N0.61 Complete - The 96th Bomb Group(H)

Newsletter
96th Bomb Group
OCTOBER 2013
ISSUE NO. 61
Thomas L. Thomas
October 18, 1917 - April 23, 2013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Corner .................................................... 2
Thomas L. Thomas ................................................... 3
70th Anniversary Tour .............................................. 4
Meanwhile Back at the Old Base ............................... 6
#5 May 31, 43: Emden, Germany ..............................7
Lieutenant Robert P. Grove Memorial Park .............. 8
Seventeen’s ............................................................ 10
Faces and Places Savannah Reunion ...................... 12
Our New Belgium Friends
Wimm and Nadine Jacobs ....................................... 14
A Chat from Your Chaplain ..................................... 17
It was a Fortress Coming Home
They Could Hear it Before They Could See it .......... 18
The Last Ten Minutes ............................................. 21
Minutes Annual Meeting 24 July 2013 ................... 22
Reunions A Note From Your Editor...................................... 22
Mail Call ................................................................ 23
Membership Form Meeting Dates & Dues Notice... 23
Officers & Contacts ................................................ 24
Final Mission ........................................................ 24
would hang on the wall and all the many picture's taken
in front of the banner.
In closing the 96th BG wishes you George and
Nancy the best of health, and looking forward to seeing
you in Nashville next year.
By the way, our next 8th AFHS reunion will be in
Nashville, Tenn. in October 9 - 13, 2014.
Thank you and good health.
President’s
Corner
Hello fellow 96'ers;
Just returned from the 8th AFHS reunion in
Savannah, Georgia. It was the biggest reunion in
attendance in the last 8 year's. There were 62 veteran's
in attendance. It was a great reunion. We met a lot of
new friend's.
I want to inform you, that again the 96 bomb group
was number 1 in attendance with a total of 44 member's,
and we have been number 1 for the past 20 year's. That
is something to be proud of. However, I would have
liked to see more member's present at our 96th
membership meeting. There were 17 member's in
attendance including the 7 member's on the Board of
Directors. We need your idea's and support.
We were to have a Commemoration Ceremony at
the Mighty 8th Air Force museum in honor of the B-17
“City of Savannah”being restored, but did not get to
tour the plane due to some problems the museum had in
it's restoration. However, the B-17 shall be completed
and ready for visitor's the first week in December.
At my first meeting as President, I had the sad task of
giving a eulogy for one of our greatest member's, Tom
Thomas, who passed away in April. Tom was a great
friend of mine, and one who will be greatly missed by
all.
Next it was my privilege to recognize Marbury
Councell, our retired past President, for his time, effort
and accomplishments that he has given us, and also his
military experience of being shot down on his 13th
mission and being badly wounded. I asked him to come
to the podium, saying that "I want to present to you a gift
from the 96th Bomb Group members in appreciation of
the 15 years you have given us as President.” The gift
was a miniature model of a B-17G bomber. It was an
excellent model that had 4 moveable propellers, all the
guns in there proper position, the name of he plane he
flew in combat and the number of missions on the nose.
He was very surprised and thanked us fondly many
times. He also displayed it in the 96th hospitality room,
with the rule of "Don't Touch".
Last but not least I would like to add a whole lot of
thanks and appreciation to George and Nancy Meshko,
in particular George for the many years he had served
on our board, and for the many years they have given
together to running our hospitality room with
friendship, comfort, relaxation, and many stories that
were told, also for care of the great 96th banner they
Joe Garber
Sincerely,
Joe Garber
Thanks for keeping us flying right all these years. Now all you
have to do I heard Carolyn said is keep it dusted.
Marbury Councell with a “Silver Dream” of his very own. You
earned it many times over. Thanks for a job well done.
2
Squadron of the 96th Bomb Group (H) in the 8th Air
Force at Snetterton Heath. He flew his first mission on
March 26, 1944 with the 96th. It was their 100th. On
th
th
May the 8 , 1944 his 13 mission he was shot down
over Germany and became a prisoner of war. He was
interned at Stalag Luft III until January 27, 1945 when
with the Russian Army approaching their camp the
Germans started 10,000 of them on what became
known as “The Death March” from Sagan to
Spremberg a distance of about 62 miles during one of
the harshest and coldest winters on record. Only 8,000
arrived at Spremburg one week later on February 3rd
then to be loaded unto trains to Nuremberg or
Moosburg from February 4th to 7th where they were
th
held until their eventual liberation April 29 , 1945.
Following the war Tom graduated from the
University of Illinois and began a career spanning 40
years at Northern Illinois Gas.
Tom also continued to serve in the Air Force
Reserves until his retirement in 1967 as a Major.
Tom's fondness of the 96th is more to be attributed
to his time after the war and his affiliation with the 8th
Air Force Historical Society where together with other
th
veterans of the war and the 96 Bomb group they
organized and directed what would become one of the
largest Bomb Group Associations within the Society.
The 96th bringing the largest number of participants to
the annual reunions nearly ever year.
In the words of Joe Garber our current President of
th
the 96 Bomb Group Association:
“Tom Thomas was a man who will be greatly
missed by anyone who knew him, and
particularly the member's of the 96th Bomb
Group Association. Tom had been our
Secretary/Treasurer for 28 years and also was
President of the 8th Air Force Historical Society
in 1990 and 1991. He was a leader, and a man
you were proud to call a friend.”
Thomas L. Thomas
October 18, 1917 - April 23, 2013
By Dale Budde
Tom Thomas and I became close friends over the
past 20 years and since the passing of my own father in
2010 he has been like a father to me.
As I thought about what to write about him here in
the Newsletter a recent TV and print ad came to mind,
which many of you may be familiar with. It asks
everyday people to show us the age of the oldest person
they've known by placing a sticker on a chart. I don't
recall who the ad was for but I remember that Tom was
the one person who came immediately to mind.
Ninety-five birthdays - and more important to Tom his
96th year.
As much as he often joked about us all attending his
100th birthday I think the 96th held more significance to
him.
As a member of “The Greatest Generation” as
defined by Tom Brokaw on the fly cover of his book by
that title they were:
“A generation of America's citizens heroes
and heroines who came of age during the Great
Depression and the Second World War and went
on to build modern America. This generation
was united not only by a common purpose, but
also by common values duty, honor, economy,
courage, service, love of family and country,
and, above all, responsibility for oneself.”
In Tom's biography Never Give Up Cheryl Price
relates in the preface how Tom resisted her telling his
story.
“Who would be interested in me?” - (Tom)
“There are many who want to know your story. You
have a lesson to teach future generations.” - (Cheryl )
I am here to tell you it is quite a story and that as I
visited with him on Monday evening April 22nd he
continued to exhibit the character put forth by the title
of his biography.
He never gave up but his body did give out.
I think all of you will agree with me in saying these
words truly described the Tom Thomas we all knew.
His military service actually started in The National
Guard Reserves in 1938, then after being drafted in
1940 with the Army until his reassignment to the Cadet
program in the Army Air Corp in August of 1942.
Upon graduation as a navigator in January of 1944 he
th
was ordered to England and assignment to the 337
Liberated again in April 2013.
(April 29th marked the 68th anniversary of the 1945 Liberation of the POW's)
3
th
70 ANNIVERSARY TOUR
By Rebecca Lutz
On May 9, sixteen Americans met Geoff and
Margaret and traveled to our hotel in Norwich to begin a
long planned and most memorable trip to celebrate the
th
70 Anniversary of the first flight from Snetterton
Heath. We were also joined by Wim and Nadine
th
Jacobs, our new friends and new 96 BG members,
from Belgium, as well as Bert and Sombra Patrick,
Malcolm Holmes and Bruce Martin, who video
recorded all of our stops in England.
The tour began with a visit to the Imperial War
Museum at Duxford. Among the exhibits at the
Museum is a now beautifully and completely restored
B-17 which, with the help of John Bookout, is painted
with the “square C” and tail numbers representing the
96th BG. It made us all very proud.
From Duxford we went to the American Cemetery
and Memorial at Cambridge. We were given a private
tour and in anticipation of our visit, they had marked the
graves of every member of the 96th buried there, with
American and British flags. It is a beautiful, peaceful,
place lovingly and respectfully maintained and is such a
solemn reminder of the many sacrifices made during the
war.
The newly restored B-17 at Duxford bearing the
markings of the 96th Bomb Group (H) thanks to the
efforts of John Bookout
That evening, much to the astonishment of Geoff and
Margaret, we had a belated by one week, surprise
Birthday party for Geoff. Their biggest shock was the
appearance of their two daughters and sons-in-law.
There were 28 in attendance, and we had a lovely dinner
and a special cake designed by their daughter Carrie
showing the 8th Air Force emblem. Geoff said it was the
best Birthday party he ever had.
“Have Mighty 8 0th Birthday” with some very special
effort on both sides of the pond a great surprise was
given to our very special English contact. A belated
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Geoff.
After a free day to explore Norwich on our own, we
spent Sunday at Snetterton. We stopped to view our
beautiful Memorial and took a short drive around the
old Base grounds to see what still remains. From the
Base, our next stop was at St. Andrew's Church at
Quindeham where we participated in a very moving
Remembrance Service. The church was beautifully
decorated with flowers and of course, flags flanking the
96th Memorial Window.
JAMES F. THOENNES
2 LT 339 BOMB SQ 96 BOMB GP (H)
WISCONSIN JAN 2 1945
One of the many 96th markers in the American Cemetery at Cambridge.
4
After the service, we proceeded to the 96th Museum,
and when our Coach arrived, Marbury and Sal were met
by a Color Guard and escorted to the Museum. Geoff
had also arranged for an Open Day at the Base, which
included re-enactors dressed in WWII era Uniforms,
camps, a radio station playing 40s music, dancers, and a
display of vehicles from that time. We felt like we had
stepped back in time. After visiting the Museum, we
went to the Assembly Hall at Eccles Hall School were we
had a very nice lunch provided by Sean Simington, who
has been so supportive of the Museum.
The next morning, our group split up and 13 of us,
including Viv Ritchie, our coach driver who is now also a
member of the 96th BG, left for a ferry ride to Ireland.
We spent a week in Ireland, five nights in Killarney,
where we spent each day exploring the Irish countryside
including the Killarney National Park and Dingle
Peninsula, via coach, boat and jaunting cars, which were
pulled by horses, and which to our amusement,
apparently were all named Jimmy.
Back: Nadine and Wim Jacobs, Laura Edge, Camille Latour, Mike
Miliraith, Janet Strizic, Melissa MaIlraith, Jeannette Batton Front: Bev
Miller, Carolyn and Marbury Councell, Lydia Anderson, Bobi Rehberger,
Rebecca and Jerry Lutz, Margaret Ward, Sal and Al Cracoloici.
There were several local supporters of the 96th in
attendance, with music provided by the church organist.
Bert and Sombra made arrangements with the Vicar,
Reverend David Hill, to conduct the Service, which
concluded with Marbury Councell and Sal Cracolici
laying a wreath in honor of the deceased 96th BG
members and concluded with the congregation singing
the U.S. and British National Anthems. It was made
even more poignant because Rev. Hill, who is a Military
Chaplain, wore his Uniform for the Service. After a
th
closing prayer, Reverend Hill turned to the 96 Memorial
Window and saluted.
Left to Right Claudine Imholz, Wim Jacobs, Geoff Ward, Camille Latour,
Lydia Anderson, Mike McIlraith, Carolyn and Marbury Councell, Bobi
Rehberger, Laura Edge, Rebecca and Jerry Lutz, Bev Miller, Melissa
McIlraith, Janet Strizic, Margaret Ward, Suzanne Tourtelot, Jeannette Batton
The last day we were in Ireland, we visited the Flying
Boat Museum in Foynes, and had lunch at the Shannon
House Pub. The owner of the pub noticed Carolyn
sketching, and asked her to copy her sketch onto the wall
of the pub. So, if you ever get to Foynes, Ireland, go to
th
the Shannon House Pub you will see five of us 96 BG
members commemorated on the wall.
Carolyn Councell leaves the mark of the 96th on the wall at the
Shannon House Pub in Foynes, Ireland with one of her sketches.
We all had a great time and are so grateful to Geoff and
Margaret, Bert and Sombra, their daughter Jill Tebbe and
her family, and everyone else who keep the memories of
th
the 96 BG alive and who made this trip one that we will
never forget.
Marbury Councell and Sal Cracoloici in St. Andrew’s Church at
Memorial Window for Remembrance Service and laying of wreath.
5
Meanwhile
Back at the
Old Base
It has been quite an interesting year so far, with
important dates, celebrations and events taking place.
As you all know 13th May was the 70th anniversary of the
th
96 BG commencement of operations in Europe in
WWII. The UK members of the association decided to
celebrate this important anniversary at the museum in
some way. As an additional bonus, it was decided at the
last reunion in San Antonio, to organise a trip back to
England to coincide with the anniversary.
Plans were made on both sides of the Atlantic for a
party of visitors, which included two veterans; Sal
th
th
Cracolici, 338 Squadron and Marbury Councell, 337
to come over. Both were no strangers to England as
they had visited many times before, both privately and
with group tours.
An article covering the events of the return visit
should have already been published in this edition,
where you can read all about it in more detail. For the
UK members it was a delight and a memorable occasion
to have you all visit us. Visits to the American Air
Museum, where the recently restored B17 is now on
display again, more importantly in the markings of the
th
96
Bomb Group, courtesy of one of our most
respected members, John Bookout, 413th Squadron.
Next we visited the American Military Cemetery at
Cambridge, where the staff had placed US and British
th
flags on all the graves of 96 BG airman buried there. A
special open day was held at the museum, with a
USAAF reenactor colour guard, who formed a guard of
honour as the visitors got off the coach. Previously we
had attend a most poignant Memorial Service in St.
Andrews Church, Quidenham. These were all
highlights of the trip.
On Memorial Day, which occurred two weeks after
our open day, we had a special fly over from the
Eagle Squadron and the B17 From Duxford. It was
all part of the 70th anniversary celebration year. The
Eagle Squadron formation consisted of a Spitfire,
Hurricane, P47 and two P51s, followed by the B17
“Sally B”. The fly over started at the American
Memorial Day Service at Cambridge and then the
formation proceeded to fly onward over several
former 8th Air force bases. We were extremely pleased
that Snetterton Heath was one of the bases chosen.
Around 60 people turned up at our memorial to see this
spectacular display.
The 70th Anniversary Tour Group at our Museum located at Eccles Hall School.
96th Veterans Marbury Councell and Sal Cracolici (front row 2nd and 3rd from lef.)
More display cabinet area has been created in the
museum over the winter period, plus alterations to the
main cabinet area which now contains a representation
of a mission debriefing. We have purchased a new
sitting mannequin for the debriefing officer at his desk
and there are three other mannequins in flying clothing.
Finally on a more personal note I would again like to
thank Rebecca and all of you who came over on the tour,
th
for my wonderful surprise 80 birthday party.
Apparently secret emails had been circulating both in
the USA and over here and the surprise was completely
hidden from me. Rest assured that if those of you
involved ever became part of your security service,
your country would be in safe hands.
Finally from all your English friends and contacts
over here, we send our special greetings and good
wishes to you all.
“To the 96th !”
Geoff Ward
The “Saly B” escorted by the Eagle Squadron on
Memorial Day
6
Ford argued that he could get another ship into the air
and catch the formation. And so he took his second Fort
into the air and streaked out to catch up with the
unescorted Germany-bound bombers.
Heavy cloud formations had forced the raiders to
change their course, and Captain Ford and his men did
not find them until they neared the target A furious
battle ensued.
“As we started on our bombing run” said co-pilot
Joseph Turner, “we saw the fighters coming at us from
all directions During the bombing run flack tore a hole
in the left wing big enough for a man to crawl through.”
#5 MAY 21, 43: EMDEN, GERMANY
Determined to minimize the U-Boat threat in the
North Atlantic, the 96th attacked Emden for the second
time in 5 days. But this time the Luftwaffe attacked the
th
4 Bomb Wing with 75-100 interceptors. The enemy
began his assault over the North Sea as the Wing
approached the continent and pursued the formations to
the target and then resumed attacks until the Fortresses
were well out over the sea on their return. There were
no aborts and all 22 planes bombed well. But the
Luftwaffe claimed its second victim in the crew of
Captain Gilbert Stephenson. It was a telling loss for
Captain Stephenson had led the Group on most of its 5
missions. His AC 42-29734 of the 337th had been flying
in the #2 slot in the Lead Squadron when it was
attacked. Witnesses saw it catch fire and although a
consensus of opinion at the debriefing reported nine
chutes, the plane exploded at 4000 feet and, just as it
was about to hit the water, a wing came off. Actually
everyone perished. Stephenson's bombardier, Lt. Bob
Grover, washed ashore at Spiekeroog Island. It was
discovered by a Sgt. Schmidt while he and his men had
been charged with recovery and salvage of Allied
planes. Lt. Grover was buried that same day in the local
cemetery on Wangerooge Island.
Later the evening of May 21 Sergeant Leo Lasky
would record his impressions of this 4th mission for the
crew of Kipling's Error:
“Plenty of flak, plenty of fighters. FWs really thick.
Some all black, some yellow - tipped wings, tail and
nose. We had hard time coming home. White claimed
2 hits (Clarence White, top turret) and Tail gunner
Kotlarz claimed one. Saw one of ours go down over
target 3 chutes. Saw plane burn over North Sea. ( hit
silk Our right wing hit by 20mm. Missed gas tank. We
flew home expecting to burst into flames. Land 1515.
Captain Jack Ford comes in with all engines cut off to
crash land Ole Puss. 4 go to hospital. Our plane, we're
told, is out of commission.”
From his left waist window, Sergeant Lasky
observed some terrifying panoramas of the air war. It is
remarkable that he took time every night to record these
impressions. Unfortunately we can only reprint a few
of them.
But the diary reference to Ole Puss warrants better
coverage. Lasky only saw Captain Ford bring the plane
in on an emergency landing. What Laky and others
witnesses did not know at the time was the full story as
printed in the Stars & Stripes a few days later.
Captain Ford had flown two planes on one mission!
His first ship had developed supercharger problems.
Ford peeled off and returned to base. But, according to
the story, Ford and his crew weren't through yet.
Ford's bomber was hit repeatedly. Cannon shells
plowed through the fuselage and tore a tree foot section
off the end of the left wing and shot off the tail landing
wheel. Flak peppered the ship smashing the plexiglass
in the cockpit. Crewmen rendered first aid to Sgts. F.C.
Kaczor who was struck in the back; William E.
Anderson, radio operator, who suffered 17 flak wounds
in his right leg and Chester Privitt, ball turret gunner,
who was wounded in the left foot.
“They gave us a tough time,” related 2/Lt. Clarence
Keisler the navigator, “but they paid plenty. We got at
least four.”
Keisler said 2/Lt. William “Polecat” Miller, the
bombardier, Sgt. M.C. Jamison, Anderson and Privitt
each got one German plane. As the wounded crewmen
were being bandaged, Sgt. William Kelly went from
one gun to the other to fire at the attackers. In the top
turret, Sgt. George A. Haslip kept his guns firing.
Just before they reached home the last two engines
on Ole Puss stopped dead. Captain Ford brought the
Fort in on a dead stick with all four props feathered.”
Ole Puss crashed by Captain Ford’s crew at Grafton Underwood. Mission report and photo taken from Snetterton Falcons page 23.
See story Lieutenant Robert P. Grover Memorial Park page 8.this
issue
7
Lieutenant
Robert
P.
Grover
Memorial Park
Park in Jersey City. The future site of Lt. Grover Park
remained unimproved and was eventually purchased by
or donated to the city.
The main feature of the park is the memorial built to
honor the memory of Lieutenant Robert P. Grover, the
first Jewish serviceman from Jersey City to die in
combat during World War II. The monument was
erected by the Lt. Robert P. Grover Post #377 of the
Jewish War Veterans of the United States in the 1950's.
The tall fluted monument is located in the center of the
park. It is painted white and stands on a large threestepped base. There may have once been a decorative
finial or ornament at the very top. A single bronze
plaque is affixed to the front of the monument which
bears the following inscription: “This park dedicated to
the memory of Lt. Robert P. Grover, the first of his faith
from this city who gave his life in World War II fighting
to preserve the American Way of Life and in honor of all
others in this community who served their country.
Sponsored by Lt. Robert P. Grover Post 377, Jewish
War Veterans of the United States.”
This monument with its bronze memorial plaque is the focal point
of the Lieutenant Robert P. Grover Memorial Park in Jersey City.
Photo: P. Shalhoub, 2013
JERSEY CITY PAST AND PRESENT
New Jersey City University
By Camela Kamoutsos
The Lieutenant Robert P. Grover Memorial Park is
located at the northwest corner of Broadman Parkway
and John F. Kennedy Boulevard in Jersey City. It is one
of numerous municipal “pocket” parks which can be
found throughout the city. Slightly less than one
hundred feet square, Lt. Grover Park lies in the shadow
of Snyder High School which stands directly across the
street on Kennedy Boulevard.
The park features a fenced-in grassy area with
several large shade trees. A pathway curves across the
park connecting the Broadman Parkway entrance with
another on Kennedy Boulevard. Recently, a local
neighborhood organization, the Redstone Townhomes
Neighborhood Association, has partnered with the City
of Jersey City and the SIM-P Planning and Architecture
Group to develop a plan for improving and enhancing
the park with new seating areas and floral plantings
which will make it more attractive and user-friendly.
Broadman Parkway was officially opened in 1920
and the surrounding lots were soon available for sale
and residential development. Original plans for the site
called for the construction of several large brick
apartment buildings fronting on the western side of
Kennedy Boulevard. These plans were never realized
and, in 1925, the property was purchased by Henry Roth
and Howard R. Cruse. A successful and civic-minded
lawyer, Cruse chaired the committee which erected the
statue of Abraham Lincoln at the entrance to Lincoln
Bronze memorial to Lieutenant Robert P. Grover The first Jewish
soldier to be killed in action from Jersey City in World War II.
Photo:
P. Shalhoub,
2013was born in Jersey City on March
Robert
P. Grover
31, 1916. He was the middle child of James (Jacob)
Adolph Grover and Pauline Lieberman Grover.
Robert's father was born in Odessa, Russia in 1886, and
had emigrated along with his parents and siblings at the
age of thirteen, living on the lower East Side of New
York City. Robert's parents, Jacob and Pauline, married
8
185 Bergen Avenue where the family lived is still
standing on the west side of Bergen Avenue today,
adjacent to the South District Police Precinct building.
The future prospects for many young men of
Grover's generation were greatly altered in the months
following the December 7, 1941, Japanese attack on
Pearl Harbor. The United States declared war on Japan
and officially entered World War II on the side of the
Allied forces. Like many of his fellow countrymen,
motivated by duty and patriotism, he voluntarily
enlisted in the Air Corps as an Aviation Cadet on
December 30, 1941.
A critical part of the Allied offensive strategy was to
undermine Germany's ability to maintain its war
machine. New Air Corps units were trained and
equipped to destroy German military and industrial
targets through intense aerial bombardment. The
campaign was set to begin in May of 1942.After
completing his training as a bombardier in April 1943,
Grover, now a 1st Lieutenant, was assigned to the 337th
squadron of the 96th Bomb Group. On May 21, 1943,
Lt. Grover was the bombardier on board a B-17 aircraft
that was flying over the North Sea towards the city of
Emden, Germany on a mission to destroy the submarine
yards of that city. The entire ten man crew was killed in
action when their aircraft was shot down about 75 miles
north of the Dutch coastline.
Lt. Grover's body washed ashore about a month later
and he was buried in the Netherlands. His remains were
eventually returned to New Jersey in 1949. He now
rests alongside his parents in Mt. Moriah Cemetery in
Fairview, NJ. Lt. Grover's service and sacrifice was
recognized by the United States Government, and he
was a recipient of both the Distinguished Flying Cross
and the Purple Heart medal
and settled in Jersey City some time before the birth of
their first son, Frederick, in 1912. According to the
1918 Jersey City directory, Robert's father ran his own
printing business, called The Grover Press, from a small
shop at 85 Grant Avenue close to the corner of Jackson
Avenue (now Dr. Martin Luther King Drive).
Robert P. Grover, 1934
Source: Detail from The Gnome,
The Yearbook of Dickinson High School 1934.
Courtesy, Jersey City Free Public Library
"Bob" Grover attended Lincoln High School and
graduated from Dickinson High School in 1934. His
senior photograph and yearbook entry shows that he
enjoyed playing basketball and that he intended to
pursue a college education at U.S.C. His yearbook
quotation, "When youth and pleasure meet, to chase the
glowing hours with flying feet" was taken from Lord
Byron's poem, "The Eve of Waterloo." The line refers to
the British and Prussian soldiers enjoying themselves at
an evening ball in Brussels, unaware of the imminent
approach of Napoleon's troops.
Robert Grover was a young man with a bright future
ahead of him. In 1940, he was 24 years old and had
completed two years of college. Employed as a shoe
salesman, he was working about 50 hours a week
earning approximately $1.50 an hour. He resided with
his parents, grandmother, and younger brother, Murray
(Morris). The four story, brick apartment building at
Gravestone of
Lt. Robert P. Grover
At Mt. Moriah Cemetery
Fairview, NJ, A30, Plot 94, Grave 6.
Photo:JohnHallanan,2012
9
SEVENTEEN'S
BY
PHIL TURNER
When Europe's skies still held the trails of bomber flights then seen
The flying and the dying was done by men in 'Seventeen's
They gather in the briefing room all eager now to see
The target of their doom and where their death could be
Then they mount upon the jeeps and ride grimly out to where
Their 'Seventeen' now sleeps but soon will take them there
First engines cough and sputter but then all come to life
And men are heard to utter words of prayer to face the strife
Begins the bumpy taxi ride and then the signal's green
And the men now stored inside become parts of 'Seventeens'
The long roll down the runway and when the bumping stops
The 'Seventeen' is flying free as ground below them drops
As men they left the ground but as angels they will fly
When a 'Seventeen' goes down and life's debris then fills the sky
For when 'Seventeen' begins Her death plunge from the sky
If no parachutes are seen another ten men die
Her bombs are packed away below in deadly racks
And only when they're gone can she then bring her crew back
'Tis time to test the guns as they cross the Channel's winds
But soon enough 'twill be the guns that test the men
All eyes strain to catch first sight of the fighters which will come
For the men inside the 'Seventeen' are making their last run
For this is mission twenty-five they face again Death's door
And either way today fly 'Seventeens' no more
First glimpse on the horizon like a swarm of bumblebees
Come the fighters spitting poison and men's stomachs start to squeeze
Now the gunners twist and turn as they blast away the sky
For they play gladiator sport in which the losers die
They pass through and look behind to see what horror fills the sky
A 'Seventeen' is going down and ten more men will die
In the calm before the storm, before the flack will start
Each man within the 'Seventeen' prepares to play his part
For courage found up in the sky is measured in some part
How straight and level you can fly for “Country' and her heart
10
Now begins the long bomb runwhen bombardier locks into place
And all inside the 'Seventeen' are locked in time and space
Now the flack of eighty-eights fills the sky with puffs of death
Now they hand their lives to fate, and don't know they hold their breath
But now the crosshairs lock on targets far below
Then bombs begin to drop and clouds of impact glow
More bombs begin to spiral down their targets now to search
The 'Seventeen' beside them starts Her fatal plunge towards earth
And now the plane jumps free of Her deadly cargo gone
And now 'tis just the men inside the 'Seventeen' toward home
Through masks they call each other and begin to turn around
As they take glances backward, another 'Seventeen' goes down
Now they set the final course and make the turn toward home
The men within the 'Seventeen are left with thoughts alone
Tho' the plane they ride within has no soul which may survive
When She's flying in the wind, her pulsing hum keeps them alive
She hums just like the men who all chorus the same line
Her engines sing the hymn “Just make it one more time'
For this is mission twenty-five they've passed again Death's door
And if they make it back alive, fly 'Seventeens' no more
Then through hazy skies comes a glimpse of Dover's white
And the men inside the 'Seventeen have made their final flight
Now they circle and they wait and noisy flaps come down
As the pilots concentrate to land once more upon the ground
And the crews back at the base have gathered each to find
How many planes will land and how many left behind
The planes which show red flares will all be landing first
For they signal which 'Seventeens' men and planes are wounded worst
Finally it's their turn to land and when they come to earth
With handshakes all and smiling face, their lives have final rebirth
But tomorrow another crew will be briefed again at dawn
And sleeping “Seventeens' will cough and sputter through their yawns
Then upward they will surge once again toward clear blue sky
And if the “Seventeen' goes down, those ten men will die
When their time on earth's expired and Heaven's gates they stand between
No I.D. will be required…. Just say
'They flew the seventeen's’
11
Seven of our veterans made it to Savannah.Merton Thurston, Stan Peterson,
Bill Thorns, Joe Garber, Vern Robb, Marbury Council. Not pictuered here
but in attendance George Bonitz.
“City of Savannah” 5000th Airplane processed thru Hunter Field , GA
in 1944 now on exhibit in the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum.
Candy Brown joins veteran Merton Thurston, Fay Robb and
veteran husband Vern Robb for Rendezvous Dinner.
96th Bomb Group
Memorial Window at Savannah Museum
Carolyn and Marbury Councell join Bobi Rehberger , Lydia
Anderson and Camille LaTour for Rendezvous Dinner.
12
Faces and Places
Savannah Reunion
July 22 - 26, 2013
Back Row L/R: Mark Wagner, Carol Wagner, Harold Davis, Tim Bivens, Dan Bradley, Jim Davis, Paul Garber, Kurt Rossberger, Ken Stam,
Camille LaTour, Mike McIraith,
Center Row: Candy Brown, Fay Robb, Unidentified, Nancy Davis, Michele Thorns, Sonny Thorns, Doris Davis, Cathy Ducan, Gladys Garber,
Cathy Stam, Joan Garber, Bobi Rehberger, Carolyn Councell, Lydia Anderson, Sarah Conroy, Charlie Conroy, Rebecca Lutz, Richard Hill, Jerry
Lutz.
Stan Peterson’s family join him for the Rendezvous Dinner,Carol and Mark
Wagner,CathyDuncan, Kurt Rossberger Stan Peterson, and Unidentified?
No exploitation necessary
The 96th is a Family affair. Pictured here left to right Dorthy and Bill
Thorns seated in front of Sarah (Thorns) Conroy, Chrlie Conroy,
Michele Thorns, Kathy(Thorns) Stam, Ken Stam and Sonny Thorns.
Dan Bradley our Treasurer with George Bonitz Board Member.
Our missing Veteran in the group photos.
13
he have any living family members?
During his search for additional information, he
made contact with Laura Edge, who facilitated a contact
th
with a relative of one of the 96 crew members whose
grave he had adopted.
Laura was pleased to help Wim and Nadine search
for answers. In Bob Doherty’s and Geoff Ward's
remarkable resource, Snetterton Falcons, it tells of a
mid-air collision that took place on January 4, 1944. On
that long-ago mission to Munster, Germany, 1LT James
McLean was piloting ShortStride IV and 2LT George
Davis was in command of Skin and Bones. The sun
momentarily blinded them when they turned toward the
target. Seventeen young American airmen were killed
in the resulting crash. Three airmen survived to become
prisoners of war.
The search for James McLean's family members
ended unsuccessfully, but a granddaughter of T.SGT.
Lyall Taubert, McLean's radio operator, was identified.
Taubert's granddaughter, Jennifer Berk, shared photos
of a young and handsome James McLean, his attractive
young wife, and his crew. After viewing the crew photo
taken “somewhere in England,” Wim and Nadine
decided to adopt the graves of McLean's crewmates.
Applications made for 2LT John Gray, T.SGT. Richard
Winn, and S.SGT. David Miller were approved. 2LT
Harold Zlotnik's grave had already been assigned to
someone else.
Our New Belgium Friends
Wim and Nadine Jacobs
Honor our 96th Bomb Group Heroes
By Laura Edge and Rebecca Lutz
Wimm and Nadine Jacob from their visit to Duxford in May 2013
We would like to introduce you to Wim and Nadine
Jacobs who live in Aalast, Belgium. They are two new
96th Bomb Group Association members. We were
delighted to meet them and that they joined us on our
70th Anniversary Snetterton trip.
After a visit to the American Cemetery in Normandy
at Colleville-sur-Mer in 2009, Wim became interested
in American Cemeteries and found an organization in
Belgium that allows the adoption of WWII American
graves. At the end of 2009, he and Nadine adopted two
graves.
In 2010, Wim Jacobs and his wife Nadine
Huylebroeck traveled to the Ardennes American
Cemetery in Neupre, Belgium, adopted a grave, and
began taking tributes of flowers. They were curious
about “their” soldier and wanted to know more than the
information carved on the headstone: JAMES MCLEAN,
1LT, 413 BOMB SQ, 96 BOMB GP (H), KENTUCKY, JANUARY
4 1944. They felt their visits to the cemetery would be
Wim at Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial in Leige,
Belgium at the grave site of S/Sgt. David Miller, Jr., Waist Gunner
96th BG, 413th Squadron, ShortStride IV this past Memorial Day.
more personal and meaningful if they possessed further
details. Who was this man lying beneath a white marble
cross? What were the circumstances of his death? Does
14
S.SGT. Jennings Greuter, the tail gunner on my
father's plane, is also buried at the Ardennes. I shared
this information with Wim, and he immediately wrote,
“I will adopt his grave too!” Now, thanks to Wim and
Nadine, Greuter's son holds a touching collection of
pictures revealing the stunning beauty of the Ardennes
American Cemetery: the perfectly manicured lawns,
the rows of crosses and Stars of David, the towering
chapel with its majestic American Bald Eagle. Larry
Greuter, who never knew his father, now treasures
images of his father's grave not lonely and forgotten, but
frequently bedecked with flags and colorful
bouquets.Things developed even further after Wim
searched the Internet and discovered the Defiance
County War Memorial. Engraved on the memorial's
black marble tablets are the names of all Defiance
County, Ohio, soldiers who were killed in action. Wim
was perplexed. Greuter was from Defiance County, yet
his name was not engraved on the monument. He
contacted the Defiance County Veterans Office and was
told that there was confusion surrounding Greuter's
legal residence. Wim immediately faxed the Missing
Aircrew Report that proved Greuter's World War II
home address was in Defiance County. An
investigation by a World War II historian collaborated
that information and Jennings Greuter's name was
added to the war memorial. Now, thanks to Wim's
persistence and commitment, Greuter's sacrifice will
forever be commemorated in Defiance, Ohio.
Defiance County Court House, Defiance , Ohio and the War
Memorial to soldiers who were killed in action
Wimm and Nadine Jacobs at the grave site in Ardennes of
JENNINGS C. GREUTER
Detail of the black marble tablet in Defiance with the name of
GREUTER, JENNINGS C. Added thanks to the efforts of Wimm
and Nadine Jacobs.
S SGT 338 BOMB SQ 96 BOMB GP (H)
OHIO MAY 12 1944
15
Wim and Nadine presently care for the graves of
seven Americans in two separate Belgium
cemeteries. Five of these graves belong to the
96th Bomb Group. It is touching to know that
people in Belgium continue to deeply appreciate
and care for our departed airmen and their
families. Wim and Nadine when asked what
motivated them to spend their time and resources
to honor veterans from a long-ago war.
Responded, “For us it is a small gesture. We are
grateful for the soldiers who fought for our liberty.”
And, Wim and Nadine, our special friends, we
too are grateful for your many kindnesses. Your
dedication to our American heroes is greatly
appreciated. Thank you!
96th BG, 413th Squadron, Short Stride IV
1st Lt James E. McLean, Pilot
nd
2 Lt. John R. Gray, Navigator
S/Sgt. David Miller, Jr., Waist Gunner
T/Sgt. Richard R. Winn, Tail Gunner
96th BG, 338th Squadron
S/Sgt. Jennings Greuter, Tail Gunner
They have also adopted:
376th BG, 513th Squadron, Slowtime Sally
T/Sgt. John R. Proust, Top Turret
nd
2 Infantry Division
PFC. Charlie Tinsley
9th Infantry Division.
PFC. Lawrence Murray
JAMES E. MC LEAN
1 LT 433 BOMB SQ 96 BOMB GP (H)
KENTUCKY JAN 4 1944
#67 JAN. 4, 1944: MUNSTER. GERMANY
While other 3 AD groups attacked Kiel, the
th
th
combined strength of the 96 and 388 concentrated on
Munster. [Authors' note: Although 8th organizational
changes would note obsolete the term Bomb Division
in favor of Air Division until another year, we will use
th
the AD term from here to the end.] The 96 force was
weakened appreciably when mechanical failures
resulted in 6 early aborts. Although both flak and
fighters were light, the planned route to Munster was
such that as soon as the attacking formations
doglegged to start the IP, they were momentarily
blinded as they faced directly into the sun. This
phenomenon was responsible for the day's casualties.
A/C 42-30518, the 413th's famous Short Stride IV
piloted by 1/Lt. Jim McLean, collided in mid-air with
the 338th's 42-5953, Skin and Bones piloted by 2/Lt.
George Davis. Witnesses timed the collision around
1030. Although no chutes were reported during the
post-mission briefing, the fact is that gunners Jerry
Waldon, Lyall Taubert, and Johnny Young, all of Lt.
McLean's crew, bailed out and survived. There were
no survivors from Lt. Davis' crew.
Note regarding McLean's other crew members: John
E. McGee's name is engraved on the Tablets of the Missing at
Netherlands American Cemetery. Thomas J. Keefe is buried
in Charles City, Iowa.
Back Row L/R: Lyall Taubert Radio Operator, John Young Tail Gunner,
David Miller Waist Gunner, Richard Winn Engineer, Jerry Waldron Waist
Gunner, "Red" Marling Ball Turret. Front L/R: John McGee Bombardier,,
Harold Zlotnik Co-Pilot, James McMcLean Pilot, John Gray Navigator.
“Red” Marling was not on-board when the plane went down. He was
injured on a previous mission and Thomas Keefe substituted for him.
16
gray, and to have youthful laughs be forever etched into
deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed,
and so many have died before their hair could turn
silver. As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You
careless about what other people think. I don't question
myself anymore. I've earned the right to be wrong. So
to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me
free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to
live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste
time lamenting what could have been, or worrying what
will be. And I will eat dessert every single day, if I feel
like it. By the grace of GOD I am what I am, and HIS
grace toward me is not in vain!
A Chat From
Your Chaplain
Seven members my family and I were blessed to be a
part of the reunion in Savannah, GA! Since the last
Newsletter, I wrote the families of 14 of our precious
96er's who made their Final Mission. There were seven
others I should have written, but had no addresses.
Old age is a gift!
May God bless you and make you a blessing to
yourself. The other day a young person asked me how I
felt about being old. I was taken aback, I do not think
about myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction he was
immediately embarrassed. But I explained that it was
an interesting question, and I would ponder it and let
him know. I then decided that old age is a gift. I am
now, for the first time in my life, the person I always
wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair
over my body, the wrinkles & the baggy eyes. And
often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in
my mirror, but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful
life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I aged I've become more kind to myself, less critical
of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide
myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making
my bed, or for buying that silly gecko that I didn't need,
but looks so avant-garde on my patio. I am entitled to a
treat, to be messy, to be extravagant. I have seen to
many dear friends leave this world too soon: before they
understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I to choose to read or play on the
computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance
with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 40's, 50's,
60's and 70's, and if at the same time, wish to weep over
a lost love… I will. I will walk the beach in a swimsuit
that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into
waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying
glances from the jet set. They too will get old! I know I
am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is
just as well forgotten. And I will eventually remember
the important things. Sure, over the years my heart has
been broken., How can your heart not break when you
lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when
somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken
hearts are what give us strength and understanding and
compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile
and will never know the joy of being imperfect. I am so
blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turn
Cheers all 96er's,
'till next time
Bill Thorns
Address your correspondence for our Chaplin to:
William (Bill) Thorns
20301 South Pine Hill Road #3
Frankfort IL 60423-9368
Phone
(815)-468-4494
E-mail
b17fertilemyrtle@att.net
17
The medics quietly made their way to the nose by
way of the waist door as the remainder of the crew
began exiting. And to answer the obvious question,
"what happened?”
"What happened?" was easy to see. The nose was a
scene of utter destruction. It was as though some giant
aerial can opener had peeled the nose like an orange,
relocating shreds of metal, Plexiglas, wires and tubes on
the cockpit windshield and even up to the top turret.
The left cheek gun hung limp, like a broken arm.
One man pointed to the crease in chin turret. No
mistaking that mark! A German 88 anti-aircraft shell
had exploded in the lap of the togglier.
This would be George Abbott of Mt. Lebanon , PA.
He had been a waist gunner before training to take over
the bombardier's role.
Still in the cockpit, physically and emotionally
exhausted, were pilot Larry DeLancey and co-pilot Phil
Stahlman.
Navigator Ray LeDoux finally tapped DeLancey on
the shoulder and suggested they get out. Engineer turret
gunner Ben Ruckel already had made his way to the
waist was exiting along with radio operator Wendell
Reed, ball turret gunner Al Albro, waist gunner Russell
Lachman and tail gunner Herbert Guild.
Stahlman was flying his last scheduled mission as a
replacement for regular co-pilot, Grady Cumbie. The
latter had been hospitalized the day before with an ear
problem. Lachman was also a "sub," filling in for
Abbott in the waist. DeLancey made it as far as the end
of the runway, where he sat down with knees drawn up,
arms crossed and head down. The ordeal was over, and
now the drama was beginning a mental re-play.
Then a strange scene took place.
Group CO Col. Frank P. Hunter had arrived after
viewing the landing from the tower and was about to
approach DeLancey. He was physically restrained by
flight surgeon Dr. Robert Sweet.
"Colonel, that young man doesn't want to talk now.
When he is ready you can talk to him, but for now leave
him alone.”
Sweet handed pills out to each crew member and told
them to go to their huts and sleep.
No dramatics, no cameras, no interviews. The crew
would depart the next day for "flak leave" to shake off
the stress. And then be expected back early in
November. (Just in time to resume "normal" activities
on a mission to Merseburg!)
It was a Fortress
Coming Home
They Could Hear It
Before They Could See it
By Allen Ostrom
They could hear it before they could see it! Not all
that unusual in those days as the personnel at Station
131 gathered around the tower and scattered hardstands
to await the return of the B-17s sent out earlier that
morning.
First comes the far off rumble and drone of the
Cyclones. Then a spec on the East Anglia horizon.
Soon a small cluster indicating the lead squadron.
Finally, the group. Then the counting. 1-2-3-4-5... . But
that would have been normal. Today was different! It
was too early for the group to return. "They're 20
minutes early. Can't be the 398th.”
They could hear it before they could see it!
Something was coming home. But what?
All eyes turned toward the northeast, aligning with
the main runway, each ground guy and stood-down
airman straining to make out this "wail of a Banshee," as
one called it.
Not like a single B-17 with its characteristic deep
roar of the engines blended with four thrashing
propellers. This was a howl! Like a powerful wind
blowing into a huge whistle.
Then it came into view. It WAS a B-17!
Low and pointing her nose at the 6,000 foot runway,
it appeared for all the world to be crawling toward the
earth, screaming in protest.
No need for the red flares. All who saw this Fort
knew there was death aboard. "Look at that nose!" they
said as all eyes stared in amazement as this single,
shattered remnant of a once beautiful airplane glided in
for an unrealistic "hot" landing. She took all the runway
as the "Banshee" noise finally abated, and came to an
inglorious stop in the mud just beyond the concrete
runway.
Men and machines raced to the now silent and lonely
aircraft. The ambulance and medical staff were there
first. The fire truck, ground and air personnel, jeeps,
truck, bikes.....
Out came one of the crew members from the waist
door, then another. Strangely quiet. The scene was
almost weird. Men stood by as if in shock, not knowing
whether to sing or cry.
Either would have been acceptable.
Mission No. 98 from North Hampstead had begun at
0400 that morning of October 15, 1944. It would be
Cologne (again), led by CA pilots Robert Templeman
of the 602nd, Frank Schofield of the 601st and Charles
Khourie of the 603rd.
18
nothing anyone could do for Abbott, while Ruckel
opened the door to the bomb bay and signaled to the
four crewman in the radio room that all was OK - for the
time being.
The blast had torn away the top and much of the sides
of the nose. Depositing enough of the metal on the
windshield to make it difficult for either of the pilots to
see.
"The instrument panel was torn loose and all the
flight instruments were inoperative with the exception
of the magnetic compass mounted in the panel above
the windshield And its accuracy was questionable. The
radio and intercom were gone, the oxygen lines broken,
and there was a ruptured hydraulic line under my rudder
pedals," said DeLancey.
All this complicated by the sub-zero temperature at
27,000 feet blasting into the cockpit.
"It was apparent that the damage was severe enough
that we could not continue to fly in formation or at high
altitude. My first concern was to avoid the other aircraft
in the formation, and to get clear of the other planes in
case we had to bail out. We eased out of formation, and
at the same time removed our oxygen masks as they
were collapsing on our faces as the tanks were empty.”
At this point the formation continued on its
prescribed course for home - a long, slow turn southeast
of Cologne and finally westward. DeLancey and
Stahlman turned left, descending rapidly and hoping,
they were heading west.. (And also, not into the gun
sights of German fighters.) Without maps and
navigation aids, they had difficulty getting a fix. By this
time they were down to 2,000 feet.
Tragedy and death appeared quickly and early that
day. Templeman and pilot Bill Scott got the 602nd off at
the scheduled 0630 hour, but at approximately 0645
Khouri and pilot Bill Meyran and their entire crew
crashed on takeoff in the town of Anstey. All were
killed. Schofield and Harold Stallcup followed
successfully with the 601st, with DeLancey flying on
their left wing in the lead element.
The ride to the target was routine, until the flak
started becoming "unroutinely" accurate.
"We were going through heavy flak on the bomb
run," remembered DeLancey.
"I felt the plane begin to lift as the bombs were
dropped, then all of a sudden we were rocked by a
violent explosion. My first thought - 'a bomb exploded
in the bomb bay' - was immediately discarded as the top
of the nose section peeled back over the cockpit
blocking the forward view.”
"It seemed like the whole world exploded in front of
us," added Stahlman. "The instrument panel all but
disintegrated and layers of quilted batting exploded in a
million pieces. It was like a momentary snowstorm in
the cockpit.”
It had been a direct hit in the nose. Killed instantly
was the togglier, Abbott. Navigator LeDoux, only three
feet behind Abbott, was knocked unconscious for a
moment, but was miraculously was alive.
Although stunned and bleeding, LeDoux made his
way to the cockpit to find the two pilots struggling to
maintain control of an airplane that by all rights should
have been in its death plunge. LeDoux said there was
19
"We finally agreed that we were over Belgium and
were flying in a southwesterly direction," said the pilot.
"About this time a pair of P-51s showed up and flew
a loose formation on us across Belgium. I often
wondered what they thought as they looked at the mess
up front.”
"We hit the coast right along the Belgium-Holland
border, a bit farther north than we had estimated Ray
said we were just south of Walcheren Island.
"Still in an area of ground fighting, the plane
received some small arms fire. This gesture was
returned in kind by Albro, shooting from one of the
waist guns.
"We might have tried for one of the airfields in
France, but having no maps this also was questionable.
Besides, the controls and engines seemed to be OK, so I
made the decision to try for home.”
"Once over England, LeDoux soon picked up
landmarks and gave me course corrections taking us
directly to North Hampstead. It was just a great bit of
navigation. Ray just stood there on the flight deck and
gave us the headings from memory.”
Nearing the field, Stahlman let the landing gear
down. That was an assurance. But a check of the
hydraulic pump sent another spray of oil to the cockpit
floor. Probably no brakes!
Nevertheless, a flare from Ruckel's pistol had to
announce the "ready or not" landing. No "downwind
leg" and "final approach" this time. Straight in!
"The landing was strictly by guess and feel," said
DeLancey. "Without instruments, I suspect I came in a
little hot. Also, I had to lean to the left to see straight
ahead. The landing was satisfactory, and I had
sufficient braking to slow the plane down some.
However, as I neared the taxiway, I could feel the brakes
getting 'soft'. I felt that losing control and blocking the
taxiway would cause more problems than leaving the
plane at the end of the runway.”
That consideration was for the rest of the group.
Soon three squadrons of B-17s would be returning, and
they didn't need a derelict airplane blocking the way to
their respective hardstands.
Stahlman, supremely thankful that his career with
the 398th had come to an end, soon returned home and
in due course became a captain with Eastern Airlines.
Retired in 1984, Stahlman said his final Eastern flight
"was a bit more routine" than the one 40 years before.
DeLancey and LeDoux received decorations on
December 11, 1944 for their parts in the October 15
drama. DeLancey was awarded the Silver Star for his
"miraculous feat of flying skill and ability" on behalf of
General Doolittle , CO of the Eighth Air Force.
LeDoux for his "extraordinary navigation skill",
received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The following DeLancey 1944 article was
transcribed from the 398th BG Historical Microfilm.
Note: due to wartime security, Northampstead is not
mentioned, and the route DeLancey flew home is
referred to in general terms.
TO: STARS AND STRIPES
FOR GENERAL RELEASE
AN EIGHTH AIR FORCE BOMBER STATION,
ENGLAND - After literally losing the nose of his B-17
Flying Fortress as the result of a direct hit by flak over
Cologne, Germany, on October 15, 1944, 1st Lt.
Lawrence M. DeLancey, 25, of Corvallis, Oregon,
returned to England and landed the crew safely at his
home base. Each man walked away from the plane
except the togglier, Staff Sergeant George E. Abbott,
Mt. Lebanon , Pennsylvania , who was killed in action
20
cry of "Fighters at 11 o'clock High." As I turned my head to
look, I heard a loud explosion and found myself on top of the
escape hatch at the front of the plane.
Since I kept my chest parachute there, I decided that it
would be wise to put it on - which I did. I then tried to crawl
to my position at the Navigator's machine guns. However, I
found that my right arm was numb and useless as well as
bleeding. I was also bleeding from my right chest. I had
been hit in the right arm by a 20mm cannon shell and across
the chest by machine gun bullets from F.W. 190's.
The cannon shell had gone through my right arm and
exploded at the bulkhead just below the co-pilot's position wounding him in the legs. There were two more loud
explosions and I heard the pilot (Harold Niswonger) say that
the No. 3 engine had been hit and that we were on fire. The
other cannon shell had hit in the radio room and had wounded
our Radioman (Robert Morrison) in the stomach. I was still
trying to get to my guns when we were hit again by 3 to 6
more F.W.190's The right wing was hit again and the ball turret was blown away. Just by luck (with the help of the
Lord) our Ball-turret gunner (Edwin Marsh) had just crawled
out of it to get more ammunition.
At this point our pilot rang the "Bail Out" bell and told us
to get out as soon as possible. Before we did this our
Bombardier (Tom Fitzgerld) dumped our bomb load ( We
probably hit at least two "Out-houses" near Nienburg with
this payload.
Niswonger and John Caum (our Engineer and Top Turret
Gunner) said that they were going back to help Morrison put
on his parachute and help him bail out.
I then jumped from the front escape hatch and delayed
opening my parachute and watched for other members of our
crew bailing out. Before they were all out I saw the plane
blow up with a great big ball of fire. (Later intelligence
reports said our plane was hit head-on with a F.W. 190 that
was out of control).
After I opened my "chute" and looked to see where I
might land, I realized that I was very near a river and could
end up in "the drink" (It was the Aller River that flows
through Verden).
I maneuvered my parachute somehow and landed near
some hedge-rows, not in the river. Albert Grick (our right
waist gunner) landed nearby and came over to help me because by now I was weak from loss of blood and could not
use my right arm.
Within minutes German soldiers were there and it was all
over!
I looked at my watch and it was now 1010. This had
happened since I took my fix at 1000 - Just 10 minutes.
Al Grick and I were taken by truck to the town of Verden
where we met other members of our crew and immediately
put into jail.
What happened after that is another story in itself which I
hope to write someday.
Glad to be here to tell this story - a true one!
The Last Ten Minutes
By Tom Thomas
May 8, 1944, started off no different from any other
bomber mission day.
The crews that were to take part in today's mission were
awakened by the orderlies soon after 0300. When the men
were dressed, they made their way to a good breakfast (good
ole English sausage mostly made of sawdust).
At about 0500 all men were in the briefing room of the
Base Operations Building. At the far end of the room, hidden
by a curtain, was the map showing the route for the day - and
at the end, the target. Naturally everyone was curious WHERE TODAY? When the Group Commander had
entered and taken his seat, all became quit. The Briefing
Officer then slowly pulled back the curtain to show the target
for the day and the route in and back.
Loud groans arouse from the group - such as: "Not
Again," "We Were There Yesterday."
The target was BERLIN! - two days in a row!
Our own crew (#100-A Niswonger's) was just as loud in
our groans and remarks as the rest. We had barely made it
back the day before with a badly damaged plane.
Suffice it to say that no one was very happy about the
prospect of going back to Berlin - let alone flying a mission
over Germany. In spite of all the moaning and groaning
(more commonly known as "bitching") you can be sure that
the mission went on as planned. The 96th Group was flying
two groups that day and a new 14 ship formation. The "A"
group dispatched 14 aircraft plus 2 PFF crews. The "B"
group put up 16 aircraft plus 1 PFF crew.
The planes took off at 0600 and assembled as usual
reaching Great Yarmouth at about 19,500 feet at 0814 - on
schedule.
By the time the enemy coast was reached at 0854 the "A"
group had 12 crews and 1 PFF left; and the "B" group (which
we were part of and deputy lead) had 13 aircraft and 1 PFF
left. Both Groups were on course at this point, crossing over
Egmond, Holland, but were 2 minutes behind time.
At about 0930 we were able to pinpoint our position even
though there was almost a complete undercast - we were just
north of Dummer See. The usual flak was encountered here,
but we could not see anyone getting hit. Most importantly, at
this point the 45th Combat Wing (the 96th was leading the
Wing) was being forced north of our briefed course by a
combat wing of B-24's. Our pilot said he could hear the 45th
Wing leader "cussing" the 24's for flying too fast and for
being ahead of schedule. The B-24 Wing leader responded
by saying, "You are too slow and behind schedule."
Anyhow, the B-24's pulled back some distance to the
right of our formation and parallel to it, but did not let us back
into the planned line of Bomb Groups.
At 1000 I took a visual check of our position because
there was a large break in the undercast. At this time we were
about half-way between Bremen and Hanover (near the
small town of Nienburg). As I was sitting at the Navigator's
desk entering this information in my log, I heard that dreaded
This excerpt is reprinted from Snetterton Falcons
and is Tom Thomas’s own account of his 13th and
final combat mission.
21
Note from your Editor
96th Bomb Group Association
General Meeting
Minutes
REUNIONS
It has been over a decade now since I attended my first
reunion of the 96th Bomb Group Association at New
Orleans in September of 2002.. My daughter had recently
moved there and my father a veteran, but not of the 96th,
was my traveling companion. I had been printing the
Newsletter for five years at the request of Tom Thomas and
thought it would be fun to mix business with pleasure.
I was surprised by the welcome and hospitality that was
received by myself and in particular by my father. I would
not have believed then that it would become an annual event
that he looked forward to until his passing in 2010.
You made me a Life member for my work of five years
publishing the Newsletter and I was hooked. The next thing
I knew I was made the Editor when Valda Kester stepped
down in 2003 and have been at ever since. Not missing a
reunion until this July in Savannah. The birth of a
granddaughter in Nashville trumped the Reunion. Guess
where I will be in October this next year.
The Articles of Incorporation and the By-Laws of the
96th Bomb Group Association set forth the purpose of the
group as follows:
Wednesday July 24, 2013
Savannah Marriot Riverfront
Savannah, GA
President Joe Garber called the membership meeting to
order at 0850 July 24, 2013.
Pledge of Allegiance was given by all present.
Bill Thorns gave the opening prayer.
Board members present: Joe Garber, Mike MacIlraith, Dan
Bradley, Jim Davis, Lydia Anderson, Rebecca Lutz, George
Bonitz and Past President Marbury Councell. Absent were
Dale Budde and Geoff Ward.
A letter about Tom Thomas was read by Joe. This letter
praised the dedication of Tom to the 96th and his service to
all. Thanks to our President for this fine tribute.
To perpetuate the history of the 96th Bomb
Group and the memory of lost comrades. To
arrange annual reunions and to provide social
recreational activities for it's members.
Marbury Councell, past president was presented with a
model B17 from the 96th Bomb Group Association by
President Garber. It was given in appreciation for his many
years of service to 96th fifteen as President The model even
had the name Dinah Mite on it.
I like to think of the reunions as a time to escape my busy
active life and for those of you less active a time to stimulate
your memory of lost comrades and enjoy the social contacts
you have made over the years. I hope to see many of you in
Nashville this next October.
The Newsletter for those of you who for one reason or
another can not make it to the reunions I hope in part can
serve as a mini reunion. Your help and participation is
encouraged. and most welcome. This issue alone contains
reports from Geoff Ward as always. An article from
Rebecca Lutz on the 70th Anniversary Tour to England and
Ireland. A feature on our Belgium friends Wim and Nadine
Jacobs compiled from material from both Rebecca and
Laura Edge. The story about Robert P. Grover was found on
the Internet and sent to me by a helpful reader. The poem
“Seventeen’s” by Phil Turner was found by Bill Thorns at
the reunion in Savannah.
Mail has fallen off but anything you would care to share
is appreciated. The photos sent to Dan Bradley with his
dues by Don Graves, 339th Radio Operator, were a real
treat. If you have anything large or small to contribute to
perpetuate the history of the 96th Bomb Group and the
memory of lost comrades please share it not only with us but
with your own family and friends before it is lost forever.
Also if you know of the passing of any of our members
please contact Bill Thorns and Dan Bradley so that they
may be remembered properly. To many seem to be by the
return of the Newsletter marked undeliverable.
Treasurer Dan Bradley reported monies are down slightly.
Newsletter costs remain the main expense but it is an
excellent necessary publication. There is some business to
be taken care of with Illinois and the US Government. There
are 106 members and approximately 156 life members.
Rebecca brought up that Snetterton museum needs
remodeling. Repainting the B17 over the entrance and other
items that need to be touched up. The England/Ireland trip
by several members was very good. A visit to the museum is
always one of remembrance.
The reunion for 2014 returns to October and will be in
Nashville, TN. Should be cooler at least.
There was some discussion about the French Legion of Merit
being awarded and the procedures for getting the medal. This
information will be forth coming.
Jim Davis, Recording Secretary
22
“Pappy Boys”
These great photos sent to us by
Don Graves the last survivor of the
William J. Creyer crew 339th. He
tells us they flew two missions on
D-Day one on “Little Joe” and the
other on “Bad Penney”. Both of
these planes finished the war and
went to Kingman Arizona at the end Don Graves, Radio
Operator June 1944
of the war.
Thank you Don for sharing these
with us.
If you would like to thank him I
am sure he would be glad to hear
from some of you.
Don Graves
510 East Mckay Road
Shelbyville, IN 46176-2820
Back L/R :Raymond C. Allen BT, Herbert H. LePoint ENG,, Cecil Manley WG,
Donald W. Kelton TG, Rollin R. Rice WG, Donald E. Graves R. Front L/R:
Myron F. Wolcott CP, Robert G. Scheid B, Jack S. Bew N, William J. Cryer P
The five names underlined completed 35 missions.
Don Graves completed
35 missions but
“Little Joe” was a
100 Mission Aircraft.
96th Bomb Group Association Membership Application /Dues Remittance
Name ____________________________________________ Spouse’s Name_____________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
City _________________________________________ State ____________ Zip __________+_______
Phone # A/C ______ - ______ - ________ E-mail address: _____________________________________
Squadron __________ Number of Missions __________Position _________ Ground Crew ___________
Other crew members or information that you feel might be useful to the 96th: _________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dues are $20.00 per year payable to: 96th Bomb Group Association, 31 Brinckerhoff Avenue, New Canaan, CT 06840
UPCOMING
MEETINGS
YOUR 2013 DUES
SHOULD BE PAID NOW
This may be your last Newsletter!
If your due are not current you may be an
endangered species.
Send your $20 annual dues
To: Daniel Bradley
96th Bomb Group Association
31 Brinckerhoff Avenue
New Canaan, CT 06840
E-mail nessej@aol.com
If you are not sure of your dues status
contact Daniel Bradley above
8th Air Force Historical Society
40th Annual Reunion
And
96th Bomb Group Reunion
Sheraton - Music City
Nashville Tennessee
October 9 - 13 2014
(Thursday - Monday)
Annual Meeting
96th Bomb Group Association
(Annual Dues were raised to $20 at General Meeting September2002)
Due January 1st each year.
23
WHERE
TO CALL
OR WRITE
PRESIDENT(2015)
Joe Garber
46 Coquina Ridge Way
Ormond Beach, FL 32174-1816
(386) 672-5359
PalJoe2@aol.com
(2015)
VICE PRESIDENT
Michael (Mike) McIlraith
1801 Bolton Street
Fort Worth, TX 76111
(817)-834-4620
mmc@flash.net
SECRETARY/TREASURER
Daniel Bradley
31 Brinckerhoff Avenue
New Canaan, CT 06840
(203) 972-8894
nessej@aol.com
RECORDING SECRETARY
James Davis
2303 W. Del Webb Blvd.
Sun City Center, Fl 33573
(813) 810-7704
jdavis5190@tampabay.rr.com
ENGLISH CONTACT/
HISTORIAN
Geoffrey Ward
41 Skelton Rd. Diss Norfolk
IP22-4PW England
#011-441-379-643762
Gdmh.w33@tiscali.co.uk
WEBMASTER
Bill Taebel
348 N. Constitution Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85748
(520) 886-0917
Web address: http://www.96bg.org/
*Designates Newsletter Staff
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Marbury Councell
420 Riverside Drive
Pasadena, MD 21122
(410) 437-5474
Caramarb@aol.com
BOARD MEMBERS
William (Bill) M. Thorns CHAPLAIN
20301 S Pine Hill Road, Unit 3D
Frankfort, IL 60423
(815) 469-4494
B17fertilemyrtle@att.net
George O.Bonitz
9936 Tunney Avenue
Northridge, CA 91324
george339@gmail.com
Bonitzgfindlay@aol.com
Rebecca Lutz
2104 St. Andrews
Round Rock, TX 78664
(512) 238-8581
twolutz@austin.rr.com
Lydia Anderson
8155 Shenandoah Drive
Beaumont, TX 77706
(409) 866-3118
lha1015@hotmail.com
NEWSLETTER EDITOR,
PUBLISHER
L. Budde
* Dale
2415 Fairchild Lane
West Chicago, IL 60185
(630) 443-4741
Dlbudde@aol.com
* ARTIST
Carolyn Councell
Caramarb@aol.com
Final Mission
Those Who Served Their Country
With Honor and Distinction
Downs, Bernard Gregory
Eichhorn, Henry F. (Hank)
Elissalde, Jean P.
Ernst, George W.
Feld, Wanda L.
Kostka, Rudolph
Kostka, Louise C. (Wife Rudolph)
Lewis, Roy Hunter
May, Charles “Chuck”
McKenzie, John Willis
Parks, Thomas A. Jr.
Prestwood, Merle A.
Smith, Richard A.
Thomas, Thomas L.
Wunnenberg, Chris A. Jr.
Turner, Polly(Wife Joseph Turner)
413th
338th
413th
337th
TTG
N
CP
P
337th
P
337th
339th
339th
337th
337th
338th
339th
339th
ENG
CP
B
N
P
P
P
P
We will print the names of all deceased 96th airmen sent to us whether
or not they are current members of the 96th BGA.
We will also print the names of members of other Bomb Groups if they
are current members of the 96th BGA. Written notification is required.
Send to: Daniel Bradley, Secretary/Treasurer,, address on this page.
Texts and/or photos are sincerely solicited. If requested, photos
will be returned. The Editor reserves the right to edit text.
December 31, 2013, is the deadline for the February 2014 issue.
96th
BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION
31 Brinckerhoff Avenue • New Canaan, CT 06840
FIRST CLASS
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT No.6078
Carol Stream, IL
60188
all fighter pilots now
We’re