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� Copyright Marquis G. Witt, 1998,1999, 2000, 2001,2002,2003,2004,2005,2006:  Materials may be freely copied and distributed subject to the inclusion of the copyright notice and the web site address. The site is intended for historical and informational purposes. This site contains links to other Internet sites. These links are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information in such sites has been endorsed or approved by this site.

 

 

I have added letters of personal experiences and welcome them or return comments.

NOTE: I can not vouch for the accuracy of addresses since they do change.
  You might try the web site listed in the Crew Information File to find someone you knew:


Mark Witt

RTB                Crew Information File

 

Jan 13, 2006

I guess is Ole Sol dipping back toward the divider that brings out the hibernators.  A few answers/hints. Danny Farr 8th,  current  with Nails Nelson 13th in a thing called 405th Advon or such. And BELIEVE !!!! both were old school AF!  taught the youngins how to appreciate life. Nails attended, as promised again, DFW in Sept. Drew applause, handsome devil! Trim in old Mess dress. He fitted, even. Swagger? I'd say so still.
The friendly fellow signing autographs was Leslie Wilkerson. He and the nav Bear an Anapolis grad were really picKed up South china Sea  and chute in arms the swabbie saluted, demanded "Permission to come aboard , Sir". We awaited them at Happy Valley O'Club that PM.  The "Orbiting Dutchman" over NahTrang  was  Larry Horrach with Lump Johnson close in trail as they later performed over Karst  in Laos. Another two getting along toward Ace. Some time back we emailed with the  Master Scrounge Chief responsible for all H's  GD Ft Worth.  Recall?  Looking for a D crew which turned to be  English Electric oldie on hurricane.drop sonde  missions offa FL. . All I can recall, fer nonce. DIP Crazy Don.  

 

Don Phillips |

Jan 11, 2006

 I was assigned to the 405fw  (MMS) Clark AB .I was assigned to work on the B-57 that were assigned to the 8th and 13th.  We used to go TDY with the 8TBS  and 13th to Bien Hoa and DaNang AB.  We used to go over there from the Philippines  60 days at a time.  Except that when I went up to DaNang I stayed for 6 months.  On my first trip to Bien Hoa I went  back to the Philipines I on a Saturday (Ithink) and the next day the B-57 blew up on the flight line.  If my memory serves me right, a month later I was up to DaNang and because of the shortage of personnel I managed to stay 6 months.
 
The last commander that I can remember is a person named Col. Farr. I did meet Air Vice Marshal KY RVN AF while I was in Vietnam. I do have in my  a year book from the 8th Bombardment squadron from the Years april 1964-april1966. I don't know how I could get copies to any one though.I would be glad to hear from any from that era.

Edwin Brousseau 

 

Many remember Farr.  He was a tough bird.  In 1969 at Phan Rang he returned for a shindig.  I was going to fly so couldn't drink. Farr made up for most of that and then some finally calling the L/Cs who were putting on the "dog"  a bunch of "panty-waists." (MW)


 

Jan 11, 2006

I was assigned to the 8TBS in July, 1965 as a crew chief.  At that time we were rotating 60 days to Danang then 60 at Clark.  I spent 18 months with the squadron as the crew chief who parked our shot up bird when the pilot brought it back due to the back seater being wounded. At first  I thought one of the hydraulic lines was leaking, but shortly discovered the red fluid coming out the bottom was blood . What a shock!  Of course most of the base had shown up by the time we got the bird shut down. Those aircrews were the best. We loved them all. 

John W. Luse MSGT USA(ret)
  

 

Dec 24, 2005

In 1958 and 59 I was stationed at Kadena AFB, Okinawa . I was TDY to the AP's and had the pleasure of standing guard duty on 9 B57's.  When the moon came up I saw three more about and walked down to them. There were three regular AP's with guard dogs. As I was leaning against one of the planes, I couldn't make out was I was leaning on, I asked why the special treatment for these three. A Bombs.

I'll never forget that night.

Richard Rothstein, Henderson,

 

It is not well known that the B-57 had been a nuclear weapons platform along with being used for so many other tasks. In Vietnam, we often flew aircraft with the disconnected special weapons control panel. (MW)

December 4, 2005

Dear Col Witt:

The Smithsonian organization has suggested that I contact you. For quite
some time, I have been trying to find information about the RB-57H, not to
be confused with the RB-57F.

I think only two of these birds were ever modified and the work was done by
General Dynamics. I was just curious as to the specifications and whether
they ever saw any service.

I would greatly appreciate anything you could tell you. It sticks in my
memory that I saw an article about them, but I sure can't find it now.


With kindest regards,


James F. Vaughn
Hurst-upon-Trinity, Texas

USAF 1953-1956 (a couple of centuries ago.)

Any help?

Nov 3, 2005

ECM Electro Counter measures pods were installed on the wings of B 57s in early 68 (around TET)  They were aluminum cylinders some had high frequency radio transmitters in the nose and most were fitted with chaf dispensers that would open from the rear and deploy millions of aluminum particles the idea I suppose was to confuse the enemy radar.  I believe this is what you wanted.  I remember some things about the TISEO system as well.

Best regards.
Walter Greer
43151C Crew Chief B-57 8th TBS Phan Rang  67-68
 
 
WALTER GREER

 

28 Oct 2004 (reposted)

I came across your web site while posting my October update to the Air Weather Reconnaissance Association photo gallery.  We have members who flew all the different weather birds, including the RB-57 and WB-57.  Hope you don't mind, but I linked to your main page and also to the article you posted about the 2 active NASA WB-57F aircraft.  Our WB-57 photos are at www.awra.us/gallery.html  They have been reduced from the originals to make easier on-line viewing.  If you are interested, I have the digital originals.  They are about 3200x2200 pixels and run from 600K to 1.2M as JPGs.  I do have the TIFF files that I received from AF Weather History Office, but those are 15 to 30 Megs each. 

 
Keep up the good work,
 
Bernie Barris
Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

Sorry, Bernie, for taking so long in posting - no excuse. (MW)

 

 

Sept 1, 2005

Mark,

 
Website of missing in Laos. Believe there's 9+ B-57 crews.
 
www.angelfire.com/home/laoslist/listtoc.html
 
Denny Craig

 

31 Aug, 2005

Dear Col. Witt,
 
I'm researching the history of the McDonnell Voodoo in Canadian service, and I 'm looking for some help running down the details of a (fortunately survivable) fall 1970, nighttime mid-air collision between a Canadian Forces CF- B-57. According to the book 416 Squadron History, both aircraft landed safely, though the 101 had done "major surgery" to the Canberra's wing. Beyond that, all it says is the Voodoo was crewed by an RAF exchange officer, F/L Bill Gambold, and his presumably Canadian nav, Nick Lundhill. I would welcome any further details users of your site might be able to provide, from date, location and circumstances to serial numbers, aftermath and any surviving documentation, reports, etc. I'll gladly cover any copying or postage costs. I can be reached at , by phone at (days) or by snail mail at , London, ON, N6G 4Z7. Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions you can offer.
 
Sincerely,
 
John Lund

Aug 19, 2005

Dave Harris Faith Communications Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this electronic mail message and any attachments is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or forwarding of this email message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify me by email reply and delete the original message from your system. THANK YOU Col. Witt Thought you would want to know, and let correspndants (sic)of Canberra.org, that one of your own has returned home for his final rest Col. Jom Lewis, a resident of Marshall Texas and his GIB, a Major from Dallas returned from a mountainside in Laos. Jims son David Lewis, flew out from Hickam with his dad. He was fully honored in a way Marshall rewards their heroes, with a full flag parade, two color guards, and Cassion Escort with a full dress Union Period Soldier. A horse belonging to his daughter walked with inverted jackboots in stirrup. A B52H from Barksdale presided over the event in a low -level, gear down orbit at below 1000AGL. For further news respond to my E-Mail at Col. Lewis was lost, with his Canberra and crew in Laos in '65 

Sincerely David Harris

 

15 Aug, 2005

Just a short note as I just recently found the B57 site. I was a crew chief for the 8th at Phan Rang/1967/68/69. I came home jan 1969. My assigned bird was prior to my departure from country. Your site brought back alot of memories and I saw pictures of two birds 898/561 that I worked on also. I was fortunate to go up in the back seat just before leaving Phan Rang, what an experience! I remember one officer,Lt.Col ?, that was very personable with the ground crew and would write compliments in the birds log. He was shot down one night after I sent him off on a mission and later rescued by the navy and brought back to Phan Rang. You maybe as your name looks very familiar?
Anyway thanks for the site, maybe I can contribute something.
Oh yea---WELCOME HOME
 
Doug Fadely

 

10 Aug 2005

got this list from the link below. I thought you might already have this. Didn't know.
 
http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/1952.html
 
52-1493/1594 Martin B-57B-MA
1493 converted to NB-57B.  Used for trials of Bomarc missile guidance system, At MASDC by 1961
1494 w/o 2/9/55, Edwards AFB, both crew killed.
1495 w/o 1/6/59, Edwards AFB.
1496 converted to NB-57B. w/o 9/17/62, Australia
1497 fitted with Bomarc nose.
1498 converted to NB-57B. lost in combat
9/22/68 over North Vietnam.
1499/1507, 1509, 1511, 1515, 1516, 1519/1521, 1526,
1545, 1548, 1551, 1564, 1571 converted to EB-57B.
1499 converted to EB-57B.  On display at WPAFB
Museum, Ohio.
1500 modified for testbed use.  At Vermont ANG Base, Burlington, VT.
1502 w/o Apr 5, 1977 after mid-air collision.
1503 w/o 1/14/80 Plattsburgh
1504 at Linear Air Park, Dyess AFB, Abilene, TX.
1505 (B-57E) at Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT
1506 to MASDC as BM0138 Dec 10, 1981.
1507 w/o 4/77
1508 w/o 3/27/69 near Phu Cat
1509 at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX.
1510 w/o 9/14/67 in combat
1511 to MASDC as BM0134 Dec 2, 1981
1512 w/o 10/8/66 after dual flameout at Clark.
1514 w/o 9/11/58
1516 (EB-57B) at USAF Armament Museum, Eglin
AFB, FL.
1517 w/o 2/9/55
1518 converted to RB-57B.  to MASDC 12/72.
1519 (c/n 102) at March Field Museum, March AFB, Riverside, CA.
1521 modified for testbed use.  To MASDC as BM0137 Dec 3, 1981.
1522 converted to RB-57B.  w/o 7/20/58 Little Rock, AK.
1523 shot down by AAA near Hue 2/21/66.
1526 at Beale AFB, Marysville, CA.
1527 rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13289
1528 w/o 1/21/55, Randolph AFB, TX.
1529 w/o 12/4/55, Webb AFB.
1530 lost in combat 4/7/66.
1531 w/o 5/17/56, Eniwetok Redwing.
1532 loaned to South Vietnam.  Lost in combat at unknown date.
1534 w/o 11/29/55 Texas/Mexico.
1535 converted to MSB-57B.  w/o 6/22/55.
1536 rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13298
1538 w/o 4/26/55, Randolph AFB.
1539 converted to MSB-57B, redesignated
   JB-57B-MA, reconverted to B-57B,
  rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13288.
1540 converted to JB-57B.
1541 lost in combat 9/19/66.
1543 w/o Yokota 2/4/61.
1544 lost in combat 9/6/65.  Engine fire
indication.
1545 to MASDC as BM0135 Dec 2, 1981.
1552,1581 converted to NB-57B.
1548 at South Dakota Air and Space Museum,
Ellsworth AFB, SD.
1550 lost in combat Mar 5, 1966.
1551 converted to NB-57B.  Now at NASM, Washington DC in Dulles storage.
1552 fitted with Mace nose.  To MASDC.
1554 w/o 7/28/55, Hill AFB.
1555 destroyed by mortar attack at Bien Hoa
Nov 1, 1964.
1557 converted to RB-57B.  Lost in combat 1/21/67.
1559 converted to RB-57B.  Rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13286.
1561 lost in combat 1/13/69
1562 converted to JB-57B with TM-76 Mace
nose.  Rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13290.
1563 w/o 9/8/55, Langley AFB.
1564 to MASDC as BM0133 Dec 2, 1981.
1565 lost in combat 12/14/65 near Pleiku.
1566 w/o 4/2/57.
1567 w/o 3/15/69 dual flameout near Pleiku.
1568 w/o in ground explosion 5/16/65, Bien
Hoa AB, Vietnam.
1569 w/o 1/9/59
1570 converted to RB-57B.  Lost in combat 10/5/68 at Phan Rang.
1571 converted to RB-57B.  w/o 3/76.
1572 crashed Edwards AFB, Dec 24, 1958 during
simulated engine out landing.  Pilot killed.
1573 rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13299.
1574 rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13291.
1575 lost in combat 2/10/66
1576 transferred to NASA DFRC as 809 and registered as . 
Now on display at Edwards AFB, CA.  Was before becoming
.
1578 converted to B-57G 1969. To MASDC in
1974. 
1580 converted to B-57G. To MASDC in 1974.
1581 converted to NB-57B and then to YB-57G.  To MASDC in 1972
1582 converted to B-57G in 1969. To MASDC in
1974.
1583 rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13293.
1584 to MASDC 1970.  Converted to GNB-57B 1972.
Currently at Kalamazoo Aviation
Historical Museum, MI.
1586 lost in combat 4/4/68.
1587 w/o 3/26/57, Sembach, Germany.
1588 converted to B-57G. To MASDC 1974.
1589 converted to RB-57B.  Lost in combat 6/30/65.  Aborted takeoff
and ensuing damage exploded bombs.
1590 lost in combat 12/8/66.
1591 w/o 12/11/56, Laon, France.
1592 lost in combat 3/25/68.  Lost control
during single-engine landing.
1594 rebuilt as RB-57F 63-13292.
1576 transferrred to NASA
  
     John W. Harris
    .
   
   

 

 

4 July 2005

I read the beautiful story on your website titled "Names Unknown" by John DeCillo, who was part of the Air Crew of the 8th and 13th TBS.  I would like him to know how valued he was for those missions, though I don't believe I personally knew him.  He might benefit from knowing the inner thoughts and details of the night interdiction missions from someone who remembers. 

 
Incidently, I always enjoyed visiting with the guys who loaded the flares and bombs on the planes, as I knew they weren't the visible heros.  I also did this with the dog handlers, as I knew the pilots and navigators overshadowed them during that time and in the Air Force.  I still have a bleeding heart, in this lifetime, for those who aren't credited as they should be for doing great things.
 
Again, thank you.
Lisa  
In Honor of Bill Cordero

 

25 July 2005

Bill & Carol Nielsen <> wrote:

I�ve been attempting to learn more about an aircraft accident I witnessed at Nha Trang , South Viet Nam , in 1965.  A B-57 Canberra took some ground hits, the crew ejected, the aircraft continued to circle, out over the bay, then over land, until it �tipped over� and crashed in the main street of Nha Trang.  The airplane carried full load of ordinance, 500 lb bombs, and several USAF firefighters won Bronze Stars that evening.  Many of us helped in the clean-up.  I�ve asked USAF History folks for a report or background paper on the event, no response.

 Have you ever heard of this incident? Could you direct me to someone who has?  Thanks for your time.  

BILL NIELSEN, SMSgt, USAF (Ret)

Port Charlotte FL 33952

 

Mark, I just recently found your web site. You have done an outstanding job in preserving the history of the B-57 Canberra and the crews that flew them and the people who maintained them. I was a crew member, Navigator/Bomb. assigned to the 8th Bomb Squadron from June of of 1965. I came to Clark AB PI from B-26 Invaders, 1st ACS at Ben Hoa AB    South Vietnam . I was in a group of 24 (best I can remember) that were transferred from Ben Hoa to  Clark AB. We went thru the ck out program for the B-57, many many  trips to the Crow Valley Range . Then we were deployed in Aug 1964 to Ben Hoa SV after the Bay of Tokin incident. A night flight, we (8th and 13th) took off at about 11 o�clock at night with a full bomb load because there was not sufficient ord.for us at Ben Hoa. We James Lewis and  I landed fast and heavy and blew right main tire, we went off runway into muck. We were not injured and the aircraft was pulled out the next day, with full bomb load with only a basic wash job and a replaced tire. Three other aircraft were not as lucky, two ran together on landing and one went in from 20,000ft over D zone just north of Ben Hoa. Flew the combat support/armed recon missions until Feb of bombs. Jim Lewis  and I were part of a 20 ship flight that hit the Xom Bang (sp) Ammo Depot in North Vietnam  in early March 1965 with good results. Continued to fly combat missions in ,SV, Laos and NV. Then Ben Ben Hoa blew up in May of 1965 and we moved to Siagon. ( to be continued)

 

                         Will continue later:  George B Rose MAJ USAF ret, 104 Winster Fax, Williamsburg VA 23185

                                                                     Phone # email

I witnessed the destruction of the aircraft and crew while on patrol.  I was a Recon Marine.
Last year I found a book on aircraft lost in Vietnam and looked up the crash.
One of the crewmen:  Warren Sheldon Davis was listed as being from Demarest, NJ in the Vietnam Casualty book.
I took my original 1:50,000 map and put it under a plastic sheet and diagrammed where the aircraft went down, where we were and other     landmarks.
On Memorial Day I drove the and set up the display at the war memorial.  I spoke with the Mayor and the town historian.  No one knew who the  man was!  In fact, the mayor remarked that he has always wondered about Davis since he can recall no family by that name in Demerest.
However, on the Demerest war memorial Warren S. Davis is the only named listed!
Sincerely,
Phil Peters.
 
 

 

 

wrote:
    I have been a past member of the B-57 squadron family over a 20 year U.S. Air Force career. We served from 1966 - 1986 and retired as a MSGT.  Our family started at Stewart AFB, NY in 1967 with the 4713 DSES Squadron.  Our family grew up with this squadron for four years at Stewart AFB, NY and later at Otis AFB, Mass.  We had a great deal of TDY time in numerous countries, states, and continents.  We had very understanding families and base support groups that made our duty time possible. 
    I have a bad memory for names of squadron members and I apoligize for that, but I do know that they all did excellent jobs to have our equipment code 1 ready at all times and keep us safe .  I was enlisted but that didn't stop us from being one huge family.  I used my experiences with the 4713th DSES to accomplish duties on almost every base I was assigned to through out my career.  I worked on "A" models through "H" models in some form or fashion.
    When I was assigned to Ubon RTAB ,Thailand I was assigned to the 13th BST.  There I ran into past members of the B-57 family both Enlisted and Officers.  There we had B-57G models.  We flew them until the squadron was disbanded and the planes sent back to the states to the Air Guard.  I then went on to work on many other aircraft types in my career.   
    I haven't many items of memoribilia from my service career, but I still have the memories of the years with my fellow military families.  Thank you for that! 
    

April 12, 2005   

Mark, sorry about not giving you the appropriate information.  My Name is Willard E. Mann.  I was known as Bill Mann most of the time.  I don't have a very good picture to send to you.  Maybe in the future.  If anyone wants to make contact they can do so through my e-mail address of . 

May 30, 2005

I am researching a flight suit belonging to a Major Crawford.  Patches indicate he was an advisor to the RVNAF 112 Observation Sq at Bien Hoa. Dates in the uniform indicate a time period of about 1968-70. Anyone knowing anyting of Major Crawfor, please contact me.

Al Mark

May 24, 2005

:

Mark Witt, Pappy, Dick Smith, Don Cruthers and others:
 
24 May 2005 Dr. Holland signed off on the report that placed my Dad at the crash site in Laos. I have not received the "official report", am expecting it sometime next week. Depending on the evidence/information the time may have come for me to bring him home. If this in fact be the case we will have a military honors service. I wanted to let all of you know. Will update you as soon as I hear anything else. Feel free to contact me by email or call 903/291-0498.  
Thank you,

 

Valaree Baker
robert ferguson <>

April 30, 2005

Hi Mark,

You probably don�t remember me, I was a young 1st. Lt. when I came to the 4713 DSES at Otis in about May 1971 along with Tommy Walsh.  I remember you as a friendly but at times stern flight instructor.  I came across your website on a whim when I searched Google for 4713 DSES.  I stayed with the 4713 when it went to Westover and stayed there until it disbanded.  After that it was the 4677 at Malmstrom until I left USAF in January 75.  Haven�t done much flying since then.  Went to law school and moved to San Jose , California in �77 and practiced law until 97.  Am now a systems analyst and professor of Information Technology at Santa Clara University .  Since you�re a webmaster, you must have gotten the hi-tech bug as well.

 I have some very fond memories of the 4713 and a lot of young guys who came to it around the same time:  Tommy Walsh, Eric Wellner, Keith Stoeber, Steve Knudsen, Tom Bronson, Steve Rogers, was it Jack? Sanford, et al.  Do any of them communicate via your web site?  Do you have email addresses?

 Also, have fond memories of Bill Ruffer, Lt. Col. ??? Jones, John Harris, another light colonel who had a home in New York near Stewart.  His name escapes me now, I think we called him �The Rock�.  Strange but I don�t remember as many of the EWO�s.  In fact, just Dean Rapp comes to mind.   

Anyway, just wanted to say hello and thanks for the memories.  Hope you and your family are well. 

 Warm regards,   

Jim  Rowan

 

April 12, 2005 (re-posted)

I came across your web site while posting my October update to the Air Weather Reconnaissance Association photo gallery.  We have members who flew all the different weather birds, including the RB-57 and WB-57.  Hope you don't mind, but I linked to your main page and also to the article you posted about the 2 active NASA WB-57F aircraft.  Our WB-57 photos are at www.awra.us/gallery.html  They have been reduced from the originals to make easier on-line viewing.  If you are interested, I have the digital originals.  They are about 3200x2200 pixels and run from 600K to 1.2M as JPGs.  I do have the TIFF files that I received from AF Weather History Office, but those are 15 to 30 Megs each. 
 
Keep up the good work,
 
Bernie Barris
Lt Col, USAF (Ret)

 

April 12, 2005 (Re-posted)

Before the Night Fighters departed for Vietnam in 1965,  many had a black flight suit (to go formal, of course). An interim measure was this patch worn on the back of a shirt or flight suit.  We trust the streaming fires were not serious.  (Chuck Ramsey)
 

 
April 12, 2005 (Re-posted) family snapshot that was taken at Johnson AB, Japan, on (I believe) Armed  

Armed Forces Day, 1959. It shows my late father, then S/Sgt. Jimmy J. Reynolds, with (l. to r.) myself (then age 6) and my brothers Dan and Doug. Of interest to B-57 enthusiasts is the 4 language rescue stencil on the B-57 in the background. Besides English, I believe that these are Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, the latter for missions from Taiwan. The picture was taken by my mother, Cleta F. Reynolds.  It sure brings back a lot of memories. The B- aircraft that I could reliably identify. 
Best Regards,

Jimmy Reynolds

 

 April 8, 2005

I have been a past member of the B-57 squadron family over a 20 year U.S. Air Force career. We served from 1966 - 1986 and retired as a MSGT.  Our family started at Stewart AFB, NY in 1967 with the 4713 DSES Squadron.  Our family grew up with this squadron for four years at Stewart AFB, NY and later at Otis AFB, Mass.  We had a great deal of TDY time in numerous countries, states, and continents.  We had very understanding families and base support groups that made our duty time possible. 

    I have a bad memory for names of squadron members and I apoligize for that, but I do know that they all did excellent jobs to have our equipment code 1 ready at all times and keep us safe .  I was enlisted but that didn't stop us from being one huge family.  I used my experiences with the 4713th DSES to accomplish duties on almost every base I was assigned to through out my career.  I worked on "A" models through "H" models in some form or fashion.
    When I was assigned to Ubon RTAB ,Thailand I was assigned to the 13th BST.  There I ran into past members of the B-57 family both Enlisted and Officers.  There we had B-57G models.  We flew them until the squadron was disbanded and the planes sent back to the states to the Air Guard.  I then went on to work on many other aircraft types in my career.   
    I haven't many items of memoribilia from my service career, but I still have the memories of the years with my fellow military families.  Thank you for that! 

Bill Mann

Willard E. Mann
    

 

January 17, 2005

Letter requesting volunteer speakers:

Programs are informal, intended to be both informative and entertaining.  Audiences run between 65 and 175, primarily adults.  Attendees are aviation, space, and history enthusiasts, including a number of ex-Martin employees.  We promote the talk in local newspapers and aviation media as the sessions are open to the public at no charge.

The auditorium meets high professional standards, and includes the ability to darken the room for projecting images, a large wall screen, a podium, walk-around microphones, and screen pointers.  Audiovisual equipment is comprehensive, and includes dual 35mm projectors, a VHS video projector, computer interface (e.g. PowerPoint), and an overhead (transparency) projector. Speakers may use either their own or the auditorium�s installed computer.  Assistance will be provided in the use of the A/V equipment.  Large, flat areas are available for displays, book sales, etc. 

The meetings are on the first Monday of each month, unless delayed a week due to a holiday conflict, and scheduled well in advance.  Sessions begin at 7:00pm with the speaker introduction and featured presentation. Most talks last about an hour (we are flexible, either side), including Q&A.  Following the talk, there is a 20 minute social break with soft drinks, coffee, and desserts available. After the break, there is a short segment on museum activities and general topics of interest, following which we may have another short feature (slides, video, etc.).  Meetings usually end around 9:30.  Speakers should be at the auditorium between 6:00 and 6:15 for set-up and check out, familiarization, etc.  The meetings start at 7:00 pm in the Lockheed Martin auditorium at (Rt. 150), adjacent to Martin State Airport (MTN). 

We do not pay speaker fees, but would be delighted to provide a tour of the museum and its aircraft, and take the speaker and a guest to dinner at a local restaurant prior to the meeting. With these additional activities, in order to get the speaker back to the auditorium no later than 6:20 for setup and familiarization, we would need to begin the museum visit no later than 4:00 and dinner by 4:45.  

The Glenn L Martin
Maryland Aviation Museum
POB 5024
Middle River, Maryland 21220
www.marylandaviationmuseum.org
Jan 9, 2005

In answer to George Lagarde's query below, this from Col. John Harris.

 

They were flying the first A model to be modified with the Douglas IC-6 ESCAPAC ejection seat. I went by during the work (several times) to see how they were doing. I was impressed by the millions of aluminum turnings from the drilling throughout the cockpit area. Was told they would be thoroughly vacuumed out. The test hop was delayed more than a "few" times.

    The flight test T. O. called for a high speed run at low level (over 400 knots) to determine the elevator trim calibration. There was not enough down trim for that condition so we were to fly the speed and estimate the push force required to maintain level flight. Some of us had complained that it was a dangerous procedure and should be changed to reading it at a safe altitude and allowing for the difference. After doing a few such high speed runs down low, I gave it up for a higher altitude reading that I was familiar with and logged it to please the test hop form. Some time later the procedure was changed so as to be done at 15-20 thousand feet. I wonder if the change was because of this accident? The airplane was determined to have hit the water at very high speed.

 

John Harris

Col USAF (ret)

 

Jan 7, 2005

I have been trying to find some external schematics with measurements of a B-57, in particular the WB-57 currently in use at Ellington Field here in Houston by Nasa. I am going to try to make a 3D model for use as an add-on aircraft in Microsoft Flight simulator so that it can be downloaded on one of the free aircraft simulator web sites. Do you have or know where I can find an external schematic with the proportions and measurements (especially if available online or by e-mail). I have contacted Nasa but have not been successful yet.

thanks,

Tom Wiener
Houston, Texas

Jan 03 2005

Marquis (Mark) Witt Lt. Col. USAF (Retired), 

Thank you for building a truly remarkable website. Please find it in your heart to post my letter, 

My father, George Lagarde, and his pilot, Gary Van Vliet were killed when their RB-57A, 52-1490, crashed into The Great Salt Lake, in Utah, on 
04/13/1971. It was written off on 04/14/1971. I was 
16 years old at the time. I do remember talk of a new aileron system being installed and equipped with rocket ejection seats.They were concerned that on ejection my father would lose his legs. Upon recovery they only found the top of his scalp and the soles of his feet. My father flew in a variety of B-57s including the long wing high altitude model. Within 6 months 2 more B-57s from the same squadron were lost. One I believe was a B-57B, 55-4269. The 3 jets were from the 4677th DSES at Hill AFB, Utah. The squadron commander at that time was Col. Capp. We were stationed there during 1968-1971. By 1/1972 a majority of the surviving 52-serial numbered RB-57As were sent to MASDC. Does anybody know where I may look to find the results of the crash investigation? Four of my most fond memories: 
1) The day my father returned from a mission and I was out at the flight line and they executed a LABs maneuver. At the time I thought they were just showing off. Until recently, I did not realize what they had actually completed. 
2) I saw his B-57D taxi, takeoff, and gracefully rise into the blue sky. I was amazed how quickly they disappeared from view. 
3) One day I saw a SR-71 land at Hill AFB. My father took my brother and I to the hangar. The hangar was heavily guarded. We got to walk around and look at that beauty. It looked like a craft from the future. The next day we got to watch her takeoff. !! WOW !! What a sight that was! 
4) My father took us to a "shop". The inside of the room was surrounded by a cooper room. If anybody remembers my father and would like to share some impressions, stories, or pictures with me I would greatly appreciate it. I am also curious about his, if any, involvement with Patricia Lynn or Tropic Moon 3. Back in the years of 1962-1965 we were stationed in Taiwan. My father was on "loan" to the Taiwanese AF. I would like to also hear of his accomplishments during those years. My father started out in the B-57 at Stewart AFB in New York around 1955. Until recently I never comprehended his role and the role of the brave men that lived and died in the research, development, and deployment of a very important, versatile and cutting edge technologically advanced aircraft. 

Bert Lagarde Hcr 74 Box 110 Ft. Davis, Texas 79734  

 

Jan 01 2005

Mark,

We wanted to thank you again for all the help that you have given to Paul and Patricia Harrington. Beginning with the Vietnam photo you sent, 
your efforts initiated truly remarkable results. Paul became involved with the B-57 group and he's better able to face those things from his 
past that go bump in the night. They were able to achieve VA recognition of Paul's status and thus get the VA help that they deserved. And 
with VA's recognition of Paul's status, Patricia was able to resubmit tax returns for several years; thus reducing applicable taxes. And then 
there was the personal kindness that you and your wife showed to the Harringtons at the reunion. Let's face it Mark, you're just plain 'nice 
folks'. 

So thanks, and please accept our donation in the spirit that it is 
given. A check will be sent sometime early next week.

Thanks again,
Keith and Laura
>

December 13, 2004

My name is Mark Aragon. I am the son of Jose Aragon killed at Bien Hoa Vietnam when 10 B-57 where destroyed on May 16 1965. I am looking for anyone that was stationed at Bien Hoa from Aug 64 to June 65. I am also looking for who was assigned and crewed to the below aircraft:

53-1568
53-3867
53-3871
53-3873
53-3893
53-3904
53-3913
53-3915
53-3930
53-3937

Thanks
Mark J Aragon
MSgt/USAF

November 8, 2004

Hello Marc,
I recently found an email on your site from Greg J.Miller.
He mentions he served as a weapons crew man with the 8th and 13th in Vietnam and is looking for organizations to join.

I am sending this note to him as well. Howard Taylor tried to contact him with no response. Would you please post this in case I don't reach him?

Greg, you can contact me for information on the B-57 Bummers Association BLMF.
Weapons crews for the 8th and 13th in Vietnam.
John M.DeCillo
Check out our site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/b-57bummersblmf

The 13th Bomb Squadron Assn is also available and looking for Vietnam era members.
contact Bill Ricketts

Marc, thanks again for putting our Bummers link on your site.
We have had a few souls find us via this route.
Regards, John M. DeCillo, Secretary b-57Bummers Assn BLMF

Sept 28,2004

I was hoping you might have some information on a squadron my father was attached to in the early 60's. I believe it was the 4713 DSES based at that time out of Stewart AFB in NY. He was a EWO in a B-57 operating out of that base. Other than an in- flight picture and a "Roving Ravens" patch, I don't have any other information on the squadron. Could you possibly help me learn a bit more about the squadron and its members?

Thanks very much,

Robert Riordan

Bob, the 4713 was at Stewart until the fall of 1969.  It moved to Otis AFB, MA and then again to Westover where it  was deactivated in 1974. You can read about the mission on this web site at http://b-57canberra.org/ecm.htm   and  http://b-57canberra.org/tales.htm

Anyone with further information can send it to me for posting or contact Bob directly.  (MW)

Sept 28, 2004

John <> wrote:

Your paragraph describing a dive bomb run indicates a 250kt airspeed. Dive bombing was normally 350kt at release and and up to 400kt in a 4g pull-up (recovery). Enjoy your website.. John Hurley

-------------------

Thanks for the info, John. Could you clarify some things for me? (MW)

1. Your year(s) in Vietnam with the 8/13 TBS             1966-67 8th

2. You are a pilot? nav?                                              Pilot,

3. Altitude (agl) for roll-in on target?                          8000' agl 220 Kts

4. pickle altitude?                                                    4000 agl

5. dive angle?                                                         40 deg

------------------

From Bob Maiden who was at Phan Rang in 68-69:

About 90 deg to the target, abeam over either canopy rail at about 180 Kts and 10'000ft agl, I'd add power, pull up, roll toward the target, usually inverted I'd pull the power to idle, pop the speed breaks, let the nose fall though the target, roll upright, and let the nose slowly come up while making adjustments to get the pipper tracking toward the target. If every thing was perfect I wouldn't have to push on the control column more than a second or two to hold the pipper on the target, but that was rare.

We would end up about 55 deg nose low, the nav would be calling off altitude to go, I'd watch the air speed, shooting for 400 Kts. If we were slow or shallow I'd press a little, if fast or steep pickle a little early. In the pull I'd add power retract the speed breaks usually dropping less than 1000 ft below release altitude. With the nose well above the horizon I'd roll left or right and watch (with one eye closed) the bomb go off, shallow the bank and make a climbing turn back to the perch. 

Remember all those warnings???    Don't ever do aerobatics at nigh!. Don't press!  Don't go guns on guns!

What else were we doing? Wonder how many bombs were thrown off target by "pushing over", holding rudder to compensate (not to mention out-of-rigged rudders) or not having wings level? Don't tell me it did not happen - we know it did. Throughout aviation history more bombs missed the targets then hit them.

Looks like there was more than one way of doing it. Wonder which was the most accurate?   I knew two crews who dived steeply to 4000 ft above AGL bottoming at 2000 ft ---- and hit the ground. They were accurate at hitting the target with the airplane. (MW) My technique was to roll in at 8000 agl, pickle at 6000 at 30-45 degrees dive angle 250 K. This gave me time and room to adjust. If any one was so accurate that they could rely on the dive angle, airspeed, and target all being at the right place at the right time, let's hear it now. (MW)

Sept 9, 2004

Dear Col. Witt,


I recently became aware of the web pages related to the B-57 and the crews, both air and ground support, by another retired veteran. I was initially assigned to the weapons section 8th. and 13th. TBS at Clark AFB in 1967. My specialty was a Weapons Mechanic. For several months I was TDY to Phan Rang and elected to stay as PCS in Phan Rang when the 8th and 13th separted. I left Phan Rang, Viet Nam in 1969 and reassigned to George AFB, Victorville, CA. I enjoyed the time I was assigned to the 8th and 13th TBS and the photos of the crews and aircraft brought back many memories of fiends.

I am writing to request information about any association related to the B-57 or the 8th and 13th TBS. I can be reached at my personal email address of . I look forward to hearing from you to receive additional information.



Gregory Miller

 

Not that I am aware of, Greg.   (MW) Why not start one?

 

June 9, 2004


Colonel Witt:

My name is Bob Johnson and I handle product research and design for Accurate
Miniatures in Concord, NC. Joe Myers (General Mgr. and a former USMC Acft
Mx type) and I have been discussing new projects for the future. I am in the process
of completing a single-engine turboject design from the 1950's; a nice change from
the WWII models that AM has done in the past. I was visiting Middle River, MD
looking for B-26 data and noted that the small museum there has a B-57 in storage..
Joe and I have looked at the static birds at Kalamazoo and Warner Robins and
feel we could develop a nice multiple version kit of the B-57 encompassing the
early English Electric canopy for the B-57A and the later tandem canopy for the
Martin-built birds...

Accessing static aircraft is fairly easy, but, we find that access to technical data
can be challenging on USAF aircraft what with the changes at the USAF Museum.
Do you know anyone who may have a -2 manual for any of the B-57 variants?? The
initial pages with dimensional data for fuselage stations, wing stations, and good
general arrangement drawing are always helpful.. Secondly, is there good reference
data on the B- yet to find an aircraft on
static display where the weapons bay is open...

I am in the process of determining what is available at this point. Your comments
would be helpful!!


Best regards,


Bob Johnson
 

May 19, 2004

Mark,
Some time ago we corresponded regarding my work on Tactical reconnaissance and the RB-57A in particular. It may be of interest to you and the visitors to your excellent website to know that I recently published an article on the clandestine RB-57A Heart Throb operations over the Soviet Union, China and their allies; in Europe and the Far East in the mid 1950s. The article was published in a journal published in the UK and available in the USA called Flypast, the January 2004 edition. Flypast is published by Key Publishing, who have a website at www.keypublishing.com
 
The story of the overflights of 'enemy' territory is a fascinating one and worth the read.
 
Incidentally, I am still researching for my book on USAF Tac Recce and could use some photos and first hand memories of the RB-57As of the 10th,  66th and 363rd TRWs; and the Pat Lynn RB-57Es.
 
Yours, 

Doug Gordon     

The text submitted by Doug is at heartthrob

My apologies to Doug for being so tardy in publishing this story. (MW)


Before the Night Fighters departed for Vietnam, many had a black flight suit (to go formal, of course). An interim measure was this patch worn on the back of a shirt or flight suit.  We trust the streaming fires were not serious.  (Chuck Ramsey)