Locked"swoose Group"

I would like to know if anyone can tell me any information on, Col.Robert Allyn or,Col.Frank Kurtz ? or on,775th.of the 463rd.bombardment group.My father was in this group (Capt.Edmund B.Wicks) Thank You, Craig Wicks
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"The Swoose" was the only early model B-17 to make it back to the USA from the South Pacific, after those nasty, early war battles (it's now in the NASM's warehouse of projects!) Subject of the film classic "Air Force." The 19th Bomb Group in Australia included several squadrons.
There are several good books on this campaign: "They Fought With What They Had", etc.

Good Luck!
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Craig,
Attached is a picture of Capt. Ed Wicks, bombardier, with his new DFC. Is that your father? I have several pictures that he is in that other veterans of the 463rd have given me to scan for the 463rd archives. If you can confirm that this is your father, I would be more than happy to send you the pictures I have of him.

Col. Frank Kurtz and Col. Robert Allyn both passed away several years ago. Do you have the 775th Sq. history book, "Allyn's Irish Orphans"? If not, I know where there are still a couple of copies still available, if you are interested.

If you want to contact me off-list, I can furnish you with the pictures and other information regarding the 775th. I believe I even have a picture of your father standing with Col. Kurtz in front of "Swoose II".

Let me know if you are interested.
Joel
463rd Group historian
jswindle@centurytel.net
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Craig,
Actually, I was mistaken about the name of the second "Swoose." It was called "The Swoose 1944 Model...It Flys?" most of the guys that I have talked to called it "Swoose II".
This aircraft was salvaged overseas in May, 1945.

Attached is a publicity picture taken of a group in front of the Swoose. Left of center in foreground is Col. Frank Kurtz shaking hands with someone. The second person from the right (directly behind Kurtz) is Capt. Ed Wicks.
Joel
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Among Col. Kurtz's many honors is that of being father of actress "Swoosie" Kurtz, by the way.

[url "http://us.imdb.com/Name?Kurtz,+Swoosie"]http://us.imdb.com/Name?Kurtz,+Swoosie[/url]
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Janet :-) I have a question.......Is your avatar a portrait of you ? grin.

Also as to Swoosie Kurtz....I think she lived in Scottsdale, AZ several years ago and was a Volunteer at the Scottsdale Memorial Hospital. My wife was a RN at the hospital and if I remember correctly, Swoosie was also Directing a Play at the Herberger Theatre in Phoenix....I remember attending and meeting Swoosie through my wife. This had to be sometime in the 1970's.

Jim :-)
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Yes, that is the spittin' image of me, except that I have green eyes (dyed to match my uniform). There are some beautiful WWII WAC posters.

Swoosie seems like a swell lady, and that is a terrific name. Her father must have loved his aircraft.
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An interesting read about Margo & Frank Kurtz is "My Rival, The Sky" by Margot Kurtz, 1945. You might find it at some used book stores or ABE books, if you're interested. It is a different perspective of war and the men going to war from the view point of those who waited at home.

And yes, Col. Frank Kurtz did love his airplane(s).
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Thank you for bringing this book to my attention. I find it is available. A contemporary account of the "home front" should be very interesting. Thanks!
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A short biography of Col. Kurtz, with bibliography.
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