“An Extraordinary Ordinary Man”

Today the Library welcomed Yvonne Caputo, daughter of Michael Caputo, a veteran of the 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath. If you’ve visited our Library already, you have perhaps seen and admired Mr. Caputo’s cherished gift to the Memorial Library: his impressive model of the B-24 Liberator, “Witchcraft”, which hangs from our ceiling.

Yvonne traveled here from Philadelphia with her husband Kirk to present the Library with her nearly-completed book, An Extraordinary Ordinary Man, which details her father’s childhood, service at home and overseas in the Army Air Force, and active life after the War.

We were so pleased to get to know Yvonne–and her father–better.

Yvonne Caputo (center) with her husband Kirk, Trust Governors Richard Middleton and David Hastings, and friends beneath Michael’s model of “Witchcraft”

Photo: “Witchcraft”

This large-scale model of a B-24 Liberator aircraft hangs from the ceiling in front of the entrance to the 2nd Air Division Memorial Library. “Witchcraft” was assigned to the 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath and completed 130 missions, more than any other 8th Air Force B-24 Liberator. Even more remarkable is that no crewman was ever injured on any of its flights.

Those of you who follow our Facebook page will know that “Witchcraft” is popular with the children who visit us. It puts a smile on our faces every time they look up in awe and utter the word “airplane”!

Tribute to 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath

You may recall that back in October, we reported that the Norfolk and Norwich Philatelic Society visted the Forum with a display of stamps that included a special tribute to the 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath. This morning Mr. Mac Middleton, the owner of this unique collection, dropped by the Memorial Library to formally present us with the stamps! We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Middleton and can’t wait to examine the collection in more detail!

Mr. Mac Middleton presents the Rackheath stamp album to Trust Librarian Libby Morgan and Library Manager Jenny Christian

Tribute to 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath

For the past week there has been a display by the Norfolk and Norwich Philatelic Society in the atrium of the Forum. Included in the collection is a special tribute to the 467th Bomb Group at Rackheath in tribute to the American servicemen who flew 221 missions and to the 235 airmen who did not return home. The stamps will remain on display until Saturday, and we are thrilled that the gentleman who owns the collection has offered to donate them to the Memorial Library when the exhibit is over!