Information Regarding the 405th Bombardment Squadron
May 29 2006 at 2:50 AM No score for this post
(no login)
Dear Sirs: My name is Dr. Michael Gialanella. My uncle, Sal A. Tornillo, was in the 405th Bombardment Squadron, 38th Bomb Group, Fifth Air Force. Unfortunately he died in 1993, but his sister (my aunt) recently gave me all his military papers, photographs, flight records, etc. Perhaps the most interesting find was a notebook he kept recording each flight, the date, time, place. He was a waist-gunner/radio operator and served on bombing missions over Amami-o-shima, Takanabe, Japanese shipping, etc. His record-keeping and photography were exceptional, and I have learned much from his materials--enough to include much of it in the appendix of my doctoral dissertation. A few of his photographs are unusual, including one of him firing his .50 cal during a mission, natives in New Guinea, and one of a sector of Nagasaki not destroyed by the second atomic bomb. I would like to get some of the documents and photographs posted. Please advise. M. Gialanella, D.Litt.
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.
I am the editor of the 38th Bomb Group Association newsletter. Thank you for contacting us. I also flew as a pilot with the 405th Bomb Squadron from July 1944 to March of 1945.
Our web master has had some personal and health problems over the last several months and our site has not been updated for some time. We are expecting to get that remedied soon. As editor of the newsletter, I am always interested in stories and pictures related to our effort during WWII. Of course, such items as you have from your Uncle's collection would be welcome contributions to both the newsletter and the web site.
If you will contact me directly, I am sure we can make arrangements which will perpetuate the record of your Uncle. Through our newsletter, we may be able to stir up the memories of some of our members who may recall spending time with him and put you in touch with them. We have had some success at this level.
We also have a site on the Internet where you may read our newsletters:
http://38thbgpsun-setter.com/
We would be happy to place you on the mailing list as a "Friend of the 38th" for a contribution of $10 or more per year.
You may also be interested in a set of rough research data about the 38th BG assembled by Larry Hickey in preparation for writing a book about the 38th. The book has been promised several times over the years but has yet to be issued. These CDs are expected to be ready for distribution by the time of our reunion, September 28-30, 2006 in Mesa, Arizona. The cost of a set of CDs for the general public has not yet been determined.
Thank you, again,
David Gunn
pappygnk@juno.com
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.
I am sorry I have not gotten back to you. We recently purchased a new computer, got a new internet provider, and have had communication problems. I just got your message today--November 25.
I am so happy to be able to communicate with another member of the 405th. I can't believe it! Yes, I would like to contribute as "Friend of the 38th" and be placed on the mailing list. I would like to get some of my uncle's documents and photos on the web site and/or in the newsletter, as a testament to his efforts in the war. I am interested in the CDs you mentioned with regards to the 38th. Please inform me as how to go about each of these.
Since I just got your message today, it will take me a day or so to get a list of the names of airmen with whom my uncle was acquainted. I have the names of his crewman, and some of his friends. As soon as I get these name in front of me I will contact you again. In the meantime, is there any way to find out on which numbered B-25s he flew? (call letters) Please contact me. Again, I apologize for the delay.
Sincerely,
Michael Gialanella
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.
I apologize for taking so long to respond to you. We recently purchased a new computer and secured a new internet provider, so I have been out of touch. In my uncle's records and photographs I have not come across the name of Carl Dubke from Buffalo, New York, KIA 12/30/44. My uncle does have a photo of a young friend of his who was KIA, but the photo is not labeled with his name. I do know that my uncle was stationed at Fort Niagara before he was shipped overseas. I believe he was a fireman at the post. He met a young girl in Buffalo--the sister of one of his buddies. Her name was Marion Ehrgot, and my uncle married her after the war. I don't know if this has any meaning for you. In any event, I will reexamine my uncle's records and photos again to see if the name Carl Dubke show up anywhere. In the meantime, thank you for responding to my message, and again, I apologize for the delay in returning.
Sincerely,
Michael Gialanella
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.
I am unsure if you are aware, but we are in the final stages of completing the book "Saga of the "Sun Setters," which is the comprehensive story of the 38th Bomb Group, of which your uncle was a part. If you like, you can scan and e-mail me any photo's or diaries or stories and I will try to include him in the book. This project has been in the works for many years and will in print very shortly.
Best Wishes,
Stuart
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.
I apologize for responding so late to your return message. I recently purchased a new computer and secured another internet provider, so I have been out of touch. I was not aware of the book being written on "Saga of the Sunsetters" until recently. I do hope that it is not too late to sent you materials from my uncle's documents and photo albums. The docs and photos I have are extensive, and it would be easier for me to mail copies of them rather than try to scan each one. Please send me a mailing address, if you would be so kind.
Sincerely,
Michael Gialanella, D.Litt.
Scoring disabled. You must be logged in to score posts.