From: Ben517@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2001 1:41 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: Mail Call NO. 93
Hello,
Just receive The Thunderbolt. Merle has done it again. Someone was looking
over the 517thPRCT when Merle became its president at the Associations' most
critical time. Without his guidance and hard work, the Association could have
easily been dissolved.

Contributions are still needed to help our European friends to attend the
reunion. Contributions should be sent to Merle McMorrow at 1209 Prospect
Place. Bismarck ND 58501Designate on check as "Visitors' Fund."

The Thunderbolt has a listing of people planning to attend the Bismarck
reunion. The listing is of April 12. However, many have indicated to me that
they plan to attend and they are not on that list. It is imperative that you
register soon.

Website -
members.aol.com/prct517/

____________________________________________________
Subj: Re: Thunderbolt

Date: 4/19/2001 9:47:40 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: MMcmor8391

To: joemarlou@mymailstation.com

BCC: Ben517

Dear Marie Louise:

Please let Joe know the first quarter ended March 31.  The Thunderbolt was
mailed Monday, April 16.  Along with being President, Secretary, Treasurer,
organizing the annual reunion, editor of the paper, I had open heart surgery
and a marriage thrown in to keep me busy.

When we meet in Bismarck and prepare a slate of officers for the next two
years I am certain Joe will want more than one position so that time
schedules for completion of activities will meet with his approval.

                                                Merle
________________________________________________________-Entry of Apr 19,
2001 at 14
Name:
John MacKenzie
Unit: U.S. Navy Radio Operator
EMail: johnmackenzie34@hotmail.com

How I found the 517th page: Other
Comments: My Cousin William T. Hogan was a Member of Your Illustrious Combat
Team. My Cousin SGT Willy Hogan Died In Jan of 1998. I wrote a letter to the
Thunderbolt Association requesting help in getting information about the
Sarge. Anything you can help me with will be greatly appreciated. Is it
possible to get some kind of Memorabilia or Airborne Patches. Would there be
any Battling Buzzard Patches available. I am trying to put together some kind
of History about my Cousin Bill, and I need help in obtaining information.
Respectfully John MacKenzie
_____________________________________________________________-

Entry of Apr 19, 2001 at 16:31 [EST]
Name: Richard Winship
Unit:
EMail: rwinship@glenbrook.k12.il.us

How I found the 517th page: From a search engine
Comments: My dad, Ed Winship, was a member of Company H, 3rd Battalion. He
turned 84 yesterday. I'm very proud of him and his service with the 517th.
_________________________________________________________________

Entry of Apr 19, 2001 at 19:36 [EST]
Name: JIM BENTON
Unit: COMPANY D - 517TH PRCT
EMail: skyboyhiact@aol.com

How I found the 517th page: Other
Comments: I JUST GOT MY COMPUTER AND SEEN THIS SITE IN THE "THUNDERBOLT".
LOOKING FORWARD TO STAY IN TOUCH. JIM

I've tried to contact Jim but I can't get mail to him so far. Address is not
a known member
Ben_______________________________________________

___________________________________________________--
Subj: China Rescue
Date: 4/19/2001 11:59:59 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Genesir

To:

    Merele and Ben,

    Merele your immediate support for the French, Le Muy troopers is greatly
appreciated. As you think about it-in the not too distant future their museum
may be the only real remaining historical memory of the airborne (and others)
that participated in Southern France. The Airborne Museum no doubt will have
reference (not much likely) to the operation-but, not on the scale of Le
Muy’s.  Check is in the mail.
    Ben, thank you again for your dedicated work on Mail Call. You, as the Le
Muy museum, has become a “shining light” to all 517 troopers, family,
supports and lovers.
    Just hope the clouds (and rain) does not submerse Bismark.
   
    See ya in Bismark    Gene Frice, F Co. 
____________________________________________________________________---
Subj: Re: Mail Call NO.92
Date: 4/19/2001 5:02:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:    artann3447@juno.com (Tom mcavoy)
To:    Ben517@aol.com

I just thought of this Ben,  The medic I spoke of (Simpson)  was called
Baldy yes he was bald headed at the time,  If this may jog someones
memory??? hopefully Tom McAvoy
________________________________________________________________
Subj: Re: Mail Call NO.92
Date: 4/19/2001 5:02:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:    artann3447@juno.com (Tom mcavoy)
To:    Ben517@aol.com

Also I have talked to Jim Degnan many times he told me he is afraid to
make Bismark reunion because he fell off a bike about 9 months ago  and
broke his hip.  The repair job was successful but Jim claims to be 81
this Sept. and is not quit sure of his condition just yet.  ( still on a
walker)  Tom McAvoy
________________________________________________________________
Subj: Re: Sgt. Willie Hogan
Date: 4/20/2001 10:13:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From:    johnmackenzie34@hotmail.com (john mackenzie)
To:    Ben517@aol.com

Thanks Again Ben;

Yes, I did read the Book, " BATTLING BUZZARDS ". I Really enjoyed the whole
Story about Your Team and Others who were There.

  " TULACH ARD "

    My Ancestors " WAR CRY "..

    It means " THE HIGH HILL " in Ancient Scottish Gaelic..

  Thanks Very Much Ben. I Really Hope Someone Can Help...

Again, My Respects...John ( Jack ) MacKenzie
_______________________________________________________________________Subj:
Re: Guestbook
Date: 4/20/2001 1:02:28 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:    RWINSHIP@glenbrook.k12.il.us (Richard C Winship)
To:    Ben517@aol.com

Hello Ben,

Thanks so much for your e-mail.  I'd be thrilled to see that picture, if it's
not too much trouble.  I just finished Gerald Astor's excellent book about
the 517th and was kind of hoping, despite the odds, that there would be a
picture of him.  I've got some pictures of him from those years, but nothing
overseas.  A couple of years back, Dad gave me his wartime paraphernalia,
including his wings and his Purple Heart, and I'm trying to put together a
framed display.  The picture you have would be a great addition.

Yes, I would be very interested in receiving the news letter.  As for the
reunion, my dad is virtually blind due to glaucoma, so it's difficult for him
to travel.  However, I would love to take him, so I'll call him and see what
he says.

By the way, did you know my dad?

Thanks again!

Rich Winship
_________________________________________________________________________Subj:

Re: Guestbook
Date: 4/20/2001 1:52:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From:    johnmackenzie34@hotmail.com (john mackenzie)
To:    Ben517@aol.com

Hello Again Ben;

Sorry to bother you again, but I was wondering if You or Your Historian
could try to get some information for me.

My one Older Brother Donald W. McKenzie was a 1st Lieutenant, Bombardier and
Navigator flying Bombing Missions against the Japs in the South Pacific
during WW11. I believe he Flew Missions out of Australia and New Guinea. His
Bomber was shot down once, and he recuperated in either Australia or New
Guinea. What I would like to know is something about Nose Art. The Paintings
that Flyers painted on the Nose of their Plane during the War. I remember
the one on my Brothers Plane being a Rabbit Sitting on a Bomb going
Downward.

I am trying to get some things for my Niece Joyce, Brother Donalds Daughter.
Is there a way Your Historian can find out anything about this piece of Nose
Art and the Plane my brother Flew in. I think it was either a B-24 or a
B-25.

Thanks Ben, for anything you can help me with.

My Respects...John MacKenzie..  U.S.S. IOWA BB61

Can anyone help John? He is a cousin of Willie Hogan who was a member of the
517.
Ben
_______________________________________________________________________

<< News Papers Explained
 > >
 > > 1.  The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.
 > >
 > > 2.  The New York Times is read by people who think they run the country.
 > >
 > > 3.  The Washington Post is read by people who think they ought to run
 > > the country.
 > >
 > > 4.  USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country
 > > but don't understand the Washington Post.
 > >
 > > 5.  The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running
 > > the country, if they could spare the time.
 > >
 > > 6.  The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the
 > > country.
 > >
 > > 7.  The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's
 > > running the country.
 > >
 > > 8.  The New York Post is read by people who don't care who's running the
country,
     as long as they do something scandalous.
 > >
 > > 9.  The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure there
 > > is a country, or that anyone is running it.
 ______________________________________________________________________

Subj:
Regarding Zickefosse e-mail address
Date: 4/20/2001 6:36:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Genedie77

To: Ben517


'Afternoon Ben:
Good to see that you are still doing all that is possible to get us five
seventeeners rounded up. With respect to Corbin Zickefoose, father of Larry,
I have not heard from either since our original contacts weeks ago. I spoke
with Corbin on phone and by mail, and a few e-mails to Larry, but nothing
recently. I will contact son, Larry again and tell him how much we enjoy Mail
Call. Perhaps he would be interested in receiving Mail Call to share with his
father. I don't believe, Corbin, has one of these mean machines. During my
brief contacts with them I learned that Corbin is not very well, a stroke, I
believe, pulled him down a bit. I suppose, Corbin, will receive the
Thunderbolt which may renew his interest in the 517th. I will keep you posted
as to whether we should pursue the contacts any further. We're not all, Ben
Barretts you know. If we were, and knew about what you are doing we would be
burning up your computer. I assume that Merle will be informing the troops
via the Thunderbolt about your endeavors. Some of the "old" folks just don't
have an interest in this computer business. I am so pleased to see so many
Children, Grandchildren, Wives and other family members interesting in what
you have done and are doing for all former members of the Airborne. You know
how we all appreciate it.
    I wish that we could all be in Bismarck, which of course is much to much
to be expected. I am really looking forward to the reunion, for many reason
one of which is meeting and getting to know you as much as reasonable.

Best Regards,
Gene

I am posting this mail from Gene not because what he says about me but
because what it says about Gene. whom Tom Cross told me is someone special.
I'm just the messenger.
Ben
____________________________________________________________________-
_

Message-----
From: Ben517@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, April 21, 2001 4:44 PM
To: James.Barrett@kuwait.army.mil
Subject: Guestbook

Hi James,
Checking guestbook and again saw your entry of Sept. Just want to let you
know that I send out a news letter about twice a week to members and
friends
of the 517th. Let me know if you want to receive it. It may be boring to
non
members.
Best Regards,
Ben Barrett
"H"Co.517thPRCT
_____________________________________________________
Subj: RE: Guest book
Date: 4/21/2001 10:56:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time
From:    james.barrett@kuwait.army.mil (Barrett, James R. SFC ARCENT-KU DOL)
To:    Ben517@aol.com

Yes Sir, I sure would love to get it. My father was apart of the 517th and
has since past on to that great drop zone in the sky. Looking at the web
pages and info on the unit from time to time keeps the memory of him i