REMEMBERING A LOVED ONE
by Tom Twohill

For many years I was very interested in my uncles war record with the Eighth Air Force. Although I was very close to him he never seemed to want to discuss his experiences and I never pressed him. Although I spent ten years in the Air Force myself (305th Bomb Wing) it was all peace time.

It was not until the last several months that I discovered a website entirely devoted to the 390th Bomb Group. With the wonderful assistance of Carolyn Beaubien of the research department and crew members Pilot W.W. (Wilson) Shira and tail gunner Dick Cowles, I was then on my way to discovering what the brave members of the 390th went through and having the foresight and dedication to relate their stories and histories of an outstanding organization.

My uncle, Joseph P. Callahan, was a waist gunner in the 569th Squadron and flew from Aug. 1944 to Feb. 1945. Although he survived 29 missions and returned to civilian life as an outstanding dedicated husband, father and grandfather, he was struck with a fatal heart attack in 1986 at the age of 63 while playing golf, a game he dearly loved. He was playing with his usual group of 25 friends.

Henceforth, the reason for my tribute. For those who are familiar with municipal golf courses, you know how important it is on weekends to arrive early in the morning at the course, then stand in line to assure that your group would be able to play that day. Because the group met every Sunday at 6AM they were pegged as “The Dawn Patrol”.

Editor’s Note:
Tom also writes re picture at right that Joe’s friends dedicated the tree and plaque that marks the spot  where Joe was stricken on the fairway of the New Haven (Ct.) Municipal Golf Course.

December 9, 2004

390th Memorial Museum

Dear Sirs:

I just wanted to send a short note to advise you that in late October 2004, I had the pleasure to visit the museum at Framingham-Parham, England, where my father a former member of the 570th Bomber Squadron, had been assigned during the Second World War.

It was a cloudless, crisp Sunday morning and the American Flag had been raised over the control tower. I was the first visitor of the day. I entered the museum and began my self-guided tour without speaking to anyone. Ultimately a staff member greeted me, and my response identified me as an American. I was then treated as an honored guest -complete with escorted tour, snacks in the canteen and discussions in the library area.

The equipment and photographs displayed were interesting and educational, while the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. I was able to research my father’s activities while assigned there and even heard an actual tape recording, made around 1943, of B-17s taking off from the base.

As I was departing, the museum staffers asked me to pose for a photograph, which I was told would be published in the local newspaper.

In closing, I just wanted to report that my day at the 390th Museum at Framingham - Parham was very enjoyable and I commend the staff for the continued efforts. You should be very proud of them.

Signed
James W. Savage
Alexandria, VA

December 21, 2004

Dear Andy,

My family and I enjoyed greatly our visit to the 390th Museum before Thanksgiving. I was particularly impressed with the effort put into the exhibits and the interest shown by those in attendance when we arrived – particular by you. It is too bad most of us, still around, live so far away. We recently heard that Walter Tarbell had died leaving just Ray Schleihs, pilot and me, tail of our crew.

I flew all 35 missions with Ray during 1944 including D Day, the Russian Shuttle, 4 Berlin raids and a few others I don’t care to think about. The Magdeburg article in the Fall “J” Bulletin caught my attention. As I recall we led the low squadron that day and were hit by many massed fighters at one time. In one pass we were what was left of the low squadron!

My grand daughter likes very much the U. of Arizona Grad School, and I hope we will be able to visit her from time to time. (And keep in touch with the Museum.)

I am sending along to you: 390th Diploma, couple of pictures of our family visit (3 generations) and a tape interview by the local T.V. Station. People locally do not know much of war time experiences and have enjoyed the tape. If it is of interest to the museum, fine. If it doesn’t fit send it back. The President’s Message in Vol. VIX No. 3 of the Bulletin seems to suggest we collect this type of memorabilia.

Signed
Andrew Porter
Villanova, PA

Editor’s Note:
We’re keeping the tape. We do indeed collect veteran’s written or oral memorabilia. Let not your experiences/memories be lost with your passing. Thanks Andy.