Phil Mundell in 1943
On December 1, 1943, my father flew a bombing mission to Soligen, Germany. His crew’s ball turret gunner Louis Colwart had been injured on a November 26 mission to Bremen and could not go. His replacement was 19 year Philip Mundell who was flying on his very first mission. In a letter to my mother, my father wrote, “I have another gunner (Mundell) in his (Colwart) place who is very good.“
Here is a picture of Phil Mundell talking with an Air Force Academy cadet at the 306th Bomb Group Reunion in Colorado Springs, CO this past week.
that’s especially special cool,,,the stories he must hold!
Yes, it sure is Mike! Thanks
Thank you very much for reading this. Is it possible for Phil Mundell to confirm a story written by Andy Rooney and also mentioned in two of his books. The story is of a trapped ball turret gunner, who sadly, was killed when his plane bellied in, it was a shocking event and left him touched throughout the remainder of his life.
There seems to be a great deal of discussion about this, particularly on the internet. I know this is a horrible story, and if Phil won’t comment we understand, we’re just trying to separate urban myth claimants from the facts.
Rooney, claims that this happened at the 306th (squadron not identified) BG, after a raid deep into Germany in 1943. And that he (Rooney) spoke with the surviving members of the crew.
Does Phil have any information he could share, if he has knowledge of this incident?
Mark Bauer
760-840-0004
A better person might be Dr. Vernon Williams who has been the historian of the 306th Bomb Group for many years. He is Professor of History at Abilene Christian University; Editor, Journal of Military Aviation History; and Director, East Anglia Air War. He can be reached at vwilliams@acu.edu
Incidentally, have you read my book, SHOT DOWN? If so, what did you think?
Steve
You might alos post a question on the 306th bomb Group Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/297834980301279/?ref=br_tf
Any more information about Phil Mundell ?
Just the sad fact that he died about a year ago. Are you related to him? Have you read my book SHOT DOWN?
Thank you.
Steve