An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part VIII

Harold Keith Fredericksen was born on January 11, 1924, the third son born to Harriet Paul and Frederik Christian Fredericksen. He joined brother Charles and Orval, and later helped greet twins Jack and Jean, and brother Wesley.


Front row: Orval, Chuck, Keith; Back row: F.Chris, Jack, Harriet, Jean

They came to Boundary County, Idaho in 1929 and bought 160 acres (1/4 section) of District #6 near Copeland. In 1931, they added 80 acres up on the bench.

What we know about Keith comes from family stories, from these letters, and from reading between the lines in his letters home.

For instance, we know he adored his mother, was concerned for her welfare, and respected her strength and wisdom.

We know he was close to his brothers and his sister, writing them frequently and worrying about their futures as much as his own. We know he loved to hunt with Jack, to tease Orval and Jean, and looked up to Chuck. He enjoyed the news of each new niece and nephew.

He loved the farm, had an intense interest in the crops, the planting, the equipment and the success of the farming.

He graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1942. His report cards show that his grades were a scattered mix of A's , B's, and some C's.

He was drafted in 1943 and was determined to do a good job for his country. We know he was one of thirty-five Boundary County men who lost their lives in the war.



We know he fully intended to return to Boundary County after the war. After seeing England and Scotland and much of the United States in his time in service, would he would have been content working a small farm in northern Idaho? We do not know.

We do know his death changed the course of family history in Boundary County.

My father rarely talked about Keith. When my mother did, she cried. Her memories were mixed with a brother (Arden) who's B-17 crashed (and it was unclear for awhile what happened to him) with a brother-in-law who'd been killed, while at the time being out of contact with her husband who was somewhere in the Pacific. It was an emotional time for her and it never fully healed.


SSGT 385th Bomb GP AAF, WWII AM & 4 OLC - PH
(WWII Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart)

I was born in 1957. By then, Keith had been gone twelve years. The family had learned to cope with the deaths during those years and their lives had moved on. In what had to be the most difficult decision of her life, Harriet sold the bench property and the house in 1946. She rented out the valley land to a family friend who farmed it until her death in 1966 and this was her primary income for those twenty years. That farm was then sold. This decision was necessary. None of the other family members wanted to carry on the farming tradition. Chuck went into retail work, running a grocery store in town and eventually moving to Pullman, Washington to operate a hardware store. Orval joined the Post Office and moved to town (Bonners Ferry). Jack went to college, then on to southern Idaho and finally to California. Jean married and moved to Sitka, Alaska to be with a husband who owned a fishing boat. Harriet moved to a house just down the block from Orval after selling the farm.

The wounds remained.

As Gary noted so poignantly in his review of all these family documents: "I originally thought that Grandma Fred kept only the War Department letters about Keith in a box in the closet in the hallway in her home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. As a boy I used to bug her about what was in the box on the shelf in the entryway closet. She always resisted. But once when I was about 14 she agreed that I could look. But once the box was down and open, Grandma Fred began to sob and I knew that some powerful sorrow was contained in this box. I never asked her again."

It should be noted that there were also many pictures of Grandpa Fred and of Wesley in this box.

Many, many years later - in 1998, my parent's would receive a letter from a member of a flight crew that had seen the accident. Here's the contents of that letter:

12 June 1998, Donald Hayes wrote to Arden Lannigan (Nada's brother) with the following:

"The editor of the "Hard Life Herald" bomb group newsletter printed my request about anyone who knew why, when, where Lynch's plane went down. He said (the guy who phoned me tonight) that the pilot named Ritchie always flew too close in formation and had been warned just a few days before"

"The group was on the way to bomb Kiel, were over the North Sea, and Ritchie was in the #4 spot behind and below the lead plane. Hagman, the pilot who phoned me, was off Ritchie's wing when he saw Ritchie's B-17 engines chew the lead plane up. Both went down, but he saw guys inside trying to bail out - and never did. The tail gunner flying with Leo's crew that day was a "fill-in" for their regular gunner, Jerry Gentis, who now lives in Jenks, Oklahoma. I'm going to phone him tomorrow if he has a phone. And Hagman gave me his phone number and fax number in case you or Tom McGonigal want to talk to to him."

"By the way, one of the men on Ritchie's crew was a guy called "Whitey" cuz he had white hair and was from Bonners Ferry, Harold Fredericksen. I'll have to suppose you know him - a small town you know."

I had a conversation with both my parents after this note arrived via Uncle Arden. They were devastated all over again. The grief was just as fresh then as it had been more than fifty years prior when the event took place. This is why these letters mean so much to the family.

What I've presented to you with the expert assistance of brother Gary is only about a quarter of what was in the box. The letters and pictures and government documents are mind-boggling, heart-wrenching, and hold an emotional value unequaled by any other single thing we have.



And suddenly, all the trips we made as a family to the Grandview Cemetery on the hill overlooking Bonners Ferry come into sharp focus. Memorial Day. Dad on his knees lovingly cleaning the joint gravestone of his father, mother, and brothers, Wesley and Keith. My mom arranging lilacs and tulips in a water can placed beside the grave. Dad trimming back the spirea bush behind the grave-- all of these rituals lovingly remembered. For him, it was a time of memory and a labor of love.

For me, it was the perfect example of how not to forget.



THE END

Source:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericken, Part VII

April 30, 1945 - Adolph Hitler commits suicide.

May 2, 1945 - German troops in Italy surrender.

May 7, 1945 - Unconditional surrender of all German forces to Allies.

May 8, 1945 - V-E (Victory in Europe) Day.

The war is over. But there is no celebrating in the Fredericksen family. On April 4, 1945 Keith is killed in England in what today would be called a friendly fire accident. But it is many months before the dreaded news is confirmed.

At 9:15 a.m. on April 4, 1945 two B-17 bombers of the 8th Air Force, 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group collided over the North Sea off the coast of England. All aboard were killed. Harold Keith Fredericksen, the tail gunner on B-17 38210, was on his 35th and last mission.

24 May 1945 - Letter from E.A. Bradunas, Chief, Notification Branch
…Information has been received indicating that Sergeant Fredericksen was a tail gunner on a B-17 (Flying Fortress) bomber which participated in a combat mission on 4 April 1945. The report reveals that during this mission about 9:15 a.m., over the North Sea, northwest of Leeuwarden, Holland, your son's bomber collided in mid-air with another of our planes. Subsequently from four to six parachutes were observed, however it could not be determined from which bomber they emerged. This aircraft was last seen to fall into the sea. An Air Sea Rescue search was instituted but no other information has been received in this headquarters relative to Sergeant Fredericksen's whereabouts.

In April, July and November of 1945, the War Department wrote to report no additional information.

Beginning May 26th, Harriet begins receiving letters from the families of other crew members.

24 November 1945
THE SECRETARY OF WAR HAS ASKED ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON S/SGT FREDERICKSEN HAROLD K WAS KILLED IN ACTION OVER THE NORTH SEA 04 APRIL 45 HE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPORTED MISSING ACTION PERIOD I REGRET THAT UNAVOIDABLE CIRCUMSTANCES MADE NECESSARY THE UNUSUAL LOSS OF TIME IN REPORTING YOUR SONS DEATH TO CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS

26 December 1945 - Letter from Edward F. Witsell, Acting The Adjutant General of the Army
…A report regarding the circumstances of his death now available in the War Department states that your son was the tail gunner on a B-17 bomber which participated in a combat mission on 4 April 1945 over the North Sea, northwest of Leeuwarden, Holland. Your son's bomber collided with another airplane in the formation and crashed in the north Sea.



A picture of the crew of Keith's last flight. Keith was a tagalong on this flight to get his last mission recorded. He is not in the picture.

January 5, 1946 - At the request of the President I write to inform you that the Purple Heart has been awarded posthumously to your son, Staff Sergeant Harold K. Fredericksen, Air Corps, who sacrificed his life in defense of his country.




7 March 1946 - I have the honor to inform you that, by direction of the President, four Oak-leaf Clusters, representing four additional awards of the Air Medal, have been posthumously awarded to your son, Staff Sergeant, then Sergeant, Harold K. Fredericksen, Air Corps….

Grandma Fred also exchanged letters with Keith's original pilot, Lt. Oscar B. Heintz. He offered her some comfort in this particular letter:




Considering what all Grandma Fred kept in her special box, it's a mystery that many of Keith's flight pictures and his medals are missing. We can only surmise who took them as a remembrance and unfortunately have no way to retrieve them now.

We've told this as a family story, but many of Keith's letters contained insights to military life, descriptions of the different places he was stationed, and more details on his training and his friends. Gary holds the two four-inch binders that contain this correspondence and read it all. Thanks so much, Gary, for sharing these details. Maybe another time we will delve into these letters and share again.

Join us tomorrow for the next installment of Harold Keith Fredericksen, the early years and some thoughts from family stories.

Sources:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part VI

Harold “Keith” Fredericksen, the middle son of Harriet and F. Christian Fredericksen has been serving in England with the 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group since Fall, 1944. Thirty-five missions are required before he can be returned stateside. In the last set of letters, his pilot was reassigned, leaving Keith to struggle getting those last few missions.

The last German offensive of the war has begun. The Allies are close to defeating Adolph Hitler. From December 1944 to April 1945, the 385th Bomber Group is credited with attacking German communications and fortifications during the Battle of the Bulge and bombing troop concentrations and communications centers in Germany and France to assist the final thrust into Germany.

In these letters exchanged with Grandma Fred, Keith discovers that while he's been downplaying the danger of his day-to-day combat life, Grandma Fred has been guarding other family news. Arden Lannigan, Keith's friend and Nada's brother has disappeared in Europe after his B-17 bomber crashed.

March 4, 1945 - V-mail - I still haven't seen Dean but will before I leave here. Jack surely must be sick, it's been almost six weeks now, hasn't it? I surely hope he will be okay. Well, we got everything under control, don't worry.

March 7, 1945 - V-mail - I should be a Staff Sgt pretty soon. We were put in for it a couple of missions ago. That's probably as far as I'll ever get in this Army.

March 12, 1945 - Try to write you a real letter tonite. I finally got everything under control here, my S/Sgt rating came through and I'm satisfied. I heard from both Chuck and Orval the past week. It seems Chuck has gone to sea. What kind of a boat is this U.S.S. Guadalcanal? He didn't say which ocean he was going to either. It looks like everything is about wound up over here. I keep tellin' myself. I heard from Dean. He wasn't finished yet. They are going to make him stay and work on the ground for a couple of months when he finishes. I don't know what they will do with me. I hope to come home but I don't imagine they will let me stay there (U.S.) very long. About two months at the most then they send you right overseas again. But I'm coming home anyway. You say Orval plans on getting another leave. He will be lucky if he does. I hope he does, it will be nice for both you and Nada. I bet those two kids of his are really getting big. They should be lots of company in the days to come. Jack must be really sicker than I ever realized. He has been sick a long time, I keep thinking I'll hear from you saying he is okay. He has been sick for more than two months. It doesn't sound practical at all for he and you to try to farm this coming summer. Anything you do is okay with me. Let it go for one year, I mean rent it and take a year's vacation. After 25 years you surely deserve it, go to town and live or something. Hope to be home soon and I'll help you decide. Hope she does okay in Eastport.

March 15, 1945 - V-mail - We're finally getting a furlough. My next letter to you will be from Scotland. Don't write to me there. I had detail today and didn't fly but the rest of the crew did….See you in Scotland.

March 25, 1945 - Hi Chuck, We just got back from a swell seven day furlough in Scotland. I hope to be practically finished by Easter. I was surely glad to hear that Jack is getting better. Hope mother rents the land instead of trying to run it herself. Too many worries for her and Jack both.

March 30, 1945 (postmarked March 25) - Well, I hope to be finished real soon. Oscar finished the other day, but us gunners have to complete our own 35. But this is a couple of days if they don't send us on pass. From Jack's and Chuck's letters I picked up some stuff I guess you didn't want to tell me. I never knew Arden was missing until Jack wrote. But as long as Arden is okay and on the way home it's okay. You are having trouble with the well too, aren't you. I surely hope I can come home quickly and help you get things straightened out. Boy you had about twice as many things to worry about that I thought you did. But I guess that's the way you wanted it. I surely don't hold it against you, in fact I'm very proud of my mother. That's enough of that stuff!

March 1945 - Individual Flight Records - 11 Missions, 79:55 In-flight time, longest 9:35

April 2, 1945 - V-mail - Looks like we're going to have to settle for a V-mail today. Yesterday was Easter Sunday, made me six months since that fateful day we took off and left the good old U.S. I went to church like a good boy, like I have been doing every Sunday that I have a chance. So you finally got the land straightened out, I think you really played it smart. You wouldn't get rich in a year anyway. Things might be entirely different the next summer. It all depends of the world's affairs. I haven't flown for several days now, this finishing is kind of rough when you haven't got a pilot of your own. I'm going to write both Chuck and Orval the afternoon.

20 April, 1945, 4:16 PM
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON S/SGT FREDERICKSEN HAROLD K HAS BEEN MISSING IN ACTION SINCE 4 APRIL 45 IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIFIED CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS

May 18, 1945

Dear Miss Fredericksen (Addressed to Jean and postmarked Chicago, Ill.)

It was my intention to write to your mother as soon as regulations permitted, however your letter is such that warrants an answer. Keith - we called him "Whitey" went down as a result of a mid-air collision en-route to the target. It happened over the North Sea about 30 miles out of the Frission Islands. If you have a map, the coordinates were approximately 54 north and 04 east. It was his last mission as you surmised.

I was not flying with him that day but I was in a plane above and to the left of him. It happened when the plane he was in overshot the plane ahead of them in the formation and then pulled up, evidently to lose speed, but in a mistake in judgment, cracked into the underside of the ship it has passed. The entire tail section of Whitey's ship broke off and started down. No one reported seeing a chute, although he may have made a delayed jump into the sea. Air-Sea Rescue reported negative.

Those are the facts as I know them, Jean, as you may tell your mother what you think best. Whitey was one of the best friends I've had in the Army and you can appreciate how I felt as I watched him and five other men from our barracks going down, out of control, into the sea.

I know the other boys in the crew will write also but if there is still something I can tell you, don't hesitate to ask. I wish you would write again and acknowledge this letter. I'm very sorry I couldn't hold out to your optimism but extend my sincere wishes to you and your mother and pray that you're right. I feel so miserably helpless about the whole thing and thankful for you for I don't know if I could write to your mother as I have to you. I'm trying to be just and honest for I think it would be an act of cruelty to be indirect in a matter such as this. I hope I haven't failed.

Sincerely, Tony Erbacci

Source:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records
Historical Record: 385th Bomber Group

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part V

Harold “Keith” Fredericksen, the middle son of Harriet and F. Christian Fredericksen, was drafted on November 11, 1943. He elected to join the Army Air Force and became a tailgunner on a B-17. His orders have arrived and he's been sent to England, serving with the 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group.

Grandma Fred saved Keith's letters home, along with pictures, official goverment telegrams and letters, and all the V-mail. It's from these sources we share this story. The first saved letter arrived in December, 1943. The time is now 1945. Keith is flying missions, enjoying London on furloughs and worrying about home and Jack's possible draft, too. The Battle of the Bulge commences over Christmas. The 385th Bomber Group is flying an aggressive campaign against the enemy. Keith is downplaying his role to a nervous mother. Yet, there are cracks in the picture he is painting, snippets of the stress of combat life.

November 1944 - Individual Flight Record - 12 Missions, 61:55, in-flight time, longest 8:30.

December 6, 1944 - Not much to tell you tonight. Tony and I just got back from the show "Star Spangled Rhythm"…..Red keep asking me if Jean is going to answer the letter he wrote her. I am still a buck sergeant. Still waiting for your package. Hope it makes it here by Xmas. Please tell me when you get the package that I sent you. Won't be long before Xmas anyhow. Remember it will be my second one away from home. Hope the next one I spend with you….It is nice for Nada to go to Chicago. Gary will be company for you, that is if you keep him. He will mean work too. Don't worry, I'm okay. Tell the kids to be good.

December 9, 1944 - V-mail - Can't see writing a real letter tonight so I'm going to settle for one of these things. Nothing has changed here, haven't been up in the blue for five days now, so everything is under control…..It's going to be a long winter here…we will be lucky if we get ten missions in the next two months. Don't worry when things out of control I'll let you know….ha!

December 13, 1944 - Have a little time to write you this morning before we go to London….Could of had my pictures a month ago if I had gone there but those rockets sort of threw a bluff into me. Guess it's safe there now….Our crew has flown three days in a row now. Tony and I had PV the second day, very constructive, out cutting brush, how do you like that? Made me feel sort of at home again. We flew an eight hour mission yesterday, really tiresome….Tell me what you read in the papers at home about the Eighth Air Force. The guys wonder here what people at home think of the boy that fly the "big ones"….Well, mother don't worry. Everything is happy over here and I've got my part under control.

December 15, 1944 - Well, today makes me one year in the Army. It seems twice as long as that doesn't it?..Yes our officers usually censor mail. Red does it almost always. That W. Hagon on the bottom of the envelope is his signature. I'm absolutely okay, so you don't have to worry. Hope to get a real letter from you real soon. Tell the kids to be good.

December 18, 1944 - Hope you didn't mean it when you said you cried when you heard I wasn't getting any letters. You know I'm old enough to get along without much mail---for a while. Made a good haul on mail today, two from Jean, two from you and one from Jack, bless you all. Jean's letters were extra good, she writes just like she talks, you know rattle-rattle--but it was nice anyhow….Your talking about the snow hanging on everything, gave me a funny feeling down by my heart but it is impossible to get homesick with all the screwballs we have around here. Everybody is a little ETO happy, so everything is under control. No the war doesn't sound too good here, I firmly believe the end is near. Please write and tell me what the papers at home say about the Eighth Air Force. Just checkin' up and see if they appreciate the boys that "fly the big ones".

December 23, 1944 - V-mail - Guess I can put all I have to say this evening on a V-mail. Got the package today. It was in very good shape, even tho' it took 10 weeks to get here. That fruit cake seems to get better the longer it stands, right? The fog is still here, haven't flown for twelve days now. We'll never get home at this rate but easy does it. Got a letter from Nada in Chicago. I imagine she is home and settled by now. Hope to hear from Chuck one of these days. Don't worry about me. I'm very well, in spite of the weather. Everything else is under control too.

Two Christmas Cards to his mother are preserved from this year.

December 26, 1944 - Here it is the day after Christmas and all thru the house---everything is the same as it has been for months! Spent a very quiet Xmas tide. We flew the 24th and didn't get straightened around until about eight o'clock. We had gotten up at four that morning so I was ready to sleep. We went to church in the morning. I'm telling you a guy gets to be a believer quick in this business….I have been getting my share of mail lately. But mother, it's not so important that you have to write twice a day. It's nice to know someone thinks that much of me, but it surely must be a job to write to three boys especially when one bitches so much you resort to writing him twice a day. Yes, long letters are so much nicer to get, but V-mail are easier to write….Hope Jack has good luck with the cows he bought. From the sounds of things you were surely lucky you didn't plant winter wheat. I believe getting a disc is a good idea. I'm sure I'll be home to help you cut the spring wheat you'll plant.

December 31, 1944 - Here it is New Year's Eve and I'm too tired to go anyplace. I am really tired no kidding, the last three mornings it's been three o'clock and earlier. That's too damn early to be even funny. The weather sort of cleared up and we have flown the last five days. If this keeps up maybe I'll be home sooner than I expected….Don't worry I've got everything under control over here. You just take care of yourself.

December 1944 - Individual Flight Record - 6 Missions, 44:50 in-flight time, longest 8:10

January 3, 1945 - In this envelope you will find a picture we had taken of the crew. (This picture was not in the box. We surmise that Jack may have been given it and unfortunately it's lost to us.) We have on the clothes we wear when we fly. It's really a good picture of everybody. I look really young don't I? Got a letter from Chuck today!....I know it must have been a lonesome Xmas for you. Hope we will all be home for Xmas next year. Don't worry.

January 4, 1945 - …Got a package from you yesterday. The one with the toothpaste and socks. Just what I needed, thanks. I got three Xmas cards today. Walter, Vivian and one from Francene. They all wrote a few lines, so that was okay.

General Orders - Oak Leaf Cluster to the Air Medal - "For meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the air offensive against the enemy over Continental Europe."

January 7, 1945 - It looks like I won't make Staff Sgt. until we make twenty five missions, so you will know when I've made my 25. That should be soon if the weather holds out. As it is now I make $142 a month, that's a buck Sgt. overseas, with flying pay….So Jack got his deer again this year. Did he get one for me?...Don't worry. They say over here if you get your first six, you'll finish. So it looks like I'm fine for sure.

January 11, 1945 - V-Mail - If you will please note the date, ole' H.K. becomes of age today. They must of known it because we had real steak for dinner. Got a letter from Arden L. today, a Staff Sgt. with only four missions, I can't see it. Here we are sweating out twenty five for staff…

January 14, 1945 - Just got back from a wonderful 48 hour pass to London…..I'll mail you a package in the next day or two. I finally got my pictures…Hope my Air Medal makes it home ok. (The air medal was not in the box either. Unknown what happened to it.) Now that is surely nothing to be displayed in town. Everyone that flys combat gets it, so just put it in the china cabinet or someplace OK?...Boy the more times I go to London, the more fascinating it is. I bet you could spend a month there and do something different every day….Got letters from Orval and Nada both today. Jack too, I'll write you both next time.

January 18, 1945 - I'm writing this letter by candle light, seein' as how there ain't no lights. We had quite a storm here today. I wrote Jack a V-mail last night. After your letter today I think I will write V-mail every other day. I quote you "Write V-mail if you just date it and sign your name so we know you're okay." Well, I don't think the danger of my life is that bad. But I will do it if it makes you feel better.

January 22, 1945 - They gave us another pass, that's what mixed things up. I was pretty short of schillings so had to settle for {Name of town cut out of letter]. It is a seaport town….Boy the news surely sounds good. As us guys often discuss what they would do with us if the war ended. I surely don't know, but I know it will be a great day won't it?..I got a letter from Andy D. today. I imagine he got my address through Vivian. I gathered from his letters he wasn't seeing it too rough. More power to him. They are shooting to kill out there. I heard from Ray B. too. He seemed to have much of the same deal as Andy. But I believe he has seen some of it. I have so many letters to answer…have to stop going to town at nite it looks like. But it's so nice to go to town at nite and forget all the things you've seen. The guys here are so keyed up. They argue over the silliest things, it even gets on my nerves. But I guess I'll be able to sweat it out. The radio really helps, so do passes…So Violet N. got married, what a blow to my morale that is. I'll just have to grin and bear it I guess. Looks like I'll be a bachelor for life doesn't it?

January 27, 1945 - V-mail - Just a V-mail to let you know everything is okay. I get letters from you asking me to write V-mail, so I'll see what I can do. I got letters from Aunt Ebba and Jean today both V-mail…Please don't worry.

January 1945 - Individual Flight Record - 6 Missions, 39:45 in-flight time, longest 9:30

February 1, 1945 - So Jack is sick, I really hope it is nothing serious. But even if he is in bed for a week that's too much. You surely must have your worries. But you need not worry about this kid, I've got everything under control…What do you mean "so he could take his physical with the other boys". They surely aren't going to take Jack away from you and stick him in this man's army…Tell me what in the name of heaven would you do if they take Jack?

February 3, 1945 - V-mail - Dear Jack, …I surely hope they don't draft you with this new deal they have now. You had better pull every string you can to stay out. taking Orval was bad enough but if they take you that will do it.

February 3, 1945 - V-mail - I just wrote a line to Andy, from what he says he is still in Normandy. There really isn't nothing to tell.

February 5, 1945 - V-mail - Just a stinky v-mail to let you know everything is under control. I got your letter with the snaps in it. Gary surely is a cute kid, hope to be home to see him. I've only been here four months and talking about coming home already. Better take my pulse, huh?

February 8, 1945 - Time to write again. Find enclosed money orders for $250. Something very unusual for me happened last week. I got involved in a payday game of chance, namely dice and something slipped up, so I came out numerous pounds ahead…Nada wrote me a good letter. She always tell me about the kids. They surely must be growing, hope they don't get too big before I make it home. She doesn't seem worried about Karen, so I guess it's nothing too bad. Chuck sent me a picture of he and his women taken on Christmas Day…Hope Jack is much better.

February 12, 1945 - V-mail - Everything is okay here. Maybe the war will be over soon. You ought to see the little pup we have. Every nite he has to sleep with someone, just like Rosie used to do. Chuck and Jean write often.

February 15, 1945 - Heintz is still gone but we've been flying as spares…Jean's letters are good, almost as good as yours Mother. I guess she read in the paper about me getting the Air Medal so she had to write and tell me how proud she was. She's sure a great kid. Hope brother Jack is well by now and he doesn't have any ill effects. It's a big day here tonight. A crew here in the barracks finished their missions. That will be a happy day for me, not too far off I hope.

February 17, 1945 - V-mail - Here I am still safe and sound. Got three swell letters from you today…Jack surely has been sick a long time, it makes it all the harder for you. But if he doesn't have to go to the Army, that's one less worry for you.

February 20, 1945 - …We caught a late train out of London and somehow I got separated from the rest of the guys. Anyhow I went to sleep and never woke up until I was about three hours past the station. I was about the saddest sack you ever saw. I had to wait there until seven o'clock the next morning to come back. Boy, I was in a jam, but I wasn't up for anything so nobody is any wiser. But I learned a lesson….Your news from home sounds good. Jack surely is having a rough time. Just so it doesn't keep him under too long. It is nice you can have Earl Gross with you, he will be company as well as lots of help. He is a swell kid if I remember him right. I had hoped to be home sooner but Heintz going to the continent sort of slowed things up. A crew here in the barracks that has been with us all the time, left for home today. They were a happy bunch of boys. I hated to see them go….I try to answer all of Chuck's letters. So he is finally going to sea, I bet he hates to leave Van Essa.

February 20, 1945 - V-mail- Dear Jean, I hate to write both you and mother the same day. Because you see each other and there is no percentage in writing it twice..

February 22, 1945 - V-mail - Just a dehydrated letter to let you know I'm still present. We haven't been too busy since Heintz left.

February 25, 1945 - V-mail - I'll write you a long letter and tell you all my troubles and everything that's new. Your mail is being held up somewhere. Lt. Heintz and the guys came back today.

February 1945 - Individual Flight Record - 7 Missions, 50:50 in-flight time, longest 9:35

Source:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records
Wikipedia, RAF Great Ashfield Airfield, England

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part IV

Harold “Keith” Fredericksen, the middle son of Harriet and F. Christian Fredericksen, was drafted on November 11, 1943. He elected to join the Army Air Force and became a tailgunner on a B-17, eventually serving with the 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group stationed in England.

Grandma Fred saved Keith's letters home, along with pictures, official goverment telegrams and letters, and all the V-mail. It's from these sources we share this story. The first saved letter arrived in December, 1943 and from that point chronicled the happenings of the time, Keith's training and the goings-on at home. Please note the historical events of WWII during 1944. At this point, D-day has already happened in Normandy. Paris has been liberated. During these letters, U.S. Troops reached the western German border, Rommel has committed suicide, and Allied Command commenced an airborne assault on Holland. It's September at the beginning of this series of letters. Keith is in Lincoln, Nebraska awaiting orders. Will he see war action or be left stateside like he keeps telling his mother?

September 28, 1944 - Somewhere in the United States

(return address APO NY) - I know this letter is way overdue but I've been waiting for something different to happen. Hope you didn't worry. Nothing definite has happened, you probably guessed my letters will be censored from now on. All I can say is I'm still in the Unites States and living like a king, waiting for the weather to clear up….I don't know how I am going to make out writing letters that are censored….I can't think of anything else I can write. Please (underlined 3 times), don't worry, I'm absolutely okay.

September 1944 - Individual Flight Record - 2 Missions, 13:50 in-flight time, longest 7:35

And then the orders came ...

(Historical records show the 385th Bomber Group was sent to Great Ashfield Airfield, England.)

October 8, 1944 - Somewhere In England

October 8, 1944 - I feel like I should write you again, but I don't know what I can tell you. I mean, more than I could in a V-mail. It's just like I told you, this is just a place like Lincoln. We can be shipped any place in the world from here….The camp here is just like any in the U.S. If we hadn't crossed a hell of a lot of water, I don't think we would know the difference….We do get a six hour pass every nite. The nearest town is three miles. You walk every place, no travel on the roads….Please don't worry about me Mother.

October 8, 1944 - V-mail - Maybe I should have cabled but I was afraid you would have a nervous breakdown or something. I am safe, happy and healthy….Dean Aman is over here somewhere, I just missed him at the POE. I'll watch for Arden here too, I heard he got a short furlough. We won't be at this field too long but my APO will always be the same.

October 10, 1944 - This is the third letter I've written you since we hit this beautiful island. It really is beautiful too, only everything is small compared to the U.S. As you can probably tell we're at a permanent base now. We get a lot more schooling here, I'm sure getting sick of it.

October 19, 1944 - Anywhere in England - I got my second letter from you today. It's really alright I got two others, one from Charlie W and another from Gladyce S. both went through Ardmore….We should get a pass in a couple of days. We're all going into London, it is about a three hour train ride from here. It is the largest city in the world, you remember. Think of all the famous sights I'll see, I hope….We should be sergeants in a couple of days. You still haven't told me anything about Jack's wild idea. I surely hope he forgot it. He'll probably be hunting soon. I sure wish I could be there to go with him. Next fall, maybe. Don't worry about me, I'm not doing anything dangerous.

October 22, 1944 - Just a line to let you know I'm still okay. The weather here is horrible so cold and rainy….

October 26, 1944 - …After two days in London without any mail I thought that I'd have a big stack of mail. So I jumps up and runs every step of the way, at least 50 feet and what do I get? One letter. What a blow to my morale. (There is a long description of his trip to London.) Your letter sure sounded good, cutting the barley, plowing and the mountains being hazy. I can see it just like that. I hope you get my share of hunting this year, Jack. I wish I could send home all the shotgun shells I shot today. Yes, we're still shooting skeet, I'm getting good too.

October 29, 1944 - It seems I just wrote you but I know how nice it is to get letters from you and I know you feel the same way. I have been getting quite a few letters from you lately, four yesterday and one from Jean…It was the letter you wrote about Herman "kicking the bucket." The harvest sure is dragging isn't it? Remember how it dragged last year too? It still is something to keep Jack from having too much time on his hands and start him thinking again. I hope it keeps your mind sort of busy too, so you won't worry about your boys too much. There really isn't anything to worry about but I know you. I wish they could keep us a little more busy here but the weather causes a lot of trouble….It was good to hear from Jean. Nice that Orval could be home so much. Wish I could have seen him, I could stand a good laugh….You notice I'm a three stripe general now?

October 1944 - Individual Flight Record, 10 Missions, 39:25 in-flight time, longest 5:30

November 3, 1944 - V-mail - Just a line to let you know I'm still okay. I sure hope you are getting more letters from me than I'm getting from you……

November 3, 1944 - I was really lucky in getting some Christmas presents for you. A lighter for Jack and set of salt and pepper shakers. I'll mail them today. Hope you write soon. It would be nice to know where Dean A. or Arden went. Dean might be near here and I could see him.

Bonners Ferry Herald - November 9, 1944 - Tail Gunner is Promoted

November 7, 1944 - V-mail - (received November 22) I got two letters from you today. Your first V-mail. You don't have to write so big about half as big as you did…It sounds like Orval went to the Great Lakes, too bad. Hope I get more mail from you.

November 12, 1944 - Boy there is sure something wrong with our mail mother. It's been more than a week again since I've heard from you. I shouldn't be griping about it but it makes it hard for me to write so I don't imagine you are getting letters too regular from me. But I'll try to write every other day and I know I'll get a big stack of letters from you soon. The farmers around camp are plowing. There are fields all in around the living sites. The camp is spread all over for camouflage. All the guys around here have bicycles. I haven't bought one yet, always borrow one…I was glad FDR was elected again. He is a good man.

November 14, 1944 - V-mail - to Jean - Had a good day for mail, got Mom, Chuck, Gladysce. Red, our bombardier saw your picture the other day and decided he wanted to write to you. I gave him your address. The weather keeps us out of blue a lot….Chuck didn't seem to have much to say, seemed to think he was moving out, know where Orval is now. Bye Kid. Notice I'm a Sgt. Please!!!

November 15, 1944 - I'm still sweating the packages out. All the guys here are getting their Xmas parcels already. If you ever get a chance to send a package, send Lux soap, brushless shaving cream, hair oil. I could also use handkerchiefs. In case you wonder, we have Red, our bombardier, censor our letters. He doesn't read them.


Red & Keith - known as "Whitey" to his buddies because of his white blond hair

November 23, 1944 - Here it is Thanksgiving Day and time to write you again. It's too bad the ground is so dry you can't plant winter wheat, but if Jack gets the ground all plowed this fall, you ought to be able to get the spring wheat in early. We had the day off but on account of the weather, as usual. They gave us a nice dinner - turkey with everything that goes with it.…All the guys are getting Xmas packages. Yours haven't gotten here yet….There isn't anything to worry about.

November 26, 1944 - V-mail - I'm pretty tired tonite so we'll have to settle for another v-mail. Today was Sunday but I couldn't make church. We had to fly. That's two days in a row. Sure wish I could tell you everything I've done, all the places I've been and everything I've seen. It will make a swell story when I get home that should be next summer sometime….Everything is under control, no need to worry.

November 30, 1944 - V-mail - Dear Jack, Don't feel like writing a real letter tonight. Going hunting sounds swell, I've got a hunch I'll be there next fall to go with you. Be sure and hang on at least another year and something will surely have happened by then. Stay out of the army for sure, this war is dangerous business. They tell me they are killing guys over here. Yes, I sure would trade the Duck-foot for a disc, that Duck-foot never was any damn good. There are lots of things going on over here I would like to tell you about but can't, make a swell story when I get home. I'm getting so I like this English beer but boy the beer in the barrels tastes like American. Give mother my love and you take it easy. [Signed "2 Brother"]

November 30, 1944 - General Orders - Air Medal - For meritorious achievement while participating in heavy bombardment missions in the air offensive against the enemy over Continental Europe. The courage, coolness, and skill displayed by this Enlisted Man upon these occasions reflect great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

Sources:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records
Wikipedia, RAF Great Ashfield Airport 

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

33 Cousins - The Grandchildren of Frederik & Christine

Frederik & Christine Frederiksen had 9 children - 5 boys in a row (Chris, Ed, Fred, Ole & Henry) and then 4 girls in a row (Ebba, Mary, Ellen & Nina). Henry died as a child, but 7 of the 8 had a total of 33 grandchildren for Frederik and Christine. Fred and his wife, Elda, had no children.

• The 33 were born between 1917 and 1941 - a span of 24 years
• 17 were girls, 16 were boys
• There were 2 sets of twins - Jack & Jean, Howard & Horace
• 7 of the 33 (21%) died as infants or children - 4 girls, 3 boys
• 2 gave their lives for their country in WWII - Clarence & Keith
• 4 other served in the military in WWII and Horace was a prisioner of war
• 2 graduated from the University of Idaho - Kenny and Jack - and several others attended business school or teacher preparation programs. Many of their children attended the U of I as well
• They were farmers, government workers, business owners, postmasters, teachers and housewives
• Howard and Horace farmed the McGovern family homestead adjacent to the Frederiksen homestead in Kilgore for all of their lives
• Their names were Frederiksen, Fredericksen, Cederberg, Clement, Goody, Wyman, Taylor, Alexander, Thomas, Dalling, Nielsen, Gentillion, Towne, Oleson, Cook, Freeman, Walker and Grant (some of the maiden names were Paul, McGovern, Steele, Harris, Bunch, Lannigan, Martin, lawson, Javaux, Leek, Hunter Drown, Olsson, Knight, Taylor & Stiers) I hope I got them all.
• They managed to stay in contact with one another by letters, Christmas cards, birth announcements, occasional visits and by an annual Idaho Falls luncheon that many still attend today. They have inspired their children to remain connected to family in a myriad of ways.

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part III

Harold “Keith” Fredericksen, the middle son of Harriet and F. Christian Fredericksen, was drafted on November 11, 1943. He elected to join the Army Air Force and became a tailgunner on a B-17, eventually serving with the 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group stationed in England.

"The B-17 Flying Fortress served in every World War II combat zone, but it is best known for daylight strategic bombing of German industrial targets. Boeing produced the bomber in small numbers in the late thirties. Boeing sub-contracted with Lockheed-Vega factories to produce later models of the B-17 during the height of the conflict. They were able to supply over 3,400 of the “F” model and over 8,600 of the “G” model. Some models were equipped with lifeboats for sea rescues but the primary use of the planes was the day light raids on European targets. One of the most famous of these planes, the Memphis Bell, was able to complete 25 bombing missions over European territory."*


Image is from Airforce Image Gallery and has been modified
and can be found at Planes of World War II page.

Grandma Fred saved Keith's letters home, along with pictures, official goverment telegrams and letters, and all the V-mail. It's from these sources we share this story. The first saved letter arrived in December, 1943 and from that point chronicled the happenings, Keith's boredom, and his worry over the state of things at home. Many references in this group to family -- Chuck, Orval, Nada, Jack and Jean -- and many more friends. In mid-1944, his father died. His mother is left to run two farms, while illness and the draft has left his other brothers unable to help her. The reality of war is hitting home. Assigned to Combat Training Crew School, he continues to reassure his mother that he's fine and that he won't see combat.

Our letters continue.....

June 28, 1944 - About the time you get this letter you will probably get a letter from the government with my will and an insurance form in it. It's nothing to get excited about - they made everyone fill one out. We sure got a swell pilot, he is about 28 years of, a quiet steady guy. Just the kind I wanted. The co-pilot is young and doesn't give a damn for anything. Our pilot is just like a mother to us….Tell Jack and Jean that I'll remember their birthday's when I get some dough.

Individual Flight Record of June shows flights on the 29th of 4 hours and 35 minutes and on the 30th of 5 hours and 40 minutes.

July 7, 1944 - We had to fly the first period this morning and it was to get up at 4 o'clock….Orval's (Keith's brother) letter was interesting. I can't picture him liking the service so well. Just wait until the newness wears off and he will really be disgusted. If you will send me his address so I can write him. We got a bombardier yesterday so we had a bombing mission for him today. He drops dummy bombs on a target from 10,000 feet. He is pretty good too….That was a good letter from Dean. He didn't say anything about Arden. He is still in the pool there, hasn't been assigned to a crew or started school training. It seems like to me people are having a lot of grief at home. Yes, I know Mrs. Schaller was so miserable. I can't even tell you what a shock Ed's death was to me. He was almost like a brother to us guys. I know home will never be the same without him. He always said your time to go was set but I don't believe that he realized how close his day was…..Don't work too hard on those spuds and corn. Tell me how the wheat looks and how the cattle look. It was nice to hear from Jean (Keith's sister).

July 13, 1944 - It surely does take a long time for your letters to come, five days at least…I got a nice letter from Chuck (Keith's oldest brother) two days ago. He still wants one of my pictures, I thought we sent him one but must not have. I hope Orval can do as well……Yes, I got the letters you sent to Lincoln and both the Heralds too. Please keep sending them. It's real nice all about everything at home. I hope those spring oats did alright. I don't think the winter wheat will do good unless it picks up. It didn't sound like you had much hay but you'll make out okay. It must be lonesome for Jack (Keith's youngest brother) but things are tough all over.

July 20, 1944 - I got your letter today Jack, it was quite a surprise to hear that you have a new combine. Be sure to tell me more about it, how much did you have to pay for it? Are you going to sell the old one? Has it got a tank on it or will you keep on sacking the grain?.........I guess I'll tell you a little about each of the guys on my crew….Our pilot Oscar is from Oregon, about 26. He has really been around, traveled in China and Europe. He is very conscientious and wants nothing more than to see all the crew come back. The co-pilot is 21, just a kid, has a car. He is from Illinois. The bombardier, Red, is 21. Tyman the engineer is 23 and from Missouri. Smitty the radioman is the oldest guy on the crew, 29. Then we have Stupy, the armor gunner, 21and from Joisey, Trenton, I think. Huth is 19 and from Indianapolis. Tony the last guy is my pal. He is only 18 and is really a screwball, has the crew laughing all the time. He and Huth are waist gunners so you can see what that leaves me. I really like the tail tho. Tony is from Chicago and wants me to come home with him if we get the five days they talk about when we leave here….This letter might seem silly to you but these are the guys I'm going to be with for the rest of the war so I thought you might like to know about them………….I got a letter from Dean. He was pretty disgusted. He is at Drew Field and never said anything about Arden. I guess it is better to sell the cattle than buy hay. Don't work or worry too much mother. Hope Nada will be okay.

July 22, 1944 - Had yesterday off so Tony and I took a nice trip down into Texas. We went to Paris where Tony has a cousin with an apartment in town, so his wife made us a couple of nice meals. I don't see what those Texans brag about, boy the state was disgusting……….Things have been popping in both Japan and Germany haven't they? I wish they would both quit and I could come home and help you mother. It looks like Roosevelt will be reelected again. I believe it would be a horrible mistake if we change presidents in this stage of the game….I guess it is a good idea to sell the stock. It's too bad prices have to be so low. Hope the new combine turns out okay. Hope you will all be well and not too lonesome. Don't work or worry too much, mother and you be good kids Jack and Jean.

July 26, 1944 Reissue notice for $450 in savings bonds to Keith and his Mother

July 28, 1944 - I got your letter Jean (Keith's sister), but there must have been a slip up. My name isn't Mary Helen. Hope you didn't have anything embarrassing in the letter that went to her. I'll send it back. It's just the same old thing here….We've been flying plenty regular lately and it's really rough. We went to Galveston, day before yesterday. We did our firing way out over the water, couldn't see land. On the way back we camera bombed the towns of Galveston and Dallas.

August 2, 1944 - …The co-pilot was sure glad to get the gas stamps. Maybe after a while you can snitch a few more, huh?...Starting harvest sure sounds nice. Sure wish I was there to help but I think you'll make it out okay Jack. Don't worry about me, I've got everything under control.

August 10, 1944 - Hi Chuck. …I think I'm making as much as you are now. Corporal now and flying, I get $99 a month which is a lot of dough, all they take is $6.50 for insurance. That will be all the stripes for us until we go over. We earn that dough tho', fly at least six hours every other day. They don't cling around here, we really go up in the cold….I got a letter from home today, everything seems okay. Only Nada is sure taking her time. I guess Orval got home one day last week. It's nice he can be so close to home.

August 10, 1944 - Nada is sure giving you folks a time isn't she. (Orval's wife, awaiting the birth of Karen.) It seems the stork is very independent. It is nice Orval is so close to home, so he can come home once in a while. You have got to tell me how he looks, you know what I think of the Navy. I got a letter from him and he seemed pretty fed up with the whole outfit….I don't get any special kick out of flying, but I'd like to keep my stripes and all that dough. I bet I'm making as much as Chuck now. I don't believe we get any more stripes until we go overseas and the Lord only knows when that will be. It looks like you are going to have to face the fact, that I will have to go over. I sort of wish that the war would be over before the time came, but I'm about at the end of the rope. Things seem pretty safe over there now, you never hear about them losing any bombers….Hope everything is okay and Nada will be alright.

August 16, 1944 - I saw that plane they had in Spokane in a newsreel. That's the way things are in the air, they happen so fast, you don't know what happened. They haven't had a serious accident here while I've been here. That's really remarkable flying as many old planes as they do here. There are sure lots of rumors floating around, about how long we're to be here, where we go from here. So please don't worry.

August 20, 1944 - I got a letter from Chuck and the Herald today. It was swell that Fred and Jack met in France, I believe. I will send that clipping on to Chuck or do you get some to send him?...We only have two more missions scheduled, then I believe my rough flying days will be over. I wish I could send you some of this Okie weather to harvest with.

August 23, 1944 - this is going to be a hard letter to write. Yes we're getting furloughs, but only seven measly days. I would be lucky if I could make it home and back in that time. I hate to think of going to Chicago rather than going home but it looks like it's going to have to be that way….I'm glad the harvest is going okay. You'll make out okay. Don't worry or work too much.

August 29, 1944 - Nada finally made it huh? I just wrote her a letter. I think she deserves that at least. I had been hoping all the time it would be a boy but I guess we will have to settle for a girl. I'm wondering what she will name it…..I have to write to Chuck tonight, way behind in my other letters. I make sure I write you regular tho', because I know what it means to you, Mother. It seems hard to sit down and write a bunch of letters, everybody is so on edge. About us cutting 20 acres a day, last year I don't believe so. Never in winter wheat, maybe sometimes in spring. I hope I get to make it home and see the new machine.

September 5, 1944 - I am taking this brief opportunity to drop you this informal note to introduce myself. As your son might have told you I am his pilot in this particular business in which we are both working… A mother is naturally vitally interested in her son's welfare and his safe return from this gruesome business called war. None of us like it or want it or had even planned on it but all of us feel we must do what we can to finish it up. I can assure you that I, and every other member of our crew will make every attempt to bring home our bomber safely each time……Lt. Oscar B. Heintz

September 11, 1944 - Just a line to let you know I'm okay. Got here this morning, just six hours late, they didn't say anything. Lots of the guys aren't back yet, all our crew is tho….It was worth it to come home, and see you really are making out okay. I don't think you will have any trouble and I can stop worrying. I'll write again before we leave.

September 16, 1944 - I got your letter about Jack wanting to leave. I think it is just a silly notion and he'll get over it. But if he does leave, please don't sell, mom. Plant the whole works to alfalfa and build the land up or something. Maybe rent if for a year or anything. Don't get excited. I think he will get over it. There are lots of rumors where we're going now. Lincoln, San Francisco, Rapid City, Michigan. Nobody knows anything. Don't do anything wild at home now. Keep calm. Don't worry about me, I might write again before we leave here.

September 16, 1944 - Gunners Flying Training Report - total flying time 161:40

September 16, 1944 - Individual Flight Record - transferred to Lincoln Nebraska, record shows the dates and duration of missions - 3 in September, 14 in August

September 17th - Certificate of Honor - for completion of Combat Crew Member Training

September 20, 1944 - Lincoln Army Air Force, Lincoln, Nebraska

September 20, 1944 - Hope you are not worried about me. We got here at Lincoln this morning about nine o'clock. It was a nice trip two nights and one day. Had Pullmans, so we had plenty of sleep. Don't know what the score is here, just give me some time. They have lots of new, beautiful 17's here. Maybe we'll get a fly-away ship. I sent home a little scarf that a man's wife made out of an old parachute. There was enough for ten scarves so each of us have one. [It is with the letters] I will write again before we leave. Don't worry. Hope Gary and the little baby are okay.

September 22, 1944 - …I hope everything is going swell at home and Jack forgot the wild idea he had. The harvest should be about over now, I hope. Don't know how long we will be here. Just don't worry. I can take care of myself.

Source:
*B-17 Bomber: http://www.historylink101.com/ww2-planes/aa-b-17-bomber.htm
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

Full Steam Ahead: Why Ship's Records are Important

Not many Americans can claim roots farther back than 4-6 generations on the soil of this continent. We're a nation of immigrants, and that means that our ancestors had to get here in some fashion.

Many came by ship, whether through Ellis Island or less-famed ports. Searching ship logs for your ancestors can help you to build the story of when they came, where they entered, who came at the same time, and where they came from.

Here are some tips for getting the most from ships logs:

• Search many variations on surname spellings, especially phonetically;
• Don't limit ports of departure, because an emigrant may have travelled to a farther away port to obtain cheaper fare;
• Use only last names for initial searches; although this may net more records to search, you run less risk of missing the "right" name;
• Search at different times; new ship logs are added all the time and a previously unfound name may suddenly become available.

Using ship's records, you can build a historical story for your ancestors and locate family members previously unknown.  Best wishes for a successful voyage!

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part II

Harold “Keith” Fredericksen, the middle son of Harriet and F. Christian Fredericksen, was drafted on November 11, 1943. He elected to join the Army Air Force and became a tailgunner on a B-17, eventually serving with the 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group stationed in England. Shortly before he was drafted, his youngest brother Wesley died of leukemia. Grandma Fred saved Keith's letters home, along with pictures, official goverment telegrams and letters, and all the V-mail. It's from these sources we share this story. The first saved letter arrived in December, 1943 and chronicled the happenings, Keith's boredom, and his worry. With his father seriously ill, Keith attempted to get a farm furlough, desperate to help his mother. She was challenged to manage their two farms, one in the valley and one on the Copeland hillside. Chuck, the oldest son, had been drafted prior to Keith. Orval, the next oldest son, had married and was working up north at a mine. Jack, the youngest son was ill with rheumatic fever, leaving her short-handed for spring planting of the two farms.

The letters continue....

March 2, 1944 - …Arden (Lannigan - Orval's wife's brother) called up his mom tonite just to talk to her. I thought pretty much about calling you up, but then I remember all the nervous strain you go through when a call is coming through. I haven't anything important to tell you anyway.

March 10, 1944 - I haven't the slightest idea when I ship, probably get permanent KP here, oh yeah! It might be a couple of days, it might be a couple of months. It's rough that I can't get that furlough but it's out of the question. Don't work too hard mother and I hope you feel okay Daddy.

March 13, 1944 - I went over and saw the commanding officer this morning. He agreed I should have a furlough alright, then he showed me a stack of paperwork about two high of guys that had tried and never made it. He showed me some of them and they all had good reasons, even some better than me, but it seems you just can't get out of the Air Corps. He wouldn't even let me fill out blanks, said it made so much work for them and it won't do me any good. I'm really afraid they are going to send up to England for our schooling. If I get a fifteen day furlough you just about guess what's going to happen. You won't have to worry about me seeing anything, by the time we're trained the war in Europe will surely be over. But that's just a rumor. I really hate the idea of leaving the states, but I won't be alone there. Look at the Gutheries. But remember, that's just talk.

March 15, 1944 - So the red heifer had a calf, huh, I think I ought to give it to Jack for taking care of my stuff. I don't suppose you are going to milk her…

Las Vegas Army Air Field, Las Vegas, Nevada

March 22, 1944 - Dean and Arden got the jump on me again. Today they moved to a school squadron, they won't start school until Monday, Maybe I can catch up with them by then. I sure hope so, if I do we will all have our furloughs at the same time.

March 26, 1944 - They're trying to catch us up with the other guys. We have to do a week's processing in two days. I'm in a different sqdn. than Dean and Arden so I'll be a week behind them now, but anything can happen. They are in barracks right across the street. There must be some mistake with Jack's pictures. I got two of them. I got one with Jack's swell letter, then the next day I got one from you, Mother. So, I'll send one back, one's a plenty, thanks.

April 2, 1944 - Here it is Sunday and it's the first day I've had off. Could have went to town last night but I didn't feel up to it. I've got a cold in my head and it's bothering my ears. They sure throw the book at you in school. Next week we have to take the 50 cal. machine gun apart and put it back together blindfolded. Dean and Arden start school tomorrow and they will finish a week after I do. Maybe things will work out and we can come home together…..It's too bad you are sick, Jack. I know it's nothing bad, but it makes things tough that's all. ……The last month here we get flying pay, that's time and a half. A soldier gets flying pay if he is in the air at least four hours out of the month. It's going to be good to come home for a few days but it going to be ten times harder to leave home as it ever was before.

April 5, 1944 - Las Vegas is just a little larger than CdA…Yes, I am getting the money so you can stop anytime, I've got more money than I need, unless….we don't get paid this week like we're supposed to…Here is some bad news. They've cut out all the delays in route so I probably won't get home for a while. They might give us a furlough right away after we leave here. …I heard Dale Strickland and that Grass girl got married. What a laugh. The poor kids must be nuts. Dean gets the Herald and I get to read it. Sure hope Dean and I are sent to the same place again. It's sure swell to be able to go over and talk to him in the evening…Don't work too hard.

April 9, 1944 - Friday went out on the range again. Had the most fun since I have been in the Army. They had us shooting the twelve gauge shotgun out of pickups driving about 25 miles an hour. It was really a picnic and we each got 40 shots at targets. This gives us the idea of how to shoot out of planes. We've been running the turrets a lot lately too. I was afraid I wasn't going to like the lower ball, but it's going to be okay, besides being the safest place on the ship.

April 13, 1944 - I guess it's about time I dropped you a line. I wrote a long letter to Chuck last night. He said he was going to get married the 15th, that's rough. It's alright if he is going to be stationed there all the time, but if he is going to be moved around a lot it's bad. I have seen a lot of that already, guys that have had their wives following them all the time and all they do is worry…..I was just thinking Gary must be more than a year old now. I bet I won't even know him when I get home, if I ever do. …I see Dean and Arden every day. I hope we get sent to the same place.

April 21, 1944 - I wrote Orv and Nada a letter night before last. They sent me a swell picture of Gary. Your pictures were swell too. You look so natural, they're really alright…Listen, I just got back from mail call and got your swell package . The cake lasted about five minutes but I got the candy hid….We took our final test last nite and it was really hard. They are trying hard to wash gunners out. A guy has to be on the ball to get there. When I first started I didn't care if I made it or not, but now it would kill me if I got washed out. The only good thing about it is you get your stripes fast and that is what I am after….We draw our flying equipment this afternoon…..Got a letter from Jack C. Wevernell today. He is in Florida…. Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself.

April 25, 1944 - Went for my first plane ride yesterday. We were up for six hours and I'm telling you that's too long. We shot at the tow targets and ground targets. I could write for hours about it but I'm too tired….I'm glad you are making out okay at home, Charlie D. is a good guy to have around. I was worried about the bond, but I guess Uncle Sam is honest…Please, don't worry about me.

April 28, 1944 - I am glad you are making out okay with the farming. Are you going to plant more alfalfa like you planned, Dad? Jack must be milking about five cows ain't he? I bet that's rough in the morning.

May 3, 1944 Keith's Father, Frederick Christian Fredericksen, dies. The Bonners Ferry Herald says "Funeral arrangements are pending the arrival of one of his sons from the service."


Grandma Fred and Keith, presumably from the funeral

May 18, 1944 - Here I am safe and sound, out at the field. Got [back] into Las Vegas last night about midnight and did just like I planned - stayed in town and came out about noon today. Everything is okay. I'm in the same barracks as some kids I know, so don't worry about me having trouble….Dean and Arden went to Tampa, Florida, everybody seems to think they were going to get furloughs right away. I hope you didn't and don't worry about me.

May 21, 1944 - Well, I finally made it. Yesterday we graduated. I now have the wings of a aerial gunner and am a PFC or as some would say a one stripe sergeant. They told us for sure this morning that we're going to Lincoln. It looks like this is where I lose Dean and Arden for sure. Don't know if Arden or Dean get furloughs or not, if they do and if they give me one, we might be home at the same time.

Lincoln Army Air Force Base, Lincoln, Nebraska

Telegram (undated): Am at Lincoln coming home wire $50 to squadron I LAAF Lincoln Nebraska

June 11, 1944 - Well, I made it. Got to Lincoln about noon, didn't come out to the field until this evening. We went to a show and messed around awhile….They told us not to have letters written to us here. So it looks like we are not going to be here too long.

June 13, 1944 - This time I am writing to tell you to hurry up and write. I've met practically everybody I knew in Las Vegas, that's sqdn #3….I went over and saw Frist at noon today. He told me he had written Jean trying to find out where I was.

June 20, 1944 - I was put on alert. We will be shipped out of here in a couple of days so there is no need of you writing. I haven't any idea of where we are going. We're going to be on B-17's. I found that out.

222 Combat Crew Training School, AAF, Ardmore, Oklahoma

June 26, 1944 - Orders - "The following named enlisted men are hereby placed as combat crew members requiring regular and frequent participation in aerial flights from this date…Harold Keith Fredericksen"

June 26, 1944 - …When we have our gunnery missions we will fly over the Gulf of Mexico. They told us today it would be at least four months before we go over, they also said we were sure to go to England. I really doubt if I ever see any combat if we go there. Please don't worry about me and do take care of yourselves.

More letters....next Tuesday.

Sources:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records
*Lannigan Family Tree

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII

They Came First - The Nielsen Family

They were both born in 1813. They both had the same last name. They were both born in Holbaek, Arhus, Denmark. Christian Nielsen and Maren Nielsen met and were married on November 27, 1837 at the age of 24. They had nine children (Jens, Karen Sophie, Niels, Hans, Ane Marie, Niels (again as the first one had died as an infant), Gjertrude, Peder and Emma). At least three of the children died quite young as was common in those times. In the Danish tradition of the time, the last name of the children was Christiansen (from the father's first name and "sen" or son.

Missionaries from the Mormon Church reached Denmark in 1850. The Book of Mormon was translated into Danish and published in 1851.

As early as 1855, they were listed in the Census of Hojbylyng as being Mormon. When their daughter, Emma, was born in 1857 she was listed as Mormon. But in the 1860 Census they were listed as Lutheran. (As family historians know, census takers are notoriously inaccurate in recording details.)

Why did Maren and Christian seek a new church? What attracted them to the Mormon faith? What challenges did they face in converting to this new religion? There was widespread discrimination practiced against Mormons in Denmark (and other countries). That they felt strongly about their religious faith is obvious but what other economic and social conditions impacted this family and influenced their next decision.

In 1884 - when they were 71 years old! - they emigrated to America and made the long and difficult journey to their new home in Richfield, Utah. Richfield had a large Danish immigrant community and this perhaps attracted them there. They certainly would have traveled by train to Salt Lake City and perhaps south for some distance and then probably a wagon or stage journey to finish the trip 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.

On May 9 1890, their daughter Ane Marie, her husband, Jens Peder (JP) Larsen), their granddaughter Anna Christine Hansine Christiansen Frederiksen and her husband, Frederik Frederiksen, arrived in America and headed to Richfield, Utah, partly to check on them. What a joyous reunion it must have been.

Christian died on Christmas Day, 1893. Maren died the 29th of September of 1899. Both are buried in Richfield City Cemetery and share a beautiful marker with Ane and JP.

In 1898, their son, Hans Christensen, came to America following the death of his wife in 1897 and brought his two youngest daughters with him. All three figure in our family history - but that is another story.

Lessons:

• With the patronymic naming in Denmark, there are many similar names. Research is difficult and requires great concentration with attention to original sources and accuracy.
• Family histories are best done with a reading of the social history of each country and era. Social and political events had an important impact on the decisions of individuals.

Sources:

• This story would not be possible without the meticulous research conducted by Mr. Don Dalling, Mrs. Anita Cook and others. It also would not have been possible with out the sharing of family history done by these two individuals as well.
• The Diary of Frederik Frederiksen, translated from the Danish by his wife's sister - Mrs. Janna Crapo.
• The Letter of Anna Christine Hansine Christiansen Frederiksen to her new husband who was working in the mines at Pioche, Nevada.

Christian and Maren Nielsen are my great-great-great grandparents. Hans Christiansen is my great-great grandfather and Anna Christine Hansine Christiansen Frederiksen is my great grandmother.

An Expose: Harold "Keith" Fredericksen, Part I

This is a tale of a world at war, of family hardship, of sons sent to fight and family left at home, of day-to-day life interrupted by difficult, emotional events. Harriet Paul Fredericksen, our beloved Grandma Fred, coped with her losses by saving mementos – pictures, news clippings, telegrams, V-mail and letters. She had no idea what this treasure trove would mean to us over time.

Harold “Keith” Fredericksen, the middle son of Harriet and F. Christian Fredericksen, was drafted on November 11, 1943. He elected to join the Army Air Force and became a tailgunner on a B-17, eventually serving with the 548th Bomber Squadron, 385th Bomber Group stationed in England. Shortly before he was drafted, his youngest brother Wesley died of leukemia. Several months after his service began, his father died of lung disease. From family stories, we know that Keith loved the family farm in Boundary County, Idaho and fully intended to make a life there after the war. He worried after his father’s death about the ability of his mother to maintain their two farms, with brothers Charles and Orval drafted and the youngest brother Jack at home seriously ill with Rheumatic Fever. We delve into archives filled with an abundance of details to share our story of Keith.

*******
A SOMBER TELEGRAM:
20 April, 1945, 4:16 PM
THE SECRETARY OF WAR DESIRES ME TO EXPRESS HIS DEEP REGRET THAT YOUR SON S/SGT FREDERICKSEN HAROLD K HAS BEEN MISSING IN ACTION SINCE 4 APRIL 45 IF FURTHER DETAILS OR OTHER INFORMATION ARE RECEIVED YOU WILL BE PROMPTLY NOTIFIED CONFIRMING LETTER FOLLOWS
********




THE LETTERS BEGAN:

December 20, 1943: Fort Douglas, Utah[First preserved letter] This will probably be the last time I'll get to write you from here. Andy is shipping out this evening. He can't write to Francine and tell her. [Andy Darnell a family friend and his mother Francine.]…..Dean and I both made the cadets. I was right under the wire with my left eye…..Andy just came in and said good-bye so he is on the way. He really looks swell in his uniform.

Christmas Eve 1943 - I'm really feeling low tonight. A guy has got a radio here and all we hear is Christmas Carols. I'm not homesick but I sure feel tough. All the Bonners guys are here in the same barracks and that helps a little.
Xmas nite - Had a swell dinner. turkey, dressing, white and sweet spuds, ice cream, pie, corn, punch, salad, candy, nuts and everything that goes with Christmas. During dinner some singers sang songs. It was really nice. This morning went to church, I think I'll go tomorrow too, it's nice and helps to pass the time, too. This afternoon Dean and I went to a show.

December 29, 1943 Yeah, I'm still here and probably will be here for a couple of days more. Yesterday they shipped 350 , all the Bonners guys but Dean and I……I hope you are making out with the work alright, Mother. That pump ought to help out a lot. It seems like a year since I have driven a car….I saw Arden again today. He didn't have his uniform yet. They sure hold those cadets up a long time…It has been two weeks here now. I am getting sort of attached to the place now. About the time you get to know some guys they ship them out….

Sunday, January 2, 1944 - Tomorrow or Tuesday ought to be our shipping day but I ain't saying for sure. Arden leaves for sure tomorrow and us guys ought to get to go with them……Arden and I went to church this morning. It snowed here all day…I hope this is my last letter from here.
Wed. Eve. - Well it's been a week now and I'm still in this hole. Tomorrow we have to go in front of the cadet board. They are the ones that decide if you are fitted for the Air Corps. It turns down very few.

January 5, 1944: Buckley Field, Denver, Colorado
Wed. Morn. - I got a letter from you just before we shipped Monday nite. We got here yesterday afternoon at three o'clock. Saw all the Bonners guys already, Bob Rataliff, Ray Houck, Wilson Hugkey and Wayne. Dean was lucky, I would have given fifty bucks to have been sent anywhere near where Chuck was.

Thursday night - postmarked January 7, 1944 - I wrote a letter to Chuck today. I guessed from your letter he didn't get the card I wrote from Fort Douglas. I wrote some of the guys too, the main idea is to get some mail quick…..

January 8, 1944 - I didn't write yesterday so there ought to be quite a bit to tell….They finally put us to work today. Went about thirty miles out to the practice bombing range….

January 11, 1944 - …I sure caught a honey of a cold, sleeping on those benches. We could have had passes tonight but I felt so tough I didn't go. Dean did tho….I got a letter from Chuck today that he was sent to Fort Douglas. He sure has a good deal with all those passes and everything. Arden (Lannigan) has been sick with a cold. He just got out of the hospital today. Tomorrow will be my birthday and all I want is a letter from you with some money in it. I'm down to three bucks now.

January 11, 1944 - I got your letter today with the beautiful ten bucks and on my birthday, just like I wanted…I saw Wesley Marcy tonight, he has been here for a while going to mechanic school. Are you sure Bill Dillon is here? You'll have to send me his address, because he probably isn't in the cadet section and I wouldn't stand a chance of finding him. There are about 40,000 guys here…..I am going to send home some of the arm patches they gave us. We got eight….I'm sending something the chaplain gave us this morning. …Arden was on KP today. Hope you are making out alright at home.

January 13, 1944 - I got your letter today. It was sure good to hear from you Jean. I got a letter from Chuck today too. Two letters on one day here is pretty good for me, but today one kid got seven letters and a cake. I got a letter from Vernice yesterday too…..I don't see where Chuck finds so much to write about. Be sure to send Bill D's address and a shoe stamp [a rationing stamp]…There are a few army things I can't get used to - wearing a tie, cap, no milk to drink and as the officers say to us "Get those damn hands to hell outa those pockets!"One other thing is getting up at 5:30, it's sure a great life.

January 18, 1944 - I got your letter yesterday, only took it three days to get it here….The way the lieutenant explained it yesterday, if we make it all the way through it will be in August 1945 before we will even leave the U.S. so you won't have to worry for a long time. Maybe it will be over by then…Ray Houck and Wayne both made cadets, they are still waiting here to be shipped. Scats and Hugey made it too. Bob Ratcliff got ground duty only on account of a bad knee. Wesley Marcy is here going to a armor school. Scats gets the Herald so we all get to read it. I don't need anything, unless you slip in five bucks with that shoe stamp….It's too bad about the sow, maybe it would be a good idea to sell her. Make less work for the kid.

January 23, 1944 - …Arden said tonite that Mrs. Lannigan said that Orval was going to be drafted. I sure hope it’s a lie. I really feel sorry for the married guys here. All they talk about is their wives, kids and how much they would give to be home. It just breaks up a married man's life, it does us young not bad.

January 31, 1944 - I got your letter today, this noon, Mother and I'll write back tonite. It's too bad Daddy feels so but I think you'll feel better when spring comes, don’t you Dad? If I were you I wouldn't worry about the work this summer, because if worse comes to worse I believe I could get a long furlough. It would have to come thru you and the Red Cross…….I sure felt low all day worrying about you at home. But I'm a sap to worry because I know you'll make out okay with Orval and Nada and Gary to keep you company. It's sure too bad Orv can't choke that deferment out of the draft board to work on the dear old farm. I guess that should have been me. I hope you are making out as good as possible Jack….

February 9, 1944 - Well you can stop worrying about your poor innocent son going overseas. They are shipping the guys to schools in the U.S. I sure got a dirty deal, Dean ships Friday and I don't. They think they are going to Las Vegas for gunnery. They're taking everybody but about six, they are all good kids, those that are left, so I'll do alright. Ardyn goes with Dean too, boy I am sure left out in the cold. Got a letter from Chuck today. I have the impression from you he was going to get married but I guess you slipped up.

February 11, 1944 - ….Ardyn is still in the hospital - haven't been up to see him. Hope Dad is still on the up and up.

February 14, 1944 [Keith sent carnations and a card to his mother for Valentine's Day - "Valentine Greetings and Love Keith"]

February 17, 1944 - Dear Chuck and all, I got your letter Chuck and the things sound just like I thought they were. Discharge doesn't sound too bad to me, but I can't do a damn thing here. It all has to be started from your end. So if the folks get the ball to rolling I'll do all I can to get out or maybe a farm furlough. A farm furlough would be the best because if I get discharged sure as hell that damn draft board would take Jack. I'd hate to see Jack have to go because it's plenty late to get in, I've found that out. They've got so many men in the army they don't know what to do with them. So get things started and I'll do all I can. ……………P.S. Arden just came in and says his Uncle Cecil was killed in Italy. That's really tough. (*Cecil Marcus Lannigan, 1914-1944)

February 19, 1944 - I hope you are trying to get me home for the summer, I really meant what I said in my last letter. I know Dad would feel so much better and it would be a lot easier on you too mother. It will have to be done in the next month because when I get assigned to a school it might be pretty hard to get out……I don't get many letters besides the ones from you, maybe it's because I don't write any. Ardyn said Orval got another deferment, that's swell.

February 27, 1944 - It's too bad Uncle Ed and Virginia couldn't have stayed longer. It would have kept it from being so lonesome at home. I will go over and see the chaplain tomorrow or when we get back from the brush and see what he thinks about my furlough…..I hope you feel better, Dad. I'll do all I can but I don't think I've got much chance for a discharge. Furlough would be better anyhow. Don't work too hard mother.

The letters continue on Friday with the death of Keith’s father and Keith receives the wings of a aerial gunner.

Sources:
“Two B-17’s Collide, Uncle Keith Died” by Gary Fredericksen, August 2009.
Family Archives and copies of official records
*Lannigan Family Tree

Harold Keith Fredericksen:
Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV
Part V
Part VI
Part VII
Part VIII