Sophie Campobasso

Jaclynn Johnson

Ellen Shin

Cameron VanHavermaat

Corona

U.S. History- Period 2

May 16, 2005

ESLR # 1,2

C.S. # 11.8

Jack Gaffney

As we sat down with Mr. Jack Gaffney, we were immediately awed and intrigued by the admirable stories of his past as he related them to us. Being a World War II veteran, he held a part of history within his heart; his stories revealed the turmoil, dedication, pride, and faith as a soldier. Jack Gaffney was a man of truth and honor, fighting for his country to keep it safe for the present and the future.

Jack Paul (Ullenbruch) Gaffney was born on October 16, 1918 in Buffalo, New York. At the age of two, he and his family moved to California. After several changes in location, they settled in La Crescenta, California. Six years later Mr. Gaffney’s brother, Richard, was born. Richard’s life was ended at a mere 10 months due to tragic effects of double pneumonia. On October 23, 1927, the family had another son, Robert. More tragedy followed in 1928 when his father died from pulmonary tuberculosis at age 28. They had moved to Lynwood, five miles west of Barstow, and there Jack attended a one room schoolhouse in Hodge Being. As Depression thrived in America, his mother worked hard and persistently to financially support the family by working at the “Radio Camp Restaurant”. In 1931, they moved to San Bernardino, where Mr. Gaffney’s mother married George Gaffney. George had three children of his own but the two families quickly integrated into one as George legally adopted Jack and his brother on August 6, 1932. Mr. Gaffney attended San Bernardino High School, graduating at age 16 in June of 1935. After a brief stint at San Bernardino Junior College he abandoned his education and was employed at Berk’s Supermarket, where he worked attentively and assiduously to help his family through financial struggle.

In 1941, Mr. Gaffney, knowing his draft number was coming up, attempted to enlist in the Navy, at Long Beach. There, while waiting for his number to come up, he was told to enjoy the minimal time he had left before entering the war. In October of that year, he was drafted. At Fort MacArthur, he, along with his comrades, portrayed the audacious and bold qualities that many young men depicted during that time, by fearlessly and without hesitation, signing up for a four- year term in the Army Air Corps. Within a few days he was sent to Shepard Field in Wichita Falls, Texas to attend Air Mechanics School. While there he qualified for an instructor position, but those plans were abruptly afflicted when the tragedy of Pearl Harbor struck America. After this Japanese attack, Mr. Gaffney, was sent to McDill Field in Tampa, Florida, where he became a vigorous member of the 41^st Bomb Squadron, 91^st Bomb Group. The group was sent to Walla Walla, Washington for flight training, but Mr. Gaffney and four other privates were sent to Grenier Field in Manchester, New Hampshire, on detached service. Here, he was given the golden opportunity of painting his first nose art on a 97^th Bomb Group B-17. The plane was called “Stinky”. Using yellow paint (the only color available), Mr. Gaffney painted the name ”STINKY” on the plane’s nose as well as a tableau of Hitler and Hirohito being chased by a 2000 pound bomb, above the caption, “It all comes back to you now.” “Stinky” was later published in Time Magazine.

In June of 1942, Mr. Gaffney and his four companions were reunited with the 91^st Bomb group in Washington. They got their first ratings as Corporals and proceeded with further flight training in Redmond, Oregon. Upon returning to Walla Walla, they entrained for their next, unknown, destination. They arrived at Fort Dix, New Jersey, where they boarded the Queen Mary and after six days at sea they arrived in Scotland’s Firth of Glyde. Their first base was at Kimbolton, England. Again, Mr. Gaffney was sent on detached service to Molesworth, England, for training at Ground Defense School. When he returned to the 91^st Bomb Group, he found that he had been transferred to Bassingbourn, England, where Mr. Gaffney would spend the next 33 months. Now a Sgt. Assistant Crew/ Chief, he was assigned to the ground crew of “Invasion II”, which successfully completed 23 missions before being shot down over Bremen, Germany. While there, Mr. Gaffney painted nose art on several planes, including “Invasion II”, “The Shamrock Special”, “The Bad Egg”, “The Sky Wolf”, “Destiny’s Child”, “Sunset Sue”, and “Los Angeles City Limits”. He was also able to experience the admirable presence, as a member of the Honor Guard, of people in high position, such as General Dwight Eisenhower, General Jimmy Doolittle, Winston Churchill, Ambassador John Winant, and the King and Queen of England. Mr. Gaffney gained pleasure and enjoyment in England by partaking in activities where his other talents shined. He was the vocalist for the 91^st Bomb Group band, “The Airmen”, as well as a cast member and featured dancer in the musical “Red, Hot, and Blue”.

Mr. Gaffney was assigned to be the Crew Chief of “Destiny’s Child” in February of 1944. “Destiny’s Child” was a plane of strength and stamina, and was Mr. Gaffney’s favorite. It successfully completed 53 consecutive, unabrupted combat mission, and over 44 on its original four engines which neared a record during that time. He painted the nose art on this beloved plane, which represented the hillbilly baby “Uncle Rafe” with a long rifle in hand. This was the peak of Mr. Gaffney’s career, and the only plane he had lost during the war. He recalls the day “Destiny’s Child” was shot down, July 20, 1944, as one of the sorriest days of his life. This plane truly illustrated the allegiance and dedication Mr. Gaffney, nicknamed “The Child of Destiny’s Child”, had for being a representative of America in the war.

Mr. Gaffney, in May of 1945, flew two missions as an engineer, participating in Operation Revival, where he and the crew returned prisoners of war back to Olde Ford, England and Camp Lucky Strike in France. In June of 1945 he was greeted with the good news that he was able to return home to his family that he had not seen for almost four years. He flew home on a war weary B-17 “Betty Lou’s Buggy” as Crew/ Chief Engineer. The plane, carrying a crew of 10 and 10 passengers, flew via Valley Wales, Reykjavik, Iceland, and over Greenland to Goose Bay Labrador, leaving the plane in Windser Locks, Connecticut. He had been in Europe for 33 months, fighting and combating the hostile enemies. As they landed in Connecticut, everyone was overwhelmed with a sense of relief and satisfaction of their pending dismissal. Mr. Gaffney was no longer trapped among the atmosphere of blood and war, but had been freed to continue his life in America as a son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jack Gaffney received many awards and medals for his time, preserving effort, and honorable deeds during the war. He was given the Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the European Campaign medal with six battle stars, the American Defense Medal, and the Distinguished Unit Citation with Cluster. Last May, he was honored by being inducted into the Riverside Board of Education Hall of Fame, for 27 years of volunteer work as a high school sports announcer. Currently, Mr. Gaffney resides in Moreno Valley with his beloved wife of 59 and one half years. His love is also shared with his two sons, four grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Jack Gaffney is an amazing man. He served in war for our country, sacrificing his life for the good of the nation. He saw first hand what could be done to beautiful places, things, and people because of war. Nevertheless, he stated that if he were young, “[he] would do it all again.” His courage and bravery will always be remembered and his story of dedication and perseverance will never be diminished.

Thank you Mr. Jack Gaffney!