Page 31

Text from a 456th Bomb Group Newsletter circa 1943... ok, it's before Stornara, but still part of the time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANYONE AT BRUNING WITH THE 456th ?


Any of you fellows who went through Bruning Air Corp Field when it was dedicated back in September 1943 when the field was dedicated will remember some of the names. I have been sent a portion of a 456th newsletter by Virginia Preifert a local historian.


I am going to extract several articles, the date 4 September 1943, hopefully some of you can add information, I am sure Bill Clark will recognize some names. Remember this was written before combat!

Fred de Ed

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

744th NOOZ by Cpl. Don Hoenschell


With a whoop dee dee and a trio of tra las, the 744th makes its presence known again this week with bits of gossip fresh from the keyhole.

Sgt. Frank VanHootegen motor sergeant, is leading the race for the title of Don Jaun. For the past four nights he has been seeing Fairbury girls home in the accepted manner. Wonder where it will all lead, Sarge ????

Jim Hendrix, Georgia Boy, who drawls all over the place is waiting for the 10th. Rumor Hath it that thars a lil farmer 's daughter who'll get oodles of attention from this red-head. 

S/Sgt.. Joe Michaud was a lil perplexed by our mention of his "lil daughter" in the pillar last week. He informs us that "Its a boy", no less. And a potential gunner. (Joe was a gunner and a photographer E. Jones and/or Ladd crew, last known as from Chicopee Falls MA.) Joe, his charming wife and son are now residing in Fairbury. How does it seem to have the family all together again, Joe? Ah, sweet memories of Michigan . . . . .

Ran into a fella who's our Mess Sergeant, and who, incidentally, hails from our neck of the woods, which isn't really woods at all. He's S/Sgt. George Glazier, lucky fella who just recently returned from a furlough. Warm up the waffles, George, we're hongary . . . . . (George, deceased 1987, was from Vassar Michigan , I show he was an MP in the 744th and Group)

T/Sgt. Blankenheim, who handles a mean 50 cal. machine gun, is probably the letter writingest guy in the outfit. He mails and receives dozens per week, and they're not from letter-writing clubs either. George was an armorer chief in the 744th and Group. George was from Madison Wisconsin.)

S/Sgt. Debreczini, who sings "Ave Maria" when he 's not concerned with S-2 affairs, is also a very sound sleeper, which makes for a vicious circle. Deb is the fella who went on furlough from Casper Wyoming to Pittsburgh, Pa., got married and returned on time. And he has a veddy beautiful wife, as witnessed by a pic he displays frequently. (A chief in S-2 from Daisytown PA)

Barracks Scenes: M/Sgt Cady reaching for high C, and having a rough time at it . . . . . Cpl. Barnes sleeping late in the ayem - - at least until 7 . . . . S/Sgt. Forde staying in nights . . . .Sgt. VanHootegen trying to get lipstick off a shirt . . . . . Now that we've done away with the pressing business for the week, it's time again to 30 . . . . . (Sgt Cady, line chief deceased 1992, Cpl. Barnes may have been a radio operator or tail gunner, current status unknown, S/Sgt Forde, Frank Forde missing in action 2/13/45, current status unknown, Sgt. VanHooteghen, current status unknown.)

DANCE


A GI dance is usually just one of those things, but the one on Sunday night had girls. The Kaydettes, imported from Fairbury had the situation well in hand shortly after they arrived.

But we're getting ahead of the story, which is a neat trick in times like these. After the dedication of the Bruning Army Air Field Sunday, an Enlisted Men's dance was held in the base gymnasium with music furnished by the Jive Five.

Women style, the girls arrived late, but compensated for their tardiness as GI's crowed 'round, beginning the dance in the accredited GI manner. Jitterbugs were abundant and numerous GI's got more exercise then they had in months.

Sgt. Mays, a usually quiet chap, (probably Robert Mays, chief clerk, deceased Aug. 2K), collaborated with a Kaydette in a number unheard of this side of the Figi Islands. Mays kicked out a mean hunk of jive after getting his evening's supply of insulin.

Tis rumored that S/Sgt. Beatty and S/Sgt. Cusick, who'll probably rip the bo jiminy out of this yarn. were content to sit and watch, dreaming of the lil lovelies in their respective home towns. (S/Sgt. Beatty/Beattie, chief clerk deceased in 1956, S/Sgt. Cusick, S-2 clerk current status unknown)

M/Sgt. Cady, T/Sgt. Hayes, Cpl. Weber and an unidentified GI who don't give a darn about melody came through with the Air Force song midway in the evening. The rafters shook, the quartet shook, the whole base shook and one fellow 3300 yards away heard it. They'd be handy fella's to have around in case of an earthquake. (Probably Bill Hayes, communications from Jersey City, NJ, current status unknown, probably Ed Weber, refueler from New York, NY, current status unknown.)

Getting back to normalcy, the GI's here really appreciated all the efforts put forth for their entertainment and wish to thank those responsible for bringing the Kaydettes to the dance, and the musicians who gave out throughout the evening.

----x--x--0--x--x----

Hi - LIGHTS when LIGHTS are LOW


Sgt. Dentler is working in earnest to become the big heart throb of a certain blonde from QM. (There was a Daniel Dentler in S-3 from Gettysburg PA, current status deceased.) Of course you must have noticed him giving her the rush at the dance last Saturday and he hasn't let up yet. Good luck Sarge, you'll need it . . . . . 

T/Sgt. Blankenheim made his bid for Group Casanova last Saturday night. Did you notice the smile on his face as the women literally dived into his arms while at the dance . . . . rough.

Women? --- Our Sergeant Major Zabinsky (Zabu, brother Snafu, ventured into town the other night to keep a date with one of the local Fairbury belles. I don't know if she was a female grappler or not, but the following morning Zabu reported or work supported by two crutches . . . . (Charles Zabinsky is a current member, perhaps he'll see this when I use it in a newsletter)

The latest addition to the staff, Jerry, (not bad), is providing quite a sensation with the Brass Corporals - they seem to be crowding around . . . .what happened to the wearer of badge 317? We have missed her pleasant smile as we have sipped our cokes . . . . lovedrops is the nickname of a certain QM employee - and it certainly fits her . . . . 

Cpl. Hammond (might have been Lester Hammond) has been doing all right with the PX office force . . . . Our circulation has reached the total of three we know, for the three girls in the blue coupe (mentioned in last weeks edition) tried in vain to kill the editors. - - Better luck next time . . . . 

Who was the blonde seen in #2 warehouse at Air Corps Supply strolling around and looking so inviting . . . . .

The girls at the dedication last Saturday were the object of many glances - - I should know, shouldn't I? . . . .

The rumba king Lt. Shaw of Group Transportation, gave quite an exhibition at the officers dance last Saturday -- Boy he had the girls swooning.

Continued on page 7, only I have no more pages. - Fred de Ed.

Top of Page

Home