Memories of the 384th Bomb Group

 
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Memories of the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy)

Welcome to Memories

Sunday, 13 April 2008 12:05 Fred Preller
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"Memories" is the history of the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy), told by the people who experienced it, augmented by substantial research of historical records.

The 384th was one of the heavy bomber groups that made up the US "Mighty" 8th Air Force in England during World War II. Together with the rest of the 8th AF, they helped destroy the ability of the Axis Powers - primarily Nazi Germany - to wage war and oppress the people of occupied countries.

This site presents the contents of "Memories of the 384th Bombardment Group (H)," a book written and formerly published by Ken Decker of New York.

It is a day-by-day history of the 384th, with innumerable personal eyewitness accounts. It includes a special section recognizing the support crews. The original publication contained over 840 pages packed with stories, facts, and more than 1000 photos. All of that information - and more - will be appearing on this website during 2008.

316 missions are covered by date, including crew listings by aircraft for all losses and notable events. Stories and important facts, such as the fate of those missing, are included, as well as those seriously wounded or killed in returning aircraft.

Meanwhile, research continues, and additional information will be added to the "book" when it becomes available.

Last Updated ( Monday, 01 September 2008 16:52 )
 

What's Going On Here?

Sunday, 13 April 2008 12:08 Fred Preller
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If you have stumbled upon this site, you may be wondering what is happening. Well, this site is under active construction and when finished will hold the content described in the "Welcome to Memories" article.

The project began with an email from Ken Decker in late March 2008, offering the content of his book "Memories..." for preservation in the 384th archives. Knowing the high level of interest in this book - not a week goes by without someone asking where they can buy one - it was immediately obvious that it should be made available on the Internet!

The book itself is massive, with hundreds of pages and thousands of photos. However, critical to the concept of building this website, is that the content all exists in soft-copy. All we have to do is upload the content and the job is done, he said...

Actually, it really is about that simple, but still the numbers mean it will take a bit of time. So, I encourage you to return and see how we are doing, but I really don't expect to "complete" the project before the end of 2008 (probably 2009). Beyond that, I expect that Ken will update pages from time-to-time as research continues.

So that is what is going on here. If you have an interest in helping preserve the record of the 384th, don't hesitate to join the project, especially if you are web-savvy (but even if you are not). The easiest way is to return to the Front Page and create a user account - then send me an email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) asking how you can help. Please be sure to let me know what particular skills you have, and if you are able to spend much time. That will help me figure out how to divvy up the work. There is plenty of that - if not on this site, then on the "Official" 384th website.

Thanks for dropping by,
Fred Preller
Webmaster

Last Updated ( Sunday, 10 August 2008 13:15 )
 

Status Update

Monday, 23 June 2008 21:38 administrator
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Please use the comment function for adding or correcting information - or asking questions - about missions. A forum will be added later for general discussion.

The 384th Bomb Group combat mission sections of the book are complete, from JUNE 1943 thru APRIL 1945 - all 384th combat missions have been posted. Missions that have been verified against the book content are indicated by the phrase "Verified against book:" and a date: otherwise, it still has to be checked.

The plan is to complete the missions section, month by month, to include all of the narratives and crew lists [mission accomplished, as briefed!], then to continue on to the other sections of the book. Photos will be added as time permits, and as high-quality scans become available. This status message will be updated as the work progresses.

By the way - please try out the "Search" function - use the very well camouflaged search box in the upper right. Just type a crewmember's last name, or an aircraft name or number - actually, any word or words - and hit Enter - it is like magic...

Last Updated ( Monday, 01 September 2008 16:51 )