486th Bomb Group Guest Book 
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Beautiful historical accounts of the 486th Bomb Group.
My mentor, brother, and second father just passed away on January 31st, 2003. Leo Ovian was all of those things to me, and his passing has left a void in my life. I would be eternally grateful if anyone who remembers him would share some anecdotes about his time in the service. His obituary appears below:Rev. Leo J. Ovian
Rev. Leo J. Ovian, M.S.A. died on Thursday, (January 30, 2003). Father Ovian was ordained to the priesthood at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. on February 12, 1966. He was a founding member and first Vicar General of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles, a Society founded to foster and form adults and young adults in their vocation to the priesthood as well as to other ministries in the Church. He was the son of Ephraim and Zabelle Ovian and was raised in Whitinsville, MA with a brother, Peter Ovian, later killed in World War II during the Battle of the Bulge; his sister, Angel Ovian Byrne of Arlington, VA; his brother, Edward C. Ovian, husband of Alice Ovian of Whitinsville, MA. Fr. Ovian served in the Army Air Corps in World War II, a Tech Sergeant with the 486th Bomber Group, 834th Squadron, 8th Air Force. He attended Arnold College in Connecticut and earned bachelor's and master's degrees at the University of California in Los Angeles. After working for seven years as a public school teacher in Groton, he entered the Roman Catholic Church and became a student of philosophy in 1959 at what was then Holy Apostles Seminary in Cromwell. He studied theology at the Catholic University of America, and earned his doctorate in education there. After ordination and his completion of doctoral studies in 1966, he was appointed president and rector of Holy Apostles Seminary, an appointment that continued for 18 years. Under his leadership, the seminary grew not only in faculty and students but in its outreach to the community. In 1970, the education program was expanded to provide a balanced education for adult men and women, and in 1972, the name was officially changed to Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Then in 1978, a program of theological studies leading to ordination and a Master of Divinity degree was initiated. In 1979, both the graduate and undergraduate divisions were accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. During his tenure as president and rector, Ovian held strictly to orthodox Catholic doctrine and total obedience to the Magisterium of the Church. Under his leadership, the college seminary was rated among the top in the nation. During this period, he also provided pastoral care to the members of the parish of St. John Church in Cromwell. During the Fall of 1988, Ovian was assigned to the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles House of Studies at 1335 Quincy St., N.E., Washington, D.C. He attended graduate courses at the Catholic University of America, functioned as facilitator for the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles North American Region and as representative of their Unification Commission to study the feasibility of unifying the Missionary Society of the Holy Apostles with the Society of the Holy Apostles, and provided pastoral care as spiritual director to the pilgrims who visit the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Father Ovian's body will be received in St. John's Church, Cromwell on Tuesday where he will lie in state. Friends may call at St. John's Church, 5 St. John's Sq., Cromwell, Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. The Funeral Liturgy for Father Ovian will be Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. John's Church. Burial will be Thursday in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Northbridge, MA. Memorial contributions may be made to Missionaries of the Holy Apostles, 24 Prospect Hill Rd., Cromwell, CT 06416. The Biega Funeral Home has care of the arrangements.
Just finished checking up on the book. You're still doing a wonderful job.I still see an old familiar name once in a while.We are getting to be a small group and it's good to see that the sons and daughters are picking up the org.
I am a Viet Nam Vet, USAF, high interest in World War 2. I believe some of the bravest individuals to ever fight in a war had to be B-17 pilots.
My brother discovered Clayton Hutsell's web pabe on "Pappy's Chillun." Ny father, Al Vander Haeghen, was on that crew. Many thanks to Clayton -- who's name I've heard many times, but never met -- for doing a fantastic job. I learned much more about that part of my family's history -- Dad never said much. Would appreciate Clayton's home or email address.
Pete Vander Haeghen
My father was the "York" mentioned in the "Mission to remember" story by John Albanese. My dad saw this story years ago in the 8th AF news shortly before his death in 1989. I have a copy of the story in a picture frame. My dad was proud to have served with you men, and I am very proud of him and all who served in The Mighty Eighth. If Mr. Albanese would be so kind as to contact me, I have some wartime photos of dad that I would very much like to submit to this fine site. If dad had lived to see the internet he would love this website I'm sure. Thank you! Bill York
I LIKE THE SITE. PLEASE KEEP ME UPDATED ON NEW ADDITIONS.
Enjoyed your website. I am the son of someone who I believe was an old friend of Richard Dauenhauer's who passed away recently. I would like to contact if possible.
Great site! Thanks. I am the son of Gene Ackles who flew in the 834th Squadron. We lost him December 2001. He was 80 years old. He loved his B-17's and always had stories. I was pleasantly surprised to see the picture of him and his crew standing in front of what I assume was the "Miss Irish" B-17. A favor if it is not too difficult. His name is misspelled throughout your website. Should be "Ackles" if you can change it. Our country is so greatly indebted to these men May they live forever in our hearts and our memories. God Bless.
All, I was very pleased to find your site. Unfortunately, two years after my Father's passing away, I've only now so strongly pursued any 486th history. I recently returned from a buisness trip to London, where I took time out to go visit Sudbury and the airfield site. I plan to stay in touch and am planning to join the association in hopes of helping to perserve and maintain your proud hertiage. Sincerly, Bob
I have thoroughly enjoyed this site. My father is Clinton Kimbro. He sat with me one day on my computer and we went through alot of this site. Then later, I went through it again and am so impressed by all of the information and history, and pictures. I can't thank you enough for helping me understand all that my Dad went through during his time with the 486th.
Nice website! I have a website dedicated to the 511th BS, 351st BG (www.511bs.com). By the way, the 511th callsign was DS, not YB. YB was the 508th.
From the time I was very young child, I remember looking at some of the photos presented on this web-site. Even then I knew what had transpired was fearsome. Many thanks to all who have served our great nation and indeed, the world. We owe you an unfathomable debt. What would this world be like without you and your efforts? Forgive my using this means to thank you.It is none-the-less sincere. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. God bless you all.
Wendy Sue Griffin McKamey
Interesting web site. Lots of not so good memories and some good. Seth
Very good
Merry Christmas to all. Honoring those who served with distinction to keep our great country free. And a special salute to those who served on American Beauty, B-17G, 42-980008, 486th BG / 834th BS.
My grandfather was a pilot in the 834th Sq. I am trying to locate some good pictures of his plane DB 43-38010 B17G. I would really like a picture of the nose art if anyone has one that can scan and send it to me. I am trying to get an artwork done of his plane. Please if anyone can help me...I would really appreciate it. This is a super website! Keep up the great work everyone.
Thank you so much for this wonderful web site! My father, Jim Fisher, was a Staff Sgt. and Tail Gunner with Baby Shoes II and Downbeat. It was wonderful to see his and the crew's pictures. My mother has kept a binder with other pictures of the crew and flight information and I was wondering if the site would like to see them in thoughts of including them with Capt. Burkhardt's crew site. Sadly, my father died in January of 1982, but had been very proud to serve his country during WWII, Korea and retire as a 20-yr. Marine. If he had been alive to see this, I know he would have loved it!
In thanks and gratitude, Regina Fisher Raboin, Reference Librarian Tisch Library, Tufts University Medford, MA 02155 671-627-4221 regina.raboin*tufts.edu
MY GRANDFATHER (JOHN M. SAVARESE) WAS PART OF THE 832ND PATHFINDERS.I WANT TO THANK ALL THE MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP FOR THEIR DUTY TO OUR COUNTRY.THE FREEDOMS I ENJOY TODAY HAVE BEEN BOUGHT AND PAID FOR BY THE WORK YOU DID ALMOST 60 YEARS AGO. THANK YOU .
Fantastic site.
It was exciting to read about the crash of Classy Chasis, piloted by my son's father-in-law, Lt. Fred Hendricks. Fred showed superb airmanship in bringing his ship in for a crash landing on take-off and saving most of the crew. I'm proud to be in the same service with people such as all of you and I salute you. My wars were Vietnam (EC-47s) and the Cold War (B-52s).
I was cruising the internet when, to my suprise, I found a picture of my dad, Lt Fred A. "Chicago Kid" Hendricks. His photo was in the crew6 folder of the photos. I know that he named a plane after me - the "Chicago Kid" and he crashed it. He also flew the "Classy Chassis." He is still alive and in business in St. Petersburg, FL. He will be 81 in two days. He can be reached on 727-381-3935 (home) or 272-345-1407 (office - Hendricks Enterprises) - I am susre that he would love to hear from any of his buddies. I will tell him about this and hope that he visits the site. If anyone has any contacts, crew or stories about Fred Hendricks, please contact me. He has a lot of pictures of bombing missions and planes in England and over Germany. I am sure I could scan them and submit them. How do I submit to you?
They were all heroes! God bless them all.
Thank you for this wonderful tribute to the men of the 486th. My father, Ssgt.George H. Emerick, was a waist gunner on Dave Wallenbrock's B17 crew in England, July-December 1944. He then spent five months training new airmen before being discharged in May 1945. I am currently attempting to reconstruct the events of his time in England. I do have a log of his missions in his own hand. He died in 1993 never having spoken of his time overseas. Mary Jo McQueen
I was surprised and pleased to find my name on the personnel roster of the 486th bomb group. I am now 85 years old and live in Augusta Me. I flew with the 486th on several combat missions in April of 1945 as acting command pilot. I would appreciate any more information on the 486th Thank you.
833rd Sqd. Lt Eakin crew Tail gunner
I am the neice of 2nd Lt. William J. Myers, co-pilot of the 832nd's #909 Walthall crew. This website further honors the courage and sacrifice of the #909 crew. I am thankful that someone associated with this website and interested in this incredible story has just contacted my mother, Norma Myers Newson, the only remaining immediate family member of the uncle I never knew. I have been to my Uncle Bill's grave in Liege, Belgium where he rests in peace and honor. I would be interested to know more about the possible memorial being planned on Borkum Island for these men.
Dear Sirs, My uncle was Chester Zolynski who was killed in action on 12/06/44. It was his 24th mission on board "The last roundup".This was not his regular assigned airplane.He was with Lt. Yochem's crew. I'm not sure of the name of his plane. I have found most of this information on your wed site. I was hoping to find some pictures of him,but I didn't see any. I was nine years old when he died, and we all missed him very much. Thank You
Thanks. You guys war all Heroes. I am a member of the Air Force Gunners Assn. Look up gunners.net Thanks again.
I noticed the name James J. Grzelak in the list of personell. Does any one have information on this persona. My son James J. Grzelak is 21 years old and is deployed in Camp Casey in Korea. He will be training for Airborne he is an MP. If any one has information about James J. Grzelak from the 486th please contact me. We are curious to find out if he is related. Thank you
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