ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND COMMENDATION
The officers and men of the 42nd Bombardment Group, Medium, whose names appear below, are highly commended for the contributions they made toward publishing this history of "THE CRUSADERS."
Words are not adequate to express the appreciation of all the personnel of the Group for this fine accomplishment. However, each person who aided in this task may be sure he has contributed something of real and lasting value, and that this accomplishment will be remembered, together with his name, in the many years to come. Each time an "Old Crusader" reads the many pages of this history and views the many fine photographs he will remember the long hours, night and day, over and above the ordinary line of duty, which were spent in preparing the stirring pages of "THE CRUSADERS."
Major R. H. Cohn Capt. Marvin C. Wachs Cpl. Charles W. Strong S/Sgt. George Crout Lt. Walter M. Pleiss Lt. Okey Snodgrass Lt. Robert L. Smith Lt. Jack Blake Lt. Raymond Proctor Lt. Martin Levine
To Major R. H. Cohn goes full credit for grabbing the ball at the beginning of the Crusaders' trek. Major Cohn, filled with enthusiasm, ideas, and energy, wrote the original manuscript and carried the major burden of the history to approximately June 1945. Without his outstanding initiative many of the exploits and facts concerning the history of the Crusaders would never have reached the printed page. Many thanks to Major Cohn for an exceptional job. He is assured that his remarkable efforts are full appreciated, and we all join in a hearty cheer for "Bobby."
Next man to receive credit for the major burden is Captain Marvin C. Wachs, who picked up the ball from "Bobby" Cohn and carried it to the goal line. To Captain Wachs goes credit for completing the manuscript, arranging the manuscript and pictures, and following through on the many details of actual publication. He spent many weeks of his own time, including his terminal leave, to conclude the final details of getting the Crusaders' history into published form. A real pat on the back and heartfelt thanks goes to Captain Wachs.
To Cpl. Charles W. Strong a large share of the credit is also given. Cpl. Strong, as the able assistant of Major R. H. Cohn, wrote many pages of the original manuscript, and in addition spent many hours typing and preparing stories, securing pictures, and arranging other details for the publication. To Cpl. Strong a sincere "well done" and assurance that he may be proud of his exceptional contributions.
To the sturdy forefingers of Lt. Robert L. Smith, Lt. Jack Blake, and S/Sgt. George Crout goes credit for several of the exceptional news releases which appear in the pages of this history. To these "Old Crusaders" a very sincere commendation from the Group.
To a couple of real "Old Crusaders," known to the records as Lt. Walter M. Pleiss and Lt. Okey Snodgrass, the Group is indebted for the early history of the 69th and 70th Bombardment Squadrons, Medium, the real old timers of the South and Southwest Pacific Battles.
To Lt. Raymond Proctor, Group photo officer, and his photo-technicians and photographers, goes full credit for the many fine pictures contained in this history. To their splendid efforts can be attributed the broad coverage of excellent photographs published herein. It is regretted that many of the fine pictures provided by the Group photo laboratory could not be published because of space limitations. To each member of the "photo lab" goes a big cheer and a sincere "well done."
To Lt. Martin Levine the Group extends its thanks and appreciation for the compilation of the subscription list, and for the many other tedious jobs he accomplished in connection with the publication.
The personnel of the 42nd Bombardment Group, Medium, realize that this commendation falls far short of compensating the members mentioned above for their fine contributions to "The Crusader," but it is desired to again assure them that their efforts are appreciated, and will be appreciated more and more as the years unfold ahead of us.
FOR THE COMMANDING OFFICER:
T. H. WHITNEYBELL Lt. Colonel, Air Corps
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