BALL OF FIRE BALL OF FIRE QUARTERLY EXPRESS Newsletter of the 93rd Bomb Group 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, Hardwick, England Vol. 3, No. 4 Winter, 1995, Vice President, 2ADA Vice President Membershio Paul R. Steichen ‘Alfred Asch Floyd H. Maboo 22912 Nadine Circle 6205 Meadow Court 28 Hillside Avenue ‘Torrance, CA 90505 Rockville, MD 20852 Dover, NJ 05801 (310) 530-9636 (301) 881-1376 (201) 366-5916 93rd’s COL. FREDERIC SPARREVOHN ONLY LIVING AMERICAN HAVING A.F.S. BASE NAMED IN HIS HONOR Air Force Times, Sept. 18, 1968 Ed: Col. Frederic Sparrevohn and his wife, Dorothy, live in (tng Beach, CA. A member of the 329th, he reached Hardwick Jept. 1943 as co-pilot for Walter Dagget’s crew. Later on, he {got his own crew and a brand new B24. He went out to the hhardstand to look her over and the crew chief asked what he wanted 10 name the new prize. Fred replied: "That's a 64 dollar question. Twill have to let you know." The next morning the crew reached the aircraft and found the arfully emblazoned new name. Of course, it was That's a 64 Dollar Question. Fred ‘finished his missions, Jun 1944. Sparrevohn, AFS, Alaska sits on # mountaintop 165 air miles due west of Anchorage. It has a 2-lane bowling alley, 2 libraries and a steam room. It can be reached only by air and, sometimes in winter, not at all. It is one of several remote aircraft control and warning stations of Alaskan Air Command. ‘Most Americans have never heard of it. If Sparrevohn makes the news, it may mean that the “opposition” has challenged U.S. defenses. The fact that it has remained almost anonymous for it 16-year history means that Sparrevohn and other defense forces in Alaska have been doing their job. If Sparrevohn is scarcely a household word to most ‘American, itis to the 150 men there and to their families in the “lower 48." For one year, the remote AF station is base, duty site, recreation area and “home" to 9 officers, 130 airmen and 11 civilians. Dependents are not authorized. Leave is not granted. Visits to other installations are rare. Visitors consist ‘of weekly commercial or military air crews, inspectors and infrequent USO troupes. The name was taken from an early visitor, now Col. /— Frederic Sparrevohn, pilot on the survey flight which selected the site. Ifthe mission were not vital, Sparrevohn would not have been selected to fill the key gap in the defense net. It ‘would not have been scraped from the Alaskan mountainside in 1952 and maintained continuously ever since. Pilots would not have airlifted in every piece of building material, heavy vehicles, radar gear and power plants. The radar facilites are linked with the ‘warning net and ultimately with NORAD headquarters in Colorado. For all its isolation and austerity, though, Sparrevohn boasts surprisingly high morale. This is probably because its mission is vital and every ‘man assigned is part of it. ‘The station is manned “one Cal. Frederic Sparevobn deep." There are no overages and virtually no cross-training. Physically, Sparrevohn is an Air Force base in miniature. By nature and necessity, it is almost 2 complete bases, each a mirror image of the other. Buildings, facilities and personnel are divided almost equally ‘between 2 complexes which are linked by a tramway, which is the direct route up the mountain, and a road. Winter is not just a season at Sparrevohn. It shapes the life of the station. Heavy snow covers everything and high winds challenge the structures and occasionally tear pieces off. ‘Vehicles must be heated before they will start. Banks of high- powered lights shine in the radar domes to prevent frost from forming on the antennae. ‘The "book value” of Sparrevohn is over $11 million. For that price, the U.S. may have bought only a few minutes more ‘warning time of some future threat to its safety. But it could be worth much more.NEW MEMBERS Elden R. Appel John W. Miceli Bruce G. Craig ‘Wanda Murphy (AM) Richard D. Davis Harold E. Rudy Michael Koury John W. Scott Dorothy H. Matlock (AM) _N.J. Wilson, M.D. FOLDED WINGS Ralph Finnicum Dan V. Matlock Ralph J, Glenn Roland Shank Oscar Krebs JOURNEY’S END by Brie E, Ericson - 93rd B.G. Ed: This is an excerpt from the final chapter of "Angel Goes Home," which appeared in series Mar. 1986 and Fall 1991, 2nd AD Journal; and Fall 1994, BOFQE, pg 5. Cadle Crew ‘was shot down in Poland and picked up by the Russian Army. Following our “booze bash,” our guardians took us for a rather Jong walk and we wound up discovering an FW-190 wing assembly plant. Workmanship was super and it was apparent that other subassembly plants were in the forested area, but we saw none. ‘The following moming, we were roused and herded on a ‘most plush C47 that was apparently for U.S. airline use. AS usual, we took off and assumed we were ultimately going to Moscow, which was not to be the case. The navigator on board ‘was Col. Sergei Danilin, who navigated the Antonov 25 from ‘Moscow to San Jacinto, CA in July 1937, Danilin asked me if, Thad any chewinki (chewing gum). He was very sad to find ‘out we had none. ‘Our destination was Brest-Litovsk, where the peace treaty between Russia and Germany was signed during WWI. Upon landing, we hit a mud hole and came to a very abrupt stop. A Dodge weapons carrier hauled us to a radio shack where 2 Russian officers were busily trying to get word what to do with us. They directed us to afield that had about 200 Nazi aircraft in impeccable condition of every type in the GAF—Luftwaffe— including jets. The quick overrun of Marshal Rokosovski from Warsaw netted them all. I was still smoking my Turkish cigars the Ukrainian leader of the Ist Army gave me. Within « few hours we were on @ GI 4x4 on our way to a railroad station where we had a special car to ourselves and a friendly female engincer and fire'man’ soon got us underway. For 2 days we went through the breadbasket of Europe, the ‘Ukraine, which was as flat and fertile as Kansas. Our first stop was Kharkov. I met a Jewish refugee from Germany who went through Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, then the USSR. He was about my age, 22 or so, and was on the constant run. He ultimately made the civilian section of the secret police, the NKVD as it was known to them. We had been about 36 hours without food by then. ‘Our next stop was Kiev where Nickolai took John and me through town and to a barber ship which was run by 2 charmingly beefy gals who gave us superb cuts, giggling all the while. Back to the train, we had picked up a Russian Yak pilot with a broken arm. Within 10 minutes, he was accompanied by a flower of the Soviets and away we went. That night a howl ensued and we figured out the Yak Major and gal got a bit frisky. He told us that in the Russian Air Force, if you cracked up a plane, you had to go back to the factory and get another. Later on, the train stopped and he and his companion got off. Apparently, they were headed to the plant for another Yak, what else!? Later that evening we rolled into Poltava and were ushered into the Russian Colonel's office for a final briefing, when in ‘burst an American Major who told the Colonel, if he ever found him on the U.S. side of the field, he'd kill him. The climate was very thin as a result of the Soviets allowing the Germans to wipe out a shuttle bombing armada. ‘We were given strictly GI clothing. Ultimately, the Mar. 15 Berlin raid strained facilities for us at Poltava. We had over 200 combat crewmen and a base complement of w few men ‘over 200, Things were really tight, but at least we ate wel. President Roosevelt died and the Russian band tumed out in full force about 7:00 a.m. and we were all in the chapel—Russians and Americans—a few hours later. We sat on ‘one side, they on the other. Give them credit: they attended the services with good grace. ‘Apparently, the Ruskies knew we were about to get the boot from Stalin and they threw a party for us at the O club. I had never seen the Kazatska except in movies, but a loaded pilot LL did it and we cleared the floor for him. He was probably in show biz. It was a monumental effort. When done, he picked up his mix of Iranian Peach/Cherry/Brandy and drank 8 full cup. He was a good man! What a dance to sce! ‘A few days later an American C47 picked us up and we ‘were homeward bound. We flew over the Caspian Sea and on into Tehran. Cadle and I bought a handful of Swiss ‘wristwatches, all via sign language, and knocked the price down from 10000 Piasters to 100. As we later found out, they hhad unjeweled movements, but they ran well. We were told to stay out of the native quarter and that is precisely where we ‘wound up. ‘The next day we were on our way again by C47, our destin- sation Cairo, Egypt. We did get to see Jerusalem, Bethlehem and the solitary RAF pipeline as well as the majestic mosque in Baghdad. Crossing the Suez, we had a 2-day stay in Cairo at the frst class Shepherd Hotel. The young lovelies of Cairo offered themselves in honorable marriage and subsequent divorce for $5,000. A warm-hearted U.S. Army Lt. Col. took us in his command car to see the sights of the desert, Cheops and the Sphinx—all truly marvelous. Later, we weat to the famous chocolate fairyland of Groppies and it was truly fantastic—50 yards of different delicacies. At that time, Cairo had Paris beat all to Hades. Then on to Athens. We only had an hout, so we got no closer than our eyeballs took us, but that was a real solid treat +» . You might say, the cradle of civilization and the learning of the ages we stil study. Then we headed to Naples where we learned the power of a pack of American cigarettes. We got a carriage tour of Naples for 1 pack. We felt sorry for the guy, ‘0 when our time was up we gave him a bonus pack and tears came to his eyes. ‘We were billeted in an Italian monastery full of mosaic ‘work—really beautiful. The next day we were up and away to Marscilles. Actually, I became 23 years old in Italy. After an hour in Marseilles we went to Paris. I was told we couldn't get off, but I said to hell with it and told the first bugle to go to heli and made it to Orly's gate where a friendly Staff Sgt. pulled me aboard. He looked at my orders and said I could get any hotel I wanted, gratis, as our orders were Secret. I milled around Paris for 3 days, befriended by 2 dozen F/O glider pilots. These lads all had 5 missions and were preity well spent. They gave me shoes, cigarettes and stuff to trade off at the black market run by a Brooklyn guy who stayed there after WWI was over. So I hed money and was deeply touched byco oo these unsung heroes’ fellowship. ‘The MPs Knew I was loose and always addressed me as “After 3 days, I was broke and called Orly saying I'd take ‘the London flight in the afternoon. When I got to the check-in desk, the gals—who were all gorgeous and all married to Yighter pilots—took up a bunch of gifts for me and told me I finally put the first bugle in his place. The Col. told him I could go and do as I damned well pleased and he told him to stop bothering the gals. It was as if Thad liberated them! I said if any were unmarried, I was ready, but, alas! they were all hitched. Handshakes and kisses ensued and I was off to London. ‘The escape officer told me to stay as long as I liked, which 1 did, and finally wound up at Hardwick. In a few weeks I was navigating a B24 back to the States via Iceland; Goose Bay, Labrador; and Bradley Field, Connecticut. I got R,R&R at ‘Atlantic City. T missed my buddies then .. . and still do. True, T have priceless memories, but live pals are even more precious. So ends the mission: Berlin 26 Feb. 1945. 2nd A.D. ASSOCIATION 49th ANNUAL CONVENTION — JUNE 13-16, 1996 HYATT REGENCY HOTEL, MILWAUKEE, WI Schedule of Events We Regisiration & Early Bird Party Cash Bar & Complimentary Hors D'Ocuvres ‘Thursday, June 13 Registration * Golf Tournament Cocktail Party * Buffet Dinner * Awards Ceremony Friday, June 14 Registration * Buffet Breakfast * Tours ‘Cocktail Party * Group Dinners ‘Saturday, June 15 Buffet Breakfast * Business Meeting Ladies’ Luncheon * Men’s Luncheon ‘Cocktail Party * Banquet & Dance ‘Sunday, June 16 ‘Buffet Breakfast © Departure ‘The 93rd Hospitality Suite will be manned by Al Asch, Floyd Mabee and Paul Steichen—open Thurs., Fri. and Sat., ‘with snacks and cash bar. Our Annual Meeting will be held in conjunction with our group dinner Friday evening after the 2nd ‘AD Cocktail Party, It is not too late to attend. Call or write Evelyn Cohen, 06- 410 Delaire Landing Road, Philadelphia, PA 19114 * (215) (632-3992. Please don’t use the excuse that you don’t know anyone who will be there, as you soon will on your first visit to the Hospitality Suite. Bring memorabilia to the Suite if you wish, but if you don’t you will find a good supply already there, 93rd FRIENDS David Woodrow, Airiold Farm “Topetoft, Norfolk, NR3S 2BA. Tel: (01508) 482263 ‘ohn Harvey, “Law-so-Nil” ‘Church Lane, Postwick, Norwic Paul Thrower, 12 St. Davids Close Long Stratton, Norfolk. NRI8 2PP. Tel: (01508) 21405, NR13 SHM, Tal: (01603) 33629 RECORD ATTENDANCE AT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EL TORO REUNION ‘The 15th Annual Southern California Regional Reunion Dinner on Feb. 24 (always the last Sat. in Feb.) was a sellout. ‘This was the 11th year we have held the event at the Marine Comps Air Station, El Toro, Officers’ Club, and the meal was up to their usual excellent standards. C.N. "Bud" Chamberlain, 489th, Past National 2nd ADA President, served as Master of Ceremonies. The program was ‘opened with the lovely Maria Gunnarsson, wife of Frank Crew, 448th, leading us in the National Anthem. The traditional lighting of 8 Candles of Remembrance followed, with members of our Bomb Groups, Fighters, and Heritage League participating. Malcolm "Mac" Dike, 466th, gave the invocation, followed by a welcome from our Marine Host, Colonel Stephen Mugg, Assistant Chief of Staff, G4. While the excellent meal was being served, Beth Ertz, daughter of Julian Ertz, 44th, played World War Il-era music oon the piano for our enjoyment. Joe Moore, 466th, provided the sound system for our speakers and the music. Following dinner, special guests were introduced: Dr. James Lodge and Mrs. Jane LeMay Lodge; and Ann Mann, wife of our speaker, Delbert Mann, 467th & 491st. Charles "Chuck" Walker, 44Sth, immediate Past President of the 2nd ADA, read a letter of greetings from our current President, Geoffrey Gregory. Our speaker, Academy Award Winning ‘Director, Delbert Mann, 467th & 491st, was introduced by Julian Ertz, 44th. Delbert Mann, one of our ‘own, gave a most inspiring talk about his experiences in WWIL and his moment of decision, while flying in the 467th B.G., to pursue a career in the Theater when the war was over. After ‘earning his Masters degree from the Yale School of Drama, he soon became involved in the “Golden Age of Television," directing live TV in New York City. Hollywood beckoned and he won the Academy Award for the first film he directed, "Marty." He went on to eam numerous awards for his directing and has served the industry in many important positions such as President of the Directors Guild of America, Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Scicaces, etc. Del told us about his direction of various films relating to the military; especially “Gathering of Eagles," the story of the Strategic Air Command, and the cooperation that he received from the military during the filming. His fasci- nating and interesting stories were rewarded with a standing ovation. Co-chairmen Dick Baynes, 466th, and Jay Jeffries, 453rd, thanked Delbert Mann on behalf of all present and gave him 4 plaque in recognition of his excellent presentation. Jay Jeffries then introduced the other Dinner Committee members: Fred Bromm, 445th; Bud Chamberlain, 489th; Julian Ertz, 44th; Doug Leavenworth, 453rd; Joe Moore, 466th; Dan Reading, 453rd; John Rowe, 448th; Paul Steichen, 93rd. Ed: The 93rd was represented by a total of 26: Carroll & June Berner Bernie Regan & Ted Regan Paul & Cleo Cote Joseph Schwarzgruber Ed & Pattie Cote John & Janet Severson Russell & Babette Demont Charles & Ann Sill John & Lorraine Foster Paul & Martha Hood John & Lucille Foley George Johnson (Col/Ret) Paul & Marie Steichen Charles & Jean Knoedler, who have atiended the past 5 reunions, had to sit this one out, along with others who were to0 late in registering for this sold-out affair of 320. Jack & Helen Skeels