| Notes |
- I remember being thoroughly impressed when I watched Dad (then in his fifties) hang glide from the top of Steptoe Butte south of Spokane back in the early 1970s. He had had no lessons, he just strapped it on went and even made a very nice landing. He made it look easy. He was always a very confident and brave man. It belonged to a friend of his. I tried but "chickened" out. (David H. Drollinger 27 Dec 2021)
On my mother's application for passport from America to England in 1951, she states that Dad was living at Shepards Grove, England. (David H. Drollinger 11 Dec 2020)
Ref copy of Dad's story of his escape and evasion story as told in his own words and later transcribed by his daughter, Diana, in my possession. Note: Many members of the family have copies of this document. (DHD)
Some years ago, Harley videotaped an interview he conducted with Jacob Manford Drollinger regarding recollections of his life. I have a copy of that videotape. Following are a few notes that I have taken while watching that video (hopefully, somebody can transcribe the full video):
Dad (Lynn Howard Drollinger) was born in a 2 room house. In Jan 1937 he and his family left the farm in Nebraska to Washington in a 1934 Ford sedan. Grandpa (Lynn Roberts Drollinger) accidentally drove it into a snowbank in Wyoming. They lived with Grandpa's half-sister(Ida Belle Drollinger) in the winter of 1937 on Five Mile Hill in Spokane. Dad was a freshman in high school when he and his family left for Washington. Dad was 17 years old when he graduated from North Central High School. Dad worked as a Western Union Telegraph operator as a delivery messenger in downtown Spokane on his Hercules bicycle. Dad sold the Spokane Press newspaper on a street corner [I also remember Dad telling me that he actually made deliveries of the newspaper to various places downtown which also included a few deliveries to a hobo jungle I believe in the vicinity of Trent near the river in downtown probably near Division Street]. Dad went to Seattle and worked as a riveter for Boeing. In 1949 he enrolled in Gonzaga University with his brother, Harley. Grandpa bought a small concrete company that was for sale in Sunnyside, Washington including its 5 1/2 yard mixers. The family sold the Richland, Washington plant[an arm of Valley Ready Mix Concrete Company] to Acme Concrete of Spokane [a company founded by my Grandpa's half-brother, Fred] in 1967. Jack Longley [Jack had a gimpy hand] was close friend of Dad and together they built and flew many different model airplanes. Olly Garvey (sp?) was another friend of Dad's. Dad met his second wife, "Ginny", at a high school reunion [she was the sister of another of Dad's closest friends, Earl Cosby]. Jake worked for Consolidated Aircraft at one time. [end]
https://www.americanairmuseum.com/person/152772
Service numbers: 19096880 at enlistment, then O-749531
Highest rank: Major
Role/job: Fighter Pilot
Awards: Air Medal
On a bomber escort mission to the Dijon airdrome, 28 March 1944, pilot Lynn Drollinger had flown his P-51B #43-6729 'Young-Uns' through a Flak barrage without noticing that he had been hit. A few minutes later, his Mustang's engine coolant was pouring out, the cockpit filled with smoke and the oil temperature gauge shot up to the top. Pilot bailed out from his burning plane, which was last sighted and contacted 18m NW of Dijon, France. Crashed about 5km SE of Villiers-St-Georges, Seine et Marne Department, France. Pilot safe, managed to evade capture. Missing Air Crew Report - MACR 3450. Escape & Evasion Report E&E 710. Lt Drollinger was immediately helped after landing in parachute and fed, sheltered, clothed, transported by French citizens and members of the Résistance. From Flaix, near Villiers-St Georges, he was guided by bicycle to Paris, then by various means of transport to Toulouse. He was guided across the Pyrénées mountains into Spain, where he arrived on 22 April. He reached Gibraltar on 5 June and was flown back from there on the 7th, landing near Bristol, England on 8 June 1944. After the war, he remained in the Air Force Reserves, retiring as a Major in the USAF. [end]
Ancestry.com
World War II Prisoners of War, 1941-1946
about Lynn H Drollinger Name: Lynn H Drollinger
Race: White
Residence State: Washington
Report Date: 28 Mar 1944
Latest Report Date: 28 Mar 1944
Grade: Second Lieutenant or Nurse or Dietitian or Physical therapy aide
Grade Notes: Second Lieutenant or Ensign
Service Branch: Army
Arm or Service: Air Corps
Arm or Service Code: Air Corps
Area Served: European Theatre: France
Report Source: Individual has been reported through sources considered official.
Diana Lynn Drollinger
Born Place: 3:05 PM 26 May 1952
Birth Place: Burtonwood Air Force Base, Warrington, Lancashire, England
Attending Physician: Capt. Dortch
Residence at time of birth: "Hatherly Half, Burgh, Nr. Woodbridge, Suffolk, England"
Certificate of birth No. 187 issued May 26, 1952 by F.L. Barton, Registrar of births and deaths for the Sub-District of Winick, County of Lancaster, England"
American Residence: Mother: Ava, Missouri - 1930-1934; Sunnyside, Washington - 1934-1940; Bremerton, Washington - 1940-1945; Sunnyside, Washington - 1945-1951.
American Residence: Father: Madrid, Nebraska - 1923-1925; Grant, Nebraska - 1925-1936; Spokane, Washington - 1936-1942; USAF -1942-1945; Spokane, Washington - 1945-1948; Sunnyside, Washington -1948-1951; Recalled USAF - Feb. 1, 1951.
Report of Birth; Child Born Abroad Of American Parent Or Parents; American Embassy, London, England - June 25, 1952.
(Original certificate in possession of Diana Lynn Drollinger-Hawkins and copy in possession of David H. Drollinger. Submitted for this record by David H. Drollinger 7 Aug 2010)
DROLLINGER, LYNN H. JR. 1st. Lt. O-749531
(Mrs. Lynn R. Drollinger, mother
Rt. #7, Spokane, Wash.)
Hit by flak over France and bailed out March 28,
He went by his middle name most of his adult life. While in WWII he went by "Junior". In his adolescent years I believe he went by his first name. (David H. Drollinger)
1944. Went to Paris and then escaped into Spain--
very lucky. Back to England and then to the
states. Was instructing P-51's at Sarasota,
Florida but has gone overseas again to Pacific
with Johnny Pugh and Tom Norris.
362nd Squadron 357th Fighter Group Yoxford Boys
By the way, there was no "back to the Pacific"! After being shot down and a harrowing experience getting out of occupied France in the French Underground (he "celebrated" his 21st birthday while crossing the Pyrennes Mts.), he came back stateside to instruct new pilots and ferry new airplanes until war's end. While in the Air National Guard he then went to Gonzaga (go ZAGS!!) in Spokane. He also was called up during the Korean Conflict which took him and his new family (my mother, LaVerne, and their several week old baby - me) back to England for about a year. He was flying F86's then. He/we came back home in 1952 (my sister was born in England while we were there. Born 5/26/52) to Washington so he could help his father and two brothers start a concrete company - Valley Ready mix Concrete Co. which is a thriving business today - owned by his youngest brother, Marty Drollinger. The other info you mentioned about him is correct. (Dave Drollinger email 12 Mar 2002)
http://www.littlefriends.co.uk/357thfg.jsp
U.S. School Yearbooks Index Record for Washington U.S. School Yearbooks Index
Washington > Spokane > Gonzaga University > 1946 > 50
Dad (His name is listed as 'L. Drollinger' below his photo) is pictured on image 50 of this electronic copy of the 1946 edition of the Spires, Gonzaga University yearbook.
(David H. Drollinger 27 May 2011)
Lynn's Letters
Here are the letters that Lynn Howard "Jr." Drollinger wrote home while he was a fighter pilot in World War 2. There are also a few letters that were sent to the family by his friends after he was shot down. These are not all of his letter's but it's a good chunk of them. Enjoy!
From Howard Drollinger in England Jan 10, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad
Well I haven't written in a long time and have gotten four letters from you. I got all your mail OK and it takes about 12 day. The mail I send you should take about 22 days. I'm well and OK and have gotten used to the wet, cold, and cloudy weather. I don't eat quite so much anymore since I got used to the weather. We had steak for dinner today. It wasn't good. First real food in a month. I get to fly what I told you I would. I buzz my girlfriend's house every once in a while. Thanks for the letter you wrote on the 17th.
Wish I could go I could go ice skating again. Marty seems to be quite a good about lately. If he keeps fighting he'll get a pug nose (ha he). Tell Bessie congratulations on the new baby girl in her family. Got a nice letter from Jake and Virginia. Gee, Fredie sure must be growing. She sure is proud of that baby.
I'm getting --- I stay home more than I used to. We hear rebroadcasts from the states every once in a while. Got Ruth's picture the other day, sure is a good one. Well, guess I better sign off for now.
Love
Howard.
From Howard in England Jan 30, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I guess it's about time I drop you a line. I have four letters here to answer. I got all the letters you write so don't think I don't get them. Thanks a lot for the pictures they sure were nice. How about a picture of you, and Dad, and the place? Well I'm completely used to the rain and bad weather now. I got two letters from Grandma Howard and from Aunt Ida. Guess I should answer them tonight. We weren't supposed to put a date on our letters for the first few weeks. I think you'll find a date on all from now on. Say I wouldn't mind if you'd send me a picture of myself. Margery wants one. Gee that T bone steak sounds good.
Oh you can send me some candy or cookies if you want to. Hear it is Marty's birthday already. Doesn't seem so long since he was first a little kid. Now he drives a car and goes out. Guess people have a habit of growing up. Glad to hear Grandma's arm is ok again and that she'll be coming out to see you. You'll have to pardon the paper but its hard to get over here. Yes, I'm flying but not doing much work. I want to get to see Margery as I'm worried and she is a way from here. Probably see her one a week. I'll have to find another girl friend I guess.
Well so long for now,
Howard
From Howard in England Feb 2, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well guess it is about time I write you a letter again. Seems like all I do is write letters. I haven't written a letter in the last two weeks. Sure be glad when I don't have to write them anymore. I got your letter of Jan 19th. We've even been lucky mail and back and forth. You letter only takes 13 days. I'm at a new air base now and it surely is a mud hole. Were in the 8th air force now and maybe pretty soon we'll start earning our keep. Was glad to see a picture of Harley. He sure looks good, doesn't he. There was a bomber pilot and a bombardier here to our barracks to see a friend of theirs. The pilot was from Boise and knew a lot of boys from home that I knew. A couple of the boys I went to school with. I haven't written to Margery for quite a while but will someday. She should have been a cadet somewhere for three months now.
Well guess this is all for now. I'm going to send a 275 buck money order in my next letter.
Love Howard
From Howard in England Feb 7, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well here is just a note to say thanks for the Valentine's card. It really is nice. You are right, they do not have Valentine's day over here for all I can find out. I am sending home 275 bucks. You can put it in the bank if you don't need it. We sure aren't doing much around here. I went over to another field and even saw Kieth Jacobs and the bunch I was with at Tonapah. Gee it was good to talk over old times with him. Got a letter from Grandma H. and Elizabeth. Grandma is right on the ship I'm flying but not on what I'm doing. Marty's grades are more like mine used to be only better. If you want you can send me some candy or some cookies. We don't get much sweet treats over here. Gee people are sure getting old. Kay with a baby now.
Well get it is all for now.
Love Howard
From Howard in England feb 10, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Guess I better drop you a line again and let you know I?m OK. Seems like I'm never sick anymore. Only had the cold while I was on the boat and a little while afterwards. Everybody else has colds now and then.
I had to censor mail today. Boy what a job. Some of the GI?s can sure write good love letters. I'll send you a pound note after pay day. I'll send this sixpence and shilling now. A sixpence is worth a dime and a shilling is 20 cents. The weather today was rather funny. It first rained, then snowed, hail and sleet finally the wind really blew and we seen the sun go down. Now its nice, but muddy. Ole had his furlough cancelled til an unknown future date. So until I can get enough time off to go up there we won't see each other for a while. So Mr. Stiene don't think I should play poker. I got a letter from Ruth dated Jan 11. I guess it got on a slow convoy cause I answering the one your wrote on feb 1st and I got it two days ago. Wish I could call you up like you did Ruth and talk for a while. I got a letter from Grandma and from Yasts. I never get over to see Margery as she lives a ways away from us since we moved. I'll have to get another girl. Tell Suzanne that she shouldn't look at soldiers, were a no good lot. Gee it doesn't seem but a while ago that she was born. Tell Marty I'll find a birth day present for him when I get to London.
You can send me some candy. We don't get much over here. Guess I better quit for now.
Love Howard
From Howard in England Feb 16, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I guess it's about time I write you another letter. Seems only yesterday that I wrote you a letter, but it must be a week. We can't keep track of the days. One day is just the same as the other. I'm in no more danger over here than I would be if I were at home instead. Wish you would quit worrying about me. Hope Mary gets better soon and that the glasses will fix his eyes up ok. I sure hit the jackpot on mail the last couple of days. Everybody I know wrote me a letter. I got a picture from Margery Hendricks ?today. She hasn't changes since I last seen her. I went to the show last night and saw ?Crazy Horse? with ?and Johnson in it, sure were good. It was a GI show and is the only good movies I ever got to. I went to a show with Margery last Sunday and seen an English picture. They're cheap, only cost 219 to sit in the circle. That's 55 cents. Yes you could send me some writing paper. This I'm writing on is bummed from a pal. Also some candy or cookies. Oh yes, Margery is going to have a birthday in a few weeks. How about getting hold of a pair of silk socks, about 8 or 9, and sending them along. Nothing serious, just that she hasn't had a silk stocking in about 5 years now. Betty, a girl in Pocatello, is sending me a box of Hershey almonds also.
I haven't written Harley for a long time, I lost his address and don't know where to send the letter. Will answer dads letter later. I've went to church once since I've been here???
From Howard in England feb 18, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad and Martin,
Well I received two letters from you today. One Marty added a little bit. He sure is proud of his drivers license isn't he. Guess I was too when I was his age. I hope you received the coins I sent after the ten shilling note. I'll send a pound after I get paid. Well it snowed, rained, and hailed today very nice weather, yes indeed. Charlie McArthy is on the radio and have a hard time concentrating on writing this letter. We have no advertisements on the radio sure is swell not to have to listen to those long drawn out speeches. I guess I go down and see Margery this weekend. This is an old job. I take every weekend off and see England. Last week I saw an old castle at Colcester. It was built before America was discovered. Also there was old armor that the old famous knights used to wear and old farm implements. Also there was lead caskets that were built in 650 AD also it showed remains of graves from the time of Christ up to now. It showed Norman and Viking era. All in all it was very interesting. Hope you hurry up and send some stationary soon as this is the last of it. I haven't written Harley because I don't know his address.
Well guess I better finish this letter now.
Love Howard
From Howard in England fed 28, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I received your letter of February 19th today. So I thought I had better answer it. I got a letter from Ole today he is in England and if I can find out where I'll fly up and visit him. I haven't received your candy yet but suppose I'll get it any day now. My new APO is 637. Hope you have found it out by now. We had about an inch of snow last night and the sun was shining this morning. It's sure made thing look nice this morning. Glad to hear Martin made himself a good bargain on the car.
That will be alright to have to have a cement strip in the back they have always been very poor. Guess it will be spring soon there. Hope the weather here is better in the summer. Is that all the gas you get. Why I dumped 150 gallons in the ocean the other day near Holland.
Hope Allen gets up there for a weekend. Well I guess I better close for now.
Love Howard
From Howard England march 7, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I guess its about time I drop you a line, I haven't written since last Monday evening. I went to London last Tuesday. A friend and I went together. We only stayed one night. I bought a battle jacket and some other clothes. We went to a dance that night and I met a gal from Argentina. We had a perty good time but London sure isn't isn't like New York. They call the subways undergrounds and they are really deep in the ground. I think I?ll get to see Ole soon. I found out he is just west of me now and a few minutes (25) flying time away. It's all so secret and we cant find out much about his field. Whether I can land there or not.
I finally found a name for my Mustang. My crew chief and I got together and we figured that we are all young we?d call it young-uns. I'm 20, he's 21 and the armorer is 22. So you can see why the name. I now have the "Air" medal. It isn't much. 10 sorties. It's a blue ribbon with two yellow stripes at each end. I hope to get a cluster for it soon. The weather is getting better here now. But it's still pretty cold. Well I guess I better finish this and go to the show. It is ?Hit Parade of 1943?.
Love Howard
P.S. Here is a 9th core air core patch. I'm not there now I'm in the 8th.
From Howard in England march 10, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Thanks a lot for those pictures of Harley. They sure are good ones aren't they. He sure is nice looking isn't he. I'm going to write him a letter tonight. Just going to send it to Carlsbad Army Air base. I think that he will get it. Glad to hear that a boat finally across the ocean with my letters. Guess some of my letters take a long time to get over there.
I think maybe I'll get to see Ole soon. He is just west of me now.
I think Berlin is a prettier town than London. I guess my idea isn't the same as everybody elses. I'd like to spend a 48 hour pass there. My crew chief and I named and painted on our name for the ship this afternoon. We put this on it. How do you like it. We hadn't figured whether the character is him or me. The whole crew is 21 or under. So that's the reason for the name. I got a couple of letters from grandma and one from Ruth. You two don't compare notes on me do you.
I'll send you a pound note in this letter. It is worth 4 dollars three cents and a half and it seems like we spend them like paper dollars. That is the biggest denomination out ?.and 20 pound notes that you have to sign when it changes hands. It is made of real thin paper.
So you're finally getting some winter weather guess it is about time. Associated press took my picture and wanted a story so they may have an article in the paper about me. Guess that's about all for now.
Love Lynn Howard
I finally did sign the wrong name.
From Howard England march 16, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well it's been a week since I've written to you. Gee seeing it's almost your birthday again. I haven't gotten you anything yet. Seems like you cant buy anything over here. No I haven't been keeping a diary. I can remember anything I want easy enough. Yes, I'll keep you informed about how many raids I go on. So far only seven. Ole should be over to see me in a couple of days if he gets his leave. Gee I hope mom gets well soon. Guess it takes a long time to get over lumlogo. It must be the rainy weather there. So you are about out spuds. Well that's good and it's almost spring too. Oh yes you can send me a package of candy if you want.
I wish you would quit worrying about me. I'm as safe as if I was home and also having a good time.
Love Howard
From Howard England march 21, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I have 3 letters to answer that you have written to me. It seems like the clouds will never roll away. The weather is warmer, but it seems to always be cloudy. It stays bright til eight o clock when it isn't cloudy in the evenings. They say that during the summer that is doesn't get dark until 11 or 11:30. I got a letter from Harley the other day. Also one from Grandma Howard. It seems they are having winter weather for a change. I don't think Harley will work out. He was always smarter than I.
Glad to hear that Marty's car is running Ok now. Bet he really has a lot of fun with it. Gee only 2 gallons of gas a week, that isn't very much is it? Sometimes I use four hundred gallons a day. Well I've been invited to spend Easter with two different girls at their homes. I already refused one. I don't know whether to refuse the other one or not. They are both real nice girls and have nice parents. I haven't received any candy from you yet or anybody as a matter of fact. Guess they might be sinking the boats. Thanks for the stocking hope they get here soon. There really isn't any hurry, her birthday isn't until may. Glad to hear that Jack is doing Ok at Portland. You're bedroom must be looking pretty good by now. Well guess that is all for now.
Love Howard
P.S. Here are some pictures
From Berl A Lewis the group Chaplain march 31sth 1944,
Dear Mr. Lynn R. Drollinger,
Pursuant to the wishes of the Commanding General, Eighth, Air Force, I am writing to you. I am the Chaplain of the group in which your son was serving. Second Lt. Lynn Howard Drollinger, 0-749531, was reported missing in action 28 march 1944. Further information may be obtained by writing to the Adjutant General or quartermaster General, ASF, Washington, DC.
His Commanding Officer also wishes to extend his deepest sympathy to you in your anxiety. No words of ours can fill the void in your heart. Only God can comfort and sustain you in this hour. We believe that God will not allow you to bear more than you are able. He is faithful. When trouble comes, God provides a way of escape. The Psalmist said, ?I will lift up mine eyes to the hills. Whence, cometh my help? My help cometh from the Lord, God who made heaven and earth.? May we draw strength for our souls from the love of God which is symbolized for us in the everlasting hills! May we hope for the best.
Lynn was very well liked by all who knew him. He and I had several fine talks. He impressed me as being sincere. He was full of fun and made others cheerful. He will be missed around the pilots room.
Sincerely yours,
Berl Lewis
From Robert H. Dunlap april 14, 1944
Dear Mr. Drollinger,
This letter is to confirm my recent telegram in which you were regretfully informed that your son, Second Lieutenant Lynn H. Drollinger, 0-749,531, Air Corps, has been reported missing in action over France since 28 March 1944.
I know that added distress is caused by failure to receive more information or details. Therefore, I wish to assure you that at any time additional information is received it will be transmitted to you without delay, and, if in the meantime no additional information is received, I will again communicate with you at the expiration of three months. Also, it is the policy of the Commanding General of the Army Air Force upon receipt of the 'Missing Air Crew Report' to convey to you any details that might be contained in that report.
The term 'missing in action' is used only to indicate that the whereabouts or status of an individual is not immediately known. It is not intended to convey the impression that the case is closed. I wish to emphasize that every effort is exerted continuously to clear up the status of our personnel. Under war conditions this is a difficult task as you must readily realize. Experience has shown that many persons reported missing in action are subsequently reported as prisoners of war, but as this information is furnished by countries with which we are at war, the War Department is helpless to expedite such reports. However, in order to relieve financial worry, Congress has enacted legislation which continues in force the pay, allowances and allotments of dependants of personnel being carried in a missing status.
Permit me to extend to you my heartfelt sympathy during this period of uncertainty.
Sincerely yours,
Robert H. Dunlap
Brigadier General,
Acting The Adjutant General
From L. P. Henslee April 27, 1944
Dear Mr. Drollinger,
I am sending you a money order for 25 dollars, which is the cost of a short jacket that Lynn had ordered. It wasn't thought about when his personal belongings were shipped to the Effects Quarter Master (eventually to return to him depending on transportation facilities) and so I am using this means of sending you the money, which was refunded when the jacket was not called for.
Censorship regulations are so tight that there is almost nothing we can say. However, I know that Lynn is alive and in good health. I can't tell you how I know, but I was sure you would appreciate my sharing this information with you.
All the pilots and even some of the ground crew call Lynn ?Junior? as he was the youngest in the squadron. He is also one of the best liked and most admired.
The squadron is doing an excellent job, and men like Junior are what makes it click. 10,000 more like him and the Air force would click twice as fast.
Sincerely yours,
L. Paul Henslee
Captain
Executive officer
362nd flight squadron
From Captain 0565628 L. P. Hensley location unknown April 27, 1944
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Drollinger,
I just this minute received your letter of April 20th, notifying us that you had received word from the war department that Lynn was missing in action over France. From the tone of the letter, I'm sure you think that Lynn was shot down. I am very happy to be able to tell you that such was not the case. Lynn was seen to bail out of his airplane and all his buddies who were with him saw the chute open, and consider him safe.
Capt. Joseph Broadhead, our squadron commander, was leading the flight over France, and "Junior" as we all called Lynn, was flying Cpt Broadhead's wing. He radioed that his ship had engine trouble, and he didn't think he could stay with it (he either had engine trouble or his engine had been hit by flack earlier on the mission). Everyone encouraged him, but finally the engine just refused to push the prop fast enough.
Junior's courage and calmness at the time was the discussion for the next two weeks. He wasn't the least bit excited. He said he'd like to go home with the boys, but his ship just wouldn't make it.
There wasn't an enemy plane in the sky and there was no flack, or enemy fire of any kind. Lt. R. D. Brown said ?Don't forget to brush your teeth Junior!? Junior rolled over on his back, and a few moments later his chute opened gracefully in the calm sky. His flight members circled as he floated to earth. He was seen to land safely, and now in the words of Cpt Broadhead "he is either escaping through France, or at the worst, is a German prisoner of war." If he's a prisoner of war, you'll be notified. If you are not notified at all, you can assume he is escaping from France.
Lt. Thomas E. Norris saw him bail out safely, but did not see him land. Norris says, however that he bailed at about 10,000ft, made a delayed jump and pulled the cord at 5,000, and he (Norris) is ?sure he landed safely for he was heading for a field not far from a farm house?.
Junior is the pet of the squadron by virtue of being the youngest pilot. Everyone admires him even more after the calm manner in which he jumped. (Any pilot will tell you a delayed jump takes a lot of nerve, and this as far as we know was Junior's first jump). We are all anxiously waiting for him to show up again, so we can paint "young uns" on another mustang and let him go to work again.
I'll see that his packages are distributed among his friends-thank you. Both Beemer and Rice are missing but the others are still here.
Sincerely yours
L. Paul Hensley
From Ray A. Frakes 24 may, 1944
Dear friends,
Received your letter and will do my best to answer your questions.
I do remember hearing Lynn speak of Margery Hollis several times but other than knowing that her home is in Lolchester I do not remember too much about her. So far I have been unable to secure her street address for you. The package was undoubtedly sent back since that is usually the disposition of unclaimed packages in this squadron, however, the mail clerk does not know definitely. When Junior went to London or other of the towns over here he was usually accompanied by either Lt Harry Ankery (Ankeny?) or Lt Alvin Pyeatt (who is also missing). Many times though he preferred to go alone. Especially to the closer towns.
On that flight from Pocatello to Spokane he was accompanied by Lt John Pugh.
In the pictures which were taken in the operations office the boy with the glasses is Jack Paschal and the other Bob Esbeck, both operations clerks. I was on pass the day those were taken so did not manage to get into any of them. The enclosed clipping was taken from a "Stars and Stripes" newspaper about Junior and his crew. I have been wondering if you have a picture of the crew with Lynn by their plane "young uns"? If you do not I will attempt to get a print for you. Also, do you have a picture of his in the cockpit of his plane? As soon as all entries have been made I will send you a log of his flying time to keep til he gets back and starts flying again. All the boys in our hut still miss very much Lynns visits in the evenings when he would tell us of his experiences as a cadet and of his combat missions over Europe. Then together we would try to sell the others on the merits of good old Nebraska. We also used to enjoy playing pranks on the First Sergeant. Who is a good friend of ours.
I hope I have managed to answer your questions. If there are others please write and I will do my best to answer them for you.
Good bye for now and best wishes. Hoping you hear from Lynn very soon I am a friend
Ray Frakes
From Howard may 26th 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I guess I should have written last week but there is nothing to write about. I never do anything but sleep it seems like. Also swim and go walking. I suppose you have gotten my last letter by now. I am expecting a letter from you this weekend. I hope you wrote as soon as you knew I was in a neutral country. My feet are OK now and I feel fine. I'm just waiting to be sent to the US now. I have been thinking about you planting spuds now and all the work that spring brings. I wonder if Grandma has come out to visit you yet. I'll bet Harley is proud of his wings. Was he home on furlough when he graduated. Well this is about all there is to say will sign off for the time being.
Love Howard
From Howard July 27 1944 in Santa Monica
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I was going to write last night but lay down on my bed and didn't wake up until ten o clock so I went to bed instead. I'm having a pretty good time down here I went swimming in the ocean twice and deep sea fishing once. I only caught one fish. Swimming in the ocean is a bit more fun than the lake swimming that I am used to. I had quite a time getting [there] but made a pretty quick trip. I road to Portland on the train then went to the airfield and bummed a ripe on a 646 to Reno. The copilot was sleepy so I flew most of the way. From Reno I rode another 646 to Sacramento but couldn't get a ride out of there so I talked the boys who flew me to Sacramento to fly to Fresno, which they did. This all happened Sunday then that evening here Monday morning. We only have one appointment a day usually at eight o clock in the morning and the rest of the day free. The appointment only lasts about 30min.
Oh yes, please send my green flying jacket down here its kind of cold in the mornings and evenings.
Well guess that's all for now.
Love Howard
From Howard aug 5 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I guess it is about time that I drop you a line and let you know whats cookin. I got my orders yesterday sending me to Sarasota Florida. I guess I wont be stationed so close to home will I. Oh well I'll get to fly P51 down there that's the only place in the US that I can fly them. I'll be an instrument instructor down there and should have a pretty good life down there if I can get used to the heat. I told Millie that I'd be stationed in California, boy was she mad when she found out that I wasn't. I never told you about her did I. She is a very good looking girl by the name of Millie Williams that lives in Culver city. Between L.A. and Santa Monica. We had a real good time together. We and Jim Stevenson and his girl went to Earl Corral theater Restaurant in Hollywood and they had a beautiful show in LA and we also went to the beach. We all had a real good time and that is mainly the reason why I haven't written sooner. I never did get to see Aunt Laura or anybody else. I sure had a good time at Santa Monica and I kinda hated to leave it. I'm in Salt Lake and will mail this in Ogden at the next stop. I have a very nice Pullman and it is almost to cool. I'll bet Harley is having a nice time at home on his furlough. The clipping you sent to me is very nice. I understand the pictures even though you don't. I got a letter from Harry Ankerney as you know. The mail you forwarded. Also received my jacket, thanks a lot.
Well guess this is all for now write you in Florida.
Love Howard
From Howard 10 aug 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well just a word to let you know to let you know I arrived safely and after a few days of traveling I?m all settled in a B.O.O. now but figure on moving to town when I find a room. They are cheap and I'm getting tired of living on an army post. I have six hundred dollars in money orders that I was going to send to you but I might decide to buy a car so haven't sent them yet. I seen Margery when I went through Omaha. I called her up when I arrived and only got to see her for about ten minutes. Gee she surely is a nice looking girl now. I stayed in Chicago a day and went to a show and also went bowling. I'm going to be an instructor down here and fly P40's. It isn't the ship I wanted to fly but it still is a good airplane. I'll bet Harley had a nice time on his furlough. My new address is
S.R.T.U. (f) Sgdno
Sarasota Florida
Guess I'm not stationed very close to home like I figured I would. We have pretty good food and I think I'll like it all right except for the heat. Sweat rolls off you all the time and we have to sleep under a mosquito net.
Guess this is all for now.
Love Howard
From Howard aug 18 1944 Sarasota Fl
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I suppose you are wondering what kind of a car I bought. It is a 41 Nash. A very nice car with air conditioning unit and radio. Just overhauled and a Lt out of the base here used to own it. Bought it from a dealer though. I wish I had boughten Marty's car and drove it and had more travel time and made more money. I would have to make enough to pay for the car. Oh well I have a car anyway. It cost twelve hundred dollars but I am paying cash for it. I hope you just signed my name to the slip to draw my money to send me. That's what I'm hoping you'll do. I cant get the car [until] I have the money. Well I suppose Harley is in Hamilton by now and having a good time in?. I got the letter with the pictures and also the one with Frakes letter in it. Guess I will write to him. I took the pictures off my bake room window in London. Is that all that came out. I wanted the first one of the roll and not those three. Guess the others never came out. I only hang out with a couple of girls down here. Gee they sure talk funny. More so than English girls only southern lingo.
Yes I got the caterpillar club pin looks pretty good too.
Guess that's all for now.
Love Howard
From Howard aug 28 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well guess I better drop you a line I haven't written a letter since I got my car. I am OK and am getting used to the weather. Also, I don't mind flying the 40 anymore. It may not be as good a ship as the 51 but a guy cant have everything. We put on a flying review for the Mexican government. We are trying to sell them the P40 so we can get 51s. Aint we dirty. I now have several hundred hours in the air. It went the long til I have a thousand. I only have an A card for my car but will get a C when I move to town. Oh yes any old stamps you have send them down. Are you using the number elevens now we are. I guess there are a lot of rich people that come down here for winter vacation. I really should have a lot of fun. Every one does when the mosquitoes quit bothering a person. We sleep under mosquito netting all the time. Yes I'v got a girl friend down here. A pretty good looking gal with a real southern accent. Half the time I cant understand her and they have a different way of using words in their sentences. I'll probably talk like a southerner soon.
Guess I'll have to write to some of my friends in Paris and get some pictures sent to me that I had taken.
This is all for now. Where is Harley now.
Love Howard
From Howard aug 30 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I got your letter a couple of days ago. Guess I better answer it now. No I didn't mind you sent the money by air mail it is almost as fast. Did you take the money out of my savings account. Oh did you get it out.
A bunch of us instructors are going on a cross country hop for a weekend. Guess we will go to Chicago for Saturday night and Sunday. Maybe this week or next I don't know yet. It should be a lot of fun.
So Marty did get the motorcycle. Oh well they are a lot of fun. I went out to the beach on Sunday and later had a date with a girl from Philadelphia Penn how do you spell that name. Anyway she is down here for her winter vacation. Works shes in a war plant up there. A real nice girl and not bad looking. A good thing she doesn't have a southern accent.
They have practically liberated all the territory I was in in France now Paris Nangis and Nugent. All makes it kinda interesting to know the country over which they are fighting. Harleys address means that he is still in or around San Francisco and some kind of a unit that he is temporarily in. How is the potato crop coming I suppose not so good with all the dry weather that you have had.
Guess this is all for now.
Love Howard
From Howard in Sarasota fl sep 9th 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well here it is the end of the week and I have'nt written a letter all week. I just got your letter today of the 6th. We have our new students now and have started checking them out in the P90 today. Boy what landing they make. Glade I don't have to ride with them. I still lead the formation flights and now they made me an assist. Instrument instructor and I always hated instruments and now I have to instruct them. I don't have much to do on the instruments mostly to cover the job because the regular instructor is going over seas in a couple of months. He hasn't been over yet. Guess Harley must be quite a ways from home by now. I wonder how he likes that part of the world. Did you get the 200 dollars I sent in??. So five mile had a crop failure after all these years. Just when we had a lot of spuds planted. So Marty started to N.C. bet he sure was surprised at how many kids there were there. I haven't made it to town yet I kind of hate to you see single officers don't draw quarter which if I was married would amount to 675 bucks a month and will usually pay for a pretty nice apartment. But I have to pay out of my own pocket this way. I haven't got my gas ration yet so I don't drive much.
Guess this is all for now.
Love Howard
From Howard in Sarasota sep 24th 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
I received your letter yesterday so I guess I better answer it right away.
Today I am officer of the day and day off officer so I don't get a day off this week so I'll have to write letters today. I figured Harley would go to New Guinea cuz that is where they have a O.T.U. base that they get some more training. Those pictures Harley had taken must have really been good. I should get some pictures of myself back from the photo shop tomorrow. No, I don't think I can ever get any 120 film. Guess its just as scarce down here as in the rest of the US. I got a letter from a friend of mine who was in England with me. He finished his tour OK and even got to go to Russia and Italy. Yes I know all three of the boys in the clipping. The middle man in the picture is Junior Cranby. Has my first locker got home yet. I received some papers on it the other day.
Nothing ever happens around here to write about. I haven't been to the beach for a long time now?
Guess I'll sign off for now write soon.
Love Howard
From Howard oct 3 1944 Sarasota
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well guess I better drop you a line and get back to writing a few letter again. This clipping I cut out of the paper tells partly what happened after I left the plane. I guess I threw a rod through the side of the engine anyway it wouldn't run any more so I decided to bail out. That's about all that happened. I got my face kind of sun burned but its OK now and a few scabs from the fish. Also I was pretty tired after the long swim. I guess I'll never swim that far again as long as I live. It sure made me mad when I came back and found all my clothes and money locked up that's the reason I had to send the telegram COD. Gee I hope your teeth are all fixed by now. I know how you hate go to the dentist and how drilling hurts. I'm going to instrument school at Brian Texas for 45 days so please send me Mc Qurye address. Bryon is only about 70mi from Houston and I'll have every weekend off. I'm going to study instrument fying to be an instructor here. I cant take my care but maybe I'll fly over. Glad that you were hearing from Harley so regularly. Maybe he wont mind the wind and rain after a while. He wont fly on any missions for at least a month and maybe longer. I get 10 gallons of gas a week. Not a day like I want. I have plenty of gas now so no need to send any tickets. A ? is a good stunt plane but that is about all. It cant to much for a private party to run. A cub or a lancaster is almost as fast and not near so expensive. Throw away Verns clothes and save the tools to send back after the war.
Guess this is it for now.
Love Howard
From Howard in Bryon Texas oct 11, 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well here I am in Texas now for a while at least. I got here Monday but left right away for Houston. I stayed down to Aunt Viola in for 2 days and now I'm back up here at Bryan. I had a real nice time at Aunt Uistar. I saw Grandma and all the kids. Jackie and Jim and I went out and flew model airplanes in the afternoon and really had a wonderful time. Jackie is just getting over a broken leg and still walks with crutches. Aunt Virla and Grandma both look real well and sowed me around the town. Uncle Jim took me around the ship which is quite a bit larger than I expected it to be. Margaret was home with a baby too. Well I wonder how spud digging is coming along now. You must be about finished now. I can't figure why the trees are loosing their leaves unless winter could be the reason. Winter seems a long way off down here. It is kinda cool today though. Had a little rain this morning. This is really a good instrument school. Supposed to be the best in the country. When I finish I'll be able to land and take off with out leaking out side the ship. We will fly HT6s down here, while going to school.
I guess this is all for now. I can't think of anymore to write.
Love, Howard.
From Howard oct 15 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well here it is Sunday evening and nothing to do, so I will answer your letter. Why all the questions about the accident: its all in the days work, just the newspapers had to have something to write about. No I couldn't see land when I started out but after a couple of hours I could see trees, and I wont get any medal, its what we get flying pay for. Gee I've been looking at too many instruments. I see em when I sleep and eat. All we do is fly under the instrument hood. Yes I flew a C78 here but had a pilot fly it back to Florida for me. It's a twin engine ship and is just like a car. Civilians call it a Cessna. I'm flying AT 6 here at Bryon, just like advanced used to be. Glad to hear that the spuds are doing better than expected. I suppose Harley is doing OK but the weather must really be hot down there. The weather here is just about right, not too hot or cold now. Guess I will go to a show so will close for now.
Love Howard
P.S. The picture is from the Hall of fame
From Howard oct 18 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well my foot locker took a long time to get home but it made it OK. The keys to the lock were in my Air Medal box. Maybe you know. You can just leave most of the stuff in there if you want. I don't need a foot locker over here. Did I have a bunch of letters in there. How did you like some of the flying equipment. Please send the leather jacket down here where I can change it to one that will fit me. The camera is in there wasn't it. You can give it to Harley. It uses V127 film and should be easy to get overseas. So he is finally in a permanent outfit now. Bet hes glad to be finished with his moving. So Marty is taking girls out now tisk, tisk. Well I remember when I was his age I did it to. But a guy is crazy to run around with girls. I never heard of the girl that wrote you sending the clipping. I wonder how she got your address. I got a letter from Allen yesterday but haven't had time to answer it. We work from 7 in the morning to 8 O clock at night and flying instruments is no fun. Sure seems funny to be working again. Did I tell you I run into a guy I went all the way through cadet school. I seen him at Mobile Alabama when I landed there. I also got a letter from one of my students who is now in England. One of my old buddies is teaching him English combat tactics.
Well guess this is all for now. Just put the 1.50 dollars in the bank.
Love Howard
From Howard oct 30 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well it certainly has been a long time since I have written you or anybody for that matter. They keep us pretty busy around here but I'm grounded for a few days so I can catch up on my letter writing.
My right eye has been kinda red for a few days so I went over to the doc and he said I had a slight infection in it and advised me to stay on the ground for a few days. Its nothing serious just a dirt/scratch got into it. It don't hurt only the doc thought I should keep from using it for a while. I don't mind in the least, now I can stay late for a change and get a little letter writing done. My car weathered the hurricane OK, just got word from one of my buddies down there. He said they had to ferry all the planes to South Carolina. I guess it just blew a few trees down and blew a few buildings off their foundation. Glad to hear that Allen got to come up and see you again. Yes I know that Grandma is coming to live with you. She told me. I got both the packages. The one with the cookies didn't last long but they were good while they lasted. I just ate my last apple today. Gee I hope Ole gets to come home soon I'm tired of sweating him out. Every time I read of a paratroop invasion I hope he is OK. That's really a dangerous job hes doing. I cant figure out what Harley could be doing with the navy unless he is studying some radar bombing that the navy uses.
I guess that is about all for now
Love Howard
P.S. what is my financial status
From Howard dec 4 1944
Dear Mom and Dad,
Well I received your letter today. Sure got here in a hurry you mailed it one the 2nd and today is the 4th. There has been a cold spell down here for the last few days. You almost have to wear a coat. Gee it seems funny to worry about the cold. I went Christmas shopping today. I don't know how all to buy presents for, just figured for you folks. Its so hard to figure out what you would like. Oh yea I was invited to a Thanks Giving dinner after I wrote my last letter. Boy was it good, turkey, potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and all the trimmings. Guess I wont be able to go to west point they already had enough men to go. I wont be making capt for at least 3 more years. All the boys around here have been first for 2 years now and now and no hopes in sight. I'm going to have my car fixed then it will be like new again. Don't you work too hard as a clerk at the post office now. No those boys asked to be sent back over there where things are at least a little but interesting Over here we are just bored to death. Glad to hear Harley is still in Australia. I got a letter from one of my buddies from?. He is now in Chicago and married. Aint that awful
Well I guess this is all the news for now.
Love Howard
U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File
Name: Lynn Drollinger
Birth Date: 17 Apr 1923
Death Date: 31 Dec 1991
Cause of Death: Natural
SSN: 534187384
Branch 1: ARMY
Enlistment Date 1: 4 Sep 1942
Release Date 1: 21 Jun 1943
Branch 2: ARMY
Enlistment Date 2: 22 Jun 1943
Release Date 2: 2 Dec 1945
Branch 3: ARMY
Enlistment Date 3: 1 Feb 1951
Release Date 3: 23 Oct 1952
U.S., World War II Draft Card
Name: Lynn Howard Drollinger
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 19
Relationship to Draftee: Self (Head)
Birth Date: 17 Apr 1923
Birth Place: Madrid, Nebraska
Residence Place: Spokane, Spokane, Washington, USA
Registration Date: 30 Jun 1942
Registration Place: Washington, USA
Employer: Ogden Air Depot
Weight: 130
Complexion: Light
Eye Color: Gray
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 5 4
Next of Kin: Lynn R Drollinger
Household Members:
Name Relationship
Lynn Howard Drollinger Self (Head)
1930 United States Federal Census
Name: Lynn R Drollinger
Birth Year: abt 1901
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age in 1930: 29
Birthplace: Nebraska
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1930: Valley, Perkins, Nebraska, USA
Map of Home: Valley, Perkins, Nebraska
Dwelling Number: 35
Family Number: 37
Home Owned or Rented: Owned
Radio Set: Yes
Lives on Farm: Yes
Age at First Marriage: 21
Attended School: No
Able to Read and Write: Yes
Father's Birthplace: Illinois
Mother's Birthplace: Iowa
Able to Speak English: Yes
Occupation: Farmer
Industry: General Farm
Class of Worker: Employer
Employment: Yes
Household Members Age Relationship
Lynn R Drollinger 29 Head
Virginia L Drollinger 28 Wife
Howard L Drollinger 7 Son
Harley L Drollinger 5 Son
Martin A Drollinger 2 Son
1940 United States Federal Census
Name: Lynn Drollinger
Age: 39
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1901
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birthplace: Nebraska
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Home in 1940: Five Mile, Spokane, Washington
Map of Home in 1940: View map
Farm: Yes
Inferred Residence in 1935: Rural, Perkins, Nebraska
Residence in 1935: Rural, Perkins, Nebraska
Resident on farm in 1935: Yes
Sheet Number: 11A
Number of Household in Order of Visitation: 243
Occupation: Sand & Gravel Truck Driver (working for his half brother, Fred Drollinger at Acme Sand & Gravel)
House Owned or Rented: Rented
Value of Home or Monthly Rental if Rented: 12
Attended School or College: No
Highest Grade Completed: College, 1st year
Hours Worked Week Prior to Census: 48
Class of Worker: Wage or salary worker in private work
Weeks Worked in 1939: 52
Income: 1400
Income Other Sources: Yes
Neighbors: View others on page
Household Members:
Name Age
Lynn Drollinger 39
(Wife) Virginia Drollinger 38 Nebraska
(Son) Lynn Howard Drollinger 16 Nebraska
(Son) Harley Lee Drollinger 15 Nebraska
(Son) Martin Drollinger 12 Nebraska
1950 United States Federal Census
Name: Lynn H Drollinger
[Lynn Howard Drollinger]
Age: 26
Birth Date: abt 1924
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Place: Nebraska
Marital Status: Married
Relation to Head of House: Head
Residence Date: 1950
Home in 1950: Spokane, Spokane, Washington, USA
Street Name: West 9th
House Number: 2815
Dwelling Number: 150
Farm: No
Acres: No
Occupation: Truck Driver
Industry: Cancrete Co
Occupation Category: Other
Worked Last Week: No
Seeking Work: No
Employment Status: No
Worker Class: Private
Household Members (Name) Age Relationship
Lynn H Drollinger 26 Head
Reta L Drollinger 20 Wife
|
1923 - 1991 (68 years)
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