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From: Paul Schacherer
[mailto:JU87D8@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, July
04, 2002 8:07 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Phillip Schacherer
Hello, I am
the son of First Lt. B-17 bombardier, Phillip M.
Schacherer, Paul A. Schacherer. I was hoping
someone could give me information on the name of
my dad's plane, crew names, pictures, and
missions that he was on. He died about 10 years
ago and the history that I have is sketchy. He
was attached to the 379th bombardment group
flying out of Kimbolton, probably between
1944-1945. He was awarded the distinguished
flying service cross, oak leaf clusters, and air
medal. He flew 31 combat missions. He also was a
public relations officer for 5 months. He
graduated from Kirtland Field, Albuquerque, NM
on 8/21/43. Thank you, any help would be greatly
appreciated.
Paul Schacherer
Paul,
Lt. Phillip M.
Schacherer, Bombardier; was
in the 379th Bombardment
Group from 4/22/44 to
7/06/44. Our records show
that Lt. Schacherer flew 33
missions with the 525th
Squadron. The following is
Lt. Schacherer's crewmembers
and their positions on their
3rd mission to Berlin,
Germany on 5/8/44.Aircraft
42-31592 "Nobody's Baby".
Vickers, Charles L, 2nd
Lt, Pilot
Craven, Milton
H, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Jennings, Joseph W, 2nd Lt,
Navigator
Schacherer,Phillip M, 2nd Lt,
Bombardier
Occhionero,Nicholas J, S/Sgt,
Radio Operator/Gunner
Cimino, Phillip (NMI), S/Sgt,
Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Garofalo, Frank E, Sgt, Ball
Turret Gunner
Mays,
Kenneth E, Sgt, Right Waist
Gunner
Brown, Lonnie D,
Sgt, Left Waist Gunner
Campbell, William R, Sgt,
Tail Gunner
This crew
flew in various different
aircraft. Milton H. Craven is
on the current Association
roster. The following are the
completed missions numbers we
show for your father: 100,
101, 102, 108, 110 (aborted),
111, 112, 113, 116, 117, 119,
122, 124, 127, 128, 129, 130,
132, 134 recalled), 135, 136,
138, 139, 140, 142, 143, 144,
148, 149, 152, 153, 157, 158,
159, 160.
In order for
a mission to count, a crew
needed to get to the target
and drop their bombs. Aborts
and recalls did not count as
missions completed.
Responding4 7/06/02
Mike
Search No. 1069 - Neel Tilton
From: Eric Prince
[mailto:eprince1013@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, July 05, 2002 9:36 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Neel Tilton
Sirs...Am looking for
information on my missions my Grandfather flew
in the 379th (526th). His name is Neel Tilton
and he was a Lt./Navigator. Do the mission
reports include the loading lists that were
prepared? I ask this because I am especially
interested in locating others that he flew with
and aircraft that he flew on. If this
information is not listed in the mission
reports, do you know where I might be able to
find it? I have a copy of the anthology (an
excellent reference by the way), and saw his
name as one of the ones that participated in the
100th mission. I am just not sure if this was
with his regular crew, or was he with another
crew as a fill in (I think he did this once or
twice). Any information you can provide is
greatly appreciated. As a side note, I sent in
my membership application last week, so you
should be seeing it shortly. Thanks again for
your assistance.
Sincerely
Eric Prince
Eric,
Lt. Neel Tilton,
Navigator, was in the 379th
Bombardment Group and flew
missions from 2/20/44 to
5/21/44. Our records show
that Lt. Tilton flew 33
missions with the 526th Sq.
It is possible Lt. Tilton
could have flown more than
that but our records show 33.
There are some mission
reports that do not include
loading lists and we are
currently trying to find
them. Once these missions
were declassified in 1986,
some of our members spent
countless hours in the
Archives in Washington D.C.
making copies of all 330
missions flown by the 379th
Bomb Group. Even with the
strict rules on handling and
coping documents at the
archives and considering the
huge volume of paper records
it is possible that loading
lists were misfiled in other
groups or folders. A big task
at best!
The following
was your Grandfathers crew
and their positions on their
1st mission to Scheinfurt,
Germany on 2/24/44. It
appears the Lt. Tilton flew
with other crews.
Holloway, Roy W, Lt, Pilot
McDaniel, Samuel L, Lt,
Co-Pilot
Tilton, Neel
(NMI), Lt, Navigator
Rich, James R, Lt, Bombardier
Mammone, Armand A, Sgt,
Radio Operator/Gunner
Claypool,Warren D, S/Sgt,
Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Green, John H, S/Sgt, Ball
Turret Gunner
Roundhill,
Joseph W, Cpl, Right Waist
Gunner
Noonan, Charles M,
S/Sgt, Left Waist Gunner
Killed In Action Hit by flak.
Prevost, Joseph L, Sgt, Tail
Gunner
Joseph
Roundhill is on the current
roster of the 379th BG
Association. The following
are the mission numbers we
show for your Grandfather:
69, 72, 73, 75, 77, 82, 83,
84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90,
91, 92, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99,
100, 101, 102, 105, 109, 110,
111, 113, 116, 117, 118, 121.
All these missions should
have loading lists.
Responding4 7/5/02
Mike
Search No. 1068 -
Wade Witham
From: Rick DeNatale
[mailto:Rick_DeNatale@oti.com]
Sent: Wednesday, July 03,
2002 12:37 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Info needed for gift
model to a 379B6/526BS ball
turret gunner
Our modeling club is in the
process of building a model
of a B-17 for Wade Witham who
was a 379BG ball turret
gunner. The particular plane
is a B-17F named Fearless
Fosdick of the 526 BS.
Although I've found lots of
B-17s with this name I've not
found this particular one.
Any info would be helpful, we
don't even have the serial
number. A photo would be
incredible.
Rick DeNatale
Chapter Contact (and decal
maker)
IPMS/Eagle Squadron - North
Carolina
Rick,
"Fearless Fosdike" B-17-F, 42-29824 526th SQ
LF-G, later name changed to "Butch" 525th SQ
FR-G, crash landed at Leiston returning from a
mission on 11/29/43. We don't have a picture of
that aircraft but, we will add your inquiry to
the website; perhaps someone has a photo of the
aircraft and will respond. I am reasonably sure
that Wade Witham has a crew picture in front of
the aircraft, unless their crew picture was
taken in front of another aircraft, which was
sometimes the case.
Responding4 7/03/02
Mike
Search No. 1067 - R D
Neitzke Bombing Records
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From: Robert Neitzke,
UPGSGlideway@aol.com
Sent: Monday,
July 01, 2002 1:18 PM
To:
looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: how do i find
my father's bombing record
I would like
to buy all 33 of them, Rocky (Reno) Neitzke
396-12-8116. R D Neitzke was a member of your
379th Org, he needs also to be on the taps list
as of 27 June 2001. He would never tell us
anything about being at times a lower ball
turret gunner.
What amazed me after all
this time your picture of Kimbolton airfield was
on the computer screen; without saying a word
Rocky new right off it was his air field - at 20
feet from the screen.
Rocky had 3
diffrent B-17. First went down in holland family
hid him from the Germans. Second could not make
over the cliffs of Dover the crew was to low to
bale out had to water crash landed. Third plane
he was mad because they keep rasing the number
of mission from 25.
Their is a picture of
him and crew with his name below your
orgaization sent out years ago. if you need more
info let me know
Robert Neitzke
Robert,
S/Sgt Rocky (Reno) D Neitzke, Ball
Turret Gunner; was in the 379th Bombardment
Group and flew missions from 9/08/44 to 4/19/45.
Our records show that S/Sgt flew 25 missions
with the 526th Sq. It is possible S/Sgt Neitzke
could have flown more than that but our records
show 25.
S/Sgt Neitzke flew with several
different crews and aircraft. The following is
the crew and their positions on their 2nd
mission to Wesseling, Germany, on 10/11/44.
Mullen, Robert E, Lt, Pilot
Brill,
Robert A, Lt ,Co-Pilot
Hornbeck, Donald D,
Lt, Navigator
Charpier, Eugene H , Sgt, Nose
Gunner/Togglier
Titus, Ross P, S/Sgt, Radio
Operator/Gunner
Adams, William J, T/Sgt,
Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Neitzke, Reno D ,
Cpl, Ball Turret Gunner
Varsetti, Donald L,
Sgt, Waist Gunner
Stagg, Robert A, Sgt, Tail
Gunner
They landed away, presumably at
an airfield near Ghent. Eugene Charpier was
Killed in Action, Don Hornbeck is on the current
379th BGA membership roster. The following are
the mission numbers we show for your Dad. 199,
219, 253, 254, 257, 260, 261, 262, 265, 267,
272, 274, 276, 281, 282, 283, 287, 289, 290,
291, 300, 301, 304, 305, 328.
In end of
March beginning of April 1944 the missions from
went from 25 to 30 for a tour of duty, crews who
were already flying and had accumulated a
certain number of missions.
Responding4
7/01/02
Mike
Search No. 1066 - Robert C. Sawyer
From: Timothy
R. Simmons [mailto:tsimmons@chubb.com]
Sent:
Wednesday, May 29, 2002 1:23 PM
To:
looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: 379th Bomb
group 8th Airforce
I'm so glad I found
your website and e-mail address, now I hope you
all can help me locate someone. My Father-in-law
was a decorated pilot with the 8th airforce
379th Bomb Group, but I do not know what
squadron or name of the planes or Commanding
Officer. (Preston?) But anyway I am hoping to
find out as my wife's birthday is coming up and
since he passed away, it would mean a lot to her
if I could purchase a painting, books,
clothing,etc. specific to his actual group.
His name was Robert Sawyer, and he was 379th
based in Kimbolton, England. I also know that
one morning he was to fill in for another pilot
that was ill, so he flew thee mission and as
they were just taking off, there based was
bombed. ??? Please help me if you can give me
any more details and thank you in advance!!
Timothy R. Simmons
Timothy,
Captain Robert C. Sawyer Pilot; was
in the 379th Bomb Group flew missions with the
525th SQ. from 10/30/44 to 3/17/45. Our records
show that Captain Robert C. Sawyer flew 30
missions, however he could have flown more. His
mission are listed as follows: 228, 229, 230,
232, 234, 235, 236, 238, 239, 241, 242, 243,
246, 247, 249, 250, 252, 254, 255, 257, 258,
259, 264, 266, 271, 277, 281, 284, 297, 303.
Responding4 06/09/02
Mike
From:Timothy R.
Simmons [mailto:tsimmons@chubb.com]
Sent: Monday, July
01, 2002 8:23 AM
Dear Mike, Thanks so
much for the info you sent. It was greatly
appreciated! I have since found out that my
father-in-law,(Robert C. Sawyer) flew one
particular B-17 for the majority of his
missions, which was called; "The London
Express". I heard that after the war, some
outfit in London, England actually purchased the
plane. Do you have any info. on that, or have
any suggestions how I could track it down to see
if and where it is kept ? I would love to find
out and take my wife(Bob's daughter) to see the
plane in person, if that is even possible. Once
again I really appreciate your feedback and
advisement. Have a great day!
Timothy,
We do not have any record of a 379th
BG aircraft in the inventory called the "London
Express". However, our records do show aircraft
42-31228 "London Avenger" flown by Lt. Robert C.
Sawyer on missions, 238, 239, 241, 241, 243,
246, 249 & 250. The "London Avenger" flew 128
combat missions with the 379th BG 525th Sq
during WWII. It was one of six aircraft in the
379th BG that flew 100 missions or more. The
379th BG's aircraft named Ol' Gappy, 42-40003,
flew 157 missions, which was more than any other
aircraft in the 8th Air Force in WWII.
The London Avenger crash landed upon returning
from mission # 268, Mannheim/Stuttgart, Germany
on 1/20/45. Most aircraft were diverted to
another base due to the snowfall at Kimbolton.
(See Roger Freeman's Book "Mighty Eighth War
Dairy" page 427.) We have no further information
about the London Avenger.
Responding4
7/02/02
Mike
Search No. 1065 - Robert Brenenborg
From:
larry riley
[mailto:marshtg@nauticom.net]
Sent: Saturday, June
22, 2002 4:28 PM
To:
looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: robert
brenenborg
i am searching for
information on my father inlaw that flew in the
379th during 1944-1945. he was a radio operater
on a b-17 and talked very proudly of his crew
mates and of the plane.he had passed on several
years ago.he talked of kimbolten and the
triangle k on the tail.any info would be greatly
appriciated.
thank you
larry riley
Larry,
T/Sgt Robert A. Brenenborg Radio
Operator/Gunner; was in the 379th Bomb Group and
flew missions with the 526th Sq. from 8/11/44 to
12/09/44. Our records show that T/Sgt Brenenborg
flew 36 missions. His missions are listed as
follows: 187, 189, 190, 191, 193, 194, 195, 197,
198, 202, 204, 209, 210, 211, 213, 214, 216,
218, 221, 224, 226, 227, 229, 232, 234, 236,
237, 238, 239, 240, 242, 243, 244, 246, 247,
248.
T/Sgt Brenenborg and his crew
members flew in various different aircraft
during their tour of duty. The following was the
crew and their positions on 8/11/44 to Brest,
France (Coastal Guns) on aircraft 42-39800-T
"Patches".
Murray, Roland L, 2nd Lt,
Pilot
Briney, Leo N, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Reed, Leonard D, 2nd Lt, Navigator
Alford,
Donald G, 2nd Lt, Bombardier
Brenenborg,
Robert A, Cpl, Radio Operator/Gunner
Hilden,
Vincent T, Sgt, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Segerson, John F, Cpl, Ball Turret Gunner
Neidy, Millard C, S/Sgt, Waist Gunner
Smith,
Jack H, Cpl, Tail Gunner
Responding4
6/22/02
Mike
Search No. 1063 - Leland D Albright
Crew
From: GEORGE PIRNIK
[mailto:Pirnik3war@aol.com]
Sent: Monday, May
27, 2002 11:18 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject:
HI: I AM A LIFE MEMBER OF THE
379th B.G. AND I AM LOOKING FOR MY CREW MEMBERS
ADDRESSES OUR PILOT'S NAME IS LELAND D ALBRIGHT
AND OUR AIRCRAFT NAME IS SNOW WHITE. HE PASSED
AWAY SEVERAL YEARS AGO AND I HAVE THE FAMILY'S
ADDRESS. I ALSO HAVE THE BOMBADER'S ADDRESS. HE
ALSO PASSED AWAY I HAVE THE OTHER CREW'S NAMES
BUT I DO NOT HAVE ANY ADDRESSES. CAN YOU HELP
ME?
THANK YOU
GEORGE PIRNIK
I FLEW
WAIST POSITION 1944
George,
We looked through the current
membership roster and were unable to locate any
of your crewmembers. However, it appears that a
relative of Donald C Forrey, Jane Forrey Shish,
is on the current roster. I am sure she would
enjoy to hearing from you.
The following
is the crew of 42-97163 "Snow White" on their
last mission to Enguine/Gatte on 6/19/44. This
was the 2nd mission of the day for this crew.
Albright, Leland D, 1st Lt, Pilot
Young,
Nathaniel F, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Hodge, Aubrey
A, F/O, Navigator
Forrey, Donald C, 2nd Lt,
Bombardier
Marley, Max B, T/Sgt, Radio
Operator/Gunner
Laffoon, Oliver E, T/Sgt,
Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Siskind, Samuel J,
S/Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner
Pirnik, George
(NMI), S/Sgt, Waist Gunner
Costello Jr., John
F, S/Sgt, Tail Gunner
Responding4 5/28/02
Mike
Search No. 1062 - Fred Kalune
From: Kalune, Kim
[mailto:kim.kalune@intel.com]
Sent: Friday, May 24,
2002 12:16 PM
To:
'looking4@379thbga.org'
Subject: Fred Kalune
Hi! I'm looking for
any/all information you might have on my
grandfather Fred Kalune. If you have any mission
or crew information, that would be great!
Thank You so much!!!
Kim Kalune
Kim,
S/Sgt Fred G. Kalune waist gunner; was
in the 379th Bomb Group and flew missions with
the 526th Sq. from 6/6/44 to 8/27/44. Our
records show that S/Sgt Kalune flew 35 missions,
however he could have flown more. His mission
are listed as follows: 137, 139, 140, 141, 143,
145, 146, 147, 148, 150, 155, 156, 158, 159,
160, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 171, 172, 173,
174, 175, 176, 177, 179, 180, 182,
183,189,190,194,195.
Responding4 6/03//02
Mike
Search No. 1061 - Missions of
Edward A. Zolnierzak
From: Robert Zolnierzak
[mailto:bobz@access995.com]
Sent: Wednesday,
May 22, 2002 9:50 PM
To:
looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: looking for
missions of Edward A. Zolnierzak
My
father Edward A. Zolnierzak recently passed away
on May 16, 2002.My father rarely talked about
his experiences during the War. Although I do
have some of his material items to remember him
by, I would like to find out what missions he
might of flew on and get information on them.
What I know is that he was a S/Sergeant waist
gunner on the Birmingham Jewell with the 379th
Bomb Group, my mother thinks it may have been
the 525th bomb squadron. Any information you
could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you, Bob Zolnierzak
Robert,
Sorry I have not responded to your
request sooner but, I have been trying to find
additional missions that your father may have
flown in August 44. It appears that our records
for the 525th SQ. in August 44 are incomplete.
S/Sgt Edwards A. Zolnierzak waist gunner; was in
the 379th Bomb Group flew missions with the
525th Sq. from 6/16/44 to 9/11/44.
Our
records show that S/Sgt Zolnierzak flew 19
missions, however he could have flown more. His
missions are listed as follows: 144, 147, 148,
149, 152, 153, 155, 158, 159, 160, 161, 171,
172, 173, 174, 175, 199, 200, 202.
Responding4 6/09/02
Mike
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