For The History Buffs and Family Historians

Gerald M. Rosenthal has been a wonderful source of information, and a great help in aiding the research process when my brother and I first became interested in obtaining more details about our father's military career. We both owe him a tremendous "thank you" for guiding us along the way, because the idea for this web site would never have happened without his help.

Now, I'd like to share an article written by Jerry from the summer 2002 issue of "Men of the 57th" in hopes that it may help others obtain more information about a loved one.

This article has to do with the process used in gathering information concerning mission records from time served overseas with the 57th Bomb Wing.

The AFHRA (Air Force Historical Research Agency) located at Maxwell AFB, Alabama has all of the records for all of the squadrons. These records are as complete as anything can be after more than 55 years. Some time after the war, they micro-filmed all of the records, the Wing's stuff, the Group's histories, as well as various squadron's histories and battle orders. The "battle orders" list the plane numbers, the crews and position of the plane in the formation. The "histories" list the day-by-day happenings in the squadrons and each of the other organizations (Groups and Wings). For a nominal charge, they can provide a 16 mm micro film that contain those records.

The ADHRA can be reached by telephone at (334) 953-3395, email at <AFHRANEWS@maxwell.af.mil>, or by regular mail at 600 Chenault Circle, Building 1405, Maxwell AFB, AL, 36112-6424.

In my dealings with them, they answered all of my letters promptly and with great courtesy. I had asked for specific information, but they pointed out that they do not have the budget to research individual questions, but they sent a list of micro film rolls that may contain the answers to my questions.

Frame your questions so that they can translate your words into their language. For example, I asked them if they could provide the paper trail that would have larger aircraft numbers, aircrew names, dates, times, and results of each mission for the "period of ______". The first reply came from the USAF Historical Officer. He said, "Thank you for your letter requesting information about the mission reports of "the_____". He pointed out that the agency is open to the public . . . . to research the original documents.

I have been to the National Archives, but they don't have much in the way of stuff from the 57th. I have not been to the Air Force Historical facility at Bolling Field, but I have been told they have a few records.

I hope that you find this to be of some help. Jerry Rosenthal