Dear Boyhood Heroes, dear Friends,
It’s with a great sadness that I have to tell you that another good human being is gone: Will Lundy.
One of my Boyhood heroes called him a giant but I prefer to describe him as an ordinary man who did extraordinary things. I think it’s also an appropriate definition to the citizen soldiers.
Will Lundy will be remembered as the man who dedicated his after retirement life (from Southern California Edison) to document and preserve the story of his group, the 44th BG (Heavy).
First, it was to honor the men who gave it all. In the process, Will and his wife Irene build up an in depth record of all the missions involving their group: the “Roll of Honor” (which was continuously updated and upgraded in 20 years). Will also put down the story of his squadron: the 67th. On the other hand, the 44th BG history took over on his interest for wood working (he loved to bring out the beauty of wood).
Will Lundy must be remembered for his eagerness to record but also for his eagerness to SHARE and SPREAD the story of his group worldwide. He was the opposite of a collector and really deserves to be called Historian (probably helped by his major in Psychology and minor Anthropology).
Will Lundy should be remembered as a man who was saved by his glasses (and friendship?).
Before the war was declared, he tried to volunteer in all of the military services including the reserves, but flunked each time due to his need for glasses. Then he was drafted, attended Aircraft Maintenance School, but once again was turned down for Combat Engineer. He went over to England in September 1942. At that time, there was nothing like decent fighters escort when the US heavies were crossing the enemy coast. The only escort they’ve got was unfriendly; and were seasoned Luftwaffe fighters’ outfits.
The 44th BG suffered terrible losses and ground crewmembers had to be called to combat status. Will saw this as another chance for him to fight. He went to talk with First Sgt. Robert Ryan to get his approval. Ryan said no, he would not permit Will to fly combat due to his position as Assistant Crew Chief. As Ryan and Lundy were good friends, maybe his chief was just trying to save his friend’s life. All his friends who ended up as air gunners were soon MIA or KIA.
I, as well as many others, shall remember Will as a man always on the run.
Since January 1996, Will and I build up an extensive correspondence. Not only because we share some common interests, but also because it was the easiest way for us to “talk” to each other. In Veterans’ meetings, it was very hard to speak with Will for five minutes in a row without being interrupted!
The first time we met was in Saint Louis, MO, where the 44th BG was holding their annual reunion (October 1996). But we never did get a good opportunity to sit down and discuss the things together. Despite he was always on the run, he seldom saw or talked with the many people that he was writing to and wanting to meet in person. At that time, he was seriously thinking about setting up a table or desk, a couple chairs, and then taking up residence there to be available. He never did that and kept on running (Sophie nicknamed him the electric man).
In fact, the only way to speak for a longer time with the
Lundy was to have them over here, in Belgium. We were fortunate enough to
have them two times in our country (with a group of 44thBG
Veterans).
Twice we met their group at the Ardennes Cemetery, in Neuville-en-Condroz, where many Eightballers are resting for ever in Belgian soil.
The first time, Sophie, Irene, Will and I had a very nice dinner out, overlooking the river Meuse and the city of Liège. In 2002, I was able to stick to the 44th BG during the Belgian part of their trip. Will and Irene even met my dad and I was able to drive them in our home.
Now, the Lundy are united again, this time in Heaven. The Lundy will meet their dear friends, Ray & Mary McNamara, another American/British couple.
The Lundy will go to “The 200 Club” where Bill Cameron is sipping a drink with the crews of Little Beaver and Buzzin Bear.
Of course, Irene will have to share her beloved Assistant Crew Chief with Miss Diane.
But first of all, Will and Irene (the best thing that ever happened to me, as Will said) are now talking with the KIA and the MIA of the 44th BG, those who will survive due to the dedication of the Lundy.
Farewell my FRIENDS.
So long, Will.
From Belgium
Luc