2004 Reunion

The Great Balloon Raid!!

The  assigned mission was to participate in the capture of the Wilson Creek Winery deep in California's Temecula Valley. The 456th Bomb Group flight crew members with support personnel were all present and ready. Briefing took place under a willow tree where weather information, flack concentrations and fighters in the area along with a description of the target was provided. A flight of three aircraft (read balloons) was scheduled to hit the target: two aircraft flying wing positions manned by six crew members each and the lead aircraft carrying seven crew members, the seventh member being the Bombardier. 

At sunrise the aircraft took off (read launched) at five minute intervals and proceeded to the target where several ME-109's and Focke Wolf 190's (read other balloons) were observed to be circling. Each of the 456th aircraft accomplished various maneuvers, separately changing altitude, rotating about and buzzing the tops of orange trees in extensive groves to confuse the enemy. The scenery was so captivating that for a brief moment the importance of the mission was almost forgotten.

At the appointed time after leaving the IP and arriving over the target each aircraft landed in a nearby field of opportunity where the crews, with the exception of the ball turret gunner (see below) who couldn't get out of his turret, scrambled out and headed for the target (read winery) on foot. Personnel defending the target (read waiters serving Almond Champaign, orange juice and continental breakfast) soon laid down their towels and offered friendship, food and spirits. 

By 1100 hours ground transportation had arrived to fetch the 456th Bomb Group warriors and their supporters to the Thornton Winery at the other end of the Temecula Valley. There they continued their victory celebration.

Gene (Judd, 1 June 2004)

The ball turret gunner, John Singer, finally extricated from entrapment!

The Great Balloon Raiders!

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