ubject: A Letter from my co-pilots niece
From: "Brian Colwell"
Date: 3/3/04 3:24 PM Pacific Standard Time
Message-id: VOt1c.679326$X%5.655591@pd7tw2no


"ArtKramr" wrote in message
...
This letter came this morning. It makes having a website worthwhile.

Dear Art,
My name is Cheryl (Monson) Guthrie, Bob's niece. Firstly, I can barely
contain
myself as I am overwhelmed with emotion finding and reading your website.
After
he passed away, the War pictures and treasures were found, something he
NEVER
spoke of. Years ago I had planned on contacting one or all of your group
to
help me find out any information, but life got busy and went on. His
pictures
are so incredible, but I don't know what most of them are. I never lost my
curiosity to get to know my favorite person in the world a bit better. As
you
know, he was a quiet man, and way too much was left unsaid. As he got
older, he
did let it leak out how much it meant to him to get together with your
group.
Ironically, he was the one who started us saying "I love you" (out loud)
in our
family.
Recently I was looking for something for my mom when I came across a trunk
that
must have belonged to my Grandmother. In it, amongst other things, was a
handwritten letter to my grandparents speaking of his visit (2nd?) to
Dachau
after the war was over. The reality quite chilling. Reading his words
prompted
me to get out his military papers and start searching again for stories.
There
is so much I want to know.
I found a website that you can send away for a history of missions, but
never
heard back. This morning, I somehow ran into your website & recognised
your
name. (I remembered the names Kramer & Shorts) Thank you so much, this is
unbelieveable!
If you would ever be willing to talk to me, I would love it and appreciate
it.
Hope this finds you in good health.
As my son nears age 18 (born on my/his Uncle's birthday) it truly amazes
me
what so many young men did for mankind so many yrs ago. May I sincerely
thank
you for your contributions to our freedoms.
Cheryl
Arthur Kramer
344th BG 494th BS
England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany
Visit my WW II B-26 website at:
http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer

Art,
Thanks for sharing that with us....It's very touching and must be very
rewarding for you to be able to help fill in some blank spaces regarding his
service with the 344th, for Bob's niece.

Thanks again,
BMC



The letter has me in a bit of shock. I have been thinking how to answer it and
it will be a long and complicated answer. There is much to tell her about Bob
that occured during the war that she may not be aware of. I keep thinking of
"Bob's Story" on my website and wondered how it may have effected her. I am
almost afraid to ask.I never meant it to be read by any of Bob's relatives.
The war has us by the throat and won't let go. (sigh)


Arthur Kramer
344th BG 494th BS
England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany
Visit my WW II B-26 website at:
http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer