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LOOKING4

The Looking4 section is designed to help you find more information about someone who served in the 379th. Please send your inquiries to: looking4@379thbga.org
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Search No.   1170 - August Giannatasio

From: erin oneill [mailto:emo2981@optonline.net]
Sent: Wednesday, January 14, 2004 12:15 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: august giannatasio

Hi. I'm looking for any information regarding my fiance's great great(great?) uncle. His name is August Giannatasio. He is not 100% sure he was in the 379th bombardment group. He believes he was though. He thinks he was in the 525th squadron. If you have any information please email me. Thank you, Erin

From: MICHAEL BONAFFINI [mailto:bonaffini@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2004 2:59 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: information on my great uncle

hi
i just emailed you on my uncle and i forgot to tell you his name. i ahve been tryign for days now to get his info but everywhere i have been stumped . his name is August Giannattasio. other than that the family does not know the name of his plane or of any crew, and we are not sure of the date of his death we know that my great grandmother got word close to the end of the war but we know he was shot down a while before he was pronounced dead. thank you again and im sorry for the two emails but this is an emotional topic that id like to find out the facts for the memorial i want to make for him and to present it to my father

respectfully yours again
Michael Bonaffini

hi
my name is Michael Bonaffini and my great uncle was in the 379 i believe he was in the 525 bombardment squadron. i know he was killed in action but i was wondering if there are any pictures of the crew and their b-17? once my great grandmother got the news she threw out all pictures and medals of him except his Purple Heart and Distingished Flying Cross with Oak Cluster. If you or anyone has any information and pictures on him and his crew i would greatly appreciate it to make afitting memorial for the crew in the mosolium that he is buried in. Also the names of his crew and if possible their family so that i may give them a copy to remember their loved ones by. thank you and i hope you can help me

respectfully yours
Michael Bonaffini

Erin,
Michael,
August Giannatasio, Nose Gunner/Togglier, was in the 379th Bombardment group and flew missions with the 527th Bomb Squadron from 01/22/45 to 04/10/45. The following are the crew and their positions on their mission to Oranienburg, Germany on 04/10/45 in aircraft 43-39003. The aircraft was attacked by ME262’s and went down immediately, 4 chutes were seen.

Howard Walter H. -1st Lt, P, O-831193, Harrison, OH, POW
Hall Donald E. -2nd Lt, CP, O-928835, Angelica, NY, POW
Widawsky Gerald J. -F/O, N, T-132416, Brooklyn, NY, POW
Giannattasio August R. -S/SGT, NG, 31189089, Bridgeport, CT, KIA
Hanley James F. -T/SGT, RO, 16119710, Saginaw, WI, POW
Huntley Homer E. -S/SGT, TT, 34666858, Peachland, NC, KIA
Rider Chester G. -S/SGT, TG, 38662775, Batesville, AR, POW
Schalley Harold E. -S/SGT, BT, 37199058, St. Joseph, MO, Ardennes B 25 7

Gerald J. Widawsky is shown on the current Association roster and is our Webmaster.

Responding4 1/24/04
Mike

Erin & Michael:
August "Gus" Giannatasio flew 34 missions with me until April 10, 1945 when we were shot down by an ME262 (German Jet Fighter). We worked together in the nose of a the B-17. He was Nose Gunner/Togglier and his job was to man the two 50 cal machine guns in the chin turret of the B17 on the way to the target and on the return trip. When we got to the target he released the bombs. I was the navigator on the plane and I worked right behind Gus.

On April 10th after we got hit, the explosion knocked out our intercom system so we could only communicate with hand signals. I turned to Gus and motioned to him that we had to bail out. He gave me a "thumbs up" and we headed for the escape hatch. We had a hard time getting the hatch open but we finally did. I jumped and Gus was right behind me. That was the last time I ever saw him. Years later I heard that he got down OK, but was killed on the ground. Two others on our crew died that day, but they never left the aircraft.

I knew your uncle very well, we met in Tucson, Arizona where we trained together as a crew on B-24's before we were sent overseas to fly combat in B-17's.

I hope this note gives you some background about Gus. He was a great guy.

Jerry Widawsky

Search No.  1169 - Reno Neitzke

From: Gary Neitzke [mailto:neitzkeG@alltel.net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 11:32 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject:

I am seeking any information regarding my dad, Reno (Rocky) Neitzke. He was a B-17 Bombadier and flew out of Kimbolton.

Thanks,
Gary Neitzke

Gary,
S/Sgt Reno Neitzke, Ball Turret/Gunner, was in the 379th Bombardment group and flew missions with the 526th Bomb Squadron from 08/08/44 to 04/19/45. The following is the crew and their positions on their mission to Germund, Germany on 01/17/45 in aircraft 44-6119 “White Lightin”.

Miller, Elmonte R, Lt, Pilot
Nowacki, Jack W, Lt, Co-Pilot
Ortman, Lowell D, Lt, Navigator
Neitzke, Reno D, Pvt, Nose Gunner/Togglier
Lohr, John F, T/Sgt, Radio Operator/Gunner
Weese, Jackson D, T/Sgt, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Cunningham, Charles L, S/Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner
Whiting, Edward J, S/Sgt, Waist Gunner
Johnson, Marvin J, S/Sgt, Tail Gunner

Our records indicate that S/Sgt Neitzke flew 25 missions with the 526th Bomb Squadron. It is possible that he flew more but our records only indicate the ones listed: 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. S/Sgt Neitzke flew with various pilots and crewmembers during his tour, however most of his missions were flown on aircraft 44-6119 “White Lightin”.

Responding4 1/20/04
Mike

Search No.  1168 - S/Sgt Max W. Dahm

From: ames and Valerie Hill [mailto:vjhill@access4less.net]
Sent: Friday, January 09, 2004 4:44 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: ssgt Max W Dahm 527th

Sirs- I am putting together some info for my wife on her father Max W Dahm, got his service records and they state 527th from 8 oct '42 thru 7 oct'45. know he spent some time as POW but am looking for more info, anything and everything. I will be purchasing the anthology, and I will make a copy of the one photo I have with him and 9 others in front of left wing of 17, would like contact these other men also if they have not passed. unfortunatly I will have to snail the photo to you. you may keep. and if poss can I get a direct reply?
Thanks, James and Valerie (Dahm) Hill

James and Valerie,
S/Sgt Max W. Dahm, Waist Gunner, was in the 379th Bombardment group and flew missions with the 527th Bomb Squadron from 12/07/43 to 01/30/44. The following is the crew and their positions on their mission to Brunswick, Germany on 01/30/44 in aircraft 42-31535. The aircraft (A/C) was attacked by 8 ME-109’s the A/C was hit in the gas tanks and went straight down on fire before the bomb run.

Adams Kenneth D. -1st Lt, P, 0-801235, Knoxville, TN, POW
Bowden Jack M. -2nd Lt, CP, 0-680397, Slidell, LA, POW
Morkus Vincent A. -2nd Lt, N, 0-809685, Hartford, CT, POW
Rosen Leonard (NMI) -2nd Lt, B, 0-682514, Brooklyn, NY, POW
Stambush Archie (NMI) -T/SGT, RO, 15334072, Evansville, IN, POW
Tunink John P. T/SGT TT 37267173 Elgin, NE POW
Olson Charles M. -S/SGT, BT, 13121408, Bristol, TN, POW
Yragui Joseph N. -S/SGT, RW, 39831885, Twin Falls, ID, POW
Dahm Max W. -S/SGT, LW, 39191642, Everett, WA, POW Stalag4
Tyndell Frank J. -TG, 36537283, Detroit, MI, KIA

Our records indicate that S/Sgt Dahm flew 5 missions with the 527th Bomb Squadron. It is possible that he flew more but our records only indicate the ones listed: 48, 49, 58, 60, 62.

Responding4 01/12/04
Mike

Search No.  1167 - Arthur C. Fawcett

From: scott plenskofski [mailto:Scottplen@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 6:02 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: tech sergent arthur c. fawcett 12029778

hello
I am doing research on this gentleman he was with 526th bomber sq 379th bomber group hes was listed in abmc.gov as kia 12-20-1943 ! any info on his plane and how he was killed would be helpful !also what he did on plane ! I do this for a hobby I have obtained his air medal I collect ww 1 and 2 named medals and groups and try to research them
would like to know what happened to him !
! have sent you check for mission report for this date ! please let me know if you can help lead me in the right direction to find his info
thanks scott plenskofski

Scott,
T/Sgt Arthur Fawcett, SN 12029778, Radio Operator/Gunner, was in the 379th Bombardment group and flew missions with the 526th Bomb Squadron from 11/26/43 to 12/20/43. The following is the crew and their positions on their mission to Bremen, Germany on 12/20/43 in aircraft 42-39789 (LF-W) "SKUNKFACE":

Elliott, William A, Lt, Pilot
Fisher, Richard W, Lt, Co-Pilot
Rockwell, James L, Lt, Navigator
Cashatt, Burton W, Lt, Bombardier
Fawcett, Arthur C, T/Sgt, Radio Operator/Gunner
Williams, Raymond, T/Sgt, Top Turret Gunner
Corwin, Charles J, S/Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner
Wikle, Logan D, S/Sgt, Right Waist Gunner
Payne, Udolphus D, S/Sgt, Left Waist Gunner
Fiorenti, William J, S/Sgt, Tail Gunner

No other details are available about the following:
Fawcett Arthur C. - 12029778, Canaseraga, NY, KIA
Fiorenti William J. - Cincinnati, OH, KIA
Payne Udolphus - 34440524, Bookville, GA, POW

Responding4 01/12/04
Mike

Search No.  1166 - S/Sgt. William Sibo

From: Sibo [mailto:AZBarnwell@aol.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 03, 2004 2:51 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: 379th Bomber Wing

I am interested in finding out whatever I can about my father, who was in the 379th Bomber Group from 1943-1945 (crew photo attached). My father's name was William Sibo and he was the Flight Engineer/Top Turrett Gunner. I believe the captain's name was James Martin. I would like to know the name of their plane, the other crew members names, and any information about missions they flew. They were stationed in Kimbolton, England.

Sir,
S/Sgt. William Sibo, Top Turret/Gunner was in the 379th Bombardment group and flew missions with the 525th Bomb Squadron from 03/02/45 to 04/17/45. The following is the crew and their positions on their 1st mission to Chemnitz, Germany on 03/03/45 in aircraft 43-38178 "Seattle Sue".

Martin Jr, James, 2nd Lt, Pilot
Carver, Clarence E, 2nd L,t Co-Pilot
Dell, Melvin M, 2nd Lt, Navigator
Pomeroy, Robert F, Sg, Nose Gunner/Togglier
Poovey, James H, Sgt, Radio Operator/Gunner
Sibo, William J, Sgt, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Fellows, William A, Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner
Umphrey, Orval L, Sgt, Waist Gunner
Mcnella, Samuel H, Sgt, Tail Gunner

Our records indicate that S/Sgt William Sibo flew 19 missions with the 525th Bomb Squadron. It is possible that he flew more but our records only indicate the ones listed: 292, 293, 294, 298, 299, 301, 303, 305, 306, 307, 311, 312, 313, 314, 318, 323, 324, 325 & 327. Most of the crew's missions were flown on aircraft 43-38679 "Miss Liberty".

Responding4 01/12/04
Mike

Search No.  1165 - Lt. GJ Schlesinger

From: Kathryn Hollis [mailto:hkhollis@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, December 29, 2003 1:38 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Lt. G.J. Schlesinger 0-822970

My husband and I are researching Lt. Gilbert J. Schlesinger, who was in the 379th Bomb Group, 527 Sq. Our information, thus far, has lead us to believe that he was a pilot for "Miss Lace" (B-l7-F #44-6140) FTR due to A/A (Flak) & crashed at Zeitz, Ger. (Oil Refinery Target). Crashed on November 30, '44. 8 KIAs & 1 POW. Any further information would be very valuable and very appreciated

Kathryn,
Lt. Gilbert J. Schlesinger, Pilot, was in the 379th Bombardment group and flew missions with the 527th Bomb Squadron from 9/10/44 to 11/30/44. The following is the crew and their positions to Zietz, Germany on 11/30/44 in aircraft 44-6140 FO-U "Miss Lace".

Schlesinger, Gilbert J, 2nd Lt, Pilot, KIA
Mertens, Howard G, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot, KIA
Durham, Chester M, S/Sgt, Nose/Gunner, KIA, Henri Chapelle
Zivanidis, Theodore, 2nd Lt, Navigator, KIA, Henri Chapelle
Bowles Jr, Charles V, S/Sgt, Radio Operator/Gunner, KIA, Ardennes
Bonderski, Bernard, T/Sgt, Engineer/TT Gunner, KIA, Lorraine
Griffith, Shirley C, Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner, KIA
Schoch, Stewart W, S/Sg,t Waist Gunner, KIA, Lorraine
Bush, Eugene B, Sgt, Tail Gunner, POW

Responding4 01/04/03
Mike

Search No.  1164 - Collection on Ebay

From: Rache [mailto:rache@3dtext.co.uk]
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Thursday, January 01, 2004 8:41 AM
Subject: 379th Vet collection on eBay

Hi there

Whilst surfing eBay I found this interesting item that you may want to purchase for your collection:

Here is the description of the item:

"379th Bombardment Group World War Two Veterans scrap book and photo album containing many personnel pictures, army documents, and other items of interest. Album is about 14 inches long and 11 inches across. Contains about 33 pages containing the following items of interest. Official Army documents all in the same persons name as follows. A draft notice dated July 31, 1942, 2 related documents dated in August 1942 with reporting instructions and the granting of a 14 day furlough to take care of personnel matters before reporting for duty. US Army Air Forces Technical school diploma showing a passing grade in the Aircraft Armorers technical school on 11 November 1942. Certificate of proficiency from Air Forces tech School Lowry Field, Colorado. Shows numerous proficeniency scores including small arms, bomb racks, explosives and ammo, chemical warfare etc. Enlisted mans ID card European Theater of Operations, Citation for Bronze Star Metal dated December 31 1944. Graduation Banquet list from North African DIVN Air Transport Command NCO School Fedala French Morocco dated 27 July 1945. His Graduating Certificate from the same NCO School. A COPY of his Honorable discharge dated 13 September 1945. A COPY of his official enlisted record showing dates of service, medals awarded etc. His Immunization record. His Army separation Qualification record dated 13 Sept 1945. Rest of album contains about 190 period photos. Some are personnel in nature, others are from basic training, many show occupied Europe, battle damaged towns, battle damaged air planes (mostly B-17’s) Air field pictures and general every day army air force life pics. This came from the estate of an Army Air Corp Veteran. I have 2 other items related to the 379th Bombardment group from the same estate also listed at the moment, check my other auctions. A hard to find veterans accumulation with many period photos and documents."

The unit history is also for sale, I'm not sure if this is rare or not?
Sounds like a valuable collection, would be a shame to see it go to a private collector!

Regards
Rache

Rache,
Copies of the book "Shades of Kimbolton" can be purchased through our PX by our membership. Unfortunately this information most probably was obtained originally from an estate sale. Most family members pass this information on to their next generation relatives (sons,daughters, grandchildren etc.)

In the Association we are very protective of our membership and the commercializing of our proud history (buying, selling and trading veterans articles and information). All our information can be obtained through the National Archives, which includes our history, mission reports etc. Over the years we have gathered copies of the archived information intended for use by our membership through our PX (WWII Veterans of the group, Sons, Daughters, Grandchildren, etc.).

I have found that many of these sellers are from Europe buying, selling and trading veterans articles and information. Like trading baseball cards and they don’t want to join the Association or even buy any books of the History. Usually they have purchased a diary or jacket etc. of a person (airman) and want information to justify its resale value. This looks like one of those unfortunate situations.

Responding4 01/01/04
Mike

Search No.  1163 - Goo Goo

From: Robert Turk [mailto:rwturk@citlink.net]
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 11:09 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Goo Goo

Dear Sirs,
I'm sorry but I forgot to include a couple questions in my last email. Was Goo Goo, Wa-O 43-37851, a B-17F or a B-17G? Also, on the tail Triangle K marking was there a 1 or other number placed at the center top portion of the triangle to designate the plane as part of the 524th Bomb Squadron? Thank you once again.
Robert Turk
2nd Generation Member

Robert,
The original Triangle K markings were a black K on a white Triangle background and all aircraft were olive & gray factory finish, natural metal finish from March 1944. The Bombardment Squadrons original designations where; 524-WA, 525 FR, 526 LF & 527 FO. In July of 1944 they changed the squadron markings to 1, 2, 3 & 4 dropping the letter designations. The number 1 on the on the tail designated the 524th Bombardment Squadron (2-525th, 3-526th, 4-527th ). Group marking changed in August 1944 to a Triangle K on the wing and tail framed with a yellow band. In most cases all tail markings were repositioned, the squadron number was at the top apex of the Triangle.

During WWII Boeing, Douglas, and Vega built B-17’s for the war effort. All aircraft manufactures assembled the B-17 from Boeing specifications. Aircraft 43-37851 WA-O "Goo Goo" was a B-17G built by Boeing. The Aircraft was assigned to the 379th BG inventory in July 1944. Lt Henry J. McFadden and crew were shot down on the 379th's 322 mission to Oranieburg on April 10, 1945 by Me262 jet aircraft. We were unable to find a picture of the "Goo Goo".

Responding4 12/29/03
Mike

Search No.  1162 - Squadron Insignia Lineage

From: Perron Paul J MSgt 379 EMXS/CCF [mailto:Paul.Perron1@auab.aorcentaf.af.mil]
Sent: Monday, November 24, 2003 2:11 AM
To: 'looking4@379thbga.org'
Subject: Squadron Insignia Lineage

To whom it may concern,

My name is Paul Perron, I'm in the USAF and currently serving in the Middle East in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM and IRAQI FREEDOM. Just so your organization knows, the 379th is alive and well and is now the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. One of my hobbies is history and I have been doing some research for my squadron. I have been able to find the meaning behind 379th Bomb Group patch, and what each part of the patch stands for, but I am having a difficult time finding out the particular meaning behind the 524th, 525th, 526th and 527th BS. If you or any of your members can help me out it would be very much appreciated. Thank you for your time today.
All the best.

Sincere best wishes and warmest regards;

MSgt Paul "Rudy" Perron
379 EMXS/CCF
USCENTAF
Al Udeid AB, Qatar

Rudy,
Sorry it has taken a while to get back to you. We also have been doing a little research of our own in answering your question. As you are aware information on the 397th Bombardment Squadrons insignia's are difficult to find especially when the insignia's for the 524th & 525th BS were changed in 1962. We were unable to find the 1943 emblem information for the 524th & 525th Bombardment Squadrons.

The following are the code names of the WWII Squadrons: 524th Nightjar, 525th Haircut, 526th Mystic & 527th Heartstring.

The New 524th Squadron Insignia is as follows: Emblem; on red disc bordered black, two green olive branches arched bendwise throughout, surmonunted by two lighting flashes throughout, issuing from Dexter and sinister chief respectively and converging in center base, each charged with two Air Force blue stars in chief, one above the other. Motto: On a white scroll, edged black, VIGILANCE FOR PEACE, I inscribed in red. (Approved 3 Aug 1962)

The New 525th Squadron Insignia is as follows: Emblem; On an Air Force blue disc bordered Air Force golden yellow, a cloud formation divided bend sinister-wise gray and white, an Air Force golden yellow lightning flash issuing from the division to Dexter chief, the white part of the cloud surmounted in sinister by a knight's helmet in profile, silhouetted gray: over all bendwise a red and white missile. (Approved 10 Jan 1962)

The 526th Squadron Insignia is as follows: Emblem. On a light blue disc, border yellow-orange, a red lighting bolt bendwise surmounted by a golden falcon, outlined black; three mullets gold, one in chief, one to sinister and one to Dexter, in base a black aerial bomb falling bendwise. (Approved July 10,1943)

The 527th Squadron Insignia is as follows: Emblem. On a disc yellow, a pale black surmounted by two white aerial bombs in saltire and a death's head yellow, trimmed black and white, all drop shadowed of black. (Approved March 29, 1943)

The above information was taken from the book titled "World War II Combat Squadrons of the USAF" written by Maurer Maurer (USAF Historical Division Air University Department of The Air Force) and is out of print. This book was published in 1992 and has the official military records of every active squadron.

The 1943 patches are shown on the flightjacket website: http://www.flightjacket.com/detail.aspx?ID=118

The 379th was reactivated as a medium bombardment wing (B-47's) in November of 1955 at Homestead AFB Florida. In January of 1957 after 14 months of training, the wing was combat ready. The wing was composed of 47 planes, 44 combat crews and a total on 1,380 personnel, including support personnel. In January 1961 the wing was moved to Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan and in May of 1961 began flying B-52H bombers. The 379th played an active role in the Vietnam War. In 1990 the 379th was once again called upon for the operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm with other wings as part of the 1708th Provisional Bombardment Wing (PBW) delivering 20% of all ordinances during the war. The 1708th had a drop rate of 99.6% accuracy and was credited with a direct hit on an Iraqi ammunitions plant, which created the largest no-nuclear explosion ever recorded.

We are very interested in hearing about the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing. Please keep us informed on how you're doing (pictures, activities etc)

Keep up the good work! We really do appreciate what you are doing for our country! Thank you!

Responding4 12/16/03
Mike

Search No.  1161 - B-17 Stormy Weather

From:  gary lloyd [mailto:gml@srv.net]
Sent: Friday, December 05, 2003 6:06 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: B-17," STORMY WEATHER.

CAN YOU HELP ME FIND THE INFO ON THIS B-17, i THINK IT WAS SHOT DOWN AND CREW TAKENl PRISONERS OF WAR. THANKS,

Gary,
The following are the crew of 44-8837 “Stormy Weather” on their mission to Frankfurt, Germany on 9/25/44.

Weenink, Russell S, 1st Lt, Pilot
Sullivan, Edmund W, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Smith Jr., Vivian M, 2nd Lt, Navigator
Hudacek, Frank J, F/O, Bombardier
Johnson, Albert W, Sgt, Radio Operator/Gunner
Barrett, Henry D, Sgt, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Lineberry, Paul E, Sgt, Ball Turret Gunner
Hartley, Robert B, Sgt, Waist Gunner
Pafko, Frank ,Sgt, Tail Gunner

Lt Russell Weenik comments were as follows: "We lost #2 engine over target at 1045 hours and dropped behind formation. We headed for France and landed 1/2 mile west of field at Peronne (near St. Quentin) at a P38 fighter field. The next day we returned to base".

“Stormy Weather” completed her last mission on April 25, 1945. This was the 379th Bombardment Group's 330th combat mission and also their last mission of WWII. Stormy Weather was transferred to the 490 BG in May 1945 prior to returning to the U S A in July 1945.

Responding4 12/14/03
Mike

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