What's New?

Mary Smith's flowers 6/8/08

Inaugurating the POW Chapter Officer's on January 2006

The 2006 "Heart of America POW Chapter" held their 15 January 06 meeting at the American Legion facility in the Kansas City area and inaugurated George Lesko as Commander, William (Bill) Reno as Vice Commander and William (Bill) Davis as Junior Vice Commander"' Bill Davis was not present due to family illnesses and Wendell Fetters graciously substituted for Junior Vice Commander Davis. Lois Rapp continues as our knowable great lovely financial expert and outgoing Commander Don Redding gave an outstanding speech. Ed Slater swore the officer's in with a perfect swearing - in ceremony. Jack Cook provided some photo's and Doe Cook made some outstanding gifts for many of the attendance - thanks "Doe" for making our event so great
Click here for photos.


11/23/05 - Letter and photos from Henk Bredewolt, The Netherlands.
Click Here to read
11/09/05 - Letter from Jim Little
Tuesday, November 08, 2005 1:18 PM
Subject: Normandy

I saw your e-mail address on the wall of the cafe right by the museum. I just wanted to say "Thank You " for all you and the rest of the boys did to keep us free.

I took my dad(AAF) over for his 80th birthday. Needless to say, he was moved to tears when he saw the beachs and the cemetarys....as was I.

I served during Vietnam but when I was walking through the cemetarys and reading the walls, it was worse then when I went to the Nam memorial. I guess I never realized what they had to do when they hit the beachs. I have to give them, and the men(boys) you flew with, my deepest thanks. Too have to fly under those circumstances and land on those beachs took unbelievable courage.
Thanks again for putting your name up on the wall and making my visit and my dads visit more enjoyable.
God Bless You
Jim Little

8/26/05 - Annual Ginger Monument Dedication - Photos
Schoeneck, August 26, 2005...
Dear American Amis Dear Norman, Dear All and Butch, dear George...
This morning at 11. 40, sixty and one years after the crash of Ginger and it tragic disappearance of your companions of crew, we collected ourselves with the Memorial of the Aviators with the Veterans of Schoeneck and the members of the French Memory of Forbach.
Marcel KRONENBERGER new chef of Schoeneck Veterans chaired the ceremony.
Paul Fellinger mayor of Schoeneck and Trails Blazers was also present.
With much of emotion we deposited the sheaf on your behalf.
We thought very intensely of your companions and you. Never we will forget their courage. Large east the affection which binds us to all your crew, and in particular with you survivors of these glorious hours.
Homages and sincere friendships of France.
Cathy et Raymond Engelbreit - and all inhabitants of the village.
-------------------------------
Schoeneck, 26 août 2005 ...
Chers Amis Américains
Cher Norman, Cher All et Butch, cher George ...
Ce matin à 11 h 40, soixante et un ans apres le crash du Ginger et la tragique disparition de vos compagnons d'équipage, nous nous sommes recueillis au Mémorial des Aviateurs avec les Vétérans de Schoeneck et les membres du Souvenir Français de Forbach.
Marcel KRONENBERGER nouveau président des Vétérans de Schoeneck présidait la cérémonie. Paul Fellinger maire de Schoeneck et les Trails Blazers étaient également présents. Avec beaucoup d'émotion nous avons déposé la gerbe en votre nom.
Nous avons pensé très intensément à vos compagnons et à vous.
Jamais nous n'oublierons leur courage. Grande est l'affection qui nous lie à tout votre équipage, et tout spécialement à vous les survivants de ces heures glorieuses.
Hommages et amitiés sincères de France.
Cathy et Raymond Engelbreit
8/28/05 - The survivors - AL Lang, Norman Phillips and George Lesko in response to the message from the French village of Schoeneck Click here to read
Visitation by Hawaii Son Jim and Marge and Ellie from Ohio to celebrate George's June 17 81st birthday. For photos click here

George Lesko's son Greg bagged this trophy turkey (24 and 1/2 pounds) and he shot it mid morning on May 6, 2005 Photos click here

Grandson Seth and George shot 2 turkeys April 22, 2205
photos click here

 2/27/05 George's son Greg's 52nd birthday photos Click Here
2/17/05 - POW Chapter Commander Don Redding and his wife Pat and George Lesko with Betty Munze (Bella Vista, Arkansas) attended a Valentine's event at the Lakewood Country Club in Lee's Summit 14 February that was sponsored by the "Midwest Enterprises Investment Club". Don and George are members of the closed 24 member club and meet monthly. It was superb, and the on the 15th Don, Pat, Betty and George dined at the Garozzo's Ristorante to celebrate Betty's birthday. Click here for photos

12/01/04 - 2004 Branson Veterans Day event - November 9 - 13, 2004. Photo's were taken by Jack Cook - click here to view


At the November 21, 2004 "Kansas City Heart of America POW meeting and luncheon" - George Lesko was appointed Senior Vice Commander". He accepted the appointment and is looking forward to eventually being Commander of this outstanding organization after yearly changes occur.


Cesily Lesko's birthday photos and art work (on the family web site)
10/16/04 - Norm Phillip's speech was given in French on August 28, 2004 at the Schoeneck, France commemoration ...
Click here to read


10/16/04 - France - Normandy Commemoration Photos -August - September '04

Click on any photo to expand

10/16/04 - Schoeneck Commemoration 28 August 2004, and a Normandy (Normandie) four day trip plus some others events to the surrounding area. By Colonel George Lesko .......English and French
Click on any photo to expand
10/16/04 - Photo sent by Rick Staton, Majority Leader - West Virginia House of Delegates of the Sergeant Jack W. Staton Memorial Bridge town of Mullens.

Click on photo to expand


9/16/04 - Norman Phillips (left) and George Lesko (right) at the Monument prior to the 28 August of Commemoration at Schoeneck, France

Click on photo to expand

Norman Phillips - Navigator on B-24 "Ginger" had a Heart Attack on 7 September 2004 and as a result of a prompt 911 call he was rushed to a hospital. Norman stated he felt his life was ending, however, he responded and two days later a pacemaker was installed. Phone conversation with him on the 13 September (six days later) revealed that he felt fine and even went shopping and to a bank. He possibly now can live to be 100 +".
He can be reached at:
Norman Phillips
1509 9th Street
Clarkston, WA 99403-2701
509-758-7714
E-mail - normanp@clarkston.com

All Web Site information regarding Jack Staton:

10/30/01 - Letter from Anna June Staton - Sgt Jack Staton's wife
11/04/01 - Letter from Sgt Jack Staton's niece
11/29/01 Photos of Jack Staton and letter from Anna Staton
1/16/03 - Letter from Rick Staton - House Majority Leader - West Virginia House of Delegates
2/07/03 Response Letter from George Lesko to Rick Staton
August 18 letter to Armand requesting a mass on Sunday, 29 August 2004 for the crewmembers of our Bomber B-24 at the Schoeneck Church.
Click here to read this letter:

August 14, 2004 - Response to French town of Schoeneck's invitation to the surviving crew (and families) of B-24 "Ginger" that crashed in Schoeneck on Aug 26, 1944. Two of the 3 survivors of will attend - George Lesko - co-pilot and Norman Phillips - Navigator. Top Turret Gunner - Al Lang could not attend do to his wife's (Mardine/Butch) physical problems and some that he has, but he sends their good wishes and "hello's" to everyone in Schoeneck and neighboring communities.
Click here to read this letter:


August 6, 2004 - Seth Lesko, his cousin, and Dominique at the Shoeneck Monument.
Click Here for more photos of Seth's trip.


Lucky 80th birthday fishing trip - click here for pictures of birthday party


6/17/04 - His Holiness (Pope) Jean Paul II granted an Apostolic Blessing to Georges ( George) Lesko on his 80th birthday. Click here for more info.



George makes a trip to Savannah


5/10/04


George recently received this Certificate and the Korean War medal and medallion from General Dennis Shull


5/09/04

"Son Greg insisted we go wild turkey hunting for a couple hours this morning (Mother's Day) since it was the last day of the Missouri (male only) turkey season. We hunt within 20 minutes of where we live and were in place at about 5:45 AM. At 6:40 AM with the help of Greg's turkey call - 5 male turkeys appeared within 30 to 40 yards. We both scored with one shot kills. They sure are a tasty delicacy on Thanksgiving - just ask any Pilgrim?" Click here for photos


5/09/04 -George's Grandson, "Christopher Seth Lesko" received his Bachelor of Science degree from Central Missouri State University at the Commencement Ceremonies Saturday afternoon, May eighth Two Thousand Four at two o'clock at the CMSU Multipurpose Building.
Click here for photos
April '04 - Seth Lesko, George's Grandson, hunting with Son Greg Lesko, braves Missouri ticks and bags a 23 lb Tom Turkey with 11/8" spurs. His biggest yet! Click here for pictures
3/29/04 - Son Greg and his father (George) bagged one-third of the birds on a 27 & 28 March 04 Pheasant hunting trip to Glen Elder, Kansas. Seven hunters total in the party and the Father and Son team bagged 90 Pheasants! Click here for pictures


Klaus Zimmer's letter about his new web site Click Here

Read about and purchase Kenneth Blyth's book " Who Shot Down EQ-Queenie" Click Here

March 18, 2004 - Ceremony to the Memorial of the Pilots - Article in French Newspaper that appeared Aug. 24, 2003.
Click Here

March 18, 2004
Memorial Commemoration of Aviators
Saturday August 23, 2003 - Speech by Paul Fellinger, Mayor of Schoeneck, France Click Here
2003 Branson Veterans Day and POW Heart of America events Click Here

October 03, 2003 - Letter and photos from Doug and Celia Willies in England who attended the Monument Dedication to the crew of "Ginger" and is active with the 446th Bomb Group location and history there in England
Photos from the ceremony at the Monument site at Schoeneck, France 23 August 03 click here


Photos from George's Trip to France August '03 Click Here

Jack Sites, former Prisoner of War (POW) finally receives the Legion of Merit for bravery ( 7th highest medal) - Click for article


9/1/03 - Photo's from Albert Krassman who was the Turret and Gun Sight/Bomb Specialist and worked with the B-24 (Ginger) Crew Chief - Landon Hunt in England. The photo's were taken shortly before the fatal mission on 26 Aug 1944.View the photos
- Letter from George Lesko to Rick Staton


2/22/03 West Virginia House of Representitives
honors majority leader Rick Staton's WWII uncle


A young boy and the "Good War" - Article written by Edouard RENIÈRE about early childhood memories of the WW2 German Occupation.
9/28/02 Letter from Edouard Renière in Brussels showing gratitude for US help in WW11







George receives Jubilee of Liberty Award citation 9/04/02

click here for photos of The Citation and Medal.


 Photos of Dominique's trip to Missouri - July '02


7/16/02 - Letter From Forrest S. Clark


7/03/02 - New photos arrive


7/03/02 - Letter from Don Hawkins


Photos of George and Drake


Photos of George and Greg with Tom Turkeys April '02.


Photos of George's trip to France - March '02


North 2 Compound at Stalag Luft George Lesko's Roomates


3/02/02 - Letter from Jack Armstrong's son (Jack was George's barracks room mate


2/27/02 -
Stars and Stripes front page 9/9/01 With reunion photo of George and Vasily Bezugli


2/23/02 - George's European travel plans in March
"Hello/Hallo everyone:
I want to inform you that I am coming to Europe via Zurich primarily to visit with Dominique who has arranged time off from work to act as my guide and translator to visit other places in France and Europe. I can be contacted after 15 March 02 through Dominique's phone at 03.87.85.84.15 (011 - 33 plus her phone number calling from the USA) and/or by e-mail at - keyforfriends@aol.com(dominiquejansen) - please use
"For George" as your "Subject".
In addition, my son Greg and daughter-in-law Sarah are also scheduled to come to Europe on 20 March 02 to visit Munich. They tentatively plan on driving from Munich to the Saarbrucken/Schoeneck area on the 22nd or 23rd of March to meet up with me, visit the Monument which Sarah has never seen, and to enable all of you to meet Sarah. You all will just love her - I do..


2/09/02 - Dean Lang (son of Al and Mardine Lang - George's top turret gunner and survivor) sent photos showing he and wife Janet Lang's activities with the 2002 Olympics commitee in Utah.
Click here for photos
11/29/01 Photos of Jack Staton and letter from Anna Staton

New photos in 11/28/01


11/06/01 - The naming of the B-24 'Ginger'


11/04/01 - Letter from Sgt Jack Staton's niece


10/30/01 - Letter from Anna June Staton - Sgt. Jack Staton's wife


10/10/01 September 8, '01 Barth, Germany conference w/ photos


Full Text of George Lesko's speech regarding Col. Spicer


Conference Photos


10/05/01 - Hawaii vacation photos


9/20/01 - Letter from Alfred Jenner re: Reconciliation


9/14/01 Letter from George re: European travel plans.


9/13/01 - Letter from Raymond in Schoeneck to George, Al, and Norman regarding European solidarity in the aftermath of the recent New York bombings.
FULL TEXT


9/13/01 - Letter from Brigitte - "a miracle... Ludwig, our dad, who had a stroke, smiled for the first time again... he even ate some cake and had coffee! When he saw George he raised his arms and said: MY FRIEND.... being so happy ... relieved! And he wanted to come with us downstairs to the cafeteria . Just wonderful! Maybe he start to eat again. Nothing could have made us all more happy... Brigitte"
Photo of Ludwig and George


9/12/01 - A letter from Cathy and Raymond in Schoeneck France arrives describing George's activities
there. (translated) Full Text


George is speaking at The Stalag Luft 1 POW conference 7 & 8 Sept 01 at Barth,Germany.


6/16/01 - Special thanks to James Nguyen
for providing some great flight simulation photos

 
3/24/01 - More photos posted  


AL Lang - "Thanks to God, we were free again!"


Mary Smith letter


News article about Al Lang - Bittersweet Memories

 
2/24/01 - New Photos posted


2/07/01 -  Letter arrives from George's sisters and their husbands, Margaret (Lesko) & Arthur Marvan - Eleanor (Lesko) & Matthew O'Kresz


1/19/01- Congratulations to Mary Smith!
Her web site, www.merkki.com, has recently chosen as a "Best of the Net" by Robert Martin, the Military History guide at About.com. Mr Martin will be interviewing Dr. Aaron Kuptsow, who was the radar navigator on Mary's Dad's plane and whose story is detailed on her website. Mr. Martin has been directing people to go read Dr. Kuptsow's story of his experiences as a Jewish POW at Stalag Luft I and has been collecting questions that they might like to ask Dr. Kuptsow. After visiting Mary's site the following message from Kevin Frindik was sent to Mr. Martin and his discussion group.