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Renovations lead to archeology finds

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Douglas Hays
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind., --  Grissom will never be confused as an archeological smorgasbord with a significant artifact-rich environment, but that doesn't mean small finds don't bring out excitement and enthusiasm for the discoverers.

During renovations of Bldg. 430, the former 434th Security Forces Squadron building and future home to the 434th Civil Engineer Squadron explosive ordnance disposal unit, such discoveries resonated throughout the unit.

What contractors unearthed wasn't cave drawings, but something a little more sporting - scores from a baseball game, and not just any game - the deciding game of the 1955 World Series between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees.

Scrawled in chalk on the rafters was 'Brooklyn Dodgers 2-0, Oct. 4.'
History shows that the Brooklyn Dodgers beat the New York Yankees 2-0 on Oct. 4, 1955 to win the series.

"This building has given us a lot of cool stuff," said John Somsel, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron civil engineer technician.

During the renovation, other things scrawled on the support system hidden behind the walls included 'The Marines were here first" and a list of names of probable construction workers.

In addition to the writings, contractors found a directional gyro indicator between the walls.

The device was used to inform a pilot of an aircraft's heading. The model found was manufactured in 1939 and used on all U.S. manufactured military aircraft during WWII. It appeared to still be in use during the Korean and Cold Wars on the Boeing B-29, B-50, KC-97 and Douglas A-20 Havoc.  Last date of use in the military inventory appears to be 1975.

"We routinely find things during renovations projects," Somsel said, "but Bldg. 430 really has been a jackpot for us."

In addition to Somsel, the 434th CES construction management team, led by Tom Lennon Sr., includes Jeff Snider, and Tommy Patton. The team is responsible for managing renovations and new construction projects at the base.

With other construction projects in the future, the team expects to find other 'gems' during the process.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer