Herman J. Simler papers

Collection — Container: Single Folder Collections - 1998 Box 5 (98.0084-98.0115)

Identifier: 98.0104

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection includes photographs and documents pertaining to aerial operations over Europe during World War II. Lt. Herman Simler flew over 30 bombing missions over Europe during his service. The squadrons specified in this collection are the 8th Army Air Force, the 15th Army Air Force, and the 716th-719th bomber squadrons.

Dates

Created: 1944-1999
Other: Date acquired: 01/23/1998

Creator

Simler, Richard A. (Family)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to all researchers.

Conditions Governing Use

All requests for permission to quote, publish, broadcast or otherwise reproduce from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Special Collections & Archives. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the Florida State University Libraries as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained by the researcher.

Biographical or Historical Information

Herman J. Simler was born in Passaic, New Jersey on April 8, 1918. He began his service in the Army Air Force on August 30, 1943. He worked first as a crew member and eventually as a pilot for a B-29 bomber plane. He was a part of the 15th Air Force, 449th Bombardment Group. He spent some of his service in China, but saw most of his action in the European Theater. He was captured and placed in a POW camp in December of 1943 after he and some crew members parachuted from a shot down B-17. He was placed in Stalag Luft III in Southeast Germany (now Poland). The camp was liberated by American and Allied forces in June of 1945. He was a POW for over a year. His service ended January 14, 1947 and he passed away on March 18, 1972 in Manhasset, New York. He is buried in Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale, New York.