Posted By Bob Neuberger on April 21, 2007 at 21:05:03:
To Whom It May Concern ,
My Favourite Uncle was a tail gunner in a B-17 . As a child I was always curious about his war exploits . He would never elaborate on them and always joked the questions away , quickly changing the subject .
It was not until recent research on my part that I realized the immense bravery shown by the men who manned these planes over Germany and the incredible horror they endured for my freedom .
Now that I understand why my uncle preferred not to relive these moments I am compelled to find out the details of his wartime record as a legacy to him since he has passed away . I want his brave deeds to be known to all of his serviving family members since he never spoke of them himself whether from the torment of bad memories or modesty .
I know he flew well over the required 25 missions , volunteering to serve longer . I know he had credit for a plane and a half and was eventually shot down over a ball bearing factory . He spent the last 7 months of the war interned in Germany .
I would like to know his B-17's name and nose art if any .
I am not foolish enough to expect any of this information to just appear here but would be ever so grateful if anyone reading this could be so kind as to give me a good starting point . I am ready to go the long haul . My uncle did for me and you . It is the least I can do in his memory .
His name was SSgt Leroy Paul Breitenstine .
More than that I can not provide .
I Thank You All in Advance for any help you can provide .