POSTED BY: Kornelius Ruks - DATE: 3/6/2009
I am a citizen of Kassel, born in 1959 and never before have heard about this incident. I feel sorry for the ones murdered near Nentershausen and wabt to learn more about it. My father is a survivor of the big RAF night-raid on Oct. 22nd in 1943. He was a six year old boy then. The US -bombing was very different from the RAF approach, of course. The Liberator crews should never be forgotten. Kornelius

POSTED BY: Adelaide Moran Young - DATE: 1/10/2009
My brother in 445th bomb group was lost and I have information on what happened to Slossie on October 31, 1944 Any one with relatives on that plane can contact me using the word Slossie and I can tell you what happened. The Army Air Corps has no record of what happened to that plane, but an eye witness told me. Be sure to use the word Slossie for me to open your mail.

POSTED BY: Bjoern Mueller - DATE: 12/23/2008
Merry Christmas and a Happy, Peaceful New Year from your five members in Brotterode/Germany !!!

POSTED BY: Kole Kribs - DATE: 11/19/2008
My grandfather is Kenneth Kribs and it is so interesting to see this story somewhere else than to hear it come from his mouth.

POSTED BY: john lawless - DATE: 10/22/2008
my uncle, joe skomro was on the kassel mission and is still alive in west haven ct

POSTED BY: Natalie Sturdy Mishoe - DATE: 9/23/2008
My Grandfather was Howard Sturdy. My father, Eric Sturdy, forwarded your site onto me. It's great to lean such wonderful information about my grandfather. Thank you!

POSTED BY: Scott - DATE: 8/8/2008
I have been doing WWII interviews for over four years, and collecting and written stories by WWII veterans. I would very much like to hear from any WWII veterans from this site who would like to share their story. scott@theramseys.org

POSTED BY: Steven Howard - DATE: 8/5/2008
My step-father was a waist gunner and was a POW for 6 mos. he was known as Speedy but his real name is Warren Pendleton. I would like to talk to more mission survivors, are there any in the Chicagoland area?

POSTED BY: Tina Lisenbee - DATE: 7/7/2008
My Uncle S/Sgt. Lawrence A. Modlin was killed during this mission. I have original documents of his flight records. March, April, May, July, Aug, & Sept of 1944. I also have the original letter Ira wrote to my Grandmother dated Aug. 24, 1945. If needed I can scan them again, but a copy is on file at the 8th Airforce in GA.

POSTED BY: Mike Simpson - DATE: 7/5/2008
For John Omick: 1st Lt John V. Omick flew 27 missions with the 445th between 10 Jun 44 and 27 Sep 44. He flew with a variety of pilots which makes me believe he started as a ?fill-in?. His last 11 missions were flown as a regular bombardier on Reg Miner?s crew. He must have been pretty sharp as Reg almost always flew in a squadron lead position. On the Kassel mission, Reg was leading the hi-right squadron in the formation. Other pilots he flew with included Jerome S. Bernstein, Arthur H. Williams, Everett R. Ball, John E. Matthews and Ralph J. Schrecke.

POSTED BY: Mike Simpson - DATE: 7/4/2008
For Jack Young: I have no post-war information on Jack Carlisle. He was a Flight Engineer (crew chief) in the 703rd Bomb Squadron. He flew 36 missions between 27 Apr 44 and 09 Aug 44, flying with Maurice R. Culverwell and Paul L. Aikin. Mike Simpson 445th BG Unit Historian

POSTED BY: Jack Young - DATE: 7/1/2008
I found a gold ID bracelet of Jack C. Carlisle 445 Bonb Group Crew 791. If someone could lead me to him or his family I will sent it to them.

POSTED BY: John Omick - DATE: 6/30/2008
Hello. My father, John Vincent Omick, was a Lt. and bombadier shot down during the Kassel Mission. Do you have any information regarding him?

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 6/26/2008
Folks, William R Beyer, who posted below, became an Ace in a Day on 9-27-1944.

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 6/26/2008
Mr. Beyer! What an honor to see you here on this message board. You are a hero in our eyes. We hope to focus our next newsletter on the 361st Fighter Group, and the 376th squadron in particular. I have no doubt that, had you not shown up when you did, I would not be here today. My father was one of the few pilots to take his B-24 safely back to England. Thank you for what you have done. One of our members, Aaron Elson--a journalist--has been planning on contacting you for an interview. Thank you for your post!

POSTED BY: William R Beyer - DATE: 6/26/2008
I was flying with the 376FS when the leader Vic Boucquin led us back to the bombers being attacked. I shot down 5 FW190s

POSTED BY: Wade Lnenicka - DATE: 6/25/2008
Very interesting site. This was an event that I never heard about anywhere until today. Thanks for documenting the work of these great men.

POSTED BY: Duane Giesler - DATE: 6/18/2008
Hi Linda. I emailed some pics to you a few days ago...hope they are useful to you. I also scanned a letter, but for some reason it won't attach to email, so I sent you hardcopy today via first class mail. Again hopeful it's something of interest to you. I am most happy with the information I am finding not only at KMHS but also the sites you have linked. My navigation skills are improving, making my searches much more proficient. Thanks again for the wonderful work and KMHS. I know your schedule is full, but am anxious to hear from you, and become involved in the forums.

POSTED BY: duane - DATE: 6/9/2008

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 6/9/2008
Hi Duane, Officers went to Stalag Luft I, while enlisted men went to Luft IV. We'd love to see the scan of the letter. Thank you! And welcome as a new member to KMHS!

POSTED BY: Duane Giesler - DATE: 6/9/2008
I have found such valuable information here since my first posting. Thank you for all the info and this site. I am trying to find out which stalag luft my father was assigned to. He was a participant of the death march, which i believe originated at stalag luft 4, however, his name does not appear in their pow roster. He was the radio operator on B24J 42-109739 "Mairsy Doats". 5 other crew members also survived and became pow's. i would appreciate any leads or help in tracking down information about pow history, and the death march. I also have a letter written by Lt Hautman's sister (pilot-kia). She located and wrote letters to the surving airmen's family's. I am having it scanned and will post.

POSTED BY: duane giesler - DATE: 6/7/2008
my father was a radioman aboard a b24 on the kassel mission. he and 1 other airman got out alive and were subsequently picked up and taken to a pow camp near kassel. he passed away in 1996. his name was harold giesler. he was from minnesota. anyone having any connection whatsoever please email me at dhgclg@msn.com thank you for this site, and keeping these stories alive.

POSTED BY: Wilson S. Hunt - DATE: 6/5/2008
I enlisted in the Army Secutiy Agency in Sept 22, 1964. I was stationed in Kassel from March 1965 till Sept. 1968. I was assigned to the 319th Army Security Agency

POSTED BY: Bill Davis - DATE: 5/26/2008
Thank you for your service men.

POSTED BY: Gina Jensen - DATE: 5/15/2008
My great uncle was Don McCoy and just recently I've been really getting into learning more about the Kassel Mission. Thanks for the incredible site!

POSTED BY: David - DATE: 5/14/2008
I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at this site and glad I've found it. I'm 35years old and grew up as a child in Tibenham. I learnt to drive a car on the runway and grew up with a fascination of history of WW11. I can only say that living in Norfolk UK it is hard to get away from all the airfields of the USAAF, and with great emotion a heart felt "THANKS" to all the servicemen who gave their lives in the air,sea and on the land during WW11. I have 2 young children (8 & 6 years) I will make sure they understand the sacrifice made. We must never let these memories fade. In August 2006 I had the great pleasure in meeting Ray Lemmons at the Forum (old library, home of the 2nd Air Division museum)in Norwich to watch a DVD and speak with other vet's from Tibenham. Once again, great site, lets keep the memories alive.

POSTED BY: Marilyn Waters - DATE: 5/9/2008
We are looking for a copy of any interviews with Paul Swofford and his story of September 27, 1944.

POSTED BY: Robert A. Menzel - DATE: 4/25/2008
Linda, I recieved my 445th Cap and 1st News Letter. I am very pleased with both. Noticed Albert Cwiklinski and Virgil Trombly had recently joined the KMHS. Albert was the Flight Engineer on my Father's Crew, and I believe Virgil and my Father flew together on at least 1-mission. Keep up the good work.

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 4/14/2008
Kathy and Bob, It is so exciting to see you finding KMHS and connecting to the organization that is here to serve the men of the 445th! Both of your relatives are listed on the Facts and Stats page on the menu at the left of this website as participants in the Kassel Mission! We are thrilled to be in contact with you.

POSTED BY: KAREN DODGE - DATE: 4/14/2008
THE ACCOUNTS I HAVE READ ARE AWESOME. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIND ACCOUNTS CONCERNING MY UNCLE, S SGT FRANCIS R BARNISH, 702 SQUADRON. HE WAS A GUNNER. I THINK HIS PLANE WAS "OUR GAL",HE WAS A POW IN STALAG 4. WAS RELEASED AFTER THE WAR. I ONCE READ AN ACCOUNT AT THIS ADDRESS: USERS.SKYNET.BE/SKY72940/RAYMOND.HTM I SAVED THE SITE, BUT IT NO LONGER EXISTS. I SHOULD HAVE PRINTED THE ACCOUNT. IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME LOCATE ANY INF., I'D BE VERY HAPPY. THANKS

POSTED BY: Robin Riley - DATE: 4/13/2008
Very interesting site and story. I run a website on RAF 156 PFF see www.156Squadron.com Regards Robin

POSTED BY: Bob Wagner - DATE: 4/12/2008
My father, William G. Wagner, was gunner on the Patty Girl (445th, 703 squadron), one of the few bombers that survived the mission relatively unscathed. I could never get him to talk much about his experiences, so I truly appreciate the information you folks are providing. Thanks!

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 4/9/2008
Hi Mark, Our home office is in Auburn Hills, not far from the museum. I live in Glen Arbor, about 4 hours away. Our Board Chairman, Doug Collar, is in the Ann Arbor area often and might be able to make a meeting with us at some point. He is a history professor at Heidelberg College in Tiffin Ohio.

POSTED BY: Mark Ernst - DATE: 4/9/2008
Good morning Linda, Thank you so much for contacting Yankee Air Museum. We look forward to learning more about your organization. What a small world...here we are about 60 miles away from each other.

POSTED BY: Orin J. Olsgaard - DATE: 3/17/2008
Would like to hear from anyone who has information on pilot Glen Jorgenson who flew Conquest Cavalier with the 445th BG.

POSTED BY: Robert bush - DATE: 2/29/2008
Where did the phrase "save a bomb for kassel" (or something like that) originate?

POSTED BY: FRED KOCH - DATE: 2/10/2008
I AM FROM KASSEL AS YUOSEE MY E-MAIL IS KASSEL BACKWORTS.I CAME TO CANADA IN1958 AS A17 YEAR BOY AND I HAVE ALWAYS LIKE TO TALK TO SOM ONE IN REGARDS TO THE BOMING OF KASSEL BUT I HAVE VEVER EVER FOUND SOME BODY.THEN I AND MY BROTHERS WITH MY MOTHER HAVE LIVED THTU THIS AND I STILL HAVE SOM MEMORYS OF THE NIGHT.LIK TO HEAR FROM SOM ONE. AND THANK YOU FOR GIVEN MIE A BETTER LIVE. FRED KOCH.

POSTED BY: Sean Tracy - DATE: 2/9/2008
I have completed the model of Bill Deweys aircraft and will be giving it over to Linda next week. It has been a huge honor for me to honor the men of this mission as well as all the men of the USAAF!!! I salute you all!

POSTED BY: Paul & Nancy Parsons - DATE: 1/30/2008
This is such a great tribute to all involved in the Kassel Mission. In loving memory of S/Sgt.Richard L. Parsons KIA.

POSTED BY: Paula Jolley - DATE: 1/28/2008
IN LOVING MEMORY OF ALL THOSE WHO GAVE THERE LIVES IN THE LINE OF DUTY SEPTEMBER 27TH 1944. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

POSTED BY: Robert A. Menzel - DATE: 1/9/2008
My Father, Fredrick A. Menzel was a Navigator stationed at Tibenham. Flew 35 Missions between Oct. 44 & April 45. He was with the 702nd. I believe several of his crew are still living.

POSTED BY: Richard Torpey, USN (RET) - DATE: 1/3/2008
My father in law SFC Robert Clay Connolly, B-24.s, position top turret/flight engineer, spent 18 mo.Stalag 17 B. I belived he was shot on a mission April 44. Man I would like information while he was with 704 Bomb Squd (H) not so much for me but his family.. He passed May 12,1998. Thank you in advance Son in law Richard Torpey.

POSTED BY: Mike Simpson - DATE: 1/2/2008
Marc Williams: If you send me your dad's name and what squadron he flew with, I might be able to get you some information.

POSTED BY: Mark Greenly - DATE: 12/28/2007
This is truly amazing!

POSTED BY: Ernie Marino - DATE: 12/27/2007
Hi Linda thanks for the reply My dad was a flight engineer and top turret gunner my sister said he flew mostly on the Sweetest Rose of Texas but she thought the pilot was smith she said she found info on some of the missions he flew but not all of them . thanks agai Ernie

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 12/26/2007
Hi Marc! Your dad was in the 445th? Mine just passed in March. Tell us more about your dad--his name and when he served. Do you know which of the 4 squadrons he was in? Was he on ground crew or in the air? We have lots of good help in our organization. Great to see you here!

POSTED BY: Marc Williams - DATE: 12/26/2007
Just found your website. My father was a radio operator on a B-24 based at Timbenham. Like so many of these great heroes, he passed a few years back. I would like to find out more about his service during WWII

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 12/20/2007
Hi Frank, I loved it! Did your spam eat my reply? :-) I thought it was an amazing account, and asked for permission to reprint it in the upcoming Kassel Mission Stories book we're working on. May we have that permission? An accompanying photo would be awesome. Please send it to the contact email on this site. And I'll find that reply in my Sent Mail and re-send it to you. Thanks so much Frank. Please stay in touch. Leo Lamb's story is one we did not have and was so needed. You have filled a big gap!

POSTED BY: Frank Smith - DATE: 12/20/2007
Linda, did you get the report on Leo Lamb that I sent last week. My father is a former member of the 361st. F/G 376th F/S. I believe I have a great picture of Leo Lamb. Frank

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 12/18/2007
Hi Ernie, We have tons of information on the Sweetest Rose and Paul Swofford's crew. Why don't you join KMHS and we'll swap stories and info. Welcome to the group! Can't wait to hear your dad's story, if you have it. Is he still alive?

POSTED BY: Ernie Marino - DATE: 12/18/2007
my father flew on the Kassel mission His plane was the Sweetest rose of Texas my sister and I are looking for info on him his name is Carl E Marino

POSTED BY: Sean Tracy - DATE: 12/09/2007
What a great site to honor these men!!!!

POSTED BY: Linda Alice Dewey - DATE: 12/06/2007
Hi everybody! Our new guest book is up and running, thanks to webmaster extraordinaire Vic Wright in England. Thanks Victor. And hello, my friends in Germany! Are you going to join us when we come to your country in the Fall of 2008?

POSTED BY: M. Lauerwald - DATE: 12/06/2007
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year from the 5 Members of KMHS from Brotterode, Germany!

POSTED BY: Victor Wright - DATE: 12/03/2007
Please feel free to post your comments about the Kassel Mission and those who were involved in it here.