Posted:
By: L. Charles Westervelt
On: 05/12/2004
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I love the new look of the website. It is quite professional, just like the 401st.
Last week, I had the opportunity to be in Washington, DC. I "logged" many hours in the National Archives (both Archives I and II) researching my family. One of my tasks was to see what was available for the 401st Bombardment Group. I am sure that you are aware of this, but there are "tons" of documents, as well as photos, of the 401st. There are many boxes containing information for each bombing mission. My father, Lloyd H. Westervelt, was in the ground crew of the 614th Squadron. I looked through hundreds of pictures before I hit paydirt. I found a photo of my father waiting to receive donuts from one of the female volunteers. The caption of the photo states:
"GI's of the 401st Bomb Group are served refreshments at the Red Cross dance officially opening the 'Aero Club' at an 8th Air Force base in England on 11 February 1944".
Needless to say, I made a copy of this photo. My copy is actually a photo of the photo, so the photo I have is almost identical to the actual photo in the Archives. I intend to frame the photo and present it to my father as a birthday gift on his 83th birthday, which is June 22.
To all you 401st historians, I heartily recommend spending some time at the National Archives, College Park. It will be time well spent!!!!
Sincerely,
L. Charles Westervelt
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