I have been helping William A. Silk find information about his experiences in the 390th, 571 Squadron. Bill has some interesting tales to tell and I’ve been trying to convince him to write them down or let me write them out. Just today, he told me about his 3 Feb 45 mission to Berlin. He described how the lead plane dropped out with two engines shot out and headed for the Russian lines. Bill ended up becoming the lead plane for the return journey and managed to get them out of Germany losing only two more planes in the exit process. He described his evasive flight pattern in amazing detail. According to the 390th research library, Bill flew planes named ‘Little Moron’, ‘De Joker’, ‘Miss You’, ‘The Univited Missionaries (sp?)’, ‘Satan’s Second Sister’, and ‘Songoon’. I be grateful if someone could come up with some pictures of those planes, Bill, or Bill’s crew (crew number 85). Thanks for putting together such a great web site. I hope to talk Bill into visiting the museum shortly. Joe Betts joebetts1@comcast.net 4/8/2008 12:23 AM
I am a descendant member of the 390th’s and recently visited England with my family. Although my family and I have many wonderful memories of our holiday, my most memorable part was visiting the Parham Airfield Museum. I had read many account and talked to many at the 390th Memorial Museum (Tucson, Arizona) about the welcome that Veterans and family members receive when visiting the museum in Parham. But all of their praise couldn’t measure up to the wonderful and touching reception that I experienced upon arriving on Easter Sunday. Richard Senior and Reg Brown provided me with a very warm welcome and Richard gave me a personal tour throughout my visit. Hearing Richard’s personal connection to the Museum left me wondering if his father and my Great Uncle Howard K. Brooks (TSgt. Radio Operator/Gunner/390th/570th BS/Crew 64/Liberty Belle/KIA 02/14/1945) had crossed paths. Most impressive was the wall of signatures. Seeing how many Veterans had made the journey was impressive. Standing in the Control Tower with Richard as he explained 153’s layout, I couldn’t but help picture the B-17’s roaring down the runway. Preserving this bit of history for the Veteran’s, their family members, and the local towns people took much foresight and dedication. We will always be indebted. I had described to friends and family my desire to make the trip out to the Parham museum as a “pilgrimage”, and their care and treatment will always be remembered. They graciously accepted my book on Howard and placed it amongst their treasured collection. They truly made me feel like family. Sorry I missed this year’s reunion (390th in Tucson). I guess I traded places with Alan Brooks! Sincerely, Matt Laird, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095 mankato1995@hotmail.com 4/7/2008 6:57 PM
Hi 390th Museum Staff. My name is Jayson Stump. Uncle Robert E Stump TSgt. was KIA on mission 062 on crew # 42 in the 570th squadron flying back to the Aircraft Factory in Regensburg that was building ME109’s , This has been a great weekend turning up so much info here! My dad, Robert’s kid brother now 75 yrs old still has a note book of his that was returned post mortem. I was able to get most of his crews information here on your site. Are there any accounts of this Mission in the Library there at the Museum? Or photos of the Crew #42 Nose art , of Liberty Bell-E anything else? GO Square J. P.S. The Ogden Air Port here in Utah gives good Business to the Aluminum Overcast when they EAA Flies into Town to sell B-17 rides. I’m sure Liberty Belle would fare much better since She is a more Beautiful B1rd. KSL channel 5 in SLC and the other news outlets and has so many closer ties! Perhaps scheduling the Hill AFB Open House would be best close to 250,00 attendees! Please forward this to their foundation, I’d like to assist if possible. Best regards, Jayson Stump purespin@comcast.net 4/7/2008 10:45 AM
I am Ed Wittan’s grandson and would be very interested in hearing from any veterans of the 390th or the 13th Wing who knew my grandfather as a young man during the war. I can also provide updates on Ed’s son (my father) and grandchildren (3) and great-grandchildren (5 and counting). Mike Crisp, Atlanta mcrisp@KilpatrickStockton.com 3/31/2008 3:14 PM
I WROTE A STATEMENT 01-15-2007 & I FORGOT TO GIVE THE DATE OF THE BERLIN MISSION. 03-18-1945 SUNDAY 12:00 NOON APPROX. THE ONLY ONE I EVER TALKED TO IN LATER YEARS WAS JAMES LUNDY NAVIGATOR IN NOV 07 2003 & I CALLED AGAIN IN 2007 & TRIED TO GET A PICTURE OF THE BERRYMAN CREW & HIS WIFE SAID JIM HAD DIED. I ASKED HER ABOUT 6 TIMES FOR A PICTURE & SHE NEVER DID SEND ONE. THE 390th DON’T HAVE ONE. IF ANYONE KNOWS WHERE I COULD GET ONE, LET ME KNOW. JIM WAS THE ONLY ONE I EVER TALKED TO.
THE LAST TIME I SAW ANYONE WAS IN A RUSSIAN HOSPITAL IN POLAND, WAS LEON NORMAN TOP GUNNER WITH BURNS ON HIS HEAD. + TWO OTHER MEN I DID NOT KNOW HOW THEY WERE. THE RUSSIANS DID NOT KNOW WHO I WAS & KEPT ME A PRISONER FOR A TIME WITH & WOMAN + A MAN CHECKED ME OUT & PUT ME WITH 2 AIR MEN THAT CRASHED IN POLAND FLYING FROM ITALY, TO SEE IF I WAS AMERICAN. THE ONLY ONE THAT NEW MY NAME WAS RICHARD BERRYMAN & HE WENT DOWN WITH THE B-17. THEN THEY PUT ME LEON MORMAN. BECAUSE I WAS HIT IN THE LUNG. I COULD NOT EAT OR DRINK FOR 4 DAYS. THEN THE LUNG INFLATED. THE RUSSIANS GAVE ME SALT WATER FOR BLOOD. I ENDED UP AT A HOSPITAL IN NAPLES ITALY + PARIS FRANCE + CAMP LUCKYSTRIKE & I LEFT FOR HOME JUNE 13 1945 FROM LE’ HARVE FRANCE. THE FRENCH WERE PUTTING UP WIRE TO CUT OFF G.I. HEADS. WE HAD TO PUT WIRE CUTTERS IN FRONT OF THE JEEPS. I CAN SAY, NOT MANY BUILDINGS WERE LEFT STANDING IN LE’ HARVE. ON JUNE 06 1944 “D”-DAY WE LOST 6,000 MEN + 10,000 CIVILIANS ON LAND. RICHARD A PROCH 568 SQ. 390th BOMB GROUP 03-30-2008 SUN 1:30 PM
RICHARD PROCH, 17, RPROCH860@AOL.COM 3/30/2008 12:35 PM
My uncle was the tall gunner Harvey Rueschman on the “Baby Button”. Maurice Sample was Pilot. They were shot down Sept. 22,1944. I found two web sites with this story Sample died at the site. You have a wonderful web site. We all should remember the past. Loren F. Rueschman SQRDNCLR@aol.com 3/27/2008 11:40 PM
Dear Friends: My uncle through marriage was a B17 pilot for the 571st. His name was Dan Klar. Before he passed away I did a 30 minute video on his time with the 390th Bomb Group. I have now added that video to the Youtube video site. You can find it by visiting http://www.youtube.com and then writing in 390th Bomb Group. The direct link is: http://youtube.com/watch?v=61T6cIlJRKY I hope you enjoy it. Best Regards, John Jensen jjj445@aol.com 3/10/2008 6:46 PM
I would like to thank this site and museum for all the hard work they do. I found out a great deal about my grandfather through this site….and I owe it all to you. I would love to be able to find a picture, and I was able to track down one of his crew members and get a picture of his plane, but have yet to find a picture of the crew….thanks again…I will be contributing to become a member soon. James Cox edwvu76@suddenlink.net 3/9/2008 10:43 PM
Hewitt T. “Buck” Dunn, please update info. Only child of Annie Lee Hewitt & Indo Hewitt Tomlinson. Born Indo Hewitt Tomlinson, Jr., great grandson of Jullius C. Lowe who served in Co. of 28th N.C. Regiment of Confederacy and ancestor of Capt. Mathias Barringer from Hanover, Germany, killed in Cherokee Indian Brigade in 1776 in N.C. and Patriot of American Revolution. Buck Dunn’s Mother & Biological father both from N.C. “Buck” Dunn adopted age of 12 to Finis W. Dunn of Norfolk, Va. 2nd husband of Annie Lee Hewitt. “Buck” 1st cousin to child movie star Brandon de Wilde. 1936 Tidewater Council, VA. troop 18 Eaglescout under Scoutmaster Carl W. Vogelsang (2-15-36). Norfolk, VA Maury High School football player, All Tidewater Center and played with noted quarterback, Emil A. Serlich, brother to Hewitt’s 1st wife Dorothy Serlich. Buried in Arlington Cemetery. Listed World War II Memorial Museum through efforts of Sen. John McCain, AZ. Daughter, Donna Lee Dunn Hilger, NSDAR, Regent of Joseph Hart Chapter, State Chairman IN DAR Debutantes, only child of Dorothy Serlich Loos (still living) and Hewitt T. Dunn and I have his scrapbook. For more info, please contact me. Thank you! Donna Lee Dunn Hilger dleesearch@aol.com 2/29/2008 10:04 AM
The Virgin Sturgeon /Eightball ser#230334 flight crew 56…Pilot William Harding, Co-pilot Valdamar Cordova, Navigator Clinton Jacobsen, Bombardier Edward Morgan, Engineer William Craven, Tail Gunner John Ovadal, Ball Gunner Ralph Ross, Radio Operator Mario LoBue and Waist Gunner Vincent Plouff. The final mission was flown on January 29 1944 over Frankfurt when the Virgin collided mid air with the Miss Carry. The Virgin crashed into Lake Constance after losing a wing. The crew survived but were captured and remained POW until liberated in June 1945. The Miss Carry sustained propeller damage and returned to base. #230334 flew 32 missions, eight of which crew 56 were documented. Anyone who could share any information or photographs of the Virgin Sturgeon or the men of flight crew #56 or could tell the story of the final mission (or any others) that would enhance the legacy of the contribution these men and their airplane made to the success of WW2 would be infinitely appreciated. Please contact James McLaughlin, the grandson of Sgt Vincent J Plouff at Diveline@aol.com Thank You. 2/24/2008 12:38 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I have been helping William A. Silk find information about his experiences in the 390th, 571 Squadron. Bill has some interesting tales to tell and I’ve been trying to convince him to write them down or let me write them out. Just today, he told me about his 3 Feb 45 mission to Berlin. He described how the lead plane dropped out with two engines shot out and headed for the Russian lines. Bill ended up becoming the lead plane for the return journey and managed to get them out of Germany losing only two more planes in the exit process. He described his evasive flight pattern in amazing detail. According to the 390th research library, Bill flew planes named ‘Little Moron’, ‘De Joker’, ‘Miss You’, ‘The Univited Missionaries (sp?)’, ‘Satan’s Second Sister’, and ‘Songoon’. I be grateful if someone could come up with some pictures of those planes, Bill, or Bill’s crew (crew number 85). Thanks for putting together such a great web site. I hope to talk Bill into visiting the museum shortly. Joe Betts joebetts1@comcast.net 4/8/2008 12:23 AM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I am a descendant member of the 390th’s and recently visited England with my family. Although my family and I have many wonderful memories of our holiday, my most memorable part was visiting the Parham Airfield Museum. I had read many account and talked to many at the 390th Memorial Museum (Tucson, Arizona) about the welcome that Veterans and family members receive when visiting the museum in Parham. But all of their praise couldn’t measure up to the wonderful and touching reception that I experienced upon arriving on Easter Sunday. Richard Senior and Reg Brown provided me with a very warm welcome and Richard gave me a personal tour throughout my visit. Hearing Richard’s personal connection to the Museum left me wondering if his father and my Great Uncle Howard K. Brooks (TSgt. Radio Operator/Gunner/390th/570th BS/Crew 64/Liberty Belle/KIA 02/14/1945) had crossed paths. Most impressive was the wall of signatures. Seeing how many Veterans had made the journey was impressive. Standing in the Control Tower with Richard as he explained 153’s layout, I couldn’t but help picture the B-17’s roaring down the runway. Preserving this bit of history for the Veteran’s, their family members, and the local towns people took much foresight and dedication. We will always be indebted. I had described to friends and family my desire to make the trip out to the Parham museum as a “pilgrimage”, and their care and treatment will always be remembered. They graciously accepted my book on Howard and placed it amongst their treasured collection. They truly made me feel like family. Sorry I missed this year’s reunion (390th in Tucson). I guess I traded places with Alan Brooks! Sincerely, Matt Laird, Woodbridge, New Jersey 07095 mankato1995@hotmail.com 4/7/2008 6:57 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Hi 390th Museum Staff. My name is Jayson Stump. Uncle Robert E Stump TSgt. was KIA on mission 062 on crew # 42 in the 570th squadron flying back to the Aircraft Factory in Regensburg that was building ME109’s , This has been a great weekend turning up so much info here! My dad, Robert’s kid brother now 75 yrs old still has a note book of his that was returned post mortem. I was able to get most of his crews information here on your site. Are there any accounts of this Mission in the Library there at the Museum? Or photos of the Crew #42 Nose art , of Liberty Bell-E anything else? GO Square J. P.S. The Ogden Air Port here in Utah gives good Business to the Aluminum Overcast when they EAA Flies into Town to sell B-17 rides. I’m sure Liberty Belle would fare much better since She is a more Beautiful B1rd. KSL channel 5 in SLC and the other news outlets and has so many closer ties! Perhaps scheduling the Hill AFB Open House would be best close to 250,00 attendees! Please forward this to their foundation, I’d like to assist if possible. Best regards, Jayson Stump purespin@comcast.net 4/7/2008 10:45 AM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I am Ed Wittan’s grandson and would be very interested in hearing from any veterans of the 390th or the 13th Wing who knew my grandfather as a young man during the war. I can also provide updates on Ed’s son (my father) and grandchildren (3) and great-grandchildren (5 and counting). Mike Crisp, Atlanta mcrisp@KilpatrickStockton.com 3/31/2008 3:14 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I WROTE A STATEMENT 01-15-2007 & I FORGOT TO GIVE THE DATE OF THE BERLIN MISSION. 03-18-1945 SUNDAY 12:00 NOON APPROX. THE ONLY ONE I EVER TALKED TO IN LATER YEARS WAS JAMES LUNDY NAVIGATOR IN NOV 07 2003 & I CALLED AGAIN IN 2007 & TRIED TO GET A PICTURE OF THE BERRYMAN CREW & HIS WIFE SAID JIM HAD DIED. I ASKED HER ABOUT 6 TIMES FOR A PICTURE & SHE NEVER DID SEND ONE. THE 390th DON’T HAVE ONE. IF ANYONE KNOWS WHERE I COULD GET ONE, LET ME KNOW. JIM WAS THE ONLY ONE I EVER TALKED TO.
THE LAST TIME I SAW ANYONE WAS IN A RUSSIAN HOSPITAL IN POLAND, WAS LEON NORMAN TOP GUNNER WITH BURNS ON HIS HEAD. + TWO OTHER MEN I DID NOT KNOW HOW THEY WERE. THE RUSSIANS DID NOT KNOW WHO I WAS & KEPT ME A PRISONER FOR A TIME WITH & WOMAN + A MAN CHECKED ME OUT & PUT ME WITH 2 AIR MEN THAT CRASHED IN POLAND FLYING FROM ITALY, TO SEE IF I WAS AMERICAN. THE ONLY ONE THAT NEW MY NAME WAS RICHARD BERRYMAN & HE WENT DOWN WITH THE B-17. THEN THEY PUT ME LEON MORMAN. BECAUSE I WAS HIT IN THE LUNG. I COULD NOT EAT OR DRINK FOR 4 DAYS. THEN THE LUNG INFLATED. THE RUSSIANS GAVE ME SALT WATER FOR BLOOD. I ENDED UP AT A HOSPITAL IN NAPLES ITALY + PARIS FRANCE + CAMP LUCKYSTRIKE & I LEFT FOR HOME JUNE 13 1945 FROM LE’ HARVE FRANCE. THE FRENCH WERE PUTTING UP WIRE TO CUT OFF G.I. HEADS. WE HAD TO PUT WIRE CUTTERS IN FRONT OF THE JEEPS. I CAN SAY, NOT MANY BUILDINGS WERE LEFT STANDING IN LE’ HARVE. ON JUNE 06 1944 “D”-DAY WE LOST 6,000 MEN + 10,000 CIVILIANS ON LAND. RICHARD A PROCH 568 SQ. 390th BOMB GROUP 03-30-2008 SUN 1:30 PM
RICHARD PROCH, 17, RPROCH860@AOL.COM 3/30/2008 12:35 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
My uncle was the tall gunner Harvey Rueschman on the “Baby Button”. Maurice Sample was Pilot. They were shot down Sept. 22,1944. I found two web sites with this story Sample died at the site. You have a wonderful web site. We all should remember the past. Loren F. Rueschman SQRDNCLR@aol.com 3/27/2008 11:40 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
Dear Friends: My uncle through marriage was a B17 pilot for the 571st. His name was Dan Klar. Before he passed away I did a 30 minute video on his time with the 390th Bomb Group. I have now added that video to the Youtube video site. You can find it by visiting http://www.youtube.com and then writing in 390th Bomb Group. The direct link is: http://youtube.com/watch?v=61T6cIlJRKY I hope you enjoy it. Best Regards, John Jensen jjj445@aol.com 3/10/2008 6:46 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:32 am
I would like to thank this site and museum for all the hard work they do. I found out a great deal about my grandfather through this site….and I owe it all to you. I would love to be able to find a picture, and I was able to track down one of his crew members and get a picture of his plane, but have yet to find a picture of the crew….thanks again…I will be contributing to become a member soon. James Cox edwvu76@suddenlink.net 3/9/2008 10:43 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:31 am
Hewitt T. “Buck” Dunn, please update info. Only child of Annie Lee Hewitt & Indo Hewitt Tomlinson. Born Indo Hewitt Tomlinson, Jr., great grandson of Jullius C. Lowe who served in Co. of 28th N.C. Regiment of Confederacy and ancestor of Capt. Mathias Barringer from Hanover, Germany, killed in Cherokee Indian Brigade in 1776 in N.C. and Patriot of American Revolution. Buck Dunn’s Mother & Biological father both from N.C. “Buck” Dunn adopted age of 12 to Finis W. Dunn of Norfolk, Va. 2nd husband of Annie Lee Hewitt. “Buck” 1st cousin to child movie star Brandon de Wilde. 1936 Tidewater Council, VA. troop 18 Eaglescout under Scoutmaster Carl W. Vogelsang (2-15-36). Norfolk, VA Maury High School football player, All Tidewater Center and played with noted quarterback, Emil A. Serlich, brother to Hewitt’s 1st wife Dorothy Serlich. Buried in Arlington Cemetery. Listed World War II Memorial Museum through efforts of Sen. John McCain, AZ. Daughter, Donna Lee Dunn Hilger, NSDAR, Regent of Joseph Hart Chapter, State Chairman IN DAR Debutantes, only child of Dorothy Serlich Loos (still living) and Hewitt T. Dunn and I have his scrapbook. For more info, please contact me. Thank you! Donna Lee Dunn Hilger dleesearch@aol.com 2/29/2008 10:04 AM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:31 am
The Virgin Sturgeon /Eightball ser#230334 flight crew 56…Pilot William Harding, Co-pilot Valdamar Cordova, Navigator Clinton Jacobsen, Bombardier Edward Morgan, Engineer William Craven, Tail Gunner John Ovadal, Ball Gunner Ralph Ross, Radio Operator Mario LoBue and Waist Gunner Vincent Plouff. The final mission was flown on January 29 1944 over Frankfurt when the Virgin collided mid air with the Miss Carry. The Virgin crashed into Lake Constance after losing a wing. The crew survived but were captured and remained POW until liberated in June 1945. The Miss Carry sustained propeller damage and returned to base. #230334 flew 32 missions, eight of which crew 56 were documented. Anyone who could share any information or photographs of the Virgin Sturgeon or the men of flight crew #56 or could tell the story of the final mission (or any others) that would enhance the legacy of the contribution these men and their airplane made to the success of WW2 would be infinitely appreciated. Please contact James McLaughlin, the grandson of Sgt Vincent J Plouff at Diveline@aol.com Thank You. 2/24/2008 12:38 PM