This received from Gary McDaniel.
Harlan
My Father, Herbert A. McDaniel,
passed away yesterday morning, 8-24-10, at home. He was 90.
He was proud of his military service and to be a member of the 500th.
Would you mind getting the word to the right people for possible publication
in the newsletter? Graveside services are Saturday, 8-28-10 at the
Bloomfield, NM cemetery. As you know, the Armistice was signed on
the 11 th day at the 11th hour. I thought it appropriate so the time
of the services will be 1100 hours. Honorary members are to be the
500th Bomb Squadron, 345th Bomb Group.
Dad had quite a few medical
issues in his later years. We are losing this greatest generation
rapidly. The web site for the local paper in case anyone wants to
read the obituary is:
That obituary also gives an on line address for comments, etc. A appreciate your reply. God bless you and your family.
Thank you.
Gary
(Son) (Honorary member)
We today received notice by way of Andy Decker the Group assistant newsletter editor, that he had received a call from Anna Mae Stacey. Telling him that her husband Charles W. Stacey passed away on Oct 1, 2009 in Toms River NJ. He was 89 years old and was with the 500th Squadron.
Condolences may sent to:
Anna Mae Stacy
383 Barbados Drive N.
Toms River NJ 08757-3806
stephe99199@earthlink.net
The following email request is from Shawn Near along with Don Wagners response to it.
Harlan
Dear Mr. Wagner,
I believe that my grandfather, Clarence Swallow, served with the 500th squadron. I would like to learn more about him and his service to his country during the war. Could you recommend any resources that might be helpful to this end?
Thank you,
Shawn Near
Thousand Oaks, CA
Shawnnear@aol.com
Shawn: Your grandfather was indeed a member of the 500th Bomb Squadron (Rough Raiders). The 500th was part of the 345th Bomb Group (Air Apaches) flying low level missions in B-25 "Billy Mitchell" twin engine strafer/bombers. One of the best books ever written about a WW II combat Group was written about us. The book is entitled "Warpath Across The Pacific" by Lawrence J. Hickey, and your grandfather's name is in it. He was the Navigator on our Squadron Commander's airplane that was shot down by anti-aircraft fire on July 11, 1945 on the northeast coast of Formosa (now Taiwan). The entire crew of five plus a War Correspondent on board were lost. I was a pilot in the squadron at the time and although we were not close, I remember your grandfather.
If you are interested in getting the book which gives you a full picture of what your grandfather and all of us experienced contact Mr. Hickey at International Research & Publishing Corp, P.O. Box 3334 High Mar Station, Boulder, CO, 80307. The last email address I have for him is ljhickey@concentric.net.
The 500th Bomb Squadron Association website is: www.500thBSq-B-25s.com, which has our history and includes old and current day pictures, reunion info etc. We have 360 members, 70% of which are 2nd, 3rd, and 4th generation family members. You are eligible to join and can get an application by emailing our Secretary at hhatfiel@pacbell.net.
I am forwardng your email and this response to our webmaster so that he can post a notice asking for those who remember Lt Swallow to contact you.
I hope this gives you a start in getting to know your grandfather, and his great service to his country.......... Don Wagner, President, 500th Bomb Squadron Association
Some success to report. I attach a photo which I got with the short snorters belonging to William E Murray. As I previously reported to you Marvin Leventon told me he remembered Murray. In fact they were in the same tent in the Philippines. So I sent this photo to him. Bill Murray is on the far right with the headphones. Marvin says "I think, the second from the right is me."
The person on the far left is an unidentified Captain, so perhaps we can identify him also?
Could you post this photo on your web page or in a newsletter or someplace and see if anyone can identify the others in the photo?
Paul
PS. Here is the text of Marvins email to me.
I know nothing about Bill being shot down and spending all of that time on the water. However, I do remember that he was a test pilot for North American (the manufactorer of the B-25) before entering the military.and when we got a new airplane, he took them up and checked them out. Why he didn't get his piilots wings, I dont know. The people in the photo were radio operators and mechanics. I think, the second from the right is me."
Tammy Hall-Shropshire, has sent in this information about her uncle and a gift he had sent home while overseas.
Also, I found many more photos of my uncle's after my father passed away last Spring. During the sad task of cleaning out my parents' home, I found a box of photos and photo albums. I have the telegram which let my late aunt know that my uncle was MIA, I also have other letters regarding his MIA status and letters of sympathy later on. They are sad, but they are part of my uncle's history which I dearly treasure. He, and so many others gave their lives so that we can live free. I don't take that for granted, and I do wish that I had been able to know him. From his letters, he sounded like such a fun, thoughtful and brave man.
For purposes of identification, my uncle's name was: S/ Sgt. Lacy Bryant "Jack" Hall, Jr. The name engraved on the wings is that of his infant son, "Jimmie".
This was just recieved from Paul, can anyone help him out?
I recently bought 9 "short snorters" (dollar bills signed by soldiers during WW2) belonging to William E Murray, Jr. on eBay.
I received copies of some documents and photos with the short snorters. All this is off his DD214. He was a T/Sgt whose MOS was Airplane Mechanic Gunner 748. He was overseas with the 500th BS from Mar 29, 1945 until Nov. 3, 1945. He was awarded the Air Medal, Purple Heart, Soldiers Medal, and the regular campaign medals for his overseas time (I have the General Order numbers for those citations). His purple heart was for action in "Formosa Japan June 1945".
His obituary (he died April 30, 2005) says: "Toward the end of the war, his plane was shot down over the Pacific Ocean and he survived alone for 10 days in a life raft, living only on water and Charms candies".
I have 5 photos and 2 of them show aircraft, one is "Seafood Mama" and the other is "Rum and Coke". I do not know if either of those was his aircraft.
After the war he was a commercial pilot for JAL for 18 years then studied law and passed the bar in Montana and later was elected State Senator.
I am guessing that his time in the life raft was when he earned the Purple Heart...the Order # for that was GO 44 Sec I Hq VBC 8/10/45. It apparently happened off Formosa in June 1945.
I am hoping that the 500th. Bomb Squadron Association might have some more information on William E Murray...like what aircraft(s) he crewed on, or some information about his 10 days in a life raft. Anything you could provide me would be appreciated.
I am willing to share scans of some of my material if you are interested.
Thanks,
Paul
Paul Roales
home.ionet.net/~paroales
Email paroales@ionet.net
We received the beautiful flowers
from the Rough Raiders this week, and my Mother would like to express our
family's thanks for yours and everyone's caring and thoughtfulness on the
passing away of my Dad, Chuck Cornish. Please pass on our sincere thanks
and appreciation to everyone in the squadron.
Sincerely, Mike Cornish
Dear Rough Raiders,
I just had a phone conversation with Stan Muniz. He had some information he wanted passed on so here goes.
1. Stan's computer is being mean to him and he can not send Email or even get his address book up. So if you are one of Stan's Email recipients, it may be awhile before he gets that going again.
2. Stan spent some time in the hospital in December, but is out now and says he is feeling better than he has in some time. He had a very low red blood cell count. But thanks to the medication that is up to somewhere in the normal range.
Any way if you would like to drop him a get well card, or just harass him a bit his address is :
Stan Muniz
5378 Borneo Circle
San Jose CA 95123-6071
Harlan N Hatfield Aka The Warbird
I am sorry to tell you we have lost Kathy Cavoli. Here is a copy of the obit that will appear in our Sunday paper. It contains all the details of the services. Thank you very much for all of your prayers and support.
Kathleen J. (Siedo) Cavoli, age 60, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2010 in San Antonio. She was born to John and Doris Siedo on May 19, 1949. Kathleen graduated from Sam Houston High School in 1967. Kathleen was actively involved for many years in a leadership role with the CYO Athletic Association. She was also a member of the 500 Bomb Squadron Association. She was preceded in death by, her husband, Col. William J. Cavoli, USAF (Ret.). Kathleen is survived by her brother, John Siedo and his wife, Lou Ann of San Antonio; stepdaughter, Kathleen Rubin and husband Adam of San Antonio; nephews, Stephen and Sean Siedo (Mandi, wife); step-grandsons, Adam and Peter Rubin; grand nephew, Caiden Siedo.
ROSARY
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2010
7:00 P.M.
PORTER LORING NORTH CHAPEL
MASS
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2010
9:30 A.M.
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH
1602 THOUSAND OAKS
Rev. Msgr. Kevin Ryan will officiate. Interment will follow in Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 8115 Datapoint Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78229.
You are invited to sign the Guestbook at www.porterloring.com
Porter Loring Mortuary North
210-495-8221 - Office
210-499-0513 - Fax
Kathy Rubin
work:
4776 Research Road
San Antonio, TX 78240
210-877-5700 ext 308
210-877-5703 fax
home:
19638 Encino Way
San Antonio, TX 78359
210-602-5943
facebook.com/kathyrubin
This was just received from Janet Cornish Landers.
Chuck Cornish a member of the Rough Raiders died Thursday, January 7, 2010. Funeral services in Greenville, SC Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 3:00pm.
Janet Cornish Landers
jcland@charter.net
(His Daughter)
Dear Rough Raider Family,
I have the sad duty to announce the death of one of the Original Members of the 500th Bomb Squadron. Benjamin T. "Ben" Muller passed away about midnight last night.
Cards and letters of condolences may be sent to:
Ruby Muller
7215 Sandpiper Drive
Houston TX 77074-4833
Dear Rough Raider Family,
I today received word that Ben Muller is in very bad shape physically. He came down with pneumonia and has not been able to shake it off. Ruby conveyed the information by way of Kelly McNichols to me.
Ben, Ruby and family are in our prayers.
More information will be coming as it is available.
Harlan
This is an update on Kathy Cavoli.
Harlan
Adam and I visted Kathy on Christmas afternoon. We found her resting comfortably but bearly able to keep her eyes open. She was not very responsive until were about to leave--then she looked at me with shining eyes and the beautiful smile that I have seen so often throughout the years. It is very tough to see her this way but we are assured she is not suffering.
They have changed her pain meds to methadone from morphine because the methadone is easier to administer to her and is managing her aches much better.
Thank you for all the holiday cards and prayers you have sent her way.
Adam and I wish you all the best for the 2010.
Kathy Rubin
work:
4776 Research Road
San Antonio, TX 78240
210-877-5700 ext 308
210-877-5703 fax
home:
19638 Encino Way
San Antonio, TX 78359
210-602-5943
facebook.com/kathyrubin
P Please consider the environment before printing this
e-mail.
We have received notice that HAROLD H. LITTEER passed on June 2, 2009. All that knew him and/or remember him are encouraged to send condolences to Mrs. Litteer.
Mrs. Rosemary Litteer
6789 NE 131st Ave
Williston FL,12696-4723
I JUST RECEIVED WORD THAT C. JOHN LOISEL, WHO
WAS MY PILOT IN THE
WAR, AND A MEMBER OF THE 500TH, PASSED AWAY
ON OCTOBER 8. HE WILL BE
MISSED GREATLY BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.
Condolences may be sent to:
Carolyn Loisel
445 W. Mission Twin Buttes
Green Valley AZ 85614-1316
This is to inform you of the passing of one of our members. Lee Stewart, wife of Horton "Stew" Stewart of the 500th Bomb Squadron who passed on Tuesday, 28 September, 2009 at age 86.
Condolences may be sent to:
James A. Stewart
360 Maitland Drive
Alameda CA 94502
phone 510-521-8368
Email might be best sent to mkdaplmbr@comcast.net