TOP
usaflag.gif
39th Bomb Group (VH)
usaflag.gif

Navigator's
Badge


Decorations

Service Awards

apcm.jpg [The Asiatic-Pacfic Campaign Medal]


with 

star1.gif [Bronze Star]


wwiivic.gif [The Victory Medal, World War II]

 


[Search Tip: Use " " for better search results ex. "John Q. Doe"; "City of ..."]
1st Lt John P. Haskell
Navigator

Prior to this enlistment in 1943 he was employed as Industrial Engineer with Owens Illinois Glass Company, in our hometown Clarion, PA. He taught evening classes to cadets in navigation at our college for a year prior to enlistment.

His training took him to Syracuse, NY, Greensboro, NC., Montgomery, AL., Lockhart, TX and finally to MacDill Field (now MacDill, AFB), Tampa, FL. He served as Navigator on a B-29 in the 62nd Squadron.

The "Big One" had been dropped on Japan just prior to his crew's departure, but his group was deployed regardless and for months was kept in readiness on Guam.

His crew involved in the large show of force, flying over the battleship Missouri as Armistice was being signed in the Bay of Tokyo.

During John's training I followed him to all his bases with our young son who was only five weeks old when John left. Having been married for six years before Jack's birth, our first child, I wanted John to have as much time as possible. It was a thrill with babe in arms to see John received his "Wings".

Travel was not easy for civilians. I'm the sure the Government preferred us to stay home! Not one of my trips was without interruption. Planes were emptied for serviceman. Once on leave from Texas to Pennsylvania - even the train on which we were traveling was taken over. These changes could last as long as three days before we were given our own transportation.

Upon John's discharge in 1946 with rank of First Lieutenant, he joined the family furniture business, eventually owning and becoming the third generation to continue.

Our second child, Pamela was born in 1947.

I joined the business in Design Work in 1963. We enjoyed a "Carriage Trade" reputation and loved working together.

Following John's heart attack in 1979, we sold the business and building and spent three winters in Arizona, ultimately retiring in Scottsdale in 1984. We appreciated and enjoyed retirement.

We traveled, played golf and entertained hoards of friends of family from the east who came to escape the winter!

John and I were married for 63½ great years. In addition to our son, Jack, and daughter, Pam we have four super grandchildren, all successful and now I have two small great grandchildren. Families are scattered in Colorado and Connecticut.

At the Memorial Service for John, his son in-law, Tom said "Pappie" was of the greatest generation"

John P. Haskell passed away 22 August 2000
Marcella Haskell can be contacted via her daughter at: phardy212@aol.com

Kushner Crew Main Page
62nd Squadron Crew Index
Source: Marcella Haskell