Unexpected Finds

One look at the "Transcript" archives from 1944, and one thing becomes very clear- the world was at war. Throughout Europe and the Pacific, men and women put their lives on the line to protect the free world and stop fascism.

Headlines read, "First Nazi Prisoners taken in France," "Yanks on Way to Invasion by Air and Sea" and "Allies Begin Second Invasion in South France." Syndicated photos and stories highlighted the details of the war efforts. Also included were diagrams and maps including the "Inside of a Tank Landing Ship" and "Allies passing World War I Battlegrounds."

The paper ran regular columns from war correspondent Ernie Pyle, who reported real stories from the front lines. Headlines like "Wreckage Litters Beach But It Was Expendable: German Prisoners See Replacements Pour Across Sea They Guarded So Long" and "Front Line Infantryman Learns How to Kill Enemy: Not a Killer at Heart, These Boys Soon Develop Accuracy" were just two of the stories that made their way to Eddy County readers.

The paper also printed local war-related news in the column "News of Eddy Boys in Service: Letters from our boys in all parts of the world." One front page headline read, "Eddy County Tops Quota in Fifth War Loan Drive: Bond Sales total $348,400."

One headline not featured in the papers could have read, "Staff Sergeant Homer (Glenn) Collier shot down in special operations mission in southern France, missing in action."

This is the story that Cindy Collier uncovered during her genealogy research about her father Glenn. Cindy, the eldest child born to Glenn and Tillie (Gedrose) Collier, was kind enough to share the story with the "Transcript" for publication in this special Veteran's Day edition. During a visit with newspaper staff, she says, "I was eight years old when Dad passed away - just before my sister Glenda was born - so I never heard any of his wartime stories. When I came upon this, it was all too surreal."

One of the most surprising finds were the details of her father's military history that were published in a two-volume book titled "Spies, Supplies and Moonlit Skies." The book was written by Thomas L. Ensminger, a journalist whose father served in the same special operations unit as Glenn, the U.S. Army Air Force's 801st Bomb Group.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force now shares the details of this covert operation on its website. "In 1943 the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) – the forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency – called upon the U.S. Army Air Forces to conduct special operations from the United Kingdom. Aircrews started flying leaflet-dropping missions in October 1943, but plans called for them to fly dangerous, clandestine missions deep into the heart of occupied Europe. The majority of these missions secretly airdropped supplies by night to partisan fighters, under the code name Operation CARPETBAGGER."

The term "carpetbagger" originally held a negative connotation, one that took hold in the southern states of the U.S. after the Civil War and referred to a person from the northern states who went to the South to profit from Reconstruction. Other definitions include 1) a political candidate who seeks election in an area where they have no local connections and 2) a person perceived as an unscrupulous opportunist.

The carpetbaggers were based in Harrington, England, and worked in advance of the expected invasion of Europe. The derogatory meaning of the word didn't stop the carpetbaggers from dropping supplies to the resistance forces in Europe- things like radios, batteries, weapons, ammunition, first aid supplies, food, clothing and other daily necessities. They also dropped in spies while flying low in the sky and guided by moonlight.

The bomber planes used in the special operation were modified by removing the belly turret, nose guns, and any other unnecessary equipment for the mission (including oxygen equipment). This made the planes lighter and provided for more cargo space. The rear guns were left intact in case of enemy fire. The supply drops were always conducted at night, as moonlit nights made it easier to visually navigate via rivers, lakes, railroad tracks, and towns as checkpoints. The pilots flew the planes at around 6,000 feet to avoid anti-aircraft fire and then dropped to 500 feet once inland to avoid night fighters. As the airmen came into a target for a drop, they slowed the aircraft to 120-125 mph and dropped to an altitude of 400 feet. Agents and sabotage teams were the first to be dropped, with supplies on a second drop.

Glenn was one of nine men who served with 406th Bomber Squad known as the Simon crew. He was a tail gunner. The Simon crew began training in September 1943 and flew their first combat mission in February of 1944. They were on their eleventh mission in early May when their Liberator B-24 was shot down at Bois de Brattes near Mably, Loire. They are said to be the first crew brought down by enemy fire in which all survived. Two were taken prisoner, while the others, including Glenn, evaded.

For four and a half months, Glenn was missing in action, finding refuge with the French Underground. He was outfitted as a deaf mute and lived in rate-infested barns while he struggled to survive, waiting for the chance to get out.

He escaped from the mainland and returned to England. He was then able to return to North Dakota for a short visit before serving with the 15th Air Force in Italy through the end of 1944.

In January of 1945, the Allied forces invaded Germany. Through persistent firebombing of German cities, most notably Hamburg and Dresden. In April of 1945, Soviet troops took Berlin, Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was captured and executed, and by the end of the month, German dictator Aldof Hitler committed suicide. May 8 became known as VE Day or Victory in Europe Day.

Glenn was discharged from the Army Air Force in September 1945. He returned home to farm in Columbia Township east of New Rockford. His grandson Nate still farms here. Glenn married Tillie Gedrose in December 1951 and together they planned to raise their family. Their children included Cindy, Bill, Robert and Glenda.

Glenn passed away suddenly on Sept. 28, 1961 after suffering a heart attack. During his life, he served 11 years as a county commissioner and 10 years on the social service board. He was also president of the Farm Bureau as well as a founder of the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd.