Sundberg, E.V. "Gene" (1925-2001)

https://reflections.mndigital.org/catalog/stc:8554#/kaltura_audio

Biographical Information: E.V. “Gene” Sundberg was born on February 2, 1925. A native of Brainerd, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and trained to become a gunner. He eventually became a B-17 pilot. During World War II, he was sent to England. There, Sundberg and his crew flew 23 bombing raids into Germany. After the surrender of Germany in May 1945, he flew for the Army Airways Communication System until returning home to Minnesota. He died on July 19, 2001, in Brainerd, Minnesota.

Transcript Summary: In this interview, Sundberg discussed his experiences in the military and how his military service affected his life after the war. He entered the service immediately after high school and participated in extensive training, eventually becoming a B-17 pilot. Despite flying 23 missions mostly over northern Germany, his crew suffered no wounds and his plane was never severely damaged. However, Sundberg told many stories of planes that were lost and comrades who did not return from missions. Sundberg described the many difficulties involved with a successful mission including flak fire, fighter escorts, the ever changing weather, the dangers involved in flying in tight formation, and flying with dangerous cargo. Sundberg also described base life, including food, dress, discipline, comradery, and specifically how quickly crews from other planes not returning from missions. He told many stories about the near-misses his crew encountered. In August 1945, Sundberg was in London when the news of the Japanese surrender was announced and he labeled the atmosphere there. Sundberg also speculated about the differences between World War II and later wars especially the mission of the wars and home front patriotism.

Interview by Gordon Johnson