390th VETERANS REMEMBERING THE 390th
By: John S. Warner

In the recent past, three 390 veterans have found a specific method of contributing to the permanence of the memory of the men who were the 390th:

1. John E. Mitchell of Richmond, VA died on October 12, 1999. He was a Pilot in the 571st Squadron and flew 36 missions. After various bequests to relatives, he provided for funds to the 390th Museum Foundation totaling $175,568.92.
2. Michael Ruta of Palisades Park, New Jersey died on April 6 2001. He was a Gunner in the 568th Squadron and was shot down on his 19th mission. With the help of a French family, he evaded capture. Michael Ruta left a net estate, after expenses, of $289,759. Of that amount, the 390th Memorial Museum Foundation will receive approximately $175,000. The remainder, of $108,700 will go to the three Ledanois brothers. The Ledanois were to receive, in total, three-quarters of the net estate, but they have very graciously renounced 50% of what they would have received to the museum.
3. Robert T. Urban of Arlington County, Virginia died on February 11, 2003. He was a Toggelier in the 571st Squadron and completed 24 operational missions. His Will provided for equal shares to four beneficiaries. Two shares were for individuals, and one share each to the 390 Bomb Group Veterans Association and the 390th Memorial Museum Foundation. Each share amounted to $35,193.95 and was fully paid by January 12, 2005.

It is to be hoped that other veterans will consider similar actions to assist in the effort to remember the deeds of the 390 veterans and the permanence of the Museum honoring them.

Note from the executive director: All the amounts received as bequests are placed directly into the Endowment fund. Therefore bequests are not available to the museum for operating expenses. The Endowment Fund is our reserve for the long-term future, and serves to guarantee the viability of your museum when memberships and donations no longer cover the cost of operations.