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This site is dedicated to the men of the
450th Bombardment Group (H), 47th Wing, 15th Air Force, United States Army.
It is to them, and many like them, that we owe our freedom
Do you want to help us honor and remember, the men of the 450th BG?
Why not become a member of the 450th BG Association?
CLICK HERE and download an application form.
2009 membership dues are now being collected.
Use the link above to download your membership dues form.
Do You Know - you can register electronically to be added to the WWII Memorial in Washington D.C.?
CLICK HERE to access the registration website.
Fred Reinke, if you still frequent the website, please e-mail the webmaster
TAPS
William C. Kasdorf, 1st Lt. and Navigator for the 720th
squadron of the 450th Bomb Group passed on April 21, 2009 after
having lived a great life. He was 85.
Bill served in Manduria from September 1944 – April 1945,
flying 35 sorties and 50 missions. He
was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for a 15 November 1944 lone wolf
mission to Innsbruck, Austria and also received the E20 Ribbon with 7 Battle
Stars and the DFC with Air Ribbon with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters.
Bill never forgot his time in the 720th and in
later years kept a framed picture of a B24 Liberator flying above the clouds
hanging above his desk. And while never
talking about what he did during the war, he would always amaze his daughters
and grandchildren by casually pointing out the various constellations and stars
in the night sky.
After the war, Bill returned home to Milwaukee, attended
college, married, had 2 daughters and played golf as often as he could. He also worked 39 years for Wisconsin
Electric Power as an Electrical Draftsman.
In retirement, Bill and his wife Marjorie traveled cross
country often and to England, Ireland and the Scandinavian countries. Eventually they settled in Hillsboro,
Wisconsin to be near their youngest daughter and grandchildren. It was here that Bill started raising a herd
of Scottish Highlander cattle as a hobby, naming the heifers (who have red
coats) after famous redheads. He had a
Lucy, a Maureen, a Bette, etc.
William Kasdorf is survived by 2 daughters, 5 grandchildren
and 2 great-grandchildren who will miss him every day.
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New Publication
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"A Fallen Eagle" is the true story of a young boy from East Texas, Odis Primrose, who volunteered for service in 1942. He entered the service with only a high school education and limited experience, other than working on a farm.
After receiving his wings, he became a B-24 pilot assigned to the 722nd Squadron of the 450th Bomb Group.
Through over 75 personal letters, he shares his experiences, both emotional and physical, as he goes from being a farm boy to a heavy bomber pilot.
The book is written by Clarence P. Cowart Lt. Col. AUS Ret. and published by Dog Ear Publishing
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Re-Union News
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Jim Strickland has been given an award for his service as President
The new officers elected at the 2008 re-union are:
President--------Bill Conklin
Vice President-John Shlapak
Secretary-Treasurer-Courtney Shanken
Reunion Director-Al Goodman
News letter editors-Brian Romano&Nancy Rellihan
Membership Chairman-Sam Stein
The 2009 re-union is scheduled for 7 October to 11 October 2009 in Kansas City, Missouri
CLICK HERE for more details
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The following letter was received at the 2008 re-union:
SUPERINTENDENT, UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
USAF ACADEMY, COLORADO
80840-5001
Lieutenant General John F. Regni
Superintendent
2304 Cadet Drive, Suite 3300
USAF Academy
CO 80840-5001
To the members, past and present, of the 450th Bombardment Group (Heavy) On the
occasion of your 65th reunion – and on behalf of the men and Women of the United States Air Force – it is my distinct
honor to salute you for your valiant service in the skies over Europe during World
War II. Your professionalism, success and sacrifice during that
horrendous international conflict ensured freedom for all the generations of
Americans who followed.
By your service and actions, you paved the way for the Airmen of today's mighty Air Force as they, too, serve worldwide in defense
of our great nation. Our modern air, space and cyberspace force – the most powerful on the planet – grew directly from the vision of those who served
and fought in historical units like the 450th Bombardment Group (Heavy). You were gallant aerospace pioneers who charted the course for America's 21st
century Airmen.
Thank you for your service. You truly are members of the Greatest Generation, and we are humbled to follow in your footsteps.
Sincerely,
JOHN
F. REGNI
Lieutenant
General. USAF
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SPECIAL MENTION
1st Lt. Francis Lael, 723rd squadron, awarded Distinguished Service Cross.
This is the highest award given to any member of the 450th for action in WWII.
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If any information is being used out of context or if you would like to use some of this information, please contact the Webmasters
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Copyright © 2000 - 2009, Mark Worthington, Craig Linn & the 450th Association
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