Wow, talk about results!

Marion,

It is very kind of you to offer to make the call, If you could ask for a mailing address and wether it would be OK to send a long list of questions, I would be in your debt. This way it will work out cheapest all round.

Jan,

Your map is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for; period evidence linking units to places. Interesting that it says Welford Park (Sole Common is still part of the Welford Park estate), I've now got 3 names for USAAF station 424!

If you e-mail me direct we can swap addresses, so that I can recieve a copy and reimburse you for copying and shipping to the UK.

Jim james@broadwick.co.uk

Cheers all!

I will try and call him this weekend. Sorry I haven't gotten around to it yet, but have been busy with work, taking down Christmas decorations and going through my NARA docs. Whew!

Jim:

Just got off the phone with Byron Armbruster. What a great gentleman. Was afraid that I had reached a dead-end, when I called the number I had given you. I got a message machine and was in the middle of leaving a message, when someone picked up the phone. I asked for Byron and the guy said he didn't live there anymore. Oh sigh! I then asked if he had a contact number and he said, wait, let me look. Yes, he did. The gentleman said his name was Ron and if I talked to Byron I was to tell him he said hi and sent his best.

So, I called the second number and to my surprise I got a hold of Byron. I explained that I was given his name and number by Mark Bando. At first it didn't ring a bell and then I said, "Mark Bando, author of several 101st books." "Oh yes", he replied, "Mark".

I then explained that a friend had contacted me who was conducting archeological work in England, and was looking for any information he could gather. Told him that I contacted Mark Bando, hoping he could help, and that Mark said to call you. I then explained that it was difficult for you to call from England, and that I offered my assistance.

I told him about my work and how others contacted me for research, etc. He then asked where I lived and I told him, Michigan. Oh, he exclaimed. That's where we are having a reunion in Frankenmuth. Yes I told him, I know all about that and went on to say that I was hoping to attend. He said he would be there and he was hoping to meet me. I said that I knew several other members of the 101st including, Don Burgett and George Koskimaki. You know George, he asked surprisingly? Oh ya! Gee, George is a very good friend of mine, he chimed. So I told him I was planning on calling George this weekend and would send his regards.

He told me he was 92. I couldn't believe it and told him so. Ya, he said, many people tell him the same. I said how honored I was to speak with him and thanked him for his time. Told him I would make sure I told George about our conversation.

He would love to hear from you. Best of luck Jim!

I'll write to you in private with his address. I don't like posting those on the net, unless instructed to do so.

Cheers!

Did you get my email with his address? He is looking forward to hearing from you. Please send your list of questions to him. Let me know the moment you hear anything back.

Marion, you are a star, thankyou.

I will be posting my letter to mr. Armbruster on Monday and look forward to hearing from him.

The meeting in Frankenmuth, is it a general 101st bash, when is it, and what's the nearest airport? I might be able to come over.

Jim.

P.s. Take the halo of the angel smilie and give us an Airborne one!

I will pass along the details for the reunion as soon as I find out. I plan on talking to George Koskimaki this weekend.

Thanks in advance for posting your letter here. Maybe come others will be able to answer the questions that you are sending to Byron.

Yes, we DO need some other icons. Like you idea for "P.s. Take the halo of the angel smilie and give us an Airborne one!" Let's see what I can come up with.