On November 10th, Saturday, 2001, from 12 Noon to 3:00pm TAMSEN MUNGER GALLERY is proud to present a special show and signing in conjunction with Robert Taylor's new book and print release "Company Of Heroes".

We are pleased that Colonel Roy Tavasti, Colonel Robert Gay, and General Carl Nichols, will be at the Gallery to sign the print of the 34th Bomb Group by Robert Taylor "Company of Heroes".

Let me tell you a little about the men of the 34th.

General Carl Nichols was born here in Fresno, California and graduated from Fresno State where he lettered in track four years (high hurdles). After graduation, he joined the Army Air Corps and went to Intelligence School at Harrisburg, PA in February, 1944. He then went on to join the 34th Bomb Group and was designated the S-2 Officer (Intelligence) of the 7th Squadron. After the War, Carl stayed in the Military and joined the California National Guard. He retired with the rank of Brigadier General.

Colonel Roy Tavasti was born in Newcastle, Washington, although he grew up in Glendale, California. After enlisting as an Aviation Cadet at March Field in 1940, he went on to graduate from Brooks Field, Texas. He went on to become a flight instructor at Randolph Field, Texas until June, 1942. He joined the 34th Bomb Group in October of 1943 and assumed command of the 7th Squadron after arriving in England in May of 1944. In February 1945, Col. Tavasti was appointed Group Operations Officer. During his ETO duty, he flew 26 combat missions with 21 as Command Pilot. During his Military Service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the French Croix de Guerre. He retired from the Air Force in 1968 with the rank of Colonel.

Colonel Robert Gay joined the 34th Bomb Group at Geiger Field, Spokane, WA in June of 1942. He was assigned to the 7th Squadron and moved to Group Headquarters later that year and became Group Adjutant in 1943 and Group Executive Officer in 1945. He retired from the Military after the War with the rank of Colonel.

All three men received 6 Battle Stars