My
name is John Simmons. I am currently a Captain with
the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. Recently,
I lost my Uncle Garland Simmons, a WWII Veteran
and survivor of Iwo Gima. In one of his closets
I found a box containing pictures and medals received
by my Dad’s oldest brother, Edward Raymond Simmons.
I knew he served in the Air Force during WWII, but
did not know much more because he was killed in
a boating accident in 1950. That was long before
I was born. So, my Uncle and his accomplishments
during the war were lost to time. I remember asking
questions, but could never get the answers I wanted.
I am hoping to change that through this correspondence.
If
possible, I would like to communicate with anyone
still living or that would possibly have knowledge
of my Uncle. It’s very important to me to bring
my Uncle’s accomplishments to my family so it will
never be forgotten again. His military information
is:
Edward Raymond Simmons, Master Sergeant 441st
Bombardment Squadron Airplane Flight Chief
Thank
you for any help you can give me.
John D.
Simmons 11/20/2010
[
]
My name is Al Rosser. My Uncle was in the 320th
BG/441st Squadron. His name is Harold T. Waldrop,
corporal / eng. gunner. His plane was shot down
13 August 1944 over Toulon, France. The Missing
Air Crew Report (MACR) indicates his pilot was
Capt. Hipple and I believe he was in bomber #29.
He was shot down over France and escaped via the
French Resistance. He passed away a few years ago,
but if anyone remembers him or there are any pictures
of him - my mother would be very grateful. If any
of you knew him or have any stories I would dearly love to hear them and thank you for your service
to our country.
Sincerely,
Al Rosser 10/14/2010
[
]
My father was also in the 320th bombardment group
and in the 441st squadron. From his records he served
in the 42nd bombardment wing. His name is Joseph
T. Heiney. From what I know he was a side gunner
on a B26. We have a photo of him standing next to
a plane named the Lady Eve. I am not sure whether
he flew on that particular plane. While my father
told my sister and I some stories he was pretty
quiet about the war. We do know he was hurt when
a jeep he was riding in went over a cliff (we think
in Dole, France). We were wondering if anyone knew
my father. We have most of his military papers.
We also think he won the Bronze Star when he pulled
a Colonel Forsythe (or Fordyce) from a burning plane.
I
am writing from work and if anyone has information
please e-mail me.
Any information will be
helpful.Thank you.
Morris Heney 9/23/2010
[
]
I
know that my dad served in the 320th Bomb Group,
441st Squadron during WWII and would love to learn
more about him during that time. I remember
that his pilot was Charles O'Mahoney from Piittsburg,
PA. I would really like to know more. My
Dad passed away in 1985. He thought the world
of his mates during the war. I know some other
names and hope everyone is alive and well. Let's
just see what I come up with.
Jacqueline
Murray Ferrara 2/4/2010
[
]
My father-in-law, Gene E. Smith, of Gilmer, Texas
was a radio operator in the 320th. I am looking
for anyone who may have known him or other radio
operators. I would like to hear your stories.
Warmest regards,
Greg
Berlocher
[]
I
would love to find more information, like photo's
etc about my dad, John H. Eastburn who served in
the 320th bomb group. I am also a retired vet. USAF
.
