384th Bomb Group Heritage Association Information

The Post-War Veterans' Group

Following a very successful initial reunion of 384th Veterans in New York City in 1967 (arranged by an ad hoc committee), the 384th Bomb Group, Inc. was founded in 1968 as a non-profit Veterans organization. Membership of WWII veterans who served with the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in England grew over the years as word of the existence of the Group spread. Members work to preserve the memory of sacrifices they and their comrades-in-arms made in the name of Freedom.

Since the Group was founded, reunions have been held at numerous places around the country, and occasionally they returned to England for "Memorial Junkets". The reunions afforded an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Veterans who shared the rigors of war.

Membership at first was offered to Veterans of the 384th who had Served during WWII. These men shared bonds of kinship forged in the crucible of war, strong bonds not explainable to others. Over the years, as the number of Veterans able to participate has waned, descendants - so-called NexGens - have stepped up to help "KEEP THE SHOW ON THE ROAD." As a result, membership rules have been revised, permitting the Group to offer Associate Membership to relatives or persons with a special interest in preserving the memory of the 384th.

A leather-bound book about the 384th Bombardment Group (H), titled "As Briefed...", subtitled "A Family History of the 384th Bombardment Group", was first published in 1946. It contains stories and photographs, a list of Medals and Awards, and briefs about Station Units during WWII. A soft cover Addendum containing additional stories was published by the Group in 1974. The Group published a second edition of "As Briefed..." in 1980, which included the Addendum and the Post-War Activities of the Group. A third edition, published in 1990, includes the Addendum and the Post-War Activities of the Group.

A one-hour television documentary about the 384th Bombardment Group (H) was produced by Central Independent Television of England. It has been shown on British Television twice, and it has been shown at many of our reunions and other occasions. The documentary is titled "The Village That Met Them Again". It was filmed on location in England during Memorial Junket IV in 1983.

Perhaps the Group's proudest and most notable accomplishments have been in the Humanitarian Field. Long before the end of World War II the men of the 384th had adopted several war orphans. The Military Police played "Father Christmas" to the kids in the nearby villages. The Group flew a very special "Mission" to newly liberated Nantes, France. That time, the bomb bays of six B-17s were filled with toys and clothes for the town's children. Delivery was in time for the French traditional gift exchange on New Years Day, 1945. The men of the 384th had contributed money, their candy rations, clothing and toys purchased in town or sent over by request from relatives and friends in the U.S.A. The money was used for clothing, soap, and other practical necessities of hospitals and orphanages, items unattainable in France. The 384th and the French Red Cross ladies had packaged all the items (sent by request to Grafton Underwood) before stowing them into the six B-17s.

That spirit is still alive today, both in numerous projects of the Group as a whole, and in the individual commitments of its members. A prime example of this spirit is the donation of money for the restoration of St. James the Apostle Church in Grafton Underwood, England.

This website, and the members of the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association are proud to help preserve the heritage embodied in the words of Major Selden McMillin. After being captured and made a POW, he wrote the following message to his Commander, Colonel Budd Peaslee:

"KEEP THE SHOW ON THE ROAD"

This simple phrase, adopted as the Group motto, is our link to a proud heritage. It is also our commitment to ensure the Freedom earned with the sweat and blood of these brave men is preserved for future generations.

CONTACT US

For any additional information about the World War II activities of the 384th Bombardment Group (H), 8th Air Force, or the Post-War activities of the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association, please contact any of the people listed on the Contacts page.

Preserving the Heritage

The 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association has established a number of memorials, both in the United States and in England. These memorials are a tribute to those men of the 384th who lost their lives in the quest for Freedom during World War II, and to those who are no longer with us. They are permanent reminders of the heritage and the traditions established by the men of the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy).

Photographs of many memorials mentioned below - and more - can be found in the Memorials of the 384th Bomb Group⇗ photo album, in the 384th Photo Gallery.

Memorials In England

Grafton Underwood, Northamptonshire

The 384th Bomb Group (H) flew all of its WWII combat missions from Grafton Underwood Airfield - also known as US Army Air Forces Station 106 - near the Village of Grafton Underwood.

Just north of the Village, a Memorial Monument and the Memorial Avenue of Trees were dedicated on 5 October 1985. This is located on the (former) main runway 6/24 of Grafton Underwood Airfield, where it is now crossed by the road to Geddington. The original Memorial Monument was dedicated on 25 September 1977, but was later replaced because of weather damage. A plaque for the Memorial Avenue of Trees was dedicated on 4 May 1991.

Within Grafton Underwood, a Memorial Stained Glass Window is located in St. James the Apostle Church (Church of England). The window depicts a B-17 of the 384th Bomb Group flying over the White Cliffs of Dover as it returns from a combat mission. The window was dedicated on 21 May 1983 by the Right Reverend, The Lord Bishop of Peterborough in the Presence of Her Royal Highness, Princess Alice, Duchess of Gloucester.

In the Grafton Underwood Village Hall, a replica of the Group Banner and other memorabilia are on display.

Kettering, Northamptonshire

In Kettering, Northamptonshire, hand-carved statues of St. Christopher stand in both St. Edwards Parish Church, (Catholic), and St. Paul and St. Peter Parish Church, (Church of England). These statues were presented to the churches in 1945 by the men of the 384th Zebra (NCO) and Officers Clubs. An official dedication was held on 13 May 1979.

A silver chalice and paten set were presented to St. Edwards Church in memory of the men and families of the 384th Bombardment Group (H), and the American and British fighter pilots. The presentation took place on 13 May 1979. A Foundation Mass is held each May as long as St. Edwards Church is in existence.

The belfry of St. Paul and St. Peter Parish Church was re-built and new Bells were installed. One bell, called the American Bell, is inscribed to the 384th Bombardment Group (H). The bells were commemorated on 11 May 1980.

Memorials In the United States

Historic Wendover Airfield, Wendover, Utah

The 384th Bomb Group was established at Wendover Army Air Field in January 1943. Combat training continued there for three months, after which the Group moved on Sioux City Army Air Base for additional training.

A smaller reproduction of the Memorial Stained Glass Window in Grafton Underwood⇗ has been placed in the Historic Wendover Airfield Museum in Wendover (Utah), along with other mementos from the Group.

Hill Aerospace Museum, Ogden, Utah

A replica of the Memorial Stained Glass Window is located in the Col. Nathan H. Mazer Memorial Chapel, near Hill Aerospace Museum, Ogden, Utah. It was dedicated on 8 September 1989. It is significant for the Memorial Window and Memorial Monument to be located at Hill Air Force Base, as Hill Field was the parent base of Wendover Army Air Field in western Utah where the 384th Bombardment Group (H) originally trained in B-17s.

A duplicate of the American Bell was dedicated at the Heritage Chapel, Museum Complex, Hill AFB on 9 May 1997. It was produced at the same foundry in England that made the original bell.

The 384th Bomb Group Commemorative Wing Panel is destined to be placed on permanent display at the Museum. From September 2010 thru September 2019, 154 Veterans of this Group have signed the wing panel. Some even added a note or comment relating to their service with the Group. One statistic stands out about this artifact: of the 141 combat crewmen who signed, at least one was on each of the 316 combat missions flown by the 384th BG. For additional interesting statistics, read this.

National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Pooler (Savannah), Georgia

The 384th Bomb Group, Inc. placed a duplicate Memorial Monument, and a model of a 384th B-17 with a ten foot wingspan at the 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia (near Savannah). The aircraft is named "Big Dog" after Bill Harvey, a 384th pilot.

Another replica of the Memorial Stained Glass Window has been placed in a replica of a British Church at the 8th Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia (near Savannah).

USAF Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado

A 384th Bombardment Group (H) Plaque is mounted on the Memorial Wall in the United States Air Force Academy Memorial Cemetery, Colorado. The Plaque was dedicated on 30 May 1986.

The 384th Bomb Group, Inc. sponsored the Eagle and Fledgling Sculpture, which is awarded each year to the Outstanding Graduating Cadet in Scholastic Achievement in each Major Subject, and Military and Athletic Performance at the United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Each year a member of the 384th Bomb Group, Inc. makes the presentation during graduation week to the Outstanding Graduate in Biological Sciences.

A plaque mounted on a walnut base telling the history of the Group is located in the United States Air Force Academy, along with a model of one the 384th B-17 Flying Fortresses. These were presented on 31 May 1988.

Other Locations

A Silver Chalice was donated to St. Mary Cistercian Monastery, Ringold, Pennsylvania, near Allentown.

A "Living Tree" was planted on the grounds of the Air Force Museum, Dayton, Ohio, accompanied with a plaque. This was dedicated on 2 August 1980.

Pictures of the Memorial Stained Glass Window, with plaques, may be seen at the following locations:

• The Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
• McConnell Air Force Base, Wichita, Kansas
• Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah
• The Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Archives

Members of the 384th Bomb Group have submitted materials to the Archivist for preservation, and to be made available for study by current and future researchers. These materials include books, original photographs, documents, and assorted ephemera, which help understand the experiences of aerial combat groups in WWII. Please contact the Archivist to inquire about donating or utilizing materials.

384th Archivist

Mark Meehl
628 N. 2nd St.
Seward, NE 68434-1504

Contact by email: Archivist

Reunions

An initial reunion of 384th Veterans and their wives in New York City in 1967 set the stage for many more over the years.

Reunions continued over the years, some more elaborately planned than others. Naturally, there was great interest in re-visiting England, so a number of "Memorial Junkets" were held, which included typical tourist activities, but which always included a visit to Grafton Underwood. It was during one of those "Junkets" that the original monument was dedicated; on another, the memorial window was dedicated, and on another, the new memorial was dedicated.

Newsletters and Other Group Publications - UPGRADE IN PROGRESS

Membership

Membership in the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association is open to all, Veterans, descendants (aka "NexGens"), and all other interested persons. Members receive quarterly newsletters and other benefits. To join and support the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association, follow Membership Application directions below.

Membership dues are $25 per calendar year, payable by 1 January each year. As a courtesy to Members, dues reminders are displayed on the website home page from 1 November to 1 May every year. These notices are updated to reflect the status of Membership dues payment periods according to the following schedule:

• From 1 November to 1 January - "ADVANCE Dues Notice: Dues for each calendar year are due by 1 January."
• From 2 January to 2 March - "Late Dues Reminder: Dues for this calendar year were due on 1 January. If you have not yet paid, please do so now so your membership does not lapse."
• From 3 March to 1 May - "ARREARS DUES NOTICE: Dues for this calendar year were due on 1 January. If you have not yet paid, you are officially in arrears, and may be dropped from the Membership Roster after 1 May if your dues payment is not received by that date."

The Advance Dues Notice is posted as a courtesy to Members, and the additional notices alert unpaid Members to the dues payment rules in the Association Bylaws. Also note that the Association Secretary is required to notify Members who are in arrears of any impending action the Bylaws specify.

Contacts

Marketplace/PX

Group Sales, U.S. Only

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Ordering Information for Group Sales

Please Email Keith Ellefson with your order, including your U.S. postal address for shipping and your preferred payment method - PayPal or check - and Keith will provide the necessary information for completing the transaction. If you intend to pay by check, it must be made payable to 384th Bomb Group, Inc.

If no response is received, email Keith Ellefson directly at 384thbombgroup@troycable.net using your customary email facility.

UK residents wishing to obtain 384th merchandise should contact the 384th Bombardment Group Museum via Facebook.

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384th Bombardment Group (H) Cap
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK

Show off your affiliation with the 384th Bombardment Group (H) with a stylish "Retro" embroidered cap. This new production echoes the original pattern created by the Veterans of the 384th long ago, hence the "Retro" designation.

The price is $30 each, including Domestic USA postage.

15 SEPTEMBER 2023 384TH CAPS UPDATE:
THE NEW SUPPLY OF HATS HAS ARRIVED. CONTACT KEITH TO ORDER.

See ordering information above.

By the way, if you need to clean this hat - or any similar one - take a look at this video.⇗ It is quick and easy, and really works without destroying the hat!

384th 'Retro' Cap

Stock 'Retro' Cap
See below for customization idea!

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384th Bombardment Group (H) Necktie

Show off your affiliation with the 384th Bombardment Group (H) with a necktie embroidered with the 384th patch. These ties are from a prior batch that has just been discovered! They are 4" wide and 57" long, and the material is navy blue with a subtle pattern woven in.

The price is TBD
See ordering information above.

384th Necktie

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Triangle-P Patch

In the Eighth Air Force during WWII, aerial recognition of group aircraft was necessary to enable crews to properly assemble into their assigned combat formations. In the Summer of 1943, recognition markings were promulgated to all the groups, consisting primarily of a tail and wing marking with a letter inside a geometric shape. Although the details of these markings evolved for the next year, the basic letter and shape remained the same. The symbol assigned to the 384th was the letter 'P' inside a triangle: a 'Triangle-P'. The triangle signified the First Bombardment Division - later the First Air Division - and the 'P' is said to honor Col. Budd J Peaslee, first CO of the 384th.

Detailed information on the evolution of the 384th Triangle-P markings can be found by clicking the 'Description of Group Aircraft Markings' link on the Aircraft page. This Triangle-P iron-on patch is modeled on the final version that was applied to 384th aircraft beginning about August 1944. It is about 2-5/8" high.

The price is $5 each, including Domestic USA postage.

See ordering information above,
and 'Patch application and care instructions' below.

Triangle-P

Customize Your Cap!

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384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Patch

384th

These embroidered Group iron-on patches are approximately 4-1/2" wide by 4-3/4" high. This particular design reflects the version that was used later in WWII, and was submitted as the "official" version in March 1945.

The price is $10 each, including domestic USA postage.

See ordering information above,
and 'Patch application and care instructions' below.

384th

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544th, 545th, 546th, & 547th Bombardment Squadron Patches

A limited number of embroidered squadron iron-on patches are now available for purchase. Each patch is representative of those worn by our squadron members during WWII. Please note that colors of the images at left may not exactly match colors of the actual patches due to limitations of digital photography and display on a computer screen. Squadron patches are approximately 4 inches in diameter or height, 100% embroidery with an iron-on backing.

The price for each squadron patch is $9.00. For orders of four or more squadron patches - in any combination - the price is $8.00 each. Domestic USA postage is included in these prices.

See ordering information above,
and 'Patch application and care instructions' below.

544th

545th

546th

547th

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384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Challenge Coin

The 384th Challenge Coin

These coins are 1.5"/38mm diameter and 7/64"/2.8mm thick, weigh about 21 grams, and exposed metal surfaces are gold plated. The colors are intense and true. The front and back designs are slightly revised from the original batch (early 2000s), most notably regarding the simpler B-17 illustration, and revisions to the lettering around the front and back give a clean and legible look to these coins.

The US price is $15 each, including domestic USA postage.
US Customers: contact Keith Ellefson -- SUPPLY TEMPORARILY SOLD OUT - CONTACT KEITH ELLEFSON TO EXPRESS INTEREST IN A FUTURE ORDER

The UK price is £20 each, including UK postage, as needed.
UK Customers: contact Neill Howarth
 
 
 
 

Coins are 1.5" diameter

UK Coins are 1.5" diameter

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Patch application and care instructions.

Independent Vendors

These vendors offer their own products on their own terms, and are not directly affiliated with the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association. Contact them directly to inquire about availability, or to place orders.

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Hand-Painted Leather 384th Patches by Johnny Signor

Patches by Johnny Signor: "Siggy" custom-paints Group and Squadron patches to order. His patches are painted on leather, using oil-based paints which are very durable. He has access to many designs and will work with you to get the size you want. My 546th patch, which many of you have seen, is Siggy's work. Contact him via Facebook.

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Authentic 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Pint Glasses

These glasses were introduced at the Reunion in San Antonio in October 2012. If you would like one (or more) of them, just contact The Glass Etch Studio at the address or phone number below, or Email Glass Etch Studio and tell them Frank Alfter of The 384th Bomb Group referred you.

Glass Etch Studio
1606 Old Mill Rd
Springfield, OH 45502

Phone: 937-322-5907