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Category Archives: July 1945
Coming Home
George Edwin Farrar had written a letter to his mother on June 29 that he was leaving England that night and heading for the states. He was to travel on a very small ship and he expected a slow crossing. His Separation Qualification Record notes, however, that he departed Europe on July 2, 1945 and arrived in the US on July 17. I have no record of his first or subsequent stops in the US on his way back home to Atlanta, Georgia.
On July 21, his mother received a telegram from Washington.
The telegram read:
The Chief of Staff of the Army directs me to inform you your son S/Sgt. Farrar George E. is being returned to the United States in the near future and will be given an opportunity to communicate with you upon arrival.
Witsell Acting the Adjutant General
If Farrar’s separation record is correct, he had been back in the states for four days before the telegram was sent. If he indeed was allowed to contact his family, presumably by telephone, what a happy call that must have been.
© Cindy Farrar Bryan and The Arrowhead Club, 2014
Chester Rybarczyk
Chester Anthony Rybarczyk
Chester “Chet” Rybarczyk had finished his tour with the 384th and returned to the states. He wanted to talk to George Edwin Farrar, his crewmate on the John Oliver Buslee crew after learning that Farrar was on his way home from the war. Rybarczyk was fortunate to have not been on Lead Banana with the Buslee crew on September 28, 1944.
July 15, 1945
Officers Mess – AAFNS – Hondo, TexasDear Mrs. Farrar,
With the war over in Germany, I was wondering if you had heard from George. Has he been home yet? I’m anxious to hear from him or of him. So if you will be kind enough to send me his address or send him mine.
I am the navigator from the crew. I have been in the States for some time now. I wrote to you once before if you can remember. I guess you could with a name like mine.
I really don’t have much more to say. I hope to hear something soon. Give my best to all.
Sincerely yours,
“Chet”
Lt. C. A. Rybarczyk 0720014
Br #3 H.A.A.F.
Hondo Tex
Thank you to Tony Rybarczyk, Chester’s son, for providing the photo above.
© Cindy Farrar Bryan and The Arrowhead Club, 2014
Faithful Correspondent
George Edwin Farrar’s mother, Raleigh Mae, sent her telephone number to the Buslees at their request. They wished to speak to Farrar when he returned home from the war, and wanted to plan a visit to see him.
July 15, 1945
411 Wisner Avenue
Park Ridge, Ill.Mrs. R. M. Farrar
Atlanta, GeorgiaDear Mrs. Farrar;
Many thanks for your letter with your telephone number and to learn that you expected George to reach a spot so near to Atlanta must have been very comforting word to you.
We have just received a letter from Miss Marbach and from it we understand that you have been in touch with her and the Peluso family. It does seem very strange that they are still without any definite word, however to us it seems that this is far better that the word the Hensons and we received. At least if one believes in the oft quoted term NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS.
Our son in law has just returned from the Admiralty Islands. He is a pilot in the Navy Air Transport so after a few days here he now reports to Olathe Kansas. So our daughter has left to be with him at that point.
George must have had many experiences that he will long remember and it is our prayer that he is now in the best of health and that he may in the future enjoy all of the best which he so richly deserves.
We do hope that the opportunity to visit with George will develop in the near future. Yes we are anxious to meet you as you have been such a faithful correspondent not only with us but with other families of the men who were on the ill fated plane.
To you and your family our sincere greetings, believe me when I say that in these days of worry you have lightened our load greatly.
Sincerely yours,
John Buslee
The Buslee’s son-in-law was Gene Kielhofer. He was married to their daughter, Janice.
John Oliver (Jay) Buslee’s sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Gene Kielhofer
© Cindy Farrar Bryan and The Arrowhead Club, 2014
Gratitude and Sorrow
Sebastiano Peluso’s parents had last written to George Edwin Farrar’s mother on June 27, but they felt compelled to write again two weeks later. They assumed her son, the only known survivor from the Lead Banana on September 28 the year before, had returned home from the war. Farrar had still not returned to the United States. The Pelusos were still anxiously waiting for any word about their boy.
July 11, 1945
Coney IslandDear Mrs. Farrar,
I am the father of Sebastiano and I have no word to express my gratitude for the kind of sympathy and cooperation you have show regard my son. Only a mother could understand and consider the sorrow we have, and really I want to thank you for what you are doing for us.
First of all I want to congratulate you for George coming home, and I wish happiness and success to a courageous boy, which deserves respect and honor from his nation.
Now I wish only one favor from you. First, let George rest and relax, and when he feels better the only think I ask to him if could give me any news of his friend Sebastiano. What happen after the plane was hit. If he saw my son coming down with the parachute?
He could write me a letter and if he have something important to tell me I could come myself and speak him personally. Although the trip is long. If I hear good news from my boy, I am sure I will not feel the trip. Maybe we could call George on the telephone and he gives details of what he knows.
So if George decide to speak with us just let us the day is home and we call him. The best hour for us to call is from 8 to 10 p.m. Again I thank you in advance and hoping to hear from George. Regard and happiness to a wonderful mother.
Sincerely,
Joseph Peluso
2963 W. 24 St.
Coney Island
Brln.
N.Y.
© Cindy Farrar Bryan and The Arrowhead Club, 2014
Sorrow or Comfort?
The day after James Joseph Brodie’s wife received the dreaded telegram informing her of her husband’s death, the Adjutant General followed up with a letter of confirmation.
War Department
The Adjutant General’s Office
Washington, D.C.In reply refer to:
AG 201 Brodie, James J.
PC-N 1860327 July 1945
Mrs. Mary E. Brodie
4436 North Kostner Avenue
Chicago, IllinoisDear Mrs. Brodie:
It is with deep regret that I am writing to confirm the recent telegram informing you of the death of your husband, First Lieutenant James J. Brodie, 01012086, Air Corps.
Your husband was reported missing in action since 28 September 1944 over Germany. It has now been officially established from reports received in the War Department that he was killed in action on 28 September 1944 over Magdeburg, Germany.
I know the sorrow this message has brought you and it is my hope that in time the knowledge of his heroic sacrifice in the service of his country may be of sustaining comfort to you.
I extend to you my deepest sympathy.
Sincerely yours,
Edward F. Witsell
Major General
Acting the Adjutant General of the Army1 Inclosure
WD Pamphlet No. 20-15
Pamphlet 20-15 was a pamphlet outlining survivor benefits.
The telegram and confirming letter certainly brought sorrow to Mary Brodie’s heart, but comfort was probably a long way off.
Thank you to Larry Miller, great-nephew of James Joseph Brodie, for sharing this piece of his family history.
© Cindy Farrar Bryan and The Arrowhead Club, 2014
Two Hundred Eighty-Two Days
It had been two hundred eighty-two days since the mid-air collision between Lazy Daisy and Lead Banana. James Joseph Brodie had been among the missing on Lazy Daisy since September 28, 1944. All the other Daisy crew members had been accounted for, but James’ parents and young wife had been waiting all this time for some word.
Today, July 6, 1945, the dreaded telegram had come. An explanation was not offered as to why the wait had been so long for this terrible news. Perhaps the letter that was to follow would provide more information, but for today the only news was:
It has now been officially established from reports received in the war department that your husband First Lieutenant James J. Brodie who was previously reported missing in action was killed in action Twenty Eight September Nineteen Forty Four in Germany. The Secretary of War extends his deep sympathy. Confirming letter follows.
Edward F. Witsell Acting the Adjutant General of the Army
Thank you to Larry Miller, great-nephew of James Joseph Brodie, for sharing this piece of his family history.
© Cindy Farrar Bryan and The Arrowhead Club, 2014
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