media-380174.jpg FRE 1420 Major Erwin F. Goldman, Lieutenant-Colonel Elliot Vandevanter and Major Ruffin Barrow of the 385th Bomb Group look over plans for expansion of their aerodrome. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication [illegible] Nov 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘292964.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'PRESENTATION OF AWARDS TO THE HEROIC FLYERS OF THE EIGHTH AIR FORCE. So many American flyers of the Eighth Air Force here achieved many high distinctions that the presentation of medals and awards has become a "big business" in England. One of them is Lt Col Preston Piper, 27 year old Fortress pilot and Deputy Group Commander of Santa Ana, California. Col Piper, a filing station attendant and department store clark in civilian life, became a fighter pilot three years ago, and was transferred to Forts about a year and a half ago. Leader on numerous highly successful missions against the Nazi. Col Piper has already been presented the Air Medal and the Soldiers medal. US Pool/SG/Hel. Keystone. Photo shows: This Trio "runs" one of the Eighth Air Force Flying Fortress stations in England. Looking over plans for expansion of their station are, left to right: Major Erwin F Goldman, 1303 S.Adams Street, Spokane Washington, Executive officer of the station; Lt Col Elliot Vandevanter, Jr, Washington, DC. commanding officer and Major Ruffin Barrow, Baton Rouge, La. station adjutant.'

Major Barrow died on 30 August 1983 in Biloxi MS Roger Freeman Collection

385thBG newsletter Jan 1984