At the time the Stevens Hotel on Michigan Ave (now the Conrad Hilton) housed military personnel and calisthenics were conducted across the street in Grant Park. During my dad's stay he met professional bowler Ned Day and his picture with the bowler was published in the Chicago Tribune. The Service Man's Center, now part of Roosevelt University, had free food, tickets to plays and sporting events. One evening a young woman was doing pencil stretches of service men and my dad sat for a portrait. The artist was Happy Boyce Parker. Years later when my dad joined the faculty at Ottawa High School, he learned that Happy's father was William D. Boyce, an Ottawa publisher and one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America.
In February 1943, the group of servicemen moved to Willow Run, Michigan. The Ford Motor Group built a huge plant and used it's assembly line technique to build bombers employing many women in the process. In addition to classroom instruction, students were taken into the factory to witness airframe assembly. One of the consultants at Willow Run was Charles A. Lindbergh who would later fly a P38 in combat in the South Pacific. After two months in Michigan, the group was again on the move to their next base.
The middle of April was spent first at Biggs Field Texas near El Paso. The cadre formed the 392st Bomb Group mainly from the 34th and 39th. These groups formed the squadrons 576th ( my dad's group) 577th, 578th and 579th. The groups were then moved to Alamogordo, New Mexico and the flying crews began their flying missions.
After a furlough back to Hardin County, KY, the 392nd arrived back in New Mexico and started their rail trip through the Midwest with a final destination at West Point,NY. At McCook, Nebraska, local women boarded the train and supplied the GI's with baked goods and coffee. From West Point they boarded another train to New York where the Queen Mary was scheduled to transport them to England.
26 July 1943 - Aboard the Queen Mary
With about 14,000 troops aboard, sleeping facilities were limited. On alternate nights blankets were spread on the deck, and the following night 22 to 15 men were assigned to hammocks in a stateroom. GI's crowded the rails as tug boats began to move the Queen away from the dock and toward the Atlantic Ocean. As we passed the Statue of Liberty, on the crowded decks all was quiet and there was a feeling of concern for what lay ahead. It was a very common feeling with the uncertain nature of the war.
After clearing the harbor, the pilot returned to the harbor aboard on the tugs and we were on our way. Since Nazi subs were active in the Atlantic, the Queen constantly changed course resulting in a path that resembled the letter S. With a top speed of 45 knots, we traveled too fast for escort ships, so we headed to England alone.
30 July 1943 - Greenock, Scotland
As Southampton, the usual port for the Queen, was within range of German bombers, we ended our trip in the Firth of Clyde, off shore from Greenock. There was no docking facilities so we disembarked onto small boats. The process lasted twelve hours. We boarded a train and started south through the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. As we passed through the town and villages, we were greeted as welcome allies. We continued our southeast into England, passing near the Lake District. At a stop in England I learned that all pies are not fruit pies when I had a bite of a meat pie.
1 August 1943 - Wendling, England
Our train stopped at a small railroad station near Wendling where trucks were waiting to take us to our base. We were located in the rolling countryside, six miles west of East Dereham, in the village of Beeston, Norfolk County, East Anglia. Within a few months the fourteen B24 groups would be located near the city of Norwich. The base was identified as Air Force Station 118.
Since our planes and flying crews had not arrived, we had some time getting settled in our Nissen huts and exploring our new surroundings. Our huts were located about one mile from the flight line, making a bicycle a necessity. With some time on my hands I soon learned to ride a bike and joined the parade of officers and enlisted men. Beginning with the next payday, we became acquainted with the strange British money with it's three denominations: ponds, shillings and pence. At that time the pound was worth about four American dollars.
9 September 1943 - Mission #1 Abbeyville, France
In the weeks following our occupation of station 118, flying crews arrived with new planes, model B24H with the new nose turret designed to offer more protection from the head-on attacks of the German fighters. The flying crews were busy flying practice missions with special emphasis on flying in close formation for more protective fire-power. Ground crews were assigned, four to five men to a plane depending upon the number of planes per squadron.
The first mission, consisting of twenty planes carrying (288) 300 pound bombs, was a North Sea diversion to draw enemy fighters away from a B17 mission to Stuttgart. No enemy aircraft were encountered and no aircraft were lost. Bombing results were good.
Following the defeat of the German Luftwaffe by the Royal Air Force (RAF) in the Battle of Britain in 1940. the RAF abandoned daylight bombing because of the great number of losses. When the US 8th Air Force arrived in Britain in 1942, determined to carry out high altitude daylight raids with the Norden bombsight, RAF advisors tried unsuccessfully to change that decision. In spite of great pressure from members of Congress, the Mighty Eighth continued daylight bombings. This meant that enemy target were hit by the RAF at night and by American bombers in daylight.
15 October 1943 - Assigned to 511
I have been assigned to number 511 "Eloise". My crew chief is Sgt. Fisher of Nebraska, one of the friends I met at Alamogordo. A typical mission for the ground crews began when the lights came on in the barracks, usually around 3:00 A.M. After a pre-dawn bicycle ride to the flight line, preflight inspection was preformed, followed by bomb loading by the armament section. After the arrival of the flying crew, a flare from the control tower called for the starting of the engines, The planes began to taxi out of the dispersal areas on the perimeter in preparation for take-off. On another signal from the tower, the lead plane started its take-off roll, followed by the rest of the group at 30 second intervals. With a ten man crew, bombs, ammo and a full load of fuel the planes approached the end of the runway becoming airborne, Before crossing the English Channel they had to assemble into formation by squadron, group, and division and gain altitude. This was a two hour operation, covering the middle third of England. When the 2,000 plane raids became common, it was an unforgettable sight and sound with the earth-shaking, reverberating, roar of right thousand engines.
After the B24's headed toward their targets, the ground crews trooped to the mess hall for breakfast and then back to the barracks for a few hours of sleep. The average mission lasted eight to nine hours. By mid-afternoon, ground crews returned to the flight line awaiting the return of the bombers, Red flares from a plane indicated that wounded were aboard, giving that plane priority in the landing pattern and sending ambulances to the runway.
After the exhausted flyers left the planes and were taken by trucks to debriefing, mechanics swarmed over the planes looking for battle damage and checking any mechanical problems. The most forlorn crew could be found at the empty parking area of a plane that did not return. Any repairs needed were made on the flight line as hangers were not available. On many occasions this required many hours of working in the penetrating cold of the English winter. Leather sheep lined clothing was provided to help keep out the chill.
Jan. 1, 1944 – Completed mission #14 today. Target was Kiel
Jan. 5, 1944 - #15 today – a repeat on yesterdays
mission. Lt. Johns & crew took her
over the target. The old weather makes
working on the line difficult.
Jan. 7, 1944 – This was #16 to S.W. Germany. Some flak damage. The most excitement of the day came when
ships blocked both runways due to blown out tires and bad landings. We are busy getting ships back in
condition.
Jan. 11, 1944 – 511 went out on mission but returned for the
1st time in 17 missions with ground ware off prop governor. No abort
as mission was scrubbed. New ships
coming in to replace ones lost and transferred.
Targets were over a wooded area in S.W. Germany. I’m sweating out watch
from home and my old one being repaired in London
Jan. 14, 1944 – (Connery & Crew) – Another raid to the
French coast with 500 pounders. This one
was unusual as we were waked up for a 7 o’clock routine flight. This was cancelled and bombs were loaded for
a 1 o’clock take off (#17). We have
learned that this may be 18 missions.
Jan 15, 1944 – We were alerted for today but the alert was
called off early this morning (20th). Fragmentation bombs. I helped Cooper with acceptance inspection on
his new B-24J.
Jan. 16, 1944 – Alerted but no mission due to the fog. I’m going on pass to Leeds
tomorrow. Have started work on a picture
frame of plexi-glass. I’m considering a career course from Western.
Jan. 21, 1944 – Another mission to the French Coast Leeds is a good town.
Jan. 29, 1944 – A hot mission to Frankfort
Jan. 30, 1944 - #20 today.
6hr. trip to Brunswick Germany
Jan. 31, 1944 – We were alerted for another early mission,
got up at 3:30 and got 511 all in shape for a blow at the Jerry but the two red
flares went up just before take-off time. However, another briefing was called at 10:15
and the planes took off at 11:45. They
returned at 3:45. No opposition, possibly another milk run to the French Coast Mission
#21 completed.
Feb. 2, 1944 – For the first time we carried 2000#
bombs. They were dropped on the target
in N. France .
Lt. Johns & crew did their usual good job in the 22nd
mission for 511. Only 9 men and 2200
gallons of gasoline.
Feb. 3, 1944 – No mission, planes were called back after reaching
the Channel, 100# incendiaries. Lt.
Clover & crew piloted 511.
Feb. 4, 1944 – Another alert loaded with 100# incendiaries
and piloted by Lt. Clover. 511 took off
at 8:55; all planes in 392nd were called back because of weather. We were credit with a mission as we were
fired upon and the group lost one ship. After
hurried refueling 511 was to take off for air-sea rescue but mission was
scrubbed. This is #23 and we are really
sweating it out.
Feb. 5, 1944 – We rolled out early for the 8th consecutive
day and we got mission #24, out favorite crew Lt. Johns made their 18th
mission 500# demos were dumped on _____.
I am on guard (the late shift) tonight so I will be out early in the
morning. Rumor has it that we have completed 25 missions.
Feb. 22, 1944 – What a furlough. I had quite a time with Gill & Harper in Leeds . A lot has
happened here in the meantime. I have
been transferred to Jackson
Feb. 24, 1944 – Target Gotha - Well, this was it. On its 32nd mission 511 went down
in a blazing battle with Nazi fighters on a mission to Gotha England
War Department Number 37- 1945 The 392nd Bombardment Groups has been awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for outstanding performance of Duty in armed conflict in 24 February 1944 when the group virtually destroyed their assigned target at Gotha, Germany, This award was made to all individuals who were assigned to the 392nd Bomb Group. Among our losses was our 511 on her 32nd mission piloted by Lt. M.T. Johns.
March 2, 1944 – For the present few days, I am working in
the Eng office. M Sgt. Brown is on pass.
511 has been replaced by 411. Latter
made 1st mission today. All
ships have been replaced except Falada’s.
We have made 3 missions in recent weeks.
Feb. was a sensational month. We
are having more winter than previously, several small snows.
March 7, 1944 – Have had a nice stroke of luck. I’m working
as asst. inspector. M Sgt. Brown is my
supervisor and a swell guy to work for.
Our group was in yesterday, historic raid on Berlin Col.
March 12, 1944 – Our planes went out on a mission today but
landed at another base because of bad weather.
So we have had a day of leisure.
Since last writing, our planes made another raid to Berlin
March 18, 1944 – Missions are being made with great
regularity. Today seems to be our
toughest thus far. At this late hour 4
of our planes are missing. Many of the
fellows we knew since the outfit was formed were on the planes. I am starting a short summary of each
mission. More tomorrow.
March 19, 1944 – This was a rather nice Sunday, clear but a
little cool. We lost 3 crews and 4 planes on yesterday. Replacements are coming in fast. I am looking forward to another trip to Leeds . Harper has
been transferred to the 79th.
April 5, 1944 – I have neglected my writing the past few
weeks. Since last writing I have had my
pass to Leeds and now all passes and furloughs
have been cancelled. Looks like something
might be cooking. I drew my largest pay
last month (34 pounds or approx. 140.00 US
April 14, 1944 – We are now winding up a very busy week
after several days lull in bombing. It
still seems to be the quiet before the storm.
Passes and furloughs are still frozen.
This seems to be true throughout England
April 25, 1944 – This is another busy week. Most of the missions are late in the
day. Last Saturday night take off was
4:00PM and landing after 10:30PM – a landing in the darkness. Our ’76 party was the same night. Report is that some German fighters followed
‘24’s in at Hethel and shot down some of them.
Yesterday 433(Meeks) landed at Shipdharm. Brown, Carr, Eller & I went over in the
jeep to investigate but they were only low on gas and had refueled and were to
take off. Just had a letter from home
asking my advice about selling the property.
May 1, 1944 – We have just started the two missions a day. 1st
mission: 7:00-11:30, 2nd mission 3:30-8:30. The latest Berlin
May 10, 1944 – We are sending out ships almost every
day. Two more raids on Berlin
May 16, 1944 – We now have 17 planes, but are only using a
few of them on each mission. This must
be blackberry winter. Cooper’s shack is
completed and they are living in it. I
am considering moving down with them. I
haven’t had a pass since last of March.
I may take a 24hr soon.
May 27, 1944 – I had the 24hr pass and spent most of it on
the base going out on the bicycle. Most
of the raids now are early in the morning, with 2500 to 2700 gals of petrol
& various kinds of bombs. Today’s
mission was the 94th beginning with the 4th of
October. A 100 mission party is
planned. The baseball & softball
season has started. We are all sweating
out 131(Flying patches). Lee’s ship for
60 missions and a return to the states.
It now has 52 with no abortions.
June 3, 1944 – Our group now has 98 missions. Our softball team has won 4 straight games,
one at Wessonsett. We now have 18
planes. Bagwell & Wilkins are new
crew chiefs and I’m still inspector.
June 6, 1944 – D-Day has arrived. The big moment we have been waiting for
months. In our case we were alerted
last night at 5:00PM with much unusual bustle. Our first mission took off at 3:00 AM carrying anti-personnel bombs. The target was Normandy and the mission was to cut off Nazi troops from the beach head. This is our 100th mission. Another squadron at 6:00AM. Our first planes returned at 7:30AM. Some of the planes did not drop their bombs. Crews returned by 9:00 AM, refueled and took off on a second mission to bomb twelve miles beyond the target from first mission. Our third mission bombed targets about 45 miles from the Normandy coast. We followed the progress of our troops in Normandy with a great deal of interest and received a frequent briefing by our officers on what was happening in France. We also got first hand accounts from the flying crews as they returned from flights over the beaches. The first communiqué from Supreme Allied Hdgs
came out at 9:30AM. Supported by the
allied Navy and strong Air Forces, Allied landings were made on the N.Coast of
France. The last mission took off at 4:45PM.
June 7, 1944 – According to reports, all is going well in France
June 11, 1944 – All is going well, according to reports,
steady progress is being made. The
German retreat in Italy
June 19, 1944 – Progress is being made in France , the big news of the day being that the Cherbourg
July 1, 1944 – Cherbourg Italy
July 6, 1944 – The invasion is month old today. The biggest news is the sensational advance
of the Russians. They are slightly over
100 miles from Germany
July 16, 1944 – Brown, Carr & I have moved to our
quarters in what was the sheet metal shack.
We have living quarters in the back and files, etc, in the front. Quite a neat setup. This has been the most like a Kentucky
July 27, 1944 – There is a steady downpour of rain on the
hut, the type of sound that lulls one to sleep.
I have made 3 trips with Gill Patterson & Bagwell to Gist &
Ryeburg but I’m going to take it easy for a few days. Lee left yesterday for the States. The Normandy Russia is still
moving fast toward Germany
August 1, 1944 – Today makes the first anniversary of our
occupation of Wendling. The year has
moved fast and marks a big stride toward the end of the war in this
theater. On all sides the opinion is
held that the end is not far away. The
Russians are on German soil. The Yanks
have broken through in Normandy
August 12, 1944 – We had our worst crack-up a few days
ago. Lt. Filkel flying 222 cracked up on
take off about 10 miles from the field.
It was one of those foggy mornings that are bad for flying. All of the crew of 10 were lost. The Yanks have made a sensational advance in France & are now less than 50 miles from Paris
August 20, 1944 – I have been back from visiting Jr. Puckett
at Malvern. He is getting along pretty
good. I saw a lot of new country, was
almost 200 miles west of London Paris
September 4, 1944 – The steady advance continues. The Yanks are now in Germany & Belgium
September 6, 1944 – I just saw a P-38 crash just across the
field from barracks 6. The pilot from
the 578th Sq. had buzzed the Officers mess and hit the top of a
telephone pole. He came over barracks 6
with engines smoking and pieces falling off.
He pulled the plane up to abort 200 ft and bailed out. The plane went into a dive and crashed and
blew up. The pilot went up alone and
landed safely. One buzz job that didn’t
pay off.
September 8, 1944 – It seems that there is never a dull
moment. While taxing 617 today, Red
Reynolds had the bad luck to drop one wheel into an underground drainage line
sufficient to almost cause left wing tip to touch the ground. At present it looks as though no serious
damage has been done. From yesterdays
Stars & Stripes it would seem that most of the AF is destined to service in
the S. Pacific. That has started the
groans. I hope we can get a furlough in
the States. It seems that this volume will
see service somewhere deep in the jungles.
September 14, 1944 – Today’s heavy fog cut our consecutive
missions to six in a row. The big air
offensive seems to be on. Our armies are
on German territory in the 100 days since D-Day. We are having a large number of engine
changes again and several ships out for battle damage. Priel has taken over as line chief. I hope I can soon rewrite the big type
letters indicating the fall of Germany
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| 1.000 lb bomb |
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| 50 Cal waist gun |
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| B24 Maintenance crew |
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| B24 Flight crew |
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| Aeronautical University Chicago |
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| Bike Crew |
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| Downtown Chicago IL |
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| Glendale KY |
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| Glendale dKY |
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| Ned Day bowling from the Chicago Tribune |
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| Nissen Hut |
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| Ruidoso NM |
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| Ruidoso NM |
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| Ruidoso NM |
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| Service Men's Center Chicago, IL |
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| Wendling England 1944 |
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| Wendling Base 1944 |
