P-47  "JUG"

Reunion 2006 - Millville, NJ

Back row left to right: Bill Rich, Gene Ross, Dennis Hayman, Bob Colangelo, John Kinn, Dan Dameo (pilot), Norb Polanski, Carroll Wooge.
Seated left to right: Lloyd Jones, Ed Strobel, Bill Geise, Wayne Barber, Tom Vesey, Paul DeHart, Joe Ritz, Moe Richardson, Marty Brock.
As seen in the photo above, our 2006 reunion in Millville, NJ was  highlighted by the fly-in of "Jacky's Revenge", a P-47 Thunderbolt piloted by Dan Dameo. This was an occasion not to be missed and we found the events of our reunion to be reported by several of the area's newspapers:
Bridgeton News 19 Aug 06
Bridgeton News 23 Aug 06
The Daily Journal 23 Aug 06
The Press of Atlantic City 23 Aug 06

Our reunion in Millville was a huge success, perfectly planned by Bob and Ellen Colangelo, Bill and Bea Geise, and our hospitality team of Olive Sauter,  Bea Geise, Charlene Polanski, and Inez Ross. A special commendation goes to Dennis Hayman who after six years of planning arranged a fly-in by a P-47 Thunderbolt, "Jacky's Revenge" piloted by Dan Dameo. (click here for Dennis' full report)  A special thank you is in order for the kindness and attention given to us by the Staff and Volunteers of the Millville Army Airfield Museum during our visit and luncheon there. All attendees contributed their own joy, energy and enthusiasm to make this celebration one to remember.

Featured below are but a few of our photo remembrances:

As we toured the Millville Army Airfield Museum, Tom Ritz noticed this original painting of BitterBitcher. "That's our plane! We have pilot and asst. crew chief with us now." The museum staff graciously allowed Wayne Barber and Carroll Wooge to sign and pose with the P-47 they knew so well, BitterBitcher. (click here for more) Bill Hogan was one of the many tour guides who showered us with attention at the Millville museum. Of special interest to those of our group were the cartoons Bill sketched while behind enemy lines in a POW camp. There were a wealth of such stories shared at the museum on the day of our visit.

Lloyd G. Jones, first time attendee of our 412th reunion, enjoys a photo album of past reunions with his grandson Lloyd W. Jones and Norb Polanski. Hard working "Hospitality Gals" Olive Sauter and Bea Geise taking a much deserved break from their behind- the-scenes efforts of making our visit so enjoyable.

On the porch with Joe Ritz, John Kinn, Carroll Wooge Ernie Ritz, John Kinn, and Carroll Wooge

Marty Brock with his famous smile. Wayne Barber and Inez Ross in the background. Moe Richardson 

Our shepherd Bob Colangelo with fellow reunion planners Ellen Colangelo and Bill Geise. It was Dennis Hayman who arranged the P-47 fly-in. His uncle Lt. Pilot Bill Miller smiles from heaven.

Pilot Dan Dameo makes a graceful wing descent. Breakfast with the Polanski's and Richardson's.

Charlie Andrews and Gene Ross talk old times of the 410th. Charlie is an avid reader and supporter of our newsletter. CLEAR!

Frances Harvey, Vera Richardson and Norb Polanski reminisce with one of many photo albums. Lloyd R. Jones and his wife Dr. Grace Jones brought their dad, 412th member Lloyd G. Jones, to this year's reunion.

Allen Authur and Norb Polanski Bea Geise, Marge and Kathy Vesey

Bill Rich welcomes us to the Millville Army Airfield Museum, August 22, 2006. David Schwartz, Ernie Ritz, and Bob Colangelo.

 

412th Squadron patch image courtesy of Bruce Lowell and Bob Colangelo.