Hi to all forum subscribers.
My life was recently turned upside down when I was informed (at the age of 62) that my real Father was A US service man serving at "Station 157" Raydon. I was born in Lawford just a few miles away in Aug. 1945. The only information given to me is that he was a mechanic/ground crew and his name was Jack Dove (now believed deceased). I have researched as well as I can and have now searched military records for all enlisted Doves but none seem to meet criteria. I have found a couple but they are listed as Army. Would ground crew personnel be Army or airforce? Would there be any surviving members of 357th FG (which I hope I'm right thinking were one of the occupants of Raydon) that might recall the name or be able to help. It has been suggested that he came from Buffalo NY. I also get the feeling that Jack might have been a nickname, as here in the UK many Johns were known as Jack. I have also posted this on the 353rd FG forum.
Kind regards
Peter Allen

Hi Peter,

There are still surviving members of the 357th FG !
Maybe Mike (shooshoobaby) can help?

Regards,

Paul

Associate member of the Awon
http://www.awon.org/
__________________

Fighters for Victory (357th FG)

Peter,
 
Sorry, just saw you're already contacted Mike...
 
Paul

Associate member of the Awon
http://www.awon.org/
__________________

Fighters for Victory (357th FG)

Hi Paul. Thanks for reply. Yes, I've had a couple of suggestions from Mike but its still this question of was "Jack" Army or Airforce. Are you saying that Mike is a surviving wartime member or just connected with those that are?
Kind regards
Peter

Often individuals named JOHN, went by the nickname JACK.
 
There is a J. Dove listed in the Social Security Death Index born 1923-Died 1988 from NY.  just a possibility. Also there is a system of finding the burial place of most everyone in the U.S.. Sometimes it is a long drawn out way to go, however you could then contact the cementery for any information they have. I have located relatives of former servicemen  in this way. As I said, it can be a long way to go but is sometimes fruitful.
 
Herb Harper.  Former historian 98th Vets Assoc.

Peter,
 
Mike's father flew with the 357th FG !
 
regards,
 
Paul

Associate member of the Awon
http://www.awon.org/
__________________

Fighters for Victory (357th FG)

Thanks for that Herb. Another avenue to follow.
Kind regards
Peter

Hi Paul. Good of you to let me know. My Dad was with the 8th Army Royal Artillery but it would make me equally as proud to say my "real" Father was with the "Mighty 8th" or whatever it turns out to be. It really is frustrating.
Kind regards
Peter

Intersting thread..your looking for your REAL father..or you biological father..your real father is the one who raised you..
 
 
Terry T. (father adopted children)

OK Terry, looking for biological Father. I've only known the one who raised me, did not find out "family secret" untill couple of months ago. Of course all relatives who knew the truth are now quite aged and memories vague.
Regards
Peter 

Peter, Just a thought. You ask if he was army or airforce. Techically he would be army wouldn't he? The aircorp was still army so if you found a record of him it would be army. My grandad was in the 38th air depot which was aaf, all of the documents in his service record state "army of the united states of america".  Dave

Peter - I was also born in August , 45.
So you were conceived circa 12/44.
353d was at Raydon 4/44 - 10/45.
Have you thought about contacting American Embassy for help?
Mike