398th Voices

 

398th Bomb Group Memorial Association

Timeless Voices Project

Index of Available Interviews

 

Introduction

Timeless Voices of Aviation is a major video history project of the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture Museum. The goal of the 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association Timeless Voices Project is to obtain first person oral histories of WWII aviation experiences from our members.

Randy Stange, son of Ray Stange initiated the 398th's participation in Timeless Voices and interviewed the first 27 veterans from 2003 to 2005. Randy unfortunately passed away in late 2005 and we thank him for his tremendous effort on Timeless Voices and many other 398th activities. Marilyn Rice-Gibb volunteered to continue the effort and began another round of interviews in 2006 and 2007. These interviews are still being processed and some may be added to the list below in 2008.

398th Timeless Voices Video Interviews

QuickTime Player is required to play the following video interviews. Getting Connected information below may help if you are having difficulty. Some interviews have been transcribed to text. By clicking both links, it may be possible to play the video and read the text at the same time. Try clicking the transcription link first, then moving the window off to the side.

  1. Keith Anderson, 398th Pilot, 600th Squadron Video Interview (53m 58s)
  2. Wally Blackwell, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview (49m 43s)
    Wally Blackwell, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview Transcripton
    Wally Blackwell, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview Transcripton - Some 398th BGMA History
    There are two parts. Part I is Wally Blackwell's 398th WWII Timeless Voices Interview. Part II is a discussion with Wally Blackwell on Some 398th Bomb Group Memorial Association (BGMA) History. Part II begins at 32m 49s. Wally Blackwell is the current 398th BGMA president.
  3. Dale Brown, 398th Bombardier - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (40m 50s)
  4. Lew Burke, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (35m 14s)
  5. Marvin Coffee, 398th Pilot - 602nd Squadron Video Interview (33m 36s)
  6. Dewey Cook, 398th Engineer/Gunner - 600th Squadron Video Interview (54m 40s)
  7. Donald Dunn, 398th Tail Gunner/Spot Jammer - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (14m 43s)
    Donald Dunn, 398th Tail Gunner/Spot Jammer - 603rd Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  8. Dick Frazier, 398th Pilot - 602nd Squadron Video Interview (39m 26s)
  9. George Graham, 398th Radio Operator - 600th Squadron Video Interview (35m 47s)
  10. Edward Jones, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (11m 54s)
    Edward Jones, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  11. Jerome Jans - 398th Pilot in the 603rd Squadron Video Interview (30m 48s)
  12. Edward Jordan, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Audio Interview (7m 43s)
    Edward Jordan, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Audio Interview Transcription
    The audio is from an original phonograph record made on October 19, 1944 shortly after Ed's return to the USA. The first 3m 45s are scratchy and may be difficult to understand. After that the recording is clearer.
  13. Joe Joseph, 398th Engineer/Gunner - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (27m 48s)
    Joe Joseph, 398th Engineer/Gunner - 603rd Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  14. Robert Knowles, 398th Radio Operator/Gunner, 602nd Squadron Video Interview (48m 22s)
  15. Arthur Laughlin, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview (15m 27s)
  16. Hamilton Mero, 398th Pilot - 600th Squadron Video Interview (19m 16s)
    Hamilton Mero, 398th Pilot - 600th Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  17. Newt Moy, 398th Pilot, 603rd Squadron Video Interview (1hr 27m 25s)
  18. Elliot Novek, 398th Radio Operator, 602nd Squadron Video Interview (23m 15s)
  19. Harry Overbaugh, 398th Waist Gunner - 602nd Squadron Video Interview (32m 37s)
  20. Russell Reed, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Vieo Interview (1hr 57m 26s)
  21. Paul Roderick, 398th Pilot - 602nd Squadron Video Interview (49m 38s)
    There are three parts. Part I is Paul Roderick's Timeless Voices Interview. Part II is the amusing Cockpit Dialog skit performed at the 398th 2006 Reunion by Paul Roderick - Pilot and Roger Harvey Co-Pilot, and introduced by Bob Bowen. In Part III The Roderick Crew Tells War Stories Paul and Roger are joined by former Ball Turret Gunner Eric Erickson. Part II begins at 21m 58s. Part III begins at 34m 10s.
  22. Robert Rowland, 398th Ball Turret Gunner - 602nd Squadron Video Interview (14m 16s)
    Robert Rowland, 398th Ball Turret Gunner - 602nd Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  23. Philip Stahlman, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview (40m 44s)
    Philip Stahlman Interview, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview Transcription
    Includes description of the famous DeLancey/Stahlman 15 Oct 1944 Flight.
  24. Louis Stoffer, 398th Engineer/Gunner - 600th Squadron Video Interview (28m 08s)
  25. Ray Talbott, 398th Tail Gunner - 601st Squadron Video Interview (14m 28s)
    Ray Talbott, 398th Tail Gunner - 601st Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  26. Howard Traeder, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron Video Interview (51m 29s)
  27. Al Turney, 398th Navigator - 601st Squadron Video Interview (20m 26s)
    Al Turney, 398th Navigator - 601st Squadron Video Interview Transcription
  28. Thomas Vanner, 398th Ball Turret Gunner - 602nd Squadron Video Interview (25m 52s)
  29. Hal Weekley, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron - EAA Timeless Voices of Aviation Video Interview
    Note: EAA has disable this link for now.
    Because of Hal Weekly's involvement with the EAA, his Timeless Voices interview took place at the EAA. The above link on the EAA Timeless Voices site provides access to a short clips of the interview. To find the Weekley interview clip, clikc the above link, then choose Military - WW II, then Weekly, Harold in the Movie Pick List.
    Hal Weekley, 398th Pilot - 601st Squadron - EAA Timeless Voices of Aviation Video Interview Transcription
    Note the EAA has disabled this link for now.
    Because of Hal Weekly's involvement with the EAA, his Timeless Voices interview was transcribed by the EAA. This link provides the EAA transcription of his entire interview.

Getting Connected

  1. You will need a high speed connection.
  2. You will need QuickTime 7.1 or later (see below for download info).
  3. If you meet the above conditions, the movies should automatically stream a few moments after clicking the chosen Video Interview link above. In the beginning you will see a new page with black background and white letters and a small viewing box.

QuickTime Application Download

If you are unsure whether you have the Quicktime application installed, try the Video Interview links above anyway. The latest version of iTunes Mac or PC also installs Quicktime. So you may have it already. If you need the QuickTime Application, click b) or c) as appropriate.

  1. General QuickTime Info from Apple
  2. QuickTime free download for Mac - free version is on left side of page
  3. QuickTime free download for PC - - free version is on left side of page; Quicktime is similar to Windows Media Player

Transcription Status

398th Timeless Voices Interviews Transcription Status provides a table indicating the status of transcription for the above interviews. There are many to do and each can take some time to complete. At the current rate it may take well into 2009 before completion of all of this first round.

Purchase

398th DVDs which play on most DVD players/or your computer are available for purchase through the 398th PX. The DVDs are duplicates of the above interviews. While the above are available for free for viewing on the 398th site, it is recognized that there is interest in having the convenience of a DVD and being able to view it on a home TV screen. Prices are $17 for purchases from 398th Members, $22 from non-members, delivery and handling included in the price.