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The Egger twins, Richard (left) and Robert | Courtesy of Robert Bletscher and the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association research website, 384thBombGroup.com⇗
In the 384th Bomb Group, there were a remarkable number of brothers and twins who traded the safety of home for the flak-filled skies of Europe. That special family bond brought a unique sense of stability for many, providing an anchor amidst the chaos of war. They carried the weight of every mission together, with some even enduring captivity together as prisoners of war.
The Egger twins, S/Sgt. Robert Ross⇗ (Tail Gunner) and S/Sgt. Richard Henry⇗ (Ball Turret Gunner), both served on the same crew in the 547th Bomb Squadron. During their 14th mission, they were shot down and became prisoners of war at Stalag Luft 4. Robert survived to the age of 53, and Richard, 77. They both lie in rest in their hometown of Sacramento, California.
Also serving with the 547th Bomb Squadron were the Haley twins, 2nd Lt. Raymond John⇗ and 2nd Lt. Ralph Bernard⇗, both served as co-pilots on separate crews. Raymond was shot down on his second combat mission and became a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 1, while Ralph was shot down on his eighteenth mission and became a prisoner of war at Stalag Luft 3. Ralph spoke of his life in his short story, World War II Experiences⇗ saying, "Each person has their own memories, sorrows, and thanksgivings to contemplate. In my case, I thank God for his many blessings, especially for a wonderful wife, children, grandchildren. LIFE IS GOOD!" He survived to the age of 98, and lies in rest in Denver, Colorado. Raymond survived to the age of 89, and lies in rest in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Majeske brothers, 2nd Lt. Charles Paul⇗ (Pilot) and S/Sgt. Earl Clifford⇗ (Radio Operator), served with the 547th as well, both completing 35-mission combat tours. Charles survived to the age of 64, and lies in rest in his hometown of Bay City, Michigan. Earl survived to the age of 84, and lies in rest in Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
The Seibel brothers, 2nd Lt. James Edward⇗ and Sgt. Joseph Austin⇗ also served in the 547th Bomb Squadron. James was part of a replacement combat crew assigned to the Group in July 1943. He served as a bombardier and was tragically killed in action on his 21st combat mission at the age of 24. Joseph was assigned to the Group a year later in July 1944, also a part of a replacement combat crew. He completed a 35-mission tour and returned home five months later. He survived to the age of 78. The Seibels also had two other brothers who served in WWII. Their younger brother, John also served in the Air Corps, although his group is unknown at this time. Their eldest brother, Louis served in the Fourth Infantry Division and was at the landing on Utah Beach and the liberation of Paris. Louis lies in rest in Overland Park, Kansas. James, Joseph, and John all lie in rest near by each other in Independence, Missouri.
The Haley twins, Ralph Bernard (left) and Raymond John | Courtesy of Robert Bletscher and 384thBombGroup.com⇗
Four star mother, Beulah Seibel with photos of her sons | Courtesy of 384thBombGroup.com⇗
The 547th Bomb Squadron had the most family connections. Also comprising this Squadron were the Gulleksons, 2nd Lt. Leslie Curtis⇗ and S/Sgt. Cyrus Clifton⇗, who were half-brothers. Leslie served as a bombardier and completed a 35-mission tour; while Cyrus became a prisoner of war after 2 combat missions as an engineer/top turret gunner. Cyrus was also a recipient of the Purple Heart. Cyrus survived to the age of 71 and lies in rest in Westlake Village, California. Leslie survived to the age of 92.
The Wolf brothers contributed in different capacities; F/O Richard Vance⇗ served as a co-pilot with the 546th Bomb Squadron, completing a 25-mission tour, while S/Sgt. Paul Leslie⇗ served on the ground as a clerk/typist with the 443rd Sub Depot. Richard survived to the age of 88, and lies in rest in Sarasota, Florida. Paul survived to the age of 30 and lies in rest in Richland Township, Pennsylvania.
Within the 545th Bomb Squadron, the Jerome brothers both finished their tours. 2nd Lt. Edwin Anthony "Jerry"⇗ (Pilot) completed 35 missions, while his brother, Cpl. Robert John⇗ (Radio Operator), completed 26. Edwin survived to the age of 75, and authored a book, Combat Tour with Umbragio. He lies in rest at Arlington National Cemetery. Robert survived to the age of 80, and lies in rest in North Arlington, New Jersey.
Serving with the 544th Bomb Squadron were the Hanlon brothers. Pvt. Frank Hamlin⇗ was an airplane armorer assigned the Group in 1942. His brother, PFC John Matthew⇗ was assigned to the Group in February of 1945 as a truck driver. John served at D-Day in the 2nd Ranger Battalion and was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for service at Pointe Du Hoc. Details of their burial location and ages could not be located at this time.
The Barnes brothers both served with the 1140th Military Police Company. PFC Everett DeWitt⇗ served as a military motorcycle policeman, and his brother, Pvt. Edward Allen Jr.⇗ served as a truck driver. The brothers were among the 154 veterans who signed the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association's wing panel project in 2014. Everett survived to the age of 95, and Edward, 89. They both lie in rest in Florida.
The stories of these brothers reminds us of the quiet, enduring strength found in family. These feelings remain today in the lives of the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews of 384th veterans.
Keeping these family bonds and stories alive is an essential aspect of the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association, ensuring their legacy is never forgotten.
Information courtesy of the 384th Bomb Group Heritage Association research website, 384thBombGroup.com⇗, and Find a Grave
Everett and Edward Barnes | Courtesy of Quentin Bland and 384thBombGroup.com⇗
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