Don't believe those fire letters. It's easier to send those than get off their butts and help. I got one for my father in law, a B26 tail gunner, and pushed back with the aircraft tail numner and assigned organistion and six months later got a pkg from a retired USAF Col. Volunteer with all kinds of training, promotion, assignment, actual copies of last mission briefings, tonnage dropped, where bailed out in France, MIA letters, repatriation and medical treatment, and more.
I wrote a personal thank you to the Col. Don't forget, most units have their own histories and historians. Many still have get togethers, tho the old guys don't travel much. Children and grand children join these groups, especially those with missing parents, just to find out of anyone knew the missing vet or any details. I found the bombrader on my FIL's crew, and 2 French resistance families that helped him after bailing out, thru the B26 alumni org "Marauder Men"; the B26 was named the Marauder". Everyone's dead now, so time is of the essence.
Good luck....never quit.
Reply With Quote