As Briefed ... A Family History of the 384th Bombardment Group
by Walter Owens
A contemporary, anecdotal history of 384th Bombardment Group Operations, thru post-war European duties. The original edition was published in 1946 (drafts appear in the microfilms!). Later editions, with some additional material, were published in 1980 and 1990.
The author, a newspaper reporter before the war, served as an intelligence officer with the 384th, debriefing crews returning from missions. This duty gave him broad insight into the operational experiences of combat crews, which are described very effectively.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
by Walter Owens
A contemporary, anecdotal history of 384th Bombardment Group Operations, thru post-war European duties. The original edition was published in 1946 (drafts appear in the microfilms!). Later editions, with some additional material, were published in 1980 and 1990.
The author, a newspaper reporter before the war, served as an intelligence officer with the 384th, debriefing crews returning from missions. This duty gave him broad insight into the operational experiences of combat crews, which are described very effectively.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
Memories of the 384th Bombardment Group
by Ken Decker
Day-by-day history of the 384th with innumerable personal eyewitness accounts. Extensive personnel list containing 6500 names, with rank, crew position and service dates (where known). Special section recognizing the support crews. Over 840 pages packed with stories, facts, and more than 1000 photos. 316 missions are covered by date, including crew listings by aircraft for all losses and special events. Stories and important facts such as the fate of those missing are included as well as those seriously wounded or killed in returning aircraft. Aircraft listings by serial number and name.
OUT OF PRINT - But entire book will be made available during 2008 on a new "384th Memories" website. Details will be posted here when the website is set up.
by Ken Decker
Day-by-day history of the 384th with innumerable personal eyewitness accounts. Extensive personnel list containing 6500 names, with rank, crew position and service dates (where known). Special section recognizing the support crews. Over 840 pages packed with stories, facts, and more than 1000 photos. 316 missions are covered by date, including crew listings by aircraft for all losses and special events. Stories and important facts such as the fate of those missing are included as well as those seriously wounded or killed in returning aircraft. Aircraft listings by serial number and name.
OUT OF PRINT - But entire book will be made available during 2008 on a new "384th Memories" website. Details will be posted here when the website is set up.
Keep The Show On The Road
by Linda Fayers-Hallin and Quentin Bland
A history of 384th Bombardment Group Operations, from activation on 28 December 1942, thru post-war European operations. An incredible wealth of facts on missions, with personal accounts to provide the human side of the picture. The book - 684 pages in all - describes formation of the group, its early training, movement to England, and combat operations, month-by month, from June 1943 thru April 1945.
The book is currently out of print, but arrangements to publish a new edition are being pursued. Meantime, individual inquiries may be directed to the authors, below.
Contact:
Quentin Bland, The Post Office
Grafton Underwood, Kettering, Northants
NN14 3AA
England
Or
Linda Fayers-Hallin
Telephone: (+44) 01480 896631 (United Kingdom)
Email: Linda & Vic Fayers-Hallin.
by Linda Fayers-Hallin and Quentin Bland
A history of 384th Bombardment Group Operations, from activation on 28 December 1942, thru post-war European operations. An incredible wealth of facts on missions, with personal accounts to provide the human side of the picture. The book - 684 pages in all - describes formation of the group, its early training, movement to England, and combat operations, month-by month, from June 1943 thru April 1945.
The book is currently out of print, but arrangements to publish a new edition are being pursued. Meantime, individual inquiries may be directed to the authors, below.
Contact:
Quentin Bland, The Post Office
Grafton Underwood, Kettering, Northants
NN14 3AA
England
Or
Linda Fayers-Hallin
Telephone: (+44) 01480 896631 (United Kingdom)
Email: Linda & Vic Fayers-Hallin.
Heritage of Valor
by Colonel Budd Peaslee
Original 384th Group Commander Peaslee's autobiography, giving his personal account and experiences of his tenure with the 384th BG. As the Group's first Commanding Officer, he led what was initially a very small cadre personnel in the planning, growth, organizing, equipping, and training into what would become a fearsome fighting outfit. He was relieved of command - some believe unfairly - after combat losses threatened group morale. He continued to serve in the European Theater with innovation and distinction.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
by Colonel Budd Peaslee
Original 384th Group Commander Peaslee's autobiography, giving his personal account and experiences of his tenure with the 384th BG. As the Group's first Commanding Officer, he led what was initially a very small cadre personnel in the planning, growth, organizing, equipping, and training into what would become a fearsome fighting outfit. He was relieved of command - some believe unfairly - after combat losses threatened group morale. He continued to serve in the European Theater with innovation and distinction.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
Screaming Eagle: Memoirs of a B-17 Group Commander
by Major General Dale O. Smith
384th Group Commander Smith's autobiography, giving his personal account and experiences of his tenure with the 384th BG. Smith was Peaslee's replacement (Col Lacey was assigned temporarily until Smith arrived) and served until the Fall of 1944. Although a memoir is necessarily biased, those wanting to learn more about the operation of bomber groups of the Mighty 8th Air Force will find this a worthwhile read.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
by Major General Dale O. Smith
384th Group Commander Smith's autobiography, giving his personal account and experiences of his tenure with the 384th BG. Smith was Peaslee's replacement (Col Lacey was assigned temporarily until Smith arrived) and served until the Fall of 1944. Although a memoir is necessarily biased, those wanting to learn more about the operation of bomber groups of the Mighty 8th Air Force will find this a worthwhile read.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
Mission Number Three: Missing In Action
by Charles A. Fisher
Another new 384th BG title, written by 544th BS waist-gunner Charles A. Fisher. Fisher recounts his experiences during his daring escape from fortress Europe after being shot down on the September 6, 1943 mission to Stuttgart, Germany.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
by Charles A. Fisher
Another new 384th BG title, written by 544th BS waist-gunner Charles A. Fisher. Fisher recounts his experiences during his daring escape from fortress Europe after being shot down on the September 6, 1943 mission to Stuttgart, Germany.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
Stories of a B-17 Bomber Pilot
by Dewayne "Ben" Bennett
In Ben's own words: "I flew combat in the 384th bombardment group in the 545th squadron out of Grafton Underwood, England. Some of these stories have added humor and some reflect the true combat situations. My name is Dewayne “Ben” Bennett and I’m the author of this little endeavor for which I’m very proud. I became known and answer to the name of “The Squawkin’ Chicken Skipper” because the name of our B-17 airplane was the “Squawkin Chicken.” Along with my crew we flew 31 combat missions over the war-torn countries of Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, and Poland. Thankfully we all survived. This little book is 6 by 9 inches, contains 93 pages and is a paperback. We will personalize it to you or a friend before we send it out. If you have any questions please send me an e-mail and I’ll answer it immediately."
For price and availability, contact: Dewayne "Ben" Bennett
by Dewayne "Ben" Bennett
In Ben's own words: "I flew combat in the 384th bombardment group in the 545th squadron out of Grafton Underwood, England. Some of these stories have added humor and some reflect the true combat situations. My name is Dewayne “Ben” Bennett and I’m the author of this little endeavor for which I’m very proud. I became known and answer to the name of “The Squawkin’ Chicken Skipper” because the name of our B-17 airplane was the “Squawkin Chicken.” Along with my crew we flew 31 combat missions over the war-torn countries of Germany, France, Belgium, Holland, and Poland. Thankfully we all survived. This little book is 6 by 9 inches, contains 93 pages and is a paperback. We will personalize it to you or a friend before we send it out. If you have any questions please send me an e-mail and I’ll answer it immediately."
For price and availability, contact: Dewayne "Ben" Bennett
ESCAPE!
by Lt. Colonel James Edwin Armstrong, USAFR, Retired
Another new 384th BG title, written by 546th BS pilot James Armstrong. Relive Armstrong's war experiences with the 384th, and his daring escape from fortress Europe after being shot down on the September 6, 1943 mission to Stuttgart, Germany.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
by Lt. Colonel James Edwin Armstrong, USAFR, Retired
Another new 384th BG title, written by 546th BS pilot James Armstrong. Relive Armstrong's war experiences with the 384th, and his daring escape from fortress Europe after being shot down on the September 6, 1943 mission to Stuttgart, Germany.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
A Dying Breed: The Courage of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
by Neal B. Dillon
This excellent book chronicles the experiences encountered by the William Kaczaraba crew (547th BS) from flight training through being shot down over Denmark on 1/4/1944, throughout POW life. Author Neal Dillon writes the book in remembrance of his brother-in-law, TSGT John Samuel Honeycutt, Engineer on the crew.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
by Neal B. Dillon
This excellent book chronicles the experiences encountered by the William Kaczaraba crew (547th BS) from flight training through being shot down over Denmark on 1/4/1944, throughout POW life. Author Neal Dillon writes the book in remembrance of his brother-in-law, TSGT John Samuel Honeycutt, Engineer on the crew.
Out of print - available thru used book sources.
Trails and Trials of a WWII Pilot and His Bride
by Louise Sullivan
The author's husband, James D. Sullivan, flew 30 missions with the 546th Bomb Squadron from 24 April to 7 July 1944 - Oberpfaffenhofen to Leipzig. This book describes his training and each mission that he flew over Europe. It includes personal memories of how they met at Sebring Air Base where she was working, and the different stations where they lived - and how they lived. It tells about the small town of Clewiston, Florida, where Louise lived with her parents when she was unable to be with Jim. It also tells of the RAF Flying School and a German Prison of War Camp in Clewiston. It includes many pictures.
Contact: Louise Sullivan
by Louise Sullivan
The author's husband, James D. Sullivan, flew 30 missions with the 546th Bomb Squadron from 24 April to 7 July 1944 - Oberpfaffenhofen to Leipzig. This book describes his training and each mission that he flew over Europe. It includes personal memories of how they met at Sebring Air Base where she was working, and the different stations where they lived - and how they lived. It tells about the small town of Clewiston, Florida, where Louise lived with her parents when she was unable to be with Jim. It also tells of the RAF Flying School and a German Prison of War Camp in Clewiston. It includes many pictures.
Contact: Louise Sullivan
8th Air Force Lottery
by Harold I. Rochette
The story of a pilot's training and preparation for combat, and his experiences while serving with the 384th. Assigned to the 544th Bomb Squadron on 29 April 1944 as co-pilot of the Robert H James crew, Hal Rochette flew 31 missions in 66 days, completing his combat tour in July 1944.
Published in 2006 - available new (in 2008) from many sources.
by Harold I. Rochette
The story of a pilot's training and preparation for combat, and his experiences while serving with the 384th. Assigned to the 544th Bomb Squadron on 29 April 1944 as co-pilot of the Robert H James crew, Hal Rochette flew 31 missions in 66 days, completing his combat tour in July 1944.
Published in 2006 - available new (in 2008) from many sources.
Airfield Focus: Grafton Underwood
by John N. Smith
A 2001 release, the 44th in a series of books covering the airfields of England. A really great book that includes a complete history of the field, and a wealth of rare photos.
For price and availability, contact:
Adam Smith
PO Box 617667
Chicago, IL 60661
by John N. Smith
A 2001 release, the 44th in a series of books covering the airfields of England. A really great book that includes a complete history of the field, and a wealth of rare photos.
For price and availability, contact:
Adam Smith
PO Box 617667
Chicago, IL 60661
384th Bomb Group Microfilm Records CD-ROM
One CD-ROM containing a complete set of images of microfilmed documents professionally converted to computer "TIFF" graphic files. The documents range from day-to-day combat operational summaries and orders to historical summaries of squadron operations compiled at the time, and include awards/medals, news clippings, engineering reports, special services reports, Station Bulletins, chaplain's reports, etc. There are some loading lists and other details of missions, but the bulk of the documents are as described above. There are a few photos, but these are unusable due to limitations of the microfilming process.
PLEASE NOTE: While this is a complete set of the microfilm images, it is not a complete set of 384th Bomb Group records - not all records were microfilmed. Quality of the images is exactly the quality of the images on the film - some are good, some are completely unusable. I have not encountered a converted image that does not faithfully represent the film image it was made from.
A copy of XnView, a free image-viewing program, is included on the CD to help you view these files.
14 May 2007 - Because of the increase in postal rates, it is necessary to request payment of US$3.00. You can pay instantly to f3red@preller.us using PayPal, or send check/cash by postal mail to the address below.
Contact:
Fred Preller
406 Fireberry Drive
Rockwall, TX 75087
One CD-ROM containing a complete set of images of microfilmed documents professionally converted to computer "TIFF" graphic files. The documents range from day-to-day combat operational summaries and orders to historical summaries of squadron operations compiled at the time, and include awards/medals, news clippings, engineering reports, special services reports, Station Bulletins, chaplain's reports, etc. There are some loading lists and other details of missions, but the bulk of the documents are as described above. There are a few photos, but these are unusable due to limitations of the microfilming process.
PLEASE NOTE: While this is a complete set of the microfilm images, it is not a complete set of 384th Bomb Group records - not all records were microfilmed. Quality of the images is exactly the quality of the images on the film - some are good, some are completely unusable. I have not encountered a converted image that does not faithfully represent the film image it was made from.
A copy of XnView, a free image-viewing program, is included on the CD to help you view these files.
14 May 2007 - Because of the increase in postal rates, it is necessary to request payment of US$3.00. You can pay instantly to f3red@preller.us using PayPal, or send check/cash by postal mail to the address below.
Contact:
Fred Preller
406 Fireberry Drive
Rockwall, TX 75087
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