Commentary: World War II veteran’s daughter keeps a story of sacrifice alive, Albany Times Union.
William Styles, 100th Bomb Group
Latham woman learns of father’s dramatic sea rescue more than 70 years later
Praying with an old letter – by Linda Berkery
National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Lt William J. Styles & the 100th Bomb Group
When Lt. William Styles embarked on his 8th mission as a co-pilot, little did he know it would be his last.
Taking on heavy fire over Germany, the plane was badly damaged and the number 2 engine struggled. As each engine began to fail, the crew had no choice but to “ditch the plane” into the North Sea.
Styles and Captain Cary escaped the sinking plane with two badly injured gunners, but the rest of the crew perished.
A nearby Danish fishing boat pulled up its nets and went over to pick up any survivors. They sat in the boat waiting 6 hours for rescue and the Germans knew the bomber crashed. They had no other choice but to return to Denmark and turn the crew over.
Dad’s Ice Cream Bowl
https://open.substack.com/pub/thekeepthings/p/dads-ice-cream-bowl?r=hvs6c&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false
Times Union Article February 3, 2024 by Katherine Kiessling
Troy pilot’s WWII tale informs TV seriesWilliam Styles’ daughter shared his POW journal and other mementos with ‘Masters of the Air’ creators Leading up to the series premiere of “Masters of the Air,” Linda Berkery kept getting the same question: “Will your dad be in...
Is Your Father in the Series?
Since the nine-part series, Masters of the Air, began on Apple TV, I have been asked this question. Yes, I have posted just a few (ha) links and stories, but no, my father is not listed by name. I see no actor connected with the name Co-pilot William J. Styles. And...
Training Days: Cherish the Friendships
My new Brownie camera came with Dad's advice. "Always label your photos so you'll remember the people." "Don't be silly," I...
Who Was Alice From Dallas?
When I was a child, my grandfather used to take me to watch the planes take off and land at the Albany (NY) Airport. We would park on the side of the road and peer through the wire fence. "Is that Alice?" I would ask. Papa would lower his sunglasses and...
A Boy from Troy and a B-17
Dad never spoke about the war, did any father? But I knew the combo B-17. I didn't know what that meant, but I knew it was...
Masters of the Air Trailer
The Trailer for the new series, Masters of the Air, a companion to Band of Brothers, from Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg is out. This nine part series on Apple TV began Friday, January 26, 2024. Masters of the Air follows airmen from the 100th Bomb Group through their...
A Letter to Dad
Orignially appeared in the Evangelist, April 6, 2018. Memorial Day arrives between the last Sunday of Easter and Pentecost this year. But when I reflect on Memorial Day, I must go all the way back to Lent. My father, Bill Styles, died in March 1975. Every March, I...
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