INVADER Vol. 36 No. 2 Summer 2018 by Don Henderson

Vol. 36 No. 2

Summer 2018

Savannah Reunion info in this issue

Chrly Charles WILDON

Hinton Flies West

Summer 2018

current 13th commander sent Captain Keith Stock, and 1st Lt. Brandon Cameron to the services in Massachusetts in a T-38, with a letter of condolence for SSgt. Davis’s brother. Ron Silvia, our 1st vice-president, and his wife Diane paid their respects on behalf of our association. In May, my wife, Carole, and I had the privilege of touring the Alabama, an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine at the Navy’s base here in Bangor, Washington. I say “privilege” because those subs are not open to the general public. To emphasize that, we went through no less than four security gates before we finally boarded the sub. But before that, we toured their training facility, complete with a very realistic simulator that reminded me of the flight simulators at Boeing. All of our tour guides were enlisted sailors, and that brings me to the point of bringing up the experience. Those sailors were sharp, well informed, energetic, motivated, and dedicated. It reminded me of all the crew members, maintainers, and others that we have met back at Whiteman. Last summer at our 100th, I had the opportunity to talk with General Rand a couple times, and I told him I slept well at night, confident that our Air Force was in good hands. He appreciated hearing that and said he would pass it on. My recent experience with the Navy certainly re-enforces my feelings about the young people serving in today’s military.

Bob Koehne

President’s Corner

The 13th Bomb Squadron and our association recently lost one of its most respected members. Charley Hinton passed away May 30, 2018. Charley was one of the association’s founding members, the first president, served a second term as president later, and was the association’s historian, creating a treasure trove of information about the 13th. This issue of the Invader is dedicated to Charley and his commitment to our association. Perry Nuhn has provided a Now, on to Savannah. The more I read about wonderful documentary of Charley’s life and Savannah, and hear from others, the more excited contributions. I am about this year’s reunion. Not that it’s just a siteseeing trip. For sure, the chance to visit with We should all feel a tremendous amount of pride all our friends, and honor our service together in this great country of ours, a country that never in the 13th is always primary, but Savannah’s gives up searching for those killed in action, or history goes back to 1733, with fine architecture, who are still listed as missing in action from historic oak-shaded cobblestone streets, and 22 wars past and present. We received word that park-like public squares. The river front bustles the remains of one of our own, SSgt. Roy Davis, with shops, galleries and restaurants, all too were recently recovered from the jungles of much to see in the limited time of our reunion. New Guinea, where his Douglas A-20G bomber But do plan on joining us and making the best of crashed in 1944. the time we have there. We should also be proud of our current squadron Reaper Pride, at Whiteman, and our association for honoring Regards, our fallen. Lt. Col. Geoffrey “Fletch” Steeves, 2

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SAVE THE DATE! Hi Ya’ll. Just sittin’ on the porch ponderin’ plans for our 2018 Reunion in Savannah, Georgia on October 21-24, 2018. Current plans include a reunion filled with old fashioned Southern hospitality. Agenda features an exciting visit to the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum, charming city tours, and the possibility of an evening riverboat dinner.

This issue is dedicated to Charley Hinton. So much of what the INVADER Magazine is today is because of groundwork set by Charley. We are going to miss you.

The best part, we all know, isn’t what we see and do – it’s the time we have to visit together, renew friendships and reminisce of those days when we proudly served as members of one of the greatest flying squadrons in history! 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

Hotel arrangements have been made with the Hampton Inn, 603 Oglethorpe Avenue (in the historic area). The hotel offers the best overall lodging, dining, and meeting rooms.

The INVADER masthead displays the principal combat aircraft of the 13th Squadron since its initial activation in 1917. ©13th Bomb Squadron Association 2015

See ya’ll in Savannah!

You can book your reservations directly with the hotel. Block the 2018 reunion dates on your calendars!!! See pages 18-21 of this issue for more the info on our 2018 Reunion.

Bob Parks

Cover photo: Charley Hinton in winter gear at Kunsan K-8 Air Base, climbing into the navigator’s seat of a B-26 Invader. Charley would eventually fly 50 missions with the Devil’s Own Grim Reapers. 3

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Officers of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association Robert R. (Bob) Koehne 23332 SE 225th St. Maple Valley, WA 98038

1st Vice President/

Ron Silvia 20 Green Lane Assonet, MA 02702-1410

2nd Vice President

James R. (Bob) Parks 3219 Tavern Oaks St. San Antonio, TX, 78247

Secretary

Edward T. (Tighe) Carvey 6980 Olympic View Ct. Silverdale, WA 98383

Treasurer

Bill Hamann 2950 SE Ocean Blvd. Apt 124-2 Stuart, FL 34996-3512

President

Member at Large WWII

Member at Large Vietnam

Locator Data Manager

Edward D. (Ed) Connor, Jr. 1217 Earnestine St. McLean, VA 22101-2646

Dave Clark 19 Skona Lake Alpha, IL 61413-9137

Charlie Breitzke 8 Hobkirk Drive Bella Vista, AR 72715-3404

Member at Large Korea

Ron Jarrett 10349 416th Avenue Britton, SD 57430-5005

Member at Large GWOT

Capt Nicholas Anderson, “Wolf ” 13th Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, MO

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French Oscar? Several years ago, Charley Hinton and I had been exploring a possible French connection to Oscar. In the last issue, we featured a Hollywood version of Oscar that appeared in two different movies filmed after WWI. Is it possible that there was a French connection? Pilots of the 13th Aero Squadron trained in France, many of the great Allied Aces were French, and the instructors at the 3rd Air Instructional Center at Issoudun Aerodrome for advanced flight and air combat training were French. The 13th Aero Squadron was commanded by Charles Biddle, who served in the Lafayette Flying Corps. He was assigned to Escadrille 73, under the command and mentorship of Albert Deullin. There was no doubt about a French influence, but did that influence lead to Oscar?

Adj. Jean Joseph Ondet, of SPA 94, aboard his SPAD XIII No. “2”. Ondet had three victories during his stay in the unit. Photo collection Jean-Paul Bonora.

The French Escadrille SPA 94, La Mort qui Fauche (Mowing Death) which incidentally also celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 1st, 2017 had a running Grim Reaper for its insignia. SPA 94 predates the 13th Aero Squadron by only 13 days, but the Grim Reapers have outlasted Mowing Death by 10+ years.

If any of you have any Oscar photos from aircraft or signs, shoulder patch photos, stories, or anything Oscar related that you want to share, please send them to me and I’ll be happy to publish them in a future issue of the INVADER. -Editor

Maréchal des Logis (a French rank that corresponds to the rank of Staff Sergeant) Maurice Caulier with SPAD XIII No. 13 of SPA 94 in July 1918. Caulier was assigned to the SPA 94 from Apr 12 to Aug 19, 1918. His SPAD XIII wears the new insignia of the unit, “Mowing Death”. MdL Caulier was born July 23, 1893 in Beauvais, in the Oise département of France. Before the war, he was a student of arts and crafts. His military service started with the 156th Infantry Regiment from Nov 9, 1913 to Aug, 1914. Next he was assigned to the 62nd Infantry Regiment and later assigned to the 51st Artillery Regiment. On Oct 2, 1917 he passed to aviation as a pilot student with Military Pilot Certificate No. 10.022 obtained at the Istres military aviation school on Oct 24, 1917. His training included high school at the military aviation school in Pau and the shooting course at the school of aerial shooting in Cazaux until Jan 15, 1918. He was a pilot of SPA 94 at Bourget-Dugny from Apr 12 to Aug 19, 1918 and was named Maréchal des Logis that year on June 12, authorizing him to lodge at the Château Montvillargenne in Gouvieux. He was captured after aerial combat during patrol on Aug 19, 1918.

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CHRLY Perry Nuhn By

During one of his post-Korea assignments, while an assistant AFROTC Professor at St. Olaf College, MN, he met Lois Westling and they were married in August 1958. His final civilian retirement was in 1990 after 17 years as Project Director of the Brevard, Florida Senior Nutrition Programs. He and Lois have four children, nine grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. But Charley never retired from his passion for, and duty to, this family or his nearly lifelong relationship with the 13th Bombardment Squadron. Charley was a “pack-rat”. He kept notes and held on to letters and other interesting articles. As a result, he wrote a book about his 50 missions and the interesting excursions of the 13th Bomb Squadron flying combat over North Korea in 1951 and ‘52. The 13th in those days was primarily a “hard-nose” equipped squadron. Their mission was night-time route recon, rail busting, and storage yard and train killing. Charley’s Aviation Cadet class consisted mostly of navigation, celestial, LORAN, and other long-range navigation techniques. They were trained for transport and high-level bomber navigation. But in December 1951, they were needed in Korea and off they went to places like K-8 and Kunsan. Unlike Charley’s experience, most replacement crews arrived as integrated crews with transition time in A-26’s as well as training in low-level navigation and bomb dropping, including Norden and Shoran. At the time, many were also WWII veterans, so the mix was primarily “old guys” and “shiny new” 2nd Lieutenants.

Charley Hinton with “Old Able” at K-8 Kunsan Airbase, South Korea.

Charles W. Hinton, Major USAF (ret) was born August 28th, 1927, and at the age of 90, died May 30th, 2018, in Melbourne, Florida. Funeral services were held June 5, 2018 at the Beach Funeral Home - East, Indian Harbour Beach, Florida. His final interment, date and time is yet to be determined, will be at the Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.. With those few words, Charley’s life could be summed up, but those of us who knew him, know that his life could not be summed up so simply. Charley was raised in Illinois, attended the University of Illinois, was drafted into the Army in 1945, returned to civilian life and college in 1947. Then in 1950, he was recalled to military service, applied for, and attended, Navigator Flight School, and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. in the United States Air Force (USAF).

Kunsan at the time was a small village, one main dirt road with alleys and warrens off of it. Housing for pilot navigators and ground officers were small three bedroom houses, two to three occupants to a room that came with several Korean women who did laundry and minimal cleaning. Built by and formerly occupied by the Japanese before and during WWII and afterward occupied by US aid personnel, these were

He arrived in Korea in December 1951, flew combat with the 13th Bombardment Light Night Intruders (LN-I) Squadron, the “Devil’s Own Grim Reapers” in Douglas A-26’s. After postKorea service, he decided to remain in the Air Force, finally retiring in August 1969. 6

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“Old Able” sporting her Oscar. Old Able or “Versatile Lady” by her nose art, was Charliey’s favorite plane. Photo by Charley Hinton.

Bomb Squadron Korean veterans were also beginning to consider forming a 13th Bomb Squadron Association. Charley had readily assumed a leadership role in this early endeavor. There was a WWII 13th Bomb Squadron Association, but after contacting them, Charley found that membership was restricted to only those who had served in WWII. Korean War veterans were not welcomed. So they began to consider forming their own association. Informal conversations culminated in a meeting on October 6, 1984 of an ad hoc committee of nine past members of the 13th Bombardment Squadron Light Night Intruders from Korea. They met in Dayton, Ohio. There were also nineteen other non-participating attendees.

anything but luxury, cold in the winter, hot in the summer, and run-down. Leading to the “Pusan Perimeter”, Kunsan and the base had been fought through on North Korea’s drive to the south. At that time, the 13th and 8th Bomb Squadrons flew out of Iwakuni AB in Japan, on the the first air action of the Korean War. All three bomb squadrons, the 8th, 13th and 90th, had their own integrated maintenance, armament and administrative personnel. Most of the enlisted personnel lived in quonset huts, tents and the like. Planes were parked in plate steel plate (PSP) bunkers and spots. Facilities were rough and limited. Charley flew missions from K-8 beginning in late December 1951 to mid-1952. Then he rotated back to the States. As with many veterans who served in the “Forgotten War”, their arrival either was little noticed or remembered by the population at large. Nearly 30 years later, some of these returnees from the 13th Bombardment Squadron Light Night Intruders began searching around for some of their former squadron mates. They wanted to exchange memories and mutual support.

Of the nine man committee, seven were enlisted, including five gunners, a line chief and a radio repairman, plus one pilot and one navigator. Charley Hinton was the lone navigator and he chaired the meeting. This meeting was the birth of the 13th Bombardment Squadron Association, Korean War. Membership was to be limited to those squadron members who had served in the 13th before the Korean War cease-fire. Charley was elected/appointed the Association’s first President, serving as interim President through the initial formation, and then later, from 1998 thru

It was the early 1980’s, and several former 13th 7

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squadron in the USAF. With age and service, the Association has grown, and at one time, numbered over 1,000 members. It currently includes veterans of WWII, Korea, the Cold War, Vietnam, and most recently of the hostilities in Southwest Asia. Until last year, Charley has always been a “major engine” driving the Association since its inception. He recorded its history, and after Vietnam, saw to creating a relationship with the active Air Force Squadron. First B-1’s at Dyess and now B-2’s from Whiteman AFB. He became the principal researcher of the Squadron’s history, the initial negotiator of the Association’s relationship with the active duty components, and for a while served as the editor of the Association’s acclaimed magazine, the “Invader”. He also oversaw and implemented the Association’s initial website. His approval was always sought. Charley Hinton at #10 Downing, K-8 Kunsan Airbase, South Korea.

Charley’s advice was concise, not always accepted but always given with the “best for the Squadron and the Association in mind”. And when thinking of the Association’s future, Charley’s opinion was of the highest value. I served under him as the Association’s Treasurer for eight years and replaced him as President in 2000.

2000, he served a full term as President. Charley also became the Association’s Historian. During Charley’s Presidency, Bill Ricketts assumed the Association’s Historian post and held it until his untimely death, when Charley once again took on the task.

All of this was not always “seamless” and at times required patience, craft and people skills. These are all attributes that Charley practiced, though at times with some muttering under his breath.

At the time, there were 125 names and addresses known of former squadron members. About half of that number expressed some interest in forming an association. It was proposed that a reunion be held the next year and that annual dues be $25.00, the majority of which would go toward publishing an Association newsletter.

Don Henderson, current “Invader” editor, summed up Charley’s attributes as “a great friend and mentor. I learned so much from him and will Two years later in San Francisco, 156 attended the continue his legacy working for the 13th Bomb Squadron Association. I’m going to miss you third gathering of the 13th, and the Association was now a major organization which would grow Charley, it was an honor knowing you.” to over 1,000 members in the next 24 years. Yes, it was a great honor knowing, working Over the years, the Association’s membership with, and learning from Charles Hinton. We will expanded to include all who had served in the miss, but not forget him. Our hearts, prayers and 13th Bombardment Squadron. thoughts go with him and with Lois and their children and their families. Charley, rest easy, you Charley began to collect and document in the done good. “Invader”, the Squadron’s history beginning in June 1917 when it was initially formed before Reaper Pride – The Squadron, the Association, the U.S.’s entry into WWI. The 13th is now and me, Perry Nuhn recognized as being the oldest active duty bomb 8

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SSgt. Roy F. Davis 13th Bomb Squadron Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency

In September 2001, a team from the U.S. Army Central Identification Laboratory (a predecessor to DPAA) located a crash site in a remote area of Papua New Guinea. A native Papuan turned over pieces of wreckage he claimed to have recovered from the crash site. The team also recovered possible remains. On July 15, 2013, the remains were identified as Bird’s. In February and March 2016, a DPAA Recovery Team excavated the crash site, and recovered additional remains and material evidence. The remains were subsequently sent to the DPAA laboratory. To identify Davis’ remains, scientists from DPAA and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial (mtDNA) analysis, which matched his family, as well as dental and anthropological analysis, which matched his records, and circumstantial evidence.

Vernal J. Bird and Roy F. Davis, 13th Bomb Squadron

WASHINGTON — The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) announced today that the remains of a U.S. serviceman, accounted-for from World War II, are being returned to his family for burial with full military honors.

Of the 16 million Americans who served in World War II, more than 400,000 died during the war. Currently there are 72,917 service members (approximately 26,000 are assessed as possibly-recoverable) still unaccounted for from World War II. Davis’ name is recorded on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in the Philippines, along with the other MIAs from WWII. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

Army Air Forces Staff Sgt. Roy F. Davis, 26, of Peterborough, New Hampshire, accounted for on June 7, 2017, will be buried June 23 in Ashby, Massachusetts. On March 12, 1944, Davis was a member of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, as one of two crewmembers aboard an A-20G Havoc bomber that failed to return to base in northeastern New Guinea after attacking enemy targets on the island.

For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving our country, visit the DPAA website at Attempts to locate the aircraft and crew, both www.dpaa.mil or find us on social media during and after the war, were unsuccessful. at www.facebook.com/dodpaa The War Department declared Davis, as well the other crew member, 2nd Lt. Vernal J. Bird, or call (703) 699-1420/1169. deceased on June 30, 1949; their remains were listed as non-recoverable. 9

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Staff Sgt. Roy Davis is laid to rest By Mina Corpuz, mcorpuz@sentinelandenterprise.com

Norman, the eldest living Davis brother, received the folded flag presented by the member of the U.S. Army. “It was quite an honor,” he said about the ceremony. “(Roy) was a good brother. He meant a lot to me.” Roy, born in Ashby, was the eldest of the Davis sons. His younger brothers Norman, Gerry, and Kenny were all under the age of 10 when he left to serve. Although it was difficult not knowing what happened to Roy, Gerry said his family never gave up hope. While Roy was stationed in New Guinea, he traveled to Australia on a furlough and met a woman named Molly Patterson, Gerry said. They fell in love and planned to get married during Roy’s next furlough. After he went missing, Patterson and his mother kept in contact, Gerry said.

On Saturday June 23, 2018, WWII veteran SSgt. Roy F. Davis was finally put to rest in the Glenwood Cemetery in Ashby, Massachusetts. He died on March 12, 1944. It took 74 years for him to come home. 1st Lt. Brandon Cameron and Captain Keith Stock sign the guest book for Davis after the ceremony. They are in the same unit that Davis was in during WWII, the 13th Bomb Squadron. They are now located out of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. They flew in just for the funeral. SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE/JOHN LOVE

ASHBY -- When Staff Sgt. Roy Davis left his New Hampshire home in 1941 to serve with the U.S. Air Force in World War II, he never returned home. More than 70 years after he disappeared over the Pacific island of Papua New Guinea, Davis was laid to rest Saturday at Glenwood Cemetery. He was welcomed home with full military honors. “I remember that he was always smiling,” his younger brother, Gerry, recalled. “Family was very important to him.” Roy was aboard a A-20G Havoc bomber that crashed in 1944. The crash site was found in 2001. A full excavation completed in 2017 uncovered some of his remains. They were buried in the family’s plot in the cemetery, which includes his parents, Chester and Gertrude, and his younger brother who died in childhood, Herbert. A dozen of Roy’s family members came from New Hampshire and beyond and veterans from the five branches of the Armed Forces attended the funeral. Members of the Ashby Police and Fire departments came in their uniforms. Two fire trucks flew the American flag between two ladders at the ceremony. Altogether, there were about 100 people in attendance. A bugle played “Taps,” which was followed by a 21-gun salute.

Two members of the 13th bomb squadron, the unit that Roy served in, came from the Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri to pay their respects. “It’s about tradition and heritage,” said Capt. Keith Stock. “(The Squaron) is a family that’s been around for more than a century.” He and 1st Lt. Brandon Cameron met with Roy’s family members and gave them patches from the squadron and a letter from their commander. Paul Joyce, Norman’s son-in-law, drove up from Baltimore to attend the funeral. The Navy veteran felt moved by the service and was glad that the family was able to receive some closure. “It’s something that a lot of people don’t get,” Joyce said. Reprinted from the SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE, June 24, 2018. For additional photos, please go to the SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE Smugmug page at: https://mng-sen.smugmug.com/SSG-Roy-F-Davis-comeshome-June-23-2018/

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Saturday, June 23, 2018 WWII Veteran SSgt. Roy F. Davis was finally laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery in Ashby, Massachusetts. He died on March 12, 1944.

Attendees at the funeral of SSgt. Roy Davis; 1st VP Ron Silvia representing the 13th Bomb Squadron Association with Captain Keith Stock and 1st Lt. Brandon Cameron representing the 13th Bomb Squadron from Whiteman AFB, Missouri. Photos by Diane Silvia. 11

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ÂŠDon Henderson 2018

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Colonel Brian D. Gallo retires

U.S. Air Force Col. Brian Gallo, the 509th Operations Group commander, completes his final flight in the B-2 Spirit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 20, 2018, as he retires after 24 years of service. Gallo’s family and fellow Airmen congratulated him after his flight. He is the outgoing commander of the flying component of the 509th Bomb Wing and a command pilot with more than 3,000 hours of flying time, including more than 120 combat hours. U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Taylor Phifer.

Those of us who have had the pleasure of knowing Col. Brian “Pico” Galo know his dedication, service and pride in being a Reaper. This squadron seems to bring out the best in all who serve it. The history and legacy are so much a part of the pride that even when they leave the squadron, they carry that pride and swagger with them. Once a Reaper, always a Reaper! We first met Brian at the reactivation of the 13th Bomb Squadron back in 2005. This is what Brian had to say about his career:

Course in December 2004, I returned to be the Weapons Officer of the 325th Bomb Squadron. Nine months later in September 2005, it would be redesignated the 325th Weapons Squadron and the 13th Bomb Squadron would stand up as an operational B-2 squadron after a brief hiatus from the squadron’s previous service as an operational B-1 squadron in the 7th Bomb Wing at Dyess AFB, TX. I would be the first Reaper Weapons Officer and Elder from September 2005 to February 2006 under the leadership of Lt. Col. Thomas “Bra” Bussiere as the Squadron “After graduation from the B-2 Weapons Instructor Commander and Lt. Col. Paul “Nuke” Tibbets IV as the Director of Operations. Later on 13 April 2018, as the 509th Operations Group Commander, I would preside over the inactivation of the 394th Combat Training Squadron and the redesignation of the 13th Bomb Squadron as the B-2 Formal Training Unit responsible for training new B-2 pilots and instructor pilots. Ultimately, I finished my career with exactly 1,313 B-2 hours.” Maj. Brian “Pico” Gallo helps his wife Clarissa preflight the rear cockpit of a T-38A Talon prior to a spouse taxi in November 2005.

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Colonel Brian D. Gallo

Colonel Brian D. Gallo’s career culminated as the Commander of the 509th Operations Group where he trained warriors and developed future Air Force leaders who demonstrated and promoted the B-2 as a credible nuclear deterrent and the nation’s top choice to deliver lethal global strike effects as the model for the future of global strike. Colonel Gallo received his commission through the U.S Air Force Academy in June 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He entered the AF as a graduate student and earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Joint Institute for the Advancement of Flight Sciences at NASALangley Research Center in Hampton, VA. Following pilot training graduation in January 1997, Colonel Gallo served as B-52 Copilot, Aircraft Commander, and Flight Scheduler in the 20th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale AFB, LA. In June 2001, Colonel Gallo transitioned to the B-2 stealth bomber at Whiteman AFB, MO where he became a Weapons Officer and served as Flight Commander in the 325th Bomb Squadron, Chief of Weapons and Tactics in the 13th Bomb Squadron, and Assistant Director of Operations in the 509th Operations Support Squadron (OSS). In June 2007, Colonel Gallo was handpicked to become an AF Fellow at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in Washington, DC where he was part of the DoD’s premier science and technology organization that develops innovative warfighting capabilities to prevent adversaries from achieving technological surprise. Colonel Gallo was then named the Chief of Long Range Strike (LRS) Requirements in the Directorate of Operational Capability Requirements (AF/A5RC) at the Pentagon where he developed a phased 30-year AF strategy to sustain and modernize the current bomber fleet while defining platform, weapon,

and interoperability requirements for a future LRS Family of Systems to operate in anti-access and area denied environments. In June 2011, Colonel Gallo commanded the 509th Operations Support Squadron where he directed airfield operations and combat planning to ensure America’s B-2 fleet could execute global strike missions for combatant commanders. Finally, Colonel Gallo was the Division Chief of the J81 Capability and Resource Analysis Division at United States Strategic Command where he provided analytic support to advocate for sustainment and modernization of our nation’s nuclear triad and global strike capabilities. Colonel Gallo is a command pilot with 3,300 hours of flying time including 1,313 hours in the B-2 and 123 combat hours in Operations Allied Force and Iraqi Freedom in B-52 and B-2, respectively. 15

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Summer 2018 EDUCATION 1994 Bachelor of Science, Aeronautical

May 2016 – Jul 2018 509th Operations Group Commander, Whiteman AFB, MO

Engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, CO 1996 Master of Science, Mechanical Engineering, The George Washington University, NASA-Langley Research Center, VA 2000 Squadron Officer School, Maxwell AFB, AL 2004 B-2 Weapons Instructor Course, Whiteman AFB, MO 2004 Air Command and Staff College (Correspondence) 2008 Air Force Fellowship, DARPA, Arlington, VA 2012 Air War College (Correspondence) 2014 Master of Arts, National Security and Strategic Studies, Naval War College, Newport, RI

FLIGHT INFORMATION

ASSIGNMENTS

ACHIEVEMENTS

Jun 1994 – Dec 1995 Graduate Student, NASA-Langley Research Center, VA Jan 1996 – Jan 1997 Student Pilot, JSUPT, Laughlin AFB, TX Jun 1997 – May 2001 B-52 Aircraft Commander, Barksdale AFB, LA Jun 2001 – Jun 2007 B-2 Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Whiteman AFB, MO Jul 2007 – Jul 2008 AF Fellow, Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Arlington, VA Jul 2008 – Jul 2010 Chief of Long Range Strike Requirements, AF/A5RC, Pentagon, Washington, DC Sep 2010 – May 2011 509th OSS Director of Operations, Whiteman AFB, MO May 2011 – May 2013 509th OSS Commander, Whiteman AFB, MO Jul 2013 – Jun 2014 United States Naval War College Student, Newport Naval Station, RI Jul 2014 – Jun 2015 J87 Deputy Division Chief, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, NE Jul 2015 – Apr 2016 J81 Division Chief, U.S. Strategic Command, Offutt AFB, NE

Rating: Command Pilot Flight Hours: 3,300 Aircraft Flown: B-2A, B-52H, T-38A, T-37A

MAJOR AWARDS AND DECORATIONS Legion of Merit Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal, 2 OLC Air Medal, 1 OLC Air Force Commendation Medal Joint Service Achievement Medal Air Force Achievement Medal, 2 OLC

• Distinguished Graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy, B-52 Copilot Initial Qualification Training, Squadron Officer School, and the B-2 Weapons Instructor Course • 2003 325th Bomb Squadron Company Grade Officer of the Year • 2005 13th Bomb Squadron Warrior of the Year • 2009 Air Force Association AF/A3/5 Action Officer of the Year • 2009 AF/A5R Field Grade Officer of the Year

DATES OF PROMOTIONS 01 Jun 94 01 Jun 96 01 Jun 98 01 Jul 04 01 Jun 09 01 Jul 15

Second Lieutenant First Lieutenant Captain Major Lieutenant Colonel Colonel

Editor’s Note: Well done Pico! Thank you for your service!

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The 3rd Attack Group By Gerry Kersey

These photos comes from our friend Gerry Kersey with the 3rd Attack Group website. The 3rd Attack Group site is a real labor of love. The attention to detail in the information, and the qualitity of the photo scans are all excellent. The stories, interviews and photos could fill volumes. The 3rd Attack Group website is a great resourse for historians and researchers. To learn more about the 3rd Attack In the lead up to the attack on Hollandia, an A-20 of the 3rd is seen after bombing Humboldt Group in WWII or to get on his mailing Bay on April 12, 1944. This A-20 is either from the 13th or 89th Squadron. list, go to: www.3rdattackgroup.org Robert Spieth Collection.

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13th Bomb Squadron Reunion 2018 Hampton Inn and Suites, Savannah, Georgia

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13th Bomb Squadron Reunion 2018

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Deaths Not Previously Reported As of July 2018

Rest In Peace Roy F. Davis March 12, 1944 1941-44

Robert P. Moss January 11, 2018 Bombardier 1950-51

Gerald M. Titus September 8, 2017 Navigator 1953

Charles W. Hinton May 30, 2018 Navigator 1951-52

Albert L. Singleton March 12, 2016 Flight Engineer 1953

Locator’s Radar Are you on our Radar? As the new data guy for the Association, I’ve found it pretty daunting to keep up with contact information for the nearly Charlie Breitzke, Locator 400 members receiving the yearly contribution cards, the three Invaders, and the periodic directory. After each mailing, I receive multiple notices from the USPS, some with change of address, some informing me that they’re Unable to Forward, and all costing the Association a fee. If at all possible, please try to remember to notify me when your contact information changes. My phone, address, and email are listed on the association website - click on either “Membership” or “To Receive the Invader” and, at the bottom of the page, you’ll find me under “How to Join”. I’ve tried contacting the Unable to Forward folks via the emails/phone numbers we have on file, but I’ve gotten no response. Those folks necessarily revert to Inactive/Unknown status with no further mailings, and I’d hate to have that happen to someone who wants to remain an Active member. Please contact Charlie Breitzke at info@13thbombsquadron.net

Seeking Info... Hi Charlie, My name is Maitland (Matt) Briggs. I live in Perth, WA. In 1987, I was in Darwin as a serving member in the RAAF in transport (driver). I drove a Coach bus for a large group of 13th Bomb Squadron vets who visited Darwin in 1987. We visited the air field they were stationed (Hughes). I think there were about 35-40 of them. I felt like a grandchild, some were quite aged then but a great lot of fellers. I did go to a reunion at a big place out on the point in New South Wales about three months later and was made an honary member. I was wondering if there are any of that group left. I left the Air Force in 1989 and worked for about 12 years, then retired to a RAAFA village estate in Merriwa, WA were I am now. I would like to make contact. Matt Briggs, A510355 Email: limbriggs07@gmail.com 22

Summer 2018

The Hot SEAT

generation Stealth Bomber. And I honestly think the T-38 Talon deserves a spot Editor’s Comments on the poster as well, but we’ll bomb that bridge The 13th Bomb Squadron is no stranger to death. when we reach it. Only this The squadron insignia symbolizes death. No one time I won’t have Charley escapes the Grim Reaper, but it’s what we do in to research, art direct and life that defines who we are. approve the illustrations. When I first met Charley Hinton, I had no idea You can’t talk about what I was getting myself into. Charley found Charley without talking Don Henderson, Editor me on the internet because of our mutual interest about the Douglas B-26 in aircraft nose art. The 13th Bomb Squadron, Invader and you can’t talk about the Invader especially during the Korean War, had some without talking about “Old Able”. Charley, as well impressive, politically incorrect nose art. The as many others who flew her, had an affection for email that he sent me explained who he was and this patched up beauty. John Harris said she never what he needed, and that was simply to recreate flew straight from the result of a crash and the the 13th Aero Squadron insignia from WWI. countless times she was patched up from battle Well, one thing led to another and here we are damage. Old Able, or “Versatile Lady”, always today, almost a decade and a half later, but now got them home. Tony Curto gave her his DFC! Charley is gone and we are all left with his legacy. Not all heroes are flesh and blood. Old Able was Anybody who knew Charley knew straight up a hero and Charley always sang her praises and what they were dealing with. He was direct and to lamented that she was not preserved. If Charley the point. There were no gray areas. had his way, she would have had a place of honor at the USAF Museum. She deserved that, not put Charley described the pilots that he flew with in a scrap pile in some third world country, an as either “Tigers” or “Pussycats”. I think he inglorious end for such an amazing aircraft. could be described that way too, but maybe a little more tiger than pussycat. Charley had a I think Old Able defined the Korean War not just righteousness about him that rubbed some the for Charley, but for all the men who served in wrong way, while others like myself admired his Korea. A little bit broken, a little bit abused, and a straightforwardness. You never had to ask what he little bit neglected, but still ready for another fight. meant. It was always obvious. I’m trying to imagine Old Able with a glow I was drafted into the 13th Bomb Squadron about her sitting on a runway in the clouds. Big Association by Charley Hinton. From the start, Jim Braly doing a walk around, Lucian Thomas I would get daily emails that schooled me in the checking his guns, the ground crew checking history and legacy of this squadron. How could and double checking everything, the crew chief one squadron have so many heroes? People barking out commands and warning Braly to bring like Charles Biddle, Hank Stovall, John Seerly, Old Able back in one piece this time. As all this Murray Guthrie, Frank Hayes... Then WWII and activity is going on, a Jeep on a distant cloud is “The Ancient One with the Camera” Jack Hyne, heading towards them as fast as that old Willys and what about the guys who helped steal the 25 flathead 4 will take it. In the Jeep is a tall lanky B-25’s from the Dutch with Pappy Gunn? Then guy with a red leather ball cap. He’s a man on a Korea, Lucian Thomas and his 400 missions in mission. He has his orders and heads directly to three wars and “Old Rotten Bill” who brought the Old Able. This is the final flight from these earthly squadron back to Dyess. Then Vietnam and the bonds. It was a good run. His family and friends DOOM Pussies and the Bummers... The gang at wave him on as climbs into the navigator’s seat. Dyess with the Bones and the Reapermobile, and Braly fires up the big Double Wasp engines and then the first Reapers of Whiteman, Bra & Nuke... Old Able shakes like an excited young filly ready I have enjoyed every minute of it and the artwork to run. They latch down the hatches, Lucian barks over the radio that he’s ready, Braly opens the that I’ve created for the 13th is some of the best throttle and away they roar down the runway into that I’ve ever done. The “Historic Planes of the the wild blue... Charley, I’m going to 13th” was an epic project that spanned over a miss you. It was an honor to work decade, and by the looks of things, we aren’t with you. Godspeed my friend! done yet as the Reapers transition into the next 23

13th Bomb Squadron Association

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The Operations Group leadership (all current or former Reapers) celebrate Col Brian Gallo’s final B-2 flight on June 20, 2018 in aircraft 88-0330, “The Spirit of California” at Whiteman AFB, MO. Pico finished his career with exactly 1,313 B-2 hours. Pictured L to R: Lt. Col. Geoff “Fletch” Steeves, 13th BS/CC; Lt. Col. Keith “Ghost” Butler, 509th OSS/CC; Col. Brian “Pico” Gallo, 509th OG/CC; Lt. Col. Nick “Willy” Adcock, 393 BS/CC; Col. Jared “Evel” Kennish, 131st OG/CC (MO Air National Guard); Lt. Col. Todd “Eddie” Moenster, 509th OG/CD (Deputy Group Commander). Photo by A1C Taylor Phifer, Whiteman AFB Public Affairs.