C. Will Lundy

C. W. "Will" Lundy ( Deceased 10/11/2007 )

C. W. Lundy Archivist - 44th BGVA 2519 Westville TrailCool, CA 95614-2008

With Profound Acknowledgement To - - C. W. "Will" Lundy, 44th Bomb Group Historian and Archivist

The 44th Bomb Group Database Would Not Exist If It Were Not For The More Than Sixty Years "Will" Lundy, And His Wife Irene, Have Devoted To The Acquisition, Preservation, And Search, For An Appropriate Permanent Repository For The Information Contained In This Database.

It is with heavy hearts that the members of the 44th BGVA advise of the passing of our Historian C. W. "Will" Lundy. Those of you who use this web site are aware that Will Lundy was an especially dedicated veteran, of the 44th Bomb Group, who distinguished himself in memorializing the men who lost their lives in combat while members of the 44th Bomb Group during World War II.

" An Airman Died Today. While attending the 44th BGVA annual reunion at Branson, MO over Labor Day weekend, Will suffered a fall that resulted in a severe head injury. Despite surgery, and the intense efforts of his doctors and nurses, our great friend "Folded His Wings" on October 11, 2007.

When WW II broke out Will attempted to join the various military services, in each case he was rejected because of an eye problem. Determined as he was, he finally succeeded in getting an Army doctor to accept him. He was sent to Aviation Mechanics training. Upon completion of that training he was assigned to the 44th BG shortly before they embarked for duty in the United Kingdom. He became an assistant crew chief in the 67th Squadron of the 44th BG.

It was while serving as an aviation mechanic on the majestic B-24 aircraft, flown by the 44th BG, that he witnessed the sacrifices being made by the air crews that flew the assigned combat missions. So many losses were experienced with little or any knowledge of what had really happened to cause the loss, except to write it off as "enemy" action, flak or fighters.

Several years after the war ended he began to probe official records. He sought information from former air crew members. He began to assemble mounds of information and became determined to write a history of the sacrifices and legacy of his squadron and its personnel.
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Will Lundy was the best of men.
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WILL LUNDY was a MOUNTAIN of a MAN. He and his dear Irene determined many years ago that they would dedicate themselves to honoring the deeds and achievements of the men of the 44th who gave their lives to preserve world freedom. With your assistance they researched, financed and published an in-depth record of each of the WW II missions of the 44th Bomb Group (H) and the casualties that resulted from those perilous combat and operational sorties. Their first "Roll of Honor" was published in 1987. This marvelous record was continuously revised and expanded as more veterans, or their families contributed to the known knowledge and historical data from those operations. Two years ago Will published the later version of "The Roll of Honor and Casualties". Once again you gave this massive effort your admirable support. With enthusiasm you accepted his hope that you would assist in getting this remarkable accumulated record of courageous combat into as many libraries and centers of historical study as was possible. He was ecstatic about your response of generous support. No one has done more to assure that the uncommon courage of the "fly boys" of the 44th shall ever be forgotten, than the Lundy's I truly believe that Will Lundy, in the hearts and minds of the veterans of the 44th, and their families, stood equal to our magnificent war-time leader, Leon W. Johnson.
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As of the 25th of Sept. Will is still fighting to recover his mental faculties and return to the bomb group. He is very strong and deter mend to win this battle but only time will tell. The hospital has begun the weaning off of his respirator this week and hopefully by next week he can be off life support ! It may take a long time before he can get his great mind back from this terrible injury, but if any man can do it this is the one to bet on! I will continue to update significant improvements from the hospital as they help him back to his great love; the 44th BG!!
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Kevin is back with Will.
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Somehow Kevin maintains a strong feeling of optimism, and I am sure that translates to Will.
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Could you please distribute this update on Will Lundy to the bomb group members. As of Sunday the 16th Will is improving slowly but spectacularly, as he is gaining recognition and physical ability. He has been moved to a step down unit but still needs a respirator to support his breathing. He has no real serious problems now and the doctors expect him to recover well. When he is moved to a floor unit and understands people better we will let you know how to contact him. His speech may be affected and may take therapy to recover.
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Re: Will Lundy's recent accident

The 44th BGVA Reunion in Branson was going amazingly well, when one of its most highly regarded members had an accident. Will Lundy and his son Kevin were walking back to the car after a leisurely stroll along one of Branson's scenic areas; when unexpectedly, Will fell and bumped his head.
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Will is still in ICU on a respirator, but responds to familiar voices. He is able to move arms and legs. Doctors, nurses and family believe he will have a complete recovery. At present he is under sedation to avoid any activity that could cause further bleeding.

Will is one of the most beloved members of the 44 th BGVA. Please join us in prayers for his recovery.

Update 9/10/2007:

Dear Friends & Families of the 44thBG,

On Sunday morning at the Branson reunion, Will Lundy took a fall and severely struck his head on the ground.

The data base, compiled by long-time 44th Historian Will Lundy, is still being worked on, but it is an invaluable resource.

- 44th Bomb Group Historian Will Lundy in reference to the revised edition of the 44th Bomb Group Roll of Honor and Casualties

Finally after 30 years of unrelenting efforts to identify and record the personal story of every airman in the 44th Bomb Group who sacrificed their lives; historian Will Lundy has compiled one of the most researched documents of any group in WW II.