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
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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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Obituary
for Albert Earle Galvin
Albert Earle
Galvin of Central Point, Oregon passed away from complications due to
pneumonia on January 23, 2009 in Medford, OR. He was 88 years old. “Al”
is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Constance Galvin (nee
Campagna) of Central Point, his daughter Kathleen West of San Jose and son John Galvin of San Jose. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren,
Christopher (Catherine) West and Timothy
West of San Jose, Kenneth Galvin and Christina (William) Kelley of
Denver, CO and Jennifer (Staff Sergeant Ryan) Watson of Elmendorf AFB,
AK. Al also is survived by 7 great
grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Born in Boston, MA on October 15, 1920, Al enlisted
in the US Army Air Corps in 1941. He was a Radio Operator and Ball
Turret Gunner on the B-24 Liberator aircraft assigned to the 376th
Heavy Bombardment Group, the oldest and most decorated bombardment
group of WWII. Al completed his enlistment
as a Technical Sergeant (TSgt) with 50 combat missions over Africa and Europe in spite of being wounded twice. He was a highly decorated veteran and proud
owner of the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal,
Presidential Citation, and Certificate of Valor.
After separating
from active duty in 1944, Al married Connie and moved his family to California in 1953 where he resided for 35 years
in San Jose and Santa
Cruz. He worked as a
Purchasing Agent and Purchasing Manager for Librascope, Link, and
Varian Associates and retired to Central Point in 1988 where he enjoyed
over 20 years of life in the Rogue
Valley.
Al was
passionate about God, country, and family. He
enjoyed volunteering his time at Shepherd of the Valley church, at the
Gleaners of Central Point, and at the annual Medford Jazz Jubilee. He
was a member of the 376th HBGP Veterans Association, the
Grey Bears of Santa Cruz, and was a lifetime member of the Disabled
American Veterans. Al loved to travel,
dance, enjoyed music, and art. He will be
greatly missed by all who knew him.
A funeral mass
will be held at 10:00AM on Friday January 30, 2009 at Shepherd of the
Valley Catholic Church in Central Point, with Fr. Jim Clifford
celebrating the mass. A reception will be
held after mass at the church hall. Internment
will follow at 1:00PM at Eagle Point National
Cemetery in White City. In
lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association -
Oregon Chapter or to St. Vincent De Paul of Medford.
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GIORDANO,
ANGELO M.
November 17, 2008 age 85, beloved husband
of Faith C. (nee King) Giordano. Dear father of Andrea (Paul Douglas)
Lewis and Robert (Colleen) Giordano. Loving grandfather of Michael,
Gregory, Robert and Alexis. Brother of the late Sam, John, Tony, Frank
Giordano and Anna Maniscalco. Brother-in law of Lillian and Martha
Giordano. The family will be present to receive friends Friday 2-4
& 7-9 PM at the (Tonawanda Chapel) AMIGONE FUNERAL HOME INC. 2600
Sheridan Dr. (cor. Parker) where Funeral Service will be held Saturday
at 11:00 AM. Friends invited. Mr. Giordano was a Veteran of WW II.
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Executive was
architecture
buff
WW II bombardier involved in
civic,
veterans affairs
By Joan Giangrasse Kates | Special to
the
Tribune May 22, 2008
Growing up at the height of the Depression on the Northwest Side of
Chicago,
Warren E. Grant spent his boyhood dreaming, reading and drawing
pictures
of exciting places he hoped to someday visit. The longtime advertising
executive and architecture buff became a decorated bombardier/navigator
stationed
in Italy during World War II and remained active in veterans affairs.
Mr. Grant, 84, of Aurora died Saturday, May 17, in his home of
complications
related to pulmonary hypertension. Born and raised in the Norwood Park
neighborhood,
Mr. Grant was the youngest of four children. In 1942 he graduated from
Schurz
High School and received a brevet 2nd lieutenant commission in the
Illinois
National Guard. After enlisting in the Army Air Forces in 1943, Mr.
Grant
completed aviation cadet training and graduated as a 2nd lieutenant
bombardier/navigator.
He joined the B-24 combat service with the 15th Air Force, then
stationed
in southern Italy, and was later assigned to the 376th Bombardment
Group. "He came home on a military leave complaining that he was too
skinny. So
we dragged him to the neighborhood soda fountain and got him to drink
milkshakes
until he gained 2 pounds," said his lifelong friend, former state Rep.
Ralph
Capparelli. For his military service, Mr. Grant was awarded many
medals,
including the Purple Heart, family members said. After his military
discharge
in 1945, Mr. Grant graduated from Northwestern University and began his
career
with Grant/Jacoby, a Chicago advertising agency co-founded by his late
brother, Walter. He worked there for several years as an account
manager, representing many major Midwest corporations. He was later
employed with American Graphics and Typesetting Corp. and several other
large printing conglomerates in Chicago. In 1949 Mr. Grant married his
wife, Mary, who died in 2007. They settled in Evanston, where they
built a home and raised three children. "His passion was architecture,"
said his son, Warren. "He did the preliminary drawings for our Evanston
home, which was inspired by the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright." From
1975 to 1987, Mr. Grant was director of advertising and marketing
communications for Brown & Sharpe Manufacturing Co., a producer of
machine
tools based in Rhode Island. In his retirement, Mr. Grant lived with
his
wife for several years in Hilton Head Island, S.C., where he was a
member
of the Architectural Review Board and the Art League. He "wrote many of
the
design codes for the island," his son said. In 1995 Mr. Grant and his
wife
moved to Aurora, where he served a three-year term on the Aurora Public
Art
Commission. He also was active in communications for the Illinois
Department
of Veteran Affairs headquartered in Springfield and spent 20 years as a
contributor
and editor of a quarterly publication for the 376th Veterans
Association. "He was the kind of person who always stepped up and
helped out," said his
daughter Cynthia Biasi. "He set high standards and always lived up to
them." Other survivors include another daughter, Linda Brown; and two
grandchildren. A memorial service will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday in
Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Rd., Elwood. |
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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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