New guy from Southern California

Hey there! My name's Peter, I'm a 26 year old guy born and bred in California. Been interested in WWII since my early teens, and though I don't frequent many forums, I thought this would be a great one to learn more, share my stories (flew in the Nine-O-Nine B17 last May!) and try to learn a little bit more about my maternal grandfather's experiences in the war. He passed away before I could meet him and apparently never discussed his experiences, but I am piecing together bits of his possible story through his letters, pins and patches left behind.

I enjoy WWII (console) video games, I work professionally as a digital creative, and also like American history such as the revolution, wild west, and the gold rush eras. Play golf and soccer when I can, and I think that sums it up. Looking forward to getting involved!

 

Welcome Peter! What did your grandfather do in the war? or should I ask what do you know about his service? Lots of folks here with a fair bit of knowledge to help fill in the blanks!

 

Thanks for the welcom! My grandfather shipped over in October '44 as part of the 411th Inf. Reg., AT Co., then in late January '45 was transferred to the 157th Inf. Reg.'s AT Co. (Hence my user name ) From what I can figure out so far about his units, he landed in Marseille, crossed over the Vosges Mountains and spent time in the Alsace-Lorraine, and then through the Maginot Line into Germany. He spent most of the time there in Munich, though he wrote once of the horrors of seeing Dachau, making me wonder if he was part of the 45th Div that were some of the first in there. I'll probably post some photos soon of the ribbons I have for further information soon as well.

Lots of gaps and maybes in my history since all I can do is trace his regiment movements, etc., but it still paints an exciting picture of a humble Italian immigrant turned US Army soldier I wish I had known!

 

Can say almost the same thing for a great uncle I have been researching...Good luck with your research and look forward to reading more of your posts!

 

welcome to the forum

 

Welcome Aboard!

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome, I, too, am a native of CA. I grew up watching Lockheed aircraft (P-38’s, P-80’s, etc.) flying over my school from a nearby test facility.
Like you and your B-17 I got to ride in a P-38 when I was a youngster.

 

A P-38!?...Okay, now im pissed....

 

Hello, enjoy your stay with us, this is a great place to be.

 

Well, I was gonna say "Welcome Aboard", but now I'm too pissed, having seen your bit about the -17 flight, and the P-38 ride.....dangit! Now I'm too jealous to type anything coherenospoidufjspocxiz;aheF!@#$a.

 

Welcome to the Forum, Peter. I wish you all the best in your research.

 

I've only flown in the B17 myself, muscogeemike was the guy with the P38 experience. Finding a Lightning to fly in I'm sure would be a much tougher arrangement than the bomber, but the ol' flying fortress is my first love!


Thanks for all the welcomes guys, seems like a good group already!

 

This was back in the '50's and I was 7 or 8. I up chucked so I never got another ride!

 

My guess is you were up in the LA area? Boeing was/is around here too I believe... Must have been added excitement during the school days to watch, though. And wow, a P38 flight must have been amazing! Was it rigged for two people?

 

Hehe...hurts doesnt it....right down there in the cockles...grrrr...

 

After reading all of the other posts I feel like I should be mad about something, but I don't know what it would be, so I'll just say welcome and get back to you on that.

 

Hi cactus.

I flew in 9-0-9 in 1994 at Torrance AND "Golden Gal" [the CAF B24] in 1995 from Torrance.