All gave some, some gave all

Published Nov. 4, 2008
By Kimberly Peterson
305th Air Mobility Wing history office

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- "I knew a man called him Sandy Kane
Few folks even knew his name
But a hero was he
Left a boy, came back a man
Still many just don't understand
About the reasons we are free"
--Billy Ray Cyrus

I don't know Sandy Kane, but, I do know David Nagel, Charles Wallis, Leon Mehring, and many others of the 305th Bombardment Group, 8th Air Force, United States Army Air Force. During World War II, these men completed numerous bombing raids over Nazi Germany from their base in Chelveston, England, Station 105. These missions changed boys into men. Each mission challenged them and made these boys face situations that most their age, even today, had never seen and created a hero in each of them.

Each year since 1976, the 305th Bombardment Group holds its annual reunion in various locations around the United States and in England. This year's reunion was recently held in Colorado Springs, Co.

One of the highlights during the reunion was visiting the United States Air Force Academy. While at the USAFA, a memorial service was held in the Cadet Chapel. Barbara Tesch, CAN DO NOTES Editor 305th Bombardment Group Memorial Association said, "The Memorial Service at the United States Air Force Academy brings these losses close to the heart." This was apparent as names of those from the 305th BG who died in the past year were read. The reading was followed by the playing of Taps, and the chapel fell silent except for falling tears.

While it is important to remember those who are no longer present, the "Can Do" spirit prevailed and encouraged all to walk over to the B-17 static display previously donated by the 305th BGMA. Chatter and laughter filled the air as the sun shined high in the Rocky Mountain sky. Clouds started to make an effortless slow-paced motion across the sky and created a pleasant background for family and friends to pose under the static wing span of the Flying Fortress.

The events of the reunion allowed members to reunite and reminisce about experiences during World War II. The 305th Bomb Group arrived in October 1942 and flew B-17s out of England with the majority of its missions out of Chelveston Station 105 from the beginning of December 1942 through April 1945. During these two and a half years of combat, the 305th BG lost 154 aircraft, more than 769 Airmen were killed in action and more than 900 were captured and held as POWs in Germany. The darkest day for the 305th was Oct. 14 1943 -- "Black Thursday."

The day's mission was Schweinfurt, Germany. Deep in the heart of Nazi Germany, the target was the center of Nazi Ball Bearing manufacturing. Fifteen 305th BG B-17s went on the mission that day and only two aircraft returned home to Chelveston, England. This was the highest loss for a bomb group on a single mission in World War II. The loss of aircrews was heavy and loss of friends deep, but the "Can Do" mentality prevailed. During the war, the 305th BG had two Medal of Honor recipients along with various other honors bestowed upon the group.

On the last day of the reunion, a banquet was held to celebrate another successful reunion. During the dinner, former POWs were honored and widows of former 305th BG members were presented with roses. The group listened to two guest speakers from the USAFA, Maj. Matthew Rodman from the History Department and Brig. Gen. Dana Born, dean of faculty. The Bomb Group made a presentation to General Born and the USAFA with a painting, "She's a Honey" by artist Charles R. Taylor and copies of "John Burn One-Zero-Five..." by William Donald and "The Brotherhood of Courage" by Walter W. Thom.

Next year's 305th Bomb Group reunion site is still being determined. However, the group is considering McGuire, because the current 305th Air Mobility Wing carries this proud history of the 305th BG with it on every mission throughout the world. Even though the propellers of B-17s can't be heard over the skies of McGuire, our Airmen are fighting the Global War on Terrorism and many are leaving young boys and girls, but coming home changed men and women. Don't forget why we are free today -- thanks to the heroic efforts and sacrifices of the men and women of the 305th BG and AMW.