My Dad Arden was born in Oshkosh, 

Wisconsin in 1916 and enlisted in the service in 1942 and served in the 87^th Fighter Squadron 79^th Fighter Group- “Skeeters” . He was in the “Armament” division and all he told us was he” just fixed things like jet engines and stuff”. Well, he must have been pretty good at it because he received a Bronze Star for his “skill and the efficiency with which he maintained his squadron’s armament despite rigorous field conditions, lack of proper repair facilities and continuous operational pace…” phew!

All are heroes from the 79^th and we are forever grateful for those who compiled the amazing history of this group. Our family would not have known anything about this military detail…all we had were some photos in a shoebox and many stories over beers at our local VFW and American Legion!

After the war and Dad returned to Oshkosh, I think he found his niche and passion so he re-enlisted and married my Mom Janet Emily Smith in 1945, also from Oshkosh, WI.  

With 2 kids they were transferred to Eglin AFB in Florida and eventually to Patrick AFB in FL. I had a brother who was ill so Dad was TDY to Japan so we went back up to Wisconsin until 1955 when my brother died. So Dad was then transferred to Seymour Johnson AFB NC and off all 4 kids went with Mom and eventually added 2 more. Dad decided to retire after 20 years in 1962…and decided to retire in Mobile Al near Brookley AFB where he retired as a T/Sgt.

He really was quite gifted as a flight line mechanic and worked at Dynelecton and Lear Seigler for a number of years. My Mom died in 1972 but all of the kids and grand kids continued to enjoy life with Dad. He was always quite crafty and was always in his workshop piddling around or at the VFW reliving the war days…they always kept a spot for “Wally” and his favorite scotch…we celebrated his 75^th at the VFW in Mobile…limo and all. Dad died in 1995 at the age of 78.

As with many families, we never knew much about Dad’s time during the war and he never spoke much about it to the family…I’m sure there were many great stories at the VFW. Most of his memories were kept in that shoebox, including the Bronze Star. We are so proud of him.  I wish we had known about all the work this amazing group has done on behalf of the 79^th before Dad died…he would have loved to have been a part of it.

God Bless all who served…we are eternally grateful.

Sandy Wollangk

Daughter of Arden Wollangk