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On Oct. 7, 2005, the world lost a noted researcher and very prolific writer. Roger A. Freeman lost his year-long battle with cancer. Mr. Freeman wrote many books about the 8th Air Force and was the air war in Europe. His passing will be greatly missed by those who knew him, but his works will be a reminder that, although our time on this world is but a fleeting moment, we will be able to remember him through his writings.
Richard F. 'Dick' Gelvin, lead nav with the 700th BS, passed away today (11 July 2005) after a lengthy illness. Dick was an avid supporter of this website and must be considered the 'father' of this website as it was his love of the 445th that inspired me to create this site in honor of all who flew with the 445th.
Donna Larson Coady just notified me that her father, Harold R. 'Mike' Larson, pilot with the 700th Bomb Squadron, passed away June 28th, 2005. Mike flew 29 missions with the 445th. He also provided information on people and places in photos on the website and will be sorely missed.
Dave Patterson, a pilot with the 700th BS, passed away unexpectedly May 22, 2005. At Dave's memorial service, the Collings Foundation B-24 'Witchcraft' made several passes over the assembly. Thank you, Bob Collings, for the tribute.
Bruce Lymburn just notified me that his father, George H. Lymburn, one of the original pilots with the 701st Bomb Squadron, passed away April 7th, 2005. George was shot down on March 6, 1944 on the first 1,000 plane daylight raid of Berlin and spent 14 months in Stalag Luft I.
Just learned of the passing of Wally Forman - noted author, researcher and long time supporter of the B-24. He passed away June 9, 2005 and will be sorely missed. Although not a member of the 445th, his advice and information has helped this website a great deal.
Pete Florio just notified me of his Father's passing away March 6, 2006. Thomas Florio was a waist gunner in the 703rd Bomb Squadron who was shot down April 22, 1944 and spent the rest of the war in a POW camp.
Bob Wolfe posted a notice in the log book his Father's passing away March 3, 2005. Charles S. Wolfe was a pilot in the 701st Bomb Squadron and part of the original group going over in late 1943.
Steve Dobek just informed me that his uncle, Henry 'Hank' Dobek passed away Mar 4, 2005 at his home in Connecticut. Henry was a navigator with the 701st Bomb Squadron and flew with Paul Swofford on the Kassel Mission, one of just four aircraft to make it back to Tibenham on Sept 27, 1944.
Just recently learned of Donald W. Mills passing away. Don was the tail gunner in the lead aircraft for the Kassel mission.
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