MY POLITICAL LETTERS

We flew back to Reagan airport, in D. C. September 1, 1998 for the last 11th Bomb Group (H) Association reunion since it was formed 38 years ago, and almost 57 years since the Attack on Hickam Field by the Japanese December 7, 1941. I had mixed emotions about the reunion, because it would probably be the last time most of my old buddies from the Army Air Corps, and 50/431 Bomb Squadron would be getting together. It was an almost perfect last reunion, however, the weather was not bad, a little hot but we didn’t have to be out in it too much. As for our being treated well, the Hyatt Regency hotel accommodations were fine, and we had air conditioned buses taking us everywhere. There were 440 of our group nation wide, including spouses and guests. To give you an idea of how our group has declined since our (50th) 1991 reunion in Honolulu, we had 800 total there.

Our reunion was made perfect by the red-carpet treatment we received from the 11th Bomb Wing personnel stationed at Bolling Air Force Base nearby. First, we were taken to the base for a great ceremony to welcome/honor our organization. They had the U. S. Air Force band, honor and rifle squads to perform for us, and theWing commander made a welcome speech and a plaque award which he presented to our Sect’y-Treas. Then we loaded back on the busses and were taken to the Officers Club for a fantastic sit down, white napkin service lunch. After lunch we boarded the busses and were taken to Arlington cemetery, tomb of the unknown soldier, and the Wing commander and our Sect’y-Treas. Placed a wreath, with full Air Force personnel ceremony, in our honor. The following evening we were taken back to the Bolling Officers club for a wonderful cocktail party with lots of po-po’s, and were treated to a private premier showing of the documentary “Grey Geese Remembered” which will be released to PBS and the History channels soon, showing many 11th Boimb Group experiences during WW2 in the Pacific Theatre conflict. . Then to round out our reunion, we had our dinner banquet in a large conference room in the hotel. The dinner was good, and the speeches were OK, the dry one’s and the sad one’s fair, but one was humorous and put us in a better mood. After the dinner we were treated with Big Band music by the Air Force group named the Airmen of Note, and they were simply great. They played all the old WW2 era music, e.g. Glen Miller, Harry James and other's.

During our spare time, mostly during the day time, we rode the metro to D. C. and visited the first day at the Air and Space museum, and a chance to visit with the Director, Donald D. Engen, whom we have known since the 60’s when I took a six month cruise with him aboard the carrier USS Midway in 1962. He was a Navy Commander then and Skipper of the Fighter Sqd’n,VP-21, that I was the Jet engine Tech. Rep. On assignment with. Then the following day of free time, we again took the metro to D.C. and a 15 stop tour on an open air Tourmobile which was just great, the best way there is to see all the major sites in the Capitol.

I hope to attend the 60th reunion and ceremonies at the Flagpole on Hickam Air Force Base, December 7, 2001. I expect to join a few of the remaining Army Air Corps comrades at that time to reminisce. Below are two of my favorite photo's from the Aloha Reunion, September 2 - 6, 1998. Washington, D.C.

In this photograph I am joined by four of my 50/431 Squadron comrades seated together during our reunion business meeting. . L to R, Jim Price, Lee Webster, Harry Kramer, Walter “Cotton” Thompson and Tom Bradshaw. I call this the 50th Row, as we are all Plank Members of the 11th Bomb Group (H) since we were all with the 50th Squadron when it was one of five Squadrons picked to form the 11th Bomb Group in 1940. Later, after our entry into WW2, our 50th Squadron was re-designated the 431st Bomb Squadron. Cotton Thompson has reported to the Supreme Commander since this Photo was taken.

I hope to see the other three and perhaps a couple more, at the 60th reunion in Honolulu on 07/12/01.

I am seated with my wife, Olive, in the recreation room during the 11th Bomb Group Aloha Reunion.

This is where we frequently visited with other 

50/431 Squadron members and their wives to reminisce.

We are joined by Walter “Cotton” Thompson.

Aloha and Mahalo, Lee Webster