In 1942, the Village of Freeport raised $700,430 for our troops through a war bond drive. The mon
ey was used to finance the construction of a B-29 superfortress which was christened the "Spirit of Freeport."The "Spirit of Freeport" achieved an enviable record of accomplishment during World War II and later supported the 22nd Bomb Wing during the Korean War.
The sixteen-member crew called themselves the “Freeport Kids” though they came from 11 different states and the UK.
On Veteran’s Day 1950, the "Spirit of Freeport" and her crew landed at Mitchel Field for a four-day reception on Long Island. The crew was driven to Freeport for a parade and tour. During a ceremony at the Municipal Stadium each crew member was given a $100 war bond and presented with a certificate of adoption, making the crewmen honorary citizens of the Village. In return, the crew presented Mayor Robert L. Doxsee with a miniature of the “Spirit of Freeport.” A luncheon for these servicemen was served at Guy Lombardo’s East Point House.
A picture from the publication The Freeporter shows Bob Hope, Marilyn Maxwell, and the B-29 crew standing in front to the "Spirit of Freeport" in Korea.
The Freeport Kids included:First Lieutenant: Duane F. Chenann (Virginia, MN)
M/Sgt. Lloyd M. Pyles (Parkersburg, WV)
First Lieutenant: Joseph R. Taylor (Brooklyn, NY)
S/Sgt. Jerome P. Stephenson (New York, NY)
S/Sgt. Philip W. Mantor (London, England)
Sources:-- “Spirit of Freeport Here From Korea” New York Times 12 November 1950: 21
Doxsee, Robert L. “Proclamation” The Freeporter: Official Publication of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce 1950: 3
