Monkey Chatter

"Monkey Chatter" is the name of the 34th PRS newsletter that was circulated during the war years. With news of the people and happenings of the squardron in day-to-day life, "Monkey Chatter" has lived past the days in the field to today. Reborn on the world wide web, "Monkey Chatter" is where you'll find news and information on the 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron Online.

  

Our Founder Passes: Thomas E. Myers (1961 - 2008)

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of my dear friend and partner in the 34th PRS Online Thomas E. Myers. Early on the morning of 19-December, 2008 he passed away following a series of strokes that struck without warning just days before. It was Thom's curiosity as to what his Dad did during the war that sparked the birth of the 34th PRS Online and eventually led to the community of websites we know today serving the photo reconnaissance community of World War II.

Since the inception of the 34th PRS Online in 1996 we have enjoyed many successes and endured great setbacks of various natures. As the cheif designer, developer and technical muscle behind the website; I can assure you that our work will continue into the years to come as God allows and look forward to continuing to develop the many products and projects that we had started together.

Thom was laid to rest near his home on the cold and windy afternoon of 22-December, 2008 under the clear blue skies of North Carolina with full military honors with his family, friends, co-workers and a United States Marine Corps Honor Detail in attendance. Of my best friend I can say many things but most of all I will dearly miss his constant and true friendship. He was a one of a kind and my twin brother of different mothers as he put it.

Till we meet again buddy!

SORRY - Temporarily Sold-Out!

Yes the 34th PRS "Monkey" patch is back! The "unofficial", "unapproved" patch was designed by Photo Lab's Joey Adams and is the patch that was proudly worn by pilots and crews of the 34th PRS. Originally stitched in 1945 in NYC in a VERY limited production run, the original patches were brought back to from the States by Maj. Jim Dempsey while on leave to the ZI. Given to a select few, the "Monkey" patch faded into history -- UNTIL NOW!!

Faithfully reproduced from the original seen above, the new "Monkey" patch is as grand as the original! Crafted on heavy gold felt, it consists of over 30,000 stitches! Measuring over 5�" in diameter it is a proud addition to your patch collection or even your A-2. Afterall an A-2 is where it belongs! Author Tom Ivie ("Aerial Reconnaissance - The 10th Photo Recon Group in World War II", "Patton's Eyes in the Sky: USAAF Combat Reconnaissance Missions North-West Europe 1944-1945" and more...) says the quality is incredible!

34th PRS "Monkey" patches are specially priced at $17.99 which includes shipping & handling. To order yours today drop an email to webmaster@34thprs.org. We accept all major credit cards (via Paypal) as well as certified funds and money orders. All proceeds from sales directly support our continued research and web operations as related to the 34th PRS! Thanks for your support!

Our Mission

Our mission is to share the history of those who quietly did their part in the greatest struggle of this nation's history. Concentrating on previously unpublished information and stories, it is our intention to present the men and machines of the 34th in a manner which has not been explored in other venues. It is their story which we hope to share with a new generation. It is their sacrafice which we hope to honor. This site is for you...the men of the 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron (1943-1945).

The 34th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron Online is a work in progress. The initial site announcement was launched in 1997. At that time the founders of the site were searching for photographs and other materials to base research and content upon. Through trials of data loss, work and family schedules the initial incarnation of we've been able to amass an incredible amount of data, photographs and personal perspectives. We've come a long way since 1997 and look forward to many more years!