"Billy Boy" Foggia, Italy 1944

Editorial Babblings (Blah, Blah!) Ben Mason has always made a point of how much we all owe to the enlisted men of the 82nd Fighter Group. Their able and skilled support was a vital part in making this unit one of the most outstanding and decorated fighter groups in WWII. We salute you! He lives in Houston and is a member of the First Congregational Church. Our son Mike lives in San Antonio and my sister Sandra resides in Livingston, Texas My wife Pam and I make our home near Denver, Colorado, about 45 miles north of the USAF Academy. As an active member of the 82nd Fighter Group Association, Ben hosted the 1998 reunion in Houston. He also was host of the P-38 National Association's "Lightnings Strike Houston" reunion in 1994. Dad and I attend reunions together around the world on a regular basis. In 2001 we joined other members of the 82nd Fighter Group Association on a great trip to Italy, which included a visit to the Foggia airfield site. During his frequent visits to the Denver area we continue to enjoy many activities, including aerobatics in an open-cockpit Stearman biplane, glider soaring, and high-country mountain hiking. Worshiping together at the USAFA Cadet Chapel is always a great joy. We are all blessed with good health and have so much to be grateful for! One of his current goals is to fly the F-15 (not as the pilot!) and to exceed Mach 1. This would be a fitting tribute by the USAF and a well-deserved and appreciated recognition of Ben's contributions over the years. Intentionally, this web site's focus is on Ben Mason, his family, and the 82nd Fighter Group. While there is much to be proud of, the Mason family recognizes, acknowledges, and is thankful for all the blessings and grace that have been given to us by God. He is in control and His grace is sufficient. Should you wish to contact Ben, drop me an e-mail note and I will put you in touch with him: Rngrbill@att.net One last thing - as he is officially credited with two and a half enemy planes destroyed in the air, you should be a little cautious when referring to him as a "Half-Ace" !! Thank you for visiting this tribute to our father, family, and the 82nd Fighter Group. I will update it occasionally with new photos and text. We hope you found it interesting and enjoyable. Respectfully, "Billy Boy" Mason September 11, 2005

Comments, inquires and suggestions are welcome. Please e-mail: William T. Mason aka: "Billy Boy, Ranger Bill, Billy and Bill" E-mail address: Rngrbill@att.net

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