

Kubiak, Bob - FL

Beggs, Louie - FL

Grapp, Stanley - FL

McCarty, Harold - WA

Buchholtz, Adrian - OH

Horak, Harry - CA

Newton, Russell - FL

Geisert, Bob - OH

Bertke, Jack - KY

Home of the 449th BGA Archives and Memorabilia

Carol and I have been working hard to help Wings of History upgrade their museum for the last 2 years. They have been very receptive to our work. Pictures show our additions to their museum such as WWI Display, Bombsite collection, Turret Memorial, WWII Japanese and German displays with WW II USA (Mainly dedicated to the 449th) in progress. A Women in Aviation exhibit, being reworked, is coming together nicely. The ID model collection has been combined into four new cabinets and relocated for better viewing.

We are hoping to extend the 449th collection into the museum to a greater degree. We mentioned to Denise Riegel (Board Archives) about the website count. Finally, thanks to her input, after all this time we

have a 449th tag on the Wings of History website.

We are currently in the top ten attractions for museums locally. Feedback on their website helps accomplish our goal. Soon, the Wings of History will have a video available for showing that will be incorporated into the 449th BG area.

We have a lot of memorabilia to display but, unfortunately, not much room. Please feel free to leave your comments regarding the 449th on the Wings of History website. This is one of the few museums that includes dedication to a WWII Bomb Group.

Attached are photos including the 449th sponsor sign. We initiated the sign concept,

www.wingsofhistory.org |

built and installed it. The 449th is the first and Rotary Club will be the second with more to follow. Sponsor signs generally are in place for 5 years!! Also, sponsorship is available for special displays which would include the name of the contributor individually or group, etc. displayed on a plaque.

Dan & Carol Livingston

P.S. We fund all displays - WWI, WWII and 449th - at Wings of History.

All cabinets built and installed by Dan and Carol Livingston and assisted by David Livingston 3rd Gen. and Zach Livingston 4th Gen. 449th BGA.

Wings of History Air Museum is located in San Martin, CA.

www.wingsofhistory.org/449th-bomb-group-display

ABOVE Nose section of a B24 built by Dan Livingston and Jose Luis Lara. Interior includes all original parts including the Norden Bomb Sight.

ABOVE Turret memorial dedicated to the many air crew service members who were subjected to violet action daily as evidenced by this A6 ball turret and lost their lives in a valiant effort to protect the freedom of all Americans and Allies. Their unwavering dedication was key to winning the war and their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten.

RED ROSE MEMORIAL SERVICE

Conveys Respect, Love, and Courage

Names to be read at the Wichita, KS reunion - Saturday, Sept 17, 2022

As part of this sacred and honorable tribute given to our fallen heroes each year, it has come to our attention that there are families who have not been able to attend the service, but wish to have their AIRMAN’S name or a specific CREW to be included in RollCallofHonorduringthe Memorial Service.

For a minimal donation of $25 or more (to cover cost of roses and facility expenses) your airman’s name will be placed on the Roll Call of Honor and read within his squadron. A RED ROSE will be escorted down the aisle when the name is read and then placed on the Missing Man Table The Red Rose will remain on the Missing Man Table for the banquet held later that evening.

For those who would like to have their AIRMAN’S name read or that of a specific CREW, please enclose your check with this request to:

449th BGA

Thad Mahoney, Treasurer 205 Lynn Dr. Seville, OH 44273

In honor of Airman / Crew Squadron (if known)

Given in honor by

2021 HONOR ROLL

NAMES READ AT THE 26TH REUNION — NASHVILLE, TN

Names in Bold UPPER CASE denotes Airmen whose families were in attendance. Names with an *ASTERICK denotes a RED ROSE Denotation to be walked in honor of the Airman. Names that appear in Small Print are known deceased Airmen who have passed away since November 2021 and Airmen whose names have not been previously acknowledged.

POW: Prisoner of War DFC: Distinguished Flying Cross KIA: Killed in Action MIA: Missing in Action EVD: Evaded Capture

716th Squadron

716th John “Doc” ALLEN, Jr

716th Lyn Austin* KIA

716th Calvin “Ted” BEALE*

716th John Beam* POW, DFC

716th Charles Bentz* KIA

716th Kenneth Blake Jr*

716th Rudolph Boyance*

716th Gerald Burgess*

716th Frank CIAVARELLA*

716th James Collins*

716th John Copley*

716th Charles R. Dacey*

716th Richard Daignault

716th Arnold DEHN, MIA/KIA

716th Edward Eisler

716th Paul FARRELL*

716th William Fiefer

716th Howard Hanson* MIA

716th Floyd Haywood

716th G. Clay Henry

716th Donald HOGLUND* DFC

716th William Imlach* KIA

716th Arthur Jean*

716th Donald Katz

716th Howard KOSLOSKY

716th John Lawson

716th Robert F. Leopold

716th Walter J. Maich, EVD

716th James MILLER

716th Einar NIKLASON

716th Harold A. Oien*

716th Wallace Osborne*

716th Donald A. Peterson

716th Elvin G. Powell, POW

716th Jesse W. Priest*

716th Harold Swensen* EVD

716th Robert Walker*

716th Gerald WARREN

716th Raymond Zoeler*

716th Crew

Bryan * Easy Queen 11 POW

Browning* Stinky BTO 3 KIA 7POW

Collins * Twinkletoes 9 POW 9

Cunningham * Shirley Jean

717th Squadron

717th Robert C. ANDERSON, POW, Silver Star

717th Richard Asbury*

717th Lenville D. Ashworth* WIA

717th John E. Aulner Jr.* POW, DFC

717th Bob Barker

717th J.D. Beaty *

717th Elsworth Bedette*

717th Russell Biaggne, POW

717th James Byram

717th Leroy COMPSON* EVD

717th James Connery*

717th Steve Coulis*

717th Ellsworth Daniels*

717th Raymond Daugherty* DFC

717th Clifton DENNY

717th Donald Dietz*

717th Elmo S. Dooley*

717th Joseph Druzak

717th James R. Edwards*

717th Donald Foulkes, POW

717th Lucien Fugere* POW

717th Wayland Givens*

717th Wally GREEN*

717th Robert Hamilton

717th Arthur Hofmann

717th Robert Johnson* POW

717th Robert Kaley*

717th Berle Keck, POW

717th Frederick Knight

717th Murray Levites

717th Tony Lopez/Pompa* KIA

717th Elmer MECHAM*

717th Harry J. Nectoux

717th William PETZINGER

717th Jack L. Pizzitola*

717th George Potts*

717th James E Richey

717th Hal A. Ross*

717th Albert G SCHWARTZ*

717th Jerry F. Scroggs

717th Douglas Shaw

717th Ben SMITH, DFC, Bronze Star

717th Marce A. Stevens

717th Joseph P. Tassone

717th John H. Watson, POW

717th William L. Witham*

717th Warren Wykel*

717th Crews

717th Ridgeway* Thunder Bay “BABE”

717th Van Schoor*

718th Squadron

718th Karl E. Baker

718th Jim R Burnett

718th Floyd E. BYFILED* EVD

718th Allen CARRICO, EVD

718th Frank Catanzarite*

718th Thomas CHANDLER, KIA

718th Morris COFFEE

718th Paul Corkill, Jr DFC

718th George Cox

718th George Ditzhazy* DFC

718th Raymond Eriksen*

718th David Friend

718th Nick GAVALAS, KIA/MIA

718th Thomas Godward

718th Francis Goforth

718th William Grankowski

718th Given C. Grooms* MIA

718th Bernard Harbaugh

718th Paul Harper*

718th Everett Hopkins*

718th Wayne Huffman*

718th Loman Largen

718th J. Edward LATTA*

718th David LIVINGSTON* POW

718th Reese A. Mathieu*

718th Harry B. McGuire* KIA

718th Rodger MEEK, EVD

718th Alfred G. Nauman

718th Charles Orrico* POW

718th Richard L. Peacock

718th Wayland F. Peterson

718th Wayne S. Porter

718th Cornelius Reisdorf * DFC

718th Clinton Rodefer*

718th Harry E. Shuman*

718th Frank Sterner* KIA

718th Frank E. STERNER, KIA

718th Ernest Taberski

718th John L. Vagge, Jr

718th Frank N Viveros

718th Eugene WARD, WIA

718th Donald Williams

449th Bomb Group

LATEPASS

Mary Crowley, Secretary

2nd Generation

16292 Content Circle

Huntington Beach, CA 92649

Phone: 714.840.1805

Email: 449thSecretary@gmail.com

The term LATEPASS refers to the control tower CALL SIGN at Grottaglie

Info RE: Mailing List / Removal / Deceased Member

Please report any changes, or removal, of your mailing address or information regarding a deceased Veteran to Mary Crowley.

For WWII 449th BG documentation and research, please contact: Mark Coffee / Group Historian 449historian@gmail.com

*No membership dues assessed. Reprinting in whole or in part, without written permission, is prohibited. All rights and contents are reserved by the 449th BGA, A Not for Profit Organization, funded by member donations and contributions. Contributions to the 449th BGA are deductible on IRS1040 Schedule A, if not made for merchandise or services.

HONOR ROLL

(Continued from Page 19)

718th Crews

Blaney* Peppy 3 KIA 8 RTD

Fox*

Kendall* 9 KIA 1 POW

Sinners Dream 6 KIA 4 POW

– Lt. Thomas Chandler KIA

– Lt. Robert Winter KIA

– Lt David Livingston POW

– Lt. Peter Ihrie Jr. KIA

– Sgt. John Wood KIA

– Sgt Roland Vickery POW

– S/Sgt. Julius Stewart POW

– T/Sgt. Edward Fechko KIA

– T/Sgt Edward Lucy POW

– Sgt Charles Tibbetts KIA

– S/Sgt Paul Zickler POW

719th Squadron

719th Lewis Anderson*

719th Emil Baer*

719th Carl D. Bridges, Jr

719th James Bubenko*

719th Hershell Bunker

719th Walter H. Bynum*

719th Hobart Cole

719th Edmund Cordery, POW

719th Edwin Cromwell

719th Paul F. Fuller*

719th William Hamill, Jr

719th William C. Herrmann*

719th Don JOHNSON

719th Reginald F. Johnson*

719th Orville R. KERN

719th Donald LAPHAM

719th Harry MAHONEY, DFC

719th Frank K. Mayers

719th Ewing H. Miller, POW

719th William H. Mitchell Jr.

719th Colby H. Noyes*

719th Fernando O’DELL, EVD

719th Jack C. Rollins

719th Eben Darrell Smith, POW

719th Thomas Sommers* POW

719th William G. Stanley

719th Aido Tersillo*

719th Edwin THRAIKILL, KIA

719th Floyd TROGDON, DFC

719th Donald B. Van Lier*

719th John B. Weaver

719th Sheldon Zimmerman* KIA

719th Crews Bridges *

Fergus * Two Ton Tessie 10 POW

Geisert* First Crew

Geisert* Our Baby 2 KIA 8 POW

Lonesome *

Weaver*

Mahnoney*

– Harry Mahoney DFC

– Louis B. Haberman

– Eugene S. Kruszynski

– Bertram Mann

– Leonard Adler DFC

– Vern R. Chrans

– Christopher Churchwell

– Alfred S. Dick

– Max R. Hackerdorn

– Walter J. Humes

Head Quarters

Angelo Alaimo

Richard”Dick” Downey*

Salvatore Expoisto*

Jack L. Randolf DFC

Burr Tarrant*

In Loving Memory

Winston “Flip” Cambre, USN*

Samuel Depew III, 15th AAF*

Peter Newman* 2nd Gen 717th