WWII Photos - Taken / Collected by Family Members

[Stearmen]

1943

I found this great photo of my dad when he was on leave in 1943, back in Stuart, Iowa, just before he shipped out for Great Britain! Unfortunately, it was the last time he saw his father, he died of pneumonia the next year! My mother recently told me that, when my father got home, he ran through the house checking every room, he said he just could,t believe his dad was gone!

 

[Widebrim]

^^I like that! Until I re-read the caption, I thought he was part of the last horse cavalry. Sad about his father, though.

 

[StraightEight]

StraightEight, thanks for that update. I am really surprised that that area remains so unchanged. That is amazing!

Yep. When you've got free time, look at Google Earth at the area I mentioned, in the open fields just west of the forest around Rott in the Naturpark Hohes Venn-Eifel, just south-southeast of Aachen. Zoom in close enough on satellite view and you'll see the Dragon's Teeth zig-zagging across the landscape. Sections have been cleared by farmers but some of the lines are amazingly intact. We spent two days foraging around the Hurtgen last June. Among the discoveries: numerous fox holes, a Sherman tank track still embedded in the Kall Trail, a bridge of dragon's teeth over a river, and a line of defensive machine gun bunkers still largely intact. Someday you should get over there and walk in your uncle's footsteps.

 

[B-24J]

My Dad from pilot training PT-17 1943

 

[B-24J]

My Dad (Left) in B-3 Jacket and A-3 Trousers

Note the gloves in the trouser pockets and the shade of the B-3 collars compared to the gloves.

 

[B-24J]

Dad with B-3 Jacket and A-3 trousers open

 

[B-24J]

A portrait for the family in his B-3 Jacket

He flew with the 98th BG (H) , 345th Squadron. B-24H and J models.

 

[B-24J]

A few more photos - Pilot training - four A-2

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y301/B-24J/A-2_4.jpg?t=1279480853

 

[B-24J]

Home on leave after training. With future wife before going overseas.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y301/B-24J/Dad-Mother.jpg?t=1279481154

 

[B-24J]

Crew photo in Italy. Front, second from right. Note strap buckle shoes.

http://i1024.photobucket.com/albums/y301/B-24J/Dad-crew.jpg?t=1279481740

 

[Blackjack]

My dad on accordion here playing in some Hospital courtyard in Belgium

 

[Widebrim]

Great photo! I like the zoot-suited cat graphics.

 

[Widebrim]

That is one cool shot!

 

[Widebrim]

Found this in a box at a thrift store. Looks like he just got out of Basic Training. Since he's got a garrison belt, and a black tie, I'm thinking 1942. The way he tilts his garrison cap, he looks more RAF than USA...

http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/1947studebaker/CCF06242010_00002.jpg

 

[savoy6]

Found this in a box at a thrift store. Looks like he just got out of Basic Training. Since he's got a garrison belt, and a black tie, I'm thinking 1942. The way he tilts his garrison cap, he looks more RAF than USA...

http://i642.photobucket.com/albums/uu146/1947studebaker/CCF06242010_00002.jpg

he almost looks like the sargent character in "the best years of our lives"

 

[too much coffee]

Roger that!

 

[jeep44]

here's a couple from my Dad. He was a tailgunner in the 385th BG of the 8thAAF. Unfortunately, he passed away in November.

 

[Widebrim]

here's a couple from my Dad. He was a tailgunner in the 385th BG of the 8thAAF. Unfortunately, he passed away in November.

Your dad looks great, jeep, and nice in-flight photo. My condolences over your loss; my father, a USA vet from WWII, passed away a year ago. Your memories of your father will keep his spirit alive.

 

[Lincsong]

My Mom's cousin Margaret's wedding, Honolulu, HI 1944

 

[Lincsong]

Honolulu 1942, the last time my Great Grandmother would see all her sons together