World War II events story, copy of a telegram, and copy of a military letter

File — Folder: 1

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

From the Collection: Typed reminiscence (26 leaves) by Vogel detailing his involvement in World War II. Vogel served in the 427th Bomb Squadron of the 303rd Heavy Bombardment Group, where he was a radio operator, aerial machine gunner and radio mechanic. After training in the United States, he was sent to England in 1942 and involved in aerial raids over occupied France. This reminiscence details a raid on January 23, 1943 at Lorient, France in which the aircraft he was in was hit and some of the crew parachuted to near Brest, France. They were rescued by local French, then moved to different locations to avoid German soldiers. They made their way to Carntec where they were able to sail back to England. The Germans detected their departure and attempted to fire on them, but the rainy weather and darkness prevented them to pursue the airmen. They arrived safely in England. The reminiscence also includes a photocopy of a 1943 telegram to Rose Vogel that Sebastian is no longer missing and has returned to duty, and his citation on being awarded the Purple Heart and Air Medal.