Class 1943-J – 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 1943-J
(Scheduled to graduate from Advanced as officers Nov. 9, 1943)
Click here for a photo of
Squadron E, Class of 1943-J
Squadron G, Class of 1943-J
Squadron H, Class of 1943-J
Allen, Warren Charles
Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-814210. Assigned to Blytheville Army Airfield.
Of Chicago, IL.
Argus, Lawrence Durwood
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL. S/N: O-815269. He was in the 3rd A.F., 17th SE Flying Training Group.
Armour, Raymond Lee
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL. S/N: O-815270. He was at the Eglin Field Proving Ground.
2nd Lt.
From TN
Baughker, Robert Lee, Jr.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant. Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-567229. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville and 301st Bomb Gp 353rd Bomb Sqdn. He flew B-17's in the European Theater, receiving the Air Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster - see
http://www.301bg.com/
1st Lt.
of Ocean Springs, Miss.
Bell, Paul B.
S/N: O-816032
Beyeler, Wade S.
He was in Sqdn E at Douglas. He became a navigator, S/N: O-713608 in the 452nd Bomb Gp. (H), 731st Bomb Sqdn. Info from his son: Beyeler flew 33 missions in B-17s over Europe out of Deopham Green, East Anglia, England. He was shot down on his 13th mission on 25-Sep-1944 in "Swing Shift Baby" (S/N: 42-102513) over Luxembourg. He had to bail out at 11,000 feet. 8 out of 9 crew landed in Luxembourg and made it to U.S. lines and then back to England via Paris. The tail gunner who landed in Germany was the only crew member who was captured by the Germans. On their way back to England, Beyeler and the co-pilot, who apparently looked and sounded like Clark Gable, went AWOL in Paris for three days. This was in Sep 1944, about a month after the liberation of Paris. The co-pilot had a big roll of English pounds that he had won in a crap game back on base, and said to him, "come on Beyeler, let's paint the town". And, apparently, they did!
Blackburn, Keith Monroe
Walt Kuehner was his Instructor at Douglas. Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas S/N: O-814282. He had 31 Missions with the 384th Bomb Group 547th Bomb Sqdn in England. He was discharged in Sept. 1945.
Click here for his bio and list of missions (a PDF).1st Lt.
of Durango,
Col.
Wife: Sylvia
Boyd, Joseph Wesley
He graduated and went to England with the 8th A.F. 487th Bomb Gp 839th Bomb Sqdn.
Of Portersville, Pa.
1st Lt.
Wife: Louise.
Brooks, William Delance, Jr.
Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-814411. Assigned BAAF at Blytheville, Ark. Served in WWII, KOREA and VIETNAM, PURPLE HEART
(see
FindAGrave)
COL.
of Salem, OH.
Bush, Gordon Scott
Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-814272. Assigned to Blytheville AAFd Advanced Flying School. He was a pilot in the Air Force and a veteran of World War II and the Korean War
(
per his obituary).
MAJ.
of Pensacola, FL. and Lando Lane, Orlando.
Born in Gadsden, Ala., he moved to Orlando from Fort Myers in 1956.
Born 15 Feb 1922 - Died 21 Mar 1990
See
FindAGrave
Calish, Sumner J.
Called to active duty in February 1943. S/N: O-816046. He was with the 371st Fighter Gp 406th Fighter Sqdn. On Aug. 24, 1944 he was killed in action flying a P-47D (S/N: 42-76555). According to MACR #10122, while strafing the marshaling yards of Vierson-Ville, his plane did not pull out of a run and hit the ground and exploded. However, according to his Individual Deceased Personnel File (IDPF), he died at Villefranche-sur-Cher during the strafing of a troop train stationed in the small railway station of that town.
He may have been a 1st Lt., but he was listed as 2nd Lt. in U.S. Rosters of World War II Dead, 1939-1945.
He was on his 88th mission when he was killed. He had 3 German planes to his credit. He received the Purple Heart, DFC and Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, per his obituary in the Boston Globe, June 19, 1949.
Of Brighton, MA
Cave, John E.
S/N: O-816048. He was in the 365th Fighter Gp 386th Fighter Sqdn. On Sept. 18, 1944 he was killed in action while flying a P-47D (S/N: 44-19735) on a mission near Aachen, Germany. Approximately 40 FW-190's engaged his squadron and his plane was hit behind the cockpit and crashed. (MACR #09105)
1st Lt.
His enlistment shows he was born in Pennsylvania and enlisted in New York. His IDPF (Individual Deceased Personnel File) also shows he was born in Pennsylvania. His tombstone in Arlington National Cemetery says New York.
Born Sept 22, 1922.
Chadwick, Ralph Stewart
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL. S/N: O-815281. He was with the 335th Bomb Gp 474th Bomb Sqdn Replacement Training Unit. On Jan. 23, 1944 he was killed in a flying accident in Louisiana in a B-26B.
2nd Lt.
FL
Cowperthwaite, Raymond A.
He trained to become a bombardier at Victorville, CA (class 44-03) and became a bombardier with the 486th Bomb Gp 834th Bomb Sqdn.
Cramer, Eugene S.
S/N: O-816247. He was in the 459th Bomb Gp 757th Bomb Sqdn
Capt.
Nebraska
Crooke, James Joseph, Jr.
S/N: O-722947. He became a navigator in the 303rd Bomb Gp 359th Bomb Sqdn. On Sept 12, 1944 he was navigator in a B-17G (S/N: 42-31177) on a mission to Brux, Czechoslovakia. His plane was attacked by enemy aircraft. The front part of the wing in front of No. 3 engine and the horizontal stabilizer were hit. He bailed out and was a P.O.W. in Stalag Luft 1 located near Barth, Germany (MACR #8823).
2nd Lt.
FL
Decker, Homer F.
Probably enlisted August 11, 1942 from Pulaski County, KY
Probably born 1921
Diamond, Alvin
He became a navigator, Selman Field During WWII by Turner Publishing.
Diehlmann, Elton
On Aug 30, 1943, he was involved in a landing accident in a BT-13A (S/N: 41-9669) at Bush Field, Augusta, GA
Dill, Frederick Linwood
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-814454. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. He flew B-17’s in Europe in the 381st Bomb Gp 532nd Bomb Sqdn. On May 19, 1944 he was flying as a 2nd Lieutenant and copilot on a B-17G (S/N: 42-32088) leaving Ridgewell, England. The plane was shot down. The 9-person crew was captured at Yarzahn near Berlin and imprisoned in Dulag Luft. MACR (accident report): #5030.
He did return to the U.S.A. He was flying on weekends about 1946 when he was killed in an aircraft crash.
1st Lt.
From Rockland, Mass.
Donovan, William John
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-814469. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. He flew B-24’s with the 8th A.F., 491st Sqdn. in England.
Wife: Jean Donovan,
Of Greenhills, OH.
Eaton, Peter Kissel
Robert Cramp was his instructor at Douglas. S/N: O-816075. On Jul 11, 1944, he was flying a P-47D (S/N: 42-74718) at Kingsnorth (418), England, with 53rd Fighter Sqdn, 36th Fighter Grp when he was involved in an accident.
In the 29th Tactical Air Command General Orders of 13 December 1944, he was awarded his 7th, 8th, and 9th Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Medal.
1st LT.
Born 5 Feb 1924. of New Canaan, Conn.
Died 18 Jun 1990 in Sarasota, FL.
Eisele, Albert Edward
He graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL. S/N: O-815293. He was in the 3rd AF 439th Fighter Sqdn Replacement Training Unit and then served with the 358th Fighter Group 365th Fighter Squadron flying P-47 Thunderbolts with the Ninth Air Force in Europe.
2nd Lt.
Of NY
Evans, Ellis W.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant. Walt Kuehner was his instructor. He may have become a LTC as found at
FindAGrave
Fairchok, Walter
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815456. He was assigned to the B.A.A.F. at Blytheville. Then he was in the 8th A.F. in England flying B-17s in the 390th Bomb group, 571st Bomb Sqdn. He also flew B-29s with Air Weather Service. In 1946 he was involved in the Pacific atom bomb tests. In the 1950s, he flew C-97’s at Kelly A.F.B.
Fellers, Eddy Richard
Bob Wilson was his Instructor. He had Basic at Macon and Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815457. He was with the 8th A.F. 385th Bomb Group. He flew 35 missions in a B-17. Was discharged at the end of the war.
Ferguson, Donald Bruce
Graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL. S/N: O- 815296. He was in the 3rd AF 439th Fighter Sqdn Replacement Training Unit.
2nd Lt.
Of MI.
Fisher, Dale H.
Bruce Campbell was his Instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Cochran and Advanced at Marianna Army Air Field in FL. He was assigned as a Maintenance Test Pilot at Kelly Field. He flew many types of aircraft. He was recalled in 1950 and went to Japan. He left the Service about 1952 to go with a small financial institution.
Flesher, Earle R.
S/N: O-762765. He became a bombardier in the 96th Bomb Gp 337th Bomb Sqdn.
1st Lt.
Folsom, Frank Irton, Jr.
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815305. He was in the 310th Bomb Gp 428th Bomb Sqdn. On Dec. 24, 1944, he was pilot of a B-25J (S/N: 43-27768, named "Buffalo Gal") with a crew of 7 with 1 observer flying out of Ghisonaccia in Northern Corsica on a weather recon. After an hour, the base tried to radio him to return to base, but they received no answer. The plane disappeared and all were declared KIA (MACR #10725)
1st Lt.
Chicago, IL
Wife: Hellen S. Folsom
Fosdick, George Warren
Landis was his instructor. He had Basic at Macon and graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815301. He flew with the 9th Air Force, 50th Fighter Gp, 10 Fighter Sqdn. in P-47’s in England and France. He flew 3 mission before D-Day, and then participated in D-Day. He flew 94 missions before the end of the war, winning among others the DFC and Air Medal with 12 clusters. He was later in the Air National Guard. As a civilian he was an Aeronautical Engineer.
Foust, George W.
He became a navigator (Flight Officer S/N: T-125748). He was in the 38th Bomb Gp 71st Bomb Sqdn. On Mar. 20, 1945, he was navigator in a B-25Jb (S/N: 43-27844) on a mission to the west coast of China. The squadron attacked a 5-ship convoy including a destroyer. During the attack, the right wing caught on fire. The fire grew in intensity. The gears dropped with the wheels coming only part way down. The bomb bay doors opened. The right gear fell away, and the pilot regained control of the plane. The right wing then burned off at the nacelle, and the plane nosed over into a spin. The plane made two turns before hitting the water nose first. He was killed. (MACR #13782)
Wife: Mary L. Foust
Of Takoma Park, MD
Franklin, Dwaine Robert
Bill Bright was his instructor at Douglas. He graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815305. He flew P-51's. He was in the 52nd Fighter Group 5th Fighter Sqdn and the 36 Fighter Group 23 Fighter Sqdn. He had 22 years of service. Retired in 1965. He was a member of the Thunderbolts Pilots Association.
Lt. Col.
Wife: Grace Franklin
Of Yuma, AZ.
Friend, Milton E.
He became a navigator (S/N:O-709329). He was in the 376th BG. ON Aug. 10, 1944, he was navigator on a B-24B (S/N: 42-78075) on a mission to Ploesti, Romania. The plane went to a secondary target a railroad marshaling yard near the Rumania-Yugoslavia border. His plane was attacked by enemy fighters, and a fire in the right wing forced the crew to bail out. He along with the rest of the crew became an evader. They escaped and he was returned to the U.S. by Sept. 27, 1944 (MACR #5829).
2nd Lt.
Of Passaic, NJ
Galbreath, Ernest William
He graduated and then to Co-Pilot training at Laredo, TX. Then to Larimore to pick up his combat crew, then to Boise for training. Before he got overseas, the war was over.
F.O.
Wife: Geneva Galbreath
Of Akron, OH.
Gillespie, Perry J.
Paul Schlundt soloed him June 9, 1943. He graduated - S/N: O-818142. He was in the 446th Bomb Gp 706th Bomb Sqdn.
2nd Lt.
Giovine, Peter R.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant, and Ken Landis was his instructor at Douglas.
Possibly went into the artillery and died 1959 in Olympia, Washington. See
FindaGrave.comBorn 1919 and enlisted in Queens County, New York on April 04, 1941.
Gniadek, John C.
Ken Landis was his instructor. He became a gunner in the 487th BG
Goodner, Maurice M.
He became a navigator, S/N: O-709347(?).
Gower, William K.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant at Douglas, and Lt. Rundlett was his instructor. May have been the DFC recipient from the 390th Bomb Group. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/
Graham, Arnold Christopher
He became a gunner (S/N: 31052986) with the 499th Bomb Gp 879th Bomb Sqdn (VHB). On Apr. 13, 1945, he was "CFC" on a B-29 (S/N: 42-65344) on a night mission to Tokyo, Japan. His plane did not return. (MACR #14236)
TSgt
Bridgeport CT
Graham, Robert Mari
Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815465. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. He was checked out on B-24’s at Tuscon, AZ. He was a pilot assigned to the 493rd Bomb Group 863rd Bomb Sqdn based at Debach, Suffolk, England. He flew 30 missions over German occupied Europe. He was awarded the DFC, Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters, and other citations.
Click here for his obit, which also describes his service.1st Lt.
Wife: Polly Graham
of Watertown, NY.
Born Aug. 12, 1920. He died Apr. 21, 1972. He was 51 years old.
Haas, Leonard A.
He graduated in the bombardier class of 44-03 at Victorville, CA and became a bombardier (S/N: O-769280) in the 13th A.F. He was killed in action.
2nd Lt.
Of Cook County, IL
Born 1921, died 1944.
See
FindAGrave.
Hadsell, Donald Maurice
Walt Kuehner was his instructor. Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815321. He was in the 321st Bomb Gp 445th Bomb Sqdn
1st Lt.
Of PA
Hall, Earl William
Kuehner was his instructor. Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815322. He was in the 321st Bomb Gp 447th Bomb Sqdn and the 334th Bomb Gp Replacement Training Unit flying B-25s. He arrived in Solenzara, Corsica in May, 1944 and flew co-pilot. His unit bombed marshaling yards, bridges and other targets to deter enemy troup movements. He was awarded the Air Medal with 6 oak leaf clusters. He was rotated out November, 1944.
Hanson, Alfred
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815326. He was in the 334th Bomb Gp 470th Bomb Sqdn Replacement Training Unit. On Feb. 12, 1944 he was killed in a flying accident in SC in a B-25D.
2nd Lt.
Of WI
Harkins, William Jerome, Jr.
Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-615471. Went to BAAF at Blytheville.
1st LT
Born Feb. 27, 1917
Died Oct. 8, 2007
See
FindAGrave
Of Bellows Falls, VT.
Harrington, James F.
He became a navigator, per Selman Field During WWII, Turner Publishing.
Haught, Charles Adburn
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815473. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. Later he flew B-26’s with the 9th AF 323rd Bomb Gp 453rd Bomb Sqdn in England and France. He flew 65 missions. He returned to work in the Steel Industry in Pennsylvania.
1st Lt.
Wife: Jeanne Haught
Of Washington, PA.
Helfer, William Clement
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815475. Was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. He was in the 313th Troop Carrier Group 29th Troop Carrier Squadron. He flew in Operation Varsity, a successful joint American–British airborne operation that took place toward the end of World War II, involving more than 16,000 paratroopers and several thousand aircraft.
He was copilot of a C-46 (S/N: 44-77591), which was undamaged. He was discharged at the end of the war.
1st Lt.
Of Oldsmar, Fla.
Wife: Monita
Hendrick, Arthur Joseph, Jr.
Enlisted July 28, 1942. Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815477. Was assigned to BAAF at Blytheville.
Of Arlington, MA.
Hepfer, Joe B.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant at Douglas. He was in the 356th Fighter Group 360th Fighter Sqdn.
1st Lt.
Of IL
Hill, Richard Wescott
Graduated from George Army Air Corps Field, Lawrence County, IL. S/N: O-814953. Made 1st Pilot on B-17's and flew 37 missions in the 388th Bomb Group, 563rd Bomb Squadron.
1st Lt
Of Fulton, N.Y.
Hyson, John Wesley
S/N: O-816108. He was at Millville AAFd Replacement Training Unit (in P-47s).
He as copilot and a pilot (Captain Gordon Douglas Smith) were killed in a crash of a F015F Thunderchief fighter during a practice bombing mission northeast of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Goldsboro, NC. At the time, he was chief of the wing's command post.
Jaeger, William C.
Rundlett was his instructor at Douglas. He became a navigator (S/N: O-718322). He was in the 379th Bomb Gp 525th Bomb Sqdn. On Aug. 24, 1944 he was navigator in a B-17G (S/N: 42-37903) on a mission to Germany. His plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire near Merseburg, Germany and was struggling back to base low on gas. The plane was leaking gas and went down. He was MIA and then declared dead (MACR #8285).
2nd Lt.
Of NJ
Jensen, Finn
Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-615491. Assigned to BAAF at Blytheville.
Chicago, IL.
Johns, Charles Wilson
Lt. Col.
From Kentucky
Aug. 15, 1919-Aug. 3, 1986
(see
FindAGrave)
Judkovics, Francis F.
Capt.
Karpinko, Paul W.
S/N: O-818285. He was in the 389th Bomb Gp 567th Bomb Sqdn. On May 27, 1944 he was co-pilot on a B-24H (S/N: 42-94951) with a crew of 10 on a mission to Saarbrucken, Germany. His plane was hit by flak. It continued on for a few seconds and then went into a dive. He was killed (MACR #5261).
2nd Lt.
Of PA
Wife: Thelma V. Karpinko.
Kelley, James Edwin
Graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815348. He was in the 321st Bomb Gp 447th Bomb Sqdn after the 334th Bomb Gp Replacement Training Unit. On Apr. 14, 1944 he was the co-pilot on a B-25C (S/N: 42-64559) on a mission to the Viterbo Airdrome in Italy. The plane was hit by flak and went into a steep dive, then leveled off, then flew inverted and finally crashed. He was killed (MACR #04188).
2nd Lt.
Of NE
Kellstrom, Emery Elam
Rundlett was his instructor. Graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815349. He was in the 315th Troop Carrier Group 309th Troop Carrier Sqdn (flying C-47A) and the 60th Troop Carrier Group.
2nd Lt.
Of CT
Klutkowski, George R.
He was in the 94th Bomb Gp 410th Bomb Sqdn
Flight Officer
Of NJ
Long, Moses J.
S/N: O-816126. He was in the 14th Fighter Group 49th Fighter Sqdn. On Aug. 14, 1944, he was flying a P-38J (S/N: 42-28643) on a mission to Montfrin, France. As he was looking for targets to strafe, heavy flak hit his plane in the left engine and it caught fire. He was captured and became a P.O.W. in Stalag Luft East near Nurenburg, Germany (MACR #07953).
2nd Lt.
Of Mobile, AL
Lougee, Francis Gilman
Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815516, First assignment was to the BAAF at Blytheville. Later he flew B-29's in the Pacific and over Japan. He was shot down on Dec. 19, 1944.
Click here for more information.
Of New London, Conn.
Had a wife.
Madison, Harry Wayne
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant at Douglas. Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-129574. Assigned to BAAF at Blytheville.
of Gaston OR.
Manchester, Roger S.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant at Douglas.
Mathews, Robert Donald
Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815521. Assigned to BAAF at Blytheville.
Of Kansas City, MO.
McChesney, William Howard, Jr.
Caeser Miles was his Instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Macon, and graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815362. Then to Goldsboro, Wilmington and then England. He flew P-47’s with the 9th A.F., 365th Fighter Grp. 388th Sqdn. On Aug. 25, 1944 on a fighter sweep toward Dijon Airdrome, France, he was hit by flak on his 63rd mission as he was diving at targets. He was P.O.W. for 7 days when he escaped from the train taking him to a prison camp. He was picked up by the French Underground and returned to the U.S.
McMullen, Edward E.
Rundlett was his Instructor at Douglas. He became a bombardier (S/N: O-762796). On Mar. 4, 1944, he was in overseas training at the Sioux City, Iowa AAB 393rd Combat Crew Training Station where he had an accident that ended his flying career. He retired Apr. 25, 1945. Then he was in a managing position at Grumman Aircraft Corp.
2nd Lt.
Merryman, Robert Earl
Robert Cramp was his Instructor at Douglas. He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas as F.O. T-61555. He flew 31 missions with the 452nd Bomb Group 728th Bomb Sqdn in England. Later he stayed in the reserve for a total of 30 years of Service.
Major
Of Ohio then of St. Petersburg, FL.
Meyers, Stewart M.
Flight Officer T-061523. He was with the 341st Bomb Gp 22nd Bomb Sqdn.
1st Lt.
Miller, Gayle H.
Student Officer: First Lieutenant at Douglas. He was killed Aug. 16, 1944 as the pilot in a B-24 with a crew of 10 on a bombing run on Magdeburg, Germany. The B-24J (S/N: 42-50481) was part of the 8 A.F., 788th Sqdn, 467th Bomb Group. Direct hit by flak caused the ship to break in two at the waist windows. The tail end seemed to float up in the air and the front end headed in a dive for the ground. The front went down so fast there could be no survivors. (MACR #8423)
1st Lt.
Of AL
Mucha, Robert H.
He was a navigator with the 449th Bomb Gp 717th Bomb Sqdn. He became a career Air Force officer. In 1953, he received the Air Medal for his part as a B-29 Superfort navigator in strikes against communist targets in North Korea during the Korean War. In 1967, he was Lt. Col. and director of information at Hamilton Air Force Base, California. He retired after 26 years of service in 1969. He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Air Medal four times, the Air Force Commendation medal, and the Purple Heart [Source: Daily Independent Journal (San Rafael, California), 13 Feb 1969, Thu, Page 24].
Lt. Col.
Wife: Miriam Ehlert Mucha
Retired to Hollywood Florida
BIRTH 30 Jun 1921
DEATH 16 Jul 2006 (aged 85)
BURIAL Arlington National Cemetery
Muster, Henry Joseph
S/N: O-1686420 and T-061525. He was with the 345th Bomb Gp 498th Bomb Sqdn. On Jan. 3, 1945, he was co-pilot on a B-25J (S/N: 43-28122) on a mission to Lahug Airdrome, Cebu Island. The plane was shot down, and he went down with the plane.
2nd Lt.
Of East Bernstadt, KY
Myers, William Blagden, Jr.
S/N: O-816720. He was with the 367th Fighter Group 394th Fighter Sqdn
2nd Lt.
Nash, William P., Jr.
Student Officer: First Lieutenant at Douglas. He probably graduated from
Elon University (in NC) in 1942 and then enlisted in the Air Corps. He may be this William P. Nash at
FindAGrave: LT COL US Army Air Forces (ATC) - where ATC is the Air Transport Command.
Nicholson, Raymond E.
He was with the 15th air force, 449th Bomb Gp, 716th Bomb Sqdn. He was a pilot on a B-24 Liberator in Italy and received the DFC on Aug. 16, 1944. He also held the Air Medal.
He reenlisted as a Staff Sergeant in 1947 and was assigned to the Owensboro, KY army and air force recruiting station from the Hopkinsville station [Source: Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky), 28 Mar 1950, Tue, Page 14].
Lt.
Of Paducah and later Fayetteville, KY
Wife: Bernice Murphy Nicholson.
Nutkis, Hyman
Flight Officer S/N: T-123619. He was a navigator with the 446th Bomb Gp 705th Bomb Sqdn. On June 12, 1944 he was navigator on a B-24H (S/N: 42-94859) on a mission to Rennes, France. The plane was hit by flak and dropped out of formation. It was then attacked by 12 enemy fighters. It went out of control but some of the crew were able to bail out. Nutkis became a P.O.W. at Luft-Stalag #1 located near Barth, Germany.
NJ
Birth Date: 16 Aug 1922
Death Date: 22 Nov 2013
O'Connor, John Francis, Jr.
Dupraw was his instructor at Douglas. He graduated from George Army Air Corps Field, Lawrence County, IL.. S/N: O-614953. He served in the Berlin Airlift.
Capt.
Wife: Mary O'Conner
Of Springfield, MA
He died Sept. 17, 1987.
O'Neill, Frank Thomas
He joined the military in June 1941 and was initially an airplane mechanic but then volunteered for glider pilot. Half way through this training, it was discontinued, and so he took the exam for aviation cadet and passed. As a cadet, he took a pay cut from $144 per month to $75. Robert Cramp was his Instructor at Douglas. He had Basic at Macon. Graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas, Nov. 1943, S/N: O-816665. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. He went overseas as a co-pilot on a B-24 with the 15 A.F., 449th Bomb Group, 719th at Gistoglia, Italy. He flew 50 missions over Yugoslavia, Romania, Austria, N. Italy and France, including 5 missions over the Ploesti Oil Fields. His plane was named 'Gremlins Delite'. On Jul. 8, 1943, his plane flew lead on a mission to an oil storage area on the Black Sea. The fighters zeroed in on him, and his radio and right inboard engine were shot and the rudder cables were cut. The engineer spliced the cables together with arming wire. When they got home, they realized the aeleron cable was hanging together by only a thread. The plane was so full of holes it never flew again. He returned to Victorsville, CA and then flew Bombardiers and Navigators. He was discharged in Aug. 1945.
Ottobre, Albert Francis
Graduated from Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815378. He was in the 334th Bomb Gp Replacement Training Unit.
From New Jersey.
Pacello, Roland O.
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-816666. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. Later he flew Bombers in the 385th Bomb Group.
of Seattle, Wash.
Pearson, Tazewell W.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant at Douglas. S/N: O-1639485. He was at the Boca Raton (FL) AAFd Technical School (Radar).
2nd Lt.
Of WV
Perkoski, James Hudson, Jr.
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-815385. He was in the 386th Bomb Gp 555th Bomb Sqdn.
1st Lt.
Of Pittsburgh, PA
Click
here for his group picture at Douglas.
Piotrowski, Edward A.
He was a navigator, possibly in the Air Training Command - S. Atlantic Wing Group, per INTO FIELDS OF FIRE: The Story of the 438 TCG during WWII by Austin J. Buchanan.
2nd Lt.
Of IN
Platner, Martin John, Jr.
Graduated Marianna Army Air Field in FL., S/N: O-816721. He was in the 405th Fighter Group 509th Fighter Sqdn
1st Lt.
Previdi, Richard E.
Was still in the service in Nov 1945 when he was in some sort of aircraft accident.
Pruitt, Henry L.
May be the Henry L. Pruitt with S/N: O-831793 who was co-pilot on a B-25 (S/N: 44-28918) in the 321st Bomb Grp, 448 Bomb Sqdn when on Aug 2, 1945 he and his crew went missing after being hit by flak on a mission to the Calliano Railroad Bridge in Italy. (MACR #12126).
Radzevich, Benjamin John, "Benny "
He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815551. His first assignment was to the BAAF at Blytheville. Later he flew B-17’s in Europe in the 493rd Bomb Gp 862nd Bomb Sqdn.
He was also with the 95th Bomb Group and 412th Bomb Sqdn (See his picture in the 95th).
On July 5, 1945, he was flying as a 1st Lieutenant and pilot on a B-17F (S/N: 42-32087) coming back to the U.S. from Europe. They had just stopped at the Azores for refueling, and shortly after takeoff, the plane caught fire. The last radio contact reported that #3 engine had cut out, and, after trying to return, the plane was losing altitude. They were preparing to ditch the aircraft.
There were only four survivors, and 11 others were still missing after a search of 9 hours. Benny was one of those missing.
1st Lt.
of Amsterdam, N.Y.
Died July 4, 1945
Rafferty, Edward
Ted Roman was his Instructor at Douglas. He graduated from Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815552. He was assigned to the BAAF at Blytheville. He served over Europe in the 450th Bomb Gp 720th Bomb Sqdn. On April 28, 1944, he was flying as a 2nd Lieutenant and copilot on a B-24H (S/N: 42-52124) leaving Manduria Air Base, Italy with intended destination of Orbetello, Italy. The plane was shot down, and the crew bailed out. Seven members of the 10-person crew were captured. Three of the crew were described as missing and/or casualties. He was placed in Dulag Luft prison camp (Stalag #7). Source: MACR (Missing Air Crew Report): #4619.
2nd Lt.
Born: April 11, 1918.
Of Dilliner or Fredericktown, PA.
Wife: Mary A. Rafferty of Cleveland, OH
Ratchick, Selig
He became a navigator (S/N: O-712666). He was in the 457th Bomb Gp 749th Bomb Sqdn. On July 12, 1944 he was navigator on a B-17-G (S/N: 44-6111) on a mission to Munich, Germany. His plane was hit by flak on the bomb run. The propeller on No. 1 engine was blown off. He was interred in Switzerland (MACR #06925) and repatriated on 7-24-44.
2nd Lt.
Of NY
Ravera, Eugene Edward
Graduated Blytheville Army Airfield, Arkansas. S/N: O-815554. He was at the Casper (WY) AAFd 331st Combat Crew Training Station. On Mar. 2, 1944 he was killed in a flying accident in a B-24E.
2nd Lt.
of San Jose, CA.
Reasor, Charles E.
S/N: O-814996. On July 18, 1946, he was Captain and the Instructor Pilot on an OA-10 with 4 crew and 4 passengers on board leaving Itami Airbase for Nagoya, Japan. The plane crashed in Nagoya Bay, cause undetermined. (MACR #R-1020.)
Capt.
of Big Stone Gap, VA.
Click
here for his group picture at Douglas.
Regan, Martin Joseph
of Old Greenwich, CT.
Reinhard, Myron Ambrose, Jr.
of Allentown, PA.
Reisman, Sanford Bertram
DuPraw was his Instructor at Douglas. He was in the 8th A.F., 492nd Bomb Group. He completed 30 missions as co-pilot on a B-24 as part of Robertson Scott's crew. Their story is told
here.
Rethy, Joseph G.
S/N: O-614970. He was a pilot in the 306th Bomb Grp, 368th Bomb Sqdn. He reported to Thurleigh England on Dec 1, 1944. See
Source.
of Los Angeles, CA.
Died Sept 21, 1998 Age 76.
Richardson, Byron Earl
S/N: O-814972. He was a co-pilot on C-47 aircraft assigned to the 61st Troop Carrier Group, 53rd Troop Carrier Squadron based at Barkston-Heath, England. He was also in the Air Transport Command in Natal, Brazil.
1st Lt.
of Fairmont, W.VA.
Click
here for his group picture at Douglas.
Riley, Joseph Festus
S/N: O-816764. He was in the 52nd Fighter Group 2nd Fighter Sqdn. On June 11, 1944 he was killed in action flying a P-51 (S/N: 43-7024) near Sofia, Bulgaria while escorting a bomber wing on a mission to Constanta, Rumania. His formation was attacked by enemy fighters, but the amount of damage to his plane was unknown. He did not return to base. (MACR #5777)
2nd Lt.
Of WV
Wife: Elizabeth M. Riley
Robertson, Earl Gilbert
He had Basic at Cochran Field in Macon and Advanced at Moody, O-818220. Was assigned to the 2nd A.F. at Salt Lake City. In April 1944 he went to Europe in B-24’s in the 453rd Bomb Group. He had 35 missions over France & Germany and returned to the U.S. in late 1944. Was discharged in 1945. He received the DFC, 3 air medals, and other citations. He stayed in the Reserves until 1952 and was made Capt. in 1951. In 1974 he went back in where he used his computer knowledge and managed to get into an aviation unit, and he obtained the rank of Capt. again before retiring in 1986.
Capt.
Wife: Judy (nickname for Julia) Robertson
of Roanoke, VA.
Died July 16, 1993
Rose, Dudley B.
313th Troop Carrier Group, 48th Troop Carrier Squadron.
Click here for more information/pictures.
1st Lt.
Of Ohio
Ross, Robert T.
Ash DuPraw was his Instructor at. He flew observation planes in India and Burma. He was discharged at the end of the war.
Wife: Dorothy Ross
Of Bristol, Va.
He died in May, 1981.
Rowan, Sammy T.
S/N: O-814978. He was in the 491st Bomb Gp 853rd Bomb Sqdn. He was co-pilot in a B-24-J (S/N: 42-110169) that crash landed at Metfield, Suffolk, England after an aborted mission to Vicomte-sur-Rance, France on June 8, 1944.
of Richwood, W. VA. and wife living in Akron, OH at time of his death.
Russell, Clifford B.
S/N: O-816765. He was in the 405th Fighter Group 510th Fighter Sqdn. On Aug. 14, 1944 he was flying a P-47 (S/N: 42-76471) as element leader on a recon mission to Calais. While returning from the mission, their group encountered about 20 enemy aircraft. Russell went after a ME-109. Suddenly he pulled up from his dive down after the ME-109. Nobody saw his plane after that time (MACR #8511). He was K.I.A.
2nd Lt.
Of CA
Sample, Rudolph Delos
S/N: O-814982. He was assigned to Barksdale Field. He became a bomber pilot with the 319th Bomb Group. He flew a B-26 and served for 14 months in Corsica and Sardinia and had 40 missions to his credit. He was awarded the Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters. He also has the Croix de Guerre with palm, the Presidential Citation with 2 clusters, and 4 battle stars. [Source: The Herald Statesman (Yonkers, New York), 02 Nov 1945, Fri, Page 17.]
of New York
Married Melba Marie Iano in October 1945.
Sands, Donald Frank
Ashley Dupraw was his instructor. He graduated S/N: O-814736. He flew C-47s in the Troop Carrier Command, 62nd Grp. 51st Sqdn. He stayed in the Reserve retiring as a Lt. Col.
Savago, Joseph John
S/N: O-814984. From his obituary: "He enlisted in the Aviation Cadets in September 1942 and was selected for pilot training in Georgia, where he learned to fly Stearman PT17s, BT13s and AT10s. He received his wings in November 1943 and was commissioned a 2nd Lt. U.S. Army Air Force officer. Upon being given the choice of which aircraft he wished to fly, he chose the B24 Liberator because it was the biggest, fastest long-range bomber of the time. After training with his crew, he received orders to report to the 8th Air force 706th squadron, 446th B.G. in Norwich, Great Britain. He flew his first mission on July 18, 1944, and completed 35 in all through Oct. 25, 1944, running "carpet (bombing) missions" preceding ground advances and bombing airfields, marshalling yards, ordnance factories, oil refineries, aircraft and tank factories and chemical industries, as well as doing "grocery runs" with food and other supplies to Paris. After completing his missions, he served as a test pilot and instructor in England. Then he served at a base unit in the Salt Lake Desert in Utah where devices for chemical, bacterial and gas warfare were being tested, flying B17s, B25s, a C45, and an L5 until his discharge in October 1945."
Schoeffler, Robert A.
S/N: O-814985. He was in the 450th Bomb Gp 722nd Bomb Sqdn. He flew on about 22 missions. On June 26, 1944, he was pilot of a B-24G (S/N: 42-78334) with a crew of 10 on a mission to Schnechat Airbase, Austria. Over the target, his plane was hit by flak in the number 4 engine. The crew bailed out. He was taken prisoner and became a P.O.W. in Stalag Luft 7A near Nurenburg, Germany. He was returned at the end of the war through Camp Lucky Strike in France. (MACR #6370)
of Maple Heights, Bedford, OH.
Also known to be living in Albany, GA
Wife: Betty Jane Schoeffler
Schwab, Warren Harding
S/N: O-814989. He was in the 15th AF
1st Lt.
of Erie, PA.
Scott, Earl James
S/N: T-061671. He was in the 334th Bomb Gp 470th Bomb Sqdn Replacement Training Unit in South Carolina. He was killed in a flying accident Feb. 24, 1944-02-24 in a B-25C.
Flight officer
Of WA
Scott, Richard C.
S/N: O-816164. He was with the 325th Fighter Group 317th Fighter Sqdn. On May 12, 1944, he was flying a P-47 (S/N: 42-75838) on a mission out of Italy. He became missing in action over water between Ancona and Pola in the Adriatic Sea (MACR #04887). His date of death on the monument is 7 Nov 1945. Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal
2nd Lt
Born about 1921.
Of Washington, DC.
Son of Mrs. Eileen B. Scott, 1025 Connecticut Ave, Washington, DC.
Memorial at Sicily-Rome American Cemetery and Memorial, Lazio, Italy -
See Find-A-Grave
Seilheimer, John R.
He graduated O-814991. He was in the 092nd Bomb Gp 407th Bomb Sqdn. On July 11, 1944, he was pilot of a B-17G (S/N: 42-37976) with a crew of 9 on a mission to Munich Germany. His plane was shot up badly near the target and he landed in Sweden. Spent the rest of the war there. He and the crew returned to the U.S. (at Boston) on the U.S.S. Washington on Mar. 25, 1945. (MACR #7508).
Capt.
Wife: Sara Seilheimer
Of Peach Tree City, Ga.
Sibrava, Robert A.
Became a navigator
1st LT
Died 1996, age 77, in Chicago
Sims, Eskel L., Jr.
Was killed in Basic Training on July 30, 1943, along with his instructor, James T. Morris, when their plane crashed near Augusta, GA. He was attending Georgia-Aero Tech Basic Training School at the time.
Born about 1922, age 21 at time of the crash.
From Brevard, NC.
Smaltz, Donald Martin
S/N: O-814998. He was in the 440th Troop Carrier Group 95th Troop Carrier Sqdn. He was co-pilot in Douglas C-47 #43 15073 "The SNAFU Special" 27 DECEMBER 1944:
On December 27, 1944, The SNAFU Special participated in the last glider mission to Bastogne, a fifty-glider mission to resupply the besieged troops. Thirteen aircraft of the 440th TCG were in detached service (service away from its assigned unit) with the 439th TCG, flying the last thirteen elements of the formation.
On this 27 December, the 4-person crew flying "The SNAFU Special" included: 1st Lt. James P. Harper (P) - 2nd Lt. Donald M. Smaltz (CP).
Apparently the German ack-ack gunners had gotten the range as the first elements of the 50-plane formation came over, and as the 13 440th planes and gliders swung over the target the blast hit with unprecedented fury. When they made the final approach toward the landing zone, the 440th planes saw flak clouds virtually obscure the planes ahead and they encountered the heaviest flak barrage they have ever seen. As a result, only five aircraft of the thirteen made their way back without being shot down, four of them returned to Orleans and the last one was forced to make a crash-landing in friendly territory.
Donald Orcutt, a flight leader in the 95th TCS described the extent of damages to the surviving planes:
"Harper's aircraft was a flying wreck. Both main tires had been shot off and he landed on the bare wheels, losing one completely during the roll out. The fuselage and wings had been shredded by twenty millimeter and small arms fire. Rudder and elevator fabric was almost nonexistent. Fuel was leaking from the tanks. There were even holes in the propeller blades. It was a miracle that both engines continued to run." [Source:
https://www.facebook.com/snafuspecial/posts/27-december-194470-years-ago-on-december-27-1944-the-snafu-special-participated-/858051274237431/ ].
Smith, Arthur Leon
S/N: O-814999. He was in the 450th Bomb Gp 722nd Bomb Sqdn. On May 31, 1944 he was co-pilot of a B-24 (S/N: 42-278194) with a crew of 9 on a mission to Ploesti, Rumania. At the target, the ship was hit by flak and feathered number 1 engine. It dropped behind formation, further complications developed and the crew bailed out. He became a P.O.W. (MACR #05466). He was repatriated on 09-28-1944.
of Fenton, MI.
Wife: Doris Smith
Smith, Leonard Lewis
He graduated O-814000. Leonard was with the 8th A.F. 92nd Bomb Gp 407th Bomb Sqdn in England. He was shot down while a pilot of a B-17G (S/N: 42-37546) over Labejum, Germany on Sept. 11, 1944. The formation was hit by heavy flak followed by a fighter attack. Some of the crew jumped and were saved. Leonard did not make it. (MACR #8886)
2nd Lt.
Of Ashland, OH
Wife: Ann Smith, (widow) Now Mrs. Gardner.
Sousa, Kenneth James
He graduated from Turner Field, S/N: O-815006. Later he flew B-24’s. He was in in England and served in the 8th A.F. 492nd Bomb Gp 856th Bomb Sqdn and 801 Bomb Gp 858 Bomb Sqdn in England flying 30 missions in B-24’s. Later he was in M.A.T.S.
Capt.
Wife: Katherine Sousa
Of North Brookfield, Mass.
Stair, Ralph L.
Spent 8 months overseas in the Mediterranean Theatre. In April 1945, he was at the AAF Redistribution Center in Miami for reassignment. While overseas he won the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. [Source: The News and Observer (Raleigh, North Carolina) 23 Apr 1945, Mon, Page 10.]
1st LT, retired Lt. Col.
Of Washington, NC. Wife lived in Raleigh, NC while he was overseas.
Born 26 May 1923, Died 11 Jul 2009
See
FindAGrave.
Stewart, Roach Sidney, Jr.
S/N: O-816176. He was in the 56th Fighter Group 63rd Fighter Sqdn. On Aug. 3 1944, he was pilot of a P-47D (S/N: 42-25969) on a dive bombing mission on Strasburg. His plane was hit in the cockpit, and he probably lost consciousness or was killed. The plane crashed and he was killed (MACR #7448)
1st Lt.
of Lancaster, S.C.
Straley, Donald E.
of Flint, Mich
Suchiu, Raymond
He graduated S/N O-815013. He was in the 492nd Bomb Gp 859th Bomb Sqdn and the 467th Bomb Gp 788th Bomb Sqdn.
1st Lt.
of Warren, OH.
He died in Riviera Beach, FL about 1986.
Sumsion, Carlton T.
S/N: O-819289. Reubin Presley was his instructor. He had Basic at Bush and Advanced at Turner Field. He flew B-17’s and went to the 550th Sqdn. 385th Group, 8th Air Force in Europe. He was released in Oct. 1945.
2nd Lt.
Wife: Nancy Sumsion
Of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Sutcliffe, Frank R.
1st LT
Conshohocken, PA
Sylvester, Arthur S.
He had Basic at Augusta and Advanced at Albany, S/N: O-815015. He was a B-24 co-pilot stationed in Italy with the 15th A.F., 449th Bomber Group.
Of Sylvania, Ohio.
He died on Nov. 5, 1990, age 71.
Tatman, Paul P.
S/N: O-816178. He was in the 325th Fighter Group 317th Fighter Sqdn. He had 3 victories flying a P-51 in the Mediterranean area.
1st Lt.
Of NE
Taylor, Robert A.
He became a bombardier, S/N: O-716778. He was in the 491st Bomb Gp 852nd Bomb Sqdn
1st Lt.
Of Green Bay, WI.
Taylor, Ronald V., Jr.
Student Officer: Second Lieutenant at Douglas.
Truby, Clair
S/N: O-815018. He was killed while a co-pilot in a B-24 in the 486th Bomb Group (H), 833rd Bomb Sqdn. They were returning to England from a mission over Europe. They crashed attempting an emergency landing at Gosfield Airfield, England, and the crew perished. Weather and mechanical problems were thought responsible.
from Sigel, PA. in 1943.
Died: June 8, 1944
Buried at Gettysburg Soldiers National Cemetery.
Valade, Francis J.
Enlisted 12-22-1941
SGT
of Bay City MI.
Born May 7, 1919
Died Feb. 2, 1983
See
FindAGrave
Valentine, Thomas Clifford
He was in Squadron H at Douglas (see photo at top of this page). He graduated in twin engines from Albany GA, O-815019 October 1943. He went into B-24’s with the 487th Bomb Grp. and went to England as among the last bomb groups to go to England. He flew 14 missions in B-24's as the lead crew. Then they switched to B-17's and flew 16 missions. He was discharged June 1945.
Wife: Pat Valentine
Of Cheyney, PA.
Vavra, Robert Stanley
S/N: O-815021. He was in the 094th Bomb Gp 331st Bomb Sqdn. On Aug. 6, 1944, he was co-pilot of a B-17G (S/N: 42-97974) with a crew of 9 on a mission to Berlin. Their plane was hit by flak over Berlin. Two engines were out and the bomb bay was smoking. They managed to get back to the North Sea where they ditched. The tail gunner, who had been hit by flak in the shoulder, died/drowned. He became a P.O.W. (MACR #8086)
2nd Lt.
of Cleveland, Ohio
Vecere / Viceroy, Richard E.
Wagasky, George, Jr.
Flight Officer T-61642, and S/N: O-887223. 365th Fighter Group 386th Fighter Sqdn and then 67th Photo Recon Group 109th Tactical Recon Sqdn (F-6B). On May 10, 1945 he was flying a training formation with the Recon Sqdn on a flying mission over Germany in a F-6B/P-38 (S/N: 43-12413). He had joined the formation late because of engine trouble. The formation split and apparently Wagasky landed or bailed out, probably over Germany. It is not known exactly what happened but he was returned to duty May 17, 1945. (MACR #14405)
2nd Lt.
Of PA
Weber, Russell G.
Russell washed out of Primary with 55 hours flying time. He got into ciphering codes. Served his time in the Marianna. He was a Cryptographer on B-29’s.
Wife: Jean Weber
Of Milwaukee, Wisc.
Weems, Joseph B., Jr.
Enlisted 09-23-1942. S/N: O-818311.
"The air force in Washington told how an alert ground officer, Lt. Joseph B. Weems, Dickson, TN, used radar to avert the crash of an Army transport plane which lost two engines on its takeoff from Harmon Field, Newfoundland, Sept. 12, 1945. The four-engined C-54 was crowded with passengers en route from Europe." [Source: The Knoxville News-Sentinel (Knoxville, Tennessee), 26 Sep 1947, Fri, Page 15.]
Born 1919
Son of Dockie Weems of Dickson, TN
From Davidson County, TN
Wegener, Kenneth B. "Ike"
S/N: O-815026. He served in the 8th A.F., 486th Bomb Grp. 833rd Bomb Sqdn for 13 missions as Co-Pilot in B-24’s. Then 1st pilot for the rest of 35 missions in B-17's.
He was in the 5th Air Force which was the occupation force of Japan. He was a career air force officer and served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. See
his obituary here.
Major
Born Jan. 21, 1920; Died Feb. 5, 1994
Wife: Evelyn Wegener.
Twin brother of Willis B. Wegener
Of Midwest City, Okla.
Wegener, Willis B.
S/N: O-815656. He was in the 486th Bomb Gp, 833rd Bomb Sqdn. In Sept 1944, he was awarded an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Air Medal for participating in bombing attacks on industrial and military targets in Nazi held countries and the Reich. He was co-pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber. [Source: The Chickasha Daily Express (Chickasha, Oklahoma), 01 Sep 1944, Fri, Page 6.]
He was in the 5th Air Force which was the occupation force of Japan.
Col.
Wife: Tillie Wegener
Twin brother of Kenneth B. Wegener
Of Midwest City, Okla.
Born Jan. 21, 1920; he died in 1992.
Wehr, Earl Eugene
Graduated Turner Field, Albany, GA. S/N: O-815027. He received the DFC and Air Medal for completing 32 missions over Germany.
2nd LT
of Detroit, MI.
Born 30 Jan 1921, died 1 Aug 1975, (aged 54) South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana, USA.
BURIAL Saint Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana
Weinland, Floyd Carlton
He was in the unknown squadron pictured at the top of this page. Frank Presley was his Instructor. He graduated from Turner Field, S/N: O-815028. He went to England as a 1st Pilot on a B-24 in the 6th Air Force 491st Bomb Gp 854th Bomb Sqdn. Then shipped back to Wright Field, Ohio, testing bomber and cargo aircraft. Then he was an Instrument Instructor. Following this he was in the Berlin Air Lift. He was released as a Capt. in the Reserve. Then he was in Civil Service for the Air Force until retiring in 1972.
Whitten, Charles Eugene
Wes Raymond was his instructor. He graduated S/N: O-815031. He had 35 missions in B-17's with the 8th AF, 351st Bomb Gp 510th Bomb Sqdn in England between July 6, 1944 and Nov. 6, 1944. Afterward he went to Law School at the Univ. of Miss. He was recalled for Korea and was with the 516th Troop Carrier Sqdn. He had 20 years of active duty and retired in 1968.
Click here for his bio (a PDF).Lt. Col.
of Prattville, AL.
Married his wife, Imogene, in Douglas in June 1943.
Wilkowski, Edward J.
He was in the 487th Bomb Gp, 837th Bomb Sqdn in Lavenham, Suffolk, UK, where he was copilot of Picadilly Lilley. See
http://www.487thbg.org/Photos/EdWilkowski.shtmlHe served two tours with the 487th Bomb Group as a pilot, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.
1st Lt.
Wife: Katherine Buckley Wilkowski
Ed was born Oct. 14, 1917 in Milwaukee, WI. Died March 29, 2009 in Normandy Park, WA.
See his
obituary here.
Wisecup, Wilson R.
He was a pilot in the 322nd Bomb Gp 451st Bomb Sqdn and flew 65 combat missions in the European Theatre.
IA
Wife: Bylle Sexauer Wisecup.
Died April 17, 2005, age 86.
Wolfe, Harold Charles
S/N: O-816193. He was in the 15th Air Force, 325th Fighter Group 317th Fighter Sqdn flying P-47D and P-51D-5-NA "Lone Wolfe". He had 4 kills and won the Silver Star and DFC.
1st Lt., highest rank: Captain
Brooklyn, NY
Wood, Wendel Wayne
Graduated S/N: O-815038 and went to B-26 School at Barksdale, LA, then to England. He was in the 394th Bomb Gp 584th Bomb Sqdn. Sent home early due to crash and wounds.
of Elwood, IN and later Charlotte, NC.
Woods, William Henry, Jr.
C. K. Barton was his Instructor at Douglas. Graduated from Twins at Albany, Ga. S/N: O-815021. Later he was in the 487th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, 3rd Div. He flew 35 missions in B-24's and B-17’s. After the War he became a mechanical engineer.
of Rocky River, Ohio.
Worcester, Charles E.
C. K. Barton was his instructor at Douglas. He was a navigator in the 392nd Bomb Gp 577th Bomb Sqdn and flew 16 missions. On Dec. 2, 1944 he was navigator/nose gunner in a B-24H (S/N: 42-95012) on a mission to Bingen, Germany. After leaving the target area, the plane was shot down by an enemy fighter. He bailed out and either his chute did not open or he was killed on the ground by Germans. (MACR #11143)
TSgt
Barrington, IL
Wronka, Stephen
C. K. Barton was his instructor at Douglas. He became a bombardier/navigator, S/N: O-716569.
2nd Lt.
Yapp, Harold L.
C. K. Barton was his instructor at Douglas.
Yeager, Dayton C.
Ken Landis was his in Instructor at Douglas. Graduated S/N: O-815040. He went on to become a Bomber Pilot. He flew B-24’s with the 8th A.F. 491st Bomb Gp 855th Bomb Sqdn in England.
2nd Lt.
He died in 1984.
Wife: Vida Yeager (remarried Vida Coolidge)
of Wilkes Barre, Pa.
Young, Francis Benjamin ("Frank")
He graduated from Turner Field, S/N: O-815041.
Wife: Ida K. Young
Of West Palm Beach, Fla.
Youngs, Charles A., Jr.
Ken Landis was his Instructor. He had Basic at Augusta and he graduated from Turner Field, S/N: O-815042. He later flew B-17’s in Italy, with the 463rd Bomb Group. He completed 50 missions and then returned to the U.S. After more flying he was discharged as a Captain. Then he went with National Airlines until he retired in Dec. 7, 1978.
Zeger, Frederick Burdette
He graduated from Turner Field, S/N: O-815043. He was an instructor in B-24's at Smyrna, TN.
Wife: Reva Zeger
Of Chambersburg, PA. in 1943, then Columbus, OH in 1984.
He died in about 1985. Age 67.
Zenner, Harold Peter
S/N: O-815044. He was with the 445th Bomb Gp 701st Bomb Sqdn. On Nov. 21, 1944 he was pilot of a B-24J (S/N: 42-100337) with a crew of 9 on a mission to Hamburg, Germany. The ship was hit by anti-aircraft over Hamburg. Two friendly P-47's escorted the plane to 8 miles north of Bremerhaven where the fire in the wing and engine caused the wing and engine to fall off. The plane crashed and he was killed. (MACR #10409)
of Aurora, IL
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