Our CO has passed away.

[Reschke]

I just read this thread and had no idea. I enjoyed taking my squadron up against the 68th many times in the AvA arena and I got know 68KO from flying with and against him many times. These are the things that put it into perspective for me and I am praying for his family. Godspeed 68KO you will be missed.

[uptown]

68KO

[GooseAW]

Originally posted by Fencer51
My condolances to his family both off and online.

Hes sounds like my kind of guy I wish I had gotten to know him.

Did he fly AirWarrior?  He looks awfully familiar in the picture that was posted.

Also did he have a favorite P-51 scheme that he liked?

Clear skys and a smooth running Merlin 68KO

Last I remember 68KO was MOTKO in AW.

Again...Fair skies to you KO.

[Stratocaster]

KO was like my hero back in 2002... I was 11 years old that january and he excepted me into the squad like I was as big a person as some of the senior members... Even after I was out of the squad KO was always kind and would never hesitate to fly with me... always saying I was a good stick but I had a mouth on me! Being the 11 year old anti social I was at school I could not find a better influence in an online community to help me branch out. I am 16 now and love school. thanks KO!

[68BRAGG]

<> to all of you that remember KO and for all the kind words and thoughts.

Goose, you are correct! when KO and I first flew together we were in AW first MAWs then MOTLEY ACES, 68KO was MOTKO and I was MOTBG.

 About 7 years ago(shortly after we formed the 68th, I Moved from Texas to Maine, during that trip I stoped by NJ to meet KO(Bill) irl. Bill and I became very close talked on the phone every day. Three months after I moved to Maine My wife at the time began an affair and I was then going threw a nasty devorce. Bill called me every day just to make sure I was ok, and yes we flew everyday. Then I moved back to Texas. On the way back down My kids and I stayed with Bill and his family for a few days in 2003. We were treated like family from Bill and his wife Sue and the kids. We went to see the U.S.S. New Jersey and had a great 4th of July with them. I am actually older then Bill was and It does make one think of their own mortality. I find it very difficult to fly... knowing that I'll never hear Bill on the radio or see him off my wing.

<> KO My Best Friend  words just wont do it
68BRAGG CoFounder 68th Lightening Lancers

[68KO]

Bragg!!!

Thanks for the kind words...great memories they are!!

[Enduro]

I've been away from the game a little while.  I am completely shocked by this news.  I flew along with 68KO in a couple events--he and his crew were a pleasure to fly with.

My sincerest condolences to 68KO's family and friends.  I will carry this "empty" feeling for quite some time, now.

68KO -- blue skies, sir!!!

[AWMac]

Originally posted by Guppy35
Really sorry to hear this.  Deepest sympathy to his family and to his AH friends.

Can't say I knew 68KO much at all, but I did fly with him on occasion in the Snapshots.  And in one of the more immersive ones I flew, he was prominent.

Escorting 26s in Spit IXs to bomb a target in France.  MacMaw and his 3 26s had been hit hard by 190s.  He'd dropped down damaged and was hit by a single 190.  KO and I dove down to try and clear him.  Not soon enough for his second drone, but 68K0 got the 190 so MacMaw was still flying.  Damaged but still headed for the target.  But he was alone and on the deck.  

Without thinking about it, we both stuck with MacMaw and took him into the target and all the way home.  It really sucked me in as that's what the Spits were doing in 1943.  68KO seemed to know the score too and while rat-racing with the 190s and 109s would have been more fun, getting MacMaw home was the job and we did it.

Screenshot from that flight of 68KO and I covering MacMaw home on the deck over the English Channel.

GAWD I remember that sortie well... 68KO and You were GREAT Guppy!!!  Thanks for the screen shot... That is now my puters background.  

I feel bad that I missed the Memorial Flight..new job and all...yet I wish I could have been there.  68KO was a great stick not to mention a great guy, always there to help and teach.

My deepest Heartfelt condolences to his Family and all of those he had touched in life.  I seen the film of the Memorial Flight and it brought many tears to my eyes, a chocking lump in my throat.

Eternal Father, strong to save / John B. Dykes  
Verse
Eternal Father! strong to save,
Whose arm doth bind the restless wave,
Who bids the mighty ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
For those in peril on the sea.


Verse
O Saviour, whose almighty word,
The winds and waves submissive heard,
Who walkedst on the foaming deep,
And calm amid its rage did sleep;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!


Verse
O sacred Spirit, who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
Who bad'st its angry tumult cease,
And gavest light, and life, and peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!


Verse
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go,
Thus ever let there rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

Amen my Brother...

I will forever miss you.

<<>>

The Wings you have now are far better than those on Earth.

Mac

[viking73]

I am not a normal forum reader and just read this topic. I may have said something online but in any case I wish to extend the condolences of the Marine Air Wing to the "6-8" and to KO's family. I personally enjoyed working with Bill on  joint squad missions. KO was a driving force in many Knight resets. But he was first and foremost a good leader and friend to many members of Aces High. He will be sorely missed.

 Bill "68KO" Bundesmann and 68th Lightning Lancers

T2MAW
Marine Air Wing

[Swarmed]

S! 68KO.

Condolences to his family and friends.

[joey04]

68KO and family

[FiLtH]

I enjoyed the times I flew with him. He did alot with events, and helped make it a better game.

[CAP1]

whelp....all i can really say is that 37 is waaayy too young for a good guy like 68KO to be taken from his friends and family. i truely hope his family is doing ok......and apparently they live very close to me(i'm in lindenwold), so although this offer comes a couple months after the fact, if there's ANYTHING you need Mrs 68KO, PM me, and i'll try to do what i can for ya.


<>68KO

john(1ltcap)

[DakOne]

Our condolences to KO's family and to the 68th for losing their CO. Your in all our prayers.

[lasse]

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