[drgondog]

Randy - believe me I know your pain. I lost mine in 1969 and still mourn the loss.

One interesting 'connection', actually two.

My Godfather Claiborne Kinnard, was at Vanderbilt with my father before WWII. They both dated Dinah Shore. Kinnard grabbed my father for the 355th and made him 354FS CO just before he (Kinnard) transferred to 4th FG, then 'grabbed' him again when Kinnard left 4th to assume command the 355th in February, 1945. Dad was slated to take over the 479th after Zemke went down.

Connection two is that when Kinnard left 355th, Stewart promoted my father again and made him 355 Gp Exec - and then transferred to assume command of 4th FG when Kinnard came back to 355th.

My sincere condolences Randy!

Bill Marshall