Mighty Eighth members recall service, sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Meredith March
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  Good-natured ribbings and accounts of heroism were abundant in Hanscom's Minuteman Club May 15, when a distinguished group, The Massachusetts Chapter of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, met for its annual Spring Fling luncheon. The chapter is part of a national organization commonly referred to as the "Mighty Eighth," and has quietly met at Hanscom monthly to discuss the military and current events and to reminisce -- with meetings suspended briefly after 9/11 -- since 1986.

While membership is open to everyone, most of the 316 chapter members are World War II veterans who served in the "Mighty Eighth" and were stationed in England between 1942 and 1945.

For many, more than sixty years have passed since their military service ended, but time has not diminished the chapter members' memories, national pride or the camaraderie they share with each other.

"During World War II, the Eighth Air Force played a major roll in defeating the German war machine," said Massachusetts Chapter President Al Dusey. "It's highly gratifying to know that my comrades and I had a small part in bringing the conflict to a successful conclusion."

Many members, such as Mel Davis and Charles Dee, have discovered connections through their participation in the chapter. Mr. Davis and Mr. Dee learned they served in separate squadrons in the 492nd Bomb Group -- the "Carpetbaggers," who flew special operations to deliver supplies to resistance groups in enemy occupied countries.

Other members of the "Mighty Eighth" can relate to each other through memories of the hardships and dangerous missions they endured.

"Some of the hardships experienced by our members include ditching in the North Sea -- with the lucky ones being rescued," Mr. Dusey said. "Others were shot down, and the survivors became POWs. Others survived attacks by fighters and the first time we encountered 'jet fighters,' the heavy flak during the bomb runs."

One member of the chapter remembers flying risky low altitude missions to the front lines in Germany to acquire fuel for Gen. Patton's troops. "We flew so low we could see the trenches that were dug in World War I," said Billy Campbell, who served as a tail gunner in the 466th Bomb Group.

For some, the fellowship shared in the chapter is a welcome departure from interactions within the "Mighty Eighth" during World War II. Because of the dangers they faced, servicemembers didn't often know individuals from other squadrons, said Al Audette, who served in the 385th Bomb Group. "You stuck with your crew. In my crew there were about six of us, and we were like brothers. We didn't have other friends. You didn't make friends, because you lost them."

In addition to monthly meetings and semiannual luncheons, the chapter also produces a semiannual newsletter, "Vapor Trails." The newsletter features accounts of individuals' wartime memories and recent accomplishments, informs members of chapter and veteran programs and facilitates keeping in touch with each other, said Dick Luxner, Chapter editor, publisher and photographer, who served in the "Mighty Eighth's" 18th Weather Squadron, which forecasted the weather for the D-Day invasion.

Remembering the past and maintaining present friendships with others who served in the "Mighty Eighth" has proven a rewarding experience for Mr. Dusey.

"The Eighth Air Force Society of Massachusetts gives me a chance to associate with these brave men and share their hardships and accomplishments," he said. "This is only a portion of the many stories that can be told by our brave men."