36th Bomb Squadron Home Page-News

June 2011

News stories concerning the Long Marston, England memorial ceremony and activities honoring those of Lt. Louis McCarthy’s crew and the crash 36th Bomb Squadron B24 Liberator Beast of Bourbon appear in the 8th Air Force News Magazine, the Long Marston, England Village News, and the RAF 100 Group Newsletter.

Memorial Activities for the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit
Honoring the Gremlins and the Lt. Louis McCarthy Crew – May 2011

My wife Pam and I returned to England in May where we attended the last memorial ceremony to honor the airmen of the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit – the “Gremlins” as they were called. In all there were fifteen Americans that traveled to Long Marston. The purpose of the visit was to remember and pay homage to ten airmen of the Lt. Louis McCarthy crew involved in the morning take-off crash of the B24 Liberator, #42-50385, R4-H nicknamed Beast of Bourbon. The crash occurred in the village of Long Marston on the morning of February 19, 1945. Three airmen of the crew perished. Those killed were ball turret gunner Pvt. Fred Becker, tail gunner S/Sgt. Carl Lindquist and waist gunner Pvt. Howard Haley. The cause of the crash was instrument failure and poor weather conditions.

The guests to the British making the trip included Des Howarth, the navigator on the B24 when it crashed, squadron pilot Art Brusila and his tail gunner Gordon Caulkins. Ernie Lamson, an 82nd Airborne paratrooper was there to honor his brother Walter who had been killed in an earlier squadron crash. Also in attendance were squadron family members and eight children of the veterans. Joining the group was Lt. Col. Shannon Driscoll, the commanding officer of the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron. The 36EWS is the grandchild of World War II’s unit.

As the son of a squadron tail gunner and the 8th Air Force Historical Society 36BS unit contact, I organized and promoted the final reunion from the U.S. side. My good English friend Chas Jellis who had previously established a 36BS memorial to the Lt. Landberg crew in November 2009 was again in charge of efforts on the English side. Chas, along with girlfriend Heda Kootz and their team created the memorial by promoting it before the village leaders, especially Mike Tomlinson, the chairman of the Tring Rural Parish Council and then organized events to support the celebration. And what a splendid job they did !

Saturday May 7th, the day of the memorial ceremony began with low clouds and showers. Clearing just before the ceremony Des, Art, Gordon, and Ernie arrived to a crowded memorial site in a beautifully restored 1939 Chrysler staff car. A wonderful applause from the large audience greeted them. Included in the ceremony were honor guard riflemen, a USAF color party and WWII re-enactors dressed in original period uniforms who came from all over Britain to attend.

Chas took the podium welcoming the American guests and greeting everyone then followed a prayer by Vicar Jane Bannister who blessed the ceremonial gathering. The navigator during the crash Des Howarth next spoke to the crowd remembering that day of the fateful B24 crash. Beside the new memorial which rests along side the existing village World War I and World War II memorial stood re-enactors – men wearing original flight gear – a B24 “Ghost crew” representing the entire Lt. McCarthy crew. With the display of “Old Glory”, the British national colors, the 36th Squadron flag and a salute – the unique memorial that included a boulder from Cheddington, the old airbase as a backdrop was unveiled. The American flag was folded by two uniformed sentries and then given to the parade commander who presented the flag to Des Howarth.

Taps was played followed by numerous wreaths laid at the base of the beautiful memorial. It was so wonderful ! Many tears of remembrance and joy were visible within the crowd. Soon appearing in the skies overhead could be heard sound of a roaring reciprocating engine from a British Hawker Hurricane fighter of Battle of Britain fame. What we all saw next was not just a flypast, but more like an air show as the aircraft flipped and turned and flew loops, spins and circles above us.

Next came my speech citing from Squadron of Deception about the crash of the Beast, but also about the American-British cooperation in the radar countermeasure program. The 36th had flown half of its missions with the British Royal Air Force 100 Group. Afterwards Lt. Col. Shannon Driscoll, commanding officer of the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron based at Eglin AFB, FL. spoke proudly of the similarities between World War II’s squadron and today’s unit.

Finally capping off the special event Chas’s girlfriend Heda read letters from representatives of the Queen, Britain’s Prime Minister’s office and from Prince Andrew congratulating all for efforts in establishing the memorial and giving best wishes to the Gremlins and everyone there. It turned out that the media and press coverage Chas arranged included a BBC TV segment and four local newspaper reports. Wow !!

That evening Chas arranged for all to gather at Long Marston village meeting hall for a 1940’s dance. The place was packed ! We enjoyed seeing many of those among us smiling, savoring British ales and cutting a rug !

The next day Sunday, Chas and our gang of supporters minus squadron member Gordon Caulkins who unfortunately had taken ill, visited the American War Memorial Cemetery at Cambridge to view the graves of 36BS airmen Lt. Walter Lamson and Pfc. Leonard Smith and pay our respects. These men were killed in the November 1944 B24 crash. The two are buried along side one another. Ernie Lamson, Walter’s brother paid special tribute to their sacrifice. After Cambridge, it was then on to Duxford – England’s premier RAF museum and the American Air Museum. There we saw many vintage aircraft and especially a B24 on static display – a Liberator like that of the 36th Bomb Squadron. There Des and Art were able to get a close-up view of their old bird.

On Monday May 9th, the last day of events Chas had all of the American guests and enthusiasts travel by coach to Cheddington airfield - the Gremlins old airbase. The weather was beautiful most unlike days when the squadron would fly. At the base we saw many of the wartime buildings still standing although many now derelict. With South End Hill in the background our group paused for a photo op. Soon we met Roger Watts of the Cheddington Airfield Aviation Society who took Des and Art up in his Pulsar airplane to view and buzz their former airbase for old times sake. All who gathered smiled, many with watery eyes for this was most likely the last time Gremlins would fly over the old Cheddington airbase. Later that day Chas, Des, Art, Ernie, Shannon and the rest of us walked the public path and crash site to see the field where the Beast of Bourbon B24 went down. How so profoundly moving it was to hear Des tell of the horrible tragedy and the loss of his crewmembers.

So, in the end it was mission accomplished ! Maximum effort once again was given to having a beautiful memorial in England established to honor the Gremlins of the 36th Bomb Squadron. My special thanks go to Chas and Heda, their work associates and to the people in the village of Long Marston for making this memorial possible. The experience we shared with the veterans, their families, the American military, and our British friends shall hold a lasting special place in our hearts. (See media coverage in Links.)

March 2011

Posted to the HOME Page Gremlin pilot Royce Kittle’s original 36th Bomb Squadron movie clips showing the Kittle crew along with pilot Roy Rayner and his co-pilot Art Colwell plus squadron B24 Liberators. Enjoy this exciting new feature illustrating 36th Squadron during its glory days !

October 2010

To All Gremlins, Veterans, and their Families:

There will be a final memorial ceremony and celebration honoring the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit in England on May 7, 2011. At that time a memorial shall be dedicated in the village of Long Marston remembering the service and sacrifice of airmen Fred Becker, Howard Haley, and Carl Lindquist of the Lt. Louis McCarthy crew that perished in the take-off crash of the B24 Liberator nicknamed Beast of Bourbon. To give tribute for this fitting occasion John “Des” Howarth, the crew navigator will be in attendance along with his son Brian plus other British and American military representatives and veterans. Of course, my wife Pam and I will be there.

Our good English friend Chas Jellis, who established a memorial there in England last November honoring the Gremlins - those of the 36th Squadron is again my point man and organizer for this final squadron event. Along with the ceremony tentative plans for the three day event also include a visit to Station 113 Cheddington, the old airbase of the squadron along with a trip to Duxford to tour the American Air Museum. A flypast shall be requested by the air force for the big day.

Although in the past we have made memorials honoring the airmen of the squadron at the U.S. Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, at Ford End Farm in Ivinghoe, England, at Breakwater Park in Holyhead Wales, and at the North Carolina Military History Museum at Fort Fisher, NC, this shall be the last official squadron gathering.

Anyone interested in attending or wishing to contribute to this final memorial event honoring the 36th Bomb Squadron Gremlins, please contact me at 919-772-8413 or email smhutton@36rcm.com so I can provide further details.

March 2010

The 8th Air Force News Magazine and the RAF 100 Group Newsletter give news stories reporting the Ivinghoe, England memorial ceremony and activities honoring those of Lt. Norman Landberg’s crew and the crash of the 36th Bomb Squadron B24 Liberator # 42-51219.

Memorial Activities for the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit
and the Lt. Norman Landberg Crew November 2009

My wife Pam and I returned from Ivinghoe, England last November where I was invited by my English friend Chas Jellis to speak at a memorial ceremony to honor the Gremlins as they were called airmen of the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure (RCM) Unit and airmen of the Lt. Norman Landberg crew in particular. Pilot Norman Landberg and his tailgunner George Eberwine were there to meet again and to dedicate a memorial at the place where their B24 Liberator, #42-51219, R4-I had crashed at Ford End Farm 65 years ago. It was there in a field on the night of November 15, 1944 that squadron navigator Lt. Walter Lamson and aerial gunner Pfc. Leonard Smith of the Landberg crew perished.

Chas and his girlfriend Heda Kootz produced a magnificent experience for Norman, George and all those in attendance. During this time Norman had his grandson Chris traveling with him and George had his daughter Rosemary. Chas and Heda had spent a year organizing the events that included much activity.

On Saturday, November 14th, the first day Chas, Heda, Norman, George, and a large group of we enthusiasts traveled by coach to Cheddington airfield - the Gremlins old airbase. The weather was cold with rain and drizzle a day not unlike when the squadron would fly. There we saw remaining taxiways and many of the wartime buildings still standing the guard house, the parachute packing building, the canteen, administration buildings, the Nissen huts, and others. With South End Hill in the background our group paused for a Kodak moment. The hill served as a prominent WWII guide for the B17's and B24's to land at the airfield. Then the rain came a pouring so it was back to our coach.

That evening Chas arranged for all to gather at Ivinghoe Meeting Hall for a 1940's dance and a traditional fish and chips dinner. We enjoyed seeing pretty girls in WAAF uniforms and guys in Army GI outfits all dancing, cutting a rug ! The packed hall also included displays of bits and pieces of 36th Bomb Squadron B24 aircraft and other British and American wartime artifacts for all to peruse. Following the meal were speeches by Chas, George, and myself and we all socialized in great fun and harmony.

Sunday, the day of the memorial ceremony turned breezy, sunny and bright. Before the ceremony started Norman and George arrived to a crowded memorial site in a beautifully restored 1939 Chrysler staff car. A wonderful applause from the large audience greeted them. It appeared that hundreds were there. The ceremony itself included honor guard riflemen, an active duty USAF color party, the Royal British Legion, WWII re-enactors dressed in original period uniforms who came from all over Britain to attend, along with a large assembly of military vehicles. With American Air Force commanders from Alconbury and Waddington and a RAF commander from RAF Halton among the crowd a USAF Chaplain from Molesworth and a local Vicar, Tracy Doyle blessed the memorial. Chas took the podium greeting everyone and then spoke the details of the nighttime B24 crash. Next came my speech concerning the 36th - the Squadron of Deception, the American-British cooperation in the countermeasure campaign, and the contributions of the squadron to the war effort. The 36th had flown half of its missions in night operations with the Royal Air Force. Finally time came for unveiling the memorial. Old Glory, the red, white, and blue 48 star American flag was removed to reveal the beautiful black stone and brick memorial. In the background, just behind the new memorial stood nine men wearing original flight gear - a B24 Ghost crew representing the entire Lt. Landberg crew. The flag was folded by two uniformed sentries, then given to the Parade Commander who then presented the flag to Norman. Taps was played followed by numerous wreaths laid at the base of the memorial. It was so wonderful ! Capping off the special event Chas read a letter from Britain's Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales who congratulated Chas for organizing the memorial ceremony and gave his best wishes to Chas, Norman and George, and everyone there. Wow !!

After the ceremony it was my pleasure to see my Welsh friends Brendan and Ann Maguire along with their daughter Hayley and her new husband Jason. Some years ago Brendan retrieved a piece of the propeller blade from the 36th Bomb Squadron B24, The JIGS UP that crashed on the edge of Holyhead Mountain and the Irish Sea in December 1944 with the loss of eight men from Lt. Boehm's crew. Brendan was instrumental in establishing a memorial there at Breakwater Park to honor that crew. Another treat was meeting Eric Dickens, whose father T.C. Dickens was the Station Commander of RAF Oulton when the 803rd Bomb Squadron (Provisional) formed in March 1944. The 803rd was soon to evolve into the 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Counter Measure Unit. I had corresponded with Eric, a wonderful fellow via email. We both are members of the RAF 100 Group Association.

On Monday Chas, Norman, George, and our gang of supporters visited the American War Memorial at Madingley to view the graves of Lt. Lamson and Pfc. Smith to pay our respects. The two are buried along side one another. Norman and George placed flowers in honor and remembrance of their crewmates. After Madingley, it was then on to Duxford England's premier RAF museum and the American Air Museum. There we saw a B24 on static display a Liberator like that of the 36th Bomb Squadron.

Lastly, the day before we returned home Chas and his father Reg took Norman, his grandson Chris, along with Pam and I to see the crash site where Norman's Liberator went down. How so profoundly moving ! We found it most amazing that we were still able to pick up wreckage bits and pieces from that crash of so very long ago. I believe the camaraderie we shared during this time with our veterans, their family, and our British friends shall forever remain in our hearts. (See media coverage in Links.)

"George Eberwine, tail gunner and Norman Landberg his pilot at memorial."

Our group at the old Cheddingtonairbase.

"(L-R) Chas, Norman, George, and me at Ivinghoe Meeting Hall party. ."

George and Norman leave flowers on buddies graves at Madingley.

"Ghost Crew"

Official Crew Photo of Lt. Landberg Crew - Walter Lamson is standing second from right and Leonard Smith is kneeling at right end.

I have recently heard from my good English friend Chas Jellis about an upcoming special ceremony there in Great Britain to honor airmen of the 36th Bomb Squadron. The event is scheduled for noon on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 near Station 113 Cheddington the Gremlins old World War II airbase. The ceremony is to dedicate a memorial to honor and remember the 36th Bomb Squadron and pilot Lt. Norman Landberg's two crewmen, navigator Lt. Walter Lamson and gunner, Pfc. Leonard Smith who perished in a take-off crash 65 years ago. Program arrangements are now in the process of being made. If anyone reading this would enjoy traveling to Great Britain during this time to attend, please let me know so I can send program details as they develop. Contact me via my email address seen at the bottom of this page.

I visited the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida to attend the change-of-command ceremony for the new commanding officer. There I was given a tour of the facility with its new Heritage and Grotto Room. To honor the World Was II veterans the squadron hallways were adorned with enlarged framed photographs of the Gremlins with their B24 Liberators. As a gift for my visit the outgoing squadron commander presented me with their challenge coin, #219 which just happens to be the side number of the 36BS B24, R4-I that crashed at Cheddington on 11/15/44. It's an impressive coin that features the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron insignia on one side and the Air Force eagle on the other with the words "You'll Never See Us Coming" and "We Strengthen the Shield."

36EWS Major Andy Proud by WWII Gremlin hall photograph

Framed photo of 36BS B24 Liberator nicknamed Strictly Victory" adorns 36EWS wall.

S/Sgt. Stanley Walsh The Man Who Made the Gremlin display was created and presented to the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida.

36th Bomb Squadron RCM Bits and Pieces display formerly on display at the 8th Air Force Heritage Museum, Savannah, Georgia was relocated to the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida at the request of the commanding officer, Lt. Col. John T. Hap Arnold.

Verification was received from the U.S. Air Force Historical Research Agency that 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Countermeasure Unit veterans are entitled to wear the blue and gold Distinguished Unit Citation ribbon.

Our 36th Bomb Squadron reunion began at 2:00pm on Thursday June the 6th when everyone met at the Hope Hotel and Conference Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. I introduced our special guests, Arbutus Topliff, Virginia Chatfield, and Alberta Tagtmeyer, who are the sisters of Charles Dautel of Lt. Boehm's crew, William M. Dub Vandegriff of the 95th Bomb Group Association, and Deacon Joseph Melita, the radio operator from Lt. Sandberg's crew. Deacon Melita officiated and led us in all our blessings and prayers of Thanksgiving during our celebration. From overseas our friends Chas and Debbie Jellis from England joined us again for another reunion. They traveled to Dayton with friends Norman Landberg, a 36th Bomb Squadron pilot and his wife Elizabeth. Those who attended the 2000 Savannah reunion remember the connection between Norman and Chas. Chas again brought some mementos from England, bits and pieces of 36th Bomb Squadron aircraft that had crashed in his neighborhood.

On the display tables were 36th Bomb Squadron Radar Countermeasure (RCM) unit memorabilia and albums showing photographs that I collected during my research, plus items brought by the veterans who are known as the Gremlins.

To start off I briefed everyone on the schedule of upcoming reunion events. Following my brief we viewed a 10 minute video titled The Mighty 8th Air Force Story, provided by the Commanding Officer 8th Air Force at Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. That seemed to stir the gray matter for the vets and offered all of us a good glimpse of what the 8th Air Force was all about.

After the video it was Hanger Flying time, allowing our veterans the opportunity to take the podium to speak about their days in the Gremlin radar countermeasure squadron. This was an informal thing and the audience enjoyed some personal stories offered by 36BS pilots Art Brusila, Paul Pond, and navigator Des Howarth.

At 6:00pm we ate and then following our dinner I spoke about the 803rd Bomb Squadron, the fledgling electronic warfare unit that was to become the 36th, and their first mission on the morning before D-Day. Our featured guest speaker that evening was William M. Dub Vandegriff, President of the 95th Bomb Group Association who spoke on the role of his outfit during WWII and their association with the 803rd. We heard that not only is the 95th known for sending men to start the 803rd, but it was the 95th that put the 8th Air Force's first B17's over Berlin in March of 1944. Joining Dub from the 95th was Col. Bill Owen who was the pilot of the first B17 to bomb Berlin.

On Friday, June 7 at 8am, before the U.S. Air Force Museum officially opened to the general public, our group gathered at the museum. There the veteran Gremlins were able to get inside to view and enjoy an up close and personal long look at a B24 Liberator and B17 Flying Fortress similar to what the 36th Bomb Squadron flew during World War II. WKEF-TV, NBC-22 was there to cover this event and interviewed some of the men. After viewing these aircraft everyone was free to conduct their own self-guided tour and visit other hangers and exhibits. Pam and I, along with my Mom and Dad, and brother
Henry took in the IMAX and saw a fascinating movie about the International Space Station.

Seeing the USAF Museum is such a wonderful thrill. It is the largest aviation museum in the world with 10 acres of exhibits featuring over 300 aircraft and missiles, and includes thousands of personal artifacts, documents, photos, and mementos.

Now the highlight of our reunion celebration was to unveil a memorial plaque to honor the men of the 36th Bomb Squadron. This took place at the U.S. Air Force Memorial Park. Everyone arrived at 11:30am to commence the ceremony. Again, WKEF-TV was there to capture the story. Diane Zukoski, the Special Events Coordinator for the USAF Museum opened the ceremony by welcoming everyone and introducing me as the MC. I first introduced our special guests and then our Air Force honor guard was posted. Next Deacon Joe Melita came forward and offered a prayer remembering the men the squadron had lost during World War II. After that I asked 803BS aerial gunner Jack Kings and 36BS navigator Chris Chrisner to come forward to unveil the 36th Bomb Squadron memorial plaque. They lowered the drape and it revealed a beautiful bronze and gold plaque. After the unveiling taps was played by Keith Brown. Next pilot Art Brusila representing the 36th Bomb Squadron gave a Certificate of Presentation to Maj. Gen. Ray Moorman who represented the USAF Museum. Following the presentation I told the audience to expect an Air Force B52 Stratofortress flyover to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the Gremlins. Initially my plans had called for a B52 Stratofortress and a B1 Lancer to fly over at high noon, however, I was notified just before the ceremony that the Pentagon was canceling the B1's participation. This I told to our gathering.

The weather that morning had started out clear, but by the time our service started an overcast to broken ceiling of clouds had formed. Right on time and just as scheduled at twelve o'clock, upon hearing a tremendous noise from above the clouds, the audience looked up and saw a big black B52 punch a hole through the ceiling and come roaring over. Everyone stared in awe. Then after only a dozen seconds or so we saw the Stratofortress drop its tail, begin climbing and finally disappear into the clouds. Wow! What a thrill! Some sixty seconds later another roar was heard. I figured it must be the B52 coming back around for another pass, like what we had seen in Savannah at our 2000 reunion. However, to our shock and amazement a black B1 Lancer with its sleek and elegant profile came streaking past. Everyone was so astounded, especially me. This was not supposed to happen because as far as I knew the Pentagon had restricted our ceremony to only one aircraft. I later learned that the B1 Lancer squadron had still scheduled their aircraft to operate in the traffic pattern at Wright-Patterson AFB and that air traffic control conveniently put the aircraft over Memorial Park at 12:01pm in order to accommodate us. It was so stunning! I believe that we all felt tremendous pleasure and satisfaction in knowing that today's Air Force was paying special recognition to the Gremlins in such a grand way by providing a double flyover.

After the ceremony we all broke for lunch. Then some our group continued to tour the aviation museum and some of us, including myself returned to Hope Hotel to continue our camaraderie and fellowship.

That evening at 6:00pm we again gathered for our dinner and festivities. The folks at Hope Hotel placed a wide screen TV in our banquet room where we all were thrilled to witness WKEF's coverage of our reunion. It was fantastic. Deacon Melita then offered our blessing to the Almighty and we ate. Following the meal I gave my speech on the history and the accomplishments of the 36th. Capping off the evening Lt. Col. Luke Shingledecker, the new incoming Commanding Officer of the present day 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron spoke to the audience about the mission of the squadron today. How satisfying it was for us to hear that the lifesaving efforts of the 36th continues into the 21st century in hi-tech fashion.

On Saturday, June 8th the last day of our celebration we gathered at 10:00am at Memorial Park, the site of the newly dedicated 36th Bomb Squadron memorial for a final prayer and farewell. I addressed the audience and thanked everyone for coming. Deacon Melita then came forward and offered a prayer of Thanksgiving and remembrance. Next for the audience I read from Squadron of Deception, S/Sgt. Arthur Clemens favorite poem titled Be Strong. The poem is just as powerful and fitting today as it was back then.

Ending our service Deacon Melita came forward again and read the 23rd Psalms. He then asked the Almighty to give us safe journey as we parted ways. But as we were beginning to leave squadron mechanic Kent MacGillivray stepped up and showed me something that he had had during the war. It was a poem titled The Mechanics 23rd Psalm. I immediately spoke up and stopped everyone from leaving and read the poem. It was just great!

So, in summary I think I can safely say that we all truly had a wonderful experience in Dayton, enjoying the tremendous museum, our memorial ceremony, good fellowship, delicious food, fun, and remembrance.

The Air Classics magazine (Volume 37, No.7) issue features part one of an article about World War II's Squadron of Deception. Part two coming in July.

36th Bomb Squadron airmen and their families gathered in Savannah, Georgia at the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum for their 2000 reunion. This wonderful gathering was a resounding success. The entire experience exceeded my wildest expectations and dreams. Here is a rundown on what happened.

First, on Wednesday afternoon, October 11th seventy-some attendees flowed into the High Wycombe Room of the Mighty 8th Air Force Heritage Museum to register for the event and to join in fellowship and remembrance. On display for guests to see were many squadron photographs, research material, and memorabilia. I had my book Squadron of Deception on hand for sale (at a discount) plus I signed many others the folks brought from home. Before our evening dinner I spoke to everyone telling them of the next day's events and ceremonies. We then enjoyed our meal with delightful conversation and fellowship.

Thursday morning there was an unveiling of a display I created featuring bits and pieces from five of the six B24 Liberators that the 36th Squadron lost. The unveiling of this beautiful mahogany framed, double matted display was performed by Arbutus Topliff and Louis McCarthy. Arbutus's brother was Charles Dautel who was with Lt. Boehm's crew which was lost to the Irish Sea in December 1944. Louis was a pilot who lost three men of his crew in a take-off crash in February 1945. For me, the ceremony was very moving. Wade Scrogham, Director of Collections and Exhibits accepted this display on behalf of the museum. On hand were two Savannah TV stations cover this event and interview squadron members and guests.

Following the presentation everyone viewed a World War II home movie made at Alconbury, England airfield in 1945 by 36BS pilot Lt. Royce Kittle. The film was just beautiful. I know it brought laughs and tears to the eyes of many. After the movie we all moved outside under beautiful crystal clear blue skies to witness a U.S. Air Force B1 bomber in a flyover to honor the Gremlins - the men of the 36th Squadron. The B1 bomber flyover passed first from South to North and then from East to West. This sight gave us all a great rush and thrill. At that moment I believe we all knew and realized that the work of the this secret WWII outfit was appreciated and recognized by our present day Air Force. After the flyover all the Gremlins gathered in front of the museum flagpole for a group photograph.

On Thursday evening we all gathered in the museum's art gallery for dinner and to listen to our speakers. I began with my speech on the life of the 36th and detailed some of its missions and accomplishments. I was followed by Chas Jellis, a British crash researcher who spoke of his finding bits and pieces of two squadron aircraft in his backyard near Cheddington, England. Because of this research, Chas and Norman Landberg, a pilot of one of these aircraft and also in attendance, have become friends. Chas presented Norman with a special gift in friendship. He then offered 36BS B24 bits and pieces mementos to anyone wanting them.

Topping off the night's festivities was a speech by Major Wayne Canipe, the Assistant Operations Officer of today's 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron. Major Canipe spoke on the current activities of the squadron which involves operational testing and reprogramming of all electronic warfare systems in America's combat Air Forces. His speech was very interesting. Major Canipe then gave both Dad and I a beautiful oak framed display featuring the insignias of the 36th Bomb Squadron of 1945 and the 36th Electronic Warfare Squadron of today. This priceless gift shall always hold a special place in our hearts. He also gave out 36EWS patches to all wanting one.

Time seemed to pass too soon and our festivities came to a close. Long good-bye hugs, handshakes, and goodwill filled the room from end to end. I believe I can say we all experienced a most memorable and wonderful time.

My wife Pam and I traveled to France and Great Britain. There I found bits and pieces from crash sites of 36th Bomb Squadron B24 Liberators to be displayed in an exhibit to honor airmen of the secret squadron.

February 2000

The 36th Bomb Squadron RCM Internet web site at http://www.36rcm.com goes on line for the whole world to see and enjoy.

August 23, 1999

Schiffer Publishing Ltd. announces release of 803rd & 36th Bomb Squadron RCM unit history book titled Squadron of Deception by Stephen Hutton. This book is now on sale through the publisher, at most Barnes & Noble and Borders bookstores and also at Amazon.com on the Internet.

August 19, 1999

In order to compliment a Royal Air Force 100 Group memorabilia display at the City of Norwich, England Aviation Museum, I, Stephen Hutton contributed thirty-six items to represent the 8th Air Force's 803rd & 36th Bomb Squadrons RCM. These items included an 8th Air Force officer's dress jacket, an A2 leather flight jacket, an Eisenhower jacket, a B24 Liberator training manual, a New York Post June 6, 1944 D-Day newspaper, an American identification recognition pass or blood chit, an airman's Individual Flight Record or Form 5, plus 28 squadron photographs. These items can now be seen by former airmen and their families when traveling that part of Great Britain.