Welcome to the 384th Bomb Group Log Book
Please take a moment to add your questions or comments to those below by signing the Log Book.
Older messages may be viewed at the 384th Log Book Archive.
Additional websites recommended for research support are
384th Bomb Group Forum on ArmyAirForces.com, provided by Scott Burris, and
Mighty Eighth Message Board created by Stephen Mosca.

Name: Rick
E-mail address: rgiancarlo1@comcast.net
Comments:Does anybody know what color the 545th painted the propeller hubs on their planes? I'm building a model of 'Chaplain's Office' and a recent photo indicates they were white. Any thoughts????? Thanks!
Monday, January 23rd 2012 - 06:17:14 PM
Name: jame s parrish jr
E-mail address: jamesparrish6291@yahoo.com
Comments:Been looking for this for a long time!! It's very gratifing to see my dads name and etc..... Thank you! James s parrish 545th bom. Squad. "Aprils fool" shot down 7/25/43 very proud!! If any one else's father was on that plane send me a message!!
Monday, January 16th 2012 - 11:43:03 AM
Name: TonyP
E-mail address: sqwak.chick@btinternet.com
Comments:Beverly A Barth please e-mail me .
Thanks.
Tuesday, December 27th 2011 - 06:14:13 AM
Name: Donna Alvaro
E-mail address: donna@holyfamilysyr.org
Comments:Found a 384th Bomb Group WWII Hat (baseball cap style) at the funeral of Robert Dugan at Holy Family Church, Syracuse, NY November 5, 2011. Please contact 315-488-3139 if anyone is missing it. We are sure it's valuable to someone and would hate to see it fall into the wrong hands.
Monday, November 14th 2011 - 07:29:13 AM
Name: cara sanders
E-mail address: savannah ga
Homepage URL: http://CJSRAHN2012@gmail.com
Comments:I have some pictures of the B17 Miss Fitt that my grandpa flew on early campaigns if anyone interested. I dont know any of the crews names but have pictures of them and some missions he photographed from the air.
Sunday, November 13th 2011 - 06:08:14 PM
Name: mike
E-mail address: jjw0287@yahoo.com
Comments:as a veteran myself i salute you thank you for your sacrifice
your all heros
Friday, November 11th 2011 - 05:20:28 PM
Name: Joseph R. Kingston Jr.
E-mail address: thorbyn@aol.com
Comments:Thank you for putting together such a great web site. I came here looking for a Clyde P. Carlson. I found one listed on your web site, and he was a bombardier like my grandfather Joseph R. (Rolly) Kingston. I was looking to see if Clyde was still around and might remember being an A/C with my grandfather. Thanks for the help.

Joseph R. Kingston Jr.
Tuesday, October 25th 2011 - 09:50:55 PM
Name: Katie Kress Fields
E-mail address: katiefields@charter.net
Comments:My grandfather Victor Kress was the co-pilot of the 42-30031 plane that was shot down June 26,1943 over France. He was POW for 22 months. Grandpa passed away Dec 20, 2009. My husband and I are planning a trip to Europe in Nov where we would like to visit places important to the 384th and my grandfather. If you have any suggestions for the trip or any information regarding this plane and crew, it would be much appreciated.
Sunday, October 2nd 2011 - 04:13:40 PM
Name: Eric John Phillips
E-mail address: debneric97@comcast.net
Comments:My FAther John Paul Phillips was a 2nd Lt with the 546 bomb squadron. My father passed away Feb 28,2004 and I am trying to get some information about his service.
Dad never talked much about the war when we were young and avoided it in his elder years.
I did find a list of some of his crew mates on this web site
John W Kraus 2nd LT
William R Ruch 2nd Lt
James G. Powers 1st Lt
Thomas H Moody S/Sgt
John T Harward Jr. Cpl
Donald Redfearn CPL
Roscoe E Renfrow Cpl
Any help or info I can get I will pass alongto this web site for future generations.
Sincerely,
Eric J Phillips


Wednesday, September 28th 2011 - 01:01:45 AM
Name: Steve Ebers
E-mail address: sebers1962@yahoo.com
Comments:JERRY WILSON, please contact me ASAP. I tried to email you but it didn't go through. email or phone 618-443-8900
Best Regards, Steve
Tuesday, September 27th 2011 - 12:04:15 PM
Name: John Wiley
E-mail address: jwiley@wileyventures.com
Comments:My dad, Vernon "Bill" Wiley was a pilot out of Grafton from Feb. 1945 to the end of the war. Today (9/2011) he is 89 and doing great. We are planning on attending the Seattle reunion. Dad was a hobbiest photographer as a kid and had on of the few cameras on base at Grafton. He has a nice collection of photos that we hope to post soon. We regret finding some of these resources too late for him to connect with crew members and others that he knew from the war.
Wednesday, September 21st 2011 - 04:49:25 PM
Name: Jerry Wilson
E-mail address: jpwilson@lighthouse.net
Comments:My father, Clayton Russel Wilson was a pilot of a B-17 stationed at Grafton Underwood. He crash-landed his plane in France after damage suffered on the Schweinfurt mission. He was captured and spent 23 months as a POW. I have his POW logbook. The plane he flew often was called the Merrie Hell although he was flying another when shot down.
Tuesday, September 13th 2011 - 05:10:11 PM
Name: Nancy Skevington
E-mail address: mark.skevington@roadrunner.com
Comments:My dad is Alvin Gapczynski. He was a radio operator on the B-17. His pilot was William Pinson. They were in the 547th Squadron. My dad would like to find Adolph Huebsch, and some of the other guys he was with. He has also lost contact with Arthur Rose and would like to reconnect.
Tuesday, September 13th 2011 - 03:53:26 PM
Name: Graham H Smith
E-mail address: grahamh.smith@tiscali.co.uk
Comments:I Stopped to view the Memorial to the 384th Bombardment Group at Grafton Underwood last Saturday 20/8/2011 it was very moving. There is nothing left of the base now. I have always been interested in WW11 American Air Bases, a couple of weeks ago we went to the Hanger Dance at RAF Molesworth which is now an American Logistics Base. I was only 4 years old at the outbreak of WW11, but I do remember the American servicemen. We visit a pub "the Vane Arms" at Sudborough near Grafton, which was used by that the American servicemen from Grafton. There is still an old beam over the fireplace with coins in the Cracks that were placed by the Airmen from Grafton to buy a pint on their return. If they failed to return the coins were hammered over and can still be seen in the beam, it is sad to see so many coins there. You have an excellent Web Site
Tuesday, August 23rd 2011 - 11:44:17 AM
Name: Jeff Selesky
E-mail address: jssel@charter.net
Comments:Remembering the first Schweinfurt Raid 8-14-43
Wednesday, August 17th 2011 - 02:13:09 PM
Name: Don Price
E-mail address: don_price56@hotmail.com
Homepage URL: http://www.gulfcoastwing.com
Comments:Gone West-
Chief Master Sgt.Marvin Hudson- Maintenance Line Chief for the 546th Squadron. Born May 11, 1918 passed away Friday August 5th. Originally from North Carolina- he was recuperating in Florida from a broken hip. Fair Tailwinds Marvin- Keep the Show on the Road
Tuesday, August 9th 2011 - 03:57:02 PM
Name: John Witt
E-mail address: j4witt@ardmore.net
Comments:I drink coffee once a week with a 384th WWII veteran Jack Hunter of Athens, Al. Last night I watched the program on the History Channel about the air war over Europe which led me to ask him questions about his time as a tail-gunner on a B-17.
Mr. Hunter is in good health, his mind is as clear as any 21 year old and he plays golf on a regular basis. I asked him about a variety of things and his answers were most thorough.
His sister kept a scrap book which contains pictures he took from his position as a tail gunner while on missions over Europe. Mr. Hunter is a great guy. We all owe him a debt of gratitude as well as all the other veterans.
Monday, August 1st 2011 - 11:00:12 AM
Name: nancy christman
E-mail address: nac1949@neo.rr.com
Comments:My dad, Wendell Orr from Warren, Ohio recently signed the panel. I can't tell you enough how wonderful he felt--he's always been proud of his service--most of his stories are about this plane and the War in general. He is 98 years old. A big thank you to all involved in this project..and to Carl Scholl for donating it.
Tuesday, July 12th 2011 - 12:59:40 PM
Name: FRED PRELLER
E-mail address: f3red@preller.us
Homepage URL: http://384thBombGroup.com
Comments:I am seeking a photograph of the Low Group lead crew for the 1 August 1944 mission. Pilot was Lt Harland Peck and Commander was Lt Glenn June. Reason why? My dad flew this mission as formation observer (regularly a co-pilot).

Complete crew list for this mission is:

546th BG Lead Crew, 1 August 1944

Aircraft 933 (42-102933), BK*Q, "QUEENIE"

Peck, Harland K, 1st Lt, Pilot
June, Glenn J, 1st Lt, Air Commander
Jackson, William M, 1st Lt, Navigator
Moody, James C, 1st Lt, Bombardier
Algase, Max L, T/Sgt, Radio Operator
Bowers, Henry M, T/Sgt, Top Turret/Engineer
Chapmon, William T, S/Sgt, Ball Turret
Preller, Robert H, 2nd Lt, Tail Gunner (Formation Observer)
Hunter, George F, T/Sgt, Flexible (Waist) Gunner

Thanks,
f3
Monday, June 20th 2011 - 01:17:38 PM
Name: Don Price
E-mail address: don_price56@hotmail.com
Homepage URL: http://www.gulfcoastwing.org
Comments:For ALL the 384th members and for those who have Gone West. Happy Father's Day! http://www.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/06/16/texas.veterans.legacy/index.html
Friday, June 17th 2011 - 01:30:13 PM
Name: Eric Quiggle
E-mail address: roguenewt1@gmail.com
Comments:Lt. Donald Springsted was my grandfather, who recently Just adding my note to Mark's above: Bomber Don is gone, and is missed.
Thursday, May 26th 2011 - 11:04:39 PM
Name: Mark Prince
E-mail address: mep9999@hotmail.com
Comments:Just a short notice to the alumni of 384th bomb group. One of your own passed last night. Lt. Donald G. Springsted passed away last night here in Coos Bay, Oregon after battles with circulation problems. He was well cared for during this time by family and friends. A large salute to him for his patriotism and resourcefulness during grim time in our country's history......
Thursday, April 21st 2011 - 05:09:56 PM
Name: Don Price
E-mail address: don_price56@hotmail.com
Homepage URL: http://www.gulfcoastwing.org
Comments:Frozen Bastards of Iceland! LOL--- and I needed a good laugh today. Anyhow God Bless All of the 384th, and their families and I hope to see you all in Seattle.
Don Price- Wing Leader Commemorative Air Force- Gulf Coast Wing- Home of TEXAS RAIDERS B-17G and more importantly son of Wm. M. Price III of the 384th.
Thursday, April 14th 2011 - 12:57:34 PM
Name: John Corcoran
E-mail address: jbcorc@yahoo.com
Comments:The link below takes you to some absolutely beautiful high definition video of a B-17 and B-25 over Saguaro Lake in Arizona. I can almost feel my father flying the aircraft!

http://vimeo.com/18135369
Wednesday, April 13th 2011 - 06:16:40 PM
Name: Charles Siegenthaler
E-mail address: charlie.siegenthaler@zinkimaging.com
Comments:My dad passed in July of 1993.I am wood like to find any body that might have know him Tech Sergent Robert (Bob) Siegenthaler. He never spoke much about his time in the war.Only that he flew in a B-17. I found this page and have learned more about him.I would like to find out more.THANKS for all sacrifices that the men and women who served in WWII.
Tuesday, April 12th 2011 - 03:26:48 PM
Name: Rick
E-mail address: rgiancarlo1@comcast.net
Comments:I'm building a B-17 of "Chaplain's Office" which was shot down on 11-26-43. While looking at the only known photos, I DID NOT see any type of squadron markings on the fuselage. I know that particular B-17 was transferred to the 384th in October so perhaps they only painted the 'P' on the tail. Any thoughts? I wanted to paint the squadron codes on the sides but honestly do not see any.
Thursday, April 7th 2011 - 01:16:55 PM
Name: Robert Polukis Jr
E-mail address: crazyacexxx@verizon.net
Comments:S/SGT Robert W. Bechtel 384thBG 545thBs Ball Turret 3-4/1944 my grandfather.He was shot down during Schweinfurt raid 4/13/44 aboard the Big Stupe V .He escaped and evaded with 2 other crew members.Anybody have any pictures or info they can share with me ,please feel free to e-mail me!
Thursday, March 31st 2011 - 01:23:13 PM
Name: Marshall Ponzi
E-mail address: marshall.ponzi@gmail.com
Comments:My great uncle, Joe Laboda, was a B-17 pilot with the 545th Squadron. This site is the only information I've been able to find on his service history. If anyone has any information on him (photos, recollections, etc.), please contact me. Thank you.
Wednesday, March 16th 2011 - 12:23:39 PM
Name: Nigel Perry
E-mail address: nigel@itsbooming.fsnet.co.uk
Comments:Can anyone provide details of where each Squadrons aircraft were dispersed around the airfield at Grafton Underwood please ?
Saturday, March 12th 2011 - 12:02:28 AM
Name: Russell & Margaret L. Cook
E-mail address: magnetcook@woh.rr.com
Comments:In Memory of Roy H. Cook, 384th Bomb Group, Flight Chief, B-17; Grafton Underwood, England, 1944-1945
Friday, March 11th 2011 - 07:38:10 AM
Name: Jan Nieuwenhuis
Homepage URL: http://airwar.texlaweb.nl
Comments:On 1st February 2011 a new version of my "WW-II Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands" program was released...
The purpose of the software is to help researchers to get detailed information about Allied Aircraft Crashes in The Netherlands in the Second World War.
All crashes are not (yet) available in the database, though it is gradually filled with more data... At present (19th February 2011), detailed information on 695 aircraft and 3897 crew members is listed!
Please go to my homepage, where you may download the latest version of the software... it is free-of-charge!
Any comments on the program or information for the database is highly appreciated...

Jan
Saturday, February 19th 2011 - 02:51:11 PM
Name: randy stimac
E-mail address: randystimac@aol.com
Comments:im the son of ist lt john stimac, he 90 now and still living and he in mandeville, la . if anyone know my dad please get in touch with me
Friday, February 11th 2011 - 10:10:49 PM
Name: Rob Davis
E-mail address: rob.davis@blueyonder.co.uk
Comments:3 January 2011 [email]

I knew Quentin Bland for many years whilst living in Leicester and having attended his wonderful film shows in the Village Hall at Grafton Underwood between 1983 and 1999. Towards the end of that period I was assisting the late Pete Lynch who had by then taken over the job of "projection master" after the retirement of the previous projectionist.

Quentin knew his stuff and was extremely enthusiastic on air war matters and of course the 384th were always of paramount importance to him. I only learned of his death today because I moved away from his area in 1999 and after that had only occasional contact, but this year when for the second time there was no Christmas card from him I made enquiries only to learn that he had died.

All I can say is to reiterate what Air Marshal Harris said of his aircrews : "If there is a Valhalla, such men will be there, seated far above the salt."

Please feel free to copy this post to your message board area as I don't have access there to leave messages.

Thanks and regards

Rob Davis
Telford, Shropshire UK
Tuesday, January 11th 2011 - 11:25:38 AM
Name: robert hammond
E-mail address: 987rch@gmail.com
Comments:I am looking for more information regarding the B -17 my father in law flew as a a bombadier in early 1945. The plane was disabled and the crew safely bailed out into free Belgium. I believe he might have been in the 546th Squadron.
Friday, January 7th 2011 - 12:15:24 PM
Name: steve ortega
E-mail address: steve.ortega@coair.com or jetmgr2003@yahoo.com
Comments:Raymond S. Soto
Born-Oct-27-1918 Died Nov-7-2010 384thBG/547thBS
Radio Operator and Tech Sargent and my beloved uncle
He was one of the few men that flew over 50 missions, 68 to be exact. Member of the F.B.I. ( Frozen Bastards of Iceland) stuck in Iceland over 100 days in the B-17 Hell Messengers,flew the Mis Behavin, Screaming Eagle , and various other B-17's G's and F's, if there are any surviors out there please contact me if you knew my uncle.
Saturday, January 1st 2011 - 05:47:12 PM
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