Am glad that you created this site – for the memory of the many brave men who fought that horrible war – on both sides, and for the memory of the great machines they flew! May we remember those many men who sacrificed much, and those who sacrificed everything! Life is too precious to forget. Thank You (and them). One question: I was told of a museum (revolving around B-17’s) in the Charleston, SC area – are you aware of one? Tom Reinhart, Jr. Feldgrau836@aol.com 6/7/2008 7:13 PM
To Whom It May Concern: In late April this year, I; visited the control Tower Museum at Parham Air Base. We were driving to Southwold from Former RAF Bentwaters, for; sight seeing and noticed a sign on the road, “Museum,” and my English, sister-inlaw followed the signs to see where the museum was, even after noticing other signs that said “CLOSED;” she proceeded on, until; we came to the control tower. There were a lot of vehicles there, for; the museum to be closed. She went in an open door and immediately, she was warmly welcomed; as were the rest of us 3 tourists, from the USA.
I had been formerly stationed at RAF Bentwaters, as a medic from late November 1956 to late June of 1959. Parham was closed when I was stationed at Bentwaters. A, young lady I met in; Ipswich, England; became my regular date, and she followed me to Phoenix, Arizona. Many a person said our marriage wouldn’t work, and that was 49 years ago. We are looking forward to our 50th or Golden Anniversary next year!
I wish we would have had more time in the Control Tower Museum, as there so much HISTORY inside of that building!
In the comments section of “THE 390th BOMB GROUP, Parham, (guest book) which had several different identifiers before it’s name, I left a short message, due; to lack of space to write in! I believe I wrote, “Keep Up the Good Work,” along with my name John Kerr.
We actually met a former American that served there and he has been living with his English wife, in England, along time! He (sadly, I forgot his name and I was never good at remembering names) escorted us around as our Tour Guide. I had some great coffee in the snack bar which was a part of the tower that was converted. Bar. Some group of 30 or so people were on a tour and we due just after we arrived and that is the reason the Control Tower, was; “Unofficially Open.”
I know that something complicated by 65 years of time since the 390th arrived at RAF Parham; strongly has evidence of former American’s stationed there during the war and this didn’t happen accidentally! During that time it is very evident that your group of “Volunteer’s,” were super dedicated in providing the work of research and redoing the Control Tower itself. The Volunteers also were involved in researching former airmen stationed at Parham during the Big War! Their comments are now a part of the former base’s HISTORY!
I write some of my personal prior history and experiences to set the tone for my; “MOST SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS; TO THE PARHAM VOLUNTEERS!”
It is not my desire in writing this verbose e-mail letter, to; have it posted at the Museum.
However; use in any way, that; you; DEDICATED VOLUNTEER’S, wish!
I can’t salute to the former crews that made the 390TH BOMB GROUP a successful Bombing Unit; during a seemingly, long; 2 or so years. BUT; I can truthfully say that I still speak American (English) to this day and not German, because; of their life sacrificing service!
In APPRECIATION and Respectfully submitted, John Kerr, Phoenix, Arizona sidewinder6@cox.net for any comments or inquiries. 5/5/2008 9:03 PM
My father, Richard O. Jones, 87, was ground crew for the 390th. Over many years he compiled extensive research on planes and aviation history, and gave talks to various groups. He has always lived an active life on Long Island, NY. Recently, due to age and care issues, I moved him to an assisted living community in Tempe, AZ so he is near me and his granddaughter. He is still extremely social, enjoys joking around and of course, talking about the war. I would like to find someone in the Tempe area who would be interested in making an occasional visit to my dad. I know it would mean so much to him if he had a buddy he could relate to and who would appreciate sharing, and or listening to, the stories and memories. If you, or someone you know, would like to bring some meaningful conversation and companionship into this “newly transplanted” veteran’s life please contact Judy at 480-251-3437. 5/1/2008 8:24 PM
I am trying to find out information about my father Lawrence D. More that served in the 571st bomb sq. attached to the 390th bomb wing. I have a hangar line pass from Geiger Field, Washington. I also know that he was kicked out of the 390th for striking a superior officer and was sent to the 36th armored infantry attached to the 3rd armored division. His service number was 19 185 704. I also know that he told me he flew on the “Bad Penny”. Any help anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you Jim More jimkarenmore@sbcglobal.net 4/29/2008 2:17 PM
I am the son of Lawrence (Teeter) Alloway he was a ball turret gunner on a B17. We do not have much information as Dad is deceased. What we have is 2nd bomb grp 49th bomb squad. If anyone has any other info (name of plane, pilots, missions, etc) E-mail me at ralloway@adams.net Thanks, Randy Alloway 4/24/2008 7:20 PM
I am looking for anyone who would know what the nose art on the “Asterisk” looked like. It was with the 390th BG, 570th BS when it crashed into 48080 named “The Saint.” I am building a scale model for the engineer/top turret gunner’s nephew, and I would like it to be as accurate as possible. Any information would be helpful. 4millerkids@milwpc.com 4/24/2008 2:56 PM
My name is Matthew L. Moeller, and I am looking for some specific information and photos of the B-17 bombers that my Grandmothers brother flew during the second world war. His name was Robert L. Longardner, and the plane it appears he flew the most was GIG. WONDER, identification #231275. He also flew a plane named MISBEHAVIN, identification #2107041.If anyone has any info on these planes I would love to here from you. Thanks! Matthew Moeller moebius618@yahoo.com 4/20/2008 3:57 PM
I am an avid B-17 enthusiast who longs for the day of taking the controls of a B-17. I am well aware that day may never come. However, through stories and information that I gather from books and the internet I engross myself in facts and memories of those who once took to the skies in the graceful 4 engine beauty. For that I take my hat off to those who served in the 390th….Thank you for my freedom! Joshua T. Burns panamajosh@sbcglobal.net 4/11/2008 8:03 PM
In tracing the history of the members of crew 56 on the Virgin Sturgeon MIA on 29 January 1944. All crewmen survived and PW’d . Two of the members have presented great difficulty in tracking down. The navigator Clinton N Jacobsen and the Waistgunner George E Fritz. Any help in locating these men or their family members to aid this research would be greatly appreciated. James McLaughlin Diveline@aol.com 4/8/2008 6:59 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:34 am
Am glad that you created this site – for the memory of the many brave men who fought that horrible war – on both sides, and for the memory of the great machines they flew! May we remember those many men who sacrificed much, and those who sacrificed everything! Life is too precious to forget. Thank You (and them). One question: I was told of a museum (revolving around B-17’s) in the Charleston, SC area – are you aware of one? Tom Reinhart, Jr. Feldgrau836@aol.com 6/7/2008 7:13 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:34 am
To Whom It May Concern: In late April this year, I; visited the control Tower Museum at Parham Air Base. We were driving to Southwold from Former RAF Bentwaters, for; sight seeing and noticed a sign on the road, “Museum,” and my English, sister-inlaw followed the signs to see where the museum was, even after noticing other signs that said “CLOSED;” she proceeded on, until; we came to the control tower. There were a lot of vehicles there, for; the museum to be closed. She went in an open door and immediately, she was warmly welcomed; as were the rest of us 3 tourists, from the USA.
I had been formerly stationed at RAF Bentwaters, as a medic from late November 1956 to late June of 1959. Parham was closed when I was stationed at Bentwaters. A, young lady I met in; Ipswich, England; became my regular date, and she followed me to Phoenix, Arizona. Many a person said our marriage wouldn’t work, and that was 49 years ago. We are looking forward to our 50th or Golden Anniversary next year!
I wish we would have had more time in the Control Tower Museum, as there so much HISTORY inside of that building!
In the comments section of “THE 390th BOMB GROUP, Parham, (guest book) which had several different identifiers before it’s name, I left a short message, due; to lack of space to write in! I believe I wrote, “Keep Up the Good Work,” along with my name John Kerr.
We actually met a former American that served there and he has been living with his English wife, in England, along time! He (sadly, I forgot his name and I was never good at remembering names) escorted us around as our Tour Guide. I had some great coffee in the snack bar which was a part of the tower that was converted. Bar. Some group of 30 or so people were on a tour and we due just after we arrived and that is the reason the Control Tower, was; “Unofficially Open.”
I know that something complicated by 65 years of time since the 390th arrived at RAF Parham; strongly has evidence of former American’s stationed there during the war and this didn’t happen accidentally! During that time it is very evident that your group of “Volunteer’s,” were super dedicated in providing the work of research and redoing the Control Tower itself. The Volunteers also were involved in researching former airmen stationed at Parham during the Big War! Their comments are now a part of the former base’s HISTORY!
I write some of my personal prior history and experiences to set the tone for my; “MOST SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS; TO THE PARHAM VOLUNTEERS!”
It is not my desire in writing this verbose e-mail letter, to; have it posted at the Museum.
However; use in any way, that; you; DEDICATED VOLUNTEER’S, wish!
I can’t salute to the former crews that made the 390TH BOMB GROUP a successful Bombing Unit; during a seemingly, long; 2 or so years. BUT; I can truthfully say that I still speak American (English) to this day and not German, because; of their life sacrificing service!
In APPRECIATION and Respectfully submitted, John Kerr, Phoenix, Arizona sidewinder6@cox.net for any comments or inquiries. 5/5/2008 9:03 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
My father, Richard O. Jones, 87, was ground crew for the 390th. Over many years he compiled extensive research on planes and aviation history, and gave talks to various groups. He has always lived an active life on Long Island, NY. Recently, due to age and care issues, I moved him to an assisted living community in Tempe, AZ so he is near me and his granddaughter. He is still extremely social, enjoys joking around and of course, talking about the war. I would like to find someone in the Tempe area who would be interested in making an occasional visit to my dad. I know it would mean so much to him if he had a buddy he could relate to and who would appreciate sharing, and or listening to, the stories and memories. If you, or someone you know, would like to bring some meaningful conversation and companionship into this “newly transplanted” veteran’s life please contact Judy at 480-251-3437. 5/1/2008 8:24 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I am trying to find out information about my father Lawrence D. More that served in the 571st bomb sq. attached to the 390th bomb wing. I have a hangar line pass from Geiger Field, Washington. I also know that he was kicked out of the 390th for striking a superior officer and was sent to the 36th armored infantry attached to the 3rd armored division. His service number was 19 185 704. I also know that he told me he flew on the “Bad Penny”. Any help anyone can give me will be greatly appreciated. Thank you Jim More jimkarenmore@sbcglobal.net 4/29/2008 2:17 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I am the son of Lawrence (Teeter) Alloway he was a ball turret gunner on a B17. We do not have much information as Dad is deceased. What we have is 2nd bomb grp 49th bomb squad. If anyone has any other info (name of plane, pilots, missions, etc) E-mail me at ralloway@adams.net Thanks, Randy Alloway 4/24/2008 7:20 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I am looking for anyone who would know what the nose art on the “Asterisk” looked like. It was with the 390th BG, 570th BS when it crashed into 48080 named “The Saint.” I am building a scale model for the engineer/top turret gunner’s nephew, and I would like it to be as accurate as possible. Any information would be helpful. 4millerkids@milwpc.com 4/24/2008 2:56 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
My name is Matthew L. Moeller, and I am looking for some specific information and photos of the B-17 bombers that my Grandmothers brother flew during the second world war. His name was Robert L. Longardner, and the plane it appears he flew the most was GIG. WONDER, identification #231275. He also flew a plane named MISBEHAVIN, identification #2107041.If anyone has any info on these planes I would love to here from you. Thanks! Matthew Moeller moebius618@yahoo.com 4/20/2008 3:57 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
I am an avid B-17 enthusiast who longs for the day of taking the controls of a B-17. I am well aware that day may never come. However, through stories and information that I gather from books and the internet I engross myself in facts and memories of those who once took to the skies in the graceful 4 engine beauty. For that I take my hat off to those who served in the 390th….Thank you for my freedom! Joshua T. Burns panamajosh@sbcglobal.net 4/11/2008 8:03 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
This is for Jane Lufkin Davis who left a message in the 2000 Guest Book – looking for friends of her Dad: Wassell, Formato, Hersch, Joyce. Some info is available at http://poorhousephotos.com/blog/2008/03/29/42-97242/ Regards, Declan Curran Declan@poorhousephotos.com 4/11/2008 5:26 PM
August 20th, 2008 at 1:33 am
In tracing the history of the members of crew 56 on the Virgin Sturgeon MIA on 29 January 1944. All crewmen survived and PW’d . Two of the members have presented great difficulty in tracking down. The navigator Clinton N Jacobsen and the Waistgunner George E Fritz. Any help in locating these men or their family members to aid this research would be greatly appreciated. James McLaughlin Diveline@aol.com 4/8/2008 6:59 PM