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#1
March 3rd 04, 08:33 PM
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A Letter from my co-pilots niece
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 
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#2
March 3rd 04, 08:52 PM
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cool, Art. What is hard to understand for some folks is that these stories
sometimes have unforeseen consequences - when I wrote about CDR Carlson's and Mike Ampong's death, it was for my own healing process. Along the way, the families of both men have contacted me for additional information, as the Navy didn't tell either family a thing about the accident. Being able to share with the families helped me in ways I can't put into words, and is really the only method available to me to honor those former shipmates. v/r Gordon
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#3
March 3rd 04, 09:02 PM
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#4
March 3rd 04, 09:09 PM
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Subject: A Letter from my co-pilots niece
From: nt (Krztalizer) Date: 3/3/04 12:52 PM Pacific Standard Time Message-id: cool, Art. What is hard to understand for some folks is that these stories sometimes have unforeseen consequences - when I wrote about CDR Carlson's and Mike Ampong's death, it was for my own healing process. Along the way, the families of both men have contacted me for additional information, as the Navy didn't tell either family a thing about the accident. Being able to share with the families helped me in ways I can't put into words, and is really the only method available to me to honor those former shipmates. v/r Gordon Exactly right. We must always honor those we flew with. We loved Bob, He was a great co-pilot and a greaa friend as welll as a wiz on the radio compass. The letter came as a shock and I shed a tear or two on reading it. I have passed it on to my pilot, Paul Shorts and to our old commanding officer Col Bob Witty. although he visits my website regularly and I get constant comments from him.. Also many members of the 344th Bomb Group Association who knew Bob are also regular visitors to the website. Never forget our absent friends wherever they may be. Arthur Kramer 344th BG 494th BS England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany Visit my WW II B-26 website at: http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer
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#5
March 3rd 04, 11:24 PM
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"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
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#7
March 4th 04, 09:10 AM
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ArtKramr wrote:
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 A couple of things come to mind Art. I'm sure she has a gazillion questions. Why not let her create the path of discussion. It might make coming up with the answers easier. Maybe along the way you can point to a direction or two and see if she wants to travel that way. A simple "Of course I would love to talk to you. What would you like to know??......................" The other thought is, with her permission, it would be nice to see the letter from her up on your web site. Who knows? It might prompt other folks to come forward!
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#8
March 4th 04, 02:35 PM
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ArtKramr wrote:
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) Art, from where I sit I can only imagine that it will reveal more of her uncle's life to her. Clearly she wants to know more about that, or she would never have written to you as she did. I wouldn't worry about it. But it might be worth keeping in mind as you record more memories, to consider that family members might end up reading them. Not to say you should not write them down, just to suggest that in some cases it is best if the names aren't named, as in the case of "I'm Going To Die Today." Best Regards, Jeff
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#9
March 4th 04, 02:35 PM
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ubject: A Letter from my co-pilots niece
From: Mark and Kim Smith Date: 3/4/04 1:10 AM Pacific Standard Time Message-id: ArtKramr wrote: 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 A couple of things come to mind Art. I'm sure she has a gazillion questions. Why not let her create the path of discussion. It might make coming up with the answers easier. Maybe along the way you can point to a direction or two and see if she wants to travel that way. A simple "Of course I would love to talk to you. What would you like to know??......................" The other thought is, with her permission, it would be nice to see the letter from her up on your web site. Who knows? It might prompt other folks to come forward! I thought of that. But there those on this NG who will demean with snide snickers all such efforts. I first thought that I never would post my reply because of these few badmouths. But because of those like you who are interested I decided to post the reply. But I must protect the memory of my now gone friend from the handful of bottom feeders on this NG. So I'll keep it all pretty much private from here on in. Thanks for your interest and sensitive reply. Arthur Kramer 344th BG 494th BS England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany Visit my WW II B-26 website at: http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer
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#10
March 4th 04, 03:03 PM
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Subject: A Letter from my co-pilots niece
From: "Jeff Crowell" Date: 3/4/04 6:35 AM Pacific Standard Time Message-id: ArtKramr wrote: 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) Art, from where I sit I can only imagine that it will reveal more of her uncle's life to her. Clearly she wants to know more about that, or she would never have written to you as she did. I wouldn't worry about it. But it might be worth keeping in mind as you record more memories, to consider that family members might end up reading them. Not to say you should not write them down, just to suggest that in some cases it is best if the names aren't named, as in the case of "I'm Going To Die Today." Best Regards, Jeff Exactly right Jeff. I am very careful about revealing names in cases where is might cause hurt. But of course Cheryl is fully aware of Bob's loss and can probably tell me a lot about how it effected Bob in later life. But I am always carefu on the balance between history and hurt. Arthur Kramer 344th BG 494th BS England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany Visit my WW II B-26 website at: http://www.coastcomp.com/artkramer
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