Vol. 31 No. 3
November 2013
The Devil's Own
Grim Reapers!
The Magazine of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association OUR HERITAGE - 13th Aero Squadron, 14 June 1917 www.13thbombsquadron.com
2013 Reunion Issue
November 2013
President’s Corner
said he will continue in his present job this year while we ask the membership for a volunteer to step into the Locator Data Manager position after the 2014 Reunion. As our 2nd VP, since 2008, Jerry Dorwart has been responsible for the last four reunions at Tucson, Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Reno. They were all good reunions and we thank Jerry, his wife Faye, and other members of his family, for their work in giving us such fond memories of those times together. The third Board officer to be elected was Bob Koehne who replaces Norris Olson as the Viet Nam Era Memberat-Large. This now gives us three Bobs on the board. (We three hope you all have read "The Bob Book"). Both Bob Parks and Norris Olson were presented brass 13th belt buckles as a thank you for their contributions to the association over the last seven to eight years, and Jerry will be receiving his via mail. Thank you all for your service! Red Shirt Night at the National Automobile Museum was a special event, where we saw 300 beautiful classic cars. One of them, named the Thomas Flyer, won the New York to Paris Auto Race in 1907. The owner and driver, George Schuster, lived in a small New York town where
Clear skies, warm weather,
and a good tailwind for the golfers (when it wasn’t a headwind) greeted Reno Reunion goers during a delightful get-together, September 16-20. Some who arrived a day or two early saw the conclusion of the National Air Races at the Reno/Stead Airport where a beautiful silver and yellow Bob Butterfield P-51 (named “Voodoo”) won the open division of the 50th year of the world’s fastest motor sport. The L-39 Patriots jet acrobatic team replaced the Thunderbirds/Blue Angels and performed a thrilling six-ship demonstration of aerial skill in front of the enthusiastic fans. Bob Hoover was there to greet the pilots. Our reunion got under way with a well-supplied hospitality room at the Grand Sierra Resort, arranged by Pam Bauman and MaryAnn Butterfield. Bob Koehne brought a large color photo of two B-57s for our display table, which also included Roger Bauman’s camouflaged Canberra model; Don Henderson & Charlie Hinton’s 37-plane collage; hats, patches and challenge coins for sale; and copies of a pen & ink sketch of a B-26 for members to take home. A buffet dinner followed, which was evaluated by many as the first of three delicious meals for this event. At the board meeting, three new officers were elected. The 1st Vice President is still a “Charley from Florida,” but this one is Charley Brown, of Ft. Walton Beach, who replaces Chrly Hinton. Welcome to the board Charley. We are pleased to have your support and expertise. We thank Chrly Hinton for serving as 1st Vice President for the last two years, and for his many contributions to our Association over the past twenty-nine years, as President, Editor of the Invader, and historian, and for the countless hours he put in on behalf of all 13th Reapers, which included development of the Korean Era web site. Jerry Dorwart asked to be replaced as 2nd Vice President and Reunion Planner, and Bob Parks, our Locator Data Manager was elected to replace Jerry on the Board. While the Locator does not serve as a member of the Board, he is a major provider of information and the recruiter of new members—a busy job in itself. Bob has
cont. on page 3
The INVADER is the official newsletter of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association, a Non-profit organization. The INVADER is published three times yearly for the benefit of the Association members. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Association or of the Department of the Air Force. *Members of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association must maintain contact with the Association or “after two years of not communicating with the association, a member will no longer receive the INVADER or the Directory”. Editor: Don Henderson 254 Freeport Road New Kensington, PA 15068-5421 Tel: (412) 417-6667 e-mail: Don@HendersonGDI.com Henderson Graphic Design & Illustration www.HendersonGDI.com The INVADER masthead displays the principal combat aircraft of the 13th Squadron since its initial activation in 1917. ©13th Bomb Squadron Association 2013
Our cover photo features the 2013 Reno Reunion pin
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November 2013 “President’s Corner” cont. from page 3
he received newspapers every morning from a newsboy who grew up to achieve fame himself as an Air Force officer and 13th Bomb Squadron member. He is none other than our former Treasurer, Carl Mosher. I took a picture of Gina and Ron Rodda in front of the Thomas Flyer, and Ron sent the picture to Carl as a souvenir to remind Carl of the good old days. (Thanks for the story Carl). Our trip to Carson City and Virginia City was narrated by our Armed Forces Reunion hostess and long time Reno resident, Carolyn Cumits, who did a splendid job of educating us about the history and development of this part of the west where mining began before Nevada became a state. Due to the Department of Defense reduction of training funds, pilots from Whiteman were unable to join us as they have for the last six reunions. However, 13th Squadron Commander Lt Col Jeff (Opie) Schreiner flew in, via Southwest Airlines, and updated us on current 13th operations and missions. After his talk, I presented him with a framed original 13th Squadron picture of twelve Curtis Falcon Aircraft lined up on the parking ramp at Floyd Bennett Air Field in New York, May 1931. This picture was provided by member Scott Lindley, who surfs the net and finds wonderful old photos which he donates to the Association. A second item presented to Opie was Roger Bauman’s B-57 model which Roger has been bringing to reunions for the last few years. During a visit to Whiteman, it was noted that the collection of model aircraft in the Reaper Bar was missing a B-57. Now their display is complete. Thanks Roger, and thanks Opie, for your continuing support of our Association! Last winter, member David Regan said General Chuck Yeager lived in Grass Valley, CA, which was only about 75 miles from Reno, and it might be possible that he could attend our reunion—since Gen Yeager had flown missions with the 13th in Vietnam while serving as the 405th Wing Commander at Clark AB in the Philippines. Member George Lyddane, a long time friend from test pilot school, said he would contact the general and see if he would come to our reunion. George got in touch with Mrs. Yeager, and then I wrote a letter inviting them both to Reno. However, a few weeks before the reunion, we were told the Yeagers would be traveling and would not be able to make it to our reunion. (We will send him an invitation for next year, since it would be an honor to have him at a reunion, and several of our active members flew with him while he was the 405th CO.) Fortunately, David Regan invited his old United Airlines
pilot buddy, and our old B-57 buddy Larry Mason to be his guest at Reno. Larry had been assigned to Clark and the 13th for B-57 gunnery training, along with many of our current B-57 members, including me. When Larry finished his training, he was assigned to the 8th Squadron for combat, but we often crossed paths as the two squadrons replaced each other during the 60-day rotations to Viet Nam from Clark. It was in March 1966, when Larry and his navigator Jere Joyner had a near-death experience during a day-attack mission in the Laotian Panhandle. Larry was gracious enough to recount for us the full story of this harrowing flight—for which he received an Air Force Cross for gallantry and the National Culligan Award for Flying Safety. It was a memorable evening for all. Special thanks to Susan Nielsen for taking the portrait photos, and also to her husband Dennis and Barbara Hampton for assisting Susan. When breakfast ended, Ron Jarrett added a helping hand in packing up the hospitality room banners and memorabilia. Thanks Ron. Our attendance was forty-eight—which was less than previous reunions. However, many people commented that they knew almost everyone there, and that the total number didn’t equate to the enjoyable time they had. Our treasurer’s report showed that our donations are still strong and that we continue to be a viable Association. Four of the attendees from the B-57G squadron came for the first time, and two Ubon Reapers became Board members. These actions will encourage more of those men to attend future reunions. Also the 2015 Reunion, in Branson, MO, is within driving distance of Whiteman, so I can see active duty Reapers attending that reunion, even if sequester still limits military travel. Overall, we look very good for the future. Speaking of looking ahead, our former president Dave Spotswood is planning to attend the Providence reunion next year after just experiencing surgery to replace both knees. He sends his greetings to all of his old friends and squadron mates. To close this column I would like to ask God’s blessings for the men whose names appear on our In Memoriam page, and for all Reapers who have gone before them and whose contributions and sacrifices have given us the freedom and liberty we enjoy today. Reaper Pride, 3
November 2013
Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association Robert L. (Bob) Butterfield 7912 Madison Plantation Way Fredericksburg, VA 22407 rl.butterfield@hotmail.com
President
1st Vice President/
Secretary
Member at Large WWII
Member at Large GWAT
2nd Vice President
Charles J. (Charlie) Brown 905 Holbrook Circle Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547-6733 charley6272@yahoo.com
Locator Data Manager
Edward T. (Tighe) Carvey 6980 Olympic View Ct. Silverdale, WA 98383 tcarvey@wavecable.com
Treasurer
Edward D. (Ed) Connor, Jr. 1217 Earnestine St. McLean, VA 22101-2646 ravenfive5@verizon.net
Member at Large Korea
Member at Large Vietnam
Karl J. (Buck) Shawhan 4014 Buccaneer Blvd. Plattsmouth, NE 68048 shawhan9@gmail.com
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James R. (Bob) Parks 3219 Tavern Oaks St. San Antonio, TX, 78247 bob-parks@satx.rr.com
Roger A. Bauman 5664 S. Basalt Ave. Boise, ID 83716-9007 rbauman@cableone.net
Roy L. (Bud) Compton 2021 158th Street NW Marysville, WA 98271 budcomp13@frontier.com
Robert R. (Bob) Koehne 23332 SE 225th St. Maple Valley, WA 89110-5100 csrrk@comcast.nett
November 2013
Letters to Editor Dear Editor,
Please check with your membership or perhaps bring it up at your next reunion. Any info and/or pictures you can provide regarding any of the crew, will be greatly appreciated!
I just received the Invader, Vol 31, No. 2 thanks to my sister-in-law, Anita Cowan. I am the "big sister" of Bill Cowan. I want to thank the 13th Bomb Squadron Association for honoring him. I was 7 years old when Bill was born. We have always been close. He was so proud of being a member of the Air Force. When he came home after WWII, he bought a convertible. The color? Air Force Blue of course! He was a great family man, so proud of his four children.
The crew of missing B-26 #44-34601 was: Capt. Joseph S. Long, Jr. - Pilot (He was promoted to Major AFTER going MIA) Lt. Cornelius Guilfoyle, Navigator
He always kept apprised of his endeavors to help the Grim Reapers and his efforts to have an official memorial service for the late Lt Col Walter King (from the 13th Bomb Squadron in Korea) and presentation of all medals & decorations to be given to his family. He was aided in the endeavour by Bill Ricketts and related in an article written by Bill in the "Invader, An Anthology", The 13th Bomb Squadron in Korea of which I have copy 150 out of 550 copies of the first edition printed. He was an eloquent writer.
Lt. Gilbert J. Schauer, Navigator Lt. Scott A. Holz "Dollar Ride" A1C Spencer Cooper - gunner I realize that many years have past, and none of you are getting any younger, but please see what you can find. Thank you and the other "Reapers" for serving in Korea!
I proudly wear the watch he gave me. The face shows the insignia of the "The Devil's Own Grim Reapers, 13th Bomb Squadron". Thank you again. I am so proud of him!
Sincerely, Joe Long, III
Blessing you all, Margaret Cowan Pemberton Dear Editor,
My Dad was at K-8 from 9 January to 6 April 1952. On 7 April, his plane was reported MIA. Other than a radio broadcast heard by guys at K-8 but "unsubstantiated" by the USAF, there was no further mention of the crew on board for that mission; and their records were "lost in the fire" in St. Louis. So, they remain MIA. Dad was assigned to the 90th (Pair-O-Dice) and we have taken our Mom to several of their reunions. We are always looking for guys who knew him or at least knew of him. Since he also served as Assistant Group Operations Officer for the 13th, 8th & 90th, perhaps some of your guys knew him or can recall him conducting the afternoon pre-flight briefings?
Don, I was randomly searching the web for my dad’s name… and there was your art “Oscar and Harry”! Very cool. Just wanted you to know. Thanks, Susan Galpin 5
November 2013
AFTER 69 YEARS, WWII PILOT COMES HOME FOR BURIAL By Peg Mcentee| The Salt Lake Tribune
Lorna Bird Snyder's uncle, Vernal Bird, was a World War II pilot in Papua New Guinea when his A-20 light bomber vanished in the mountains. Among the memorabilia is the final letter he wrote a few days before he disappeared at the young age of 25. In 2001, a New Guinean found a leg bone and engine plates, which later was identified as being from Bird's plane. Using DNA from Vernal's sister, doctors at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii confirmed his remains. (Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Springville, UT • In March 1944, 2nd Lt. Vernal J. Bird took flight in his A-20G Havoc bomber in an attack on Japanese airfields in western Papua New Guinea. He was last seen trailing his squadron.
"Every time I found something, I sent for it," she said. "It took years, on and off. Spurts of every day, then it would lie for while. My [late] mom and dad were beside me: ‘You’re going to do this, dear. Keep moving.’ "
But after his niece, Lorna Bird Snyder, launched a yearslong search for her uncle, Vernal Bird’s remains arrived in Utah, September 28, 2013 to be buried with full military honors in the Bird family plot at the Evergreen Cemetery.
After hearing the news on Tuesday, she said, "I feel relieved and just immensely grateful. It’s kind of united the family again; cousins we haven’t seen coming together. So, OK, things are moving." Vernal Bird, the 12th of 13 children, enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1941. Three years later, he was at an American base in Nadzab, Papua New Guinea, where he wrote frequent letters home.
For Lorna Bird Snyder, it’s been a long time coming. She began her search in 2003, not knowing at the time that a bone had been found at a crash site in the mountains of western Papua New Guinea two years earlier. After moving into her late mother’s home, she found "boxes and boxes of letters," including Vernal’s. And she took to the Internet to research the American and Australian offensive against the Japanese.
"I have been assigned to a squadron up in the forward, area, and, to put it short, this is going to be a sun-of-agun," he wrote on March 3, 1944. "I feel damn lucky to be flying with them. I like our ships, fast and maneuverable, 6
November 2013
but the [Japanese] don’t like them so well."
found the wreckage of Bird’s plane in the steep, wet jungle. He also found a fibula and took it and the engine identification plates to an American recovery team.
Bird flew with the 5th Air Force’s 13th Bomb Squadron, which flew B-25 medium bombers, and A-20G light bombers. His A-20G was equipped with machine guns, heavy bombs and the lighter parafrag bombs, which floated down onto the enemy slowly enough to prevent the plane from being caught in the blasts.
Later, a team from the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command in Hawaii went to the wreckage of Bird’s plane. It cannot be explored, however, until and if a stillattached 500-pound bomb is defused.
The A-20 pilots routinely flew just above the treetops, sometimes even through them as they attacked. That campaign was brutal for both sides, as they fought ferociously in jungles, mud and monsoons.
Meantime, Lorna Bird Snyder said, "It finally dawned on me — DNA." Vernal Bird’s sister, Elaine, was the sole surviving sibling, and she gave a sample for testing. On July 12, Michael Mee of Fort Knox told Lorna Bird Snyder that the fibula matched the DNA sample. The next day, Thomas Holland, scientific director of the Central Identification Laboratory at Hickam Air Force Base in Honolulu, met with her and her husband in Salt Lake City to explain the lengthy process of identification. "He told us exactly what he’d gone through," Lorna Bird Snyder said. "It was very impressive, very touching." Looking over photos in her Springville home, she said that while she’d never known her uncle, he was her father’s little brother. "He was a constant presence in our house," she said. "They talked about Vernal all the time, how much they loved him.
(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune)
Lorna Bird Snyder learned that captured U.S. pilots in particular suffered brutal treatment at the hands of the Japanese, who were as exhausted and angry as the Allied forces when they closed in.
"It was a little bit frightening to me, as a little kid, to think he was just gone," said Lorna Bird Snyder, now 66. "What is a war where they take people and don’t give them back? You could just read the heartache in the parents’ faces."
On that March 12, the squadron set out for the Japanese base of Boram with the A-20Gs low and fast over and through the treetops. But Bird and his co-pilot, Staff Sgt. Roy F. Davis, veered toward a mountain range. Then they vanished.
In Vernal Bird’s last letter, dated March 10, 1944, he told his brother and sister-in-law that "The sun is setting in our sky and it is really a lovely site. Much more peaceful looking than it really is … I’d like to give you a ride, Nick, along the trees we fly right in the leaves at times. Love to all, Vernal."
Although a search was begun, it was deemed impractical at the time, according to a report by the Army’s Individual Deceased Personnel File on Vernal Bird.
His remains, accompanied by a military escort, will be returned and buried on Sept. 28 in the Evergreen Cemetery with military honors. His military headstone will be close to the memorial stone his family placed in the late 1940s.
In the late 1940s, the Army’s American Graves Registration Services searched for and disinterred, the remains of U.S. servicemen in the Pacific Theater for return to their homes. In 1950, the Army "confirmed the finding of non-recoverability for 2nd Lt. Bird."
One day, if that 500-bomb is rendered safe, Lorna Bird Snyder would like to see the place where her uncle’s remains were found, and "look for the sergeant, too."
But in 2001, a Papuan national named Charles Wintawa 7
November 2013
2013 Reno Reunion Attendees
Jean & Norris Olson
Lou & PB Dover
Ronald Jarrett
Dave & Nancy Clark
Diane & Ron Silvia
Tighe & Susan Carvey 8
November 2013
2013 Reno Reunion Attendees
Dave Regan
Edward & Janice Besemer
MaryAnn & Bob Butterfield
Carole & Russell McManus
Bud Compton
Bob & Myrtle Parks 9
November 2013
2013 Reno Reunion Attendees
Donald & Betty Kasson
Tom Miller
Charlie Brown
Mary & Carl Renner
Barbara & Harold Hampton
Lt Col Jeffery T. Schreiner 10
November 2013
2013 Reno Reunion Attendees
Carole & Bob Koehne
Larry Mason
Roger & Pam Bauman
Gena & Ron Rodda
Nancy & George Lyddane
Susan & Dennis Nielsen 11
November 2013
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November 2013
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November 2013
13th Bomb Squadron Association Board of Directors Meeting Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, NV Members present: President Bob Butterfield Secretary Tighe Carvey Treasurer Roger Bauman Locator Bob Parks Korea Bud Compton Vietnam Norris Olson
September 16, 2013 Members absent: 1st VP Charlie Hinton 2nd VP Jerry Dorwart WWII Ed Connor GWOT Buck Shawhan
President Bob Butterfield asked if the Secretary had received agenda item proposals from the membership. There were none. Board member replacements are needed for 1st VP (Charlie Hinton), 2nd VP (Jerry Dorwart-by request), and Member at Large GWOT (Buck Shawhan-by request.) The issue will be addressed at the General Membership meeting during the election of officers. Treasurer’s Report – Attached Motion to Accept: Norris Olson Second: Bud Compton Passed: Unanimous Secretary’s Report – None Locator’s Report – Attached Bob Parks has requested clarification of some membership classifications as to duration and dues requirements. This will require an expansion of the by-laws. The clarification will be proposed at the General Membership meeting, published in the Invader, and voted upon at the 2014 reunion in Providence, RI. Motion to accept: Tighe Carvey Second: Roger Bauman Passed: Unanimous Bob Butterfield reviewed recent correspondence between himself, officials at Whitemen AFB, and Charlie Hinton concerning disposition of Association memorabilia. Following discussion it was moved and approved to have the memorabilia sent to Whiteman AFB. Motion to ship memorabilia to 13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO, Attn: Morgan Hilddebrand, 13 BS Programs Coordinator: Tighe Carvey Second: Roger Bauman Passed: 4 Aye, 1 Nay There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10PM
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cont. on page 15
November 2013
13th Bomb Squadron Association General Membership Meeting Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada September 19, 2013
The meeting was called to order by president Bob Butterfield at 9:00AM. Members present: President Bob Butterfield Secretary Tighe Carvey Treasurer Roger Bauman Locator Bob Parks Korea Bud Compton Vietnam Norris Olson
Members absent: 1st VP Charlie Hinton 2nd VP Jerry Dorwart WWII Ed Connor GWOT Buck Shawhan
The minutes of the last meeting held in New Orleans were published in the Invader. Motion to accept without reading: Roger Bauman Second: Bob Koehne Passed: unanimous Secretary’s Report: The secretary, Tighe Carvey, reported that no additional agenda items had been proposed to be discussed at this meeting. The secretary read the minutes of the Board of Directors meeting held on September 16, 2013. A copy of this report is included with these minutes. Motion to accept: Roger Bauman Second: Bob Koehne Passed: Unanimous Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer, Roger Bauman, reported that the Association’s finances remain sound. Overall receipts are down slightly as has been the trend, while the higher than normal expenses can be explained in large part by noting that one extra edition of the Invader was posted to this year’s activities. A discussion ensued concerning measures that might be taken to reduce the cost of publishing the Invader. Don Henderson noted that he is now presenting the publisher with input that requires much less pre-production setup by the publisher and we need to confirm that the publisher has reduced the editing fees. An update will be presented at the next meeting in Providence, RI. A copy of the Treasurer’s report is included with these minutes. Motion to accept: Tighe Carvey Second: Harold Hampton Passed: Unanimous Locator’s Report: The Locator, Bob Parks, observed that access to the SSDI database has been restricted and less useful recently. The SSDI database is used to update the status of members who are not actively communicating with the association. Ron Silvia commented that he uses the SSDI database and has not seen any recent changes. Ron will work with Bob Parks to help resolve any issues. Bob Parks also suggested that the various categories of membership be refined to more clearly indicate which members will be asked to contribute towards their annual membership. This item will be deferred until “New Business” since a change to the by-laws will be required. The Locator's update presentation is included with these minutes. Motion to Accept: Ron Silvia Second: Harold Hampton Passed: Unanimous
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cont. on page 16
November 2013 Old Business: There was no Old Business to conduct. New Business: 1: Over time the number of categories of membership has grown to accommodate special situations. This had led to some duplication and to uncertainty as to how long a membership lasts, and when a member might be requested to donate toward his/her membership. Following discussion there was consensus that four categories of membership could cover all of the Association’s needs and simplify administration. The proposal: Establish membership categories as Active, Associate, Deceased, and Honorary, with the first two categories receiving dues requests. The Board is open to further suggestions which should be submitted to the secretary by the end of April, 2014. A proposal to amend the bylaws will be will be tabled until the next meeting. 2: Election of Officers: The terms of 1st Vice President, Secretary, and Korea-era-Member-at-Large have been completed and need to be filled. Additionally, the 2nd Vice President, Jerry Dowart, has requested that he be replaced, and the GWOT-era-Member at-Large, Buck Shawhan, and Vietnam-era-Member-at-Large, Norris Olson, have requested that they be replaced but indicated they are willing to serve their final year if replacements cannot be found. By prior arrangement, the following members were nominated by President Bob Butterfield:
1st VP 2nd VP Secretary Korea Vietnam GWOT
Charlie Brown Bob Parks Tighe Carvey Bud Compton Voted on by Vietnam member at the end of the meeting. Bob Koehne was elected. No nomination (Buck Shawhan will continue)
President Butterfield called for additional nominations. There were none. Motion to elect the nominated board: Ron Silvia Second: Bob Koehne Passed: Unanimous 3. Selection of the 2015 Reunion location. Based on our geographical rotation, the 2015 reunion should be planned to occur in the central states. The reunion organizer and travel firm has recommended three cities for consideration: Mobile, AL, Branson, MO, and Milwaukee, WI. One additional city, Pensacola, FL, was suggested by a member. After a discussion of the relative advantages and disadvantages of each city, President Butterfield called for an informal show of hands to determine which would be the most popular. Branson, MO was the clear favorite so he requested a motion be made. Motion to select Branson, MO as the site for the 2015 reunion: Harold Hampton Second: Bob Koehne Passed: Unanimous There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 10:45AM
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November 2013
13th Bomb Squadron Association General Membership Meeting Grand Sierra Resort, Reno, Nevada September 19, 2013
Treasurer's Report Cash Flow 1/1/2013 through 9/9/2013
Cash Flow 1/1/2012 through 12/31/2012 INCOME
INCOME
Coin Sales Contributions Hats & Patches Interest Income Transfers from Savings
$0.00 $14,220.19 $169.00 $113.88 $2,520.85
Coin Sales Contributions Hats & Patches Interest Income Transfers from Savings
$25.00 $16,935.26 $245.88 $54.41 $4,400.00
Total Inflows
$17,023.92
Total Inflows
$21,660.55
EXPENSES
EXPENSES Coin Expense Contribution Letters Directory Expense Hats & Patches Historian Invader Invader Office Expense Locator Expense Memorabilia Memorial Presidents Funds Reunion Expense Treasurer Expense Web site Development Transfer to Savings TOTAL OUT FLOWS OVERALL TOTAL
$0.00 $858.85 $3,650.44 $462.50 $0.00 $6,227.35 $107.24 $292.43 $410.29 $300.00 $1,652.67 $1,926.97 $0.00 $1,002.90 $8,000.00
Coin Expense Contribution Expense Directory Expense Hats & Patches Historian Invader Invader Office Expense Locator Expense Memorabilia Memorial Presidents Funds Reunion Expense Treasurer Expense Web site Development Transfer to Savings
$0.00 $780.57 $0.00 $428.50 $0.00 $9,725.32 $0.00 $223.20 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $551.20 $0.00 $1,031.25 $0.00
$16,891.64
TOTAL OUT FLOWS
$12,740.04
$132.28
Account Balances As of 12/31/2012 USAA CHECKING
OVERALL TOTAL Account Balances As of 9/9/2013
$37.31
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$8,920.51
November 2013
Major General William Maxson
USAF retired, a Grim Reaper 13th Bomb Squadron, 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam in late 1967. He initially flew daytime missions in I, II, III and IV Corps areas in support of ground troops. As his combat experience grew, he was switched to night missions over the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In Bill's words, "our mission was to destroy trucks plain and simple. The objective was clear - stem the flow of supplies and ammo to the Vietcong and any other North Vietnamese forces in South Vietnam, ...and, we gave it our best effort." Bill became one of the select members of the Centurion Club with 100 or more confirmed kills. Over all, he flew 281 B-57 combat strike missions in Vietnam. He ended his combat tour as a Grim Reaper in 1969 with a reassignment to Strategic Air Command.
Major General William Maxson
Major General William Maxson, a Grim Reaper during the Vietnam War, died 3 January 2013 in Jacksonville Florida, due to complications following heart surgery. He is survived by his wife of 60 years Nancy, daughter Suzanne and son Robert and six grandchildren. Bill was born in 1930, in Akron, Ohio. He graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1952. He elected a commision in the Air Force and pilot training. Following pilot training in 1952 and 1953, he became a combat crew member in the Strategic Air Command. Subsequent assignments included the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1962, positions in reasearch and development with Headquarters Air Force Systems Command and the Armed Forces Staff College in 1966, and a Pentagon assignment in 1967. Shortly thereafter, Bill left his staff assignment for a combat billet. He went through B-57 transition at Hill AFB, Utah, and then on to Clark AB, Philippines, for further combat tactical training before reaching Vietnam with an assignment to the
In the following years, he attended Air War College in 1971; he served as Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (atomic energy) and as Director of the Air Staff; he commanded the 416th Bombardment Wing at Griffiss Air Force Base, New York; the 340th Consolidated Maintenance Wing at U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield, Thailand; Lowry Technical Training Center, Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado; and Air Force Systems Command's Armament Division, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and was Vice Commander of the 15th Air Force. He was promoted to Major General on 4 February 1978. His military decorations and awards include the Distinnguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with 14 Oak Leaf Clusters. In civilian life, Bill was VP for Research and Development with Cypress International, Alexandria, Virginia. During this time, he was honored to serve as USNA class president for 3 years. He greatly enjoyed being with, and working with, classmates. After retiring to Florida in 1989, Bill was a consultant to the nuclear power industry, a volunteer with numerous service organizations, the local college and served on the county planning commission. 18
November 2013
Reaper Heritage!
13th Aero Squadron, 1918 and the 13th Bomb Squadron, 2013
1918 The 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB pays homage to the Reapers of WWI in this staged photo!
2013 19
November 2013 This Day in Grim Reaper History
2 November 1943, Mission Rabaul... By Col. Richard L. "Dick" Walker, USAF Ret.
Jack Heyne Front Row L- R: Emmett Spence, Craig Krayenbuhl, Frank Dixon, David Herrin, Clifford Taylor, Ansel Boiter, Dick Walker, Stan Kline, Charles Moorefield. Back Row L-R :Bill Shaw, Smith, Sanders, and Saul Schwartz. The bulldog is "Rabaul", owned Sgt Donald George who succeeded in smuggling him back home where he ended his days in Little Rock, Arkansas."Patches" was assigned to Craigie Krayenbuhl who hoped that he would be sent home to promote the sale of War Bonds with the patched up aircraft . Sadly, the aircraft was a magnet for enemy fire and on its final mission it was flown by Cliff Taylor who succeeded in getting it shot up again. Taylor made it back to base, but could not get the gear down and much to Krayenbuhl's dismay, Taylor made a crash landing and wiped out "Patches". Such was life in the "Good old Days".
Late in October 1943, the Japanese began to assemble a major naval force at Rabaul, New Britain. The purpose of this assembly was probably to reinforce their positions on New Guinea or Bouganville where they had suffered earlier defeats and loss of territory. On the 2nd of November, the Fifth Air Force was directed to attack this force which was assembled in Simpson Harbor at Rabaul. We earlier had success in attacking shipping by low level bombing using converted B-25 medium bombers equipped with eight forward firing 50 caliber machine guns plus bombing mechanisms that allowed us to drop our bombs at tree top level. The plan by the Allies was to use this force to attack the Japanese armada at Rabaul.
defended Japanese installation, probably second only to the bastion at Truk. Reconnaissance reports indicated that there were about 200 fighters based at Rabaul and these had been reinforced by 200 or more additional fighters flown in from the Japanese base at Truk. There were numerous anti aircraft batteries stationed all around the harbor and there were several heavily armed warships in the harbor. About the only way you can defeat a determined air attack is to destroy all the attacking aircraft before they get to the target. It takes a lot of defense to accomplish this, but the Japanese were obviously going to try.
I was a member of the 13th Squadron of the 3rd Attack Group, one of the two converted B-25 groups designated to carry out the attack. Rabaul was a heavily
The morning briefing conducted prior to takeoff was a very somber affair. Hearing the latest word on the extent of the Japanese defenses was pretty much a prediction that all of us would not be coming home. The twelve crews that were assigned to fly the mission
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November 2013 sat grey-faced and quiet during the briefing. The attack was to be carried out by waves of bombers attacking by Squadrons in file with twelve airplanes per squadron flying in a line abreast sweeping across Simpson Harbor. My squadron was the second squadron scheduled in. Our approach was “up the chute”, the channel between New Britain and New Ireland. We formed up from four three-ship elements into an eleven-ship-line abreast while going northeast using the hills in that area to shield us from anti aircraft fire prior to turning south to attack. We were under fighter attack as we approached our turning point. Major Wilkins, who was the leader of our three squadrons, was shot down while we were still approaching the turning point. I was the inside-man in my squadron line and there were only two ships in my element because the leader of our three-ship-element, our Squadron Operations Officer, had turned back to home shortly after take off. Wheeling a line of eleven airplanes into a wide turn while flying line abreast puts
between ships rather than above them. I maneuvered among the ships flying as low as I could concentrating on staying between the ship's and then lined up on a merchant vessel. That ships superstructure looked like the Empire State Building towering in front of me, but I drove in, released my bombs and hauled back on the yoke. The plane zoomed up in a steep climb and barely cleared the ship's superstructure. We made a good hit and photos taken from the rear of my airplane showed smoke and debris in the air as my bombs exploded. I immediately got back down on the deck and, after a minute or two, I was out of the harbor and on my way home. Later photos from following aircraft showed the ship I attacked sinking stern down (photo attached). In reality however, I think that I was fortunate to be the only attacker in the harbor at the time because I was not easily spotted by the Jap fighters while I was flying among the ships, and as a result, they focused more on the large incoming flights following mine. I don’t know what happened to my squadron. I never saw them again until I got home. I made the return trip alone. According to one report, on that day, we lost 45 airmen, either killed or missing. Eight B-25s and nine P-38s were shot down and several more suffered major damage. A couple made crash landings on the way home and were rescued, but the rest of my flight was uneventful and my only damage was a couple of bullet holes from small arms fire. I believe that we survived in spite of the confusion and danger because there was an unseen hand in the cockpit that gave us confidence and guided us safely through this "Valley of Death". To this day, for some unknown reason, I believe that I was protected.
a lot of pressure on the inside-man. Carrying a heavy bomb load and making a tight turn without stalling out or getting ahead of the rest of the line is tricky, so just before we reached our designated turning point, together with my wing-man, (because our element leader had turned back, I was now the element leader) I initiated a turn. When I completed my turn and started my bomb run, I looked for the rest of my squadron and the only thing I saw was my wing-man going down. Our squadron commander, for some reason, never turned in to attack. Instead, he circled the city and dropped his bombs somewhere other than against the shipping. The rest of the squadron followed him and none of them ever hit the target. By that time I was out in the harbor alone. Prior to this, my heart was in my mouth. To say I was scared would be an understatement, but for some reason, at this point I was now more calm. Maybe it was because I was resigned to my fate or because I was fully occupied concentrating on my bomb run, I don’t know, but I quickly reasoned that my best chance to survive was to stay low where I was a difficult target while flying
Shortly after this event, as a result of the squadron's poor performance, our squadron commander and operations officer were sent home and a new commander brought in from another squadron. I was appointed as the new operations officer and promoted to captain. I eventually became squadron commander and later, at the tender age of 24, I was promoted to the rank of major.
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November 2013
As of November 2013
Deaths Not Previously Reported
David T. Spotswood October 25, 2013 Flt Engineer 1954
Rest In Peace Joseph Mannina June 14, 2013 Navigator 1952
Frank J. Bauer July 14, 2013 Sheet Metal 1952-53
Lawrence R. Cunningham September 15, 2013 Pilot 1965-67
Gale W. Hodgin February 2, 2011 Navigator 1952-53
Palmer D. Hayden May 31, 2013 Armament 1953
Zacheus W. Ryall, Jr. March 13, 2013 Pilot 1950-51
Leslie R. Williams June 4, 2013 Armament 1953
Henry P. Hambrick March 21, 2011 Navigator 1952
William B. Maxson January 3, 2013 Pilot 1967-69
Charles B. Clontz March 13, 2013 Navigator 1951-52
Carl J. Mosher November 17, 2013 Navigator 1954-55
He was getting old and paunchy And his hair was falling fast, And he sat around the Legion, Telling stories of the past. Of a war that he once fought in And the deeds that he had done, In his exploits with his buddies; They were heroes, every one. And 'tho sometimes to his neighbors His tales became a joke, All his buddies listened quietly For they knew where of he spoke. But we'll hear his tales no longer, For ol' Joe has passed away, And the world's a little poorer For a Veteran died today. He won't be mourned by many, Just his children and his wife. For he lived an ordinary, Very quiet sort of life. He held a job and raised a family, Going quietly on his way; And the world won't note his passing, 'Tho a Veteran died today. When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state, While thousands note their passing, And proclaim that they were great. Papers tell of their life stories From the time that they were young, But the passing of a Veteran Goes unnoticed, and unsung. Is the greatest contribution To the welfare of our land, Some jerk who breaks his promise And cons his fellow man? Or the ordinary fellow Who in times of war and strife, Goes off to serve his country And offers up his life? The politician's stipend And the style in which he lives, Is often disproportionate, To the service that he gives. While the ordinary Veteran, Who offered up his all, Is paid off with a medal And perhaps a pension, small. It is not the politicians With their compromise and ploys, Who won for us the freedom
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That our country now enjoys. Should you find yourself in danger, With your enemies at hand, Would you really want some cop-out, With his ever-waffling stand? Or would you want a Veteran His home, his country, his kin, Just a common Veteran, Who would fight until the end. He was just a common Veteran, And his ranks are growing thin, But his presence should remind us We may need his likes again. For when countries are in conflict, We find the Veteran's part, Is to clean up all the troubles That the politicians start. If we cannot do him honor While he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage At the ending of his days. Perhaps just a simple headline In the paper that might say: "OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, A VETERAN DIED TODAY."
November 2013
The Hot SeaT Editor’s Comments
Our trip to Reno started out on United Airlines out of
Pittsburgh International Airport. PIT is an interesting place. At what other airport in the world can you be greeted by Miss Pittsburgh and George Washington, as well as Franco Harris and a Tyrannosaurus rex? The flight from Pittsburgh to Houston was uneventful and after a few minutes layover, we were off to LAX. A bit longer layover at LAX and then to Reno. Ironically, our seats were 13 A&B! A choppy landing into Reno must be normal because I overheard a girl sitting across the aisle say "I always hate this part, it's always like this". At any rate we landed safely and as they say, any landing you can walk away from is a good one. From the airport we hopped the shuttle to the resort with our new friend, Charlie Brown with whom we flew with from LAX to Reno.
The 13th Bomb Squadron Association Reunion was a great experience! Thank you for inviting my son and me to the reunion. The resort was first class, and the tours to the National Automobile Museum, Carson City, the Nevada State History Museum and Virginia City were awesome! I can't say enough about our tour guide Carolyn Cumits, who was so knowledgeable and had such a pleasant voice. She really made the tours enjoyable. The National Automobile Museum is an amazing place! As many of you know, although I drive a red Jeep Wrangler, I'm really into classic cars. In fact, aside from working full-time at Henderson Graphic Design & Illustration, I work 2 days a week at the Frick Art & History Center in the Car & Carriage Museum where I get to watch over some of the finest cars in Pittsburgh. The Frick has 18 beautiful automobiles and 8 horsedrawn carriages on display, plus an art museum and Henry Clay Frick's home named Clayton. If you are ever in Pittsburgh, please check it out. http://www.thefrickpittsburgh.org
housed in the former Carson City Mint and they still have the original working Coin Press No. 1. There were great displays on weapons, minning and natural history. We got an interesting bus tour of Carson City, where Carolyn showed us points of interest Don Henderson, Editor that included the Govenor's mansion. Next we were off to Virginia City! There's gold & silver in them thar hills, not to mention white turquise from the White Buffalo and Dry Creek Mines. The road to Virginia City is a winding, twisting road full of switchbacks, hairpin turns and incredible views. Virginia City is a town lost in time. The rich history of the Comstock Load is everywhere in this ghost town turned tourist attraction that sits 6,220 feet above sea level in the shadow of Mt. Davidson at 7,864 feet. The town is full of mining artifacts, museums, shops and famous saloons, like the Bucket of Blood and the Red Dog Saloon, which by the way, had the best pizza I've tasted since visiting Brooklyn! That night we ate at Briscola, using the gift certificate that Shane had won at Red Shirt Night. The food was excellent, but we hardly put a dent in the $150 maximun, so the waiter suggested that we order something to go. So we ordered some desserts and a bottle of sparkling wine to take back to share at the 13th's Hospitality Room. You gotta love Reno! The Reunion dinner was great and we really enjoyed the talks by Lt Col Schreiner and Larry Mason. Larry informed me after the dinner that we had worked on a project together back in 2007 when he was commander of the 110th Civil Air Patrol Squadron! We had created the shoulder patch below. I never met Larry face-toface. We did everything over the internet, so this was a big surprise to meet him. Small world! As always, we got hear some great stories, as well as make new friends and got reaquainted with some old ones. Great reunion!
Getting back to the National Automobile Museum, they had over 200 automobiles on display! Just about every car you could imagine was represented. There were many cars with historical significance not to mention famous owners, including many Hollywood celebrities. I have to say, my favorite car in the collection was a 1921 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost with a copper body. The food for the Red Shirt Night dinner was top notch and the conversations were spirited. In the drawing my son Shane won dinner for two at Briscola, an Italian restaurant at the Grand Sierra Resort!
Thanks again for everything!
The tours of Carson City and Virginia City were awesome! At the Nevada Museum in Carson City, they had two Henderson Motorcycles. The museum is 23
13th Bomb Squadron Association Bob Parks 3219 Tavern Oaks St. San Antonio, TX 78247-3080 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
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