Fallen Heroes

Thomas Simms has bailed out for the last time, 77 years after being shot down in New Guinea. What a full life he had, especially compared to his fellow 475th members who never returned from the war. 2 wives, 3 children , 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He had the “biggest grin” in High School and a sense of humor that never quit. He will be missed.

Once Pearl Harbor was attacked he enlisted in the Army Corps and always felt he was “just doing his job.” He graduated from pilot training and was commissioned 2nd Lt. on October 1, 1943. He flew a P-38 in the 432nd Squadron of the famed 475th fighter group from 1943-1945 in the Southwest Pacific Ocean. He had 131 combat missions and flew 452 combat hours.

I guess some of us knew it was coming, but even the best planning never prepares you for the loss of a loved one, and we all loved Dale Thisted who left us early this week.

A Proud World War II veteran and serving in the South Pacific with the 5th Air Force 475th fighter group (Satan’s Angels)

Born in Barelas, Ralph grew up to enlist in the Army Air Corp as a P38 fighter pilot in the Pacific Theater during WWII.

After remaining missing for 70 years, Clinton native 1st Lt. Longman to return home Saturday, April 12, 2014 to final resting place at Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery CLINTON — Louis L. Longman, a 26-year old Clinton, Iowa native serving with the 433rd Fighter Squadron, 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, U.S. Army Air Corps, was last seen April 16, 1944 as his unit returned from a B-25 bomber escort mission over Hollandia, New Guinea.

He was sent to the South Pacific with General MacArthur’s forces where he served in the 475th Fighter Group, 5th Air Force, starting in Australia and spending several months in New Guinea, New Britian, Biak and the Shoutan Islands, landing with General MacArthur’s forces in October 1944 to recaputre the Philippine Islands.

First Lieutenant John A. Cohn was a proud member of the 431st Hades Fighter Squadron.

Richard Walkup proudly served his country during WW II as a staff sergeant in the United States Army Air Corps, where he served in the Pacific Theater.

First Lieutenant Arthur L. Erickson was a proud member of the 431st Hades Fighter Squadron.