"Forecasting at that time was primitive compared to what it is now... we didn't have satellites, and furthermore, Hitler didn't cooperate by giving us weather reports over Germany or occupied France. So the underground, [they] supplied weather reports for us." (Video interview, 38:12)

Herman F. Monoschein

Herman Monoschein, Leawood, Kansas [11/24/2003] War: World War, 1939-1945; Korean War, 1950-1953 Branch: Army Air Forces/Corps; Air Force Unit: 18th Weather Squadron; 339th Fighter Group Service Location: New York, New York; Savannah, Georgia; Bradley Field, Connecticut; Kellogg, Michigan; England; Fort Meade, Maryland; European Theater; Boston, Massachusetts; Chanute Field, Illinois; Mather Field, California; also: Scott Air Force Base, Illinois Rank: Master Sergeant; First Lieutenant

"How's the weather?" might sound like a mundane question, but it can be a significant one during wartime, particularly for pilots, when passing clouds can obscure a target or an enemy plane. The son of Jewish immigrants from Russia, First Lieutenant Herman Monoschein joined the Army Air Forces even before the US entered World War II, though his dreams of flying ended upon discovering he was colorblind. While stationed at Bradley Field, Connecticut, he became intrigued by weather forecasting, and became a qualified weather observer. In April of 1943, he shipped out to England, where he worked at a number of weather stations, finally serving as Station Chief at a weather station near Fowlmere. Working around the clock, without the benefit of modern satellite imagery, his team prepared the weather charts that provided critical information on conditions that could make or break a combat mission.