MILITARY COLLECTOR GROUP POST, Aug. 14/98 Index: B-17 RADIO OPERATOR; Richard G. Branco MEMBERS WRITE; Weird BC-221, NAS LAKEHURST TOURS; FREE MANUALS; Just More Aircraft Shit. NEW MEMBER; Scott Johnson HUMOR, NOT TODAY; *********************************************** B-17 RADIO OPERATOR; Originally from a web site on the 487th bomb Group in WW II Bill Howard This is a story about the wartime experiences of my father, Sabatine Joseph Branco, who was a Technical Sergeant in the 839th Bomb Squadron, 487th Bomb Group, 4th Air Wing, 3rd Division, 8th Air Force, in the European Theater during WW II. He was a Radio Operator / Gunner (ROG) on a B-17G crew based at Station 137 in Lavenham, Suffolk, England. Suffolk, England is far away from Camden, NJ where Dad was born in 1923. This story really begins, however on December 7th, 1942, when, in the middle of his freshman year at Temple University, Dad and others in his class enlisted in the USAAF. Reviewing his records, I was surprised at how much training he received. He went through extensive training all across the country, in such places as Fenn College (Cleveland OH), Aviation Cadet Center (Yuma AZ), MacDill Field (Tampa FL), Hunter Field (GA), and Camp Kilmer (NJ). He deployed to Station 137, Lavenham, England on 14-Dec-1944. Dad put in 34 combat missions over target from January 8th, 1945 to April 21, 1945, most of them in a B-17G named "Dinah-Mite" (tail # 48694) After the war, he returned to New Jersey, completed his degree in psychology and worked in contracting and marketing for 34 years with the RCA Corporation, before setting out to enjoy retired life. In all that time, Dad never wore his veteran status "on his sleeve", but was always willing to talk at length about his experiences when asked. He told me of the rigors and travails of flying an unpressurized combat aircraft on 10+ hour missions on oxygen and in deep cold; of having to plug into portable O2 bottles to move between stations and frequent intercom check-ins to make sure no one was unconscious; and of electrically heated suits and metal so cold you didn’t touch it with bare skin for fear of sticking to it. Dad described the power and beauty of an armada of hundreds of gleaming aluminum B-17s streaming four contrails (which unfortunately made them more visible to the flak batteries and fighters). He told me of being swarmed by ME-109s and FW-190s, and even occasionally seeing ME-262s and ME-163s (which he did not consider much of a threat due to their speed and limited duration). The crew was always relieved to have P-51 escorts, which they referred to as "our little friends", to fend off the German fighters. Dad seemed to have more fear of the deadly anti-aircraft flak than the enemy fighters, which he described as often being so thick you could "get out and walk on it". He took to sitting on a flak jacket after he saw another ROG taken off a ‘17 with flak shrapnel in his buttocks. Although he did not receive a purple heart, his hearing was damaged by a flak burst that exploded just below the plane as he was checking the bomb bay after the "toggle", and he saved as a "souvenir" a piece of flak that lodged in the fuselage after narrowly missing him. He explained, from first hand experience, the dangers of taking damage and not being able to stay in formation, since the German fighters would pounce all over stragglers. On three occasions, Dad’s plane was so heavily damaged that they had to drop out of formation, and was not able to make it back to base (with the crew tossing out anything they could to maintain altitude). Once they sustained so much battle and crash damage that the plane was beyond repair and they got a new one (‘694). His crew had a pact whereby they would never bail out if someone was stuck in the plane (i.e.: ball turret), and would all ride it down together. They were instructed that if they went down, and could not evade capture, to not trust the French civilians, and that they would be better treated by the Luftwaffe than other German forces.  He described the horror of watching ‘17s take flak blasts or rounds from fighters and burst into flame, split apart, or go into a literal "death spiral". He and the crew could do nothing but watch and pray for chutes. Or returning to base and waiting for planes that didn’t return, hoping they had diverted to another airfield. Sometimes he didn’t know the plane’s crew, sometimes they were friends he had breakfast with. There was a feeling a loss in either case, but also thanks that it wasn’t him - anybody’s number could be up anytime. After a mission they would count the bullet and shrapnel holes in the plane’s skin, and the ground crew would go to work and have the plane ready for the next day’s "maximum effort" mission. A couple of times when his plane wasn’t ready, they took another plane or he filled in for a missing man in another crew. Even the ground crews were not free from danger - Dad once saw a man back into a spinning prop. Dad also told me about exploring England on leave. He thought the British were great, especially considering what hardships they endured (he heard or saw V-1s and V-2s trying to hit the airfields or British cities) and how much they appreciated the "Yanks", referring to them as "our Boys". He would take some of his rations with him on these trips, especially chocolate and candy, and give it to children who otherwise could not get such luxuries (the 487th was evidently well supplied compared to British civilians). At the pubs, the Yanks would buy rounds for the locals, and the innkeeps would keep some of the bitters and ales cold for the Yanks.   A few years ago, I was able to take Dad to see a beautifully restored B-17G (the Confederate Air Force’s "Texas Raiders") which flew into a nearby airfield. Dad wasn’t in the best of health, but we went through the plane, and he sat at his old radio station, grinning ear-to-ear. He even manned the waist gun as he described targeting a leading "pursuit curve" on enemy fighters. I was amazed that a crew of 10 men could fit in the plane, even without the heavy flight gear (insulated suits, flak jackets, and chutes). Dad really enjoyed seeing an example of an old friend that had brought him back time after time against seemingly impossible odds. He got to talk to other veterans and they shared their experiences with members of curious younger generations, who I hope appreciated what an honor and privilege it was to experience the living history embodied in these men and machines. Sometimes there is a tendency to romanticize the adventure and exploits of combat aviators, the "Cowboys of the Air". They were after all, just 19 year-old kids, transferred all over the US for training, then shipped to Europe on cruise liners and liberty ships. Once there, they mastered some of the most advanced technology of the time, and applied it in frightening conditions to bring the fight to Hitler. I understand that serving in the armed forces was a great and patriotic duty, to fight for a free and democratic society when the forces of fascism presented a real threat for world domination, but I’ll never forget that this was deadly serious business. I often wonder if I would have had the courage and guts to enlist, or go back mission after mission knowing that the law of probability was catching up, like playing Russian Roulette.  Sabatine Joseph Branco is a hero to me, as are the other veterans of his generation. I stand in awe of their sacrifices and achievements, and all succeeding generations owe them an eternal debt of gratitude and reverence. Richard G. Branco 09-Feb-1998 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional Information: The Crew of "Dinah-mite": Roy Vincent DeSelmspilotKay M. Voss co-pilotCedric A. Akerson navigatorSabatine Joseph Brancoradio/ waist gunRobert W. Turnerchin turret/ toggler Anthony Calegaball turret Jack A. Carlson tail gunner Milliard F. McMurrywaist gunWilliam E. Morristop turret  Training and Deployment:   7-Dec-1942 Enlisted Philadelphia, PA Fenn College Cleveland, OH  14-Aug-1943 Aviation Cadet SchoolSan Antonio, TX27-May-1944 MacDill FieldTampa, FL9-Nov-1944 Hunter FieldGA Camp KilmerNJ14-Dec-1944 Station 137Lavenham, England8-Jan-1945 First Mission 21-Apr-1945 Last Mission 5-Nov-1945 Discharge   Missions: (thanks to Tony Calega for supplying his diary with this information)  # Date Target Tail # Alt, Temp, Time, Comments 1 8-Jan-1945 Frankfurt, marshling yards002c 25000', -52, 0645-1445, meager flak2 13-Jan-1945 Mainz, bridge002c 26000', -46, 0830-1520 PFF,, meager flak3 14-Jan-1945 Izenhoe - Magdeburg911 30000', -43, 0859-1432, moderate flak4 16-Jan-1945 Desseau, jet plant468 27500', -45, 0800-1705, no flak5 18-Jan-1945 Kaiserlautern, marsh. yard598 22700', -39, 0810-1610, PFF, no flak6 21-Jan-1945 Mannhiem, marshling yard013E 26400', -54, 0805-1520, PFF, intense flak7 1-Feb-1945 Wessell, bridge013E 24600', -41, 1215-1725, Micro H, mod. flak8 3-Feb-1945 Berlin278 26600', -42, 0745-1540, PFF, mod. flak9 6-Feb-1945 Chemnitz694 24900', -48, 0730-1630, PFF, mod flak10 8-Feb-1945   flew with 410th BS, 94th BG11 9-Feb-1945 Weimar, motor works694 26000', -47, 0830-1610, ME-262 jets12 17-Feb-1945 Geisen-Frankfurt,railyards694 22200', -22, 0845-1530, intense flak & rockets13 21-Feb-1945 Nurenburg, warehouses694 25000', -37, 0705-1510, moderate flak14 22-Feb-1945 Donaueschingen694 21000', -23, 0715-1855, no flak15 24-Feb-1945 Bremen, sub pens694 25400', -40, 0845-1520, PFF, intense flak16 25-Feb-1945 Neuburg, oil694 23000', -25, 0730-1550, meager flak17 26-Feb-1945 Berlin694 26400', -34, 0820-1735, intense flak18 7-Mar-1945 Castrop-Rauxel694 23500', -40, 0820-1535, PFF, minor flak19 8-Mar-1945 Frankfurt, air metal works974 24300', -38, 1120-1835, PFF, no flak20 9-Mar-1945 Frankfurt, marshaling yard694 24300', -37, 0630-1320, PFF, intense flak21 10-Mar-1945 Dortmund, marshaling yard694 24500', -30, 0900-1620, PFF, min flak22 11-Mar-1945 Hamburg, oil694 24500', -30, 0930-1410, PFF, mod. flak23 15-Mar-1945 Berlin, marshaling yard694 -26, 1115-1820, mod. flak, delayed fuses24 19-Mar-1945 Zwickau694 22500', -27, 0910-1825, no flak25 21-Mar-1945 Wittenhaven, air field694 23600', -28, 0615-1150, no flak26 22-Mar-1945 Essen (?), barracks694 25300', -31, 0845-1420, moderate flak27 24-Mar-1945 Varralbusch, airfield694 19000', -18, 0600-1150, min flak28 28-Mar-1945 Hannover694 24000', -37, 0645-1345, PFF, moderate flak 2-Apr-1945 Denmark, target secret694 22000', 1220-1905, recall 30' from target29 14-Apr-1945 Rochefort FR, coastal guns952 21000', -24, 0510-123530 15-Apr-1945 Royen FR,694 15500', -9, 0540-1305, fire bombs31 16-Apr-1945 Royen FR, tank lines694 14500', -5, 0710-1405, French fleet invasion32 19-Apr-1945 Pirna, railroad bridge694 20500', -21, 0725-1600, on Czech border33 20-Apr-1945 Ruppiner, railyard049 21500', -24, 0625-1335, bad prop wash34 21-Apr-1945 Southern Germany598 19500', -22, 0640-1610, long time on O2   *********************************************** MEMBERS WRITE; Weird BC-221? TS-174 Dennis: On Lenox's "Weird BC-221," This case was used with a shock-mount for mounting the BC-221 in aircraft. While the freq meter carried in the B-17 was in the standard case, it was hard to handle and use during flight. In medium and light aircraft, it was impossible. In the B-25, this unit mounted on the shelf just right of the radio operator's seat. The radio op faced the port side of the aircraft. I *THINK* the freq meter, when mounted in this cabinet, was designated a TS-174, but I'd have to go dig mine out to be sure. Regards, Dave Stinson AB5S arc5@ix.netcom.com *********************************************** NAS LAKEHURST TOURS; NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey became famous on 6 May 1937 when the German rigid airship LZ 129 Hindenburg exploded and crashed. During WWII, the base was home to the Navy's blimps flying ASW patrols over the Atlantic. Tours of this historic base are conducted once a month by the Navy Lakehurst Historical Society. All tours meet at the main gate at 0930 hours on the following dates: Saturday, August 8th, Saturday, September 12th, Saturday, October 10th, and Saturday, November 14th. Ed) I don't know what ever happened to the program, but during my Navy day's as part of Damage Control Locker "One Fox" aboard USS JFK, a young Ensign usta spend some time with us, he was studying to qualify for a school to learn how to fly Blimps. The Navy at the time was thinking heavily about using blimps again for long term patrols, and search & rescue work. This was Circa 1977-78, what ever happened to the idea? *********************************************** FREE MANUALS; Just More Aircraft Shit. Dennis, Here's some big ugly airbone stuff, someone might just want it. Hate to toss it without asking first. Free for postage, otherwise it goes in the dumpster by Aug. 22 ARN-52 Tacan Parts List (2 inches thick) APN-132 (120 W at 9.3 GHz) Overhaul Instructions (3/8" thick) ARN-21 Tacan (?) Ops, Repair, Overhaul, Parts, & Maint. Training (5 inches worth!) ARN-65 Tacan (?) in T-38 Overhaul & Parts (1.5 inch thick stack) Hoffman Electronics Tacan (Air Force T.O. dated 1973) - (2 inches thick) TO 0-01-1-4 Fighter Aircraft Technical Orders - Index of Tech. orders for fighter aircraft, including the following aircraft: F-4,5,15,16,84,86,100,101,102,104,105,106,111 Includes base document dated 12/31/77, and two supplements. Total of about 3/4" thick stack. (no radio Tech orders listed, all aircraft operation stuff. Handy if you have one of these planes). contact: Sheldon Wheaton swheaton@sky.net http://www.sky.net/~swheaton *********************************************** NEW MEMBER; Scott Johnson Dennis, I accept the conditions of the list and would like to participate. I am a graphic designer and am in the process of completely restoring a 1953 M-42 (USAF) During the reasearch phase of the restoration I discovered that the truck was equiped with several radios. This lead me to your door step as my experience with electronics and radios is non-exsistant. I have become quite well educated on the subject of Dodge M-37's so I may be of some help to your subscribers in that arena. I am currently looking for a GRC-9 and a VRQ-1, 2 or 3 (I need some advice on the latter radio) and all the accessories for thier installation and operation in a Dodge 3/4 ton. I am also looking for the Arctic winterization kit for the cargo box of a Dodge M-37. Regards, Scott Johnson 1953 M-42 (USAF) *********************************************** HUMOR, NOT TODAY; The Most Beautiful Flower The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown, For the world was intent on dragging me down. And if that weren't enough to ruin my day, A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play. He stood right before me with his head tilted down And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!" In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light. Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play, I faked a small smile and then shifted away. But instead of retreating he sat next to my side And placed the flower to his nose And declared with overacted surprise, "It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. That's why I picked it; here, it's for you." The weed before me was dying or dead. Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red. But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need." But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, He held it midair without reason or plan. It was then that I noticed for the very first time That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind. I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun As I thanked him for picking the very best one. You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play, Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day. I sat there and wondered how he managed to see A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree. How did he know of my self-indulged plight? Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see The problem was not with the world; the problem was me. And for all of those times I myself had been blind, I vowed to see the beauty in life, And appreciate every second that's mine. And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose And smiled as I watched that young boy, Another weed in his hand, About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man. If this message has inspired you, or touched you in anyway or if you feel that it can brighten up someone else's day, please forward it. Ed) I watched yesterday in total disgust as the victims of the Embassy bombings returned home. I watched, and listened with tears in my eyes as President Clinton gave his speech. Here, a man I truly despise, also fighting back the tears, could not have relayed this country's sentiments or that of the world better. Each time another victim's name was spoken, or their picture shown, another lump would rise in my throat. I pray now not for those persons or their family's affected by this tragedy as I'm sure the Lord is hearing prayers from all over the world on their behalf. I pray instead for my soul, and that of countless others who's thoughts lie not with "Justice", but with revenge. Lord forgive us the hate in our heart's, the things in our mind's, and the deeds that we'd do, less we should fall from your grace, and to the level of those who have caused our affliction. Lord, guide our heart's, our mind's, and our hand's that your will be done, and not that of our own. And Lord, help us to know the difference. Amen. *********************************************** (The preceding was a product of the"Military Collector Group Post", an international email magazine dedicated to the preservation of history and the equipment that made it. Unlimited circulation of this material is authorized so long as the proper credits to the original authors, and publisher or this group are included. For more information conserning this group contact Dennis Starks at, military-radio-guy@juno.com) ***********************************************