Final reunion for 3rd Bombardment Group

  • Published
  • By James Frank
  • 3rd Wing History Office
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Hollandia. Wewak. Rabaul. "Jock" Henebry. Ray Wilkins. "Pappy" Gunn. Battle of the Bismarck Sea. Coral Sea. 

All these places, names, and battles are distant memories for most of us, but not for the 17 World War II Veterans and their families who gathered in Austin, Texas, last week. This marked the final reunion for these 3rd Bomb Group veterans, also known as the "Grim Reapers," which held the distinction for being the most highly decorated unit in the South Pacific during World War II. These veterans gathered for the final time to remember and honor their brothers in arms that have since passed, and say one final goodbye. 

Twenty years ago, these same veterans created the 3rd Bomb Group Association and have gathered together once a year to reminisce and honor the fallen. Stories continued to fill the room, some jovial as they remember the good times, and others heartbreaking as they remember friends lost. 

Joe Long, a Grim Reaper crew chief, told the story of 'Steak & Eggs'-- not a meal, but the A-20 attack bomber he and other crew chiefs assembled together from spare parts in the middle of a combat zone and bare base facilities. These men brought ingenuity and resourcefulness to the fight. 

Robbie Robinson, a Grim Reaper maintenance officer, discussed the quality of the men that worked for him and their undying determination to ensure the battle weary aircraft were ready for the group's heroic pilots. These men brought dedication and respect for each other to the fight. 

Dick McKinney, a Grim Reaper gunner, talked about how Japanese anti-aircraft guns blew off his left heel during a flight back to 17-Mile airfield. Once landing, the doctors directed their efforts to avoid gangrene, a major medical threat in the tropics, but lost the battle. McKinney had his foot and leg up to his knee removed and was sent home. Several decades later, McKinney was feeling well and walking fine on his prosthetic leg when he met his pilot, Maj. Gen. John Henebry, at a reunion golf tournament. Henebry pleaded with McKinney saying, "I can't go home to tell people that a one-legged guy beat me at golf." These men brought bravery, courage, and a sense of humor to the fight. 

Kathy Wilkins, the niece of Maj. Raymond Wilkins, awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism during an attack on Japanese shipping in Simpson Harbor, sought the men and their personal stories who knew her uncle. The veterans, never asking what we can do for them, but what they can still do for us, were always ready to share their stories and experiences in the Pacific. 

The Grim Reapers spent 41 months in combat, destroying 642 ships, more than 2,000 planes on the ground and in the air, demolished at least 200,000 pounds of supplies, and killed an estimated 41,000 Japanese troops with their low-level bombing and strafing techniques. 

The Grim Reapers gained the advantage because of their determination and techniques, but not without cost. War is a deadly business and demands its price. The War in the Pacific cost the Grim Reapers 1,634 men killed in combat, another 28 died from disease, and approximately 2,500 Airmen suffered wounds in aerial combat. Overall, the group lost 174 aircraft between April 1, 1942 and Aug. 9 1945. 

For the current 3rd Wing members that attended the final reunion, it was an opportunity to personally meet and talk to the men who built the rich and colorful heritage that belongs to the wing. It is not everyday one gets to meet walking legends and heroes. While these veterans do not consider themselves out of the ordinary, it was our honor to be in the presence of these great men! It was a chance to build a close connection with our past and show our deep appreciation for their service to our country 65 years ago.