150307-F-UI788-026
7 March 2015; Travis AFB: Colonel Mark J. Macdonald, 615th Contingency Response Group Commander shares information about Major John J. Thelen, U.S. Air Force (Ret), Group level commanders and crew members from all three wings assigned to Travis drove to Walnut Creek to visit the 93 year old retired major last Saturday morning . Major Thelen served during WWII as a B-24 Liberator bomber co-pilot . His plane's nickname "Shoo Shoo Baby" flew over 50 missions in some of the war's most dangerous bombing runs without losing any crew members by death or serious injury. Major Thelen retired with 25 years of service and over 4000 flying hours to his credit. The sharp minded major who is dealing with failing health issues was elated when the crew walked in the room. The smile and conversations about his air force days completely brightened his spirit.
150307-F-UI788-026
7 March 2015; Travis AFB: Colonel Mark J. Macdonald, 615th Contingency Response Group Commander shares information about Major John J. Thelen, U.S. Air Force (Ret), Group level commanders and crew members from all three wings assigned to Travis drove to Walnut Creek to visit the 93 year old retired major last Saturday morning . Major Thelen served during WWII as a B-24 Liberator bomber co-pilot . His plane's nickname "Shoo Shoo Baby" flew over 50 missions in some of the war's most dangerous bombing runs without losing any crew members by death or serious injury. Major Thelen retired with 25 years of service and over 4000 flying hours to his credit. The sharp minded major who is dealing with failing health issues was elated when the crew walked in the room. The smile and conversations about his air force days completely brightened his spirit.