Several of us, veterans, wives of veterans, children of veterans, and others associated with the 500th Bomb Group, met over the years at the annual meetings of the 73rd Bomb Wing Association. We were concerned about the availability of records for current and historical purposes. While some records were available through government sources, we learned that most World War II Servicemen’s records were destroyed in a disastrous fire in St. Louis in 1973.

Some records of the 500th Bomb Group are available at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Maryland. Others are at the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) from who we were able to obtain microfilms of many orders. We were also able to assemble personal records of several veterans that contained information on the individual veteran and also many others who were included in the same order.

Special thanks to Mark Styling for the illustrations of Z Square 22, Leading Lady and Z Square 33, Slick Dick.

For information on illustrations on these and other aircraft go to: http://www.markstyling.com/index.htm

James E. Bowman is the son of James E. Bowman, Tail Gunner on Z Square 35, Pacific Queen, Captain Savage’s Crew. The younger Bowman retired from the Army and the Department of Defense. He has made a major contribution to this website with his editing of the Day by Day journal. This journal describes the activities of the 500th day by day from initial organization to dissolution

Edwin D. Lawson was a CFC Gunner of the 882nd Bomb Squadron, is a retired professor of psychology from State University of New York at Fredonia.

Donald R. Thurow was an Intelligence Sergeant in the 882nd. He is a retired engineer. With his background and knowledge, especially of the headquarters unit of the 882nd, he has been able to provide a great deal of information in developing this website. His collection of photographs of the 882nd was invaluable in making this project possible.

Kenneth F. Fine is the son of Kenneth F. Fine, Sr., Navigator on Z Square 22, Major Hurlbutt; Slick Dick, Lt. Hanft; and Z Square 23, Lt. Hanft. The younger Fine retired as an executive from United Parcel Service. He has attended many 73rd Bomb Wing Reunions and has been a major contact between families of deceased veterans and the 73rd Bomb Wing Association.

Richard F. Sheil (1919-2013) was a pilot with the 94th Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. Although not a member of the 500th, he was attracted to the development of this website and volunteered his talents and assistance. He did the heroic job of organizing and captioning the photos in the gallery as well as many other tasks. We thank him for his contributions.

Several of us, veterans, wives of veterans, children of veterans, and others associated with the 500th Bomb Group, met over the years at the annual meetings of the 73rd Bomb Wing Association. We were concerned about the availability of records for current and historical purposes. While some records were available through government sources, we learned that most World War II Servicemen’s records were destroyed in a disastrous fire in St. Louis in 1973.

Some records of the 500th Bomb Group are available at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Maryland. Others are at the Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) from who we were able to obtain microfilms of many orders. We were also able to assemble personal records of several veterans that contained information on the individual veteran and also many others who were included in the same order.