Standing in the
door of their Normandy plane left to right. Top: Joe Morettini,
and George Shenkle, Bottom: Pilot Ed Yarborough and Crew Chief
"Bing" Wood
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E-COMPANY REUNITED WITH NORMANDY C-47
The 1st Platoon of E Company
was reunited with their Normandy C-47 and pilot on June 8, 9, & 10,
1990. This was at the Dover Del. AFB Historical Center.
The C-47 was just restored and was the special feature of the reunion.
The 61st Troop Carrier Squadron has had other reunions but
this was the first time research was done to bring together air crew,
plane, and paratroopers.
We were contacted by W.C.
“Bud” Dutton, a member of the 82nd A/B Division Association and an ex
D/307th Prchut. Engr., 82nd A/B Div. His
Platoon worked with the 508th in the Bulge. I referred
him, with a roster, to Fred Infanger, the E. Co, Rep. Fred and he contacted
E. Co. and nearby 508ers.
These people attended the event:
Jack & Shirley Plotts and daughter Janice, E; Dave Nagle E; George Shenkle,
E; Joe Morettini, E; Fred Infanger, E; Abe Oybkahn, D; and Gary Wilkinson,
Hq 1st.
These people were treated royally.
For Morettini and Shenkle, who jumped from this plane into Normandy,
it was a very moving experience. The Director of the Center hopes to
make reunions of this type an annual event.
Loading Manifest: 1st
LT. Eugene Hetland, Pfc. William Strieter, Pfc. George Shenkle, Pfc.
Gerald Adams, Pvt. Morris Boyer, Pvt. Robert Gass, Pfc. Howard Hughes,
Sgt. Roger Cavalluzzo, Pvt. Douglas Crutcher, Pvt. Charles Swan, Pvt.
Harold Moore, Pfc. Herman Todd, Pvt. Trion Maldonado, Pvt. Joseph Morettini,
Pvt. Robert Elbert, T/S O’Dell Cannon, Sgt. Carlos Ashley, Sgt. Theodore
Belliveau, S/Sgt. Arnold Lundquist, Pvt. David Akers
Container
Rack No. 1 – 2 AT/RLS. AMMO
Rack No. 2 – 60 MM MORTAR
Rack No. 3 - 60 MM AMMO
Rack No. 4 – Demolitions |