Navigation

Home

History

379th Memorials

Reunions

Looking4

Taps

WWII Photos

WWII Crew Photos

War Stories

Mission Reports

Links

 
 


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
Use the Google box below to search our site for information on 379th Bomb Group Members.
Google
  Search 379th BGA Site

Next >>
See Looking4 Index

Search No.  1250 - Rubble Rouser - George Bold

From: Robert Bold, charleshenryco@pacbell.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 10:14 AM
Subject: rubble rouser

my father flew with the 379th in a b17 called rubble rouser. i was wondering if any photos of this plane and/or crew are available. my fathers name was George Bold. he passed away in 1999.
thank you for your help.
Robert Bold

Robert -
We're sorry to hear of your father's passing. We'll add his name to our Taps roll.

Association records for George W. Bold show he flew 35 missions as a Tail Gunner with the 524th Squadron from June 28, 1944 to October 18, 1944. Our records indicate mission numbers 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 163, 164, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 174, 177, 178, 179, 180, 184, 185, 191, 194, 196, 197, 203, 205, 207, 208, 210, 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, and 223. The crew on "Rubble Rouser"(photo sent separately) for Mission 156 were as follows:

Roderick, Walter H, 1st Lt, Pilot
Vandenburg, Richard H, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Heath, Fred W, 2nd Lt, Nav
Hanes, Lester R, 2nd Lt, Bomb
Anderson, James E, SSgt, R Op
Paff, Harold S, SSgt, TT
Schmidt, Edwin P, Cpl, Ball
Gritski, Walter, Pvt, Waist
Bold, George W, Sgt, Tail

Walter Roderick is on our current Association roster.

Responding 4 1/23/2005
Kent

Search No. 1249 - One Mo' Time - James J. Lynch

From:  "michael dawson" <mikedawson99@yahoo.com>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 12:33 PM
Subject: One Mo' Time

Greetings
My name is Mike Dawson. My Grandfather's name was (Technical Sergeant) James J. Lynch. He was stationed at Kimbolton and flew 35 missions in the B-17 named "One Mo' Time". His first mission was flown on Sept. 8th 1944 and his final on February 1st, 1945. His pilots name was Russ Meyne. Unfortunatly, my grandfather passed away 1994. This was before I took up his history as a hobby. He is listed in your TAPS room and me and my family Thank you for honoring him in such a way. Fortunatly, I have had the honor and privilage to talk with Mr. Meyne and I still can't grasp what these men went through. I have the utmost respect for those men and what they did for the world.

On to my point... I recently received the "379th Bombardment Group Anthology" as a gift and was disappointed to find "One Mo' Time" not listed (Section 10(?) , Vol. II)as one of the B-17's in the 379th. I am hoping that you could shed some light onto this situation for me, because I am fairly confident about my facts. By no means am I saying I was dissappointed in the Anthology itself, the wealth of information it stores will take me years to absorb. I would like to thank you in advance for any information you can share with me about "One Mo'Time".

And I would like to add a note; please keep doing what you are doing. Not enough people my age (26) realize and appreciate what "The Greatest Generation" did, home and abroad, for the world that we live in today. Thank you and my membership information is in the mail. (Suggestion: If you could sign up on line i think more people might do it. People my age, unfortunately, are lazy)
Thank you and God Bless,
Mike Dawson

Mike -
Association records for James J. Lynch show he flew 38 (may not have been officially credited with more than 35) missions as a Radio Operator and Gunner with the 526th Squadron from September 1, 1944 to February 1, 1945. Our records indicate mission numbers 199, 206, 208, 209, 210, 211, 214, 215, 218, 220, 221, 223, 224, 226, 228, 229, 231, 232, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 244, 247, 248, 249, 252, 253, 254, 257, 258, 262, 264, 265, 267, 272, and 274.

We show no aircraft serving with the 379th named "One Mo' Time". Perhaps this was an "unofficial" name for the aircraft, since crews taking over an already named aircraft typically did not change the painted name on it, as it was considered bad luck to do so. Crew members on mission #229, first of many for your grandfather's crew on "Hellcat Agnes" (picture sent separately), were as follows:

Meyne, Russell V, Lt, Pilot
Mattice, Lynn W, Lt, Co-Pilot
Harmon, Robert P, Lt, Nav
Quincy, Arthur J, Lt, Bomb
Lynch, James J, St Sgt, R Op
Castellano, Vincent J, St Sgt, Eng/TT
Cato, Benjamin R, Sgt, Ball
Hay, Peter, Pvt, Waist
Ash, Donald, Sgt, Tail

Russell Meyne and Robert Harmon are on our current Association roster.

Responding 4 1/10/2005
Kent

Search No. 1248 - Lt Marshall G Helyar

From:  Nigel Helyar, christine.chester@ukgateway.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2005 11:29 PM
Subject: Lt Marshall G Helyar

Dear Sirs

I am looking for information about Lt Marshall G Helyar who was believed to be killed in action on 30th January 1944. I am trying to trace any information about him as I believe that he was a relative of the Helyars who originated in England. I would be grateful for any information or sources of how to find out more about him would be gratefully recieved.

Yours sincerley
Nigel Helyar

Nigel -
Association records for Marshall G. Helyar show he flew 13 missions as a Navigator with the 526th Squadron from November 26, 1943 to January 30, 1944. He may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones shown in our records. Our records indicate mission numbers 43, 44, 45, 46, 48, 49, 51, 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, and 62. Lt. Helyar, and most of the crew, are shown as KIA on Mission 62 to the steel plant at Brunswick, Germany.

Our records indicate Lt. Halyer entered the service from Brattleboro, Vermont, if that's helpful for your research.

Crew members on mission #62 were as follows:

Upson, Frank E, Lt, Pilot, POW
Hake, Edwin C, Lt, Co-Pilot, KIA
Helyar, Marshall C, Lt, Nav, KIA
Grant, Roy L, Lt, Bomb, KIA
Dreizin, Aaron (NMI), St Sgt, R Op, KIA
Salamone, Anthony W, T Sgt, TT, KIA
Callison Jr., John C, St Sgt, Ball, KIA
Heimerl, Sheridan L, St Sgt, RW, Ret
Crook, Hubert L, St Sgt, LW, KIA
Vansickle, George W, St Sgt, Tail, KIA

Responding 4 1/10/2005
Kent

Search No. 1247 - Carl Roberts Jr.

From: Mike Wire [mailto:Comtx@aol.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2005 7:53 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Carl Roberts Jr.

It's nice to see that the airmen of the 379th are being honored by your web site.

I'm presently putting together a film documentary on the S/Sgt. Carl Roberts Jr. who served with the 379th in the 527th Bomb Group. Carl's memory of his military service is very good but after so many years a few particulars are a bit hazy.

If you could be so kind as to answer a few questions for me, I would be very appreciative.

Carl was shot down over Germany/Belgium just prior to the Battle of the Bulge. What was the name of the plane he shot down in? Who was shot down with him? Any other survivors besides him and the pilot?

What became of his crew's plane "Fireball Mail"?

He and the navigator brought back a plane after the pilot and copilot were killed. What was the name of that plane and who comprised the crew? I believe the navigator was recommended for the Medal of Honor but received something else. What medal was that?

Could you give me the names of all of the crew on the disastrous flight of "Nobodies Baby" (42-31592) on Jan. 23, 1945?

I'm amazed at the depth and breadth of your information and am extremely grateful for any assistance.

Thank you,
Mike Wire

Mike,
S/Sgt Carl Roberts Jr. was in the 379th Bombardment Group and flew missions with the 527th Bomb Squadron. Our Association records do not indicate the aircraft called “Fire Mail” in the 379th BG inventory or its being shot down over Belgium prior to the Battle of the Bulge.

527th Sq. Neuss, Germany (Marshalling Yards) January 23, 1945 Mission # 271 Aircraft 42-31592 "Nobody's Baby" (525 FR-R ). Crashed into Site# 2 (525th) on take off. (Non Operational)

Watson Harold W. -1st Lt, P, WIA
Reopelle Delton C. -F/O, CP, WIA
Vogel Rudi W. -F/O, B, WIA
Zellers Donald W. Jr. -S/SGT, NG, KIA
Costello John H. -CPL, RO, *Cambridge B 4 34
Genoa Nicholas -S/SGT, TT, *Cambridge B 3 34
Spicer John H. -SGT, BT, WIA
Roberts Carl Jr. -CPL, WG, WIA
Savoca John S. -SGT, TG, *Cambridge E 0 42

The following men were also killed on the ground:

Scarborough Robert J. -2nd Lt, *Cambridge B 5 31
Leeds Leonard D. -2nd Lt, +KIA IA/Cherokee
Ritchey Joe R. -S/SGT, +KIA IA/Black Hawk
Perskin David F. -SGT, KIA
Mellen Frank J. -CPL, *Cambridge G 6 160

*GRAVE LOCATION EUROPE
+USA/COUNTY

Responding4 1/07/05
Mike

Search No. 1246 - Info regarding Mario L. Cornell

From: Robin Ward, robinw@vitatech.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2004 3:26 PM
Subject: Info regarding Mario L. Cornell

My father, Mario Lawrence Cornell, was a pilot in the 379th Squadron. I believe the name of his plane was "Busy Baby". Do you have any records of his participation and/or missions he flew in. We are visiting Europe in the summer and would like to take him to some of the places he (or his bombs) visited so long ago.
Thanks,
Robin (Mario's daughter)

Robin -
Association records for Mario L. Cornell show he flew 34 missions with the 527th SQ from February 4, 1944 to June 18, 1944. He may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones shown in our records. Our records indicate mission numbers 64, 66, 67, 69, 72, 73, 76 (recalled), 77 (recalled), 83, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, 109, 136, 138, 139, 141, 142, 143, 144, and 145.

Our records show Lieutenant Cornell having flown in a number of different aircraft, including "Busy Baby" on Missions 86, 87, 88, 91, 92, 93, 95, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 105, 107, and 138. A photo of "Busy Baby" has been sent separately.

Crew members on mission #93, and who appear to be his "regular" crew, were as follows:

Cornell, Mario L, 1st Lt, Pilot
Carre, Raymond F, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Mellberg, James M, 2nd Lt, Nav.
Berman, Lester T, 1st Lt, Bomb.
Cave, Martin B, T Sgt, R Op
Clare, Marvin (NMI), T Sgt, Eng/TT
Baldwin, Charles J, St Sgt, Ball
Bittenback, James W, St Sgt, RW
Carl, Joseph W, St Sgt, LW
Corey, John (NMI), St Sgt, Tail

James Mellberg is on our current association roster.

Responding 4 12/30/2004
Kent

Search No.  1245 - Robert M. Ringer

From:  Rick Ringer, RARSHODAN@aol.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2004 2:06 PM
Subject: RIP

I wanted to notify you of the passing of one of your brothers. My father, SSG Robert M. Ringer of the 524th squadron, 379th BG (H) passed away on 7 December, 2004. He was a crew member of "Wound Twip Wabbit". I don't have exact dates, but I know he reached Kimbolton around the late summer/fall season of 1944 and was there until after the war. He was a nose gunner, and later a radar operator when they first began putting the radar jamming equipment in the ships. He was credited with 24 official missions.

I was wondering if you could provide me with any details pertinent to my father's service there - crew members, aircraft pictures, etc. He has told me many stories of his experiences there - both good and bad. He was also able to recite the names of his crew members as if they were yesterday - but I have to confess to forgetting them with time. I remember him mentioning "Goot", and "Pablo" among others. He told me of his pilot who came to his crew with previous experience in another unit. I believe his name was either Bowman or Mitchell with the first name being Pat. He said that some of the members of the crew had nicknames after their wives - for example, the ball turret gunner's name was "Cynthia", the other names were as follows: Radio operator: "Cat", tailgunner: Bob, Navigator: Fred, waist gunner: "Snafu". Goot was the top turret gunner/engineer.

He often talked about "Daniel Boone" who operated the flak gun on the barge around the Zuider Zee and how he used to take shots at everyone on their way to and from missions. He had a million stories - and I loved hearing them all.

I want to thank you all for your service and your sacrifice for all of us. I am certainly a believer in the idea that you all have been correctly named "The Greatest Generation".

May God bless you all.

Warmest Regards,
Rick Ringer

Rick,
We're sorry to hear of your father's passing. We will add his name to our "Taps" list.

Association records for Robert M. Ringer show he flew 22 missions with the 524th SQ from December 11, 1944 to April 25, 1945. He may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones shown in our records. Our records indicate mission numbers 249, 252, 259, 260, 266, 278, 280, 281, 284, 288, 291, 293, 296, 297, 303, 304, 315, 316, 317, 324, 328, and 330. Crew members on mission #259, and who appear to match some of the names you remember from his recollection were as follows:

Bowman, Patrick, 1st Lt, Pilot
Rozear, Frederick C, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Reich, James W, F/O, Bombardier
Ringer, Robert M, Staff Sgt, NG/Togglier
Villasenor, Pablo, Staff Sgt, R Op/Gunner
Mitchell, Ivy B, Staff Sgt, Top Turret
Gates, Edward A, Staff Sgt, Ball Turret
Stephan, George W, Staff Sgt, Waist
Huey, Robert W, Staff Sgt, Tail

None of these crew members are on our current association roster. Note that following Sgt Ringer's change of position to what is listed as "Spot Jammer" (Mission 278 and on), it appears he flew with many different crews in that radar capacity.

While the 379th did fly an aircraft named "Round Twip Wabbit", we can find no record of Sgt. Ringer flying on this aircraft. However, records show his 1st mission (#249) was flown on aircraft 42-32024, "Swamp Fire" (photo sent separately). "Swamp Fire" is a member of the 379th's "Century Club", having completed over 100 missions.

Responding 4 12/12/2004
Kent

Search No.  1244 - Daniel Sirianni

From:  Ellen Sirianni, ESIRIANNI@aol.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2004 2:32 PM
Subject: Looking for information about my dad's group

Hi,
My dad is Daniel Sirianni. He was in the 379th bomb group. I know he is a member of this group. I was looking for information about the other members of his group. Whether the members are still living or not. Could you also tell me how many missions my father flew with his group. Do you have any information about him as a prisoner of war? Iam just looking for any information for him. Thank you for any help you can give me.
Sincerely yours,
Ellen Sirianni

Ellen,
Association records for Daniel Sirianni show he flew 10 missions (may have been credited with only 9 - mission 37 is listed as an abort due to an oxygen failure and illness of LW Gunner) with the 525th SQ from September 9, 1943 to October 14, 1943. Our records indicate mission numbers 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38.

The target for Mission #38 was Schweinfurt, Germany, specifically the ball-bearing works located there. This was the 8th's second trip to Schweinfurt, following the tough mission of August 17. On this (October 14) day, the 8th would dispatch 320 B-17 and B-24 aircraft to hit those ball bearing factories, 229 listed as hitting the target "effectively". Of those 320 bombers leaving England, 60 would not return, a loss of almost 20%. Almost 600 crewmen were listed as MIA on this trip, and this mission came to be known as "Black Thursday" due to the incredibly high losses experienced.

The 379th lost 6 aircraft of this total, of 17 dispatched, including your father's. Crew members on mission #38, and what appear to be his "regular" crew were as follows:

Martin Jr., Roland H, 2nd Lt, Pilot, POW
Price Jr., Linden H, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot, POW
Maher, Daniel J, 2nd Lt, Navigator, POW
Rittenberg, Irving M, 2nd Lt, Bombardier, POW
Mattern, Edwin L, Tech Sgt, ROp/Gunner, RTMC
Macri, Nicholas J, Tech Sgt, TT Gunner, POW
Peacock, Elihu, Staff Sgt, Ball Gunner, POW
Cihonski, John L, Tech Sgt, RW Gunner, POW
Sirianni, Daniel A, Staff Sgt, LW Gunner, POW
Janik, Adam A, Staff Sgt, Tail Gunner, POW

None of these crew members are on our current association roster. Sorry, we have no information on your father's time as a POW, but you may be able to research further at www.archives.gov. They maintain a database of some POW records.

Responding 4 12/12/2004
Kent

Search No. 1243 - Roy William Murphy, Jr.

From: Carolyn Graham, GRAHAM207@aol.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 10:53 AM
Subject: My Fathers History

My wonderful father passed away this week. For the past few years we have been trying to locate information on his unit. He was stationed in Nairn Scotland during W.W.II he was a gunner on B-25s and flew more the 25 missions. He said the unit was the 327 medium bombardment group 8th airforce. His name was Roy William Murphy, Jr.

Can you please help us find out any information?
Thank you,
Carolyn Graham

Carolyn-
We're sorry to hear of your father's passing. The 379th Bomb Group flew B-17 aircraft out of Kimbolton, England, and we have no records for Roy William Murphy, Jr. A quick check for the 327th Bomb Group flying B-25s does not show any record of this group, and the 8th Air Force did not operate B-25 aircraft. It is possible some of the numbers quoted may be incorrect, for instance the 8th Air Force flew B-26 aircraft out of the UK, the 322nd, 323rd, and 387th Bomb Groups being so equipped.

We suggest you assemble as much information as you have available, and try to research through www.armyairforces.com. This site has research tools and addresses for veterans records, and a number of forums which may be helpful.

Good luck with your research.

Responding 4 12/9/2004
Kent

Search No.  1242 - Russell Shervem

From:  "Henry Shervem" <hshervem@vmtrc.ucdavis.edu>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Monday, December 06, 2004 12:29 PM
Subject: Looking 4

Hello:
I am looking for any info on my father Russell Shervem. I beleve he was a parachute rigger.
Thank You
Henry Shervem

Henry-
Sorry, we currently show no record of a Russell Shervem serving with the 379th Bomb Group. It would be helpful if you could provide us more information about your father - Full Name, Date of Service, dates he may have been stationed at Kimbolton, etc. Any additional information would be useful.

Responding 4 12/6/2004
Kent

Search No.  1241 - James A. Burgess

From:  Barry Siegle, SiEGLESX4@comcast.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Saturday, December 04, 2004 7:12 PM
Subject: James A. Burgess

Dear 379th BG Association,
Can you check your records to see if you have any information on when a James A. Burgess left Pilot Howard H. Hamilton's crew. He arrived with the group in May/June 1944 and was supposedly reassigned to another location. He was the tail gunner in the original crew and was replaced by Robert Wilmoth.

Both my father and several of the crew members said that Burgess, from Illinois, was only with the crew of the "Red Dragon" for a few weeks. I know that at onetime someone there suggested he may have been reassigned to a BG in Italy. Can someone check the 379th BG records for me and pass any info you may have.
Thanks and Merry Christmas to all!!!
Barry Siegle/Member 379th BG Association

Barry,
Sorry, Association records do not show James A. Burgess as assigned to the 379th. Association records for Howard Hamilton's crew show Robert Wilmoth as Tail Gunner for all the missions flown by this crew between July 6, 1944 and August 9, 1944. Missions flown by Robert Wilmoth in the Tail position were, according to our records, 160, 161, 162, 165, 166, 168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 177, 178, 182, 183, 185, and 186.

Responding 4 12/6/2004
Kent

Next >>
See Looking4 Index

 

 

Trademarks are Copyright of their respective owners, all other content is Copyright of 379th BGA.
Comments/Questions? Email mike@379thbga.org

,