soalebm
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15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
I just wanted to say that I have been working on a book about the 15th Air Force in Foggia, Italy for the past 4 years. I focused on a crew from the 463rd 773rd that was shot down on October 13, 1944. In addition I interviewed 15th Air Force veterans from all of the Bomb groups stationed near Foggia. Members from this forum were very very helpful to me so I want to tell everyone that whatever information I can provide about the bomb groups you are welcome to. I also have a great deal of information on Stalag Luft III and Stalag Luft IV. I am still interested in any photos anyone might have of the bases near Foggia, South African Air Force information, or any information about the engineer battalions that cleared the runways. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask. If you are interested in a copy of my book From Foggia to Freedom let me know. I also posted some on ebay. But I won't ask anyone to buy a copy who needs research assistance. I couldn not have done it without the help from forum members so I would like to give back as much as possible!
Thanks,
Brandon
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Swindy
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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I will add my two cents worth here to Brian's excellent work. I think it is an excellently written book, particularly for the novice in learning more about the air war operated out of Italy but it is not limited to the novice. I thought I was well informed about this subject until I read Brian's book and I learned quite a lot from this excellently researched subject. Brian definitely did his homework on this.
My compliments to Brian and his journey to honor those who served. Well done, Brian.
Joel Swindlehurst 463rd Bomb Group Historian www.463rd.org Proud son of 1/Lt Leroy J. Swindlehurst (1921-1950) Navigator, 772nd Sq., 463rd BG
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bioteror
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Where one can obtain the book? which crew is it about?
Thanks
and PF2012!
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zbocek
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Zeljko Bocek ------------------------- "Without B 17 we might have lost the war"...General Carl Spaatz, Commandant US Strategic Air Forces
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bioteror
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Hmm, is there a list of men interviewed for the book somewhere available ?
I registered that 13. october 1944 was one of the dates, but wanna check the names if they are of my interest.
thanks
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jpeters140
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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bioteror
Where one can obtain the book? which crew is it about?
Thanks
and PF2012!
The book covers ALL six B-17 15th AAF Bomb Groups, and thier locations around Foggia. It also gives an excellent description of the Checkniks and Partisans. Part of the book describes the experiences of a 463rd BG crew....as Swindy says...he learned things he was not aware of....as a particpant in the latter stages of the war, I, also, learned things I was not aware of. It is very well researched and has many references at the end of each chapter. There are several quotes from persons who contributed information as well. Jim :-)
James S. Peters Sr. T/Sgt B-17 Flt Engr, 27 missions 99 BG, 348BS, 5th Wing, 15th AAF Tortorella, (Foggia#2), Italy My Tour was from 12/03/44-06/19/45 M/Sgt USAF (Retired)
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eesharpener
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Brandon,
I would like to get a copy of your book, inscribed by you if possible.
Please PM me with details about payment and inscription.
Bama Guy
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Swindy
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Regarding the book and its relationship to the 463rd, it is about Lt. Gale Patterson's crew of the 773rd which was shot down on 13 October 1944. There are extensive interviews with Gale included in the book.
Joel Swindlehurst 463rd Bomb Group Historian www.463rd.org Proud son of 1/Lt Leroy J. Swindlehurst (1921-1950) Navigator, 772nd Sq., 463rd BG
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soalebm
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Bioteror,
Thanks for the interest! I interviewed as many of the men from the plane "Never Satisfied" that was lost on Oct. 13th. Including the pilot Gale Patterson and waist gunner Alexander Bryant. But I also included writing and journal entries from crewmembers who have since passed away. Because these men spent 7 months in German POW camps I interviewed POWs who spent time in Stalag Luft III and Stalag Luft IV. The list of interviews includes; Alexander Bryant, Claude Doughman, George Houghtelin, Bud Lawrence, Michael MacManus, Gale Patterson, James Peters, Harold Plunkett, Charles Strange, and Tut Tawwater. I wish I could have interviewed more but there were some who refused to speak with me and others I still cannot find. Hope that helps!
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jj463rd
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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Brandon thanks for re-listing your book at eBay.
I just ordered 2 of them.I am going to give one to a brother.
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sticks wicks
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Re:15th Air Force Book "From Foggia to Freedom"
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I wanted to say..., Thank You...I would love to buy a copy of, your book My Dad was Captain Edumund B.Wicks of the 775 Th. Bomb Group and, 463Rd. Squadron His Crew was The Model Crew in Allyns Irish Orphans and, Flew With Col. Frank Krutz's Group.Thank You, Craig (My Dad) was The Bombardier and is standing there with, Col.Krutz second to your right hands in his pockets with the Bomber jacket...!
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