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Viewing 312 items by recent comments

	Image	TitleAA BB CC DD EE FF GG HH II KK LL MM NN OO PP RR SS TT UU VV WW YY
261		Shack, The Class 43-03, San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-03 at San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas. [1] Capt Alison Chapman (04-Dec-2022 11:27 AM) Thank you SO much for including this! I have been furiously searching for records about my grandfather, who died in an F-84 crash in ?49, for over a decade and just saw this yearbook for the first time which has his photo. I cried with joy stumbling upon another piece of the puzzle! Thank you for your work helping families like mine recover and protect our legacy and the sacrifice of our predecessors.
262		Shack, The Class 43-04, Big Spring Flying School, Big Spring, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-4 at Big Spring Flying School, Big Spring, Texas. [2] theck343 (06-Oct-2019 09:17 PM) Robert C. "Bob" Ryan was killed in a plane crash in Pennsville, NJ, on 18 October 1944, after returning from combat in the Pacific with the 43rd Bomb Group. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133986053/robert-clarence-ryan [1] Gary T Staffo (18-Feb-2019 02:55 PM) My Uncle Lt John C Staffo Class 43-06 got his AAFBS Bombardier Wings at Big Spring, TX and was KIA with the 99th BG 348BS on October 10, 1943 on a mission flying from Oudna Field in Tunisia to bomb the Tatoi Aerodrome near Athens, Greece. He bailed out over the Gulf of Corinth with 4 others, of which only one, FO George Rohrer, Co-Pilot survived. My Uncle and three others were strafed in their parachutes by a JG-27 pilot. The B-17 F 4230446, "Her Majesty" piloted by Sam Gilmor attempted to make an emergency landing because the remaining 4 crew members were too seriously wounded to bailout. 446 attempted to surrender by lowering her wheels, but the international sign of surrender was ignored, and witnesses in the village of Panareti Greece near where 446 crashed claim she was strafed almost all the way down. I am looking for anyone else who has information from other members of the 43-06 Class, especially letters, photos, etc. Please contact me directly and check out Lou Tholes book Forgotten Fields Volume IV - Then and Now which includes AAFBS Big Springs, TX and a photo of my Uncle and excerpts from letters he wrote while there. You may contact me by email at gary.staffo@hq.doe.gov. I also am the 2nd Vice President for the 99th Bomb Group Historical Society (BGHS). Check out our Website www.99bombgroup.org
263		Shack, The Class 43-05, Big Spring Flying School, Big Spring, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-5 at Big Spring Flying School, Big Spring, Texas. [2] Robert Chambers (04-Aug-2018 07:36 AM) I am looking for more photographs of my father Claude Lamar Chambers Jr. [1] Robert Chambers (04-Aug-2018 07:08 AM) My Father, Claude Lamar Chambers Jr.
264		Shack, The Class 43-09, San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-09 at San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas. [1] Steven Firman (11-Mar-2020 03:48 PM) My father 1st. Lt. William B. Firman graduated class 43-9 June,23,1943 . I have his class book , blue leather bound invitation to ceremony along with a pamphlet from SAAAF School . His A2 Jacket , DFC , Air Medal w/ silver OLC , EAME w/ 4 brz. Battle Stars Congressional Gold Medal . He Navigated 39 night lone plan B24 Secret low level missions into France as air arm of OSS 801st/492nd. BG. CARPETBAGGERS . Would love any response from anyone . " God Bless Em' All" Steve Firman
265		Shack, The Class 43-10, San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-10 at San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas. [2] john j hedrick IV (25-Sep-2018 09:55 AM) thanks so much for the photo of my dad , john j hedrick III (as I only have 2 or 3) , he looks very happy! p.s. I did not know he was a cadet officer, wow! [1] AB (19-Dec-2017 04:56 PM) Thank you for posting this book documenting the graduation of my dad. I remember reading through it as a kid when rummaging around in the attic and it had a big impact on me. I look forward to sharing with other family members. I always wondered how the other classmates fared throughout the war. My dad obviously survived and passed away in 2011 at 92. He was proud to have served. He was one of the lucky ones.
266		Shack, The Class 43-11, San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-11 at the San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas. [4] SamEugenePennartz (19-Apr-2022 02:42 AM) 1Lt Jack Warren Mathis (Medal of Honor Recipient) is remembered in this 'Shack' 43-11 dated 5 Aug 1943. Jack enlisted in the US Army in June 1940 and transferred to the US Army Air Corps to join his brother Mark. After completing his aviation cadet training at Goodfellow Field, Texas, he was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and was sent to England. He flew 14 combat missions as an Aerial Bombardier with the 359th Bomber Squadron, 303rd Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force. KIA: 18 March 1943 in the sky over Germany. MOH awarded posthumously 21 Sept 1943. [3] Kathy Smith (29-Mar-2014 08:12 AM) Mike, I'm so thrilled to have discovered this publication. My step father is Leon B. Slobodzian. I know he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Metal with three Leaf Clusters as a B-17 Lead Bombardier but I only have one photo of him in uniform with three of his buddies. Sadly this amazing, kind and gentle man passed away on Dec 10, 2001. My research is for our family tree and I'm happy to say this will become an important attachment. Thank you so much! [2] Katie (11-Nov-2013 11:55 PM) Hello- I came across this when searching for my great uncle 2nd lt Francis Leo Barr. He went MIA on feb 4, 1944. Do you happen to have pictures of him from this year book? Or any directions to where I can get some? I am sure it will make my pappy's (and his younger brothers) year. [1] Michael Hernandez (19-Sep-2012 02:29 PM) This yearbook shown is a copy of the original which graciously shared with me by the family of Lyle M. Nelson. His name is on the second page (inside front cover) and his photo can be found on page 35.
267		Shack, The Class 43-16 DR, San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-16 DR at San Angelo Army Air Field, San Angelo, Texas. [2] Mike Voisin (26-Feb-2012 10:51 AM) @Rory, you can post a comment here stating you are looking for a particular year or a year and class number. Someone may notice it. I also have a couple volumes in the pipeline that I will post. Volumes sometimes come up for auction on eBay. You can also contact a public library or historical society near the base. They may have a number of volumes in their collection. Otherwise, sign up for AAF Collection update notifications (on the home page) to be notified when new items are added. [1] Rory McGahan (26-Feb-2012 10:07 AM) Hi, I am trying to locate the "Shack" that my father was in. Do you know of any resources? Respectfully, Rory McGahan
268		Sheppard Field Handbook for Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas Handbook for Sheppard Field, Wichita Falls, Texas. An introductory guide for new personnel. [1] Ted Perry (10-Jan-2015 11:36 PM) I went through basic training at Sheppard Field in Sept 1944, remember it as hot when we got there, turned freezing cold shortly after. Water was terrible, undrinkable, had lister bags set up for drinking.
269		Slipstream Class 43-K, Garner Field, Uvalde, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 43-K at Hanger Six, Inc., Garner Field, Uvalde, Texas. [2] Amber Hall (20-Dec-2019 05:26 PM) I am looking for any pictures of my uncle, Edward Roth Hood. Iknow he was in class 43-K and spent time at Garner Field, and at Hobbs New Mexico. Is he in this book at all? [1] Jim Riche (18-May-2014 06:36 PM) My father graduated in class 43-K. Enjoyed see a complete booklet, I have a copy but not in as good condition. He did Uvalde (Primary), San Angelo (Basic), and Lubbock (Advanced) where he got his wings. He was sent to the Pacific Theater and flew C47 and C46 in New Guinea and New Guinea to the Philippines. Was killed in an airplane accident off Owi Island on Feb 5, 1945.
270		Slipstream Class 44-J, Garner Field, Uvalde, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 44-J at Garner Field, Uvalde, Texas. [1] Rachel S (08-Dec-2021 01:03 PM) Thank you so much for posting this! I found my Papa Joe in it
271		Solo Class 43-G, Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 43-G at the 9th Army Air Forces Flying Training Detachment (AAFFTD), Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas. [1] Paul Webber (21-Mar-2020 03:13 PM) Wilburn E. Furr is in this book. He went on to serve as a pilot in the 487th Bomb Group at Lavenham, England. He was killed in action due to a midair collision during the 487th Bomb Group mission to Bielefeld, Germany on September 30, 1944. He is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Concord, North Carolina. See: https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78093113/wilburn-eugene-furr
272		Solo Class 43-H, Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 43-H at Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas. [1] Hugh D ROWDY DOW (05-Nov-2012 12:00 AM) A Feerless and aggressive fighter-Bomber pilot and an outstanding comrade-in-arms. I served with 346th Sqdn from its activation in England in October 1942 to Sept44, when I was sent over to 347 Sqdn to become CO of that SQdn., ( we were at Tarquinia Italy, 40 miles up the coast from Rome, at the time)Jim joined us in Sardinia and served with the 346th Squadron from FEBRUARY 1944 TO January 1945, completing at least a 100 mission tour at Pisa Itly after flying combat missions in both the P-39 Airacobra and P-47 Thunderbolt fightes prior to retrning to the US.
273		Solo Class 43-K, Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 43-K at the Pacific Flying School, Ltd., at Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas. [1] Jimmie R Smith (04-Aug-2013 09:43 PM) A few years ago I saw a copy of the bottom photo on page 13 of SOLO 43-K on the internet. Although it had no names our family correctly identified our dad, Ovide Smith, as the 3rd person from the left on the bottom row. We have dad's volumes of SOLO 44-A, C, and E. Thank you for posting the SOLOs.
274		Solo Class 44-B, Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 44-B at the Pacific Flying School, Ltd., at Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas. [2] GC (03-Oct-2016 02:10 PM) There is a picture of John E. Smith in this book as a Flying Instructor. I had and Uncle John Enoch Smith in Fort Stockton, TX. Would this happen to be him? Any information on this picture of John E. Smith? Please post your answer to this website. Solo Book 44-B. I will be checking for answers! Thank you! [1] Marty Hankee Barbush (13-Oct-2012 08:16 PM) I have my father's ( William Byron Hankee )copy of Solo and was pleasantly surprised to see this appear in the collection. I've enjoyed reading all of the comments made among fellow cadets and friends. I shared this site with my older brother who informed me that he was named after the cadet pictured next to my father ( Quentin C. Hanel ); something I had not known. Thanks to the AAFC for establishing this wonderful website and honoring those who served. Marty/Rick Barbush
275		Solo Class 44-C, Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas Class book for primary pilot class 44-C at the Pacific Air School, Ltd., at Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas. [1] Kenneth Smith (12-Apr-2022 11:23 PM) I have 44 C one of my Dads books. His name is Ovide Smith, and was a flying instructor at Gibbs Field.
276		Solo Class 44-E, Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas Class book for pilot class 44-E at the Pacific Air School, Ltd., at Gibbs Field, Fort Stockton, Texas. [1] Bruce Demsky (28-Nov-2008 03:44 PM) My father, Bruno Demsky, was a civilian flight instructor at the Pacific Air School in 1944, in Ft. Stockton, Texas.
277		Sweet Bombing Class 43-14, Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas Class book for bombardier class 43-14 at Midland Army Air Field, Midland, Texas. [1] Paul Webber (11-Mar-2020 04:30 PM) I found eleven veterans of the 487th Bomb Group in this book. They were all commissioned on October 7, 1943: 1. Thomas S. Mackie, 956 Anchor Street, Philadelphia 2. Francis W. Moan, 229 Auburn Street, Auberndale, Massachusetts 3. Stanley A. Slusarczyk, 248 Pringle, East Carnegie, Pennsylvania 4. Cecil J. Smith, Nemaha, Iowa 5. Theodore G. Tatsios, 122 Dummer Street, Lowel, Massachusetts 6. Franklyn Richard Theriault, Goshen Road, Salem, Ohio 7. Norman Tipograph, 1316 East 8th Street, Brooklyn, New York 8. Arthur R. Wright, 295 South Main Street, Warsaw, New York 9. Vitold A. Zalneraitis, 221 So. Common Street, Lynn, Massachusetts 10. Rudolph J. Zebora, 15 Hobart Street, Meridan, Connecticut 11. Walter V. Zmud, 322 Saratoga Street, Cahoes, New York Four of these men were killed in action: Thomas S. Mackie, Stanley A. Slusarczyk, Cecil J. Smith, and Rudolph J. Zebora. One of these men, Vitold A. Zalneraitis, became a prisoner of war.
278		Take Off 317th College Training Detachment, Montana State Univeristy, Missoula, Montana Class book for the 317th College Training Detachment (CTD), Squadron 1, at the Montana State University, Missoula, Montana. [1] Daniel Piper (23-Jan-2019 04:26 PM) My Mother, Jo Flaherty, was enrolled at the University at this time. She belonged to the Alpha Phi Sorority, whose sorority house was requisitioned for Cadet housing. she married a local fellow, my father (also an Army Air Corps Pilot), upon his return after the War. She related that the co-ed student population was very happy to have these boys come to Missoula, for most of the able bodied fellows had gone off to war. I would imagine these Cadets were just as pleased!
279		Take Off Class 43-I, Blackland Army Air Field, Waco, Texas Class book for pilot class 43-I at Blackland Army Air Field in Waco, Texas. [1] Mark Erickson (03-Jul-2014 09:06 PM) Wow. This is incredible to come across. My father is in here, Ernest Anders Erickson. Many thanks for posting the PDF file, so i can see the whole book, and it was a thrill to come across my dad. I have that photo, but never knew it was from his graduation at Blackland on October 1, 1943. Many many thanks.....Mark Erickson.
280		Take-Off Class 43-B, Blackland Army Flying School, Waco, Texas Class book for advanced pilot class 43-B at Blackland Army Air Field, Waco, Texas. [2] Nicole Milton (25-Mar-2024 01:34 AM) My grandfather, Jack Milton is also in this book. My dad has a copy of it also and I am working on writing a biography for my grandfather. However, finding information about him is proving very difficult. [1] Dan Beverly H Reigle (28-Oct-2018 04:01 PM) We are thrilled to find this copy of this class book. Beverly's father, James R. Butler, is on pdf page 34, and his friend Barlow Brown is on pdf page 33. They were "best men" for each other's wedding, Browns' just before they left Blackland, and Butlers just after they arrived at Gowen Field in Boise for B-17 transition. Butler flew 54 missions in the 301st BG in the Mediterranean theater, and remained in the AAF/USAF after the war until he was killed in a B-26 accident flying out of Biggs AFB in 1949. Brown flew in the 388th BG out of England, was shot down on 6 Sep 1943, and interned in Switzerland until the end of the war. He lived in Seattle until 1980. Many thanks for collecting these materials and making them available. Dan

New: Items added or revised in the last 30 days.
	Series: Different items with the same title.		Copies: Identical items, with different attributes.		Collection: A group of related items.