Memorials Of The 339 - Amazon Web Services
Transcription
Memorials Of The 339 - Amazon Web Services
By James R. Starnes and Stephen C. Ananian The American Military Cemetery Madingley, Cambridge, England Prologue From time to time I receive requests from relatives of our members asking about their departed loved ones. Many know only that “Uncle Bob was killed during WW II”, and little else. The History books of the 339th Fighter Group are no longer in print so I made up this “Coffee Table Booklet” for them using articles from our newsletters - hoping to answer some of their questions. Steve Page 2 339th Memorials 339th Memorials page 3 From The Desk of Jim Starnes Staff Columnist, pilot 505thFS (As reprinted from the JUNE 1, 2004 Newsletter, Vol. 24 #2) Over the years we have received donations to the 339th Fighter Group Association in memory of individual members. These monies were placed in a Memorial Fund that was used to place memorials in various appropriate locations in the name of our fallen comrades. Recently there have been some queries on donating memorials for loved ones. Steve asked me to write an article for the newsletter describing and listing the locations of our memorials over the years. This is my attempt to list those memorials, in chronological order. Page 4 339th Memorials Colorado Springs - 1984 Bronze Mustang with memorial plaque on the base. Plaque on the right is a large view of 339th memorial from the memorial garden as seen above. Photos by Emma Theime 339th Memorials page 5 Gen, John B. Henry, Jr. at dedication ceremony. “TO THE FIGHTER PILOTS OF THE 339th FIGHTER GROUP, U.S. EIGHTH AIR FORCE, WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE AIR BATTLES OVER EUROPE 1944-1945. THIS PLAQUE IS PLACED HERE BY THE COMRADES OF THOSE MEN AS AN EVERLASTING TRIBUTE TO THEIR HEROIC SACRIFICE AND UNSELFISH DEVOTION TO DUTY. MCMLXXXIV” Our 339th memorials began in 1984 when we dedicated a plaque at the Air Force Academy’s Memorial Garden in Colorado Springs. While not a 339th memorial, we did contribute $500 toward the large bronze Mustang which graces the grounds of the Air Force Academy. The 339th Fighter Group Association is listed on the plaque at the base of this P-51 as well as the name of Lt. Col. Ralph Dearey whose wife Ila contributed in his memory. Page 6 339th Memorials Fowlmere Airbase, England – 1986 The memorial reads - - - “THE 339th FTR GRP, 8th A.F. FROM APRIL 1944 UNTIL OCTOBER 1945 flew off the grass of Manor Farm to join our Allies in victory over Hitler's forces in Europe. To the American men and women of this unit the village of Fowlmere gave the hospitality and support that made of those trying times a fond memory. Here was our haven in the war.” Then below, outlined by map of the airfield are the words: - “This plaque is dedicated to all who served in the 339th Fighter Group and its supporting units and to their tireless providing of the Mustang sorties launched from here in the cause of freedom.” “God bless all who knew those times and this place.” 339th Memorials page 7 Above - 1/Lt Hervey Stockman, pilot 504thF.S., designer of the memorial at Fowlmere & Savannah. 339ers placed a wreath at the Fowlmere Memorial on 18-May-2001. L to R Bill Perry, Gil Cohen, Dutch Eisenhardt & Carl French. On a recent visit to Fowlmere L-R Rear Bill & Sharon Clark, Larry Eiswald, Bill Perry, Carl & Bev French, Dottie Clark, Ian M. Ams, Dutch Eisenhardt, Martin Sheldrick. Front L-R Eileen Weber, Lova Perry, Gil and Carol Cohen. May 18, 2001. Our next memorial was the 1986 memorial at Fowlmere, England, which was designed by Hervey Stockman. Hervey contracted for the large bronze plaque’s manufacture, and it flew across the Atlantic aboard an aerial tanker from the NJ Air National Guard arranged by Frank Gerard. Fowlmere airfield owner Martin Sheldrick had it placed at a prominent site on his land where we had served during the war. Page 8 339th Memorials Dayton, Ohio - 1991 339th Memorial tree and plaque at AF Museum 339th Memorials page 9 Photo by Hal Fulton The third memorial was placed at the Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH, in 1991. Designed by Hal Kotora, this plaque is in the memorial garden at the base of a crimson maple tree obtained and planted through the efforts of Dale Shafer. The plaque shows a P-51 Mustang and in large words “A TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO SERVED” plus unit numbers and the total missions flown and of the number of aircraft destroyed. 2/Lt. Hal Kotora, pilot 505th FS., designer of plaque above. Page 10 339th Memorials The Book The Group’s complete history! First Edition - 1991 It has not been our practice in this association to make a memorial to individual members. The closest thing to that was the printing of our 339th group history. This was largely due to G. P. Harry’s efforts. He with the assistance of many of our members, succeeded in publishing this fine work. In it we have included many photos and accounts of individual members’ contributions to the group. 1st Lt. G. P. Harry, pilot 504th Fighter Squadron First Edition 339th Memorials page 11 Savannah, Georgia - 1998 The plaque on top of the polished granite memorial reads: “IN MEMORY OF OUR COMRADES KILLED IN ACTION AND THOSE FROM THE GROUP AND ITS SUPPORT UNITS WHO HAVE FOLLOWED THEM SINCE VE-DAY.” This is followed by the names of the commanding officer etc. and then the words: “The plaque below is a reproduction of the 339th memorial standing on the site of the airfield at Fowlmere Cambs. England” 339th memorial at the Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, GA. Our final group memorial is located at the Mighty Eighth Museum in Savannah, GA. This one was also designed by Hervey Stockman and is similar to the one we dedicated at Fowlmere. Dedication ceremonies were conducted during our Savannah reunion late in August 1998 and is one of the better memorials in that facility. Page 12 339th Memorials Second Edition, A memorial to all its members – 2000 A second edition of our group history was printed in 2000, which included many color photos, and updated with the photos of personnel that were not available to be included in the first edition. This edition was the effort of our historian Slick Penrose and his son Tom, who assisted after his father was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, which limited his activities. It will remain like the other memorials as a lasting tribute to our wartime organization and its outstanding personnel. All copies of the second edition of our history Capt. Richard C. Penrose, 504th Fighter Squadron have been distributed. Both editions are in demand and are now being sold in the secondary market to collectors. Through the years the 339th has donated funds, in memory of our fallen comrades to the village school in Fowlmere. We have also donated $1,000 in their memory to the National World War II memorial. Most recently we have been receiving memorial donations to our Association in memory of our deceased members. Second Edition 339th Memorials page 13 Photos by Peter Randall Page 14 339th Memorials Photos by Peter Randall. 339th Memorials page 15 The Story as told to your Editor by Peter Randall For the past sixty years, we have had “Memorial Day” Services at The American Military Cemetery Madingley. When the 339th left the UK “Friends of the 339th”, Martin Sheldrick, John Harris and others have represented us on those solemn occasions. This year Peter Randall wrote, “I have just had a chat with Martin Sheldrick on the phone. Apparently he is not able to go to Madingley this year and he has not been able to contact John Harris who he has deputised to attend Peter Randall before. It looks therefore that there will be no floral tribute for the 339th on Memorial Day. I can't have that, particularly as I am now an honorary member so if it is okay with the Association, I will be honoured to represent them and lay a wreath.“ I of course gave him our permission with thanks. The weather was unusual for England, hot and sunny. So sunny that Peter wore sunglasses and ended up with sunburn! The Ceremonies took place in front of “The Wall of The Missing” at Madingley. Carved in the stone of this wall are the names of the six thousand missing American Airmen, including these three members of the 505th Fighter Squadron. Capt. Robert W. Bloxham February 6 1945. MIA 1/Lt. James L. Lynch May 29 1944. MIA 1/Lt. Gordon F. Perry May 29 1944. MIA Over the years there have been many flyovers by WW II combat Aircraft. I recall being told by a RAF waist-gunner of B-24s flying low over East Anglia with bomb bay doors open and dropping Sweet Peas over the country side in memory of the American Airmen that died during WW II. Card on the floral pillow. On each grave there were small American and British flags. Peter writes, “I also placed a larger Old Glory on each of the four 339th graves with a single streamer of the squadron colour on it.” The following men of the 339th are interred at Madingley 503rd - 1/Lt. Alan F. Crump November 6 1944. Plot D Row 6 Grave # 25 504th - 2/Lt. Elton J. Brownshadel June 6 1944. Plot F Row 7 Grave # 123 505th - 1/Lt. Tom N. Jessup June 30 1945. Plot D Row 5 Grave # 62 505th - 2/Lt. Arthur E. Tongue Jr. August 6 1944. Plot E Row 4 Grave # 73 Page 16 339th Memorials Peter also had a floral pillow of red and white carnations made up in the Red and White Checkered design of the 339th FG. The card seen above was attached to the flowers. The ceremony started with all guests seated in reserved seats facing the “Wall of the Missing”. The Color Guard of American Airmen from Lakenheath led the way as the Military Band played. Airmen carrying the wreaths for the groups participating presented them to the various representatives of the groups who then laid them at the base of the wall. At the conclusion, F-15E “Strike Eagles” from the 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath flew over in “The Missing Man” formation. The services concluded with a flyover by a B-17 “Sally B” escorted by two Spitfires. It was a moving ceremony and fitting for this the Sixtieth Anniversary of our first Memorial Day in the UK. We give our undying gratitude to Peter Randall who has refused payment for the wreath. He says, “ - - - It is my token of appreciation for my acceptance into your Association and my gift in memory of all the 339th members who have gone on ahead of the rest of us.” Memorial Day services in front of "The Wall of The Missing" B-17 “Sally B” escorted by two Spitfires flies over East Anglia and Madingley to honor fallen American Airmen. 339th Memorials page 17 339th Red And White checkered floral pillow donated by Peter Randall Color Guard from 48th FW at Lakenheath F-15 E “Strike Eagles” from 48th Fighter Wing at Lakenheath fly over in "Missing Man" formation. Page 18 339th Memorials The Ardennes Military Cemetery By Peter Randall, Honorary member of the 339th FGA June 9, ‘05 Belgium: - Just returned from spending a week with the French side of the family on neutral ground (Belgium). As we were in the Ardennes, I took the opportunity of going to the American Military Cemetery as well as the one at Henri Chappel. I visited and photographed, all of the graves of 339th men laid to rest there. I then saluted them with thanks from myself and all of you, their comrades of the 339th Fighter Group. Peter Randall On the wall that lists “The Missing” at Henri Chappel there are only two names of the 339th personnel - 2/Lt. Floyd P. Heneghan, 505th and 2/Lt Arthur H. Steier 503rd. The inscriptions read 339th Fighter Bomber Group; it became 339th Fighter Group late in May 44, however there were nine of the 339th buried at Ardennes. I have photographed the markers for you in case you ever need them. I also took a couple of shots of the grounds. Sorry about the quality of the photos of the "missing" inscriptions but I could do nothing about their position high up on the columns and the angle of the sunlight. (Not too bad Peter, they are shown just below. Editor) The inscriptions above are from "The Wall of the Missing" at Henri Chappel. 339th Memorials page 19 1/Lt. Joseph Wolfort Since all the graves appear the same and due to lack of space, I can show only two of the nine graves here. It was difficult to make out the inscriptions as photographed, due to the lighting and the color (white on white). Above are my computer-enhanced images of all the headstones. Capt. Richard B. Olander Page 20 Editor 339th Memorials Killed In Action - 56, Missing in Action – 5, Prisoners of War - 32 Total Losses – 93 (27%) The Purple Heart The Purple Heart is an American decoration— the oldest military decoration in the world in present use and the first American award made available to the common soldier. It was initially created as the Badge of Military Merit by one of the world’s most famed and best-loved heroes— General George Washington. Individual Pilot Casualty Information (COMBAT - DIRECT ENEMY ACTION) BY ENEMY AIRCRAFT PILOT Walter R. O'SULLIVAN Harold M. EVERETT Edward A. THISTLETHWAITE Paul M. MYER Joseph F. SAWICKI Robert C. SMITH Richard W. MONTELL Frederick S. RUTAN Ray N. ATTEBERRY Victor W. MEYER Charles M. HUNTER William A. JONES Alfred O. MANKE RANK 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. UNIT 504th 505th 504th 504th 505th 503rd 504th 504th 504th 503rd 504th 505th 503rd 339th Memorials DATE 19-May-44 24-May-44 30-May-44 30-May-44 8-Jun-44 8-Jun-44 15-Jun-44 29-Jun-44 29-Jul-44 5-Aug-44 16-Aug-44 11-Sep-44 23-Sep-44 FATE POW POW POW KIA KIA KIA KIA POW POW KIA KIA POW POW page 21 Raymond M. MITCHELL Ely N. VANCLEAVE Harvey E. HENDERSON Anthony G. HAWKINS James A. MANKIE Esteban A. TERRATS Evergard L. WAGER Capt. 505th 1/Lt. 504th Lt. Col. 503rd Capt. 503rd 1/Lt. 503rd 1/Lt. 503rd 1/Lt. 505th 23-Sep-44 26-Nov-44 5-Dec-44 31-Dec-44 31-Dec-44 2-Mar-45 30-Mar-45 POW KIA POW KIA POW KIA KIA By ENEMY FLAK (Anti-Aircraft Fire) Arch B. LUPER Arthur H. STEIER Floyd P. HENEGAN Robert F. MULVEY Walter T. CARTER Joseph WOLFORT Philip H. EWING Ralph H. DEAREY Arthur F. LOWERY Richard S. WHITELAW Peter J. McMAHON Wesley G. FISH Lewis H. SCHNEIDER Roland W. STRONG Edwin C. BALL Myer R. WINKELMAN William J. PASTOR Russell W. WILCOX Martin N. NAY John R. REYNOLDS Theodore R. STAGGERS William R. MOORE William R. SLOVAK * Stephen C. ANANIAN Valdee WYATT William D. STOCKTON Allen D. YOUNG Laird D. TRAVIS Boyd o. JACKSON Charles W. DOWELL Page 22 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. Capt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. Capt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. Maj. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. Capt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. Capt. 505th 503rd 505th 503rd 503rd 503rd 505th 503rd 503rd 503rd 505th 505th 504th 505th 505th 504th 504th 505th 505th 505th 505th 505th 505th 505th 503rd 503rd 505th 505th 505th HQ 7-May-44 21-May-44 21-May-44 21-May-44 21-May-44 24-May-44 8-Jun-44 19-Jun-44 22-Jun-44 29-Jun-44 11-Jul-44 16-Jul-44 2-Aug-44 4-Aug-44 8-Aug-44 13-Aug-44 17-Aug-44 28-Aug-44 5-Sep-44 10-Sep-44 11-Sep-44 13-Sep-44 13-Sep-44 5-Oct-44 18-Oct-44 18-Oct-44 18-Nov-44 18-Nov-44 21-Nov-44 21-Nov-44 339th Memorials KIA MIA MIA KIA POW KIA EVD POW KIA KIA KIA POW KIA POW KIA KIA KIA KIA EVD KIA POW POW KIA RAD WIA KIA POW KIA KIA KIA Leland M. STOUDT 2/Lt. 505th 21-Nov-44 Edward H. BEAVERS Capt. 503rd 27-Nov-44 Richard B. OLANDER Capt. 505th 17-Jan-45 Waldon E. HOWARD 1/Lt. 505th 17-Jan-45 Ray F. HERRMANN Capt. 504th 22-Feb-45 Robert T. WOOD Capt. 504th 22-Feb-45 Bertis A. CONNER 1/Lt. 505th 2-Mar-45 Harry F. HOWARD 1/Lt 505th 2-Mar-45 George W. JONES 1/Lt. 505th 3-Mar-45 Harry D. ZIEGLER 1/Lt. 505th 3-Mar-45 Otis A. KURTH 1/Lt. 504th 3-Mar-45 Jerome J. BALLARD 1/Lt. 504th 20-Mar-45 * Down in North Sea - RAD - Returned to Active Duty! KIA KIA KIA KIA KIA KIA POW POW KIA POW KIA POW Individual Pilot Casualty Information (COMBAT - OTHER THAN ENEMY ACTION) BY ALLIED FLAK (Anti-Aircraft Fire) Vincent J. SPAZIANO 1/Lt. 503rd 18-Nov-44 KIA By a "Big Friend" - B-17 David A. MacKENZIE 1/Lt. 503rd 7-Apr-45 POW By a "Little Friend" - P-51 James B. MULLER 2/Lt. 505th 23-Sep-44 POW NAVIGATION ERROR - (Missed England) James I. LYNCH Gordon F. PERRY 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 505th 505th 29-May-44 29-May-44 MIA MIA COLLISION - (AIR to AIR) William R. OPITZ Donald A. LARSON Robert F. BURNS Edward C. FLAHERTY Alan F. CRUMP 2/Lt. Maj. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 505th 505th 505th 503rd 503rd 339th Memorials 13-Jun-44 4-Aug-44 4-Aug-44 5-Aug-44 6-Nov-44 INJ KIA POW KIA KIT page 23 COLLISION - (Exploding Train) Andrew SIROCHMAN 1/Lt. 505th 13-Aug-44 EVD COLLISION - (Ground Objects) James R. CROCKETT Chris J. HANSEMAN Raymond D. MAYER Bert STILES Lawrence J. POWELL 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 503rd 505th 503rd 505th 505th 19-May-44 29-Jul-44 18-Oct-44 26-Nov-44 14-Jan-45 KIA KIA KIA KIA POW 19-Jun-44 19-Jun-44 6-Jun-44 13-Jun-44 6-Aug-44 6-Feb-45 6-Feb-45 6-Feb-45 20-Feb-45 KIA KIA KIA INJ KIA MIA KIA KIA KIA WEATHER Nathan T. FOLWELL Robert B. BROWN Elton J. BROWNSHADEL William R. OPITZ Arthur E. TONGUE Robert W. BLOXAM Kessler O. THOMAS Gerald W. PALMER William M. BEECHER Capt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. Capt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 503rd 503rd 504th 505th 505th 505th 505th 505th 505th MECHANICAL FAILURE Albert L. WYER Hetzel K. BODEN Walter M. ARMISTEAD Carl H. BUNDGAARD Bernell W. SHAW Ermy L. BEADLE Franklin D. TALCOTT John M. CAROTHERS Raymond F. REUTER Paul D. FICKEL Harry G. LOSKILL Charles M. MEAD Richard C. CAIN James A. BAKER Joseph R. COKER Page 24 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. F/O 503rd 504th 505th 505th 505th 504th 503rd 503rd 503rd 503rd 504th 504th 505th 505th 505th 15-May-44 10-Jun-44 17-Jun-44 4-Jul-44 24-Aug-44 24-Aug-44 5-Aug-44 27-Aug-44 10-Sep-44 26-Sep-44 12-Dec-44 29-Dec-44 4-Dec-44 5-Dec-44 31-Mar-45 339th Memorials POW POW POW EVD POW INJ INT KIA EVD POW POW KIA POW POW POW 1/Lt. 505th Roland E. GOUSIE 15-Apr-45 POW UNKOWN CAUSES Michael G. H. McPHARLIN Jack E. SHIVELY Felix J. GIRONE Raymond F. REUTER William R. PREDDY Maj. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. Capt. 1/Lt. HQ 504th 503rd 503rd 503rd 6-Jun-44 13-Jun-44 27-Nov-44 17-Apr-45 17-Apr-45 KIA KIA KIA KIA KIA POW Medal The Prisoner of War Medal commemorates military service as a prisoner of war. It is awarded to any member of the Armed Forces who, since April 5, 1917, has been or shall be taken prisoner or held captive while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an opposing foreign force; or while serving with friendly forces engaged in armed conflict against an opposing armed force in which the United States in not a belligerent party. The individual's conduct while in captivity must have been honorable. Prisoners of War - POWs Albert L. WYER Walter R. O'SULLIVAN Walter T. CARTER Harold M. EVERETT Edward A. THISTLETHWAITE Hetzel K. BODEN Walter M. ARMISTEAD Ralph H. DEAREY Frederick S. RUTAN Wesley G. FISH Ray N. ATTEBERRY Robert F. BURNS Roland W. STRONG 1/Lt. 2/Lt. Capt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 503rd 504th 503rd 505th 504th 504th 505th 503rd 504th 505th 504th 505th 505th 339th Memorials 15-May-44 19-May-44 21-May-44 24-May-44 30-May-44 10-Jun-44 17-Jun-44 19-Jun-44 29-Jun-44 16-Jul-44 29-Jul-44 4-Aug-44 4-Aug-44 POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW page 25 Bernell W. SHAW Theodore R. STAGGERS William A. JONES William R. MOORE Alfred O. MANKE James B. MULLER Raymond M. MITCHELL Paul D. FICKEL Allen D. YOUNG Richard C. CAIN Harvey E. HENDERSON James A. BAKER Harry G. LOSKILL James A. MANKIE Lawrence J. POWELL Bertis A. CONNER Harry F. HOWARD Harry D. ZIEGLER Jerome J. BALLARD Joseph R. COKER David A. MacKENZIE Roland E. GOUSIE 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 2/Lt. Capt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. Lt. Col. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt 1/Lt. 1/lt. F/O 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 505th 505th 505th 505th 503rd 505th 505th 503rd 505th 505th 503rd 505th 504th 503rd 505th 505th 505th 505th 504th 505th 503rd 505th 24-Aug-44 11-Sep-44 11-Sep-44 13-Sep-44 23-Sep-44 23-Sep-44 23-Sep-44 26-Sep-44 18-Nov-44 4-Dec-44 5-Dec-44 5-Dec-44 12-Dec-44 31-Dec-44 14-Jan-45 2-Mar-45 2-Mar-45 3-Mar-45 20-Mar-45 31-Mar-45 7-Apr-45 15-Apr-45 POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW POW EVADED - Escaped Capture Philip H. EWING Carl H. BUNDGAARD Andrew SIROCHMAN Martin N. NAY Raymond F. REUTER Page 26 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 1/Lt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 505th 8-Jun-44 505th 4-Jul-44 505th 13-Aug-44 505th 5-Sep-44 503rd 10-Sep-44 339th Memorials EVD EVD EVD EVD EVD Missing In Action – MIA “The Wall of the Missing” at Madingley. Carved in the stone of this wall are the names of the six thousand missing American Airmen, including these three members of the 505th Fighter Squadron. Robert W. BLOXAM James I. LYNCH Gordon F. PERRY Capt. 1/Lt. 2/Lt. 505th 505th 505th 6-Feb-45 29-May-44 29-May-44 MIA MIA MIA “The Wall of The Missing” at Henri Chappel in Belgium has these two names carved in the stone of the wall. These two men of the 339th FG that have been reported Missing In Action. Arthur H. STEIER Floyd P. HENEGAN 2/Lt. 2/Lt. 503rd 505th 339th Memorials 21-May-44 21-May-44 MIA MIA page 27