Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial Guest Log
Dear Bob and Scott I found some pieces of My Gal Sal in my storage building several weeks ago and was interested on the progress to date. I recently nominated Gary to the Hall of Fame at the local high school where we graduated from in Auburn. If you hear from Gary keep this info. under your hat, it's a surprise. I trust all is going well. Give me a call if you have a need for a couple of parts. Regards, Don Carroll 916-799-8284
I have a listing for my father-in-law George A Ganem. If I can I would like to update my email address. My new address is will_d_s@suddenlink.net. Thanks Don Will
I saw her being hauled /stored in Newcastle, CA just down the road from Auburn in early 2000. The front fuselage had been restored, was wrapped in white commercial grade plastic and looked absolutely beautiful. The attention to detail and quality of restoration work was "Second To None"! I hope to see the exhibit someday!
I was stationed at Bassingborn,England, 91st Bomb Group,401st Squardon and flew 25 Missions Over Germany as a Tailgunner,a Waistgunner and Radar Operator. A list of missions follows: Leipzig-9/18/44,Kassel-9/19/44,Mainz-9/21/44,Kassel-10/2/44,Nurnberg-10/3/44,Neubrandenburg-10/6/44,Frankfurt-11/5/44,Harburg-11/6/44,Mersburg-11/21/44,Berlin-12/5/44,Dresden-2/12/45,Gelsenkirchen-2/16/45,Nuremburg-2/20/45,Stendal-2/22/45,Leipzig-2/27/45,Kassel-3/9/45,Oskabruck-3/15/45,Oranienburg-3/16/45,East of Rhine Air Field-3/24/45,Berlin-3/28/45,Halle-3/31/45,Stendal-4/8/45,Oranienburg-4/10/45,Neumunster-4/13/45,Regensburg-4/16/45. I think it is great that you have this program.
My dad flew with the 95th bomb groub Horham England 44 to 45 he was co pilot on Deshazzo Crew 25 missions 5 chow hound missions to Holland God Bless all our flight and ground crews George
Thank you to all who gave in the service and thank you to the families that were effected by their loss of a loved one.
I am one of the last 2 0f the 6 survivors of the b17 that crashed at Crown point Co.. I was one of the two crew members who hiked 11 hours for help and my name is on the monument at one of the trailheads that was dedicated on the 50th anniversary of the crash. I am amazed on how many people visited the crash site. I am now 90 years old and the experience is still as clear in my mind today as the day it happened.
God bless our troops...I am so proud to be American!
As a young man, my father, Gerald E. Dixon, flew 28 combat missions in a B-17G over occupied Europe (May-Oct 1944) with the 398th BGp, 602nd Bomb Sq stationed at Nuthhampstead, UK. At the time, he was TSgt top turret gunner and Engineer. Remaining in the Air Force and becoming commissioned officer, he flew B-29's over Korea from Itazuke AB, Japan as bombardier. Hence, my love for aerial warbirds especially B-17's. Every time one visits Spokane, I feel as though an old friend has arrived and must go to meet her.
My great uncle Sgt. Steve Breining was the tailgunner on My Gal Sal. he was MIA presumed KIA in action over North Africa. I have the actual oil pressure gage, and the radio from this plane! If anyone would like to contact me regarding this, please contact via e-mail @ dennisbreining@yahoo.com
im vary intersted in the b-17 and the more in to them i get im seeing there was not all ways a belly gun somethang i did not know thank and keep them alive
My father flew a B-17 named My Gal Sal and we have not been able to recover anything about his military history. The B-17 he flew was a model E and named for my mother (then girl friend) Sara Alice Walker. Do you know who flew the 'My Gal Sal' in WW II? Would love to hear gfrom you regardless of the answer. God Bless you and the restoration team, Happy July 4th.. Wilbur James (JimRowland 12006 Hycroft Live Oak (San Antonio), Texas 78233
Thank-you for recording the history and commitment of the people who made our present exactly what it is; "a present".
I was at a airshow at Blue Ash a few years ago and seen My Gal Sal and was just checking to see how she was coming along.
I was unaware that Sal was in the area. Sounds like a roadtrip comming up soon.
I just located this site. I'm so glad that "Sal" is being restored. The work is impressive. After "Glacier Girl" was recovered, I thought that they had determined not to try to recover the B-17s. I'm so glad that I was wrong and someone desided to save her. I read about "My Gal Sal" when I was in grade school, and have always been intrigued with the rescue of the crew. Fantastic. Keep up the good work.
My fathers cousin, Thomas Laskowski was the radioman on board, My Gal Sal. Very nice site, I will pass this on to family.
My fathers uncle Mike flew with the Hell's Angles out of molesworth. His real name was Clarence Corby Bixler he was lost in action on the Bremen mision on Nov. 26 1943 on there way home. The name of there plane was the Mr.Five by Five , people called him ,"Smilin Mike" he was the co-pilot the pilot was Addel Cote. We been looking for Uncle Mike for over 20 years he crashed at Ben Helder Holland ,his Parents died thinking he would come through the front door any minute.107
In Honor of Retired LTCOL Stiefel, Max Allen US Air Force Born 6/5/1916 Passed away 6/13/2001 World War II(POW), Korea, Vietnam Other Family, too.
Stumbled across this website, doing local military research, for a work presentation. Great information and who knew this was in Cincinnati's backyard being restored. Hoping for updates, as soon as possible. Thank you for all you do and the sacrifices made by all our soldiers!
I am so glad that you guys have this website. It shows the soldiers that you care and are grateful for what they do. It also shows the families of those who have had fallen soldiers that you remorse with them and that their loved one(s) who died protecting us will never be forgotten. Thank you!
I was old enough to remember WW II. I had two brothers in European Theatre & bro-in-law pow who survived a German concentration camp. I had the privilege to know John (Bob) Patrick for many years. Praise God for giving us brave men who "more than self, their country loved, and mercy more than life" as the song says. We must never forget those men and women! I look forward to seeing the restored plane sometime soon, if possible.
I was privileged to know John Robert Patrick for nearly 50 years as a fellow Christian at Trinity Lutheran Church in Dayton. I visited him and Eileen often in the past two years as a representative of our church. He loved to tell stories about My Gal Sal, the men who flew her, and his own part of that saga. He loved America and his church. He was a fine gentleman whom I was proud to know.
John R. Patrick was my brother who I will miss very much. He came to all our family get togethers until his health prevented him to come. Loved him and will miss him very much. Rest in peace Bob.
Just a short tribute to my father, John Patrick, Ground Crew Chief on My Gal Sal, who died on Monday March 28, 2011, the last surviving crew member. He would have been 90 on April 14 and was buried in Dayton, Ohio, with an honor guard from Wright Patterson AFB where he worked for over 35 years. Together with the rest of the crew, he worked to make life as livable as possible on the ice cap of Greenland until they could be rescued after ten days. + REST IN PEACE, DAD +
(Sharing this news from The Times-Reporter, published in New Philadelphia, Ohio, March 30, 2011) John R., "Bob" Patrick born April 14, 1921 in Belmont County, Ohio, the oldest of seven children of Luther and Stella (Major) Patrick. He graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1939 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1940. Bob was the last surviving crew member of the B-17 "My Gal Sal" that was forced to land north of the Arctic Circle in 1942. After the conclusion of the war, he came to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at Wright Patterson AFB until his retirement in 1982. Bob served in the Ohio Air National Guard in Springfield and Columbus and was part of the 1961 mobilization to France for a year in response to the building of the Berlin Wall. He continued his involvement with the Friends of the Air Force Museum for many years, before and after his retirement. He married Dorothy Venrick April 19, 1947 and she preceded in him death in January of 1992. They lived on Arcadia Blvd. for more than 45 years. Bob later married Eileen Whitehead in July of 1995 and she survives him. He is also survived by two sons, the Rev. Stephen (Ruth) Patrick of Dover, Ohio and Dennis (Linda) Patrick of Burleson, Texas; stepdaughter, Carol (Morry) Marshall; two grandchildren, Heather Patrick of Texas and Martin (Maggie) Patrick of St. Paul, Minn.; a great-grandchild, Traci of Texas. In addition, Bob is survived by two stepdaughters, Karen Aleshire of Dayton and Leslie (Scott) Eley of Vandalia; four step-grandchildren, Matthew (Ginay) Briggs, Margaret (Ricky) Barnhart, Barry and Jason Eley; three step-great- grandchildren; three brothers, Russell, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; William of Orlando, Fla. and David of Lakeland, Fla.; one sister, Carol Teter of New Philadelphia, Ohio; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, March 31 at the Trinity Lutheran Church, 6540 N. Main St., Dayton, Ohio with Pastor Doug Jacobs officiating. Burial will follow at Willowview Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Morton & Whetstone Funeral Home, 139 S. Dixie Dr., Vandalia on Wednesday (TODAY) from 5-8 p.m. If so desired, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton in Bob's memory.
Love restored aircraft.Was in a B47E outfit.
Sadly the last living crew member, John Robert (Bob) Patrick, passed away Monday, March 28,2011. Funeral services will be 11 AM, Thurs Mar 31st at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6540 N. Main St., Dayton OH 45415. bob would have been 90 years old on April 15th, 2011.
Just a quick visit and was going to alert everyone that the Ground Crew Chief for "My Gal Sal " John (Bob) Patrick has passed away. Thanks to my cousin ,Susie Ellwood for already beating me to it. If anyone needs information, the funeral will be held at Morton-Whetstone Funeral Home 139 S.Dixie Drive , Vandalia Ohio 45377 Phone 937-898-4634 Viewing Wed evening March 30,2011 and funeral then next morning at 11 am. Thanks for all your prayers and thoughts. Craig
A little note to let all know that John Patrick has passed away March 28, 2011. Uncle Bob to us,He would have been 90 years old on his next birthday. Uncle Bob was a great man and a great person to be around . Uncle Bob - You will be sadly missed.
A little note to tell all that John Patrick has passed away March 28 , 2011. He would have been 90 years old his next birthday. Uncle Bob to us and was a great and cheerful man . He will be sadly missed.
Robert Patrick is my wifes uncle and one of the men that crashed , He is still living in the Dayton Ohio area.He is now 89 years old and a wonderful man to be around. We have a few of the Life magazines on this article and enjoy reading about this.Enjoy this site. Jerry and Susie Ellwood
Great job on the restoration! I wish I was able to participate, as I am a huge fan of the B-17 and hope to one day look up and see plenty filling the sky for the future generations to enjoy. I'm curious about the other two B-17 that ditched and you looked for. Is it possible to be privy to the information on those two birds?
i love what you have done, and are still doing this is great keep up the good work
Hello everyone. I am back online. I sure look forward to hearing from you. God Bless. Please say a prayer for our troops.
I am looking for information and photos of my dad Veron R kreger 94th BG May-aug 44 And Captian and crew
Thank you for restoring a great plane!
My dad was in the 483rd Bomb Group in Italy during WWII. He was involve with the Ploesti and Memmingen raids, just to name a few. I wish I knew more, but he never talked about them very much. However, I am proud of his contribution and being part of the "Greatest Generation."
A great website, I really enjoyed the story of the "Ye Old Pub". wow.....a great story. I also own one of the original press photos dated Aug.7,1942 on the B-17 "My Gal Sal" while she rests on her belly in the snow. Are you planing to put the plane completely back together, or just keep it on display like she is? With me living North on I-75 from you, I would love to come down and see it.
Nicely done site, I was wondering what the latest advancements are, is she ready for her building?
Enjoy your messages and pictures. My brother was in 342nd 97th BG KIA 7 2 44 Hungrary Love this site Keep up the great work
Can't wait to see your b-17
My Gal Sal is an important story - a vivid reminder of this country's finest generation, indeed. I had a chance to take a demonstration flight in the B-17 Libery Belle, last summer, out of Cincinnati. That was a glorious and humbling experience. I was too young for WW-2, but I would have flown if I could have.
(sorry for my english) Civilian and military boys and girls from all allied countries fought and died to give us the chance to be free. It's an honor for us who never really knew the war. The only think we can do now is to make history live to avoid having to live it again. Pilots and bomber crews paied a huge tribute during this war. Thank you all for this "ultimate sacrifice". God bless you! (althought I'm not a believer) Ludo (little son of a belgian soldier and resistant)
Congratulations for the perseverance and dedication that is evident in this selfless and important work.
I knew Csrl Bauman, who was the engineer on "My Gal Sal" I was with the 2nd Bomb Group, who visited Blue Ash Field a few years ago, while it was being refurbished
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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