I looking for Information on b-17 Name “Heaven can Wait” that was shot down on a return raid from Emden Germany on Dec 11, 1943. My Uncle was the tail gunner on it. He was made a p.o.w. until the war ended. A great site. Delford Woodyard delord@windstream.net 11/23/2007 1:53 PM
I visited your Museum on July 19 this year and would just like to say what an excellent memorial museum you have there. I found it a place of quiet and reflection, quite removed from the events it commemorates. I would also like to say a special ‘Thank you’ to the gentleman who single-handedly managed to reduce a 58-year-old more or less stiff upper lip Englishman to a state of abject hero-worship. Unfortunately, I never did manage to get his name, and all I know about this man is that he is in one of the photo’s on the wall just along from the reception desk, was the pilot of a B-17 during WW2, and ended up flying F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam. He was extremely generous of his time in talking to me, and I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You, both to him, and the thousands of airmen and groundcrew who came over to help us when we needed it most, for what they did all those years ago. p.s. and if anyone recognizes the man I was chatting to from my description, could you please tell me who he is. Phil Curtis russellf97@googlemail.com 11/23/2007 7:29 AM
I just read an article about Michael Ruta on J Bulletin and at the end of the article there was a picture of the Prowlin Tom nose art. My dad Wm R. Geschwender was a top turret gunner/engineer on the Prowlin Tom and the pictures he had showed a black tom cat along with the Prowlin Tom logo. I have been trying to find a complete picture of the cat. the ones I have only show about 3/4’s of the black cat. has anyone submitted any other pictures of the Prowlin Tom that show the entire cat? Jane Eager janeleigheager@comcast.net 11/18/2007 5:25 PM
Very interesting web site; my Father, H.A. McKinnis was a nose gunner on the Little Butch”. Dad died in 1984 and recently began to gather up all of the mementos that I can find of his WWII experiences. I remember a photo of Dad and some of the other crew members in front of the Little Butch as well as him tellin me that he was based in England. One of Dad’s medal cases has a note that he participated in the first daylight bombing raid over Berlin as well as the Normandy invasion. Dad was wounded in action over France; I still have the Western Union telegram that was sent by the War Department advising my Grandmother. I am traveling at the moment and don’t have access to any of his papers but will research some more and would love to hear from anyone with additional information on my Father and their shared experiences. Barry McKinnis belter01@earthlink.net 11/13/2007 12:41 PM
Does anyone have any information about a plane named the Lael Cater? It supposedly went down over Germany in 1944. Andrea Ball aball@statesman.com 11/12/2007 5:38 PM
I am looking for any one that knows anything about my grandfather Benjamin F. Potter. I am not sure of what he did but if any one knows please contact me. I am pretty sure he was in the 390BG(H). If anyone has pics it would be great too. Thanks for your time. Phillip Ramsey supersportrides@yahoo.com 11/10/2007 10:43 PM
I am helping a veteran from the 390th BG, 569th squad, named Armand DeShiavi gather some photos. I know he was on board the Coy De Coy. That was the plane he was on when it got shot down. If possible, I would like to have that photo and any other photos you might have of this Bomb group in the highest quality you can send me. Especially ones in flight. Thank you so much for your consideration. Sincerely, Lisa Fusco inkks@earthlink.net 11/9/2007 5:31 PM
Wow. I found my dad, James Stueck, who was in the 568th. I am going to give him a membership here. I would dearly love to hear from anybody who knew him. He is still alive and well, living in California. He doesn’t talk about anything but the “fun” of being young in England. I’d like to know more. thanks so much for this site. I’ll tell my brother, too. Janelle Stueck jstueck@bellsouth.net 11/7/2007 7:12 AM
I’ve discovered some old photos. My father, Horace Loyd Martin served in the 390th Bomb group and was a 1st Lt. in the Army Air Force. He flew B-17 bomber missions. He died about 5 years ago, rarely talked about his time in the service. Now I have discovered all these pictures and would like to link up with someone who served with him. How do I go about doing that. You may reach me at the email address below. I wish I had researched this before he died, but he was not eager to discuss the war, as many of his generation are. Thank you very much, Linda Martin Fogg stjworks@kingcon.com 11/4/2007 11:54 AM
Trying to locate Bill Deardorf who left message concerning his cousin Verne R. Gray who died in A/C 2102972 (Heavenly Cent) on 14 Mar 1945. His email is no longer working. Also trying to contact Louis A. Nix, son of Francis J. Nix the survivor of the A/C 337831 (Lady Velma) who left a message on this site. His email is no longer working. I am the nephew of Boyce L. Pruitt, Bombardier-Togglier of A/C 2102972(Heavenly Cent). These two aircraft collided on Mission 274, to Seelze. This website and database are superb! Ronald J. Reid rreid21@cox.net 10/31/2007 12:55 PM
I have thoroughly enjoyed the site of the 390th BG. I may have some photographs of the Major Glenn Miller visit to the men of the 390th. I believe he and his mighty orchestra performed for your 200th mission party in 1944. My name is Glenn Mittler. I teach school (34 years and counting!) and reside in Elyria, Ohio. I am a researcher/collector of music and items pertaining to the late bandleader and American musician, Glenn Miller. I’m wondering if I might be of some help in the addition of some photographs of Major Miller’s visit to the men of the 390th BG during their 200th mission party? I believe I have a few that be included in your archival section. I hope to hear from someone in an ‘official’ capacity, as I hope to be of some help. Does the 390th photo archivist have any such photographs at this time? Respectfully, Glenn Mittler. glenn_mittler@yahoo.com 10/30/2007 3:34 PM
My name is Pat Hefner. I am the nephew of Lt. Roy R. Creasman who was KIA on 14 March 1945 while flying 2102972, Boston Blackie/Heavenly Cent. This plane was involved in a collision with 337831, Lady Velma in the vicinity of Wulften / Bilhausen. My uncle was assigned to the 390th BG / 571st Sqrdn. If anybody knows of this incident or maybe knew my uncle, I would really like to hear about him. Please e-mail me at pathefner@charter.net Thanks! Patrick Hefner 10/29/2007 7:50 AM
My father, Laurence D. More, served in the 390th bomb wing during WWII. He was later transferred to the 3rd armored division part to the 3rd Army division. I am writing a book about his service but since he only told me about his service during the last two years of his life I need to obtain more information about his service to our country. I hope you can help me obtain more information. Thank you for any help you can give me. Sincerely James W. More jimkarenmore@sbcglobal.net 10/28/2007 9:59 PM
Hi, My mother has just sent me my father’s (who passed away 2/28/96 of lung cancer) box of war memorabilia. She and I are going to create a memory shadow box when she visits in Dec. this year 2007. Dad flew 35 missions with the 390th as tail gunner. The first thing I opened was his dog tags. I placed them around my neck, shed a tear, and began going through all the news articles, his metals, the shrapnel from his leg for which he won his purple heart, his journal of his missions, rip cord, etc. I must say it was a humbling experience. Dad never discussed the war with us so it was a bit of an eye opener. My fathers name was Burl W. Murdock. In his journal of his missions he mentioned names of his comrades and buddies. Some I am sure are nick names but someone might recognize them. Among them were Cresman, I think he was a wing man? Then Ship, Nix Ruff and Breck (Sgt Breckenridge of Hanute Fld. Illinois). Does anyone know these gentlemen? Would love to hear from you. Just felt compelled to touch base with you. Thanks for the ear. Nancy L. (Murdock) Merrill gn4ever@embarqmail.com 10/26/2007 10:10 PM
Trans-Oceanic on board the Queen Mary is sponsoring For the Duration Feb. 7-10, 2008, a weekend to commemorate the role of the ship in WWII and to honor the men and women who fought for freedom. We’d like to hear memories of those who sailed to or from the war on the Queen Mary. Information is available at http://www.Trans-Oceanic.com Scott Gray sfgray@trans-oceanic.com 10/17/2007 8:46 PM
I am endeavoring to trace the only two surviving members of the 571st Squadron ship “Chaff Wagon” (Serial No. 297821) which was lost during Mission 185 to Mainz on 8 September 1944. All but two of the crew, including Pilot James Handley, were killed when the aircraft exploded. Those who jumped to safety and became POWs were Arthur H. Brown (Engineer/TTG) and Paul C. Hadley (Co-Pilot). If anyone has any information or photos on Chaff Wagon or her crew I would be very pleased to hear from them.
My postal address and telephone are as follows:
Chris Hawkins
Volunteer Curator
ARMY MUSEUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
16 Aldam Crescent
Shelley
Perth
Western Australia 6148
AUSTRALIA
Have been watching the PBS War documentary and have a heightened interest in my fathers experience being a Navigator on a B 17. (His Name is Gordon Lee) I just found out he flew 28 missions, was in the 390th, 571st Bomb Squadron, Crew 76. He passed away a couple years ago. Looking for any more information on his experiences. Brent Lee brentcinji@aol.com 10/11/2007 2:31 AM
DURING THE WAR MY GRANDMOTHER OPERATED A RESTAURANT CLOSE TO THE AIR BASE. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER A PLACE CALLED “HOPKINS WELL?” I WAS A CHILD AT THE TIME BUT REMEMBER CLEARLY THE PILOTS WHO FREQUENTED THE RESTAURANT ALSO REMEMBER A PILOT FLYING HIS PLANE UNDERNEATH THE CANOPY TO THE BUILDING EARLY ONE MORNING. (SORRY MY CAPS LOCK IS STUCK) IF ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBERS THE RESTAURANT (AND GAS STATION) PLEASE NOTIFY ME I WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATIVE! CAROLE JACKSON rosemary_thyme@frontiernet.net 10/6/2007 12:45 AM
I would like to find information about my uncle, Charles J. Vanderwarf who was a Sgt. in 571st bomber squad, 390th Bomber Group H, and was killed 14,January 1944. If I read this sight correctly he was stationed in Framlingham UK. I have his service # and know where he’s buried, that’s about it. Oh, I think my grandmother told me he was a tail gunner. I’d love to know about what plane(s) he flew on and what mission he was on when he was killed. Thanks for any information or assistance as to where to look. Lynn Dal Santo lynn@panelofconsultants.com 9/26/2007 3:59 AM
I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF TWO CREW MEMBERS OF B-17G 42-31854 SHOT DOWN 9-9-44 OVER DUSSELDORF ARE STILL LIVING. THEIR NAMES ARE ABRAHAM MARCUS SN 32784973 AND WILLIAM E. KUMP SN 35914817. MY WIFE’S COUSIN WAS NED W. HIGGINS, WHO WAS KILLED IN THE CRASH. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. SAM TAYLOR SAMUEL.TAYLOR.CTR@CTTR.US 9/25/2007 4:11 PM
My brother, Merwyn F. Stanford Buddy) was a Ball Turret Gunner. He was a member of crew 51, 570th Bomber Squadron, 390th Bomber Group. He was killed over Hoorn, Holland, July 7, 1944. 7 of the 20 crew members survived. Does anyone remember him? Please email me at restanford@hotmail.com Max Stanford 9/19/2007 10:15 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I looking for Information on b-17 Name “Heaven can Wait” that was shot down on a return raid from Emden Germany on Dec 11, 1943. My Uncle was the tail gunner on it. He was made a p.o.w. until the war ended. A great site. Delford Woodyard delord@windstream.net 11/23/2007 1:53 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I visited your Museum on July 19 this year and would just like to say what an excellent memorial museum you have there. I found it a place of quiet and reflection, quite removed from the events it commemorates. I would also like to say a special ‘Thank you’ to the gentleman who single-handedly managed to reduce a 58-year-old more or less stiff upper lip Englishman to a state of abject hero-worship. Unfortunately, I never did manage to get his name, and all I know about this man is that he is in one of the photo’s on the wall just along from the reception desk, was the pilot of a B-17 during WW2, and ended up flying F-4 Phantoms in Vietnam. He was extremely generous of his time in talking to me, and I would like to take this opportunity to say Thank You, both to him, and the thousands of airmen and groundcrew who came over to help us when we needed it most, for what they did all those years ago. p.s. and if anyone recognizes the man I was chatting to from my description, could you please tell me who he is. Phil Curtis russellf97@googlemail.com 11/23/2007 7:29 AM
I just read an article about Michael Ruta on J Bulletin and at the end of the article there was a picture of the Prowlin Tom nose art. My dad Wm R. Geschwender was a top turret gunner/engineer on the Prowlin Tom and the pictures he had showed a black tom cat along with the Prowlin Tom logo. I have been trying to find a complete picture of the cat. the ones I have only show about 3/4’s of the black cat. has anyone submitted any other pictures of the Prowlin Tom that show the entire cat? Jane Eager janeleigheager@comcast.net 11/18/2007 5:25 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Very interesting web site; my Father, H.A. McKinnis was a nose gunner on the Little Butch”. Dad died in 1984 and recently began to gather up all of the mementos that I can find of his WWII experiences. I remember a photo of Dad and some of the other crew members in front of the Little Butch as well as him tellin me that he was based in England. One of Dad’s medal cases has a note that he participated in the first daylight bombing raid over Berlin as well as the Normandy invasion. Dad was wounded in action over France; I still have the Western Union telegram that was sent by the War Department advising my Grandmother. I am traveling at the moment and don’t have access to any of his papers but will research some more and would love to hear from anyone with additional information on my Father and their shared experiences. Barry McKinnis belter01@earthlink.net 11/13/2007 12:41 PM
Does anyone have any information about a plane named the Lael Cater? It supposedly went down over Germany in 1944. Andrea Ball aball@statesman.com 11/12/2007 5:38 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I am looking for any one that knows anything about my grandfather Benjamin F. Potter. I am not sure of what he did but if any one knows please contact me. I am pretty sure he was in the 390BG(H). If anyone has pics it would be great too. Thanks for your time. Phillip Ramsey supersportrides@yahoo.com 11/10/2007 10:43 PM
I am helping a veteran from the 390th BG, 569th squad, named Armand DeShiavi gather some photos. I know he was on board the Coy De Coy. That was the plane he was on when it got shot down. If possible, I would like to have that photo and any other photos you might have of this Bomb group in the highest quality you can send me. Especially ones in flight. Thank you so much for your consideration. Sincerely, Lisa Fusco inkks@earthlink.net 11/9/2007 5:31 PM
Wow. I found my dad, James Stueck, who was in the 568th. I am going to give him a membership here. I would dearly love to hear from anybody who knew him. He is still alive and well, living in California. He doesn’t talk about anything but the “fun” of being young in England. I’d like to know more. thanks so much for this site. I’ll tell my brother, too. Janelle Stueck jstueck@bellsouth.net 11/7/2007 7:12 AM
I’ve discovered some old photos. My father, Horace Loyd Martin served in the 390th Bomb group and was a 1st Lt. in the Army Air Force. He flew B-17 bomber missions. He died about 5 years ago, rarely talked about his time in the service. Now I have discovered all these pictures and would like to link up with someone who served with him. How do I go about doing that. You may reach me at the email address below. I wish I had researched this before he died, but he was not eager to discuss the war, as many of his generation are. Thank you very much, Linda Martin Fogg stjworks@kingcon.com 11/4/2007 11:54 AM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Trying to locate Bill Deardorf who left message concerning his cousin Verne R. Gray who died in A/C 2102972 (Heavenly Cent) on 14 Mar 1945. His email is no longer working. Also trying to contact Louis A. Nix, son of Francis J. Nix the survivor of the A/C 337831 (Lady Velma) who left a message on this site. His email is no longer working. I am the nephew of Boyce L. Pruitt, Bombardier-Togglier of A/C 2102972(Heavenly Cent). These two aircraft collided on Mission 274, to Seelze. This website and database are superb! Ronald J. Reid rreid21@cox.net 10/31/2007 12:55 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
I have thoroughly enjoyed the site of the 390th BG. I may have some photographs of the Major Glenn Miller visit to the men of the 390th. I believe he and his mighty orchestra performed for your 200th mission party in 1944. My name is Glenn Mittler. I teach school (34 years and counting!) and reside in Elyria, Ohio. I am a researcher/collector of music and items pertaining to the late bandleader and American musician, Glenn Miller. I’m wondering if I might be of some help in the addition of some photographs of Major Miller’s visit to the men of the 390th BG during their 200th mission party? I believe I have a few that be included in your archival section. I hope to hear from someone in an ‘official’ capacity, as I hope to be of some help. Does the 390th photo archivist have any such photographs at this time? Respectfully, Glenn Mittler. glenn_mittler@yahoo.com 10/30/2007 3:34 PM
My name is Pat Hefner. I am the nephew of Lt. Roy R. Creasman who was KIA on 14 March 1945 while flying 2102972, Boston Blackie/Heavenly Cent. This plane was involved in a collision with 337831, Lady Velma in the vicinity of Wulften / Bilhausen. My uncle was assigned to the 390th BG / 571st Sqrdn. If anybody knows of this incident or maybe knew my uncle, I would really like to hear about him. Please e-mail me at pathefner@charter.net Thanks! Patrick Hefner 10/29/2007 7:50 AM
My father, Laurence D. More, served in the 390th bomb wing during WWII. He was later transferred to the 3rd armored division part to the 3rd Army division. I am writing a book about his service but since he only told me about his service during the last two years of his life I need to obtain more information about his service to our country. I hope you can help me obtain more information. Thank you for any help you can give me. Sincerely James W. More jimkarenmore@sbcglobal.net 10/28/2007 9:59 PM
Hi, My mother has just sent me my father’s (who passed away 2/28/96 of lung cancer) box of war memorabilia. She and I are going to create a memory shadow box when she visits in Dec. this year 2007. Dad flew 35 missions with the 390th as tail gunner. The first thing I opened was his dog tags. I placed them around my neck, shed a tear, and began going through all the news articles, his metals, the shrapnel from his leg for which he won his purple heart, his journal of his missions, rip cord, etc. I must say it was a humbling experience. Dad never discussed the war with us so it was a bit of an eye opener. My fathers name was Burl W. Murdock. In his journal of his missions he mentioned names of his comrades and buddies. Some I am sure are nick names but someone might recognize them. Among them were Cresman, I think he was a wing man? Then Ship, Nix Ruff and Breck (Sgt Breckenridge of Hanute Fld. Illinois). Does anyone know these gentlemen? Would love to hear from you. Just felt compelled to touch base with you. Thanks for the ear. Nancy L. (Murdock) Merrill gn4ever@embarqmail.com 10/26/2007 10:10 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:27 am
Trans-Oceanic on board the Queen Mary is sponsoring For the Duration Feb. 7-10, 2008, a weekend to commemorate the role of the ship in WWII and to honor the men and women who fought for freedom. We’d like to hear memories of those who sailed to or from the war on the Queen Mary. Information is available at http://www.Trans-Oceanic.com Scott Gray sfgray@trans-oceanic.com 10/17/2007 8:46 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:26 am
I am endeavoring to trace the only two surviving members of the 571st Squadron ship “Chaff Wagon” (Serial No. 297821) which was lost during Mission 185 to Mainz on 8 September 1944. All but two of the crew, including Pilot James Handley, were killed when the aircraft exploded. Those who jumped to safety and became POWs were Arthur H. Brown (Engineer/TTG) and Paul C. Hadley (Co-Pilot). If anyone has any information or photos on Chaff Wagon or her crew I would be very pleased to hear from them.
My postal address and telephone are as follows:
Chris Hawkins
Volunteer Curator
ARMY MUSEUM OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
16 Aldam Crescent
Shelley
Perth
Western Australia 6148
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: + 61 8 9354 2231
Chris Hawkins cghawkins@iinet.net.au 10/13/2007 12:22 AM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:26 am
Have been watching the PBS War documentary and have a heightened interest in my fathers experience being a Navigator on a B 17. (His Name is Gordon Lee) I just found out he flew 28 missions, was in the 390th, 571st Bomb Squadron, Crew 76. He passed away a couple years ago. Looking for any more information on his experiences. Brent Lee brentcinji@aol.com 10/11/2007 2:31 AM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:26 am
DURING THE WAR MY GRANDMOTHER OPERATED A RESTAURANT CLOSE TO THE AIR BASE. DOES ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBER A PLACE CALLED “HOPKINS WELL?” I WAS A CHILD AT THE TIME BUT REMEMBER CLEARLY THE PILOTS WHO FREQUENTED THE RESTAURANT ALSO REMEMBER A PILOT FLYING HIS PLANE UNDERNEATH THE CANOPY TO THE BUILDING EARLY ONE MORNING. (SORRY MY CAPS LOCK IS STUCK) IF ANYONE OUT THERE REMEMBERS THE RESTAURANT (AND GAS STATION) PLEASE NOTIFY ME I WOULD BE MOST APPRECIATIVE! CAROLE JACKSON rosemary_thyme@frontiernet.net 10/6/2007 12:45 AM
I would like to find information about my uncle, Charles J. Vanderwarf who was a Sgt. in 571st bomber squad, 390th Bomber Group H, and was killed 14,January 1944. If I read this sight correctly he was stationed in Framlingham UK. I have his service # and know where he’s buried, that’s about it. Oh, I think my grandmother told me he was a tail gunner. I’d love to know about what plane(s) he flew on and what mission he was on when he was killed. Thanks for any information or assistance as to where to look. Lynn Dal Santo lynn@panelofconsultants.com 9/26/2007 3:59 AM
I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT IF TWO CREW MEMBERS OF B-17G 42-31854 SHOT DOWN 9-9-44 OVER DUSSELDORF ARE STILL LIVING. THEIR NAMES ARE ABRAHAM MARCUS SN 32784973 AND WILLIAM E. KUMP SN 35914817. MY WIFE’S COUSIN WAS NED W. HIGGINS, WHO WAS KILLED IN THE CRASH. THANK YOU FOR ANY ASSISTANCE. SAM TAYLOR SAMUEL.TAYLOR.CTR@CTTR.US 9/25/2007 4:11 PM
My brother, Merwyn F. Stanford Buddy) was a Ball Turret Gunner. He was a member of crew 51, 570th Bomber Squadron, 390th Bomber Group. He was killed over Hoorn, Holland, July 7, 1944. 7 of the 20 crew members survived. Does anyone remember him? Please email me at restanford@hotmail.com Max Stanford 9/19/2007 10:15 PM