"A Bomber Crew's Long Road Home"

Memorial Day is fast approaching and with this solemn day comes parades,speeches, flag-waving and the placement of American flags on graves in countless cemeteries across this nation. There will also be many stories related to

the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces over the years...and who have made the ultimate sacrifice. That said, I feel the following account is probably one of the most poignant and heart-rending ones I've ever come across.

The original story first appeared in the Mar.7, 1960 issue of Life Magazine.

The story begins with the building of B-24D-25 CO, Army Air Force Serial Number 41-24301, at Consolidated Aircraft Corporation’s San Diego plant. She was assigned to the 514th Bomb Squadron of the 376th Bomb Group (Heavy), The Liberandos, of the 9th Bomber Command, 9th Air Force. Her pilot would be 1st Lt. William J. Hatton

With plane No. 64 painted on its nose, the bomber and her crew left Soluch Field, just outside of Bengazi, Libya, with two dozen other B-24s on April 4, 1943. The target was Naples Harbor. Mission 109 was essentially the new crew’s first combat mission. It was also their last. By the end of the day, and with but one brief communication, the fate of the bomber and her crew was unknown. After routine searches and many days, it was presumed that all nine men had perished with their Liberator, probably in the Mediterranean Sea.

Following thorough, but fruitless investigations, the case was officially closed June 15, 1948, the fate and circumstances of No. 64, code name Red Wing 4, still unresolved. Graves Registration Service, for the record, listed the crew as “unrecoverable”. So ended the government’s interest and the military life of 41-24301 and her crew.

But the saga of the “Lady Be Good” resurfaced on February 27, 1959, when a British oil survey team reached the sight of a crash-landed bomber. (The aircraft was first spotted by air in 1958 by a British oil exploration team and marked on maps). Noting the smashed up warbird, the U.S. Air Force was notified.

Beginning in March of that year, the fate and sorrow of the “Lady Be Good” unfolded. The Air Force had a plane but no crew.

Still wearing her livery of Sand and Neutral Gray, careful examination of 41-24301, now a priceless time capsule, revealed that the radio still worked, coffee in a thermos and canteens of water were still drinkable, oxygen bottles and fire extinguishers still operable, chewing gum, cigarettes and food were just as the nine men had left them. There was no battle damage. Fabric and rubber components were intact due to the hot, dry climate. Instruments were undamaged. Ammunition and weapons were just as deadly as on April 4. When found the “Lady Be Good” was indeed a ghost ship on an ocean of sand.

Whether by chance, a miracle or Providence, the full emotional impact of the recovery efforts didn’t materialize until after many months of searching.

While following a trail of shoes, parachutes, Mae Wests and other items left 17 years earlier, searchers came upon the remains of five of the crewmen, lying in close proximity to one another. Months later, three more crewmen would be found. Given the 17 years of winds and shifting sand, it was truly remarkable to find the remains and rescue them from the Saharan wasteland. The eight men were solemnly returned to their families.

Using Army records and notes from a diary found with the remains of the co-pilot, it became obvious the “Lady” and her green crew had made a navigational error on returning to base in the dark on 4 April. Because of that and a broken radio direction finder, they had no idea they’d overshot the airfield by 440 miles.

Thinking they were on course for Soluch but running out of fuel, the crew had bailed out. The bomber continued along in a gentle glide for about 26 more miles before reaching earth for the last time. The Calanshio Sand Sea, as timeless and unforgiving as the Sahara itself, had become the resting place for the “Lady Be Good” and her gallant crew.

What happened over the next eight days as the survivors headed northwest ... and home ... was noted in 2nd Lt. Robert F. Toner’s diary, the lone record of the tragic end of the “Lady Be Good”.

Written in a steady hand, the lieutenant’s sparse notes of the trek painfully foretold what the final outcome would be. His words are as heart breaking today as when written in 1943. Time has not diminished the sadness nor anguish they convey.

With only a half canteen of water and a few rations to start off with, five of the party could go no further after five days travel and eventually perished, Toner among them. The other three struggled on, in hopes of bringing back help. However, their remains too would eventually dot the bleak landscape along an unmarked path several miles long.

Presumably killed after bailing out, the bombardier was never part of the group. In time, though, his remains would be found but not those of gunner S/Sgt. Vernon L. Moore, one of the three who had pushed on.

The last three entries in Lt. Toner's diary reveal a sealed fate:

               Saturday, Apr. 10,1943

Still having prayer meetings for help. No signs of anything, a couple of birds; good wind from N.-Really weak now, can't walk, pains all over, still all want to die. Nites very cold, no sleep.

               Sunday 11

Still waiting for help, still praying, eyes bad, lost all our wgt, aching all over, could make it if we had water; just enough left to put our tongue to, have hope for help very soon, no rest, still same place.

             Monday 12

No help yet, very cold nite

The eight surviving members of the “Lady Be Good,” S/N 41-24301, with high hopes but little water, had traveled 75 miles before fate and the desert swallowed them up in their quest of reaching home and safety. It wasn’t until 17 years later that those eight men finally reached their destination.

The crew members standing next to the"The Lady Be Good" (L to R): 1st Lieutenant William J. Hatton, Pilot; 2d Lieutenant Robert F. Toner, Copilot; 2d Lieutenant Dp Hays, Navigator;  2d Lieutenant John S. Woravka, Bombardier; Technical Sergeant Harold J. Ripslinger, Flight Engineer; Technical Sergeant Robert E. LaMotte, Radio Operator; Staff Sergeant Guy E. Shelley, Gunner & Assistant Flight Engineer; Staff Sergeant Vernon L. Moore, Gunner & Assistant Radio Operator;  Staff Sergeant Samuel E. Adams, Gunner

Photos: Public Domain

North Carolina's HB 2 is More Than Just Restrooms

North Carolina's anti-discrimination law was written in a particular way; it specifically excludes the LGBT community from any sort of protection. The law was willfully designed to "legally" marginalize certain citizens of the United States. Thus, these people (and they are people) have no recourse at law where discrimination is concerned. And that is a violation of the 14th amendment which states, "...nor shall any State...deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." It's a violation of federal standards to deny anyone their day in court.

Whether you agree with someone's sexual orientation and lifestyle choices is immaterial. Many people do not agree with the LGBT way of life (I don't). Neither do they accept the choices cold-blooded killers have made. However, despite the atrocities and heinous crimes inflicted upon the citizens of the world by the likes of Adolf Eichmann, Charles Manson, Jeffrey Dahmer and Saddam Hussein, these barbaric examples of the human race got their day in court because a civilized society demands due process. Does the LGBT community deserve less than these four monstrous killers?

To deny men and women their right to due process, their day in court...a right guaranteed by the 14th amendment of our Constitution...because of their sexual orientation, is immoral and illegal. In essence, it's a sin.

North Carolina has set itself up as a self-appointed judge and jury where human lives and lifestyles are the battleground. Thus, if someone dies for any reason because of governmental arrogance, hypocritical self-righteousness and state-sanctioned discrimination concerning sexual orientation, it will have become a self-appointed executioner,too.

So, while at the moment the LGBT cannot file any discrimination law suits at the state level, I'm sure the US Department of Justice will be more than willing to handle the cases that are bound to land in its offices. And with that very real possibility looming on the horizon, the great and proud state of North Carolina might just have bitten off more than it can chew.

Show more rea2Bill Hughes and Jeanne Nelson

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Reflections Through a Glass of Beer

As I write this, I'm enjoying the first of two homemade tuna fish sandwiches (lots of onions!) with a cold bottle of Coors beer. The second sandwich will be accompanied by a second Coors. (one sandwich, one beer; two sandwiches, two beers). Laura Scudder's Potato Chips round out the simple but highly satisfying menu.

I'm sure there are readers out there who remember Hopalong Cassidy, at least from seeing him on TV. However, the character, developed by writer Clarence E. Mulford in 1912, and as portrayed by William Boyd, took root in 1935. "Hop-Along Cassidy" was the first of a long running movie series. Six films were initially planned but the series was so popular that by the end of its run in 1948, 66 episodes had been produced, all with Boyd as Hoppy. That is still the record for one actor playing the same role in a film series.

The 1960's didn't witness only the invasion of the Beatles along with other British groups. Americans are notorious for their love of fads. So, with the arrival of British rock 'n' roll, food seemed to be the logical next arrival from England. And it was. Fish and chips. Names like Carnaby Street (near us in La Puente; it's still there!) started popping up and became popular. The food was good, the menu simple (then); white fish, battered and  deep-fried, French fries, tartar sauce and malt vinegar. Good eats at a fair price.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was established in 1958. As of Jan. 1, 2016, there are 2,570 stars in place. Each star is made of pink coral terrazzo and brass, inlaid in black terrazzo. The Walk is so popular that an estimated 10 millions visitors view it yearly. Names like Joanne Woodward, Bob Hope, Mickey Rooney, Dinah Shore, Gale Storm, John Wayne, will forever be immortalized along the Walk of Fame. However, one will stand out. Clayton Moore's name is the only one to have a film character along side it: The Lone Ranger.

School bullying is a national concern. In my day, we had our own way of dealing with it. In grade school, up into junior high, we occasionally had slower students who were sometimes picked on or teased by students from other classrooms. But not for long; a few of the boys in my class (including yours truly) took care of the issue before the teachers got involved. Some choice words (and a threatened knuckle-sandwich) worked wonders. In fact, a knuckle-sandwich actually worked on one occasion..We took care of our own.

After WWII, the need for new homes was critical. Levittown, New York became the prototype for the familiar tract home. With great prices, a family,with one paycheck, could afford a new home.The one we bought in 1955, was $9250. With $395 down, $66/mo was a cinch. It had 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a double car garage on a spacious lot. A big reason for low prices...1200 homes were in the development, including new schools and a new shopping center, ALL within walking distance. America could use this idea today.

Black Lives Matter...And Here's Why

Many believe that Black Lives Matter is too narrow a concept; that being White, Latino, young ,old, LGBT, disabled, etc., is just as deserving of recognition as Black lives. While that's true without question, Black Lives Matter is about equality, not only in the eyes of society but in the eyes of the law. Black Lives Matter is what gives impetus to All Lives Matter. Black Lives Matter is the hub of the wheel; the individual groups its spokes. If Black lives don't matter, then millions of other American lives don't matter either.

It's not just about life and death. It's about equality where you live, where you work, where you eat, where you shop, where you attend school. And when that equality is challenged on a daily basis by a society that treats its member citizens at levels far from equal, it's inevitable that it will be challenged by a minority of men and women wearing a uniform, a badge...and carrying a gun.

Minority communities in general experience discrimination but members of the Black neighborhoods and "integrated" communities have an additional burden, one that has never really gone away...not since the days of the Civil Rights movement. Black citizens of this country see themselves leaving their homes each and every day wearing a target...a bull's eye, not always sure they will get through each day without being harassed, searched, manhandled, insulted.  Returning home is not seen as a guarantee.

I can't imagine living that kind of life. I can't imagine raising children in such a way that involves teaching them self-preservation...life or death...where law enforcement in concerned; where survival techniques are crucial when there's a confrontation with a person wearing a badge and carrying a lethal weapon.

And I use the term "confrontation" because if paths are crossed, it's almost certain the situation will be a confrontation; where one party will most assuredly be at a disadvantage...because of skin color.

Black citizens, and other minorities, are still living in a nation where they must continually prove they have a right to be here; to prove beyond any doubt that they are entitled to all the rights, privileges, dignity and respect in their efforts for "...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.", concepts guaranteed to every member of American society. But in that God-given pursuit, these citizens often run risks to life and limb.

Therefore, the Black community, along with Latinos, Asians, Native Americans and other non-Whites, must no longer be viewed as alien life forms; not when their ancestors helped develop this great nation. Contrary to what many would like to believe, the White man didn't do it alone.

Miami Gardens, Cleveland, North Charleston, Ferguson, Baton Rouge and Falcon Heights, are sadly, helping to create future battlefields in American streets. Daily headlines are showing where more and more Black and White citizens and certain members of law enforcement (and by extension the justice system) are increasingly estranged and mistrustful of one another. There's ample proof that both sides live in mortal fear of one another...and that fear isn't lessening. A Long Hot Summer is but a very short fuse away. Growing tension is being fueled by hatred, bitterness, fear...and bigotry. At this very moment, countless communities in America have the potential of going off like a cluster bomb...with equally disastrous results.

America can heal itself...it can bring itself together through all of the pain and suffering that engulfs it today. But in this writer's humble opinion, the bulk, if not all of the effort, must be made by law enforcement.

And I don't say this lightly. Over the years, I've had friends and acquaintances in law enforcement. Nonetheless, all agencies of law enforcement must accept the fact that Black citizens of this nation are not the enemy; they are not to be scrutinized in the hopes of catching them breaking the law or proving that they can't be trusted, thus unworthy of the respect and dignity due everybody regardless of skin color. They are not to be maligned or marginalized because of a stereotypical perspective that has persisted far too long in this nation. Once these things and many others are addressed by ALL law enforcement agencies, then and only then can progress be made in winning back the trust and respect of the Black community.

But here's the kicker. The White public cannot remain blase' or indifferent. Whites must play a significant role in this; they must take an active part. As long as law enforcement feels it has the blessing of White America in its often capricious, unprofessional and heavy-handed methods regarding minorities: as long as White America continues to believe the fairy tale that all citizens are actually "equal under the law;" that all citizens are equally protected by the banner, "To Serve and To Protect," nothing will change.

Black Lives Matter is important simply because it establishes All Lives Matter; it represents respect, dignity, growth, maturity, prosperity, caring for the other guy...regardless of who he is...or the color of of his skin.

Reflections Through a Glass of Beer

It's been a while but here I am. I just stopped at In 'N' Out Burger for two healthy cheeseburgers (with the works, including grilled onions) and a mouthwatering order of fries. However, I first detoured to the Cap and Cork Liquor store for a quart of really cold Coors beer! I'm feasting here in the park as I write this. The beer's still in the brown paper bag for security reasons. A plastic cup isn't a frosted beer glass, but...

Growing up in the LA television viewing area was special, especially in the 1960's. With seven stations, three network affiliates and four independents, there was a fantastic assortment of local programs. This was notably true for the indies, KHJ (Ch.9), KTTV (Ch.11), KCOP (Ch.13) and KTLA (Ch.5).

Each of the indies had their own local, well-known personalities. The network affiliates (KNXT 2, KNBC 4 and KABC 7),too, had show hosts that the LA people were quite familiar with.

The affiliates had a mix of network and local programming that lasted until prime time took over in the evening when it switched to network shows. The indies, though, were local programming throughout the day.

Out of this abundance of quality, locally produced viewing, Ben Hunter's Matinee Movie stands out for me. It aired on KTTV.

Monday through Friday, 12:30-3:30, Ben, with his big, ingratiating smile, easy going style and cup of coffee, hosted movies and a vast assortment of guests. The set was far from elegant or fancy but it was comfortable in its simplicity.And his show, like others in the area, also had live commercials. Those for Pfaff sewing machines, with demonstrations of what they could do, stand out in particular.

The show was unpretentious. It was simple for simpler times. The easy-going banter between Ben and his guests made life seem even more at ease, especially with the Civil Rights movement gaining traction.

 Guests discussed a myriad of topics, from upcoming local events, places of interest and the various activities of local and civic organizations. I remember one guest in particular, a young female soldier, who modeled a proposed dress uniform for the US Army in the mid 1960's. She said it was patterned after the cavalry dress uniforms worn by US soldiers during middle part of the 19th century...a close-fitting jacket in dark blue for men and women; sky blue pants for both men and women. A skirt, in the same dark blue of the jacket, was optional. As far as I know, this uniform combination wasn't accepted by the Army.

 At some point during the first movie, Ben would make himself comfortable and have his lunch, right there on the set! It originated fresh from Norm's Restaurant on La Cienega. With the camera up close, Ben would describe what he was having that day; a toasted Reuben sandwich with potato salad; or a cheese burger and fries; or a hot roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. A small steak with a baked potato and a salad was not uncommon. And I assume his guest enjoyed the same excellent lunch. Once Ben started to enjoy his meal, the movie resumed.

It was the lunch from Norm's, fresh and tantalizing, that really set Ben's show apart from other local programs. By sharing with viewers what he was having that day, it almost seemed like Ben was family. Teamed with the live ads, it added immensely to a small town-like ambiance even though the whole affair was  encircled by metropolitan Los Angeles.

Ben Hunter's Matinee Movie is long gone but the fond memories will always survive.

   

Politicians Unequaled at Wasting $$$$$

     The House Select Committee on Benghazi recently released its findings surrounding the Benghazi disaster. While the 800 page document shed no new light on what happened or who was responsible for the deaths of four Americans that tragic day, it does shed a critical light on an increasingly pathetic portrayal of the nation's Congressional membership...a portrayal of unchecked stupidity on a daily basis. And since this "report" was a bipartisan, twelve member effort, that stupidity is to be shared by Pachyderms and Jackasses alike.

     It took two years for the Republican-controlled House to amass more than one and a half reams of paper. However, it's the price tag for that heap of tree pulp that really begs for the term STUPIDITY. For you see, a mere $7 million was expended to tell the American public virtually nothing more than it already knew...two years ago.

     Admittedly, $7 million is but a pittance, a lowly drop in the bucket, when it comes to a federal budget in the neighborhood of $4 trillion dollars. But when broken down, the price comes to an embarrassing $8,750 per page...$8,750 hard-earned taxpayer dollars. And let it be noted, using basic arithmetic, that price works out to be $52,500 per ounce of paper. That's about 40 times the going rate for a bright, shiny one ounce gold coin like a Krugerrand. Honestly, to protect our "investment," Congress should have engaged, at the very least, an armed guard of U.S. Marshals when it came time to distribute that "golden" report. Hey, nothing's too good for the American public, right?

     Now, you're probably wondering who got the $7 million? Those astute among you guessed it right off; high-priced mouthpieces, not unlike those employed by racketeers and global corporations.That's what makes the price tag even more ludicrous. In essence, what are we paying members of a Congressional committee to do? Well, in this case, it would appear just to read a worthless report commissioned by them...at our expense...as always.

     This monetary absurdity must fall within the realm (fantasy land?!) of what Congress obviously considers getting the biggest bang for the buck; spending tons of money on a project but getting no results. There's apparently no money back guarantee either. Makes you feel proud that Congress shops bargain basement for us, now doesn't it?

     But make no mistake; if the shoe was on the other foot, if the Democrats were in control of such a committee, they would have done nothing different. To politicians, $7 million is only money...our money. That's pocket change, walking around money for the federal government. But, just the same, isn't it nice to see your tax dollars hard at work?

     So, for those who have children or grandchildren who are wondering what line of work to choose, have them pick law. Afterwards, they should seek out employment with a prestigious Washington, D.C., law firm. Being associated with the Beltway's "upper crust" would be ideal in advancing one's career in jurisprudence. Then, once established, they could could work on another "important" Congressional project or report at taxpayers' expense. Wouldn't you feel so proud? Wouldn't that just make your day?

An Absence of Justice...Will It Ever End?

     America has always taken pride in the slogan "justice is blind" regarding its legal system but with that belief, philosophy...ideal, much injustice not only exits in the "land of the free" but it is all-too-prevalent in a land where all men are to be treated "equal under the law". Such an injustice was inflicted on 24 year-old Jamar Clark. On the night of November 15, 2015, justice turned a blind eye on the Life and, quite possibly, the Civil Rights, of this young man. In 61 seconds, many lives changed forever...and not for the better. And that injustice has been compounded by the Hennepin County attorney's office.
     One particular finding of that office I find glaringly off-base and I take exception with it...and quite strongly.
     After the shooting, Officer Mark Ringgenberg stated to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) that once he and Mr. Clark fell to the ground, with Mr. Clark pinned beneath him (Ringgenberg's back against Clark's stomach), he felt his gun shift from his hip to the small of his back. Ringgenberg also claimed he felt Clark's hand on his gun and he said to his partner Officer Dustin Schwarze, "He's got my gun." Based on my experience with police duty rigs, this scenario is impossible.
     Many years ago I participated in police combat matches in Tucson, Arizona. Competing against various law enforcement officers, including city, county, state, and federal, as well as civilians, I can attest to the fact that duty rigs DO NOT shift as Ringgenberg claimed. For his claim to be valid, his duty belt, with holstered weapon, cuff case, clip pouch and assorted other equipment and keepers, would have had to move 90 degrees; about 8-9 inches. And all within perhaps 45-50 seconds.
     My duty rig, which I still have, is virtually identical to those worn by the above mentioned officers (and many civilians). The outfit includes a standard duty belt, holster (rigidly fitted on the belt and immovable) for a Colt .45 semi-automatic pistol, dual clip pouch and the customary four keepers. Not once, in all of the combat matches I participated in (and countless hours of practice), did my duty belt come loose from its moorings. Not once did I see any other rigs come loose.The friction from the belt itself, along with that produced from the clip pouch, were factors in stability. But it was the four keepers I wore (two in the front and two in the back) that were far more instrumental in having the weapon stay where it was supposed to. And that's what they're supposed to do. They keep the whole unit in one place, preventing it from riding up when sitting, bending, stooping or getting in and out of a patrol car. You don't want to have to continually adjust the rig and you don't want to have go "searching" for your weapon when you need it most nor have someone come up behind you and quickly turn it around!
     As to the mechanics of "keepers," mine are double snap-button in nature. Made of narrow pieces of  heavy leather 3/4 inch wide, they wrap quite snugly around the trouser belt and duty belt; once fastened in place, they hold the two belts securely together. With a duty belt correctly and comfortably fitted around the waist and the keepers properly placed near a trouser loop, the duty belt/trouser belt combination cannot move but maybe an inch in either direction and that's only because of a slight give in the unit. But 90 degrees and eight or nine inches? No.
     It's also been established during the inquiry that Ringgenberg had ten such keepers securing his duty belt. The BCA investigator was apparently surprised at this but did not pursue the subject. So, given how keepers are supposed to work and the presence of other equipment attached to a duty belt, that poses a problem. Also, my understanding of the inquiry indicates there was no reenactment of the events to verify Ringgenberg's claim. That in itself muddies the waters regarding Ringgenberg's recollection of the events.
     But how did Clark end up behind Ringgenberg in the first place? Why didn't Ringgenberg quickly get to his feet rather lying on Clark for those crucial seconds?  And even IF Clark had been able to shift the gun a few inches, how could he have managed to squeeze the holstered weapon and his hand between his body and that of the officer lying on top of him? Logically, Clark would have had better luck trying to seize Ringgenberg's weapon while it was still his hip.
     It is self-evident that in just over a minute, two trained police officers lost control of the situation involving Jamar Clark. These officers were unable to subdue an intoxicated man (0.09 Blood Alcohol Concentration) who also had THC (the active compound of marijuana) in his blood stream. Justice failed...again.
     Shakespeare wrote, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark." Well, something certainly is rotten in the Minneapolis-area "legal system" and somebody better put an end to that stench...and soon.