Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Aces High General Discussion => Topic started by: Sharon Boretsky on December 11, 2007, 11:12:07 AM
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I stumbled on this web site looking for information about my father, a real P51 WWII pilot! His plane, MEG, is pictured on the site. If anyone that uses this site was a member of the 4th Fighter Group or has any stories to share about my dad, I would love to hear them. He passed away 2 years ago. PLease contact me at sboretsky@bellsouth.net. Thank you.
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Just a quick search on www.littlefriends.co.uk (http://www.littlefriends.co.uk/gallery.php?Group=4&Style=item&origStyle=list&Item=197&Temp=1891&searchString=).
(http://www.littlefriends.co.uk/gallery/4g/boretsky.jpg)
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nice pick
love that term.."little friends"
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Sharon, try posting on the board over at http://www.4thfg.org/ . My squaddies are very knowledgeable about the 4th. Hope this helps.:)
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Your Dad's crew chief was Don Allen. Mr. Allen was the source of most the nose art in the 334th Fighter Squadron. He did the Meg on your dad's P-51B shown above and his P-51D, a profile of which was done by Corkyjr of Aces High for our website.
(http://www.4thfg.org/histprofile/861_1173422355_meg.jpg)
Last I knew Mr. Allen was still alive. The last address I have for him is from a 1999 article and is listed as
Donald E. Allen
20340 Mercedes Ave.
Rocky River, OH
44116
His art can be viewed here..
http://www.usaaf-noseart.co.uk/don-allen.htm
I would suggest you contact Wade Meyers of http://wademeyersart.tripod.com/ as well. He has the logs of the 334th FG/4th FG that you can purchase. I believe you dad flew in the Spring and Summer of 1944 and possibly into the Fall. I will check and see what else I can find to narrow that down.
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WOW! You guys are great! Thanks so much for the leads so far, and if you have more information it will be greatly appreciated and treasured.
Best regards,
Sharon Boretsky
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Wow I can't believe I forgot this...
Amazon.com Link (http://www.amazon.com/Debden-Warbirds-Fighter-Schiffer-Military/dp/0764307258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1197427908&sr=1-1)
This book tells the story of your Dad's fighter squadron from its first days overseas til the end of the war. I haven't had time to look but I bet he is mentioned in it somewhere...
Oh Corky..
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Two well known color shots of your Dad's 51D.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/guppy35/Meg3.jpg)
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/guppy35/Meg.jpg)
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Thanks, Fencer. I'll get a copy. We were told years ago that there was a book that included Dad, but we couldn't find it! This may be the one.
Love the suggestions!
s
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Dear Guppy 35:
Thanks for the additional Pix, that must be Don Allen sitting on Dad's plane.
This has been a great day!!!!! Sharon
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Sharon,
There are a number of books on the 4th.
This is what i have on my book shelves at home.
"1000 Destroyed" by Grover Hall
"Escort to Berlin-The 4th Fighter Group in World War II" by Garry Fry and Jeffrey Ethell
"The Debden Warbirds" By Frank Speer (A former 4th pilot)
"The Debden Eagles" By Garry Fry
"Tulmut in the Clouds" by James Goodson (4th FG pilot)
"Over-Paid, Over-Sexed and Over Here" by James Goodson and Norman Franks
"Donald's Story" by Sandra Merrill (Her uncle was a 4th pilot killed on Christmas Day 1944)
"The Look of Eagles" by John Godfrey (4th pilot who died of ALS in the late 1950s)
"Don S. Gentile" by Mark Spagnuolo (Biography of a 4th ace)
"Two Man Air Force" by Phillip Kaplan (about Don Gentile and Johnny Godfrey)
The 4th Fighter Group and it's pilots are a very popular subject with books continuing to come out on their exploits. Steve Pisano's biography is out or coming out soon. He was another 4th pilot.
I'd start with the top three books though as the best overall histories on the 4th and thier pilots.
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Originally posted by Sharon Boretsky
Dear Guppy 35:
Thanks for the additional Pix, that must be Don Allen sitting on Dad's plane.
This has been a great day!!!!! Sharon
That is Don Allen on the wing.
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Thanks, Guppy 35.
I will take your advise on the reading materials. I have an interesting old newspaper artice from his hometown of Milwaukee about a secret mission Dad flew in Russia, which is the only thing he ever mentioned. True to Boretsky character, the bulk of his input is about the food they were served! s
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Ah, he was on the Russian Shuttle mission then in late June / Early July.
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(http://home.earthlink.net/~johnrlove/1000_destroyed/334th.gif)
(Left to right top row) Lt. Charles W. Harre, Brownstown Ill.; Capt. Thomas R. Bell, Shawboro, N. C.; Lt. Carl G. Payne, San Antonio, Tex.; Lt. Robert S. Voyles, Belle Fourche, S. D.; Lt. Clarence L. Boretsky, Milwaukee, Wisc.; Lt. Kenneth E. Foster Oil City, Pa.; Lt. Andrew C. Lacy, Sullivan, Ohio; FO Alvin L. Hand, Newton, Pa.
(Left to right second row) Lt. Arthur R. Bowers, Tiskilwa Ill.; Lt. William J. Dvorak, Western Springs, Ill.; Lt. Lewis F. Wells, Quitman, Gal; Lt. Jack D. McFadden, Brookville, Pa.; Lt. Paul E. Burnett, Cushing, Okla:; Lt. Calvin H. Beason, Anderson Ind.; Lt. James W. Ayers, Tulsa, Okla.; Lt. Michael J. Kennedv. Philadelphia, Pa.; Capt. William F. Hedrick, Redondo Beach, Calif.; Lt. Timothy J. Cronin, Oconomowoc, Wisc.; Capt. Ben Q. Ezzell (I.O.), Harlingen, Tex.
(Left to right third row) Lt. Raymond A. Dyer, Glassport. Pa.; Capt. Robert H. Kanaga, Harbor Beach, Mich.; Lt. Kenneth G. Helfrecht, Madison, Wisc.; Lt. Joseph E. Gallant. Chelsea, Mass.; Lt. William O. Antonides, Carbondale, Col.; Capt. David W. Howe, East Hickory, Pa.; Lt. Jerome E. Jahnke, Los Angeles. Calif.; Lt. William B. Hoelscher, Indianapolis, Ind.; Lt. Dollald M. Malmsten, Burwell, Nebr.
(Left to right bottom row) Lt. Conrad J. Ingold (I. O.) l\Tew York, N. Y.; Maj. Louis H. Norley, Conrad, Mont.; commanding Capt. Gerald E. Montgomery, Littlefield, Tex.; Lt. Edward J Woznaik, Girard, Ohio.; Lt. Leo C. Garcin, Bay City, Mich.; Lt. Alan Skirball, Columbus, Ohio; Lt. William C. Spencer, LaGrande, Ore.
From the on-line 1000 Destroyed (http://home.earthlink.net/~johnrlove/1000_destroyed/frames.html)
By the way, this was January 1945 according to the caption.
Best Regards
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What a treasure to see this picture! If someone will tell me how to upload images, and if there is interest in more pix of the 4th, I will look for the ones I have and send them out.
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http://img132.imageshack.us/ (http://img132.imageshack.us/)
that works good for uploading and linking pics .
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Originally posted by Sharon Boretsky
What a treasure to see this picture! If someone will tell me how to upload images, and if there is interest in more pix of the 4th, I will look for the ones I have and send them out.
We'd love to see any photos you might have Sharon of your Dad and his time with the 4th.
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Wow....
How Cool to your dad Sharon...
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Yeah in my haste to tell you about the guys in my virtual squad- I forgot the
, which is the Salute to him for his incredible service. Sorry 'bout that Sharon, I'm sure you must be proud.
Truly, he did a service to millions that can never be repaid.
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(am I the only one that has been "moved" by this thread?)
A heartfelt to you and your father Sharon.
Give it a couple days. The members of this community will amaze you with what they know.
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Well put Lute. Enjoy Sharon and
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Originally posted by Old Sport
(http://home.earthlink.net/~johnrlove/1000_destroyed/334th.gif)
(Left to right top row) Lt. Charles W. Harre, Brownstown Ill.; Capt. Thomas R. Bell, Shawboro, N. C.; Lt. Carl G. Payne, San Antonio, Tex.; Lt. Robert S. Voyles, Belle Fourche, S. D.; Lt. Clarence L. Boretsky, Milwaukee, Wisc.; Lt. Kenneth E. Foster Oil City, Pa.; Lt. Andrew C. Lacy, Sullivan, Ohio; FO Alvin L. Hand, Newton, Pa.
(Left to right second row) Lt. Arthur R. Bowers, Tiskilwa Ill.; Lt. William J. Dvorak, Western Springs, Ill.; Lt. Lewis F. Wells, Quitman, Gal; Lt. Jack D. McFadden, Brookville, Pa.; Lt. Paul E. Burnett, Cushing, Okla:; Lt. Calvin H. Beason, Anderson Ind.; Lt. James W. Ayers, Tulsa, Okla.; Lt. Michael J. Kennedv. Philadelphia, Pa.; Capt. William F. Hedrick, Redondo Beach, Calif.; Lt. Timothy J. Cronin, Oconomowoc, Wisc.; Capt. Ben Q. Ezzell (I.O.), Harlingen, Tex.
(Left to right third row) Lt. Raymond A. Dyer, Glassport. Pa.; Capt. Robert H. Kanaga, Harbor Beach, Mich.; Lt. Kenneth G. Helfrecht, Madison, Wisc.; Lt. Joseph E. Gallant. Chelsea, Mass.; Lt. William O. Antonides, Carbondale, Col.; Capt. David W. Howe, East Hickory, Pa.; Lt. Jerome E. Jahnke, Los Angeles. Calif.; Lt. William B. Hoelscher, Indianapolis, Ind.; Lt. Dollald M. Malmsten, Burwell, Nebr.
(Left to right bottom row) Lt. Conrad J. Ingold (I. O.) l\Tew York, N. Y.; Maj. Louis H. Norley, Conrad, Mont.; commanding Capt. Gerald E. Montgomery, Littlefield, Tex.; Lt. Edward J Woznaik, Girard, Ohio.; Lt. Leo C. Garcin, Bay City, Mich.; Lt. Alan Skirball, Columbus, Ohio; Lt. William C. Spencer, LaGrande, Ore.
From the on-line 1000 Destroyed (http://home.earthlink.net/~johnrlove/1000_destroyed/frames.html)
By the way, this was January 1945 according to the caption.
Best Regards
Well Sharon it turns out that Andrew Lacy who is in the picture with your father lives just down the road a bit from where I live here is a article from the local paper about him. (http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/9377/scankm9.th.jpg) (http://img139.imageshack.us/my.php?image=scankm9.jpg)
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Originally posted by WMLute
(am I the only one that has been "moved" by this thread?)
A heartfelt to you and your father Sharon.
Give it a couple days. The members of this community will amaze you with what they know.
No you aren't.
I am amazed that someone like her comes to a game forum and receives a response like she has. I bet she will get more information from this site than she will get anywhere.
Sharon, if you are interested, feel free to join any of us in the game. I bet your father would be proud to see you in a cartoon version of his plane.
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LOL!!! You guys are just great! Hope the stories and pictures keep coming, and hope it makes your gaming more "real", too! I may just take you guys up on your offer to join in.......
I know my Dad would be humbled by the salutes but proud, as well.
Thanks to everyone.
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Sharon check your personal messages. Hit "User CP" at the top of the page.
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The depth of knowledge of the members of this site never ceases to amaze me.
to all of you, to Sharon, and to your father and the entire 4th.
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What is the significance of "Meg" ... is that your Mom's name ?
<> to your Dad !!!
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Thanks for asking about MEG....
This is where the stories can get fun...and I hope to still talk to any of the original guys for more, if they remember!....
My Dad was SO shy, he had never had a girlfriend, and MEG stood for Mary Ellen G...(don't know last name) who was a neighbor he kind of had a crush on..in fact, he was still so innocent, (if ya know what I mean) that his buddies at Debden pooled their money to send him for his first experience...... :)
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Originally posted by WMLute
(am I the only one that has been "moved" by this thread?)
No... your not the only one moved. When I see someone so interested in their families past, I am moved.... even more so in this case as Sharon's Father was actually in the conflict we are all so interested in.
Sharon to your Father, you, and your entire family.
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Originally posted by Sharon Boretsky
Thanks for asking about MEG....
This is where the stories can get fun...and I hope to still talk to any of the original guys for more, if they remember!....
My Dad was SO shy, he had never had a girlfriend, and MEG stood for Mary Ellen G...(don't know last name) who was a neighbor he kind of had a crush on..in fact, he was still so innocent, (if ya know what I mean) that his buddies at Debden pooled their money to send him for his first experience...... :)
Great story !!!
I guess he eventually got over his shyness ... if you know what I mean ... ;)
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Sharon,
Glad ya got that email....(Jeff)
to your Dad and you as well for taking the time to learn so much about his life.
This thread had been shared by my entire family. They all think I am a bit goofy at times playing this game for hours sometimes. But when I told them of this thread they were all moved.
to all you guys that helped her out as well.
Take care
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Dang guys you are awesome. What a response from the community on all the info/pictures for Sharon.
Sharon, i hope you find all that you are looking for with the history of your dad.
A big to Lt. Clarence L. Boretsky
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A bit more info on Lt. Clarence L. Boretsky from "Escort to Berlin"
He joined the 334th FS, 4th FG on June 2, 1944. He ended up being D Flight CO in the 334th in December 44 and was with the 4th until March 4, 1945
And another view of his P51D Meg, before the red rudder color was painted on. This is found in Garry Fry's "Debden Eagles"
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s199/guppy35/Meg2.jpg)
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It's this kind of thing that I love about this community. Every so often, a window into the past is opened, and no matter how far removed, we all get to look. Great stuff.
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Fencer, working on the skin yet? :)
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WOW, you all continue to amaze me with your time, interest and responses! I am digging in the attic this weekend for the few pictures and info I have, and will share them with you. Thank you again and again for the respect and honor you offer to my dad, and I know to all the men and women past, present and future who protect and serve.
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We have got to skin this plane into the game.
I think it would be great if we could get some of our best formation pilots together to make an honorary film with this particular fighter group's skins, including hopefully Lt. Bortesky's, then post it right on the front page of this site.
This has been the most interesting thread to keep up on in my three years at this game.
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WOW! Hi Sharon,
Great stuff Lt. Bortesky Here's a little on the Russian shuttle mission.
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3901/is_199909/ai_n8857548
http://books.google.com/books?id=tYh24VBwW7wC&pg=RA1-PA211&lpg=RA1-PA211&dq=russian+shuttle+mission+ww2&source=web&ots=ggUmv0JIGV&sig=wb_ntvoL0Wy1q-PXWtdKxMcVwBI
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Well done guys!
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Originally posted by hammer
Fencer, working on the skin yet? :)
No Comment. :eek:
Actually no, real life has me occupied until next week.