486th Bomb Group Guest Book 
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I am so proud of each and every one of you ! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, especially to my dear Great Uncle Charlie Macgill from whom I carry his name as my middle name with honor xxxxoooo Margie Macgill Wright
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 didn't know my grandfather that well due to family conflicts, but it was wonderful to find the page showing "Scheopner's Crew". Thank you for letting me learn a little about a guy I had always wanted to know. Thank you, Elizabeth Scheopner-Mauer
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
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