| Ray
Schwartz located Bertha de Martinez, formerly
Bertha Garcia, widow of Estaban (Steve) Garcia, Jr.
who had died from burns injuries four days after the
crash. After 44 years, Thomas Sanchez, Laredo Morning
Times writer, aided Ray. On March 7, 1989 the story
about Estaban was written in an effort to locate Garcia's
wife. The plea was a success. Bertha is now living in
Mexico City near their son who was born only 5 months
after his father's death.
On
April 10 - 12, 1992, Ray and his wife, Belvia, Ed
Flynn; AC and his wife, Jean, and Jim Regopoulos,
former CFC Gunner of the crew and his son, Ken, met
in the city of Laredo with the surviving family of
Steve. These included two sisters, two brothers and
their spouses, and his wife, Bertha now residing in
Mexico City. There they also met Estaban's son, who
is a doctor, along with his family.
Estaban
would have been proud. It was joyous, though belated, occasion
for all. Ray Schwartz's long search for Bertha and
her family was now concluded - his mission, at last,
accomplished.
August 10-13, 2000
Savannah, GA.
|
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Photo Courtesy of Ray Schwartz |
In August 2000 - the surviving members of Original Crew 6 attended the 39th Bomb Group Reunion held in Savannah, GA. included were (left to right) Ed Flynn, Aircraft Commander; Andy Slivka, Bbombardier; Ray Schwartz, Radio Op his wife Belva; Amalia (Molly) McGrew(sister of Steve Garcia, Jr.), and Bertha de
Martinez (Widow of Steve Garcia, Jr.). |
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