I am the grandson of Willam E. Robinson, and I am looking for any information regarding his service as a B-17 pilot in WWII.  I have a photo copy of a single Pilot Flimsy from a mission dated 21 April 1945.  Based on that, I believe "Robbie" was the pilot of the lead aircraft for 12 B-17s from 364 Squadron.  Other pilots in the formation were Graham, R. H. Robinson, Gastgnoni, Wilson, Kertis, Belair, Sugalski, McCullough, Ward, Bakula, and Rule. 

According to my grandmother, his aircraft was named Heaven Sent, but I know there may be others with that name.

My grandfather passed away in 2000, and I heard him tell numerous stories over the years of his time with 8th Air Force.  He later went on to fly P-80s and P-51s in the Air Guard, came back on active duty in the 1950s, flew B-47s for SAC out of Lincoln AFB, flew O-2 Skymasters in Viet Nam, and finished his career at Mather AFB.

If you have any information at all, including photos, please email me at jshineman@hotmail.com or justin.shineman@navy.mil
Thank you.

Justin -
305th BG Site: http://305thbombgroup.org
Forum member Ian White has a lot of Info -
He will see your Post and Respond  -
Keep Checking,
Mike

Thanks, Mike!
Cheers,
Justin

Justin,

Do you know what his dates of service in Chelveston were?  I will dig around at home later to see what I may be able to find.

Kevin Brower
305th BGMA
T-Sgt Carl Leidel-305th/365th
Grandfather

Hi Justin
I will take a look here and see if anything cmes to light on your Grandfather. As he was flying late war, April 1945, there is a chance he continue his service in the 305th for a period, post war, and flew on CASEY JONES photomapping project. Based first a St Trond Belgium, then from December 45, from Lechfield, Germany. Having said this, the 364th Sqn post war were deplyed temporarily at Meeks Field Iceland, photomapping same project; the northern reaches of the plots required.

Ive made a note of the surnames, a couple are familiar to me (Wilson and Minea).

Name of ship doesnt immediately leap to mind - HEAVENS SENT. Having said this, if your Grandfather flew post war, he may have adopted an exchange ship, one of the many that came from other 1st AD groups after May of 1945. Could be that this was one he regularly flew on photomapping, if indeed he stayed in the ETO and flew such missions? There are a large list of a/c which came into group which remain 'names unknown'. This may be a line of enquiry....

Anyway, I'll see what is around and get a reply back.
Kevin Brower will I'm sure do same...!!!! Two heads are always better than one, especially when its just mine...
Regards Ian

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

Ian and Kevin,
Thanks much for both replies.  My grandfather's service dates would have been mid to late '44 thru '45.  I remember many of his stories, which may help place him in the correct squadron and/or crew.  I have attached a copy of the aforementioned flimsy.

1) My grandmother remembers him being under Lemay's command, but that could have happened sometime later in his career when he was with SAC as a B-47 pilot.

2) He told me once that his crew crossed the English Channel over 20 times one night conducting SAR for Glen Miller's missing aircraft.

3) I remember a story about a strike where they dropped experimental "rocket bombs" from the British on German sub pens.  Most of the group turned back due to weather, but I believe he and his flight never got the radio message, so they pressed on and hit the target.

4) I believe he and his crew were forced down over Belgium or Germany where they began to evade.  They soon discovered that Gen Patton and the Third Army had already advanced past their position.

5) He did spend time on mapping missions in Iceland after the war.  I think they spent about 3 days stuck in their barracks during a storm at one point.

Those are the stories I remember.  I hope they help.  Ultimately I would like to find photos of his crew and aircraft if possible. 

As an aside, last weekend I took my wife and children to the EAA fly-in at Oshkosh, WI.  I had the privilege of taking a 30 minute flight in a fully restored B-17G.  It was a phenomenal experience that I will never forget.

Attached Image(s)

Hi Justin (Following replies made before your more recent posting).
A few details to add to your initial posting. As a point of reference, we like man WW2 veteran groups, are losing many members at an alarming rate now. It is highly likely that most of the fellow 364^th members which served with you Grandfather may now be deceased. However, I can help on the following Pilots you have listed:-
 
Charles S. Graham. Pilot 364^th Sqn, Arrived with 305^th BG November 1943 remained till June 1946. Assigned to 305^th HQ’s during his time at Chelveston and became Group Adjutant. * From the records available it seems Graham would have served post-war on CASEY JONES, as the group deployed from wartime Chelveston to peacetime occupying forces, St Trond, Belgium and then Lechfeld Germany. (now deceased).
 
Michael N. Kertis 364^th Sqn (now deceased).
 
Leon Sugalski 364^th Sqn. Assigned 305^th BG January 1945- returned to ZI June 1945. *Sugalski appears to have served until end of combat activities, and did not stay on during the CASEY JONES project.
 
Robert McCullough Pilot, 364^th Sqn. Arrived 305^th BG January 1945 – completed 14 (fourteen) mission by end of war. Returned to ZI 29^th May 1945. *again McCullough did not stay on with the group-sqn and fly photo mapping missions over Europe.
 
Gilbert F. Belair 364^th Sqn Pilot. Service details unknown, other than flew in ‘1945’.
 
Wilson – There are eight men with his surname on our lists. Only one that served in 364^th Sqn, he was a Bombardier and not a Pilot. Therefore it is assumed the Wilson referred to in the flimsy  has never joined the association, and remains status unknown.
 
Gastagnoni – Unusual surname, which s not listed on our association roster. Another that cannot be confirmed as 364^th Sqn, and of his current status, whether alive or dead.
 
R.H. Robinson – Not listed on our records, may not have joined our association. Status unknown.
 
John J. Ward – This is unconfirmed as the same man on your list. (now deceased)
 
James Paul Rule – This is unconfirmed as the same man on your list. – or -
Gilbert Rule – This is unconfirmed as the same man on your list. (now deceased)
 
My guess, from the comments you make of your Grandfather serving in the ANG in the immediate years after WW2, would point to him making a return home almost immediately and perhaps not serving on the CASEY JONES photomapping project. But you may surprise us by forwarding further background, may be access to other personal papers from your Grandfather’s surviving memorabilia? It’s worth rechecking out any items you and the family have, however trivial they might first appear at first glance. Pictures-photos are a gold mine, especially if they have remarks on the reverse. Names, places will all help to expand any search for you.
 
I did a read through the known list of B-17’s for our 305^th BG, for the name HEAVENS SENT. Regret to inform that this name has not, so far, come up. However, experience tells me never to say never!
 
Let me know if you and the family have any additional hard copy paperwork. You didn’t say whether your Grandmother is still alive? It’s worth asking some questions, if of course she is happy and able to help in your questions. Any minor memory may open the door on finding more for you.
 
Hope to hear from you
Regards Ian W

PS. In response to your last message. The rockets used on missions during the last months of WW2 were 'Disney' Rocket bombs, looking very similar to a torpedo in design. You might say it was a very early 'Tomahawk' we have seen used in recent conflicts. However this WW2 weapon had no fancy guidance system. The size of weapon meant it was carried, two per plane, beneath each wing from external bomb shackles. The bombs were dropped over the target, and as the fell, a propeller would wind down, releasing the tail cone, then igniting the jet motor Once the motor was started, the bomb would pick up speed, excelerating to in excess of 1,600 miles per hour. The intention was to drive the weapon ad its explosive deep into the concrete bunker, mostly the U-Boat pens which were still operating. The design of the rocket was a British one, but experimented with by the USAAF, both the 305th BG and the neighbouring 92nd BG.

I'll check out the frced landing incident and see what  can find out, will report back.

Ian

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

Thanks, Ian.  You must have Terabytes of data accumulated. 

My grandmother is still alive, and I know she has a footlocker full of my grandfather's military memorabilia.  I will need to plan a trip to see her soon to find out if she has additional information.  I am hoping she has his logbook, which can clear up a lot things for me.  As a Navy pilot, I can decipher quite a bit from that.  She may also have photos.

One additional recollection: I believe my grandfather may have ferried a B-17 back to the states after the war ended.  The route I remember him taking was thru Ascension Island and the Dutch Antilles before reaching USA.

Thanks again for all your help. 
Sincerely,
Justin

Justin
I have emailed you.
Ian

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

Ian,
Could you identify the aircraft on the flimsy?

For Justin ... and LuckyM and others intrested...
Ive run over the Pilot Flimsy as posted by Justin, for the 21st April mission.
Posting the following which my prove easier to read, and expands the information pertaining to each section of the formation. You will note on all three sections of the 305th BG formation that day that remarks are made on each aircraft involved, including their history at end of WW2. The phrase 'transferred-exchanged' was due to the 305th requiring new, radar equipped B-17s, for use on the postwar CASEY JONES photomapping project. This meant most of the 305th's warweary aircraft were traded with neighbouring 1st AD groups, receiving back pretty much all of the available PFF ships in England at that time. This also occured over at the 306th BG Thurleigh, who shared te CASEY project in late 1945-all of 1946 and the beginning of 1947.

Anyway.... to start, this s he 'C' Charlie Force 305th BG 21st April 45. As the 'C' Force, the group flew the rear most position of the 40th Combat Wing that day; behind the 306th and 92nd Bomb Groups.

LEAD Squadron ‘C’ Charlie Force. 422^nd Squadron.
Lead Element:
Capt Marion(?)Brooks crew (group ACP) – 44-8821 WF-T (364^th Sqn) PFF/H2x Lead A/C. On loan to 422^nd from the 364^th Squadron. Assignd to group 6.3.45, to 305^th BG CASEY JONES photomapping project post war St. Trond/Lechfield.
 
Watson crew – 42-97638 JJ-E, PFF/H2x Lead A/C. Assignd to group 20.3.45, transferred to 91^st BG Bassingbourne 27.4.45.
 
Capt Eugene(?)Ohlson crew (deputy lead) – 44-8360 JJ-G, PFF/H2x Lead A/C. Assignd to group 10.11.44, to 305^th BG post war on CASEY JONES photomapping St. Trond/Lechfeld.
 
Low Element-port position.
Benbow Crew – 43-39144 JJ-N. Assignd to group 10.2.45, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook 23.5.45.
 
Richard Touby crew – 43-38120 JJ-H PUNCHY ANNA. Assigned from 92^nd BG 12.8.44, Transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook 23.5.45. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
Robert Kalnitz crew – 44-8639 JJ-B. Assignd to group 10.2.45, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook 23.5.45. A/C crashed whilst flying ‘Home Run’ with 20 passengers, Barmouth UK 8.6.45.
 
2^nd Lead/Lead Element- Six O’clock position to leading Element.
Halsey crew – 42-97995 JJ-D CISCO’S KIDS. Assigned to group 28.6.44, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook May 1945. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
Alex Guidotti crew - ?????813 JJ-L. Cannot identify this serial number for this period in time. We have 43-37813 JJ-G SCOOTERINI, but this was assignd to group 28.6.44, but lost on mission 9.8.44. Cannot be this A/C. May be typo error on flimsy.
 
Jackson crew – 43-37809 JJ-F IDIOTS DELIGHT. Assignd to group 28.6.44, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook 23.5.45. *Flew 100 straight missions with NO aborts.
 
High Element-starboard position.
Raymond Korpela crew – 43-38985 JJ-K.  Assignd to group 2.1.45, transferred-exchanged to 351^st Polebrook May 1945.
 
Howard Onley crew – 44-6162 JJ-A OLD GLORY. Assignd to group 28.6.44, transferred-exchanged to 401^ST BG Deenethorpe May 1945. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
James(?) Allen crew – 44-6605 JJ-T. Assignd to group 19.10.44, returned to USA 7.6.45. This A/C may  be on loan for this mission from 366^th Sqn, recorded as having also carried their unit code KY-T.
 
STANDBY A/C – 44-8346 XK-N (365^th Sqn) PFF/H2x Lead A/C. Assignd to group 21.11.44, transferred-exchanged to 384^th BG Grafton Underwood 9.5.45.
NB. Its interesting to note that the leading aircraft were headed by no less than THREE PFF/H2x Radar equipped B-17's.

Ian

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

OK...
So now we have the 'Low' Squadron of aircraft, positioned off the port side of the leading Squadron, slightly lower altitude and slightly behind. This is being led by Justin's Grandfather's Crew, William Robinson, in yet another PFF/H2x Radar equipped B-17. Robinson evidently is flying a 'loaned' B-17, from his neighbours at the 422nd Sqn. This is rather an odd situation as the ACP (Air Command Pilot) Capt Brooks over on the leading 422nd Sqn,  is flying a loaned PFF ship from the 364th, which doesnt make a lot of immediate sense! The only imediate explanation I can make is that Brooks, senior in rank, may have elected to use the better arcraft a lead crew and overall commander of mission. This further radar equipped B-17makes it FOUR on this mission for the 305th BG.

LOW Squadron ‘C’ Charlie Force. 364^th Squadron.
Lead Element:
William Robinson Crew – 44-8860 JJ-P PFF/H2x Radar Lead A/C. On loan from 422^nd Sqn. Assign to group 30^th March 1945. 305^th BG Post War on CASEY JONES photomapping St. Strond/Lechfeld.
 
R.E. Graham crew – 42-38037 WF-T LIBERTY RUN. Assignd to group 22.1.44, returned to USA May 1945. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
R.H. Robinson crew – 43-38924 WF-E.  Assignd to group 5.12.44, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 20.5.45.
 
Low Element-port position.
Louis Castagnoni crew – 43-39207 WF-D. Assignd to group 21.2.45, returned USA 13 June 1945.
 
Gilbert F. Belair crew – 44-6009 WF-U FLAK EATER. Assignd to group 17.5.44, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook 23.5.45. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
Leon Sugalski crew – 43-38964 WF-K. Assignd to group 3.1.45, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 1.6.45.
 
2^nd Lead/Lead Element- Six O’clock position to leading Element.
Wilson crew - 42-107209 WF-H THE WHEELS WAGON. Assignd to group 9.8.44. Crashed on 305^th BG’s last mission of war, 25 April 1945 to Skoda Truck Works-Pilsen-Czechoslovakia. Scrapped at crash site. *A high mission tall A/C 75 plus.
 
Robert McCullough crew – 42-102608 WF-R THE HEDGE HOPPER. Assignd to group 25.5.44, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 25.5.45. *A high mission tally A/C 111 missions flown.
 
Douglas(?) Ward crew – 44-8505 WF-O LUCKY. Assignd to group 5.12.44, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 22.5.45.
 
High Element-starboard position.
Michael Kertis crew – 43-38025 WF-W THE CHARACTER. Assignd  to group 29.7.44, transferred-exchanged to 384^th BG Grafton Underwood 9.5.45. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
Bakula crew – 43-39948 WF-M LEADING LADY. Assignd to group 15.11.43 (one of the first ‘G’ model B-17’s on group). Transferred –exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethrope 20.5.45. *Second highest mission tally A/C on the 305^th BG, completed 133 missions.
 
Gilbert Rule Crew – 44-6079 WF-B MISS DEE DAY. Assignd to group 2.6.44, returned to USA 7.6.45. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
STANDBY A/C – 44-8673 XK-G (365^th Sqn) PFF/H2x Lead A/C. Assignd to group 29.1.45, returned to USA 14.7.45. Was reassigned during hostilities to 422^nd Sqn as JJ-G.
 
SPARE A/C – Altman crew – 43-38976 WF-J  SHE’S A HONEY. Assigned to group from 96^th BG 28.11.44, transferred-exchanged to 384^th BG Grafton Underwood 9.5.45. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

Now, finally the third part to the formation, the 'High' Squadron Positioned on the starboard high side of the leading Squadron; flying at the highest altitude within the 305th formation at least. Their position is furthest back on the port side, very much the 'tail end charlies' of not only the 305th Bomb Group but also the whole 40th Combat Wing on this mission. Something  have immediatly noted is the excess of PFF aircaft participating on this mission of 21st April. The 'High' Squadron supplied a further TWO PFF/H2x ships; this makes a grand total of SIX Radar equipped aircraft. Quite a remarkable change from a few months earlier, when PFF aircraft were in short supply and a mission was deemed extremely fortunate to enjoy TWO such aircraft at their disposal. Such luxuries do point to the air superiority of the USAAF and the allies as a whole over Germany in those final weeks of WW2. Anywy, here goes...

HIGH Squadron ‘C’ Charlie Force. 366^th  Squadron.
Lead Element-High position:
Ivan Lindaman crew – 44-8796 KY-F LAURA PFF/H2x Radar Equipped Lead A/C. Assignd to group 25.2.45, to 305^th BG on CASEY JONES photomapping project St Trond/Lechfeld.
 
Rabinowitz crew – 43-39141 KY-B. Assignd to group 4.3.45, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 25.5.45.
 
Horace Grow crew- 44-83297 KY-J ARLENE PFF/H2x Radar equipped Lead A/C. Assignd to group 4.3.45, returned to USA 11.6.45.
 
Low Element-port position.
Richard Madarassy crew – 42-31501 KY-R OLE MISS DESTRY. Assigned to group 12.12.43 (one of the first ‘G’ model B-17’s to group). Transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 20.5.45. *Highest mission tally A/C on 305^th BG, completing 138 missions.
 
Conrad Schorner crew – 43-38098 KY-E OLD HALF AND HALF. Assignd to group 22.2.44, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook May 1945. Rear fuselage section was grafted to original ship, as a major repair, from 42-107139). *Combined aircraft history flew high mission tally of 75 plus.
 
Franklin(?) Smith crew – 42-39992 KY-G YOU’VE HAD IT! Assignd  to group 29.1.44, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 20.5.45. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
2^nd Lead/High Element- Six O’clock position to leading Element.
John(?) O’Neil crew – 42-102964 KY-M MISS YVONNE. Assignd to group 2.6.44, transferred-exchanged to 351^st BG Polebrook May 1945. *A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
Gronninger crew – 44-6015 KY-H DEAR MOM. Assigned to group 17.5.44, transferred-exchanged to 401^st BG Deenethorpe 23.4.45. * A high mission tally A/C 75 plus.
 
Carroll Artman crew – 43-38117 KY-D THE WEE ONE. Assignd to group 14.8.44, crash landed on return from mission 7.4.45, scrapped.
 
High Element-High starboard position.
Joe Scarpulla crew – 43-39033 KY-S. Assignd to group 3.1.45, returned to USA 23.6.45.
 
Soskin crew – 43-38817 KY-L. Assignd to group 18.10.44, transferred-exchange to 351^st BG Polebrook 9.5.45.
 
Gerald Hodges crew – 44-6300 KY-K FANCY PANTZ. Assignd to group 12.8.44, crashed on continent 25.4.45, during last 305^th BG mission of WW2 to the Skoda Truck Works, Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. A/C scrapped at crash site.
 
STANDBY A/C – ???7336 XK-B (365^th Sqn) I cannot identify this serial number against known 305^th BG A/C. Typo error on flimsy?
 
SPARE A/C – Brown crew 43-38737 XK-F (365^th Sqn) Assigned to group 17.10.44, returned to USA 7.6.45.

As a foot note.
Many of the aircraft participating had a very long life. a majority had already seen service for six months and more. They would in the main survive the end of WW2. A few would soldier on a year or two longer in peacetime occupation service in St Trond Belgium and Lechfeld Germany. Many had legendary and unique mission tally records, such as OLE MISS DESTRY on 138 missions. Sadly, this and many others were not to receive the accolades they deserved, and were reduced to ingots of aluminium for rebuilding the peacetime USA.

Its amazing just what one small sheet of paper, sixty plus years old, can reveal.........

Ian W

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

Ian,
Thanks.  Great stuff!  You're correct about the amount of history held in one document.

With respect to the number of PFF aircraft assigned to this mission, I remember my grandfather telling me at one point in the war, they were assigning a primary and secondary radar aircraft to each formation.  This gave them sufficient redundancy in the formation to continue the mission in the event of a system failure, loss of lead aircraft, or an aircraft abort.  As you mentioned, they probably would not have risked this until they had the numbers of PFF birds on hand, and they were truly enjoying air superiority.

Thanks again for the information.  I will continue to look for additional information in our family records and will let you know what I find.

Cheers,
Justin

Re Lead squadron I can confirm that Capt Eugene??? is in fact Captain Eugene Ohlsen Himself.

Hello Derek. Regards Ohlson on Lead Squadron; he is flying on the port wing of Capt Brooks. Brook's is piloting th leading plane of the three plane element. Ive never seen any mission flown by our own group, or perhaps another, where the overall Lead Pilot-Group Commander, would be in such a osition within the flight, as Ohlson is. So, regret to disagree! Ohlson is likely to be Deputy Lead. Capt Brooks is the overall ACP, Air Command Pilot, and overall commander for the 305th on his 21st April mission.

Ian

Ian White - 305th BGMA Hon. Life Associate, UK Contact and Organiser of next years 40th Combat Wing UK Reunion - May 21st-31st 2009

I think there has been a misunderstanding Ian.
I was not suggesting Ohlson was in charge.
In the listing for the lead group was Capt Eugene??? so i pointed out that it was Capt Eugene Ohlsen.
Capt Conklin was pilot of Ohlsens plane until he was made squadron commander then Ohlson changed seats.