My father 1LT Joseph M VanBibber was the Bombardier in Pilot Cecil G. Johnson's crew. Great site you have created to pass on to children and grandchildren. Thank you, Miss you dad
What an excellent site you have created. I was looking for Lt Richard A Matheis as I'm reading
his book CAPTURED and came across your noble site.
Pity the RAF hasn't got a similar one for 54 Squadron. My uncle chased a Dornier 17 into
a cloud in his Spitfire and was never seen again. Our family would love to know what happened.
Best Regards Alec Woodgate Perth, Western Australia
Last week, in the American cimetary of Colleville sur Mer, our guide gave little american flags to the children so that they could choose one grave and put the flag on it in order to honor the memory of one soldier. Our son, Julien, 8 years old, choose the grave of Paul L Dulmage. Thank you.
I am the son of DELVIESMAISON Oda who has recovered in Mons - Belgium in his home Charlie HILLIS for three weeks july 1944 - USAAF 458 Bomber B24 -J 95- 7VB shot down 12 july 1944 in Harveng
or Spiennes (MONS). My mother DELVIESMAISON Oda is again in live and search informations
on Charlie HILLIS.
I was a bombardier on Fred Eisert's crew for 18 missions (lead bomber crew). Fred Eisert had more hours then anybody else on the base, except for the Col. At 92, I just recieved the highest Rhode Island award for my service, the Rohde Island Star. I have been happliy married for 69 years. My friend Arthur Capaldi is getting ready to have his book published, Shadow Heros. It is a book about the 8th Air Force in conjunction with the ground forces. Thank you for all the hard work in putting this web site together.
Have just entered the crash of a 458BG B-24 aircraft into my "World War II Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands" database. For those interested, have a look at http://www.airwar4045.nl The database currently lists 1066 aircraft and 5259 crew members (of which 885 USAAF)...
In 1944 I was just 6 years old and lived in Hellesdon about half a mile from Horsham St. Faith, our house was in line with the main runway and I have vivid memories of watching the B24's returning from a raid often badly shot up and damaged. As kids we would always wave to the waist gunners and were thrilled if they returned the wave as they often did.
Raymond Maurice Bessire "Tex" was a B-24 ball turret gunner with the pilot Gordon W. Lamers Any information would be appreciated. Dad had a diary that my mother loaned to a fellow crew member's family that has never been returned. I would love a copy of his diary or the origional if someone has information I would love to share. I have so many questions, and may find some answers thru this website, thank-you it is so great to remember these wonderful young men who served our country
My father, 2LT Roger Wright Williams, was a Navigator of the Vehslage Crew - 752nd Squadron - August 8, 1944. On behalf of my family, I want to thank all who have contributed to this website Honoring those who served with the 458th BG during World War II.
Robert: My uncle flew both of those aircraft. He was the pilot of Yankee Buzz Bomb on 4 Dec. 1944 a
that was his very first mission. He flew "Top O' the Mark" on 30 Mar. 1945 on his 25th mission.
My uncle William Campbell Spratt flew in the 458 BG 752 Squadren. I have really enjoyed reading adn looking at your site. Thank you for posting this. Uncle Campbell returned after the war to Fredericksburg, Virginia, married and raised 5 children, and ran a small construction company.
An avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, he was a charter member of Fredericksburg Rod and Gun Club. Campbell was an accomplished Jazz musician who played in several area bands through the years. He was well known for playing the saxophone and was a charter member of the Fredericksburg Big Band.
I've been contacted to build a model of a B-24 for a radio operator named James Marshall who flew 35 missions. He's here in Michigan and can't recall his squadron but does know the plane was named 'Sack Time Kids' . If anyone has any info on him that I can pass along, I know he's greatly appreciate it. Feel free to email me at seanptracy@comcast.net and to you men who flew, I'm in complete awe of you!!!!!
This link is such a blessing to find! John Hiebert was my Grandmothers favorite brother killed in action March 2, 1944. I am excited to learn more about this man who my own Father resembles. Grandma passed away about 10 years ago and took all the stories and memories with her. Please let me know of other places to look, search, and find information. Thanks to this website I know Uncle John's middle initial and serial number to help me in my search. Thank you each one of you who gave, was injured, or risked their life to provide me with freedom!
Lynda Kay
My father, Dave Hoobler, was a bombardier with the 458th. He turns 90 years old on Feb 7. He has a collection of stories and his diary of his missions.
MY DAD WAS A RADIO OPERATOR/TAIL GUNNER T SGT HOWARD CHICK LEVIN WITH THE 458TH FLTING ON THE B24 WABBIT TWAKS SHOOT APRIL 44 POW STALAG 17 SERVED OVER 70 PLUS MISSIONS 1941 UNTIL HIS CAPTURE
This is a great website. My late father Harry Snyder arrived in england at the young age of 20. He was assigned to the 458th bomb group. He came home in one piece but never really spoke about his experience except to tell me how one day he watched a bunch of british spitfires chasing a V1 buzz bomb trying to tip it's wing and make it crash. May God bless the hero warriors of the mighty 8th airforce.
On November 3rd 2012, Richard (Dick) Grant passed away at the age of 88. He was a tail gunner on the Briney Marlin. He left behind his wife of 64 years, and his 3 sons, all still living in Dicks lifelong home town of South Bend, Indiana
Bill I'm sorry to hear of your loss. My Grandfather is LT COL Lester J. Skidmore. He passed away on March 3,2001. I can remember him talking about your dad a lot!
Bill Stackhouse says... First Lieutenant Walter C. Stackhouse, Navigator with the Skidmore Crew (BJ140), passe away on August 6, 2012 at age of 92 from the effects of radiation proctitis resulting from radiation treatments at age 87 for early stage prostate cancer. Is anyone still alive from teh Skidmore Crew or who otherwise served with my Dad? Please email me at William.Stackhouse@ dla.mil or post a Guest Boook entry at thsi site.
Carrie M says... Jim: sorry I did not see this for so long, it lost the link. I am thrilled to know someone who's family served with my grandfather. I would love to see the info you have gathered. Please Let me know how I can contact you
Jim hello i have not seen where carrie m has responded to you she may not know you have replied this has been our familys lifes research. our grand father passed when we were kids (carrie is my sister) and we would love nothing more than to see what you have. give us the chance to get colser to such a great man. please e-mail me at heathnicky@yahoo.com
thank you for this website and information, my Uncle was Robert T. Finn on board the O'Hara. if there is any information about his mission or crew. I would love to know! my prayers are with all of the families that have loved ones serving this great country.
My uncle was Harvey Poff Jr. 458 BG, 752nd squadran, Kendrick Ferriell crew.
He was awarded the DFC for bringing his plane home after the pilot and copilot were killed on a mission.
He was the radio operator. He must have been on loan to another crew when this happened because
Ferriell and his copilot survivied the war. I would like to know if there is any way I can find out the details
of the mission that led to his DFC award.
I talk alot about my cousin, Capt Joe Roubal, pilot of Liberty Lib, first to bomb Berlin, in my book CORPS VET. He was one terrific guy. I also intend to write about him in my next book WALTER GOES TO WAR. Semper Fi, Dick Hrebik, mustang Major USMC Ret, award winning author of THE WARRIOR AMONG US and CORPS VET
With deep respect i adopted the grave of SGT Lademan Marvin 458 bomb group.
Crew 46 - Assigned 754th Squadron - October 1943. Shot down March 6, 1944 (MACR #3351)
If anyone has some information for me it would be great.
please send it to : diveratlivedotnl or jdekockatplanet.nl
My father was in the 8th AirFource, 458 BG, 754 Bombbardment Squadron. He was an armed gunner of a B-24. He served in England from May 1944 through December 1944, mostly in Norwich, Englane. He died in 1969, but I have a large scrap book he made with many names and pictures of the men he flew with. I'd like to know how I might locate them or their suriviors to provide them with a copy. His name was Robert E. Cowan.
Jim Moe says... [Carrie M]
Thank you for the information, I have been searching online for info about my grandfather, Jake Tamburello and found the information here interesting, I especially liked the personal note from him regarding the events of March 8th 1944. If anyone has more information or photos of him, they would be greatly appreciated
Carrie: My uncle Elmer Moe was on the same crew as your grandfather. I have collected some information on the crew and what happened after they were shot down. Would like you to me
to see if we have information to exchange.
Jim: sorry I did not see this for so long, it lost the link. I am thrilled to know someone who's family served with my grandfather. I would love to see the info you have gathered. Please Let me know how I can contact you
Your father was in the 8th Air force in england and the 15th in Italy. I'm sure he will enjoy the Liberators Over Norich. My wife gave it to me for my 88th birthday and I sure enjoyed reading it.
My father is Leo Lebeuf. Am going to send him Liberators over Norwich for his 90th birthday. He served in the 8th AF in Lecce, Italy, then the 15th in England. Great website. Thanks.
First Lieutenant Walter C. Stackhouse, Navigator with the Skidmore Crew (BJ140), passe away on August 6, 2012 at age of 92 from the effects of radiation proctitis resulting from radiation treatments at age 87 for early stage prostate cancer. Is anyone still alive from teh Skidmore Crew or who otherwise served with my Dad? Please email me at William.Stackhouse@ dla.mil or post a Guest Boook entry at thsi site.
First Lieutenant Walter C. Stackhouse,Navigator on the Skidmore Crew (BJ140) passed away on August 6, 2012 at the age of 92. Is there anyone alive form his crew or who otherwise knew my Dad? If so please email me or post here.
My father in law was Percy Goewey. His crew was 1Lt Charles W. Quirk, 2Lt George A. Campbell
Capt Charles F. Gaine,1Lt David C. Jelinek,T/Sgt Thomas J. McQueen,T/Sgt Gerald K. Miller,S/Sgt Charles C. Hillis III,S/Sgt Donald H. Swanson,S/Sgt Percival M. Goewey,S/Sgt Donald W. Pierce
100365 (458th BG, 755th BS) shot down near Harveng, Belgium Jul 12, 1944. MACR 6930.
Thank ou so much for this site! I would love any and all information that family members would have.
Great photos and stories -- great website.
Hoped that someone might have gone through gunnery school with my uncle, Sgt. Howard Schwegel of the 492nd BG (H), North Pickenham, KIA 4 June 1944 near Shipdham, 44th BG.
Thanks for you service and best wishes,
Sgt. Wayne Schwegel, USAF 1966-70
Awesome, Just came a cross this site when I typed in my Uncles name Claude H McConnell just read his story of his mission to Berlin March 18, 1945 on the A&G Fish Shoppe aircraft I have heard this story right from his own mouth and seen his pics. He is still alive and well I'll be seeing him this coming up Memorial weekend and he'll be celebrating his 87th B-Day. still going strong!
Harold P Lambousy was my drafting teacher in 72/73 at the SW Louisiana Vo-Tech School in Crowley LA. Mr. "Lamb" was the nose gunner on the aircraft "Roll Call" which was crippled by anti-aircraft fire over Berlin March 6, 1944. They were able to ride it to Holland where the crew was finally forced to bail out. Their target was the Daimler-Benz Motor works in Erkner Germany. One day in class he told us of his capture and internment first in Stalag Luft VI and then his forced march transfer to Stalag Luft IV. Thank you for this site and the treasure of information, documents, photographs and first hand accounts of the brave men that served in the 468th Bombardment Group.
Excellent website! Just skimmed through it for a quick look and was extremely impressed. I will let you know when the CD's from Maxwell come in.
Good Job!
Lawrence Van Kuran says... Son of Karl E. Van Kuran, Jr., tail-gun, Jerry Matze crew (AZON)
Hello Laurence,
I am currently working on an article about the Azon bombing missions of the 753rd. I noted that your father's crew was involved in these. Would you be prepared to tell me about his experiences?
Barry Smith says... What a valuable source of information. It helped me research and verify many parts of my father's
missions and flights. My father was Harold Wm. Smith. He started out in the
757th on Mar 1, 1943; 758th on April 7, 1943; 755th on June 6, 1943;
753rd on Aug 9, 1944 at Norwich, England. I see he is not listed a crew member. He was flight engineer/top turret gunner. I have his flight log book. he passed away in 1989. Two crew members are still alive.
Hello Barry,
I am currently working on an article about the Azon bombing missions of the 753rd. Was your father's crew involved in these and if so do you still have contact with the crew survivors? I would like to correspond with them about it.
Ben Marshall says... Ben Marshall, co-pilot on Dale Dyer crew in 753rd Squadron. Living in San Diego, CA for many years. Love the website -- thanks!
Hello Ben,
I am currently working on an article about the Azon bombing missions of the 753rd. Was your crew involved in these and if so would you be prpared to tell me about it?
Kathleen Hartman says... My great Uncle was Sgt. Enrico R. Ciotti, the waist gunner for the 752nd Squadron. He was killed in action on April 9, 1945 over Lechfeld, Germany. I was just wondering if anyone has information about him; it would be greatly appreciated.
For attention of Tom Docherty, I do not have any photos of Dogs Life but I do have a piece of Duralmin from the aircraft skin (approx one and a half foot by one and a half foot) . I can take a photo of this and furnish you with it if you would like . This wreckage was recovered from Dogs Life crash site about two years ago in Old Catton, Norwich . please contact me via my E mail trevorhewitt@hotmail.co.uk.
Hello All,
My first post here. I am working on an article about the 753rd BS and in particular the B-24s equipped to use the Azon bomb system. I wish to make contact with any surviving crew members from the following aircraft in order to gather first hand accounts of Azon missions:
Although I have some photos of these B-24 I would like to source more and to correspond with relatives of the crew members of these aircraft ho may have memories of them. I look forward to hearing from anyone who can help.
[Carrie M]
Thank you for the information, I have been searching online for info about my grandfather, Jake Tamburello and found the information here interesting, I especially liked the personal note from him regarding the events of March 8th 1944. If anyone has more information or photos of him, they would be greatly appreciated
Carrie: My uncle Elmer Moe was on the same crew as your grandfather. I have collected some information on the crew and what happened after they were shot down. Would like you to me
to see if we have information to exchange.
My father was a radio man and waist gunner on TOp O' the Mark and Yankee Buzz Bomb. He usually flew with a pilot named Grice and a co-pilot named Cliff Peters. I believe the rear tail gunner was Harold Skeel. His name was Robert Frazier and he was Tech Sgt. He flew in late 1943 and 1944. Does anyone have any pictures of the crew? I think it was crew EJ1 of the 752 Squadron. I really appreciate this site. Thank you.
What a valuable source of information. It helped me research and verify many parts of my father's
missions and flights. My father was Harold Wm. Smith. He started out in the
757th on Mar 1, 1943; 758th on April 7, 1943; 755th on June 6, 1943;
753rd on Aug 9, 1944 at Norwich, England. I see he is not listed a crew member. He was flight engineer/top turret gunner. I have his flight log book. he passed away in 1989. Two crew members are still alive.
Oops!
Oops, you forgot something.