Two unique Western Union Telegrams that Lt. Ernest Anders Erickson sent his folks in Bismarck are like bookends to his time serving in England. He was with 95th Bomb Group and in his time flying combat over Nazi occupied Europe he complected 35 missions between March and September of 1944.

Lt. Erickson was last home on-leave in October of 1943 before he headed to England and returned home for a visit after his combat flying in October of 1944. He was always excellent in staying in touch with his family, especially so his mother would not worry...too much.

The date of the first Telegram is September 30th, 1943, sent soon after he had received his wings and had graduated from Advanced Flight Training at Blackland Airfield in Texas. He was sending word he had received a 10 Day Leave and would be coming home soon.

November 9th, 1944 is the date of the second Telegram sent from Yuma Air Field. He had just arrived and was sending word to his folks that he had arrived safe. My dad had just been home for a visit after having served a good part of 1944 in England with the 95th Bomb Group. Lt. Erickson had put in a transfer to fly the B-29 Super Fortress soon after he completed his combat assignment at Horham Airfield. He awaited word in Yuma for his next assignment.

Also below is an article in the Bismarck Tribune dated October 5th, 1944 titled: 'Lili of the Lamplight was Lucky Lady, Pilot Says'