Bill’s blog archive: Daily Posts

George was my great uncle. I grew up with his Medal of Honor and letter from FDR proudly displayed in my parents bedroom. Your website has the most detailed account of his death that I've heard. I very much enjoyed reading the letters written by my grandfather, Benjamin B. Cannon, that you have posted. I never had a chance to meet him. I'm curious where you found them and if you know who has the originals?

Hi Katherine: Regretfully, I do not. Best of luck of with your art project. Sincerely, Bill

Thank you for sharing this story, I know that it means a lot to the families of the veterans. I was wondering if you knew who took the picture of the B-24 with the number 191 (picture 9/12) on the front of it. I plan on doing a charcoal art piece of the plane, and I want to give credit to the one who took the picture. Thanks! Sincerely, Katherine Earl

Hi Bill,-I wonder if you can assist me,-back in the 1970's I used to work with a gentleman,at SEBEL-Furniture,in Canberra,Australia,-He was the Boss & a "real great bloke"-He was in the 5th Air-Force,in New-Guinea,during W.W.2,&flew as a Radio-op.in a B_25 -Michell,& had a large picture of it,in his office,& I as a 30 y.o, used love hearing about how they really had to"make-do"with everything,they could find,& throw together,to keep them flying.He married an Aussie girl,& settled in,Canberra Aust,I lost track years ago,but often think of him,& can still see the big photo,of his B-25,his first name,was John,but I cant remember his last name,but His B-25, had a really big "nose-art" of a lady,with the words"HOW"S YA OLD TOMATO"--Is there any way I can trace this B-25 ??--all the very best,to you and your endevours,-John Caldwell, Tasmania Australia.

Hi Bill, A couple corrections. Hard Hearted Hannah was 41-28755. (MACR 5431) 42-52449 had transferred to the 465th BG/724th BS and was lost with that group on 6/6/44. (MACR 6125) As mentioned above, 42-78088 was also lost, but the crew bailed out over friendly territory and was rescued so there was no MACR. Source - 464th Bomb Group Narrative Mission Report dated 6/6/44, page 2.

Hi John: You are correct; he was on Midway, not Wake. I'll made a correction to the article. Best, Bill