HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah — Ten World War II veterans, original bomber crew members from the 388th Bomb Group, attended the 388th Bomb Group reunion recently in San Diego, along with 70 family members.

Steve Snyder, the author of Shot Down, the courageous story of a WWII B-17 crew, addressed the group and was on hand to answer questions and reminisce.

The group reviewed the documentary presentation Fortress for Freedom, the 388th Bomb Group and the Air War in Wartime Suffolk, 1943-1945 and discussed history with Vernon Williams, a professor at Abilene Christian University.

Excursions during the reunion included guided tours of San Diego Naval Installations, including a tour of the aircraft carrier USS Midway, and a trip to the ballpark to watch the San Diego Padres.

Reunion participants were part of the 388th BG(H) and were successful in direct support of defeating the Nazi regime in World War II, including involvement with the Berlin Blitz and D-Day over Normandy.

The 388th Fighter-Bomber Wing was organized in 1953 and later re-designated the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing in 1962. Once at Hill Air Force Base, following the conflict in Southeast Asia, the Wing was re-designated the current 388th Fighter Wing.