"Mighty Eighth" veterans share camaraderie, memories, military pride

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
Hanscom Air Force Base --  For most, their active-duty military involvement ended more than a half -century ago. Time, however, has not diminished their contributions to America and the world, or the bond they feel with each other.

While largely unknown to the majority of Hanscom's populace, a distinguished and storied group has met here monthly since 1986 -- with a brief hiatus following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Open to everyone, but composed predominately of World War II veterans, the Massachusetts chapter of the Eighth Air Force Historical Society, or "Mighty Eighth," as it is commonly referred to, celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of the active-duty members who served in the unit in England from 1942 to 1945, said Chapter President Al Dusey.

The chapter, which is a part of a national organization, also serves as a forum for the more than 380 members to meet and discuss the military and current events, as well as reminisce about the past, said Purple Heart recipient Carl Muna, 466th Bomb Group.

Such was the case recently, as the organization held their annual Fall Fling at The Minuteman Club.

The guest speaker, Col. Anita Latin, 653rd Electronic Systems Group commander, discussed the mission and capabilities of the Electronic Systems Center and the role Hanscom plays in the acquisition community, as well as the future of the Air Force.

Looking ahead was only a part of the luncheon's festivities however.

The luncheon tables were also peppered with a good deal of "remember when" tales.

The chapter's members, who include those who served on the ground and in the air, are varied as are their experiences.

Henry Bengis, 379th Bomb Group, spoke of being a prisoner of war in Germany for eight months. There he ate "German bread," which he said consisted of "50 percent saw dust, 50 percent flour."

Despite the inherent trials of being a POW, he said the ordeal could have been worse, as the Red Cross and the YMCA sent care packages of food and athletic supplies. Money within the camp, he said, was based on tobacco products -- two cigarettes could be traded for an onion, three for an egg. Cigars were the most desired commodity, however.

POW camp life was just one topic discussed during the "Mighty Eighth's" luncheon.

Lawrence Ristuccia, 306th Bomb Group, reflected on his unforgettable first mission as a flight engineer aboard a B-17E. As the aircraft had open "waist windows" and the crew was flying at 30,000 feet, his mask froze to his face and actually pulled off some of his skin with it when he removed it, he said.

Mr. Muna described suffering wounds in three places after being hit by a 20 millimeter shell during the war, requiring him to be hospitalized for an entire year.
Not all of the recollections were of the serious sort, however.

Melvin Davis, 492nd Bomb Group, spoke of the daring maneuvers of the "Carpetbaggers," a unit that dropped propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines, along with supplies for resistance fighters.

Flirting with English women during the war was also a source of conversation, although Mr. Davis had a different opinion. "They chased us," he said.

Throughout all of the memories and good-natured ribbing, the camaraderie of the members of the "Mighty Eighth" resonated at each of the luncheon tables.

Dick Luxner, who served in the 18th Weather Squadron, which was responsible for forecasting the weather for the D-Day invasion, explained the role the Eighth Air Force Historical Society continues to play in promoting fellowship and awareness about the accomplishments of the "Mighty Eighth."

Mr. Luxner is the editor of the chapter's publication, "Vapor Trails," which chronicles the individual remembrances of the members of the Massachusetts chapter of the "Mighty Eighth." He said that as WWII veterans are dying at a rate of 1,000 per day, recording and remembering their accomplishments is necessary and important.

As Mr. Bengis said, "I'm proud of my service -- it was a different time with more patriotism," but he isn't concerned about the future of airpower.

As an attendee at the recent Air Force Memorial dedication in Washington D.C., he said the event "brought back great memories of service."

He also said, "It gave me such a thrill to know that the Air Force is in very good and competent hands."

For 8th Air Force historical information, visit www.8af.acc.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4632.