The grandfather I never knew

Tribute to
1st Lt. Thomas Joseph Hallgarth

My grandfather's B-47 and crew perished 43 years ago. He would have made a career in the Air Force.
My grandfather trained at Mather AFB in Sacramento, not too far from McClellan AFB, completed Navigator school in Texas and died serving at the base in Lincoln, Nebraska. He rests in Golden Gate National Cemetery. He expected to retire with the military. He probably would have served in Vietnam.
My grandfather was born and baptized at Sacred Heart Church in New Jersey in 1940. He was a good student, especially in math & science, which makes for a good navigator. He was a real Boy Scout who loved big band and rock and roll music and he played the drums. He hung around the Jersey shore and went to the same High School as Jack Nicholson, the actor. My grandfather loved playing in his garage band, The Rockets, and could do a pretty awesome drum solo. They played all over the Jersey Shore and in Ocean Grove. I can only imagine what a clown he was

One of the things most treasured in my grandfather's suitcase is the letter from the Mayor of Comfrey, MN dated March 5, 1963

To the Family of Lt. Hallgarth,

The past Saturday afternoon, March 2, our community held a memorial service at the site of the B-47 crash, the place which has truly affected your lives. I am trying to express our sympathy to you and yours. Words have a futility at such a time as this but it may be said that never has a community been more united in wishing to convey its’ most sincere expression of sympathy to the wives and families of these men who gave their lives in the service of our country.

We, the people of the village of Comfrey, and also the nearby farming area, feel that these men so guided their plane until the last possible moment to avoid crashing into the village, because of this effort, their bravery saved many lives.

I’m certain it could be sincerely stated –“Greater Love Hath no Man – than he who gave his life for his country or his fellow man.” Prayers for you and yours have been heard in churches of all denominations in our community. You, the families of these heroic airmen, have our deepest sympathy –may their devotion to duty help you in these trying times and may God give you strength to carry on for them.

Arthur J. Lilla – Mayor Comfrey

And so to conclude this post I would like to say Happy Birthday to my mother who is 1 year younger today. And I am glad that my mom found all the family she never knew, and all of my grandfather's friends who have stayed in contact with her over these past few years.

Happy Birthday Mom!
Shannon