VICTORY IN EUROPE

The War was over for the 467th Bomb Group who were now off combat operations. I had completed twenty eight missions with 197 hours and 20 minutes of combat flight time. I was on my way by train (May 8, 1945) for a five day rest at camp in Plymouth, England, (Knightshades Court), when I observed huge outdoor fires and much civilian activity on the way to London. When the train arrived, I found London in complete bedlam. The city was jammed with people who filled the place with noise and excitement. I wasn’t aware that the War was really over until now. I had a delightful time in southern England, where I played softball with the Navy, rode horseback, and ate anytime I wanted. The complete joy was knowing there would be no more more combat missions to fly in the ETO, when I returned to Rackheath.

Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States, never saw victory in Europe. Our Armed Forces were saddened by his death on April 12, 1945.