CD - Jack's Books

One CD of a sentimental journey through many personal histories of 398th combat crewmen. Jack Wintersteen, a 398th pilot, was named 398th Group Historian when the Association was formed in 1976. He collected 398th personal records and comments submitted to him by members for many years. Often the information included photos of members as they appeared in recent years and in World War II. Years ago he distributed questionnaire sheets asking all members for whatever information they desired to be entered into his Books. Jack gave up his historian role some years ago when his health began failing, but he continued to add to his albums to the very last, which was November 25, 1998. Jack faithfully brought his six huge albums to most 398th reunions, the last time to the 398th Harrisburg reunion in September 1998. He presented them to the Association at that time, hoping they would find their way to appropriate archives.

The 398th is rescanning "Jack's Books" to CD. There are submissions from more than five hundred (500) 398th members recorded from the books onto the CD. Needless to say, old photos, ancient personnel orders, hand written pages, etc. do not very copy well. Anyone interested if their loved one sent information to Jack, and thus would have data contained in Jack's Books should first e-mail the 398th Group Historian to check the Books index.

Note: This CD is being redone and will not be available in the 398th PX until about 2009.