Submitted by Name: Martha Passman From: Dahlonega, Georgia E-mail: Contact
Comments: I recently purchased a liquor decanter with a label that says, "Personally selected for Kenneth Gissonne; Rio Rita; 403 Bomb SQ; 43 Grp.
I have enjoyed learning the history of this group of men. Does anyone know when these bottles were given? Was it an anniversary date of some sort for the group?
Added: October 2, 2012
Submitted by Name: William Hillyard Jr. From: Colorado
Comments: My father flew as Ernie Well's co-pilot in the 'Gentleman Jim ' in the 403, the original Mareeba Butchers , until promoted to pilot of his own crew. He made it home and finished the war in Walla Walla WA. as a Captain and instructor. I still have his flight jacket with Mareeba Butchers patch.
Added: September 22, 2012
Submitted by Name: Chuck Bowen From: North Dakota E-mail: Contact
Comments: My uncle was Henry (Billy) Bowen. He was the tailgunner on the last mission of B-17E 41-9234. They flew out of Mareeba Australia.
Added: September 22, 2012
Submitted by Name: Jeff Kahler From: Superior, WI E-mail: Contact
Comments: My Grandfather, Harold H Kahler, was one of Ken's Men. The family misses him dearly.
Added: September 18, 2012
Submitted by Name: Sandra Lee (Redmond) Peters From: Neosho, MO E-mail: Contact
Submitted by Name: Paul Edwards From: Chicago IL E-mail: Contact
Comments: My father was William M. Edwards, Jr., who passed away suddenly in 1994. According to his service records, he was with the 403rd Squadron of the 43rd Bombardment Group, 5th Air Force, from late 1943 to 1945. He was the pilot of a B-24, and his crew included: Don Purdy, co-pilot; Orley Caudill, navigator; and Gil Sena, bombardier. I'm trying to identify the other members of his crew, from a picture posed in front of a B-24. Before their deaths, my father and mother attended at least one reunion of the 5th Air Force. I would be interested in corresponding with people who knew my father, and their descendants, who might want to share stories.
Added: August 26, 2012
Submitted by Name: Barbi Greene Evans From: Florida E-mail: Contact
Comments: My Father was Erval D Greene
Added: August 23, 2012
Submitted by Name: Steve Feimer From: Vermillion, South Dakota E-mail: Contact
Comments: Great job on the web site and database, I am sure there are many friends and relatives who appreciate your hard work. My uncle, Henry J. Kauffman was a waist gunner on a B-24D tail number 42-41075. His aircraft was crashed in the Kunimaipa Valley, Papua, New Guinea on November 22, 1943 with all 9 crew KIA. I would appreciate any information regarding the exact location of the crash site and the recovery of human remains.
Thank You and Keep up the Good Work Dr. Steve Feimer
Added: August 14, 2012
Submitted by Name: Ron Villegas From: Dallas, Lone Star State E-mail: Contact
Comments: Great site! Do you have any artwork of 43rd Forts and/or Libs?
Added: August 7, 2012
Submitted by Name: Charlotte Cason From: Madison, Florida E-mail: Contact
Comments: My husband Lt. Col. Orvis L. "Lee" Cason, Jr. was the pilot-bombardier with the crew of Pilot Thomas P. Russell and Co-pilot George W. Weston, and Navigator Joseph A. Camelio. The plane they flew over to Australia was named Swamp Angel, but had to give "her" up upon their arrival in T-ville, Australia. My husband passed away at age 88, Jan. 12, 2010. He retired from the Reserves in 1981.
Name: Martha Passman
From: Dahlonega, Georgia
E-mail: Contact
I recently purchased a liquor decanter with a label that says, "Personally selected for Kenneth Gissonne; Rio Rita; 403 Bomb SQ; 43 Grp.
I have enjoyed learning the history of this group of men. Does anyone know when these bottles were given? Was it an anniversary date of some sort for the group?