Late Pass – Winter 2008

“Late Pass!”

THE CALL SIGN FOR GROTTAGLIE TOWER WINTER 2008 ISSUE

449TH “FLYING HORSEMEN”

449TH BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION

Rapid City Hosts 17th Reunion of the 449th Bomb Group and 2nd Generation With crystal clear blue skies and a touch of autumn in the air, Rapid City, S.D. welcomed the WWII 449th Bomb Group for their 17th annual reunion. This five-day event had a classic 1940’s theme, with women donning the fashions of the time period. The sons and daughters of the veterans, known as the “2nd Generation”, were in charge of registration. After signing in, the reunion hit the ground running with a trip to Hill City that Sunday afternoon. There, everyone boarded an 1880 steam-powered train for an hour-long trip to Keystone.

The trip was both historically fascinating and most relaxing.

Once in Keystone, there was ample time for dining, shopping, and exploring the town.

Sunday evening provided a gathering for all attendees to become acquainted with one another, reuniting old friends and making new ones. On Monday, the 449th was treated to a day of patriotic splendor. The Grayline buses took the veterans and their families for an afternoon visit to Mt. Rushmore, the symbol of our American democracy carved out of granite. Visitors also learned much about the Black Hills’ native Lakota Indians through the sculpture of Crazy Horse being built on the mountainside.

Monday evening, small individual squadron dinners were held to give veterans the chance to visit with their WWII comrades. The 2nd Generation added a unique twist to the common dinner with a raffle for signed copies of “The Greatest Generation” by Tom Brokaw. There was a winner from each squadron. Thank you, Peggy Hill.

In store for Tuesday was a day-long bus trip exploring the Badlands, a geographic marvel where the weather and landscape change daily. The next stop was the Wall Drug Store, a popular attraction of South Dakota. Evening brought a very special treat. The reunion boarded buses and headed to The Flying T Chuck Wagon where the meals were served as they were for cowboys on the range, closing out the dinner with live country music.

Wednesday afternoon the loaded buses headed to Ellsworth Air Force Base for the final day of the reunion.

Lloyd Rosen arranged a special surprise having a B-1 plane fly over the base, as a way of saluting the “Greatest Generation” veterans. Wednesday night a banquet was held with a raffle to raise money for the 449th bomb group. The reunion came to a close and good-byes were said, with everyone looking forward to April 2010 when the next reunion will take place in Washington D.C. -- Lloyd Rosen

17TH REUNION RECAP

President’s Corner - December 2008 Greetings from sunny but cold Florida (today). We are still talking about how much we enjoyed the 17th 449th Reunion held in Rapid City, SD September 28-October 1. Although, fewer 449th veterans (53) attended, the overall attendance (145) was about the same as the last reunion (Jacksonville). Our ranks were bolstered by attendance of the 2nd Generation. These Daughters and Sons of 449th veterans not only attended, they worked diligently to relieve their fathers of the major duties of planning, organizing, and running the reunion. What a pleasure it was to see their initiative and energy at the Registration Table, in putting together the best ever Memorabilia Room, and in conducting the interviews and recording the War Stories of the veterans. So, if you missed this reunion, you missed a good one!

The scheduled reunion functions were well attended and, I believe, well appreciated. The Memorial Breakfast and (Cont’d on page 3 -- “President’s Corner”)

Col. James B. Miller James B. Miller, President Emeritus of the 449th Bomb Group Association, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2008.

Jim, 83, was born in South English, Idaho. He retired as a Colonel in the United States Air Force. As a bombardier, he flew 51 combat missions with the 449th Bomb Group in World War II. He then flew 42 missions as a bombardier aboard B-29’s in the Korean War, after which he served in the Reserves and held numerous positions over many years.

His civilian jobs included Amana Refrigeration, Cryovac Co., Kemet Corp., the Internal Revenue Service, and Community Bank, later becoming BB&T. Jim retired in 1995. Jim loved flying, enjoyed cruises, and driving his red Mustang in his retirement. He was a man of great faith and adored his family.

Jim was the loving husband of 53 years to Dee Miller, and the loving father of sons, Mike (wife Suzanne) Miller, David (wife Pam) Miller, Rodney; and three daughters, Joyce (husband Larry) Harper, Brenda (husband Jim) Faulkner, and the late Anne Miller Ward.

Col. John A. Steele

449th Reunion Chairman’s Report

The last of the original 449th Squadron Commanders (716th), Colonel John A. Steele, USAF (ret) died September 28, 2008 of Parkinson’s related illness. John was 87 years old. He went overseas with the original cadre of the 449th in late 1943. He distinguished himself as he led the Squadron and Group on 50 Combat Missions over Southern Europe, including six missions to the Ploesti oil refineries -- one of the most heavily defended targets of World War II. John completed his World War II combat tour in August 1944, returned to the States and later served in the New York National Guard where he was appointed Commander of the 106th Bomb Group (B-26) at Floyd Bennett Field, NY. During the Korean conflict, he was Deputy Commander of 106th Bomb Wing (B-29). He later transferred to the Fifth Air Force at Yokota AB, Japan, where he was Commander of an Air Refueling Squadron (KB-29 and KB-50) which pioneered the Probe and Drogue refueling system now used by all Services.

Colonel Steele retired from the USAF in 1961 as a Command Pilot with more than 6,000 flying hours. Among the many military decorations and citations Col. Steele was awarded during his military career were the following: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters and two Presidential Unit Citations.

After his military service, John joined the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Carrier Operations Inspector and Airman Certification Specialist. He joined Pan American World Airways in 1966 as a Flight Instructor and Check Pilot. He retired from Pan Am in 1981 as a Boeing 747 Check Pilot with 26,000 flying hours. Until, shortly before his death, he served as a consultant for the Pan American International Flight Academy in Miami, which trained Boeing 747 pilots and flight engineers.

Colonel Steel is survived by his loving wife Constance Giaccone Steele, sons, Jeffrey, Jon and James Steele, grandchildren Chandra, Ryan and Andrew Steele. Step-children, Valerie, Anthony, Robert, Stephen and Lawrence Giaccone, Step-grandchildren twins Jennifer and Alexa Giaccone Colonel John Steele was respected and loved by all who knew him. He was a great leader in the 449th Bomb Group in World War II. His comrades in the 449th Bomb Group Association join his family and friends in mourning his passing. We will honor him in our Memorial Service at the 18th Reunion in the Spring of 2010.

Our reunion in Rapid City was great and certainly did not disappoint anyone. At our business meeting, we decided to break a rule and return to Washington DC for our 18th Reunion in the Spring of 2010. There are many new things that have been added since we were there in 2001 including the World War II Memorial and the Air Force Memorial. There is so much to see and do in Washington that one could spend months and not see it all. Our tours will be designed so there is a minimum of walking.

We will visit the Smithsonian including the National Air and Space Museum, the U.S. Capital, White House, Arlington National Cemetery, Grant’s Tomb, Lincoln and Washington Memorials and certainly Washington’s Mount Vernon.

Even though rates have gone up since our 2001 reunion in Washington, we hope to have the hotel selected and specific dates set before the year-end.

Regarding a post 18th Reunion Tour to Italy, I have contacted our Italian tour manager and made tentative plans for an Italian Tour after our reunion ends. Our 2001 tour was so well received that we have designed the 2010 tour to be very similar: Grottaglie, Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi Coast, Herculaneum, Fiuggi, Rome(2 days), Anzio/Rome Cemetery, Pisa, Montecatini, Florence, Tuscany (and Wine Country), Venice and home.

Changing to the Euro-dollar has raised the tour cost since our 2001 tour. However, the price should be under $3,000 for 15 days including round trip from D.C., breakfast and dinner every day, and tour guide plus all expenses except personal items. We will have local wines at most dinners. We will depart on the Italian Tour right after the Washington reunion.

A few people have expressed an interest in visiting Sicily.

For those people, we could add 4 or 5 days after our Italian Tour ends.

We need at least 50 people to go. Show your intent or interest by sending a $100 refundable deposit to Al Allen, 449th Treasurer. Questions, call me at 321-242-8654.

-- Lee Kenney, VP and Reunion Chairman

Oral History Project With cameras rolling and cue cards flashing, forty-nine airmen related their stories at the 17th Reunion in Rapid City.

Many were hesitant at first, but the importance of preserving the 449th BG legacy for future generations outweighed their reluctance. Each airman related a unique history lesson about himself in the 1940’s. The subjects covered were: hometown, age of enlistment or induction, type of training, where the training took place, crew or ground assignment, how they got to Grottaglie (plane or ship), and Squadron/Rank/Position.

Each veteran also related a couple of personal stories (lighthearted or tragic), and then explained why the B-24 out-ranked and out-performed the B-17.

The 2nd Generation Oral History Project has two goals: 1) create a DVD with all the 449th BG interviews, (Continued on page 8 --“Oral History” )

2

first, and being so supportive. They are hooked -- they will be back.

Finally, to all the 449th family we wish all of you a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year. Stay well and we will hope to see you at the 18th Reunion in Washington DC in the Spring of 2010.

-- Floyd Trogdon

(Cont’d from page 1 -- “President’s Corner”)

Reunion Banquets were special. We were privileged to have the 28th Bomb Wing Honor Guard (from Ellsworth AFB) conduct the flag ceremonies for both functions and they did so with great precision. Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Norman Ellis, the 28th Bomb Wing Chaplain, delivered the Invocations and Benedictions for both meetings. Additionally, he presented a poignant message at our Memorial Ceremony that touched all of us. Members of the respective squadrons read the names of all the 449th men who have died since 2000. This years’ memorial was especially moving as we named some of our leaders (e.g., Jim Miller, Jack Randolph, Ed Sass, Bill Tope, Lloyd Benson) and so many more. We did not know at the time of this service that John Steele, the original Commander of the 716th Squadron, had died just two days earlier. (See separate article.) A special tribute was paid to Jim Miller, our long time President, who died earlier this year after a long illness. Jim deserves tremendous credit for the work he did to strengthen and perpetutate the 449th over all the years.

He was greatly respected by all and will be sorely missed.

The Business Meeting, for the first time, was attended by wives and 2nd Generation members in addition to the 449th veterans. The main business was: the election of officers; the consideration of a proposal to make the 2nd Generation official members of the Association; and the selection of a city for the 18th Reunion. (See Business Meeting article.)

The Reunion Banquet on the last night was attended by most everyone. I had invited Senator George McGovern, a South Dakota resident and a World War II B-24 Pilot who flew from another base in Italy, to attend our dinner and he had accepted. At the last moment, he cancelled but sent us a brief greeting which I read to the attendees and have printed it separately in this issue. Our dinner speaker was the Commander of the 28th Bomb Wing at Ellsworth AFB, Colonel Scott A. Vander Hamm, an impressive Air Force leader and a highly decorated combat commander for hundreds of B-1 and B-2 combat missions on Iraqi operations. My Letter to Lt. General Norman Seip (Col. Vander Hamm’s boss) praising Col. Vander Hamm for his inspirational talk and for the support he and his people gave us is printed elsewhere in this issue. Lt. General Seip’s reply is also included.

Many of us took advantage of the tours offered by Gray Lines Travel Agency and sampled the magnificent beauty of the area around Rapid City. Highlights were the beautiful Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, the Crazy Horse Memorial, the breathtaking Black Hills scenery, and the abundant wild life. The tour to Ellsworth AFB to visit the Aviation Museum and a static display of an operational B-1 was particularly interesting. It was made especially meaningful to the 449th veterans who were allowed complete access to the plane and given detailed explanations by the B-1 crew.

Once again, I want to offer the heartfelt thanks of the Association veterans to the 2nd Generation for all their hard work on this reunion. Also, I particularly want to thank my brother Bob, who is an honorary 449th member, and his wife Nina, for once again helping, and my daughters Elaine and Linda and Son-in-Law, Doug, for attending this reunion, their

Special Thanks to the Livingstons Carol and Dan Livingston, 2nd Generation members, could not be at the reunion but made a contribution that made their presence felt by all. They obtained special permission and reproduced the famous 449th painting “Maximum Effort” on beautiful laminated placemats which they supplied as gifts to the 449th veterans. There were extra copies sent which were put in the PX where they sold like “Hotcakes”. The 449th BGA is deeply appreciative and we offer our sincere thanks to Carol and Dan for this generous and beautiful contribution to our members. We are sorry you could not be at the reunion.

449th BGA PX The 449th PX continues to be a great attraction for many of our members. This was indeed evident at the 17th Reunion where stalwart PX ”Managers” Jean and John Aulner manned the store and provided their usual “folksy” conversations to the many 449th buyers looking for memorabilia and other PX Items. We can’t say enough about the outstanding service Jean and John have provided over the years to the membership as they have kept the PX stocked with items of interest. They may look relaxed at the PX but think of the hard work they do to haul all that “stuff” from Omaha to the reunion site, and then to pack and haul unsold items back to Omaha. They are truly dedicated and deserve a word of appreciation and thanks from all of us.

John and Jean are open for sales year around. Write, call or email (Latepass@email.msn.com) them to order items you may have missed at the reunion. They have a good stock of 449th Books including: “Grottaglie and Home” (Book III); “Maximum Effort” (Book IV); “The Planes of the 449th Bomb Group in World War II”; “Brother Men Who Fly”

by Ben Yedlin; and “No Foxholes in the Sky and Guns of Ploesti” by Clay Henry. In my opinion, everyone should have all of these books. I am particularly impressed with Clay Henry’s book which weaves his own personal story of World War II into the context of the big picture. John and Jean tell me that 449th caps were such a best seller at the reunion that they sold out and have since ordered a new stock to meet future requests. There are a number of other articles in the PX but you will need to contact the Aulners for details. If there is an item of memorabilia connected with the 449th which you know would be of interest, but we do not now stock, tell John and Jean and they will take appropriate ac-- Floyd Trogdon tion. Happy PX Shopping!

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Reunion Recap: 2nd Generation Perspective Approximately 50 veterans of the 449th Bomb Group along with widows, sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and friends attended the 17th reunion in Rapid City, South Dakota.

The reunion saw the introduction of the “2nd Generation” as we now call ourselves, and we took the ball and ran with it.

I must say we worked long, hard hours but we had fun and lots of laughs along the way. Someone came up with the idea of having each veteran tell of an incident or story and have it videotaped. Quite a few people worked many long hours behind the camera to make this all happen. Some of our gals managed to find some vintage clothing from the 40’s, and The 2nd Generation with the music of the Glen Miller orchestra playing in the background, the “mood” was set.

Our mission was to make the reunion most enjoyable for the veterans, and our long-range goal is to preserve the history of the 449th Bomb Group. We have a great start with the memorabilia room, which featured some great pictures, posters and scrapbooks. There is an old saying, “If only pictures could talk.” -- one particular set of pictures had been stashed in some old papers that were to be destroyed. A man who worked at a commercial shredding plant found them as they slipped from the pages he was feeding into the shredder. He had the pictures in his possession for about ten years. He did some research on the Internet and eventually found the 449th Bomb Group web page. He was kind enough to mail the pictures to the association. These pictures do have an interesting story to tell in more ways than one.

The next reunion will be held in Washington, DC in April 2010. As a member of the 2nd Generation, I look forward to the opportunity to honor each of our veterans one more time. It was because of their bravery some sixty years ago that has enabled me to live in freedom. I thank each and every one of them. God bless America!

-- Lynn Moran, Daughter of Charles F. Gran, Ball Turret Gunner – “The Shack”-718th Squadron

The 449th Veterans at the 17th Reunion

Above: 716th Squadron

Below: 718th Squadron

Above: 717th Squadron

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Below: 719th Squadron

449TH BOMB GROUP ASSOCIATION 1596 Pioneer Drive Melbourne, Florida 32940 October 10, 2008 Lt. General Norman Seip 2915 S. Twelfth AF Drive Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ 85707-4100 Dear General Seip: I represent the 449th Bomb Group Association, an organization of veterans who were in the 449th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force which was stationed at Grottaglie, Italy during World War II. Every veteran of the 449th either flew as a crew member on B-24s or was in a support role for our combat missions over Southern Europe. We are very proud of the significant role we played in the strategic bombing of such targets as the Ploesti Oil Fields, air fields, aircraft factories, and railroad marshalling yards in and near the major cities of Southern Europe. We have perpetuated the memory of our World War II Organization with our Association.

Last week, we held the 17th Reunion of the Association at the Grand Gateway Hotel in Rapid City, SD. We were privileged to have as our guest speaker for the Reunion Banquet Colonel Scott A. Vander Hamm, 28th Bomb Wing Commander. Colonel Vander Hamm gave a most interesting presentation of the historical progression of Airpower and the US Air Force since World War II. Our members, many of whom flew B-24s in World War II, thoroughly enjoyed his message and greatly appreciated the accolades he gave us for the part we played in the war. Colonel Vander Hamm took the time to talk with individual members before and after the dinner and I can assure you that was very meaningful to each of them.

I have enclosed a copy of a letter I sent to Colonel Vander Hamm thanking him for his participation and for the support members of the 28th Bomb Wing gave us for our Reunion.

Suffice it to say, I was very impressed with Colonel Vander Hamm and his people, and came away from our meetings feeling very comfortable that our Air Force is in good hands today.

Thank you very much for the support your organization gave us and thank you personally for your service to this country.

Sincerely, Floyd H. Trogdon B/General USAF (Ret) President

Message from Senator George McGovern to the 449th Bomb Group Association “My dear fellow airmen and families of WWII. I’m sorry that an event in Washington, DC makes it impossible for me to be with you tonight. We can all be proud of our service in a crucial and essential war. Our mission was clearly defined and we carried it out with conviction and courage. Congratulations and best wishes to each of you.”

16 October 2008

Brigadier General (Ret) Floyd H. Trogdon 449th Bomb Group Association 1596 Pioneer Drive Melbourne, FL 32940 Dear General Trogdon On behalf of the men and women of Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern), thank you for your kind words of appreciation for Colonel Vander Hamm and the 2nd Bomb Wing. It was truly an honor to support the 17th reunion of your association.

The veterans of the 449th Bomb Group Association should be very proud of their contributions during World War II. Thank you for your service so that we can all enjoy the freedoms, security and prosperity we have today.

Sincerely

Sincerely, George McGovern

NORMAN R. SEIP Lieutenant General, USAF Commander, Twelfth Air Force (Air Forces Southern)

Visit the 449th Bomb Group Website at: http://norfield-publishing.com/449th/449site.html

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449th BGA 17th Reunion Statistics

449th BGA Treasurer’s Report

The 17th Reunion of the 449th BGA was held in Rapid City, SD Sept 28th through Oct 1, 2008 and was thoroughly enjoyed by the 145 plus members and families who attended.

There were sixty-three 449th members originally registered.

Also there were ten 2nd Generation members (daughters and sons) who registered separate from families. Seven members cancelled before the meeting for various reasons. Six of the members who attended have been to all 17 reunions (John Aulner, Emil Brenckmen, Paul Farrell, Patricia Latta, Lee Kenney, and Frank Shoaf). Two members (Clyde Wilhoit and Patrick Wehling) have attended all but one reunion.

There were 135 attendees at the Get-Acquainted Party, 126 at the Squadron Dinners, 108 at the Memorial Breakfast and 139 at the Reunion Banquet.

The summarized data below show the results of our financial transactions during the last three operating years. The 2008 results will later be brought to include activities through 12/31/2008. The Jacksonville Reunion activities were reported in the first period, and the Rapid City Reunion activities in the third period. If you would like to receive copies of the more detailed Income Statements and Balance Sheets, please contact Secretary Mary Crowley. Looking forward to seeing you -- Al Allen, Treasurer in Washington DC in 2010.

INCOME STATEMENTS FOR 13 months ended Jan 31 2007 AND 11 months ended Dec 31 2007 AND Period from 1-1-2008 to 11-11-2008 1/31/2007 REVENUES: Reunion Income Merchandise/ Book Sales Interest Income Donations Received Total Revenue

17th Reunion Business Meeting Summary There were three subjects on the agenda: Election of officers; Consideration of proposal to make 2nd Generation members full voting members of the Association; and Selection of location for the 18th Reunion in the Spring of 2010.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS The nominating committee proposed the reelection of the current officers except for Secretary Logies who had requested he be replaced. The members unanimously agreed with the nominating committee and elected the following:

LESS OPERATING EXPENSES: Reunion Expenses Cost of Mdse and Books Sold “Late Pass” Newsletter Office Expenses Postage Total Operating Expense

President -Floyd H. Trogdon, B/Gen USAF (Ret) (719th Sq.) Vice President - Lee Kenney, LTC USAF (Ret) (718th Sq.) Secretary - Mary Crowley, 2nd Generation (717th Sq.) Treasurer- Albrecht Allen (716th Sq.) Chaplain - Rev. Harry Snyder (717th Sq.) Historian - Clay Henry (716th Sq.) Memorabillia Officers - John & Jean Aulner (717th Sq.)

NET (LOSS) or GAIN

12/31/2007

11/11/08

$13,640.00

$ 00.00

$13,817.00

$ 2,962.13 $ 00. 00 $ 621.00 $17,223.13

$ 35.00 $332.28 $ 00.00 $ 367.28

$ 2,710.84 $ 240.61 $ 390.00 $17,158.45

$13,767.97

$

00.00

$12,749.39

$ 1,872.20 $ 2,468.05 $ 608.52 $ 150.52 $18,867.26

$ 16.67 $ 992.24 $ 954.26 $ 00.00 $ 1,963.17

$ 1,472.18 $ 594.82 $ 106.00 $ 419.39 $15,359.88

$ (1,595.89)

$ 1,798.57

$ (1,644.13)

BALANCE SHEETS 1/31/2007

12/31/2007

11/10/2008

ASSETS TOTAL CASH IN BANKS

2ND GENERATION PROPOSAL After much discussion, the Association voted to make the 2nd Generation members Associate Members of the Association pending a review of the membership requirements for the 449th Bomb Group Association to maintain its 501(C)19 status as a Veteran’s Organization. Assuming the membership status for the Sons and Daughter of 449th veterans does not affect the Not-for-Profit Status, the 2nd Generation will be given full and equal membership status to their fathers.

SITE LOCATION FOR NEXT REUNION (18TH) Lee Kenney presented several alternatives for our next reunion which (according to our rules) must be in a city east of the Mississippi River. The Association by majority vote decided to hold the 18th Reunion in Washington DC in the Spring of 2010. It was recognized that a previous reunion had been held in Washington (2001) but the general belief was that there are so many attractions there related to our interests that a return would be enjoyed by all. Lee Kenney suggested that he would attempt to organize another trip to Italy at the end of the Washington reunion.

$16,286.73

$14,558.27

$17,829.02

$ 7,109.00

$ 7,573.12

$ 6,548.00

$ 1,220.61

$ 889.06

$

TOTAL OTHER ASSETS

$ 8,329.61

$ 8,462.18

$ 6,990.00

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS

$24,616.34

$23,020.45

$24,819.02

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY:

$24,616.34

$23,020.45

$24,819.02

OTHER ASSETS: 449TH BOOK INVENTORY 449TH BASE EXCHANGE

449th Bomb Group Association Officers President, Floyd H. Trogdon Vice-President, Lee Kenney Secretary, Mary Crowley Treasurer, Al Allen

2nd Generation Mary Crowley

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442.00

The History Corner

The Ploesti Missions

“Ploesti, Ploesti, Ploesti! Among the combat crew members this bugaboo target awakened many from their sleep” -- this was the way the 449th War Diary recorded the effect of Ploesti at the early morning mission briefs. Ploesti was the chief petroleum producing center for the Axis. No less than thirteen oil refineries were located in the Ploesti area. The refineries and the marshalling yards of the railroad system were thus principal targets for the 15th Air Force. Between April 5th and August 19th, 1944, the 449th flew twelve missions against targets at Ploesti -- four against the marshalling yards and eight against the oil refineries. Among the 449th flyers, a mission to Ploesti was known as a “Big One.” It was an eight-hour mission fraught with danger from flak and fighters. At the height of the campaign during May, June and July, the enemy was capable of sending as many as 100 fighters against Fifteenth Air Force forSummary of 449th Losses on Ploesti Missions mations. In addition, more than 200 heavy, anti-aircraft guns defended the area, together with an effective, large-scale smoke screen.

Losses Mission SquadThe campaign against the Ploesti oil refinerDate ron KIA POW Evaded Crew Notes ies, distribution system and infrastructure was 5 April 716 1 Rogers one of the epic battles of the war. A mission 24 April No Losses to Ploesti was a “double credit” mission until 5 May 717 4 6 Morton a/c lost the latter part of July 1944 when it was re5 May 716 3 7 White a/c lost moved from the list of double-credit mission 5 May 717 11 Jacobson a/c lost 5 May 717 2 McInvale targets -- the rationale being that the enemy 5 May 718 1 9 Harper a/c lost fighter threat had by then become almost neg5 May 719 3 7 Armstrong a/c lost ligible. The flak, however, remained formi31 May No Losses dable. The absence of enemy fighters over 6 June No Losses the target did not lessen the displeasure of 24 June 717 8 Anderson a/c lost (Note 1) the combat crews for the single-sortie rule.

5 July 717 10 Blanton a/c lost This collective displeasure was perhaps best 9 July 718 9 Driggers a/c lost summed up by J. F. Scroggs’ crew during 9 July 717 VanSchoor a/c left at Vis the post-mission debrief following the July 15th 9 July 716 5 Westbrook a/c lost (Note 2) mission: “We invite the General to visit Ploesti 15 July 717 10 Scroggs, J. E. a/c lost on our next mission -- single sortie! No flak 22 July 716 10 Rye a/c lost vest will be issued.”

18 Aug 719 6 Watson a/c lost (Note 3) The 449th lost a total of 14 B-24s from 19 Aug 716 10 McDowell a/c lost all causes during the twelve trips to Ploesti Notes: Totals 24 60 38 with total casualties being: 24 KIA, 60 POW, 1 - Turned back before target and 38 Evaded. [Source, Book II Database] 2 - Crashed approaching Gioia 3 - Crashed approaching Grottaglie

Favorable Press Coverage At 17th Reunion

A “First Reunion” Perspective

Newspapers, TV and radio gave excellent coverage to our 17th Reunion in Rapid City, SD. The Rapid City Journal conducted a lengthy interview of Floyd Trogdon and John McCormick and printed a long front page account of that interview. NBC and Fox TV Channels in Rapid City also interviewed Floyd Trogdon and other 449th members. “Snippets” of these interviews were shown on the evening news on September 29. One of the South Dakota PBS radio stations called and conducted a lengthy interview with Floyd and scheduled to interview John McCormick when he got to his home in Orlando. A lesson we learn from this excellent press coverage is that EARLY PRESS RELEASES sent to the host hotel and to the Visitors Bureau and Convention Center will whet the Press’ appetite. The other lesson is that in spite of your best efforts, you are lucky if the printed article or TV snippet truly reflects what you said. Eighty percent accuracy is good!

How wonderful it was for my sisters, Teresa and Deborah, and I to represent our father, Rodger Meek, at our first 449th BG reunion. We felt welcome from day one, met so many interesting people and made great new friends. There is so much camaraderie, energy and enthusiasm within the group and it’s catching.

Hanging out at the PX and being able to share stories with everyone was a big highlight. Huge thanks to John and Jean Aulner for being fantastic hosts. But nothing will compare with the honor I felt being able to participate in the oral history project and hearing stories from so many of our vets.

That honor will stay with me a lifetime. It was like learning a new piece of what my Dad’s life was like that I was never aware of before. Please encourage your children and grandchildren to attend the next reunion and share that slice of life with them. See you in 2010.

-- Denise Meek Riegel

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“LATE PASS!”, a publication of The 449th Bomb Group Association Mary Crowley, Secretary 2nd Generation 16292 Content Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Telephone 714-840-1805 Fax 714-846-0965 email: TCrow16@aol.com

FIRST CLASS MAIL

DECEMBER ‘08 NEWSLETTER 449th Bomb Group Association 716 - 717 - 718 - 719 Bomb Squadrons

“LATE PASS!” -THE 449TH BGA NEWSLETTER Mary Crowley, Secretary and 2nd Generation 16292 Content Circle Huntington Beach, CA 92649 Please send your stories, photos, letters to the editor, poems, cartoons, jokes, etc. for Telephone 714-840-1805 “LATE PASS!” or call her Fax 714-846-0965 email: TCrow16@aol.com

No membership dues assessed. Reprinting in whole or in part, without written permission, is prohibited All rights, and contents are reserved by the 449th BGA. A Not for Profit Organization, funded by member donations and contributions. Contributions to the 449th BGA are deductible on IRS 1040 Schedule A, if not made for merchandise or services

(Cont’d from page 2 --”Oral History”)

2) register as many of the stories as possible with the National Archives in Washington, DC. We presently have over 2,000 minutes to edit and are still collecting airmen pictures and additional interviews. We intend to begin the “labor of commitment” in January, 2009.

If any additional members would like to contribute to the 449th BG Oral History Project, please contact the following: Mary Crowley [ (714)840-1805 (H) / (714)925-8111(C) / email TCrow16@aol.com ] or Denise Riegel [(714)716-6317 / email redriegel@yahoo.com.] The interview process is rather simple and can be done at home. There is a specific criterion that must be followed but we can send you the “Cue Cards”! A special thank you is extended to all the veterans who took the time to share their stories at the reunion. We were deeply honored.

-- Mary Crowley

Updating of Mailing List Mary Crowley, our 449th BGA Secretary, maintains the mailing list database for the Association. Please send her any address corrections. Also, please forward to Mary the report of any deceased veteran.

These actions will help to ensure that our mailing list database remains up-to-date and accurate.