Homer Wellborn
This is Homer Wellborn. Homer came to our July Veterans gathering with grandson Marcus and family. If you look closely, his hat is from the 8th FS of the 49th FG. They were known as the Black Sheep. The 49th produced America's Ace of Aces, Richard Bong. Homer was a S/Sgt and brought a host of photographs. He was at Darwin, Australia where George Preddy was before heading to the 352nd FG in the UK. He actually went to school with George!! Homer joined the AAC on 12 May 1941 and his date of separation was 28 Aug 1945. He was in prior to US hostilities and served up until the end. It is amazing how much our guys in the Pacific Theatre had to suffer after priority had been given to the European Theatre of Operations. Homer's pictures sure proved how primitive some of their 'homes' were. As they went island hopping as the US advanced they fought off monsoons, malaria, snakes, and other nasty critters as well as the Japanese. This didn't even include scavaging parts, fuel and other items to keep their war machine running!!! Homer's favorite aircraft is the P-38 Lightning as you might very well guess. It served the 49th FG brilliantly!!! We hope to see Homer again very soon as he was part of a unique piece of WW II history. I wish I could have spoken with him more.
We recently celebrated Homer Wellborn's 91st birthday at the museum. Grandson Marcus called me and we threw it together!! Homer served with the 49th FG from start to finish and it was a very fun day!! Homer actually attended Guilford Community College with George Preddy, who wound up in the 49th as well!! Homer and family came all the way from Wilkeboro!!
Some of the museum cast at Homer's birthday party! Bob Morgan donated an excellent grill and we have made fine use of it this summer!!
Homer also brought in the menu from Thanksgiving Dinner in 1941. He has several items that he has saved from his history.
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