Warbird Information Exchange

Hello all! I hope someone can give me some advice. I'm getting a memorial A2 made up in tribute to my Grandad and the crew of the B-17 he was a waist gunner in. The plane was shot down over France and my Grandad was the only one who survived, becoming a POW for almost 2 years in Stalag 17B. Here is a memorial webpage that tells the story: http://flgrube1.tripod.com/id352.html

This is what has been done so far.
'Position approval' pic, patches not sewn on yet.


This jacket will be a walking memorial and a visual aid as I tell the Story of the 'Homesick Angel'. I plan to get 'nose art' on the back, I'll have to use my imagination. There is only one photo of the plane and and nose art isn't clearly seen. But I've read some previous topics on the subject, I plan to have some period insignias put on it as well. My Grandad's rank insignias were a thought. I see that this wasn't usually done during War time and some people frown on it. But this, as I said, would be a memorial. Would sewing on WWII vintage S/SGT. stripes be taboo? I absolutely don't want to do anything that would be deemed disrespectful to any of these men, most of all the hero I was named after,S/SGT. Kenneth O. Eslick. This has been a labor of love, and I'm still putting together the funds to see it to completion. I'm a regular working stiff, money goes to paying bills and taking care of family first, whatever I can get after that is being saved for this. Any help or ideas about it would be greatly appreciated. Hope you can help. This is my 1st post, I'm not sure I posted it in the right forum topic, sorry.

Ken Eslick

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Ken

I think you're worrying too much about it.

As far as what to put on it, I'd go with a minimum of stuff. Front looks great. Don't get too crazy with the back. Maybe just the a/c name would suffice.

Patches , etc. are just going to make it too NASCAR.

I completely agree with Richard. It looks great so far. If you add additional 'stuff' it'll start to look gaudy IMHO.
Great job but keep it simple.

2 cents worth

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“With bottomless pockets...anything is possible”

A suggestion for something subtle inside: His name and serial.

My dad was a B-17 pilot, in the side pocket of his A-2 we found a typed take-off and landing checklist stapled between flexible pieces of plastic (and the staples were the old steel type that rusted)...so maybe a gunner's pre-flight list.

And for posterity, keep a list of the bases the trained and served at.....

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Remember the vets, the wonderful planes they flew and their sacrifices for a future many of them did not live to see.
Note political free signature.
I figure if you wanted my opinion on items unrelated to this forum, you'd ask for it.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I really do appreciate it, the last thing I want is for the jacket to look 'NASCAR', as it was put. And to Imritger who PM'd me, I'm too much of a newbie and not allowed yet to PM you back! LOL! I added you as a 'friend' so maybe you will be able to see my email address and contact me directly with your suggestions. Hopefully I'll contribute more and earn the privilege!

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Ken

Weird, I can message you but you can't reply? I did not know that.

Ok, I'll send you some pics as previously noted... in the meantime, I've pulled up the full MACR (Missing Air Crew Report) for your grandfather's crew, which includes two eyewitness statements from crewmen in other bombers. Do you have a copy of this? If not, send me a quick note at lritger at yahoo dot com and I'll get it over to you. It also has his Army serial number listed (39609670) and shows him as the left waist gunner.

Cheers,

Lynn

Yeah. What he said!

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Life member, 91st BG Memorial Association
Owner, 1944 Willys MB #366014
Former REMF (US Army, O3)

Welcome to WIX Ken.
There are a lot of very knowledgeable folks here that are willing to help.
Nice tribute.
I totally agree with the "less is more" sentiment.

Andy Scott

Thanks guys! I'm excited to get this done but also getting it done right! If any more ideas come, don't hesitate to post! Likewise if I have any questions.

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Ken

My A2 to honor my dad... His Aussie Gunner Wing and a repop Sqdn patch. The inner liner was signed by the surviving members of the 3rd at the last reunion held.. Many of the guys have flown west since then, so it is one cherished item for me.

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Natural law. Sons are put on this earth to trouble their fathers.

If I could have had the opertunity to have members of the squadron sign my A2, it would be more precious to me than gold. That is a great tribute.

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Ken

The A2 is here!!! Woohoo!!! I now have a new quandary. I'm leaning toward maybe getting some mission markers put on it. Here's the thing: The plane itself flew 26 missions in its life, my Grandad flew 17 missions in his service career, but only 4 of them with this plane. Uh... which number should be used? I know some will say it's up to me, but 'me' can't decide. Help a guy out? I'd appreciate the input.

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Ken

Maybe put 4 of the mission markers (bombs?) in the same color as the a/c name, and the other 13 of your grand-dad's mission markers in a different color?

Good idea, thanks!

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Ken