What are the names of the real soldiers in World War 2 who were portrayed in the film 'Stalag 17'?

Answer 1

Karen, I would suggest doing two things. First, consult your local American Legion post or VFW hall. Tell them your grandfater's unit and that he wants to contact other veterans. People in those oraganizations have the best chance of knowing someone who knows someone who was in a particular unit. Secondly, there are a number of Usenet newsgroups dedicated to history and to veterans. Find them and post messages on them saying you are trying to contact veterans of the 365th bomb squadron of the 388th bomb group out of Knettishall. Mention that your grandfather is trying to contact old buddies. There is a reasonable chance the information will get to the right people. Michael Montagne

Karen,

The association address for the 388th Bomb Group is:

Bittner Snead (Secretary)

3449 SW 328th St.

Federal Way,WA 98023

Na href="http://www.bitsneadesq@aol.com

You also might like to look at the next site, which if contacted might offer some help.

axpow

Dear Karen I think my father was in Stalag 17. His name was Allan Egan and he was the pilot of a Lancaster Bomber and was shot down over Germany. I am looking for his log book which is somewhere around here and I will get back to you once I have more information. Please emaqil me dirct if you wish. Regards Keryl Egan

I can only include these facts, in case someone can use them to track down some of the actual fliers. From 1978 - 79 and again from 1981-1992, I lived in a Baltimore County suburban row house community called Knettishall. At the one end of the row house development was a dedication plaque, later stolen, to the 388th bomb group of Knettishall, England and the builders of the Maryland community. They named the streets after the local English towns, hence Thetford Road, Hardwick Road, etc., etc.

Later, during the early 2000s, I was able to visit the Air Force Museum in Dayton, at Wright-Patterson, and the memorial to the 388th. Also, I found my way through the narrow country lanes passed Bury St. Edmunds and found the dedication plaque and what remained of the field at Knettishall Heath, in East Anglia.

I also know from another volume on B-17s by Philip Kaplan that Walt Disney studios designed the logo for the 388th.