Hello all! Thanks, Marion, for the invitation to join all the good folks here. I've learned a lot already and look forward to more of the same!
I found my way to this site while trying to research the service time of one of my uncles. I discovered someone by his same name on the WWII Memorial Registry and wondered if this might not be him. Through a pm to a member here, I happily found out that this was indeed my Uncle Charley, honored by the Polar Bear Association of WWII, 339th Regiment. Thank you for your help, Steve! I'm anxious to read more about this group and the others mentioned here. I've spent the last four years researching my dad's service time in the Air Force (AAC). The more I learn about WWII, the more I want to know. My life dealing with research has become one of tangents, and I still find it impossible to grasp the scope of it all!
I have finally wrapped up the search for my father's crew mates. He was a radio operator on a B-17F heavy bomber, based in Horham, England, flew 25 of those dreaded daylight missions from June-Oct. 1943. The crew of the Yankee Queen arrived first in Framlingham, England a few weeks after the Memphis Belle finished their 25. The odds of surviving a mission at that time was 1 in 3. Dad was a member of the 95th Bomb Group, 336th Bomb Squadron. Unknown to me until a few years ago, dad kept journals detailing his time overseas. He documented his training activities and each mission as it occurred. After WWII ended and he returned home, he typed out a manuscript based on the journals and his other memories of that time. He kept a scrapbook full of news clippings, awards, etc., some photos, and all his medals. He packed these things into a briefcase and stored them away, never mentioning them to me. The briefcase was sent to me after my step-mother passed away in 1999. Dad died in 1992. I was overwhelmed by all of this information and at some point determined to learn more about this part of my father's life that had been hidden away for so long.
I decided to try and find the other nine members of the Harry O'Neal (pilot) crew or at least their surviving families. With so many military records lost in the 1973 St. Louis fire, I thought that sharing my dad's recollections with any who were interested would give the others involved in the story a chance to recall forgotten details...or the families an opportunity to learn of their loved ones' WWII accomplishments. With the internet as my window to the world, I set out on what would become the most rewarding journey I've taken in my life thus far. The details of my research are in my head and are a bit tedious, but the results are the most valuable aspect. A couple of months ago, I finally found the last missing man, the tail gunner. There is only one living crew member now, the Bombardier, but I have had the joy of sharing my dad's memories with him and telling him quite a bit about the post-war lives of the rest of the crew. Some of the other crew "kids" and I have become like extended family. These are connections that I dearly treasure. Perhaps now I can move ahead and finalize dad's manuscript with all the information that I've found along the way. His is a rousing story and gives great insight into a part of the air war that hasn't previously been well documented from a personal standpoint. At the very least, I will have everything in one place. Dad's original mementos will eventually be donated to an appropriate museum for preservation. As much as I appreciate the interest in WWII memorabilia, I will never sell dad's things or auction them on Ebay.
Time allowing, I've helped a number of other people with their WWII research projects, particularly in finding people. It seems only right that I should share what I've learned if I can. For me, there's nothing like that "BINGO!" moment when I discover a bit of helpful information! I'm a retired Respiratory Therapist and now a miniaturist, belong to the International Guild of Miniature Artisans. I make tiny food items from polymer clay. For me this is very therapeutic and relaxing.
Sure enjoyed hearing from you the other day, and am even more intrigued reading your post above. Fantastic! What a fascinating story about uncle and of course your father and his crew.
Was so happy to find out that it WAS your uncle. I just knew Steve would be able to help you. Thank you Steve!
How wonderful to hear that everyone on your dad's plane made it through all their runs. Whew! Scares me to the bone every time I watch Memphis Belle. BTW, we have a signed photo of the crew with the pilot's signature. I sure treasure it.
Unbelievable you were able to find each crew member and/or their families. Isn't it the best feeling in the world? As I read your words I could swear it was me who was writing them. We share the feeling of utmost bliss when those pieces start falling into place. I too have often stated that it has been the best "trip" of my life.
Thanks for joining and for sharing this with all of us. Can't wait to hear more and to share your joy. Your dad and uncle would be very, very proud of you.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Welcome aboard Judy! It's amazing how even 60+ years later the bonds formed by fighting men overseas are still bringing people together. Perhaps the internet has facilitated that (cheers to you Marion!), but it's still an incredible thing to think about. Those guys would never have thought in that 63 years down the road their children and grandchildren would be able to find each other after years of no contact and get to know each other simply for the reason that they were serving together.
What do you mean by miniaturist? I do 35th scale plastic models, but that's not what that sounds like.
Capt' - couldn't have said it any better myself (and thanks too). It still amazes me too.
I have some people tell me the Internet is nothing but rubbish and creates havens for child molesters, etc. Well that may be true to an extent, but as with any other tool, it can be used for positive or negative means. I tell those people what the internet has done for me and use this site as my focus. Without the Internet...
Hell let's look at something simple; a saw! A carpenter can take it and build a house for your family, and a maniac could take it and committ a murder. Should we not have saws? It's just simple logic and applies to almost everything in life.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
I really appreciate the wonderfully warm welcome!!! !!! I feel rejuvenated about trying to organize all my research into a complete package and hope that I can ask for some honest feedback as I go along? This is a fabulous group, and I'm honored to be a member!
Know what you mean about the internet as a tool. I never could have gotten where I am without it. Anyway, it's not the tool as much as it is the people who use it. If it weren't for spam folders, I'd have been out of here long ago!
A bit off topic, in answer to Capt's question about my activities as a miniaturist, I suppose that I can best illustrate with photos:
These little food items start out as lumps of polymer clay. I mix the clay colors to get what I want, shape the items, color them further with artist pastels and harden them in the oven. I work in 1:12 scale (1 inch=1 foot), and when my arthritis isn't too bad, I do 1:24...like the peaches. The table holding the bread board is 4 inches wide. The "poppy seeds" on the bread are actually grains of black sand. Hmmm...I see that my apples are a bit dusty! My husband is a ship modeler. He is so good at it! It's much more difficult than what I do. Planes, ships, I love to look at models!
Again, thanks all for welcoming me in here. I'll be seeing you!
Thanks, Darlene! I never had a dollhouse when I was little, so I decided to build one in retirement. I found a great kit for a general store and thought that this would be a good start, smaller, just one big room and an attic. As I was in the process of buying stuff to place inside, I thought to add a bakery. I have always loved to cook and bake, so this seemed like a necessary addition. I went to Ebay and purchased a few food items, some good, some not so good. As I looked at them in hand, I thought to myself, "I can do this!" The rest is history. Thanks for your interest!
Your items are VERY IMPRESSIVE. I have to show this to hubby. He used to build top-notch model airplanes and they were sold in hobby stores in Detroit. He was very, very good.
Hey, we have a general store built in 1889. You'd love it. Still has the original windows and squeaky wooden floors, etc. We also have a solid brass cash register. We don't use it for the store, but it's on display and it still functions. They don't build them that way anymore.
Marion J Chard
Proud Daughter of Walter (Monday) Poniedzialek
540th Engineer Combat Regiment, 2833rd Bn, H&S Co, 4th Platoon
There's "No Bridge Too Far"
Oh, I just know that I would love your store! What do you sell? I'm a nut about almost anything antique!...love old buildings!! Is it a National cash register? I was raised in St. Clair Shores, MI. My mother's family (Finnish) lived in the UP. Ever heard of "Big Louie" Moilanen? He was a relative of mine.
I just knew Steve would be able to help you. Thank you Steve! 
