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Taps - Stalag Luft I POWS From the American Ex-Prisoners of War Bulletin & other news sources.

March 2008   JEST, Marvin A. -  Marvin A. Jest jumped out of an airplane over enemy territory - and without finishing his prayers - so perhaps it wasn't as much a leap of faith to invest in his son's business. Marvin Jest Photos Courtesy of Jest Family Marvin Jest, shown in 1943, was an Army Air Corps navigator. "I was a 25-year-old kid in 1989, so he co-signed the lease for the club and became vice-president on the incorporation papers," said son Peter Jest. "There would be no Shank Hall without Marvin Jest," he said. Jest died at home Sunday, less than two months after being diagnosed with melanoma. He was 85. He grew up in Milwaukee, graduating from Boys Tech High School. Jest was working at Auer Steel in 1942 when it became clear that he would soon be drafted. "He and his buddy decided to join the Army Air Corps instead of being drafted into the Army," Peter said. "Both became navigators." Then came a bombing mission over Germany in September 1944. The plane was hit and going down. He was the second last to jump - but not fast enough for the pilot. "What are you waiting for?" the pilot said. Jest said he was still praying. "You can pray on the way down," the pilot told him. And so Jest jumped. "He landed in a farmer's field and a German farmer held him at bay with a pitchfork until the Gestapo arrived," Peter said. Next stop was a prisoner-of-war camp near Berlin. Back in Milwaukee, his family learned he was missing in action. It was nearly another month before they found out he was a prisoner of war. "The prisoners didn't eat much, but they did have a radio - a secret radio in the barracks, just like in the movies," his son said. "They could hear that the Allies were getting closer. The Russians liberated the camp early in May of 1945." Jest earned a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and went back to work at Auer Steel. He continued to work there as a heating and air-conditioning sales engineer for a total of 50 years. He met the former Kathryn Henke on a blind date, and they married in 1955. His son Timothy became a doctor, and another son, Jonathan, a pharmacist. Daughter Karen Worgull, like their mother, became a nurse. "Everyone went into something medical, so I'm the odd one in the bunch," Peter said. "He was very proud of all of us. He cared about his kids and his grandkids and his wife. He was a very Christian person, just an average guy, who loved a simple joke or to kid around." The rock bands that Peter booked weren't his dad's kind of music, but Jest was still willing to help with his son's dream. "The only dividend he wanted was a bottle of J&B scotch once in a while," Peter said. "My mom and dad had their 50th anniversary here a couple years ago." In addition to his wife and children, Jest is survived by a brother, Norman, and his grandchildren. Click here to Email his family.   May 2007 CORPENING, Ira B. - of El Cajon, CA passed away Feb. 10, 2007 at the age of 86.  He served with the AAF during WWII; he was a POW at Stalag Luft I in Germany.  Ira's passions was airplanes. He spent many happy days volunteering at the San Diego Aerospace Museum.  He will be missed by his wife of 62 years, 2 daughters and 2 grandchildren. HENRY, Lester J. of Hooksett, NH.- During WWII, he served in the Air Force.  He was captured in Germany and held at Luft I, Barth until liberation.  He is survived by his wife, Alice, 1 daughter, 1 stepdaughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters, nieces and nephews. MILLER, Joseph R. of Latrobe, PA died Nov. 12, 2006. During WWII he was shot down over Germany while serving with the 8th AF, 392nd BG, 557th BS.  He was held captive in Stalag Luft I, Barth.  Joe leaves his wife of 54 years, Agnes and three daughters. SULLIVAN, Edward J., Sr. of  Wichita, KS died Jan. 4, 2007 a the age of 85. During WWII he served in the National Guard, joined the Army, transferred to the AAC, and became a pilot.  He was captured and held in Stalag Luft I, Barth.  He is survived by his wife, Gloria, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. THOMPSON, John E., M.D. - Click here to read online obituary WICKENS, Lewis Arthur, 83, of Mound City, MO passed away Jan. 24, 2007.  He was shot down in Germany while serving with the Air Force; he remained at Luft I until liberation. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Lois, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 1 sister. April 2007 McDONOUGH, Francis Patrick  - Age 90, in Bloomington, MN passed away on March 16, 2007. A native Chicagoan, he was preceded in death by parents Thomas J and Bridget Agnes McDonough, nee Fahey; brothers Thomas, John and Michael and sisters MaryEllen, Anne and Kathleen. Was a devoted husband and father. Survived by wife of 59 years Lillian; and children, Francis Jr, MaryAnn McGraw, Thomas, Brian and Robert; grandchildren Thomas and Daniel McGraw and Patrick and Faylenn McDonough. Served as a Lieutenant in the US Army Air Corp during WWII, was a POW and a Purple Heart recipient. Retired as an Accountant from the US Postal Data Center. Memorials preferred to the Trappist monks of New Mellerey Abbey, Peosta, IA. Funeral services will be held in Minnesota on Sat. March 24th. Interment at Ft Snelling National Cemetery.   March 2007 SALING, James G. - Click here to read online obituary SCHIMPF, Jack E. - Click here  to read online obituary VOGEL, Joe B. -  Click here to read online obituary BASCU, John, 88 of Colts Neck, NJ passed away Jan. 19, 2007.  He was captured while serving with the AAF during World War II; he was interned in Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany.   John is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Winifred, and a large extended family. BUTLER, Paul, died Feb. 2, 2005.  He was a resident of Southbury, CT. Paul was captured while serving with the 451st BG during WWII.  He was held in Stalag Luft I , Barth.   Paul's wife Jane passed on June 2, 2006.  They leave six children, six grandchildren, 1 brother, 1 sister and many, many friends. KISER, James W., Sr. of Gaffney, SC passed away Sept. 9, 2006.  He was nearly 85 and was the husband of 36 years of Blanche.  Jim flew with the 95th BG, 336 BS, 8th Air Force.,  He was shot down over Berlin and captured.  He spent the duration of the war in Stalag Luft I, Barth.  In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by 3 children, 2 step-children, 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.  O'BRIEN, William T., 88, of Valrico, FL, died Sept. 26, 2006.  He was shot down in 1944 while serving with the 9th Air Force; held by the Germans at Stalag Luft I until liberation. He leaves his loving wife of 64 years, Lucille, 1 daughter, two grandchildren and one sister. SMITH, William L., of Kinston, NC passed away Oct. 26, 2006.  Bill Was a bombardier with the 573rd BS, 391st Bomb Group, 9th Air Force.  He was a POW at Stalag Luft I.  Bill leaves his wife, Jeanette and three children.   February 2007 DUVAL, Gerald A. died on February 18, 2006 in Pittsburg, KS. Gerald was a life member of AXPOW and a charter member of the Hutchison-Poplawski Chapter, Panama City, FL where he was active until April, 2005. During WW II Gerald served with the 459th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. He was shot down and captured by the Germans on April 2, 1944. He was liberated by the Russians at Stalag Luft I near the end of the war in Europe. Gerald was preceded in death by Thelma, his wife of 57 years, and is survived by a son, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Author of Wings and Barbed Wire FORNEY, Robert, 83, of Boone, IA died Dec. 5, 2006. Bob served as a pilot on a B-24 Heavy Bomber during WWII. He was captured and held in Germany at Stalag Luft I. He was a member of the Mid-Iowa Chapter, AXPOW. Survivors include two daughters, one sister, three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. KENYON, James R. “Dick”, 84, of Hillsboro, OR died Nov. 24, 2006. He was a member of the Pioneer Mustang Group, which was the first to escort our bombers between Berlin and England. He was shot down and captured; spending 14 months in Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma, 1 son, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren.  Click here to e-mail his family   January 2007 BARSDITIS, Edward A., 84, of Monroeville, PA died Aug. 4, 2006.  He was an engineer for Westinghouse for more than 42 years.   He was a POW at Stalag Luft I during World War II.  Surviving are his wife, Willa (Dechert) Barsditis; daughter, Beverly Diane Walthour of Monroeville; and sister, Marcia. BROWN, Howard R.,   82, of Sun City, AZ and Englewood, CO died Nov. 9, 2006.  Howard served in WWII in the 8th AF, 486th BG stationed at Sudbury, England.  He was shot down over Germany, was captured and interned in Stalag Luft I.  He is survived by his wife Dorothy, 2 daughters, a son and a brother, 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.  STILL, Homer E. Jr., 85, died December 1, 2006.  During World War II, he served as a B-24 pilot in the 8th AF, 44th BG, 506th BS.  He was in Stalag Luft I.  He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Ann, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grand child.  He reminded us constantly that laughter is the best medicine. Click here to e-mail his family. STROFF, MichaeI John Jr. of Manassas, VA died Oct. 19, 2006.  He spent 33 years in the service during WWII, Korea and Vietnam.  He was a POW at Stalag Luft I.  Survivors include his wife Maryabelle, one son, two daughters, four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. TUCKER, Kenneth M., -   Click here to read online obituary December 2006 NICHOLLS, William Arthur - of Atco, NJ, passed away on Saturday, December 23rd, 2006 at the Fountains at Cedar Park in Atco, NJ. He was 87 yrs. of age. A 43 year resident of Woodbury Heights, NJ where he served as Councilman in the 1960's, William resided in "The Fountains" in Atco, NJ, moving there from Marlton, NJ. Born in Philadelphia, PA in 1919, he was a 1937 graduate of Upper Darby H.S. Following high school he was employed by W.B. Saunders Publishing in Philadelphia. In 1942, Bill married the love of his life, Doris Elizabeth Nicholls (nee Luther), 1941 Rosemont College graduate, of Philadelphia, PA. Following the invasion of Pearl Harbor, Bill joined the United States Army Air Corps. He became a bombardier on B-17 aircraft and served in the European Theater. On his 20th bombing mission December 11, 1943, his aircraft was shot down over occupied Holland. Bill spent 17 1/2 months as a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 1, near Barth, Germany, attempted escape twice and freed in 1945. Bill continued his service in the Air Force Reserve for another 20 years and retired with rank of Major. He was an active member and President of the 385th Bombardment Group Memorial Association which hosted a reunion in Philadelphia in September of 1997. Following the war Bill co-managed his family food distribution business, Ernest Nicholls & Sons, in Westville, NJ until his retirement in 1983. Bill and Doris enjoyed Elder Hostels, and traveling in the United States and Europe. The Nicholls were long time members and volunteers of Episcopal Churches in Woodbury Heights and Wenonah, New Jersey. In addition to his beloved wife, Doris, Bill is survived by his five children, Joan Sampieri, Kathryn, Michael, Bruce and David Nicholls. He is the brother of Ernest Nicholls and Nikki Lauterbach, and also survived by his nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Relatives and friends are invited to his Memorial Services on Friday, December 29 at 11:00 AM at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 442 South Route 73 in Berlin, New Jersey (1 mi. So. of old Berlin Circle). The family will receive friends following the service in the church hall. Funeral arrangements by the BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, Medford, NJ, 609-953-7600 November 2006 JONES, Robert Keith - Click here to read online obituary   October 2006 BOSIER, Harry William (BILL)  age 84, of Eau Claire, WI passed away Jan. 20, 2006.  He was captured while serving in the 8th AAF, over Nuremburg and held in Stalag Luft I, in Barth until liberation.  Bill leaves his loving wife of 60 years, Margaret, 4 sons, 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. GIDEZ, Melvin D., 84 of Randolph, MA passed away Aug. 7, 2006.  Mel was a veteran of WWII. He flew B-24's before capture and was a POW in Stalag Luft I, in Barth, Germany.  He leaves his wife of 63 years, Miriam, 1 daughter, 1 son and 1 granddaughter.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. July 2006 CHANDLER, Charles H. -  Click here to read online obituary   June 2006 KLARE, George, of The Plains, Ohio, died March 3, 2006.  A B-17 navigator serving with the  8th Air Force, 100th Bomb Group,  he was shot down near Hamburg, Germany.   He is survived by his wife Judy. McGILL, John J., age 84, of Norwich, CT died March 14, 2006.  He was a B-17 pilot with the 301st Bomb Group, 32nd Bomb Squadron, 15th Air Force, flying out of Italy. He is survived by 2 sons, 1 daughter, 1 brother, 1 sister, 7 grandchildren an 3 great grandchildren. SMITH, George O., of Lexington, SC died March 19, 2006.  He was with the 376th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force during World War II.  A flight engineer on a liberator aircraft, he was a POW at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hellon, and two daughters. May 2006 CONNOR, John M., of Attleboro Falls, MA passed away January 1, 2006 at the age of 85.  He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran, B-17 bomber pilot who was shot down over Germany in March of 1945 and was a POW at Barth, Germany in Stalag Luft 1 until liberation.  He flew 116 missions as part of the Berlin Airlift fro September 1948 to May 1949.  He leaves his wife of 60 years, Mildred (Midge), two sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren, two step-grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. OWENS (OMONSKY), John R.,  86, of Whitehall, PA died Feb. 15, 2005.  He was serving with the 548th BS, 385th BG when he was captured.  He spent 15 months at Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany.  He leaves his wife of 59 years, Eileen, 2 sons and 1 grandson. March/April 2006 HANEY, John William  (Bill), 83 of Tucson, AZ passed away Jan. 4, 2006.  While serving with the 8th AF, his plane was shot down and he was captured.  He spent the duration of the war at Stalag Luft I, Barth.  He leaves his wife Prudence, 1 daughter, 1 son, 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. MURPHY, Jack W., 88 of Hummelstown, PA passed away Dec. 20, 2005.  Jack was a veteran of the AAC, flying with the 97th BG out of Foggia, Italy.  He was shot down and captured.  He was originally held in the death camp Mauthausen, later he was moved to Stalag Luft I, Barth.  Jack is survived by his wife Edythe, 1 son, 1 daughter, 1 sister and 4 grandchildren. MOERKE, Robert, 81, passed away Sept. 21, 2005.  He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia, 3 children, 5 grandchildren, 8 grandchildren and 2 brothers. NEWCOMB, Harry, Jr. 83, of Springfield, VA passed away Sept 16, 2005.  He was a bombardier on a B-17 which was shot down over Germany. He was captured and held in Stalag Luft I, Barth.  Survivors include one sister, Jane Straubinger. PARSONS, William H., 85 of Vermont, passed away on Nov. 25, 2005.   He lived in Brattleboro, VT, formerly in Cooperstown, NY.  He served in the AAC 546th BS, 384th BG.  He was shot down during his first combat mission.  He was a POW for 17 months at Stalag Luft 1 in Barth.  He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Betty, two sons, his wife's children, several grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.    BRATTLEBORO — William H. Parsons, 85, of Mather Road in West Brattleboro, died Friday morning, Nov. 25, 2005, at Vernon Green Nursing Home, after a brief illness.  He had been a resident of Brattleboro since last February. Mr. Parsons was born in Elmira on Nov. 22, 1920, the son of Harold and Myrtle (Coats) Parsons. He was raised and educated in Binghamton, graduating from Binghamton North High School, class of 1939. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Army, with the Air Corps 546th Bomb Squadron, 394th Bomb Group in the European Theater of Operation. He was a pilot of a B-17 and was shot down by enemy fire over Germany during his first combat mission. He was taken captive by the Germans and was a prisoner of war for 18 months. On Oct. 27, 1945, he was honorably discharged at the rank of second lieutenant and was the recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Ribbon with one Campaign Star. He later served with the United States Air Force Reserve and was discharged at the rank of First Lieutenant on July 31, 1957. Mr. Parsons was employed with New York State Electric & Gas, working in the Cooperstown office and retired as manager after 46 years of dedicated service to the company. Active in civic affairs, he was a 50-year member and was a past president of the Cooperstown Rotary-Club where he received recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow, was a member of the American Legion Walter Eggleston Post in Cooperstown for 50 years where he served as commander, held membership in the Mohican Club of Cooperstown, a private men club, had served as a Boy Scout leader in Cooperstown, and was a member of the Leatherstocking Golf Club. While in Brattleboro, he was an active member of the American Legion, Brattleboro Post No. 5 and hold membership in the Vermont POW/MIA’s, Brattleboro Chapter. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed skiing, both alpine and cross country, tennis, racquetball, bicycling, rollerblading, canoeing, and traveling. Throughout his life he kept meticulous records and family history and was also very conscientious about birthdays and special occasions, never forgetting to send a card or making a personal telephone call. He was a faithful and devoted husband and loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, whose life centered on his family. Mr. Parsons had a robust and energetic personality. He thoroughly enjoyed living and experiencing life. He also loved dancing, music and playing the piano. In July 1945, in Binghamton, he was married to Therese Kales, who predeceased him in July 1982. He later married Elizabeth (Betty) Garry in Cooperstown on May 28, 1988.  Besides his wife of 17 years, he leaves two sons, Gary W. Parsons of Walterboro, S.C., and William H. Parsons Jr. of Granby, Conn.; his wife’s children, Mary Giamartino and her husband, Frank, of Newfane, Eugene Garry and his wife, Ruth, of South Newfane, Francis Garry and his wife, Lori, of Bridgewater, N.J., and Monica Garry of San Francisco, Calif.; grandchildren, Dr. Scott Parsons of North Carolina, Leslie Chambers, of Virginia, Erin Parsons of New Jersey, Daniel Parsons and Sarah Parsons, both of Connecticut, Vincent Giamartino of New York, Suzanne Garry and Matthew Garry, both of New Jersey, and Shannon Garry, Caitlin Garry and Brennan Garry, all of Vermont; three great-grandchildren, Stephen Parsons, Matthew Parsons and Katie Chambers; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Claire A. Parsons; a grandson, Nicholas Giamartino; one brother, Robert Parsons; and a sister, Margaret Dady Waleke.Burial with full military honors will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Cooperstown. October 2005 HOUGHTON, Olin Barker , 80, died on October 25, 2005 in hospice, under mesquite trees in the arms of his beloved wife, Peggy (The Hon. Margaret M. Houghton, ret.), surrounded by family and friends, and with the Catalina Mountains in the background. Born in Boston, MA, on January 4, 1925, he was the son of the late Robert Lloyd and Antoinette Barbour Houghton. He received a BA in English from Bowdoin College in 1949 and received MAs from Florida State University and the University of Oregon in education and special education, respectively. Barker enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a ball turret gunner in a B-24 stationed in Italy. He survived a plane crash in Italy, was MIA until he escaped down the Po River in October 1944. Six weeks later over Austria, Staff Sgt. Houghton parachuted from a disabled B-24, was captured and became a POW in Stalag Luft I, which was liberated when WWII ended. Working throughout his life to give the gift of literacy, he was both a teacher and an educational consultant. Barker was always himself and has left wonderful memories with friends and family. He cared deeply about the common good. All children loved him. No one ever forgot having met him. He was a truly authentic person. He loved the outdoors, the Boston Red Sox, the Arizona Wildcats, and photography and has left a gallery of images from his journeys and adventures. In addition to his wife, Barker is survived by his brothers, Bruce and Geoffrey Houghton, Tampa, FL; daughters, Christina Kemprecos (Paul) and Toni Houghton, both of Cape Cod, MA, Perrianne Houghton (Lewis) Munk of Rio Rancho, NM, Julie Houghton (Charles) Mason of Fairbanks, AK; stepdaughter, Pamela DeMauro (John) of Hickory, NC; stepson, Rick Bond (Beverly Lambert) of San Francisco, CA; grandchildren, Eric and Dane Munk, Zachary and Hannah Mason, Jill Maiorano; great-granddaughter, Angela Maiorano; step-grandchildren, Sarah and Laura Wilson, Katie Eckelbarger; niece, Deborah; and nephew, Rob Houghton of Tampa.   August 2005 CONNER, Glenn T. -  Click here to read online obituary.   July 2005 ANDERSON, Eugene D. - Click here to read online obituary. ARNOLD, Dixon J., of Clairemont, CA passed away April 18, 2005. He was 93. His B-17 was shot down over Germany and he was held prisoner in Luft 1, Barth. His wife, Hazle, predeceased him; there are no immediate family survivors.  Click here to read online obituary CRAGO, Charles R., 80, of Cillicothe, OH died April 14, 2005. He was a life member of AXPOW and the 388th BG Association. During WWII, he was shot down over Germany and held for six months in Lufts 4 and 1. He leaves his loving wife, Fay, 2 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. FORETICH, Gerald, 88, passed away March 18, 2005. He was a resident of Gulfport, MS. He served with the AAC and was shot down over Germany. He was held in Luft IV and Luft I. Survivors include 1daughter, 1 granddaughter, 2 great-grandsons, 2 sisters and his brother, John, who was his caregiver in the last few years of his life. JOHNS, Don Herbert -  Click here to read online obituary. SIMMONS, George, of Oklahoma City, OK passed away March 30, 2005. He served with the AAF, 405th FG. He was shot down over Haslach, Germany and held in Luft 1. George was a member of the Central OK Chapter, AXPOW. His wife, Carol, predeceased him; he is survived by 4 children and 1 grandchild. STEVENSON, William "Bill", 87, of Danville, IL died April 25, 2005. Bill served in the 8th AF. He was a POW in Luft 1 for 16 months. Bill's wife, Lois, survives him; he also leaves 1 son, 4 daughters, 16 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 2 sisters. May 2005   HINDERT, Robert R . died May 1, 2005; from Peoria. TELPNER, Eugene L. -  Click here to read online obituary April 2005 LYMBURN,  George H.  - a World War II bomber pilot and prisoner of war who later became an actor, producer and director, died April 7, 2005 at a retirement home in Oakland.  He was 81, had battled cancer for two years and had suffered a stroke. Mr. Lymburn's military and show business careers were intertwined. He first caught the acting bug as a prisoner at a German POW camp. During his 14 months at Stalag Luft 1 in Barth, Germany, Mr. Lymburn passed the time by memorizing and reciting plays and poetry to his fellow soldiers. "There was no forced labor or torture, although there was forced inactivity and starvation," said Mr. Lymburn's eldest son, Bruce, who added that his father had lost 50 pound at the camp. "Dad picked up the literature, especially Shakespeare, and learned the long poems," he said. "It was something that kept his mind going. He organized an acting troupe in the barracks, and they put on little plays and productions. He found that he had a good memory and loved hamming it up." Mr. Lymburn was born in Boston and enlisted in the Army Air Forces shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He was given command of a B-24 bomber as a 19-year-old lieutenant and flew missions for the 445th Bomb Group, including some missions led by actor-turned-pilot Jimmy Stewart. On March 6, 1944, Mr. Lymburn's plane, named "God Bless Our Ship," took a direct hit from anti-aircraft fire during a bomb run over Berlin. Mr. Lymburn ordered his 10-man crew to bail out, but he and his tail gunner stayed with the bomber and crash-landed outside of Berlin, where they were captured by German troops. In April 1945, Russian soldiers liberated Stalag Luft 1 and Mr. Lymburn returned home to study acting. He attended Yale Drama School for a year and received his bachelor's degree in theater arts from Rollins College in Florida. He then enrolled in the graduate school of theater at UCLA. Mr. Lymburn married Luisa Clarkson in 1951, and the couple divorced in 1971. They had two sons, Bruce and Glen. Mr. Lymburn appeared on shows during television's infancy in the 1950s and '60s, including "Playhouse 90," "The Fugitive" and "Bewitched." His movie credits included "Marty" and "The Natural." But most of his success came as an actor, director and producer in community theaters in Southern California. He also directed and produced educational movies, corporate and nonprofit films and other media. In addition, he wrote a book ("That's My B-24!") and produced a video ("Just Trying to Stay Alive") about his wartime experiences. Mr. Lymburn retired in 1990 and moved to San Francisco to be closer to his son, Bruce. He kept his membership in the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and was able to work as an extra in movies shot in the Bay Area, including "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Basic Instinct" and "The Rock," in which he was a double for Sean Connery. Mr. Lymburn, the last survivor of "God Bless Our Ship," was active in a number of veterans associations, including the American Ex-Prisoner of War Association. Mr. Lymburn is survived by his son, Bruce, and three grandsons. He was preceded in death by his son Glen, who died in 1976.  Click here to e-mail his family   January 2005 BECKMANN, Louis John, 86, of Davenport, IA and Fayetteville, NY died Feb. 21, 2003. He served as a Bombardier on B-17s during WWII with the 447th BG based at Stowmarket. He was shot down on his 27th mission and sent to Luft 1, Barth. He was a member of the Syracuse and Rome NY chapters, AXPOW. He leaves his wife, Ruth, 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. HECKMAN, Fred B., Jr. of Deltona, FL died Aug. 5, 2004 at age 83. He was a member of East Central FL Chapter, AXPOW. During WWII, he served with the 8th AF (3rd BD, 45th Wing, 452nd BG) and was a POW at Luft1, Barth.   November/December 2004 BREITENBACH, Louis H. 83, passed away on October 9, 2004 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was a member of the Charles D. Crook crew, 8th AF, 303rd BG, which was shot down over Holland on February 22, 1944. He evaded for 4 months, was later captured, and was a prisoner-of-war for nearly a year. He was a life member of AXPOW. While attending the first 303rd BGA reunion, police came and asked about the hotel sign: "Welcome Hell’s Angels". Survivors include his wife, Anamae, 5 sons, 2 daughters, 10 grandchildren, 1 brother and 1 sister. GRAY, William R., of Springfield, IL died July 27, 2004. He was held in Stalag Lufts 1 & 4 for fourteen months after being captured. He was a member of the Springfield Area Chapter, past chapter commander and past commander of the Dept. of Illinois, AXPOW. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two sisters. HARBAUGH, George W., of Ogden Dunes, IN died recently. He served with the AAC during WWII. He was shot down over Italy and held prisoner at Stalag Luft IV and Stalag Luft I for one year. He was a life member of AXPOW and the Northern Indiana Chapter. Survivors include his devoted wife, Dorothy, 3 daughters, 1 son and 6 grandchildren. SHOWALTER, Samuel F., 85, of Wheaton, IL died April 25, 2004. He was a co-pilot on a B17 bomber. He was shot down and held prisoner at Stalag Luft I until liberation. He leaves his wife, Mary Jane, 4 children and 6 grandchildren. October 2004 HUMPHRIES, Paul C., Jr. member of the Tulsa, OK Chapter, AXPOW, died Aug. 13, 2004. He served in the 8th AF during WWII. He was held in Lufts 1and 4 after capture. He is survived by his wife, Maxine, 3 children, 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. PHILLIPS, Frank P., 83, of Fort Myers, FL died July 13, 2004. He served on a B-24 with the 44th BG, 506th BS during WWII. He as shot down over France, captured and held for 14 months in various Lufts ( 1 & 4) in Germany. He leaves his wife, Sylvia, 1 daughter, 2 stepdaughters, 1 sister, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. September 2004 HYERDALL, Donald J. 82, of Mundelein, IL, life member of AXPOW passed away. During WWII, he served in 8th AF, 98th BG, flying out of England. He also served in Japan & Korea. He is survived by wife, Violet, 1 son, 1 daughter, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. NISEWONGER, Boyd A., of Clearfield, PA died April 22, 2004. He was a member of the Southern Alleghenies Chapter, AXPOW and a Stalag Luft I POW.   August 2004 RAGAN, Everett Boyd, age 88, of Tulsa, OK died June 2, 2004. He was a long time member of the Tulsa Chapter, AXPOW. During WWII, Everett served in the 8th Air Force. He was shot down and held in Luft 1, Barth for 1 years. He is survived by 4 daughters, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. SCHULZ, David B. of Wichita Falls, TX died June 10, 2004. He was a member of the Wichita Falls Chapter, AXPOW. He is survived by 3 sons, 3 daughters, 1 brother, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. WILLIAMS, Arthur Davis, 84, of Biloxi, MS died June 2, 2004. Past commander of the Mississippi Gulf Coast Chapter, Art served with the 8th BC, 385th BG, 549th BS. He was interned in Lufts 1 and 4, then marched until liberation. He is survived by his wife, Mary, 1 daughter and 1 brother.   July 2004 GIDDING, Nelson, 84, co-writer of the screenplay "I Want to Live!" and many other screenplays and the TV series "Banyon",  died  May 1, 2004 in Santa Monica, CA. During WWII, he served as a navigator. He was shot down and held in POW camps in Italy and Germany. His novel about his POW experiences "End over End" was published in 1946.  Survivors include one son. HOLDEN,  George F., past Cmdr. of Tri-State Chapter, current board member of Manasota Chapter, died April 8, 2004.  He was born in Stoneham, Mass. and came to Nokomis in 1986.  During World War II, he was a pilot of a B-17 bomber.  On Sept. 12, 1944, his plane was shot down over Berlin. He was a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft I until April 1945.  Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Dorothy; a son, Keith of Hudson, Mass; and two grandsons.  LAING, JAMES, Phoenix, Arizona, died May 21, 2004 at age 84.  He was assigned to the 352 Fighter Group, was a prisoner of war in Germany Luft 1. He is survived by his wife Martis, 3 children, Bonnie, Kathy and Russell.  He was a valued member of the Agua Fria Chapter, Department of Arizona  AXPOW. SHEFCHIK, Thomas J., Jr., of Duluth, MN, died July 5, 2002 at age 82. He was an Air Force pilot and flew C-47s. He was shot down, captured and held at Luft 1 until liberation. While a prisoner, with instruments supplied by the Red Cross, he organized a band and provided entertainment for his fellow inmates. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, 2 sons, 1 daughter and 8 grandchildren.   June 2004  PNC John William Klumpp, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away peacefully on April 15, 2004 in Temple, Texas. He was 79. John served his country proudly and well in both WWII and Korea. During WWII, he was a crew member aboard a B-17 bomber, serving with the 8th Air Force. His plane was shot down and he was held prisoner of war in Luft 1, Barth, Germany until liberation. John was a life member and Past National Commander (2001-2002) of the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He was a life member of the Military Order of Purple Heart, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was instrumental in establishing the Veterans Memorial Gardens in Lincoln, NE and has been a long-time advocate of Veterans and POW benefits. During his term as National Commander, he testified before the Joint Committees of the House/Senate Veterans Affairs Committees in Washington, DC. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Gronbeck Klumpp, children Charles (wife Marty), John W. Klumpp, Jr., Mary Reuland and Margie Harris (husband Robert). He also leaves one sister, Mary Katherine Burrington (Glen), brother-in-law Samuel J. Walker (Mary Louise), 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. By marriage, his family grew to include an additional  and much loved  10 children, 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. His first wife, Margaret R. Kenney, preceded him in death. GEIGER, Albert A, 81, of Auburn, CA passed away on March 16, 2004. A member of the 561st Sqd. , Mr. Geiger flew 18 missions as an engineer/gunner on the T.H. Esselmeyer crew. It was on the 18th mission over Germany in November of 1944 when he was shot down and captured, then held in Stalag Luft IV and I. Mr. Geiger is survived by his wife Lois of 57 years; daughters Jo Anne and Sharon; and three grandsons.   February 2004 No Luft I POWs on list   November/December 2003 GESINO, Phyllis, of Farmers Branch, Texas, went to be with the Lord on October 10, 2003. She was a member of the Dallas Metroplex Chapter. She leaves her husband of 61 years, Mike Gesino (a POW in Luft 4 and Luft 1); 6 sons; 6 daughter-in-laws; 18 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. HARRAH, Robert M "Bob", died September 6, 2003. He served with the 379 BG 8th AF and was held in Luft 1. He is survived by his wife, Maxine, 1 sister and several nieces and nephews. KENNY, Francis J., of West Bloomfield, MI died Aug. 21, 2003. He was a B-17 Navigator during WWII, held POW at Stalag Luft I for 18 months, and liberated by the Russian Army. He leaves his wife Irene, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. ROJOHN, Glenn, age 81, of McKeesport, PA passed away Aug. 9, 2003. During WWII, he was serving in the 100th BG when he was bombing Hamburg when he and another pilot became famous for their harrowing "Piggyback Flight", crash-landing their co-joined planes while trying to save their crews. Those who survived became POWs. Glen is survived by his wife Jane, 1 son, 1 daughter, 1 brother, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. STEINHAUER, Norman, of Plymouth, Mass., died in September, 2003. He served with the 15th AF 455 BG 741 BS, and was held in Luft 4 and 1. He is survived by his widow, Deloris.   October 2003 CARROLL, John J. of East Tawas, MI died June 11, 2003 at age 83. During WWII, he served with the 8th AF, 38th FS, 55th FG and was shot down over Holland and held in Luft 1, Barth. He leaves his wife of 57 years, Catherine, seven children and 9 grandchildren.. He was born December 25, 1919 in Detroit, the son of John H. Carroll of Brockton MA and Margaret M. (Slattery) Carroll of Bay City, MI. He was husband of Catherine (Goetz) Carroll, father of Catherine Parks, Clarkston, MI, Sharon Young, Williamston, MI, John Carroll, Jr., Oscoda, MI, Margaret Mary Meulendyk of Grand Rapids, MI, Patricia Mason of East Tawas, MI, Timothy Carroll of Tawas City, MI and Michael Carroll of Orlando, FL. He also leaves nine grandchildren and a brother William Carroll of Ann Arbor. He was a graduate of the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and was Stadium Announcer for U of M Football games. He was Program Director/Announcer for WUOM, Ann Arbor and Account Executive for WHRV Ann Arbor. He was a veteran of WWII. A captain in the U.S. Air Force, he was a P-38 Fighter Pilot in the 8th Air Force, 55th Fighter Group. He was shot down over Germany and was a Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft 1 for 2 years. He was awarded the Purple Heart and the U.S. Air Force Air Medal. He was Vice President of Knorr Broadcasting, Inc., Stations WKMH/WKNR in Detroit WQLB-FM Tawas and WKJZ-FM, Alpena. He was a member of the University of Michigan Alumini Assn., the American Legion Post, Oscoda, Knights of Columbus, 4th degree, Cheboygan, MI, V.F.W. Post, Oscoda, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, the ADCRAFT Club of Detroit and the Crisis Club of Detroit. DARBYSHIRE, Alfred R., 78, of Lamar, CO passed away May 30, 2003. He served with the 8th AF, 2nd Div, 492nd BG, 859th BS out of England and was shot down over Munich and held in Luft IV and Luft I. He was a member of Rocky Mountain Chapter, AXPOW. His wife, Marietta, predeceased him; he is survived by 2 sons, 1 daughter and long time friend Dorothy Wilcox. GROBLEWSKI, James R., 82 of Dudley, MA died Sept. 5, 2001. He served with the 8th AF, 94th BG, 331st BS and was held in Luft 1, Barth. He leaves one daughter, 3 grandchildren, and nephews and nieces. RUBIN, Haskell "Potsy", of Tamarac, Florida, died July 17, 2003. He served with the 92 BG, and was a POW in Dulag Luft  and Stalag Luft 1. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Elaine, 2 sons, 2 daughters and a grandson. SCARBOROUGH, Melvin, 83, of Sebring, FL. died on July 25, 2003. He was a B-17 Pilot during World War II, and he was a POW in Stalag Luft I, Barth, for 15 months. Born in Winston-Salem, he moved to Sebring in 1974. He was buried in Winston Salem with his wife of 52 years who predeceased him. He is survived by one brother. September 2003 ELLIS, Rex M. 82, of Columbus, GA died Jan. 16, 2003. He served with the Air Force during WWII on a B-17, and was shot down and held at Luft I, Barth. He was a life member of AXPOW, Dept. of Georgia and the Valley Chapter. His wife, June, and 5 sons survive him. July 2003 AYETTE, Robert V., of Rochester, NY, passed away Sept. 15, 2003. He was a B17 pilot and was shot down over Germany and held in Luft 1, Barth. He belonged to the Rochester Chapter, AXPOW and is survived by his wife of 56 years, June, 1 son, 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. BURKE, Edward James, age 85, died April 16, 2003 in Cape Coral, FL. He served with the 8th AF, 535 BS 381 BG as a Squadron Navigator and was shot down over Germany and held in Luft 1, Barth. He was a life member of AXPOW and the Southwest Chapter (FL). Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marion, 3 half-sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews. CONTRADA, Vincent, 78, of Naples, FL died April 5, 2003. He served as a radio operator-aerial gunner on a B-17 with the 15th AF in Italy and was shot down and held in Luft IV and Luft I until liberation. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, 2 sons, 3 stepsons, and 4 grandchildren. MESSEL, Kenneth R., of Bicknell, IN died Jan. 1, 2003 at age 81. While serving with the 391st BS, he was shot down over Germany on Dec. 24, 1944, captured and held in Luft 1, Barth until liberation. He leaves his wife Kathryn, 2 daughters, and 1 granddaughter. STAUFFER, Clarence E., of Tamarac, FL (formerly Wilmington, DE) passed away November 25, 2001. During WWII he served as a B24 pilot in the 15th Air Force in Italy, 767 Bomb Squadron, 461 Bomb Group. He was shot down on July 25, 1944 and held prisoner at Stalog Luft 1 for 11 months. He was liberated by the Russians. He was an active member of AXPOW, Oakland Park Chapter and served as chapter commander. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Edith, three children and six grandchildren. June 2003 NICOLAISON, Russell H. 78, of Two Harbors, MN. He served in the AAF during WWII and was a prisoner in Germany. He leaves his wife Shirley, 1 daughter, 1 son, and 7 grandchildren. PETERS, Robert D., age 82, of Brookhaven, MS died Apr. 4, 2003. He served with Squadron H, 331 AAF BU. His plane was shot down and he was captured and held in Luft I, Barth until liberation. A life member of the Mississippi Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Era, 3 children, 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. WISTOCK, Michael, 84, died March 30, 2003 in Downey, CA. Flying out of Foggia, Italy with the 775th BS, 463rd BG, he was shot down over Yugoslavia and sent to Luft I, Barth until liberation. Surviving is his only child Mary Ann, 1 grandson, and 4 great-grandchildren.  Click here to e-mail family.   February 2003 BLOWERS, Herbert, of West Chester PA, died November 14, 2002. He served as a navigator with the 92 BG, and was held in Stalag Luft I. A member of the Brandywine Chapter, he is survived by his wife, Marjorie. CARYL, Robert L. of Greenville, TX, member of the North Central Texas Chapter, AXPOW, passed away Dec. 8, 2002. He served with the 15th AF, 429th BS during WWII and was shot down and held in Luft 1, 4B, and 13D. He leaves his wife Alma Jane. JOHNSON, Ernest J. of Omak, WA passed away Oct. 6, 2002. He served with the 449th BG, 8th AF and was held in Luft 1 after being shot down. He was a life member of AXPOW and the Spokane-Inland Empire Chapter. Survivors include his wife, Vicki. MOLLER, William Walter, another hero of WWII, age 80, died February 9, 2003, in Palo Alto. Native of Mapleton, Iowa, son of Varnum Van Houten Moller and Nell Mitchell Moller. Survived by his wife Janet of 55 years and son William E. Moller. Daughter Melissa Ann predeceased. Also survived by his sister, Margaret M. Meyer, Davenport, Iowa. Childhood and youth in Sioux City, Iowa through Central High School. He began his life of service to his country, church and community. As a lieutenant navigator of a B-24 WWII bomber downed in Southern Germany's Black Forest, he was a P.O.W. ten months in Stalag Luft I. Postwar, he earned both fighter pilot and helicopter pilot wings. Honorably discharged, he received ribbons for the Normandy Campaign with the bronze star, the European Theater, and Congressional P.O.W. Medal. Past Captain in the US Air Force Reserves. Graduated from University of Southern California with B. S. degree. Mr. Moller further studied at University of Santa Clara. Member of Los Altos Methodist Church, served as Treasurer, long time Sunday Usher, and Boy Scout leader for 5-years of Troop 33. Mr. Moller was a 32nd degree F & A Mason of Los Altos Lodge 712, San Jose Scottish Rite, and Knights of St. Andrew. Retiring after 32 years of continuous employment at Lockheed-Martin Missiles and Space Vehicles, he enjoyed stone and woodcarving classes at Mt. View Adult Education and Menlo Little House, also Foothills Stamp Club and the P.O.W. meetings in the San Jose U.S. Veterans building. All these friendships were dear to his heart. As a 17 year brave cancer survivor, he was a help and inspiration to many. PHILLIPS, Richard H. 84, of Spokane, WA passed away Nov. 7, 2002. He served with the 8th AF, 385th BG as a B-17 pilot and was a German POW for 9 months. Dick was a member of the Spokane-Inland Empire Chapter, AXPOW and volunteer at the VA Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary, 1 daughter, 1 sister, 5 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. ROGY, Charles P. 83, of West Mifflin, PA passed away Oct. 6, 2002. During WWII, he served with the 8th AF, 94th BG 331st BS out of England. His B-17 was shot down on Apr. 8, 1944 and he was held in Luft 1 until liberation. He is survived by his brother, and several nieces and nephews.  Click here to e-mail his family.   January 2003 AKINS, Wesley C. of San Antonio, TX passed away Oct. 23, 2002. He served with the 8th AF, 457th BG as a navigator and was shot down and wounded. He was held at 2 hospitals and later Luft 1 in Barth. He was a charter member of the Leon Valley-Helotes Chapter, AXPOW and is survived by his wife Albina. BRINK, Douglas, of Seattle Washington, died Monday, October 7, 2002. He was a B-17 bomber pilot in the 8th AF. While on a bombing run over Germany, one engine was shot away, a second was disabled and the plane was on fire and filled with dense smoke. The crew bailed out and was incarcerated for 5 1/2 months in Barth Germany. He was a member of the Seattle Chapter and is survived by his wife, Joan. December 2002   WOODS, MITCHELL K.  (July 17, 1917-December 29,2002)  Pilot with the 401st Bomb Group.  Parachuted from disabled B17 over Germany in January 1944 and became a POW until April 1945. Died in the VA Medical Facility in North Chicago; where he was treated with much respect and TLC by the personnel there for one year.  He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Annette, and 4 children--Michael, Craig, Kathleen & Terence.  Also, 13 grandchildren.  His ashes were laid to rest in one of the Columbariums at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.  Click here to e-mail family. July 2002 ULLOM, HARRY H. - Click here to read online obituary   June 2002 CAIRNS, Henry H. Sr. died on March 4, 2002, age 84. “Hank” served with the 8th AF, 852nd BS and was shot down over Germany, spending 9 months in at Stalag Luft I POW camp. He leaves his wife Lorraine, two daughters, one son, and five grandchildren.  Click here to e-mail family. CRANE, Lawrence Richard, age 80, and member of the Wichita Chapter, AXPOW, passed away March 15, 2002. Survivors include his daughter Ruth Crane Larimore. Stalag Luft 1,3 & 4. 15th Air Force. KELLEY, Ralph E., of Brownwood, TX  died March 7, 2002 at age 79. He was a life member of AXPOW and a member of the Permian Basin Chapter. During WWII, he served with the AAF and spent 13 months as a POW in Lufts 1 & 4. Surviving are his wife Laurane, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 2 stepdaughters, 3 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.  REMINGTON, Clarence W., charter member of  Rhode Island Chapter #1, passed away Jan. 8, 2002 in Bath, NY. He was also a life member of National and volunteer driver and worker for Vermont Chapter #1. During WWII he served with the 15th AF in Italy and was shot down over Austria and held in Luft 1, Barth. He leaves three daughters, one son and several grandchildren.  May 2002   BENNETT, J. Charles, 85, of East Bloomfield, died Feb. 27, 2002. He was born April 7, 1916. He served as a B17 pilot in the Air Force in the 303rd BG during World War II, and was a POW for 13 months in Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Margaret Bliss; 3 daughters, one son, four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  DAVIE, Hersha F., of Naples, FL passed away March 9, 2002 at age 83. Hersha was a B17 pilot, with the 97th BG, 342nd BS, when he was shot down and captured and held at Stalag Luft I.  A member of the Collier Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife Margaret, 2 brothers, and numerous nephews and nieces.  FOSTER, Jack R. 78, of Scottsdale, AZ and life member of AXPOW, died Sept. 3, 2001. A P-38 pilot, he served with the 8th AF, 55th FG, 338 FS. He was shot down over Germany and spent the duration of the war in Luft 1. Survivors include his wife, Jill, 3 daughters, and 4 grandchildren.  Click here to e-mail his family. MARTIN, Raymond, member of the Greater Atlanta Chapter, AXPOW, died Feb. 2, 2002. He served in the 15th AF, 456 BG and was held POW in Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his wife Helen, 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. April 2002 BENJAMIN, Floyd T. of Clackamas, OR, died Feb. 7, 2001 at age 77. He was a radioman in the AAF - 452nd BG. His B-17G bomber was shot down and he was  taken to Barth and held in Luft 1. He also served in the Korean War. He leaves his wife Mary, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Email family at benjamin@molala.net or mfbenjam@yahoo.com CLARK, Paul, age 80, of Ridgecrest, CA died Dec. 24, 2001. During WWII he was a member of the 8th AF, 379th BG, was shot down over Germany and held in Luft 1, Barth. A life member of AXPOW, he leaves one daughter, 2 grandsons, and 2 great-grandchildren. FOURMY, Benjamin Jr, a member of South Louisiana Chapter, AXPOW, died Feb. 5, 2002. Ben served as a bomber pilot during WWII, was shot down and held at Luft 1, Barth for 16 months. He is survived by his loving wife Mary, 2 sisters, 1 brother and many nieces and nephews. MARTIN, Raymond, of the Greater Atlanta Chapter, AXPOW, passed away Feb. 13, 2002. He was a life member of AXPOW and the Dept. of Georgia. During WWII, he served with the 15th AF, 356 BG as a nose gunner and photographer. He was a POW at Stalag Luft I. He is survived by his wife Helen, 2 sons, 4 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. NEUDORFER, Robert, 79, of Encinitas, CA, passed away Nov. 2, 2001. He was a life member of AXPOW and served as a B-17 pilot in WWII. He was on his 28th mission when he was captured and was a POW at Stalag Luft I.. He leaves his wife of 50 years, Patricia, 2 sons and 5 grandchildren. OSBORN, Frank, died in April, 2001 in Jacksonville, FL. A member of the Fl. First Coast Chapter, AXPOW, he served during WWII as a navigator. His B17 was shot down and he was held at Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his wife, Fay, 1 daughter and 1 grandson.   March 2002 BERKOWITZ, Jack, age 84, passed away Nov. 27, 2001. He was a navigator with the 100th BG on a B-17 that was involved in a mid-air collision of the North Sea and was a POW at Stalag Luft I  in Germany for six months.  He is survived by his wife Edith. CHISM, James, age 82, died Jan. 10, 2002. He was Commander, charter member and organizer of the Leavenworth AXPOW Chapter. During WWII he served in the AAC with the 753rd BS as a S/Sgt-Gunner on a B24. He was shot down over Germany and held in Luft 1 until liberation. His wife Catherine predeceased him; he is survived by 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. COOLEY, Warren Charles of Cashion, OK passed away Dec. 28, 2001. During WWII, he served in the AAC with the 8th AF, 356th FG and was captured over Cologne, Germany. He was held in Luft 1 for 6 months. He leaves his wife Mildred, 2 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. DWYER, Robert A. 83, of Rutland, VT passed away Jan. 5, 2002. He served with the 385th BG as a navigator on B-17s during WWII; was shot down over France taken first to a hospital in Rheims then by boxcar to Luft 1 where he was held for 13 months. He leaves his wife of 60 years, Meg, 1 daughter, 1 son, 4 grandchildren and 2 nephews. MORSE, Jerome “Jerry”, of Littleton, CO died Dec. 10, 2001 at age 80. He was a member of the Mile High Chapter, AXPOW. During WWII, he served with the 8th AF, 447th BG, was shot down and held in Luft 1 until liberation. He leaves one son, one daughter and 2 grandchildren. His wife Elizabeth preceded him in death. VAUGHAN, Elijah Carter of Oklahoma City, OK, a member of the Central Okla. Chapter, AXPOW, died Dec. 27, 2001. He served with the 8th AF, 92nd BG, 327 BS and was captured off Denmark and held at Luft 1 for 15 ½ months. He is survived by his wife, Jean, 1 child, and 2 grandchildren.   February 2002 KELLER, George Randy, of San Angelo, TX, died Nov. 23, 2001 at the age of 85. He served as a B-17 pilot with the 388th BG during WWII, and was part of the first American bombing raid over Berlin. He was shot down and served 21 months as a POW at Stalag Luft I.. His wife Alline predeceased him; survivors include 1 son, 1 granddaughter, 1 grandson, 1 great-granddaughter, and 1 brother. NEWPORT, Coy H. of New London, NC passed away Nov. 6, 2001 at the age of 77. Serving as a S/Sgt and tail gunner with the 8th AF on a B-17 “Windy Lou”, he as shot down and held in Wetzler Transit Camp, and Lufts 1 and 4. He was a member of the 452nd BG and the Metrolina Chapter, AXPOW. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Margaret, 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. January 2002 SPENCER, James Paul, age 75 passed away Sept. 12, 2001 in Marysville, WA. He served in the Army Air Force with the 358th BS, 303 BG as a gunner on a B-17 that went down near Hamburg, Germany, held POW at Stalag Luft I.  He is survived by his wife Ruth, 1 son, 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. TUCCI, Theodore, of Maywood, NJ passed away the first week in November, 2001. He was a member of Chapter 3, NJ, AXPOW. Stalag 9B & Stalag Luft 1 ZEMAN, Howard James, of Loomis, CA passed away July 16, 2001. During WWII, he was a B-17 pilot, was shot down and held in Luft 1, Barth. After the war, he also served in Korea. Survivors include his wife, Jane Elizabeth, 1 son, 1 sister, many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Click on name to email his family. November/December 2001 CHRISTIANSON, Russell, 82, of Jamestown, ND, passed away March 23, 2001. He was former State Commander and member of the Dakota Plains Chapter, AXPOW. 465th BG in WWII.  POW at Stalag Luft I.  He is survived by his wife Eldora, 2 daughters, 2 sons, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 3 brothers and 2 sisters. FLOOD, Robert J., co-founder and first Commander of the Hudson Valley Chapter (NY), AXPOW, died Aug. 25, 2001. Serving as a bombardier with the 369th BS 306th BG, 8th AF, he was shot down on his last mission in 1944 and held in Luft 1 for 13 months. He leaves his wife Kay, 3 sons, 1 daughter and 9 grandchildren. LIAN, Elmer, 83, of Grand Forks, ND died June 2, 2001. He was Commander of the Dakota Plains Chapter, AXPOW. During WWII, he was co-pilot on a B-17 when it was shot down, and he spent the next 9 months in Luft 1. He is survived by his wife, Edwina, 1 daughter, 1 son, 4 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, and 1 brother. October 2001 KOSSACK, Walter H. 83, died May 24, 2001 at Des Moines, WA. He served as a fighter pilot with the 355th FG, 89th AF in Europe, stationed in England. He was shot down and held in Luft 1, Barth. His wife predeceased him. He is survived by long time friend, Clara Sias. McDONALD, Richard of St. Petersburg, FL, died July 1, 2001, in Massachusetts.  He was 83 years of age.  He flew P51s in WW II and was a POW in Stalag Luft I.  He flew jets in Korea.  He is survived by Ellen, his wife of 38 years, 2 daughters, one son, and 7 grandchildren. WILSON, Warren F. of Port Ludlow, WA died March 22, 2001. He was a member of the Olympia Peninsula Chapter, AXPOW. During WWII, he served in the 8th AF, 306th BG, 368th BS and was a POW in Lufts 4 and 1. He is survived by his wife Marilyn.   September 2001 HOROWITZ, Harry, charter member and adjutant of the Brooklyn Key Chapter, AXPOW, died July 10, 2001. He served in WWII with the 8th AF, 833rd BS, 486th BG, was captured and held in Luft 1, and Stalag 9C. Survivors include his daughter Cheryl Rosenblatt of Brooklyn. JOHNSON, Allan E., 85, formerly of Venice, FL, died June 9, 2001 in Wyncote, PA. He was a survivor of Pearl Harbor and later joined the 452nd BG of the 8th AF, out of England. He was shot down in June, 1944 and held in Luft 1. He was the founder of Tri-County Chapter, AXPOW in Venice, FL and is survived by 3 sons, 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers and 1 sister. MILLER, Philip B. of Kalamazoo, MI passed away June 6, 2001. He served in the 445 BG of the 8th AF during WWII as a bombardier, was captured and held at Stalag Luft I in Germany for 14 months. His wife Ethel, preceded him in death; survivors include 8 children and their families. Email his family at serenity449@ameritech.net VANDERTILL, Donald, Isle of Palms, SC passed away June 25, 2001. Mr. Vandertill served as a pilot in the Army Air Force, was shot down and held in Luft 1 until liberation. He leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Kay, 1 son, 1 daughter, 5 grandchildren and 1 brother. He will be sorely missed by the Low-Country Chapter, AXPOW.   August 2001   BERTOLI, Robert J. of Toledo, OH  died June 3, 2001. He served as a pilot and navigator with the 44th BG in England and was shot down and held for 11 months in Luft 1. A life member of the Maumee Valley Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife Arlene, 2 sons and 4 grandchildren. Email family at abertoli@nuhsd.k12.ca.us   WATTERS, Darlyle M. age 80 died May 11, 2001 in Haslett, MI. During WWII, he was shot down over Europe and was a prisoner of war for 8 months at Stalag Luft I before liberation.  Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Jean, 2 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, and 2 brothers.  Click here to email family.   WRIGHT, Parke III, 79, of Naples, FL, passed away June 2, 2001. He served in the Army during WWII as a pilot of a B-17 with the 8th AF out of England. He was shot down over Stuttgart in 1944 and held as a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft I until liberation.  A member of the Collier Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife Almeria, 1 son and 3 granddaughters. July 2001 CARROLL, George H., age 78 of Gilbert, Louisiana died April 21, 2001. He was a veteran of WWII with the 8th AF and held POW for 1 ½ years at Stalag Luft I and IV. A member of the Northeast Louisiana Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife Cleo, 2 daughters, 1 son and 5 grandchildren. CHESMORE, Emery, of Kingston, WA passed away March 30, 2001. He was a member of Kitsap Chapter, Dept. of Washington, AXPOW. Ches was a B-17 pilot in the 96th BG and was shot down Dec. 13, 1943, and held at Luft 1, Barth until 1945. He is survived by his wife, Mary, 4 children, 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. JAMES, John Langley, Jr. 82, of Wilmington, NC, passed away March 20, 2001. He served with the 8th AF, 100 BG, 350th BS in England. He was shot down over Holland and held at Luft 1, Barth for 18 months. He helped organize the Hampton Roads Chapter, AXPOW and was commander of the Cape Fear, NC Chapter at the time of his death. He is survived by one daughter and 2 grandchildren. O’GEEN, Charles of Merritt Island, FL passed away Nov. 4, 2000. He was a POW at Stalag Luft I & IV and a life member of AXPOW and a member of Brevard Space Coast Chapter. Charles was very active in many veterans’ organizations and was always willing to help others in need. He is survived by his wife, Shirley, 4 sons, 3 daughters and 10 grandchildren. SKOUBO, Ralph, age 79, of Boardman, Oregon, passed away April 11, 2001. A life member of AXPOW and member of the Willamette Valley Chapter, he served with the 8th AF, 92nd BG as a B-17 pilot during WWII and was held in Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his loving wife Myra, 2 sons, 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.  Email family at twpugs@earthlink.net or bskoubo@bmi.net or twpugs@msn.com THOMPSON, Robert A., 84, of Royal Palm Beach, FL; formerly of Danvers, MA, passed away March 24, 2001. He served as a pilot in the 8th AF, 91st BG, 401st BS, was shot down on the first raid over Berlin and was held in Luft 1 as part of the “Hungry Hollow” group. A life member of AXPOW, he is survived by his wife of 57 years,  Edith, 1 son, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 1 brother and 5 sisters. WAGES, Thomas B. Jr., of Tulsa OK, died April 3, 2001 at the age of 78. Tom was a past chapter commander and worked diligently on the National Convention in Tulsa a few years ago. He was a radio operator with the 15th AF and was shot down over Germany and held in Lufts 1 & 3. He leaves his wife, Vivian, 4 sons and numerous grandchildren.   June 2001 JAMES, JOHN L, Jr. of Wilmington, NC passed away March 20, 2001. During WWII, he served in the AAC and was a Stalag Luft I POW after his B-17 was shot down over Holland. He was an active member of Cape Fear Chapter, AXPOW, last serving as Chapter Commander. He is survived by 1 sister, 1 daughter and 2 grandchildren. MILLER, HOMER L. 78, of Perry, Iowa, a life member of AXPOW and the Mid Iowa Chapter, died Feb. 19, 2001. He was a gunner on a B-17 with the 447th BG, 711 BS out of England, when he was shot down over France and held 16 months in Lufts I, VI and IV, and the Black March across Germany. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mildred, 1 son and 2 grandchildren. PATTON, WALLACE W. a life member of AXPOW and former member of the Arlington (TX) Chapter died Sept. 24, 2000 a the age of 75. He was shot down over Germany during WWII and was a POW in Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his wife, Pat, 2 daughters, 3 grandchildren, 1 brother and 2 sisters. SMIDL, WARD C. of Palatine, IL, died Feb. 1, 2001. A life member since 1983, he served in the 9th AF, 391 BG, and was a POW in Stalag Luft I. He is survived by his wife, Edith. THOMPSON, ROBERT A., 84, of Royal Palm Beach, FL passed away March 24, 2001. He served as a pilot in the 8th AF, 91st BG, 401st BS, was shot down March 6, 1944 on the first raid on Berlin and was held in Luft I as part of the “Hungry Hollow” group. He was a life member of AXPOW. Survivors include his loving wife of 57 years, Edith, 1 son, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 1 brother and 5 sisters. ZELLER, LOUIS died Sept. 21, 2001 at the age of 80 in St. Louis, MO. He served with the 8th AF, 398th BG, 600th BS in WWII; his B-17 was shot down on July 7, 1944 and he was held in Luft 4 and Luft 1. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Marge, 2 daughters, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.   May 2001 BAGOT, Walter M. SVC of Agua Fria Chapter, AZ died March 20, 2001. He enlisted in the AAF in1940 and completed pilot training in April 1943. His B17 was shot down over Germany in Oct. 1944 and held at Stalag Luft I. He retired from the Air Force in 1964. He is survived by his wife Marion, 2 sons, a daughter, and grandchildren.. Email family at bellapena@aol.com HENDRIX, Robert L of Everett WA, passed away on March 1, 2001. Bob was a B-24 waist gunner in the 15 AF, and was a German POW in Luft 4 & 1. He was a member of the Evergreen Chapter. STEWART, Walter W. and Anna of Coventry, RI. Both were members of Rhode Island Chapter #1, AXPOW. Woody was an Army veteran during WWII and was held POW at Stalag Luft I, IV and VI. They leave their children -- 1 son, 1 daughter and 1 granddaughter. TODD, Paul A. of Alton, NH and Franklin, MA died Aug. 15, 2000 at the age of 78. He served as a B-17 pilot in the 388th BG, 561st BS, and was shot down and captured in France in Dec. 1943 and held at Stalag Luft I.. He is survived by his wife Emily, six children and six grandchildren.   April 2001 ALTVATER, H. Mark, 79, of Greensboro, NC passed away Jan. 30, 2001. During WWII, he served as a bomber pilot and was held as POW at Stalag Luft I. Survivors include two daughters, 1 son, 1 brother, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.   Mark Altvater's web page CROWL, Clarence J. 81, a member of the Brevard Space Coast Chapter, AXPOW, died Dec. 8, 2000. He served as a B17 pilot, was held POW in Germany for 2 1/2 years at Stalag Luft I, and then served in the Korean War. Clarence is survived by wife Anne, 2 sons and 1 grandson. FLETCHER, John J. of Malverne, PA died Nov. 21, 2000. A member of the Brandywine Chapter, he served with the 384th BG, 546th BS out of England. He was shot down over Munich, captured and held in Luft I until liberation. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Ruth. KEIRNS, Harry Austin, of Alexander TN and member of the Alvin C. York Chapter, AXPOW, passed away Aug. 30, 2000. He served in the 455th BG, 15th AF, was captured and held in Luft 1 until liberation. His wife Oreatha Prichard, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 9 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren survive him. Click here to email his family. YOUNGROSS, Joseph A. passed away Jan. 2, 2001. He was a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter in North Broward. During WWII, he was a tail gunner on a B-17 with the 749th BS, 457 BG, captured and held in Lufts 4 and 1. He is survived by his wife Geraldine, 2 sons, 1daughter, and 5 grandchildren. March 2001 TRAVIS, Jan C, LM 30218, of Ballston Spa, NY, died January 4, 2001. He was with the 15 AF, 346 BS, 99 BG, and held in Luft 1. A member of the Northeast New York Chapter, he was an AXPOW life member since 1986. WEERS, Norval W. of Cheyenne, WY, age 79, passed away Dec. 7, 2000. He served as a fighter pilot with the 15th AF, 325th FG, 318th Sq., was captured on his 37th mission, and held in Stalag Luft I. He was a life member of AXPOW. His beloved wife of 58 years, Betty, 4 children and 8 grandchildren survive. February 2001 MORRISON, Norman James, 80, of Peabody, MA died Dec.14, 2000; He enlisted in the US Air Force, and fought in WWII. During his enlistment, he married wife Betty Jo in 1944, with whom he shared the next 57 years. In July of 1944, the B25 Bomber he was a navigator on was shot down over Germany, and he was captured and held prisoners by the Germans at Stalag Luft I. He is survived by his wife, one son Norman J. Morrison III, and 3 grandchildren. RILEY, James A. of St Petersburg, FL, died December 7, 2000. He was born in New Rochelle NY. A member of the 15th AF, 456 BG, 744 BS, he was captured July 2, 1944, and held in Stalag IV and I. He is survived by Rosemary, his wife of 55 years, and two sons. He was a member of the Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. WACKERLY, Mary Catherine, age 76, passed away Aug. 22, 2000 in Bay City, MI. Beloved wife of Joseph, who flew with the 92nd and 305th BG; shot down on Berlin Raid and held in Luft 1 for 14 months. She is also survived by 1 daughter, 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. WILLIAMS, Joseph Vincent Jr. of Charlotte, NC died Oct. 23, 2000 at age 76. During WWII, he served in the Army and was captured and held POW for 18 months until liberation at Stalag Luft 1 4 and 6. Survivors include his wife Pauline, 4 children, 2 sisters, 1 brother, and seven grandchildren. WOODING, Edmund Charles, passed away in Calgary, Canada on Apr. 28, 2000 at age 78. Nicknamed “Rigor Mortis” by his roommates in Luft 1, he was a Bombardier during WWII. He is survived by 2 sons, 1 daughter and 4 grandchildren. E-mail received from Michael Porter  explaining how Mr. Wooding got his nickname Rigor Mortis. "He got that nickname because he stayed awake for several days in a cattle car taking care of my father, John Porter, who'd been badly burned before bailing out of a B-24 over the French-German border on June 16, 1944. Ed Wooding stayed awake for days looking after my father, and when they finally arrived at Stalag Luft 1 and my father was transferred to the hospital, Ed Wooding was assigned a bunk and fell into it and slept for three days without moving--thus, the nickname, Rigor Mortis."     January 2001 BALLARD, Norris L. of O’Fallon, IL, died October 14, 2000. A life member and a member of the OKAW Chapter, he was with the 94 BG, and was a POW held in Luft 1 and Luft 4. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie. Click here to email his family. HILL, John P. of Park Ridge, IL, passed away Aug. 11, 2000 at age 84. He served with the 8th AF, 96th BG, 339th BS. A navigator on the B-17 “Full House”, he was shot down and held in Luft 1. Survivors include his wife, Alvira, 2 children and 7 grandchildren. KADER, Raymond A, of Clearwater, FL, died Aug. 20, 2000. During WWII, he served with the 8th AF, 487th BG, was shot down and held in Luft I, barracks 309, room 6. He is survived by his wife, Ouida, 2 sons, 2 daughters and 12 grandchildren. KASE, Jean, of Williamsburg, IN, died October 11, 2000. He was in the 430 AAW Btln, and was a POW at Stalag 7A, Wetzlar and Luft 1. Mr. Kase was a member of the Indiana Hoosier Chapter, and is survived by four sons, 3 daughters, 12 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. MAIN, DeForest E. of Waltz, Michigan, passed away Sept. 26, 2000 at age 81. His wife, Anita died June 6, 1999. During WWII, he served with the 381st BG, 534th BS, was shot down and captured held POW at Stalag Luft I. He is survived by 4 children, 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  Click here to email family. November/December 2000 GAMACHE, Robert, 82, charter member of Mass. Chapter 1 and past commander twice of the chapter, passed away July 2, 2000. During WWII, he served with the 15th AF, 2nd BG, 96th BS, was shot down and spent 15 months in Luft 1, Barth. Bob is survived by his many friends in the State Dept., his loving wife Helen, 2 daughters and 2 granddaughters.  He was born November 6, 1918, in Leominster, the son of Henry J. and Flora M. Gamache, and had lived here most of his life. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture in 1940. On Feb. 11, 1941, Mr. Gamache enlisted as a flying cadet in the military. Washed out due to a midair collision, he joined the US Army Air Corps three days later. On Feb. 24, 1944, while on a mission to destroy railroad yards, bridges and airfields in Austria, he was shot down over Steyr, Austria. Five of his 10 crew members died. Lt. Gamache was one of the lucky ones. He jumped from 26,000 feet and when he landed, he was apprehended by two farmers with pitchforks. They turned him over to German authorities. After six days of interrogation, they sent him to the Luftwafe's Stalag Luft I in Barth, Germany, on the Baltic Sea, where he spent the next 518 days as a prisoner of war. Most of his time was spent planning escape routes and twice when Lt. Gamache tried to escape, they captured him. The punishment for attempted escape was solitary confinement- 30 days in a 6-foot by 3-foot room, with a daily menu of two slices of bread and cabbage soup. After the war, he worked as a letter carrier for the US Postal Service in Leominster for more than 20 years before he retired. He leaves his wife, Helen J. Gamache, whom he married Oct. 4, 1947. He also leaves two daughters, Janice M. and Patricia A. McCray and Tara McCray; and a sister, Doris McCloskey of Indiantown, FL. . . (Fitchburg Sentinel and Enterprise 7/5/00)   HAY, Allen D., age 76, died Aug. 21, 2000 in Valley Stream, NY. He was a staff sergeant during WWII with the 15th AF, until he was shot down and held at Luft 1 for 1 1/2 years. His wife Catherine, 1 son, 1 daughter and 6 beloved grandchildren survive him.  HEIDEBRINK, John William, age 78, passed away Aug. 27, 2000. John was a member of the Northeastern Michigan Chapter. During WWII, he served as a radio operator n a B17 with the 381st BG, 532 BS, 8th AF, was shot down and held POW at Lufts 4 and 1 until liberation. John is survived by his wife, Marie.  ROHS, Eldon, 78, of St. Cloud, passed away July 25, 2000. A navigator in the 8th AF, he was shot down and spent 16 months in Luft 1, Barth. He later flew combat missions in Korea. Survivors include his wife Erna, 1 daughter, 1 son, 5 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  ROMAN, Joseph E. passed away on January 9, 2000 at the age of 74. He was a nose gunner on a B-24 and was shot down over Vienna, Austria on Oct. 13,1944, and held in Luft 1, Barth until liberation. Joe is survived by his wife, Marilyn, 1 son, 3 daughters and 7 grandchildren.   SHAUGHNESSY, Charles E. of Milton, MA passed away Sept. 26, 2000. During WWII, he served with the 95th BG, was captured and held for 16 months in Luft 1, Barth. He was a member of Mass. Chapter #1 and survivors include his daughter, Judy.  Email his family at portermd@zianet.com TEETER, Paul R., 81, of Middlebury, VT died Aug. 21, 2000 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington. He was shot down over Regensburg and held at Luft 1. Paul was a member of Vt. Chapter #1, AXPOW. His wife of 54 years, 2 children and 5 grandchildren survive him. Click here to email his family   October 2000 BALTUS, George R., 78, of Baltimore, MD passed away July 23, 2000. He served with the 15th AF, 301st BG, 353rd BS and was held prisoner in Luft 6, 4 and 1 from Feb. 1944-May 1945. A member of the Maryland North Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife, Mary, two sons, 3 sisters and 1 brother.. DIMICK, Nelson L., age 75, of Boonton, NJ died July 27, 2000. He served in the 700th BS, 445th BG, 2nd Air Div., was shot down and captured during the Kassel Mission Raid. He was held in Luft 1 until liberation. His wife Gwendolyn, 2 sons, 1 daughter, and 11 grandchildren survive. RUGH, Robert E., 81, of Trinway, OH and member of Ohio Chapter #1, passed away July 1, 2000. An AAF veteran of WWII, he served in the 8th AF, he was shot down, captured and held in Lufts 1 and 6 until liberation. Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Carol, 1 son, 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. THOMPSON, William E. of Mount Pleasant, SC, died at age 79 on July 16, 2000. He served with the 8th AF, and was a navigator in the 92nd BG. He was captured in Almelo, Holland and held in Luft 1. A past commander of the Low-Country Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife Barbara, 5 sons, and 15 grandchildren.   Before October 2000     BELLERIVE, Richard O. of Hays, Kansas, died July 5, 1999. He served in the 8th AF, 392nd BG, 577 BS as a radio operator. Shot down over Germany in March 1944, he was held in Lufts 1 and 4. He is survived by his wife Genevieve, 1 son, 4 daughters, 11 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Click on name to email family.   BONNAR, Kenneth H. 80 of Phoenix, AZ passed away Feb. 6, 2000. During WWII, he served in the Army Air Corps and wa taken prisoner and held in Stalag Lufts 1,4, and 6 for 18 months. He is survived by his wife, Nancy, 1 daughter, 2 sisters, 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.   BUGH, Robert E. 81, died July 1. He was life member #16596 and an airman with the 567th BS and the 389th BG, held in Luft 1 and 6 from Jan. 1944 until the end of the war. He leaves his wife of 55 years, Carol, one son, two daughters, six grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson.   CROFT, George N. age 80 of Grantsburg, WI died March 31, 2000. Co-pilot of a B-24 based in Italy, he was captured and held in Luft 1, Barth.  Mr. Croft was a member of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter, AXPOW, and is survived by his wife Lorraine, 3 sons, 1 daughter, 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.   DOW, Mary M. 75, beloved high school sweetheart and wife of 56 years. May and her husband Horace were both from Big Sandy, TX. He was a bombardier-navigator with the 386th BG, 555th BS. He was shot down shortly after D-day over France and spent 10 months in Luft 1, Barth, Germany. EVANS, George of Lake Luzerne, NY at age 81 on July 4, 2000. A 1st Lt. with the 725th BS, 451st BG in the 15th AF, he was shot down at Liabiana, Yugoslavia and held 15 months in Luft 1. He is survived by his wife Beatrice, 2 daughters, 1 son, 1 brother and 2 sisters.   FRY, Mozelle, a member of the West Central Texas Chapter, AXPOW, and widow of Ex-POW R.C. Fry, died June 21, 2000.  R.C. was a B26 pilot and was held in Luft 1. Mrs. Fry is survived by her daughter, Pat.   GALLAGHER, Ruth of Belle Meade, member of New Jersey Chapter #1, passed away Sept. 17, 1999. She is survived by her husband, Eugene, POW held in Luft 1, Barth for 16 months. He served with the 8th AF, 379th BG, 525 BS.  GRUBLEWSKI, Dorothy D. 80 of Dudley, MA passed away June 1. In addition to her husband, James, who served as a pilot during WWII, was captured and held in Luft 1, Barth; she is also survived by 1 daughter, 2 brothers, 3 sisters, 3 grandchildren and nieces and nephews. HANSON, Norman W. 75, of Lexington, KY, FAA employee, WWII veteran, POW in Luft 1, died March 20, 2000. He is survived by his wife Mary. HAUGEN, Owen, 76, of Eau Claire, WI died Dec. 20, 1999. He served with the AAC, 453rd BG, Squad H as a turret gunner on a B-24. He was captured and held at Luft 1 from March 1944 to May 1945. He is survived by 2 sons, 1 daughter and 6 grandchildren. Owen was a member of the Indianhead Chapter, AXPOW.  Email his son at haugenpaul@hotmail.com HENRY, Robert Ray of Massapequa, NY, 79, died Mary 19, 2000. He served with the 451st BG, 724 BS, was shotdown and held in Luft 4 and Luft 1. A life member of AXPOW, he will be missed by his crewmates. HUISTRA, John F. on Aug. 2, 1999, of Allendale, MI. He was a member of the 8th AF, captured on 3/29/44 in Amsterdam, Holland and held POW in Luft 1, Barth. John is survived by his wife Phyllis, 1 son, 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A son, John Jr, predeceased him.    KELLEY, Edward J. on January 16, 2000. Mr. Kelley served with the 562nd BS, 388th BG, 8th AF. On March 6, 1944, he was shot down over Berlin and held in Luft 1. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marge.  Edward J. Kelley, 79, died Sunday, January 16, 2000, at home in Alexandria, Virginia, from heart failure brought on by complications of prostate cancer and sepsis. Colonel Kelley retired in 1994 after a long career with the Department of Defense, including military service as an officer with the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force, as well as civilian service with the United States Navy. He retired from the Air Force on November 1, 1967 after a career of 26 years, including service as a combat aviator in Europe in World War II. Col. Kelley was shot down during the first daylight bombing raid on Berlin. His aircraft was shot down by a German Focke Wolf 190 piloted by the German bomber ace, Capt. Hugh Frey, who had been decorated by Hitler. Capt. Frey was shot down by Col. Kelley as his B-17 was being attacked (See Janes Tartget Berlin, 6 March 1944). Col. Kelley was a POW in Stalag Luft 1 in Germany from March, 1944 through June, 1945. He engaged in nuclear detection operations in 1948-1950, commanded a USAF intelligence unit in England in 1950-1953 and held numerous staff and command positions for the USAF Weather Service, including command of the meteorological unit supporting the US Army and United Nations forces in Korea in 1966-1967. At the time of his retirement, Col. Kelley was meteorological operations officer for the 8th US Air Force, Strategic Air Command. Col. Kelley also had a 30 year civilian career with the US Navy, engaged in oceanographic and intelligence operations. He performed the arctic aerial ice reconnaissance with the Royal Canadian Air Force which resulted in the first Northwest Passage in 1957, with ships transiting through the Bering Straits across the Canadian Arctic to Baffin Bay and south to the Atlantic Ocean. This made possible the first under ice transit by a US submarine which surfaced in the vicinity of the North Pole. Col. Kelley also taught the first classes of US Navy ice forecasters and observers, and engaged in numerous Department of Defense research projects, including Texas Tower, blimp operations, and an initial survey of the Arctic Dew Line Sights. After completing active duty with the USAF in 1967, Col. Kelley returned to civilian employment with the US Navy, serving as senior scientist for the Antisubmarine Warfare Environmental Prediction Service. From 1978 to 1994 Col. Kelley worked for the Naval Intelligence Command as intelligence analyst. Col. Kelley was born in Mount Vernon, NY and received his secondary education at Eastchester High School in Eastchester, NY. He was a graduate of Marietta College where he was president of the Menës Glee Club, played varsity football and stroked for the varsity crew. He took graduate foreign language training at Columbia University and post graduate work in engineering administration at George Washington University and the University of the Philippines. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie, of Alexandria, VA; son, Edward J., III of Los Gatos, CA; daughter, Kathleen Spicer of Fairfax, VA; and two grandsons, Edward J. IV and Shaun Patrick.     JOHNSTON, Lawrence E. 79, a life member of AXPOW and charter member of the Yuma, AZ Chapter, passed away April 24, 2000. During WWII, he was shot down Sept. 23, 1943 and held for 22 months in Luft 1, Barth. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Janet, 1 son, 1 daughter, 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.   MAINE, Claude L. age 74, of Mesa, AZ died Feb. 26, 2000. He was a life member of East Valley Chapter, AXPOW and had served with the 8th AF, 2nd AD, 467th BG, 789th BS until he was captured and held in Lufts IV and I and Frankfurt Dulag. He is survived by his wife Nancy, 2 daughters and 1 stepdaughter   MANKIE, Jeanne M. age 74 of Charlottesville, VA died Feb. 11, 2000. She and her husband James were charter members of the Blue Ridge Piedmont Chapter, AXPOW. Jim, a WWII pilot spent 5 1/2 months in Luft 1. Jeanne is survived by her husband of 55 years, 1 daughter, 5 sons, 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.   NICHOLS, Derise L. of Roanoke, VA died March 21, 2000 at age 76. S/Sgt, member of the 66th BS, he was shot down over Mulhouse and spent 22 months in Lufts 1,4,6,8. His wife Vivian, 3 daughters and 3 grandchildren survive him.   PALENCIA, Max E. of Peoria, AZ died Dec. 9, 1999 at age 78. Assigned to the 306th BG, he was shot down and sent to Luft 1 in Barth. A member of the Agua Fria Chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy, 1 son, 1 daughter and 3 grandchildren.   PATTERSON, William E. Jr. passed away May 3, 2000 in Santa Paula, CA. He was stationed with the 15th AF in Foggia, Italy and shot down over Austria in July 1944, captured and held in Luft 1, Barth until liberation. He is survived by his wife Meg Nichols, 1 daughter, 3 sons, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.   ROHRBACH, Rev. Dr. Laverne E. 75, of Beltsville, MD passed away Sept. 21, 1999. He served in the 8th AF, 385th BG and was held at Keifheide, Barth and East Pomerania from 8/11/44 to 5/45. A member of the Mid-Maryland chapter, he is survived by his wife Shirley and 1 daughter.   SNEEDEN, Ralph J. 76, of North Chatham, MA passed away June 9, 1999. He was a member of the 15th AF, captured and held in Luft 1, Barth, for 15 months. Survivors include his wife Evelyn, three children and 9 grandchildren. Click here to email his family   ST. JOHN, Eugene E. 79 passed away May 13, 2000. He served with the AAC as a B-17 pilot, was shot down on Feb. 24, 1944, and held in Luft 1, Barth. Survivors include his loving wife of 58 years, Eleanor, 2 sons and 4 grandchildren.   SUPRENANT, Charles E. , of Ruskin, FL. Charles was a member of the 446th BG and was held POW in Stalag Luft 1, Barth Germany.  E-mail his family at  nannabanana2000@aol.com   THOMPSON, William E., 79, of Mount Pleasant, SC, passed away July 16, 2000. He served in the 8th AF, and was a navigator in the 92nd BG, captured at Almelo, Holland and held in Luft 1. He is a past commander of the Low-Country Chapter, AXPOW and will be missed by all. Survivors include his wife Barbara, 5 sons and 15 grandchildren.   VALENTE, Mario J. of Newington, CT, passed away Oct. 13, 1999. A member of the 390th BG, 8th AF, he was captured and interned in Luft 1, Barth. Life member of the CT chapter, AXPOW, he is survived by his wife, Virginia and 2 daughters.   WAYMAN, Charles A. of Des Plaines, IL, died April 17, 2000. A bombardier in the 95th BG, he was shot down and spent 16 months in Luft 1, Barth. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty, 2 sons and 2 grandchildren.  WESTELL, Dale T. of Hartford, WI died on March 2, 2000. A member of the AAF, 390 BG, he was shot down in Germany on Nov. 26, 1944 and held in Luft 1 and Dulag Luft 1. Survivors include his wife Mary, 1 son and 1 daughter.

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