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Association preserves memories of WWII B-26s

CLINTON, Ill. — Simply put, Ervin Cook said, the 397th Bomb Group Association is unique.

The members all served together during World War II, making certain the Martin B-26 Marauders flew their missions.

The group was pretty much brought together through the efforts of Nevin Price, the group’s secretary-treasurer for 40 years.

“He also gathered 25,000 names of B-26 people that had served worldwide,” wrote Cook, who lives in Camdenton, Mo. “Everyone that was in the 397th Bomb Group is considered a member and receives our newsletter, if we have their address.”

Part of that continued uniqueness is the association’s new president. Don Gruber of Clinton is the first second-generation member to serve as president of the organization.

“Don Gruber seemed a logical choice with his excellent background, plus a strong interest in the history of the B-26,” said Cook who served as a first lieutenant with the 397th during the war.

“The original 397th Bomb Group people are now in their 80s and fading fast. It was getting to the point where no one had the energy to take on the jobs,” Cook said.

“We had started a few years ago to work the second-generation sons and daughters into our organization. They quickly proved how adept they were in putting on a reunion.”

These were people who were still working yet found time to take on the extra jobs the organization required, Cook said.

Gruber, who describes himself as an “unapologetic patriot,” said he became interested in the bomb group for a number of reasons.

“One was to connect with my father,” he said.

Lloyd D. Gruber returned to Decatur after the war but now lives out of state. During World War II, he flew 65 combat missions and received 13 Air Medals, including a Distinguished Flying Cross, his son said.

His job on the Martin B-26 Marauder was to man the tail gun, though he flew six missions with another group, including two on D-Day, before joining the 397th.

The elder Gruber began his military service in 1943, spending time in the Air Force and Navy as well as the Army before his 1984 retirement. He was last able to attend a convention in 2006.

Originally the group met every two years, Cook said. That has changed to once a year because of losing members to illness and death.

“This is a critical time for our group as we slowly mesh our group into the Marauder Historical Society, the umbrella group for all B-26 units worldwide,” he said. “It will last longer than any individual group.”

Don Gruber said taking over this officer’s position represents the passing of the torch of tradition, with the original members wishing it to continue much as it has since its founding.

“Part of my job is to see that this wish is carried out,” he said.

“All of us involved with this group do this as a way to perpetuate the history and memories of those who served their country in World War II and to keep alive the record of the aircraft they flew.”