COMMENTS & NOTES
MEMO 1:
CREW
1ST LT SUMNER H. REEDER
ORGINAL 100TH PILOT
349TH CREW #9 A/C #42-30088 "SQUAWKIN HAWK"
1ST LT SUMNER H. REEDER P: CPT 13 JUL 44 MUNICH (DSC and Purple Heart for Sept 6, 1943 mission)
F/O HARRY EDEBURN CP: KIA, 6 SEP 43 STUTTGART (DSC and Purple Heart for Sept 6, 1943 mission. F/O Edeburn got the bullet proof glass for Squawkin Hawk from Supply Depot)
2ND LT RUSSELL W. ENGEL NAV: SWA, 6 SEP 43 STUTTGART (DSC & Purple Heart for Sept 6, 1943 mission. Lt Engel First mission is flown with Lt Van Noy as a fill in on 25 JUN 43 mission to Bremen)
2ND LT PETER F. DELAO BOM: SWA, 6 SEP 43 STUTTGART (Purple Heart for Sept 6, 1943 Mission
S/SGT HAROLD L. POPE TTE: EVAD 5 NOV 43 GELSENKIRCHEN (DFC for Sept 6, 1943 mission)
PVT ORRIN W. FURLONG LWG: RFS (moved to Ground position after 6 Sept 43 Stuttgart Mission)
T/SGT CONNOR D. BREWSTER ROG: KIA , 5 NOV 43 GELSENKIRCHEN (CHUTE FAILED TO OPEN)
S/SGT FRANCIS G. DOLSEN BTG: POW, 5 NOV 43 GELSENKIRCHEN
S/SGT JAMES MARASCO TG: POW, 5 NOV 43 GELSENKIRCHEN
S/SGT ROBERT M. LOVIN RWG: CPT 29 JAN 44 FRANKFURT
MISSIONS OF CAPT SUMNER H. REEDER AND HIS CREW
1. 29/06/43 LeMANNS A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
2. 04/07/43 LaPALLICE A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
3. 10/07/43 LeBOURGET A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
4. 14/07/43 LeBOURGET A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
5. 17/07/43 HAMBURG A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
6. 24/07/43 TRONDHEIM A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
7. 29/07/43 WARNEMUNDE A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
8. 30/07/43 KASSEL A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
9. 12/08/43 BONN (S.T.) A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
10. 19/08/43 WOENSDRECHT A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
11. 24/08/43 CONCHES A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
12. 03/09/43 PARIS A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
13. 06/09/43 STUTTGART A/C 25957 HORNY II XR-D (FIRST MISSION FOR THIS PLANE)
LT SUMNER REEDER WAS WOUNDED IN ACTION ON THIS MISSION AND FOR HIS HEROIC EFFORTS THIS DAY, RECEIVED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS. "From Somewhere in England"
"ON THE 6 SEP 43 MISSION TO STUTTGART AS "SQUAWKIN HAWK" BEGAN THE BOMB RUN, FOUR FIGHTERS ATTACKED FROM TWELVE O'CLOCK HIGH. 20 MM SHELLS RIDDLED THE NOSE SECTION AND THE COCKPIT. THE CO-PILOT, F/O EDEBURN, WAS KILLED AND REEDER WAS WOUNDED. FRAGMENTS FROM THE SHELL HITTING EDEBURN ALSO DAMAGED THE SHIP'S OXYGEN SYSTEM. OTHER ROUNDS ENTERED THE NOSE COMPARTMENT, SEVERLY WOUNDING, RUSSELL ENGEL, THE NAVIAGATOR, WHO LOST AN EYE. PETER DELAO, THE BOMBARDIER, RECEIVED SEVERE HEAD AND BODY WOUNDS. THE ENGINEER, HAROLD POPE, SUCCEEDED IN SALVOING THE BOMBS AND REEDER DIVED INTO A LOWER FORMATION SEEKING PROTECTION. POPE MANAGED TO HELP ENGEL IN THE CO-PILOT SEAT, WHERE DESPITE HIS WOUNDS HE AIDED REEDER WITH FLYING "SQUAWKIN HAWK. LACKING OXYGEN REEDER DECENDED TO MIMINUM TERRAIN CLEARANCE ALTIITUDE. SUFFERING GRAVELY FROM WOUNDS AND UNSURE OF CORRECT HEADINGS FOR HOME, THEY SOMEHOW REACHED ENGLAND WHERE REEDER LANDED THE "SQUAWKIN HAWK ON A GRASS RUNWAY AT A RAF FIGHTER STRIP. FOR BOTH RUSS ENGEL AND PETE DELAO THE WAR WAS OVER. AFTER EXTENDED HOSPITAL STAYS IN ENGLAND THEY WERE RETURNED TO THE U.S. THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS WAS AWARDED TO BOTH REEDER AND ENGEL AS WELL AS POSTHUMOUSLY TO HARRY EDEBURN (who was awarded the medal due to his continued effort to return to the controls and help his injured pilot fly the damaged plane even though he himself wasy dying from the wounds he sustaine from the 20 mm.) . REEDER RECOVERED FROM HIS WOUNDS AND LATER BECAME C.O. OF THE 349TH. ON 19 MAR 44, HAVING COMPLETED HIS TOUR AND RETURNED TO THE STATES, SUMNER REEDER WAS KILLED IN A C-54 TRAINING ACCIDENT OFF THE FLORIDA COAST.
THE BADLY DAMAGED "SQUAWKIN HAWK" WAS REPAIRED AND RESTORED TO OPERATIONS. SHE BECAME THE FIRST 100TH AIRCRAFT TO COMPLETE 50 MISSIONS. WITH HER SKIN AUTOGRAPHED BY THE MEM OF THE 100TH SHE WAS FLOWN BACK TO THE STATES FOR A WAR BOND TOUR. "
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Interview with Frank Dolsen (oct 2007 by MPF):
"A few days after the Stutgartt we were sent to a "flak house" in the south of England When we returned to the base Maj Veal came by and asked us if we wanted to continued to fly our missions or be taken off combat status. Orrin Furlong took the offer and was moved to Ground duties. Maj Veal explained that he was putting together pick up crews and said he would keep the Reeder enlisted men together if we continued to fly. We decided we would continue flying missions and Leon MacDonald (spare gunners pool) took Furlong's place at WG. I always respected Maj Veal for coming to us and offering us the option. We were given new officers and Lt Flesh was the Pilot. We had a S/Sgt Charles Ping fly with us as a TG on a few missions but he RFS afer a few missions. I remember once we came down through the soup out over the North Sea and came right out on top of two German Mine sweepers who through up some flak at us. Ping freaked out and had to be held down in the Radio room until the plane landed. Our enlisted men were bunked with the enlisted men from Lt Jack Justice crew."
(mpf) Lt William Flesh took over the crew of Capt. Sumner Reeder after Reeder and his officers were injured on Sept 6, 1943 mission to Stuttgart. The makeup of Lt Flesh Crew after Sept 6, 1943 contained the following members.
Lt William Flesh P (XFR to 482nd Bomb Group at Alconbury and ended up at 303rd BG)
Lt John Gossage CP (POW Mar. 3, 1944 BERLIN)
Lt James Lux BOM
Lt Omar Gonzales NAV
T/Sgt Harold Pope TTE (From S. Reeder crew)
T/Sgt Connor Brewster- ROG (From S. Reeder crew)
S/Sgt Frank Dolson BTG (From S. Reeder crew)
S/Sgt Orrin Furlong WG (From S. Reeder crew)
S/Sgt Robert Lovin WG (From S. Reeder crew)
S/Sgt Charles Ping TG RFS
MISSION LIST OF LT FLESH CONTINUED:
SEPT. 23, 1943 VANNES a/c 230799 BIGASSBIRD II
SEPT. 26, 1943 PARIS a/c 230799 BIGASSBIRD II
OCT. 4, 1943 HANAU a/c 25861 LADEN MAIDEN
NOV. 5, 1943 GELSENKIRCHEN (info below) a/c 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
Mission: Gelsenkirchen
Date: 5 Nov 1943 349th Sqdn..
CREW:
William R. Flesh P CPT
John G.Gossage CP POW Mar 3,1944 Berlin
Omar Gonzales NAV POW (Group Navigator)
James J. Lux BOM POW
Conner D. Brewster ROG KIA (From S. Reeder crew)
Harold L. Pope TTE EVADEE (From S. Reeder crew)
Francis G. Dolsen BTG POW (From S. Reeder crew)
George P. Gineikis WG EVADEE (From G. Van Noy crew)
Leon E. MacDonald WG EVADEE
James Marasco TG POW (From S. Reeder crew)
NOVEMBER 1943. MISSION GILSENKIRCHEN."SQUAWKIN HAWK" PILOTED BY WILLIAM FLESH AND CO-PILOTED BY JOHN GOSSAGE, LOST IT'S CREW, INCLUDING OMAR GONZALES, 'ONCE GROUP NAVIGATOR' WHEN AFTER SUSTAINING HEAVY BATTLE DAMAGE, THEY WERE ORDERED TO BAIL OUT AND EVERYBODY EXCEPT THE PILOTS JUMPED. ON RECOVERING CONTROL, LIEUTENANTS FLESH AND GOSSAGE BROUGHT THE SHATTERED PLANE BACK, TO LAND AT RAF TANGMERE IN KENT.UNFORTUNATELY, THE RADIO OPERATOR, CONNOR BREWSTER WAS KILLED WHEN HIS PARACHUTE FAILED TO OPEN. THE ENGINEER HAROLD POPE AVOIDED CAPTURE AND AIDED BY THE UNDERGROUND MANAGED TO GET BACK TO ENGLAND. WAIST GUNNER GEORGE GINEIKIS, ALSO BECAME AN EVADEE. THE REST WERE TAKEN PRISONER OF WAR.THIS FORTRESS WAS REPAIRED AND RETURNED TO COMBAT STATUS. THE BADLY DAMAGED "SQUAWKIN HAWK" WAS REPAIRED AND RESTORED TO OPERATIONS. SHE BECAME THE FIRST 100TH AIRCRAFT TO COMPLETE 50 MISSIONS. WITH HER SKIN AUTOGRAPHED BY THE MEN OF THE 100TH, SHE WAS FLOWN BACK TO THE STATES FOR A WAR BOND TOUR.
---> SUBMITTER INFORMATION
SUBMITTER: Michael Moores LeBlanc
EMAIL: mmleblanc@sympatico.ca
PURPOSE: Submit general feedback
INTEREST: I am researching WW2 history
MESSAGE
Message: I was checking details about the Wm R. Flesh crew 349 BS, FTR 5 Nov '43 and note an error in your information.
S/Sgt Leon E. 'Al' MacDonald, 32287971 was not a Pow. He is listed as E&E 256 and was the 208th evader helped by the famous Comete line, crossing into Spain on 27 Nov 43, together with fellow crew man George Gineikis….Michael LeBlanc
Operations Report says: "Plane was hit in #! Engine after bombs away. All crew members
except Pilot and Co-pilot bailed out, on orders, over the target area."
Flesh and Gossage managed to fly the ship back to England.
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Subj: Re: Question from eBay Member
Date: 5/24/2003 4:13:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: squawk6980@yahoo.com
To: MPFaley@aol.com
Sent from the Internet (Details)
Hello Mike, Here is the list of missions, sorry for the delay! These are listed in the order written in the book! Berlin-2, Bremen-2, Brux, Hamburg, Krusnohori, Munster, Magdeburg, Regensberg, Ruhland, Stuttgart, Schmiedeberg, Paris, and Zeitz! Looks like there may have been one more that was erased! The artwork in the book shows 16 bombs, one that almost looks like half a mission? And 13 enemy A/C kills. I know that the missions were raised in late June, or July, 44 to 35! I belive Maj. Reeder completed in mid July, 44.I have heard that Squawkin Hawk was at a base in New Mexico for a time in August 44! Do you know if this aircraft was scrapped, or crashed? Did this aircraft have nose art on both sides? I appreciate your help! Cheers! Michael Minovich
SQUAWKIN HAWK WAS RETURNED TO THE STATES ON MAY 17, 1944 FOR A WAR BOND DRIVE. AFTER THAT, SHE WAS KEPT STATESIDE AS A TRAINING AIRCRAFT AND EVENTUALLY ENDED UP AT WALNUT RIDGE, AK. WHERE SHE WAS SCRAPPED. EVERY PHOTO WE HAVE OF THIS AIRCRAFT SHOWS NOSE ART ONLY ON THE PILOTS SIDE. EVERY CREW SHOT AND PUBLICITY PHOTO IS TAKEN FROM THE PILOTS SIDE WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THERE WAS ONLY NOSE ART ON ONE SIDE. ALSO, SOME OF THE NAMES YOU HAVE LISTED FROM REEDERS BOOK DO NOT CORRESPOND WITH THE TIME FRAME HE SERVERED. OTHERS WE CANNOT PINPOINT THE EXACT DATE. BELOW ARE 24 MISSIONS THAT HE DEFINITELY FLEW ON. THESE ARE COURTESY OF OUR DATABASE, PAUL ANDREWS APPENDICES IN FRANK MURPHY’S BOOK “LUCK OF THE DRAW”, AND THE 349TH BOMB SQUADRON DIARY.
REGARDS,
MICHAEL FALEY
100TH BOMB GROUP PHOTO ARCHIVES
100TH BOMB GROUP HISTORIAN
MISSIONS OF CAPT SUMNER REEDER
1. 29/06/43 LeMANNS A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
2. 04/07/43 LaPALLICE A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
3. 10/07/43 LeBOURGET A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
4. 14/07/43 LeBOURGET A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
5. 17/07/43 HAMBURG A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
6. 24/07/43 TRONDHEIM A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
7. 29/07/43 WARNEMUNDE A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
8. 30/07/43 KASSEL A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
9. 12/08/43 BONN (S.T.) A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
10. 19/08/43 WOENSDRECHT A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
11. 24/08/43 CONCHES A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
12. 03/09/43 PARIS A/C 230088 SQUAWKIN HAWK
13. 06/09/43 STUTTGART A/C 25957 HORNY II XR-D
LT SUMNER REEDER WAS WOUNDED IN ACTION ON THIS MISSION AND FOR HIS HEROIC EFFORTS THIS DAY, RECEIVED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS.
14. 07/01/44 LUDWIGSHAVEN (1ST MISSION BACK AFTER WOUNDS SUFFERED ON SEPT 6, 1943. CAPT REEDER FLEW A PFF AIRCRAFT
WHICH WAS CONSIDERABLY SHOT UP.) CAPT REEDER IS NOW OPERATIONS OFFICER 349TH BS.
15. 25/02/44 REGENSBURG
16. 18/04/44 BERLIN
19/04/44 CAPT REEDER BECOMES COMMANDING OFFICER OF 349TH BS
17. 27/04/44 LeCULOT
MAY 1944 CAPT REEDER IS PROMOTED TO MAJOR.
18. 09/05/44 LEON (FLEW AS AIR COMMANDER OF 13TH COMBAT WING)
19. 12/05/44 BRUX (CZECH)
20. 23/05/44 TROYES
21. 28/05/44 MAGDEBURG
22. 06/06/44 D-DAY- LEAD 100TH “B” GROUP
23. 07/07/44 BOHLEN, MERSEBURG
24. 13/07/44 MUNICH
BY JULY 19, 1944 MAJ SUMNER REEDER HAD COMPLETED HIS MISSIONS AND IS REPLACED AS SQUADRON C.O. BY MAJ SAMMY BARR. MAJ BARR HAD RELINGUISHED COMMAND OF THE 349TH TO MAJ REEDER WHEN HE WENT STATESIDE FOR R&R BEFORE RETURNING FOR A SECOND TOUR OF DUTY.
ON MARCH 19, 1945 MAJOR REEDER WAS LOST OFF THE COAST OF THE COAST, EAST OF ROCK HARBOR, FLORIDA WHEN A C-54 WITH REEDER FLYING AS A STUDENT CO-PILOT CRASHED FROM UNKNOWN CAUSES.
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REEDER, SUMNER H. DSC
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Sumner H. Reeder, First Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 September 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by First Lieutenant Reeder on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: U.S. Strategic Forces in Europe, General Orders No. 16 (1944)
*EDEBURN, HARRY E. (KIA) DSC
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Harry E. Edeburn (T-060794), Flight Officer, U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Co-Pilot of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 September 1943, against enemy targets in European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Flight Officer Edeburn on this occasion, at the cost of his life, have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 97 (1943)
Home Town: Brookville, Pennsylvania
Personal Awards: Distinguished Service Cross (WWII), Air Medal, Purple Heart
ENGEL, RUSSEL W. DSC
Synopsis:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Russel W. Engel, Second Lieutenant (Air Corps), U.S. Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as an Officer of a B-17 Heavy Bomber in the 349th Bombardment Squadron, 100th Bombardment Group (H), EIGHTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 6 September 1943, against enemy targets in the European Theater of Operations. The personal courage and devotion to duty displayed by Second Lieutenant Engel on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 8th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
Headquarters: European Theater of Operations, U.S. Army, General Orders No. 96 (1943)
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MEMO 2:
- No MACR.
PHOTOS:
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SQUAWKIN HAWK - October 1943 (left to right)
S/Sgt. Charlie Ping-Tail Gunner, T/Sgt. Conner Brewster-Radio, S/Sgt. Francis "Frank" Dolsen-Ball Turret Gunner, Lt. Russell Engel-Navigator, Capt. Sumner Reeder-Pilot, S/Sgt. Robert M. Lovin-L/Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. Orrin Furlong-R/Waist Gunner.
Courtesy of Frank Dolsen. via his Nephew, Michael L. Dolsen, Anchorage, Alaska.
Frank still lives in Northville, MI...(8 Jan 2002)
Most of crew gathered for a photo shot, just after Lt. Engle returned from the hospital) |
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Nathan Howland colorization of Reeder Crew. Photo courtesy of David Engel |
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Capt Sumner Reeder's Crew Enlisted men in front of their B-17F 'Squawkin Hawk' of the 100th BG - 349th BS. L-R (front) Brewster, Ping, Lovin, (Back Row) L-R Dolsen, Pope, Furlong.
Credit: 100th BG Archives
Repair and colourisation - Nathan Howland - HowdiColour. |
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Sumner Reeder crew in front of "SQUAWKIN' HAWK" - Oct. 1943. Just a little get-together after the Stuttgart raid when Lt. Engel returned from the hospital. Back Row from left: Conner Brewster, Frank Dolsen, Charles Ping, Robert M. Lovin, Orrin Furlong. Kneeling from left: Russ Engel, Sumner Reeder. Detailed Information (100th Photo Archives) |
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Sumner Reeder crew in front of "SQUAWKIN' HAWK" - Oct. 1943. Just a little get-together after the Stuttgart raid when Lt. Engel returned from the hospital. Back Row from left: Conner Brewster, Frank Dolsen, Charles Ping, Robert M. Lovin, Orrin Furlong. Kneeling from left: Russ Engel, Sumner Reeder. Detailed Information (100th Photo Archives) |
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Sumner H. Reeder crew. Detailed Information (100th Photo Archives) |
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SQUAWKIN HAWK - October 1943 (left to right)
S/Sgt. Charlie Ping-Tail Gunner, T/Sgt. Conner Brewster-Radio, S/Sgt. Francis "Frank" Dolsen-Ball Turret Gunner, Lt. Russell Engel-Navigator, Capt. Sumner Reeder-Pilot, S/Sgt. Robert M. Lovin-L/Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. Orrin Furlong-R/Waist Gunner.
Courtesy of Frank Dolsen. via his Nephew, Michael L. Dolsen, Anchorage, Alaska.
Frank still lives in Northville, MI...(8 Jan 2002)
Most of crew gathered for a photo shot, just after Lt. Engle returned from the hospital) |
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Peter F. Delao on left and flight crew. Detailed Information (100th Photo Archives) |
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Francis Dolsen POW photo from Stalag 17B. Group four is shown in front of their hut in May 1945. Francis Dolsen is second from right on the back row. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Photo of the original Sumner Reeder crew officers taken in Blythe, CA. L to R: Russell Engel, Odegaard, Peter Delao and Sumner Reeder. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Photo of original Sumner Reeder crew officers taken in Blythe, CA. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Pilot Sumner Reeder with Navigator Russell Engel soon after Engle recuperated from wounds suffered on the 6 Sept 43 mission. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Horny II 25957 Damaged A/C flown by the Reeder crew on the 6 Sept 43 Stuttgart mission on which Co-Pilot Harry Edeburn was KIA, Pilot Sumner Reeder was wounded, and Navigator Russell Engel and Bombardier Peter Delao were severely wounded. Contrary to historical references and stories about the Sept 6, 1943 Mission to Stuttgart, The Sumner Reeder crew maintains that the plane they flew on Sept 6, 1943 was not Squawkin Hawk but another aircraft. Squawkin Hawk was being repaired and the crew took another B-17F. This story has validity in the fact that Edeburn was killed by a 20mm that came through the copilot window. (Note the hole in the window.) On Squawkin Hawk, Edeburn had personally midnight requisitioned bulletproof glass for the cockpit windows. Had this been Squawkin Hawk, he would not have been killed. This information is directly from the surviving Crew members. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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1943 shot of Russell Engel and some members of the Reeder crew in front of Squawkin Hawk after Engel's release from the hospital. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Some Reeder crew enlisted men L to R: WG Conner Brewster-KIA 5 Nov 43, TG Robert Lovin-CPT 29 Jan 44, TTE Harold Pope-Evadee 5 Nov 43, and BTG Francis Dolson-POW 5 Nov 43. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Article on F/O Edeburn |
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Harold Pope article |
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Curtis LeMay decorating from left: Harold L. Pope and Sumner Reeder. The awards were earned on the September 6, 1943 Stuttgart mission. Pope, the TTE, and Reeder, Pilot, successfully returned the damaged "SQUAWKIN HAWK." The Co-pilot, Harry Edeburn was killed and the cockpit area sustained heavy damage - Reeder was almost incapacitated - Pope played a major role in getting "SQUAWKIN HAWK" back to Thorpe Abbotts. (100th Photo Archives) |
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On Sept 6, 1943 Capt Sumner Reeder Crew flew this brand new plane, (before nose art was applied) and were attacked by fighters over Stuttgart. Contrary to reports, the Crew were not flying their usual a/c The Squawkin Hawk due to battle damage on previous mission. See Reeder page and individual crew pages for more info. |
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Russ Engel Son David photoshopped this image so that all the crewmenbers were together in one photo. Great job David . Photo http://www.8thafhs.org/index.php of David Engel |
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Capt Sumner Reeder's Crew Enlisted men in front of Squawkin Hawk. L-R front
Brewster, Ping, Lovin, Back Row L-R Dolsen, Pope, Furlong. |
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Photo ID for Enlisted Crew in Front of Squawking Hawk after Ten missions. |
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from Big Joe Armanini Collection |
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Newspaper account of Capt Reeder crew on Sept 6, 1943 Stuttgart mission. (Courtesy of Matt Mabe) |
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Newspaper story of Sumner Reeder being awarded DSC. Photo Courtesy of Betty Reeder. |
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Capt. Sumner Reeder in Pilot seat of Squawkin Hawk, 1943 (courtesy of Sister Betty Reeder Hauck) |
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Squawkin Hawk with first Crew names on Tail. |
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Sept 6, 1943 mission article about Reeder Crew |
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Stars and Stripes story of Sept 6, 1943 Mission to Stuttgart. Courtesy of David Engel |
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Stars and Stripes story of Sept 6, 1943 Mission to Stuttgart, Part II. Courtesy of David Engel |
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Stars and Stripes story of Sept 6, 1943 Mission to Stuttgart, Part III. Courtesy of David Engel |
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6th Sep 1943 the 100th loses three ships "Raunchy" Sans Finis" The Poontang".on a mission to Stuttgart Among them 25957 XR-D (Later repaired and called Horny II) . This was a replacement aircraft for the Sumner Reeder crew who would have been in Squawkin Hawk with its newly acquired bullet proof glass by the co-pilot F/o Harry Edeburn
During a desperate struggle with JG27, they were hit with a salvo of 20mm from the FW 190 which also fell to H Pope's top turret guns.
However the attack was a catastrophe for the Reeder crew , leaving Russ Engel the navigator seriously wounded in the head and body and losing sight of one eye. Pete Delao also seriously wounded receiving critical medical treatmeny from Russ.
The Co pilot however was mortally wounded and although tried to help the wounded pilot on three occasions, staggering to climb back into his seat was eventually laid between the seats and died of his injuries.
Russ Engel comforted the distraught pilot to help fly the badly damaged plane. The bombs jettisoned, oxygen low they broke formation and dived for the clouds pursued by the fighters.
Hiding in cloud until low fuel meant they had to run for home. Navigation equipment damaged the came out over lower France and arrived on a grass strip fighter base in Kent
RIP Harry Edeburn
(Photo is colorized) |
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6th Sep 1943 the 100th loses three ships "Raunchy" Sans Finis" The Poontang".on a mission to Stuttgart Among them 25957 XR-D (Later repaired and called Horny II) . This was a replacement aircraft for the Sumner Reeder crew who would have been in Squawkin Hawk with its newly acquired bullet proof glass by the co-pilot F/o Harry Edeburn
During a desperate struggle with JG27, they were hit with a salvo of 20mm from the FW 190 which also fell to H Pope's top turret guns.
However the attack was a catastrophe for the Reeder crew , leaving Russ Engel the navigator seriously wounded in the head and body and losing sight of one eye. Pete Delao also seriously wounded receiving critical medical treatmeny from Russ.
The Co pilot however was mortally wounded and although tried to help the wounded pilot on three occasions, staggering to climb back into his seat was eventually laid between the seats and died of his injuries.
Russ Engel comforted the distraught pilot to help fly the badly damaged plane. The bombs jettisoned, oxygen low they broke formation and dived for the clouds pursued by the fighters.
Hiding in cloud until low fuel meant they had to run for home. Navigation equipment damaged the came out over lower France and arrived on a grass strip fighter base in Kent
RIP Harry Edeburn
(Photo is colorized) |
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General Spaatz, left, awarding the 100th's Sumner Reeder the DFC. (100th Photo Archives) |
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Sumner H. Reeder - Original 100th 349th Pilot of "SQUAWKIN' HAWK" Detailed Information (100th Photo Archives) |
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Sumner Reeder and Sammy Barr (100th Photo Archives) |
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Major Sumner Reeder Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Major Sumner Reeder became the C.O. of the 349th Squadron after completing his tour. Reeder Crew Information (100th BG Archives) |
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Maj Sumner Reeder, CO of 349th Bomb Squadron with Staff.
L-R Standing: S/Sgt J.Stiff, 1st/Sgt A.Johnson, Maj. S.Reeder, Capt.T.Wedin, Pvt S. Gottlieb,S/Sgt B.Byrd,
L-R Kneeling: T/Sgt E.Smith, Cpl E. Trainor, S/Sgt C. Fiala, Cpl E. Covey, Cpl R. Barney |
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Cadet Sumner Reeder Primary Training. (courtesy of Sister Betty Reeder Hauck) |
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Cadet Sumner Reeder Primary Training photo (courtesy of Sister Betty Reeder Hauck) |
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Sumner Reeder with Wife Evelyn (courtesy of Sister Betty Reeder Hauck) |
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Official report on Crash that killed Major Sumner Reeder. (courtesy of Sister Betty Reeder Hauck) |
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Framed photo of Capt Sumner Reeder and F/O Harry Edeburn made by Harry Edeburn Family and given to Russ Engel. Photo courtesy of David Engel |
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Loss of Maj Sumner Reeder in accident March 1945. |
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Newspaper article about the loss of Maj Sumner Reeder. |
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Maj Sumner Reeder's Bedroom in the Family home awaiting his return from combat. |
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Article on Sumner Reeder (courtesy of Laura Shivers) |
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Article on Sumner Reeder (courtesy of Laura Shivers) |
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Article on Sumner Reeder (courtesy of Laura Shivers) |
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Sumner Reeder (from the collection of Norman Miller) |
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Sumner Reeder on the left (from the collection of Norman Miller) |
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"SQUAWKIN' HAWK" , Russ Engel and Sumner Reeder - the Hawk has just completed 50 missions and is being returned to the States for a War Bond Drive. Detailed Information (100th Photo Archives) |
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Jack Kidd leaving the 100th. From left: Sammy Barr, Thomas Jeffrey, Kidd, Rosie Rosenthal and Sumner Reeder. The airman with back to camera is not identified. (100th Photo Archives) |
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Jack Kidd leaving the 100th - From left: Sammy Barr, Rosie, Thomas Jeffrey, Kidd, and Sumner Reeder. (Gen Kidd collection) |
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Group Officers await mission return. On the top of the tower are from left Neil B. Harding, Group CO, and Jack Kidd Group Operations Officer. Lower are Sammy Barr with back to to camera at left, Sumner Reeder with hands on railing and Cosgrove from S-2. Kidd Collection |
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Officers await mission return. Kidd Collection |
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John B. "Jack" Kidd, right, leaving the 100th in August 1944 - Rosie Rosenthal with back to camera and Maj Sumner Reeder is in the middle (100th Photo Archives) |
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Jack Kidd's departure from the 100th. Kidd Collection |
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Jack Kidd's departure from the 100th. Kidd Collection |
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Jack Kidd's departure from the 100th. Kidd Collection |
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Jack Kidd's departure from the 100th. Kidd Collection |
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Jack Kidd leaving the 100th (100th Photo Archives) |
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Squawkin Hawk getting ready to head back to States for War Bond Drive. (Courtesy of Elder Family) |
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Lt. Col. Kidd (Group Opns. Officer). Look at that board and the names, you are looking September 3, 1943, from that list the following crews will be missing that day. Winkelman, Fineup, Floyd and not on the board yet is Richard C King. Henington will ditch in the Channel. (100th Photo Archives) |
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article published in newspaper on Sumner Reeder mission Sept 6, 1943 |
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Squawkin Hawk. Photo courtesy of Don "Duck" Bradley/Larry Bradley. |
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Artist Marc Poole sketch for David Engel |
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Squawkin Hawk 230088 XR-E. First 100th BG plane to compete 50 missions. Sent back to States for a Bond Tour. |
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Squawkin Hawk |
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Raymond Kegebein (838th Air Engineering Squadron) adding his name to the side of Squawkin Hawk. Of note, to his left you can see the signature of Ernest Lovato, who painted the original nose art on the plane (from the Jim Potts collection). |
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The original damaged image to this piece of work is a mere 93KB 'big' and only 72 dpi in resolution. Not very much to go on!The officers and pilots of the 100th BG on a bright but very cold clear day at Thorpe Abbotts, England, in the winter 1943-44. I am unsure if they are watching the planes in or out!?
Image: Richard Tallent Collection - 100th BG Association - All rights reserved.
Repair, re-balance, colourisation - Nathan Howland @HowdiColour .
Standing L-R Sam Barr with back to us, Maj Flesher, Air Exec, Capt Sumner Reeder, S-2 officers Cosgrove and Red Bowman,
Top of tower is Col Chick Harding Group CO and Maj Jack Kidd, Operations Officer |
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B-17F "SQUAWKIN' HAWK" - serial 42-30088 - became the first B-17 of the 100th Bomb Group to fly 50 missions. With every square inch of her outer skin then covered with names and autographs of men of the 100th, she was flown back to the U.S. to take part in a War Bond tour.
Working relatively small again. The original B & W suffers from de-lamination to the upper section, and is smothered with scratches and dirt.....but was a joy and an honour!
Credit - David Engel Collection.
Repair, restoration & colourisation - Nathan Howland @HowdiColour. |
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The tail section to aforementioned and posted image of of the B-17F 'Squawkin' Hawk' of the 100th BG. The image was created from a negative of equal size, which was also suffering from the same issues of de-lamination, severe scratching and dirt.
Credit - David Engel Collection.
Repair, restoration & colourisation - Nathan Howland @HowdiColour. |
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Sept 6, 1943 mission to Stuttgart flown by Sumner Reeder Crew. It is this damage that injured Russ Engel. |
SERVED IN:
- REEDER, Sumner H. - P
- EDEBURN, Harry E. - CP
- ENGEL, Russell W. - NAV
- DELAO, Peter F. - BOM
- POPE, Harold L. - TTE
- BREWSTER, Connor D. - ROG
- DOLSEN, Francis G. - BTG
- FURLONG, Orrin W. - WG
- LOVIN, Robert M. - WG
- MARASCO, James - TG
- PING, Charles J. - TG
