Class 1944-J – World War II Flight Training Museum and the Douglas 63rd Preservation Society, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
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(Scheduled to graduate from Advanced as officers about Dec. 23, 1944)
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Squadron 2, Class of 1944-J
Squadron 6, Class of 1944-J
Abele, Homer E.
From his obituary [Columbus Dispatch, The (OH) - Sunday, May 21, 2000]: "He enlisted as a cadet in the Army Air Corps during the Second World War in 1943, and served until 1946. He attended Ohio University in Athens studying pre-law 1946-1948, and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Law in Columbus in 1953."
Born November 21, 1916 in Wellston, Ohio
Died May 12, 2000 in Hamden, OH
Allen, Rollo
From his obituary [Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The (GA) - Saturday, June 1, 2002]: "was an instructor pilot for the U.S. Air Force".
Lt. Col.
Died May 30, 2002, age 80
Of Flowery Branch, GA
Allinson, McBurnie
S/N: O-839705. Retired disabled 2LT November 1945
Amos, Arthur Wesley
He graduated from Spence Fld, Ga. S/N: O-839344. He was a flight instructor. He also was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.
Mayor of city of Bellemeade KY for 50 years. [Source: The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky), 20 Oct 2006, Fri, Page B4.]
1st Lt.
Of Louisville, Ky
Native of Jacksonville, FL
Died Oct. 19, 2006, age 90.
Lucile Ferriell Amos, wife
Anderson, Lawrence H.
He had basic at Greenwood, MS.
Arnold, William R.
On May 19, 1944, he had a landing crash with ground loop in a PT-17 (42-16237) at Douglas.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 45-11 at Big Spring AAFd in Texas on May 3, 1945, S/N: T-145423.
From NY
Astore, Pasqual Tony
After Douglas, he went to Cochran field, Macon, Ga., for the intermediate stage of his flying training. Graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 45-11 at Big Spring bombardier school, Texas on May 3, 1945 [See
(Altoona Tribune, December 8, 1944)].
From Altoona, PA
A graduate of the Altoona High school, class of 1942, receiving varsity letters in basketball and baseball.
Austin, Calvin E.
Fred Briles was his instructor at Douglas. He graduated from Spence Field, Ga. S/N: O-839345. He served in the Pacific Theatre on Guam and Japan flying P-47's and P-51's. Retired from Reserves as a Major.
Shirley Austin, wife
Of Lansing, MI
Bannock, Philip R.
From his obituary [Hartford Courant (Hartford, Connecticut), 18 Jan 1997, Sat, Page 38], "he was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II." In June 1944, he was enrolled in the Liberator bomber mechanics school at Keesler Field, Miss.
Born Hartford, CT
Died Jan. 16, 1997, age 73, at Farmington, CT.
Wife: Martha (Cutler) Bannock
Bechman, Willian Ewart Jr.
He graduated from Columbus, MS. S/N: O-839710. His service was all in the U.S.A. He was in B-26 transition when the war ended. 2nd Lt.
Ida Bechman, wife
Of Greenville, MS.
Begner, Selwin Gilbert
Per his obituary [The Atlanta Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia), 30 Oct 2017, Mon, Page B5], he "enlisted in the Army upon graduation from high school in 1943, and served in the Army Air Corp as pilot instructor."
Born May 28, 1925 in Chicago, IL.
Died Oct. 29, 2017 in Atlanta, GA area.
Wife: Charlotte Herman Begner, married Apr 4, 1946.
Best, Claude W.
Per his obituary, "He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, having served in World War II."
Died Oct. 8, 2017, at Greenwood Place in Marietta, Ga., age 92.
Of Athens, GA
wife, Betty Lou Boyatt Best, who died on April 1, 2012
Bittner, Steve Jr.
On May 22, 1944, he had a landing accident in a PT-17 (41-8437) at Kight Aux Field, Douglas, GA.
Blanton, Hugh T.
Walter Hoffmann was his Instructor. Later he flew as Copilot in B-24s for a while. He went with the Civil Aeronautics Adm. after WWII. He was recalled to go to Korea for 21 months. Went back to the C.A.A. (now F.A.A.) until retirement in Aug. 1983. Major
Martha P. Blanton, wife
Of Cordova, TN
Border, Jean Stambach
He was inducted into the U.S. Army on the 30th of December 1942 in Altoona, Pennsylvania. In June, 1945, he was stationed at Laredo Gunnery School in the 2126th AAF Bomb Unit, when he had a landing accident crash 2 miles south of Carrizo Springs, TX in an AT-11 due to a mechanical failure.
He was a 1st LT and was among those selected by President Truman for the Regular Army in 1947 [Source: The Indiana Gazette (Indiana, Pennsylvania), 31 May 1947, Sat, Page 2].
Interestingly he had four military serial numbers prior to his Social security number. His enlisted number was 33568415; his officer's serial number was O-839716; his regular army serial number was O-48887: his USAF officer's serial number was O-13539A.
Born 15 May 1918, Hollsopple, Somerset County, PA
Died 30 Apr 2006 (aged 87)
Custer Community Cemetery,
Somerset County, PA
See
FindAGrave.
Married Thelma Louise Jones in 1943.
Boyce, William Moore
Mike Sewell, Sandy Davidson and Higginbothan were his instructors at Douglas. He had Basic at Macon, Ga and graduated from Columbus, Miss. He went to Boise and Walla Walla, Wa. and was in B-24’s. He was sent to Germany in 1946. 1st Lt.
Eleanor Boyce, wife
Of Cleveland Hts. OH
Brewer, John A.
From his obituary [South Bend Tribune (IN) - Wednesday, November 22, 2006]: "a pilot in the Army Air Force...An avid pilot based out of Smith Field, he performed in many air shows throughout the state."
Born May 31, 1925 in Connersville, Ind
Died November 17, 2006
Briscoe, William R. Jr.
S/N: O-838485. He was in the 40th Fighter, Interceptor Squadron, 5th Air Force in Korea. He was shot down in Korea in 1950. He was flying P-51's when he was killed.
Born: 16 May 1925, Died: 6 August 1950
Of Knoxville, Tennessee
Bruner, Omar Stuteville Jr.
Hayne Workman was his Instructor. He had Basic at Cochran and Advanced at Columbus, MS. S/N: O-839723. He went to Laredo, TX. for transition to B-24’s. Later was checked out on B-17’s and C-46’s. Next he flew Bomber Cadets in AT-11's at Big Spring, Texas. He stayed in the Reserve until 1957.
Hariett Bruner, wife
Of Indianapolis, IN.
Buetler, Warren E.
He graduated from Columbus, Miss. He served in the continental U.S.A. (none overseas). 1st Lt.
Willoughby, OH
Died ca. May 18, 1992, Age 69.
Butcher, Raymond LeRoy
Bill Dillard was his Instructor. He graduated from Spence Fld, GA. F.O. S/N: T-67412.
Calnan, Elmer Frank Jr.
He had basic at Cochran, GA and Advanced at Spence Fld, Ga. Flew B-25's to the Phillipines where he was assigned to the 42nd Bomb Gp. and was in the battle of Luzon. After the War, in April 1946, he volunteered to go to Korea. Three days a week he flew airlines (C-47) around South Korea where he delivered mail, dropped food and supplies to troops on the 38th parallel, and did other jobs via plane. He said the best part of the deal was that they rotated on rest leaves to Shanghai. He returned to the states in August 1946. He stayed in the Reserve and retired as a Lt. Col.
Carter, Henry F.
Shelton was his Instructor at Douglas. He graduated Advanced at Columbus, Miss. Lt. Col.
Carter, Raymond B.
Wesley Shelden was his Instructor. He took Basic at Macon, Advanced at Columbus, Miss. He became qualified to fly B-17s and B-29s. After the war, he stayed in the Reserves, and in 1967, Ray became one of the first prop pilots in the 335th to qualify on the C-141 jet transport.
In 1973, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and Squadron Commander of the 335th at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.
Chambers, Robert Hall
1st Lt.
Born Aug. 15, 1922
Died Aug. 8, 2000
per
FindAGrave
Jackson, Miss
Champion, William Howard "Bill"
Sheldon was his Instructor. He graduated from Spence Field, GA. S/N: O-839351. He was ready to go over seas, but the war was over. Later he was in occupied Germany for some time. He flew 100 missions during the Korean War. Lt. Col.
Chojnacki, Daniel Michael
Jose Oliveros was his Instructor. He had Basic at Gunter Fld, AL and he graduated from Spence Fld, GA. S/N: O-833352. He went into Fighters. After the war he flew multi-engine.
Rocky River, Ohio,
Cipa, Alexander F.
He had Basic at Macon, GA, Advanced at Columbus, Miss.
From Pittsburgh, PA when he graduated from Advanced. Later he was of Cincinnati, OH.
Clausen, Roy Anker
Flight Officer and pilot, per veteran gravesite information on Ancestry.com and
FindAGrave.
On Mar. 4, 1945 while assigned to the 2126th AAFBU, he was co-pilot on a B-24H (42-95403) when it had a mechanical failure or fire that resulted in a belly landing crash at Loredo AAF, TX. The pilot and 3 others were killed, but Clausen was not seriously injured. The accident occurred while the bomber was on a routine training flight.
Birth Date: 4 Jul 1924, Death Date: 20 Jul 1990
Interment Place: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, Illinois
Married Charlotte Ellen Peterson, Mar. 2, 1945
Clineburg, Richard B.
From his obituary [York Daily Record (PA) - Monday, September 28, 1992]: "A second lieutenant with the World War II, he was with the 2512th AAFBU."
He was a bombardier graduate at Childress Army Air Field located near Childress, TX. He was a member of the Class of 45-17 (June 13, 1945) and had the serial number O-2090730.
Born in York, PA
Died Sept. 25, 1992 age 75
Cole, Robert Eugene
From his obituary [News-Sentinel, The (Fort Wayne, IN) - Friday, November 19, 1999]: "a World War II Army Air Corps and Korean War U.S. Air Force veteran."
Cole, Robert Stanley
From his obituary [Chicago Tribune (IL) - Sunday, May 11, 2008]: "He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force."
Died May 8, 2008, age 85
Coleman, Billy Lawrence
He graduated from Columbus, Miss. Then was a Co-Pilot on B-24’s and B-17s. He also flew Bombardier Cadets in AT-11'S. He instructed for 18 months after discharge for a local flight operator. Then he went to work with the C.A.A. / F.A.A. (with time out to go to Korea) until he retired in 1976. Then he did full time Corporate Flying until 1986.
Conner, Thomas Hainey
He was in Squadron 2 at Douglas (see photo at top of page). Thomas graduated from Columbus, MS. He served in the USA and in cold Weather Testing in Alaska. He was discharged in 1946. 2nd Lt.
Copenhaver, James Calvin
Jim graduated at Spence Field, GA. S/N: O-839355. He went into P-51's. Later went to Korea. Captain
Corcoran, Charles M.
Louisville, KY
Creekmore, Robert Lon
He graduated from Spence Fld, GA. S/N: O-839356. At the end of the war his sqdn. was given a leave. He drowned while swimming on this leave. 2nd Lt.
Crouch, Solon Richard
He signed up for the Aviation Cadet "Air Corps Enlisted Reserve" program when he was seventeen. S/N: O-839357. He was approved to be a Captain in the Regular USAF ranks, according to the
1958 Congressional Record.
Of BainBridge, AL [Source:
The Dothan Eagle (Dothan, Alabama) 31 Oct 1943, Sun,Page 17.]
Born 27 May 1925
Died 3 Dec 1995 See
FindAGrave.
Retired as Lt. Col.
Daniel, Alvis Montgomery
He graduated from Columbus, MS., S/N: T-68926, with class 45A.
From his obituary [Tabor-Loris Tribune (Tabor City, NC) - Wednesday, April 28, 2010]: "He retired in 2002 from serving pastoral ministries since his graduation from Union Theological Seminary in 1955. He served the Tabor City Presbyterian Church and the Loris Presbyterian Church from 1974 through 1987."
Of Rock Hill, S.C.
Born in Reidsville, SC on April 19, 1925.
Died April 22, 2010.
Darreff, John F. Jr.
From his obituary [Press of Atlantic City, The (NJ) - Friday, February 1, 2013]: "He proudly served in the U.S. Army/Airforce. Jack piloted the P-47 Thunderbolt, fighter bomber, during World War II. After the war he joined the family business, Darreff Inc., installing the patented 'Darreff Miracle Flow Beer System' for fifty years."
of Galloway, NJ
Born April 3, 1924
Died January 26, 2013 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Daum, Ralph Oscar
He had Advanced at Columbus, Miss. See
FindAGrave.
2nd Lt.
From Cannelton, IN. in 1944.
Born: 15 Oct 1921, Tobinsport, Perry County, Indiana
Died 7 Sep 1981 (aged 59), Perry County, Indiana
Buried: Greenwood Cemetery, Tell City, Perry County, Indiana
Davies, Harold Hopkins
He graduated from Spence Field, GA. S/N: O-839360. He served in WWII. After The war he started instructing flying at Crawfordsville, IN. until recalled for the Korean War flying P-51's and F-86's. He also took part in the Vietnam conflict flying the C-2 Caribou. He had a 26 year Air Force career. Lt. Col.
Martha Davies, wife
Of Gulf Breeze, FL
DeConstant, Jean William
He graduated from Columbus, Miss. S/N: O-839736. According to
his obituary, he was a member of the Kentucky Air National Guard and a veteran of the US Air Force, having flown 100 missions in Korea.
born March 4, 1925, in New Orleans, LA
died November 30, 2003
wife, Jayne G. (Gillis) deConstant of Andover, MA
Diffee, Walter F. Jr.
Believed to be Walter L. Diffee, Jr., who received his aerial gunner's wings from AAF Flexible Gunnery School at Tyndall Field, FL. [Source: The Jackson Sun (Jackson, Tennessee), 15 Jul 1945, Sun, Page 7].
Dobrinska, Robert Henry
He had Advanced at Columbus, MS. After the war he was a Crop Duster. Lieutenant
Twin Falls, Ida.
Durdella, Edward N.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 44-50 at Childress AAFd in Texas on January 20, 1945, S/N: T-140714
From Ohio
Edens, Charles Raymond
He graduated at Spence Field, GA. He served with the 15th Fighter Group 47th Fighter Squadron in the Central Pacific as a 1st LT.
Melvia Edens, wife.
Of Chattanooga, TN.
Ekdahl, George T.
George graduated from Central High School in Columbus in 1939 and joined the Army Air Corp during WWII. He spent most of his war years as a pilot and training for service with the OSS. After the war George attended Ohio State on the GI Bill. [Source:
his obituary.]
born January 14, 1920 in Chicago, IL
died April 25, 2016, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Wife: Priscilla Alden Ekdahl
Elliott, Boyce M.
He had Basic at Macon, GA. He washed out in Advanced at Spence Field, GA. and became a CPL. See
FindAGrave
Rock Hill, S.C.
Born May 23, 1919
Died Apr. 8, 2005
Enrietti, Laurence Joseph Jr.
Escobar, Emery E.
Bill Dillard was his instructor. He graduated from Columbus Miss. He flew bombers. He was based in the U.S.A. but made many flights outside the country. He stayed in the Reserve. After the war he attended an Aeronautical School. 1st Lt.
Dale Escobar wife
Of Salinas, CA.
Farley, Louis Shelton Jr.
Born 1925 Alabama; died 1979 Chatham, GA, per FindAGrave.
Farnsworth, LeMoyne E.
He dislocated his shoulder in P.T. at Douglas. This caused his release from flight training while in Advanced flight school. He continued to fly as a civilian pilot, in his business as a Special Machine Design Engineer. He built his own biplane and flew it.
Margaret Farnsworth, wife.
Of Racine, Wisc
Ferguson, James R. 3rd
Graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 44-42 at Childress AAFd in Texas on November 14, 1944 (S/N: O-2073494) and crewed on B-26s with the 397th Bomb Group in Europe.
Fleming, James Bennett
James graduated from Columbus, MS. S/N: O-839749. Later was flying B-25's. Later was in Helicopter Rescue.
Melba Fleming, wife.
Of Pittsburgh, Pa
Formanik, Bert J.
Became an aviation cadet in June 1943. Stayed in until 1946 when he was discharged as a S/SGT from Fort Dix (The Blizzard
15 Mar 1946, Fri · Page 3).
Probably from Oil City, PA
Fowler, Max J.
Jake Byington was his instructor. He had Basic at Cochran, GA and graduated from Spence Fld, GA. as a F.O. They were held there an extra 6 weeks as the war was nearly over and there was no place to send them. He became a Co-Pilot on a B-25. They assembled a crew but the war ended 2 days before they were to leave for overseas. 2nd Lt.
Born: April 4, 1925 in Cleveland, NC. Died June 13, 2012. Betty Fowler, wife
Of Charlotte, N.C.
Fullen, Robert Louis
He graduated with the Class of 44K at Moody Field S/N: O-840368
2nd Lt.
Fulton, Fitzhugh L. Jr. "Fitz"
Jake Byington was his instructor at Douglas. He graduated at Columbus, MS. S/N: O-839752. He was in the Berlin Airlift. He flew 55 combat missions in Korea. He retired from the Air Force and then flew for N.A.S.A. He flew the 747 that carried the shuttle from California to Florida. He also test flew the B-70 for 62 flights (3 times the speed of sound). He retired from this and flew for Rutan Aviation. He is in the Aviation Hall of Fame and the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.
Click here to read his interesting bio (a PDF)
Lt. Col.
Erma Fulton, wife
June 6, 1925-Feb. 4, 2015
Of Lancaster, Cal.
Furlong, Francis John
Graduated with the Class of 45A at Columbus AAFd, S/N: O-841556. It appears he was a flight instructor at Wright-Patterson Airfield, when he married Aileen Joy Dugan in June 1949 [Source: The Journal Herald (Dayton, Ohio), 17 Jun 1949, Fri, Page 30]
2nd Lt.
From MN
Galbraith, Ernest William Jr.
He had Basic at Cochran Field, GA and graduated from Advanced at Columbus, Miss. He served in B-24’s. He was discharged when the war was over.
Born Oct, 26, 1924; died Feb. 24, 2006. Geneva Galbraith wife.
Of Akron, Ohio. See his obituary here.
Gegick, Raymond
of Chalfant, PA
died Aug. 16, 2005, age 80
Getchell, Charles Ellsworth
After Douglas, he went to Cochran Field, Macon, GA for Basic training. He graduated at Columbus AAFd S/N: O-839754. See
his picture and article upon his graduation. Served in the Korean War and reached the rank of Major. See
BillionGraves.com.
2nd Lt.
Born: 27 Dec 1918, Died: 1 Dec 1978
Buried Arlington National Cemetery.
Gilley, Lester William
During Preflight at Maxwell Field, he contracted the flu and was in the hospital for 55 days. He returned to Maxwell in March 1944.
Per newspaper (DeKalb, IL's The Daily Chronicle 07 Aug 1945, Tue · Page 7), Lt. Lester W. Gilley arrived at Gulfport Air Base in Mississippi after a leave and after previously being stationed at Maxwell Field, AL.
Gleason, William Mathew
Truman Witt was his Instructor. His service was all in the U.S.A. 2nd Lt
Valerie Gleason, wife.
Of Seattle, Wash
Green, Lewis Edward
Treadaway was his Instructor. He graduated from Spence Field, Ga. S/N: O-839368. He went into P-51's. He was just completing overseas training when the “Bomb” was dropped. 2nd Lt
Dothan, Ala
Grizanti, Vincent A.
Enlisted 8 Jan 1943, Buffalo, NY
CPL. Born Oct. 28, 1923 Westfield, NY. Died Mar. 2016.
Hanger, Lloyd C. Sr.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 45-11 at Big Spring AAFd in Texas on May 3, 1945
From Ohio
Harkins, David Milton
Walter Miller was his instructor at Douglas
Chillicothe, OH.
Harrop, James H.
He graduated from Moody Field, GA. Then was a Co-Pilot on B-24's. By the time he had his crew together and had gone to Westover, Mass, and a B-29 school, the war was over. 2nd Lt.
Catherine Harrop, wife.
Of Onalaska, TN
Haun, Edgar L. Jr.
From his obituary [St. Petersburg Times (FL) - Friday, September 19, 1997]: "He was an Army Air Forces veteran of World War II"
Of Clearwater, FL
Born born in Cleveland, Tenn
Died Sept. 16, 1997, age 72
Hawkins, Paul Vernon
On May 26, 1944, he had a landing accident with ground loop in a PT-17 (41-8360) at Kight Aux Field, Douglas, GA .
He had Basic at Cochran, GA and graduated from Spence Fld, GA. He flew numerous airplanes during his career including the F-104A Starfighter, but his favorite was the P-51 Mustang. He retired from the South Carolina Air National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Wife of 72 years: Alene.
Of Leesville, S.C.
Died November 24, 2018, age 93.
Heepke, Donald Charles
Sara Heepke, wife.
Of Brington (Cincinnati) Ohio
Hess, Harold C.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 45-17 at Childress AAFd in Texas on June 13, 1945.
From his obituary [Patriot-News, The (Harrisburg, PA) - Thursday, July 6, 1995]: "He retired as an engineer from the Steelton Plant of Bethlehem Steel Corp.; was an Army Air Corps veteran of World War II; and a member of Calvary Orthodox Presbyterian Church, Middletown."
Died July 6, 1995, Age 74.
Highspar and Middletown, PA
Hooten, William J.
Truman Witt was his Instructor at Douglas. Bill had Basic at Macon, GA and Advanced at Moody Fld, GA (graduated with S/N: O-839587). He flew B-17, B-24, B-25 and B-29’s. He was a VIP pilot for a time. After he retired from the USAF, he was a pilot for a Swiss airline. Then went to Africa as a mercenary pilot. Lt. Col.
Reynell Hooten,wife.
Of San Diego, Cal.
Horne, Mallory E.
Per his obituary [Miami Herald, The (FL) - Sunday, May 3, 2009]: Immediately upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to fight in World War II. He flew a P-51 mustang fighter plane being an excellent pilot. After the war, Mallory continued to serve in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserve, being later honorably discharged at the rank of Captain.
Died April 30th, 2009
Of Florida
Horvath, Joseph D.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 44-51 at San Angelo AAFd in Texas on January 27, 1945 S/N: O-2082273
2nd Lt.
Howard, Edward J.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 45-05 at Childress AAFd in Texas on March 22, 1945, S/N: O-2086391
2nd Lt.
From Ohio
Howell, Samuel Harwell
2nd LT
Virginia Howell, wife.
Of Nashville, Penn.
Hules, Robert Martin
He graduated from Spence Field, Ga. S/N: O-839372. He flew P-51’s. 2nd Lt.
Joanne Hules, wife.
Of Strongsville, Ohio
Humlong, William H. Jr.
S/N: O-839590. In March, 1945, he was among 28 officers who were assigned to Keesler Field, Biloxi, Miss. for training in Emergency Rescue.
He was a B-17 pilot assigned to 20th Air Force Headquarters after World War II and was co-piloting for Major General James H. Parker the commander when their B-17 crashed into a mountain in Northern Formosa on March 19, 1946. (MACR #15495). He is memorialized in the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. See also
https://www.honorstates.org/index.php?id=64298
Hurff, Walter F.
He graduated from Spence Field, Ga. S/N: O-839375. His burial information suggests he was a veteran of WWII, the Korean Conflict, and Vietnam
(See FindAGrave).
2LT
Birth Date: 29 Aug 1924
Death Date: 27 Apr 1973
Death Place: Suffolk, Virginia
Buried
Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Suffolk, Suffolk City, Virginia
Illig, Robert J.
He was a bombardier graduate at Childress Army Air Field located near Childress, TX. He was a member of the Class of 44-50 (December 9, 1944) (S/N: T-140731) F/O.
From his obituary [Kentucky Post, The (Covington, KY) - Wednesday, July 20, 1994]: "He was a retired major in the Air Force and a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a member of Retired Officers Association, Strategic Air Command, the American Legion Post in Elsmere, KY"
Of Florence, KY
Died July 18, 1994, age 70
Keeney, Wilmer J.
Bill Thy was his Instructor. He became a Flight Engineer on B-29's. The war was over before he was shipped overseas.
Elinor Keeney, wife.
Of Stone Mountain, Ga
Kilfoyle, Michael Earl
Graduated from Spence Fld, GA. From his obituary [Las Vegas Review-Journal (NV) - Thursday, February 1, 2007]: "served in World War II as a P-51 fighter pilot. Upon leaving Ohio, Mike moved to Los Angeles, where he owned and operated an airline company out of LAX." He owned and operated a fixed and rotary wing flight school.
Born in Cleveland, OH
Aug. 31, 1924 - Jan. 26, 2007
Burial: Veterans Cemetery in Boulder City
Lange, Alexander T. "Skip"
Ed Rochette was his Instructor at Douglas (He is pointed out in the Sqdn 6 picture above).
Click here for a group picture
Basic at Cochran, GA and Advanced at Moody Fld, Ga. “Skip” was just finishing operational training in B-51's when "VJ Day" was declared. 2nd Lt.
Alex Lange. Wife
Of Indianapolis, IN.
Lefler, Daniel P.
Ed Rochette was his Instructor.
Click here for a group picture
He graduated at Moody Field, GA. Then flew in N. Africa in 1946 in a C-47 and C-54 airplanes. He joined the N.Carolina National Guard in 1953 and retired 18 years later. He has 5200 total hours of flying. Lt. Col.
Charlotte, N.C.
Lidvall, Ed R. Jr.
2LT. He was a grad with the Class of 44K at Moody Field (S/N: O-840389 ). From his obituary [Daily Times, The (Maryville, TN) - Thursday, December 30, 2010]: "After volunteering for military service in the Army Air Corps in 1943 — where he was a bomber pilot and flight instructor — he received a B.A. from Iowa State University in Animal Science in 1948."
Born August 5, 1923, in Fort Dodge, Iowa
Died December 26, 2010 in Maryville, TN
Madden, Donald S.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 45-115 at San Angelo AAFd in Texas on June 20, 1945, S/N: O-2090857
2nd Lt.
From MI
Magee, Arthur R.
Per his obituary [St. Petersburg Times (FL) - Thursday, July 11, 1991]: "During World War II, he served in the Army Air Forces and retired as a major. Locally, he was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6827, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans."
Of St. Petersburg, FL
Born in Kew Gardens, N.Y.,
Died July 9, 1991, age 66.
McKay, Kenneth S.
He graduated from Moody Field, GA. He served in the U.S.A. flying B-24’s. 2nd Lt.
Emelia McKay, wife.
Of Golden, Colo.
McKillip, Robert Miller
He had Pre-Flight training at Maxwell field, Ala. After Douglas, he went to Basic at Cochran field, Macon, Ga. Sometime after this, he changed course and received his aerial gunner’s wings from the army air forces flexible gunnery school at Tyndall field, the largest school of its kind in the army air forces training command.
After the War he graduated from Penn State College with an engineering degree and worked for Magraw Construction Co. See
his obituary for more information.
Of Hollidaysburg, PA.
He graduated from Hollidaysburg High school in 1942.
Married (1) Barbara Lovell Baldrige on Mar. 10, 1951; she died September 15, 1979.
Married (2) Helen (Huss) McKillip.
Died July 9, 2012, age 87, in Allentown, PA
[Sources: articles in the Altoona Tribune and his obituary.]
McLellan, William Grady
He graduated from Spence Field, GA. S/N: T-67435. He was assigned to Lincoln, Neb. Then to Dale Mabry. He flew B-51's. The war ended and he was discharged. He soon re-enlisted and stayed in the Service for 23 years. Retired as a Senior Master Sgt. Then he worked at the Naval Air Station at Pensacola until retiring there.
Louise Mclellan, wife.
Of Milton, FL
Metzger, Robert E.
From his obituary: [Morning Call, The (Allentown, PA) - Sunday, July 15, 2012]: "Serving with the Army Air Corps during World War II, Robert earned the rank of staff sergeant."
Born in Allentown, PA
Died July 13, 2012, age 90.
Miehl, Richard William
Al Cross was his Instructor at Douglas. He graduated from Spence Field, GA as a F.O. S/N: T-67440. He served in the U.S.A. flying P-51’s and was based at Thomasville, GA. 1st Lt.
Kay Miehl, wife.
Of Pittsburgh, PA.
Miller, Neil J.
He graduated as a bombardier in Class 43-13 at Big Spring Army Airfield (S/N: O-78373). He arrived at North Africa on May 22, 1944 and returned Dec 15, 1944. He attended Army Air Force Navigation School at San Marcos Army Air Field, San Marcos, Texas and became a navigator. From his obituary [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (WI) - Monday, October 17, 2005]: "Neil honorably served in the Army Air Force as a B-17 navigator with Division 15 and flew 246 hours and 50 missions from Natousa, Italy." According to his son, his Decorations and Citations are: EAME Ribbon Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters---One Over-Seas Service Bar Auth 7 Bronze Battle Stars and later a Lapel Button Issue ASR (12 May 45) 84 pts.
Died October 15, 2005, age 84 years
Moershfelder, Herbert Louis
Morgan, William George
Glenn Harrington was his instructor at Douglas. He graduated from Spence Field, GA. S/N: O-839399. He was ferrying airplanes. In 1947 he was forced down, Jumped too late. 1st Lt.
Sharon, PA
Morris, Wayne E.
From his obituary [Kansas City Star, The (MO) - Wednesday, February 23, 2011]: "He served in the Air Force from 1943 to 1945 as a Second Lieutenant. He flew B-24s and did training with B-29s in Roswell, NM."
Born April 1, 1922, in Vernon County, Mo
Died February 21, 2011, at his home in Nevada, MO
Mowers, Howard L.
S/N: O-839618. He was a B-17 pilot assigned to Lincoln AAFd for staging towards the war.
2LT
O'Regan, Cornelius Francis "Connie"
From his obituary: [Miami Herald, The (FL) - Sunday, October 16, 2011]: "Prior to joining the U.S. Army in 1941 he was a Locomotive Fireman. During his service in the Army he served as a Flight Officer and Engineer, and was awarded several awards and citations. Upon returning to Buffalo he went to work in the steel mills and was also a civilian flight instructor. In July 1957, Connie moved his family to Miami, Fl. He started working for Dade County in the 1960's. Connie was the Auxiliary Airport Manager at Tamiami Airport and the Training & Transition Airport on the Dade- Collier County border. He was promoted to Chief Airfield Supervisor at Miami International Airport in the 1970's."
Born August 9, 1919 in Niagara Falls, NY
Died in Port Charlotte, Florida on October 7, 2011
Owen, James C.
Basic at Cochran, GA. Advanced at Moody Fld, GA. He went into B-17’s and was ready to leave for Europe and the war in Europe ended. Then he went to B-29 Co-Pilot school. He was ready to go to the Pacific and they dropped the Bomb. 2nd Lt.
Pack, Moody J.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 44-42 at Carlsbad AAFd in Texas on October 14, 1944, S/N: O-788075. He served with the 30th Bomb Group 38th Bomb Squadron.
Pasky, Joseph Z.
Novato, Cal
Phillips, James McBride
He graduated from Spence Field, Ga. S/N: T-67444 as a flight officer.
He served as a B-25 pilot with the Air Transport Command based at Finschafen in New Guinea and was killed in a flying accident there on July 19, 1945, where he went missing.
(MACR #16442)
From MI
Pickl, Kenneth Andrew
Died Oct. 11, 2008, age 85
Of Michigan
Pinckley, William Allen
Walt Kuehner was his Instructor at Douglas.
Click here for a group picture
He graduated from Moody Field, GA. He served for 3 yrs. 6 mo. and 4 days in the Training Command. 2nd Lt.
Julie Pinckley, wife.
Of Ormand Beach, FL.
Potocik, Paul Miloslav
On June 1, 1944, he had a landing accident with ground loop in a PT-17 ( 41-25612) Kight Aux Field, Douglas, GA.
From his obituary [Connecticut Post (Bridgeport, CT) - Sunday, October 19, 2008]: "was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps"
Born on June 13, 1921 in Stratford, CT
Died October 12, 2008 in Knoxville, TN
Pruden, William Howard Jr.
Walt Kuehner was his Instructor.
Click here for a group picture He had Basic at Macon, GA and Advanced at Spence Field, GA. S/N: O-839410. His service was all in the U.S.A. He joined a P-47 Squadron but the war was over before he went overseas. He remained in the Reserves until 1957. 1st Lt
Margaret Pruden, wife.
Of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
Ray, Donald Eugene
On May 16, 1944, he had a landing crash with ground loop in a PT-17 (41-25334) at Douglas.
Went to Advanced Training at Spence Field, GA, S/N: O-839411. Records show he was a Captain in the USAF reserves in 1958. From what is probably his obituary [Star-Tribune (Casper, WY) - Friday, May 18, 2012]: "He served in WW2, Korea, and Vietnam as a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. Flying over 100 missions in Korea, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and received the Bronze Star for his actions in Vietnam. Airframes he flew included the P-52 (sic - probably P-51), F-86, F-102, and F-4." Retired as a Colonel.
Born February 8th, 1923, in Springfield, MO
Enlisted December 11, 1942 in Wyoming
Died May 12, 2012 in Jacksonville, FL.
Rhodes, Clarence E.
2LT
Born 18 May 1923, Died 27 Nov 1998
From Plainview, KS
Wife: Merle Jean Eddingfield
Rosenberg, Arnold Franklin
S/N: O-839418.
He went through Replacement Training in the P-47 at Millville Army Air Field , NJ.
2LT
Rowe, Charles E.
He is included in this list based on an accident report. On Apr. 11, 1944, he had a landing accident with ground loop in a PT-17 (42-16237) at Paulk Auxiliary Field in Douglas.
Sager, Harold G.
He graduated as a navigator with the Class of 44-46 at Hondo AAFd in Texas on November 11, 1944, S/N: T-137402
Siddle, Marvin Noel
Gayle Copenhaver was his Instructor at Douglas. Marvin graduated from Spence Field, GA. S/N: O-839418. He flew P-47’s during W.W.II and was called back to fly in Observation planes for 201 missions in Korea. He had over 3,400 hours. He was based at Ft. Thunder. Captain
Ann Siddle, wife.
Of Danville, VA.
Stein, Joseph W.
From what may be his obituary [Times, The (Trenton, NJ) - Friday, September 17, 2010]: "He was a veteran of the Army Air Corps, serving with the 59th Reconnaissance Squadron during World War II."
Born in Trenton.
of Pilesgrove, NJ
Died Sept. 15, 2010, age 85, all info per obituary
Strevell, Robert Arthur
On May 23, 1944, he had a landing accident in a PT-17 at Kight Aux Field, Douglas, GA.
Died Sept. 22, 2005 in Endwell, NY, age 80.
Sullivan, Harold V. Jr.
From what is probably his obituary [Post and Courier, The (Charleston, SC) - Thursday, November 10, 2005]: "He retired as Lt. Col. of the U.S. Air Force Reserves"
Born in Anderson, SC on September 7, 1922
Died November 8, 2005 at Easley, SC
Thomas, William George
S/N: O-839427. 2LT
Urban, Karl W. Jr.
He graduated as a bombardier with the Class of 44-47 at Deming AAFd in Texas on November 18, 1944, S/N: O-788992
Urekar, John A.
Sandy Davidson was his instructor. He graduated from Moody Field, GA. he became a B-24 Co-Pilot. He was sent to crew assembly, then to A.T.C. He flew B-17’s. Then the war was over and he did not get over seas.
Margaret Urekar,wife.
Of Staunton, IL.
Urnezis, Vito A.
He had Basic at Cochran Field, Ga. Then was discharged.
Theodora Urnezis, wife.
Of Chicago, IL.
Vachata, Richard E.
He had Basic at Macon, GA and graduated from Moody Field, GA. He Served in WWII and in the A.F. Reserve. 1st Lt.
From his obituary [Chicago Tribune (IL) - Friday, January 28, 2005]: "former Fire Chief for the Pleasant View Fire Department"
Marjorie Herr Vachata, wife.
Of LaGrange, IL.
Died Jan. 25, 2005, age 85.
Viner, Winthrop C.
From his obituary [Hartford Courant, The (CT) - Wednesday, October 30, 2013]: "Win had a love of flying which led him to obtain a private pilot license at a young age. During World War II, he proudly served in the Army Air Corps where he earned his 'wings,' an achievement in which he took great pride. After the war, he returned to work at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft."
Born November 5, 1916 in Bristol, CT
Died October 21, 2013
Wieser, John F. Jr.
From his obituary [Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH) - Wednesday, May 25, 2011]: "Jack served in the U.S. Air Force and was a proud graduate of University School in Shaker Hts. as well as Cornell University."
Born on Dec. 10, 1924 in Cleveland, OH
Died May 21, 2011 in Venice, FL
Williams, Randall L.
From his obituary [Whittier Daily News, The (CA) - Tuesday, January 5, 2010]: "Randall Lake Williams 'Randy' -- he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, December 1944. He was a B-17 Pilot."
May 4, 1921 - December 29, 2009
Born in Rome, New York
Died Calif. (probably Whittier)
Woodward, Robert J.
From what is probably his obituary [NewsTribune (La Salle, IL) - Monday, November 1, 2010]: "He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as flight instructor."
Of Peru, IL
Born April 13, 1921 in Ottawa, IL
Died Oct. 31, 2010, in a Spring Valley, IL hospital.