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J.D. Calaway
6/19/2002 5:14:44 PM | My name is Joseph David Calaway, and my maternal grandfather was a Joseph David "J.D." Strauss. In attempting to do some research about my grandfather's war years, I stumbled across your website. Looking over the section on the website "Missions 201 through 254," I noticed there are two missions--one on 19 April 1945 and another on 31 March 1945--that were commanded by a "J.D. Strauss."
I know from conversations with my grandmother (her memory has been suffering) that my grandfather flew B-17s as late as 1945 in a bomb group unknown to her. Before 1945 (or possibly 1944), he was a flight instructor at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo. I also know that his plane's nickname might've been "Hell on Wheels," or some variant of that name (it's a play on my grandmother's name, Helen). I am also positive he held the rank of major (from some grainy black-and-white photos I was able to match the insignia on his collar with the one in a box of his old decorations).
I know these are pretty sketchy facts, but I was wondering if anyone here could confirm whether or not my grandfather flew with the 401st. And if so, is there anyone who knew him well enough to perhaps talk to me about him? Any help or information would be greatly, greatly appreciated.
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Scott McElvain
6/20/2002 11:04:55 AM | There is a Major J. Strauss listed as a pilot in the 612th Squadron. According to the squadron booklet of crews alphabetical by pilot, he flew missions from 22 Feb 45 to 19 April 45, was a Squadron Air Commander for his next to the last four missions and Mission Air Commander on his last. Planes flown included serial numbers 43-38637 (SC-L), 42-31662 (SC-B) Fancy Nancy IV, 42-102398 (SC-H). I can send you the list of crew members and missions and info on the different planes including negative numbers that you can use to order photos from the National Archives. The 401st had a few "Hell" related airplanes. Will see what I can dig up on them.
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J.D. Calaway....
6/21/2002 1:47:11 PM | Thanks so much for the info, and both the crew lists, miision info, and negative numbers would be greatly, greatly appreciated. Can't thank you enough, Scott.
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L.A. MItchell
6/23/2002 2:27:53 PM | The 401st Bomb Group holds their biennial reunion in Tucson,Az in October 2002.We welcome descendants as Associate members.Send me your US mail address and will send you details nd application blank.LAM
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