Bomb Group: 322nd
Bomb Squadron: 449th
Years in service: 27Mar42 - 26Nov45
Graduation Class:
Class Location: Randolph, Ellington
Comments: My father, Ernest William Goodwin, enlisted in the US Navy right out of high school, in 1936, along with his brother, Al. They both served on the USS Lexington. One of the most interesting aspects of their service in the Navy (Al went on to a career in the Navy and was a Pearl Harbor survivor), was the Lexington's participation in the search for Amelia Earhart in 1937. Dad was a boatswain's mate. When it came time to re-enlist, he told the Navy that he wanted to become a pilot (he had already taken flying lessons while on leave from the Navy and had his license). This was in 1939. The Navy said no, they didn't need any more pilots, so Dad decided not to re-enlist.
After the war started, Dad enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in February 1942. He received his training in Texas, which is where he met my mother, Sara Crawford del Castillo. They married in April 1943.
Dad began active duty 14Jan43 and apparently flew his first mission on 31Aug43, out of Andrews Airfield, Great Saling, UK. He went on to fly 73 missions and was awarded an Air Medal, with 12 oak leaf clusters; DFC, 1 oak leaf cluster, and an EAME campaign medal with 6 bronze service stars.
Having spent some time on the B26.com site, I came across a fellow 449th pilot, Frank Remmele, who posted his own comments and was mentioned in several other posts. One of Frank Remmele's legendary achievements was his successful return and landing of 41-31779, "Idiot's Delight." I found the following entry in my Dad's diary I think some will find interesting - Tuesday, 26Oct43 - "Finally got an airplane of our own today. No. 41-31779, the one Frank Remmele flew back from France all shot up."
There are only a few entries in this diary. I think he settled on writing letters to my Mom instead.
Like others of his generation, Dad never talked about his service when we were growing up. My late brother, Marc, and I developed an interest late in Dad's life and beyond. I have his medals and copies of his log, the original of which was lost in a fire that destroyed Marc's home.
Dad passed away from squamous cell carcinoma on 3Nov1997, in Salinas, CA.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity to post to your site and plan to do so again in the future.
Merry Christmas to those who served, and those who love them and work to preserve their legacy!
Regards, Greg Goodwin
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Bruce Thompson
I would appreciate any information about Eugene Puckett. He was in the 387 group 558 squadron and killed in action. I believe his plane may have been named the General Sherman (41-3170). He is my first cousin once removed.
Here is his obituary:
Lt. Eugene P. Puckett, Jr.; son of Mrs. and Mrs. E. P. Puckett, 611 Central Ave., Salem, formerly reported missing in action over Germany on February 14,1945, was killed on that date over Engers, Germany, according to work received by his wife, the former Helen Wimmer of 112, Forest Hill Road, Williamson Road.
A B-26 Marauder pilot, he has been awarded the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters for 40 missions with the Ninth Air Force based in France. A graduate of Andrew Lewis high school, he entered service in February, 1943, after attending Georgia Tech, receiving his commission one year later, he left for overseas service in August, 1944.
Thanks for any help you can provide.
Scott Crowder
Source: The Sumter Item, Wednesday, December 5, 2018
I was wondering if you might be able to help.
I’m researching a B-26 airman (I believe he was a pilot), called Anthony J. Moretti.
He flew with the 322ndBG, 323rdBG, and predominantly with the 557thBS of the 387thBG. In the latter he flew B-26 ‘Sweatin 2nd’ serial number 41-31 611 serial number 33074542.
Combat service was from June ’43 - Aug ’44.
He was from Chester, Del, Penn
I would like to find any further information on him, such as photos etc, and any other specific information with regards to dates that he served with those various units.
Many thanks indeed for any information you might be able to supply.
Yours faithfully,
Gary Eastman.
UK.
I'm doing research on Lt. Terrance J. O'Neill and received some pictures today that lead me to believe he flew with the 449th BS, 322nd BG. I don't know who he was hard crewed with, but have a 335th BG RTU picture that lists him with a Lt. Thomas (P), Lt. Spalty (CP), Sgt. Johnson (Eng-Gun), Sgt. Darnell (Radio-Gun), and Sgt. Bassler (Armorer-Gun). He is listed as the Bomb-Nav in the picture.
He is not related to me, but his history is important as I research WWII aviators. Do you have any crew information, mission lists for him, or have his O-serial number?
He also had a picture of B26 42-107689 and wrote on the back that he'd flown 40 of his 51 missions in that aircraft.
I serve as an enlisted aviator for the USAF Reserve and fly on the HH-60G helicopter. I'd appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Respectfully, Randolph Wells
You provided much information about my father, Richard B.Smith, who was shot down above target Nantes, on August 7, 1944. He was the radio operator aboard the B-26 “Miss Take”. My life long dream has been to visit the French family who hid him on their farm but I have no idea how to find them. I though perhaps you had some information.
With warmest regards,
Raymond M. Smith
I’m currently working on a revised version of my book ‘Chelmsford at War’ and I am trying to source photographs to accompany text about the crash of this Marauder on a test flight on 27th April 1944 for the loss of the three crew on board.
I would like to include photos of any of the crew - First Lieutenant Henry C. Patrick III from Tennessee; Staff Sergeant Clarence D. Shanks from Springfield, Ohio; and First Lieutenant Charles Louis Grunder Junior from San Antonio, Texas - and the aircraft, should any survive, and was wondering whether you could assist in that respect. Naturally all would be credited as per your requirements.
Kind regards
Andrew J Begent
The Marauder Bomber, named “Hell’s Belle”, came down on what was then farmland behind the The Bricklayers Arms on the 26th of January 1944. The pub was therefore the most appropriate venue to start the fundraising appeal for £3,000. Members of the British Legion were joined by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Crowborough.
The aircraft part of the US Army Air Force’s 386th Bomb Group based at Great Dunmow in Essex, was returning from an aborted mission to destroy one of the launch sites of the German Luftwaffe’s flying bombs. Poor viability and ice forming on the fuselage caused the crash.
It is hoped to unveil the memorial next January to mark the 75th anniversary of the crash.
Nigel Allison, Branch Chairman, said:
We felt it important that the sacrifice made by the aircrew should be remembered.
I think this is a very fitting salute to an aircrew who had set out in dreadful weather to bomb a ‘V’ weapons site, iced up and crashed on their return, killing all on board.
There is a similar memorial for Flight Lieutenant Eugene Seghers at the Highlands Inn in Uckfield.
Fundraising Page
For further information please see the Crowborough RBL Branch’s Facebook page. If you would like to make a contribution, you can do so via the following fundraising site: www.gofundme.com/b26-marauder-memorial
He flew in 73 missions altogether. Does anyone know about this “diversionary furlough” for some of the 9th Air Corps as part of Fortitude? His sisters told me about it. He told me nothing & if anyone has any info it would be appreciated. He served as radio/top gunner. & what in the world does “Yea Botz” mean?
Thank you.
Rebecca Cartledge Taylor
Frank Walter White pilot
From Merchantville New Jersey
He passed away July 2010
Michelle White Henderson
I have to tell you, I was absolutely flabbergasted to find this site complete with pictures of my father, Ralph R. Craig, as the result of an idle Google search. I have NEVER seen these pictures before, although I have seen similar ones from the Korean War.
I would love to contact any of his crew mates still living if you can put me in touch with whoever posted these pictures. He never spoke much about the war. I am his only child and I lost him in 1995 and I don’t think I’ve been this excited about something related to him since then.
Thank you so much for any help you can give me and for putting this site together for me to discover.
Kathie Craig Pearson
Marauderman's Name: Richard Frederick Frazier
Bomb Group: 391st
Bomb Squadron: 573rd
Years in service: ?
Graduation Class: ?
Class Location: ?
Comments: Pilots name was Jack Chism.
Found comments on the site that pertained to a mission where my father-in-law earned the silver star. It was the Ahrweiler Germany mission and he was the tail gunner on the plane. Below is the article that I found. Have also attached a photo of the crew taken while in training in LA. Any information would be helpful. I a picture of him in front of two planes but from what family has said, he flew in "Little Pink Panties".
Thank you,
Ron Heidenreich
***
Date: 3/11/2013
Time: 8:06 PM
Information relating to Patricia S Triplett's post (1/15/2013 2:31 PM).
Dear Patricia,
Missing Air Crew Report (MACR) #11664 relates to the loss of Sgt. Robert L. Vidler in B-26 42-95865 "Sky Hag" on December 23, 1944. This report contains a statement by Sgt. Weston A. Loegering (Armorer/Gunner) on board Lt. Chism's aircraft flying the No.1 (lead) position in the low flight of the second box. He states that the formation was attacked by fighters whilst making its second bomb run on the target, a railroad bridge at Ahrweiler, Germany. Lt. Detjens' plane (41-35010 "Snakes Revenge") in the No.2 position was hit, and then began to lose altitude and dropped out of the flight. Lt. Donnelly in the No.3 position (42-95841 "Powerful Katrinka") was then assumed to have been hit by flak and also left the flight. Shortly after Capt. Brown's aircraft had moved up from the No.4 to the vacant No.2 position, he was attacked by fighters and the tail of his aircraft was shot off. Sgt. Loegering states that Capt. Brown's aircraft was last seen about 500 feet below and was out of control, and that no parachutes were seen emerging from any of the 3 aircraft.
The only survivor of Capt. Brown's aircraft was Cpl. Gene W. Brillhart (Armorer/Gunner) who, in his statement included in the MACR, stated that Sgt. Vidler, Sgt. Courtenay, and he left the aircraft in close order from the waist window approximately 3 minutes after being hit. He was then taken prisoner and became a POW. He did not know whether the Pilot, Co-Pilot, or Bombardier managed to bail out or not. The MACR states that Courtenay died of wounds and that Vidler was killed in action, although there is no supporting evidence within the report. There are no records of Vidler or Courtenay in the American Battle Monuments Commission records or the Records of World War II Prisoners of War in the National Archives. Sgt. Vidler is buried at the Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, CA. Sgt. Vidler had completed approximately 21 missions at the time of his death.
http://www.b26.com/marauderman/image-2/robert_l._vidler-sm.jpg [large image]
Apart from Brillhart, only the Engineer/Gunner and Radio Operator/Gunner of Lt. Detjens' aircraft survived, and all became prisoners of war. All other crew members of the 3 aircraft mentioned above were killed. Of the 6 aircraft in Lt. Chism's flight, 5 were shot down and only Lt. Chism's aircraft returned to base.
The 391st Bomb Group flew without fighter escort whilst they attacked the Ahrweiler railroad bridge on the morning of December 23, 1944 during the "Battle of the Bulge". They were led by pathfinder aircraft and, after being subjected to intense and accurate flak, were jumped by about seventy-five German fighters. This savage attack resulted in the loss of 16 of the 30 aircraft in the formation. However, the results of their bombing was judged to be between good and excellent, and the bridge was knocked out.
Regards,
Steve Sharp
Thank-you from the family of Marauder Man – Clarence V. Erickson of the 391st BG and the 575 BS who passed away on August 14, 1972
I am trying to find any living relatives of Jack E. Hutchinson, who was killed on 25 February 1944 when his B-26 Marauder was shot down off the Dutch Coast.
My grandfather has come into possession of Jack’s medals, to include his Air Medal, DFC, and Purple Heart.
My research shows that Jack was from South Carolina, and had no dependents when he entered the service. So he likely has no descendants, but may still have some surviving family. I know you are not a family location service, but I thought you might be able to point me in the right direction of some good resources, message boards, etc...
I’m sure I have no idea how touchy, but I appreciate your response. I am relatively certain that Jack Hutchinson had no descendants, as he entered service in 1941 at 18 years old without any dependents, according to his enlistment paperwork. So I think, at best, we are looking for children of his siblings.
My grandfather is a military collector, and is 87 years old. He asked for my help, singe he’s not great with modern technology. He bought the medals, probably at a flea market, and is trying to get them back to any family members of the Hutchinson family who would like to have them.
Between Google and Ancestry.com, I have run out of leads. But I thought your website might have some insight into other resources.
For what it’s worth, I am an active duty Navy helicopter pilot, and my grandfather is a Navy veteran of Korea.
Thanks so much for any time and assistance you can provide.
Respectfully,
CDR B. Smith, USN
41-31648 387BG 558BS "LA DIABLA", MARC 2331
25 Feb 44 shot down by enemy fighters in extremely bad weather 20 miles off Dutch coast, right engine on fire, prop windmilling, last seen losing height.
1.Lt's.James A. Steinbach P; Thornton W Stark C/P; S/Sgt Howard S Head Tog; T/Sgt Leroy P Marchett R/G; S/Sgt's George W Rice E/G Carl E Reynolds A/G. (All KIA)
41-31660 387BG 558BS "JESSIE", MARC 2334
25 Feb 44 attacked by enemy fighter 20 miles off Dutch coast, first pass set fire to wing fuel tank, dropped out of formation, followed by fighters, fire spread, stalled onto its tail, tail came off, last seen entering cloud bank on fire and falling apart.
1.Lt's. Robert H. Jansing P; William D Mullinix C/P; John H Hodges B; S/Sgt's Charles P Becker E/G; Steve J Siaulinckas R/G; Sgt Gordon P Crawford A/G. (All KIA)
41-31671 387BG 558BS "BUDDY'S REBEL", MARC 2333
25 Feb 44 attacked by enemy fighter from rear 20 miles off Dutch coast, pieces of elevator, part of left wing, flaps and aileron seen to fly off, left engine on fire, peeled off to left, dived steeply into cloud base, crashed into the sea.
1.Lt. John H. Falls P; 2.Lt Robert E Evans C/P; 1.Lt Robert K Lamers B/N; S/Sgt Henry E McGill E/G; T/Sgt Julian F Baggoett R/G; S/Sgt Ernest E Coe A/G. (All KIA)
41-32013 387BG 559BS "THE ARKANSAS TRAVELLER", MARC 2332
25 Feb 44 attacked by enemy fighters 20 miles off Dutch coast, hit in first pass, dragged back out of formation, peeled off to right with right wing in flames, right propeller windmilling crashed into sea 20m off Dutch coast.
Maj John H Richardson P; 1.Lt's William R Stewart C/P; Clyde T Dailey N; George B Robertson Gee N; Capt John P Coburn B; T/Sgt Howard C Miller, Jr. R/G; S/Sgt's Jack E Hutchison E/G; Harry R Lambertson, Jr. T/G; Melbourne D. Hindman A/G. Richardson flying with 558th.BS crew. (All KIA)
Trevor Allen, Historian
The story we have tried to piece together is that his plane was on a mission and they were shot down over Holland. The entire crew abandoned the plane and my grandfather was captured. We understand that the Germans were kind of easy on him because he spoke German and translated. He was only a POW for a month and a half. Don’t know the reason for his quick release unless it has something to do with liberation or allied forces. My grandfather didn’t like to talk about it so we don’t know much. I have the letter the USAAF sent his mother notifying her of his MIA. I also have all names of the crew. If you can find any info at all my mother would be very appreciative. We understand that his plane Nickname Black Jack III. was downed twice before this crash(23 March 1945). Thank you for being there.
Respectfully,
Michael Sander
ARMY STRONG!
They were so close, they wore the same football jersey number at Clemson, and were jointly named “Most Popular Boy” in their senior class at Conway High.
Then there was that moment exactly 75 years ago, when the Norton twins became heroes. The local airport terminal is named in their honor.
Edward Robertson and James Arthur Norton came into this world on Aug. 18, 1920, the last of seven children born to Dr. Jamie Norton and his wife, who was known as Ms. Ed. They were a family well-known for their civic contributions to the city of Conway, even back to Dr. Norton’s father, Dr. Evan Norton, who served in the Civil War, became a physician, started a newspaper called the “Horry Herald,” ran a drug store and served as a trustee of the historic Burroughs School in Conway, which now houses the Horry County Museum.
The Norton family seems to have been fond of nicknames, and the twins Edward and Arthur became “Hogie” and “Wack” to most who knew them. They had a brother named Evan and two sisters, Eugenia Wood, called “Gene Wood,” and Jamie, known as “Pick.”...
FINDING FLIGHT
As a teenager, when school was out, Williams spent every moment he could at the airfield where barnstorming aircraft and the beginnings of a full-time air service were taking shape. He would go to the local golf course and shag balls or caddy for 50 cents for nine holes.
One day an airplane swooped low and landed in the pasture next to the golf course. The pilot taxied his Curtis Robin near the fence that bordered the golf course, and the golfers and Williams went over to investigate. As the pilot, Barney Root, spoke to the adults, the gangly teenage Williams climbed into the rear seat of the airplane. The pilot took Williams for his first airplane ride, and Williams was hooked...
322nd.Bomb Group | Ouistreham 69 | 0345 hrs | 0520 hrs
1st Pathfinder Sqdn | Bennerville | 0345 hrs | 0526 hrs
391st Bomb Group | Bennerville PFF B26 | 0345 hrs | 0517 hrs *
* did not drop its bombs
1st Pathfinder Sqdn | Ouistreham 74 | 0400 hrs | 0555 hrs
322nd Bomb Group | Ouistreham 74 | 0400 hrs | 0555 hrs
344th Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 20 | 0405 hrs | 0605 hrs
344th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 22 | 0355 hrs | 0608 hrs
344th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 19 | 0410 hrs | 0609 hrs
387th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 36 | 0442 hrs | 0614 hrs
387th Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 23 | 0442 hrs | 0614 hrs
387th Bomb Group | Les Dunes de Varreville 104 | 0449 hrs | 0614 hrs
394th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 19 | 0427 hrs | 0616 hrs
323rd Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 20 | 0400 hrs | 0616.5 hrs
323rd Bomb Group | La Madeleine 36 | 0425 hrs | 0617 hrs
323rd Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 101 | 0435 hrs | 0617.5 hrs
394th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 22 | 0427 hrs | 0617.5 hrs
394th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 101 | 0427 hrs | 0618 hrs
397th Bomb Group | Les Dunes de Varreville 104 | 0407 hrs | 0619 hrs
397th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 36 | 0407 hrs | 0620 hrs
397th Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 23 | 0407 hrs | 0622 hrs
386th Bomb Group | Les Dunes de Varreville 104 | 0439 hrs | 0623 hrs
386th Bomb Group | La Madeleine | 0441 hrs | 0624 hrs
386th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 101 | 0445 hrs | 0624 hrs
391st Bomb Group | Maisy 7 | 0445 hrs | 0625 hrs
391st Bomb Group | St Pierre du Mont | 0430 hrs | 0626 hrs
322nd Bomb Group | Montfarville 308 | 0500 hrs | 0627 hrs
B26.COM
Looking at the B-26 site, I found the reference to "Little Pink Panties", so I suspect that it is one in the same plane, as I recollected from my childhood. I thought it was such a funny name for a plane in my adolescence and it's stuck with me all those years. My aunt and uncle are both deceased, but I wonder if you have any information on the crew and the missions they flew. I remember that my uncle told me that he had been hit with flack during one of their missions, but nothing beyond that. It would be nice to have any information that you might be able to provide, as I am our family historian and my uncle never had any children. I would like to document his story for the future generations.
My uncle's name was Joseph Cannarella. He passed in his mid 90s just a few years ago.
Best regards,
Larry Coco
Here is my Dad’s diary from 1943. He flew B-26’s
It took quite awhile to read his handwriting. He passed away January 19, 1976.
Marauderman's Name: Glenn Roberts Green
Bomb Group: 323rd
Bomb Squadron: 454th
Years in service: 3
Graduation Class: 1943
Class Location: Hicks Field, Ft Worth, Texas, Randolph Field, Texas, Ellington Field, Texas for advanced training.
Comments: Read the diary.
Thank you
Windsor Green
Are the identities of Robert Barcroft's crew in
pictures below known?
His plane was the Taconite Express serial number 42-96151
The guy on left (Barcroft) is the person that Phillip A. Vogel
flew with in June 1944. Not sure who are pictured but do we have idea of what
Phillip might look like?
D day 6 June 1944 was Barcrofts first mission where "they attacked strong
points and bombed fuel dumps and other objectives to support ground forces
throughout the Normandy Campaign".
Crew names of one mission.
Robert Barcroft - pilot, Edwin Zachary - co-pilot, Phillip Vogel - bombardier,
Carl Reib - engineer/gunner, John O'Connor - radio/gunner, and Charles Stiles
- armorer/gunner.
Two other photos one is of a map on silk that they carried which could be used for escape/evasion.
Link to photo:
http://s271.photobucket.com/u
http://i271.photobucket.com/al
http://i271.photobucket.com/al
Phillip A. Vogel is my cousin but I have only recently found the thread to his
war experience. Below is history of his aircraft and crew. Are there data
bases that would tell when he joined BG 391 and how many missions he might
have flown?
"The heaviest losses sustained by the 391st Bombardment Group in a single
operation occurred on 23 December 1944, after an attack on the railroad
viaduct at Ahrweiler, Germany (11).
Upon completion of the second bomb run, the formation was attacked by an
estimated fifty to seventy-five FW-19Us and ME-109's. As a result, sixteen
aircraft were missing in action, and the returning planes were badly
battle-damaged.
42-96223, 1st.PFF, "CHERE AMIE", Code IH-O, Missions flown 39;
the plane painted all over black; MARC 15002
21 Jun 44 to 23 Dec 44 shot down by fighters while leading 391st.BG, front of
a/c badly shot up. Capt. Enoch G. Longsworth, 2.Lt Arthur E DeSaulniers, 1.Lt
Phillip A Vogel; Capt William G Wilson, T/Sgt George R Winston; S/Sgt Robert H
Aley (Longworth, Vogel, Wilson, DeSaulniers and Aley, KIA; Winston badly
wounded but survived as POW)
1st Lt Phillip A. Vogel was my second cousin. It would be
interesting to. know how many missions he flew on prior to 23 Dec. 1944.
Crew member
39172893. WINSTON#GEORGE#R#WASHINGTON CLARK TACOMA WASHINGTON 1942 Civil Life
1920
39172893 WINSTON GEORGE R. ARMY 0397 European Theatre: Germany Returned to
Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated. GERMANY. Stalag 11B Fallingbostel
Prussia (Work Camps) 53-09
GEORGE R. WINSTON, SR. George Russell "Russ" Winston, Sr. died July 21, 2005
at the age of 85 in Vancouver, WA. He was born Jan. 7, 1920 and lived most of
his life in the Heisson, Battle Ground area. He was a retired mechanic who
spent the last 20 years as a snowbird with Frances, his wife of 59 years. He
was in the CCC before he served in the Amry Air Corps in WWII. During that
time he was a POW, decorated with the Purple Heart, Air Medal and the
Distinguished Flying Cross. He was preceded in death by his parents, George
and Esther (Gerrard), and a brother Milton who was killed in WWII. He is
survived by his wife Frances (Schell); children George Jr. of LaCenter, Wayne
of Battle Ground, Scott of Vancouver, Jeanne Lewis of New Mexico and Nancy
McDaniel of Vancouver; a brother, William of Battle Ground; 13 grandchildren
and three great-grandchildren. Russ was a member of Teamsters, DAV (Disabled
American Veterans) and a lifetime member of the NRA. There are no planned
services. Memorial contributions can be made to: DAV, National Service
Foundation 3725 Alexandria Pike, Cold Spring, KY 41076. www.dav.org
- Thank you
R.V. Mangels
Thank you,
J Kolb
27 Apr 44 flak immediately after bombs away, left engine burst into flames, left formation, burst completely into flames, went into spin, crashed approximately 150yds from target in Dunkirk.
1.Lt. Alton B. Rubin P; 2.Lt John W Bye C/P; Sgt Walter H Heist G; T/Sgt Charles G Wilkinson Jr., R/G; S/Sgt's Frederick Murphy E/G; Vincent J Conlon T/G; Robert Gerlick Jr., PHOTO; (Murphy POW, rest of crew KIA)
Scan and email large images of Mr. Gerlick with his plane and crew to us if you want to help us keep his story going on the site. We try to build connection between the other crews. I have Mr. Gerlick buried in Normandy, Sec. A, Row 8, Plot 10.
I revisited the B26 website and found you had posted additional information to my request of my Uncle Roy V. Long who flew in the Old Crow. They were killed on Nov 30, 1944. Thanks so much for the picture of the Old Crow in flight. Amazing. Thank you again for all the information you provided. -Ltc Long
Memorial Day
Bomb Group: 387
Bomb Squadron: 557
Years in service: 1942-45 (?)
Graduation Class: 1943 (i think)
Class Location:
Comments: Hello, My name is Sara Turner and William P. Venters is my grandfather. I have a copy of a letter Alan Crouchman wrote my grandfather in Oct.'77 providing us info that my grandfather never shared with us. He passed away in the early 80s...so we never knew of his time during the war. He never spoke of it. I just recently found your site and the info you shared on 11/25/2016 about Robert L. Lillard who was part of my grandfather's crew. It was the first time I got to see a list of his missions. This gave me hope you might have additional info on my grandfather.
Thank you for your time,
Sara
My name is Chris Burk. I am one of three biological grandsons of Vernon Dale Huddleston.
He is mentioned in this article - http://b26.com/marauderman/thomas_a_morgan.htm
I was just wondering if you had any further information about my paternal biological grandpa.
My brothers and I would love any info.
Thanks for running this website.
40-1468 22BG 33BS
10 May 42 to 4 Jul 42
Collided with Japanese Zero over Lae Airdrome and crashed. Missions Flow 3; Missing Aircrew Report MARC 15070
1.Lt. Milton C. Johnson; 2Lts Lawrence I. Werner; John F. Daley, Jr.; Phillip L. Jander; S/Sgt William C. Smith; Sgt Thomas A. Morgan; Cpl. Vernon D. Huddleston. (All dead)
My Dad, Vincent Zanella, passed away on Feb 19th 2018. He was a Communication Officer for a B26 Squadron in both England and France. He always talked positively about the men and the airplane he served with. My Uncle, Raymond Zanella, was a tail gunner on a B26. He lost his life on an mission April 3, 1945. The last mission his squadron flew in combat.
As I will never forget my family I will never forget this “family”.
Jim Zanella
24 Dec 44 to 3 Apr 45 last seen entering cloud just past the target, moderate icing and turbulence experienced
1.Lt Brainard R Evans; F/O James M Mabry; Sgt's Basil G Violand; William J Turner; S/Sgt's Aaron A Aulenbach; Alvin E Bock; Raymond J Zanella. (Mabry, Zanella MIA; rest of crew KIA)
Mabry is buried in Ardennes American Cemetery
Aulenbach and Violand are buried in Luxembourg American Cemetery
Mabry was apparently found and buried. Evans, Turner and Bock apparently repatriated. Mr. Zanella is MIA. You probably know this but just in case, there are a lot of people looking for MIAs in Europe and Asia, for that matter, so it's not over.
By Eino K. and Jean W. Latvala
Earlier this year, the 387th Bomb Group received an invitation from the Mayor of Clastres, France to attend a “Remembrances Days” Celebration planned for October 19, 2002. Invitations were extended to the French, German and American units who had occupied the airdrome during WWI3.
From the moment we were met at the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport by Mayor Bore until our return, we were treated as honored guest. Those attending from the 387th were as follows: Patrick Harrington and daughter Laura, Glenn and Anita Hightower and daughter Katherine (5 months old), Eino and Jean Latvala, John and Faye Newman and grandson Daniel Callahan, Lisa Powers and friend Kevin, Walter St. Pierre, son Keith and granddaughter Angela; E. James Scott, Charles and Jessie Wetzel and daughter Barbara Rensick.
We stayed in private homes and the graciousness of our hosts will never be forgotten. They not only housed and fed us, but also transported us to the many scheduled functions and in-between times took us on side trips to sights and monuments in this very historical part of France.
The Remembrance Days Celebration included receptions, luncheons, elaborate dinners, tours and the ceremony at the Clastres Town Square at 3:00p.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2002 and the presentation of the 387th plaque attended by 1000-1300 people. The guests, American, German and French, totaled 30-40 people.
The evening dinners at the homes of our hosts were almost beyond belief. The dinners began 8:00p.m. and continued past midnight. The meals were always multi-course, most delicious, the wines were special vintage, and there was always a choice of cheeses and desserts.
Touring the A-71 airfield brought back many memories, both happy and sad. We were happy that we survived and sad when recalling those who were killed while serving our Nation.
The purpose of the celebration was first, to honor all those who had served at the airdrome including French, German and America units and secondly, to announce and inaugurate plans for converting the airdrome into an electric producing windmill facility.
I am searching for records on my great-uncle James S Kouba US Army Air Force WW2. I have very little info although I do know in 1944 he was assigned to B29s and was posted to Tinian (Island in the Northern Mariana Islands). Prior to that another relative thought Uncle Jimmy flew out of North Africa, location-unit-aircraft type unknown.
Do you have any records of him with a B26 unit? Thank you for your time and assistance.
V/r
Brian Kouba
Bomb Group: 386th
Bomb Squadron: 552nd
Years in service: 43-46
Graduation Class:
Class Location:
Comments: My father flew as bombardier/navigator initially on B26 “Danny Boy” which crashed on take off from Earls Colne airfield en route to Boxted airfield from the US. All crew members survived but plane was totaled. The crew continued onto Boxted and flew in “Danny Boy II”. Dad flew 66 missions in Europe on several planes. The co-pilot of his regular crew was Frank White and Frank’s son posted a contact request 3/1/01 to anyone knowing his dad. If he or anyone knowing him finds this posting please contact me.
Thank you for running this website,
Posted 11/17/08:
Good evening, I recently spend a week at University of Penn hospital in Philadelphia undergoing a replacement aorta with a B-26 pilot. His name is Frank White. He flew 68 missions without a scratch. His 69th was a different story. His Marauder was hit by flak wounding his legs. He spent 9 months in and out of a hospital in England recovering.
I don't know his unit or any particulars, sorry! Since I am an aircraft mechanic, I found Frank to be a totally fascinating room mate. He kept me mesmerized with his stories and descriptions. It was an honor talking with him.
Please include Frank White in your fine web site and keep him in your prayers.
Thank you very much,
Lou Cortese
January 8, 1923 - January 4, 1945
Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Metal, and 12 Oak Leaf Clusters
Bomb Group: 323rd
Bomb Squadron: 456th
Years in service: July 1944 - May 1945
Bomb Group: 397th
Bomb Squadron: ?
Years in service: May 1945 - June 1945
Bomb Group: 387th
Bomb Squadron: 557th
Years in service: June 1945 - September 1945
I'm trying to find out what Bomb Group and Bomb Squadron that the B26 "Santa Barbara Miss" is from. I have included a photo with the names of the crew. Apparently my grandfather was a co-pilot.
Front row - Sgt. Rainy - TG, Walding - B, Fonster - P, Sgt. Mullen - R. Back row - Siegling - CP, Sgt. Hasler - Engineer.
323BG, 456BS “SANTA BARBARA MISS”, 30 Nov 44 to wars end
344BG, 496BS “SANTA BARBARA MISS”, Postwar transferred to French
GT.2/62 to 3 Feb 48 accident at Beni Mered
Also, another bit of history- Leonard's brother, John H. Liekhus, lost his life over Merseburg on Nov 2, 1944. John was a pilot in the 91st BG (H). he flew the Bomber Dear. His crash site was finally found in 2010, and an excavation produced 5 sets of human remains; 3 of the crew were positively ID'd by genetic testing. Unfortunately, John's remains were not ID'd. There will be a funeral at Arlington National Cemetery on June 27, 2018.
Thanks for your help!
Sincerely,
Michael Cushing, MD
You have this in your guest book from 2015...
I’m trying to find out what Bomb Group and Bomb Squadron that the B26 “Santa Barbara Miss” is from. I have included a photo with the names of the crew. Apparently my grandfather was a co-pilot.
43-34375
323BG, 456BS “SANTA BARBARA MISS”, 30 Nov 44 to wars end
344BG, 496BS “SANTA BARBARA MISS”, Postwar transferred to French
GT.2/62 to 3 Feb 48 accident at Beni Mered
Trevor Allen
One of the crew lived in Santa Barbara (where I am) and would like to know if you can send me the photo or names of the crew. I have a picture I can send you.
Cheers!
It's been a long time since I checked the B26 site. Lots of changes. Donald's letters to his brother Albert were all saved by my mom. He lived with us until he married his wife Lillian. I put all these letters into a booklet. If you would like a copy, I will send you one.
Al Short (nephew)
I am in touch with the son of a bombardier of the 386. His father has passed. one of his fathers comrades was Frank white, Franks son put a piece on B26.com some years ago. Do you keep any contact details for people who written in the guestbooks?
Regards,
Richard Turner Boxted Airfield Museum
386th Group 554th squadron flew 75 missions awarded DF Bombardier/Navigator.
The "new" website is delete. The old website is back.
Since the web site was revamped in 2017, I can no longer access my late father's dedication page (Theodore S. Eaton) on the list of Maraudermen, as there are no links at his name. Must the information be re-submitted?
Thank you, Scott F. Eaton
I am a researcher from The Netherlands and interrested in the attack of 397th Bomb Group on Schermbeck. March 23, 1945 second mission. Mission 214 Do you have information about the crews/pilots scheduled for this attack? 31 a/c were dispatched: From 596 BSQ - Lt Brendle/Lt McSorley,Lt Henkle/ Lt Edgin, Lt Young/Lt Kirk, From 598 - Lt Woford. That is all I have about the pilots.
Can you help me with more details? Who were the other pilots/crew?
Karl Lusink
Drempt
The Netherlands
http://www.b26.com/
http://www.b26.com/
While rereading your "mission statement" I decided to send your the following link to my website which contains photos and a video I presented at a Marauder reunion last summer.
This video was originally prepared for the Pyle Family Reunion in 2016 but when someone connected with the reunion saw it they asked if I would present it at their reunion also. Since it has family links I prepared a brief intro video for the main story about Lt. William Owen Pile, pilot of Miss Kam when she went down on Dec 23, 1944. I am interested in your comments.
PS. William Owen Pile is my wife's distant cousin. Dorothy Estes did most of the genealogical research for the story.
Ed Dasso
Thanks for keeping the website,
Best regards,
John Young
This website is approaching its 20th Anniversary!
Ms. Dewitt, "new" website failed, old website is back.
My cousin sent me this file quite a while ago and just recently, another cousin asked about any information I had about my father and his plane Hells Bells. Little information is available, my father Lt. Ralph Montagna was a bombardier under Pilot "Blackie" Blackburn, planes name was Hells Bells and they flew out of England, around 1943-45. My father was very private and didn't discuss details with us very often. I never saw this side until I received my letter to go to Whitehall Street, NYC, August 1970, as I was getting drafted. Any sites or information would be greatly appreciated that I could share with the family.
Ralph D. Montagna
I'm cataloging a collection photographs for our Marauder Archives, which has a substantial collection of B-26 Marauder related materials too.
You can find more information here: http://www.uakron.edu/
Thanks,
V/R
Matt Nation
Can you send me a copy of Chester Klier's diary? do you have a PDF? Also do you any any other advice?
The Atlanta Journal Constitution did an article about my search and journey to connect with my Dad. Here's the story: http://specials.myajc.com/band-of-sisters/
Ellen Weaver Hartman
No one knows how many B-26's completed 100 or more combat missions to do this you would need the loading lists for every B-26 combat Group. This alone is impossible since the records of many Groups either do not exist, or those that do are usually incomplete. As to who the pilots were that again is also impossible to determine since various pilots and crews flew the aircraft who completed one hundred plus combat missions.
This does not really answer the question off all B-26's flying 100 or more missions. What about the 100 plus missions of the 387th Bomb Group? No records. The 17th Bomb Group, no records. 319th Bomb Group, no records. The RAF, no records. The South African Air Force, no records. The Free French, no records. I probably could add a few more but it would be an estimation and that is not my game!
More than 291 Martin B-26 Marauders flew more than 100 missions. Here is what is known, top three:
41-31773, 322BG 449BS, FLAK BAIT, PN-O, Missions Flown 202
41-31744, 322BG 449BS, HANKS YANKS, PN-M, Missions Flown 190
41-34967, 323BG 456BS, HELLS BELLE, WT-R, Missions Flown 185
We appreciate the questions people ask - donate material, copies of pictures, mission diaries, mission lists help us keep the ball rolling and keep the site fresh.
Trevor Allen
B26.com historian
Marauderman's Name: Anthony Finegan BombGp: ? Squadron: ? Years: 1943-1945 Class: ? Location: ?
My grandfather, Anthony Finegan, was in the US Army Air Corps in WW II. He claimed to have been based in England and in France during the war. He met his bride to be in England (Edna Tier of the RAF), and they were married there. He flew in a US B-26 bomber as a gunner in the 8th Air Force. My grandfather is now deceased, and I am trying to find some missing links. He spoke of bombardment missions, and he was wounded during a mission which was fatal for some crew members. As I recall, he sometimes mentioned another crew member named Lafferty (sp. ?).
Tim Heck
Trevor,
Back when you were getting his website off the ground, I was an avid supporter of his effort. And I contributed several pages with photos and text covering Marauderman Moses Joseph Gatewood, Jr. (my uncle) and his service during WWII.
Returning to the current website, I can not find a link to those pages. It looks like someone else had taken over the website and set about his vision for an improved website. And and found that that individual passed away some time ago --- apparently not getting the "Parts" of the original website put back together.
Bottom line: I have lost most of the data that I once provided to the "cause." If you get this email, I hope you can respond and help me find a way to get back those missing parts.
Thank you very much,
Robert Medley Gatewood, Lt. Col. USAF Ret.
My father, Lt. JDMcIntyre, was the bombardier/navigator on the B26 marauder “Danny Boy I&II” The co-pilot was Lt. Frank White. I just recently found a posting from Frank’s son dated March 3rd, 2001. He was looking to contact anyone who knew his dad. Amongst my father’s war papers etc. is a studio photo of Frank which is signed “Whitey”. I know this is something his son would be interested in. Do you possibly have his contact information in you computer database from his original posting? I am trying find a way to make contact and any help or direction you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated. My wife and I are presently in Scotland and will be here until May 5th. We will be traveling in the next couple of weeks to Boxted and Duxford to visit the Air Museums and so forth and will make additional enquirers as well.
Kindest Regards,
Tully McIntyre
Message Body:
Marauderman’s Name: Robert L. Day
Bomb Group: 386th
Bomb Squadron: 554th
Years in service: 2+ (June 1943- Nov. 1945)
Graduation Class: ?
Class Location: FL
Comments: My day was engineer/gunner.
His B-26 Marauder Crew:
Pilot 1st. Lt. James Minnick Los Angeles, CA; Co-Pilot 2nd. Lt. Ralph Decker Indianapolis, IN; Bombardier/Navigator F/O Martin Kloct Minneapolis, MN; Engineer/Gunner Cpl. Robert Day Radioman Arthurdale, WV; Radioman Cpl. Leo Fitzpatrick, Milford, MA; Gunner Cpl. Walter Brock Birmingham, AL
My father, Joseph D. McIntyre, was a bombardier/navigator with the 386th bomb group and flew most of his missions with the 552nd, primarily in the marauder “Danny Boy”. He had amongst his military records etc. a picture of an airman which was signed “Whitey”. I just recently discovered a photo in the American Air Museum archives of my father along with the rest of the crew of “Danny Boy II”. Included is the co-pilot who I now know is Frank White.
I found his name in your roster and went to the posting from his son from March 1st, 2001. He was looking for anyone who might of known or flown with Frank who was 80 at that time. My father was still alive then and I am sorry the connection didn’t happen sooner. My father would never really talk about his war experiences so here I am all these years later researching where I can.
My wife Chris and I are from the Seattle area but now live in Scotland half of each year. We are coming down next week to visit The American Air and Imperial War Museums as well as the war museum in Boxted. I am hoping you might be able to provide me with information that will allow contact with Frank’s son if possible.
I am also curious if you have any knowledge of any B26 Marauder ships with the “Danny Boy” name beyond I & II. My father had a flight jacket when we were growing up with “Danny Boy......” on the back as well as the bombs for the missions flown. We no longer have possession of the jacket but my brother and I both seem to recall that it was labeled “Danny Boy IV”. At this time we can’t say for sure if we are right or not. The info. I found on your website doesn’t show anything but I & II.
Anything you can share with us would be very much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Tully McIntyre
Bomb Group: 386
Bomb Squadron: 555
Years in Service: 1942-1945
European Theater, stationed in England, participated in D Day bombing at Utah Beach
Would love any information or photos available. This was my father.
Message Body:
Did this website change? There used to be links to pictures when you clicked on a name--but that no longer seems to work. I just got a new computer, so I am not sure if the computer is blocking it with all the new software blocking stuff or if the website substantially changed. I submitted pictures that belong to my father several years ago when Mike ran the site.
Thanks for any confirmation.
Jim Stevens-son of Joe Stevens under the "S" section of the homepage list of names.
Message Body:
Please tell me why you have changed the website?
You can’t retrieve individual pictures and Information.
Mark Hill
Message Body:
1/Lt Edgar Leighton Hale was a B-26 pilot member of 437Bomb Sq/319Bomb Gp. He was killed/missing on a mission in North Africa on 17 April 1943. I have service number of O-727213 and another number 17028663 (this latter I don't know what it is). I am trying to help the family close out his life. Any information on Edgar would be Welcome.
James E Bradley, Lt Col USAF (Retired)
Subject: Missing person
Message Body:
My biological father, Joseph Wright, was stationed at Barksdale and flew a B26. Having been shot down behind enemy lines he was severely injured. He was taken prisoner and treated at a Nazi POW hospital. He returned in a prisoner exchange in NY Harbor. Soon after returning home he divorced my mother and left us. I have had no contact since. We believe he settled in the Spokane area. I would appreciate any update information you might have especially his traumatic wartime experience. Thanks in anticipation of any information, leads, or suggestions you might have.
Subject: Crash b26
Message Body:
Hi,
I want find b26 crash Norville 76330 France
Thanks.
- From: Dennis Kaiser
Subject: You probably know, but the B26.com website appears not to be working
Message Body:
You probably know, but the B26.com .website appears not to be working.
Perhaps it is just in the process of being changed.
In the past I could click on my uncle's name and a link would bring up information on his WW2 service.
I have an update to his link I would like added but discovered the new look and absence of a link to his name.
I will check back later to see if the links are turned back on.
Thanks.
Just wasn't sure if you were aware of the problem.
Yes, the "new" website didn't work out so well so the old website is back. Thanks for visiting.
Subject: Inquiry
Message Body:
Is this site shut down? It’s nothing like what I remember in the past. JAH
Hi James, the old website is back :) Thanks.
Subject: New website
Message Body:
Hello Mike.......I likely am overlooking some new element in the website, but i am not able to find the 2018 postings, if any have been submitted, and cannot open the individual Marauderman details, as used to be able to do. There is also a spot to "login", but I don't see a place to register a name and password. Thanks, Mac
Hi Mac, we thought it was time for a change and I was wrong! LOL :)
In fact, I had to remake the website so it is "responsive" which means it can be viewed on mobile devices. Google penalized the old website because it was not "responsive" and the site was excluded in search results made on mobile devices. A lot of younger people only use mobiles/cell phones and the site must reach them so I tried to remake the site. There's too much content on the site for me to remake the whole thing from scratch. So here we are ... the remake was a test that failed.
Subject: B-26 Bomber
Message Body:
I have a cousin that was KIA as a bombardier / navigator of a B-26 in WWII. I have been in communication with you folks before about him. My questions now are about the aircraft, etc. From what it appears, it was his first flight on that particular aircraft. It had flown a pretty fair number of missions mostly with the regular crew. It almost seems that the regular crew mostly flew, but were given sleep breaks while other crews flew. How did all that work? Do you know which museums around the USA have B-26s in their collection? I would love to go see one. From what I understand, the bombardier / navigator was located in the belly of the plane. How did the various crew members get to their position in the aircraft?
Subject: B26.com
Message Body:
After viewing the B26 site for many decades I'm now not able to get in with the previous procedures. Your changes to the format has screwed it up badly. Guess this old b26 vet is giving up on the site- too bad. Bye!
Marauder Men, family and friends are invited to add content to the web site. Send scanned pictures 300dpi or mail pictures via post. Tell a story about your Marauderman and include as much information as you can.
