[aaatripp]

'Lest We Forget.....65 years later we honor tentmates, good friends and the CO and OPSO of the 353FS Cobras. Maj. Donald M. Beerbower was lost to ground fire after pinning on his new major's insignia the morning of his final mission. Capt. Wallace N. Emmer (Wally/Bud) was hit by ground fire and parachuted to safety, but died 6 months later in Dulag Luft Wetzlar, just 3 weeks before the POW camp was liberated.

That afternoon Capt. F. Mike Rogers assumed command of the 353rd. Just weeks ago Gen. Rogers attended the 354FG reunion....almost 65 years after that fateful day in the skies over France.

We remember and thank all these heroes (and their families) for their many sacrifices.

Tripp