Spring, 2010 - The Fifteenth Air Force

C E R I G N O L AC O N N E C T I O N455th Bomb Group Association NewsletterSpring, 2010 Editor, Craig Ward, 813 Peterstow Drive, Euless, Texas 76039phone: (817) 540-1068 email: aphp@tx.rr.com website: www.awardphp.comMessage fromthe PresidentBy Carl A. Barr (743),President, 455th BG Assoc.Sixty-five years ago!!WOW … That was the day that Itouched down at LaGuardiaField in New York, aftercompleting my combat tour inthe 455th Bomb Group.It was the morning of mytwentieth birthday ... kind of hardto forget!Like some of you, I haveone of those baseball style capswith "WWII Veteran"embroidered on the front. It alsofeatures three ribbons ...American Defense, EAME, andWWII Victory Medal.When I wear it, which isnot often, I find that peopleseem to show a special sort ofrespect. They frequently speakwords of appreciation.We are considered“special”, but only because weare still here sixty-five yearslater. It is a good idea to allowyourself to be recognized in thatcapacity sometimes.Students in today'sschools do not have muchexposure to information aboutWWII. It is ancient history, andthey don't have time for it.I have frequently beeninvited to share memories ofthat time with students,veterans groups, churches, andother organizations. I wouldencourage you to seek suchopportunities as a means ofkeeping the memory alive. Thatis a primary purpose of thisorganization ... The 455th BombGroup Association.Our first electronic Boardof Directors meeting wasconducted in a telephoneconference. It was intendedthat it be recorded, but it did notwork. We hope to find a moreefficient way before the nextmeeting in November.Hughes Glantzberg hasdeveloped a website for 15th AirForce units, including pages forthe 455th Bomb Group.The web address is:http://www.glantzberg.usBest Regards,Carl A. Barr, PresidentIn This EditionFront Page ... Message fromThe PresidentPage 2 ... I Want to Be a PilotPage 3 ... Vulgar Vulture PinsPage 4 ... Dear Editor /Final FlightPages 5 & 6 ... Email RosterPage 7 ... Dear EditorPage 8 ... Words of WisdomPages 9-11 ... Final FlightsPages 12-16 ... Return toGordisaPages 17-19 ... The ScariestMissionPage 20 ... Dear EditorPages 21 ... F. Lee Thorne’sReplacement Crew, 1945Pages 22-23 ... Keelhauling,The Hard WayBack Page ... Message fromthe Executive Director

I Want to Be a Pilotby a Fifth GraderMario Capocefalo, his son Mike, and a helper performing themonthly cleaning of the San Giovanni Chapel.Left to Right:Col. Bill Holloman (Tuskegee Airman, based at Ramitelli Airfield)Senator George McGovern (741)Gene Fioretti (friend of Mario Capocefalo)At the D-Day Museum, New Orleans, La.I want to be a pilot when Igrow up, because it's fun andeasy to do.Pilots don't need muchschool. They just have to learnnumbers, so they can readinstruments.I guess they should beable to read maps, so they canfind their way if they are lost.Pilots should be brave sothey won't be scared if its foggyand they can't see, or if a wing ora motor falls off they should staycalm so they'll know what to do.Pilots need to have goodeyes, so they can see throughclouds. They can't be afraid oflightning or thunder, becausethey are closer to them than us.The pay pilots make isanother thing I like. They makemore money than they canspend. Most people thinkairplane flying is dangerous,except pilots don't, because theyknow how easy it is.There isn't much I don'tlike, except girls like pilots. Allthe stewardesses want to marrythem, so they always have tochase them away so they won'tbother them.I hope I don't get airsick,because if I do, I couldn't be apilot.I would have to go towork for a living.“I take exception to saying thatour Washington politicians arespending like drunken sailors.When I was a drunken sailor, Iquit spending when I ran out ofmoney." - Sen. John McCain2

455TH BOMB GROUPASSOCIATION, INC.P.O. BOX 93095AUSTIN, TX. 78709-3095PRESIDENTCarl A. BarrMajor USAF (Ret.)EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR /TREASURERGregory E. RiggsCol. USAF (Ret.)P.O. Box 93095Austin, TX. 78709-3095PAST PRESIDENTRoderick W. ClarkeCol. USAF (Ret.)SECRETARYMark MasonSon, S/Sgt. Robt. MasonDIRECTORSJohn F. DavisCol. USAF (Ret.)Ormond H. BuffingtonT/Sgt. USAAFCarl LoiocanoT/Sgt. USAAFCraig WardSon, Lt. J. T. WardEditor, Cerignola ConnectionREGISTERED AGENTJohn F. DavisCol. USAF (Ret.)Dear Editor,I was wondering if I could still order the Vulgar Vulture LogoStick Pins that were shown in the Fall 2009 Cerignola Connection.The one I'm interested in is the 455th GROUP pin. If I knew whichsquadron Dad was in, I would also order that one. All I know is thathe was in the “H” group, and was the nose gunner in the "Dazzlin’Duchess". Thank you for any info you could provide.Roy Sadlerroy_sadler_15@comcast.netDear Roy,We do have pins left. Our history shows a Sgt. Jacob R.Sadler in the 743rd squadron. Was that your dad? The “H” standsfor Heavy (as in heavy bombers—B-24s or B-17s). Thus, yourfather was in the 455 BG(H) which was the only 455th Bomb Group.The group logo pin is $4. A squadron logo pin is $6. You canmail a check payable to 455th Bomb Group Association to:455th Bomb Group Association,Attn: Greg RiggsP.O. Box 93095Austin, TX 787093

Dear Editor,I just found yourAssociation info online. Myfather, William A. Ulsh, was abelly-gunner for 742 squadron,455th BG, flying B-24G # 42-78200, “Oh My Aking Ass”.I have a full list of thecrew members, and am trying tofind them or their descendants.Dad passed away a few yearsago, but he instilled a great loveand respect for these men withinme. I hope you can help.Sincerely,William A. Ulsh, Jr.williamulsh@comcast.netDear Editor,Do you have anyknowledge whether the crews ofthe 455th BG were awardedsome type of certificate oncompletion of their tour of duty?They had different titles such asLucky Bastard Club or aCertificate of Valor.Regards,Rowdyoz12325@yahoo.comDear Editor,My grandfather was in the742nd squadron during WWII. Idid some research, and foundhim in the rolls of the 455th BGhistory book.His name is RobertSisterman, who died in 1998. Inever got to talk to him muchabout his service, as he neverreally said much.The reason I amcontacting you is to see if youknow of any way to obtain theVulgar Vultures patch for the742nd. I desperately want tohave a couple of these patches.I figured my best bet was tocontact your group.Thank you for your help.Scott Ericksonscottaerickson@aol.comDear Editor,I just received the Fall,2009 issue of the CerignolaConnection and enjoyed everyword.My Dad, T/SGT Norris TBoswell, S/N 16162334, 15thAF, 455th BG, (742), foreignservice from Sept 18, 1944 toApril 28, 1945, will turn 86 yearsof age on Dec. 22, 2009.I saw the notice ofavailability of the Vulgar Vulturelogo stick pins on page 3, andwould very much like topurchase two of the 742ndSquadron pins, one for my Dadand one for me. My Dad'soriginal leather Vulgar Vulturesquadron patch was stolen in ahome burgalry several yearsago, so this would make for agreat birthday present for him.I have my Dad's originalbomber wings and have themattached to my original stylebomber jacket, and would loveto add the squadron pin to thejacket.Respectfully,Blake E Boswellbboswellb@cox.net877-641-4818,Final FlightDear Editor,I am the nephew, andadoptive brother of Lt. William A.Beck (742). He died when hisplane was shot down on May 6,1944, on a mission to Romania.Three people survivedthe shoot down of the plane:Lt. Joe Bunata, Co-pilot,Lt. Dowling, Bombardier,S/Sgt. John Crummey, top turretgunner and engineer.Mr. Crummey is the onlyone who is alive today, and I amin frequent contact with him. Iknow he has no email but hisaddress is as follows:John Crummey45 Griffin RoadDeerfield NH 030371-603-463-8361I know Mr. Crummeywould love any correspondenceabout the Bomb Group youcould send him. He is in goodhealth today, and was proud tobe a part of the 455th.Shortly after heparachuted out of the plane, hewas taken prisoner by theBulgarians. He spent fivemonths in captivity until hisrelease.Thank You.Ted Beck2300 Woodsong TrailArlington, TX 76016817-429-6238tedbeck@comcast.net.Raymond M. Shrader Sr. (742)took his Final Flight on January 17, 2010, age 87.Mr. Shrader was quiet, but proud of his service to thecountry. He was a good man, and he led a good life. He toldme to be there for Mom, so I have orders to carry out.Robert N. Shrader, Son of Raymond M. Shrader, Sr.joatmon2@bellsouth.net4

455th BG E-mail RosterHarry W. Anderson (740)San Antonio,TX.pomganny@aol.comCarl A. Barr (743)carlbarr@bellsouth.netDave Bathie (assoc. 740)davidbathie@yahoo.comJoel Beauvais(son, Raymond Beauvais - 741)jmb1958@att.net1st. Lt. Thomas A. 'Tom' Bell840 Kimberly Ct.Lander, WY 82520tsalix@yahoo.comGene V. Benson (740)Livingston, MT.bens348@aol.comJack Blum (741)jblum15677@aol.comEarl BodenhornWaterford, MI.jebodenhorn@aol.comWinfield S. Bowers, Jr. (741)Mount Dora, FL. 32757winbow40@aol.comThomas Boydkent_brewster@yahoo.comMarlin L. (Bud) Brown (742)Lake Placid, FL.barbud@htn.netOrmond Buffington (741)obuffington@charter.netRobert Caldwell (741)re7306@aol.comCalvin Casteelcalcasteel@satx.rr.comSaul L. Cayne (742)sasl@adelphia.netRod Clarke (743)Alexandria, VArory@his.comHoward Cooper (740)howcoop@sdlifestyle.comRobert (Bob) Collette,dotybobms@msn.comAnthony Corsello (741)corsello@aol.comAlbert E. Cratchfishn928@verizon.netBill & Joyce Crawfordprintsvs@earthlink.net Westerner01@earthlink.netJanet & Russell CrockerJanetcrockerfr@cs.comNorman CrumSon of Cpt. George Crum (742)norman.crum@vpps.netJames P. Daly (740)panadaly@aol.comJohn DavisDavisjfdavis@gmail.comJack Dekker (743)jdek457@att.netTheodore Deppe (741)tdeppe@indiana.eduGeorge Defenbaughcrusin_dordo@hotmail.comJohn Devito (assoc.)jmdevito@verizon.netCurtis (Curt) Diles, Jr. (740)cdiles@woh.rr.comPaul H. Ditchett (742)vacationstogo@yahoo.comWilliam Dixon (741)carolddixon@peoplepc.comWilliam G. Doyle (742)wdoyle71824@aol.comWilliam M. Doyle (742)Jupiter, FL 33477wdoyle5184@bellsouth.netRobert Emick (741)elbo2@earthlink.netMarc Gaynes(son of Seymour Gaynes - 743)Fortdearborn1@yahoo.comSy Gaynes (743)585 Live Oak LaneWeston, FL. 33327syjac@yahoo.comWilliam B. Gemmill (740)wgemmill@tampabay.rr.comAnn GengeDaughter of Allen Durkee (743)fredfox263@yahoo.comWilliam C. Graves (742)Jacksonville, FL.wgraves210@aol.comLt. Col. R. J. Haney (743)haneyrj@comcast.netFred Hamilton T/Sgt (740)fastfreddy1881@att.net5

455th BG Email Roster (cont.)Frances Hansenlohansen@longlines.comL. Harvey Hewit (743)Haverford, PA.Lhhew@aol.comRobert Hilgendorfserendipity@surry.netRichard H.Hollrock (740)107 Heather WayHampden, Me 04444annedickrock@ol.comFrank Hosimer (741)fghosr@hotmail.comThomas L. Kablach (742)kablach@sbcglobal.netJoe Kiernan (741)16 Barbara LnTitusville NJ 08560jokernan@comcast.netErling Kindem (742)erlingk@aol.comViliam Klabnikvkaquam@zoznam.skGeorge L. Liddle (742)oljorge@mchsi.comJohn L. Larma (740)jnlarma@yahoo.com913-712-8773Don Martens (740)2738 West Point Rd.Green Bay, WI 54304dmartens2@gmail.comMark L. MasonSon of Robert G. Mason (742)mlmason82@cox.net6Frank MastroleoMasty419@aol.comDave Matheson (742)ihatebugs@cox.netMike McFadden (Assoc. 743)Son-in-Law of Austin Herrityb24_455thbg@yahoo.comJim MerrittSon of Lt. Jim Merritt (741)51 N. Main St.Pennington, NJ 08534merritt66@verizon.netStephen E. Miller (742)nanpopmil@webtv.netJames H. Moreland (743)agjh@webtv.netC.E. McMullen (741)cmcmullenjr@aol.comVic Murray (743)vemurray@CFL.RR.COMRobert E. Newberg (743)2729 82nd PL #233Urbandale, IA 50322Newy7aces@aol.comCharles Oltarzewski (740)murphB24@aol.comChristine PainterDaughter of the late Col.Charles W. Painter, Jr. (741)christinepainter@verizon.net.Peter Payant (743)pbpayant@cox.netReid Byron Peck9724 E. Javelina Ave.Mesa, AZ 85209bpeckfrommesa@webtv.net.Roland J Pepin327 Al Harvey RoadStonington, CT 06378virpep4400@aol.comWesley Powell (740)wesjulia@gateway.netJohn RohrerSon of Carl Rohrer - 740jrohrer@spartacpa.comCharles H. Rosenberg (741)chrose3@comcast.net.Sid Schoengold (740)harsid123@netzero.comAugust R. “Gus” Seefluth (742)gseefluth@gmail.comWalter Shostack (741)boyar0711@woh.rr.comSgt. John E. Skeltonwoodshed704@netzero.netEdward G. Spencer (740)ebnezr@webtv.netMichael SpewockSon of Andrew Spewock - 743spewocks@verizon.netJim Smith (741)jsmith588@austin.rr.comCharles E. Stark (740)carbchar@comcast.netTed StinerSon of Lt.Theodore Stiner (741)Ted.Stiner@gmail.comAngelo Synodis (741)angiesynodis@charter.net

455th BG Email Roster (cont.)Julie Summerfield / Rob HaleyDaughter of WalterSummerfield - 743digger1649@mac.comJames Thiel219-765-8217bellygunner@yahoo.combellyguner@yahoo.comTed Tronoff (742)TVTRONOFF@cs.com(Dr.) Stanley Vogelfang (741)stanvog@aol.comJohn R. Worster (742).haw72@aol.comCraig WardEditor, Cerignola ConnectionSon of Lt. J. T. Ward (740)aphp@tx.rr.comCarl J. Wiskirchenm-meyer@insightbb.comLeland L. Young (743)Allison Park, (Pittsburgh), PAllyoung@netzero.netPaul A. Young (741)pyoung04@tampabay.rr.comWar hero Art Jibiliandies at age 86The lone survivingmember of 1944’s OperationHalyard has died at 86.Jibilian, a radio operator,was nominated for the military’shighest honor for his actionsduring a five-month period in1944, rescuing hundreds ofpeople from a German-occupiedarea in Serbia.Jibilian was one of threeoperatives of the Office ofStrategic Services (OSS), whoparachuted into central Serbia inAugust, 1944 to rescue what hethought was 50 downed airmen."We didn't find 50,"Jibilian would later say. "Wefound 250!"Over the next six months,Jibilian constructed a landingstrip, and coordinatedevacuation flights and medicalhelp at night, as the people inthe Serbian village housed andprotected the soldiers.The mission wasdocumented in Gregory A.Freeman’s 2007 book, “TheForgotten 500.”“With the passing ofArthur Jibilian, our country haslost a true American hero,”Freeman said in a statement.“Arthur's brave work in rescuingdowned American airmen inWorld War II must never beforgotten, and I am honored tohave known him. He was thequintessential American hero —humble, modest, quietly proud,but ferocious in seeking justice.”He received acongressional honor for his dutyin 2008 by U.S. Rep. Bob Latta.Dear Editor,I had a good video aboutB-24s at the 2009 reunion. Imentioned it at the businessmeeting, but there was noprovision for showing it. Thanksto Tony Corsello and hisdaughter Jane, it got worked outto show at the final banquet.Most of the veterans haveprobably seen it or somethinglike it, but I thought the wivesand children might find itinteresting. It shows the lowlevelraid on the Ploesti oil fieldswith official Air Force films, andthen shows the officers at ameeting deciding on how toproceed, using P-38's for divebombing to neutralize some ofthe anti-aircraft guns.Then it showed the highlevel raids to finish the job inwhich the 455th BGparticipated, including many ofthe veterans at the reunion,including myself.They also have thecaptured German films, whichshow the anti-aircraft gunsshooting at us, and guys fightingthe fires we started.One of the sons of aveteran helping me with theprojector said he had a copy athome. He said you can find it onthe internet if you know how. Itshows the fighters attacking,and the B-24 gunners shootingback at them.The name of the video is:“B24 Liberator -- View from theCockpit”.Best Regards,Frank Hosimerfghosr@hotmail.com7

Words Of WisdomDear Editor,I found your email address on the 15th Air Force Website. Iam writing you about my uncle, Lt.Theodore Voudouris. He waskilled during the war, June 1944. He flew the B24J “Tail Wind”.Does anyone know anything about him? He was in the 454th BombGroup in Cerignola, Italy. I am hoping that you may knowsomething. There was no information for the 454th group on thewebsite, so I elected to contact the 455th BG.Also, have you ever heard of the Mad Bomber incident whichwas what killed my uncle. We have heard things over the years, butalways felt something was missing. If you have or know of anyonewho has knowledge of my uncle or the incident, our family wouldlike to know anything that you can tell us. We are all in our late 50’sand early 60¹s now.Thank you for your service to our country.Steve Voudouris916 812-1957stevestrat@earthlink.netDear Steve,I have attached a photo of a B-24 with the nose art “TailWind”. It is copied from “Classic Vintage Nose Art”, Gary Valant,1987, page 145. The notation on the photo identifies it as an 8thAF aircraft, but it may be very similar to the one which your uncleflew. I have no knowledge about the incident to which you refer.I hope one of our newsletter readers can help.Best Regards,Carl A. BarrPresident, 455th Bomb Group Associationcarlbarr@bellouth.netClint Smith, Director ofThunder Ranch, is part drillinstructor, and part standupcomic. Thunder Ranch is afirearms training facility inArizona. Here are a few of hisobservation on tactics, firearms,self-defense, and life as weknow it in the civilized world.The most important rulein a gunfight is: Always win, andcheat if necessary.Don't forget, incoming firehas the right of way.Make your attackeradvance through a wall ofbullets. You may get killedwith your own gun, but he'll haveto beat you to death with it,cause it's going to be empty.If you're not shootin', youshould be loadin'. If you're notloadin', you should be movin'. Ifyou're not movin', someone'sgonna cut your head off and putit on a stick.When you reload in lowlight encounters, don't put yourflashlight in your back pocket. Ifyou light yourself up, you'll looklike an angel or the tooth fairy.And you're gonna be one of 'empretty soon.Do something. It may bewrong, but do something.If you carry a gun, peoplewill call you paranoid. That'sridiculous. If you have a gun,what do you have to be paranoidfor.Don't shoot fast, unlessyou also shoot good.8

Final FlightWylie Smith (743), USMC, USAFMaj. Wylie Smith, Ret. (743) passed away Sunday, March 8, 2009 at Air Force West in Riverside,CA. Maj. Smith, Pvt. USMC, served aboard the USS Arizona from 1937-1939. He was discharged in1941 prior to WWII. When WWII broke out, Smith joined the US Army Air Corp, went through flightschool, and became a Navigator in the 455th BG, 743rd squadron. Smith retired as a Major. Wyliewent on through college, and received his Doctorate Degree.Maj. Smith, along with other Marines, served as orderlies to Rear Admiral Chester Nimitz. Therole of an orderly included being a messenger and errand runner, as well as being a body guard to theAdmiral. Other duties were being a "playmate" to the Admiral's young daughter Mary, who would comeaboard with her mother on Sundays when the ship was in port. Mary was very spoiled. On oneoccasion, one of the orderlies couldn’t cooperate. Mary Nimitz saw him standing post outside theadmiral’s spacious cabin and said, “Come in and play with me.”“I can’t,” he told her. “I’m on duty.” “You’d better,” she replied. “My daddy owns this ship, and he’llfire you.”The Marines enjoyed this duty as Admiral Nimitz was such a pleasant individual to work for.When I started getting together with Jim Vlach for our Saturday morning history lessons, Jim wouldinvite Wylie and Dora to join us for lunch along with Jeanne. Later I found Wylie, Dora, Jim and Jeannewere all from Nebraska. My wife and her Mother are also from Nebraska. So on one Saturday we allgot together and I took photos of the “Nebraska Gang”.With My Best Regards to the 455th Bomb Group Association,Shipmate Willie Smith, USMC9

Rudolph C. Denke, Sr. (742)George A. Theodore (742)passed away January 3, 2010,aged 85. He flew fromCerignola, Italy in 1944 as amember of the crew of Lt. J.D.Naler.He was a Staff Sgt. andserved as a tail gunner.He was, and his family is,proud of his service in the USArmy Air Corps.Philip A. Theodore160 Rumson RoadAtlanta, GA 30305ptheodore@comcast.netCharles Rohler (743)of Broken Arrow, OK., diedDecember 26, 2009. He was anavigator.10FINAL FLIGHTSJack Phelps (740)of Dallas, Texas, died on August7, 2009 of lung cancer.Jack courageously wentthrough the radiation treatmentswith flying colors, but developedradiation pneumonitis, and diedwithin a couple of weeks.I thank God that he didn'tsuffer a long time - he only hadgreat difficulty breathing for acouple of days.Jack spoke so highly ofyou and the CerignolaConnection, and thought youwere doing a great job as editor.I received the mostrecent newsletter, and noticedthat Jack is still listed. Sadly youcan remove his name.Jack was buried atRestland Memorial Cemeterywith full military honors. I thinkthe honor guard was from FortBliss, and they did a beautifuljob.Best wishes to you,Betty PhelpsEditor’s Note:Previous editions of thisnewsletter have recollections ofveterans (my father included)who witnessed a horrific 1944crash and explosion of a B-24taking off from San Giovanni.The photo of the crash’smushroom cloud aftermath(above) was provided to youreditor by Jack Phelps in 2008.Warren D. Buchanan (741)Dear Editor,My name is WendyBuchanan from Reedsville, PA.My grandfather, Warren D.Buchanan (741) was atailgunner on a B24 bomber inthe 455th Bomb Group.We absolutely lovedreceiving your newsletter. OnApril 3, 2010, my grandfathertook his Final Flight.Being involved with hismilitary history has been suchan important part of my life.While going through some of hisbelongings I realized he hadsaved much more from the warthan what he had originallyshared with me. I knew he hadsaved many pictures andmedals, but he literally savedeverything.I have both of his jackets,his gloves, an MRE, a detaileddescription of every missionwhich he logged himself, and somuch more.The pictures areabsolutely spectacular. He tookmany pictures of nose art andother planes at the airfield.How do we go aboutgetting his obituary in the nextissue? Our subscription to thenewsletter was in his name andhe just passed it along to us toread, how would we transfer thatinto our names? Also, are thereany aircraft of which you needpictures of?I thank you for taking thetime to read my letter.SincerelyWendy Buchanan146 Greenfield DriveReedsville, PA 17084717-667-2429

FINAL FLIGHTSCharles W. Wilson(743)died Feb. 25, 2009 at hishome.Mr. Wilson wasborn Feb. 18, 1924, inLincoln County, to Henryand Nola Wilson. Hewas an award-winningfarmer in Amite County,where he set newprecedent with hisc o n s e r v a t i o ntechniques.He served in theU.S. Air Force as a tailgunner.Alvin Rielve (740)took his final flight onNovember 21, 2008.Al was MasterSergeant heading up theArmament Sectionunder Capt. Shimrock.Lt. Franz Gerber (742)of Bruce, Wisc., passedaway March 15, 2008.John Nash (740)passed away Sept. 11,2009 from a fast-actingcancer. He had been asolid member of the455th BG Board ofDirectors until adegenerative eyedisease prompted himnot to run for re-electiona few years ago.He wascommissioned in May,1943.11

12Reprinted here with permission from theMagazine, Authors, and Subject

16Editor’s Note(s):The subject of this article, Frank Lashinsky, is a Past President of the 455thBomb Group Association.My apologies for the missing letters on the left side of the left column of thispage. This was un-avoidable.

The Scariest Missionby Doug BeauvaisDear Editor,I have read the last coupleissues of the Cerignola Connection,and love the stories in there fromthe vets.My dad, S/Sgt Ray Beauvais(741) kept a diary of his fiftymissions, and I would like to sharewith the vets what my dad alwaystold me was his scariest mission.My dad passed on aboutthree years ago. Although my dadwas the funniest guy you wouldever want to meet, his most amazingtrait was that he showed no fear . . .ever. This was evidenced when hechallenged my 12 year old son tobungee jump while vacationing inSouth Carolina. As they ascended tothe jumping area, my son waspetrified. The lady in front of themwas so scared she started cryingand turned around. My dad, in hisfearless funny way, decided that hewas going to swan dive head firstand he did without hesitation. Myson was not about to let this oldgeezer one-up him so my sonjumped as well. No fear . . ever! Iguess after reading what he wentthrough in his 50 missions, howcould you fear anything afterward?I hope you can share thismission with your readers.Thank You.Doug Beauvaisdbeauvais@datarepro.comDate: June 26th, 1944Target: Moosbierbaum(Crude oil storage, refinery)Position: Tail TurretShip: 517 Irish LassieLoad: Eighteen 250-lb. bombs(Double load)Credits: 2 missionsFlight spot: Number 2 positionLow flight, 2nd section.We got stuck at the end ofthe runway and took off late. By thetime we got caught up with theflight, we had to take number 6position. As it turned out, I guess wewere lucky, because the crew thattook our position went down.This was absolutely theworst mission to date. In fact,they could not get any rougherand still come back. The 15th AirForce really took a beating, andour group took the worst of it.Our squadron (741) lostthree ships, 743 lost one and742 lost six out of seven ships.Not one of them was knockeddown by flak ... all fighters.I was late for briefing.When I got there, I saw the map,and I knew it was going to berough because it was a targetaround Vienna. We joined theformation over the Adriatic, andtook the Number 6 position.We crossed the coast ofYugoslavia, and headed towardsAustria without any trouble. Wewere almost to the I.P., andpicked up an escort of P-38's(we were supposed to have P-51's). They were returning froma strafing run.Just before we got to theI.P., somebody shouted"fighters!", and they were notkidding. There were ME-110's,ME-210's, ME-410's and JU-88's, all twin engine fighters. Idon't know exactly how many,but there were at least 25.A couple of fighters madea pass at our ship, and I claimeda probable on one ME-110. Ithink I hit him in the left wingnear his engine. The P-38'scame to our rescue and starteddog fighting them.When the fighters firstattacked us, it was a noseattack. They came in formation,right through us. I was gladwhen the P-38's took after them.The fight lasted severalminutes. I thought the worst wasover; then, the navigator thoughtit could have been a trap to pullour escorts away from us.It turned out that way.Just before "bombsaway", we got hit again and Imean "HIT!", this time by FW-190's and ME-109's, singleengine fighters. I have no ideahow many there were, someestimates were as high as 300.I'm not one to doubt it.There were so manycoming in at us, you did notknow which one to shoot at. Iknocked down one for sure, andI know I hit plenty of others.They were shootingrockets at us, and we got hitplenty. I saw B-24's go down leftand right. Some of the Germanfighters were so bold that theyflew formation with you! Theyreally did!.My right gun jammed,and I could not bring the ammoup to it. I only had the left gun,and sometimes it stopped whilefighters were bearing down onme. One fighter damn near gotme, he hit the horizontalstabilizer. The rocket explodedabout two feet away from me,and it was head high. I think itwas the fighter I shot down.A little later, anotherrocket came through the waistand hit my ammo for the leftgun. That left me with 250rounds, and I used them up in ahurry. I found myself without anyammo and plenty of fighters stillaround.The rockets kept hittingus, and doing plenty of damage.How we kept from getting17

knocked down I don't know.One rocket came throughthe waist and knocked out ourtrim tab cables. The one thatbroke my ammo belt also putlittle holes all over the ship. Theleft waist gunner, Vincent, washit by 20 MM in his flak suit,knocking him down and drawingblood from his rear end. Hethought he was knocked off.Another rocket camethrough under the waist window(low) and made a hole bigenough for me to stick my headout of, That one got Weeks, theright waist gunner. Weeks got hitkind of bad, he had a bad fleshwound just above the left kneeand a piece of frag went into hisright arm.A rocket hit the wing andtore a hole big enough for me tofall through. The hole was threefeet long and two feet wide.Another rocket hit the lead edgeof the right wing, and tore a bighole in the main spar.One of the rockets thatwent through the waist went intothe bomb bay, and wrecked thehydraulic system with a hole inthe hydraulic reservoir.We had lots of holes inthat aircraft. I don't know howmany. I know there were at leasteight extra large holes. Whenthe hydraulic system was hit, thefluid covered the ball turret, andthe gunner could not seeanything. The top turret gunswere out of order. We were inbad shape!There were still a lot offighters coming at us at sixo’clock. I would call them out tothe ball turret gunner, and hewould shoot without knowing18how close they were. I wastrying to direct his firing. Itsucceeded in making thefighters break away, andprobably saved us.I died a thousand timeswatching the fighters come in onme, and I couldn't fire a shot. Ithought of a lot of things duringthat time, but I surprised myselfby keeping a fairly clear head. Ialmost got out of the turret onceto put on my chute to bail out,but decided if the ship was OK.I was safer in the turret. I'm gladI decided this. That decisionmay have saved my life.The ball gunner got out ofthe ball turret because hecouldn't see anything. He put onhis chute and was going to bailout, but then he looked out anda ME-109 was right along sideof us. He grabbed the waist gunand shot him down.The running fight lastedover one-half hour. If I hadknown just how badly we weredamaged, I probably would havebailed out.The fighters finally left us,and we had a little breathingspell. We now had to sweat outthe ride back to the Adriatic,which is a LONG way.The flak was veryaccurate over this target, but wedid not pay much attention to it.The GE-AIC gave our altitude,so all of the flak was near us. Itdid not bother the enemyfighters either because they flewright through it to hit us.I saw three or four B-24'sblow up. I only saw one chuteopen, but I know there were a lotmore. We lost three men frommy original crew; Hugging, FirstEngineer; Harrington, Co-pilot;and Miller, Bombardier. Iwondered who was next. Ihoped and prayed.On the way home, thesweating was not over. Ourhydraulic line was shot out andwe needed pressure for thelanding gear, flaps and brakes.We circled the field untilall the ships landed. Then, wedropped the landing gear, and itwouldn't work!!! It just dangledfor the longest time. The firstengineer, Merfield, startedcranking the landing gear downand it finally locked. He thenkicked out the nose wheel and itlocked as well. The co-pilotpumped the flaps down all theway. I don't know he did it, afterseeing that big hole in the wingsand flaps.We had 700 lbs. ofpressure left in the accumulatorfor outside brakes, enough toput on the brakes . . . once! Werigged up a couple chutes andset them up at the waistwindows to help us brake.The pilot made a nicelanding. He hit the brakes,which slowed us down a lot, butthen he released the brakes andwe had no more brake pressure.The pilot gave the signal to letout the chutes which workedwonderfully. They slowed usalmost to a stop. We startedveering to the right, so the pilotgunned the engines andstraightened us out. The planeagain got out of control, so theengines were cut, and weheaded for a ditch. The ditcheswere about three feet across.We jumped the ditch, and finallycame to a stop.

A bunch of fellows ran outto us, along with ambulances. Ijumped out the waist windowand patted the ground. Themedics got Weeks out of theplane and put him on a stretcherto take him to the hospital.We went to debriefing,told them the story, and got ourfighter-kills confirmed. The ballgunner got two fighters and oneprobable, and the nose gunnergot two fighters. I got one fighterwith one probable. Thephotographer got one fighter.Vincent got one fighter.Seven in all for our plane.One ship in our squadronclaimed eleven fighters.We were due two daysoff. I hoped we would get them.I needed the rest!Editor’s Note:See excerpt of this mission from the455th BG History Book, in the box tothe right >>>>>>>>Editor’s Note:My father, Lt. J. T. Ward (740), was flying Co-pilot on theCarlton Hansen crew during this mission. I remember himspeaking to me of this mission when I was a teenager. I believeDad would be in total agreement with S/Sgt. Beauvais’assessment of this mission.This was also Lt. Ward’s Scariest Mission!Excerpt from the book:455th Bomb Group (H), Flight of the Vulgar Vultures, 1943-1945First Lt. Harold Gorski received the DFC for bringing hisheavily damaged B-24 back to base from a mission overMoosbierbaum, Austria on the 26th of June, 1944.His formation was under repeated attacks by enemyfighters. His crew destroyed three enemy fighters, probably oneother, and damaged two. Harold's plane was badly damaged,and some repairs were made during flight to get back to base.A successful landing was made without further damage.All of Harold's crew was awarded the DFC, as follows:2nd Lts. William R. Crim, Bill L. Disbrow and James A. Scott, Jr.;T/Sgts. John E. Merfield and Stephen Vicinski;S/Sgts. Raymond R. Beauvais, Dale F. Magnusson, Kenneth J.Vincent and James E. Weeks;Sgt. Mark S. Blackman.455TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)Member InformationName: __________________________________ Squadron: ___________Spouse's Name: __________________________Address: _____________________________________________________City: ____________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: _______Telephone: (_____) ___________________E-Mail Address: ______________________________May we publish your e-mail address in the newsletter? _____Yes _____NoCurrent members may retain this form and use it to report a future change of address or other contactinformation. The form can also be given to anyone interested in membership. Please return completedforms to: 455th Bomb Group Association, P. O. Box 93095, Austin, Texas 78709-3095. This informationis strictly for the internal use of the 455th B.G. Association, and will be kept confidential.19

Dear Editor,I have been trying to findDavid Stedman (742) for morethan sixty years. Thanks tothe publication of his storiesand photo in the CerignolaConnection, I found him!David and his wife of 62years live in Houston. Joan andI will be there in March, 2010.We’ll get together with them,break bread, and tell lies (ofcourse, David will out-do me inthat department, as he alwaysdid!).David and Don Hodgkins,our Co-pilot, were the onlymembers of our crew I have notbeen able to locate. Don wasfrom Barrington, Illinois, and Ibelieve his father was a setdesigner for the film industry.Prior to coming into theArmy Air Corps, Don ferriedplanes to England. He was mostadvertureous. At one time, life inCerignola was not excitingenough, so without permission,he hitched a ride to Cairo andpartied for five days.Fortunately, during thosefive days the weather didn'tallow us to fly. When Donreturned, he was promoted fromWarrant Officer to 2nd Lt.!Talk about luck!I thank you again forselecting David's stories & phototo publish.With best wishes, I am,W.R. “Dye” Contratto (742)5532 Taft Ave.LaJolla, CA. 92037858-459-3430See Photo at Right >>>>>>>>Photo taken March, 2010Two Comrades in Arms Re-uniteDave Stedman (left)W. R. Contratto (right)Dear Editor,I am looking for any information I can get on Edward W.Bright (740). Ed was the navigator on Jack Preston’s crew. Hewas from Ohio, and had attended Kent State University.Jack and our Co-pilot Bob Biro are both deceased. If youknow Ed, ask him if he would like to go back to Trinidad and drinksome more warm rum and coke cocktails. He will know who’sasking!On our way to our base, we spent a few days in Tunis. Themountain spring water was so cold that we had to RUN through theshowers. After arriving at our camp outside Cerignola, we decidedto take a GOOD shower.We got on the truck and rode to the showers. After a goodcleaning, we got back on the truck, and by the time we got back tothe tent, we were dirtier than we were when we left.Our tent was on the edge of the camp, which was in themiddle of a wheat field. The wheat surrounding the camp wasabout six feet tall and dried out.At the bottom of the hill, in back of our tent, was a smallcreek. We sometimes went down there to bathe. One day, on theway down to the creek, one of us threw away a lit cigarette. By thetime we came back, there was a small fire. By the time we gotwater to the fire, it was out of control!The next thing I knew, the whole camp was out fighting thatblaze to keep it from Richard Jenkins’ tent and the officers’ club.Once the fire got by the club, we just let it go. I never did tellanyone who threw that lit cigarette, until now. Actually, it was ME!Sincerely,Daniel B. Mason5800 Royal ClubSan Antonio, TX. 78239-140520

Waiting to take off for MunichRein Airdrome, March 24, 1945.Inside Tent # 5 (740)F. Lee Thorne Crew at 50th reunion,Tucson AZ, March, 1996Tent # 5 (740), inherited from a crew thatreturned home, Spring 1945Back Row: Frampton, Thorne, Bergman,son of SisloFront Row: Winter, Juza, Funk, Pusilo,Noll, DickinsonEditor’s Note:The photos above were sent to your Editor by Maj.Edward F. Hughes (740). The gentlemen in the photos (andtheir tent) were part of F. Lee Thorne’s replacement crew, whowere based at San Giovanni from January through July, 1945.21

Editor’s Note:The subject of this story, Capt. Frank Liberato, isthe father of my life-long friend, Mark Liberato. Capt.Liberato told me this story in person. Fantastic details!Capt. Liberato went on to fly Crusaderreconnaissance jets during the Cuban Missle Crisis.Thanks, Capt. Liberato, for your Navy service !23

A MESSAGE FROM 455TH BOMB GROUP ASSOC. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GREG RIGGSThere is not a great deal of news this time from my position. Good news is that the logo pins advertisedin the newsletter have generated a total of $880 income (minus mailing costs) so far for the Association. Thepins themselves were a generous donation by one of our members and are greatly appreciated. There are stillsome of each type available, with the group pins being the most numerous, and the 741st pins being in lowestsupply. In addition to the pins, another member made a generous cash donation of $375 which is also greatlyappreciated.On a less positive note, twenty-one people have been removed from the mailing list since the first of theyear because annual dues have not been paid. Seven of those were relatives of original 455th Bomb Groupmembers rather than members themselves. I strongly encourage all of our annual members to go ahead andbuy a life membership for only $60. It removes the annual burden of remembering to pay dues.Craig Ward and I continue to get positive feedback from the membership, which is very encouraging. Weboth view this as a labor of love, in appreciation for the freedoms you preserved and passed down to ourgeneration. Service is a privilege. Thank you.Greg Riggs, Executive Director, 455th Bomb Group AssociationDear Executive Director,I would like to pass along a comment which the late Bill Crawford may have mentioned. Ouroriginal crew started with Bill L. Rogers as our Chief Pilot and Aircraft Commander. Our first combatmission took place Aug. 1, 1944. We flew our first 17 missions in six weeks before being shot downover Belgrade, Yugoslavia. As a result of that incident, we lost half our crew to injuries or by choice ofother crew members. The balance of our tour took another four months because of inclement weather.As a result of our original crew, we no longer had a crew of regular members. We flew a crewof whatever was available at any particular time. I felt like we had become orphans in our own unit,unlike your father (Lt. Col. Clarence E. Riggs) who was one of the originals in the 740th.Regards,Curtis Diles, Jr., 5361 Pathview Dr., Dayton, OH. 45424cdiles@woh.rr.comDear Curtis,My dad was indeed fortunate in many ways. His plane was one of only two original planes stillflying combat at the end of his 50th mission. He flew all but one mission with the same crew. He andhis crew finished their 50 missions together. They were very close and stayed in touch throughout theyears. Then there is also the obvious – he stayed alive, wasn't wounded, and wasn't shot down.Thanks for the insight into your background and crew.Greg RiggsExecutive Director, 455th Bomb Group Association455th Bomb Group Assoc., Inc.P.O. Box 93095Austin, TX 78709-3095ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDNoN profit orgUS poStagepaiDgreeN bay Wipermit 460