Winter 2010-2011 - 390th Memorial Museum

Bulletin
Official publication of the
390th Memorial Museum
Foundation
VOL. XV, NO. 4
2010-11
WINTER
Pilot of the Squawkin’ Chicken, Dewayne “Ben” Bennett.
See page 4 for more about Ben.
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 1
From Your Executive Director
T
he 390th Memorial Museum Foundation’s Board
of Directors has a new member. Jack Durkin has
replaced Bill MacVicar as the 390th Veterans Association Representative. The 390th Memorial Museum
Foundation’s Board wishes to thank Bill for his service and dedication to the board. Bill is currently the
Acting President of the 390th Veterans Association.
Rod and Peggy Church have served as curators for the
museum for a number of years. They have asked to
be replaced due to personal travel and other outside
activities. Karen Bell has accepted the position as
librarian / curator. Karen comes to us from the University of Arizona as an IT Librarian and has been
with us for over a year. She has reorganized the library in accordance with the Library of Congress.
Karen has become a regular contributor to the Square
J reviewing books that are contained within our library. Rod and Peggy will volunteer their services
when they are in town and available. Much thanks to
Rod and Peggy.
architectural and exhibit. The Board of Directors has
not moved forward on any of the design at the date of
this bulletin. A presentation will be done at the Tenth
Annual Reunion in order to keep the membership current on the redesign.
Our 1st annual golf tournament held in December 2010
was very successful. 57 golfers attended for a great
day of golfing. There were several “tall” stories on
how the team just missed that eagle putt. See page 8
for some pictures of a great day at the course and
lunch at the hanger.
The tenth Annual 390th Memorial Museum Reunion
will take place on March 17 – 19, 2011. The information packages were sent out at the end of December.
If you have not received a package, please notify
Meredyth. If you are planning on attending and staying at the DoubleTree Hotel at Reid Park, you must
make your reservations by February 22, 2011 in order
to receive the discounted room price. You must contact the hotel to make reservations. The museum staff
This has been a tough year for the 390th family. We cannot make reservations for you.
lost a good friend in the name of Frank VanNuck. See
page 4 for more information.
Our building redesign phase I and II are now complete. Phase I was the rewriting of the Mission and
Vision Statements. Phase II consisted of the development of a conceptual design of the museum. The engineering firm did an outstanding job in presenting
390TH MEMORIAL MUSEUM FOUNDATION
6000 E. Valencia Road ♦ Tucson, AZ 85756
520/574-0287 ♦ Fax 520/574-3030
e-mail - [email protected] ♦ Website - www.390th.org
OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS
Jim May, President, Director
Don Brooks, Director
Richard Bushong, Treasurer, Director
Frank Drain, Vice President, Director
Allan S. Moller, Secretary, Director
Vonna (Von Arb) Husby, Director
Mary Pennebaker Truitt,
Truitt, Director
Jack Durkin, Director
Michael Darter,
Darter, 95th Bomb Group Representative
STAFF
Emile (Terry) Therrien, Executive Director
Dewayne “Ben”
“Ben” Bennett, Curator Emeritus
Karen Bell, Director, Librarian/Curator
Meredyth Dinniman, Membership Coordinator
William Frostick, Manager B-17 Maintenance
Don Anderson, Volunteer Coordinator
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Laurie Bryan, Descendants Correspondent
Carolyn Beaubien, Director, Research Department
Steve Hanson, Director, Audio Visual Department
“J” Bulletin Editors
Emile Therrien
Meredyth Dinniman
The Square J Bulletin is published quarterly by the 390th
Memorial Museum Foundation, a nonprofit educational
organization. The Foundation is recognized by the Internal
Revenue Service as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. All dues
and donations to the Foundation are tax deductible to the fullest
extent allowed by law. (IRS identification number 94-2764158.)
The 390th Memorial Museum is located on the grounds of the
Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, AZ. The Museum is open
daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Square J Bulletin
Page 2
It’s time to get ready!
March 17-19,
Museum 2011
The 390th Memorial
10th Annual Reunion
Frommer’s April 2010 Review:
You will not want to miss
the illusionists
Sarlot & Eyed at the
Saturday night banquet!
www.danceofillusion.com
The Doubletree
Hotel—www.dtreidpark.com
Tucson’s
DoubleTree Hotel
•
Please plan now to attend the
10th Annual 390th Memorial Museum
Members’ Reunion
in Tucson, Arizona!
Enjoy…
• Fellowship
Entertaining and educational tours and events
• An exceptional Saturday night banquet
• Sunny Southern Arizona!
This in-town high-rise hotel,
with its pleasant orange-treeshaded pool area, is midway
between the airport and downtown Tucson, and is something
of an in-town budget resort (the
Randolph Park municipal golf
course is right across the street).
Guest rooms boast bright colors
and bold contemporary designs,
and there's a big exercise room
by the pool … the gardens, with
their citrus trees (feel free to
pick the fruit) and lawns, are
always tranquil. Guest rooms are
divided between a nine-story
tower that offers views of the
valley (even-numbered rooms
face the pool, odd-numbered
rooms face the mountains) and a
two-story building with patio
rooms overlooking the garden
and pool area.
Registration packets have been
mailed! Let us know if you
need one: [email protected]
or (520) 574-0287.
Contact Us!
The Museum
General questions or comments
[email protected]
Emile (Terry) Therrien
Contact the Executive Director
[email protected]
Meredyth Dinniman
Regarding memberships or dues
[email protected]
Merchandise
Ordering merchandise
[email protected]
Carolyn Beaubien
Regarding research issues
[email protected]
Steve Hanson
Audio/visual matters
[email protected]
Laurie Bryan
Descendants Corner
[email protected]
These addresses can be accessed directly from our website or you may enter them in your address book and contact us
through your regular e-mail program. Contact us! We are eager to get your input on all matters relating to the museum
and the Bulletin.
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 3
VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER
A DOCENT PASSES:
FRANK VANNUCK
Dewayne “Ben” Bennett
I
n October of this past year, the 390th Memorial Museum hosted a representative from the
384th Bomb Group for a special event. Christopher Wilkinson traveled from California with a
B-17G wing panel. This panel is very special in
that it was donated to the veterans of the 384th
Bomb Group to sign. These veterans got the
opportunity to sign at their reunion that was held
in Branson, Missouri in September 2010. Christopher volunteered to travel to Arizona to obtain
the signatures of three more 384th veterans, one
of whom was our own 390th Curator Emeritus
and long-time docent, Dewayne “Ben” Bennett.
Ben was able to sign the panel in a small ceremony held at the 390th Memorial Museum in
front of our own “I’ll Be Around.”
As usual, Ben had the crowd captured in spinning his tales on the war. Those of you who
know Ben know of his exploits in his inability to
start the engines on the B-17 or in the naming of
his aircraft the “Squawkin’ Chicken.” To top it
off, Ben still tells these stories with a straight
face.
Ben has been with the museum since 1985. It is
a true pleasure to have Ben with us. Ben, thank
you for your service!
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
I
t is my sad duty to report to the membership
that one of our own family members has
passed away. Francis “Frank” VanNuck was a
docent for the 390th Memorial Museum Foundation since December 2003. Frank served on
Sunday with the crew during the winter months.
Frank’s summer home was in Anchorville,
Michigan, where he passed away in October
2010.
Frank always had a smile and kind words for our
visitors. He looked forward to coming this year
like past years to be with the Sunday Crew as
they weaved the story of the 390th Bomb Group.
One of his best friends, Ben Bennett, stated that
he still finds it difficult to believe that Frank is
no longer with us.
Frank served in the Army Signal Corps for two
years. His hobbies were gun collecting and aviation. His passing leaves the 390th family with
fond memories of that ever-present smile.
Our warmest thoughts and prayers to Frank’s
wife Wanda and family.
Square J Bulletin
Page 4
Meredyth’s Membership Musings/Interview with Sophie Green
By Meredyth Dinniman, Membership Coordinator
M
embership renewals for 2011 and beyond are
pouring in and it makes all of us at the museum so
happy that many of you are continuing your support. A
lot of descendants and enthusiastic associate members
are signing up which is indicative of an interest by our
younger generation.
I would like to introduce our members to an amazing
young woman from Framlingham, England. At just 16
years old, Sophie is the youngest volunteer at our sister
museum in the, UK, the Parham Airfield Museum. She is
an enthusiastic historian who is very knowledgeable in
war and aircraft. The 390th Memorial Museum feels very
blessed to have her!
What got you interested in the 390th Bomb Group?
I went to the 2007 open day at the airfield and I was
completely fascinated by all the artefacts in the museum.
I was also surprised that all of this went on so close to
home. When Sally B flew over the airfield, I gazed on
with awe by the sight and sound of this magnificent aircraft. All of this immediately got me thinking about the
sacrifices men have been making throughout history for
their country. Everything seemed to have blossomed
from that day, visiting more museums each year and attending air shows. In April 2010 I decided to give up my
free time to preserve this very important part of history.
What is it like to be the youngest volunteer at the Parham Museum?
It is great to be the youngest because I can do things
some of the more mature volunteers are unable to do. We
all get on very well and work as a team. It is nice to be
able to talk to people who have the same interest as me.
What kinds of activities keep you busy at the museum?
There are always things to be done at the museum
whether it is talking to visitors or painting hand rails.
They are all a positive experience and knowing that positive changes are being made is brilliant. I have been busy
all winter changing displays and cleaning the whole museum before opening.
What is your favorite part of the old airfield?
There is so much I love about the base but I would have
to say my favourite part is the old Chapel/Cinema that
still stands. It has such a presence when you walk inside
you can almost hear the laughter of some of the crews as
they watch movies. Although now derelict and empty it
is one building that has such character as this was one of
the places where the squadrons came together as one.
Do you feel that your generation has a good grasp on
the history of World War II?
Unfortunately I don’t think the others of my generation
do have the awareness of their history that they need to.
Despite being taught about it at school it all too quickly
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
gets
forgotten.
When my generation join the cadets
I regret to say they
now no longer are
taught about the
history of their
armed forces. I feel
unless you know
the history you cannot properly appreciate what you are
doing for the future.
Sometimes
you
take a metal detector into the old
Sophie raises our Stars and Stripes airfield. What are
with the utmost care and respect. some of your interesting finds?
Mostly I tend to find small pieces of aluminium and 50
cal bullets. But we do come across the odd interesting
piece. My favourite piece I have found would be the gun
barrel cleaning rod. I just thought it was so different and
to think that many ground crew had held it before me
was just brilliant.
How do you think we can keep the memory of the
390th Bomb group alive in both the United States and
England?
I think we need to somehow entice more younger people
to get involved by maybe inviting schools to look around
the museum and you may just get the odd one that will
be really interested and follow the same path as I did. All
the way through we are going to need to encourage
younger people to get involved to carry on this very important part of
history.
I wish to one day
visit my friends at
the 390th in Tucson but until then I
just want to say a
huge thank you to
my dear friends
not only at the
British museum
but also at the
American museum
for being so supportive. Without
you guys I would Sophie at her self-professed favorite
not be where I am place: the Parham Air Tower, home of
our 390th Bomb Group
today.
Square J Bulletin
Page 5
Cut Bank International Airport
I
n November of last year, the museum received a
visitor from Cut Bank, Montana. Roy Nollkamper
is one of the curators at the Airman’s Museum located
on grounds of Cut Bank International Airport. Roy
was researching information on the 390th Bombardment Group because the 569th Bomb Squadron trained
there during 1943. Roy was able to spend several
hours in the museum with our docents researching
questions.
There are two photos that Roy was able to send to the
museum. One is of a B-17 passing over some Blackfeet tepees on the Blackfeet Indian reservation and the
other is of the base at Cut Bank that was still under
construction at the time. The hangar and the water
tower are yet unfinished. The remainder of the buildings are in typical “short-lived” construction style
used by the military. By 1950, nearly all of the structures you see had been torn down for materials to be
used in construction of residential homes in Cut Bank.
Several remained and were set up as rental units, but
have since been torn down. One has been moved and
still survives in good condition about two miles from
the airport.
five or ten miles west of Browning, Montana which is
on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. According to
their records, the 569th Bomb Squadron was at the
base from early June to late July of 1943. So, it is
quite likely that this was one of their aircraft. However, from July to October 1943, the 613th Bomb
Squadron from the 401st Bombardment Group (H)
were also here for training, so it would be difficult to
definitely establish which of the crews were piloting
Roy and company are currently working on the resto- the B-17.
ration and preservation of the recreation hall and the
At the time the 390th was training here, the Commandarmament building. The hangar still exists and is in
ing Officer’s were Col. Edgar M. Wittan, Group Comexcellent condition and is used daily. Recently, the
mander and Major Robert M. Tuttle, Squadron ComAirman’s Museum obtained state funding to refurbish
mander. During his visit, Roy initially started his rethe exterior of the structure and it looks great. These
search while at the 390th Memorial Museum looking
three structures are all that remain of the base buildfor information on Major Robert M. Tuttle. Roy’s
ings that are in “original” condition. Some of the larinterest was peaked because Tuttle’s son and nephew
ger buildings have been remodeled and are in use by
visited the Airman’s Museum this past summer and
the city and county.
spent most of the day here walking around the base.
The B-17 photograph was taken 4 July 1943 about
The wide angle shot of the base itself was probably
taken in the fall of 1942 according to the records at the
Airman’s Museum. Construction on the base was authorized by the Second Air Force on 6 July 1942; the
base was activated 11 November 1942 with the first
B-17’s arriving on 30 November 1942. A little more
than a year later the base was virtually abandoned
with only guard troops remaining. In 1946, the base
was offered for salvage and later given to the city and
county entities who then re-established it as a civilian
airport.
Western Airlines had come into the airport in June of
1941 and continued to serve the area through the war
B-17 passing over some Blackfeet tepees
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
(Continued on page 7)
Square J Bulletin
Page 6
(Continued from page 6)
and into the 1960’s. Roy states that they have color
16mm movies of Western’s first DC-3 Mainliner
flight into the small terminal using the grass runway.
The runways were paved and greatly expanded compliments of the Air Corps when the base was established.
Interestingly, on 29 August 1941, Secretary of War
Stinson and General Marshall visited Cut Bank. The
trip was ostensibly for some rest and relaxation in
Glacier Park. Apparently, they had some high-level
conferences at one of the large park lodges and at that
time made informal and probably secret arrangements
for the base. On 8 December 1941, the City of Cut
Bank wired the war department and offered the property for the location of a base. According to newspaper accountings, the offer was accepted immediately.
PIMA AIR & SPACE MUSEUM
OPENS NEW RESTUARANT
F
light Grill is now open on the grounds of the
famous Pima Air & Space Museum. A quick
service grill, where you can enjoy fresh salads, Prime
USDA hand-pressed burgers, gourmet sandwiches
and kid's meals. Stop in for a lunch while enjoying
the view of our outdoor collection of aircraft through
floor to ceiling windows. Our outdoor patio features
views of the Catalina Mountains and gives you the
opportunity to watch flight operations across the
street at Davis Monthan Air Force Base. Bring in
your group for a catered lunch or special evening
event!
We thank Roy Nollkamper for all of the assistance in
gathering another fascinating piece of 390th Bombardment Group history.
T
his is a reminder that the handmade quilt
will be raffled off at the banquet on March
th
19 , 2011. The quilt is covered with 390th Bomb
Group pictures of nose art from the some of the
original aircraft that flew in Europe. The quilt is
offered for a donation of $1.00 per ticket. 100%
of the funds are going toward the continuing
education efforts to preserve the history and legacy of the men whose courage, honor and sacrifice helped to gain the freedom and the liberties
we all enjoy today.
Meet our Monday Crew!
The 390th Memorial Museum Foundation is a
501 (c) (3) not for profit organization.
L to R: Bob Darcangelo, Kara Fjerstad, Karen Bell,
Tamara Fultz, Mike Vigue, Carolyn Beaubien, Richard
Beaubien, Gene Radtke, Steve Hanson
I need correct an error that
was made on page thirteen of
the Fall 2010 Square J. The
original author was Tom Drugan, not Emile Therrien. My
apologies for the mistake.
—Emile “Terry” Therrien
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 7
The 390th Memorial Museum Foundation’s
1st Annual Golf Tournament
T
he 390th Memorial Museum Foundation held its first annual golf tournament in December of 2010. This fund raising event raised $520.00 for the Foundation. The golf
tournament was well attended by 57 golfers of all abilities. We gathered at Del Lago Golf
Course in Vail, Arizona, early in the morning. The golf course was in excellent shape
thanks to the staff at Del Lago. The weather was a bit on the windy side at the start while
the golfers were warming up. But as they took off in the shot gun start, the wind quit and the
sun came out in typical Tucson fashion. Our tournament was hosted by EP Sports. Eddie Popovitch made sure
that the tournament went smooth and that the golfers were moving along and having a good time.
The highlight of the day for many of the golfers was lunch catered in the hanger of the 390th. Many of the local
golfers had never been to either the Pima Air and Space Museum or the 390th Memorial Museum. Pima Air
and Space Museum donated a tram and driver to transport the golfers from the museum parking lot to the 390th
hanger. We had our own docents provide a short narrative on the background of the 390th Bombardment Group
during the tram ride. After the luncheon, Richard Bushong gave an informative talk to the golfers on both the
B-17 and what it was like to be a flyer in WWII. Our Board President, James May, was here to represent the
Foundation and gave a brief talk on the history of the 390th Bombardment Group and the museum.
I would like to thank on behalf of the Foundation all of those who participated in the 1st annual golf tournament. I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the golf tournament and catered lunch. We are now looking forward to
the 2nd annual event.
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 8
Joseph A. Moller Library Update: Operation Manna/Chowhound
Karen Bell, Librarian
A
s the war was drawing to a close in the spring of 1945, Operation Manna/Chowhound was undertaken as an Allied effort to drop almost 11,000 tons of food over ten drop zones inside the
Netherlands, which was still occupied by the Germans. The food drops saved a great part of the
population in the large cities from starvation. The RAF flew over 3,100 missions and the USAAF
flew over 2,200 missions. The 390th Bomb Group, led by Colonel Joseph A. Moller, was one of 10
American bomb groups that participated in this humanitarian effort. Initially the Allies were suspicious that the Germans would not live up to their promise not to fire upon the aircraft, but no aircraft
were lost due to enemy fire. Flying B-17’s and Lancasters so low (about 150 meters) to effectively
drop food packages brought challenges to the crews that they had not known with their typical missions.
The book, Operation Manna/Chowhound, by Hans Onderwater is the only book known to have been
published about this event. The evocative photographs included in the book show the people of the
Netherlands gathering the “manna” from the skies. The author’s autographed copy was donated to the
Moller Memorial Library by Mr. & Mrs. Herman “Steve” Guidici in 1989. It is a valuable part of this
historical collection, which is open to researchers by appointment.
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 9
Help Wanted
Once again, we are asking for your help
in identifying crew members.
Can you help?
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 10
Descendants’ Corner
By Laurie Bryan
I
t was just another day in October. My husband and
I made our way to our post office box. As I was
sorting through the stack, I noticed a few bills, a catalog or two and a package from the 390th Memorial
Museum. Pushing the stack of mail headaches aside, I
opened the package to find another envelope that was
originally sent to my attention, addressed to the museum with a return address from England. Inside I
found so much fascinating information from a research
team in London. I felt so honored.
“Rick-O-Shay” 302-0
Gerald F. Richter – daughter Cathy Katchara
Theodore Anchuleta
Carl E. Fannin
Burless L. Dye
“Pinky” 265-4
Harold J. Wolosin
“Norma J” 223-5
Joe S. Henycez
Derrie Edge, a member of the research team for the B17 “Ascend Charlie,” sent me a letter with some photographs. He was graciously asking for my help to locate the families of veterans from the 571st who arrived in Framlingham in July 1943.
If any of you know of the people listed above, please
drop me an email or a letter and I can put you in touch
with Derrie. It’s always so important to keep in touch
with folks and share these memorable stories. We need
to keep these relationships going so that the legacy of
(Apologies in advance if the following names are
World War II and our 390th Veterans lives on.
spelled incorrectly.)
I have provided a picture of Derrie’s sitting room
“Cabin In The Sky” 338-P
filled with pieces of history from Ascend Charlie’s
Robert D. Brown – his wife, Enid “Slugger” Brown
crew. As you can see, he is a huge supporter in proand son Russell A. Brown
tecting the history of World War II.
Robert B. Brunfell
Douglas I. Gordon-Forbe
Thomas J Hart
John P. Tate
Please send me an email ([email protected]) with any ideas you might have for upcoming articles
for the Descendants’ Corner.
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 11
Notes from your Research Department
By Carolyn Beaubien, Research Director
T
his is the time of year when we look back to see just now have over 34 personal stories cataloged in the Library
what we have accomplished in the Museum Research that are available for review by interested persons.
Department in the past year.
There are so many volunteers who worked so hard, donating
In 2002, I started keeping track of the number of inquiries many hours to make the Museum a reality, and which we
we receive each year. We have gone from a high of 385 have eluded to many, many times in the past. This article
inquiries in 2002, to 363 for the year 2010. One inquiry can today has just been a brief update on the growth of the Mutake perhaps 20 minutes to answer, while others can take seum Research Department that many of our new readers
literally hours and numerous emails to adequately answer a may not be familiar with.
complicated request. The Research Department is only open
It seems like not a month goes by that Research does not
on Mondays, so you can appreciate the time taken to rereceive an email from a person in the Netherlands. We have
spond to the many, many inquiries we receive.
a great deal of respect and admiration for the Dutch people
Recently we received an inquiry from a Ph.D. candidate at who are eternally grateful for the sacrifices our nation made
MIT who wanted copies of navigator flight plans complete for them in WWII. I am in contact with a young woman
with handwritten notes by the navigator. This is not a re- who has registered with the Military Cemetery in Margraten
quest that can be answered with a brief email. We were able to attend to the plaque of S/Sgt Lambert J. Geerlings, Crew
to provide the person with the information he requested. #35 (Charles P. Swafford, pilot) 570th BS, which is on the
The cataloging of the items in our archives by our dedicated Wall of Missing at the Cemetery. The names of airmen KIA
volunteers provided us with the opportunity to view Naviga- whose bodies were not recovered are memorialized by their
tor notes by Navigator Bruce Lowe of Squadron #568, name on a plaque and placed on a Wall of Missing (WOM),
which made it possible for us to provide the information the at the appropriate military cemetery. This wonderful woman
person was seeking. I cannot even estimate the hours the had just registered with the cemetery to preserve the plaque
archive volunteers took to accomplish this task, and this was and she wanted to know all about the airman she was asjust one of many inquiries that come to us.
signed. Fortunately, we were able to provide her with Geerlings crew picture and an individual snapshot. Three other
The 390th Research Department really owes its access to
men of his crew are also listed on the WOM, so we also
the vast storage of written historical knowledge on the miprovided her with their name, military history and picture.
crofiche film to 390th veteran, Dick Drain. It was Mr. Drain
Those of you who have buddies in those cemeteries can be
who, after the acquisition of the microfiche from the Naassured their final resting place are well cared for.
tional Archives in Washington, D. C., put those records in a
format that could be read by the Museum computers. He Gene Radtke, our guestbook correspondent, reports the
also created a list of 390th personnel showing combat mis- guestbook had 45 entries this past year. Consequently, he
sions and ground personnel Units. These were the first has been able to devote more time as a 390th docent.
working tools that created the data base of the 390th ReBob Darcangelo continues to be our B-17 "parts expert," as
search Department.
a side-line to cataloging the hundreds of pictures we have
The Research material has over 85,000 pages of microfiche acquired over the years. Bob was recently written up in the
film that was purchased from the National Archives in the local newspaper about the volunteer work he does at the
early '80's. Microfiche film does have a limited life span Titan Missile Museum in Green Valley.
before deterioration takes over. It has been a goal of the
Remarks from the Research Department are really not comResearch Department to have the microfiche digitized in
plete without a mention of our Audio/Visual Director, Steve
order to stabilize it for use by future generations, which is
Hanson. Steve has created displays and is very adept at renow possible thanks to advanced technology. We are very
furbishing old crew pictures that have deteriorated over the
fortunate that our Board of Directors have been very recepyears using the latest non-acid archival papers and mattive to new ideas that enhance the museum experience.
mounting cardboard. Due to our correspondence with many
Many of you old timers (like me) may remember Mike of our veterans, they have donated crew pictures to us that
Howell, who with John Warner and other volunteers at the we did not have. Steve has taken these old prints and with
time, wanted the information contained in the Research computer magic has enhanced them, framed them and
Department to be available to the veterans so they could added them to the Gallery of Crews. We now have 313 crew
review their military history with the 390th BG and their pictures in our Crew Gallery. He has created photo work
descendents could read stories written by their relatives of that would have cost the Museum hundreds of dollars if we
their WWII experiences. Our Personal Stories archive is had to rely on the outside market.
growing as our veterans become aware that we can now
Thank you to everyone in our outstanding 390th Memorial
preserve their stories for future generations to review. We
Museum Research Department!
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 12
William C. Peck
Dedication of the William C. Peck Administration Building
W
illiam (Bill) C. Peck was honored on Saturday, August 28,
2010, by the East Brunswick Independent Fire Company in East Brunswick, New Jersey, with the dedication
of the William C. Peck Administration
Building.
Bill joined the East
Brunswick Independent Fire Company in
November 1952. He
is a Life Member and
over the years served
as Chief, President,
Trustee, and Chairman of the Board of
Fire Commissioners,
District 2, for 23
years. He was a parttime fire inspector
for East Brunswick
Township for 25
years. In 2003, in
recognition of his 50
years of fire service,
the East Brunswick
Township Council
established the William C. Peck Firefighter of the Year
Award.
Inducted into the Army Air Corps at
Hartford, Connecticut in October
1942, Bill graduated from Photo
School at Lowery Field in Denver,
Colorado, and was assigned to the
390th B-17 Bomb Group stationed in
Framlingham, England, where he attained the rank of Technical Sergeant.
He was the Lab Chief of the Photo
Section at the Framlingham Airbase
under the direction of Captain Abe
Kalaf. During his service, Bill attained sharpshooter qualification and
received the Good Conduct Medal, the
European Theatre Campaign Medal
with 7 battle stars, and the Presidential
Unit Citation with oak leaf cluster.
From the time Bill was a child, he was
drawn to fire trucks and that love
drew him into a lifetime dedicated to
the fire service. Born on June 1,
1917, and raised in New London, Connecticut, Bill
joined the New London Volunteer Fire Department
at age 18. He was elected foreman of the Konomoc
Ladder Company No. 2, was a past president of the
New London Volunteer Firemen’s Association, an
honorary life member of the New London County
Fire Chief’s Association, and a life member of the
Konomoc Ladder Company.
Following his service in the Army Air Corps, Bill
was a horticulturist at Connecticut College. In 1952,
Bill and his family moved to East Brunswick upon
accepting a position with the National Board of Fire
Underwriters in New York City. After 30 years of
service, he retired in 1982 as the Staff Supervisor of
Public Protection for the Middle Atlantic Region of
the Insurance Services Office (ISO).
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
On August 28, Bill
was honored to have
the East Brunswick
Independent Fire
Company name its
new administration building after him. Surrounded
by his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren,
nieces, nephews, and friends along with a host of
area fire department personnel and Township officials, the William C. Peck Administration Building
was dedicated. The building dedication was preceded by a recognition of Bill’s years to the fire service. The only thing that would have made the day
even better, was to have Bill’s wife, Jean, be present.
After 60 years of marriage, Jean passed away in
2002.
In July 2009, Bill moved from his home in East
Brunswick to the New Jersey Fireman’s Home in
Boonton, New Jersey. Some of his friends and staff
members at the Fireman’s Home were also present at
the festivities of the building dedication.
Square J Bulletin
Page 13
Donations and Club Memberships
AIR FORCE CLUB
Museum Donors
ithout the generosity of people such as the following Barbara Carr
donors, we would not be able to keep the museum George McKee
doors open. On behalf of all the visitors, past and future, vet- AIR DIVISION CLUB
erans, and descendants who enjoy the museum and marvel in Norman M. Coats
WING CLUB
its wonders, THANK YOU!
Warren Anderson
Daniel J. Coonan
Donations Fourth Quarter Year 2010
Richard S. Finlayson
Harold Mansfield
Anthony Accardo
Albert "Dick" R. Harris
Robert Mayall
Don Anderson
Donald K. Hassig
Randy & Ellen McFarlane (2)
Emily Ann Archuleta
Peter C.Kenny
Donald McKellar
Edda Ashe (5)
Ellis B. McClintick
Brenda Miller (5)
Albert Barrett
John H. McCracken
Paul Miller
Angela Bibby
Barbara Carr Prem
In Honor of Douglas Miller
Kathryn Birnbaum
Martin K. Presswood
Patricia Mott
John Bouton (1)
Alan D.Smith
Russell Munson
Susan Brown
Grover L. Swearingen
John O'Brien
Richard Bushong
John D. Wootten
Sheila O'Brien
Brian Cash
GROUP CLUB
Anna Payden
Barbara Cherry
Adam
Bayer
William Payden
Bonny Kenny Cooper (3)
Arthur
J. Bessler
William Pennebaker
Richard Cowles
Angela
Bibby
Robert Penovich (1)
Bruce David
David
R.
Biddlecombe
John Petagna
Carolyn Klar David
Harry
Bounnell
Jean Pettit
Sidnnie Decker (5)
Donald W. Brooman
Stephanie Procker (4)
Pat Dickens (5)
Margaret E. Brown
Amy Rundberg (5)
Gerald Dow
Russell A. Brown
David Saalfrank
Thomas Drugan
Robert E. Brubaker
Sophie Schubert-Dunham
F. Keith Duppenthaler
Richard B. Bushong
Leonard & Mary SchwartzJacalyn Durrett
Jan Campbell
Barbara Scully
Donna Dusso (2)
Purvis Christian
Jean Simonitsch
William Ellett
Joe Commisto
In Honor of Ray & Sally
Terry Joan Elrod (5)
Helen M. Davis
McFalone
Gary Enoch
Taylor Grout Deshon
Marc Stump
Eugene Ensing
Armand DiSchiavi
Victor Tennery
Ann Wiseman Everly
Gerald Dow
Frank and Jean Fournier (5) Donald Thomas
David Draggoo
Jim & Mary Truitt
Susan Freeman (5)
Daniel F. Dull
Al Tschudy
Norman Freund
Grover Dycus
Jack White
Harry Frostick
Louis C. Eldredge
Dane Wills
Nancy Grout
Cheryl A. Ellefson
Ember Wright
Curtis Hartman
Daniel B. Engelbrecht
Gregory Yoder
Mark Henderson
Vincent Evans
Thomas Zuchowski
Wilbur Hendrix
Fantasia Fairchild
Michael Howell
Wayne J. Ferguson
John & Rhonda Irwin (4)
Brian J. Flax
Burk Jisa
Raymond C. Foppiano
Irene Kauffman (2)
Christine Kenny Frisbee
Randy Kautz
In Memoriam...
Marie Ann Galletti
Kenneth Keen
1 Jack Bouton
Frank Germano
Christopher Kenny (3)
2. Nevin G. Kauffman
Kathleen Gilcrest
Robert Knobel
3. HJ Kenny, Jr.
John Gilcrest
Marjorie LaFoe
4. Wayne Neiss
Kathleen Gilcrest
Nancy Lamphere
5. Herbert Showers
Robert W. Ginn
Maurice Ledford
6. Roger J. Sterr
Marjorie H. Grout
Patricia Manders (4)
Jane C. Hackett
W
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Randy Hannon
Larry A. Hartman
George Hartman
Joye M. Harwell
John A. Heasley
Annette D. Hill
Charles R. Hills
Robert Jesko
Robert Jones
Kim Jurick
Craig S. Kamansky
William R. Koller
Paul R. Lasky
Paul L. Lawson
John R. Lehman
Samuel J. Linn
Martha W. Lufkin
Richard P. Luke
William M. MacVicar
John Magill
Elden G. Marquardt
Donald McKellar
Edward P. Minerley
Lisa Ford Nogar
Else O’Neill
Leon Petruk
Robert T. Pinkus
Ken Poortinga
Jacob Popik
Gary A. Prebilsky
Cliff Puckett
Jim Re
Cecil A. Richardson
Joseph J. Rimassa
Lawrence L. Rosenthal
John E. Schneider
Barbara Scully
George M. Shutes
Marshall Smyth
R. Wayne Snider
Richard E. Steele
George H. Stewart
Helen & Thomas Stinnett
Patrick E.Taylor
Victor Tennery
Jack W. Thomson
William J. Turner
Deborah A. Tyler
George W. Von Arb
Leo Vydro
Michael A. Walker
Claude E. Webber
Patricia K. White
Roger Wilcox
Scott Wilcox
Thomas J. Woodhouse
Jennifer J. Yapp
Page 14
Merchandise & Publications Order Form
Publications
Anthology II
Attire
$25
Official Museum Polo Shirts
Personal experiences of the 390th Bomb Group men.
World War II Stories
$20
A collection of personal experiences of the 390th men (2008).
Story of the 390th Bomb Group (Blue Book) $75
T-Shirts
$14
Our 2010 reunion shirts are a dark navy with beautiful diagrams
of the top and side of the B-17 on the back with the words 390th
Memorial Museum, Tucson, Arizona; the front has the 390th patch
on its top left.
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL
History of the 390th Bomb Group, 472 pages.
A Story to Remember…
$7
Booklet outlining the creation of the 390th museum.
Video
Pistol Packin’ Mama
$19
Available in Red, White, or Blue
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL
$22
DVD Documentary of the crew of this famous aircraft (57 min).
The Men Who Were There
$21
DVD documentary with personal accounts and museum scenes (97 min).
Nose Art Slide Show
$10
Official Museum Caps
$13
Red, white, or khaki.
Official Museum Patriotic Caps
$15
White with red, white and blue flag bill.
Official Museum Bucket Hat
$15
Khaki.
CD with over 60 photos of Group aircraft and their fates.
POW DVD
Top Cover
$15
Lithographs
$22
20 X 30” poster of this famous WWII photograph.
First Over Berlin
Denim Shirts (long– or short-sleeved) $25
Sizes: Small, Medium, Large, XL, XXL
$14
Mementos
11 x 15” color print of the 95th Bomb Group’s first mission to Berlin.
Patches and Pins
390th Bomb Group Patch
$12
Embroidered, sew-on patches.
Squadron Patches
$8
Indicate which squadron: 568th, 569th, 570th, 571st
Liberty Belle Model
$22
Replica in 1/155 scale of the B-17 Liberty Belle.
390th Tote Bag
$50
Grey 58/72 polyester/cotton; 17 x 17”.
390th Throw
$65
Grey woven 100% cotton; 50 x 60”.
Photos of merchandise available at www.390th.org/store/
390th Night Light
$18
390th Memorial Museum ◊ 6000 E. Valencia Rd ◊Tucson AZ 85756
[email protected] ◊ www.390th.org ◊ (520) 574-0287 ph. ◊ (520) 574-3030 Fax
Description
Qty.
Price
Subtotal
Name
Address
Phone/E-mail
Method of Payment
Domestic shipping & handling prices included: for
international shipping, please call for rates.
Check #_______
Money Order
Visa
MasterCard
Credit Card #
Exp. date
Discover
Order
total:
Additional
Donation:
Membership
Dues:
Total:
Signature
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 15
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Membership Application and Donation Form
6000 East Valencia Road
Tucson, AZ 85756
Phone: 520/574-0287
Fax: 520/574-3030
e-mail: [email protected]
Name___________________________________________________ □ New Membership
Address________________________________________________ □ Renewal
City, State ____________________________________________ □ Gift Membership
Zip ___________
Spouse’s Name _______________________________
Phone _____________ Fax _____________ E-mail_______________________
Please check the appropriate membership category and select your method of payment. Return this form to
the address above. Credit card information may be faxed.
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
□
Bomb Group or SMW Veteran
$20
□ Spouse
$25
□ Descendant (of whom:____________________) $25
□ Associate
$25
□ Life Member (390th BG Veteran)
$250
□ Life Member (Others)
$1,000
390th
SUPPORT CLUBS
Support Clubs offer you the opportunity to provide additional support to the Foundation.
□ Group Club
□ Wing Club
□ Air Division Club
□Air Force Club
$100-$499
$500-$999
$1,000-$3,999
$4,000 and more
DONATION
Enclosed is my additional donation of $___________________ in support of the Museum.
The Foundation is a non profit organization and donations and dues are tax deductible as allowed by law.
PAYMENT INFORMATION
□ Check or Money Order Check Number: ______ Total Amount: ____________________
□ Visa, MasterCard, or Discover
Card Number _____________________________________
Name on Card: ___________________________________________________
Expiration Date: _________________
Signature: __________________________________________________
390th Memorial Museum Foundation
Square J Bulletin
Page 16