In Memoriam
DETAILED OBITUARIES
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In memoriam, Norm
Appold, who passed away March 17, 2004.
From Larry Daugherty:
I believe Norm had quite a reputation as an aeronautical
engineer after the war, but I am not personally familiar
with that aspect of his career. I do recall that the 1962
edition of the Duggan and Stewart book "Ploesti" says something
about his being "one of the foremost jet propulsion engineers
in the country today".
Norm's connection to the Lady Be Good:
1. TEST FLEW, RETURNED TO SERVICE. In Dennis MacLendon's
book on the Lady Be Good (written in 1962, updated some
years later with documentation about Jim Walker's tests on
the #2 engine and finding German bullets in the rocker covers),
it states that Norm test-flew the Lady after maintenance (which
had prevented the Samuel Rose crew from taking her on a mission)
and signed her off, whereupon Hatton and his crew got her when Rose
and his crew had to land at another base in the war-weary bomber
they were given for one day.
Of course, Hatton and his crew were never heard from
again and their fate unknown until the Lady was discovered
by British Petroleum engineers in the Sahara in late 1958.
2. NORM ON 1960 NETWORK TV SHOW. I have a videotape
copy of the 1960 Armstrong Circle Theater "live" presentation
and dramatization (actor George Segal has a role in it, before
he was famous), concluding with newsman Douglas Edwards conducting
a panel interview with several 376th veterans, including
Col. Norman C. Appold.
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BARNES, WILLIAM
William Vance (Bill) Barnes, 80, longtime
resident of Waco, died Tuesday, August 24, 2004 of metastatic
cancer at St. Catherine's Center, Providence Healthcare Network,
under the care of Providence Hospice. A memorial service will
take place at 1pm Saturday, September 4 at First Presbyterian
Church, 1100 Austin Ave. The Rev. Dr. Jimmie Johnson will officiate
following private burial at Oakwood Cemetery. Friends are invited
to visit with the family at the church following the service.
Mr. Barnes
and his identical twin brother were born on March
25, 1924 in Rockwall, Texas to Hal Barnett Barnes and
Frances Nash Barnes, members of two pioneer north Texas
families. Bill graduated from Rockwall High School in 1941
and attended North Texas Agricultural College in Arlington
where he was a member of ROTC. He volunteered as an aviation
cadet in early 1943, and, after training, served as a B-24
bomber pilot in the 376th Heavy Bomber Group, 15th Air Force,
in Italy. After World War II, he graduated from the University of
Texas at Austin and worked as a salesman for Burroughs Adding
Machine Company in San Antonio and Fort Worth. Bill moved to
Waco in 1965, and, as a salesman for Hart Graphics (formerly
The Steck Company), called on banks and courthouses throughout
Central Texas until his retirement in 1989.
Bill and Barbara Topp of Greenwood, Mississippi,
the mother of his two children, Rex and Rebecca, were
married in 1945. He later married Colleen Higgins Mayo
of Waco in 1976.
An active volunteer with Waco Habitat for Humanity,
Bill has spent his Tuesdays and Thursdays since 1990 building
cabinets for Habitat homes. First ordained to service at
St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth in the early
1950s, Bill had served the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) as
a deacon, an elder, a Sunday school teacher, and a commissioner
to Grace Presbytery, Synod of the Sun, and the General Assembly
of the Presbyterian Church. He and Colleen have been members
of the First Presbyterian Church of Waco for well over fifty years.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters,
and one brother. Survivors include his wife, Colleen, daughter,
Rebecca Rambeau and husband, Paul of Phoenix; son, Rex Bames
and wife, Amy Jo of Waco; stepdaughter, Patrice Mayo Hunter
and husband, Jim of Temple; stepson, Steve Mayo of Austin;
grandchildren, Paul Colin and Marc Rambeau of Phoenix and Dr. Jennifer
Barnes Davis and husband, Taylor Davis of Colorado Springs;
step-grandchildren, Dawson Jay Belobrajdic and wife, Lindsay
of Temple and Matthew Hayden Belobrajdic and wife, Katherine
of Euless; and step-great-grandson, Jackson Belobrajdic,
son of Dawson and Lindsay. He is also survived by his twin brother,
Robert Nash Barnes and wife, Frances of Irving and numerous
nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Honorary pallbearers are Brian Aynesworth,
Carey DuPuy, Carr DePuy, Alex Eichenberg, Edgar Jablonowski,
Frank Kudlaty, Pat Pattillo, Ray Perry, Dr. Charles Stern,
and Joe Sudderth, all of First Presbyterian Church. Honorary
pallbearers from Colleen's Material Girls sewing bee
(part of Homespun Quilters' Guild of Waco) are Darlene Christopherson,
Patty Field, Bettye Lewis, Jackie Lott, Anita Selters, Susie
Tatum, Connie Watkins, Inga Lill Westblom and Retha Tiner.
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In memory of Charles
Ray Biggs
Charles Ray Biggs, 83, of Danville, will be remembered as an enthusiastic
story teller, and whether the tale was about his Second World War experiences,
hunting, fishing or his childhood, they were captivating. Charlie passed
away at 5:40 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical
Center. His tales of the Second World War were his favorites and one story
would lead inevitably into another. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying
Cross with Silver Cluster for his combat role (waist gunner) in the attack
on the Ploesti oil fields. It was the first long-range low-level bombing
mission in history. He was an avid supporter of veterans’ causes. He started
working on the railroad in the 1950s with the C&EI and stayed with that
occupation for the rest of his working life, retiring as a conductor. Hunting,
fishing and his computer kept him busy for most of his life.
Charlie “Sonny Boy” Biggs was born Sept. 5, 1924, in Tilton, the son
of George Albert and Amelia Kohleffel Biggs. He married Beverly Jean Evans
on April 4, 1944. She preceded him in death Dec. 9, 2003. Charlie is survived
by his son, Charles Jr. (Dianne); grandchildren, Julie (Barkley) Biggs-Engel,
Charles Ryan Biggs, Beverly Jennifer Biggs and David H. Ford; and great-granddaughter,
Winter Biggs-Engel. He was preceded by his parents; infant brother, George
Jr.; and brother, Fred Ervin Biggs. A celebration of Charlie’s life will
be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, at Sunset’s Community & Life
Tribute Center. Officiating: Pastor Miles Clark. Burial will follow at Atherton
Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 11, at the Tribute
Center. Special thanks to friend and neighbor, Harriet “Lulu” Haussy.
Without her steadfast dedication and assistance, Charlie would not have
been able to stay in his home in his final years. Thanks to niece Linda
Collins, and sister and brother-in-law, Lorraine and Dick Wilson, for their
help.
Special thanks to Drs. Muthiah Thangavelu, Jo-Mel Labayog, Bhaskar
Patel, Carlos Gotardo and their nurses and staff for the efforts on his
behalf. Special thanks also to the therapists, nurses and staff of Hawthorne
Inn who cared for him in the final weeks of his life. E-mail condolences
to www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. |
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Edward W. Biro
Edward William Biro, 82, of Gardiner, NY, died unexpectedly
on August 28, 2006. He was born September 20, 1923, in New York
City to Hungarian immigrants, and grew up speaking three languages.
After graduating from Textile Trade High School, he served as a radar
specialist with the 376th Bomb Group of the US Army Air Force in Italy
during 1944-45. A memoir of his wartime experiences, co-written
with his daughter Diana, Remembering the Radar Gang,
1944-45: Innovations that Saved Lives is posted on this web site.
A longer article is scheduled for publication next year in the historical
magazine America in WWII.
He began his career in machine tooling, and with Army and other
training, moved into electronics, computer technology, and manufacturing
engineering, retiring from IBM in 1987. A life member of the Society
of Manufacturing Engineers, he continued consulting in this area for
another decade. He belonged to the Hendrick Hudson Masonic Lodge
and VFW Post in Red Hook, NY, where he lived for 40+ years. A
long-time bowler, he also enjoyed tennis and table tennis, traveling
with his family, woodworking, and genealogy. Family members and
friends remember him as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, an
avid storyteller with a great sense of humor, and a superb “Mr. Fix-It”
who was always ready to help people.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Gisela Schenk Biro,
daughter Diana Biro and her husband Eric Rogers of Syracuse, NY, son
Edward Biro and his wife Charlotte of Gardiner, granddaughter Kelly
Comley of Lodi, NJ, niece Claudia Bilotti of Stamford, CT, and other
extended family members including five step-great-grandchildren.
His family and friends miss him very much but are grateful to have had
such a wonderful man in our lives.
Anyone who knew Ed Biro or who has questions about his military
record or radar memoir is invited to contact Diana Biro at djbiro@syr.edu.
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Links on the site about Lt. Gen. Compton:
The Serafin Crew
Fred Aspesi's Scrapbook
The Liberandos
200th Mission
Commanders of the 376th Bomb Group Founding
Units
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Lt. Gen. Keith Karl Compton, USAF (Ret),
age 88, who was the Air Force Strategic Air Command's vice
chief of staff at Offutt AFB when he retired from military
service in 1969, and who lead the famed bomber attack on the
German oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania, during World War
II, died June 15, 2004, in San Antonio, Texas.
Among his many aviation feats, Gen. Compton
won the famed Bendix Trophy in 1951, setting a new transcontinental
speed record \ by averaging 553.761 miles per hour in a Sabre
Jet, flying from Muroe Air Force Base in California, to Detroit,
Michigan in three hours, 27 minutes. He won his Army Air
Corps wings in 1939, and in 1943, as one of the youngest colonels
in the Army Air Corps, took command of the 376th Heavy Bomb Group
in Africa, later leading 117 B-24 bombers on the daring "Tidal
Wave" attack on the German refineries. His military decorations
included the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with
Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf
Cluster, Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force
and the Army Commendation medals.
An accomplished golfer, as well, Gen. Compton
won the U.S. Golf Association's Senior Amateur Championship
in 1978 at Pine Tree Golf Course, Delray Beach, FL. He also
was a member of the Society of Seniors, comprised of the best
senior amateur golfers in the United States. In addition, he held
Westminster College's (Fulton, MO.) Outstanding Alumni Achievement
Award.
He is survived by his son, Keith Karl Compton
Jr., of Reston, VA; his three daughters, Tegwin Anne Smith
of Alexandria, VA, Mary Margaret Mace of Glen Alien, VA,
and Michele Marie Walker of Burnett, Texas; and eight grandchildren;
and two great grandchildren. A funeral Mass will be held at Our
Lady of Grace Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 22, 2004 at 10:00
a.m., viewing will proceed the service from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00
a.m. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington,
D.C., on August 9, 2004, at 11:00 a.m.
The family invites you to leave a message or memory
at www.porterloring.com
by selecting Visitation and Services. Select "Sign Guestbook"
at the bottom of the individual Memorial. Arrangements
with Porter Loring Mortuary.
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In memory of
Hugh H. Connolly, 513th Squadron.
Died Saturday, April 7,2007 at the age of 81 He was bom November
3,1923 in Galesburg, IL, son of an Irish Presbyterian minister. Hugh
was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne, and they had an incredible
"Sentimental Journey" together for 46 years; brother, Brett; and sister,
Pat. He is survived by daughters, Carole Wack and son-in-law. Dr. Thomas
Wack of Wheeling, WV, and Lyn Johnson of Helena, MT: seven grandchildren,
Geoffrey Wack, Joshua Wack and wife, Kathleen, Kathryn Joseph and husband,
Brian, Christopher Wack, Emily Wack, Sara Helvik and husband, Kevin and
Daniel Lowney and wife Anna: two great-grandaughters, Shannon Wack and Sadie
Joseph: brother, Larry; and sister, Dorothy.
Hugh graduated from the University of Illinois with an M.S. in
Sanitary Engineering. He was a WWII B-24 pilot with the 376th Bomb Group
in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After the war, he taught engineering at the
University of Arizona and the University of Illinois, then joined the U.S.
Public Health Service for 12 years. After retiring as a Captain, he served
ten years as Chief Engineer at a private consulting firm in Tucson.
Hugh lived each day of his life deliberately and with great passion.
He was a proud alumnus of the Fighting Illini, a world traveler, sports
enthusiast and outdoorsman, who loved to play golf and tennis. His strong
spirit of adventure led him to all seven continents, where he could be found
skydiving, bungee-jumping, Whitewater rafting, heli-hiking, or on African
safari. Hugh was a man of strong faith and an active member of Northminster
Presbyterian Church. He contributed his time and treasures to numerous charities
throughout his lifetime.
Family and friends were his first priority, and he will always
be remembered for his Irish charm, his sense of humor, and his contagious
smile. Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Sabino Canyon toward
restoration of a place that was dear to his heart. A celebration of his life
will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church at a later date. |
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In memory of S/Sgt. Gordon Webster Cook,
514th Squadron. He joined the 376th in January 1943 and died
March 9, 1943 in an accident while on a practice mission. |
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Charles W. Coomer, former Staff
Sgt of the 514 Squadron, 376th Heavy Bombardment Group, passed
away on December 8, 2003. Charles is survived by his widow,
Dorothy L. Coomer, and two sons, James and Edward Coomer, six
grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. |
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Joseph Corcoran- 512th Squadron The Rinker Crew
Was Veteran of 3 Wars, Former State Senator
He was president of the 376 Heavy Bomb Group and a member of the
Retired Officers Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion
and Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of Knights of Columbus
and National Federation of Independent Business. Memorial contributions
may be made to St. Bonaventure Indian Mission, P.O. 610, Thoreau, N.M.
87323-0610, or to St. Ambrose School, Seymour. Survivors; wife Jeanne
Hunsucker Corcoran; children Patrick, Timothy, Sheila Corcoran, Maureen
Gestautas, Rosemary Perry, Karen Dowden; sisters Mary Corcoran, Agnes
Kennedy, eight grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren.
Article continues...
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In memory of David P. "Corky" Cordella
David P. "Corky" Cordella, 84, of Tierra Verde, FL, died unexpectedly
on December 23, 2007. He was born February 2, 1923, in Worcester, Massachusetts
to Italian immigrants, and grew up speaking two languages. After graduating
from North High School, he served as a radar specialist with the 376th
Bomb Group of the US Army Air Force in Italy during 1943-45.
After the war he attended Northwestern University and received a
BS degree in engineering. He began his career in electronics, and then
worked as a VP Supervisor of Training for a major Boston Insurance Company
, retiring in 1975 due to a heart condition.
He enjoyed reading, walks on the beach, traveling with his family,
& woodworking. Family members and friends remember him as a devoted
husband, father, and grandfather, an avid storyteller with a great sense
of humor, and a superb “Mr. Fix-It” who was always ready to help people.
He is survived by his sons Paul Cordella and his wife Candace of Tierra
Verde, FL, Jack Cordella of Nobelsville, IN, one grandson Calvert Scott
Cordella, & 3 granddaughters Jodi, Sara, & Jenny Cordella. His
family and friends miss him very much but are grateful to have had such
a wonderful man in our lives.
Anyone who knew Corky or who has questions about his military record
or want to discuss his life more is invited to contact Paul Cordella at
cholta@aol.com.
MAY HIS SOUL REST WITH THE
LORD IN PEACE |
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Brigadier General Richard W. Fellows,
Commanding Officer from July 10, 1944 to September 27, 1944
of the 376th Heavy Bombardment Group, passed away August 1998. |
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Ernest
W. Fogel passed away Monday, November 13, 2006.
Ernie was born on April 14, 1915, in Rochester, Pennsylvania.
He graduated from Beaver High School in 1933 and went to work for
J&L Steel. He joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and received his silver
wings in 1942. During World War II Ernie served in the Mediterranean
and N. Aftrica as a B24 pilot and flew 54 missions. He was highly decorated
and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for the Ploesti low level
raid on August 1, 1942.
Ernie returned to the United States and married his high school
sweetheart Betty K. Jones who is known to most as "Pete". He completed
his active duty at Harlingen Air Field and continued his service in
the Air Force Reserves, retiring as Lt. Col. On discharge from the Air
Corps, Ernie worked for Central Power and Light in Mercedes, Texas. In
1950 he was transferred to Corpus Christi where he continued working for
CPL until he retired as Transportation Superintendent in 1977.
Ernie was an active volunteer Red Cross Water Safety Instructor,
Life Guard, and Senior Beginning Swimming instructor in the Del Mar
Senior Swim program. He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church
where he served as Deacon and Elder. Ernie was a Scottish Rite 32nd degree
Mason, Valley of San Antonio, a member of Mercedes AF&AM Lodge
#1010, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Retired
Officers’ Association, and the 376th Heavy Bombardment Group Association.
Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, brother, and infant
daughter.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty "Pete" Fogel;
daughter Kathy Putnam (Kip) and Janie (Frank) Hargrave; grandchildren:
Julie Putnam, Kip Putnam, Jennifer (Clay) Clemmer, Spencer (Tammy) Smith;
and great grandchildren: Katie Putnam, Trenton Clemmer, Tally Clemmer,
and Spencer Smith, Jr.
The family would like to thank our dear friend Brenda Beasley
for her love and care while Ernie was at home and the staff at Holmgreen
Center for their more recent care.
A memorial service celebrating Ernie’s life will be held at
First Presbyterian Church, Thursday, November 16, 2006 at 3:00 P.M.
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In memory of Charles Gerber,
Engineer, Connolly Crew 513th Squadron, born February 11,
1922, died December 26, 1985. |
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James Henry Hemperly,
Sr., 84 of Duncannon and formerly of Middletown,
died Wednesday, May 19, 2004 at Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill.
He was born September 27, 1919 in Royalton,
Pa, a son of the late Lester and Mary Ann (Ring) Hemperly.
He was retired from Tinker Air Force Base,
Okalahoma. He was an AAF Veteran of World War II, having
served with the 376th Liberandos. He was a member of
V.F.W. Post 255, Duncannon and American Legion Post 177,
Newport.
He is survived by a loving companion, Leona,
the mother of his 4 daughters and 3 sons; Wendy Strohecker
of Newport, Cindy Hockenberry of Duncannon, Jamey Deiter of
Newport, James H. Hemperly, Jr. of Harrisburg, Michael Hemperly
of Mechanicsburg, Tammy Seger of Millerstown and Timothy Hemperly
of Newport; a sister Mary Gignac of New Kingston; 17 grandchildren
and 20 greatgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers, who also served
in WWII, George Hemperly and Lester (Sparky) Hemperly and
a sister Stella Fornwalt. Burial was held at Indiantown Gap
National Cemetary, Annville.
Memorials may be made to the World War II
Memorial Fund, American Battle Monuments Commission, ATTN: GR048,
P.O. Box 96074, Washington, D.C. 20090-6074.
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Stanley K. Howard
passed away on May 5, 2004. He
will be missed by his wife of 57 years, Lydia Howard, and his
three children, his daughter, Sandra Sturgeon, and his two
sons Kenneth and Frederick. |
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Robert S. Jackman
Age 80, of Englewood, FL, formerly of Warren, MI, died November
2, 2005, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Loving
and devoted husband for over 56 years to Marion Grace. The best dad in
the world to Linda Lucier, Nancy (Larry) Wanchik, Daniel (Karen) Jackman,
and the late David Jackman. Beloved brother of Joanne Przybylski, Julie
DeYonker, and the late Mary Therese McAninch. Loving grandfather of Eric
Lucier, Beth Moore, Rachel Lucier, Rebecca Jackman, Emily Jackman, and
Kaitlin Jackman. Proud great-grandfather of Julian, Devon, Garner, and
Alayna. He is also survived by many neices, nephews, and friends. Mr. Jackman
was a decorated WWII veteran serving in the US Army Air Corp having flown
49 missions with the Liberandos. He was retired from Executone Business
Systems and was employed as their sales manager, memorial service St. Edmonds
Catholic Church, Saturday November 12, 10 am 14025 12 Mile Warren.
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In memory of Willis "Bill" Jones
- 2nd Lt., Co-Pilot, 514th Crew #6219. Entire crew died in
a freak landing accident November 1, 1944 in San Pancrazio,
Italy during their first mission. Bill, your family misses their
H.P. |
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William J. "Bill" McCarty,
age 80, passed away Tuesday, April 20, 2004. Mass
of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 23, at St. Catherine's
of Sienna Catholic Church (105th & Grandview Rd.) burial
in Mt Olivet Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Thursday,
April 22, at McGilley State Line Chapel. Rosary will
be prayed at 7 p.m. Family suggest memorial contributions
to St. Catherine's of Sienna Catholic Church.
Bill was born March 14, 1924, in Kansas City,
MO and was a resident of Grand Court Retirement Apartments,
where he was an avid bridge player. He was a WWII
Veteran who served in the Army Air Corps in Italy and North
Africa.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jane.
He is survived by five children, Sue Froelich and spouse, Dan, Leawood,
KS, Greg McCarty & spouse, Debbie, Leawood, KS, Elaine
McNamara & spouse, Mike, Lee's Summit, MO, Cheryl
Johnston and spouse, Chris, Burke, VA, and Tim McCarty
& spouse, Ann, Suwanee, GA. He leaves 13 grandchildren.
He is also survived by one sister, Colleen Schwartz, El Centro,
CA.
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In memory of John S. McConnon of the
513th Squadron, killed in action August 10th, 1944. Laid
to rest with Military Honors, Friday, May 14th, 1999.
The
Search for a Missing Brother...
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In memory of Staff Sgt. Gerard Messing,
Armorer Gunner / Assistant Engineer, who was assigned to the
15th Air Force, 47th Wing, 376th Bomb Group (H), 512th Squadron.
He was killed in action Jan. 8th, 1945. On January 8, 1945,
Jerry was assigned to "Red Ryder" aircraft #22, piloted by 1st Lt. Philip
R. Scott. Red Ryder was one of the 28 B-24's destined for a raid on Lintz,
Austria, (Mission #395). Of the 28 aircraft in the raid, 23 made it
over the target and 26 returned to base safely. The bomber Jerry was
on did not return due to mechanical failure and ditched in the Adriatic
Sea. Jerry was one of four killed in action during the crash.
Comrade Died
on Raft in 3-day Ordeal at Sea
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Jack Onofrio
was born May 11, 1925, in New Haven, Connecticut, the son of Frank
Onofrio and Eva Stone. As a very young child, he worked as a
shoeshine boy, baker's helper, and filling station attendant.
He attended Hillhouse High School, where he was a member of the
swim team, and graduated in June 1942. He enlisted in the Army
Air Force in November 1942, and saw action in the European Theater
as a machine gunner on B-24s, taking part in the Northern Appennines,
Po Valley, Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns, receiving the Air
Medal.
After a short period in civilian life, he
re-enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for
twenty years as an air crew member in B-29s during the
Korean War and as a special agent for the Office of Special
Investigations for ten years. He completed his service as a Squadron
First Sergeant and retired in 1965.
He then embarked on his next vocation as an
American Kennel Club licensed all-breed professional dog
handler. In 1968, he and his wife Dorothy co-founded Jack
Onofrio Dog Shows, which grew from fourteen
shows per year to its current status as the premier dog show
organization in the nation. He was an avid bowler, enjoyed
square dancing, was a music afficionado and
played the organ, sang in the church choir, and
was an enthusiastic leisure cruiser. In June 1985 Jack
married his current wife Patricia Powers Onofrio,
who worked with him as a dog show superintendent and also
took more than one hundred cruises with him to the Carribean,
Europe, and Alaska.
Jack died August 31, 2004. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Frank Onofrio and Eva Stone, brother Morris,
sisters Beatrice and Marion Tommaselli, and grandson
Christopher Onofrio. He is survived by his wife Pat Onofrio
of Deltona, Florida, son Jack Onofrio (Sue) of
Venice, Florida, daughter Lin Onofrio
Brinkman (Bill) of Round Rock, Texas, grandsons Antony Onofrio, Andrew
Brinkman (Dijana) and Robert Brinkman, niece Betty Glaser
of Sherman Oaks, California, stepsons Mark Politowicz
(Patty) of Cape Coral, Florida, and Michael
Politowicz (Stacia) of Longwood, Florida, stepdaughter Julie
Von Allmen (Bill) of Grant, Florida,
great-grandsons Michael and Christopher Onofrio, great-granddaughter
Lauren Nicole Onofrio, step-grandchildren Macrae and
Ryan Politowicz, and by his first wife and friend
Dorothy Onofrio Lippincott.
The family held a private memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the St.
Jude's Children's Hospital of Memphis.
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George A. Rutter
George A. Rutter (91) – veteran script supervisor and former business
agent for Script Supervisors Local 871, passed away on November 4, 2007 at
St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank. He had been hospitalized since June of
this year and died from an ongoing infection. Born on August 18, 1916 in
Glendale, California, George served his country during WW II as a member of
the 376th Heavy Bomber Group.
In the 1950s, he worked for Gene Autry’s Flying-A Productions, carrying
script on Annie Oakley and the Buffalo Bill. Jr TV shows. Other series
he worked on during the same period were Fury; The Roy Rogers Show; and
Lassie. He was also on board for Gene Autry’s final feature film, Last of
the Pony Riders. In the 1960s, he worked with Audie Murphy, George Montgomery,
Cameron Mitchell and Sterling Hayden on a number of westerns, as well as
TVs Branded, produced by Andrew J. Fenady and starring Chuck Connors. In
addition he was script supervisor on the original Star Trek; Bonanza; and
The FBI TV series’. During the 1970s, he served as his union’s business representative;
and eventually concluded his career in the 1980s with Remington Steele,
and Ed Asner’s Lou Grant series. George was married at one time to Bette
(Moon) Rutter, David Begelman’s secretary at Columbia Pictures; they had
remained friends until her death in 2001.
George is survived by his nephews, Robert Lodge, of Palm Desert, CA;
and Stephen Lodge, a former costumer and screenwriter, now living in Rancho
Mirage. No services are pending at this time. Donations in George’s name
may be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund. www.stephenlodge.com |
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Colonel Edwin P. Schmid, Squadron
commander of the 513th Squadron passed away March 1988. |
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Captain Otto A. Tennant passed
away on November 29, 2003. He edited an addendum to the 376th book,
and was a long-time supporter of the veterans' association. |
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A Liberandos Special Report
August 7, 2001
We regret to inform you that Curtis
Torfin, President of the 376th Heavy Bomb Group Veterans Association,
passed away on July 31, 2001, following major vascular surgery, at
Providence Hospital in Everett, Washington. Memorial Services
were held on August 6, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Clinton, Washington,
and interment will be in Wannaska, Minnesota. Curt was born on
December 17, 1921 and is survived by his wife Verna, seven children:
Gary, Dan, David, Cheryl, Sandy, Cindy, and Susan, five step-children:
Gloria, Joan, Shirley, Clark and Michael, and many grand- and great-grandchildren.
Curt entered active duty in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1942,
became a B-24 crew member in 1943, was promoted to Staff Sergeant and
completed fifty combat missions as a waist gunner in the 376th HBG.
He was awarded the Air Medal with six Oakleaf Clusters and separated
from the service in 1945. In civilian life Curt had a successful
career in electrical contracting work. His calm demeanor was blended
with generous portions of competence, good will and energy and he enjoyed
being deeply involved in the 376th HBGV Association...
For the Board of Directors
Norman C. Appold, Past President and Senior Advisor
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In Memory of our beloved Group Historian and dear
friend James W. Walker who
passed away November 8, 2002. Read
the Obituary |
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Dan. R, Winchell,
84, Indianapolis, retired senior partner with the Baker and Daniels
law firm, died May 29th 2002. He was an attorney with Baker and Daniels
for 40 years, retiring in 1989 as a senior partner. He specialized in
employee benefit plans, appellate practice and probate.
He was a fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation and a member of
the Indianapolis, Indiana American and 7th Circuit Bar associations.
Mr. Winchell was a member and past president of the board of directors
of Christamore House and a past president of the Woodstock club. He
was also a member of University Club of Indiana and Meridian Hills Country
Club and a life member of Rockport (Ind.) Masonic lodge. He was named
a Sagamore of the Wabash by Govs. Otis R. Bowen, Robert D. Orr and Evan
Bayh.
A 1939 graduate of Indiana State University, Terra Haute, Mr.
Winchell was a member of the board of trustees at ISU and a member
of Theta Chi fraternity. He also graduated with distinction from Indiana
University Shcool of Law in 1949. He was an Army Air Forces veteran of
WWII and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Memorial Contributions
may be made to the Dan R. Winchell Endowment for Student Athletes in care
of ISU Athletic Development Office, Terra Haute, In 47809
Survivors include his wife, Judie Morrison Winchell; daughters
Missie Hancock, Mary Anne Machin; brothers Barney Y., Rex R. Winchell;
five grandchildren.
Services will be at 10:30 am June 3rd in St. Paul's Episcopal
Church. A celebration of life will be from 4 to 7 pm. in the University
Club of Indiana. Leppert & Hansley Mortuary, Nora Chapel is handling
arrangements.
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