Letter written to website author from Ruth Stephens

As you can see, this letter is very unorganized. I do have the large scrapbook of Leo's war record and will get it from my son this weekend - also the booklet written by a man in CA. I will go through both to see if there is anything of interest. However, it will be the end of the month as I won't return from Alaska until the 27th.

One thing I do remember was something Leo told me. I believe their crew was already formed and then one member was replaced. He didn't say who. But it was said, "Your crew is as strong as its weakest link," and one member was replaced.

Our daughter was born June 8, 1944 and I believe the crew were either in Yuma or Colorado. I will know more when I get the scrapbook. Also have photographed the purple heart and good conduct medals. Will also send a picture of our daughter when she was small and a more recent one. Her name is Faye Marie. She is married and has 5 children and 7 grandchildren. We also have a son Philip Scott who is not married any more and didn't have any children.

Here is some more information regarding Leo's service record plus some pictures. Sorry I've been so slow - but have just returned from Alaska so things have been pretty hectic.

Leo was inducted April 13, 1943 at Fort Snelling (Mpls) Minnesota. After induction, he was sent to Miami Beach, FL. on April 24, 1943, arriving on April 28th. He was assigned to the 8th Air Force, part of the Army Air Corps. He was radio operator, mechanic and gunner.

His radio training was at Sioux Falls, South Dakota and Gunner at Yuma City.

Promoted to PFC before leaving Florida on June 2, 1943.

From PFC to Corporal before leaving Yuma, Arizona on March 12, 1944.

Corporal to Sergeant while at Topeka, Kansas.

He left Maine for England July 19, 1944. Traveled in B-24.

Assigned to 448th Bomb Group, 714th Bomb Squadron.

In England, flew first mission over southern France and second mission over Magdeburg, Germany, where Liberator was shot down. Taken prisoner August 16, 1944. Hospitalized in Germany from August 1944 to March 1945.

May 8, 1945 - hostilities ceased - liberated by 14th Armored division on April 29th.

Reached the states by C-54 May 24, 1945 and spent from May 1945 to February 1946 in hospitals at Topeka, Kansas and Camp Carson, Colorado.

Discharged February 16, 1946 - Rank of Sergeant

Was scheduled for further surgery on knee August 25 at Kansas, but was unable to take the ether and was transferred to Camp Carson where the operation was completed on December 7th.

Citations

Purple Heart, Good Conduct, European Theatre (one Bronze Star), American Theatre and Victory Ribbon.

His uniform I gave to the American Legion Post here in Champlin and they were passing it on to their archives for display.

Ruth Stephens