Don Kleinkauf, RB-29 crewmember who's personal story is documented on this web site, died on Sunday, October 5th, 2003, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Don was a member of my RB-29 crew and the news of his passing caused me to reflect on our time together and record these words:

22 February 2003

From Allen Weddle

Another Sad Note:

Roy Kaden just told me that George Brenner has passed away. Services are to be on the 24th at the Altamonte Presbyterian Church in Altamonte, Florida. Death must have been on the 20th or the 21st. I will send a card for us 91st people to the funeral home to be forwarded to his daughter Kimberly Randall and the family survivors. George was 86 years old. His wife Ardis preceeded, I just learned. For those who might not know, he was a Navigator while we were stationed at Howard AAB, CZ. Everyone liked George, I remember.

Allen

Subject: George Tarver
Date: Sat, 20 Jul 2002 14:55:40 EDT
From: [email protected]
To: [email protected]

We lost another good friend. George R. Tarver had a heart attack Tuesday, 16 July, and died at a rest home in Nacogdoches TX. He would have been 74 on the 22nd. His daughter Terry Tarver called me last night. Unfortunately I didn't learn when the services were to be held or when. Been calling today to get that information and if I do, will let you know immediately. Also will send a card of sympathy from the 91st Recon to his home address for the family.

George was a special friend of mine and my wife Dolores. He was different, gutsy and very witty. He spoke his mind in a loud voice which sometimes surprised folks. It took a little time to get to know him as I did. George was a wonderful story teller and a loyal friend. I didn't remember him from the 91st when he first joined us at a reunion but am surely glad he came. He was only 19 years old when he served in Panama as a radio operator. George left the service after the 91st returned to the states and went to college to become a Geologist. As a civilian, he returned to the Panama area on a government contract to do a geological survey. George told me he had a wonderful wife for many years. As far as I know he has a daughter Terry who lives in Seattle, a son Charlie in Aspen, and one or maybe two more sons one of which is an MD. His wife died in the early '80s. And that is about all I know about George. There will be no public memorial service. The family will gather in Florida somtime later. Even though we lived miles apart, I am going to miss old George at the next reunion.

Allen

Subject: Ed Halpin
Date: Sun, 28 Apr 2002 23:34:18 EDT
From: [email protected]

I am sorry to have to forward the following message from Ed's grandson Connor Austin. Ed passed away on the 27th, yesterday.

I have asked for any memorial service information and will forward same upon receipt.

Ed was a good man and carried on long after he lost his wife maybe seven or eight years ago. I know I am not the only one who will miss him and remember him always.

The Grandson's message follows.

Allen
=========================================================
Subj: Some bad news...
Date: 04/28/2002 3:52:33 PM Pacific Daylight Time
From: [email protected]
To: AWeddle

This is Edward Halpin's grandson Connor Austin, and I have some bad news.

Yesterday afternoon, Ed had a heart attack while he was doing some yard work. He did not survive. He died doing what he loved best, and we are positive that he would not have it any other way. He passed quickly and painlessly at his home. He will be greatly missed.

Received two messages from Jess Richey, dated 11 February 2002:

First message:

I just read a post on the guestbook from Bob Harris stating that Col John Arnold, who was flying a 91st airplane (44-62217) when they were shot down and taken prisoner, died on 3 January 2002. Colonel Arnold was 88 years old,

They were shot down on a leaflet mission on 1-13-53.and were repatriated in 55.
Jess Richey

Second message:

Went to the alpha crew list and copied this.

KORWALD Loss Incident Summary:

Date of Loss: 530113, Tail Number: 44-62217, Aircraft Type: RB-29A Squadron: 91st
Strat Recon Sq., Circumstances of Loss: Downed by 12 MiGs during leaflet drop mission, Mayday at 12/2316L

Crewmembers Associated With This Loss

Name(Last, First Middle) Rank Service Status Comments

ARNOLD, Jr., John K. COL USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
BAUMER, William E. MAJ USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
BENJAMIN, JR., Harry M. A2C USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
BROWN, Howard W. TSGT USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
BROWN, Wallace L. 1LT USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
BUCK, John W. CAPT USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
HART, JR., Alvin D. A1C USAF KIA
KIBA, Steve E. A1C USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
LLEWELLYN, Elmer F. CAPT USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
SCHMIDT, Daniel C. A1C USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
THOMPSON, III, John W. A2C USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
VAADI, Eugene J. CAPT USAF RMC RMC from China 1955
VAN VOORHIS, Paul E. 1LT USAF MIA
WEESE, Henry D. 1LT USAF KIA

Jess Richey

Subject: Ted Hicks
Date: Thu, 27 Sep 2001 17:19:23 EDT
From: [email protected]

Ladies and Gents,

I regret to tell you that George T. (Ted) Hicks departed on his last flight in June of this year. He and his second wife Ellen lived in Myrtle Beach, SC. Ted attended our first 91st Reunion at Oceanside, California but none subsequently. I have been contacted by John Cudd, Ted's nephew and who as a ten year old visited Ted and Sue in Panama during the summer of 1947. John says he remembers the Finans, Brashears, Welch and the Coveys. He remembers also roaming about Panma City with Sue looking for the lottery ticket she had dreamed about the night before. Those were happy days, John
says. I agree.

Everyone in the 91st liked Ted. He was our Squadron Executive Officer under George Finan the C. O.. I remember as a 2nd Lt, winning $25.00 from him. That much money was a wad in 1946. I was giving Major Ted a check ride or maybe a check out and demonstrating just how easy the B-17 was to land. I boasted it was so easy that I could make a three point landing using only elevator trim, rudder and throttles. Ted doubted it and so I offered the bet and he took it. With no gusty winds, it was no problem. Ted paid up good naturedly but I can't remember if he was smiling. Ted was a real friend to us all and we will surely miss him.

God Bless you Ted.

The Crew Chief

Subject: A "Well Done" For Lt. Thomason's RB-29 Crew

Date: Sun, 23 Sep 2001 10:33:53 -0400
From: "Rick Thomason" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>

Hi,

I am writing to confirm that the picture you have is indeed my father Lt E. Richard
Thomason, his crew and his RB-29 (appropriately named "NO SWEAT").

I am sorry to report the passing of my father on 21 Sep 2001. He had been very sick this year. He spent 60 days in and out of the hospital fighting pneumonia. This last incident was just too much for him in his weakened state.

I know, however, that now he can do what he enjoyed most which was flying 24 hours a day.

Thanks for commemorating my fathers contributions to this country's national defense.

Richard L Thomason

From our Crew Chief, Allen Weddle, 6/12/01

Dear 91st People

I am sorry to report that Jack Linck of the 91st at Panama in
1946-1948 has died. His wife said he passed away on May 12, 2001. He had
been troubled with heart problems. Jack was a pilot although I think his
service in Panama was in the photo lab end of the business. The Lincks never
attended any of our reunions but were always eager to hear of our activities.
I think Jack was not well for quite some time. If any of you remember him
it would be nice for you to send a card to his wife. the address is: Mrs.
Jack Linck, P O Box 5196, Sun City West, AZ 85375.

From our Crew Chief, Allen Weddle, 3/2/01

Grady Stapp commentary by Earl Myers, 3/2/01