LATEPASS SUMMER 2021 ISSUE
WWW.449TH.COM
449th BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION
THE PRESIDENT’S REPORT BY RICHARD LAPHAM, VICE 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/Interred 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
MAXIMUM EFFORT TOUR — ONE OF MANY STOPS ON OUR TOUR Visit with Veteran Donald Beck from Lititz, PA., 716th Webb Crew, Co-Pilot / 23 missions. Seated: Wife Helene and Veteran Donald Beck, Standing: Leon & Judy (Daughter) Lobos, Teresa Andreika, Denise Riegel
On 26 April 1945, 38 B-24’s took off at 0706 hours and headed to a target northeast of Venice, Italy. Mission 254 would be the last mission for the 449th BG ending 18 months of combat from their Italian base in southern Italy, isolated and alone.
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In the last 18 months, some 76 years after the last mission flown by the 449th BG in European Theater of Operation, our nation has been attacked by another enemy, the COVID-19 virus. In these last 18 months, we have lost 54 449th BG Airman; Husbands / Fathers / Grandfathers / Great-grandfathers/Uncles. It has been a tough year of delayed burials, tapping on windows for family visits for a wave, and the pain of not being able to be with sick loved ones due to the COVID isolation protocol. Our condolences go out to the families that suffered during this
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difficult time. All veterans will be remembered at our Nashville reunion Memorial Service in November. THE MAXIMUM EFFORT TOUR: Our Archives Manager, Denise Riegel, along with her sister Teresa Andreika are on a mission, touring the entire United States to find 449th veterans. After hitting Washington DC, New York and northern east coast in May, the pair were back home in California briefly searching for veterans who have not actively attended reunions. In June they drove from San Diego across Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma to visit seven Veterans. Although many are in assisted living which do not receive visitors, Denise has had some contact with a few veterans and 2nd generation relatives. AND a BIG Thanks to (Continued on Page 2) 1
V IC E P R E SI DE N T ’ S M E S S AG E
(Continued from Page 1) Denise and Teresa’s efforts, for we now have a relationship with the United States Air Force Art program. Next step, the girls will be traveling to the northwest states of Washington, Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. They will be heading out July 20 on their next quest. Good luck, carry on the legacy. And a very special thanks to Denise and sister Teresa for their efforts with the Maximum Effort Tour. Not only did Denise come up with the original idea of the Tour, but both the sisters have absorbed most of the expenses involved with their efforts to connect with 449th veterans across the country. Their efforts are reminiscent of the original Maximum Effort carried out by our veterans close to 76 years ago; careful planning, tireless effort, total dedication, and a resolute never quit attitude. THANK YOU BOTH, from the veterans, both living and deceased, from the 2nd & 3rd generations and from all generations to come. A job very well done! Additionally, the Association would also like to thank those members who have contributed to the 449th BGA. It is with your generous support that the 449th BG Association can carry on the legacy of the Group. Our President, Brigadier General Floyd Trogdon was laid to rest April 30,2021, at Arlington National Cemetery with full honors. Because of the pandemic, his interment had been delayed for nineteen months. In attendance were loving members of his family, along with many trusted friends, members of the 449 BGA Board and Air Force Major General David Harris (former Commander of 449th Air Expeditionary Group stationed in Djibouti, Africa). Many might recall that the then “Colonel” Harris attended our Louisville, KY reunion in 2013 and served as our keynote speaker. The 449th BGA owes a great debt of gratitude to the Albert Schwartz/Edmonds family for their generous gift of underwriting the postage for the LatePass newsletter. LatePass is an important means of communicating critical Information – past, present and future – to the Veterans and second generation. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! 449th BG CENTENARIANS
Happy Birthday & Congratulations 100: Jack Bertke 718th Lawrence Crew, Gunner / Ervin Clower 718th Flight Engineer Downed on Aug 1944/ Clarence Copping 719th Pilot / Harvey Gann 718th Kendall Crew, Flight Engineer German POW and Original Cadre / Robert Geisert 719th Pilot, POW in Poland / Harry Nectoux 717th Izor Crew, Flight Engineer / Bernard “Bud” Rosch 716th Wilding Crew, Radio Operator Downed Dec 44 EVD / Leonard Willner 716th Hamilton Crew, Navigator, Original Cadre 101: Harold McCarty 718th Austin Crew, Gunner 103: James Cady 718th Porter Crew, Bombardier / Vernon Petersen 716th Bivens Crew, Bombardier
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Save the Date! 449th Bomb Group Association 2021
R E U NION
NASHVILLE, TN November 4 – 7, 2021
It appears that the city of Nashville is finally recovering, and country music is alive and well! Arguably one of the most interesting reunion locations that the 449th BGA has visited. Deeply steeped in American history, a mecca for excellent food fare, and unparalleled opportunity to listen to some great music. Country, bluegrass, rock, pop... Music City, home of the Grand Ole Opry, it has something for everyone. A top-of-the-bucket-list experience! Our traditional banquet will be a toe tapping event with a dinner and show at the famed Ray Stevens CabaRay. This legendary country music, pop singer-songwriter, golden albums, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer will be performing live. To honor our airmen, Ray Stevens will be providing a complimentary dinner and show ticket to all WWII 449th Veterans who attend! Don’t make the excuse that you won’t know anyone. Neither did the airmen when they landed in Grottaglie, Italy for the first time! BUT, everyone will have one thing in common... keeping the legacy of the WWII 449th Bomb Group alive. Don’t hesitate! Send in your registration NOW! For those with computers, you will be able to register online! https://449th.com
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75TH ANNIVERSARY – COMING HOME WWII 449TH BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION
2021
NASHVILLE, TN | NOV. 4 – 7, 2021
R E U NIO N
REGISTRATION FORM OR REGISTER ONLINE AT: WWW.449TH.COM
NAME: Total of
persons attending.
SQDN:
716th
717th
718th
719th
HQ
Are you the Veteran or Spouse/Widow of Veteran
Unknown 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:
Email:
Zip Code: Check if appropriate:
This is my 1st reunion
Yes
No
I have attended
Please make check payable to: 449th BG Association
# of Reunions
Mail check to: Deborah Hill / Reunion Registrar 4335 West 1325 South Cedar City, Utah 84720
Phone: New Home Address You will be traveling by:
New Email Address Plane
Car
Please call if you have any questions. (Mountain T ime) Cell: 714-658-6802 Fax: 714-846-0965
REUNION & HOTEL REGISTRATIONS must be made by Sunday, October 3, 2021 HOTEL: There are a limited number of handicap rooms available. Please remember to request a room if needed. Veterans have priority. Holiday Inn Vanderbilt 2613 West End Ave | Nashville, TN 37203 877-327-4707 HOTEL RATES: $149 Standard King $159 Standard Double Double Please reference 449th BGA Reunion when you are making your reservation • TRANSPORTATION There is no hotel shuttle service to or from airport
* Room rates are also applicable two days before the reunion. When making your reservation you should book through Sunday, departing on November 7, 2021 * Please note that the hotel rate is significantly less for any hotel in the area given its location to downtown and September is Nashville’s peak season * Hotel is located directly across from Centennial Park & Parthenon and is in walking distance to Vanderbilt University * The hotel offers free shuttle service to downtown from 7:00am – 12:00am
WIN 3 FREE NIGHTS!
* Distance from the airport to Holiday Inn is approx. 10 miles / 20 minutes by car
Register before Saturday, September 6, 2021 and win a chance for your hotel accommodations for three nights to be paid for by the 449th BGA.
* The cost of a UBER. LYFT or TAXI is approximately $25-30 depending on time of day and size of car
(Standard King or 2 double beds with double occupancy).
* Overnight self-parking $15 + tax per night.
Drawing/Winner announced at Get Acquainted Night
REFUND POLICY: If a crisis forces a cancellation, refunds will be available for all items, except registration fee / October 3, 2021 .
NASHVILLE, TN | NOV. 4 – 7, 2021 Registration
EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
COST
Veteran (Accompanied by a Spouse or ONE Traveling Companion) OR Primary Family Member
PERSON TOTAL
$38
THURSDAY
Each Additional Family Guest (all ages) $22 Nov. 4 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM — Back Stage Grand Ole Opry Tour and sites of Nashville $44 •W alk in the footsteps of country music’s superstars and get an exclusive look at what happens behind the scenes of the show that made country music famous. A must-see opportunity! (Military group rate ticket – Great savings!) • Stop for lunch – TBA • Relax in your luxurious bus seat for a city tour: Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Ryman Auditorium, Honkytonk Row (center of Nashville Nightlife), State Capitol, the Parthenon and much more. • Price of lunch not included • Tour Handicapped friendly
FRIDAY
3 - 6 PM REGISTRATION / PX & Memorabilia Room Gathering 3 - 6 PM BUBBLES & GAB Get-Acquainted-Party with Cash Bar. Dinner immediately following on your own. *The 1940’s evening will come alive with vintage dress, song & entertainment! $24 Nov. 5 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM Franklin, TN, Countryside & Minnie Pearle’s Home $35 A little bit for everyone, from the events of Civil War, viewing stately architecture of Victorian and Antebellum homes, to stories of moonshine and bootlegging! •T his quaint historical town, named after Benjamin Franklin, is nestled a mere 21 miles south of Nashville and is brimming with true southern charm. •T he tour will begin with a historical commentary about the area that was affected by the Civil War and one of the bloodiest conflicts - Battle of Franklin. We will visit the Lotz House (admission extra & optional – some stairs) •N ext, you are on your own. Time for lunch and to wander Main Street. Experience authentic Southern food such as barbeque pork slider, fried green tomatoes, origins of some Tennessee-born flavors. •A s we wave goodbye to Franklin, we will take the road less traveled through the rolling hills, passing by sprawling horse farms and homes of such celebrities as Martina McBride, former homes of Minnie Pearl, George Jones & Tammy Wynette, and the Governor’s Mansion. •P rice of lunch & Lotz House not included •T our Handicapped friendly (exception Lotz House – optional)
SATURDAY
6:00 PM 449th SQUARDON DINNER Chicken Salmon $45 Nov. 6 BREAKFAST On your own 10:00 AM MEMORIAL SERVICE Respectful attire and or military dress 12:00 – 4:00 PM This afternoon is free to explore, all within a short walking distance • Suggestions & Destination - Downtown: Music City Center, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum & Walk of Fame, Honky-Tonk Central (restaurant & bars), Ryman Theater, – Walking: Centennial Park/Parthenon Replica, Vanderbilt University OR 12:00 -3:30 PM Wildhorse Saloon – World famous historic saloon. Iconic / Must visit! • Lunch on your own — enjoy a great Nashville experience • 449th BG Private Group 1 Hour Nashville Line Dancing Class
$33
Class w/Bus
$10
Bus Only
•T ransportation included. A true honky-tonk boot stomping experience. (Boots Optional!)
5:00 – 10:00 PM BANQUET - CabaRay DINNER & SHOW Nashville’s Premier Entertainment Experience! •F eaturing Ray Stevens, legendary music and comedy icon, renown country singer, songwriter, known for his Grammy winning records, and 2019 inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Ray Stevens has provided a complementary ticket to all WWII Veterans who attend! •B us departs at 5:00 p.m. / ELITE section seating at 5:30 p.m. •S how at 7:30 p.m. Presentation with Ray Stevens after performance / Meet & Greet. Business Attire Very handicapped friendly
TOTAL
$98
VETS No Charge for Dinner, Show or Bus
signed by original 449th member veterans as a fundraiser for the association. Funds are always needed for printing and mailing out the Late Pass as well as various reunion needs. Roses for the Memorial Service. Flowers in recognition of 1st generation attendees. Cakes for special celebrations during the reunions. Just to name a few.
MAXIMUM EFFORT TOUR 449TH BOOK IV “MAXIMUM EFFORT” “MAXIMUM EFFORT” WAS A TERM USED BY AIR FORCE PLANNERS DURING WORLD WAR II TO DENOTE THE NECESSITY OF DEPLOYING THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF OPERATIONALLY-READY AIRCRAFT AGAINST A HIGH-VALUE TARGET.
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Under the sponsorship of Lt. Col. Hollie Wilkes (USAF Ret), artist James Dietz produced the painting “Maximum Effort” that captures detail after detail of what it was like to be at the 449th Bomb Group based in Grottaglie, Italy after a tough mission. The awardwinning painting by one of the foremost aviation artists in the nation depicts the tired crew of the damaged B-24 in the foreground as they leave the aircraft and trickle over to the ground transport. The ground crew scrambles over the plane checking for damage from German flak and fighters. The flight crew’s maximum effort is over for the day; the ground crew’s maximum effort is just beginning. The original painting hangs in the Pentagon at the Intelligence Section! There were 1,000 lithograph prints of the painting produced in 1993, numbered and
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signed by the artist and Mr. Wilkes. The prints have been sold to members of the 449th as well as donated to various museums. You have probably seen the print hanging in your 1st Generation Vet’s den along with his other WWII memorabilia! The goal of the Maximum Effort Tour (MET) is to visit as many of our 449th veterans as possible and have them sign copies of the prints. With an average age of 98 years old, we still have a listing of 56 who receive our mail. We have been in contact with 30 of them. The other veterans will be contacted by the “knock on the door method” to see who we find! It is one more chance to meet those we have not met, to gather pictures and oral histories or arrive on the doorstep of one of our precious vets we’ve seen at our reunions. Future plans include using these prints
As of June 20, 2021, we have visited 21 homes in 10 states including California, Oklahoma, Texas, and the Northeast. Our three trips so far have culminated in meeting, recording conversations and getting those signatures from 16 veterans. Three are still with us, but a visit was not possible. Four other trips are scheduled throughout the USA and will be completed in November 2021. We have such a variety of men from our 1st Generation and it has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet them all. We are impressing upon them that this is the 2nd Generation reaching out and that we plan on continuing to make sure it stays that way. Thanks to Deborah Hill, The Voice of the 449th, for her continued contact with our 1st and 2nd Generation before and after our visits as well as Diane and Bruce O’Dell and the support they offer her in this endeavor. We will be emailing updates of the MET as it progresses throughout 2021. If you are interested in hearing about these wonderful veterans email me at redriegel@yahoo.com or 449archives@gmail.com to be added to the list. If you have information on someone from the BGA 1st Generation — vet, wife, widow or sibling — still with us or not — please feel free to contact me and share a story or two! Each and every one is important to us. It’s great to hear from new people and keep a little extra bit of the 449th BG Association alive and well. Denise Riegel 449th Archives Manager Daughter of Rodger Meek 718th Squadron Navigator California: 805-865-6064 (Continued on Page 6) 5
M AX I M UM E F F ORT TO U R 2 0 2 1
(Continued from Page 5)
APRIL – NOVEMBER 2021 April
California
6 Vets
May
North East
12 Vets
June
Oklahoma & Texas
7 Vets
July
Mid and North West
5 Vets
September
Great Lakes
7 Vets
October
Florida
12 Vets
November
South
3 Vets
WWII 449TH BG WINGS MBYAALAN K E DAVIS, I T TO SPAC 2ND GEN, 716THE !
Airman Ed Stringham, 716th BS, was originally with Wilding crew as a ball gunner. On 28 Dec 1944, his second mission, the crew was forced to bail out of Lady in the Dark #1 when it was hit by flack while on the bomb run over the Brenner Pass. 1 KIA, 3 landed in German held territory to become POWs and the other eight, including Ed, landing in Allied territory and returned to duty.
International Space Station expedition 33/34, 2013. Commander and NASA astronaut Kevin A Ford, Expedition Commander
This past June, Denise and Teresa visited him in his home Boerne, TX. Ed is a modest man and had a distinguished career of 31 years of service in the U.S Air Force in which he was deployed all over the world. Of great pride is his daughter, Adrianna, who works with NASA and was able get her dad’s wings flown up to the Space Station. She worked on the project to get the new solar array system installed on the Space Station. A remarkable man. Quote — “We were 18 & 19 years old when we went to war and we grew up fast.”
If you would like to contribute to the MET TOUR in helping Denise and Teresa travel across the United States to collect, record, and document the legacy of our 449th BG Veterans, please send your contributions to: Thad Mahoney, 449th BG Treasurer 205 Lynn Dr. | Seville, Ohio 44273
Contribution in the amount of $ __________________________ In honor of 449th BG Veteran: _____________________________________________________ All donations for this project will be specifically used for gasoline and lodging expenses.
* The 449th BG Association would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Bomb Group Association members who have already contributed financially as well as those who have opened their homes and welcomed Denise and Teresa providing them with an overnight stay! 6
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M AX I M UM E FDAVIS, F ORT TO716TH U R P HOTO S BY ALAN 2ND GEN,
Frank Shirey - PA
Vernon Petersen - NY
Bud Hunziker - CA
Harvey Gann - TX
Tony Orsini - NJ
Ervin Clower - TX
Ed West - PA
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Marc Stevens - TX
Ed O’Brien - OK
Al Gallo - TX
Tommy Guzzardi - NJ
Michael Sallen - MA
Bud Rosch - NY
Harry Nectoux - TX
Ed Stringham - TX
Bill Hirsch - PA
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HISTORIAN’S CORNER
F ROM T H E DE SK OF M ADAVIS, RK C OF F 716TH E E , G RO U P H I S TOR IA N BY ALAN 2ND GEN, (For documentation and research contact 449historian@gmail.com)
An Unlucky Mission
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The number 13 has long been considered unlucky in numerous cultures. Some say the belief dates back to Judas being the thirteenth guest to sit at the Last Supper. Triskaidekaphobia, the fear of the number 13 has led some hotels and tall buildings to not number rooms or floors 13 as some guests will not accept them. Friday the 13th is also considered unlucky, possibly originating from King Phillip IV of France ordering the arrest of the Knights Templar on October 13, 1307. Regardless of superstition, Friday, October 13, 1944 turned out to be a bad day for the 449th Bomb Group. The 15th Air Force plan for October 13 called for attacks on the Blechhammer South oil refinery by three wings and attacks near Vienna on oil refineries, rail road repair facilities, marshalling yards and motor works by the remainder. The 449th along with the 98th Bomb Group were assigned the R/R repair shops at the Vienna North (Florisdorf) marshalling yard. This was the only repair station in the area equipped for heavy repair of
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locomotives and was considered the most important station in Austria. The 449th sent off 45 B-24’s shortly after 7:00am, rendezvoused with the 98th BG and headed for Vienna with the 98th in the lead. Weather in the target area was predicted to be 7/10 undercast but as the formation approached the area the undercast was solid 10/10. At the last checkpoint before the Initial Point (I.P.), the 98th BG turned west of course but the 449th continued on the briefed course. Approaching the I.P., the 449th was forced to veer away as two other groups converged on a collision course. The group attempted to get back on the attack course to the target but was yet again forced away by another group on a collision course. The group then began a long 360 degree turn back to the I.P. to make another attempt at the briefed target. The ground was cloud obscured for much of the run and when the target area was reached the repair facility was totally obscured by smoke from the Florisdorf Oil Refinery attacked by other groups.
The lead section did not drop its bombs and proceeded toward the Graz, Austria marshalling yard as a secondary target. The pre-mission briefing noted 327 heavy anti-aircraft guns in the Vienna area identified by photo reconnaissance with the intended route to the target bringing the formation within range of 70-80 of these guns. The long 360 degree turn and two approaches to the target meant the formation was exposed to many more guns and for a much longer duration than planned. The heavy concentration of flak took its toll on the 449th. Because of the poor weather conditions, damage from flak and gasoline shortages the formation began to disintegrate. Only 4 aircraft bombed the primary target and 8 dropped on the secondary at Graz. Other aircraft leaving the formation due to flak damage and gas shortages bombed “targets of opportunity” or jettisoned their bombs attempting to reach home base. The aircraft “Old Faithful” flown by the Michael Fiordaliso crew of the 717th Squad-
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HISTORIAN’S CORNER
F ROM T H E DE SK OF M ADAVIS, RK C OF F 716TH E E , G RO U P H I S TOR IA N BY ALAN 2ND GEN,
ron was hit in the #4 engine over Vienna. The propeller could not be feathered and the prop governor ‘ran away’ to high RPM threatening to send the ship out of control. At this point the bail out alarm was sounded and Bombardier Donald Foulkes and nose gunner Robert Kuethe left the ship. As the rest of the crew was preparing to bail, the run-away prop slowed down and the decision was made to stay with the ship. The crew managed to limp back to the Island of Vis. Although the nose gear could not be lowered nor the flaps extended, a safe landing was made by rigging two parachutes out the waist windows to help slow the damaged aircraft as it skidded to a stop. Foulkes and Kuethe were captured and held POW. Aircraft #2 flown by the Warren Mugler crew was also badly damaged over the target. The crew left the formation and set course for safe areas in Yugoslavia. They made it as far as Zagreb before having to abandon the aircraft. All ten crew members were picked up by Partisans and eventually made their way to Vis and were then flown back to Grottalgie in a C-47. The Michael Mealy crew of the 719th Squadron flying “Nancy Jane” was also hit by flak over Vienna but managed to stay with the formation. Richard Lent of the Mellor crew was flying as navigator on his 50th mission and George Hansen of the Aldrich crew as bombardier. Also on board was Captain Leslie Caplan, Flight Surgeon of the 719th Squadron. Over the secondary target at Graz the aircraft was again hit by flak and began to lag behind the formation. The crew was forced to bail out near Drnis, Yugoslavia (Croatia). Two men, Richard Lent and nose gunner Floyd Mogle suffered broken legs on landing. All eleven crew members were captured by Ustashi revolutionaries sympathetic to the Germans. The Ustashi took the nine men
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who could walk and turned them over to the Germans where they all became POWs. Lent and Mogle were left behind with guards but were rescued by Tito’s Partisans and eventually returned to Italy. Flight Surgeon Captain Leslie Caplan began providing medical aid to injured crewmen almost immediately after capture. As the captured men were moved to prison camps, the officers were separated from the enlisted men. Caplan requested to stay with the enlisted men who were in greater need of medical care and was sent to Stalag Luft IV where he provided medical assistance to the POWs. In February, 1945, the Russian offensive was threatening the area of the camp and the Germans initiated a forced march of the prisoners out of the area. For 53 days Caplan marched with a group of 2500 men through bitter weather and on starvation rations. Caplan provided aid to the men as best he could under the circumstances. After liberation Caplan was awarded the Legion of Merit for his actions in aid of POWs. John Blaney and crew aboard “Peepy” was hit near the I.P. on the bomb run at Vienna knocking out the #2 engine among other damage. They could not keep pace with the formation and turned for home. Shortly after departing the Yugoslav coast the #4 engine ran out of gas. Later the #3 prop ran away and the #1 engine caught fire. The crew bailed out over the Adriatic. Seven members were picked up by an Air Sea Rescue PBY Catalina after about an hour and one half in the water. The co-pilot Merton Neal was picked up by a Partisan boat and taken to Vis. Three men, pilot John Blaney, tail gunner Rudolph Moreno and photographer William Battagliola were never located and perished... Captain John Wright of the 717th Squadron was leading the B Section of the group fly-
ing the Mickey ship “Miss ‘N’ Moan” Entering the second bomb run over Vienna a flak burst struck the nose of the plane demolishing the nose turret. The damage affected the flight characteristics of the aircraft making it difficult to control. Another burst entered the cockpit mortally wounding copilot Robert Eaton and severely wounding Capt. Wright. Wright suffered gaping wounds to his left side and left arm rendering it useless. Despite the shock, intense pain and loss of blood, Wright continued to lead the B Section over the target keeping the section intact. He called for the navigator to remove the co-pilot from his seat and to assist in flying the airplane. Over the target the plane was again riddled with flak. The number 2 and 3 engines were hit and began operating erratically. The communications and hydraulic systems were demolished and the flaps rendered inoperable. The crew then set to attempt to reach a friendly field. The navigator returned to his station to direct their course and the tail gunner took the co-pilot’s seat where Wright directed him in the duties of a co-pilot. In the two hours it took to reach a safe field, Wright remained in his seat flying the badly damaged aircraft with one arm. He refused morphine for his pain but still drifted into occasional semi-consciousness from shock and loss of blood. Wright made a safe landing with no further injury to the crew at the field at Lucera. Captain John Wright was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for “his extraordinary courage and heroic devotion to duty.” The Distinguished Service Cross is second in precedence only to the Medal of Honor. The mission toll for the 449th BG was 4 men KIA, 11 POW and 5 men wounded. Additionally, three aircraft were lost and sixteen landed at friendly fields with significant flak damage. Friday the 13th was indeed an unlucky day for the 449th Bomb Group.
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Home of the 449th BGA Archives & Memorabilia The David Duane Livingston Memorial Museum honoring the 449th Bomb Group continues to evolve through our relocation efforts at the Wings of History Museum in San Martin, California. The Battle Ribbons won by the 449th BG are proudly displayed as part of this collection.
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WEAR YOUR PRIDE! Front: 449th patch embroidered on shirt. All embroidering is done in gold Right sleeve: Name of Airman, Squadron & Position (Example: Pilot, Navigator, Ft / Engineer, Radio / Op, Crew Chief, Gunner, Ordnance, Ground Personnel) Left side: 449th BG Flying Horsemen Patch Identification: Veteran, 2nd / 3rd Generation Manufacturer: PORT AUTHORITY Color: Royal Blue 65/35-poly cotton pique / Flat knit collar and cuffs Approximate cost per shirt: $40 -$45 Men’s sizes: XS-L, XL, 2XL, 3XL *Shirts run large for women Price includes 449th BG patch and all embroidering. Shipping not included.
449TH BOMB GROUP PERSONALIZED POLO SHIRTS To be worn at Reunions, Memorial Day, Veteran’s Day, Military functions, etc. Order for Veterans, 2nd, 3rd Generation 10
Orders must be received by September 30, 2021 Additional shipping charge for 1-2 shirts ($10) NO SHIPPING charge if attending Nashville reunion. ORDER NOW — MAKES A GREAT GIFT! Contact Peggy Hill | plhillny@gmail.com
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RED ROSE MEMORIAL SERVICE Conveys Respect, Love, and Courage
Names to be read at the Nashville, TN reunion - Saturday, November 6, 2021 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 Roll Call of Honor during the Memorial Service.
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:
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.
449th BGA Thad Mahoney, Treasurer 205 Lynn Dr. Seville, OH 44273
In honor of Airman / Crew
Squadron (if known)
Given in honor by
HONOR ROLL
NA M E S TO B E R E A D AT T H E 2 6 T H R E U N ION M E M OR IA L SE RV IC E 716th Squadron 716th
Richard DAIGNAULT Mechanic / Photographer Original Cadre
716th
Edward I. EISLER Ball Gunner / Original Cadre
716th
William M. FIEFER Radio Operator
716th
Floyd H. HAYWOOD Pilot / DFC
716th
George Clay HENRY Flight Engineer / Original Cadre
716th
Donal W KATZ Nose Gunner
716th
Howard KOSLOSKY Radio Operator / Waist Gunner
716th
John LAWSON Tail Gunner
716th
Robert F. LEOPOLD Co-Pilot
716th
Walter J. MAICH Gunner / Downed EVD for 9 months Original Cadre
716th
Donald A. PETERSON Ball Gunner
717th
Berle KECK Nose Gunner / German POW
716th
Elvin G. POWELL Nose Gunner / Romanian POW
717th
Frederick KNIGHT Co-Pilot
717th
Murray LEVITES Navigator
717th
Elmer MECHAM Top Turret / Original Cadre
717th
James RICHEY Ball Gunner / Aerial Photographer
717th
Hal ROSS Gunner
717th
Jerry F. SCROGGS Pilot / DFC
717th
Douglas SHAW Radio Operator
717th Squadron
717th
Robert BARKER Bombardier
717th
Russell BIAGGNE Ball Gunner / Bulgarian POW
717th
Leroy COMPSON Tail Gunner / EVD / Original Cadre
717th
Joseph DRUZAK Co-Pilot
717th
Donald FOULKES Bombardier
717th
Lucien FUGERE Photographer / Romanian POW
717th
Robert HAMILTON Navigator
717th
Ben B. SMITH Flight Eng. Gunner / Bronze Star
717th
Arthur HOFMANN Pilot
717th
Joseph TASSONE Tail Gunner
717th
Robert JOHNSON Waist Gunner / POW
717th
John WATSON Radio Operator / Bulgarian POW
(Continued on Page 12)
449th Flying Horsemen | 449th.com
11
449th Bomb Group
LATEPASS
Mary Crowley, Secretary 2nd Generation 16292 Content Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Phone: 714.840.1805 Fax: 714.846.0965 Email: 449thSecretary@gmail.com
Order your Red Rose
The term LATEPASS refers to the control tower CALL SIGN at Grottaglie
SUMMER 2021 NEWSLETTER 449th Bomb Group Association 716 - 717 - 718 - 719 Bomb Squadrons
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, An Association, funded by member donations and contributions.
HON OR ROL L (Continued from Page 11) 718th Squadron
718th
Richard PEACOCK Ball Gunner
719th
William HAMILL, Jr. Ball Gunner
718th
Wayland PETERSON Navigator
719th
Frank MAYERS Co-Pilot
718th
Wayne PORTER Supply /Original Cadre
719th
Ewing MILLER Pilot / German POW
718th
Cornelius REISDORF Pilot / DFC / Original Cadre
719th
William MITCHELL Jr. Gunner
David FRIEND Asst Crew Chief / Original Cadre
718th
Ernest TABERSKI Radio Operator & Gunner
719th
Jack C. ROLLINS Radar Maintenance
718th
Thomas GODWARD Radio Operator & Gunner
718th
Frank VIVEROS Radio Operator
719th
Eben D SMITH Co-Pilot / German POW
718th
William GRANKOWSKI Gunner / Original Cadre
718th
Donald WILLIAMS Ordnance/ Original Cadre
719th
William STANLEY Bombardier
718th
Bernard HARBAUGH Navigator
719th Squadron
718th
Karl BAKER Navigator
718th
James BURNETT, Jr. Navigator
718th
Paul CORKHILL, Jr. Navigator / Keplar Crew / DFC
718th
George COX Radio Operator / Gunner
718th
719th
Lewis ANDERSON Pilot
719th
Floyd TROGDON Squadron Navigator / DFC 449th BGA President 2006 - Present John WEAVER Pilot
718th
Wayne HUFFMAN Gunner
718th
Loman LARGEN Flight Engineer
719th
Carl D. BRIDGES, Jr. Pilot
719th
718th
Reese “Mat” MATHIEU Navigator
719th
Hershell BUNKER Tail Gunner
HQ Personnel
718th
Alfred NAUMAN Waist Gunner
719th
Hobart COLE Gunner
HG
Angelo ALAIMO Ambulance Driver Original Cadre
Names that appear are known deceased airmen who have passed away since Spring 2019 - 2021 and airmen who have not previously been acknowledged. EVD: Evaded Capture DFC: Distinguished Flying Cross POW: Prisoner of War Original Cadre: First wave of 449th personnel deployed to Grottaglie, Italy.
A RED ROSE was escorted and placed on the Missing Man Table for airmen who families have donated to the Legacy Project