07 Nov 306th BG Reunion 2012
The 306th Bomb Group Historical Association held its annual reunion the weekend of October 25-28 at the Marriott Savannah Riverfront Hotel. My son Johnny and I were there with about twenty-five veterans who had flown bombing missions out of Thurleigh airfield during World War II. Also in attendance were over one hundred family members of the 306th airmen. We are proudly known as the “Next Generation,” charged with keeping the history of the “First Over Germany” bombardment group alive.
The twenty-five airmen who were there are just under or over ninety years old but their stories came alive. The highlight of the weekend was two Veteran Roundtables with three or four panelists in each one. At first they seemed a little hesitant but as the memories began flooding back the audience was hanging on every word. An amazing number of them had become prisoners of war or were fortunate enough after bailing from their planes to become evadees and escape over the Pyrenees into neutral Spain.
World War II airmen from the 306th Bombardment Group at their reunion on October 27, 2012
The first day we were there Johnny sat down in the main Hospitality Room with William H. “Bill” Houlihan. “Houlie” was a medic with the 367th bomber squadron, one of four squadrons flying out of the 306th. 93 years old now, he delighted in telling Johnny tale after tale of his years at Thurleigh. After almost seventy years, the amusing stories must be easier to share than the tragic ones.
Bill Houlihan is pictured in the 2nd row of the photo above, 2nd from the right.
In this wonderful photo, obtained from the 306th BG website (subject of my next post) Houlihan is in the center, hands on with his injured patient.
We can never thank our veterans enough.
If you are on Facebook please join our Group “306th Bomb Group – First Over Germany.”
alenda
Posted at 07:43h, 08 NovemberOh Pat this is so wonderful and exciting, we all can hardly wait until the book comes out and then the MOVIE. You and Johnny are doing such a fantastic job! Kudos to you!!
Congratulations
William H. Feeser, Jr
Posted at 22:18h, 28 SeptemberI had hoped to attend 2012 but alas could not. My dad, whose name I bear, served as Staff Sgt. on a ground crew with Bill Houlihan, they were close friends as my dad attended every reunion until the year before his death. Dad’s collections of YANK and Stars and Stripes are on their way to the 8th air force museum now in his memory. Such an incredible generation, I’m honored to have attended one reunion in the past and met many of these brave men. Glad to find this site tonight.
Thanks to those who keep this going. Wondering if there will be any more group trips to Thurleigh.
Pat DiGeorge
Posted at 07:53h, 29 SeptemberWilliam, thanks so much for your note. I am going to the 306th BG Reunion in New Orleans this coming weekend and will pass on your greetings to those who are there. I’ll let you know if there are any trips planned to Thurleigh.
I’ll be blogging about the trip also so check back. If you are on Facebook please search for our group “306th Bomb Group – First over Germany.” THANKS, Pat