Ang closed out June with a mission in his new job as navigator. As an example of the many points of mysterious trivia in my research, he mentioned to Betty in his June 25 V-Mail that he completed his 13th mission--not that he's superstitious, of course. But it appears from the records that the June 30 mission was his 13th. This is not the only time he gets dates confused or mis-states or even exaggerates things. I don't read much into these errors, except perhaps that I can imagine how difficult it was to sit down and think of things to say in letters. I know from the 340th and 486th "diaries" that the weather was terrible and there weren't any missions flying in late June, so it seems like he had plenty of time to write, but there's only three V-Mails. In his June 29th letter he told Betty that he and another navigator, Charly Vail, spent some of that time building a new "home" for themselves. Betty's routine in Los Angeles continued with movies and visiting friends. She bought the T-shirts that Ang requested in a letter. She mentions re-reading Ang's letters to cheer up, and she receives the picture of Bud & Ang in Africa. See April 19-30, "Finding Bud in North Africa". Betty closed out June with a new job back at F & G, where she worked in Chicago. ************************ Friday June 23. Cleaned the house & did some ironing. Mr. S. up for dinner. Flo Taylor etc up in evening. Had a nice time. Bed 11:30. [V-Mail, postmark 7-4-44] 6-23-44 Corsica Hi Dear: I got bunches of mail today—eight to be exact. I sure enjoyed that letter from Gail. I’ll bet she’s a scream. The poor baby, when it comes, will be smothered with affection if I know Gail. He probably will be the most spoiled brat in captivity Kay sent me another letter and enclosed three snapshots. Johnny sure does look good—I don’t guess he’ll ever lose that impish look of his. Ann sure is spreading. I think Donny is the image of Peg—he sure is cute! I also got a letter from Jen—same as ever! Example: “Don’t forget to bring me a souvenir from Rome—preferably male.” The jerk. I sure do enjoy her letters though. Say honey—in the navy, is a man promoted from second class to first or to third. I addressed Joes as Sm 1/c [seaman first class]—and now I’m worried. Oh well, I guess he’ll forgive me. I love you, Ang June 24. Wrote some overdue letters. Into Mom’s trunk and looked through my things. A’s letters a swell pick-me-up. My guy! June 25. To late Mass. I got feeling low and in ugly mood. Bot papers & to movies. Had dinner. Got tummyache—just loafed in evening. Bed early. [V-Mail, postmark 7-4-44] 6-25-44 Corsica Hello Honey: I was just starting to write this letter and tell you that I had cashed checks for a hundred dollars—when I got your letter saying the bank account wasn’t so healthy. One of these days I’ll be getting a rest trip to Cairo or Rome—and I would need a few extra bucks. So, when this fellow was getting ready to go back to the states—I cashed the checks with him. I’m sorry if I’ve put you in an uncomfortable position. If you don’t have enough to leave a hundred in the account—please write Dad and tell him to send whats needed. I’ll drop him a note to ease the shock—just in case. By the way, No. 13 is under the belt and I’m happy. Not that I’m superstitious—but! I love you sweets—Love, Ang June 26. Down to F & G, but busy so no soap. Bot some t-shirts for Ang. Home and got box ready. Fixed dinner--wrote letters and radio in evening. June 27. Mailed pkg to Ang. Also got myself a job at F & G. I start tomorrow. Picture from Bud of he and Ang. Mr S for dinner. To show. June 28. Well, first day of job is over. Not so bad. Aunt Kay is coming out on the 14th. Wrote letters in evening. Bed by 10:30. June 29. Busy at my job again—Also got ride home again. Had hair done. ironed and bathed. To bed about 10:30. [V-Mail, postmark 7-10-44] 6-29-44 Corsica Hello Honey: I know I haven’t written for a couple of days—but I did have a rather good reason. We got tired of living in a tent—so we built ourselves a house. Nothing elaborate—but nice and comfortable. Its nine by twelve—and about seven foot high, with a slanting roof. The windows go all the way around—with three foot awnings stretching over them. Its on a hill—and the view and breeze are wonderful. As I said—its not elaborate—but nice and very comfortable. The “We” is myself and the other navigator—Charly Vail. Gosh that breeze feels good! I’m rather proud of myself. Of course Vail was the carpenter in charge—but I had a few ideas myself. I love you darling—Love, Ang June 30. Worked sort of hard today—got paid—Mr. S. for dinner then to movies. Off tomorrow—thank goodness. To bed about 11:30. Form 5. C-30, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:05h [Crew sheet for June 30, 1944] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. Mission 13.] 13 6-30 Canneto RR Bridge 8/10 clouds. Hit. Heavy, scant, & inaccurate [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK. (No photo on this scrapbook page.] #13 Canneto RR Bridge Flak Heavy, scant & inaccurate. Both boxes hit bridge.
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Ang flew four missions and two training flights during these nine days. In between, he wrote letters. He doesn’t mention much in the way of activities other than enjoying PX rations, the casualness of life on Corsica, and a big party when they “flew in a barrel of beer.” Betty wasn’t particularly busy during these days. As usual, she visits with friends and writes letters. She takes the train to San Diego to see her Aunt Kay’s husband Herm who is in the Navy. Apparently he was sick — Ang mentions hearing from Kay that Herm had scarlet fever. She mentions going to “Rowena” who is an in-law of her Uncle John. It sounds like she probably shipped a box from Chicago. Ang received the Air Medal in December, for a mission on June 21. The Air Medal Citation is under the Awards tab. * * * * * * June 14. Didn’t even leave the house today. Wrote letters and read all day. After dinner read more. To bed 10:30. [V-Mail, postmark 6-27-44] 6-14-44 Corsica Hello Honey: Before I forget—I need something else. Please send me about 6 “T” shirts. You know what I mean—the ones with short sleeves on them. Its getting rather warmish around here—and they really are very comfortable. Maybe you’ve been wondering why I haven’t been belly aching too much about being out of the states—well “T” shirts is one of the reasons. Imagine walking down the street in Columbia in a “T” shirt. Another reason is no neckties—enough said? Now if I only had someone (I wonder who) to take care of my laundry and a few other things (?)—oh well, why daydream. No matter how, or from what angle, I look at Arne—he just doesn’t look like the someone. I love you wifey—Love, Ang FORM 5. C-14, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:15h [Crew sheet for June 14, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 9.] 9. 6-14 Pietrasanta Tunnel Mouth. Two runs on target. One short--one on top. Heavy, scant, inaccurate. 6 - 2FW & 4Me 109's. Spitfires shot down two--- did barrel rolls all way home. [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK.] Mission #9. Pietrasanta Tunnel Mouth Flak: Heavy, Scant, and Inaccurate. One box hit short. We hit on top. Had to take two runs on the target because of weather. Carroll really plunked them on the tunnel mouth. 2 FW's and 4 ME 109's attacked on the way home. One spit pilot shot down two---and the others were chased away. He flew formation with us after that---and did victory rolls all the way to the base. Who says the Britishers never get excited. Pilot: Henthorn Bombardier: Carroll [See image below.] June 15. Ironed a few things & read all PM. Cleaned up & to Higgins for evening. I took the wrong car -- an hour late. FORM 5. C-15, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:25h [Crew sheet for June 15, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 10.] 10. 6-15 Castagna R.R. Viaduct 1st box – center 2nd box – miss No flak [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK. See image above.] # 10 Castagna RR Viaduct Flak: None 1st box--center. Our box---way short. Skinhead Moore drops again. June 16. Downtown and window shopped. Mr. S. up for dinner and to movie. What a bore! Bed about 12:00. [V-Mail, postmark 6-25-44] 6-16-44 Corsica Hi Wifey: What’s cooking? That’s a heck of a way to start a letter—but its better than starting off with “Well,”. We just got our P.X. rations so don’t blame me if I feel stuffed and contented. Really, I think I eat more candy over here than I ever did before. However, don’t let it worry you—I’m not getting any fatter—in fact I think I’m losing a little. I always have when I had to live in camp—and of course the flak helps a little too. They claim that each mission costs a man two pounds—50 missions is 100 LBS. I’ll probably come back a bouncing bruiser of 70 lbs. Pardon me while I tear into another Baby Ruth. I’ve also taken up cigar smoking. We get two a week—and I have to do something with them. I guess I’m just going to the dogs. Love, Ang June 17. Downtown shopping all P.M. Got in touch with Flo Taylor. Had light supper. Wrote some letters. Bed early. FORM 5. T-17, Training flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:05h June 18. Up very early. Got a train to San Diego. What a time--ugh! Herm glad to see us though. Home & bed by 9:30. [V-Mail, postmark 6-29-44.] 6-18-44 Corsica Hi Hon: I got your lock of hair—and thanks a lot. Of course its not enough for me to run my fingers thru—but I guess it will have to do until I get back to the original. I got your letter from Albuquerque—and it sure did bring back a flock of fond memorys. We sure did have a wonderful life there—didn’t we? I guess if I ever get the travel bug after the war—that’s [where] we’ll go. Maybe rent the same room and listen to the awnings flap all night again. Oh well, such thoughts do not improve my disposition—so enough is enough—Love, Ang June 19. Downtown early & to Post Office. Read in P.M. Had early dinner and wrote letters in evening. Bed 10:30. [V-Mail, postmark 6-29-44] 6-19-44 Corsica Hello Honey: Boy, I sure got the mail today—two from you—one from the folks, Kay—Is & Al—Corsons—Nuna & Nuno—and the Shrickers. My, oh my—now look at all the answers I have to write. The funny part is, that in your letter you warned me about that trouble. Woe is me. I sure am sorry about Jr.—he does have trouble—doesn’t he? By the way, I also got a letter from Joe. Boy, he sure is one proud Papa. The[y] flew in a barrel of Beer last night—and boy, oh boy, what a party we had. its amazing how successful it was—and not a woman within miles—a good old fashioned stag. I love you darling—Love, Ang June 20. Did nothing useful again today. Sent off some magazines to Ang. Mr S up for dinner. To movies—Bed 12:00 June 21. Wrote letters all day today. Didn’t even go outside. Listened to radio—Flo called. To bed about 10:30. [V-Mail, postmark 6-21-44] 6-21-44 Corsica Hello Dear: I hope you don’t mind my not writing yesterday—but I poured out eight letters yesterday, and you can get only so much blood from a turnip. I even wrote to your Dad—so you can see how ambitious I was. Did I tell you I got a letter from Kay? She certainly does write nice, newsy letters. I got a kick out of the news about Herm. Of course Scarlet Fever is not joke—but at his age—tch, tch. I hope you aren’t having too much trouble finding a place to live in L.A. Maybe you can find a place at our Honeymoon palace. Remember “Moitle”—ha, ha! Or was it “Sadie”? I love you dear—Love, Ang [Just for fun, here's the Hotel Stowell in Los Angeles. See below.] Form 5, C-21, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:05h [Crew sheet for June 21, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 11.] 11. 6-21 Castagna RR Bridge Center of bridge Heavy, moderate & innaccurate No holes. [FROM SCRAPBOOK. See image above.] # 11 Castagna RR Bridge Both boxes hit center. Carroll and Henthorn did another beautiful job [See Official Documents -- Awards and Medals for the Air Medal Citation.] June 22. Up early & to Rowena’s to pay for COD box. Ugh. Stayed there all A.M. To town & then dinner. Read in evening. [Letter. Postmark 6-22-44. On air mail stationary] 6-22-44 Corsica Hello Dear: I know this letter is long overdue—but really its hard enough to fill up a “V”. However I’ll try to get one of these “long” ones off every week. Say, I’m kind of proud of myself—I’ve really been on a letter writing binge these last two days. I’ve written to everyone (practically) that you put in the book. Everyone from the Adams’ to the Schrickers—including the Falls, Joe, John H., Frankie, Reynier’s, Reardon, V.C.—etc. I guess that’s the way to do it—sit down and get rid of my obligations all at once. That sure sounded like quite a family reunion—I do wish I had been there. it sounded like the old Kenwood days again. I’m glad you took Tom and Bobby over to my folks house—I’ll bet they were crazy about the boys. I can just see Dad urging them on—and giving them permission to wreck the house. We should have let Kay’s charm go to work on my folks a long time ago—I’ll bet there would have been no trouble then. One of your last letters said that you wished I’d start getting some mail. I’m sorry. I haven’t told you—but I’m just about all caught up now. In fact I’m the envy of the squadron—three-four letters a day. Yes, as far as mail goes, I’m well contented. As far as the war effort goes and my wishing I was in it—Honey, I’m in it up to my neck. I’m well on the way, with ten missions to my credit already. The censor said it was allright to mention the no. of missions we have, so don’t be so shocked. I’m learning more about his censorship everyday—pretty soon I’ll be able to squeeze all the news in a letter that’s possible. I’ve got a bunch of postcards of the island and as soon as its O.K. I’ll send them on to you. One of these days I’ll get to go to Rome—and then I’ll really be able to fill up a letter. I’m certainly sorry to hear about Jr. Elaphantitis is no joke. We’ve dad a dozen lectures about malaria and that—they both come from mosquitoes. Of course there isn’t much danger out here—but we take all the precautions—spraying—sleeping under nets etc. Most soldiers overseas worry more about mosquitoes than they do about enemy bullets or flak. I think we swallow more atabrine pills than we do spam—and that’s saying a lot. However, don’t worry—as I said there isn’t much danger out here. I hope you have good luck in finding living quarters in L.A. I guess this is the limit of my ability on a long letter. Give my love to everyone, dear—most of it to yourself. I sure do love you sweetheart. Sometimes it takes a lot of will power to keep myself under control. What I wouldn’t give—oh well! I love you honey—Love, Ang Form 5. C-22, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:35h [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 12.] 12. 6-22 Gricigliana RR Bridge Hit - Right. Heavy, intense & fairly accurate ---3 ships holed. 4 ME 109's attacked. [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK. See image above.] # 12 Gricigliana RR Bridge Flak Heavy, intense and fairly accurate. 4 ME 109's attacked but were chased by the gunners. 3 ships holed---including one below. 1st box hit to right. We hit center. Carroll did another wonderful job. The kid is good. [****news clipping on same page regarding someone from 487th squadron. Norman Lawrence.] In this short six day period, Ang was transitioning to his job as Navigator. Of course he was already trained as a Navigator. They often did "training" flights to keep up their skills or train on new instruments. In June of '44, Ang had four training flights. Betty was settling in to life in Los Angeles. She visited their high school friends, the O'Briens, in Long Beach. As I mentioned before, the mysterious "Mr. S" was a friend of her mother's. There are two possible names in Betty's address book! My grandmother was a single (divorced) woman. I'm not sure which Mr. S this was, but I do not think it was the one who was Margaret's boss. I sure wish I had asked Betty why she didn't like this one. Was it him, or just the fact that her mother had a "friend" who always seemed to be around. She didn't seem to mind his nice car! ************************ Thursday June 8. Rainy and cloudy all day. Had hair done and loafed the rest of day. Wrote letters in evening. To bed early. FORM 5. C-8, Combat flight as bombardier, B25-J, 1:50h [See June 1-7 or "Official Documents" for the June Form 5.]
June 9. Did some laundry and ironed. Downtown to PO and then to movie. Read in evening. Bed about 11:00. June 10. Put away suitcases & cleaned apt a little. Mr. S. here all P.M. Dinner out & to movie. Home & bed about 12:30. [V-Mail. Postmark 6/20/44, forwarded to L.A.] [no dateline] June 10, 1944 Dear Betty: I’m beginning to get all your mail now—but its coming in such a jumbled mess. I’m keeping them in a stack according to dates—and when I get them all, I’ll read them over and maybe they’ll make sense. For instance I got one that said you and Mom went some where—and I thought you meant my mother—then I get one dated 4 days before telling me that your mother had come to town. Oh well, it adds spice to letter reading. It sounds like quite a family reunion—doggone it, I always miss out on all the fun. Just wait until this war is over though—Boy, oh boy! I love you dear—Love, Ang FORM 5. A-10, Administrative flight as navigator, B25-J, 1:20h June 11. To 10:30 Mass and then to Long Beach to see O’Briens. Had a real nice time. Got home about 11:00 Read paper and to bed. June 12. Lovely long letter from Ang. Wrote letters all PM. To store and read all evening after dinner. Bed by 11:30. [V-Mail. Postmark 6-22] Corsica 6-12-44 Hi Hon: I just got your praises about my letter writing—and of course they came just as I was being ashamed for slacking off a bit. So—I guess there is nothing for me to do but roll up my sleeves and pitch in. I’ll keep the “good work” if it kills me—and it probably will. Of course there are times when I’ll have to skip here and there—but that can’t be helped. I’m sorry I haven’t been sending these letters to L.A.—but I just got your letter telling me to. I hope you had some luck in train reservations—It wouldn’t be very happy carrying Donny all that way on a cattle car. I love you, darling—Love, Ang Form 5. C-12, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 1:55h [Crew sheet for June 12, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 8.] 8. 6-12 Arrezzo (near) R.R. Bridge 1 - One 2 - Short (Moore). No flak. [Note: I believe the "Arezzo" in blue ink at the bottom was added by Ang in the 1990's when he was reviewing his records. His handwriting was becoming a little shaky. Also note that the crew sheet is dated June 11, but according to the 57th Bomb Wing records, there were no missions on the 11th due to rain. ] [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK.] #8 Arezzo RR Bridge Flak: Heavy, Moderate, & Inaccurate. One hit center We hit short This was my first mission as a navigator. I don't go much for this business of third box navigator. Jerry puts up a curtain of flak at the first two boxes---and you have to lead your box into it. I wouldn't admit it, but I sure was tempted to slide a little bit over to the side. To top it all off, I had Skinhead as my Bombardier---Ah well, such is life. Bombardier: Moore (Skinhead) June 13. The sun was out for awhile today. Downtown for Fathers Day. Mr S. & Mother brought in dinner. To movie. Bed by 11:30
FORM 5. T-13, Training flight as navigator, B25-J, 1:30h What can one say about June 1944? So much was going on in the world and in the lives of Betty and Ang Adams. Before the first week was over, Betty took the train from Chicago to Los Angeles where she lived with her mother until Ang came home in 1945. Ang flew on 6 of the 7 days: three missions, two training flights and apparently an Administrative flight on the 2nd. Oh! And of course, there was the Liberation of Rome and to the north of Corsica, the Invasion at Normandy. **************** Thursday June 1. Had to walk all day - but hard too. Took Mrs A and Jen to station and then to Grams. First chance I’ve had to see Jr & E.M. FORM 5. T-1, Training flight as navigator, B-25J, 2:40h [V-Mail, postmark 6-13-44, sent to Chicago, forwarded to L.A.] 6-1-44 Corsica Hello Darling: I got another big batch of letters yesterday from you—so I guess I’m just about caught up now. At least I know about your job. It certainly does sound very interesting. Arne is still with me—but they have split up our crew as such. Perhaps they’ll let us get together again sometime. Say, dear, I don’t suppose there will be too much extra money in the bank—but if Kay wants to visit Herm and there is — anyway you can help her -- I want you to. I’ve told you once, but in case you didn’t get the letter, don’t leave any money in the bank for me. I don’t need it. I love you darling—Love, Ang June 2. Down to Adams and packed - then took luggage to depot. Said goodbye to girls at F & G and picked up check. Bed about 11:00 FORM 5. A-2, Administrative flight as navigator, B25-J, 1:30h [This flight is listed out of order on Ang’s Form 5. It was probably a “nickeling” mission.] June 3. Very warm. Bea took us to station. J & D - Ann - Jr & Betty & Peg. Had a terrific walk to our car--nearly melted. Sleep early. FORM 5. C-3, Combat flight as bombardier, B25-J, 2:00h [Crew sheet for June 3, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 4.] 4. 6-3 Lagaro R.R. Bridge 1 - Hit right 2 - Hit center Heavy, intense, and accurate 7 ships holed One ship lost 1st Lt. C Sellers [pilot] 2nd A.E. Coons [co-pilot] 2nd E.A. Tupper. B[ombardier] T/S R.H. Koebeke R[adio operator] S/ J.F. McDonough G[turret gunner] S/ G.J. Carey T.G.[tail gunner] 2 Hurt [this may have been added later, maybe when Ang was reviewing his log. On the back of this page, in pencil, he wrote "Two men injured."] [Transcribed from scrapbook.] #4 Lagaro R.R. Bridge Flak: Heavy, intense & accurate 7 ships holed, 2 men wounded 1 Down 1st Lt. Sellers, C 2nd Lt. Coons, A.E. 2nd Lt. E.A. Tupper T/S Koebeke, J.F. S/S Garey, G.J. 1 Box hit - 3 missed This was the first mission that we really got flak – it was thick (I wouldn’t swear that it was a kitchen sink that I saw, but it sure looked like one). We were on Seller’s wing when he got hit - the right wing burst on fire. Sellers did a beautiful job of holding the ship – and they all got out. We had some 80 holes – and our hydraulic system was shot out, we’d almost given up hope before I managed to crank the wheels down. Must admit that we all sweated the landing out - June 4. Up about seven. Read and napped a little in morning. Mailed letters in Albu. To sleep about 10:00. Very tired. June 5. Had lunch and then napped in PM. Mr. S for dinner and me to movies. To bed about 12:30. Dead tired. [V-Mail, postmark 6-14-44, forwarded to L.A.] Corsica 6-5-44 Hello Darling: I got two of your letters addressed to me at the last APO—so I guess I’ll be getting mail addressed to me here pretty soon. I suppose that by now you have heard the good news about our taking Rome. It won't be long before we are going there to visit. By the way, is there anything you’d want me to say to the Pope for you—ha-ha! You’d better be good to me—because when he and I are buddies I’ll be able to get a divorce just like that—so there! I love you darling—Love, Ang FORM 5. C-5, Combat flight as bombardier, B25-J, 1:50h [Crew sheet for June 5, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 5.] 5. 6-5 Orte Road Bridge 1 -- south approach. 2 -- center Heavy, moderate & inaccurate. No holes. [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK (see image below)] #5 Orte Road Bridge Flak: Heavy, moderate, & inaccurate. No one holed. 1st box--Hit south approach. 2nd box hit center. Bridge colapsed--pretty job. June 6. Up early and to Ventura with Mr. S. Then for lovely ride along coast. Had dinner and drinks. Home early and wrote letters. FORM 5. T-6, Training flight as navigator, B25-J, 1:45h [V-Mail. Postmark 6-14-44. Forward to L.A.] Corsica 6-6-44 Hello Darling: Boy, the news is sure wonderful--first Rome and now the invasion. It certainly is welcome, we’ve been waiting a long time for it. We just heard Gen. Ike speak—it sure sounded good to us. Well there is no sense me telling you about it—the newspapers back home probably give you twenty times the news we get. Talking about news—will you please get me a subscription to Time magazine—and not talking about news—get me one to Esquire also. Those two ought to keep me happy. Come to think of it, you might as well add the Readers Digest and Cornet [Coronet?] to that. I know that’s enough. I love you darling—Love, Ang June 7. Did odd jobs all AM. Walked to town in PM and shopped. Met Mother for dinner and a movie. Bed about 11:30. FORM 5. C-7, Combat flight as navigator, B25-J, 2:05h [Crew sheet for June 7, 1944.] [FROM ANG'S FLIGHT LOG. MISSION 6.] 6. 6-7 Cecina Road Bridge. 1 - short 2 - on center Heavy, intense & accurate 4 ships holed [TRANSCRIBED FROM SCRAPBOOK - see image above] #6 Cecina Road Bridge Flak: Heavy; intense & accurate. 4 ships holed - No injuries. All boxes centered on bridge. Best bombing I've seen yet--nothing left to bridge. We had 20 some holes---one was pretty close in the nose. |
AuthorJoni Adams Sesma, daughter of Angelo and Elizabeth Adams. Ang served on Corsica with the 57th Bomb Wing, 340th Bomb Group, 486th Bomb Squadron. April 1944-April 1945. Archives
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