As part of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force’s year-long commemoration of the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the Eighth Air Force, the three-part lecture series, Family Matters, showcases work by relatives who have researched fascinating stories of family members who served in the European Theater of Operations in World War II. The following is a brief description of the three programs in the Family Matters lecture series:
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September 12, 11:00 a.m.: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Museum volunteer, Jerry McLaughlin, painstakingly researched the mystery surrounding his uncle’s, Lt. Joseph Sullivan, loss while dropping paratroopers on D-Day. Mr. McLaughlin’s presentation includes details of the only known reunion of a troop carrier pilot and the men he carried on D-Day.
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September 19, 11:00 a.m.: A Woman at War
Tim Pitts’ discovery of his mother’s letters recounting her service in the Red Cross in World War II led him on a journey of discovery and understanding. The letters take you from bomber bases across war-torn Europe from 1943 – 1945.
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September 26, 11:00 a.m.: Unlucky Number 34
Museum volunteer, Al Pela, shares the history of his father’s fateful 34th mission (September 11, 1944) and his time spent as a POW in Stalag Luft IV. Mr. Pela’s presentation includes objects from his father’s service in the Eighth Air Force.
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September 12, 11:00 a.m.: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Museum volunteer, Jerry McLaughlin, painstakingly researched the mystery surrounding his uncle’s, Lt. Joseph Sullivan, loss while dropping paratroopers on D-Day. Mr. McLaughlin’s presentation includes details of the only known reunion of a troop carrier pilot and the men he carried on D-Day.
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September 19, 11:00 a.m.: A Woman at War
Tim Pitts’ discovery of his mother’s letters recounting her service in the Red Cross in World War II led him on a journey of discovery and understanding. The letters take you from bomber bases across war-torn Europe from 1943 – 1945.
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September 26, 11:00 a.m.: Unlucky Number 34
Museum volunteer, Al Pela, shares the history of his father’s fateful 34th mission (September 11, 1944) and his time spent as a POW in Stalag Luft IV. Mr. Pela’s presentation includes objects from his father’s service in the Eighth Air Force.
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The three programs are free. Mr. McLaughlin’s book, D-Day + 60 Years, and Mr. Pitts’ book, When I Think Back: The War Letters of Fitje Pitts: 1943 – 1945, will be available the day of their respective presentations. A sandwich lunch ($10 for members; $15 for non-members) will be available following each lecture. Reservations for the lectures and lunches are required.
Please register at https://forms.gle/65xE2QHZ6AkYS73i6
Please pay online anytime before the event at https://shop.mightyeighth.org/special-programs/
Be sure to get your member discount code first!