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My father, Capt. Bill Hornbarger, was the 557th squadreon navigator in the 387th bomb group based in England. I have his pictures posted at www.B26.com, thats where I saw Ralph Woolf's mention of this site and I wanted to complement you on how well done this site is. These are the best B-26 pictures I've ever seen. Dave Hornbarger, dave@tebone.net Dave Hornbarger Hemet, CA USA - 12/21/03 [ ] Sorry...here correction to my entry below requesting info about Villasor, Sardinia. It was the 444th Squadron of the 320th Bomb Group. I "googled" Villasor, Sardinia, but cannot come up with any entry containing the history of Villasor with WWII. Also, does anyone know where I might be able to lean the name of the COMMANDER OF THE 444TH during the time period of around January and February of 1945? He was a great guy, and I would love to contact him to let him know how much I appreciate all that he did for me. Thanks! georgewbill@aol.com George W. (Bill) Gleason Groves, TX USA - 12/20/03 [ ] Hello: I sailed out of New Port News, Va. in late Nov. 1943. We were on board the Empress of Scotland, a luxery liner taken over from the Japs that was moored in the United States when they bombed Pearl Harbor. We ate Thanksgiving dinner on board and shortly after we landed in Casa Blanca, Africa. After a few days we caught a C47 and flew to Sardinia. We were replacement crews for the 320th. Bomb Group which was already based at Villasor in an olive grove. Villasor was a few miles north of Cagliari and not too far from Iglesias which I thought was north of Villasor. I have tried every way that I know of to locate Villasor. It seems to have evaperated. Could it have been a code name. I was assigned to the 444th. bomb group and flew 65 missions. I will not go into any more detail at this time because you know the rest of the story to Corscia and Southern France. My daughter, Donna, has got me interested in digging up past memories, memories that a few years back I wouldn't talk about and I must say I am having a blast. I would be eternally greatful for any help concerning Villasor. George W. Gleason, (Bill Gleason) georgewbill@aol.com My daughter, Donna, is at: donna77642@gt.rr.com George W. (Bill) Gleason Groves, TX USA - 12/19/03 [ ] Just found out about this website from my son Mark Ashley in knoxville tenn. What a beautiful website. I was with the 320th from it`s inception in TampaFla in 1942 all the way through to Herzogenarach, Germany in 1945. Most of the time was spent in the Headquarters Squadron. This site is bringing back a lot of memories. Walter D. Ashley Walter D. Ashley Deland, Fl USA - 12/18/03 [ ] Very nice website. Thank you for the information. My father was in the 322th BG. Bill Waring Grand Juction, CO USA - 12/17/03 I flew with the original group from Morrison Fld.to No. Africa.Prior to my 40 bomb missions,I had 12 sub patrols from Feb.13to March 9,1943.My bombing missions were from 4-23-43 to 12-18-43. I received 4 clusters to the Air Medal.
I flew all of my missions with Capt.Don Towns who was awarded the Air Medal with 9 clusters,I should have received the same awards.I wish some one in the 444 th has a copy of MR 141 showing that (T/Sgt.P.J. De Santis)receiving the same awards of Capt.Don Town's crew.I am the last living member of the orginal crew.I wish someone could shed a little light on this query.My address is 21 White Birch Rd. Utica,NY 13501 Phone (315)733-8987 This is a great site,it brings bach many memories some sad and some happy. T/Sgt Pat J. DeSantis ASN 12029876 What an incredible web site! Thank you so much! My father served in the 12th/1st Air Force in the EAME (ETO) campaign in 320th Bomb Group, 444 squadron(and the 441, I think). He enlisted in 1941 and served until June, 1945. His name was George W. Gleason. His main crew was: Lt. Hampton, pilot; Lt. Armstrong, co-pilot; Lt. Hendricks, navigator bombardier; Sgt. Krausse, radio man; Sgt. Ellsworth, engineer gunner and dad, who started as a tail gunner and ended up a bombardier himself. He started out as a tail gunner, but then ended up as a bombardier. He flew 65 missions (I have his mission list) before battle fatigue worn him out physically and emotionally and he was honorably discharged from the AAF Convalescent Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. My dad is my hero, and I am so proud of him. For decades he kept his memories inside, and I thought they would stay there, but at last at the age of 81, I think he finally accepts that the debt we all owe him was not wiped out because he had to be medically discharged at the end. He was way too hard on himself and took his sacrifices and accomplishments way too lightly. I am trying to remedy that by working with him to recreate his memories and claim the medals he never received. If you have anything to share, memories, photos or news, please contact me at donna@gt.rr.com. God bless all our vets and thank you again for this wonderful place to help us remember...God bless you! Donna, the proud daughter Donna Guidry Port Arthur, TX USA - 11/29/03 [ ] Many thanks for this great site. My father, Paul Straka was a bombadier with the 443rd squad. I look forward to additional stories and photos at this site. Mike Straka Bushkill, , PA USA - 11/17/03 [ ] I came upon this wonderful site as I did a search for my old high art school teacher who was a father figure and a friend to me in a very difficult time in my life. Sadly, he passed away sometime ago in Sarasota, FLA. I know he received a Purple Heart in WWII and I came across his name, Chet Kuziora (affectionately know to his admiring students as "MR.K.") at your site. If anyone knows if it was indeed the same man, please contact me. He taught for over 40 years at Passaic Valley High School in Little Falls, N.J. In addition, I humbly thank all of our veterans for the life we have today. Your sacrifice is appreciated by a sometime silent majority. Sincerely, Paul Chepikian Encino , CA USA - 11/16/03 [ ] Great site! I'm looking for any information regading T/Sgt. JOSEPH FLAJNIK, 443rd B.S. He was an armorer-gunner and flew with the group from sometime in 1943 til Sep. of 1944. He was wounded on June 5, 1944. Any information regarding T/Sgt. Flajnik, his crew or missions, especially June 5,1944, would be most appreciated. Thanks and Blue Skies, Mark. Mark J. Adamic Joliet, Il USA - 11/8/03 [ ] My father, Stanley Reynolds, was a member of the Ground Echelon with the 443rd Bomb Squadron, 320th Bomb Group from 1942 at MacDill Field through April, 1944. Recently, as I sorted pictures he had taken during this time period, I wondered if there was a web site dedicated to this group. A search brought me to your site. It is a wonderful site not only for the men and women who served their country during World War II, but for the relatives of those who served as well. Thanks to this site, I have a fuller appreciation of my Dad's experiences during World War II. To any of you who remember serving with him, he passed away in June of 1986. Stanley J. Reynolds USA - 11/5/03 Great site.Enjoyed very much. I am looking for any information on Romeo Huppe a tail gunner in the 320th. Thanks William Bosstic Chillicothe , OH USA - 10/26/03 [ ] I am searching for information regarding my father's first cousin,2nd Lt. Paul J. Lehocky, of the 95th Fighter Squadron, 82nd Fighter Group. Lt. Lehocky was part of a group of 18 P-38 pilots (led by Commanding Officer Ernest Osher) who were escorting bombers from the 320th bomb group near the Straights of Sicily, when he was forced to bail out of his P-38 west of Bizerte, Tunisia and declared MIA, then later reclassifid to KIA. Any information regarding the 320ths' activities on or about May 6, 1943 would be gratefully appreciated. David Michael Baloga Cleveland, Ohio USA - 10/24/03 [ ] Just a note, WILLIAM P. "BILL" ROBINSON formerly a pilot in the 320th Bomb Group passed away on October 11th, 2003 at the age of 78 in Madison, Wisconsin. When he became a pilot he was one of the youngest Army Airforce Pilots to serve in WWII. He flew A total of 62 Missions. He will be missed by his family. Craig Albrechtson Milwaukee, WI USA - 10/23/03 [ ] I am researching US citizens who enlisted in the RCAF during WWII. Any names/information would be appreciated. Contact: wpf13@hotmail.com Wally P. Fydenchuk USA - 10/22/03 [ ] I am writing an article on Operation Torch and would like to get in touch with some of the men who participated in it or anyone with good information about it. Thank you. Kay Grant Mountain View, CA USA - 10/16/03 [ ] Great site,thanks too much for all mens who are liberated my country;the people from Dole don't forget them.I'm collector and I found some items and sparts of planes in Tavaux airport.If you want some informations,pictures to the actual airport,Tavaux,Dole;it will been for me. Best regards Rey Cyril Parcey/dole, France - 10/4/03 [ ] Lt. Kokolus pilot F.O. Gardner co-pilot F.O. Locurto Bombardier-Navigator Cpl Niemi eng-gunner Cpl Murdock radio-gunner Cpl Pond arm gunner LCDR Tom McAvinia USN-Retired Riverton, NJ USA - 9/22/03 [ ] I am looking for anyone who may have known my Grandfather, or have any information, pictures of his squadron. His name is Ernest Everett Mathews, he was with the 320th, 42nd Wing, 442nd Squadron. He and his crew were shot down, and crashed off the coast of Sardinia. Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.......Ernie Mathews Ernie Mathews Cherry Valley, Ca USA - 8/31/03 [ ] My great-uncle, Homer, was with the 320th, and I have a client, who served with the 8th Air Force. I believe he told me it was 440th bomber group. Thanks for sharing their stories with us Ken Montsinger Reseda, ca USA - 8/24/03 i'm doing research on my family history, and sadly, i don't know much about my father's side of the family. there is a milton xedis listed on this site, and since my last name is quite uncommon, i am very sure he is related to me. if any one could knows anything about him, please e-mail me... thanks Athena Destin, FL USA - 8/21/03 [ ] For a look-see of my own WWII USAAF experiences, please access our "WEFEL" Website at it's Internet Address of: http://www.mind.net/rmwefel/index.html ENJOY ! Let me know what you think of it. OK ? I flew 26 missions as a S/SGT Radio Op Aerial Gunner with the 455th BS / 323rd BG --- all of my missions from USAAF Bases in France. We will be pleased to hear from any other B-26 MARAUDER Vet ! Ralph and Elaine Wefel 555-91 Freeman Road Central Point, OR. 97502-2539 tel: 1-541-664-3622 http://www.mind.net/rmwefel/index.html <<< check us out ! Ralph M. Wefel - S/SGT Gunner Central Point, OR USA - 7/4/03 [ ] My uncle Joseph M. Millich, Jr. of Kansas City, KS trained under the Army Air Forces Technical Training Command at Sheppard Field in San Antonio, TX. He received his Airplane Mechanics Diploma there on January 9, 1943. He was injured in a plane crash in the states and discharged because of his injuries. I would like to hear from anyone who might have known him and when and where the crash occurred. Thank you. Dolores Mance Purduski Kansas City, KS USA - 7/4/03 [ ] My Dad was Edward S. Larson, 442nd, 320th BG. He was crew chief of Battle #37. His first plane which was not named, Serial #41-18186, was lost on take off. Plane was a total loss but no serious injuries. This was the plane that General Doolittle flew a mission on June 10, 1943. His second plane named Shu-Shu Baby Serial #41-31960 flew to end of the war with over 150 missions. His tent mate was Olin Ray Bates chew chief on Battle #28, Little Chum, Serial #41-31573. I have a later picture of #28 serial #42-95835. Edward L. Larson Helena, MT USA - 7/3/03 [ ] This site is first class!! Thank you so much for your work!! Don Stillings Big Bear City, CA USA - 6/29/03 [ ] Appreciated your site. One of the more complete unit history sites that I have seen. Joe Dahlin DeMoines, IA USA - 6/29/03 Great Site! Keep up the good work. Further to my posting on 5/4/03, I have established a web site about what I know so far regarding my father's service. The site is http://www.geocities.com/seileys/Index.htm and I would love to find out more about the events, people, and aircraft that were part of my father's experiences with the 320th BG, 443rd BS, at Dole and Dijon in 1945.
Hope to see some of you at the reunion.
Joe I was wondering if anyone can direct me to find out more about Daniel B. Elliott who was killed in action with the 320th BG. Daniel B. Elliott W. Bloomfield, MI USA - 6/16/03 [ ] My Father was in the 320th,444. I'd like to find crew lists for the aircraft in this group/squadron. Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thank you, V.Tabacco II USA - 6/14/03 [ ] Just submitted a photo of my friend's father's, B-26 named: Plug Change. His name was Lt. John "Jack" Connelly out of the 320th.BG 3rd. AF. He flew out of Sardinia, N.Africa, Italy & France and retired form the military years latr as a Lt.Col. after flying secret missions for the CIA and have no other information. If any one knows of the surviviing crew(s)he flew with or more about his bird, please contact me. Thanks, Larry Larry A. Waimon Queensbury, NY USA - 5/27/03 [ ] Wonderful site, thanks very much. I am researching my father, Robert E. Seiley, a radio-gunner who flew with 443rd bombardment squadron, 320th bombardment group. Missions included Kirkel, Germany, and the Siegfried line at least. I belive he flew in "Pennsylvania Special" or "Flying Finn". Dad's photos include references to Vernon E. Ewers, Joe Andrews, Edwin L. Klodzinski, W.L. Perkinson, David L. Lobeck, T.G. Row, J. Mercer, also last names of Johnson, Lafrennie, Vance, Graham, and Ward. Sure would like to know if you have any info about his past! Best wishes, Joe Seiley San Diego, CA USA - 5/4/03 [ ] I am researching information on my Uncle T.Sgt Jack Washleski who was a tail gunner on a B-26. I believe he must have been with the 320th from the information I have. His missions included Cassino, Montecassino, Anzio and the Rome rail yards. I would appreciate it very much if a 320th vet could verify for me by looking at my website at: http://members.tripod.com/jkoppie/jack/jack.htm On one photo he says his C.O. is a Major Myers and his General is General Webster. You can click on the newsclips to read them. His plane was called "The Joker" but I can't find any info on it anywhere. Appreciate any and all help. Thank You. Al Shurgalla Bethlehem, Pa USA - 4/24/03 [ ] Hello, 320th BG MARAUDER Men ! You have a marvelous home page. Well done ! To look into my own WW II USAAF service in the ETO with the 455th BS of the 323rd BG, please access our "WEFEL" home page at it's Internet URL Address of: http://www.mind.net/rmwefel/index.html ENJOY -- LOTS of MARAUDER info ! Ralph and Elaine Wefel 555-91 Freeman Road Central Point, ORegon 987502-2539 tel: 1-541-664-3622 Ralph M. Wefel - S/SGT Gunner Central Point, OR USA - 7/4/03 [ ] I knew a guy in Baltimore he went to the 320th We were togetger a short while. I went to the 319th. His last name was Baker.He married a girl named Kaye. He was a crewchief. So was I. Do you know him? Russell Powell USA - 4/21/03 [ ] I was visiting your website and noticed in the Memorials where it says "Alphabetical Listing of Brethren Who Have Since Left Us" the name of Mr. Derwood Lyons, 44l. He was a friend of a dear friend of mine who is 79 years old. Can you tell me where I can find out when Mr. Lyons died and where he was buried. I would like to thank you for your caring and hard work about this beautiful website page. Respetfully yours, Mrs. Dinorah Ward. Dinorah Ward Garland, Tx USA - 4/17/03 [ ] Thank you to the 14th Armored Division & Lt. John Copes for liberating me and thousands of other airmen from the Moosburg, Bavaria prison camp in 1945. Joseph Armstong, B-26 Pilot, 320th Bomb Group, 442nd Joseph R. Armstrong USA - 4/16/03 I am researching US citizens who enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII. After Pearl Harbor, many (like the late Wallace Boblitt)would transfer to the USAAF. Any names/information would be appreciated. Contact: wpf13@hotmail.com Wally P. Fydenchuk USA - 4/16/03 [ ] My dad is don r whiteman pilot 441 .in 1944 to 1945 .im looking for any crews that remember him . we have many photos with no names . the ones with names are crockel,briskey,dever,barret,engel,kizer,lyon,sherwood,stanwickey,dont know if spelling is correct . also have pictures of lots of planes including 09 bellringer crew chief and assistants on nose of plane. any info sent to me will be sent to my dad . his main crew was wash,witen,norden,dinome,vandyke thank you Don Whiteman south bend, in USA - 4/6/03 [ ] I am please to tell you that I have enjoyed your great work. My father Trained in Wichita falls TX at Sheppard field as crew chief in 42/43 and was sent to north africa sicily southern france and his plane was # 30 I like to know which one of the group he flew with 17th 319th or 320th. after that he was transfered to the free french B26 group 2/63 Senegal Any info will be greatly appreciated Thank you all . Sincerly Guy Plaza Guy E. Plaza Iqaluit, NU CANADA - 4/1/03 [ ] It's a pleasure to add my congratulations to Dr Reisdorf for providing us with our own 320th Web page...long overdue! It brings back many fond memories. I joined the 320th at El Bathan, Africa in June '43 and returned to the states from Dijon on a 45 day R & R o/a the 1st of June 1945. the European war ended whilst I was half-way cross the Atlantic. I could not rejoin the 320th and so I was unable to recover some of my cherished personal possessions...especially my flight jacket( with burn marks on the shoulder...the result of a crash landing near Telergma(?)in North africa. The "History" section of our Dijon location mentions my name relative to my 320th role as a forward air controller(in L-2's)in Germany. [Call sign: "Coconut Joe" (ha)]. That was a most memorable experience...to say the least!) Nuff said...Best Regards...Joe Cafarella,320th Gp Navigator. Joseph R. Cafarella Malden, MA USA - 3/22/03 [ ] This is truly an exquisite site. I would like to thank Franz for his time and effort that he has put into this site for those who are looking for that extra information about what their family members or friends did to fight for our country. Thanks again Franz for your time it is greatly appreciated. Brenda Norcross San Diego, CA USA - 3/20/03 I am enjoying this journey through history. Bill Scott Brush Prairie, Wa USA - 3/15/03 [ ] Great looking site! Another fine tribute to the men who helped save the world from tyranny and despotism. Robin Smith VA USA - 3/14/03 [ ] I am interested in contacting anyone with information on a B-26 named "Lady Halitosis" 320th Bomb Group / 441st Sqd. I have a photo of the crew in front of the planes nose art and I would like information on it. If anyone wants a copy of the photo please contact me. This is a great site. Robert Schroeder Springfield, MO USA - 3/9/03 [ ] Nice job Franz. My father told me to check this site out. He served in the 320th. My father's name is Keith L. Griffith. He lives in Imboden, Arkansas. Brian K. Griffith Paragould, AR USA - 3/2/03 [ ] I am a documentary filmmaker searching for people who have 8mm and 16mm film stock in their possession that they shot during WWII. The film I am making is about the pacific theatre conflict of WWII. I can be reached by email or at 919/929-6010. Thanks, Michael Peterson Carrboro, NC USA - 2/24/03 [ ] I want to thank Dr. Reisdorf for the beautiful way in which he presented my father's writings & pictures under "Stories." Successive generations must not lose the stories or the spirit of the magnificent Americans honored on this website. D. Armstrong Baton Rouge,, LA USA - 2/17/03 Great site! Chris Newman Santa Fe, NM USA - 2/16/03 This is a beautiful website and a great tribute to the brave members of the 320th. My thanks and congratulations to Dr. Reisdorf for creating this great resource for families looking for information. I will forward to Dr. Reisdorf the information I have found regarding my brother-in-law, Theodore F. Balk, Jr., who was shot down on 7-24-1943, also about the crew, plane #, and the crash itself. He may use the information as he sees fit. Jane Balk Columbia, SC USA - 2/11/03 [ ] I am looking for a more comprehensive list of 320th aircraft battle numbers, associated serial numbers, and personalized aircraft names. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! Franz Reisdorf St. Paul, MN USA - 2/9/03 [ ] A very comprehensive site which contains good information and with still much more to come...enjoyed it! Best regards from Martin B-26 Marauder Film Clip Archive: http://home.tiscali.no/alfjoha/public_html/ Alf Egil Johannessen Sandefjord, Norway - 2/9/03 [ ] I am looking for anyone whom might have known my great uncle, S/Sgt Howard W. Young, especially 2nd LT Clifford R. Conrad who witness the crash of this B-26. 320th BombGroup, 442nd Bomb Squadron #42-95763 B26B-45-MA c/n 6529 MIA 1/29/1944 – MACR 2308 - shot down by enemy aircraft one mile off the coast of Ladispoli, Italy. 1 Lt Elbert C. Stephenson Pilot–Texas 2 Lt Robert L. Conley Copilot–Texas 1 Lt Joseph L. Mestayer Bombardier-Louisiana S/Sgt Howard W. Young 13046272 Engineer–Pennsylvania Corp Harry L. Strasburger Radio Operator–New York Sgt George A. Carr Tailgunner–Maine S/Sgt Alfred R. Gilbert Special Radio Operator–New Hampshire Great Website Franz. Keep up the good work!!! Bob Young Allentown, PA USA - 2/7/03 [ ] I applaud Franz Reisdorf in creating this site in honour of his Grandfather and all that have served in the 320th. The photographs and the history that all have to share, help future generations understand the dedication and the sacrifice these men gave. Joanne Anderson USA - 2/3/03 This is without question the best web page on any WW2 air force group that I have ever seen. Franz Reisdorf MD who has assimulated this information and put it all together deserves tremendious credit for his contributions. Gabriel R. McClure Sr. Oakwood , Ga USA - 2/3/03 [ ] This is a great resource to have. I hope many contribute their memories and pictures. I will add everything I can find about my Grandpa's involvement with the 320th. If anyone has any information or experiences with my Grandpa, please email me. My Grandpa is: Col. Blaine B. Campbell The last 320th Group C.O. Steve Loder Stanton, CA USA - 2/3/03 [ ] This site is an amazing tribute. Michael Garr USA - 2/3/03 |
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