Frank Tuttle
I am sorry to say, my father, Frank Tuttle of 244, passed away on 11/19/09. My brother Jeff and I and our spouses were there for his 88th birthday on 10/29. He was weak, but had been working at the WW2 museum in New Orleans until a few weeks before. He was very proud of his service, in WW2, and will be missed by many friends from the museum, and all around.
So sorry we have lost another,
Chris Tuttle
tut1953@embarqmail.com
Squadron information
I just found your website and am excited about having a way to hopefully find out more about the Bombing Banshees. My father-in-law, Col. Philip L. Strader was a member and his recollection of names, dates, etc are alittle cloudy. Would welcome any information - thanks.
My Dad and VMSB 244
Hello, My Father Robert Dean Zehrung (Zeke) was a pilot with VMSB 244. I know little about his time in the unit. I do know that he was shot down at least one time and received a Purple Heart for a wound received during that mission; however, that is all that I know. I do have a pair of group photographs of both the pilots and the Radio Operator/Gunners. I do still receive the news letter, which I find facinating and informing, but if anyone out there remembers my dad I would be greatful for some information. Unfortunately he passed away at age 59 in 1977 from cancer. I was young, but my memory of him will never fade.
Thanks.
John H. Fenner
My father John Fenner was in the squadron, but that's about all I know. He has some photos, sqd patches, etc. But I really don't have any background information. He passed away back in 2000. Does any body have any information on him and his time in VMSB-244
Semper Fi
Christopher Fenner
VMFA-314
In the Phillipines, June'45- Oct '45?
My dad, Horace Bradshaw, left VMSB 243 to train on the Helldiver. He returned to combat with VMSB 244, in the Phillipines,June/July 45 until Dec 45. After the surrender, he patrolled the Chinan Railway, and came home in Dec. I have several photos of 244 members, but no names. It must have been very hot, wherever they were. Two of the photos have pilots standing beside a "Bombing Banshee" handbuilt sign. In his flight log, his tailgunner was "McKenna". Any memories from anyone, or anyone interested in copies of the pictures, please contact me by email.
Photos shot by my Great Uncle Bill Ballew
Hello everyone! I have some old negatives that my great uncle shot while he was in service. They were found abandoned in my grandmothers barn, so I decided to clean them up and get them into digital format. It has taken me a couple of years on and off to do this labor of love.
I am not exactly sure, but I believe my uncle was a pilot in the Scout Bombing VMSB 343 or 344 Squadron. His name was Lt. W. J. Ballew, better known as “Bill Ballew”. I know very little about his time while in service, except that he had a great deal of negatives of servicemen that I believed he was the photographer of. I know he was always a photo buff, (don’t know if they had squadron photographers etc.) He was mentioned in a book called “Friends Made, Moments Shared, Memories for Life: An Oral History of VMSB 343 United States Marine Corps in World War II” as a pilot.
One of the men in the negatives bears the name “Lt. W. L Beach” and has a “Bombing Banshees” logo on his jacket. I don’t know if any of the other men were of this squadron since I didn’t see any other of these emblems. If you are interested, I would be happy to email you the photo or any of the other ones. I can't read alot of the names, but a few are ledgible. Also, I can't figure out the connection as to why my uncle would be photographing other squadrons. Any ideas? I would be grateful.
The Battle of Leyte Gulf/ other operations
I'm the Grandson of Sgt. Van Sorensen; I'm doing a research paper, and I was wondering if anyone here knew any major battles VMSB-244 was part of, specifically if they were involved in the battle of leyte gulf or lingayen gulf. I thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
DAD KNEW THAT PILOT!!
Hello! I was going thru my email, and came accross your posting about LaSalle. My father was a radiogunner, and your grandfather was his pilot. Dad said he was a GOOD PILOT! Dad wanted to add more, but he is having health issues right now. I'll try and get more info and forward it to you.
Sincerely,
Maggie
Dad has pictures posted on this website!!
1st. Lt. Edward A. LaSalle
Is there anyone that knew or knew of my grandfather? He flew in the Pacific during 1943 and 1944, later returning to the states as an instructor for a while in Memphis, Tn. He was from South Louisiana and received the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944. That is about the extent of what I know about his service. I was young when he died and would very much like to speak with someone that could possibly tell me more about him. Any insight or leads would be greatly appreciated.
Malcome "Kit" Carson
Happy New Year everyone. I hope everyone is well and made it through another very busy and hectic holiday season. I wanted to pass on a great bit of news. Diane Carson daughter-in-law of "Kit" Carson of VMSB 244 contacted us and tells us that Mr. Carson is 87 as of 23 Dec 08 and is doing well. He is in Florida and can be contacted through his oldest son Robert at Rcarson@powersecure.com. He extends the invitation to contact him between 0900-1700. His son Robert can give you his phone number. Salute!
Alan
Merry Christmas
I wanted to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Josh and Ken Irving and all the VMSB 244 people that I have had the great pleasure in sharing information and stories with. I am sorry for not being at my post very often...vacation...etc...But if you need anything please feel free to contact me. All my best wishes for you and your families for the coming year.
Peace be with your families,
Alan
The passing of T/Sgt James Lammons & Pilot Capt Cletus "Bert" Bertrand
We are deeply saddened by the news of the passing of two of the original VMSB-244 members. Our prayers and thoughts go out to the families of these great men. We Salute
Radio/Gunner T/Sgt James Lammons d. August 2008 and Pilot Capt Cletus "Bert" Bertrand d.November 2008 http://www.legacy.com/StarTribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=119953956. To their family and friends, we would like to say how honored we are at to have played a roll in capturing such a small piece of their history. Thank you to Linda Smock (daughter of James Lammons) and to Mr. Sheldon Lehmann for keeping us informed about their VMSB-244 family members. To those amazing members of VMSB-244 still out there that were asked to carry upon their shoulders the burden of a countries freedoms, I ask that you please continue to enrich all of our lives with your stories and guidance. We Honor those brave men that came before us making everything we have possible. Thank you!
All Our Best, Ken Irving, Josh Irving & Alan Fairchild
Tsing Tao
HI James,
Read your post that your dad was in Tsing Tao - so was my father - Harry (Bus) Means. He passed away in Feb 2008 at age 84. Would be interested in hearing if your dad remembers him. Best regards to you and your father -
Jan
Ted Spence
Glad my son found your website. Wanted you to know that 1st LT Ted Spence lives in Memphis, TN. Ted was a pilot.
Ted and I grew up together in McComb, MS. I've advised him about the website. Perhaps he'll make some contributions.
Ray Prescott
War Diary and Factual Record
Mr. Arp:
I just found the Bombing Banshees website today. My Dad, Alton Ray Prescott served with the unit in the Philippines and in China. He was a tech sergeant. He would like to buy a copy of the War Diary and the Factual Record if that is possible. If you know of a roster of the men who were at Tsingtao he’d like to have one of those as well. Please let me know.
There is also a warrant officer from Georgia and a first sergeant from Florida that he is trying to remember.
Dad is 84 now. He has macular degeneration and is legally blind so he can’t use a computer. Otherwise he’s as healthy as a horse! I’ve been reading some of the post to him today and he’s trying to remember names and such.
Thanks for your help.
Semper Fi!
James Prescott
Alton "Ray" Prescott
So glad I found this website! My father is Alton "Ray" Prescott and served with VMSB-244. He is alive and well in Georgetown, TX. I'd be happy to pass any info on to him for any of you. He has macular degeneration so can't see to use a computer.
Thanks,
James
Anyone From VMS-7R?
Do any surviving members remember any contacts during the War with any members of Marine Recon Patrol (USMCR) Unit called VMS-7R after they were activated to regular duty? This especially would include; Maj. William Fox (CO VMS-7R), Capt. Kenneth Aldrich, or Capt. Ronald Mac(Mc)Farland? I'm researching USMC Aviation history in the Los Angeles / Long Beach area prior and just leading up to the War. Thank you very much!
Regarding Dan K Humble
Hello all I hope you are well. I wanted to pass on a sad note to those that knew Cpl. Dan K Humble Radio/gunner for Lt. Charles G. Fink that Mr. Humble passed away last January. His widow lives in Texas and if anyone wants to contact her please send me an email and I will pass on her address. Take Care of yourselves!
Alan
Lt. Charles Fink
I am working with my Uncle Lt. Charles Fink on an Oral History for the Marine Corps Museum at Quantico. Lt. Fink served as a Pilot with VMSB244 from Oct. of 43 thru June 44 , and flew 55 combat missions. We are interested in any info or pictures anyone might have along with the whereabouts of Cpl. Dan Humble who was his Tailgunner.
Thanks,
Hello from my father-in-law Capt Charles Coyle
Just wanted to send a "hello" from my father-in-law, Capt Charles Coyle. If anyone wishes to communicate with him, I'll be happy to forward your information. He has "one-way" email and senders must be on an approved list, so please bear with me if you wish to contact him.
Thanks
John
John Forbes
20561 Rosewood Manor Square
Ashburn, VA 20147
Harry "Bus" Means
HI folks,
Great to see your website. My dad, Harry (Bus) Means, was in the squadron - went to the Philippines and then to Northern China with the unit.
He and I did a bunch of research on the group last year (2007)... had some really good hours with him hearing about the squadron and their activities. He passed away in February 2008... I so wish I had found your site while he was still alive.
Just wanted to let you know that I have some photos and some info that I may be able to dig up for the website. Please keep me posted if anyone knows / remembers my dad - would love to talk with them.
Best regards,
Jan Means
284 Ford Road
Melrose, NY 12121
Pilot VMSB 244 Tsingtao, China Nov '45 to 6/46
I joined 244 after leaving VMSB 331 in the Marshall Islands in
Nov '45
My log book record indicates Sgt Lammons was in my back seat on several photo missions in North China We enjoyed flying the new
SB2C-5 Helldiver after flying the old model 3 and 4 in the Marshall Pacific War
We departed Tsingtao in June '46 I escorted a division of 12
Helldivers from Tsingtao to Shanghia and across the Yellow Sea to Okinawa Sgt Hardy (our lne chief rode in my back seat) On arrival to Okinawa the Navy Took our airplanes and dumped them in the ocean!!!
I'm 86 yrs old and live in Dallas, Tx Semper Fi
My Memoir
One of my former law clerks has assisted me with writing my autobiography. In it, I discuss my time in the service and more particularly in VMSB-244. Some of you may be interested in reading it. It is available through Kansas City Star Books https://www.thekansascitystore.com/ProductDetail.cfm?PID=865.
VMSB244/Phillipines/China
Just a note to anyone who was with 244 in the Phillipines (Mindanao/Malabang Field) and would like to know the names of the members of the squadron I have the War Diary of 244 from 1 July thru 31 July 1945. It contains all the names and ranks of all the personel and the day by day operations of the squadron for that period. Reason I have that period is that I flew with Capt Jacobi on the 25th and had an unfortnate incident happen and just wanted to verify that I remembered it correctly....you know at our age the memory bank sometimes plays tricks on us. I aslso have a copy of the "Factual Record" of VMSB 244 from March 1, 1942 to Nov 25, 1945.
Van Sorenson
I have some names from the 244 in China from my Dad:
"Meathead" Saxon ( I think first name is John)
JohnKillar
"Willie" Williams
Jim Hiatt
Schiller
Dad was on a Helldiver # 727 (I THINK)
Donald Arp/ Tsingtao 1945
It sounds as though Mr. Arp made the crossing to China in the same typhoon as my father. Dad James "Jim" Lammons) was a radio gunner with the 244. He was on LST 630. He has never mentioned landing anywhere between Okinawa and Tsingtao, but I have a phot labelled " Nan-ka-shaw" and now wonder if it is actually Nan-ka-shan... Dad is alive and well in Houston, Texas. He has Parkinson's but is doing pretty darn good. I have many photos of China and the men that served there...just no names and Dad has problems remembering. Please fell free to contact me and perhaps we can share photos.
Van Sorensen / China
Steve... I was a readio gunner with vmsb 244 in the Phillipines and also China. I remember Van and have several pics of him in China. Those of us who rode out that typhoon remember it well. I was on LST 706 and in that storm we lost out steering and just drifted wherever the storm took us. We eventually sighted an island and anchored off shore and some crew went ashore. We were told that the name of the island was Nankasan...steering was repaired and we proceeded to Tsingtao China. We flew patrol missions while in China. Let me know if you would like any pics I have of your father. If my memory serves me correctly he was from Utah and was of the Mormon faith. Sorry to hear of his passing. I remember that he was soft spoken and a quiet person. Can't help but wonder if there are any others out there who were in China with 244...
WW-II Marine Bombers News Letter
Any Marine who served honorably in the Pacific during WW-II can receive a copy of the WW-II Marine Bombers News Letter and can request to be on the mailing list. We operate on donations only so if someone cannot afford to pay for the newsletter, they are not rejected for not donating. Everyone is welcome to send their stories to the editor for review. To get their name on the mailing list send; Name, Address, full Phone Number, Highest Rank/Rate held, Wife’s Name, List of Squadrons served in, Time and Dates served in Marine Corps & it is good to give your service number. We had a member die and the family could not get copies of his records because the Services Records department could not find his record of service. As luck happened, he had given us sufficient information & the family used the info we had and the records bureau found his records. The Newsletter is printed quarterly and a copy of each newsletter goes to The Marine Aviation Museum in Miramar, San Diego Ca. to their Historical society for their records. Semper Fi Tom Brown Editor Was also a member of VMSB-244 from the forming all the way to green Island when the Squadron left for the Philippines on Bougainville and Green Island after the “Battle of Piva” The Squadron loaned me to the Navy for a short period to work on the top secret Drone Plane that was used against Rabaul. Go to www.stagone.org to see the story & picture on The Top Secret Drone pilot-les Plane the TDR-1.
Captain James Edward Campbell
I found this site yesterday and I'm excited to participate in honoring these great heroes known as the Bombing Banshees.
My dad, Captain James Edward Campbell (1916 - 1973) served with VMSB-244 from December 1944 until September 1945, according to his military records. He was born in Concord, Tennessee. I was only 9 years old when our family lost my dad so I wasn't able to learn from him about the amazing experiences and stories these brave men shared together. It would truly be an honor for me to correspond with any of you regarding the service of these great American heroes.
Thanks and God Bless all of you!
Fallen Marine
I'm sad to report that my Father SSgt William (Bill) DeTullio passed away on March 9. I know there are still a few of you that may have known him and others who heard of him. It only felt right to post it in here. He was laid to rest with Military Honors. I to was in uniform to honor him for what he did and for what he stood for. As I saluted him I salute all of you who have served to keep this nation free.
I mentioned in my previous post that I will be posting some pics. That is currently in the works, but I'm gathering pics I didn't have now that I'm home with my Mom. Take care all.
Contact
Tom Hennemann (who lives in MN) called me last night. Tom was was on Green Island and shipped state side right before the pull out to the P.I. He remembers many of the guys including Chet Wright, Marland Christensen, Norbert (knobby) Ketzer, Eddie Morris and Elmer Rutt. Tom has helped to organize a reunion of the 244 with Tom Brown that was held this past February. Tom has no email so if you would like to contact him send a message to the site and I will get you in touch with him. He asked me if I knew any information on two Tent Mates of his named Wille C. Harrison and Grover Ash Jr. If you have any information on them he would love to hear from you. All My Best, Alan
Sgt Van C Sorensen
Hello Linda -
In August 1945, my father departed the PI aboard one of eight LSTs bound for Okinawa. Upon leaving Okinawa the ships were hit by the typhoon and blown several hundred miles off course to the south. They were onboard the transports for 34 days, not 8 as originally planned. No indication of where he landed in China but dad indicates they drove a group of Japanese soldiers out of their barracks and moved in behind them. I too have a few photos that I will try and get posted. Would very much enjoy seeing yours and sharing info. Totally unaware of Pensacola reunion. Steve Sorensen
James Lammons
Hi!
My Dad was in China with this group 1945=1946. He joined up with them in
the P.I. and crossed over from Okinawa to Tsingtao in the middle of a
typhoon. His name is James Lammons and he is still alive and kickin".
Where were you ? You missed the reunion in Pensacola this Feb.I would
love to share info and I have a lot of photos that need identifying.
Linda Smock
Sgt Van C Sorensen radio gunner with VMSB-244
My name is Steve Sorensen. My father Sgt. Van C. Sorensen served as a radio/gunner with VMSB-244 from early 1945 through most of 1946. He joined 244 on Mindanao and remained with 244 throughout the Mindanao campaign. In August, 1945 he was deployed to northern China, near Peiping. He returned to the USA in September, 1946. The tail number of the Helldiver he flew in was #713. My dad died in 2007. Perhaps someone knew or remembers him.
My father had a great friend who was also a member of VMSB-244 - Robert Stewart of Pittsburgh, PA. Anyone remember him?
Past Reunions.
Hello all,
I wanted to post a message regarding past reunions. I heard from a relative that my grandfather Clarence R. "Buck" Marquardt "would go to reunions in California". I would love to know where and when those reunions were held. If we could find out who organized them I would think that they could have information regarding VMSB 244 that would be useful. If you know or have any information regarding this I would love to hear from you. I hope everyone is doing well. Also a special thank you to David Wright and his father MT/Sgt Chester L. "Chet" Wright for his photos, information and emails.
Alan
updates to pictures
My name is Jason DeTullio. I'm SSGT Bill DeTullio's son. I found out about this website through the MAG-24 newsletter. My Dad is still living but I'm afraid he has Alzheimers. My Mom sends me his newsletters and I enjoy the reading. I wanted to mention that I recogonized my father in a few of the pictures in the photo gallery. The first is under Clarence R. "Buck" Marquardt the photo number is IMG 000093. My Dad is in the back row first person on the left. The next is under Sgt Charles L. Sieff the photos are IMG 000073 Supply Tent and my Dad is the first guy on the left wearing shorts. Next is IMG 000076 Buddies on leave my Dad is once again the first guy on the left, the guy in the middle is Joe "Jose" Terrazas. My Dad and Joe were very good friends through the war and after. I still keep in touch with Joe. I to have copies of some of these photos. I will post all of them soon. If anyone knew or remembers my Dad please feel free to contact me. I would love to hear any stories you may have. Love the website.
SSGT Jason W. DeTullio U.S. Air Force current.
Lt E. LaSalle or Mike Dunn
Hello Josh, Dad (nick tangredi) was reading your message board and was wondering if anyone knew anything about a Lt E. LaSalle, a pilot. My dad flew with him up to the fall of 43'? Does anyone happen to know any other "radio gunner's"?? Or if anyone remembers a Mike Dunn?
Thanks so much for keeping things going on with your website!!
Take care
Maggie (Nick Tangredi)
btw.. Dad got in touch with Frank Tuttle. They talk on the phone.
Greydon M. Tabor
I wanted to post an article that I found clipped out of a newspaper and put into a file that T/Sgt Buck Marquardt had. I know that two members of 244 are on this site, Mr. Tangredi and Tuttle, and still keep in touch. This is posted for them and to honor a fellow "Aerial Gunner". It goes as follows:
Title: Final Prayer Of Air Gunner...
Heard things are pretty rugged over Rabaul for Capt, Harold R. "W" Walker of Chicago, and his gunner, StfSgt, Greydon Tabor of Gobles, Mich. A mess of Zeros were hot on their tail. The dive bomber pilot heard the thunder of Tabor's guns. Then he heard the gunner's voice over the throat mike:
"Listen to me, Lord. I dont care about myself, but the captain here has a wife who loves him. Get him back, Lord. Listen to me...."
Then the voice faded and the twin 30s were quiet. Miraculously, Walker got back to the base, two holes in his leg and more than a hundred in the plane. StfSgt. Tabor was dead. -1stLt. Millard Kaufman,PRO.
Thank You for what you have done. Alan
vmsb-244 bombing banshees
DOES ANYBODY KNOW OR REMEMBER FRANCIS (GARY) JARVIS? HE WAS A TAILGUNNER IN VMSB-244...FLEW SBD'S OVER PACIFIC FROM '43-'45...HE WAS MY FATHER...I HAVE LOTS OF PIC'S HE TOOK AND WOULD LOVE TO SHARE WITH ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED. GREAT JOB ON THIS SITE, JOSH!
RE: Buck Marquardt
Alan, I joined 244 from 243 in June '44 as Flight Officer and went stateside in Oct '44. Frank Porter was CO and Frank Witt XO. I don't remember Buck as an individual and may have flown his plane as there were no permanent pilot/plane assignments. 244 had a proud record and I consider myself lucky to have served with them even this short time. Spider
Clarence "Buck" Marquardt
My Grandfather was Clarence R. "Buck" Marquardt who passed away in 1988. I was lucky enough to chat with him regarding the war when I was 13 but cant remember enough. I was also lucky enough to have his war "stuff". I have many pictures of men that I have no idea who they are. I am looking to put the pieces together. One thing that I have is a "working roster" dated 1 Feb 1944 and after reading your posts I see almost all those names on the roster. My grandfather was a "Plane Captain" and a (section leader). He also has the list of guys that were in a paper titled "Second Duty Section" that he was section leader of. On that list is Raymond S. Irving, and Charles L. Sieff among others. Please email me if you knew, or had any stories of my grandfather, I would love to hear from you. I will try to scan every photo and have the good people of this site post them and maybe we all can put names to the young faces. I have also sent to the site the two "rosters" that I have. I hope you can find your loved ones on it. Alan
Chester Wright
I was a pilot in 243 and later 244, and can make a small correction. Mag24 started at Goleta in June '42 with the old fleet-weary Curtis SBC bi-wing Helldivers. In November we started receiving the Douglas SBD Dauntlesses. We arrived Ewa in January and picked up new ones. Both squadrons flew the SBDs in the Solomons. I returned stateside in November '44. Both flew them in the Phillipines. 244 was the first Marine squadron to fly the new SB2C Helldivers, I think in China.
RE: VMSB-244; Sept. 44 through Dec. 1944
To Josh Irving About Tim Sangalli’s uncle PFC Geno Sangalli wanting to know the movements of him in VMSB-244 from Sept. 44 to Dec 44: During this period I am not sure where parts of -244 were where. We had some on Bougainville Some on Green some on Emirau some on Munda and some on the Canal. We did receive several replacements on Green Island and I would imagine since your uncle joined -244 in September he was among those replacements on Green Island that joined in the move to the Philippines. If so he would have been on the ships that took Mag-24 and VMSB-244 in to the Philippines -244 was in the Philippine battles Late Nov early Dec.’44 They stayed in the Philippines to the date of Surrender then moved into the China Occupational Duty.
I am not sure of the maneuvering of the different parts of - 244 there was considerable training going on of replacement pilots and replacement ground crews while some of the old heads in -244 were preparing for the Philippines others were preparing for return to the States to form new squadrons for the invasion of Japan I was among those returning to the States to form new Squadrons. I arrived back in U. S. Christmas day 1944 That is as much as I can tell you now Tom Brown Ed WW-II Marine Bombers.
RE: John Dodd
Rob Thomas, I knew John Dodd in Goleta shortly after MAG24 arrived there in June 1942. We were 2nd Lts together, he in 244 & I in 243. After MAG24 shipped out in Jan 1943, 244 went to Midway and 243 to Johnston and Palmyra. They arrived in the Solomons one tour ahead of us and we had little contact after. Contact Tom Brown at tombrown@bright.net he was a plane captain in 244
1st Lt. Horace Bradshaw
I am the son of Horace Bradshaw (deceased), 1st Lt. ,VMSB 244. My father joined 244 in June '45, after spending six months learning to fly the Helldiver SB2C-4. In Nov. '43, he joined VMSB 243 in Munda, and served in the Solomon's until the end of '44 when the Helldiver replaced the SBD-5 Dauntless. Horace was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and two Gold Stars, flying in more than 70 combat missions. I have some photos of several pilots, but no names. I have two different photos of the sign "Bombing Banshees" with pilots standing on each side. My father's gunner(passenger) was "McKenna". I have his flight log. He made strikes on Waloe,Tupi, Lamonai, and Tamogan. Malabang and Samar were also mentioned in the log. I read where the VMSB 244 was the last dive-bombing squadron of WWII. If there are any members of this squadron that remember Horace Bradshaw, please contact me anytime by e-mail: mhb777@comcast.net
Also, I may be able to scan the photos and e-mail them.
Tim Sangalli / PFC Geno Sangalli
Mr. Sangalli, my name is Josh Irving and I am the one who keeps up with the website. Unfortunately I did not get your email address, or any contact information when you posted the message below. If you wouldn't mind sending me your email address or phone number to admin@vmsb244.com I would appreciate it. That way I can keep you updated as to new things going on. Also, my grandfather was Ray Irving who severed with VMSB-244 from the time it originated in 1944 (shortly after the battle of midway) to Feb 16th 1945 (was rotated out in the Philippines). I don't have a lot of information on this unit, that's why I my father and I (Ken Irving) built this site. I would love to talk to you more about your uncle Geno Sangalli via emails or telephone. Look forward to hearing from you.
VMSB-244; Sept. 44 through Dec. 1944
My uncle, PFC Geno Sangalli, USMCR served with this unit from September through December 1944.
We have many letters from him but do not know what he was doing or what happened in the area.
His last letter was dated December 09, 1944 when he told his parents .. "Mom & dad, I want to tell you that my mail won't come to you as regular as it has been for a while. Perhaps this will be the last letter you will get for a few weeks. Please don't worry about me because I'll be alright. I'll write as soon as I'm able to, but please don't worry. I don't want you to worry because I love you both so much ...."
The next time they hear from him is May 1945 and he is in USN Hospital in Great Lakes, Ill.
Geno never talked much about what happened to him or what he was doing while there.
Can anyone tell me how to find the history of this unit during this time period, or better yet, any information about Geno's service to his country.
Tim Sangalli
19 June 1944
I'm the grandson of M/T Sgt. John E. Bishop, VMSB-244. I have found a reference to an F4U crash in which the pilot was killed on 19 June of 1944 and I'm wondering if anyone might know who the pilot was. If anyone might have any information on my Grandad, the squadron or the crash please contact me at the above email.
MTSgt Edward W Levine
Hi, I was wondering if anyone had a record of or remembers MTSgt Edward Le Vine being KIA in VMSB-244. Maybe on Capt J A Anderson aircraft May 1944? Thank You
wwll (SAIPAN)
I've been trying to contact anyone who served on the Island of Saipan. My wife is from Saipan, over the years I've visited the Island many times, each time I become more interested in the battles that took place there. until his death my father in law would tell of many fierce battles some of them was on the family farm located in the village of Tanapag. if any one has stories or photos, please contact me.......Thank you
John Dodd
Did anyone know Maj. John Dodd? He was like a grandfather to me and I would like more information on his service with 244. He passed away about a year ago.
Thank you,
Rob Thomas
Rob Thomas
[06.29.2007]
Wn (Bill) Phillips
Ken Irving is looking to find a Mr. Wm (Bill) Phillips. If anyone has any information regarding him, please let Ken know. The last known address he has for Bill is in Red Bank, New Jersey.
Chester L. Wright
Ken,
My father, Chester L. Wright, was also in VMSB 244. He was part of the first group of Marines at Santa Barbara, California. He was later crew chief for Major Robert Johnston in SBC Helldivers when they went to the South Pacific in '42. He became Line Chief when Major Johnston returned state side in '44. He served on Green Island, Midway, Guadalcanal and Bouganville from December '42 to November '44. Some of the men in his outfit were Eddie Jones (became Leading Chief on Bouganville), Reo Green, Armand Piegon and Elmer Rutt (my uncle).
My parents currently live in Apple Valley, California. They are both 86 and doing well.
Would like to hear from you and any of the other sons or daughters of the bravest men this world has ever seen.
does anyone know F. Tuttle
Frank is my father and he lives here in Yuma, arizona now since I moved him out of New Orleans after Katrina. I will be happy to print any emails for him if you want to send him stuff or ask him questions. I can be reached at 800-391-9570 if you want to call me.
RE: Does anyone know F. Tuttle?
Frank Tuttle is my father actually. He now lives in Yuma Az, near my brother. I had no email to reply to Claudia, and honestly don't know who she is, but I can be reached at tut1953@earthlink.net, and relay a message to my dad. I actually came on here as a result of a Yahoo search for a picture of the Banshees insignia, so I guess it was good timing.
VMSB 243 Flying Goldbricks
Just to let everyone know, a gentleman by the name of Edward J. Gillespie contacted me over the weekend about a site he’s developing, www.vmsb243.com in honor of the men who served in VMSB-243. You can see the site by clicking on the link provided. I’ll also add a link to the home page in the next couple days. Take some time and look it over. He’s done a great job of capturing the history of that squadron.
244
I joined at New Hebrides about fall of 1943, then to Munda, first strike October 1943. The pilot was LT.
E. Lasalle, targets were Bouganville. I went on RR to Sydney, Austrailia Christmas 1943. Back to Efate, then to Bouganville, Empress Augusta Bay. Strikes were to Rabaul. Remembered LT Gilbert killed at Bouganville also LT Megetagan and Ray Venisia killed at Bouganville.
Frank Tuttle was my tent mate, last time I saw him was about early 1950 at Syracuse, New York. I have a photograph of all the gunners taken at Efate around
1944 and of course Brian Keith was in our squadron.
my daughter will scan the photo and send to you at a later date.
Sempi Fi
Nicholas
I KNEW A FRANK TUTTLE SAME OUTFIT
JOSH RE VMSB244 I WAS A RADIO GUNNER AND SERVED AT NEW GEORGIA AND
BOUGANVILLE 1943/44 email ntangredi@yahoo.com
I KNEW A FRANK TUTTLE SAME OUTFIT
SINCERELY N TANGREDI
Bombing Banshees Photos
Hello, my grandfather was Walter Donovan, who served with the Bombing Banshees in the south pacific. I have many pictures of the crew and airplanes, which I would be happy to share with anyone who is interested. If anyone has any information about my grandfather, or pictures of the men who served with him, please let me know. I would be happy to share my knowledge and pictures with all of you.
RE: Does anyone know F. Tuttle?
Claudia, My father (Ken Irving) has been in touch with Frank Tuttle several times in the past. You can contact Ken at ken_cindy244@yahoo.com and he will get you pointed in the right direction.
Welcome!
The Message Board is up and running! Please feel free to take this opportunity to submit a message by clicking the "Post Message" button listed above. It is open to the public and we would love to hear from you. As you may have already read on the home page, we are in the process of gathering as much information, not only about the 1st Marine Airwing Mag 24 VMSB-244 Bombing Banshees, but also any marine who served during World War II. So please tell us your stories, give us your comments, let us know who you are, or just use this tool to make contact with someone you know. We look forward to hearing from you.
