486th Bomb Group Guest Book
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486th Bomb Group Guest Book |
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832nd | 833rd | 834th | 835th | Group | Association | Gallery
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As a small boy, aged 8/9/10, I practically 'lived' at the 486th ! My school was less than a mile away, so every school-day, as well as at weekends, I would be at the base, either crawling round the B17s or meeting with my 'buddies' in the PX, their billets or the chapel (where I used to tinkle on the organ).
Our house (home) was directly under the take-off flight path of one of the runways, and I could see the crews faces as they took off. At that height they must have been no more than 150-200 feet above us. One day an officer called and asked if they could take the top off the tall tree in our garden ... I was sad, because we had it rigged-out as our own B17 (my friends and I, and there were strings of ammo decorating it, with other oddments off the aircraft.
My father, Luther Chapman, was a Senior Deacon of the Baptist Chapel in Sudbury, and he welcomed your CO (I think) and others every Sunday morning when you were not on ops. A line of jeeps stretched up and down the street where the church was located!
I had a number of particular friends among the crews, including one whose name I cannot remember. I seem to remember he had mis-stated his age to come and fight Hitler. He had a terrier dog named "Dynamite", and one day an officer called me in to his office to say that my friend had not returned from the previous night's op but had left me his dog in his will. Dynamite accordingly joined our home family. I made a home 'plaque' for my bedroom wall, in memory of my friend, and of Dynamite who died of distemper about a year after I gat him. That clumsy boyhood memorial stayed on my bedroom wall until it disappeared while my room was being decorated while I was away at a school cadet corps camp.
Now, here is the puzzling bit: I am sure his ship was "Lady Be Good", but I cannot find here listed in your 486th listing. yet there is a colour photo of her in one of my many books of the B17 (one of Freeman's books, I believe, which also shows her as shot down over Germany).
If anyone could solve this for me I would be most grateful.
I also wonder if there is any way of my tracing and contacting any of my friend's descendants?
I have only just discovered your site, and so I have much reading and researching to do, but I wanted to get in touch with you without delay.
Warm regards, and my thanks for keeping alive the memory of the magnificent sacrifices made by the USAAF guys of the 486th!
Sincerely
David Chapman (now 77 years young!)
checked your site, awesome I was a pilot in the 99h BG 12=15th AF. Flew from Tunis and Foggia. Flew 50 missions from 7/43 to 2/44
Thanks for this site. My dad died when I was just 5yrs old and this gives me a chance to piece together his life.
I write to honor my Grandfather SSGt Gordon J. Wolfe, originally of Holland NY, who served in the 486th Bomb Group 833rd Bomb Squadron during World War II. Gordon passed away peacefully at night on 6 MAY 06. May peace and honor follow all those who served.
Just whant to say HI! I love this place!
I would like to make contact with Richard Walker, ball turret gunner on American Beauty, 486th BG / 834th BS. Please email me. Thanks-Steve
I have many photographs and memorabilia related to my fathers missions in the 486th and would like to share these with those concerned. Thanks DSS
My father Issac M.Burch flew with Lt. M. Ellingford's crew. Over the years my father has stayed in contact with the whole crew except for one, Sgt. Maurice Cornell. Out of the original 10 man crew there are still 5 alive. I love to hear my father's stories about the war, and when they were shot down. This site brings those stories to life. Thanks for putting this site on the web.
I just discovered your website! My uncle,Sgt. John Lawrence (radio operator),was assigned to the 832nd Squadron,in the 486th Bomb Group, 3rd Division, 8th Air Force. He was on "The Spirit of LSU" which was shot down on Pentecost Sunday,May 28th, 1944. Four men on the plane escaped capture, my uncle was not so lucky. He was captured and placed in a P.O.W. I am so happy to see this site which has a photo of my unlce. Thank YOU! He had a hand written list of friends and cellmates: Charles Wayne Knox, Henry J. Korecka, John J. Kennedy, Richard J. Lampe, Albert G. Little, George Kleppe, Arthur P. Maheler, Edward J. Kowalski, John MCBrien, Richard X. Karl, Usrey William(?), Robert O. Marlow, James N. Hume, Willam J. Mansmary, Robert C. Burg, Ben P. Fields, Frank M. Komer, Robert L. Brisbin, George E. McClelland, James A. Leone, Fred c. Jenkins, Basil Albright and Robert E. Cumberland. The list includes addresses with city and state.
HELLO TO ALL VETERANS OR FAMILY OF: This is my 8th year of compiling and collecting data on our World War 2 veterans, it has really been a learning experience for me to communicate with men like yourself or the family of veterans. I currently have over 170+ World War II veterans, from all branches, in my private library. None of this information is given out or published for a monetary gain. I have always been interested in World War II for many years and it is just my way of keeping the memories and stories alive. If you wish to share this information with me, please e-mail at pdmmm * msn.com I would greatly appreciate adding you to my library. I look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Pete Minix Former Sgt. USMC
I am the grandson of 2nd Lt. William J. Myers. He was the co-pilot of Walthall's crew/832nd/909. This was the crew that went down and was tortured and killed on Borkum Island on 8/4/44 at the hands of the Nazis. I am writing to ask if any readers knew my grandfather and would be willing to correspond with me. I am also looking for any photos of my grandfather or of the 909. Thank you for your time and consideration. Respectfully, Bobby McGrath 4L Lakeside Dr. Ledyard, CT. 06339
I live quite close to the old airfield at Sudbury and I've just been viewing your site ... I was particularly interested by the images you have of dog tags recovered from the dump site on the old airfield. I've found dog tags on other airfields and, to be honest, the ones you have pictured do not look authentic. The notches, for example, are in different locations and vary in size ..... On original tags these were used to guide the embossing machine and ensure that the lettering was correctly positioned ... so the notches had to be in the same position on all tags. Although it is hard to tell from the photos it looks to me like these are relatively modern tags (which did not have notches) which have simply had notches cut in them .... Alternatively, if you've had them checked out by an expert I am quite willing to admit that I'm wrong .... but all the tags I've found have ALWAYS had notches which are in exactly the same position and be of the same size. Congratualtions on an excellent website .... probably one of the most detailed and helpful I've found. Best wishes, Simon
I am looking for information regarding Tom Reilly who Gus Nathan told me was a member, as I once was, of the 486th BG. I understand Tom is restoring a B-17 and would like to contact him. Thank you, JP Keeley New York Souther Wing Chapter of the 8th AFHS Historian & 8th AFHS Board of Directors Member
I am researching Americans who served with the RAF and RCAF during WWII. After Pearl Harbor, many would transfer to the USAAF. Some like Fred Hendricks served with the 486th BG. I have written a book about the subject. Any information about ex RAF RCAF 486th BG personnel would be appreciated.
Thank's to all for this nice web site!
Fantastic site with very interesting information about the history of the "486th" and the sudbury airfield, which i live next to!!!
I'm trying to find info about an Edward John McDermott who served in the USAAF during the war and as a civilian pilot afterwards. (I don't knwo when he received his flight training.) I found an Edward J. McDermott listed as a gunner on your site and wonder if you can help me find any other info about him that might let me make or disprove the connection. "My" EJM was from California and would have been about 28 in 1944. Thanks. -- ND
WHAT A WONDERFUL SIGHT! I could only hope that everyone could see this sight, and look at the faces of those young men who saved the world not long ago. My father was one of those brave and selfless guys. I miss him terribly. But I am so grateful that he was my dad. We should all love our WWII veterans and show our apperciation. Joel Thacker
hi,once again,does anybody have any information on the b-24that carried the zodiac sign virgo.many thanks to steve soloman for his help on my american beauty project(apologies if surname is spelt wrongly). regards steve c
Gentlmen; I was deeply moved to find your site. My Dad, Walter (RED) Griffith FE/TG with the 834th,Lt Ungers crew, was a member of the orginal crew for the 5 Grand. He could never talk about his experiences during the War. But he always talked about the crew with only the greatest reverence and love. Dad is gone now about five years ago. You have pictures of those War years that we didn't know existed. I thank you for sharing the pictures, a side of him we never saw. He was so fortunate to serve amoungest such HEROs. Thanks again.
Bonjour, Fantastic website !!! Very helpful I am writing to you from France in the frame work of a historical work. I am writing a book concerning the “Airwar over the city of Bourges in 1944”. I would like to be in touch with any veterans, ocmrads in arms, relatives, ground soldiers, historians, researchers etc to exchange informatoins, memories, photosetc concerning this mission : 25 June 1944 : target : Bourges. Thank you for what you have done for Liberty! Thanking you in anticipation. Best regards Happy Christmas Mr Philippe Canonne I am 42 yeas old and I teach History and geography in Tours (a town which was also a 486th BG ‘s target in 1944).
Sorry , I made a mistake in previous email , I am not looking for information about Mr. W.F. Effinger , but about the plane Mr. Takoma , photo's and info about other crew members. Thanks in advance. Fred
I am looking for information about B-17 Mr. Takoma , crashed 6 December 1944 in Ouddorp , Holland. Lt Miller and crew all were taken POW , I am trying to get more info about servivor of this plane , Mr. W.F. Effinger , all info is welcome. Fred Hoek Ouddorp Holland
I am the Sole son of Laurence B. Deckelmayer. - -My current last mane is Darnell. I would appreciate it if any one with information or knowledge about my dad would contact me at the above email addy. Thanks
A very excellent web site !!!!! My brother --- John Barry --- was on Bud Genz crew * later on Van Platten's crew. He is living in NY --- Stoney Point but is very sick. Bud Genz died a while back & I believe only one other crew member is still alive. Tom Barry
I am the oldest grandson of Homer V. Bernier. He was the Navigator for the Warrington Piloted B-17. I have pictures of him and his crew. I very much enjoyed looking thru the amazing compelation of information available here! -AK
I am the Grandson of Lt Lawernce Decklemayer
My father, Col. Jim Walker (USAF,) flew 47 missions in the left seat of "Rack and Ruin". I want to thank you for your efforts to keep the memories of all the heroic B-17 crews alive. If not for the brave crew members that kept these Flying Fortresses aloft neither I or any of my four sisters would be alive to carry the memory of my wonderful father into the future. Dad passed away fifteen years ago the same day the CAF's B-17 was being shown at the nearby Melbourne airport. Without a doubt in my mind I know my father was aboard as it flew a low level pass by the hospital that day. Without the scrafices made by those who fought and flew during WWII we would not have the freedoms many Americans take for granted. Thank you again for the memories and God Bless.
Gentlemen: My stepfather was Ray M. Ratcliff, who flew with Lt. Wolff and then on Cpt Smith's crew. Wolff ended up being transferred to Lt. Hendrick's crew as a co-pilot and the picture caption wonders why that happened. According to my stepdad, he and Wolff had a beef, the net result being that they both were transferred--Wolff apparently demoted to C0-Pilot (maybe there was not a free AC, I don't know), and Ray being transferred to Smith's crew. I have his personal flight records of all his flights (38)and a few faded pictures of aerial action, including some FW's and flak. He mustered out in 1945, then came back in in late 1949 as an enlisted man. As a Tech Sergeant he became certified in GCA radar and was sent back to England. In 1953 he got his commission back as a 1st Lieutenant and spent almost 18 more years on active duty (the first Officer in the US Air Force to be GCA Operator qualified, he said). He finished his career as a Major, Operations and Training Officer, with the 86th Air Division in Ramstein, West Germany. He died early in 2005 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. If anybody has any old photos of him, or remembers him, I would like to hear about it. Thanks.
Gentlemen - My father, Lt. Gene P. Ciarrocchi, flew as a navigator on a B-24; he is in the end stages of Alzheimer's now, at the age of 86. The photo of Capt. Robinson's crew has had a place of honor on his bedroom dresser for as long as I can remember. Now, we have the names of all his fellow crewmembers, and photos of some of the planes he flew in, thanks to your fine work. My family thanks you.
Thank you for setting up this site. I just got done sending you a copy of the crew of the "Hero Heaters". My fater was Capt. Joseph Boland. He passed away in his sleep in 2001. He was a great man and a real 'character'. Tim Boland
I am almost certain that the "unknown castle" in the Albert J Boyle collection is part of Kings College Cambridge. This is the front entrance known as the the Screen and Gatehouse. The road outside is Kings Parade. Best wishes to all the veterans and their associates. Amanda
I've been reading MACR 5390 pertaining to B24 42-52764.According to that document, the ID letters of the ship are: O for the group 4N for 833rd Sq Y for the a/c individual/call letter. In your Data Base, the individual letter appears to be an O. I assume there is a mistake somewhere.Who's right Who's wrong? Philippe
My name is Alison Filler. I am the granddaughter of Captain George E. McNeice of the 833rd. My grandfather passed away before i was born, so i never knew him. I am writing a paper for school on him and the 833rd but as you can imagine, since i never knew him i don't know much about his missions, planes, etc. If anyone has any information about the 833rd, it would be great to put in my essay. Although, since it is for school, there of course is a due date, so if anyone can email me by 4/18/05 that would be very helpful! Aliosn Filler (granddaughter of Cap George E. McNeice, 833)
My father is Lawrence D. Ridley and was on Lt. Chase's crew. I just want to thank all that took part in the wars through time so that my fredom is still here and I enjoy every minute of it. So to all the great men and women that served and are serving in the USA military that are still with us and ones that have gone on I want to tell all of you THANKS. You have done a great job and words just can't say enough. God Bless you all. April 1, 2005
My father's name was Hubert G. Carson and he was a top gunner in the 835th. He died in 1976 and I was very happy to find your site to help explain some of his life during WWII.
I came across this site while researching a certain Harold C. Johnson I am an Australian who found a USAAF dog tag in the Northern Part of Australia. On it had the details of a Harold C Johnson O-808071 T42 Hanna Johnson 3606 N Rutherford Chicago ILL I am wondering if anyone has any information on Mr Johnson. As to date I have collected the following * He was a navigator who graduated from Selman Field in Class 43-10 in mid 1943. * He must have been in the SW Pacific Theatre at some time or another. And because your site has on record a navigator of that same name i am hoping someone can help me out and return this relic to its rightful owner.
Great site--Thank you for all the work commorating a group of true American heros. I'm looking for any informaion I can find concerning Ralf (correct spelling)L. Iund. He was Navigator on S/N 43-38246 "Cupcake" (Robert J. Buettner, Pilot) I don't have any idea what happened to him after the war, but I wound up with one of his books.
Thank you all for your sacrifices. You are in our prayers.
I'm looking for Tom Simpson of Massachusetts (833rd squadron?). He moved to a new house and my mom has lost track of him. Tom if you are out there please contact me. David Goldberg (son of Jordan Goldberg)
I came across this site by accident after typing my great uncles name in a search engine. My great uncle was Raymond Major Smith he was 15 when a bomber hit my great grandfathers farmhouse he didn't survive. He had 2 sisters who are both still alive and a plaque has been put up at tesco in sudbury in memory of him and the crew of that flight. Tesco is now on the site were the bomber landed. Anyway I just thought I'd sign your guest book. Stacy
I am interested in finding information on what sidearms, if any, were carried by the crews while on missions. A friend of mine has a revolver carried by his father (fighter pilot in the Pacific), and I would like to know what my father, bombardier Lt. Roy D. Bronson (Cross' crew), may have carried with him. If anyone can provide this information or suggest where I might find it please drop me an email. Thank you.
My grandfather, Lars Strand flew with the 835th unit of the 486th and was stationed at Sudbury. Some years ago my mother contacted Roland Andrews who has an archive of photos and documents of the 486th and we recieved a wonderful photo of my grandfather in his plane the 'Roanoke Magician'. I shall send it to you for your website soon! My grandfather met my grandmother on leave one weekend in London, she was a nice jewish girl from the east end, he a GI from New Mexico. They had my mother Barbara in 1948. It means so much that men like my grandfather are still remembered and cherished! Thank you!
Dad, Sgt. Leroy H. Cowling, was a waist gunner with the 835th Squadron of the 486th Bomb Group. While recovering from wounds the rest of the crew of the Ramblin Reck made their 25 missions and returned home. Dad came home to complete recovery. Dad passed away last April and we miss him. I am so proud of him and his friends he served with and I am lucky to carry the names of Capt Robert Robinson, and Merle Lloyd. Thank you for the web site and the memories it brings back of some of the stories Dad used to tell. Thanks again, Rob Cowling
I am looking for a way to contact the son of F/O Lovely (Richard Lovely), who put a picture of "Glashoff's Crew" onto the Internet. I am Lt. Glashoff's son!
my dad was richard dauenhauer. hopefully, i will soon post some pics that he had from his time in the 486th.
In visiting your GREAT website to check on new material that is regularly added...FYI.. I received an error message when I tried to view the photo of LIL BUTCH/RODNEY THE ROCKS...Question; Is the aircraft photo available for viewing??? My dad saw the VEAL crew go down on March 30th,1945...His FIRST of ten combat missions with the 100th Bomb Group,349th Bomb Squadron,Lt.W.Griswold SMITH crew...I contacted Don Johns (N) on the Veal Crew THANKS to Robin a few years back and informed him of that fact,and he was kind enough to inform me of a few facts of his own! Best Regards, Jack O'Leary 100th Bomb Group Foundation Life Member since 1985
WAS PLEASED TO SEE THE PHOTO OF MY FATHER AND CREW. HE IS EIGHTY YEARS OLD AND WAS SHOT DOWN OVER GERMANY. NOW DOWN TO ONE LEG, ONE EYE AND ONE EAR, HE IS STILL TUFF!!!
Hi folks, I'm a resident of Great Waldingfield with an interest in the history of the 486th. I have recently erected a flag pole in my garden (which is the subject of much local interest). I'd love to get a small flag with the 486th insignia so that this may be flown to remind all of our historic past. Does anyone have a good copy of the insignai I can have? Kind Regards Barry Hills
Dear all, I am a member of the 'Keep Great Waldingfield Green' association, and we are fighting a proposed development of the whole area - including employment and housing allocations. I recently spoke at the public enquiry against the proposed development of the 'Grain store'- bordering the airfield. I believe this was the main hanger of the 174 station. This will be pulled down, and the whole area with hardstanding is going to become an industrial employment park. Please could you contact me with your thoughts on this, any help you could give us would be appreciated. I can send you a plan of their proposal, and if you have any letters or petitions of objection or proof of historical interest - this can still be submitted through me by the beginning of December. Yours Sincerely Sally Moore Please could you send me your contact details
Hello ! I found via google a bird's-eye view of city Wrocław, before WWII Breslau. The picure RPBeslau.jpg shows places close to place where I live now. That time these were tanks factory. airfield, ... . Is is possible to get some more pictures (bird's-eye) of the place. I would like to see how the place looked before WWII.
Hello, I want to let you all know that my Dad, Louis F. DiGiovanni is with the Lord now. He died on September 8th, 2004. My Dad was in the 8th Air Force, a 2nd LT. navigator in Riley's Crew with the 486th Bomb Group, 833rd Bomb Squandron. My Dad is my hero. Sincerely, Jude T. DiGiovanni
My name is MSgt Greg Henneman and I am the historian at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, known as Alamogordo Army Air Field during World War II. Unfortunately, our archives of the World War II days are very sparse. Although this base has a special history, many records describe the location at the time as just another training base. In order to record the World War II history of Alamogordo Army Air Field, I'd like to request any stories, recollections, or photographs you may have from your time in New Mexico. These will be used in writing a World War II history of Alamogordo Army Air Field. Information can be sent to me at the address below or via email at: greg.henneman * holloman.af.mil. When I complete this project I would be glad to send you a copy. Thank you again in advance for your time and help. GREGORY S. HENNEMAN, MSgt, USAF Historian 49 FW/HO 490 First St, Suite 1300 Holloman AFB, NM 88330
Dear all, I am a member of the 'Keep Great Waldingfield Green' association, and we are fighting a proposed development of the whole area - including employment and housing allocations. I recently spoke at the public enquiry against the proposed development of the 'Grain store'- bordering the airfield. I believe this was the main hanger of the 174 station. This will be pulled down, and the whole area with hardstanding is going to become an industrial employment park. Please could you contact me with your thoughts on this, any help you could give us would be appreciated. I can send you a plan of their proposal, and if you have any letters or petitions of objection or proof of historical interest - this can still be submitted through me by the beginning of December. Yours Sincerely Sally Moore Please could you send me your contact details
Hello ! I found via google a bird's-eye view of city Wrocław, before WWII Breslau. The picure RPBeslau.jpg shows places close to place where I live now. That time these were tanks factory. airfield, ... . Is is possible to get some more pictures (bird's-eye) of the place. I would like to see how the place looked before WWII.
Hello, I want to let you all know that my Dad, Louis F. DiGiovanni is with the Lord now. He died on September 8th, 2004. My Dad was in the 8th Air Force, a 2nd LT. navigator in Riley's Crew with the 486th Bomb Group, 833rd Bomb Squandron. My Dad is my hero. Sincerely, Jude T. DiGiovanni
My name is MSgt Greg Henneman and I am the historian at Holloman AFB, New Mexico, known as Alamogordo Army Air Field during World War II. Unfortunately, our archives of the World War II days are very sparse. Although this base has a special history, many records describe the location at the time as just another training base. In order to record the World War II history of Alamogordo Army Air Field, I'd like to request any stories, recollections, or photographs you may have from your time in New Mexico. These will be used in writing a World War II history of Alamogordo Army Air Field. Information can be sent to me at the address below or via email at: greg.henneman@holloman.af.mil. When I complete this project I would be glad to send you a copy. Thank you again in advance for your time and help. GREGORY S. HENNEMAN, MSgt, USAF Historian 49 FW/HO 490 First St, Suite 1300 Holloman AFB, NM 88330
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