344th Bombardment Squadron

Unit Casualty List By Last Name

Unit Casualty List By Date

Air Force BBS

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

---

---

Brian Thorn wrote on March 26, 2017

Send Email To BRIAN THORN

---

City and State: SUN LAKES AZ

Unit: 344

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father was a B-29 Radio Operator in the 344th. He went by Walt to most folks.

Keywords:

---

---

Ron Nichols wrote on July 23, 2015

Send Email To RON NICHOLS

---

City and State: FPO AP

Unit: 344H BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father was stationed in Japan at Yokota AFB. Dad was the CO for 344th Bombardment Squadron equipped with B-29 aircraft from April to October 1951. Dad is gone now I ran across some old patches of the of the 346th and 348th then reread his bio and saw he was the CO of the 344th. I work for the Navy here in Japan as a civilian DOD. I was just wondering if anyone remembered him. Thanks guys...

Keywords:

---

---

Kathleen Thomas (Bolia) wrote on June 6, 2013

Send Email To KATHLEEN THOMAS (BOLIA)

---

City and State: KY

Unit: 344 BOMB SQUAD

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father flew as tail gunner on the aircraft- Hell From the
Heavens, Yakota Japan AFB March 1952 - Sept. 16952 - I am his
daughter, My father passed away 2005 and never realized the dream
of going to Washington DC on An Honor Flight to see the WWII and
Korean War Memorial, I would like to accompany a member from his
Squadron on one of these flights. It would be an HONOR to do so.
Or jus exchanfe Info and/ofr pictures.

Keywords: Flew as tail gunner on the aircraft Hell From the Heavens, Yakota
Japan AFB March 1952 - Sept. 1952
Aircraft Commander: Lt.Addison
Co Pilot: Lt. Post
Bombadier: Lt. Kitchen
Top Gunner: Jon Berg
engineer: Sgt. Schlotz
Radio Operator: James Combs

---

---

Terry Renault wrote on March 28, 2013

Send Email To TERRY RENAULT

---

City and State: CLAREMORE OK

Unit: 98TH

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for someone who might have known SST. Roland
Genovese.

Keywords:

---

---

Daniel Curtis wrote on November 18, 2012

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for a Hell From The Heavens patch. It
has a Penguin (or blackbird) holding a bomb and it
reads Hell From The Heavens. (1952-55 era)?

Or if someone has a sewing software program with this
patch design that I could bring to local place to sew
design.
thanks very much

Keywords: 344th hell from heavens patch

---

---

John (Jack) Carlson wrote on June 21, 2012

Send Email To JOHN (JACK) CARLSON

---

City and State: PINCKNEYVILLE IL

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I have the Hell from the Heavens Patch. I was at
Yakota from late 1953 until the 344th was reassigned
to Recon duty. I was a crew member of Maj. Whaley's
crew.

Keywords: B-29, Yakota AFB

---

---

Tom Rupe wrote on December 2, 2011

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I'm looking for a Hell From The Heavens patch. It has
a Penguin holding a bomb and it reads Hell From The
Heavens. My father was top gunner on this plane 53-54
out of Yakota. If someone knows one an original or
remake, please contact me.

Keywords:

---

---

John Silva JR. wrote on March 5, 2011

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ST. PETERSBURG FL

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQ (H)

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: 344th Mess hall, until 1st Smith got me out.

---

---

Herbert C. (Herb) Harper wrote on August 13, 2010

Deceased

---

City and State: GEORGETOWN TN

Unit: 345TH SQ. 98TH GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: You may have more luck if you post your message on our official WEB www.pyramidiers.com Post on the Forum page. You are also welcome to visit us in Savannah, GA. at our annual reunion, in September.

Herb Harper, 98th Historian

Keywords: 98th Bomb Group

---

---

Frances Christiansen wrote on August 8, 2010

Send Email To FRANCES CHRISTIANSEN

---

City and State: JACKSON MI

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: Maj. Hilliard Marshell Roper ( USAF)was a friend of the family and I am trying to get a picture of him. Would like to get in touch with anyone who knew him.

Keywords: Killed in action Taegu South Korea in August 1952. He was a pilot died in a plane crash. He was a member of the 344th Bomb Squardon

---

---

Richard D. Swett wrote on July 7, 2010

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PORTLAND ME

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQ.98TH BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I have been trying to find a list of the crew I flew
with during the time of Oct 1952-Apr 1953. Not quite
sure of the duration of the tour of duty.I was 19-20
years old at the time. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Respectfully,
Richard D. Swett

Keywords: Color art--Nip on Nees B-29

---

---

Herbert C. (Herb) Harper wrote on May 18, 2010

Deceased

---

City and State: GEORGETOWN TN

Unit: 345TH BOMB SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Richard:

The 98th had two different B-29s at Yokota with similiar names.

44-87760 NIP-PON-ESE and
NIP-ON-NEES S/N 44-62261

Both these aircraft were in the 343rd Sq.

If you can give me even just the last three S/N digits, I will try to help, as I have ALL 3,965 B29 S/Ns. Names might be a bit more difficult as some of our B-29s names were changed several times.

Herb Harper, 98th Vets Assoc. historian. WEB www.pyramidiers.com

Keywords: Nip On Nees

---

---

Richard D. Swett wrote on May 11, 2010

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PORTLAND ME

Unit: 344TH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: I believe I was stationed at Yokota AFB, Fusa, Japan

Duration: From Later part of 1952 until sometime in

1953. Memory not to great. I think the aircraft that I

was a crew member on was: Nip on Nees. I was a radio

operator and ECM operator. Unfortunately I cannot
recall any of my crews names.

Keywords: 98th Bomb Wing 344th Bombardment Squadron

---

---

Bob Burke wrote on June 27, 2008

Send Email To BOB BURKE

---

City and State: LEESBURG FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: 2008- S/sgt. Marvin Kaminen, CFC Gunner, killed
in B-29 ditch off Kawjelien Island in the Pacific enroute to our location at Yakota A.F.B.,Japan.
His brother, Paul Kaminen, informed me he has a copy,finally, released by the goverment on the disaster.
I lost a great buddy that day.
A lot of good men got two pairs of wings; one on their breast,and the other, I am sure from God.
Young boys who are brave men forever.
www.bobbuntburke.com

Keywords: Yakota A.F.B.,Lt.Gallant,Slow Freight 4th,B-29,
Yalu River

---

---

Herbert C. (Herb) Harper wrote on March 3, 2008

Deceased

---

City and State: GEORGETOWN TN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: The 344th Bomb Squadron, 98th Bomb Group ( 9th, 12th and 15th Air Forces) flew B-24 Liberators out of Palestine, North Africa and Italy during WW II. Probably the best source for the information you seek would be the 8th Air Force Association.

Good Luck.

Herb Harper

Keywords: The Pyramidiers. 98th Bomb Group Vets. Assoc. WEB:

www.pyramidiers.com

---

---

Roald Knutson wrote on March 2, 2008

Send Email To ROALD KNUTSON

---

City and State: PLYMOUTH MN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: looking for information from anyone who might know where in England Victor Arthur Koehler served during WWII. He flew 33 missions in a B-17 out of England but that is all we know. Do you know anyone who flew with him in England

Keywords:

---

---

John Wilson wrote on February 17, 2007

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: 344 BOMB SQDN 98TH BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: Flew as CFC from Yokota June 52 to Jan 53..flew suiho raid et.al. noted interest in BETTLE BOMB ER . NIP ON NEES have pictures of thes ships and others my ship was UNDECIDED but we sometimes flew other ships..most of pictures are of what was painted on nose...want a copy, can do...

Keywords:

---

---

Herbert C. (Herb) Harper wrote on January 16, 2006

Deceased

---

City and State: GEORGETOWN TN

Unit: 98TH BOMB GROUP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments:

Keywords: For Earl Trump:

There is a 98th Bomb Group Vets. Assoc. We list many members of the 344th Bomb Sq. B-29s

We invite you to join. Just go to our WEB Site membership page for details. www.pyramidiers.com

Herb Harper, former historian.

---

---

Ellen Trump-Johnson wrote on January 11, 2006

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: SNOHOMISH WA

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Im trying to locate some of the crew members that served with my father. He is living in Washington state and would enjoy a hello from any of his crew members.

Keywords:

---

---

Howard Stebbins SR. wrote on May 13, 2005

Send Email To HOWARD STEBBINS

---

City and State:

Unit: 376 BOMB GRP.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: You do not list the 376bg the 514,513,512 bomb sqd at Barksdale a.f.b. 1951 1954

Keywords:

---

---

Carl Boos wrote on February 2, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: FLEW 26 MISSIONS OVER NORTH KOREA ,JAN TO JUL 1953

WAS A CFC GUNNER. PILOT WAS MAJOR HUMPHRIES.

WENT ON TO FLY B-50'S OUT OF BIGGS AND WALKER AFB

CARL BOOS
PITTSTON,PA

Keywords: OKINAWA

---

---

Robert Troutner wrote on December 24, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PHILADELPHIA PA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: A great friend of mine was a gunner on a b-29 in Korea by the name of "Southern Belle" piloted by an Ernie Westbrook. I can't seem to find any info on the plane or its crews. Can anyone help? My friends name is Charlie Cianci.

Keywords: 98th Bomber Group

---

---

Pam Robinson wrote on December 17, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ELLENSBURG WA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am looking for anyone that may have known my dad Fred E Scott (Scotty)

I am writing a book about him and his experiences.

He did a bit of writing when he was alive, but did not get to finish. He passed in 1999. He did mention Lt. Blackwell (Blackie), B-29 named Slow Freight the 4th, Ernie Taylor and other information. He was seperated from his unit for a time and ended up with another unit until he could reunite with his unit, most of the other unit knew him as Green. Long story, but he was covered with the green die and it wouldn't wash off easily, so they just called him Green. Anyone from that unit with any info please let us in on the story!

That is just part of one story and I would like to write more. If you knew him or or have any stories you can share or just information that will help me to understand more, I would greatly appreciate it.

Pam Robinson, daughter of Fredrick E Scott (Scotty)

You can reach me at work at pam@quiltcut.com or at home robinsonunltd@elltel.net

Keywords: 344th Bomb Sq. 98th bomb wing, B-29

---

---

Ronald Kaminen wrote on October 25, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: LITTLETON CO

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: Relative of Marvin Kaminen looking for information regarding his duty.

Keywords:

---

---

Randall Hathaway Madry wrote on October 1, 2004

Send Email To RANDALL HATHAWAY MADRY

---

City and State: RALEIGH NC

Unit: HE WAS IN THE 344TH OF THE 98TH

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: He was my father, he went missing in action in August, 1952.

I was subsequently adopted, and would like to have any information on him so that I may honor his memory.

Keywords: Master Sergeant James Walter Hathaway, Tondemania, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

---

---

Richard D. Swett wrote on August 30, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PORTLAND ME

Unit: 98TH BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Duration of B-29 flying service Jan l953 to July l953.Does anyone remember me. I was nineteen years old at the time. Thank You

Keywords: Crew member B-29 (Radio Operator and ECM Operator

---

---

Howard Revie wrote on April 30, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: 344TH

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: 98th Bomb Wing Reunion will be held in Washington, DC on September 7 - 11, 2004.

Keywords:

---

---

Vincent (Vince) Evangelista wrote on November 21, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: NATICK MA

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: First aircraft to land (controlled crash) at yokota in july of 1950. Capt Johnson brought the ship in after a a radar guided mishap which brought the ship in low on the glidepath. Capt. Johnson quickly reacted and got us back in the air. At dawn we landed without the nose gear. One injury ! an ankle sprain I think. I am seeking any information about the aircraft and contact with my fellow survivors. Best regards, Vince

Keywords:

---

---

Bob Rupersburg wrote on September 1, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQUADRON YACOTA

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Don Moore TG, Ken Buckingham LG, Dick Ryan RG, Tom Kelly FE, Andy, Jack, Les, Maury, Where are you guy's?

Keywords: Rupe CFC. Yacota 1953/1954 I wonder if some of the bars still have dirt floors in Fusa yet?

---

---

Vincent (Vince) Evangelista wrote on July 5, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: NATICK MA

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQUADRON (H)

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: a/c captain patrick from the state of washington. i am seeking contact with jerry holmes of arkansaw ' george wysocki of michigan ; john thomas of washington.
kaywoodie ballinger of temmessee... my regards to all, vince

Keywords:

---

---

S. Smisek wrote on June 11, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: best regards

Keywords: Would like to know of any crewmen out there. Please contact me. My father flew this aircraft during WWII and would like to know the history of this particular aircraft.

---

---

S. Smisek wrote on June 11, 2002

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: thanks!

"Beetle Bomber" SN 44-69800 B-29A

Keywords: Looking for any crewman with the 344th who flew or knew of a B-29 titled "Beetle Bomber" SN 44-69800.

My father flew this aircraft during WWII and would like to know more of the history of it.

---

---

Robert Scovel wrote on December 18, 2001

Send Email To ROBERT SCOVEL

---

City and State: INDEPENDENCE KS

Unit: 98TH P.M. AND 345TH

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---

Robert Burke wrote on December 5, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: LEESBURG FL

Unit: 344TH,98TH BOMB WG., SAC

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Basic at Sampson AFB,NY.Stationed at Lowery (Denver,Col)Lake Charles,La., and San Antonio,Randolph AFB.
Final Station in Arizona.
I flew RG 28 combat Missions out of Yakota.
I lost a good buddy, S/Sgt Marvin Kaminen, ditched off Kawajalien Island,MIA.Sgt John Conners from New England died with him.
1951-1952.
Climbed MT. Fujii while on RR.
Spent tuxon time in Fussa Moose Hunting.

Keywords: Slow Frieght, Lt.Gallant, S/sgt Goldberg (CFC),(Mich.)
Hugh Swimley (Montana)Sgt.Tommy Thomas(Kansas) LG

---

---

Harry Bolia wrote on October 6, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: If you have any information regarding this particular Squadron and Wing I would deeply appreciate it if you would contact me at
ashblondie123@yahoo.com
Thank you.

Keywords: My name is Harry E. Bolia, I flew in the 344th Bomb Squadron 98th Bomb Wing from March 1952-September 1952. Name of the aircraft was B29 HELL FROM THE HEAVENS. Location - Yakota Japan AFB.
Names I remember:
Aircraft Commander: Lt. Addison
Co Pilot: Lt. Post
Bombadier: Lt. Kitchen
Top Gunner: Jon Berg
Engineer: Sgt Schlotz
Radio Operator: James Combs

---

---

Harry Bolia wrote on October 6, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Anyone with any information regarding this particular squadron please contact me at:

ashblondie123@yahoo.com

Keywords: My name is Harry E Bolia. I was a gunner in the 344th Bomb Squadron 98th Bomb Wing. I flew from March 1952-September 1952 in a B29 HELL FROM THE HEAVENS. Names I remember:
Aircraft Commander: Lt. Addison
Co Pilot: Lt. Post
Bombadier: Lt. Kitchen
Top Gunner: Jon Berg
Engineer: Sgt. Scholtz
Radio Operater: James Combs

---

---

Cameron Peterman wrote on August 28, 2001

Send Email To CAMERON PETERMAN

---

City and State: HEALY AK

Unit: 98TH BW

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I am looking for the quys that worked on "C" dock at Yokota 1952 to 53. We performed 100 hour maintenance on 344th, 343th and 345th B-29's.
Jim Beeman, Moon and John Taylor are the names I remember. If you know of anyone who did PM on B-29's in 1952 please get in touch. Pete

Keywords:

---

---

Bob Burke wrote on July 15, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: DALTON MA

Unit: 344TH BOMB SQD, 98TH BOMB WING

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I started at Sampson (basic) NY,Lowery Field,Denver; Randolph AFB,Texas, Lake Charles AFB,La.,E and E winter survival, Colorado, assigned to the 98th Yakota,Japan. Flew mostly night missions up to the Yalu and Hamhung RR yards.
Like to send salute from old flyer to former comerades. Also, silent moment for my buddy S/Sgt. Marvin Kaminen of Ishpemning, Michigan who died ditching off Kawagalien Island, Pacific, on the way over to join me at Yakota.

Keywords: S/sgt Robert J. Burke with 344th out of Yakota 1951-52, Gunner, B-29.Our ship, "SLOW FRIEGHT".

---

---

Bob Swain wrote on January 10, 2001

Send Email To BOB SWAIN

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Looking fellow crew members (I have the addresses of the gunners) who flew this plane during the 1951 - 1952 period. Our AC was Glenn Otchen and our flight enginner was J. Riely, both of whom were killed during a takeoff from Guam subsequent to the Korean War. If you have info on other crew members, please contact me.

Bob Swain

Keywords: Nip On Nees #2261 B-29 Korea

---

---

Bob Swain wrote on January 9, 2001

Send Email To BOB SWAIN

---

City and State: LONG BEACH CA

Unit: 98BG, 344 BOMB SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Looking for crew mwmbers who flew on Nip On Nees during late 1951 - mid, or so, 1952. I have the address of all gunners,(I flew as tail gunner), but can't locate the radio operator or other crew members. Radio operator's name is Carl Frazzini who came from Denver, Colorado. Anyone who knows the address of my fellow crew members, I understand the AC and Flight Engineer died in an air crash on Guam after the Korean war, please contact me. Also, any fellow gunners who were stationed at Yokota AFB during the above period, let's hear from you.

Bob Swain

Keywords: Nip On Nees

---

---

John Winterhalter wrote on January 9, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: RUBICON WI

Unit: 98 FMS INSTRUMENT SHOP

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: Lincoln Nebraska 1956 to 1958

Keywords:

---

---

Allen Manning wrote on January 5, 2001

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PEMBROKE NH

Unit: 344TH BS 98TH BG

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: 344TH BS 98TH BG

Keywords: 56 combat missions aug.50-mar.51 aircraft no.5352 named good ol gus

---

---

Gene Kreutzman wrote on November 28, 2000

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ACWORTH GA

Unit: 344 BOMB. SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: We are looking for our E.C.M. operator.
We have located all of our crew except him .
Anyone having any information on him please
contact me . His name is Clinton G. Hayes Jr.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Our A.C. tail # was 3934 .

Keywords: Col. Lyle F. Knights' Crew menber

---

---

Arthur E. (Art) Lajeunesse SR. wrote on September 10, 2000

Deceased

---

City and State: LATHAM NY

Unit: ITEM CO. 23RD INF. 2ND INF DIV.

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am looking for any information about Lt. Hill and the 344th Bomber Squadron, 98th Bomber Wing that he served in. He was a MIA and presumed Dead 10/30/52.I am researching the casualties from Albany county N.Y. in the Korean War.

Keywords:

---

---

Glenn Carlson wrote on June 19, 2000

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: DOWNINGTOWN PA

Unit: 344'TH

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My fathers name is George R. Carlson. He flew from Yokota in 1953 as a flight engineer in the B-29. At that time he was a staff sgt. He served in the USAF from Oct 47 until 1/30/57.

Would love to find any of my dad's crew.

I am also interested in any Korean War events that may be taking place in the North East that we can attend honoring the 50'th Anniversary.

Keywords: 344'th Bombardment Squadron, 98'th Bomb Wing, Yokota Japan, B29, Flight Engineer

---

---

Gene Kreutzman wrote on May 28, 2000

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ACWORTH GA

Unit: 344 TH. BOMB SQ.

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I am trying to find our ground crew
of our aircraft at Yokota from 1953 - 1954.
Our aircraft Comander was Capt. Lyle F. Knight.

Keywords: B-29 Tail number 3934

---

---

Howard Revie wrote on March 8, 2000

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: 98TH BW 344TH SQUADRON

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: 98TH BW 344TH SQUADRON

Keywords:

---

---

Mike Burgy wrote on December 31, 1999

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: 344TH

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father Delbert V. Burgy, was stationed at Yokota with the 344th during Korea. He also worked on B-47's a Lincoln AFB. He retired an E-7 in 1970. He has expressed interest in finding some of those with whom he served. Does anyone remember?

Keywords: Burgy

---

---

John Grant wrote on December 27, 1999

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: MONTGOMERY AL

Unit: 98TH BOMB WING-344 SQD

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran - Korea

Comments: I served as a gunner on B-29 from July 1951 to December 1951 was stationed at Yokota AFB. Flew 28 missions over Korea. Would like to hear from anyone who served during this time.

Keywords:

---

---

John Grant wrote on December 27, 1999

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: -

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---