The Ralph P. Goldsticker Collection

1st Lt Ralph Phillip Goldsticker served as a bombardier and navigator on B-17's with the 728th Bomb Squadron, 452nd Bomb Group, completing 35 missions over Europe, including two on D-day.  In November 2018, he was featured in the following video for the Greater St. Louis Honor Flight that was aired at a St. Louis Blues NHL hockey game. 

Mr. Goldsticker recently contacted me regarding pilots he knew who trained at Greenville.  In conversation I learned that he himself had been in the Aviation Cadet program, prior to his path to become a bombardier.  He attended Primary Flying Training at Darr-Aero Tech, Albany, GA, where he was roommates with the Greenville Flyers he was informing me of.  

During our conversation, Mr. Goldsticker stated he had letters from "Tom Grimes" and "D. M. Guthrie" on Greenville Army Flying School letterhead.  Unexpectedly, he offered to donate these letters to this project.  These letters are available to view at the following link;

The Ralph P. Goldsticker Collection

A few examples from the collection;

These letters offer a unique perspective into the lives of twenty'ish year old young men training to fight in the war.  In addition to commentary regarding their initial impressions of the mighty Vultee BT-13 trainer they were transitioning into, a look at their daily lives is provided as well; from living accommodations, to the quality of food, to the distracting temptations many young men face.

Expect posts in the future regarding Mr. Thomas R. Grimes and Mr. Donovan M. Guthrie.  Mr. Goldsticker's generosity in helping preserve his and their stories is truly appreciated.