[Trteamer]

Hello FReeper Foxhole. Today I burried my uncle, an 86 year old World War Two veteran. I always knew he was in the war but I never knew the details until they came out during his memorial.

United States Air Force Colonel Jack Large was a B-24 navigator in Italy from 1943 to 1945. The name of his outfit was the "Black Panthers" and I learned they flew at least 50 missions. Jack told me years back that his aircraft bombed the big monestary in Casino and I have watched documentary films about that battle.

VFW Post 2121 in Greeley, Colorado did an excellent job with a 21 gun salute and full military honors.

Since many people here on the FReeper foxhole have excellent memories and references of military history I wish to ask for your help in finding out more about Colonel Large's outfit and history.

I seem to remember that after 25 missions one was sent home. I don't know how many missions my uncle flew, but I am curious about it. Now that he is gone I am kicking myself for not getting him to tell me the history when he was alive. To all of you who know a WWII vet, please try to learn the history first hand from them before they are all gone. I thank God for his generation and the great country they gave to us.

God Bless America.

[w_over_w]

Thank you for sharing your loss and for your uncle's service to our country. May God comfort his family and may the honor he brought always be remembered.

Mach Six!

[SAMWolf]

Please accept my condolences, Trteamer

Colonel Jack Large

460th BG was composed of four squadrons (760th, 761st, 762nd and 763rd) and was based at Spinazzola, Italy, as part of 55th Combat Wing, which was assigned to the 15th AF.

Here's a possible contact

460th Bomb Group - 15th AF
Duane Bohnstedt -  Editor
24303 Contra Costa Lane
Punta Gorda, FL 33955-9998

Any ideas which Squadron he was in?

[Valin]

and I learned they flew at least 50 missions.
50 missions! Good lord!

[snippy_about_it]

We are thankful for your uncle's service and hope you can find out more about his unit.