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Show Hilltop Times April 15, 1993 7 8th AF remembers trailblazing service by Dave Kendziora Ogden ALC History Office More than 100 veterans of World War II, from the Utah Chapter of the 8th Air Force Historical Society, reunited here recently to commemorate their trailblazing service 50 years ago. They helped to win World War II, originate American airpower, and en- sure for our nation the peace and freedom Americans enjoy today. The base hosted the gathering as part of its 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemorative Program. The program's theme is "A Grateful Nation Remembers." The day's activity included lunch with active duty personnel at the Airmen's Dining Hall, tours of the flight line and aerospace museum, and a service of remembrance at the museum chapel. Brig. Gen. Lester L. Lyles, Ogden ALC vice commander and chairman of Hill AFB's 50th Anniversary of WWII Commemorative Committee, attended the service of remembrance. Col. Steven R. Emory, Hill AFB commander, and CMSgt. John A. Brewer, Ogden ALC Senior Enlisted Advisor, hosted the group. The 8th Air Force of WWI I developed a belief that remains today: air superiority first, that is, first taking out an enemy's ability to fly and then attacking his ability to fight, especially in terms of his comg mand and control, industrial strength and other potential. This and daylight precision bombardment were not popular ideas 50 years ago, but the 8th made it happen despite horrendous losses and shortfalls in training and equipment. Experience since then, including allied performance during Desert Storm, has shown the value of airpower in warfare. The reunion was filled with sobering and thought provoking remembrances. John Moore, president of the 8th AF Historical Society and a veteran of 35 4 combat missions over Europe as a bombardier navigator, honored and praised the 26,000 8th Air Force people who made the ultimate sacrifice. , For example, Nate Mazer, the vice president of the society and an 8th AF 7 ordnance and gunnery officer, spent most of his service in England on the ground, loading bombers, fixing gun turrets and briefing bombadiers and gunners; but, he also made time to fly on combat missions as a bombardier or observer. Like Moore, Mazer and others that flew missions had high praise for the ground crews. ..!. JF 7 1 T IT . ai i operations and airfields to and from England. He well recalls the many aircraft damaged and lost to the enemy as well as other factors. There were almost as many aircraft lost to other factors such as the harsh overcast weather as there were to enemy fire. In fact, there was a running joke between aircrews, that when upon final approach for landing, the tower would radio the pilot and ask if he could see the end of the runway the pilot would reply, "Hell, I can't even see the Another example is Alden Rigby, who became an American ace piloting the 1 Mustang to victory five times against enemy fighter pilots, including . co-pilot- ." P-5- News Briefs news. Workshops include a panel on "Overcoming Barriers in the Work Force" and "EEO Making it Work for You". Carolyn Kroon, national president non-membe- SABLE FINANCIAL, INC. Suite 2 Layton 882-400- 723-130- 0 i mm JC - ..... three in one day. He flew a total of 50 missions for the Army Air Corps in the war. 1 pilots such as Rigby helped the Allies gain air superiority since the Mustang was the first fighter capable of escorting and the bombers to and from their targets. did not have the range, thus the bombers were vulnerable to enemy fighters. Personifying the community's resolve to continue the tradition started by 8th AF as well as Americans who served here 50 years ago, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Jay Hess, former Vietnam combat pilot and POW, and a contingent of Air Force Junior ROTC cadets from Clearfield High School attended the reunion. Two of the cadets gave formal presentations thanking and honoring the veterans and current base personnel for their service, and pledging to uphold the highest traditions of American military service in the future. P-5- P-3- P-4- Missing property Two storage cabinets are missing from the Base Education Office. The pieces are needed to furnish an office for the new school coming to the base. Anyone with information can call Education Services at Ext. or TSgt. Steve Diamond, Ext. VA RATE REDUCTION $ $ $ $ $ 1 your current VA loan rate is 9.0 or above, we can save you money. The VA Rate Reduction Refinance Program is a quick and efficient way to refinance your current home If loan. (Tooele) (Brigham City) (Layton) y lf $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ 0 111 For more information, contact Sylvia Liddle at Ext. for FEW, will be the luncheon speaker and will also conduct a workshop. Utah's lieutenant governor, Olene Walker, will conduct a workshop, "Women in Politics." Registration is as follows: $50 for FEW members, $10 morning session only, $25 $60 for one-haday with lunch, $25 lunch only. V 776-140- and sistently bad weather and the numerous aircraft all-da- 2182 No. Hill Field Rd. B-1- 7 recalls vivid memories of the difficulties in, and the many dangers over, Europe 50 years ago. He said initial training was difficult because of the con- y trainFederally Employed Hotel Radisson Suite will held the be at ing program in Ogden, April 23. The keynote speaker will be Shelley Thomas, public relations director for Smith's Food King and former anchorwoman for KSL-T- & in v 4, offered program Training Women's The Nf John Lindquist, talks to other members of the 8th Air Force Historical r, John Lindquist, who flew in both the B-2- B-1- $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Wa.-.- m- Former navigator-bombardieSociety. B-2- $ . 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