New Friends from the 15th Army Air Force
On August 14, 1945, World War II ended with the unconditional surrender of Japan. This past year, 2025, marked the 80th anniversary when the military personnel of our nation defeated, with our Allies, the onslaught from the Axis powers, mainly Germany, Italy, and Japan. Have the Veterans who lived through those years forgotten the war?
Have their children and grandchildren forgotten those years? No, they have not. The fearful and courageous memories and stories continue to be shared and cherished by Veteran families and friends who refuse to forget.
Barbara Kinnear and Dr. Sanford Jones meet at the 15th Army Air Force meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota, September 2025
From the Veterans’ stories, we gain a deeper understanding of history. From the Veterans’ families, we gain a more comprehensive perspective. One of the most enriching experiences is attending a reunion of a WWII squadron, bombardment group, or bombardment wing, such as the 15th Army Air Force that served in the Mediterranean Theater. And the dearest of those experiences includes meeting our WWII Veterans.
Among those attending the 15th Army Air Force meeting in Rapid City, South Dakota in September 2025 was Veteran, Sanford L. Jones, PhD. Dr. Jones spent more than three decades mentoring students in Eastern Kentucky University’s Department of Biological Sciences, where he served as department chair from 1979 to 1992. In 2020, Eastern’s College of Science named him an Iconic Professor for his contributions to the university.
During World War II, he served in the 740th Squadron, 455th Bomb Group, based in San Giovanni, Italy. His battle position in the B-24 Liberator was nose-turret gunner. He completed 35 combat missions over German held territories, with the rank of staff sergeant (SSgt). In the Air Force, the SSgt rank signified that the individual was considered a “craftsman” and the “backbone” of the Air Force.
During the 15th Army Air Force reunion, I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Sanford Jones, who had celebrated his 100th birthday earlier that week. He delivered several speeches to the reunion participants, captivating them with his elegant and eloquent storytelling. Each time he spoke, he received a standing ovation.
During our conversation, I presented him with my father’s book, “Richard Eager: A Pilot’s Story from Tennessee Eagle Scout to General Montgomery’s ‘Flying Fortress.’” Reflecting on our meeting, I recalled that my father, Colonel Richard E. Evans, flew out of Tortorella Airfield. This airfield was located in the same Foggia Complex as the San Giovanni Airfield. The complex encompassed approximately 30 to 35 operational airfields which were situated approximately 20 to 25 miles apart. Evans was piloting B-17s from the Foggia Complex until March 1944, while Jones was flying missions in the B-24s, 1944-45.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Dr. Sanford Jones for sharing his remarkable World War II experiences, his intellectual prowess and his warm smile.
Barbara Evans Kinnear
Further Articles
Barbara (“Bobbie”) Evans Kinnear, daughter of Colonel Richard Ernest Evans, joins historian and author, James Holland, on his podcast, “We Have Ways of Making You Talk”