Highlights - November, 2000 Issue / January, 2001 Issue
" The Checkerboard " is the official Newsletter of the " Duxford 78th Fighter Group Association - WW II ". All correspondence relating to the Newsletter and it's contents should be directed to the editor Chuck Behrens. The Association and editor reserve the right not to publish materials considered derogatory or offensive. This Newsletter and it's contents by copyright should not be reproduced in any form without the expressed written permission of the " Duxford 78th Fighter Group Association- WW II ".
Membership in the Association includes a subscription to " The Checkerboard ". For more information on joining see the Membership Page.
" Reunion 2000 "
FROM PRESIDENT DON SILVEUS
Those of you who failed to attend the reunion in Phoenix really missed a good time.
Durell and Carolyn Knowlton did a wonderful job putting it together. The trip to Luke Air Force Base, Champlin Fighter Museum (a P-51 buzzed the field for us), and the dinner at "Rocking R Ranch" were excellent. Sedona and the Red Rocks and the Annual Dinner Saturday were enjoyable. And Sunday morning breakfast all you could eat! What more could you want? Thanks again to Durell and Carolyn for a job well done.
I wish to thank Harold and Joyce Carlson for taking care of us so well in the Hospitality Room.
Tod Nicol from Duxford was with us. He interviewed many of the members and took videos. I hope they turn out well for him and that we will be able to see them sometime in the future. It was a pleasure to have Tod with us.
Ken Fish had some of his friends in attendance on Saturday with their model planes. Very well made and detailed. Thanks, Ken.
Next year's reunion place and date have not been decided as yet. Will let you know in the near future.
Joan and I traveled to Colorado Springs to the Air Force Academy where on October 26 we met with Jack Price, daughter Jackie and Pete Peterson to dedicate our plaque.
Pete Peterson, Don Silveus and Jack Price attend the dedication of the 78th Fighter Group Memorial plaque at the U.S. Air Force Academy's " Wall of Remembrance " garden in Colorado Springs. ( Picture Source: unknown )
The manufacturer made a slight mistake it was the wrong size. They will replace it with one the correct size, which will be placed on the wall in the garden.
Once again, thanks to all who attended the Phoenix reunion. I hope you all enjoyed yourselves as much as Joan and I. It was wonderful to see everyone again and to meet new people. May we have a bigger one next year!
Don
Chuck Behrens, editor; January, 2001 "Checkerboard"
WE WENT TO THE REUNION !
Alabama : Ben & Francis Neighbors ; Arizona : Lynn Hosford, Marion Roberto, Durell & Carolyn Knowlton, Steve Gamble ; California : Henry & Jeanne Bottoms, Jack "Buck" Buchardt, Clark Clemons, John Colford, Wayne & Lois Coleman, Elmer & Joan Gysen, Martin & Joyce Stephenson ; Colorado : Jack Price ; Florida : Chuck & Kitty Behrens, Harold & Joyce Carlson ; Georgia : Jim & Millie Stallings ; Hawaii : Fred & Constance Haeuter ; Idaho : Joe McCarthy ; Maryland : Bob & Eileen Green ; Michigan : Ken Fish, Jack & Jean Miller ; Minnesota : Larry & Brenda Bernardy; Missouri : Ernest & Marianne Yerke ; Ohio : Don & Joan Silveus ; Oregon : " Sam" & Lori Swauger ; Pennsylvania : Marshall Ruggieri ; South Carolina : Don & Bernice Robinson, Tommy Thain ; Texas : Jerry Brasher, Richard Brasher, Steve Brasher, Bernice Buddenberg, Sharon Jasinski, Sandra Teufel, Cynthia Tharp, Ennis Clements, Pete & Margaret Keillor, Harvey & Diane Pritchard ; Last but not least . . . . from England, our newest member : Tod Nicol
Chuck Behrens, editor; January, 2001 "Checkerboard"
" 78TH FIGHTER GROUP REUNION "
by Marion Roberto
For these four wonderful days, airmen from the 78th Fighter Group and their ladies came together in Peoria, AZ for warm fellowship, for fun and laughter, for war stories. These men had served their country selflessly, honorably, bravely. And for this celebration, their youth returned - albeit with gray hair and sometimes, no hair.
The wives also came together in friendship. Decades ago, their rich roles were to keep the home fires burning and to nurture the children, or to join the war effort in the workplace.
My four days as a first-time guest at a military reunion was uniquely instructive. I saw a group of Patriots - men and women - whose legacy honors our nation . . . God bless them, and God bless America, indeed.
Several reunion highlights rise to the top, like cream in an old fashioned bottle of milk. These events were shaped by a superb committee, with a fixed attention for detail.
Luke Air Force Base was a highlight. Luke is staffed by focused men and women of discipline and ability. Some were assigned as guides for this renowned 78th Fighter Group.
We toured the Champlin Fighter Aircraft Museum - the world's largest of its kind - located at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa.
The keynote speaker at the banquet was a high ranking retired Air Force officer, attached to the U.S. Embassy in Iran. He was among the embassy personnel held hostage by Iran for 444 days in 1979-1981. His fine steadfast character unfolded with his story.
We toured Sedona, land of red rock, which is nestled in a sweep of exquisite scenery, on of our Creator's many masterpieces. Montezuma's castle was visited by the tour group amid raindrops.
The barbeque dinner and live Western show provided another highlight - the show featured a talented family, dad, mom and children. The "snake oil" salesman skit, held at dusk on a makeshift stage, was so corny it was delicious.
I know only a few names to go with many friendly faces. I remember the kindness of Jim and Milly Stallings. I remember the Knowltons and the Carlsons who had hands-on roles in planning the reunion, and in seeing that everyone felt welcome.
Home base was the Hampton Inn, with generous accommodations for gatherings, and where an ample breakfast buffet was offered each morning. The weatherman gave us desert sunshine and heat (typical), rain (untypical) and some hours of refreshing cool.
A few remarks about some highlights:
At Luke, the attendees rode to the site of a "21st Century" (my words) fighter plane to inspect its "21st Century" controls. WW II airmen asked questions and compared the plane with those they flew and serviced more than 50 years ago.
We were cautioned, for security reasons, not to wander away from the group, not to go off on our own. One officer said, with a twinkle and a smile, "We wouldn't want to be forced to call the police and have you arrested." (But, he meant it.)
Luke saluted these honored veterans, in a manner that must have touched their hearts. One officer expressed his personal respect to a small group on the airfield. We would hear this again from another officer in a more formal speech. Such a warm reception for the 78th.
I am able to admire the aircraft at Champlin Fighter Museum, while not understanding their vital and diverse roles in our nation's history. The stunning artwork further accents the museum's theme. Moreover, I applaud the rich biographies of those veterans who were critical to maintaining our liberty.
We were privileged to see military aircraft, including an "old timer" P51, take off and soar across the sky.
The keynote speaker was retired Col. Thomas E. Shaefer who endured 444 days of captivity with fellow hostages in Iran 20 years ago. He was engaging, often humorous, as he spoke of his ordeal. He spent 150 days in solitary confinement, keeping fit through daily exercise. While acknowledging that his captors were abusive, he said Hanoi Hilton prisoners in Vietnam suffered far worse. His captors reluctantly provided him with a Bible, and he had access to a library where he learned German. A devout Christian, his steady companion was the Word, including Psalm 13. He prayed each day, and hung on to his optimism.
I'm grateful to the 78th Fighter Group for this "military" reunion. I shall remember it always. And I thank my fighter pilot friend, Lynn Hosford, for escorting me.
Chuck Behrens, editor; January, 2001 "Checkerboard"
Association Annual Business Meeting
MINUTES OF THE 78TH FIGHTER
GROUP ANNUAL MEETING
October 21, 2000 6:30 P.M.
Hampton Inn, Peoria, Arizona
After a buffet dinner, guest speaker Tom Schaefer, U.S. Air Force Colonel, Ret. spoke of his experiences as a POW in Iran.
President Don Silveus asked Past President Jack Miller to give the Folded Wings Report naming members who have passed away since the last Annual Meeting, i.e.,
Cliff Glidewell, Hugh Holland, Tom Majors, Paul Radzik, Curtis Worrell , Dominic Kolenik
Followed by a respectful silence to honor departed friends.
Jack Price was recognized for his successful efforts in arranging a memorial plaque, donated by the 78th Fighter Group Association, which will be dedicated at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, on October 26, 2000. The plaque honors the Fighter Group; Squadrons, and all other supporting units, who served at Duxford from 1942 to 1945`.
New members present were welcomed: Ken Fish and Jerry Brasher.
In lieu of Treasurer Bonnie Henry (who was unable to attend the meeting), Kitty Behrens gave a brief report provided by Bonnie. She stated that a detailed report would be published later in the "Checkerboard". The membership expressed their regrets that Bonnie would be unable, for personal reasons, to continue as Treasurer, and thanked her, in absentia, for a job well done.
President Silveus asked for a volunteer for the position of Treasurer. Since no response was forthcoming, President Silveus proposed that Kitty Behrens assume the post, and she was elected unanimously.
It was moved, seconded, and carried unanimously, that the current officers be re-elected for the year 2000-2001.
President: Don Silveus
Vice President: Pete Keillor
Secretary - N.L.Editor: ChuckBehrens
The Reunion attendees thanked Carolyn and Durell Knowlton for arranging an excellent reunion schedule. Pres. Don, and his wife Joan, presented a flowered table arrangement to the Knowltons in appreciation of their good work. Harold and Joyce Carlson were congratulated for their efficient (and tireless) handling of the Hospitality Room.
A discussion of next year's Reunion site concluded with the decision that the Officers will handle the arrangements.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.
Submitted by: s/ C. E. Behrens
Association Officers for 2001 ( Left to Right ) VP: Pete Keillor, Treasurer: Kitty Behrens, President: Don Silveus and Secretary / Newsletter Editor: Chuck Behrens. ( Picture Source: "Checkerboard " Newsletter, January, 2001 )
Chuck Behrens, editor; January, 2001 "Checkerboard"
HAROLD CARLSON'S VISIT TO DUXFORD
Harold and Joyce Carlson had an opportunity to visit Duxford and Andrew Height in September, 2000. They have provided the following pictures:
Harold Carlson and Andrew Height. ( Picture Source: Harold Carlson )
Duxford Control Tower, September, 2000. ( Picture Source: Harold Carlson )
Base Headquarters Building( located between the main gate and the 82nd Fighter Squadron hangar), September, 2000. ( Picture Source: Harold Carlson )
P-51D, WZ-S?, at the American Air Museum at Duxford. ( Picture Source: Harold Carlson )
Chuck Behrens, editor; January, 2001 "Checkerboard"
Member Stories and Articles . .
" THE LOSS OF Lt. CLIFFORD B. HAHN , 1 -24 - 44 "
...a personal recollection by Jerry Brasher ( 82nd Fighter Squadron )
" I thought you might be interested in how or why Clifford Hahn was lost. I flew with the 82nd and on this particular day I was separated from my squadron and on the way out I joined with Hahn and his wingman and the three of us headed for Duxford. As we approached the coast of France, I checked my map and our compass course and knew that we were on the wrong course. I contacted Hahn on the radio and we discussed the compass course at length. I could not convince him that his heading was going to miss England. He was convinced that he was right and I knew he was wrong. I bid them goodbye and set my own course. Shortly after landfall I was back at Duxford and reported the conversation at debriefing. It was a hollow feeling to know that two friends were headed for a watery grave and there was absolutely nothing I could do. I knew that Hahn's radio was operational but I never talked to his wingman. "
" I am sorry that the outcome was such a tragedy. Hahn was a friend. I am sorry that I no longer remember the name of his wingman. "
( 1st. Lt. Clifford B. Hahn was a pilot assigned to the 82nd Fighter Squadron. He was KIA on 1-24-44. It was reported( tracked by radar ) that Lt. Hahn and Lt. William F. Neel were 30 degrees off course departing Dieppe, France and flew out over the Atlantic. No radio contact could be made by Ground Control. Lt. Hahn was flying P-47, MX-J, s/n 42-7923. Lt. Neel was flying P-47, MX-Y, s/n 42-2467. (Data source: "Eagles of Duxford", Appendix 4, Personnel Losses, Garry L. Fry, Phalanx Publishing, Ltd., 1991 )
Lt. Jerry E. Brasher served in the 82nd Fighter Squadron from 12-10-43. Assigned to P-47, MX-F, " Nice Kitty ", Jerry was credited with 1 air and 5 ground victories during his tour of duty. ( Picture Source: "Duxford Diary", East Anglian Aviation Society, reprint, 1975 )
Chuck Behrens, editor; January, 2001 "Checkerboard"
" 78TH SCORES FIRST 8TH AIR FORCE Me262 VICTORY "
Association member Fred Bolgert( pilot, 82nd Fighter Squadron; 6-44 to 12-44 ) writes with regards to the downing of the first German Me262 jet aircraft by the 8th Air Force(78th Fighter Group) near Brussels on August 28, 1944:
A crash landed Me262 somewhere in post WW II France . ( Picture Source: " Fighters of the Mighty Eighth ", William Hess / Thomas Ivie, Motorbooks International, 1990 )
" The German pilot of the Me262 downed on 28 August, 1944, and the pilot of the Me262 downed on 2 October, 1944( credited to P-47 pilots of the 365th Fighter Group(9th Air Force) near Munster ) was the same pilot, Ofw Rony Lauer. I have been corresponding with him since 1996.
He had just completed his sixth bombing mission in a Me262 on 28 August, 1944; returned to his base at Juvincourt, France, when he was ordered to fly to another base at Chieves, Belgium( Patton's Third Army was advancing in the area ). After becoming airborne, his main landing gear failed to retract fully( he used the compressed air supply for the previous landing). This drastically affected his cruising speed and potential top speed. P-47s from the 78th intercepted him at 500 feet and since he was unable to outrun or outmaneuver them, he chose to crash land near the village of Haaltert, about 10 miles northwest of Brussels. Major Joe Myers hit the Me262 as it touched down and it began burning immediately. Lauer jumped out of the cockpit as it slid to a stop and ran away from the burning aircraft. Lt. M. Croy fired at him as he ran across the field and Lauer dropped to the ground. A German salvage platoon picked him up with his aircraft that night, then drove him to his new base at Volkel, Holland the next day. He survived without injury.
Lt. Col. Joseph Myers, 82nd Fighter Squadron, then a Major, was credited with the first Me262 jet victory of the 8th Air Force Fighter Command. Major Myers, 82nd "Surtax" Blue Leader, was flying his assigned aircraft P-47D, MX-S, s/n 42-27339 during the encounter. A picture of this aircraft can be viewed on this web site in the " 8th Air Force Neighbors, 91st Bomb Group, Bassingbourne " section. ( Picture Source: " Duxford Diary ", East Anglian Aviation Society, reprint, 1975 )
On October 2, 1944, he intercepted two P-47s of the 365th Fighter Group( 9th Air Force ) at 9,000 feet and played a "game of tag" with superior speed down to 500 feet, when one engine began trailing white smoke. Then both engines quit. Once again, he had to make a crash landing, this time without power. He was severely injured in the crash and spent two months in the hospital and rehabilitation. The P-47s of the 365th never fired a shot, but were credited with the victory.
Lauer later returned to his unit, KG51, and flew until the end of the war. His letters express little affection for the Me262, which was questionable for it's combat role. As a multi-engine pilot, he greatly admired the Ju88., which he had flown in the Mediterranean theater 1942-1943. It was fast, maneuverable, reliable and could be used in a variety of roles. He also regretted to have to give up his Ju88 crew( 3 men) when he was transferred to flying Me262s on July 21, 1944. The Me262 was noted for a variety of problem: high fuel consumption, inability to accelerate suddenly on takeoff or landing, engine flame outs, turbine blade failures and landing gear failures on grass fields.
Lauer's military history was typical of other German pilots. He was called to service in 1938, after basic training, received training as an engine mechanic and assigned. In the summer of 1939 he was approved for pilot training and completed flight school in 1940. He then trained in instrument and night flying plus operational training in the He111, Ju52 and Do17. As a pilot he flew radio operator trainees for almost one year. In 1941, he was assigned to Konigsberg on the Baltic to fly Ju86 transports to and from the Russian front. In the winter of 1942, he transferred to Ju88 bombers, flying out of Italy against Mdeitterranean shipping, the Allied invasion and occasionally to England in 1943. He was transferred to the Me262 program in the Spring of 1944 and flew out of various bases in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
Upon returning to civilian life, he had difficulty in finding work. Discrimination against former military personnel was common after the war in Germany. He finally found employment with the National Railway and became an engine operator throughout central and northern Germany for many years. He is now retired and lives in Kirchain, approximately 40 miles north of Frankfurt. "
In his book, " Eagles of Duxford "( Phalanx Publishing Ltd., 1991 ), Garry L. Fry writes of the October 2, 1944 encounter :
" Working their way north around the fringes of Brussels, Major Joseph Myers, 82nd " Surtax" Blue Leader, was providing top cover for the Group. At 1915 hours near Tormonde, Belgium flying at 11,000 feet, he saw what he thought was a B-26 going South very fast and very low. Joe dove at 45 degrees registering 450 mph and got right above the bogie at 5,000 feet noting that it was painted slate blue with no markings. The bogie began doing wide ninety degree evasive turns as Myers cut him off from above, right astern, in his 450 mph dive to 2,000 feet. Closing to within 800 yards, it became apparent the stranger was not a B-26. Myers recalled a similarity between the aircraft and Me262 recognition plates.
As he prepared to fire from 500 yards astern, the jet slowed and crash landed in a plowed field. Myers started shooting as it touched the ground and continued pumping strikes into it down to 100 yards getting hits in the cockpit and both engines. The German jet skidded over the field, stopped and caught fire. The pilot, Oberfeldwebel Hieronymous Lauer of the unit Kommando Schenk, jumped out and ran as the rest of "Surtax" Blue Flight came in strafing. In his strafing run, Lieutenant Manford Croy, hit the pilot as he ran away from the jet. The Messerschmitt had been transferring from Juvincourt, near Reims, France to a base at Chievres, Belgium when the encounter took place. "
Chuck Behrens, editor; November, 2000, "Checkerboard"
" WHO DONE IT ?? - TWO 78TH PILOTS COULD CLAIM THE DOWNING OF LUFTWAFFE "ACE ", GERHARD VOGT, JG 26 "
Oblt. Gerhard Vogt was a pilot assigned to Jagdeschwader 26( JG 26 ). Luftwaffe records report that he was KIA in an engagement with Allied P-51s near Koln-Eil(Cologne) on 1-14-45. At the time of his death, his victory claims totaled 48 and he was the Commanding Officer of Staffel 5.
In a letter from W. Mack Palmer and a subsequent response from Bill Hess, it was determined via 78th Fighter Group Victory Claim Reports that one of two 82nd Fighter Squadron pilots could have been responsible for Vogt's demise.
1st Lt. Willard E. "Skip" Warren reports:
" I was flying Rainbow White 3 when, in the Cologne area, I sighted 15 plus bogies on the deck. We were at 26,000 feet at the time and could not identify them, so Rainbow Leader gave me permission to investigate them. I dropped my tanks and dove to the deck. I ran right through and broke up a gaggle of 15 Fw-190s, going to fast to shoot and continued on down to bounce the original bogies I had seen from altitude. I singled out three( two Fw-190s and one Me-109 ) and started pursuit. I got desd astern of the Fw-190s and opened fire, observing hits in both wings and cockpit. He fell off on the left wing and crashed. The pilot did not get out. My wingman, Lt. DeGain( 1st. Lt William DeGain ) gave me excellent cover while I was firing. He then jumped the 109, getting many strikes. I saw another e/a, but as I turned to attack it, I spotted another Fw-190 getting into position on my wingman. I pulled over and up and gave this e/a about a two second burst, firing from 30 degrees left, to dead astern and to 30 degrees right. I observed many hits and the canopy was jettisoned and the plane crashed and exploded. The pilot was unable to get out. I claim 2 Fw-190s. "
An Fw-190A-3 in the 1942 markings of JG 26. This aircraft was the personal mount of Hptm. Josef Priller. ( Picture Source: unknown )
1st. Lt. Robert E. Smith reports:
" I flew Rainbow Yellow 2. Bogies were called out at 1210 hours below us when we were flying at 26,000 feet over Cologne. My flight circled and lost altitude. I called out one bogie going north over Cologne and my flight leader told me to go down. I did and closed rapidly and began to fire at 700 yards. The e/a, a Fw-190, ducked into the fog bank and we began a merry chase on the deck, playing hide and seek. We pulled up for churches and tall buildings and every time the e/a appeared I fired. Finally, I tagged him and saw hits on the tail and then on the left wing and left side of the fuselage. We were about 50 ft. over the north edge of Cologne when the Fw-190's left wing went down and he crashed and exploded in what looked like a three-gun heavy flak position. I claim 1 Fw-190 destroyed and throw in the flak position for good measure. "
This was a banner day for the 78th Fighter Group. With a second Group mission flown the afternoon of that same day, the final score ran up to14 confirmed victories and no losses. It was a bad day for the Luftwaffe, in particular for Oblt. Vogt and 13 of his comrades.
Chuck Behrens, editor; November, 2000, "Checkerboard"
Association Officers :
President - Don Silveus
Vice President - Pete Keillor
Secretary / Newsletter Editor - Chuck Behrens
Treasurer - Kitty Behrens
Previous "Checkerboard" Highlights:
May, 2000 PPPJuly,2000 ___September, 2000
This page was last revised on 1 / 24 / 01
Return to the 78th Fighter Group Page.
