Veterans' Day 2012

Thanks to all of America's veterans who sacrificed so that we could live in a nation such as America. May their efforts always be remembered. May there be less wars in the future, also.

Memorial Day 2012

So, another Memorial Day rolls around. I won't post the names of the missing and killed in action from VPB-118; you can see that list by scrolling down a little bit and looking at last year's post. One of the names on that list is Otto Bunkers, of Crew 11, McCutcheon's crew. That was the only VPB-118 plane lost from which survivors were recovered, about half the crew. Otto didn't make it, which makes this photo all the more poignant. Let's not forget those that came before us.

Pearl Harbor Anniversary

I'm writing this on the seventieth anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and America's sudden entry into the bloodiest and most widespread conflict the world has ever known. I hope that humanity never forgets the harm that evil intentions can precipitate. I was told that co-pilot of my father's crew, Lt.(jg) Robert J. Berens was on the Iowa that morning. Several other airmen of VPB-118 were there, as well. By contributing to a secure and just America and a secure and just world we honor their memory, and we honor all veterans.

Veterans Day 2011

Thanks to all those past and present of the U.S. military who have fought for our freedom, most of all to the great guys of VPB-118. May you always be remembered.

100 Years of Naval Station Great Lakes

Here’s a nice story on the Chicago Tribune site about today’s 100th anniversary of NSGL. Congratulations!

Follow-up: in the NSGL tradition, the base personnel made a “living 100”. You can see it here: Sun-Times.

Remembering the Fallen Airmen of VPB-118

Lasater Crew (missing in action 6 May, 1945):
Lt. J.A. Lasater
Ens. M.L. Gibson
Ens. C.J. Milner
AMM2c E.W. Smith
ARM3c W.J. Hawkins
AMM3c C.W. Jacobs
AOM2c R.E. Miller
AMM2c S.C. Bryant
ARM3c D. McAllsiter
ARM3c H.F. Brockhorst
AOM3c W.L. Thornton
AMM3c R.A. Carr

McCutcheon Crew (killed in action 21 July, 1945):
Lt. L.P. McCutcheon
Lt.(jg) F. Reeve
Ens. W.E. Bucklew
AFC1c O.A. Bunkers
AMM2c A.D. Nelson
AMM3c J.N. Welch

Park Crew (killed in action 8 August, 1945):
Lt.(jg) J.R. Park
Ens. G.W. Lewton
Ens. H.L. Lowe
ARM3c E.K. Hall
S1c M.E. Hedrick
AMM3c J.M. James
AOM3c R.A. Koontz
S1c C.A. McKinney, Jr.
ACOM(AA)(T) M.M. Marice
AMM2c J.E. Piquette
S1c P. Prietz
ARM3c R.R. Reinhart
ARM3c H.J. Wartzack

Frank Van Dyke

I received the following message from Peter Van Dyke this morning:

"It's with a mix of joy and great sadness that I have to inform you that my Dad died on Wed 3/23.

"We loved him and we will miss him greatly, but his life had become a continual struggle. He was a man of great faith and the thing he wanted most was to be with my Mom again.

"I have every belief that they are together, happy and pain free.

"He was very proud of his service to his country with VPB118."

Frank was co-pilot of Crew 13/7, piloted by PPC Lt. Cmdr. Edward G. "Doc" Binning. Frank's genial personality was a great aspect of the reunions. I am glad to have known him briefly through the reunions and to have heard him talk about his experiences as a lieutenant (jg) in WWII. A comment about the photo: I suggested this rather goofy pose, which Frank undertook in good humor.