The first reunion: 1948, the 747th Bomb Squadron, Chicago!. Click here!

Nashville, Tennessee

May 24 - 28, 2000

 

Wednesday, May 24, 2000 People came from everywhere began to converge on the Holiday Inn Select in Nashville to re-meet old friends and exchange old memories and war stories. Day one was primarily early bird arrival and registration.

That evening to bring memories of the excellent food we enjoyed back in 1944 - 45 we had a cocktail hour before chowing down for an Italian buffet, sure brings back memories of those who fed us and messed us in Italy!!

 

Thursday, May 25, 2000 This day we were to tour Jack Daniels Distillery to see how whiskey is produced. This was an interesting tour considering the Distillery is located in a dry county. No samples.

In the afternoon we were treated to a barbecue at the distillery and some local music. We had the first of our lucky days. The barbecue was in an open area under a large roof, no sooner had we arrived under the shelter we received a very heavy downpour of rain. The rain concluded prior to our departure. Seemed like everyday we received rain but each day we were fortunate enough to be sheltered.

That evening we had a cocktail and exchanged stories of then and now, some were even true. There was some visitation of the hospitality rooms, yes rooms. Ed had set up many of the enlarge photos he has collected and it is a great place to recall old friends and experiences..

 

Friday, May 26, 2000 This was to be a full and busy day. First of all we were bused to the Tennessee river to partake of a cruise and luncheon on the General Jackson Steamboat up and down the river. I would like to say to enjoy the sunshine but you guessed it. We lucked out again, it only rained while we were sheltered at lunch. After eating were able to wander the decks and enjoy the scenery.

Then back to the hotel for a brief respite and snack before leaving for two and a half hour exposure to the Grand Old Opry. There were five 1/2 hour segments featuring different groups and artists. Then back to the hotel where those who still had the will and energy met in the hospitality room. The hospitality give the veterans a chance to acquaint children and grandchildren to the rigors of military life that we had experienced.

Saturday, May 27, 2000 This is the day that the men and women are traditionally separated for breakfast. I do not know what happens at the Ladies breakfast but I suspect they probably learn what great guys we are! In the meantime time the men are holding the annual 456th Bomb Group business meeting.

Upon completion of these two profound events we all joined forces again and did an historical of the Nashville area. This was most interesting as we visited such historical sites as the Hermitage the home of President Jackson. Other areas of interest were the Belle Meade Mansion and the Carter House in Franklin. There was much evidence of the fighting that had occurred during the Civil War, such as bullet holes in the walls of buildings.

The reunion was concluded this evening with the traditional 456th Banquet and paying homage to our departed comrades.

Following the banquet the evening was concluded with a very interesting speaker from Fort Campbell told us about warfare via helicopter. A fine time was had by all and we hope to see you all and those who missed us this year next June in Phoenix.

 

Sunday, 28 May, 200 A buffet breakfast in the morning followed by good-byes to old friends and those who had not had to catch an early flight began to depart.

 

Bob Cooper, Fred Riley, Leo Miller and Ivan Thomas in Nashville

May 5, 1999 On this beautiful day of May, members of the 456th Bomb Group began arriving at the Renaissance Hotel in Orlando Florida. President Dave Tavel and his wife Ruth, along with the Ed Moore and several others, were on hand to set up the hospitality room greet the troops as the began to arrive.

Ed wants to thank the registration committee, especially the ever faithful Chuck Henning, for their help. The hospitality room had a gallery of great pictures depicting many memories and moments of nostalgia. Some of our first timers. Bob Jone's many picture albums of past reunions were a source of much pleasure and many memories for the viewers. Particularly Leo Powell and his wife June, they were able to view photos of the memorial erected in the Czech Republic to the honor the crews of the two planes that collided and crashed 21 July 1944 while on a mission to the Brux synthetic oil refinery. Leo was one of four survivors of the two planes.

The first day ended with an excellent "Italian" night buffet where friendships were renewed.
 

May 6, 1999 Thursday was to be a busy day. First off the ladies met for breakfast while the men adjoined to a separate dining room to conduct their annual business meeting.

While the men were indulging in their breakfast a special video was shown for their entertainment and for many a glimpse into the past. For those who missed the reunion this short video featured the 1st anniversary of the formation of the 456th Bomb Group. The General Order No. 1, that activated the 456th Bombardment Group and associated Squadrons was issued 14 July 1943 at Wendover Army Air Base, Wendover, Utah.

On 14 July 1944, no missions were scheduled and six mule races and several greased pig races were held at "Steed's Downs", Stornara Italy. As I recall, the beer, soft drinks and food were on the house that day. The troops were entertained by the racing and the Group band.

The local farmers loaned the Group their mules and a small pig. There was a representative from Group and each Squadron in each race except the sixth. In the sixth the riders were Col. Upthegrove, wing commander and the Group commander of each Group in the 304th Wing. The fashion mode of today was set in the sixth race. Several of the Group commanders rode wearing their hats backwards, (cool man!) and Col. Steed sported a stogie.

This short video was transferred from some archival 16 mm film taken that day.
 

After breakfast the men had the business meeting, Harry Edwards is to be the new President and the Y2K reunion will be held in Nashville, probably in May. Shortly thereafter those present adjourned to the Kennedy Space Center via motor coach.

The first tour stop was the LC 39 observation gantry where we watched a space movie and then proceeded to an exhibit gallery and visited the observation gantry where the various launch sites and assembly buildings could be viewed both at Cape Caaveral and the Kennedy Space Center.

The second stop was the Apollo/Saturn V Center , here could be viewed close up the huge rockets and capsules used for the space trips. One highlight was the piece of moon rock on display that could be touched by all.

Another interesting feature was the firing room theater where the original firing hardware was used in a simulation of the first Saturn and Apollo liftoff.

The next stop on the tour was the International Space Station Viewing where it was possible to walk through and see how the interior of a space station was designed and how experiments were conducted while in space.

Following the trip to the Space Center we returned to the Renaissance Hotel for a Cocktail Hour & Hors-D'oeuvres and a get together with 456th members.
 

May 7, 1999 Friday was to be a day of free time to discover many of the local activities that Orlando has to offer. Many of those present took advantage of the Disney complex and explored and enjoyed the many features and attractions. Your editor took advantage of the day and visited his home of twenty three years ago.

The evening was enjoyed by all with cocktails and the annual banquet. The highlight of the banquet was the guest speaker from the Kennedy Space Center who spoke and showed us slides of the plans and construction of the International Space Station.
 

May 8, 1999 Saturday, after a bountiful breakfast the group departed by Motor Coach for the Fantasy of Flight. This was a most unusual Florida attraction. For we flyboys this was a most unusual museum of aircraft. It portrayed the history of aircraft from the Wright Brothers to the present and each of the aircraft is in flying condition.

The two outstanding features of the Fantasy of Flight attraction were just that, a chance for each of us to take two flights. One was real and the other was simulated. Each of us was given a chance to go up in the basket of a balloon and then given a chance to fly a plane in combat in the Pacific.

It is true the balloon was tethered by a cable but it was able to ascend to 320 feet but it was an unusual event and very closely simulated a flight in a gas balloon. The view of the area from there was great.

The combat flight was in a flight simulator where the individual had full control over a fighter plane in the Pacific in combat with Japanese Zeros. While in flight the pilot (operator) had full control over the plane and had to identify the Zeros and the other American planes so as not to shoot down the friendly planes. This flight amounted to a king size video game. It was fun while it lasted.

This evening we enjoyed Cocktails and a Spanish buffet and the company of our many friends.
 

May 9, 1999 Saturday after breakfast and final good-byes many departed for their home bases. However, many of our members left for Port Canaveral and enjoyed a four day cruise to Freeport, Nassau and back.
 

Y2K, all the way, Nashville Tennessee is the place to be. . .
 

"We are planning a return to Italy probably in September or October (2000) and we will be hosted for a short time by the folks of the Club Frecce Tricolori in Vicenza."

See current events page.

456th Bomb Group Reunion
San Diego, California
August 19 - 23, 1998
recorded by Phillip Savage

August 19, 1998  Out of the wild blue yonder (and some by automobile) members of the 456th Bomb Group were arriving at the Hanalei Hotel in San Diego. President Charles Zappettini and his wife Milly, along with the untiring Moores, Georgia and Ed., were on hand to meet the troops.  Ed wants to thank the registration committee, Chuck Henning, Gene Larson Georgia Moore and Phil Savage, for their help. The hospitality room had a gallery of great pictures depicting many memories and moments of nostalgia. Bob Jone's many picture albums of past reunions were a source of much pleasure and many memories for the viewers.  The first day ended with an excellent "Italian" night buffet where friendships were renewed.

August  20, 1998   An early awakening for breakfast then aboard the buses for a visit to the world famous San Diego Zoo. A most worthwhile trip. Bus tours were available at the zoo;  informative and fascinating. There was
also a  "Skyfari Aerial Ride" available, which many took advantage of, viewing the entire zoo from the sky.
 After leaving the zoo, we headed on to the Aerospace Museum where we enjoyed the many exhibits. The famous "Spirit of St. Louis" with a life like Charles Lindberg, was an attraction for the camera buffs.  This day was concluded with an evening  of "Cocktails and hors d' oeuvres" with a weary but relaxed group, enjoying discussing the days activities.

August 21, 1998 Up again for another early breakfast - - - then off to a Marine graduation at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego. We were seated in a "VIP" guests' section and were assigned our own marine guide,
Sgt. Derek Jones. Following the very impressive ceremonies we adjourned to the officer's club for a very delicious luncheon.  Then, Sgt. Jones, explained that we now would experience what a new recruit does upon
arriving at the recruit depot. It was fun tho no one enlisted.  The evening activity  was a beautiful Luau set on the lawn of the hotel. The weather was perfect, the setting perfect, and the meal the tops. At this event Hector (Pat) Patenaude and his wife Jean presented each person with a candle trimmer made by Pat from 100 year old oak. We have Jean and Pat to thank for this memento.

August 22, 1998 Breakfast this morning was a dived affair. The men met for breakfast and the annual business meeting. The ladies breakfast I am told, was a successful gathering. The meeting was enlightened by  the wit and
humor of Helen Watkins, the wife of Jim. At each place was a creation by Georgia Moore (some said it was a dish- rag) , but my wife says, no way, too nice, it'll be a special doily for us.) Georgia's fingers must have
been flying for the past year. Thanks Georgia.  Special kudos to Ralph Dexter for providing pocket combs for the ladies and shoehorns for the gents. Both useful items. Thanks Ralph.

 At the mens' breakfast-meeting, President Charles D. Zappettini called the meeting to order at 8:00am. Karl Skinner, Chaplain offered the blessing. This was followed with Jim Watkins, Secretary/Treasurer, presenting the
minutes of the 1997 meeting in Kansas City, MO. The financial report will be published in the newsletter.
 Bob Jones spoke briefly on the Liberal Kansas museum. Dom Jemella reported that there were no changes to the by-laws.  Joe Shuster and Robert Capps, the committee appointed to study the viability of the 456th Bomb Group Association's future reported on their study. They feel that the 456th Bomb Group Association would survive to the year 2010 or possibly longer with members' survivors, children, grandchildren participating in the Association.

After a spirited discussion the membership voted and approved Orlando, Florida for the site of the 1999 reunion.  Noto Beno:  Ed Moore has subsequently contacted the Renaissance Orlando Hotel and has received a proposal for the in house meeting and activities.  The prospective dates are: May 7 - 10, May 28 - 31, or September 3 - 6
1999. Special room rte of $79.00 per day for a single or double room, plus prevailing tax. There will b an added choice of a four day ocean cruise. Definite information will be forth coming. The membership also approved
Nashville Tennessee for the year 2000 reunion.  Our incoming President for 1999 is Dave Tavel of Naples Florida. Harry Edwards of Greenfield Tennessee was elected as 1st Vice president; Hector Patenaude of  Plymouth Massachusetts as 2nd Vice President.  Confirmed as directors are, Ralph Dexter, 744th: Raymond Callan, 745th;
Jack Holt, 746th;  Leo Florick. 747th and Phil Savage, Group.  The meeting was adjourned.

 Following the  meeting the buses were boarded for an excursion of San Diego harbor. Excellent narration and wonderful vista. Many ships were docked at this large naval area. The weather was great, great for sailing.
 From there we were off to Seaport Village, a popular spot in San Diego where the tourists and others roam through this attractive area. There were many shops , eating places or a leisurely seat at the waterfront to just
enjoy the view and tranquillity.

 The finale -- this evening was the annual banquet. At the banquet President Zapettini presented the gavel to the incoming President Tavel. Chaplain Skinner gave the benediction and the banquet began. After the meal
the program began,  President Zappettini introduced the guest speaker, Russell O'Quiny who with his wife, Mary Alice reside in Tehachapi, California.  His interest in aircraft began when he was five years old and by his
sixteenth birthday he earned his pilot license and was busy studying advanced aerobatics. He served in the U.S. Airforce and was featured in Life magazine (April, 1984) as one of the five top test pilots in the U.S.A.  He participated in many National T.V. programs  discussing his work in aeronautics. He is presently flying a new concept jet fighter in a series of demonstrations for the U.S. military as well as being an experimental test pilot, aircraft designer and president of the Aerospace Design and Development Company.

 To conclude the evening, the a ceremony ,"Lighting of the Candles" took place. This is a ceremony to remember and honor those members who served with us and have flown their final mission.  The candle holders were made by Hector Patenaude and will be used in future reunions. The ceremony was begun with a prayer led by Chaplain Karl Skinner.  A candle was lit honoring the departed members of each Squadron and Group Headquarters.
 The honor for lighting the candles was done by Hector Patenaude, for the 747th, Ronald Towland, the 745th, Donald Haskins, the 746th  and Philip Savage, the 747th and Group Headquarters.  Thus closed another emorable reunion renewing old friendships and making new friends.

A few notes: To mention name can sometimes be difficult in that someone can unintentionally left out --- however the following two items seem worth relating.

 Among the guests present was a young lady from the Czech Republic. She attended with Ramona Eidenmiller. Maria Masusoso is a realtor in her homeland, however many of her clients come from other countries, most speak
English but not her language.   Maria is hoping to improve her English during her visit here. She was a very pleasant addition to our reunion.

It was brought to my attention that at one of the evening meals four gentlemen were seated together and learned that they all had a common bond, they had all been pilots in a different Squadron. They shared their remembrances with each other.

Paul Schmidt  744th Pilot-  from Whitehouse, Texas.
Flew six missions, Feb. '45 - July '45 He recalled that his tail gunner was named "Jesus". The crew felt that was an omen of good fortune and knew that all would be o.k..

Charles D. Zappettini  745th Pilot - from San Francisco, California Flew 35 missions,  Aug. '44 - April '45. Upon his return to the U.S. he was in the Air Transport Command and ferried B-24's to Australia.

Bruce Clifton - 746th Pilot - from Mount Dora, Florida Flew 27 missions, Aug. '44 - May '45.  Then flew 3 or 4 missions to deliver supplies to the British in northern Italy. Bailed out on his first mission to Yugoslavia. Crew was picked up and lived under ground until flown back to the unit. Was in a reserve squadron in Sioux City,  Iowa for two years

Charles Weitzel 747th Pilot. - from Kingston, Rhode Island,
Flew 35 missions Sept. '44 - April '45. Upon return to the U.S. went to Eglis Proving Ground. He recalled his co-pilot put K rations on a heater -- upon opening, said item -- spam and eggs were bursting in the air. Charles stayed in the reserve for 23 years. He flew a P-59, first jet "Air Cobra", now in the Smithsonian

 So many stories, so many memories! (Thanks to Milly Zappettini, roving reporter, for the above information.)

August 23, 1998  After breakfast and final goodbyes many departed for their home bases. However 48 members departed for an over night visit to Mexico.

Hope to see y'all in Orlando in '99.

Some Selected Reunion Photos...

The 1977 Reunion in Dayton, Ohio.

The 1984 Reunion and Return to Stornara, Italy.

Adolph Galland, renowned German fighter ace, addresses the 1984 Reunion in Stornara.

From the 1985 Reunion in San Antonio, Texas

The 1989 Reunion in Fort Worth, Texas.

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