Lt Louis C Breckenridge - Jr. Birdman (5 Jan. 2007)

1 Jan. 2007; I was with the 321st Group, 447th Squadron

*** August, 2015! *** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMWJpznN8dk **

Louis tells his STORY!

As of VE Day I been promoted to First Lieutenant. had, flown 68 combat missions, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 6 oakleaf clusters. European-African-Middleastern campaign medal with 5 battle stars, Distinguished Unit Citation with cluster. American Defense Service Medal

_**I arrived in Corsica August 26/44--came home May 45 after VE day

I was one of a group of 100 pilots who had graduated from twin engine training
We had not been checked out or flown in a B-25. When we arrived in Corsica
and assigned to the various groups and squadrons, the pilots who had finished
their tours thought we would replace them, but they had to check us out first
Needles to day, we got a quick check before flying combat as copilot. We later
flew first pilot and had our own crews.
This was the first time a large group officers had been sent to combat O'seas with no training
in the aircreaft they were to fly. One of our group of newbees named Bob Zuloff wrote a
book about us entitled " THE JUNIOR BIRDMEN OF CORSICA" Telling in more detail
the story of our group.
Assignment to the Groups and Squadrons was made alphabetically. Ten of us A-C were
attached to 447th. We were referred to as the ABC guys

As you probably know, the 57'th Wing transferred to Falconara, Italy, on the adriatic coast
south of Rimini prior to wars end

As of VE Day I been promoted to First Lieutenant. had, flown 68 combat missions, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 6 oakleaf clusters. European-African-Middleastern campaign medal with 5 battle stars,
Distinguished Unit Citation with cluster. American Defense Service Medal

This should give you more than expected. If I can helpin any way--just give me a jingle on
email
http://57thbombwing.com/gallery2/main.php?g2itemId=28001 57th BW Gallery-Album for Louis Breckenridge**

5 Jan. 2007 I misplaced your last message dear, but remember your request for info First, how did obtain my Sons name (Terry) and that he once lived in Newark??

28 March, 2007;

Oh! to be young again. I Think the dog was called LADY A Corsican dog done her wrong and she had puppies--someone may have pictures I think the picture shows rhe pupps in a helmet PS my name is LOUIS

26 April, 2007; to Barbi Ennis Connolly

447th BS War Diary: The following officers promoted to rank of 1st Lt. Par. 1 SO 9, Hq. 12 AF, 10 Jan. 1945: 2nd Lts. Donald A. Amundson, Richard D. Appenzeller, Aaron E. Autry, Louis C. Breckenridge, David N. Brice, Lyle N. Brown, Jr., Paul I. Buckley, Helmut K. Buechner, Carl W. Cahoon, Elmore Cammock, Jackson R. Dodson, George S. Fairchild, Frederick E. Loewus. Following F/O’s appointed to rank of 2nd Lt., Ltr. Hq, 12th AF, 24 Dec. 1945: F/O’s Shelby D. Wallis, John B. Bokum. Amundson, Donald A., 1Lt, pilot Appenzeller, Richard D., 1Lt, pilot Autry, Aaron E., 1Lt, pilot Bokum, John B., 2Lt, bombardier Breckenridge, Louis C., 1Lt, pilot Brice, David W., 1Lt, pilot Brown, Lyle N., Jr., 1Lt, pilot Buckley, Paul I., 1Lt, pilot Buechner, Helmut K., 1Lt, pilot Cahoon, Carl W., 1Lt, pilot Cammock, Elmore (NMI), 1Lt, pilot Dodson, Jackson R., 1Lt, pilot Fairchild, George S., 1Lt, pilot Loewus, Frederick E., 1Lt, pilot Wallis, Shelby D., 2Lt, pilot.

27 April, 2007 to Barbi;

Thanks for the memories---sorry dear--no pics Amundson thru Cammack were all part of the Junior Birdman of Corsica group We were all assigned to 447th alphabetically Have one of some of us getting the DFC Appenzeller,Buechner,Brice have passed away. Don't know about others I still communicate wth Amundson, Autry and Cahoon.

Barbi Ennis Connolly, 321st BG Historian PrincessbarbiB25@msn.com additions? corrections?_