BOMBING-FIGHTING 87th
Here are the men we owe a debt of
gratitude to.
As you scroll through the photos
and flight book of George Wood, try
to remember these are the men who
flew , lived and died together.
I do not have names with all of the
photos, nor do I have places. now
all these
years later all I can do is say
here they are,
hero’s everyone.
The men of the ’87th
have met and surmounted many
difficulties. Some gave their life for
us, yet within this group a special bond
was
formed. Although I was
aware of my dad “GD” participating in
reunions I never understood the
traditions involved.
After the passing of dad
I began to wade through the seemingly
insurmountable mass of paperwork he has
saved.
GD was awarded the
DFC late, in the spring of 1992.
Here is the
documentation of the “Last man
Standing”
Movement of LMS
Plaque.
1Mar’95 Jerry
Shearer to Syd Trueman.
5 Aug’95 Jim Vernon
to A.K. Mallgren
4Nov’95 Tony
Mallgren to G.V. Peacock
18 Dec’95 G.V.
Peacock to Robert L. Butcher
17 Feb’97 Bob
Butcher to G. Revesz
19Jan’00 F.E.Jenkins
to K.E. Garcelon
18Jul’00 Kennetg
Garcelon to E.A. Trudell
As you can see the
transfer and movement of the LMS
plaque is recorded spotty at best.
After much searching the plaque was located. It was last in the
possession of Charles Archer. After his passing it was obtained by
his grandson Chuck Anderson. In discussion with him I sent him
the info on the final resting point of the plaque. My family was suggested
however the squadron chose the Naval Air Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
The Wood family wholeheartedly agrees.
I look forward to being able to view the Plaque in Pensacola.
Due to Steve’s passing
I do not have
information as to the current
monitor or the whereabouts of the
plaque. This is an incomplete
rendition
of the paperwork
from GD’s legacy.
As a footnote to the
Monitor, Steven Wood, my brother
passed on about 12 years ago. I do
not have any updated information as
to
who took his place
as the monitor.
The following page
is a poor reproduction to a splendid
photograph. If anyone has a photo
and would allow me to scan it,
I will replace this
with a proper photo.
Now a little more of
where they went and what they did.
This order may not be correct, but
who cares? They were young and
dedicated to preserve peace in the
world.
That is what these few pages are
dedicated to.
Top row
G. Firebaugh; R. Lindness; K.
Klapproth; E. Falkouski; M. Hoffman
Front row
J. Quick; C. Dace; C. Kitkowski;
GD. Wood
This photo was taken at Melbourne,
Florida
4 April 1944
As near as I am able to piece
things together this time was
for training in instrument
flying.
VBF-87
