We were honored to meet Sandy, Mike and Paul “Bud” Haedike. Sandy was a WAC in the late 1970’s serving in Korea, Mike served in Vietnam as an MP, while Bud served in WWII as a Bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress in the 452nd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. Bud had a baptism by fire when flying in the Tail-end-Charlie position, they were shot down on their first mission. Bud went on to fly 23 missions.
Bud is featured in a WW II documentary The Cold Blue. The Cold Blue is a stirring tribute to the men of the Eighth Air Force, who flew deadly missions during World War II. The film includes color footage shot by cinematographers who flew the missions along with the crews. “The Cold Blue” also features Glen Alton Harrison another St. Charles County resident and a B-17 Co-Pilot.
Bud (center) wanted his picture taken near the B-17. Bud calls the B-17 “The Queen of the Skies.”
We look forward to visiting with them again.
