manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Share #1 Posted July 30, 2016 I've been chasing this group for several months and finally got it today. It was an AAF kind of day because I also got a group from the 345th BG but that is another story. This is a tribute to an American waist gunner who flew missions over Germany with the 44th BG. I am blessed to say that this group is document heavy, with photos and other items that will be revealed as the story progresses. Through these items I am going to attempt to tell his story in a way that will honor his sacrifice. This endeavor is going to take at least 2 or 3 days so check back from time to time. As I have just managed to get home so I will start with this one post with more depth tomorrow. The dreaded telegram. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
38Driver Posted July 30, 2016 Share #2 Posted July 30, 2016 Waiting patiently, tapping fingers on desk etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted July 30, 2016 Be patient young driver, I don't think you will be disappointed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted July 30, 2016 Share #4 Posted July 30, 2016 I can not even imagine getting one of these telegram's. Unusual name.I found this. http://wwiiflighttraining.org/?page_id=570 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #5 Posted July 30, 2016 By all accounts Ed was born in Michigan in 1920. The first documented information I have about him is from high school. This is the first page of a scrap book his wife made during the war. Back in the 1930s photo booths became all the rage. You would go in the booth and a series of photos would be taken. The kids especially loved to take pictures and traded them with their friends. We can equate this with the "Selfie" trend that has overwhelmed our society today. Ed was no different than most other kids of his day. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #6 Posted July 30, 2016 Here is a close up of Ed and one of his school chums. Ed is wearing the letter sweater and is the more handsome version of the actor Jack Black. He went to MacKenzie HS in Detroit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #7 Posted July 30, 2016 I can not even imagine getting one of these telegram's. Unusual name.I found this. http://wwiiflighttraining.org/?page_id=570 Interesting that there is no additional information after his name. Thanks for posting it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefighter Posted July 30, 2016 Share #8 Posted July 30, 2016 Interesting that there is no additional information after his name. Thanks for posting it. Ya. I too was hoping for more information.Maybe you can find the actual class book? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted July 30, 2016 Here is a team HS football picture from 1935. Ed is 15 years old. Reserve team must be JV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #10 Posted July 30, 2016 1937 is either his junior or senior year. The REGULAR team must be the Varsity team. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #11 Posted July 30, 2016 Close up of # 39 center position. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #12 Posted July 30, 2016 Here is a picture of Ed during a practice. Having played football for many years into college I recognize that stance. He's not very tall but a husky muscular fellow. A look of determination on his face ready to take what ever the opposition can dish out. He's confident and self assured. One of the great photos in this collection. He's the one out in front with the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #13 Posted July 30, 2016 The scrap book is full of newspaper articles and other souvenirs from school. In an effort not to loose everyone I won't post every little piece but stick to those things that help you get to know this man. I'm not sure exactly when he started but he went on to college, I think 1940. Wayne University in Detroit. Here is his entrance document. It looks like he wanted to become a teacher. With an emphasis in athletics. It appears that he was a very good athlete. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #14 Posted July 30, 2016 Just an example of one of several pages devoted to his sport. He was a lower class man at the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #15 Posted July 30, 2016 Fall Sophomore year he goes to football camp In Mio, Mich. He is very serious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #16 Posted July 30, 2016 During practice. I hope he doesn't bite his tongue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #17 Posted July 30, 2016 A newspaper article which documents Ed's abilities on the grid. First string as a Sophomore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #18 Posted July 30, 2016 He has a good sense of humor as well. By all accounts i would say he's a man's man. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #19 Posted July 30, 2016 During his time in college Ed had a job at Packard in their aircraft division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #20 Posted July 30, 2016 From the end of 1940 to the end of 1941 there is not much information about Ed's life. But what I do know is that during this time Ed marries Grace and the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Life as he knew it changes dramatically and Ed joins the armed forces of the USA. Ed has a farewell party at Packard. He is now 22 years old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #21 Posted July 30, 2016 I'm not sure how Ed made his choice but it might have had something to do with working in the aviation branch of Packard. Sometime between of to May 1942 Ed qualifies to be an Aviation cadet. Here is his Selective Service card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #22 Posted July 30, 2016 Here is the document from May concerning his appointment as a Cadet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #23 Posted July 30, 2016 He is on the Packard roster of former employees who are now in the service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 30, 2016 Author Share #24 Posted July 30, 2016 And a letter from Packard requesting he send them information from a military perspective that will help improve the moral of the workers. Interesting home front material that I have never seen before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manayunkman Posted July 31, 2016 Author Share #25 Posted July 31, 2016 Ed's Cadet patch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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