The 2008 320th Bomb Group/42nd Bomb Wing Reunion

The 2008 reunion will be held in Dayton, OH at the Holiday Inn North. The dates are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday - September 4, 5, and 6.

Let's make this an even better showing than last year! If you have never been to one of the reunion gatherings before, please don't let that stop you. We get "first timers" every year and their only regret is that they had waited this long before making it to a reunion. Also, let it be known - the activities of the Reunion Association are open to all 320th and 42nd Wing members; EM and officers alike.

Like last year, we would like to extend an invitation to the other groups of the 42nd Bomb wing (17th B.G. & 319th B.G) as well as the 17th/452nd Bomb Wing (Korea). Please join us in making the 2008 Reunion another grand reunion for the entire 42nd Bomb wing & 17th/452nd Bomb Wing. See you there!

Download Registration Form (PDF)

  Message from the President

In my mind, the absolute highlight of the St. Louis, 320th Bomb Group Reunion was the attendance and the inclusion by us of those members  of the 319th and the 17th Bomb Groups (WWII) and the 17th and 452nd Bomb Groups (Korea).

These veterans, along with their spouses and family members, participated fully in all meetings and extracurricular functions. My reason for emphasizing this fact is that if our reunions are to continue for any length of time, we must have the support on not only the WWII veterans, but also the support of our younger warriors lead by Korea veteran, Ted Baker.

For those who missed this year's reunion, Kent Snyder came through for us again by planning an event with opportunities to gamble, to view absolutely marvelous church art & architecture, great entertainment with a high kicking show by St. Louis' own Rockettes, and a grand tour of historic Jefferson Barracks. Our Group's Secretary, Gail Purtz, not only provided our treasury with valuable funds with her managing our annual arts and crafts auction, but also managing to stay awake for recording the minutes at the Executive Committee meetings.

And to Flight Leader, Dr. Franz Reisdorf, together with Wingman, Joe Seiley, thanks for giving us the world's greatest profile displays of our grand old warbird, the B-26 Marauder!

Franz and Joe, third and second generation, respectively, continue to give valuable leadership and support to our 320th Bomb Group Reunion Association.

Reverend Gerald Raschke provided solemnity, when needed and required.

Your Executive Committee functioned with President Perrine presiding and members Jack Haher, Si Ober, John Lenkiewicz, Alex Brast, Gail Purtz, Elden Hunsberger, Franz Reisdorf, Harry Bacon, and advisors Kent Snyder, Ed Purtz, and Ted Baker in attendance.

The new association officers for the 2007-2008 term are Jack Haher, President, Si Ober, First Vice President, and John Lenkiewicz, Second Vice President.

A special acknowledgment to Rosemary Metzen, who while caring for Past President John Metzen, battling Lymphoma and other medical problems, will continue editing our Boomerang. Guys, please keep sending those cards, articles and emails to Rosemary for future newsletters.

And, last but by all means not least, the biggest and most profound acknowledgment goes to Alex Brast, without whose energy and pure guts -our mission would fail.

-Jack Haher, President 2007-2008

The Boomerang News

The Boomerang News is the quarterly newsletter of the 320th Bomb Group & Wing Association. Over one hundred issues of The Boomerang News have now been sent out. In the newsletter one can find updates on reunion activities and learn about what 320th members are doing today. There are also feature stories giving in-depth treatment to subjects like: USAAF training, the missions, flak, BAT Shoran bombing missions, rest camps, bridge busting tactics, and more.

To add your name to the roster and get on the mailing list,