Family Photos

(left to right) Siblings Mary Ellen, Barry, and John.  Circa 1922

(left to right) Siblings Mary Ellen, Barry, and John.  Circa 1925

(left to right) Siblings Barry, Mary Ellen, and John.  Circa 1930

Barry and his father, Dr. John Michael Conway with model airplanes.  Circa 1935

Barry, pet dog Toddy, and his parents, 1937

(left to right) Brothers John and Barry.  

The Mirror, 1936 yearbook from Spring Valley High School, Mary Ellen's senior year, and Barry's freshman year

Freshman Class.  Barry is 2nd row, 2nd from left.   It shows he was elected Class Reporter.   Howard Christenson is farthest right, 4th row.

School Band marching at Eau Claire.  Cornet players included Barry Conway and Howard Christenson.

School Band - B. Conway in 3rd row, 6th from left.  H. Christenson in 2nd row, farthest left.

Mixed Chorus.  Barry is 3rd row, 3rd from left.  Howard is 3rd row, 2nd from right.  Mary Ellen is 1st row, far right.

Barry on the left, and I'm not sure if that's Howard on the right, but might be.  This photo was in a frame full of pictures in Tutu's kitchen.

(left to right) mother Violet, Mary Ellen, Barry, John and father John

(left to right) John, Mary Ellen, Barry, probably late 1930s

Barry Cornelius Conway - possibly senior year of high school.

Aviation Cadet Barry Conway in 1942.  I love this photo.  Photo taken at flight training at Rankin Aeronautical Academy.  I believe it's a PT-17 Stearman biplane behind him, which they trained in.  In the lower right of photo inscribed to Tutu: "To my dear sister with love.  Barry".  

Tutu (Mary Ellen) kept this copy of the framed photo of Barry at her bedside during her final days.

(left to right) Brothers Barry and John Conway

Uncle Barry, WWII

(left to right) Barry, Mary Ellen, and her husband (my grandfather), COL Robert W. Des Jarlais (then a LT).  Hunter Field, Savannah, GA, February 1944, just before Barry's departure for the Pacific.

Barry is 2nd to right, top row.  I suspect this copy of the photo may have been the one mailed to Barry's parents by Lt Jay Robbins, referenced in the letter shared elsewhere on this website.  This photo can be found in several places on the Internet; this photo was taken before "the Wango Wango Bird" was painted on the side.  Based on some sources, this aircraft's serial number was 42-64048 - that's the aircraft they flew from California to Papua New Guinea .  The fatal mission was on the aircraft with serial number 42-73044 - that's confirmed in the official accident report, see the AFHRA page of this website.  The letter from Lt Jay Robbins on the Letters page of this website also describes the crew switching to a backup aircraft for the mission.  

This is not a family photo, but a photo I purchased on eBay.  I asked the seller about the origin of the photo, and they responded  with "Sorry I wish I could tell you more, I found it in a mixed lot of Militaria locally here in the Detroit Area".

Conway burial plot, Spring Valley Catholic cemetery, Wisconsin.  Photo taken during a family reunion in 1994.

Uncle Barry Cornelius Conway's gravestone, Spring Valley, Wisconsin

Memorial card that must have been printed and shared with family and friends following Barry's passing.

I believe this was Barry's burial flag, stored at Tutu's house.  It's also possible that it was his father's, who was a WWI veteran.

Tutu (Mary Ellen) kept this locket with her brothers' photos on her bathroom counter for as long as I can remember.

Barry's wings and dog tag

Barry's Purple Heart is a treasured family heirloom. His nephew, who shares his name, proudly and respectfully displays it in his office every day, and shared these photos.

Barry's Purple Heart