My Father, John M. Russell flew B-25s for the 38th Bomber group. He was with the 822nd Black Panthers. He has passed away so I am directing my questions to this great web site and its members.
I now live in Cebu, Philippines. Very near Leyte. I know he was in Leyte or bombed it and I know he lived in Lingayen later on.
Does anyone have any specifics on location and activities in either location? Did anyone know my Father?
I am here for 5 more months and would like to visit some places where he lived and fought.
If I can do anything for someone while I'm here, I'd be happy to help.

Thanks very much,

Jeff Russell

Jeff---I'm also looking for information on the 822nd B.S. My uncle, Howard Wesley Stoddard flew with the 822nd B.S. I have one photo of him and his crew in front of their airplane (I believe it was a B 25) with the distinctive panther on the nose. It is the only information I have and I would like to know more about the 822nd. Howard died in 1977. He never talked much about his military service, but I remember he said he flew 51 missions in the Pacific, specifically over New Guinea.

I'd like to hear from others.

Neil Bohnert

My dad, Al Behrens, served in New Guinea from October 1943 until July 1944. I have his log book, diary, strike photos, and other items. If you would like to discuss any of this further, please contact me via email:

tom@tombehrensusa.com

Jeff.

I have to presume that you are no longer living on Cebu.

I flew with the 405th Squadron and flew a bombing mission to a Japanese airbase on Cebu in Dec. 1944.

I also moved from Morotai (our base when we bombed Cebu and other southern Philippine targets) to Lingayen and returned to the States in April, 1945.

I do not find any mention of your father in items published in our news letter from 1988 to 2002.

I'd be glad to share more info with you if you get in touch with me.

David Gunn

Jeff,

I returned from the 38th BG 2004 reunion in St. Louis last night. The best news is that the Association will not be disbanding. We have scheduled our next reunion to be held in Phoenix in 2006, probably in mid-October.

I posted your request at the reunion but received no responses. Someone may yet respond to me.

At the reunion, I was made aware of a large file of information about the 38th that will become available to me in the near future. When I receive that CD, I will search for further information for you and get in touch.

I would appreciate receiving an e-mail from you so that I may contact you more directly.

I will be the new editor for our Association news letter. We may be able to make this available to you electronically. When we get that set up, I will let you know if you have contacted me by e-mail.

David Gunn