National Museum of the United States Air Force
Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio
Dedicated September 17th, 1988 and May 7th, 1995
In the midst of a triangular brick walkway in the Memorial Gardens at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, a deep red eagle takes form to support a black granite pedestal holding an open bronze globe. Four plaques are attached to the sides of the pedestal, paying tribute to the men of the 95th and identifying important historical information, including the 95th’s three presidential unit citations, the only 8th Air Force bomb group to be so honored. The memorial was presented to the Museum on 17 September 1988, with the dedication address being given by 95th Bomb Group Association President David T. McKnight.
The bronze spere represents the geographically limited world in which the 95th Bomb Group lived and fought during World War II. The black granite column is symbolic of the black days of hardship that the 95th endured, and is a special remembrance of those who lost their lives in the great effort to protect America’s freedom. The formation of B-17s honors the 95th Bomb Group for the 321 combat missions and as the leader of the first American bombers to complete a daylight raid on the Nazi capital of Berlin.
Seven years later, on 7 May 1995, the walkway surrounding the monument was dedicated. The red bricks in the Thunderbird represent those KIA, and the white walkway bricks are in memory of other 95th veterans. May 7th was chosen because it was on that day in 1945 that the 95th flew its last mission, a “chowhound” mission to feed the starving Dutch. Eleven crew members were lost when their plane was forced into the English Channel. The war in Europe was over the following day.
ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
Every May 7th at 10 a.m. there is a 95th Memorial Service held at our monument. This service commemorates the last B-17 of the Eighth Air Force lost in World War II, 95th plane 44-8640. There were two survivors. The actual time was 10:07 a.m., and we try to lay the wreath at exactly this time each year. If you are in the area, please attend this short, moving ceremony to honor these men who lost their lives on a mercy mission to feed the starving Dutch people.
On Board the Last Plane Down: Lionel N. Sceurman (P) KIA
James R. Schwarz (CP) RTD
Russell H. Cook Jr (N) KIA
David C. Condon (B) RTD
Gano E. McPherson Jr (RO) KIA
Robert W. Korber (TTE) KIA
John J. Keller (BT) KIA
Norbert Kuper (WG) KIA
William R. Lankford (TG) KIA
Edward H. Bubolz Jr (VI) KIA
Gerald Lane (VI) KIA
George G. Waltari (O) KIA
Joseph R. Repiscak (O) KIA
The 334th’s 48640 D, the last US plane down in the European Theater of Operations
KIA (Killed in Action) RTD (Returned to Duty) O (Onboard Observer) VI (Voice Interceptor – German-language radio interpreters)
DAVID T. McKNIGHT MEMORIAL BENCH
On May 7, 2000 a bench honoring Colonel David T. McKnight was dedicated not far from the 95th’s memorial. Originally selected to command the 335th Bomb Squadron, Dave went on to become the 95th BG Air Operations Officer in September of 1943. The inscriptions read:
WHEN NEEDED MOST HIS WAS THE STRENGTH THAT HELD US TOGETHER
A GREAT LEADER IN SPIRIT - IN ACTION - IN WAR - IN PEACE
T/SGT. SATOR SANDY SANCHEZ MEMORIAL DISPLAY
In the vast U. S. Air Force Museum is a two-pronged memorial display to one of the Army Air Force’s most outstanding enlisted men, Sator “Sandy” Sanchez, who flew with both the 95th Bomb Group (H) in the 8th Air Force and the 301st Bomb Group (H) in the 15th Air Force. Next to a battered B-17 tail section is a display that reads:
DUTY ABOVE ALL ELSE: The TSgt Sator “Sandy” Sanchez Story
Smilin’ Sandy Sanchez
Technical Sergeant Sator “Sandy” Sanchez was an aerial gunner on a B-17 during World War II. He began his combat career with the 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group, 334th Squadron in the fall of 1943. After having flown the required 25 combat missions with the 95th Bomb Group, Sanchez volunteered to stay on, eventually flying a total of 44 combat missions. In the summer of 1944, he was sent home for rest and reassignment as a gunnery instructor. In recognition of his dedication, a B-17 was nicknamed Smilin “Sandy” Sanchez in his honor. It is the only B-17 aircraft ever named for an enlisted man. After his short stay in the United States, the then 23-year-old Sanchez volunteered for what would be his third combat tour. This time he was sent to the 15th Air Force in Italy, and was assigned to the 353rd Bomb Squadron, 301st Bomb Group. On March 15, 1945, Sanchez volunteered for a mission to bomb an oil plant in Ruhland, Germany, manning the top gun turret position. It would become the 66th and last mission for Sanchez. During the bomb run, the aircraft was hit by flak and severely damaged. All the crew members, except Sanchez, bailed out and were taken prisoner. The B-17 eventually exploded and crashed. Sanchez’s body was never recovered. Six weeks later the war in Europe came to an end. This is only one example of the personal sacrifices made by Army Air Force personnel during the war. These countless acts of courage and duty ensured the eventual Allied victory in the war.