Memorial Day and Veterans Day US Army Air Corp 8th Air Force Food Fun and Facts
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Honoring
American Veterans on
Memorial Day During World War ll, my father Kenneth Loader, was a Tech Sergeant .He was an engineer and a top turret gunner on B17 Heavy Bombers stationed at Grafton Underwood England from 1943-1945. He was in the Eighth Air Force, 384th Bomb Group and the 546th Bomb Squadron. I believe his last mission was on 2-20-1945 and was on was on B17 "Satan's Playmate" Tail # 42-97510 The internet roster shows him as a corporal, but we have his service information and his records show him as a 1st Sergeant and his uniform at the end of the war also is that of a 1st Sergeant, with wings and also specialist patches. My Dad was also awarded for his excellent markmanship skills. He and
his crew members were
among a few of the lucky ones to survive a crash landing after
being hit by
flak. My Dad was from New
Bedford Mass when he enlisted. I know he was in Kingman Arizona
for training and also in Florida, then he was sent overseas. Bill Mclean, Pilot Jack Smith, Co-Pilot Jack Smith, Pilot William Hatch, Co-Pilot Brian Rummel, Pilot Stanley Kloss, Co-Pilot Jacob Fox, Navigator Joe Todd, Navigator Harry Hunt, Nosegunner Clarence Gusitus, Nosegunner Lynn Friend, Nosegunner Richard Homer, Nosegunner Kenneth Loader, Engineer and Top Turret Gunner Radio Operator, Richard Holzbaur Radio Operator, Allen Deen Ball Turret Gunner, Herb Williams Ball Turret Gunner, John Milkevich Ball Turret Gunner, Harry Nead Flexible Gunner, Lynn Friend Flexible Gunner, Tom Martin Flexible Gunner, Harry Hunt Flexible Gunner, Don Brooks Tail Gunner, John Milkevich Tail Gunner, Tom Martin Tail Gunner, Harry Nead Back to Food Fun Back to Home Page
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I remember my dad and uncles watching some of the new war movies produced after 1980, especially army air corp WWll. They would drive us crazy, because they would dissect every line that they knew was no where near true, and then,start talking about how it really was! All they kept saying was "Hollywood!" I do remember my Dad and Uncle discussing the TV show Combat...This was one war show they and would watch the show in silence. I liked the show "Gallant Men" but the men said this was "also Hollywood" How was I to know...I think i was only about 8 or 10 when the shows were aired. List: Captain Jack Smith, Sydney Ohio...Mr Joe Todd, Lincoln Nebraska... Mr. Harry Hunt, Middletown Ohio...Mr John Milkovich, Stone, Kentucky, Mr Harry Nead, Piqua Ohio, Mr Lynn Friend, Yuma Arizona, Mr. Richard Holzhaur, Trenton New Jersey. I remember him mentioning his friend, Bill Mclean...I think the last address he had for him was somewhere in Texarkana. I remember him telling me that they did keep in touch for years. A couple of the aircraft my dad and crew flew missions on: Satan's Playmate, the Challenger and the other names are unknown, and have only the tail numbers. Over the years, my Dad has told he has had many stories to tell about his experiences in the Army Air Corp. I never heard him complain about any hard times, except the extreme cold in the high altitude and sometimes, all they had to eat while in the air were chocolate bars.. Otherwise, all his stories were on a positive note, with some humor, too! Especially about the local women and barroom escapades! I don't think my mom liked listening about the women, but they did not know each other in 1945, so she could not complain too much!
| My Dad just turned 88 on March 28, 2009. Unfortunately, his health is not what it used to be a couple of summers ago. He was a very active and strong person until he had a couple of strokes several months ago. The stroke came as a surprise one evening. He had two major checkups the previous month. The heart doctor and his regular doctor gave him a clean bill of health. If anyone would like to send him a card, which I know he would appreciate, please email me at ajoy@foodfunandfacts.com and I will send you the address. He would love to hear from anyone who loves the US Army Air Corps and other who love all types of Planes! The Eighth Air Force B17 Bomber Store B17 Bomber Tribute Page Please Visit Food Fun and Facts Memorial Day Store 384th Bomb Group, Tribute Page B17 Photo's and Eighth Army Air Corp Information Links to Memorial Day Sites Back to Food Fun
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