44th Bomb Group

Veterans Association

  To: Members & Friends of the 44th Bomb Group

Links to Those Who Remember & Shared

Luc Dewez - Belgium

The 44th Bomb Group Mourns The Loss Of An Extraordinary Man

 

It is with heavy hearts that the members of the 44th BGVA advise of the passing of our Historian C. W. "Will" Lundy. Those of you who use this web site are aware that Will Lundy was an especially dedicated veteran, of the 44th Bomb Group, who distinguished himself in memorializing the men who lost their lives in combat while members of the 44th Bomb Group during World War II.

" An Airman Died Today."  While attending the 44th BGVA annual reunion at Branson, MO over Labor Day weekend, Will suffered a fall that resulted in a severe head injury. Despite surgery, and the intense efforts of his doctors and nurses, our great friend "Folded His Wings" on October 11, 2007.     

When WW II broke out Will attempted to join the various military services, in each case he was rejected because of an eye problem. Determined as he was, he finally succeeded in getting an Army doctor to accept him.  He was sent to Aviation Mechanics training. Upon completion of that training he was assigned to the 44th BG shortly before they embarked for duty in the United Kingdom. He became an assistant crew chief in the 67th Squadron of the 44th BG.

It was while serving as an aviation mechanic on the majestic B-24 aircraft, flown by the 44th BG, that he witnessed the sacrifices being made by the air crews that flew the assigned combat missions. So many losses were experienced with little or any knowledge of what had really happened to cause the loss, except to write it off as "enemy" action, flak or fighters. 

Several years after the war ended he began to probe official records. He sought information from former air crew members.  He began to assemble mounds of information and became determined to write a history of the sacrifices and legacy of his squadron and its personnel. It was a very sad tale. Of the eighteen pilots and co-pilots of the  67th original nine crews only two officers, Howard Moore and William Cameron, completed their required tour of 25 missions.

His plan to write the history of his squadron was quickly expanded into the complete history of the 44th Bomb Group. In 1987 Will and his lovely wife Irene, compiled, edited, financed and published the first "Roll of Honor and Casualties of the 44th Bomb Group (H)".

Publication and distribution of this massive effort caused former crew members, family members and loved ones of those who were lost, historians and researchers, to add to the records or explain situations that had been referred to in  "The Roll of Honor". This splendid gentleman became a compassionate and caring expert, skilled in assistance to the families of men who had served and those who had perished. Will was always available . He developed a network of historical researchers, throughout the world, who shared his concern that our men, and their courageous deeds and achievements shall "never be forgotten".

In 2005 Will financed and published the updated and expanded version of the "Roll of Honor". Once again the members of the 44th Bomb Group enthusiastically supported his plea that his latest version be placed in as many libraries and repositories of historical military information, as possible. Will and his wife Irene devoted a large portion of their lives to preserving the legacies of the 859 men who gave their lives as members of the 44th BG from October 1942 through  May 1945.

Will was also the visionary who recognized the value of a Master Computer Database Program that had been conceived and developed by his friend Arlo Bartsch. This humongous store of information, on the wartime contribution of the 44th Bomb Group and its' combat crews, is available on the internet, in libraries, museums, schools and has been circulated to all members of the 44th BG. Will insisted that both a printed and electronic version of the exploits of the 44th were necessary.

We were blessed that this very humble but dynamic gentleman persisted in his desire to serve his country, and that he was assigned to the 44th BG. We mourn the loss of our dear friend.

 Will Lundy was the best of men.

 

Updated 10/12/07 

Dear friends of the 44th family:
This morning when I accessed the computer, to check the e-mails, I was saddened to have received the following message from Kevin Lundy, one of our treasured Will's sons.
 
Dear Bob and all of the 44th family:
 
It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of the greatest man I ever had the joy of knowing, today at Springfield, MO. After much soul searching and consultation with the doctors at Cox South Hospital it was decided that we had to give up hope of a fair recovery and discontinue life support this week. He fought like the strong man that he was and slowly faded away at 5:30 pm, Oct. 11, 2007. He only made minimal cognitive recovery but just enough to know that the family was there by his side and that all of your prayers were for his stated release from a life filled with misery. He did not want to be a burden to us and said goodbye to all the great friends like yourself and died peacefully and with dignity. Please let everyone know that he will miss them and that the love is eternal.
 
With great sorrow,  The Lundy Family
 
 
I pass this sad news on to each of you with a heavy heart. WILL LUNDY was a MOUNTAIN of a MAN. He and his dear Irene determined many years ago that they would dedicate themselves to honoring the deeds and achievements of the men of the 44th who gave their lives to preserve world freedom.
 
With your assistance they researched, financed and published an in-depth record of each of the WW II missions of the 44th Bomb Group (H) and the casualties that resulted from those perilous combat and operational sorties. Their first "Roll of Honor" was published in 1987. This marvelous record was continuously revised and expanded as more veterans, or their families contributed to the known knowledge and historical data from those operations. Two years ago Will published the later version of "The Roll of Honor and Casualties". Once again you gave this massive effort your admirable support. With enthusiasm you accepted his hope that you would assist in getting this remarkable accumulated record of courageous combat  into as many libraries and centers of historical study as was possible. He was ecstatic about your response of generous support.
 
No one has done more to assure that the uncommon courage of the "fly boys" of the 44th shall ever be forgotten, than the Lundy's
 
I truly believe that Will Lundy, in the hearts and minds of the veterans of the 44th, and their families, stood equal to our magnificent war-time leader, Leon W. Johnson. That is great praise, richly deserved. General Johnson for his valorous leadership. Will Lundy for devoting himself to assuring that Johnson, and the men he led, are never forgotten.
 
Bob Lehnhausen
 
Kevin Lundy's address is:
Grouse Ridge Court
Cool, CA  95616

 

Updated 10/5/07 

Dear Ruth and all the Endearing Friends of Will,

I am sorry to say that Will is taking a turn for the worse. Could you please let all the bomb group members know that time is running out for hope that he recovers. The hospital has done everything possible to care for his recovery but It appears that his brain injury was more severe and debilitating than we hoped. His mental status has quit recovering for the past two weeks and pneumonia is taking hold in his lungs. The family will be with him now and we all pray for a positive change but hope is fading. The family would like to Thank Everyone for all the care and prayers through this horrible time. Please keep the memory of a happy dedicated man in your hearts, as you all gave him the reason to live.
Sincerely Yours,  Kevin, Lynn, & Kerry Lundy.

 

Updated 9/25/07 

Dear 44thers,

As of the 25th of Sept. Will is still fighting to recover his mental faculties and return to the bomb group. He is very strong and deter mend to win this battle but only time will tell. The hospital has begun the weaning off of his respirator this week and hopefully by next week he can be off life support ! It may take a long time before he can get his great mind back from this terrible injury, but if any man can do it this is the one to bet on! I will continue to update significant improvements from the hospital as they help him back to his great love; the 44th BG!! Please keep him in your thoughts and prayer and THANK YOU for all the support and kindness!!!    The Lundy Family.

 

Updated 9/21/07 

Hi Folks,
Kevin is back with Will.  He is responding with good muscle response, and smiles when addressed, but has not gotten his cognitive functions back.  They continue to assist his breathing, as he has periods off apnea otherwise.  They  also started rehabilitation, and intend to get more vigorous with that, hoping that and the continued oxygen will help his brain functions.
 
He also had a clot in his right arm, and had an infection, but they seem to be in control of that. 
 
Somehow Kevin maintains a strong feeling of optimism, and I am sure that translates to Will.  Kevin says he  smiles more at the nurses than at him--- which goes to show, nurses are always the winning team!!! 
(Spoken by a nurse) 
 
Here is his address, if you want to send a card:  Cox Medical Center, 3801South National Avenue,
                Step Down Unit # 549; Springfield, Missouri 65802-3421
 
I'm sure Will knows we are all praying for him and will continue to do so.
Love to all.  Stay healthy,  Ruth & The Tail Gunner

 

Updated 9/19/07 

Dear Ruth & Perry,

Could you please distribute this update on Will Lundy to the bomb group members.
 
As of Sunday the 16th Will is improving slowly but spectacularly, as he is gaining recognition and physical ability. He has been moved to a step down unit but still needs a respirator to support his breathing. He has no real serious problems now and the doctors expect him to recover well. When he is moved to a floor unit and understands people better we will let you know how to contact him. His speech may be affected and may take therapy to recover. With all the prayers and positive thought from all you great people, a miracle seems to have saved this wonderful father. Thank You for all the support and Love.   Kevin.

 

To: Members of 44th Bomb Group & Friends

 From: Ruth Morse, Secretary

 Re: Will Lundy’s recent accident

The 44th BGVA Reunion in Branson was going amazingly well, when one of its most highly regarded members had an accident.  Will Lundy and his son Kevin were walking back to the car after a leisurely stroll along one of Branson’s scenic areas; when unexpectedly, Will fell and bumped his head.  After studying an MRI at the local hospital, they sent him by helicopter to Cox Medical Center in Springfield where he underwent cranial surgery to relieve a clot at his left temple. 

Will is still in ICU on a respirator, but responds to familiar voices.  He is able to move arms and legs.  Doctors, nurses and family believe he will have a complete recovery.   At present he is under sedation to avoid any activity that could cause further bleeding. 

 Will is one of the most beloved members of the 44th BGVA.  Please join us in prayers for his recovery.

 

Update 9/10/2007:

Dear Friends & Families of the 44thBG,

On Sunday morning at the Branson reunion, Will Lundy took a fall and severely struck his head on the ground. His son Kevin was able to revive him, and transport him to the local hospital. He was diagnosed with a blood clot on the side of his head and quickly transported to Cox South Hospital in Springfield, Mo. Emergency surgery successfully removed the clot, and he is recovering in the ICU. He began recovering and on Thursday the breathing tube was removed. He was interacting with his family with difficulty and slowly gaining recognition and mobility. Friday morning early he could not breath, and the breathing tube was reinstalled and heavy medication was utilized to force him to recover further. On Saturday the 8th, he was treated for a lung infection, and has been resting. The hospital has warned of a long recover and his family will be rotating there to help out with his care. The family has requested that he should recover further before his many friends attempt to contact him. It is currently impossible to estimate the damage done to his brain, so please pray for a successful recovery and you will get updates as they become available. You may e-mail his son Kevin at kevlarkowboy@comcast.net if you need current info on this unfortunate accident. Thank You for your Sincere Love and Care!!!

 

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