Class 1942-K – World War II Flight Training Museum and the Douglas 63rd Preservation Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
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Cadets > Class 1942-K
(Scheduled to graduate from Advanced as officers Dec. 13, 1942)
Abel, Charles R.
Charles was a West Point Cadet at Douglas. He had air sickness problems and washed out after 8 hours of dual flight. He graduated from West Point in June 1943. He went into Anti-Aircraft artillery and went to the Philippines. Later he was working at the White Sands Missile Range.
Capt.
El Paso, TX
Baden, Hanson A.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. S/N: O-420858. While at Douglas, on July 15, 1942, he had a Landing Accident Stall Spin-in in PT-17 tail number 41-8564. He went on to Basic at Cochran Field and Advanced at Marianna (FL) Airfield. He served 18 months in the Air Transport Command in India in the China-Burma-India theater of operations. He retired from the Air Force in 1966 after 29 years of service. He recorded 3900 hours of flying while in the service.
Col.
From Pineville, LA.
Lived in Colorado Springs in 1966.
Baer, John Willard
He was a West Point Cadet (13294) at Douglas. Red Beach was his instructor. He had Basic at Gunter and graduated from Spence Field. Later he was in the 396th Fighter Sqdn., 368th Fighter Wing in Europe. He flew 100 missions in P-47’s. Had 2 victories and 2 probable.
Click here for more information.
Of Washington, D.C.
Wife: Jane Elizabeth Sykes
Barker, Earnest Stratton Jr.
He was a West Point Cadet at Douglas. Red Beach was his instructor. Ernest died in an aircraft accident at Stewart Field (West Point) N.Y. before the graduation of his class. He was in Basic and was doing some instrument flying. (from West Point records.)
Barnes, Ben Butler
He was a West Point Cadet (13294) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. Later he was with the 361st Fighter Sqdn., 356th Fighter Grp. 8th A.F. S/N: O-26355. He was shot down on a mission on Dec. 5, 1944 to the Berlin, Germany area, when he was flying a P-51 D15 NA (S/N: 44-15169) to accompany a bombing run.
Click here for more information. 1st Lt.
He was born in S. Dakota.
January 19, 1921 - December 05, 1944.
Beck, Richard Edward
S/N: O-26320. He was a West Point Cadet at Douglas(13916). He had Basic at West Point. He was in the 746th Bomb Sqdn., 456th Bomb Grp. 15th A.F. He was killed on a mission over Ploesti, Rumania on May 5, 1944. (Info from West point records).
For more information, click here.
1st Lt.
Born in Alabama.
Bounds, Thomas C.
Paul Schlundt was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Cochran Field and graduated from Moody Field. He flew B-25’s in 65 combat missions in N. Africa and Italy. He was promoted squadron commander and was overseas for 22 months. He stayed in the Reserves for a total of 24 years of service.
Brake, William Jasper
He was a West Point Cadet (13729) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. Afterward he was in the 15th Air Force in Italy in 1944-45 flying B-17's. He was awarded the D.F.C. and 2 Air Medals. He continued in the service until retirement in 1970.
For more information and some of his experiences, click here.
Col.
Born Stone Mountain GA on Oct. 7, 1921.
Wife: Anne
Burdett, Edward Burke
He was a West Point Cadet (13891) at Douglas. He had basic at West Point. Later was in the 35th Recon. Sqdn. in China in 1944-45. Awarded the D.F.C and Air Medal. Next was Headquarters C. Air Command 150-52. Then it was Air Command Staff School, Maxwell Field in 1953. Then Deputy Chief Comm. Post USAF 1957. Next Joint Ch. Staff 1962-64. Then Headquarters Tact. Air Comm. 1964-65. Then Comm. Officer 48th Tact. Fighter Wing. He died as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam on November 18, 1967.
He was born in Tennessee Mar. 10, 1921.
Wife: Anne Burdett
Bush, Harry L.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. S/N: O-394111. He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Cadwallader, Randolph Lincoln
He was in the Army Signal Corps. Then earned his M.S. at the University of Illinois, J.D. at Boston College. In 1942 he was a West Point Cadet (13115) at Douglas. He washed out in Basic at Gunter Field. Then it was the 310th stn. 9th Army in France, 1943-44. Next he was Ass't Signal Officer, 7th Division in Korea. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Commendation Ribbon. He resigned as a Major in 1953. Then went to Law School and became a Patent Attorney.
He was born in Iowa, Dec. 23, 1917.
Carr, Ira W.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. S/N: O-425264. He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Clemenson, Wendell Lapsley Jr.
1st. Lt.
He was born in California.
Collins, R. K.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas.
Criss, George William "Bill"
He was a West Point Cadet (13282) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. Later he was Sqdn. Operations Leader of the 873rd Bomb Sqdn. in the Pacific 1944-45. He flew 28 missions in B-29's. He was awarded two D.F.C.'s and 4 Air Medals. Next he was Director of Operations, 19th Bomb Wing during the Korea War, 1951-52. Awarded two Bronze Star Medals. Then it was Hdqts. U.S.A.F. 1952-56. Next he was Deputy Commanding Officer 450th A.R. Wing in 1960. He retired as Colonel in 1972.
Col.
He was born in New York on May 1, 1919.
Wife: Kae Anne Criss
Of Petersburg, Florida
Cutler, John Milton, Jr.
He was a West Point Cadet (13397). Benny Rainville was his instructor at Douglas. He had basic at Gunter Field. He went to the European Theatre with the 386th Bomb Group, with bases in England and France. He flew 61 missions in Bombers over Germany. He was awarded the D.F.C. and 12 Air Medals. Then to Hdqts. U.S. Air Force 1950-54. Next he went to Japan as a Language Student. Then to the Air War College Maxwell Field, 1961 and was on the Staff and Faculty. In the middle 1950s he was Senior Aid-de-Camp to the Supreme Commander of N.A.T.O. Then military Attache at George Washington Univ. in Wash. D.C. Next he set up and directed the Operations Center in Gen. Westmoreland's Hdqts. in Vietnam 1964-65. (Legion of Merit). Then he was Chief of Far East Defense Intelligence Agency 1965-68. (Legion of Merit). Next he was Air Attache at the American Embassy in England 1968-72. (Legion of merit). He retired a Colonel in 1972.
Dargue, Donald Salmon
He was a West Point Cadet (13953). He had basic at West Point. Later he was in the 351st Bat Group, 8th Air Force, European Theatre in 1944. He was awarded the Air Medal. He was a Prisoner of War in Germany for 6 months. Next he was in Hdqts. of S.A.C. 1951-57. Then with the 351st Bomb Sqdn. 100th Bomb Wing, 1958-61. Then it was Hdqts, 4158th combat Supply Group, S.A.C. 1961-64. Next it was Hdqrts. 509th Bomb Wing 1964-1966. He retired as a Lt. Col. in 1966.
Lt. Col.
He was born in the District of Columbia on July 18, 1921.
Wife: Elaine Dargue
Of Albuquerque, N.M.
Donald died in March of 1993.
Daugherty, C. H.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas
Donahue, John Thomas
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Druener, Hans K.
He was in the 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division
http://en.ww2awards.com/person/40239 - he received the Silver Star for action performed on 7 January 1945, near Mont/Province of Luxembourg, Belgium.
Of Merritt Island, Florida
1LT
Dungan, Richard Thomas
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Dunham, Robert Louis
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Ernst, Benjamin Harpell
Pennington was his instructor. He had Basic at Macon. S/N: O-794386. He may have been in the 319th Bomb Gp. Mediterranean Theater of Operations. He was captured and became a P.O.W. on July 14, 1943 in Stalag Luft 7A near Nurenburg, Germany.
Wife: Dorothy Ernest
Of Nashville, Tennessee.
Feenan, James Phillip
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Finney, John Clarence
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Fisher, Robert Francis
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Flanagan, Leonard Charles
Clark McRoy was his instructor at Douglas. He washed out on his last day at Basic. Then he went into Navigational training at Pan American in Miami. Next to the Ferry Command at Long Beach, Cal. 1943-44. Then to A.T.C. in 1945-46. He was in Navigational Briefing Serice at Hickam Field, Hawaii when he left the Service in 1947. He was recalled in 1951 to the Troop Carrier Service for the Korean War. He left the Service in 1955. In 1963 he was a Navigation Instructor for the Vietnam War. He retired as a Lt. Col. in 1974.
Wife: Margie Flanagan
Of Palm Coast, Fla.
Fleming, James Lee
He had Basic at Cochran Field. S/N: O-794387. He was in the 310th Bomb Gp 428th Bomb Sqdn. On Aug. 19, 1943 he was killed in action.
From Shelby, TN
Fletcher, Henry Merritt Jr.
He was a West Point Cadet (13617) at Douglas. Wade Coleman was his instructor. He had Basic at West Point. He went to the 457th Fighter Sqdn. 506th Fighter Grp. in the Pacific Theatre in 1945. He was awarded the D.F.C. and 6 Air Medals. After the war, he was with Air Materials Command at Wright-Patterson A.F.B. Ohio. 1947-49. Then it was the 8th Fighter/Bomber Grp. 1949-50. Then he went to the 41st Fighter/Intercept Sqdn., 1950-51. He then went back to the Air Materials Com, at Wright-Patterson, 1951-55. He received his M.S. in N.E. at Stanford. Then back to Wright-Patterson again, till 1960. Next it was Air Force Systems Command at Andrews A.F.B. MD. until he retired in 1969.
Colonel
He was born in Georgia on April 7, 1921.
He died at Ft. Belvoir Oct. 3, 1969.
Floyd, Mitchell J.
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Fox, Alton Ellsworth
He became an aviation cadet on Jan. 24, 1942. J. B. Knox was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He graduated from Mariana Army Air Field with the Class of 1942-K, SN: O-794312.
Born NY, July 23, 1917
From Chicago, Illinois in 1942.
1st LT
Fox, Paul
He had Basic at Cochran Field. He graduated at Moody Field S/N: O-794389. He served as a B-24 pilot with the 491st Bomb Grp 855th Bomb Sqdn. On the 24th of March 1945, he was flying B-24 "Hot Rock" on a low level supply mission to British drop zone across the Rhine. The B-24 was hit by enemy flak, on fire, and attempted a steep climb to reach a safe bail out altitude, but the aircraft went out of control, rolled over on its back and crashed about two miles northeast of Wesel, Germany.
1LT
From NY
Francis, Leo Charles
He had Basic at Cochran Field. S/N: O-794390. He was in the 095th Bomb Gp, 336th Bomb Sqdn. On Apr. 11, 1944 He was pilot of a B-17G (S/N: 42-32019) with a crew of 10 on a mission to Poznan Poland. KIA (#03803). German fighters shot the plane down. He was not able to get out before the plane exploded.
From NJ
Freeman, C. E.
Student Officer: 1st Lt. at Douglas. He went to George AAFd for Advanced.
He may have ended up in 487th Bomb Gp 839th Bomb Sqdn, if his first name is Charles.
Frisbie, Norman Horace
He was a West Point Cadet (13933) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. He graduated S/N: O-026336. He served as a P-47 pilot with the 368th Fighter Grp 397th Fighter Sqdn in the European Theater. He was awarded the D.F.C. and 11 Air Medals. Next he was at the Hdqts. of the 9th A.F., 1945-48. Then to the Hdqts. of the Far Eastern Air Force in 1948-49. He was in Hdqts. of A.T.C. until 1956. He flew F-86D's in the 16th F.I.S., later as commander until 1958. Next it was Hdqts. 836th Air Division, 1962-64. Then he was with the 431st Tactical Fighter Sqdn. in 1966. Next it was the Pacific Air Force in Vietnam in 1967-68. He returned to the Pentagon in Plans and retired as a Colonel in 1972. Then for several years he taught Air Force Jr. R.O.T.C. in Germany. He was a member or the Thunderbolt Pilots Assoc.
LT, later Colonel
He was born in Montana on Jan. 9, 1922.
Wife: Pauline Frisbie
Of WY, later Holden, LA.
Fritchman, Marvin LeGrande Jr.
Rufus Rundlett was his instructor at Douglas. He had basic at Cochran Field.
Fritz, Raphael Leo
He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Gardner, Ivey Nowlin
He had Basic at Cochran Field. S/N: O-794393. He was at Buckingham AAFd Gunnery School (AT-18). On Apr. 15, 1943 he was killed in a flying accident in Florida.
From AR
Garn, Robert A.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas. S/N: O-390807. He was in the 380th Bomb Gp, 531st Bomb Sqdn.
Gatewood, Moses Joseph Jr.
He was born in Georgia. He was a West Point Cadet (13222) at Douglas. He had Basic at Gunter. Later he was A.C. 397th Group, T-1944. He flew B-26’s. He had a Silver Star and 4 Air Medals. He was a member of an Air Force Mission to Equador, 1946-48. Then in Hdqts. 12th Air Force, 1948-50. Next Director Operations Hdqts. 3974th C.S. Group, 1958-61. He retired in 1961.
Lt. Col.
Wife: Cloe Gatewood Jr.
He died Sept. 17, 1978
Gayda, Walter Anthony
He had Basic at Cochran Field. He was in the Air Transport Command, India-China Division at Mohanbari, India.
Gee, Clough Farrar III
He was a West Point Cadet (13084) at Douglas. He had Basic at Günter. He was a P-47 Pilot flying with the 362nd Fighter/Bomber Group, 9th A.F., XIX (19th) Tactical Air Command. He was killed on a dive-bombing mission over France.
Click here for more info.
Capt.
He was born in Florida.
Gee, Russell Freeman
He had Basic at Cochran Field. S/N: O-794394. He was a B-24 pilot assigned to the 445th Bomb Group 703rd Bomb Squadron station near Norwich, England.
1LT
From NY
Gertler, Marvin Herbert
S/N: O-794319. He graduated.
Lt.
Graham, George Edward Jr.
S/N: O-794395. 2nd Lt. He was in the 392nd Bomb Grp 576th Bomb Sqdn. On Apr. 29, 1944 he was co-pilot on a B-24J (S/N: 41-100371) with a crew of 10 on a bombing mission to Berlin. His plane crashed. He was captured after bailing out and became a P.O.W. (MACR #04476)
Born Jan. 26, 1920, Brooklyn, NY
Green, William Francis
S/N: O-794322. Capt. He was in the 018th Fighter Gp, 044th Fighter Sqdn.
Greenberg, H.
May have become a bombardier.
Gregory, Warren
2nd Lt.
From Westchester, NY
Griffin, Ralph Oliver
S/N: O-794399. He was in the 456th Bomb Gp. 744th Bomber Sqdn. On June 13, 1944, he was co-pilot of a B-24 (S/N; 41-28817) on a bombing mission to Germany. The plane crashed. The crew bailed out over the Alps and he became a P.O.W. in Mooseburg until the liberation on Apr. 29, 1945. (MACR #8530)
From NC
Wife: Mary
Gross, Charles Arthur
S/N: O-794401. He was in the 041st Bomb Gp 820th Bomb Sqdn. On Jan. 15, 1944 he was pilot on a B-25G (S/N: 42-64957) with a crew of 6 on a bombing mission to Ella Island. His plane had some difficulty and could not keep up with the formation. Enemy aircraft attacked the plane and it crashed into the sea. All of the crew were killed (MACR #1901).
2nd Lt.
From Parkville, MD
Harvey, William Paul
He became a navigator.
Hassard, John W.
On July 7, 1942, he was involved in an accident in a PT-17 (41-8612). He became a navigator, S/N: O-798801.
Hayes, J. R.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt.
Haywood, William
He was a pilot in the 010th Photo Recon Gp 31st Tactical Recon Sqdn. On May 7, 1944 he was killed in a flying accident, per AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE: The 10th Photo Recon Group in World War II
Hersberger, Robert Alvin
He was a West Point Cadet (13960). His instructor at Douglas was Willie Joe Duke. He had Basic and Advanced at Stewart Field, N.Y. He received his Wings and West Point Diploma from Gen. Hap. Arnold personally on June 1, 1943. Next was B-25 transition, followed by B-17 training. Then Combat Crew training at Ardmore, OK. Then the European Theatre with the 379th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force in 1944. His first mission was on D-Day. He received 2 D.F.C.s and 4 air medals. After the war he was in the office of the Deputy Chief of Staff-Personnel in 1948-49. From 1942 to 1952 in the same office but in Operations, at the Pentagon. He attended Georgetown University in 1952. Next was Hdgts. Sqdn., Sheppard A.F.B., 1960-64. He retired as in 1964.
Hubbard, Thomas Bassett
He was in the Air Transport Command India-China Division, Chabua, India.
Hudson, John Bell
He was a West Point Cadet (13833) Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. Later he was with the 9th A.F. in the European Theatre in 1944-45. He was awarded the D.F.C. and 14 Air Medals. His service was as follows: Provos Marshall at Eglin A.F.B. in 1950-51; Hdqts. of the 5th Air Division in French Morocco, 1952-53; Hdqts. Air Research & Development Command in 1954; Chairman of the College Assignment Grp. Hdqts. U.S.A. 1960-63; Space Systems Div. 1963-66; Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel Hdqts. Air Force Service Command, 1966-69; Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations 1969; VC dr 1973. (3 Legion of Merit). He retired in 1975.
Lt. Gen.
He was born in Georgia on May 11,1922.
Wife: Myla Hudson
Of Haines City, Fla.
Hume, William Haywood
He had 65 hours in a piper prior to coming to Douglas as a West Point Cadet (13431). Wade Coleman was his instructor. He had basic at Gunter Field. After graduation he was with the 373rd Fighter Group in the European Theatre. He received 8 Air Medals. He was at Nellis A.F.B. in 1952. Then in the Korean War, 8th Fighter/Bomber Wing in 1952 flying F-80's. Then Air Liaison Office, 40th Division 1952-53(received Bronze Star Medal). Next was the Test Group, Air Force Special Weapons Center at Kirtland A.F.B., New Mexico 1953. He was honorably discharged as a Major in 1958. He had about 3100 flying hours.
Hurley, John Francis Jr.
Rundlett was his Instructor at Douglas. John had Basic at Macon and Advanced at Valdosta.
After B-17 school he went to the Air Transport command. He made many
Atlantic crossings. Then it was Special Missions flying C-87s from India to N.W. China (Over the “Hump”). After he returned to the U.S., he flew patients from the European and Pacific theaters across the U.S. to different hospitals.
Capt.
Of Denver, Colo.
Hurst, Phillip Paul
S/N: O-794326. He was in the 49th Fighter Gp, 8th Fighter Sqdn.
1st Lt.
Jackman, Francis George
He served as a B-25 pilot with the 340th Bomb Grp 487th Bomb Sqdn in the Mediterranean Theater. In May 1944, he was recognized as distinguishing himself in action and returned to the states on May 12, 1944:
(
click here for source, pages 15, 19):
CPT
Jenkinson, Carl
On Aug. 10, 1944, he was flying a C-47A (S/N: 42-24372) in Indiana and had a taxiing accident.
Kassab, George
He graduated from Pennsylvania Military College in 1939 S/N: O-396091. At Douglas, he was a student Officer: 1st Lt. He graduated from Marianna, FL in Jan. 1943. He was in the 380th Bomb Gp 530th Bomb Sqdn. He received the D.F.C. for his service as a co-pilot of a B-24 on a photographic reconnaissance mission over Macassar (Indonesia).
Source: NY Times, Oct. 30, 1943 as found in the scrapbook of Widener University Archives.
Keenan, James Francis
He was a West Point Cadet (13959) at Douglas. Hayne Workman was his Instructor. He graduated from Primary but washed out during Basic at West Point. He then became an Officer - Anti-Aircraft. T-E 1944-1945. After 5 years of service he resigned as a Capt. to become a Roman Catholic Priest. He was at Belmont, N.C. 1954 to 1967. Then he was Chaplain for 3 years in Vietnam, 1967 to 1970.
Major
Born in New York, April 13, 1921.
Kidder, James Donald
He was in the Infantry prior to West Point. He was a West Point Cadet at Douglas (13823). He had Basic at West Point. He voluntarily gave up flying in the Air Corps when he found out he was to fly Bombers. He went back into the Army Infantry and served in Europe during 1944-45. Then he was with the R.O.T.C. at Santa Barbara in 1947 and received the Commendation Ribbon. Next it was the Infantry School at Ft. Benning in 1951. Then Hdqts. European Command in 1951. Next he was Aviation Officer, 4th Div. in 1960. Then Aviation Officer 18th Airborne Corps, 1962-64. Next he was chief of staff, Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He went to Vietnam for 1967-68 flying fixed wing and helicopters. Awarded Legion of Merit and Combat Infantry Badge. He was on the Staff & Faculty, Aviation School 1968-72. He retired in 1972.
Colonel
He was born in Oregon on Mar. 7, 1919.
Wife: Bettie Kidder
Of Fayetteville,NC
Lasicki, Joseph John
He became a bombardier, S/N: O-682554. He was 801st Bomb Gp (PROV) 406th Bomb Sqdn. On May 30, 1944 he was on B-24DSA (S/N: 42-40478) on a mission to France when his plane went down. He was captured June 27 in civilian clothes by the Secret Field Police in Liege and became a P.O.W. at the Dulag Luft in Oberursal, Germany (MACR #05294)
of Bronx, NY
Linn, Howard Anthony
He was appointed from W. Virginia. He was 1st in the Cavalry, then a West Point Cadet (13290) in Douglas. He had Basic at Gunter. Later was in the 70th Fighter Sqdn., 13th Air Force in the South Pacific., 1944-45. He had 38 missions in P-38’s. He returned to be an instructor in P-47’s. He was awarded the Air Medal. Hdqts. and Aid-de-camp C.G 1949-51; English Dept. U.S. Military Academy 1952-55; U.S.A. Field Artillery 1955; Military Attache in Columbia in 1957; Hdqts. 16th Air Force, Sp. in 1963-66. Awarded Commendation Medal; Hdqts. Strategic Air Force and 15th Air Force in 1968-72. (Legion of Merit). Retired in 1972.
Colonel
He was born in Pennsylvania on Mar. 23, 1919.
Wife: Louise Linn
Of Orange, Cal.
MacMullin, George Mood Jr.
He was born in Pennsylvania. He was a West Point Cadet at Douglas. He was still a Cadet when he died in an Aircraft accident at Spence Field, November 12, 1943. Information from West Point Records as of December 1, 1987.
Buried Section S-H Site 1007, West Point Cemetery, Orange Co., NY
Macy, Robert
He was a B-17 pilot based at the huge gunnery training base at Tyndall Field located near Panama City, Florida. Click
here for a picture of him at Tyndall Field.
Maertens, George K.
He was a West Point Cadet (13308) at Douglas. Wade Coleman was his Instructor. He had Basic at Gunter. When he thought he was going to be assigned as bomber pilot, he decided to follow in his father's footsteps and returned to West Point for a commission in the Infantry. He fought in the 393rd Inf. Regt, 99th Infantry Div. For a bio and list of his medals as a PDF,
click here.
Col.
Wife: Edna Maertens
Of Sun City, Arizona
Marshall, Lester Robert
Enlisted from Tioga County, New York as aviation cadet Jan. 22, 1942. Click
here for source.
1st Lt
Born Jun. 16, 1915 in Great Britain.
Died Aug. 24, 1984
See
FindAGrave
Martin, B. T.
May be Benjamin T. Martin, O-796714, who was in the 355th Fighter Gp 357th Fighter Sqdn.
Martin, Maurice Langhorne
He was a West Point Cadet (13755) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. Later he was in the 390th Fighter Sgdn. in Europe 1943-45. He was awarded the Silver Star and the D.F.C. and 24 Air Medals. He was a Squadron and then a Group Commander at Nellis A.F.B. Nev. 1949-51; in the Commanding Officer Training Group, Luke A.F.B. in 1951; Commanding Officer, 18th Fighter/Bomber Group in Korea in 1953; National War College in 1960; Athletic Director at the Air Force Academy in Colorado 1960-63; 1st of his Class to become a full Colonel; Commanding Officer, 41st Air Division, in Japan in 1963-65; chairman, Staff Group, Joint Chief of Staff, 1965-66. He retired as a Colonel in 1966. Then he was a District Manager for the Hughes Aircraft Corp.
Colonel
He was born in West Virginia on Feb. 12, 1920.
Wife: Marion Martin
Martin, Robert Colvin
S/N: O-794336. He was a B-24 pilot, possibly in the 392nd Bomb Grp as there was a pilot Robert C. Martin in that Group. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and five Air Medals, among other military awards. After the War he became an Episcopalian priest.
See his obituary.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Jan. 16, 1921
Died Jan. 11, 2011
Masciana, Vincent Albert
S/N: O-794337. Enlisted Jan 22, 1942 as an aviation cadet from New York City, New York
Born 1920 Italy Or San Marino.
Masters, Joseph Thomas
S/N: O-796419. Became a pilot graduating in 43A. In November 1943, he was flying as co-pilot probably in a B-26 and observed a crash of a B-26 in the 322 Bomb Grp, 451 Bomb Sqdn while on a mission to Mimoyecques, an underground military complex built by the Nazi forces (MACR #1216).
LT
Mathesius, William Jr.
1st Lt.
West Orange, NJ
Maurer, Edward Joseph Jr
Rufus Rundlett was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Cochran Field. Probably in the 38th Bomb Gp 405th Bomb Sqdn. with S/N: O-794406.
May, Walter Pardee
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
1st LT
Born 06/09/1920
Died 03/15/2006
Buried Mt Calvary Cemetery, Buffalo, NY
McCabe, Joseph James
He had Basic at Shaw Field. A Jerome Joseph McCabe 201 499 4450, and his brother Thomas Eugene McCabe had primary training at other bases.
McDonough, Charles Edward
He had Basic at Shaw Field. S/N: O-794558. He was in the 012th Bomb Gp. 81st Bomb Sqdn.
McEmber, Robert Rowland "Bob"
Enlisted 01/06/1942 as an aviation cadet. He had Basic at Shaw Field and Advanced at Spence Field. After the War he was supervisor of instrumental music in Ludington, MI public schools, and was also director of Ludington Civic Symphony orchestra which he organized.
Col.
Born Feb. 26, 1919 Ludington, Michigan
Died Mar. 22, 2007 Leesburg, Florida
See
FindAGrave
Wife: Elizabeth McEmber
Of Miami, Florida
McGhee, John Wise Jr.
He had Basic at Shaw Field, twin engine Advanced training at Turner Field. After graduation, he was assigned as an instructor at Turner for one year. He volunteered for night fighter training. He was assigned to 419 Night Fighter Sqdn in the South Pacific flying P-61's and P-38's. In Korea, he flew T-6's in combat. He retired in 1965 after 20 years.
McGough, Edward Alex III
He was a West Point Cadet (13292) at Douglas. Fred Sweetman was his Instructor, He had Basic at Gunter Field and graduated in from Columbus, Miss.. Now waiting for his letter and picture. May 25, 1994. Later he was Commanding Officer of the 430th Fighter Sqdn, 474th Fighter Group, in Europe. 1944-45. He was awarded 2 D.F.C.s, 12 Air Medals. Next he received a M.B.A. at Stanford Univ. in 1949. He was in the Office, Deputy Chief of Staff Personnel, 1949-53; Commanding Officer, 81st Fighter\Bomber Sqdn., 1953-54; Hdqts. Tactical Air Command Langley A.F.B. in 1957; and C.G. 16th Air Force in Europe 1970. By this time he had flown P-38’s, F-86, F-100 and F-4’s. He retired in 1975. Afterward he was elected as a State Senator (N.Mex.) in 1981.
Major General
He was born in Pennsylvania.
Wife: Romaine McGough
Of Placitas, N. Mex. 87043
McKee, Thomas Read
He had Basic at Shaw Field. S/N: O-794560. He was in the 392nd Bomb Gp 578th Bomb Sqdn. On Dec. 31, 1943 he was KIA. According to French researcher Bernard Ballanger, 1st Lt McKee was flying near the end of the 445th Bomb Group formation when they were attacked by a band of German fighters coming from all directions. A French eyewitness saw his B-24 start to smoke and then leave the formation. It exploded into several pieces. A burning wing fell on the home of Mrs. Yvonne Bourdejeau, who died on Jan. 20, 1944 from burns.
McMahon, Neal Raymond
He had Basic at Shaw Field. S/N: O-794561. He had B-25 crew transition at Greenville, SC. Pilot assigned to 22nd Bomb Sqdn, 341st Bomb Gp (10th AF) at Chakulia, India. Promoted to 1st Lieutenant while completing 200+ combat hours. Relieved from duty on 18 Jan 44. Was a passenger on a C-54, crashing 20 minutes after takeoff from Accra, Gold Coast, while enroute to USA.
Died Jan. 26, 1944
From Massachusetts
Mekus, Frank Henry
J. B. Knox was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Shaw Field. He flew in the Pacific in P-51's when he was shot down off the coast and was picked up by a U.S. sub.
Of Danville, KY.
Wife: Irene Mekus
He died in June, 1993
Merrill, Myron S.
S/N: O-766326. He was a bombardier in the 390th Bomb Gp 568th Bomb Sqdn. On Sept. 18, 1944 he was in a B-17G (S/N: 43-38175) on a mission to Russia. The plane was hit by flak and attacked by fighters. The plane exploded before hitting the ground. Two chutes were seen to open, but he was reported MIA (MACR #10205). Later he was declared dead.
Listed as buried in Ardennes American Cemetery and Memorial
Neuville-en-Condroz
Liege, Belgium
From NJ
Merrill, Thomas Leslie
He had Basic at Shaw Field. He was in the 6th AF, 12th Bomb Sqdn. From the Book : Alea Supra Canalem, Wings Over the Canal, The Sixth Air Force and the Antilles Air Command, by Dan Hagedorn: on Page 102: "7/30/43 - The Lt. Thomas Merrill Crew, on Night Patrol, Bombed a Surfaced German Submarine."
He was also a B-17 pilot with the 25th Bomb Grp 625th Bomb Sqdn flying weather reconnaissance missions over the N. Atlantic.
Michel, Frank Cameron
J. B. Knox was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Shaw Field. He was an Army check pilot assigned to the primary flying school at Americus, GA for a time.
Montieth, Robert L.
Student Officer: 1st Lt. at Douglas. S/N: O-379116. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He was in the 345th Bomb Grp, 500 Bomb Sqdn. He was killed in action Mar. 2, 1945 when his B-25J plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire over the Toyohara Airdrome, Formosa. He was acting as navigator at the time. His plane crashed into the sea and exploded on impact. (MACR #15448)
Capt.
Iowa City, Iowa
Moreen, Robert E.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas. S/N: O-452286. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He had B-25 crew transition at Greenville, SC. Copilot assigned to 490th Bomb Sqdn, 341st Bomb Gp (10th AF) at Kurmitola, India. On mission to bomb workshops at Gauk. Burma on 21 May 1943, the B-25D (S/N: 41-29906) piloted by Lt. Coons, with 2Lt. Moreen as copilot, was seen to fall out of formation, apparently badly hit. Immediately enemy aircraft concentrated on this plane. All crew were seen to abandon the crippled bomber; when last observed enemy aircraft were attacking those who had taken to parachutes and at least three chutes were seen to collapse. Sgt Marvin W. Beckman (gunner) was the only survivor, and confirmed the rest of the crew were killed in their parachutes. (MACR 15108)
Wife in Macon, GA
Memorial at Manila American Cemetery, Philippines
Prior, Gordon Marshall
He entered the Service in Allegheny County, at Hornell, NY as an Aviation Cadet on 21 Jan 1942. He had Basic at Shaw Field. S/N: 0-794578. He was a B-25 Combat Pilot in the Mediterranean Theatre in the 310th Bomb Group 381st Bomb Sqdn flying B-25s. He received the DFC for leading an 18 plane formation on an effective raid on Orvisto, Italy and for over 50 missions that displayed his proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty (Source: DFC citation in Fold3.com).
Rauch, Russell Lorenz
J. B. Knox was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Shaw Field. He had B-25 crew transition training at Greenville, SC. Assigned to 491st Bomb Sqdn, 341st Bomb Gp, Chakulia, India. On 15 Jan 1944, as part of the 491th Bomb Sqdn move to 14th Air Force, 1Lt. Rauch was performing an armed ferrying mission which departed Chabua, India for the new base at Yangkai, China. The plane began to ice up and lose altitude and eventually Lt. Rauch ordered the crew to bail out, approximately one hour out of Chabua. However, Lt. Rauch insisted on remaining with the plane because it was impossible to inform the two passengers in the rear of the plane of the need to bailout. Moments after copilot, 1Lt. Jack Bishop, bailed out he heard the airplane crash. Lt. Rauch and both passengers were killed. (MACR 11966)
Ray, Gerald Harmon
Frasier was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Shaw Field and graduated from Spence Field. He was sent to Casablanca in the 86th Bomb Group flying A-36's. He had 86 missions flying out of Italy. He returned to the U.S. and taught P-40's and P-51's at Thomasville, Ga. until the war ended.
Major
Wife: Virginia Ray
Of Greenville, Texas
Reinke, Charles Joseph
He had Basic at Shaw Field. He was (late in the war) a P-40 pilot assigned to Pinellas AAFd in Florida, which was a Combat Crew Training School for fighter pilots.
Rennels, Arlin Glenn, Jr.
He had Basic at Shaw Field. He graduated (S/N: O-794581) and flew B-17's in the 390th Bomb Grp, 570th Bomb Sqdn. His plane with 9 other crewmen was shot down near Bremen, Germany on Oct. 8, 1943, and the entire crew bailed out. They were made Prisoners of War. His co-pilot was killed. He returned to the United States and became a Pilot for the United Airlines. See MACR #781 (shown with no middle name in MACR).
1st Lt.
He passed away late in 1968.
Reyman, George Lewis
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Reynolds, Emmett Robinson
He was a West Point Cadet (13094) at Douglas. He left the Air Corps in Basic at Gunter and returned to West Point. He then went to the Signal Corps. He was the Commanding Officer of the 81st Division in the S. W. Pacific 1943-46. He was awarded the Bronze Star.
Click here for a write-up on his accomplishments here (PDF).
Brig. Gen.
He was born in Alabama on November 21, 1919.
Wife: Betty Reynolds.
Of Columbus, Georgia
Riccio, Alfred P.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas
Richard, Anthony Henry, Jr. "Hank"
He was a West Point Cadet (13948) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. He was in various Air Force units in the U.S.A. 1943-46. Then he went to the S.W. Pacific 1948—51. Back to Dep. Sqdn. in England in 1951. Then he was Commanding Officer of the 7th Tactical Dep. Sqdn. in England, 1951-54. Next he was Professor of Air Science at Auburn University 1964-67. Then he was in the Personnel Pins. Dept. Air Force, Wash. D.C. 1967-69. After that he was Director, Personnel, Warner-Robins Air Material Area, Warner-Robins A.F.B. Ga. 1969-72. He retired as a colonel in 1973.
Col.
He was born in Louisiana, Jan. 14, 1920.
Wife: Beverly Richard
Of Atlanta, Georgia 3
Richardson, Zaccheus C. “Zack”
He was a West Point Cadet (13932) at Douglas. Red Beach was his Instructor. He had Basic at West Point. Later he was with the 34th Bomb Group in Europe. He was a Lead Pilot flying B-17’s. He flew 35 missions over Germany. One time leading a 1000 plane raid on Hamburg. He was awarded the D. F. C. and 8 Air Medals. Next he was on the U. S. Military Mission to Moscow, 1945-46. Then to O’Hare A.F.B. in 1950. Next to Air Force Replacement Training Center in 1951. He resigned as a Capt. in 1952.
Capt.
He was born in Arkansas on July 29, 1919.
Wife: Tanya Richardson.
Of Largo. FL. 34642.
Robinson, Alexander
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Rossi, John Anthony
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas. S/N: O-436845. He had Basic at Cochran Field.
Ruschell, Robert James
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Of Arnold, MD 21012.
He passed away March 1994.
Russell, Austin J.
Willie Joe Duke was his Instructor. Austin was a Student Officer at West Point Cadets even though he was in class 42K at the same time. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He flew 54 missions in B-25’s and B-29’s in China and Korea. He commanded the 1st Bomb Gp (CACW), the 307th Bomb Wing, 2nd Bomb Wing, 4080 SRW, 4th Air Division and the 2nd Air Force. His last position prior to retiring was Ass’t Vice Chief of Staff, Hdqts. U.S.A.F.
Lt. Gen.
Of Dallas, Texas.
Ryan, Phillip Allen
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Schwindle, Adam Charles
Lt. He had Basic at Shaw Field. He graduated and later was stationed at Phillipville, N. Africa. Then he went to Corsica with the 310th Bomb Group in Italy. Lt. Schwindle’s B-25 was shot down and Adam lost his life Mar. 14, 1944.
Click here for more information.
Born: Sept. 23, 1918 in Akron, Michigan
He married Bobbie Cornelius, local Douglas girl while there.
Scott, Ernest Darius
He was a West Point Cadet (13359) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point.
In March 1944, he went to England as pilot of a B-17 and soon became one of the “lead pilots” of the squadron. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with cluster, the Air Medal with four clusters, and was recommended for the Silver Star. See
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net. He died near Selfridge Field, Michigan in an air accident on May 18, 1946.
Capt.
He was born in Houston, Texas 1 November 1921. Died 18 May 1946.
Buried Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia
Selkregg, Edward Martin Jr. "Sam"
He had a flying accident on July 28, 1942 at Douglas in a PT-17 (41-8995). He had Basic at Shaw Field and Advanced single engine at Marianna, Florida. He went to the 404th Fighter Group, 508th Fighter Sqdn. He had 70 Missions, probably flyinig P-40's.
1st Lt.
Wife: Kathy Selkregg
Of Lakeland Florida.
Shaifer, Edward Fondren, Jr.
He was West Point Cadet (13940) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. He apparently did not stay in the Air Force. Later he was in the Coast Artillery Corps. Parachute Infantry Regiment in Europe, 1944-48. He was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge. He resigned as a Capt. in 1949. He eventually became a Professor of Civil Engineering School, U. S. Navy, 1975-86.
Capt.
He was born in Texas on Nov. 4, 1919.
Shaw, Roland Clark
He had Basic at Shaw Field. He was a B-25 co-pilot assigned to the 42nd Bomb Grp "The Crusaders" flying missions in the South Pacific. See
http://harrydole.com/42nd/Chapter%202-6/ (see Chapter 3- March 3rd).
2nd Lt.
Sherak, John William
Col.
Wife: "Scotty" Sherak
Of Colorado Springs, Colorado
Silvester, Lindsey McDonald
Col.
He was born in Wash. D.C. on Dec. 4, 1921.
Wife: Annabelle Silvester
Of Annandale, Va.
Simpson, Eber Eugene
He was a West Point Cadet (13954) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. He was the Operations Officer of the 391st Fighter Sqdn. T. E. in 1945-45. He had the Silver Star, D. F. C. and 19 Air Medals. He was killed in a Kentucky air accident on Sept. 20, 1946. (West Point Records).
Click here for more information.
Capt.
He was born in Wisconsin.
Steward, Maurice George
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Stuart, Joseph Alexander Jr.
He was in the Army, then went to West Point. He was in Douglas as a West Point Cadet( 13321). He had Basic at Gunter Field. Later he was in the 90th Bomb Group in the Pacific 1944-45. He had 38 missions in B-24’s. Then was a B-24 Group Commander. He was awarded the D.F.C., Legion of Merit and 4 Air Medals, and the Commendation Medal. Then on to the 38th Bomb Group & Wing 1952-54. He received the Joint Service Commendation Medal. Next he was in Hdqts. of Director of Information, Military A.T.C. 1965 (Legion of Merit). He retired as a Colonel in 1972.
Col.
Born in Pennsylvania on May 4, 1922.
Wife: Marjorie Stuart
Of Arcadia, Calif.
Taylor, Charles A.
2nd Lt. Student Officer at Douglas. S/N: O-438778. Paul Schlundt was his instructor. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He graduated at Marianna. Then to the South Pacific.
Washington, D. C.
Teetor, Ralph Jamison Jr.
He was a West Point Cadet (13566) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. He was in the Air Corps 879th Bomb Sqdn. in Saipan, 1944-45. He had 3 D,F.C.s, and 8 Air Medals. He died in an aircraft accident in New Mexico on Mar. 7, 1946. (West Point records)
Capt.
Born in Michigan.
Tomlinson, William Holmes
He was appointed in Louisiana. He was a West Point Cadet(13930) at Douglas. Benny Rainville was his instructor. He had Basic at West Point. When he found out that he was going to be a bomber pilot, he voluntarily reverted to the Army, which had been a family tradition. Later he was with the 246th Field Artillery, American, Div. in the S.W. Pacific in 1945. Awarded the Bronze Star. He retired as a Colonel in 1973.
See more information.
Col.
Born in Arkansas, on Apr. 12, 1922.
Wife: Suzanne Tomlinson
Of Jacksonville, FL.
Trinter, Vernon E.
He was a West Point Cadet at Douglas. He was continuously air sick and washed out after 3 hours of dual flight. He returned to West Point and graduated in 1943. He served in the regular army, assigned to anti-aircraft in the New York City area. He retired as a Captain in 1946 after suffering with phlebitis.
Capt.
Born Apr. 15, 1918.
Wife: Marie Trinter
Of Las Vegas, Nevada
Tully, Dermot Michael
He had Basic at Shaw Field. He had Advanced at Turner Field, GA. S/N: O-794592. He was (late in the war) a ferrying pilot assigned to the 4th Ferrying Group based in Memphis Tennessee and flew planes all over the USA. He was documented as a Captain in the USAF reserves in 1958.
VanDalinda, Edward G.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. S/N: O-424650. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He was an instructor pilot assigned to the basic flying school at Cochran Field near Macon, GA for a time, after graduation.
Vanden Heuvel, George R.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. S/N: O-377674. Paul Schlundt was his instructor. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He graduated from Marianna, Florida. George became a P-51 Pilot in England with the 376th Fighter Sqdn. 361st Fighter Group, 8th Air Force. He had 72 combat missions and became an "Ace" credited with nine and a half victories. He made a career of the Air Force, much of it in England. He retired as a Colonel in 1965.
Click here for a PDF of his career.Wife: Mary Vanden-Heuvel
Of London, England.
George passed away in Feb. 1996.
Vandervort, Tedford Rutledge
He had basic at Cochran Field. He went to P-51's and served in North Africa.
Ted died in about 1985.
Walker, Francis Veazy
He was a West Point Cadet (13768) at Douglas. Benny Rainville was his instructor. He had Basic at West Point. He went to the 344th Bomb Sqdn., 98th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force. He had been awarded the Service Medal, 2 Air Medals and 2 Purple Hearts. He was killed or missing over Munich, Germany on June 9, 1944.
Click here for more information.
1st LT
He was born in Georgia Oct. 10, 1918
Weber, Edwin Burke
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Weyrick, Joseph William
He was a West Point Cadet (13890) in Douglas. He completed basic and advanced training but then went back to the regular army. In 1944-45 he was in Field Artillery, 7690 Battalion in the Pacific Theatre.
Click here to read more.
Whitacre, Bradford H.
Student Officer: 1st Lt.
Paul Schlundt was his instructor. He had basic at Cochran Field and graduated from Moody Field O-402032. He went to the 9th A. F., 12th Bomb Group in Tunisia flying B-25's. Later to Sicily and Italy. Made Captain in 1943. He has Air Medal with 8 Clusters. 50 Missions, 160 Combat hours. Then to P-40's and P-51's at Tallahassee. Next he instructed at Key Field. Then to Hammond A. F. B. in 1945.
Major
Wife: Edwina Whitacre
Of Melbourne, Florida
Wilkes, Wilson Bryant
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. at Douglas. S/N: O-424650. QMC Res. He had basic at Cochran Field.
He died in 1960.
Williams, Elbert Jay Jr.
He was killed in an aircraft accident in Boise, Idaho early in 1943.
Williams, J. H.
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. He was killed in a mid air collision at basic in Greenville, Miss. It was at night and in flying a pattern. Cadet Ernest J. Wiesmann, Class 43A at Douglas, was the other party and was also killed.
Wilson, Robert Clement
He had Basic at Shaw Field.
Woodall, Charles W.
Student Officer: 1st Lt. S/N: O-394821. Paul Schlundt was his instructor. He washed out after 30 hours at Basic at Cochran Field.
Wooldridge, Kermit David
Student Officer: 2nd Lt. S/N: O-451748. Paul Schlundt was his instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Cochran Field. He was a B-17 pilot assigned to the 379th Bomb Grp 525th Bomb Sqdn flying missions in Europe. See his diary at
https://sites.google.com/site/ww2pilotsdiary/. He flew 25 missions and was the only member of his squadron to survive his 8 months of missions.
Born in 1917 in Lawton Oklahoma
He died in 1994.
Reached Lt. Colonel in 1958.
Wright, Edmund Augustus
He was a West Point Cadet (13862) at Douglas. He had Basic at West Point. Later he flew A-20's in the 3rd Attack Group, 5th Air Force in the Philippines 1944-45. Was awarded the Air Medal and Purple Heart. Then he was in Hdqts. 314th Air Division in Japan 1950-51. Next he was at Keesler A.F.B. 1951-52. Then in Hdqts. Air Defense Command 1952-54. Received Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Oklahoma State University in 1956. Next Air Force Ballistics Division 1958-60. Then Hdqts. Air Force Systems Command 1960-64. Then Hdqts. Aero Space Systems Division at Wright Peterson A.F.B. 1964-65. He retired as a Colonel in 1965. He had about 1000 hours flying time. As a civilian he was manager of Apollo Support with General Electric Company
Col.
He was born in Georgia on November 19, 1921.
Wife: Marjorie Wright
Of Ormond Beach, Florida
Zebrowski, G. T.
Student Officer: 1st Lt. at Douglas. S/N: O-411645. He was a B-17 bombardier assigned to the 91st Bomb Grp 323rd Bomb Sqdn flying missions in Europe and was shot-down on February 21, 1944 to become a POW at Luft Stalag 1. (MACR #02457)
1LT
From MA
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