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Tuskegee airmen exiting the parachute room at Ramitelli, Italy. March 1945. From left: Richard S. "Rip" Harder, Brooklyn, Class 44-B; unidentified airman; Thurston L. Gaines Jr., Freeport, N.Y., Class 44-G; Newman C. Golden, Cincinnati, Class 44-G; Wendell M. Lucas, Fairmont Heights, Maryland, Class 44-E. Photo by Toni Frissell. View full size.
As an example of how dedicated a man Dr. Gaines is, he continues to substitute teach elementary students in the West Phoenix area.
I have just had the awesome pleasure or meeting Dr. Thurston Gaines here in Marietta, Ga. I am speechless after being in the presence of such history, courage and bravery. My father fought in Germany during the same time Dr. Gaines and the airmen were flying their missions. My father, Samuel Brunson, was in the army during WW2 and received two Purple Hearts and a couple of other medals. I give thanks and much gratitude for the men and women of the armed services. God bless you all.
My father-in-law was Maurice's brother. Did you find out if this picture is Maurice?
The unidentified airman exiting parachute room, could that be 1LT Maurice V Esters who was lost on 27 June 1945 in Italy?? Need any info from all.
Sir, please give our thanks to your dad.
The country needed these guys and they did it!!!!
Happy Memorial Day
Leslie, the picture is from the Library of Congress archives. I am so happy you found it and that your dad is well. Below is the other photo showing your dad (at lower right, click to enlarge). I'd be happy to send you some prints of them for free if you'll email me. - David
Harder is my father. My brother-in-law found this picture. We have never seen it before. I do not know how you got it but we are very grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. He is still with us and doing well at 84. He retired from the Air Force with the rank of full Colonel. He loved to fly.
Leslie Harder Johnson, M.S.W., PPSC
Member of the William "Bill" Campbell Chapter Tuskegee Airmen INC.
San Francisco. CA.
This is a great picture. I love the Tuskegee. You posted another picture of the Tuskegee in flight, but this one is much more personal.
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