Photo By Master Sgt. Eboni Reams | An unveiled plaque rests on the stage of the newly dedicated Apocalypse Hall at the...... read more read more
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TX – The front row of the 436th Training Squadron auditorium is filled from left to right with family members of Airmen who were shot down in the B-24J Liberator “Apocalypse” flight on December 1, 1943, losing their lives for their country. With calm smiles and clasped hands, the families awaited the auditorium to be dedicated the moniker “Apocalypse Hall”, named after their fallen loved ones, on June 2, 2025, here.
“My uncle, Frank J. Tedone, was on the B-24 the “Apocalypse”, said Frank J. Tedone, nephew of U.S. Army Air Corps Staff Sgt. Frank J. Tedone and U.S. Air Force veteran. “Though of course, I never met him I was born in 1948, and they were shot down in 1942.”
U.S. Army Air Corps members 2nd Lt. John E. McLauchlen, Tech Sgt. Harold L. Seifried and Staff Sgt. Frank J. Tedone were crewmembers at the start of World War II attached to the 436th Bombardment Squadron. Their sacrifice paved the way to the current unit 436th TRS, and the pride in service shown still 81 years after this tragedy.
“As the nation faced the dawn of war, this resolve embedded itself into the 436th BS, where courage met purpose in the relentless skies of the Southwest Pacific,” explained Staff Sgt. Stephfonique Mitchell, 436th TRS Aviation Resource Management instructor and lead event coordinator. “Among these heroes was Mclauchlen, who piloted the mighty B-24J Liberator with unrivaled valor, alongside the unwavering bravery of Seifried, the voice of calm amidst chaos as a radio operator, and Tedone, a steadfast guardian in the battle for freedom as the liberator’s gunner.”
Their legacy reached a valiant pinnacle aboard the liberator "Apocalypse," where on December 1, 1943, they embarked on a daring mission that would cement their heroism in the hearts of a grateful nation. As they charged into the danger above Burma, their courage transcended tragedy, even as the Apocalypse fell in a trail of smoke, and the world bore witness to the ultimate sacrifice. Tedone, his uncle’s namesake, explained what being at Dyess for the auditorium dedication ceremony meant to him and his family.
“I’ve had his picture by my bedstand ever since I was five years old and in my workshop for my whole life, I’ve thought of him my whole life, so this is really incredible,” said Tedone.
Inspired to join the U. S. Air Force by his uncle, Tedone served in the Philippines, Vietnam and then at Dyess AFB almost 56 years ago.
“When I got the letter that said they were having a ceremony at Dyess, I just about fell off my chair,” said Tedone.
After an invocation and remarks honoring the bravery and ultimate sacrifice of these heroes, the 436th TRS leadership imparted sentiments on the significance of the ceremony.
“To the families, it means the world to our squadron that you are able to be with us and allow us to celebrate these brave men, who helped pave the way to victory in World War II for our country,” said Lt. Col. Glen D. Jasper, Jr., 436th TRS commander. “These American heroes will not only live on in the annals of American History, but they will also be forever memorialized right here in the 436th T raining Squadron, in ‘Apocalypse Hall’.”
The niece of 2nd Lt. McLauchlen was in attendance and shared her experiences about the return of her uncle’s remains after 80 years missing just over a year ago, that included a flyover and citizens from the community who came to show honor and support.
“All I knew growing up was I had an uncle who was missing in action,” said Majorie Nelson, niece of McLauchlen. “When they first called us and asked for DNA [for the internment verification], we were really surprised but being here today … glad I was able to make it, means so much for our family.”
| Date Taken: | 06.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.05.2025 17:11 |
| Story ID: | 499551 |
| Location: | DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 22 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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