Descendants Corner

Winter, 2002-2003

Cori Tennyson shared a wonderful message in her letter to the 390th Bomb Group Veteran’s Descendants in the Spring issue, 2002, of the Square J. I saved it and read it several times. It has prompted me to send this short but sincere message to all of you out there who had a father or a loved one who served with the 390th.

My father, Henry Balmut, was a part of the 390th in England and shared many stories about his experiences there. He had only a few photos but I remember seeing the B-17s on the airstrip, pictures of bicycles, and shots of my father dressed in a great jacket with a fur collar. I know now it was his Air Corp issue winter coat but I always thought he looked like a movie star in it.

To a young girl who already knew her Dad was a hero because he helped keep our country free, listening to his stories and looking at the photos made the whole situation seem mysterious and exciting. My sister, DiAnne, and I, along with our mother, Margery, were so proud of Dad. On Memorial Day every year DiAnne and I would decorate our bicycles with red, white, and blue crepe paper and ride to the cemetery. I was always in awe of the soldiers and the gun salute. It was a “safe” time to be a child.

Reading Bruce Anderson’s emotional story regarding his brother Bernie’s death and his visit to Le Theil was the other side of the coin. Some of us read the Square J and have memories of the stories and the victory. Others read the Square J and remember ….but in a different way. Those men who never returned did not share photos and experiences of life with the 390th the way my father did.

When I get the Square J along with tons, and I do mean tons, of other mail, I have to read it first….right then, on the spot. The historical presence of the bulletin is important but the real joy for my family is to read about the men, their missions, their triumphs, and their courage. We are so fortunate to not only have the newsletter but to have this incredible museum. The 390th veterans have left us a living legacy. We must help maintain it. It is absolutely a testimony to their belief in freedom and their integrity as soldiers and good men.

I have not been there to see the planes. I have not been there to see the Memorial plaque honoring my father. But it is going to happen… my husband and I intend to take our entire family to see this incredible museum. It is “a living testimony to the courage and sacrifice of the warriors of the 390th Bomb Group.” Those are Mrs. Dorothy Moller’s words and they are wonderful. PLEASE, if you have not sent your donation to the Endowment Fund consider doing it TODAY!

My family had discussed sending a donation and just had not gotten around to writing the check. Mother had sent her contribution and I was aware of that. After I read Mrs. Moller’s open letter to the membership again, it prompted me to send our contribution immediately. We, the descendants of these brave soldiers, must help shoulder the financial responsibility and help keep the museum open and solvent.

I encourage you to send a donation at the beginning of this year. Many persons accepted Mrs. Moller’s generous offer to match dollar for dollar each donation last year. It was truly an offer of love. We thank you, Mrs. Moller!

We appreciate the fine writing that is shared in the Square J. Mr. Anderson quoted Dostoevsky most appropriately…”It is the great mystery of life that old grief passes gradually into quiet, tender joy.” We have found that to be true. As the New Year begins, our prayer is that you give and give generously.

I show the movie, “Pistol Packin’ Mama – The Missions of a B-17” to all of my Human Anatomy and Biology students each Veteran’s Day at Graham High School in St. Paris, Ohio. Each student goes away at the close of class quietly…some weep. If you have not seen that movie, buy it…watch it every year….we shall never, ever forget!

Mrs. Marcia Balmut Ward 
daughter of Henry “Hank” Balmut