Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial Guest Log
In honor of 2nd Lt. Frank H. Draggoo, co-pilot of B-17, "The Esquire," #42-3557, who died on his first mission over Solingen, Germany on 30 Nov 1943.
Fantastic and amazing work! Thank you for bringing Sal back to US!
August 1,2010 Just checking in to see if your project has been completed yet? Harold
This is a fantastic story. I have been doing a similar thing since 1963 with fiberglass automobiles. I am hesitant to mention that here with what you guy's have done! You just have to want something enough.
J.D.MAJOR
P.S. I used to have the fuselage skin piece, from the B-17-F that went down (march,1943) over here by me on it's way to war killing all nine brave fliers aboard, that had black stenciling with A/C type and s.n. etc.but I haven't seen it in a long while.
God bless the Bomber Boys!!
Is Jack Keller of 447th still around??? Haven't heard from many veteran friends for a few years now..heres more names..anthony brickl,7th photo.......ed broadbent,100th bg,......george pirnik,379th bg.......
What was the fate of the other two aircraft and the crews that ditched with 'My Gal Sal.'
It is good to see people doing good. Happy Memorial Day 2010
I feel honoured and proud to have known personally as friends so many of those brave boys...so many names, most gone now, always remembered..a few like Jack Keller 447th bg still around to tell the story...others I hope can see me now from where they rest and know that the likes of us are grateful to all of them and will make sure they are never forgotten..we thank you for our freedom..the like of your generation will never come again....priviledged to know you, American, British and all allied forces
Let peace unite us all.
My father flew with the crew of Our Gal Sal....I have some pictures of my dad in front of the aircraft...his name was John Joseph Williamson....he flew 26 missions and receivced the distinquished flying medal. I also have pictures that they took from the aircraft while on missions.....looks like Shooting going on..lFaye Darby
Looks good Bob. I haven't seen it for a long time. As you know I no longer work for the Flying Heritage collection. but I have taken on a great part of history. Have a look at my web site. Hope all is well. Do you need anything for the 17?
John
I was one of Energy Managers from Air Force Space Command that toured your factory back in mid Feb. We got socked in by the big blizzard that week! Did not get to see the plane! I received the literature on the museum. Thanks for a great visit!
Great work! Glad to see such an outstanding piece of history being preserved for future generations! Keep up the great work!
My grandfather flew 37 missions as a bombardier in his B-17G "Invictus" stationed in Polebrook England. I am in an endless pursuit to fulfill my passion and appreciation of a truly remarkable aircraft and those who underwent the harrowing tasks to defeat the Third Reich.
My great uncle Norbert Moran was attached to the 97th group, 341st squadron and was shot down. He documented his story in 1946. It is an honor and privilege to have know him. Thanks to all of the men who flew on these missions for my freedom.
In 2003 the 390th Bomb Group held a reunion in Erlanger, KY and Bob Ready spoke to the Veterans about his project. He invited us to visit Blue Ash and see "My Gal Sal". We were impressed and fortunately several of us had flying equipment that we donated to the restoration. It is a fantastic effort and we look forward to the next "Update". Best wishes. Melvin L. Johnson, Navigator, 390 BG, 571st Sqdn.
When I lived in Knoxville TN. it was my pleasure to visit the work in progress with my freind Harison (Bud) Golem. I donated some surplus Engine tools to the project. Hope to see it on display soon. Thanks Bob
Ken Watters
I've seen Jack Keller's name mentioned here a few times. Near the end of his tour, he served in the same 711 Bomb Sqadron with my Mother's Brother, Jack Dargacaz. He was a Bombadier with the Moses crew. He went down 11/02/44 having his plane cut in half in a mid air collision on his 6th mission. I have not been able to find much information about him. If Jack Keller has any memory of him or would like to contact me I would appreciate it.
My middle name is taken from Ralf Stinson, and I also am interested in hearing more about his life. If anyone would be so kind to forward me some information, I would be much appreciated. He was my grandfather's brother... My son also has the Middle name DeRalf, which is my grandfather's name and great uncle's name. Thank you so very much.
12/26/07 A great story, reminds me of Glacier Girl. I used to go to KY and watch them work on her. I have two pieces of her I bought at the airport.
I just looked at the photos of this plane and its hard to believe it was recovered from the pile of wreckage in Greenland. You guys did an amazing job! Congratulations!
I was part of a crew that was based in Greenland in the summer of 1965. We received a contract form the Vickers Corp. to fly our helicopter, a H-19 to the crash site to retrive hydraulic pumps etc. for evaluation.Various items were brought back from the aircraft and the crew's flight bags. Have about 10 photos of the aircraft as it sat on the ice cap. We were the frist to visit the aircraft since it went down. If any one would like to see the photos I can E mail them.
Is this plane on Display? My second cousin was involved and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his part in the rescue of the men of the downed plane on the ice caps. My Great-Great Uncle who is 83 would be very interested in seeing a photo of the plane as we are researching our loved one Lieu.Douglas MacDonald who actually ended up being killed in his own plane crash in Cherry Point N.C IN 1943.Thank -You for your time.
Several years ago I visited the hanger where My Gal Sal was being "re-assembled". Additionally, I hear Mr. Ready give a presentation at my Legion Post (Greenhills Post 530).Now, I would like to take my grandson (age 12) to see it when he and his parents visit us this Thanksgiving. He has become a WW II buff, and would be thrilled to have the chance. How can I arrange that?? Thanks for your consideration.
Just thinking about my late father and now all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. For Dad Staff Sgt. Robert W. Christianson US Army Air Corp 1940-1943 China Burma Theater Unfortunately, dad passed in 1981 before I had a chance to get everything about his combat group since the war was something he didn't speak much about without prodding. I do know he was an instrument tech on B-24's and that he was in the same area as Gen. Chennault in the early stages of the war with Japan. His foot locker was looted on the troop ship home and searching for his war records revealed that they were lost in the St. Louis fire of 73. A shame I don't have more of my hero to share with his grand children. Rest In Eternal Peace Dad
Yes, the B-17 "Ye Old Pub" tells alot about the honor that the Luftwaffe had. The story never gets old. God bless these pilots. Blue Skies, Stephan
I am 50 and have been a B-17 buff for about 40 years, I live in Bossier City, LA and work with the Dyersburg Army Air Base Association in Dyersburg/Halls, TN. It was a B-17 training base from '42-'45. I am quite knowledgable on 17's and have many parts/pieces of memorabilia from them. Will log on from time to time to help where i can. Blue Skie, Stephan
Great site....and a great story! Good luck with your completion! Jim
I was born and raised in Cincinnati. I worked at GE Co, Evendale,Ohio until 1961 when I transferred to GE's Missile & Space Division in Valley Forge, PA. I was a B-24 pilot in replacement crew training until the war ended. I didn't fly for 30 years, but I returned to flying, was a CFI until recently, and continue to fly an Aeronca Champ. I had my 1st airplane ride at Col. Hugh Watson's field which may now be Blue Ash if I remember correctly. I am very much impressed with your memorial and will visit it on my next trip to Cincinnati.
Lest we forget. Jim K.
What a beautiful website. I'm a veteran and a former member of Eighth Air Force, SAC, 57th Air Division. Keep up the good work.
My Dad was Lt. Col Merle Hamilton. He was the navigater on Wabbit Twaks with Col. Flagg. I have his scrap book from the war.
Bob Thank you so much for the time you spent with me last Saturday (June 6, 2009). I really enjoyed meeting you, Larry and Sal. I have passed on the photos and your web site to my pal in Texas. Sincerely Gary L. Orendorff
Very interesting. Another example of the courage, and character of the "Greatest Generation". God bless them all.
The B-17 was a beautiful aircraft. When I look at my model I think of the many young men who lost their lives flying them. I am glad there will be one more for the future. Don Q.
My 1st cousin, twice removed, is James O. Cobb who as a 1st Lt. flew a B-17E #12481 called "Topper" during WW2 in the south pacific. James is now 93 and has a vivid memory of those times. I was fortunate enough to talk to him recently and he shared some of his story with me. I hope to learn more about specific missions in the near future. I have always been fond of the B-17 and admire the men who flew them and their sacrifice for our freedom.
I am glad to see things are moving along. i dont no if im talking to bob ready or not ,but if i am hello from washington state. good job. have a look at (jneaircraftrestoration.com) thanks john norman
If there is something that SupportingVets can do to help, please let us know!
A HUGE thank you to all who served, are serving or made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve our freedom, because freedom isn't free
Sent you an email about 2 weeks ago, about Mr. Patrick and have not heard from you I know he is up in age, i'm 70 this year, hope to hear from you. Smitty
Just wanted to say that I am amazed at the work you all have done with this airplane....I mean that cockpit..unbeleivable ....you are truly gifted individuals...thank you for preserving the History for the rest of us to see. Over the next 5 years we shall lose most of are gallant World War Two Vets.....so we must preserve their Legacy and what they have done for the rest of us. God Bless you all............ Simon
Please help!!! I found this site while trying to research Carl C. Bauman, a WWII veteran from Terre Haute. Being a genealogist and journalist as well as my dad having been Air Force in Korea, I hate to see any veteran forgotten in his home town. Carl Bauman, the engineer aboard My Gal Sal passed away in 1966. I am doing research for an article in the local Genealogy publication and need help. If anyone has any photos of Carl, war stories, or information about other planes that Carl flew aboard I'd love to have/hear about them. I will also be requesting a veterans marker for Carl since even that seems to have been forgotten. I have tried to email Carl's brothers as well as a former buddy that signed the guest book and the emails are no longer valid. Any help would be appreciated. PS I love this site, as a child my dad and I lived close to a Navy Air Base and would spend afternoons watching the planes. My job was to identify the planes that flew overhead. I have remained an avid fan ever since.
I've followed the story about My gal Sal for years. I remember seeing the pictures of it when it was first discovered and wondered if it would ever be recovered. This is my first visit to your web site and was impressed with your story and the quality of the restoration. I hope to visit your memorial and see this historical aircraft. Sincerely: Jack R. Wayne
I'd like to commend all involved on such a beautiful job you all have done, I've been a long time fan of the B-17 from when I was a young boy. Congratulations to all of you and am looking forward to visiting your memorial. God Bless you all. Glenn
My uncle Frederick John Sherrod was the ball turret gunner on The b-17 Ramp rooster Number 42-107188 In the 602nd squadron. He had told us stories as to what It was like being in the death trap b-17, and I can only imagine how it would be to have partaken in such an event as they did. Proudly enough, I was named after My uncle fred, and It has always been an honor to carry the name of a man who fought for our freedom in the way he and others so bravely did. He has since passed from cancer, But I do hope that his along with the memories of the others like him live on forever. C.J Sherrod jr
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