Very happy to hear from another descendant of these great men! Of Pantanella they used to say "Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry." Our young Dads probably watched each other's mission takeoffs from the parallel runways there. Lots of photos, documents, artifacts and their B24 crew's full stories at ancientlights.org/fifteenth.html. PEACE!

@@37Dionysos Thanks for the links, some fabulous reading. I still have all of Dad's military memorabilia, its to sentimental to me right now to get rid of it. I thought about donating it to one of the museums who have a Liberator on display. I may some day, or maybe my children and grandchildren will send it along. Dad never made it to one of Frank Ambrose's reunions but was a member and I have the hard covered book they put together. Dad is in Crew 2 under Larwence Brennmen's crew www.frankambrose.com/pages/crew2.html I will have to dig out all the photos, letters, logs my dad kept. He passed in 2003, he would have been 95 last week on the 13th. Cant be many of the GREATEST left and I am sure they crossed paths in Pantanella. Adelard G "Ducky" Cayer FARMINGTON -- Adelard G. "Ducky" Cayer, 77, of Andover, died peacefully on April 6, 2003, at the Franklin Memorial Hospital with his family beside him. A lifelong resident of the area, he resided on the Wentzell Road, Andover. He was born in Rumford on July 13, 1925, the son of George and Josephine (Tousignant) Cayer. He graduated from Stephens High School in Rumford with the Class of 1943. He was a veteran of the U.S.Army Air Corp during World War II, earning the American, African and Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbons and a Victory Medal after flying numerous missions over the European Theater. He served with the 15th Army Air Corp B-24 Liberators as a Radio Operator/Gunner in the 781st Bombardment Squadron (H), 465th Bombardment Group stationed in Pantanella Airfield Italy from 1944 to 1945. Adelard retired in 1987 from the Boise Cascade Paper Group, Rumford Mill as a Quality Control Forman after 43 years of service. Since his retirement Mr. Cayer, better known as "Ducky" to all his family and friends, was very active in the Ellis River Riding Club in Andover where his humor will be missed by all members who knew him. Mr. Cayer was a Registered Maine Master Guide for over 50 years. He was known for his extensive knowledge of and love for the outdoors. He was an accomplished expert in the field of firearms and ammunitions. Ducky shared his legacy with many. Ducky was instrumental in handing down his lifelong outdoor traditions to many friends and family, especially his granddaughters whom he helped become avid outdoor girls, hunters and shooters. He was married in Rumford on July 30, 1950 to Gloria T. Arsenault, his beloved wife of 53 years, who survives of Andover. Other survivors include two daughters, Deborah Cayer and her husband, Matthew Bean of Andover, and Sharon Perkins and her husband, James of Cornish; a son, George Cayer and his wife, Lori and their two daughters, Larissa and Hillary Cayer, all of Rumford He was predeceased by a daughter, Sandra Cayer; and three sisters, Georgette, Regine , and Irene of Rumford.

@@georgecayer7234 Sorry to hear of his passing---hope you'll keep/save EVERYthing for either a reliable museum or for family for the day they want those priceless inside stories. I could not believe that in Red Eudaily I was meeting my young Dad's Flight Engineer, AND the very man with whom he won the DFC over Pardubice. Have also heard from Squadron Chaplain Eastwood's family: he said "Our future is made sacred by their sacrifice." Great to know so many like you who remember them in honor.

I live about 100 km from Pantanella, I am fifty years old and I only discovered a few months ago that the "Flying Fortresses" were starting from nearby. I am trying to understand if there is anything left of the air base, unfortunately I believe it has all disappeared. on the spot to look for any buildings left standing. It is very unfortunate that they have not safeguarded anything of that airport. I only found this link, with some photos of the base today, very few things: www.canosaweb.it/rubriche/francesco-morra-storia-e-dintorni/ricerche-storiche-a-cura-di-francesco-morra-pantanella-oggi/ A documentary was also shot (Beth's story-La storia di Beth) about a pilot's daughter, who returned to Pantanella to see the remains of the base. Unfortunately, the link to this documentary has also disappeared. I will continue to search ..

Thanks so much for watching and writing: so glad that Red's warm heart, courage and incredible story are coming through. "An honorable gentleman"---you nailed it. Spent 3 days with him and wonderful daughter Jeanie to get this done (he and my Dad were original crewmates), will never forget it. He saw my Dad in me and that was something. Much more to enjoy about these guys at ancientlights.org/fifteenth.html. Very best wishes to all Red's family!

Greetings to you and honors to your veteran family!

My grandfather was also with the 464th bg and779th squadron, also a flight engineer! His name was Robert (Bob) Rice.

Will help if I can! Write me at jpd37 at hotmail dot c-o-m