How this research project started…

In 1998, when I was a teenager, I discovered Joe Noyes in a photograph from the book B-17′s Over Berlin: Personal Stories from the 95th Bomb Group. There was something about the expression on his youthful face that drew me in. His eyes plead with my conscience, and I could feel some entity asking me, ordering me, to seek answers to long forgotten questions.

What brought him to that cold airfield in Rapid City, in January 1943? Where did he come from? Did he survive the war, and if not, who did he leave behind at home?

On that momentous day I started on an innocent quest to learn his story. People ask me why, but I don’t have a logical answer. When you “know” someone is special to you, you must trust your instincts.  Over the years, Joe’s story has positively affected my own life in countless ways, so I feel that’s reason enough to keep learning, researching, and writing about him.

People whose support I am grateful for

I’ve been in touch with many memorable, humble, and honorable war veterans from the 95th Bomb Group, namely Col Harry G. Mumford, Col. Harry M. Conley, Lt. Col Robert C. Cozens, and Flight Officer Paul E. Perceful. Before he passed away, I was also fortunate enough to meet Joe’s brother, Robert (Bob) Noyes, of Camano Island, WA.

More recently I have been in contact with a second cousin of Joe’s co-pilot, David Prees, and I am most thankful for her help and insight!

The Noyes family has always encouraged the continuance of my research, and for their support and heartfelt assistance, I am eternally grateful.

Biography of Kimberly Blankenstein

I spend my days writing, working towards a degree in Web Development through Full Sail University, and selling Scentsy Wickless Candles to friends and family, but mostly to myself.

I am 28 years old, and I was born in Cebu, Philippines. I was adopted by Americans while I was an infant, and I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. My husband David flies USAF C-17′s, and today we reside in Washington State. Before I fatefully chose to move here in order to pursue my research, I lived and worked abroad in Stockholm, Sweden. I met my husband here, and so I give Joe Noyes credit for bringing us together.

It’s been quite an adventure finding my way around the world, but it’s been well worth the journey, and I look forward to whatever else this glorious life has to offer me.