The Original Hells Angels

 

“I hope you’re saving these photos mom, they’re priceless,” reads a letter home from England during WWII, dated May 28, 45’.  I found the note in an old oak box full of amazing photographs that my Grandfather, Cpl. John H. Clancy took while serving as a photographer for the Mighty 8^th Air Force, 303^rd Bombardment, 358^th Squadron.  It finishes, “Don’t worry Mom, everything is good and we’ll all be home before you know it, and won’t that just be swell.  That big kiss in the sunrise.  Love, My John.”

The 358^th, a.k.a. “Hells Angels” was the first group in the US Army Air Force to complete 300 missions over Europe. The USAAF was responsible for clearing the air and paving the way to victory against the evil Nazi regime.  “Hells Angels” adopted their name from the their first B-17 bomber to complete 25 missions over Europe.  The Brave men and women of the 303^rd proved to the world that teamwork; perseverance, courage, and sacrifice prevail in the face of evil. 

Reaching England in late Oct. 42’, the group was a bit green around the edges but what they lacked in experience they made up for with that good old American can do attitude.  Their first mission on Nov. 17^th 42’ yielded no results due to bad weather, but soon the “Hells Angels” were finding and hitting their targets with a precision that annoyed the German Luftwaffe (Air Force).

“They never turned around in the face of the enemy,” reads The First 300 Hells Angels, one of the books contained in the box. The young American fighters learned many lessons from the Luftwaffe who, flying M.E. 109’s, F.W. 190’s and accompanied by anti-aircraft flak gunners on the ground, made every effort to deter the American bombers from hitting their targets. The 303^rd earned their wings bombing the U-Boat pens over France in Lorient, St. Nazaire, Brest, and La Pallice.      

By the end of fall 42’ men, supplies, planes and morale were running low.  Empty bunks at the end of the day were a sobering reminder of the cost of victory, still the 303^rd pushed on, as their mission was essential.  Pilots were reluctant to pull their planes into the hanger for repair fearing that they may be grounded and stripped for parts.  Unable to bear that thought, they flew on sketchy equipment, and patched up ragged holes with tin cans.

In Jan. 43’ Lt. Colonel Charles E. Marion flew General Eaker to Casablanca where they decided to beef up the 8^th AF.   Supplies were replenished, bunks were filled, and heroic stories like that of the legendary Mathis brothers pumped blood back into the hearts of the Mighty 8^th. 

Mar. 18^th, 43’ First Lieutenant Jack Mathis, 359^th bombardier aboard “The Duchess” had the German submarine yards at Vegesack in his crosshairs just before he was blown into the back of the plane by a flak shot.   After sustaining fatal injuries to his arm and abdomen Lieutenant Mathis crawled back to his station, dropped the bombs and hit the target moments before he died.  He was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. 

Weeks later on May 14^th Jacks brother, First Lieutenant Mark Mathis, also a member of the 303^rd, was shot down by enemy fighters over the North Sea.  Crewmembers bailed, but Mark remained at his station in the nose of the plane shooting at enemy fighters as the Flying Fortress plummeted into the icy waters.    

Though there were plenty in the 303^rd, it wasn’t all high-flying heroics that won the war.   The extraordinary efforts put forth from everyday men and women who banded together as a team is what ultimately led the U.S. to victory against the Germans in Europe.  A passage from The First 300 Hells Angels,

“After nearly two-and-one-half years of combat it (the 303^rd) had gone from a pathetically green outfit to an experienced, smooth-running organization.  Operations, intelligence, engineering, ordnance, down to the cooks and supply, all functioned perfectly to the last detail.  In the constant turnover of combat men, the old-timers passed on to the newcomers the priceless know how that comes only with experience.” 

The 303^rd played an integral role in taking apart the Nazi war machine by crippling the German Luftwaffe, destroying enemy communications, transport, manufacturing plants, and oil supplies.  They also played a huge role aiding ground troops before and after D-Day.  

My Grandfather never spoke about the war.  He kept these photos, amongst many others tucked away in a box.  I was astounded when I found them.  They made me think twice about the old man I though I knew.  After the war, Cpl. John H. Clancy retired as a custodian at Millis High School in MA.  He, like all our country’s Veterans, was an ordinary person who did extraordinary things in the name of our country, and in the name of the brothers and sisters they fought beside.  Today, just like every other day we walk free, we owe them a Thank You.