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To our comrades
and friends
no longer with us...
George P.
Birdsong, Jr., Age 84
Pleasanton CA; July
9, 2004
Colonel George Purnell Birdsong,Jr. died in his wife’s arms at
his Pleasanton CA home he was born 12th of October 1919 and
raised in Clarksdale MS where he earned a football scholarship at
Southwest MS Jr. College.
Winning his pilot’s wings in April, 1942 he was immediately
assigned to a B-17 with the 91st BG and sent to Bassingbourn
England where he was one of the first to fly daylight combat missions
over Germany. His plane,
“The Delta Rebel” was one of the first to complete 25 missions in the
European theatre.
He remained in the Air Force and his combined military service
was 32 years experiencing four wars, flying a combat tour in B/17s and
B-19’s, B-47’s, B-52’s and B-58’s during the Korean and Cld Wars. He was a Wing Commander of the 633rd
Special Operations wings, Piciku Airbase in the Central Highlands of
Vietnam where he flew A-1 Skyraiders. He survived over 245 combat missions including 220 in
Vietnam.
He was a Golfer, published author and writer. His wife Eileen, his children,
George, Marguarite, Bill and Amy and ten grandchildren survive him.
He loved California but his heart will always be in Dixie. Colonel Birdsong was buried with
full military honors at Arlington Cemetery VA which was attended by his
family, his last surviving crew member,his ball turret gunner, Steve
Perri, and some of the 91st members that attended the 2004 91st
BGMA Reunion in Washington,DC
. Dr.
B.Z. Byrd, Age 85,
Long
Beach, MS.
Sunday, Oct.2004,
A retired
Baptist minister he had served in the U.S. Air Force (ret.) and was a
member of Faith Chapel Baptist Church. He was a Mason and a Shriner.Dr.
Byrd was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Mar Blackledge
Byrd; three brothers, and his son.
Mike Byrd. He is
survived by his wife Cammie L. Byrd, his son, Don Ulmer; his daughters
Joyce Rowell, Barbara Key, Betty Altom, his brothers, Joe Byrd and Mack
Byrd, his sisters, Lorena Yarbrough, Dot Rustin, Bertha Herrington and
Audie Herrington, 11 grandchildren; and 13 great‑grandchildren.
During
World War 2, was a Radio Operator,Gunner, on a B-17 Flying Fortress, the
“Delta Rebel #2” The pilot of the this Bomber was George Birdsong from
Clarksdale, MS.
Reported
by Bertha Herrington
Bud
"Kriegie" Meade age 78
Beloit WI, August 19, 2002,
Bud died of pancreatic cancer. He flew as a
Ball Turret Gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress OR-X. His plane was shot down, May 23,1943,
and he was taken to the POW camp Stalag17 where he remained for two
years. He retired from the Beloit Corp. in 1986 and was a Beloit
City Councilor. His son Charles said that he cared for the City and
he felt it was somewhat of a civic duty to serve on the City Council.
His wife of 56 years, Jean, and four sons survives him.
DONALD WELLINGS,
Friday Harbor WA, October 23, 2002
Don passed away after a long battle with
cancer. He was a most useful
member of our organization and we were able to make great use of his
skills which he gave generously.
He did a painting which was donated to the Air Museum in Chino CA
and supplied our PX with lithos of the same painting. He did the drawing of a 91st
B-17 on our playing cards as well as our sympathy cards notes for the
group.
Family obligations kept him from attending our
reunions.He was a Squadron Navigator. Don passed away after a long battle with cancer.
His wife Martha and son
and daughter-in-law Susie survive him.
CHARLES (CHUCK) SILVERNAIL,
San Antonio Texas, October 21,2002 Age 81
Chuck was a Pilot on the B-17 Bomber “Man O War, and
the first
replacement Crew in the 323rd Squadron.
He enlisted Nov. 7, 1941
from Billings, MT. Graduated
with pilot Class 42-F, flew a B-17 with his crew to join the 91st
BG, 323rd BS February 1943. He and two others of his crew completed their 25th
missions Aug 26, 1943 and were immediately assigned to the 92nd
BG Combat Crew Replacement Center as instructor. The rest of his crew with
replacements were shot down on their next mission and returned to the
States, December 1943. He
then flew several types of aircraft while in the Air Transport
Command.
He retired
as Lieutenant Colonel from Grand Forks, AFB November 1963.His wife,
Kathy, survives him, as well as three sons residing in Colorado, and
Kathy's two children, plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.
FRANCIS
(FRANK) HENRY BANNON,
Anderson Isle WA, March 12, 2002 Age 88
Son Kevin submitted the following: Frank is
survived by his wife, Vivian, his former wife Eileen, brother Calvin,
Sons Robert, Kevin, Brian and at best count, some 55 grand and great
grandchildren. Being the type of guy not afraid to introduce himself
and start a conversation, there are also an uncountable number of
friends, admirers and acquaintances. Though people associate Frank
with his plain speaking, physical strength, booming voice, zest for
adventures, and his true friends also knew he possessed a soft touch,
tender heart and giving nature. Family and friends treasure sharing
many of Frank’s adventures. A mighty tree has fallen in the
forest. God Bless and Keep you.
JOHN M. (JACK) BROWN,
Reedsburg WI, November
25, 2001 Age 78
Jack was born in
Gourock, Scotland, the son of John W. and Annie (McRae) Brown. He
was a veteran of both WWII and the Korean Conflict. On August 31,
1947 he married the former Bette Lee O’Brien. Jack worked for many
years for Hankscraft and later for Gerber Products until his retirement
in 1987. He was a member and former trustee of the United Methodist
Church, the Thurber-Greenwood VFW Post 1916, a former member of the
Reedsburg City Council, past president of the Reedsburg Chamber of
Commerce, the Reedsburg Area Medical Center Foundation, Ridgeview Heights
Independent Living Corporation and United Fund Chairman.
ROBERT DEGEORGE,
Huntington Valley
PA, November 1986
He was a member of
the 323rd Squadron, Group Lead Radar Navigator. His wife, Georgette,
two daughters and a son survive him.
JOHN A. FEAIRHELLER,
Ocean City, NJ, August 1986
Feairheller was an
early Life Member of the 91st BG Memorial Assn. Who was very active as a
host at BG Rally Rounds. The memory of his friendliness, generosity,
good humor and willingness to serve others will long remain with many
Eastern located members. His wife Ginny and son, John Jr., are also
long-time Associate Life Members and his wife and surviving daughters
will continue operation of “Scotch Hall”, the renowned restaurant that
Feairheller’s managerial and professional chef skills served so well.
GEORGE N. STURTZ,
Boone IA, January 21, 2002
Daughter, Lynn Pruett
of Bella Vista AR tells us that George and his wife lived the Eastern
Star Home in Boon until his death. His wife, Enid, now lives in a
care center in Boone and enjoys receiving mail but is not able to reply.
PRESTON R. TILLEY,
Durham NC, December 9, 2001, Age 85
His wife of 55 years
Doris B. Tilley reports that he suffered from emphysema for several
years and died following a stroke. He served for four years and
eight months as an Airplane Armorer. Three of those years were at
Bassingbourn. He had earned the rank of “Staff Sergeant” at the
time of his discharge.
After the war he co-owned and operated a general store in Durham
and later worked in hardware stores and managed a large parking lot in
downtown Durham. He was a master gardener and supplied the family
and friends with an abundance of vegetables. His wife, two children,
Clifford Tilley and Doris Anne Hair and two grandsons survive him.
“He fought a good fight and finished the course peacefully”.
HARRY F. LARKIN, JR.,
Pittsburgh, PA, January 2, 2002, Age 77
He died in a traffic accident while on
his way to his winter home in Florida. He was a long time partner
with Schneider Downs, the 53rd largest accounting firm in the United
States. Companies’ President said that Mr. Larkin’s innovations and
team approach laid the groundwork for the firm’s success. He
retired in 1989.
Mr. Larkin studied at the
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics. During WWII he was stationed
in England where he flew B-178s on bombing raids into Europe. He
was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Willis Schilly who
Harry flew with as Co-pilot submitted this information.
His wife, Betty Jane, died in 1998 and three daughters and two sons
survive him
WALTER C. WAWRZYNEK,
May 6, 2001
As reported by Mario Matte, Crew Chief on “Eagles Wrath”. Walt
was top turret gunner on Chuck Giauque’s crew but was flying with another
crew on the May 1, 1943 mission to St. Nazaire when his ship Vertigo was
shot down and Walt was taken POW. He was one of the first toggaliers in
the 323rd Bomb Squadron.
ERNEST (ERNIE) MILLER,
Peller, Iowa. January 3, 1995, age 78
He was a Navigator on the Delta Rebel No.2
He joined the crew at Walla Walla, WA and had the distinction of being
the only married crewman on the Delta Rebel No.2
He is survived by his wife Mary.
ANTHONY (Tony) GAETA ,
Kirkwood, NY Nov.16,2000, Age 77
He was the Top Turret Gunner, and Flight Engineer on one of the
original 9 B-17's that formed the 323rd Bomb Squadron in Sept. 1942
The "Texas Bronco" His plane was shot down February 4,1943 and
he was a
Prisoner of war in Germany for 27 months and was awarded the Air Medal.
He is survived by wife, Traute (Trudy) Gaeta, three daughters Kathleen,
Susan and Monika, as well as brothers, sisters, three grandchildren and
three great grand children, and former spouse Hildred (Deedee) Carpenter.
ROBERT (Bob) CARD,
Kelseyville, CA. March 8, 2003, Age 81
Bob was the tail gunner on the Delta Rebel #2 on George Birdsong’s
crew.
As reported by his wife Ann.
Bob was a loving Husband, Father, Grandpa, Friend and Hero. He
served as a tail-gunner on the B-17 Delta Rebel No. 2 based in
Bassingbourn, England, where he met and married Anne, his wife of 58
years. He became a proud father of his sons, Tom, Sam and daughters
Deb Ley and Deborah Collin. Later the welcomed many grandchildren
and great-grandchildren.
He was a PG&E lineman for 35 years and was an avid hunter and trap
shooter.
WALTER MERRITT PICKARD,
Luvern AL, January 23, 2003, Age 82
A retired Air Force Colonel, he commanded a B-17 Flying Fortress in
over 300 hours of combat flying over Europe from 1943-44.
He was a native of Luverne, AL, attended Troy State and Auburn
Universities and graduated from the University of Maryland as well as
from the Air Command and Staff College. After WWII he became a
Regular Officer in the USAF. He held command and staff positions in
a SAC Wing in Georgia, a Fighter Wing in England, on the Air Staff in the
Pentagon, in the Military Assistance Group in Turkey, a Tactical Air
Command base in Arizona, at the NATO Military Headquarters (SHAPE) in
Belgium, with a final tour of duty as Chief of the Air Force Section of
MAAG-France in Paris before retiring in 1975. His service
decorations included two Air Force and one Joint Service Commendation
Medals, four Air Medals, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of
Merit. He was also a member of The Goldfish Club, an unofficial
British Order with membership limited to those airmen who survived an
ocean ditching. He crash-landed a B-17 “My Desire” in the North Sea
in March 1944.
He is survived by his wife Amy (Emma), son John, daughter Martha, five
grandchildren and a sister, Dessie.
WILLIAM (BILL) M. LYONS,
Mason City, Iowa, July 13, 2000, age 78
Bill served during WWII in the 8th Air Force, 91st Bomb Group, 323rd
Squadron from 1941 until 1945.He married LeVon Toepfer in Mason City,
Nov. 4, 1945. He operated a Standard Oil filling station in Laurens
for four years and then moved to Dickinson ND where he worked for
Pritchard Motor Co. for 11 years. In 1967 he opened a used car
dealership and later purchased a Toyota Franchise as fell as a Fiat and
Peugeot.
In 1980 he acquired a Dodge franchise and in 1988 moved his
business to its current location.
Survivors include his wife LeVon, daughter Rebecca and her husband John
Hosmer and their three children and one great-grandson, all of Mason
City. Foster daughter Sandy and husband Bob Thomson and sons Bryce
and Ryan of San Antonio TX, four brothers and two sisters and their
spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother
and sister and daughter Deborah.
Bill Lyons was attached to the Photo Lab of the 323rd and supplied most
of the photos used in this Web Site.
EUGENE J. REMMELL,
Freeland, MD Sept.14,1999, Age 79.
Gene was the Flight Engineer, and top turret gunner on George
Birdsong's crew of the "Delta Rebel".He died in his sleep at
the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home in St. Mary's County.Highly decorated,
Remmel retired from the Air Force, a chief Master Sergeant. He then
Worked for the US Postal Service until his retirement in the early 1980's
BEN J. FOURMY, JR.
Meteire, LA, Feb. 5, 2002, Age 81
Ben was shot down on
his third mission. He flew his first mission on March 3, 1943 as
copilot and flew as first pilot on the 4th and 6th. Fourmy
crash-landed the aircraft and the Bombardier and Radio Operator were
killed in the landing. The remaining 8 survived to become
POW's. He is survived by his wife Mary
HENRY A. CARTER,
Oakland, Indiana, March 17, 1943, Age 20
He was killed in a motor vehicle accident between Royston and
Baldock. The circumstances indicate that he was knocked down
by a hit-an-run driver who failed to stop and made no official report of
the accident. Sargeant Carter was one of the outstandingly
successful combat crewmembers of the Group and his loss will be seriously
felt by his fellow crewmembers. He was the original tail gunner, on
Captain George Birdsong's plane, the Delta Rebel #2. This obituary
written by Steve Perri, Ball Turret Gunner, who flew on the same missions
with Sgt. Carter.
FRYE, WAYNE B.'TEX", 323rd Bomb Squadron
PO Box 15060, Zapata, TX 78076, June 11, 1993
"Tex," a former navigator on WICKED WITCH, before attending
the May '93 50th Anniversary MEMPHIS BELLE English tour, contributed a
"Maybe We Were All a Little Crazy'?" article to the Apr'93 Ragged
Irregular. He was so pleased with its' appearance he submitted another
story after returning from England. Long known as a self-confessed
"Teller-of-tales," the R/I was elated that he had at long last
succumbed to its' badgering and was ready to record some for such
posterity that the R/I provides. His daughter, Suzanne Shepherd; sons
Wayne B, Jr. and Theodore and Martin; six grandchildren and 11 great
grandchildren survive Frye. His daughter, Suzanne who accompanied him on
his recent return to England, writes her father's last years were spent
contributing to the accuracy of recorded 91st B.G. (H) and, particularly,
323rd Sq history. He contributed material pertaining to the Nov 2, '44
Mersburg raid to English historian Roger Freeman in addition to other
writings.
E. Wilkinson. LM 323rd
Bellingham WA, February 20,2003, Age 87
As reported by his brother-in-law. Jack Carver Walter E. Wilkinson,
who piloted "Hi Ho Silver" successfully for a full 25 missions,
died of natural causes in Bellingham WA where he lived for the last 12
years. Watt was raised here in his youth but lived and worked for 35
years or so in Saratoga CA. He retired from the Air Corps. Reserve in '57
as a Major. I believe the happiest time he had in the last months of his
life (he was in a Convalescent Home his final 9 mos.) was a visit from
two of his crewmates who were attending the annual reunion of the 91st in
Tacoma WA. The men who made that "special afternoon meeting"
were Earl Williamson and Howard (Bud) Wilson. Walt was "alive"
with joy at seeing his old mates. For Howard, it was the first
get-together since 1944. Eari praised Walt as being an "exceptional
pilot". Cm a WWII Veteran of the 8th AF in England and I was at
Wamngton, Lanes for three years in supply as we worked on new planes. I
enjoyed reading your "Ragged Irregular" and the exploits of the
flyers. The 91st must have been a heroic bunch of men. I salute them all.
At Walt's funeral, the local American Legion Post Honor Guard and Firing
Squad performed with a 21-gun salute. Walt is survived by his sister (my
wife) Camille Carver.
HANK LILLEY
El Paso, TX. Feb. 24,1997, Age 78
He spent a career in the Air Force and retired as a Master Sergeant.
Following his Air Force retirement he was an award-winning Ford truck
salesman for many years. He was not only tail gunner on “Dusty” Hoffman's
crew and his good friend. His sister Lila survives him. He flew most of
his missions in “Hi Ho Silver”, however, when as assistant operations
offer Dusty lost his crew Hank flew a number of missions as engineer on
the crew of Ted “Kelly” Skawienski's crew (Dusty's former co-pilot”).
Dusty said, “He will never be forgotten. There were eight red roses in
his casket with a card which read: “No sweat mission Hank – no fighters,
no flak – we will miss you. Your fellow B-17 crewmates and their wives”.
William A. McGavern
N. Huntingdon PA, May 22, 2000, Age 80
Bill was the radio operator/gunner on the crew of Robert M. “Dusty”
Hoffman’s crew in “Hi Ho Silver” and completed 31 combat missions. In
civilian life, he was owner/operator of the A-1 Sewer Cleaning Specialist
Co. in McKeesport PA. In addition to a lifelong membership in the 91st
BGMA, he was also a member of the 8th Air Force Assoc.,
American Air Museum in England, Disabled American Veterans and a
volunteer for “Meals on Wheels”. He is survived by his wife of 59 years,
Virginia, two sons, and two grandchildren.
William “TEX” Butler, 323rd,
Age 83
Southlake, TX, February 28, 2004
Submitted by his pilot Chuck Giauque
He was born March 18,1920, in Brownwood,
TX.
“Tex” was a B-17 Bombardier on one of
the original crews, the “Eagles Wrath”.He completed 25 missions
attained the rank of Captain and received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Trixie; his only daughter
Charlene Storms, two sons Dale and Dean six grandchildren, and also five great
grandchildren.
(My wife Nancy and I have had the
pleasure of attending many reunions with Tex and Trixie and they will be
sorely missed. Steve
Perri-Editor)
A word from Tex’s
Pilot, Charles “Shorty” Giauque
Every crewmember obviously played an
important role and Tex was a proven Bombardier; but Tex was especially
valuable to our Crew for his rare ability to see the bright side, no
matter what was going on.
The moment Oxygen masks could come off, Tex was up and out of the
nose compartment stopping with every crew member with cheer and humor -
with first aid if need be.
There are two of the “Eagle’s Wrath’s” flight crew left -
Lloyd Mahan, BTG and myself as Pilot. If the others could join us, our response would be a
loud and clear - “THANKS TEX”.
Major David A. Bramble, 323rd,
Age 83
Chesterton, MD, February 17,
2004
Dave was Pilot of the “Village
Flirt”, the plane on which I served as Copilot. Near the end of his tour, he
became Squadron Operations Officer under Major Berry.
Dave suffered for some time with a
debilitating blood ailment that eventually took him down.
In civilian life, at different times,
he owned a trucking company, operated a marina and owned a major
construction company on the “Eastern Shore” of Maryland.
The survivors of our crew owe a debt
of gratitude for the leadership he exhibited and his skill and judgment
as Pilot in Command in getting us through our combat missions between
September 1943 and March 1944.
His wife, Marnee and three
sons six grandchildren and two great-grandsons survive him.
Reported by, Phil Mack
Harry (Kulchesky) Kool, FM, 323rd
Age 83
Daytona Beach Shores FL, Aug. 1,
2003
![]() As reported by his wife Paula
He served as a
waist gunner on the Delta Rebel No. 2 along with this editor and
completed 25 missions over Europe.
He was born November 22, 1919 in California PA and retired from the
Fire Department of Hamtramck Michigan in 1973 as Chief of Apparatus. He
and his wife Paula then moved to Florida. He was a member of VFW Post
3282, and the Florida Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical
Society and the 91st Bomb Group Memorial Association.
He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Paula, his son, Les
and his wife Katie and two granddaughters Meg and her husband Rob Dunn
and Karen and her husband, Eric Bode as well as three
great-grandchildren, Nathan Paul, Anna and Naomi. His family’s favorite memories of
him were sitting around the dining room table and listening to stories of
his childhood antics and his war stories There was a Funeral Mass with
military honors following the Mass and Internment was at Florida National
Cemetery, Bushnell.
HUBERT E.CORL
State College, PA, 1995
Corl was the RO on “Eagles
Wrath” which was one of the original Nine B-17’s that formed the 323rd.
Bomb Squadron. The “Eagles
Wrath” crew completed 25 missions shortly after the “Memphis Belle”
completed hers. His widow,
“Jo”, survives him
JOSEPH A. YURRI
Houston TX, April 6, 1995
One of the 91t BG(H)’s
early birds, Yurri, then a Capt. Was wounded on a 1942 mission. In addition to the air medal, he
was awarded the Purple Heart.
A 1940 Fordham U graduate,
he was a star halfback on the Fordham Ram’s football team and
subsequently received a master’s degree in sociology from his Alma
Mater. He worked for
Catholic Family Charities for the past 35 years. Two nephews and a niece survive
him.
THOMAS FLEMMING
Ft. Myers FL, 1995
Reported by Ray Barnes who,
like Flemming was an original crewmember of “Seattle Sleeper” says “luck”
spared them from going down with Stevens’ crew on the 26 Nov ’44
Altenbeken mission.
Flemming, their CP had been displaced by trainee CP Stan Johnson
that day.
He is survived by his
widow.
JOHN “JACK” GINTER
Sun City AZ (approx. 1992)
Reported by Charles Giaugue
who says that he and Ginter were the two most junior 323rd
pilots at Walla Walla.
Ginter’s piano proficiency prompted Chuck to locate, buy and
install a piano in the 323rd’s Officers’ House. Ginter concluded his overseas
service as Aide to Gen. Armstrong and Gen. Williams. He returned to the states and the
2nd AF with Gen. Williams.
Discharged shortly after
the war, Ginter completed a civilian career with Marsh-McLennon
insurance. His widow, Mary;
a daughter and two sons survive him
WILLIAM E. HOWARD
Lincoln Park MI, March 17, 1995
Howard was the Tail Gunner on “Texas Bronco”. Downed on the Feb. 4, 1943 Emden,
Germany raid, the plane was landed on the Tershelling Island, Holland and
destroyed by the eight surviving crewmembers. Wounded, Howard spent six months in a hospital before
being sent to Stalag XVII.
His widow, Virginia, survives him.
MERLE E. CAREY
Sterling, KS. July 2, 1992
He died from auto accident
injuries. Carey was the
Flight Engineer of Capt. Ken McFarland’s Crew. His 25 missions included the March 6, 1944 first
Berlin daylight raid. Carey
was known as the “Ole Man” because he was 34 at the time.
A farmer and stockman, he
was active in Church affairs.
He is survived by three
sons, a sister and five grandchildren.
ROBERT R. MEFFOD
Valparisa, IN. February 19, 1995
He was assigned to J.C. Pullen’s crew as Bombardier
after phase-training with Armando J.Sinibaldo, who was the assigned
Navigator. After a few missions Meffod was given additional navigation
training and flew the remainder of his 35 missions as a Navigator.
Bruce John Johnson
Greenbay,WI June 29,
1998 Age 73
Entered the USAAF September 1,1943, assigned as a tail
gunner in the 323rd,
Bomb Squadron 91st Bomb Group. at
Bassingbourn, England. He flew 43 missions
over Germany.
Crash-landed just across the Rhine River in France.
Discharged Sept. 7, 1945 as a Tech/Sergeant. Awarded
the Air Medal w.4 Oakleaf clusters
Morris M. Guttu, Age 77
Grand Forks, ND May 17,2000
He had open-heart surgery six weeks early but also had
other problems.
"This past year, all he talked about were his
military days and my mother,"
writes his daughter, Linda Mero After attending
Aircraft Mechanics school.
He was appointed to Aviation Cadets and sent to
Corsiana, Texas.
In June 1942. He arrived in
Bassingbourn,in August 1943.
He flew seven missions, his last mission he was flying
"Tondelayo" and went
down over Dorpum, Germany.
Five of his crew were KIA, he and four others
were POW's. He was awarded the Air
Medal w/one Oak Leaf Cluster.
Marion J. Darnell
El Paso TX, Oct. 10, 1997, Age 78
Marion
apparently died of a sudden heart attack while working on
his lawn. He was Assistant Crew Chief on “Eagle’s
Wrath”. Marion
retired as
the owner of Dust-Tex Service in El Paso. He was a member
of the Trinity United Methodist
Church, 32nd Degree Mason, Scottish
Rite, and member of the Northeast Rotary.
His wife Marge, a brother, sister and their families
survive him.
Keith Beanblossom
Jeffersonville, IN. , May
1976
Reported by his wife, Rosemary,
who writes he completed mission tour
with Bill Reynolds and Fred
Parkins of the “Merry Widow”
crew. He flew
two additional missions to
allow his original crew to finish together
CECIL EDWARD WILLIAMS,323rd, Age 83
Ponca City, Oklahoma, April 25, 2004,
Submitted by his son, Steve
Cecil was born June 30, 1921, in Ponca
City, Oklahoma, the son of O.W. “Doc” Williams and Nora Myrtle Ivy
Williams. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1940.
In 1942, Cecil enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served as a bombardier
with the 91st Bomb Group, 323rd Squadron based at Bassingbourn,
England. The majority of Cecil's 26
combat missions to Belgium, France, and Germany were on
the "Blue Dreams" B-17. Cecil received
the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with
three Oak Leaf Clusters, and Unit Citation with one Bronze Service
Star. He was a life member of the 91st Bomb Group
Memorial Association. He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a
Lt. Colonel..
On Aug. 6, 1944, Cecil
married Anna Mae Whisenhunt in Ponca City, Oklahoma. Following
World War II, he earned a BS in Architectural Engineering from Oklahoma (A & M) State
University. Cecil retired from Conoco Oil Company after a 35-year career as Senior Engineer of
Architecture and Facilities Coordinator. Privately, he designed
many prominent homes, commercial buildings, and churches in the Ponca
City area.
Cecil is survived by two sons, Steve Williams and wife, Kathy, of
Yukon, OK, and Mark Williams of Worcester, Mass.; two daughters, Pamela
Bauer and husband, Patrick, of Luxembourg and Cynthia Tackwell and
husband, Steve, of Deltona, Fla.; four grandchildren and a
great-granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his wife on Dec. 28, 1992
Will the circle remain unbroken
Bye and bye Lord, bye and bye
Will our crew be all
together
In the sky Lord, in the sky
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