On 8/1/44 Lt. Spence, Lt. Rasmussen and Sgts Horton, Willsey and Gverovich joined the 100th Also in Jan.1944, Lt. Handorf, Lt. Dewey & Sgts Verdeur & Ford were assigned to the 351st. On 6/3/44, this crew was flying as Deputy Group lead and assumed the lead position when the leader was shot down. The formation was enroute home when a ME 109 came in at 1 o'clock low and sprayed front of A/C with 20mm. Wing tanks began to burn and Willsey says he "pulled the emergency bomb bay door release, snapped on my chute, and tapped the pilot on the shoulder. He and the co pilot were getting ready to bail out. I stepped through the open bomb bay doors and, while still in the prop wash, the air craft blew up blowing the TG clear. I delayed opening my chute until going through the last layer of clouds about 10,000 feet. The TG & I landed about 60 yards apart. Lawrence had his leg broken and told me to try to escape and leave him alone. About 3 hours later I was captured by some German civilians with shot guns."

ENGLAND

Dear Winnie,

Come on, let’s loosen up with that right hand of yours and jot me down a letter. Ginny said she saw you at Christmas time but that’s all she wrote. It isn't any fun to be over here and if I ever come back, I'll really be lucky. I've been raising a little hell every time I bomb the bastards but the war keeps on and on. I've also seen things that scare the hell out of me and boy this is worse than running the "old Wheel Scraper" Ha! Ha! Lets laugh on that one. It isn't any use to complain over here because if I started in, I'd never get through. All I've got to do now is fight my way out of it and it isn't a paper sack that I'm in. I got a letter from Helen today and I also wrote to Dad. I remember the night I went to see him, he sure hated to see me go and he came out to the car and said "SON, YOU'LL MAKE IT".

We've sure been through Hell in our time but by golly this it the worse I've been in. Bob got in the Air Corp and if he makes out okay, he'll be a Lt. also. Pretty damn good he kept on till he made it. If a fellow has the ability, it soon comes out when you’re in the Army. This War is a funny business; everything happens so fast in the air that I'm not scared till I get back on the ground. It never pays to think about it or a guy won't last in enemy territory. If you are looking for excitement, you should go along with me once and you'd know what I mean.

Ginny has a picture of my outfit did you ever see it? I'd really appreciate a box of candy because us boys over here never get anything. People at home don't know how tough it is. Well I won't write anymore unless I hear from you, so goodbye.

Norman

ENGLAND

Dear Velma,

I was plenty glad to get a letter from you and its nice to hear you are still in Indian Head. Bob was lucky to get leave and I'll bet Kitty was plenty glad to see him. Boy! he isn't going to have it easy in cadets. That's the roughest outfit a fellow can get into but its sure nice to get wings and become an officer.

I got a letter from Ginny today and she told me about Bob. Man, she sure thought Bob was something and told me I ought to be proud of him because both of the Rasmussen's might be officers. Just one to go and I wish Bob all the luck I can because I've been through it and its plenty hard. . Have you got a picture of my bunch that’s flying over her together? Ginny has one if you are interested to see our good outfit.

By golly, I've really been in combat and I don't mean maybe. You ought to see a big air battle. Mom would be plenty worried if she could see me now so I didn't write to her. Velma, I got up at 3 O’clock in the morning and ate breakfast, never showed up for dinner and finally got back by night, so you can see what a fellow goes through. It's T. S. and I should see the Chaplain. Well, people don't understand what we face so it isn't much use to explain it. Ginny probably thinks I am having a good time with the English girls but it just so happens that I don't go out. I'm so damn tired that I hit the bed and never wake up till I'm ready to fly again.

I guess Bob will probably be at San Antonio. I sure hope he sends me his address? Are your eyes okay, I've been thinking about you quite a bit because I sure realize how good you were to me. I hope I come back and don't get shot down over enemy territory. Well Velma Carroll, ought to make out okay also so be a good girl. Goodbye Sis.

Norman