Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial Guest Log
Read in March 2005 Aeroplane Magazine article about restoration of B-17 "MY GAL SAL" in OHIO. I can relate to the situation of recovering and Restoring of a Bomber. I am restoring a twin engine bomber (BRISTOL BOLINGBROKE)at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton, Ont. I recovered eight abused airframes to restore to flying status One Bolingbroke. I also found it most interesting that my last name is READY, like Bob Ready who is restoring the B-17 In Ohio. Must be something about the Name that drives him and I to pursue the same adventure. It appears we are about six hours apart by car. I think the two of us should get together (the Ready boys) and discuss our common interests. Their is also a article in the same magazine, Pg 70,71,72,& 73, about the recovery of a Bolingbroke in 1980. A Lysander is also being recovered in the same article. We, the Canadian Warplane Museum, have a Lysander which will be completed within the next two months and ready for flight testing. Bob and I have lots in common including the last name. Wayne A. Ready, Coordinator, Bolingbroke Project
I truly enjoyed your website and admire what you are doing. My father, Robert E. Powers was a B-17 Pilot in the 306th Bomb Group, 369th Bombardment Squadron (Fitin Bitin). He was stationed in England from 1943 to 1944. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross, on his first mission as co-pilot. The plane was severely damaged and the pilot was killed at the controls. He had to wrestle the controls from the pilot and safely land the plane. He also received the Air medal 5 times. I just lost my beloved father in June, and am hoping to locate anyone who knew him or any living members of his crew. These men were truly the "Greatest Generation" Thanks Again!!!
What your doing is great. Can't wait to see the end result. History like this is priceless.
ONE OF THE CREW, CPL CARL C BAUMAN WAS MY HALF BROTHER. I WAS IN OHIO TO SEE PART OF THE PLANE AS IT WAS BEING RESTORED. WHAT A TRIBUTE. I HOPE SOMEDAY TO SEE THE FINAL RESTORATION.
How has the project gone? Are you finished? I see no updates for a year or two. Best wishes for a wonderful project. A/3c Leon C. Gall.
My supervisor gave me the link to this website, knowing that my father is a retired Naval Aviator and Veteran of WWII. Also, my daughter's history teacher mentioned this project to us recently. This is one of the most inspirational stories I've heard in a long time. Thank you for what you are doing to preserve the memory of these gallant individuals and their aircraft.
i fully agree.
I was directed to this site while searching for info on my Dad's group. Good luck on the restoration project. I am looking for any tidbits, photos, etc. on the 369th Bombardment Squadron in Bedford, England. Thurleigh. My Dad's name is Frank L. Berg. My Mom was born in Bedford and worked at the base. They married and moved to the US after the war.
Looking forward to a visit to your site sometime this summer.
My brother-in-law was a waist gunner on a B-17 in England in the "The Lucky Bastards of the Bloody Hundreth Squadron" during 1943& 44. He survived 25 missions and attributes that because of the B-17. This is a GREAT site and "My Gal Sal" should be preserved for the memory of the hero's of the B-17's. God Bless you all.
I think it is better to not fly the aircraft because if it gets used it will wear out. The aircraft needs to be a memorial for hopefully forever. It looks like the aircraft has been restored to the highest possible standards. I commend your work!
I live next to U.S.A.A.F base Chelveston that flew B-17.S during W.W.2. Thank you for a great site and thanks for being here (England) that secured our freedom in W.W.2.
My husband, Charlie, was a navigator on a B-17 during the summer of '44. He was with the 15 Air Force, 2nd Bomb Group and stationed in Foggia, Italy. I am glad I have found this web site. Taught navigation in San Marcos, Texas after returning home after his missions.
YOU'RE A GREAT AMERICAN.
Was just simply browsing around aviation sites in general, while thinking of my Dad. He was a pilot in the Navy. He flew the Grumman S-2 tracker and was one of the most intelligent beings that I have ever encountered. I guess that being that smart was a pre-requisite to the career, (carrier) I'm missing him so badly right now, he was only 57 and I am 35. Far too young to lose such a big figure in my life. I will see to it that something is dedicated in his memory. Thanks for having me, I am also a pilot, not to be confused with an , aviator, says Dad, jokingly as I show him my license.
Would sure like to find the gunner who bailed out of his 17 over France and stayed with the 1301st Engr GS Regt for sometime, until the underground got him back to England. I believe his name was IRVIN CRONE and he was from somewhere in CA. Our outfit was assigned to Patton's 3rd Army in Europe and we got sent straight to Hollandia, New Guinea two weeks after VE Day. Any help appreciated.
Nice site, I have always liked the Flying Forts and what they did to bring the German war machine to it's knees. May God bless all the aviators for their sacrifices.
I was part of the recovery team of My Gal Sal, I was at the Ice Cap when she was recovered. I was just wondering what ever happened to her and if Her home has been built, & where she will be displayed. Please respond if you will. Sincerely, Greg Winschell