Google alerts World War II veterans to shared stories

Brad Saivetz, of Longboat Key, and Thomas Creekmore, of Longneck, Del., never knew they shared so much — until this November. But they realized they shared a similar experience in the military after Creekmore received a Google alert about a Nov. 19 “My View” Saivetz published in the Longboat Observer detailing his wartime experience. Creekmore’s Google account is set up to receive alerts every time something is published about the 305th Bomb Group.

Creekmore then contacted Saivetz, and the two men have been sharing stories ever since.

“There’s not many of us left, and when I found out that he was at Chelveston in the same squadron, I got excited.” Creekmore said. “When I made that call, I got goose bumps. There are not many of us around anymore.”

Saivetz served in the U.S. Eighth Army Air Corps from 1941 to 1945. From June to November 1944, Saivetz was based in Chelveston, England, as part of the 305th Bomb Group, which specialized in B-17 aircraft.

From February to July 1945, Creekmore also served in the 305th Bomb Group in Chelveston.

Approximately 8,000 Americans spent time in Chelveston from 1942 to 1945, and members of the bomb group flew 480 combat missions.

The bomb group consisted of four flying squadrons — 364th, 365th, 366th and 422nd.

Both Saivetz and Creekmore were part of the 365th squadron, and both worked as radio operators. They had much of the same experience and knowledge of World War II.

They are the last remaining survivors of their squadron, and they’re part of a group of veterans that is growing smaller: Of the 16 million Americans who served during World War II, only 1.2 million remain to tell their stories, according to the National World War II Museum.

“It was very nice to hear from him, and I thought it was great,” Saivetz said. “It’s a very small world. It’s amazing what things like Google can do. It was like finding something out of a grab bag, out of the blue. It’s nice knowing there’s somebody out there. It’s nice talking about the great old days.”

Both men are now 91 and email each other frequently, sharing their experiences in Chelveston.

“We had four different squadrons, and from there, there were 10 men on each plane,” Creekmore said. “Brad could have been any of the 10 in any of the squadrons. It so happens he was in the same squadron in the same position as a radio operator. I can’t believe I found him.”