Navy Patrol Bombing Squadrons 102/14 Association

Through the internet, Bob Kirk has received a message from David Schaffer (dschaffe@san.rr.com) of the recent death of Howard Nopper.  If you will recall, Nopper was the pilot who, along with his crew, sighted survivors from the sinking of the USS Helena.  They dropped rafts, sighted 2 enemy ships.  While preparing to attack they were attacked by several enemy aircraft.  Top Turret gunner, Bartek, was killed.  2nd attack knocked out #2 engine.  Subsequent attacks injured 3 crew members (Bircher, DiGiulian, Mitchell) and inflicted severe damage to the aircraft.  2 Zekes were destroyed, 1 left smoking and 2 severely damaged.  They landed safely, despite the damage to their aircraft and the severe casualties.

          A message: " Hello, I just wanted to inform you that Howard A Nopper was my grandfather and he NEVER SPOKE ABOUT BEING IN THE NAVY AT ALL.  If you, by any chance, have any information on him and his accomplishments, I would love to inquire about them.  Thank you."  Signed Kimberly Wilson.

          How sad that he never shared with his loved ones who now thirst for information!

          If anyone from Lt Nopper's crew would care to convey anything they remember about him or the experiences, please contact David Schaffer at dschaffe@san.rr.com

I'm sure that we could obtain an address for anyone who would prefer to write.  Just let Bob Kirk or I know.          

          IF YOU HAVE WRITTEN ANYTHING ABOUT YOUR LIFE IN THE SQUADRON, PLEASE SEND A COPY TO LOUISE THOMAN, 86 DRIFTWOOD LANE, TRUMBULL, CT, 06611-1861,

SO I CAN ADD THEM TO OUR RECORDS THAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE SENT AS PART OF THE RECORDS OF A MUSEUM SPECIALIZING IN NAVAL AVIATION HISTORY.

MORE REQUESTS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS    

          ALSO   From our Web site, we received a message from the son of Bill Paulin, pilot with VP-14 and VB-102 ("Lil Nell").  "I am looking for crew members from either squadron with anecdotes, photos, etc.  I would especially be interested in information related to VP14's service in the South Pacific Feb. through August 1942". 

          Could someone please help him!  Bill Paulin at docks@silverlink.net   12347 Skymont Pl. NW, Silverdale, WA 98383)  (360)692-3071.

          ALSO  "My dad Carl W Hermes was on Tinian/Iwo Jima from '43 til "45.  Would like to hear from anyone who knew him.  He built model airplanes while on Tinian.  One such plane he named the "Tinian Express".  Some Seabees helped him get balsa wood, paper, etc. to make the ship.  He brought it back to the states and flew it well into the 50s as I remember the plane as a boy."  He continued his education, got his degree in aeronautics, worked for Chance/Vaught, Lockheed, the Polaris and Trident programs. 

          "If anyone has any memory of my father, please get in touch with me.  I would love to hear any stories about your daily lives, etc and what you all actually did."

          Signed, William K Hermes, aka lightnin' Willie and the poorboys, a swing/jump blues band touring the US and Europe..............(lightninwillie@hotmail.com)

          ALSO  Herb Cunningham, a cousin of Lt Jg Vance William Stallcup, who is believed to have been a member of VP-14 at the time of Pearl Harbor, is looking for anyone who can give him information.  Stallcup was a Co-pilot on a PBY, on dawn patrol that morning.  He was known as "Tex".  He was lost, along with the crew of a PPC Clark on 1/29/42 near Johnston Island.  Herb's email is HerbCunnin@aol.com.  Does anyone remember this officer?