WWII letter to the parents of a crewman lost in air combat training:
"He did not lay down his life upon the field of battle, but his sacrifice is the same. He was preparing himself to defend those liberties and principles which had been taught to him from his early youth and which were a part of his very being. This may be small consolation to you in your bereavement, but you may well be proud both of his life and of his death."
Friends of the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum
B-24J 42-100023, lost on Casper Mountain, WY, June 17, 1944, Zorn crew
Colorado Aviation Historical Society
Upcoming event.
2025 AvAr Intro to Aviation Archaeology Expedition
From AvAr's Brian Richardson:
The Colorado Aviation Historical Society (CAHS) will be hosting its third annual Introduction to Aviation Archaeology field exercise on Saturday, August 23, 2025. This free, half-day expedition is open to all members of the society as well as the general public.
Each year the CAHS Aviation Archaeology (AvAr) program offers interested parties an opportunity to visit an historic aviation site in Colorado. Guided by experts recognized in this field, the site is interpreted so as to provide an intimate look into what is involved in this particular discipline of science, along with an in-depth look at the history of each site.
Situated at about 11,200 feet MSL, the 1970 Wichita State Martin 404 crash site is a popular destination for hundreds of hikers and history buffs every year. Classified as a moderate challenge, with about 200 yards of relatively steep trail, AvAr splits the participants into two groups; those who can still sprint up trails like this one, and the rest of us who huff and puff. The latter group stops frequently and takes their time, usually arriving about ten to fifteen minutes after the athletes. (Note: If you have a health concern, but still would like to consider going, please contact me at aviator_b@outlook.com to discuss your concerns.)
Items you will want to bring along are comfortable hiking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, water (at least one 16 Oz. bottle), long sleeve shirt or light jacket, any necessary meds you might require, and a walking stick – the latter being an absolute must!
Participants are expected to be at the rendezvous point no-later-than (NLT) 0845 for check-in and briefing. The entire event generally takes about three hours, so you can expect to be back in your vehicle and headed for lunch NLT noon. All who complete this expedition will receive a CAHS commemorative challenge coin.
If you are interested in joining other like-minded individuals on this one-of-a-kind adventure, please contact Brian at aviator_b@outlook.com for further information.