I am trying to find the book "Bits and Pieces". Can anyone help with the auhtor's name or where I might find a copy?
Thanks.............Rick Amsel

Hello Rick,

"Project Bits and Pieces" was sponsored by the Eighth Air Force Memorial Museum Foundation in 1995.  The volumes were compiled by Paul M. Andrews and William H. Adams.  There are several volumes in the project.

I picked up the two volumes I have ("Heavy Bombers of the Mighty Eighth" and "The Mighty Eighth Combat Chronology") off eBay.  They don't come available too often.

Good luck,

David Schmitt
d.schmitt@prodigy.net
son of 1st LT Donald J. Schmitt, USAAF, co-pilot
assigned to 493rd BG/863rd BS at Debach, England
from Nov 1944 thru May 1945

David,
Thanks for the help. I didn't know there were several volumes. I will start looking on e-bay.
Rick Amsel
Son of T/Sgt Richard Amsel
RO 381st BG 352BS

Rick,
   In addition to the two above mentioned volumes, also included in the set are: Fighter Losses of the Mighty Eighth and The Mighty Eighth Roll of Honor.  I only have the Roll of Honor volume which I ordered directly from Paul Andrews several years ago.  I don't know if the address is still valid.  ROH went for about $70 a few years ago.  Paul's address:

Project Bits and Pieces
P.O. Box 3010
Warrenton, Virginia  20188

Regards,
Hugh

"Swords Forever"

Just to let those know who are interested, Project Bits and Pieces has long been out of print, if for no other reason is that it needs to be updated.  A great deal of additional data, epsecially from the itnernet, warrants such an update.

Here is the Catch 22--in early July my wife was diagnosed with cancer.  It is under control and the prognosis is very good.  Needless to say, life is something of aliving hell at this moment.  Working a full time job with the DoD and filling in where necessary in supaport daughter Alison and son Nick, I have no time to devote to the Project.  This will be the status for at least the next 30 or so weeks.

If you have a question, I will try to answer it but be patient given my circumstances.

Regards.

Paul M. Andrews 

Rick,  Good Evening from Ann Arbor! I've attached the "link" to Janet's excellent listing which you may have already seen.  Also, I do not know your local, BUT another source, if you live in and/or near a University environment, would be: used book stores; bargain book flea markets; and/or resale shops.  Believe it or not,  I have found some real deals and an "out of print book" in one of these.  The caveat, however, is the "subject matter" which is limited.  Just an idea!  Good hunting!  Best Regards!   Steven
http://forum.armyairforces.com/Book-Sources-m53406.aspx

Best Regards!
Steven P. Puhl
Willow Run Historian  (RET.)  
Home of 8685 Ford B-24 Liberators
Life Member: Yankee Air Museum

Paul,
Thank you for taking the time to explain the book situation. When I posted the question I did noknow that"Bits and Pieces" was a project as opposed to a single book, I also did not know that it is a work in progress. I wish you and your family all the best and may God Bless !
Rick Amsel

Son of T/Sgt. Richard W. Amsel
Radio operator/gunner
381st Bomb Grp. 532nd Bomb Sqd.
Dec. 1944 - June 1945

Good Afternoon Mr. Andrews:  I sincerely hope things are going well with your family.  If appears that the probablity of obtaining a copy of "Heavy Bombers of the Might Eighth" is problamatic at this point in time.  The last copy I saw on e-bay went for over $100.00.  Basicly I am interested in the history on one B-17G built by Douglas that was assigned to the 379th Bomb Group, 524th Squadron.  The serial number was 42-38141.  I am also looking for markings and nose art for this plane.  I believe the nose art title was 'Pansy Yokum".  Time permitting, I appreciate any direction or suggestions on finding this information.  Thanks,  Bob Friedemann

Zeke,

According to 'Bits & Pieces'  42-38141 was assigned to the 379th on Feb 28, 1944.  She ditched in the North Sea on July 9, 1944 after being hit by anti aircraft fire.  Pilot was 2nd Lt Hugh Frye and MACR 7359 was issued regarding this loss.  MACR is available from several sources including http://www.footnote.com/  Also see the research help tab at the top of the page for information about how to obtain MACR and Individual Aircraft Record card from Gov't sources.  Aircraft record card does not include any operational information, just information about the manufacture and movement of aircraft before it was assigned overseas.

Hal

Bob -
# 42 - 38141 G - 30 - DL " Pansy Yokum " 
To Cheyenne Mod Center 12/16/43
To Kearney , Neb. 1/12/44
Assigned to 525th Sq. 2/28/44  Code FR - D
Assigned to 524th Sq. Code  WA - D
No Photo Listed
Mike