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Return to the 100th in Palm Springs
My brother Ron and I took our Father (Arthur L.
Olson) to attend his first 100th Bomb Group reunion in Palm Springs this
January 2007. After three days of watching him visit and meet new/old
friends I was approached and encouraged by Jan Riddling to write about what
his (and our) experiences were regarding the event. I agreed to do so and
will attempt to share with you what we considered highlights of the weekend.
Growing up as kids Dad never talked about the war.
I know that it affected him deeply and that recalling parts of it brought
back troubling memories. It was only later in life that he began to open up
to share his experiences. This prompted me to complete a historical family
document regarding his Air Corps training and assignment with the 100th Bomb
Group. It was while researching the 100th web site that I saw the Palm
Springs reunion announcement and decided I would attend. After telling my
brother about the event, he stated that he would also like to come and bring
along our father. With great enthusiasm I made our reservations and
anticipated the arrival of the weekend. Two weeks before the event Dad
indicated that he was having second thoughts and was not sure he would come.
Dad was 29 years old when drafted in 1942 making him 30 by the time he was
assigned to the bombers. This meant he was the "old man" of his crew. At a
present day 93 years he does not move fast and feared he may not be able to
keep up with the group. My brother and I assured him that between the two of
us he would never be alone. After hearing this he had a change of heart and
decided to come.
Our adventure began almost like magic. Dad called
me the day of our departure early Friday morning at 0’dark 30 to tell me
they were leaving from Sedona, Arizona. I was just about out the door from
San Jose, California. We both started our commute drive 900 miles apart and
phoned mid trip on the road to talk about the first arrival getting the
rooms set. After seven hours I pulled into the hotel parking lot only to
find my brother sitting in his car with Dad. I was a bit puzzled as he
looked at me with a big grin. It so happened that they had arrived only 15
seconds earlier and he had just turned off his vehicle. At that point I knew
there was something special going on!
We checked into our rooms and suggested that Dad
rest for a while. He said he was not tired and immediately wanted to go out
to the pool area. Arriving at the pool we found five or six men with their
wives sitting and visiting. Much to my surprise Dad open the gate, walked in
confidently with his cane and boldly announced "anybody here from the Eighth
Air Force"? He received a welcome response of "you bet" and was told to grab
a seat and join in. So much for my apprehension on how this trip was going
to pan out for him!
After this visiting we moved to the hospitality
room with introductions to Mike Faley the group Historian, Ron and Carol
Batley from the Thorpe Abbotts Museum in England, and Jan Riddling who is
the group Administrator. Jan required us to provide her welcome hugs before
sitting Dad down for some signatures. Dad was asked to sign lithographs, the
Century Bombers book on the pages with the planes he flew on (Goin Jessies
and Humpty Dumpty) and other documents. He also spent time with Mike going
over some of his assignment history so the group data base could be updated.
My brother and I were in awe of how everyone was so friendly and respectful
towards Dad. He was accepted immediately.
The following day we attended the scheduled
program at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The museum had set aside one whole
hanger for the group and it was quite impressive. On one side of the
structure was a large display of 100th memorabilia. I had brought
along Dad’s uniform and ribbons and asked Mike Faley if they could be
included in the display. Without hesitation Mike said of course and moved
some items to make room. This meant a great deal to my father as he walked
along the table and saw his items along side others he had served with. He
was very proud. Although hard of hearing and failing eyesight, Dad enjoyed
the program of guest speakers (Mike, Bob Wolff, etc. ). I watched him
closely
during these talks on the 100th missions and
losses as I knew this is an issue with him. He appeared fine and with the
conclusion of speakers he moved with the other vets to group up for
pictures. Dad does not walk fast but he confessed later to my brother that
it was alright because by arriving last he ended up being one the
individuals in the front row. Dad has not lost his great attitude or sense
of humor.
With the conclusion of the P-51 Mustang flying
program it was time to get Dad back for a rest. While entering the museum we
had seen a Distinguish Flying Cross Memorial off to the right. It is a very
impressive piece of sculptured bronze and marble art work. Dad had received
this medal for his service while flying with the 100th. Wanting a picture of
this special piece I positioned Dad to stand next to the memorial. As I
readied for my shot I had to pause as a women came up to him, talked for a
few minutes, and then kissed Dad on the check. A young girl of about twenty
was standing next to me also waiting. I asked her if she was with the women
and she stated it was her Grandmother. She told me her
Grandfather had flown with the 100th but had
passed away a few years earlier and that she was attending the event with
her Grandmother. This all hit me as another very special moment to see how
this perfect stranger treated my Father with respect and gratitude.
After a rest it was time for Saturday night dinner
a Billy Reed’s. Arriving at the restaurant we found it packed with the 100th
Bomb Group. We navigated our way to some seats at a nice table in the
corner. Here we were joined by two other vets and their families. We visited
and heard interesting conversation as they had all been with the group at
different times (one had been a POW). They each shared a special story or
thought about their assignment with the 100th. Dad talked a bit about his
time and experiences at Thorpe Abbotts during his 28 missions with the 351St
Squadron from September 1943 to July 1944. It was an enjoyable evening and
upon returning to our rooms Dad stated he had a great time.
Sunday morning was check out day. We found the
lobby filled with vets and families enjoying coffee and breakfast. I had
stopped in earlier that morning and visited with Carol Batley from England.
She was a pleasure to speak with and was very patient in answering all my
questions regarding the air base, museum, and what it was like around the
local towns. I shared this information with Dad as we packed up and he
insisted that he also get a chance to speak with her. He ended up sitting
with Carol for about twenty minutes talking about England and Thorpe
Abbotts. With that we loaded up for our return drives home.
It had been an incredible weekend for the three of
us. It is always emotional for me when I hug and kiss my Dad goodbye. He
hugged me back and thanked me for making this happen. I also thanked my
brother for bringing Dad. It was clear that this would not have happened
without his caring effort. I think we both really treasured being able to
witness our father’s reactions during the course of the three day events.
For him it was the first time in sixty-three years that he was able to talk
and express him self to others who absolutely identified with what he said.
He was comfortable, happy, and at ease during the whole reunion. I believe
this was due to the fact that the 100th Bomb Group is made up of special
people who experienced a very unique time in our
country’s history. My thanks to all of you!
Kim Olson (son)
January 2007
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Arthur Leonard (Bud) Olson
Arthur Leonard Olson
Aug. 2, 1913 - July 12, 2009
Arthur (Bud) Leonard Olson, 95, passed away on
July 12, 2009. He was at home with family, resting peacefully in recovery
from recent surgeries.
Bud grew up in the rural Midwest where his
parents, Sigvart and Sigrid Olson, emigrated from Norway at the turn of the
century and homesteaded a forty-acre parcel outside of Alberta, Minnesota.
As one of eight children, he worked the family farm and helped break virgin
soil, walking behind a horse and drag plow.
In 1942, at age 29, he was drafted into the Army
Air Corps. After basic and technical training he was sent to England and
served with the Eighth Air Force. Bud was assigned to the 100th Bomb Group
(later known as the "Bloody Hundredth" due to the large amount of casualties
sustained) as a gunner and flight engineer flying in B-17 heavy bombers
during daylight operations over occupied Europe. He completed his tour of
duty with 28 missions and was reassigned stateside as an aircraft engine
mechanic instructor at Chanute Field, Illinois, prior to his honorable
discharge in October 1945.
In 1947 he met and married the former Doris
Darlene Schinzel, also from Alberta. After a few years in the Morris,
Minnesota area, the couple moved west and spent the next forty years living
in Oregon and California. During this time, Bud worked in sales for Ford
Motor tractors in Eugene, Oregon, followed by home construction and a small
business in the San Fernando Valley in southern California. In 1969, they
returned to Eugene to participate as joint partners in a family home center
store. Bud retired in 1974, but continued to volunteer his talents to the
local Lutheran church.
The couple returned to Elk River, Minnesota in
1988 to live closer to siblings, and the most recent relocation was made in
2001 to Sedona, Arizona for a warmer climate and to be near his son, Ron and
family. During the next seven years Bud made numerous friends in his
retirement community, and spent many wonderful hours accompanying his son on
his construction job sites and events.
Bud lived a full and joyous life and was the last
living member of his brothers and sisters. He held a deep love for hiswife,
his sons, and their families. One of his greatest joys was getting together
to visit with his siblings, nieces andnephews, immediate family, and
grandchildren. Throughout the many years of his life Bud was involved in the
church, participated as a coach in Little League, enjoyed watching Major
League baseball games, fishing on Minnesota lakes and the McKenzie River in
Oregon, spending time in his home shop making numerous items out of wood to
give as gifts, motor home traveling with friends, and most recently, morning
coffee with his local buddies.
A kind and generous man, Bud is survived by Doris,
his wife of sixty-two years, three sons and daughters- in-law; Dennis and
Monika Olson, Ronald and Kim Olson, and Kim and Jane Olson. He was the proud
grandfather of Christopher, Casey, Camille, Reid, Kyle, Erik, Kelly, Ryan,
and Jenna. He was loved and will be deeply missed by us all.
A military graveside service will be held in
Alberta, Minnesota at a family cemetery near Bud's childhood home. In lieu
of flowers and gifts, the family requests that Bud be honored through
contributions to either: Hospice Compassus, 70 Bell Rock Plaza, Sedona,
Arizona 86351-9066, Frog Lake Cemetery Fund, c/o Victor Bruer, Treas. , 185
Oregon Avenue, Morris, Minnesota 56267Please sign the guest book at www.
registerguard. com/legacy
Source: 100th bomb Group Foundation database.
