My Dad, Carl Nichols, was part of the 34th Bomb Group during World War II. As a child I remember him telling me stories of his time "Over There". I knew about Ely and Mendlesham England and about the 34th being stationed there as part of the 8th Air Force.

Dad joined the 34th after graduating from the Intelligence School in Harrisburg, PA in February 1944. Being the Intelligence Officer he was privileged to all the information about the bombing targets of the day, and of course briefed and debriefed the men for the mission they were to go on. The 34th had distinguished itself and from May 1944 to the end of Hostilities in Europe, the 34th Bomb Group participated in a variety of offensive missions. It was a delight for me to see the 34th's designation in the "D" Day Chain of Command Organizational Structure when I visited the Museum in Bayeux, France. The Group helped prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing airfields in France in Germany and supported the landing in June of 1944 by attacking coastal defenses and communications. Later the Group supported the ground forces during the Battle of the Bulge, from December 1944 to January 1945.

I still remember how proud Dad was when he told us the the 34th Bomb Group was the only 8th Air Force bomber group never to lose a bomber to enemy fighters in combat operations over the European Continent.

Robert Taylor has painted a marvelous picture and I am delighted to say that all my prints for sale will have the additional signature of General Carl Nichols, 34th Bomb Group, 7th Squadron.

Tamsen Munger