Letters Home

We continue our talk about "Black Week" with learning about "Black Thursday"--the 2nd deadly battle at Schweinfurt. In lighter content, we hear more about Bruce's life in England and we read about how his latest plane, the "Michigan Miss," got its name.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

For a few days in October 1943, the 306th bombardment group suffered tremendous casualties in what would become known as "Black Week." Bruce flew several missions during Black Week, and we recap some of them in this episode. Read more about "Black Week" from the US WW2 Museum.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we read Bruce's description of his base in Thurleigh and some letters he wrote to his siblings. We also get information about one of Bruce’s first missions to Emden, Germany, courtesy of the real combat diaries and mission reports.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

This is the first episode where we read Bruce's letters from overseas, specifically Thurleigh AirField in England. We also learn about V-mail and WRENS and get an update on the Detroit Tigers 1943 season.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

Bruce is back from leave and so are we! This episode features the last letters Bruce wrote before heading to Europe, which reveal some big news about what he did when he was home. We also learn a lot about Italy in the war and bug sprayers manufactured in Lowell. Yes, we go on a tangent about bug sprayers.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In June 1943, Bruce gets ready for his first trip back home to Lowell in over a year. We also learn about Lowell author Glendon Swarthout and his connection to Bruce and Bruce's future wife "Marg A."

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, we read a letter where Bruce describes one of his missions in detail, we learn about a night out in Amarillo, and learn about Lowell's most famous author, Glendon Swarthout, and his connection to Bruce.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

It's springtime in Blythe, California as Bruce celebrates Easter and his 28th birthday. He also transfers to Dalhart, Texas where we learn Bruce’s predictions for the end of the war, and get our first mention of the Lena Lou.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

We are joined by two special guests in this episode-- Bruce's granddaughter Amy Lozen, and Amy's son Jack, Bruce's great-grandson. We also read a sentimental letter Bruce wrote to Frank and learn about the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, including a woman from Lowell who enlisted.

Featuring special guests Amy Lozen & Jack Lozen. Original music by Roger MacNaughton.

In this episode, Bruce thinks he knows his plans for his future in the service, but isn't sure. He also writes a very reflective letter after hearing of the death of Hoyt Phelps from Lowell, who came with Bruce to Santa Ana. We also learn a little more about Bruce’s uncle Jim and the names of WW2 planes.

Original music by Roger MacNaughton.