Vol. 36 No. 3
Winter 2018
Savannah Reunion Recap Oscar’s 100th!
Winter 2018
Our opening dinner that evening was started with a welcome for all our members including the thirteen attendees who were attending their first reunion. Then, lifelong Savannah citizen Gordon Varnedoe portrayed British General James E. Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia, the 13th colony, at Savannah, who explained his grand design and founding principles for the colony. Monday, we had a very comprehensive private trolley tour of the historic district of Savannah, including most of its famous 22 park-like squares. This was a special treat, especially for anyone who enjoys the beautiful old homes and live oak trees of the South. Stops included a catered lunch in the grand ballroom of one of those homes, “The Olde Pink House”, now a prominent restaurant in Savannah, then, a tour of the 1830 Owens-Thomas House, and a stop at the Telfair Art Museum, the oldest public art museum in the South. Most attendees had also signed up for the public hop on, hop off trolley tours so they could further enjoy Savannah during their leisure time.
Bob Koehne
President’s Corner
Last year, after the 100th anniversary reunion at Whiteman AFB, I commented that it was one for the record books. Well, I think the 2018 reunion in Savannah, Georgia was right up there with the best of them. And that is due in no small part to Bob and Myrtle Parks, who made no less than three trips to Savannah to assure that everything was locked down. The people of Savannah are very proud of their city’s history, and rightfully so. It happens to be the largest urban national historic landmark in the United States. Also, the hospitality shown to us by the folks there was most gracious.
The “Mighty 8th Air Force” museum was the site of Red Shirt Night Tuesday, thanks to Perry Nuhn who is a docent at the museum. In fact, Perry gave part of the private tour we all enjoyed before a very nice buffet dinner under the wing of a B-17. Most of us thought we could spend an entire day at the museum. So much history. Don and Shane Henderson took individual photos of all of the attendees, plus a group shot in front of the B-17. Wednesday morning was our general membership meeting. There were no elections this year, so office holders will remain in place another year. Charlie Brown suggested that we have someone in charge of promoting the association and the reunions. Our membership is shrinking, down to 385 now. Ron Silvia, 1st vice-president, has agreed to take on the task as an additional duty.
The official opening of the reunion started with a meeting of the elected and appointed officers of the board early Sunday evening. It was mostly routine, but at Bill Hamman’s suggestion, we voted unanimously to send $1000 to the Air Force Aide Society in support of Hurricane Michael. Wednesday afternoon, Bob Parks and I drove out You may recall that Tyndall AFB was literally to Hunter Army Airfield to pick up our current 13th Bomb Squadron commander, Lt. Col. wiped out. 2
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the Vietnam War. The aircraft is currently in the museum’s restoration shop. But that’s another story, and I’ve asked Bob Butterfield to write a piece for the Invader on that visit. Stay tuned.
Geoffrey M. Steeves, call sign “Fletch”, and pilot, 1st Lt. Brandon Cameron, call sign “Fang”. You may recall that Lt. Cameron was one of two 13th officers who represented the squadron at SSgt. Davies memorial service last June. They made three low level passes in the T-38, catching up on their approach currency requirements, before landing.
Next year, the reunion is in Boise, Idaho, last two weeks of September, exact date to be set. We are working on having a former lady, teacher, astronaut, as our guest speaker, and Charlie Brown’s grandson is in the color guard at Mountain Home AFB, so it would be nice if they could post the colors. San Antonio has been chosen for the 2020 reunion, fifteen years since the last association reunion in San Antonio, so time for a return visit.
That evening, we had our closing banquet, started by the presentation of the colors, the national anthem, both provided by the 3rd Infantry Division at Hunter, introductions and the invocation by Bill Hamman. Filets and salmon were served for dinner. Perry Nuhn then spoke, giving a nice tribute to the late Charley Hinton, first president of the association, and dedicated collector of Reaper Pride, squadron history. Fletch followed, giving us an Regards, update on squadron activities, and what a national asset the B-2 bomber force is. Our guest speaker, thanks to Perry Nuhn’s recommendation, Lt. Col. Kenneth M. Dwyer, Garrison Commander at Hunter US Army Airfield, gave a very moving and inspiring story of his years in the Army, including fifteen years in Special Forces and four deployments to Afghanistan. Read his biography in this Invader, and try to imagine the stories he had to tell.
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
Afterwards, Col. Dwyer pulled the raffle tickets for several gifts, including two much appreciated hand crafted wood gifts by Don Kasson (thanks Don), and two books portraying Savannah. The next morning, following the 100 year tradition of the members of the 13th doing “naughty” things, Fletch had Bob Parks stop by Col. Dwyer’s building on the way to the flight line, and put a 13th Bomb Squadron decal on the back of his car. All in good fun. Fletch told Col. Dwyer at the banquet that he wants to get him up in a T-38.
The INVADER masthead displays the principal combat aircraft of the 13th Squadron since its initial activation in 1917. ©13th Bomb Squadron Association 2015
After the farewell breakfast on Thursday morning, Cover photo: The beautiful real gold dome of several of us drove up to Macon, Georgia to see Savannah’s City Hall was one of the highlights of the a B-57b that many of us flew missions in during trolly tour of Savannah on day two of the Reunion. 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
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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
Winter 2018
100th Anniversary of First 13th Ace The 13th is always setting milestones. Last year it was the 100th Anniversary of the squadron and this year marked another important anniversary for the 13th Bomb Squadron!
set. Biddle allowed his prey to get well within the Allied lines and then went at him with the sun at his back. The German was at about 15,000 feet and began to turn. Biddle dove at him, but could no longer keep the sun at his back. Diving, he overtook the German plane very quickly, going down under his tail. The German pilot did a good job to try to outmaneuver Biddle, but he did manage to get in close and gave him a burst before almost running in to him! It appeared that he damaged the enemy aircraft and apparently hit the observer/gunner. The aircraft was flying erratically and Biddle actually thought that it might go down, so he laid off to see what would transpire. Since they were well within Allied lines, he still had time for a second attack. They flew along for a few minutes while the wounded observer got off a few scattered shots as the pilot attempted to make for the German lines. Biddle went after him again, getting under his tail again, out of the view of the observer. He gave them a good burst at short range. That burst proved fatal to the observer. He was shot in the stomach. His gun was also damaged by bullets that hit the band of cartridges. When Biddle stopped shooting, he was only 15 yards from the enemy aircraft, but this time he did a much better job. Not only had he mortally wounded the observer and damaged his gun, he had also hit the synchronizing gear on the pilots gun too, and he hit the engine! Biddle pulled away and waited a few minutes to see what would happen next. Even with his damaged aircraft the German pilot continued to try to make it to his lines. Biddle noticed that the observer had stopped shooting and that his gun was point straight up. He maneuvered above the damaged aircraft to get a better look. There was no movement in the observer’s cockpit, he was either dead or dying. Biddle gave them another blast from his Vickers machine guns, this time wounding the pilot in the shoulder. The aircraft had dropped to 6,500 feet and with no
Oscar was designed by Lt. Earl Richards and painted on Capt. Charles Biddle’s SPAD XIII, #0 after becoming the 13th Aero Squadron’s first Ace on 16 August 1918. Biddle’s 4 previous victories occurred while flying for the French in the Lafeyette Flying Corps, Escadrille N. 73 and the Escadrille Lafeyette, 103rd Aero Squadron, A.E.F.
On 16 August 1918, Capt. Charles Biddle became the 13th Aero Squadron’s first Ace, bringing down a German Rumpler observation plane completely intact. In the aerial battle, Capt. Biddle managed to kill the gunner and wound the pilot and force him to land the aircraft intact behind Allied lines!
For 4 previous days between 5:15 and 6:00 a.m. a German aircraft had flown over the 13th’s airfield at Toul, taking photos and gathering information. Each time, aircraft were dispatched to intercept, but the Boche always managed to escape back to his lines before they could get to him. Biddle figured he would set a trap. On the morning of the 16th, he got up at 3:30 and took off at the crack of dawn around 4:45. He climbed to 18,000 ft., then laid in wait for about an hour. Finally he saw white puffs from Allied triple A’s and saw the enemy aircraft, “a tiny black speck on the horizon”. As soon as he saw the Boche aircraft, he turned and flew in the opposite direction to let him come into Allied air space. To set the trap, he turned back again to come in with the sun at his back. For you B-2 guys and A crowd gathers around Capt. Charles Biddle’s SPAD XIII after he forced down a German Rumpler bigals, that was WWI stealth! The trap was plane he had shot up on the morning of 16 August 1918..
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cont. on page 6
Winter 2018 stomach with gaping wounds and died in front of Biddle. He described the Boche as a fine young man, and that he felt sick about killing him and seeing that thousand yard stare as he laid lifeless beside his plane. He confessed it was nice to get the plane down on the Allied side of the lines, and that he would without hesitation kill more Germans when given the chance, but seeing the young man die bothered him. It was more personal than seeing your foe fall from the sky and crash. The French gendarmes went through the dead observer’s pockets, but only found a pair of eyeglasses and a half empty flask of whiskey. In the eyeglass case was the man’s name, Lieutenant Groschel. The pilot’s name was Johann Eichner. Biddle kept the glasses and the pilot’s card as grim souvenirs of the day he became the 13th Aero Squadron’s Members of the 13th Aero Squadron inspect Capt. Biddle’s prize, brought down intact in a field in the first Ace of WWI. Shortly thereafter, that Moselle River Valley behind Allied lines. boney, running skeleton known as “Oscar, the Devil’s Own Grim Reaper” was painted on the sides of hope of making it back to the German lines, the pilot gave Biddle’s SPAD and all the SPADs of the squadron. Oscar up. At that point, Biddle could have easily shot him down, but felt it might be better to deliver an intact German aircraft would be painted on all 13th squadron aircraft there after. as a prize! Biddle forced him to land in a small open field along the Moselle River where he nearly hit some telegraph lines, but made a prefect landing. For fear that the pilot might try to escape or set his aircraft on fire, Biddle circled above fully prepared to stop either from happening. For a long time there was no movement, but eventually the pilot climbed out and stood by tail. It took a long time, but finally some French soldiers arrived as Biddle continued to circle above. They were soon followed by a crowd of French civilians gathered around the plane. Biddle circled and landed, wanting to see the Boche plane. In his excitement, as he taxied up to his prey, he hit a rock that was obscured by high grass and collapsed a wheel and damaged a wing when it hit the ground. Capt. Biddle shut down his SPAD and hopped out to inspect the German plane and crew. The pilot was being held by a couple of French gendarmes. The German pilot was a short stocky man, his coat was off and blood was soaking through his shirt from his wound. He was terrified by his encounter in the air with Biddle and was now facing an angry French mob that was hellbent on stringing him up. He was in a bad situation as Biddle approached him. Sensing the man’s terror and concern for his life, Biddle reached out his hand and shook the hand of his fallen foe. The German beamed ear to ear and said something in German that Biddle did not understand, but he had subdued the crowd that now had grown very large. The gendarmes took charge of the prisoner and escorted him off to have his wound dressed and to lock him up. As Biddle approached, they were removing Capt. Biddle with his captured German Rumpler observation plane, holding a the observer from the plane. He was shot through the bouquet of flowers given to him by a little French girl.
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Oscar’s 100th As mentioned in the previous article on Capt. Biddle becoming the 13th Aero Squadron’s first Ace, the first appearance of Oscar was not far behind. Lt. Earl Richards, a pilot in the squadron, was a graphic designer before the war. His talents were put to good use when it came to designing the 13th Aero Squadron’s Grim Reaper insignia. A running skeleton wielding a bloody scythe mowing down the Huns. A brass template had been made so that the design could be easily and consistently reproduced on the sides of each aircraft in the squadron. Capt. Biddle’s SPAD XIII was the first to get Richards’ design. Oscar was painted on both sides of the fuselage.
arms, but there was a more or less unwritten law, that no fighter squadron should paint its emblem on its planes until the squadron had officially accounted for a minimum of five enemy planes.” By the middle of August 1918, the squadron had accounted for four confirmed victories and were anxiously awaiting the fifth. It took over a week for that to happen and it was Col. Biddle’s Rumpler that did the trick. Oscar had arrived! The squadron’s new insignia was soon emblazoned on every aircraft in the squadron. Oscar would go on to see his bloody scythe notched many times afterwards. Between that fateful day in August until the end of the war on 11 November, the squadron accounted for 29 victories and 5 Aces! Capt. Biddle who started it all, would end the war with 8 confirmed victories. 1st Lt. Leighton Brewer would end the war with 4 victories, just one shy of being an Ace. Squadron Aces included Capt. Charles Biddle, 8 victories; 1st Lt. Hank Stovall, 6 victories; 1st Lt. John Seerly, 5 victories; 1st Lt. Murray Guthrie, 6 victories; and 2nd Lt. Frank Hayes, 6 victories.
It was described in the epic poem by Lt. Leighton Brewer, Riders of the Sky:
This was the Captain’s fifth Boche; and he now Was numbered with the aces, who to Bob* Were like the gods that lived upon Olympus. Five times in combat had he conquered the Hun The original Oscar the Devil’s Own Grim Oscar has proved to be an able foe, And so, at last, the 13th could put on Reaper by Lt Earl Richards. but these were the 13th’s last Aces. Its war-paint – its insignia. It had won Throughout the 1920’s, 30’s and WWII, the mission Its spurs, and on each fuselage appeared changed to an Attack Squadron. In the Korean War, to A grinning Death – a skeleton with a scythe, Bomb Squadron and in the Vietnam War, to Tactical Bomb The blade tipped red with blood, and a notch Squadron. The 13th Bomb Squadron has seen its role for each Downed foe. change again to Training, but it continues to be identified as a Bomb Squadron, and as a weapon to be reckoned Lt. Stewart Elliot described Oscar in his book, “Wooden with and soon every pilot who flies in the 393rd Bomb Crates & Gallant Pilots”: “Lieutenant Earl Richards, one Squadron will have been a Reaper first! The mission may of our pilots, having some talent as an artist, had skillfully have changed, but Oscar after 100 years continues to serve! drawn the insignia for our squadron, on which we had Happy Anniversary Oscar, long may you fly! decided, after discussing various ideas. Our emblem was Death, in the guise of a grim skeleton running down the The official USAF description of Oscar is this: “Against foe, and swinging his big scythe. A metal stencil was cut a dark, blue field a white skeleton mowing with a yellow for this, and it was to be painted on the fuselage of each scythe with a reddened blade.” The Secretary of War SPAD, for the double purpose of distinguishing our 13th approved it as the official 13th logo on February 14, 1924, Squadron from other squadrons, and add to our esprit de corps,in being in being marked with a distinctive emblem.” but we all know it was official long before that when Capt. Biddle got his Rumpler in August of 1918. Lt. Elliot goes on to say: “We now had our own coat of
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*Bob Wainwright was the fictional 13th Aero Squadron pilot who was the central character in the epic poem, “Riders of the Sky”.
Winter 2018
13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2018
Ann Marie & Charley Brown
Dave & Nancy Clark
George Cileck & Cecilia Mitchell
Tom & Arlene Alexander
Dan & Jo Ann Pipkins
Carole & Bob Koehne 8
cont. on page 9
Winter 2018
13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2018
Connie Ferguson & Donel Mathews
Carl & Mary Renner
Linda & Charlie Breitzke
Mike Barnes
Lou & PB Dover
Don Kasson 9
cont. on page 10
Winter 2018
13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2018
Diane & Ron Silvia
Norma & Ron Jarrett
Donna Gray-King, Charles Wodrig, Mary Gray, & Leslie Umpstead
MaryAnn & Bob Butterfield
Bill & Ellen Hamann
Perry & Rita Marie Nuhn 10
cont. on page 11
Winter 2018
13th BOMB SQUADRON REUNION 2018
Susan & Tighe Carvey
Linda & Daniel English
Janice, Edward & Edward Besemer
Myrtle & Bob Parks
Rosalie Pecina & Marlys Milam
Sandra & Eldridge Lilly 11
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Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Dwyer Savannah Reunion Special Guest Speaker
LTC Ken Dwyer graduated from Furman University with a degree in Health and Exercise Science in 1998 and received his commission into the U.S. Army as an Infantry officer. His operational deployments include four tours in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2002, 2005, 2006, 2012).
returned to Fort Bragg NC to be the Chief of Readiness at the United States Army Special Forces Command. In 2012 Dwyer took command of the Group Support Company at 3rd Special Forces Group, followed by an assignment to the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School where LTC Dwyer Upon completion of the commanded the Company Infantry Officer Basic Course responsibly for training and Ranger School, Dwyer future Special Forces was assigned to Ft. Campbell, Captains (18A’s). In 2015, KY where he served as Dwyer was assigned as the a rifle platoon leader, Executive Officer for the Lieutenant Colonel Ken Dwyer, U.S. Army mortar platoon leader, and Special Warfare Training Company Executive Officer with the 2nd Battalion, Group with a follow on assignment as the G33, 187th Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. Chief of Current Operations at 1st Special Forces Following his first deployment to Afghanistan in Command. Dwyer currently serves as the Garrison 2002, Dwyer attended the Special Forces Assessment Commander of Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, GA. and Selection (SFAS) course and the Special Forces Qualification Course (SFQC). After SFQC, Dwyer Dwyer’s military education and qualifications include was assigned to 1st Battalion 3rd Special Forces the Infantry Officer Basic Course, US Army Ranger Group (SFG) as the team leader of Operational School, Expert Infantry Badge (EIB), Combat Detachment Alpha (ODA) 325. His next assignment Lifesaver (CLS), Infantry Officer Advanced Course, was as the assistant operations officer of 1st Battalion, Airborne School, Air Assault School, Special Forces 3rd Special Forces Group. Qualification Course (SFQC), Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape Course (SERE) and the On his third combat tour to Afghanistan in 2006, Combat Diver Qualification Course (CDQC). Dwyer was injured by a Rocket Propelled Grenade resulting in the amputation of his left hand, removal His combat awards and decorations include the of his left eye and other shrapnel injuries to his face, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Meritorious neck, torso and right arm. Service Medal (4 OLC), Afghan Campaign Ribbon (4 tours), Army Commendation Medal (3 OLC), Army In 2008, Dwyer took command of Headquarters Achievement Medal, and Combat Infantry Badge and Headquarters Company, 3rd SFG (A). In June of (CIB). 2011, Dwyer completed his Master’s degree in Defense Analysis at the Naval Post Graduate School (NPS) in Dwyer has been married to his wife Jennie for 17 Monterrey, CA where his thesis work focused on a years and they have two children, Timothy and Julia. comparative analysis of the various treatment options for He enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, service members suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress playing golf, cheering on his favorite sports teams, and (PTS). Upon completion of his graduate studies, Dwyer coaching youth athletics. 14
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Some photos from the 2018 13th Bomb Squadron Association banquet with special guest speaker, Lt. Col. Kenneth Dwyer. 15
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Reapers Reunite with B-57B – 52-1551 During Visit to Robins AFB Museum of Aviation By Bob Butterfield
with Martin to build On February 8, 2018, I the British Canberra in received an email from the U.S. under license. Barbara Leblanc of the The Martin-built B-57 Canberra Association. made its first flight in She said that a B-57B July 1953, and when tail number 52-1551 production ended in had been placed in the 1959, a total of 403 Robins AFB Museum of Canberras had been Aviation in Georgia, and produced for the USAF. that the curator Michael D. Rowland would like In 1965, the USAF sent to have information B-57B 52-1551 while assigned to the Kentucky Air National Guard. Aircraft Photo and Assignment two B-57B squadrons to Summary of 1551 Submitted by Max Young about the plane from South Vietnam. Until the those who had flown it, last B-57B departed in November 1969, the 8th and 13th Bomb Squadrons maintained and supported it, to pass along to visitors of the museum. The flew many different types of missions, including close air support and night Museum is the second largest in the USAF, and received over 450,000 interdiction, in Southeast Asia. visitors last year. The Museum’s B-57B, serial number 52-1551, was delivered to the USAF I checked my mission cards from September 1965 in January 1951. After inspection and check out to June 1966, and found that Roger Bauman and at Robins, it was assigned to the 345th Tactical I had flown 1551 on May 13, 1966, on an early Bomb Group at Langley AFB, Virginia. When evening ground attack mission with good results. the 345th was disbanded in 1959, the aircraft was transferred to the 165th Tactical Reconnaissance I sent the card to Mike Rowland, and he was Squadron, Kentucky Air Guard. In 1965, 52-1551 delighted to receive it. I told him that other 13th was returned to the active duty inventory as a Bomb Squadron crews had flown the plane and replacement for combat losses in Vietnam. The that I would contact them and give them his aircraft was flown on numerous combat missions information: Mike Rowland, Curator, Museum while serving with both the 13th and 8th Bomb of Aviation, (478) 926-7311, DSN 468-7311, and Squadrons at Danang and Phan Rang, South michael.rowland.5@us.af.mil. Vietnam. Of distinction, 52-1551 was the last US After further review of my mission cards, I saw tactical jet bomber to leave South Vietnam. that the following individuals had flown the plane In 1972, the aircraft was converted to a EB-57B on combat missions in which I was involved, defense systems evaluation aircraft designed to and I sent them an email with Mike’s contact act as an aggressor to test and train Air Defense information. They were Roger Bauman, Tighe aircrews and ground radar stations. It served in Carvey, Jerry Dorwart, Bill Fink, Billy Frazelle, this capacity with both the Kansas and Vermont Bob Galbreath, Bill Hamann, Fleming Hobbs, Air National Guard units, and was one of the Howie Joondeph, Ed Keating, George Knight, last B-57s in service. The aircraft made its final Bob Koehne, Dean Kruse, George Lyddane, Bill flight on August 20, 1981, to Washington-Dulles Madison, Bill Morse and Max Young. I asked International Airport, Virginia, where it was placed them all to contact any others they thought might in storage by the National Air and Space Museum. have flown 1551, and if so to contact the Museum. In December 2014, 52-1551 was brought to the 13 May 66, Early evening ground attack Mission Immediately, I received several replies, including Card, Bob Butterfield and Roger Bauman. Museum of Aviation for restoration, where it is two from Bob Galbreath and Bill Madison. Their being restored back to its Vietnam War bomber missions had destroyed key targets for which they configuration. The aircraft is not yet on display. received the Distinguished Flying Cross award. Robins AFB provided system management and sustained support for all Please note, I would also like to hear from those who maintained, B-57s worldwide while they were in service. (Segments of this narrative are supported, and armed 1551. from www.museumofaviation.org site, by Martin, “The Canberra”) Background of the B-57: After the Korean War began in 1950, USAF After viewing the 13th Bomb Squadron website, and noting that our looked for a jet-powered medium bomber to quickly replace the aging, annual Association reunion was being held in Savannah in October, Curator propeller-driven Douglas B-26 Invader. In March 1951, USAF contracted Rowland asked if any attendees could visit the Museum after the event. He cont. on page 17
Winter 2018 said he would give us a behind-the-scenes tour of the buildings and grounds of the forty-three acres that contain over ninety aircraft, partial aircraft, and missiles, and that we would have the opportunity to talk with the local media about the aircraft and its missions. On October 25th, Bob Koehne (President, 13th Bomb Squadron Association), Dan Pipkins of Macon, Georgia (a B-57G combat pilot who had been stationed at Robins AFB flying C-141s) and I, with our wives, drove from Savannah to Robins, where Mike Rowland provided an inspiring tour of all the beautifully restored Air Force aircraft in three large Museum Hangers. One of the highlights of the tour, was seeing the SR-71 that holds the world’s speed record of 2,193 mph! Following that, Bob Koehne (who had flown this aircraft with Dean Kruse) and I (who
had flown it with Roger Bauman) reunited with B-57 1551, and performed a walk-around inspection, checking out the cockpit and the reconstructed eight, 50-caliber machine guns resting under the wings. The plane has some added minor modifications to complete, including the camouflage paint, but it was a thrill to climb up and revisit what we felt was the best close air support and interdiction aircraft of the Vietnam War. This visit was a special day in my life… to be reunited with a plane I loved to fly, and to honor the memories of the missions flown by all the Reapers of the 13th Bomb Squadron! We were then honored by reporters and television/media with interviews, which completed a most remarkable day -- a day of true Reaper Pride!
The Whiteman Reaper Report
13th Bomb Squadron Whiteman AFB, Missouri
Fletch and Wolf talking to the USAFA Cadets
Pictured in the Steelers photo are from left to right: Lt. Mabee, Capt. J. Crum, Capt. Kolod, Lt. Col. Steeves, Maj. Bolin, Capt. Stock, Capt. B. Crum, Capt. Cooper, Capt. Tradup, Capt. Harden, Lt. Cameron and Capt. Hudanich
Reapers Past and Present, 2018 has been a busy year for the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The year started off with a bang as the 394th CTS transitioned to the 13th, with Lt. Col. Geoffrey “Fletch” Steeves at the helm. The Reapers completed 135 cross country flights this calendar year to keep up with continuous training hours and support official functions. In September, two of the Devil’s Own traveled to the Air Force Academy to recruit the next era of Bomber pilots. Fletch and Maj. Nicholas “Wolf” Anderson briefed cadets about the B2 platform, mission, training, and requirements. One of the unit’s favorite duties is to promote the Air Force via football game fly-overs, which serve as an excellent recruitment tool. The Reapers flew over many outstanding games this season to include Ohio State, Nebraska, and Kansas University. The Reapers were also requested to fly-over the Pittsburgh Steelers/Kansas City Chiefs pro football game. During the practice run, the squadron unknowingly flew over a high school football game that had several Gold Star Families in attendance. With near perfect timing, the Reapers executed a four-ship fly-by as the Colors were being brought on to the field. The squadron received a heartfelt letter of thanks from one of the families who had lost several military members. After the fly-over, the Reapers got first class treatment as they went down on the field to watch the remainder of the game, as seen below with all their swag. 2019 will be another very busy year as we are receiving several new pilots for Initial Qualification Training. They will become “The Best Bomber Pilots in the World”! Article written by: Anthony J. Roop, 13th Bomb Squadron Historian 17
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On Thursday October 25th, veterans who flew the B-57 Canberra visited the Museum of Aviation to see up close the Museum’s B-57. Robert Koehne was a B-57 navigator and is the current president of the 13th Bomb Squadron Association. The 13th Bomb Squadron flew B-57s during the Vietnam War and is today a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber unit. Koehne retired from the USAF as a colonel and flew at least one mission in the Museum’s Canberra. Robert Butterfield was a B-57 pilot during the Vietnam War. On May 13, 1966, he flew the Museum’s B-57 on a night attack mission that resulted in the destruction of an enemy bridge and a truck and trailer. Butterfield also retired from the USAF as a colonel. Koehne, Butterfield, and others visited the Museum of Aviation after attending a 13th Bomb Squadron Association reunion in Savannah. The Museum of Aviation’s B-57B was flown on combat missions for two and a half years during the Vietnam War. The Museum’s B-57B is awaiting repainting, and is not currently on public display.
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Winter 2018
13th Bomb Squadron Association Board of Directors Meeting Savannah, Georgia • October 2018
Members present: President Bob Koehne; Past Presidents Bob Butterfield and Charley Brown; Secretary Tighe Carvey; Treasurer Bill Hamann; 1st VP Ron Silvia, 2nd VP Bob Parks, Locator Charlie Breitzke, Vietnam Rep. Dave Clark, Korea Rep. Ron Jarrett. The meeting was called to order at 5:00PM President Bob Koehne determined that a Quorum (4 Officers required) was present. Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the 2017 (Warrensburg, MO) BOD meeting were presented for comments and approval. There were no comments. A motion was made to accept the minutes as published in the Invader. M: Charlie Breitzke S: Ron Silvia Passed unanimously Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bill Hamann commented that income to date is slightly less than at the same time last year which corresponds to the slight reduction in memberships. He said our accounts are in good shape. He also said that he has created a reunion account so that payments received to cover individual members reunion expenses do not cause our savings/checking accounts to exceed the limits placed on “charitable organizations” for tax purposes. Past President Charley Brown noted that he is still listed on the association’s savings and checking accounts. He and Bill Hamann agreed that they communicate with USAA to resolve that problem. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report. M: Tighe Carvey S: Bob Butterfield Passed unanimously Locators Report: Locator Charlie Breitzke reported that he has adjusted the Active Membership down from the low 400’s to 385 by eliminating those whose membership cards or “Invader” magazines are returned by the Post Office as undeliverable. Some of those members might return to “Active” status in the future but this action helps keep the expenses for returned “Invaders” at a minimum. We are still mailing membership requests to everyone who returns a card and keeps their information up to date. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report. M: Tighe Carvey S: Bob Butterfield Passed unanimously Old Business: Advisory Committee: The advisory committee has no activity to report. Bob Koehne asked for clarification of who tasks the advisory committee with projects. After discussion it was determined that either the Association President or the Committee Chairman could establish an issue for the Advisory Committee to study. Bob Koehne further commented that since the Advisory Committee works closely with/for the Association President, the Committee composition might best comprise a Past President, 1st. Vice President, and an “Era” representative. Bob Koenhe further proposed that he appoint the committee members going forward as Bob Butterfield, Ron Silvia, and Ron Jarrett. This arrangement would have the additional benefit of relieving Roger Baumann of his position on the committee, since he has had recent health issues. Item closed. Historian: Historian Don Henderson will not arrive at this reunion in time to attend this meeting. In his stead he has asked Bob Koehne to make an appeal to the Board Members and to the general membership for Vietnam era stories and photographs, especially for the early years covering Bien Hoa, Danang, and Phan Rang. Ron Silvia remarked that Bob Butterfield had compiled considerable information for the 100th anniversary reunion. Ron Silvia and Bob Butterfield will coordinate with Don Henderson to make that information available for publication in
the “Invader”. An open item from the 2017 Board Meeting deals with the need to maintain a history of current activities of the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman. Bob Koehne said he plans to speak with the Squadron representatives when they arrive, to arrange a formal relationship between a specific squadron member and Don Henderson for documentation of historical information going forward. Item closed. Invader Costs: Last year we agreed to stabilize the “Invader” at 24 pages per issue and three issues per year. This year the discussion covered the possibility of making the “Invader” available as either an electronic/print option. Bill Hamann said he has seen many comments in response to our annual mailings that older family members look forward to receiving the print version in the mail. Bob Butterfield noted that an electronic version of the “Invader” is already on the Association’s website. After further discussion the board reached a consensus that we should continue to offer the print version to each active member. Item closed. Website costs: The website editor, Bob Butterfield, discussed recent activity updating some information on the website concerning the “Global War on Terror” era. Bill Hamann noted that he had expended $412 to date for website costs. The board decided to continue supporting the website at current levels. Bob Butterfield requested that the membership be polled for a volunteer to replace him as editor. Item closed. New Business: Nomination of officers: The positions of President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, Korean Era, and GWOT Era are up for election this year. All incumbents have volunteered for reelection. President Koehne observed that in 2017 we elected a “Slate” officers for two-year terms. That “Slate” included positions of President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, and GWOT Era that were filled due to vacancies. With the concurrence of all the incumbents, Charley Brown proposed a motion to realign the term expiration date to 2020 for the officers filling the positions of President, 2nd Vice President, Treasurer, and GWOT Era. M: Charley Brown S: Ron Jarrett Passed unanimously Reunion: 2nd Vice President Bob Parks said that plans for the 2019 reunion were firming up in Boise, ID for the last two weeks in September. He will be travelling to Boise early in December to work with Roger Bauman on specific details. Bob Koehne said he had received suggestions from members that we should consider the following cities for our 2020 reunion: San Antonio, TX; Shreveport, LA; Dallas, TX; and Omaha, NE. He noted that it has been 15 years since we have been to San Antonio, and since it was home to our reunion planner, Bob Parks, it would give him relief from the considerable time and expense of travelling several times to make reunion arrangements. The board agreed unanimously to recommend San Antonio, TX for the 2020 reunion location to the General Membership for a vote. Due to time constraints a motion was made to adjourn the meeting until 9 AM on October 24, 2018. M: Bob Parks S: Tighe Carvey Passed unanimously President Koehne reconvened the meeting on October 24, 2018 at 9:00 AM Charlie Breitzke asked to be recognized to propose that he move the “Inactive” and “Unlocated” lists from the print version of the Association Directory to the web version. He noted that there is very little response resulting from those sections being in the directory and, on the other hand, we will realize a considerable savings by not printing those 16 to 18 pages. After a short discussion the Board agreed that the new directory should be printed
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Winter 2018 without those two sections and that Charley Breitzke should coordinate with our web designer to have those lists added to our website. Item closed. Merchandise: Bob Koehne noted that we are almost out of Challenge Coins. He noted that, besides being a collectors’ item, they serve as a memento to give to guests and others who interact with the association. Bob Parks observed that the logos on available merchandise changes over time to reflect the activities of the current squadron. He will coordinate with the Don Henderson to establish a 13th Bomb Squadron Association logo that will permanently represent the Association. Bob Koehne said he would like to have Bob Parks order coins and cotton shirts to offer to members for purchase. Item open.
As an item for discussion, Bob Koehne noted that Don Kasson had presented handmade items to the association. The items include a set of wind chimes including an “Oscar” logo, and will be included in the raffle at the Association dinner. Item Closed Bill Hamann said that, considering the good health of our savings account, we might want to consider a donation to the Air Force Aid Society to support the victims of Hurricane Michael. After discussion a motion was made to donate $1000 to the Air Force Aid Society, earmarked for Hurricane Michael disaster relief. M: Tighe Carvey S: Bob Parks Passed unanimously The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 AM
13th Bomb Squadron Association Members Meeting Savannah, Georgia • October 2018
The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM President Bob Koehne determined that there are 19 members present and the requirements for a quorum (one half of attendees plus one, or thirteen, whichever is less) have been met. He continued by introducing the board members and the appointed committee chairmen.
table this item. M: PB Dover S: Dan English Passed Unanimously
Secretary’s Report: Secretary, Tighe Carvey, noted that the minutes of the 2017 meeting (Warrensburg, MO) have been published in the Summer 2017 edition of the “Invader”. He asked if there were any proposed changes or exceptions. Hearing none, a motion was made to accept the minutes.
Historian: Historian, Don Henderson has had to depart the reunion prior to this meeting. President Koehne mentioned that he had a conversation with Don Henderson about establishing a single point of contact within the current squadron for historical information. President Koehne will ask the current squadron commander to designate such a person when he arrives for the banquet this evening. Item Closed
M: Bob Parks S: Charley Breitzke Passed Unanimously Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Bill Hamann distributed copies of the association’s balance sheet and observed that the associations finances remain strong. Income from dues is down about $1100 from last year, reflecting similar reductions in membership; however, our savings and checking accounts remain at levels similar to the previous year. Treasurer Hamann told the membership that the Executive Board had voted to authorize him to issue a donation of $1000 to the Air Force Aid Society, earmarked for Hurricane Michael disaster relief. A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report. M: Ron Jarrett S: Don Kassem Passed Unanimously Locator’s Report: Locator Charley Breitzke briefed the membership on his adjustments to the Active Membership roster. He has reduced the list to exclude those whose mailings are returned by the Post Office as undeliverable. The active list now stands at 385 which includes 217 who returned their membership information cards with a dues contribution. Perry Nunn suggested we renew our efforts to recruit new members, especially from enlisted members of the training squadron, and B-1 crew members, some of whom are in or nearing retirement. After discussion it was decided that we would place announcements/ advertisements in base newspapers and Air Force/Military journals. Charlie Brown suggested that we appoint a member to oversee. Ron Silvia has volunteered to perform that activity. A motion was made to accept the Locator’s Report. M: Perry Nunn S: Bob Butterfield Passed Unanimously Old Business: Invader Cost Reduction: Bob Koehne announced that this was an open item from 2017 and that after discussion with Don Henderson and with the Executive Board we have decided that the “Invader” is a key to our ongoing health. Reduction in the size or quality of the “Invader” would work to our detriment. Bob Butterfield announced that an electronic version of the “Invader” is available on the Association website. A motion was made to
Website Report: Bob Butterfield noted that he had enlarged the organization’s website in 2010 to include links to sections relating to Eras, Current Info, Announcements, Reunions, and Change of Command. Recently the “Invader” has been made available on the website as well. Bob Koehne mentioned that Bob Butterfield would welcome having an assistant to work on the website with the goal of having him take charge in the future. Item Closed New Business: New Directory: Charlie Breitzke announced that he was working on a new 13th Bomb Squadron Directory. The last directory was distributed in 2014 and it needs to be updated. Charlie said that the Executive Board had approved a change to merge some of the directory information into the website. Specifically, we are moving the “Unlocated” and “Inactive” sections from the directory to the website. This change will reduce the size of the directory by 17 pages and save on printing costs. Perry Nunn cautioned that we should be concerned about placing personal information on the web, and we agreed that names and rank of unlocated or inactive persons was not a security issue. The new directory will carry a date of 2019. Item Closed 2019 and 2020 Reunions: Bob Parks announced that he has a preliminary agreement with the Hampton Inn in Boise for the 2019 reunion. He will be traveling to Boise in early December to meet with member Roger Baumann to solidify events and schedule. He also mentioned that the Executive Board had unanimously agreed to recommend San Antonio, Texas as the site for the 2020. He pointed out the many activities in the area including the River Walk, the possibility of a dinner cruise on a barge, and a visit to Fredericksburg, home of The Pacific War Museum. Tighe Carvey called for additional nominations from the general membership. There were none. A motion was made to approve San Antonio, Texas as the site of the 2020 reunion. M: PB Dover S: Bob Butterfield Passed Unanimously Election of Officers: Nominating committee chairman Bob Butterfield observed that because the 2017 reunion was held much earlier than normal due to its being held in conjunction with our 100th
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Winter 2018
REAPER REUNION 2019 “SAVE THESE DATES”
anniversary, we elected a full slate of officers at that meeting. At this year’s Executive Board meeting we affirmed that action, and with the concurrence of all the incumbents, adjusted the end of term dates so that in 2019 we will elect 1st VP, Secretary, WWII era, and Post Korea/Vietnam era representatives. In 2020 we will elect President, 2nd VP, Treasurer, Korea era, and GWOT era representatives. There are no elections this year. Item Closed
What an exciting reunion we had in Savannah! Our fun began during the reunion Icebreaker with an introduction to the city’s rich history by General Oglethorpe (founder of Georgia). The next day, we all had an opportunity to visit some of that history during an overview trolley tour that included a stop at The Olde Pink House, one of Savannah’s most beautiful historical landmarks. Here, reunion attendees were honored with a “VIP” luncheon in the elegant ballroom. The agenda continued to impress with Red Shirt Day at the Mighty 8th Air Force Museum – with the day culminating in cocktails and dinner under the wings of the B-17. But the bar was set at the Closing Banquet. The program opened with special music by the 3rd Infantry’s Brass Ensemble and posting of the colors by members the 3rd Infantry Color Guard, but the highlight was the address given by LTC Kenneth Dwyer, Commander of Hunter Army Air Field. Let there be no doubt of the courage and patriotism of this Wounded Warrior! We were all gripped in attention and emotion as he told his story of service, brotherhood, sacrifice, courage, and family. We bounced between laughter and tears as we hung on every word. May God always bless this brother in arms!!
Merchandise: Bob Koehne announced that the Executive Board had authorized funds for purchase of Challenge coins and cotton polo shirts for sale the membership. The coins would also be used as gifts/mementos for guests and guest speakers. The board also agreed that we should settle on a standard logo/patch for the 13th Bomb Squadron Association as the 13th Bomb Squadron logo changes regularly. Don Henderson maintains the association artwork. Bob Koehne will work with Don to standardize the logo. Item Closed Memorabilia: The historical items we have entrusted to the current squadron. A lengthy discussion ensued in which Charley Brown reiterated how we determined where the items would go and how they were being protected. There was general agreement that our board members would maintain regular contact with squadron personnel so that in the event in a change of circumstances we could ensure proper oversight of these items. Item Closed A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.
To all who were unable to join us in Savannah, rest assured, you were missed! But, know that you were with us in thought -- obvious by the conversations held around the tables in the hospitality room. Plans are in work for the 2019 Reaper Reunion in Boise. Tentative dates are the weeks of 16 September or 23 September. Please make a note of these dates and hold them open on your calendar for our 2019 Reunion. Confirmed date and tentative schedule will be published in the Spring Invader. We are all looking forward to seeing you in Boise!!! -Bob Parks
M: Charlie Breitzke S: Bob Butterfield Passed unanimously The meeting was adjourned at 11:05 AM
13th Bomb Squadron Association Treasurer's Report October 2018
Interest $23.03 41.47 Total Income $25,761.07 $26,894.47 EXPENSES Bank Charges $Invader (West Press) $2,094.76 $4,383.14 Web Site $412.50 $437.50 President’s Expenses Ex President Travel Postage $59.16 Locator $123.47 Henderson Stipend $3,000.00 $1,000.00 Reunion Expenses $250.00 Treasurer Expenses Tours, Dinners, Etc $12,870.00 Estimated $15,210.00 Total Out Flows $18,750.73 $21,089.80 Transfer to Savings Overall total Account Balance USAA Checking $21,991.14 $25,917.87 Minus Reunion $9,121.14 Minus Reunion Est $15,210.00 USAA Savings $28,482.23 $28,523.70 Total Bank Accounts
$41,352.23 $39,231.57
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Winter 2018
Seeking Info... Deaths Not Previously Reported As of July 2018
Rest In Peace
Paul E. Geidel October 31, 2017 Gunner 1952-53
Does anyone have any information about Lt. Ernest (Max) Adler? He was a navigator in Korea, declared MIA in October of 1951 (with pilot Ray Olcott and bombardier Robert Andrews) and KIA in February of 1954. His great-nephew, Mark Stewart, is interested in hearing anything about Max. If you can help, please contact Mark at (email) vrtx66@icloud.com or (phone) 928-592-8322.
Locator’s Radar
Do any of the Korean War Vets remember Lt. Col. Robert F. Jagitsch, Jr. who served with the 13th in 1951? His son Robert would like to recreate his father’s bomber jacket. Would anybody have a better photo of the jacket art?
Are you on our Radar? We are planning to put out a new association directory near the beginning of next year. Charlie Breitzke, Locator After the mailing of the annual contribution request packet, a lot of changes are received, and I want to incorporate those before publishing. However, I thought this might be a good time to remind everyone to let me know any time there’s a change to your contact information or profile, so I can update the database, mailing list, et. al. We’re going to move the Inactive and Unlocated sections from the directory to the website, as they seem to have served their purpose, don’t change much any more, and will lower the cost of the directory.
Our Deepest Condolences To the families and friends of all those who have passed in 2018. Your loss is our loss and you have the deepest sympathy from the officers & members of the
Please contact Charlie Breitzke at info@13thbombsquadron.net
13th Bomb Squadron Association 22
Winter 2018
The Hot SEAT
everywhere. Each square was more historic than the next and surrounded by all Editor’s Comments these beautiful Southern homes. Lunch at the Olde The first 13th Bomb Squadron reunion I attended was in Nashville. I was invited by Charley Hinton. Pink House was classic This was the first time that I had met Charley face Southern charm and, again to face. The ride to Nashville from Pittsburgh was being a Yankee, it was a long one and my wife, Pam, and I were running the first time I’d ever tried grits or collard greens. late as usual. It was looking like were going Myrtle Parks told me about to be at least an hour late, but to my surprise, Don Henderson, Editor her recipe for grits, that I committed a rookie navigational mistake. I differed from the ones hadn’t taken into account that Nashville was in a being served. The tours of the Owens-Thomas different time zone than Pittsburgh! We were not House and the Telfair Museum were spectacular. only on time, but with some time to spare. You gotta love it when things work out. Tuesday was a free morning, so Shane and I hiked over to the Georgia State Railroad The Sunday drive to Savannah from Pittsburgh Museum a few blocks away from the hotel. The was longer, but it was a pleasant drive down museum is housed in a former Central of Georgia through the mountains of West Virginia and roundhouse. They have a small, but very nice, the spectacular New River Gorge. We missed selection of locomotives and passenger cars. What Bridge Day by just one day, when they close the was really fascinating New River Bridge to was the shop car and truck traffic building for restoring and have a festival locomotives and on the bridge high equipment. Within above New River. walking distance We breezed across from the hotel were with no issues. We at least four different weren’t so lucky north museums! of Charlotte. As soon as we got near Lake Because of work Norman, traffic came scheduling we to a standstill on I-77. couldn’t attend the We moved at a snail’s banquet, so Red pace all the way to Shirt Night was our Charlotte. After that, de facto banquet it was pretty much with the Reapers. smooth sailing into The crew of the Wild Hare, L to R: Pilot 2nd Lt Benny J. Bigley, Cpl James W. Ford, Savannah. We arrived Cpl. Floyd (Hink) N. Henderson (my uncle), Cpl. Leo Lawler, Co-pilot 2nd Lt Thomas The highlight of late, but not too late to E. Brines, Flight Officer Charles P. Kieth, Flight Officer Rudolf G. Warner III (seated), the reunion for me Robert E. Hall (seated), Radio Operator Cpl Delbert S. Schwab and the Wild Hare was the tour of the catch the Ice Breaker Cpl B-17G, # 43-37826, 748th Bomb Squadron, 457th Bombardment Group National Museum of Social at the hotel! the Mighty 8th Air Good timing and a good time as always with the Force! My uncle served in the 8th out of Glatton Reapers! in the UK with the 457th Bomb Group on a B-17 called “The Wild Hare”. He flew the last 21 Monday was a cool, beautiful day in Savannah. We were in an open trolly bus, great for seeing the missions of the war in the ETO. After our tour, Perry Nuhn gave me a personal tour of the chapel city and taking pictures. The weather was brisk, but being a Yankee, I was dressed for it. The tour and wouldn’t you know it, the first stained glass window was dedicated to the 457th BG! Thanks was wonderful and Savannah shined like a gem. Perry for sharing that with me and allowing me Our tour guide, Mark Stephens, was excellent, to cross the 8th AF “Compass Rose”. That pointing out all the unique aspects of Savannah. The city is polluted with museums and these little meant a lot to me. I wonder if my Uncle Hink had something to do parks that they call “squares” that seemed to be with me getting to see that? 23
13th Bomb Squadron Association
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B-57B, tail number 52-1551, flown in combat in Vietnam by Bob Koehne and Bob Butterfield, is being restored at the Robins AFB Museum of Aviation, near Macon, Georgia. Shown in the photo are (left to right): Jim Johnson, Bob Butterfield, Bob Koehne, Dan Pipkins, and Stu Butterfield. Dan flew B-57Gs in Vietnam and C-141s at Robins and lives in Macon. Joining the 13th Bomb Squadron Association members at the Museum were Jim Johnson and Stu Butterfield who have developed a 3-D model of this B-57 that flew in Vietnam, and will be used in virtual reality flight simulators. Jim, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, was a gunner on B-52s, while Stu served as a Marine Lance Corporal in the infantry. Photo by MaryAnn Butterfield.