Lt. Frank Weaver's Brother in Law

This message is from Charles Peters, Lt. Frank Weaver's brother-in-law . . . .

We've recently learned Weaver's P-61-B-2-NO, had a "nick name". . .
Georgous Geri

I'm finishing a 1:16 scale model, 50' wingspan "widow" and would be very pleased to know anything about who "Georgeous Geri" was, and of course any image of the nose art.

Could you add this request to the BLOG.

The Family of Frank F. Weaver visits Reggiolo, Italy

Frank F. Weaver was a member of the 414 Night Fighter Squadron who was killed in action at Reggiolo, Italy.

When his family visited the town, they found that many of it's citizens remembered and respected Frank.

Alan Lefebvre is the husband of Frank's niece, Sharon. Alan made a video of their trip to Reggiolo, and it's an amazing story.

414 Insignia - Rip Bolender Jacket

Many thanks to Bill Rambow of the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum for giving us this photo of Rip Bolender's flight jacket from the 414th with their insignia patch.



Rip Bolender was the C.O. of the outfit.

Although this insignia was not considered an official one, everybody wore it.

History Channel

The History Channel offers many of their programs via online videos. Visit www.History.com

Free Online Genealogy Courses

Genealogy is interesting to me, and I enjoy sharing the information with my children and other family members.

I found an interesting website to learn about genealogy for free. Brigham Young University offers a free online course "Finding Your Ancestors".

I am now a member of the SAR

I am very happy to share that I am a new member of the Sons of the American Revolution. I was inducted into the organization in September.

My oldest son is also considering joining the organization.

Keeping our history alive is an important legacy.

New Information from Blog

There has been a lot of new information coming in about the 414th. It is the reason why there has not been any new entries recently.

A special thanks needs to go to Tom Kelly. His father, Jim Kelly, a Radio Operator with the 414th, helped identify some of the people in the photographs on this blog. Sadly, the day Tom contacted me, his father passed away.

My family would like to express our condolences to the Kelly family.

Tom was able to locate Andy Pieper, who wrote a wonderful book about individual experiences of the members of the 414th, called "The Squadron".

"The Squadron by Andy Pieper" is an assembly of personal diaries and letters, and official diaries and records. It is not yet officially published, but it is a very good record of the history of the 414th and its members.

I also heard from the Great Nephew of "Eddie" Foy. Eddie was known for his ability to play the spoons.

Excerpt from "The Squadron by Andy Pieper"
"FOY NIGHT ON THE TOWN IN ALGIERS"
"Foy wasn't on the wagon, so he had a few, and when Foy had a few, it brought out the musician in him. He was very clever with spoons. He could play anything with a couple of spoons. There were plenty of spoons in the restaurant, and an orchestra too.

Pretty soon Foy was leading the orchestra. He had the whole place in an uproar. He was sure good with those spoons!"

I will be posting more excerpts from "The Squadron".

I would appreciate it if anyone can send me copies of any photos (no originals please). You can send us the copies electronically. They need to be scanned in at 300dpi, and burned to a CD or DVD. You can mail them to Randall Patterson, 1307B W. Main St. #106, Gun Barrel City, TX 75156. Please identify the people with names, dates and location, or as much information as possible.

I truly appreciate all of the help that so many people have generously shared with me about the 414th.