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This site is dedicated to my grandfather, Benjamin Reisdorf, who served as a pilot with the 320th in the 441st bomb squadron. He spoke freely of his involvement in WWII. I am fortunate enough to have heard about his experiences. Through him I developed a flavor for what it was like to be a young man in training at the Waco and Blackland airfields. I learned about the flight path to North Africa by skipping from Puerto Rico, then South America, and landing on the small Ascension Island in the Atlantic Ocean. He often recounted having to fly through three "thunderheads" on the voyage. After landing his newly painted factory fresh B-26, he stepped out to find all the aluminum skin wrinkled/warped and the paint chipped off. On 15 March 1945 he flew his first combat mission. He earned the Purple Heart that day. After a two week convalescence, he was back flying combat again. He continued to fly with the unit up to the third to last mission on 30 April, 1945. The experiences and the esprit de corp from that momentous time in his life had a profound impact on the rest of his days. The fact that I am writing this shows as well that the effect has even transcended generations. Although his story is quite personal to me, his is just one in a story of many. As I became more interested in the topic, I became more amazed at the remarkable accountings of the men of the 320th. It was truly a time when gallantry was commonplace. I felt compelled to share the little bit of history I had gleaned out of fear that the legacy of the 320th would gradually drift from our collective consciousness. The intention is to chronicle the history of the 320th, maintain its members stories, and preserve the images and some of the documents that ultimately have touched us all in one way or another. This site is designed to be not only a resource for the men who served with the 320th, but also a resource for their families. I hope you find it useful. Sincerely,
Franz Reisdorf, MD
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Dedication.
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Sue is the daughter of William D. Shadle who served as a 1st
Lieutenant with the 443rd Bomb Squadron. Sue has taken a keen
interest in history of the 320th and has dedicated many hours in
helping transcribe many of the War Diaries found on the site. She has a vested
interest in helping other family members in their quest for information. Thanks
Sue for your dedication in helping preserve this history.
Jill
is the daughter of Dale O. Grice
who served with the 441st bombardment
squadron. He enlisted in July 1943 and was honorably discharged on Sept. 28, 1945. Regretfully,
her father, Dale, passed away in August, 1996.
Jill has taken a keen interest
in her fathers's involvement
with the 320th Bomb Group and
has volunteered to help transcribe
the Squadron Diaries for the
Group. Thanks Jill for your
contribution. Many other family
members will benefit from and
appreciate your efforts in preserving
this history.
Copyright(c) 2003. 320th B.G. Reunion Association.