Richard Anderson, a true story by Dick's friend Glen Houpt

FROM A HARLEY 38-61 TO A WACO CG 4-A

An unusual WW II experience of one Richard Anderson. Richard Anderson was an avid Harley rider, hence a 1938 -61 cu-i Harley. Rich was drafted into the Army September 1942. After basic training he was sent to Wichita Falls, Texas for glider maintenance training. Joining the 316th Troop Carrier Group - 36th Troop Carrier Squadron, they sailed from Virginia to Suez, Egypt. Their Group was assigned to the 9th Air Force and worked with the British 8th Army and serviced C-47s for about 5 months then moved to Casablanca and assembled gliders. Moving to Tunisia they maintained gliders for the British Airborne. Rich was transferred back to his 36th Squadron on Sicily where he was hit with a tow rope from an incoming C-47 that released it out of the drop zone. A friend of his suffered two broken legs when a rope entangled him. ** Sent now in 1944 he was sent to England where glider pilots were trained for D-Day. As modeler I asked him if he saw any gliders with invasion stripes and what did they use for masking tape. "Did I see any Invasion Strips? Hell - I put 'em on! Masking tape? All they gave us were big wide brushes and white wash !" "While I was in London I was trying to locate my brother who was a mechanic on heavy tanks. I started walking the streets and checking into any important looking buildings that might have information. One day I walked into one of these buildings. There were men standing around and women sitting at important looking desks. I was approaching one desk when an armed guard grabbed me by the arm and asked me what the hell I was doing in there. The building happened to be # 10 Downing street ! " While he was thrown out of there he did eventually find his brother. After Germany surrendered his group was sent back to the US and they were ordered to California. "Thank God Japan surrendered just before we were to leave." Master Sergeant Anderson returned to Sioux City and his beloved Harley. Thank you for your service, Rich. Your Friend and neighbor, Glen

Richard E Anderson