These photos are from the 320BG 442BS
Don Enlow, son of Malcolm Enlow
I saw the recent post about tow target B-26s; I am curious about them as well. Attached is a photo of my father 1st Lt. John McClurkin (on the right) and an unidentified co-pilot and/or navigator at Bluethenthal Field in Wilmington, North Carolina. This is the only photo of Dad from that army field. Also attached are scans of two of his letters which mention this re-assignment; in a third letter he mentions they are part of the 1st Air Force. It was his last post before the war ended. Just prior to this he was graduated from Officers Communications School at Chanute Field; had a short stint as B-25 instructor in Oklahoma; and from January to September 1944 was piloting B-26s with the 391st/574th at Matching Green.
FYI: My father’s cursive is interesting and a bit hard to read in these war letters; he doesn’t always cross his T’s! He did later in life. I wonder what a handwriting analysis would reveal. ;-)
Cheers and Merry Christmas,
Dora McClurkin Muir
Bomb Group: 394
Bomb Squadron: 584
Comments: I am looking for a picture of the plane that my dad Chesley F. Hazelwood flew in as the tail gunner. The name of the plane was "Lucky Star" or "Lucky Star II". The number was 43-34203, a B-26G. I think he was stationed in France. The pilot was Lt. Schmidt.
Thanks,
Richard Hazelwood
43-34203 "LUCKY STAR"
394BG, 584BS
"LUCKY STAR", Code H9-H, Missions flown 15
11 Aug 44 to 1 Dec 44 recoded as
"LUCKY STAR", H9-O, Missions flown 22
1 Dec 44 to 28 Feb 45 recoded
"LUCKY STAR", H9-D, Missions flown 8
28 Feb 45 to 2 May 45 taxi accident at Y-55 Venlo Holland
Pilot: Karl F. Schmidt
42-96081 "LUCKY STAR"
394BG, 584BS
"LUCKY STAR", Code K5-D, Missions flown 70
26 Aug 44 hydraulics shot our, ran off end of runway on landing, hit stump, washed out, salvaged by 2 Tactical Air Depot, Stansted 27 Aug 44
Lt. Richard M. Brown
Trevor Allen historian B26.com
Guillaume Rault
Your great-uncle, Lincoln Ernest Behling, was the pilot on the B26 "Krejan: SN 41-17550 that was shot down over Rekata Bay on January 7, 1943 with the loss of the entire crew. My uncle, Sgt. Daniel Mulcahy, was the engineer on the aircraft when it went down. I was born after the war and was named after him.
There is a picture of Krejan's crew, presumably with your great-uncle, on a personal page on the b26.com site devoted to Raffaele Pietroluongo. There is also an account of the loss of the aircraft and its eventual recovery in the 69th Bombardment Squadron's war log.
On the Pietroluongo page there is an individual picture of my uncle, and, I believe, one of my father (and possibly my grandmother?) titled "This is Jack and myself". I had never seen a picture of my uncle before discovering the Raffaele Pietroluongo page last summer.
I hope this bit of information helps you with your quest into our mutual loss. If by any chance you find some additional information regarding my uncle, I would appreciate knowing about it.
Best holiday wishes,
Daniel Michael Mulcahy
Bomb Group: Unknown, probably the 386th
Bomb Squadron: 552nd
Years in service: 42-45
Graduation Class: Unknown
Class Location: Unknown
Comments: I'm looking for information about my grandfather, William Schroedl. He never talked about his service and, sadly, passed away several months ago. When sorting through his things, we found his papers- he was a bombardier and had been with the 552nd since its inception.
What little he had spoken about was that he had been in Belgium. We also know that he was injured in training exercises when a bomb was dropped on his foot- perhaps that might remind someone of that incident?
For at least part of the time, they were based in Hawaii. Dad told us how he once descended into the crater of then-dormant Kilauea.
Alas, strictly speaking, it doesn't belong on B26.com. Their planes were not B-26s but B-25s, as he always told us and as the photo shows. Notice the three-bladed props and the twin tails (clearest on the plane in the background facing us at left; they are less obvious on the foreground plane because of the foliage, but they're there). Your call; it would be a pity for the unit to drop off the web altogether, but I don't see a site for the B-25 comparable to yours.
A note about them is here on p. 6 (numbered 56).
Hoping that this is at least interesting, and wishing you a merry Christmas,
Jerome Colburn
There is very little historical information about the tow target squadrons so there is a real need to fill the gaps in the historical record. Many B-26 historians have asked for any information about the tow squadrons to find out more about who the crew were, their path to the squadron and what they flew. Our site is looking for the one guy or gal who has the one picture who has the one story to help us connect the dots.
The tow target squadrons are very important to the Marauder pilot and crew story and definitely has a place on the site. Many people have commented positively about that page, we just need more help. I appreciate your comments very much ... and when I get that one Martin B-26 Marauder AT23 or TB26 picture or that one story, I'll add it to the page which hopefully leads to gathering more information, like you said, so all those that served are not forgotten.
Here is a sample of Martin B-26s used in Tow Squadron. If anybody has pictures or stories about the men and women who flew and supported these planes, please send them to us, thank you!
41-17648 1.TTSq, 8 Jul 43 Romulus, MI
41-32003 8.TTSq, McChord, WA
41-32008 13.TTSq, 1 Jul 43 Bradley Field, CT
1.TTSq 5 Feb 44 Bradley Field, CT
41-34680 "GYPSY ROSE" 13.TTSq Bradley Field, CT
41-34710 323BG, 456BS; 31 Mar 43 Baer Field, IN to 15 Apr 43 take off accident, repaired (Pilot Lt John B Stirling)
13.TTSq, Bradley Field, CT
1.TTSq, Romulus, MI
41-34740 13.TTSq, Bradley Field, CT
41-34783 13.TTSq, Bradley Field, CT
41-35063 2.TTSQ, Baltimore, MD
41-35079 ATC, 13 Jun 43 MacDill, FL
397BG, 599BS MacDill to 17 Sep 43 ground collision when parked by taxiing B-26 41-35103 of 21stBG 398th.BS at MacDill, repaired
Transferred to 23.TTSQ 8 Oct 44 to Howard Field Panama
41-35089 23.TTSq, Howard Field, Panama
41-35092 23.TTSq, Howard Field, Panama
41-35110 23.TTSq, Howard Field, Panama
41-35127 17.TTSq, Oahu, Hawaii
41-35158 23.TTSq, Howard Field, Panama
41-35171 23.TTSq, Howard Field, Panama
42-43341 13.TTSq, Dover Field, DE
42-43343 13.TTSq, Bradley Field, CT
42-43346 13.TTSq, Bradley Field, CT
42-43360 21.TTSq, Felts Field, WA
42-43369 8.TTSq, McChord, WA
42-43370 13.TTSq, Dover Field, DE
42-43371 13.TTSq, Dover Field, DE to 28 May 45 hit by P47 while parked
42-43372 "CHEROKEE" from photograph no location, or unit details either. 8.TTSq Yakima, WA; 8.TTSq McChord, WA; 8.TTSq Paine, WA; 8.TTSq McChord, WA
Cheers, Mike
Years in service:1943-1945
Graduation Class: May 1943
Class Location: Lowery Field, CO
Comments: I know that I have left many unknowns here and that is why I have come to your page. What I know is that my grandfather was an enlisted air crewmember on the B-26 marauder. His job was photography and phototopography. I also know that at some point he was set to deploy to Europe but fell ill and was delayed, the plane he was supposed to have been on went down and killed everyone on board. I do not know if it was stateside or in theater. I am trying to piece together what little remnants I have left from his career and would greatly appreciate any assistance. I am really hoping to find the unit and time spent in country. I also know that he was selected for and started training in the aviation cadet program of the Army air forces as a pilot. Thank you for any assistance.
Adam Sprinkle
Thanks Zach Farnsworth
"Here’s what I’ve been able to find:
In 1942, your grandfather trained with the 319th Bomb Group (probably at Barksdale Air Force Base). On August 23, 1942, the B-26 Marauder (A/C: 41-7480) your grandfather was piloting crashed in a ground collision five miles south of Bogolusa, Louisiana. It is unclear what caused the crash. He was flying a B-26A Marauder which was one of the first B-26 models, notoriously unreliable at that time. They were nicknamed “The Widowmaker” because of the high mortality rate and there was a popular saying at the time, “One a day in Tampa Bay,” highlighting the frequency at which these planes crashed. Five members of the flight crew died in the crash and your grandfather was the sole survivor
I haven’t been able to pinpoint when he was transferred from the 319th to the 344th, though I suspect it was shortly after the crash because there’s no other mention of him in the 319th records.
“’The Wheel’ – Y5-G - #44-68098 – This was an extra plane that they sent us in France and we had no one to crew it. That made me [Jack Terrill] Crew Chief; Jimmie D. Weir, our Line Chief, and Jake G. Hohweiler, one of our Flight Chiefs, were the two mechanics; John R. Hildreth was Communications Chief; and Vinzenzo DeCrosta, Henry W. Rainwater & Frank J. Richter were the Armament boys. One Captain and six Master Sgts. That is the way it got its name of ‘The Wheel.’” *
*Obviously the name of the plane in the photograph is Wheels, Inc. Not sure if it was later changed when your grandfather flew it or if Terrill just misremembered the name.
I’ve also attached a pdf with documents mentioning your grandfather. Not sure if I sent this to you last time or not. We are missing some microfilm that might have mentioned your grandfather. I’ve been in contact with a researcher who may be able to supply us with copies, but it may be a few months before that happens. If we do receive the missing microfilm, I’ll make sure to look through it for mentions of your grandfather and contact you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask."
***
Zach,
335BG 30 Jun 42 Barksdale, La
335BG 9 Aug 42 Baton Rouge, La
319BG, 440BS 23 Aug 42 on hooded instrument navigation flight from Harding Field, seen gradually losing height until it crashed into the ground in a wooded area 5 miles south of Bogalusa, La. Investigation found all crew were wearing parachutes, ignition switches found in off position.
Crew: 2.Lt's. Richard Farnsworth; William L Kelly; Bernard H Green; Pvt's William R McGehee; Charles T Kneipp; Edgar Stratton; Sgt J C Goodwin
(Farnsworth, Kelly thrown clear both seriously injured, Kelly dying later in day. Rest of crew were killed in the crash)
East Anglia Books has one of the largest stocks of USAAF Unit Histories. plus a wide range of second-hand titles, many now out-of-print and difficult to obtain.
East Anglia Books was formed by Cliff Bishop and has now been trading for over 30 years. As a boy Cliff enjoyed watching the 8th Air Force operations around his home in Suffolk and from this, stemmed a lifelong interest in aviation history.
During those years in WWII, he was surrounded by airfields occupied by the 8th Air Force and used to spend his days watching formations of B-17’s and B-24’s heading off to war, some sadly, never to return. Later while serving in the RAF, he worked on the Washington, the RAF’s name for the B-29 Superfortress. Following his RAF service he went on to train as a Design Engineer and spent many years in the Civil Aviation industry working on many different types of aircraft.
It would be great if crew names will eventually emerge, and hope one or two are still among us. For that matter, some reports are signed with 1st Lt. Roy D. Voorhees and I found that he has died in 2009.
Best regards,
Leendert
I wanted to update the site on where I am on my mission to get my deceased father, Dexter B. Goodwin, the Distinguished Flying Cross medal I believe he deserved. I filled out all the necessary forms and mailed them in with a video interview taken of my Dad around 1995 where he recounted some of the hair raising experience he encountered as a co-pilot and pilot during WW II. The US Air Force Review Board came back and rejected my request saying that they had no record of my Dad being in the plane that made an emergency landing with a crippled plane on the cliffs of Normandy just a few days after D-Day. They did however indicate if it can be proven such an act took place, all members of the crew should have received a DFC for surviving such an occurrence. They also went to tell me that all three of the pilots my Dad flew with received the DFC and that my Dad flew 3-4 missions beyond the required 65 to come home. If the DFC is based on acts of courage and heroism as I am told by the Review Board – not number of missions, one would think that getting into a plane 3 to 4 more time to go into combat when you could instead be flying home, is a very courageous and heroic act. Lastly they say they couldn’t find records of 4 of my Dad’s missions. My belief is that one of the missions they can’t find the logs is the one where he had the emergency landing on Normandy. Since my Dad was the co-pilot at the that time, the record of that flight would have to be found under the pilots name. The pilot my Dad flew with on that mission was Captain Ed M. Jannsen. Would your archive resources be able to pull up Captain Jannsen’s missions? Proving that Captain Ed Jannsen had a forced landing on Normandy, 3-5 days after D Day appear to be my only way of getting my Dad the service medal I believe he deserved.
That policy change in August or 1943 explains why some pilots received the DFC for number of missions, if they received their DFC before the policy change, and someone like my father who flew on 68 missions during 1944 did not.
The crew my Dad would have flown with shortly after D Day when the plane had to make an emergency landing, would have been: Pilot - Capt. Ed M. Jannsen; Co-Pilot - my Dad, 2 LT Dexter B. Goodwin; Bombardier/Navigator; 1st LT A.N. Bacon; Radio/Gunner; T/Sgt H.M Krol; Engineer/Gunner – S/Sgt R.L. Fritz; Armorer Gunner – S/Sgt R.A. Vincent.
Thank you very much for all you are doing to help preserve the memory and legacy of these great heroes.
Dexter Goodwin Jr
The date on the AAF Dalhart, TX pass is 12-30-43 and it lists Pvt. Sedlacek as in the 22nd Tow Target Squadron. The pass has his picture and thumb print.
I am looking for any picture and/or information of/about my uncle Mr. Edward Dagostino. He just recently passed away at the age of 91. He flew 47 mission I believe, some with the 319th and some with the 320th. I believe he flew on O’Riley’s Daughter out of Sardinia . Any information would be helpful. He never spoke of his missions. Through my research I know he flew a mission on 19 Dec 1944 and again on 1 Jan 1945 on O’Riley’s Daughter, I believe the Pilot was Capt. West? Thank you.
Michael Dagostino
Bomb Group: 322nd Squadron
Bomb Squadron: 1st Pathfinder, Provisional
Years in service: '43, '44, '45
Graduation Class: 44B
Class Location: Stuttgart, Arkansas
Comments: I am the son of First Lt. Lawrence M. Hohlaus, who flew as co-pilot in B-26 Marauders in the 1st Pathfinder Squadron, Provisional. From his logbook he started his tour flying a new B-26 from Bangor, Maine to Goose Bay, Labrador, then Greenland, Iceland and on to Scotland. After combat school in Northern Ireland, he flew his first combat mission in "Sackfinder" #910 from Great Saling on September 12, 1944. On September 23, 1944, he ferried 10 ground crew and 2 pilots from Great Saling to Beauvais, France, then reposted himself there on September 29 in "Sackfinder". He listed crew members as Gaudette, Mayes, Brown, Bryson, Perry, Hammett, Robertson, Wilgus, Shirey, Bartels, McAlpin, and Mathis, although I can't find any record of first names in his files.
He flew a mission against troop concentrations on Dec. 18, 1944 and wrote he could see artillery flashes from the opening days of the Battle of the Bulge below. When I asked him once if he flew during the Battle of the Bulge, he said he was dropping practice bombs, but I don't know where. Indeed, after December 18, he did not log a combat mission again for almost 6 weeks until January 29th, 1945. That is somewhat of a mystery to me now. Could that period have been retraining on new pathfinding equipment?
Then in February 1945 he flew missions from St. Quintin where I have pictures of him at a great billet in a French chateau! His last mission was to lead a box A-26's of the 409th in a 5 hour mission against an "experimental ammo station" at Staub (Stob), Cz., on May 1, 1945, which was also his first mission from Venlo, Holland.
All in all he flew 41 combat missions with 155 combat hours, which averages 3.78 hours per mission. Typical load out was four 500 lb. bombs, dropped against lots of railroad bridges, marshalling yards, ordinance depots, strong points, fuel depots. Besides B-26 units he led A-20 and A-26 groups. P-38's and P-47's where the most typical escorts, although P-51's made an appearance in one log entry. Curiously, on Nov. 29, 1944, he logged in that P-61's flew fighter cover! I wonder if there is any other record of that!
In regard's his aircraft, he flew most often in #910 "Sackfinder" (which I believe is in the picture with him below, second from left, which I make out to be B-26G-15-MA serial number #44-67910 from scrutinizing the scanned serial numbers on the plane). I really would like to model this plane accurately, and if you could find out and let me know what fuselage code it had, I would be most appreciative.
In between flying "Sackfinder", he also flew 18 total aircraft which he just marked with the last 3 digits of the serials, including "Smokey" #722 in the picture below (41-31722), "Danita" #706 (41-31706), "Lesslie" #203 (_ _-_ _203), "Hillman's Hellcat" #933 (42-95933), "Sleepy Time Gal" #583 (42-107583), "El Burro" #936 (_ _-_ _936), Lilly from Picadilly" #176 (_ _-_ _176), and "Yeah It is" #859 (_ _-_ _859). If you have record of what the missing serial numbers of these are, or have pictures of them, that would be great to share.
Here are a few other questions I have in reading his logbook:
1. Here is a little mystery. He flew his first, most often, and last missions in "Sackfinder" #910. Although at the last period when he flew her he just logged in #910 with no name (maybe looking forward to going home?). However, I saw on another B-26 website that #44-67910 was listed as "hit by flak and burst into flames on January 25,1945". Could this be the same plane? Did it make it home to be refurbished and reflown? He did not list flying #910 again until March 18, 1945.
2. There is an acronym used on lots of his mission summaries such as "COPE" or "1/2 COPE", "COPED" or "NO COPE". Any idea what this means?
3. On the March 21, 1945 mission, he tested the "584 technique". Any idea what that is?
Thank you B26.com for maintaining this site to honor the men who served their country flying the B-26 Marauder. I have learned a lot reading the posts and links, and I hope sharing the information here helps others in their research.
Randy Hohlaus
(PS: I have higher res picture files of those if needed)
My father, Curtis G. Welborn, was on the ‘Sleepy Time Gal’. I have pictures of the plane as well as a story about the flight that someone wrote then. He also kept a log of all of his flights and that one was one for the books.
What was so bad is that my father and most of his gang usually flew the Weary Lera and look what happened to her. It was a godsend that they went in the Sleepy Time Gal that night. They made it back alive albeit with many holes in her. But it was a very sad night. My father’s log book doesn’t say how bad it was to whole fleet but the story someone wrote about them gives more info. I have transcribed most of his log book and it starts when he left to go overseas and stops when he took his last flight. It is interesting the places they bombed and the dates might be something to have to line up things for others.
I will send the word doc when I finish it.I have emailed before but this time I did a google search and found the page with the flights of 12-23-1944.
The photo shows (L to R):
Martin R. Sidener (from Winfield, Kansas), pilot
Robert Connelly (from Ft. Wayne Indiana), co-pilot
Jerrie C. Wells (from Centerville Texas), bombardier
Joseph J. Kaspar, he has a question mark by this one, flight engineer
Carl S. Schreiner, Jr., another question mark, radio operator/gunner
William L. Spencer (Midwest), tail gunner
My cousin has a copy of this photo where he wrote the names on the pant leg of each person, so I should be able to confirm the two with question marks.
From the mission files I see he flew at least one mission with Spencer in the rear guns. He settled in with Giles as his crew pilot.
Jerrie passed away Jan. 28, 2011 in Bryan, Texas.
Thanks for all the time and effort you put into the site, it's great.
Kind regards,
Jerry
Bomb Group: 386
Bomb Squadron: 555
I am writing to see if anyone might have a photograph of a particular plane #131794 YA-D “Sparta”. My dad and his crew were shot down while flying this particular aircraft on 12 July 1944. All survived and became POW’s. There is a fantastic dedication on this web site regarding their service and reunion years ago. Looking through my dad’s things from that time we could find no photos of this particular aircraft. It occurred to me that someone here might have one they could share.
Thank you in advance for any assistance you might offer,
James D Epstein
James,
322BG, 449BS 16 Sep 43 to 4 Nov 43 damaged, to service squadron Code PN-D Missions 8
Bomb Group: 38th
Bomb Squadron: 69th
Years in service: I don't know (shot down Jan. 7, 1943)
Graduation Class: I don't know
Class Location: I don't know
Comments: Looking for any and all information about my great-uncle and stories about the 69th, which would indirectly relate to his experience. He was promoted to Captain while training at Patterson Field, OH, prior to leaving for the Pacific. I have questions about his death. For instance, he's listed as KIA and an eyewitness report says his plane exploded in the air but I have his May West vest and all of the crews' papers were found on shore. So I don't see how it's possible. I want to know how he really died. Did they make it out of the plane alive? Was he captured? A raft and vests were recovered after the crash in, I believe, September of the year he was shot down: 1943. Any help on any front would be great. Thank you.
Culture is something that unites people.
Rachel Hart
I have appended the MIA report, and you will note that the B-26 went down in flames and crashed onto the island of Papatura Fa. It was here that the entire crew were killed and where Lincoln's Mae West and all the crews papers were found. It is certain that the airplane did not explode in mid air.
Regards
Trevor Allen
historian b26.com
His name was Jesse Lafayette Mitchell of Birmingham AL b 9 Oct 1921 and died Sept 22,1998. At present I do not know much about what bombardment group of theaters of conflict. After the war he did go on to become Director of OSSA for NASA involved in ECHO, HUBBLE, X-Ray and Lunar probe projects. Any pictures, stories or information sent would be appreciated. Thank you, Bob Lindberg
The first crash landing was on November 11 1942 when 41-17754 named "Susfu, Snafu's Brother" was hit by flak. The pilot crash landed 12 miles West of Gabes the crew being picked up and returned in a Douglas A-20 Havoc.
The crew were 2.Lts's David L Floeter pilot; Alan L Houser, Jr co-pilot; Vernon C Scoggin bombardier/navigator; S/Sgt's George F Doran radio/gunner; R V Davilla engineer/gunner and H Fleischman armourer/gunner.
Harold Wright's email bounced, I'll keep you posted when he follows up.
Cheers
Trevor J Allen
historian b26.com
Anyone know Robert A. Mohan, a member of the 573rd Bomb Squadron, 391st Bomb Group?
He flew 72 combat missions from Apr 1944 through Sep 1944.
He passed away in Dec 1996 in Huntsville, AL.
He was my wife's uncle.
Thank you.
--
Jack and Laura Priest
I am writing to let you know that, once again I will be laying a wreath on Remembrance Sunday for the American airman that died in the collision over East Sussex on 6th June 1944. I will of course, forward a photograph of the laying of the wreath to all of you. Once again, I am happy to hear of any memories or thoughts you would like mentioned in my book along with a permanent home for the plaque. I look forward to hearing from you with your thoughts and pictures.
The wreath will be laid at St. Mary the Virgin, Battle, East Sussex. There were 4 B24 Marauders involved in the crash. 2 crashed locally and the other 2 crashed at Gillingham, Kent, approximately 50 miles from here. Eric Kirkpatrick has much of the story and my involved in June 1944. Below are the names of the crew members involved in the collision over Battle,
CREW OF 42-107592. SITE OF CRASH- WHATLINGTON ROAD, BATTLE.
1st Lt Christian Burger
1st Lt Leroy Dyer
T/Sgt George Kyle
S/St James Long
S/St Ralph Parker
Lt Thomas Potts (survivor)
CREW OF 42-96249 SITE OF CRASH- ASHBURNHAM, BATTLE
2nd Lt Thomas F. Jenkins
2nd Lt Walter Winter
S/Sgt William Hoeb
S/Sgt George Williams
Sgt George Rogers
St Edward Bailey
Regards Ian Cheveralls
42-107592 394BG 585BS 20 Apr 44 only
584BS STINKY
12 May 44 to 6 Jun 44 collided in mid air with 42-96249,crashed near Battle, Sussex, exploded.
1.Lts.Tommie J Potts, Jr.; Leroy A Dyer; Christian D Burger; S/Sgts James M Long; George J Kyle; George W Williams. (Only Potts survived)
Trevor Allen
Date:
5/28/2010
Time:
6:44 AM
I am the grandson of Samuel Jepsen, a tail gunner and radio operator in the 387th 558 Bomber group, and I am looking for more information about him and the planes he flew. I know he was shot down 3/21/1945 and crashed near Laag Keppel, in plane 44-68103 MACR 13229. I do not know the name of the plane, but the pilot was Lt George B Fallon, and I believe the other crew included Stankiewicz, Blaumer and Skinner. I know my grandfather was captured, as was I believe Fallon, but one member of the crew reportedly escaped with the Dutch underground. The plane was reported as being found by a Dutch researcher in 1978. Any further information about him would be greatly appreciated. He died in 1994 and did not like to speak about his WWII experiences.
Thanks,
Marsh Cuttino (email bounced)
My father SGT John Stankiewicz was the crewman rescued by the Dutch Underground. He was shot down on 21 March 1945 and reunited with the Canadians who entered Doetinchem, Holland, on 1 April 1945. I believe my father was shot down by 88's and the rest of the crew was captured. The pilot of the B-26 was LT George Fallon. My father was moved to several safe houses and a houseboat before being returned to the Canadians who liberated the town on 1 April 1945. By father passed away in 1983.
The initial report was wrong, my father was rescued by the Dutch Underground, while the rest of the crew was captured. He was returned to the Canadians on 1 April 1945 when they liberated the town of Doetinchem, Holland.
Rm,
Jack Stankiewicz
Plane: 44-68103
BG/BS: 387BG, 558BS
Details: 4 Mar 45 to 21 Mar 45 flak in left engine, at 1000hrs at approximately R-501951, last seen on one engine, under control.
Code: KX-T
Missions: 13
MARC: 11260
Crew: 1.Lt George B Fallon; 2.Lt George V Skinner; T/Sgt Joseph M Blaumer; Sgts Joseph Amos; Samuel B Jepson; John Stankjewicz. (all pow's)
Amendment to Sgt John Stankiewicz, he evaded capture and was picked up and hidden by the Dutch underground who handed him over to the Canadian army when they relieved Doetinchen.
The reference R-501951 is a map grid reference used by the USAAF.
Trevor Allen
Bomb Group: 323rd
Bomb Squadron: 456th
Years in service: July 1944 - May 1945
Bomb Group: 397th
Bomb Squadron: ?
Years in service: May 1945 - June 1945
Bomb Group: 387th
Bomb Squadron: 557th
Years in service: June 1945 - September 1945
I'm trying to find out what Bomb Group and Bomb Squadron that the B26 "Santa Barbara Miss" is from. I have included a photo with the names of the crew. Apparently my grandfather was a co-pilot.
43-34375
323BG, 456BS "SANTA BARBARA MISS", 30 Nov 44 to wars end
344BG, 496BS "SANTA BARBARA MISS", Postwar transferred to French
GT.2/62 to 3 Feb 48 accident at Beni Mered
Trevor Allen
41-34792, 17 May 43 flown to UK by 1.Lt Robert J McCallum
322BG, 452BS "PAPER DOLL"
26 Aug 44 to 31 Aug 44 left engine cut out over English Channel, crew bailed out when other engine failed on landing approach to Hendon. Pilot elected to crashland to avoid a built up area, crashed into a park, pilot killed Salvaged by 361 Air Service Sqdn 1 Sep 44
2.Lt. Roy B. Edge; 2.Lt E S Moorhead; S/Sgt Perry M Steele; Sgts D W Martin; T J Amoury. (Edge killed in crashlanding, rest of crew safe)
Trevor Allen
My name is Tom Drodge and I am currently doing a story on one of the b26s that crashed here in Newfoundland, Canada
I have read Mr. Jack Havener's list of "Historical Marauder Firsts" and I was wondering would I be able to obtain his permission to use his list.
I thank you and look forward to your response.
Sincerely yours,
Tom Drodge
Yes, thank you for asking. Mr. Havener donated material to the site for all.
Merle was an air gunner on B-26 Marauders in his early twenties and came from Colorado. While his squadron was based at Earls Colne, Essex, UK he became friendly with the 17-year old daughter of the village baker. When his unit moved to Hampshire, they lost touch.
This lady is approaching her 90th birthday and still wonders what became of him, whether he survived the war etc. Any information or ideas as to where this can be found would be very welcome.
Alan Baker
T/Sgt. Myrl W McKenzie was a Tail Gunner with the Steenson Crew from the 454th Squadron. He completed 57 combat missions including the infamous December 13, 1943 mission to the Amsterdam Schipol Airdrome when they had an engine shot out by FLAK. This mission was covered by Stars and Stripes. He returned to the US at the end of June 1944. Unfortunately Myrl is no longer with us, he passed in 1969. Stars & Stripes January 13, 1944 article; Picture of Myrl W McKenzie with crew.
Roy Bozych – Historian 323rd BG
I am Alexandre and I am writing of France.
I am the godfather of the grave of a B26 pilot, which is in the American cemetery of Saint Laurent in Normandy.
I take contact with you as I do research on the B26 that was missing in action in Normandy (France), June 13, 1944 after returning from a mission to bombardment the forest of Andaine.
I am looking to precisely locate the place of the crash for the future to install a plaque with the names of the crew and I also looking for pictures of the aircraft and crew.
Any such information will be transmitted to the niece of the driver, for I am in contact with it.
I join all the information about the aircraft and the crew :
322nd bomb Group (L) / 452nd Bomb squadron.
AAF Station 485
B-26 Marauder – type B-40-MA – S/n 42-43286 or 42-13286.
Crew position Name Ranks Serial number
Pilot Holmes, Larry L. 1st LT 0-671022
CP Shoop, James R. 2nd LT 0-815568
Bombardier Corones, James C. 2nd LT 0-807168
Radio-Operator Fischer, Irving. (NMI) S/SGT 12126948
Engineer-Gunner Dawson, George D. S/SGT 36449598
Tail-Gunner Pustelnik Jeorge R. SGT 35121684
I thank you for all the help you can give me.
I remain at your disposal for any complementary information
Best regards
Alex
Given the bare basic details of your father it is difficult to pin point his Squadron, but since you mentioned he was once stationed near Suez and that he was shot down over Yugoslavia, then he must have served with one of the South African Air Force squadrons operating with the Balkan Air Force. This still leaves us guessing as to his squadron, it being one of either 12 Sqdn SAAF; 21.Sqdn SAAF; 24.Sqdn SAAF; 25.Sqdn SAAF or 30.Sqdn SAAF.
Do you have any names for the rest of his crew.
Regards, Trevor
AVON PARK — It was a direct and dignified
ceremony marking a significant achievement for the Avon Park Air Force Range
and those responsible for maintaining its prominence into the future.
Inside Building 77 at the Avon Park Air Force Range Tuesday, the 598th Range Squadron Activation Ceremony was held, marking the squadron’s detachment from Moody Air Force Base just northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, and into a full-fledged squadron of its own. The 598th Squadron was inactivated Jan. 6, 1946, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
- See more at: http://www.highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/reactivated-into-service-20150923/#sthash.YVfK1gKb.dpuf
AVON PARK — It was a direct and dignified
ceremony marking a significant achievement for the Avon Park Air Force Range
and those responsible for maintaining its prominence into the future.
Inside Building 77 at the Avon Park Air Force Range Tuesday, the 598th Range Squadron Activation Ceremony was held, marking the squadron’s detachment from Moody Air Force Base just northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, and into a full-fledged squadron of its own. The 598th Squadron was inactivated Jan. 6, 1946, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
- See more at: http://www.highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/reactivated-into-service-20150923/#sthash.YVfK1gKb.dpuf
AVON PARK — It was a direct and dignified
ceremony marking a significant achievement for the Avon Park Air Force Range
and those responsible for maintaining its prominence into the future.
Inside Building 77 at the Avon Park Air Force Range Tuesday, the 598th Range Squadron Activation Ceremony was held, marking the squadron’s detachment from Moody Air Force Base just northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, and into a full-fledged squadron of its own. The 598th Squadron was inactivated Jan. 6, 1946, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
- See more at: http://www.highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/reactivated-into-service-20150923/#sthash.YVfK1gKb.dpuf
Inside Building 77 at the Avon Park Air Force Range Tuesday, the 598th Range Squadron Activation Ceremony was held, marking the squadron’s detachment from Moody Air Force Base just northeast of Valdosta, Georgia, and into a full-fledged squadron of its own. The 598th Squadron was inactivated Jan. 6, 1946, at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey.
The guests of honor included retired Air Force Col. John Ogilvie, 91, who trained at Avon Park in 1943 during WWII and served in Korea and Vietnam, and the family of Staff Sgt. Sam Ragland Jr., a B-26 Marauder bombardier with the 598th who flew 65 missions in Europe, two on D-Day in 1944. http://www.highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/reactivated-into-service-20150923/
The guests of honor included retired Air Force Col. John Ogilvie, 91, who
trained at Avon Park in 1943 during WWII and served in Korea and Vietnam,
and the family of Staff Sgt. Sam Ragland Jr., a B-26 Marauder bombardier
with the 598th who flew 65 missions in Europe, two on D-Day in 1944. - See
more at: http://www.highlandstoday.com/hi/local-news/reactivated-into-service-20150923/#sthash.YVfK1gKb.dpuf
Posted: Sep 19, 2015 9:32 AM PST
Updated: Sep 19, 2015 6:24 PM PS
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Justin Taylan has been to the remote Pacific island nation of Papua New Guinea dozens of times over the past two decades, spending countless hours slogging through crocodile-infested swamps in his quest to document as many World War II airplane wreck sites as possible.
Since 2013, he has conducted those missions for the newly reorganized Pentagon agency whose predecessor he and others had criticized for years for failing to recover and identify more remains of U.S. service members.
Read more: http://www.wsmv.com/story/30069432/pentagon-enlisting-outsiders-to-help-search-for-us-wwii-mias#ixzz3mEpeUxaN
Bomb Group: 344th
Bomb Squadron: 494th
Years in service: 1942-1945
Graduation Class:
Class Location: Brooksfield, TX
Comments: Hello everyone. All of my Dad's military records were lost in the fire in St. Louis in 1971. I just recently ran across the details of his squadron and bomb group, so am starting the hunt for more information as I would like to have a clearer picture of his service. A plane name that has been associated with him was the "Chicago Cyclone." After 66 European missions, he became an instructor at Dodge City Air Base in Dodge City, KS in late 1944. That is where he met my Mother and our family story began! Thank you for any information. Nan Willms Miller
Dear Nan,
You may wish to read Carl H. Moore's book "Flying the B-26 Marauder Over Europe: Memoir of a World War II Navigator" (ISBN: 9780786473571), as your father was co-pilot in Moore's crew.
Moore's crew: Lt. Thomas F. Johnson (P), Lt. Frank Willms (CP), 2/Lt. George W. Eldridge (B), Lt. Carl H. Moore (N), T/Sgt. Dorr E. Tippens (RG), S/Sgt. Joe Castoro (TG), S/Sgt. Charles Calkins (EG).
They flew the South Atlantic ferry route in January 1944 with other crews from the 344 Bomb Group. Eldridge, Tippens, Castoro, and Calkins made the Atlantic crossing by ship. Sgt. L.O. Thompson (RG) and M/Sgt. W.A. "Willie" Wren (Crew Chief) accompanied Moore on the flight across the Atlantic. Thompson was later killed in a mid-air collision at Stansted.
Moore's records show that your father flew with him and the others of the original crew as co-pilot on 3 missions during March 1944, and also on D-Day (6 June 1944). However, it's not clear if and when your father gained his own crew.
The accident reports show that your father made a crash landing at RAF Dyce, Aberdeen, Scotland on 23 July 1944. He was flying aircraft 41-35755 K9-U, which may have been "his" aircraft. The irony is that it's likely that he was in transit for "R & R" (a Rest and Relaxation break) at Aberdeen !
If you undertake any research yourself, please bear in mind that your father's name is sometimes spelt incorrectly as "Williams" in various records.
If you have any photographs or records pertaining to your father e.g. flight log, I'm sure that they would make a splendid memorial page on B26.COM.
Regards,
Steve Sharp
Remembering the B–26 of World War II
By Tom Jones
Photography by Chris Rose
At age 91, Max “Pete” Patrisek is still high on the Martin B–26 Marauder. In November 1944, he was at the controls over Italy when his twin-engine bomber was hit just after bomb release. A German 88-mm flak round ripped upward through the aft fuselage and exploded, the blast killing his tail gunner and mangling the airplane’s rudder and elevators.
Patrisek worked the trim tabs and jockeyed throttles to level the stricken airplane and turn toward safety. Some 90 nerve-racking minutes later, he and his crew managed to make an RAF runway on Italy’s east coast. The Marauder “brought us back all shot up, with half the controls out. It was as rugged and reliable as the B–17,” Patrisek said.
Patrisek is right. In the European and Mediterranean theaters during World War II, Marauders posted 129,943 operational sorties and dropped 169,382 tons of bombs while losing less than half of one percent of the attacking force—a loss rate unmatched by any Allied aircraft. Behind the B–26’s record were well-trained, experienced crews, well-versed in both the virtues and faults of Martin’s fast, powerful machine. [read more]
In 2008, I was reporting about a group of local divers who'd discovered the wreck of a B-26 Marauder in 70 feet of water, 30 miles southwest of the Sanibel Lighthouse. The divers found the twin-engine bomber's serial number, through which they obtained the U.S. Army Air Forces' aircraft accident report and pieced together the Marauder's history:
At 6:10 p.m., Nov. 16, 1942, the aircraft took off on a training mission from the Fort Myers Army Air Base, now known as Page Field.
Fifty minutes later, the airbase got a radio call from the plane that the crew was bailing out. Then silence. Two days later, search teams found the bodies of pilot Lt. Donald Vail and and co-pilot Lt. Fred Dees (the report states that Dees' watch was stopped at 1905, or 7:05 p.m.). The bodies of the other four crew members were never found. (read more)
William,
Trevor Allen, B26 Historian
***
Attached is the Barksdale Wilson Crew picture for the 8/26/15 posting. Trevor Allen already gave you the info.
Lt. Wilson survived the crash landing on 2/14/45 but died on 2/17/45 in a German hospital at Krefeld, Germany from his injuries. See MACR 12374.
One other item, you'll note that Trevor states that the right engine of "Firfli" was on fire. The picture Rufus N. Wilson's page shows an aircraft with the left engine on fire. The picture was actually a 454th Squadron B-26, "Howard Hurricane II" serial number 41-31859 coded RJ-L. It was also shot down on February 14th, 1945, MACR 12373. A better copy is in the US National Archives.
Roy Bozych, 323rd Historian
I love your site- Keep 'em Flying
Shayne
Thomas Warren Deering
December 30, 1920 - August 12, 2015
Lt Colonel USAF Retired
December 30, 1920, Thomas was born in West Frankfort, Illinois to Thomas E. Deering and Magdalene Helfrich Deering.
The family moved to Indianapolis in his youth. He graduated from Shortridge High School. He married his high school sweetheart Joan F Downs on July 18th 1941 to whom he was married for 62 years until her death Feb. 13, 2004.
After the start of WW II, he joined the Army Air Corp as an aviation cadet in March of 1942 and successfully graduated as a pilot and 2nd Lt.
From Feb. 1943 to Nov. 1944 he served in England as part of the Air Offensive Europe flying B 26 missions over Northern France and Normandy both before and after D-Day as part of the 387th Bomb Group.
Subsequent to his war duty he returned to Indianapolis and attended Butler University graduating with honors in 1949. From 1949 to June 1953 he worked in the private sector as an accountant all the while serving int he Air Force Reserve. when the Korean War started he was called back to active duty and flew 50 missions in the B 26 from Jan. 1953 to Aug. 1953. He decided to stay in the Air Force on active duty until retirement on Nov. 1st, 1969. Thomas served in various capacities including piloting Air Med Evac and para troop missions. He finished his career as squadron commander for air traffic control at numerous bases in the US and Europe.
He had a great love of flying and was dedicated to doing things the right and honorable way. The other great love in his life after wife Joan was the game of golf which he vigorously pursued in retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his step mother Elizabeth Deering, and sister Shirley Moore.
He is survived by daughter Rita M. (Ron) Webber and sons Jerry L. (Karen) Deering, Thomas W. (Linda) Deering, Steven (Clarrissa) Deering and sister Betty Jane and seven grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Funeral Information
Funeral Services for Thomas Warren Deering
A public visitation for Mr. Deering will be held on Saturday, August 15th from 11-12 pm at Crown Hill Funeral Home., service will begin at 12 noon. He will be laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery with Air Force Honors.
Families of fallen WWII airmen meet for the first time Herald Standard, August 7, 2015
The crew members were:
Clark G. Johnson
Robert H. Masco
Norman W. Schneiderman
Arthur M. Lunsford
William J. McMahon
Felix O. Riddell
In your archives do you have any photos of this B-26 and any of her crew members?
Thank you,
Charles Runion
42-96226 394BG 586BS PRETTY POLLY H9-S 2
10 May 44 to 12 May 44 transferred to
584BS PRETTY POLLY H9-S 97
22 May 44 to 14 Feb 45 flak in engine and bombay, second run on target, held position in formation for 30/45 seconds, left formation under control, one engine on fire peeled off to left lost from view, crashed 12345
1.Lt.William G Runge; 2.Lt Robert E Day; Sgt Carl W Coon; S/Sgts Noble T Reynolds; Raymond M Boals; Sgt Edsel F Huffman. (Runge, Day, Boals - pow's; Coon, Reynolds, Huffman - kia)
42-96267 394BG 584BS 13 May 44 to 21 Sep 44 hit propwash on take off, crashlanded, all but one escaped. Rest escaped before a/c exploded, salvaged 21 Sep 44 U 37
1.Lt. Howard I. Davis; 2.Lt Robert E Day; Cpl James R Hopping; S/Sgt Harold L Noelting; PfC Raymond Boals; S/Sgt Macklynn D Worsham. (Noelting killed rest of crew suffered injuries)
Trevor Allen
Bomb Group: 319th
Bomb Squadron: 440th
Years in service: 25.5
Graduation Class: Flight School July 3, 1942 Enlistment Nov 1941.
Comments: I found a post from 2011 on a picture of "Twin Engine Queenie" by Trevor Allen your historian for B-26. He had contacted the relative of the pilot shown in another picture of the Twin Engine Queenie. My father indicated to me that he had flown the plane into the Carolinas and across the southern route from Brazil to North Africa. When they were in the Carolinas Zack Mosley sketched the logo for them and I think may have actually painted it himself but I don't have proof of that.
Dad flew 40 missions in the Queenie before returning stateside. He rejoined the group when they took A-26s to Okinawa and flew 8 more missions. He stayed in the service until 1967 when he retired to Ft. Lauderdale. He passed away in 2013 and is now in Arlington cemetery.
Trevor Allen indicated that he had met Woodbridge the pilot in the photo of the plane. I have attached pictures of the plane with my father standing in front of the Twin Engine Queenie and my father in uniform. I assume that Woodbridge either flew later flights after my father returned stateside or concurrent flights which I didn't think happened. Dad reported to me that he never lost a plane or a man and only two were injured. A tai; gunner hit in the rear by flak and a navigator hit by Plexiglas fragments after being hit by flak. The navigator flew the next mission. The tail gunner returned stateside.
Parry Matt Thomas
Brief story about my connection.
Mel Taylor
The story started "six years ago, a hiker named Helmut Deitrichs found a small fragment of Honeyman's flying jacket in the Belgian mountains. He called his friend Danny Keay, a U.S. Army intelligence professional who searches for plane crash sites as a hobby."(5).
Trevor Allen explains the Marauder missions on December 23, 1944 and the story is not a good one.
599th Bomb Squadron, 397th Bomb group.
1Lt William P. Cook – pilot – Alameda, CA
F/O Arthur J. LeFavre – Co-pilot – Red Bank, NJ
S/Sgt Ward C. Swalwel, Jr – radio-gunner – Chicago, IL
S/Sgt Franck G. Lane, Jr – Engineer-gunner – Cleveland, OH
S/Sgt Maurice J. Fevold – Armament-gunner – Chicago, IL
Sgt Eric M. Honeyman – Toggler – Alameda, CA
1. http://www.miaproject.net/mia-search-recoveries/hunconscious/
Here's Stephen A. Koleszarik
391st Bomb Group
574th Bomb Squdron
Plane Serial number : B26 Marauder *BL-M* 42-95851
41-31658 386BG 554BS PRIVY DONNA RU-A MISSION FLOWN 137
16 Sep 44 nosed in short of runway on landing, crashed, salvaged 67 Tac Recon Group 30 Oct 44
Maj. Edward E. Turner, Jr; 2.Lts Arvil R Woosley; James C Ambrose; S/Sgt D.L Schoffstall; Sgt George Vogiatzis; Pvt John J Rudy. (All killed)
Bomb Group: 386th
Bomb Squadron: 552nd
Years in service: Aug 19, 1942- Sept 9, 1945
Graduation Class:?
Class Location: Initial HQ Army Air Forces Training Center Chicago Illinois & – Gunnery Student at HQ ARMY Air Forces Gunnery School, Tyndall Field, Florida
Comments: T/Sgt (Temp) Radio Operator and Mechanic Gunners on a B-26 airplane. 1st mission – 3 Nov 43 Last mission: 76th Mission – 17 July 44
Joseph is my uncle, I'd like to learn more about his service.
Thank you, Bill Wood
Bomb Group: possibly 557th Bomb Sq. 387th B-group
Bomb Squadron: 95th Bombardment Squadron (accdg to Discharge papers)
Years in service: 1941 - 1945. Served in Europe from 1944-45
Graduation Class: @ 1942 ?
Class Location: Glendale Aero Tech School in CA
I am trying to determine for certain what unit my dad was in. According to his discharge papers, the 95th bombardment squadron. He served in several European locations, including campaigns in Northern France and Rhineland. On the back of a photo he wrote, "Just completed engine change on B- 26 for 557th Bomb Sq. 387th B-group St. Quentin, France. 1945." Another photo also said 387th. A patch on his uniform is for the 9th Army Air Corps. These are my main clues as to his unit. No matter Where I look, I can't find the names of him or ANY of his buddies. Do they not list sheet metal workers / mechanics on rosters? They were near the front lines and kept the bombers up and flying. They were certainly important, too.
Can anyone help me determine or know HOW to determine his unit? It's confusing to have it somewhat narrowed down but never see his name anywhere. BTW, his records were among those burn in the National Archives fire, so all that remain are these discharge papers he kept.
Hopefully!~
Annabeth Roland Spivey
Mark Helfrich
Thanks
I am afraid the name is just coincidence "Feudin' Wagin" was an Americanization of "Feuding Wagon" the name being carried by B-26 Marauder 42-107669 coded Y5-U of the 495th Bomb Squadron 344th Bomb Group but was badly damaged on 24th July 1944 and sent to the Service Group for repair. It was returned to the 344th. Bomb Group on 11th March 1945 this time assigned to the 494th. Bomb Squadron coded K9-K.
Regards,
Bomb Group: 449th
Bomb Squadron: 322nd
Years in service: 1942 - 1955
Class Location: Lake Charles, La.
Comments: It is with heavy heart that I report the passing of Joe Urbanovsky, Retired Lt. Col. U.S.A.F. Joe served as a radio operator/ gunner with the 322nd. His log book records 64 missions including 2 on D-Day. He served as a T/SGT during the war and later was commissioned . He retired as a Lt. Col. He told me that he enjoyed his enlisted time far more than being an officer. I think it was the fear and excitement of combat! He is survived by his wife Cassie and a son and daughter. He was 92 at his passing and was buried with full military honors at the City Cemetery in Wharton, Texas. His full obituary may be seen at the Wharton Funeral home page on line. Joe was a school teacher, band leader and school administrator. He had a quick wit and loved a good joke! His eye would sparkle when asked about the B-26. He loved the camaraderie and was a great patriot! -Lynn
I had the pleasure, many years ago, of supplying Joe with his complete mission listing. I am so proud that you now still have that copy and that it has given you some idea of the courage Joe had to complete 64 combat missions at great peril to him and his crew.
Regards
Trevor Allen historian b26.com
Bomb Group: 394th
Bomb Squadron: 587th
Good afternoon,
I am the 1st Cousin 2X removed of William C. Hoeb. Before I started getting into Genealogy research, I always wondered if I was related to William, as I would always find the articles on the accident over Battle, Sussex, England. I have done more research now and found that he was my Grandfather’s cousin, and that his father’s name was Richard Phillip Hoeb and mother’s name is Helena Hoeb. I am looking for more information and pictures of and about him and his time in WWII.
Also, I would like to get in touch with Keith Cheveralls. I am going to be in England, just outside of Sussex in September and would like to visit Battle to see the memorial and crash site. Also, I know that Tommie Potts’ (pilot that survived the crash) son lives in Mobile, so if you have any contact information for him, it would be appreciated. Thanks for your help with this.
Best regards,
Benjamin Hoeb
Bomb Group: 17th (Medium)
Bomb Squadron: 432
Years in service: 1942 -1945
Graduation class: unknown
Class location: unknown
Comments: I am trying to find information about my father's time in the service. Sadly, he passed 18 years ago and like many other veterans never spoke too much about his experiences. I have lots of pictures, but no notations as to people's names or the cities where taken. He was a B-26 bombardier pilot. His military records show completion of preflight training at Maxwell Field, Alabama 1943. Basic (aviation) training in completed at Walnut Ridge, Arkansas 1943. His bombardier training was completed at Deming Field, New Mexico. He was a 1st Lt upon discharge, and was in France, Rhineland, Rome-Arno and Africa among others. Any information would be helpful. Thank you! Burt & Denise Caffey
Bomb Group: 391
Bomb Squadron: 574th
Years in service: WWII
Graduation Class: ?
Class Location: ?
Comments: I'm the great nephew of Bernard Brightman (from New York, New York) and I wondering if anyone has photo's of him during the war and maybe with the B-26's he flew in. It would be good news to find the names of the pilot and crew he flew with. Anything would be great! There's a possibility that he served with the 17th bomb group, 37th bomb squadron and was later transferred to the 391st bomb group, 574th bomb squadron.
Thanks,
Dan Milner
Respectfully,
J.Reynolds
Unit | Target | Take Off Time | Bomb Release Time
1st Pathfinder Sqdn | Ouistreham 69 | 0345 hrs | 0520 hrs
322nd.Bomb Group | Ouistreham 69 | 0345 hrs | 0520 hrs
1st Pathfinder Sqdn | Bennerville | 0345 hrs | 0526 hrs
391st Bomb Group | Bennerville PFF B26 | 0345 hrs | 0517 hrs *
* did not drop its bombs
1st Pathfinder Sqdn | Ouistreham 74 | 0400 hrs | 0555 hrs
322nd Bomb Group | Ouistreham 74 | 0400 hrs | 0555 hrs
344th Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 20 | 0405 hrs | 0605 hrs
344th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 22 | 0355 hrs | 0608 hrs
344th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 19 | 0410 hrs | 0609 hrs
387th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 36 | 0442 hrs | 0614 hrs
387th Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 23 | 0442 hrs | 0614 hrs
387th Bomb Group | Les Dunes de Varreville 104 | 0449 hrs | 0614 hrs
394th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 19 | 0427 hrs | 0616 hrs
323rd Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 20 | 0400 hrs | 0616.5 hrs
323rd Bomb Group | La Madeleine 36 | 0425 hrs | 0617 hrs
323rd Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 101 | 0435 hrs | 0617.5 hrs
394th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 22 | 0427 hrs | 0617.5 hrs
394th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 101 | 0427 hrs | 0618 hrs
397th Bomb Group | Les Dunes de Varreville 104 | 0407 hrs | 0619 hrs
397th Bomb Group | La Madeleine 36 | 0407 hrs | 0620 hrs
397th Bomb Group | Beau Guillot 23 | 0407 hrs | 0622 hrs
386th Bomb Group | Les Dunes de Varreville 104 | 0439 hrs | 0623 hrs
386th Bomb Group | La Madeleine | 0441 hrs | 0624 hrs
386th Bomb Group | St Martin de Varreville 101 | 0445 hrs | 0624 hrs
391st Bomb Group | Maisy 7 | 0445 hrs | 0625 hrs
391st Bomb Group | St Pierre du Mont | 0430 hrs | 0626 hrs
322nd Bomb Group | Montfarville 308 | 0500 hrs | 0627 hrs
***
Squadron Codes
B-26 squadrons operating with 9th Bomber Command in Europe were issued a two letter/digit identity code which was painted on the sides of the fuselage usually forward of the star and bar insignia. These were: 449th PN; 450th ER; 451st SS; 452nd DR; 453rd VT; 454th RJ; 455th YU; 456th WT; 494th K9; 495th Y5; 496th N3; 497th 7I; 552nd RG; 553rd AN; 554th RU; 555th YA; 556th FW; 557th KS; 558th KX; 559th TQ; 572nd P2; 573rd T6; 574th 4L; 575th O8; 584th K5; 585th 4T; 586th H9; 587th 5W; 596th X2; 597th 9F; 598th U2; 599th 6B; and 1st PF IH
All of the above squadrons religiously applied these codes to their B-26s with the exception of the four squadrons of the 394th. Bomb Group. On first arriving in the UK these squadrons applied the issued codes to their initial issue of Marauders, but as replacement B-26s arrived the application of codes became unpredictable to say the least. Photographic evidence shows B-26s of one squadron carrying another squadron’s codes even though the particular B-26 never served with the squadron whose codes it carried. This was not a one off incident and in the 394th this was a widespread practice. To date no person from the 394th has given a logical explanation for this practice, but somewhere out there someone MUST KNOW. Still with the 394th Bomb Group, its B-26s carried some very good nose artwork, so good in fact that another practice was adopted by the squadron crew chiefs. If a B-26 was wrecked, or a pilot was assigned a new B-26 it became common practice to remove the armour panels from the nose of one B-26 and put it onto the newly assigned B-26. This because most of the Group’s artwork was on the armour plating. Of interest was Col. Hall’s assigned B-26 which was named “Lucky Star” with the name and insignia on the armour plate. Prior to August 11th, 1944 Col. Hall was assigned a new B-26 and on August 26th, 1944 the original “Lucky Star” was landed without hydraulics, hit a tree stump and was washed out. Of interest is the name and insignia had already been removed from this ship! One last point on 9th BC codes is the 1st Pathfinder Squadron was issued the code IH, but not until September 1944 was this code applied to its B-26s. Up to that date Pathfinder planes had been operating in their donor squadron codes. To further confuse the issue in some instances no codes whatsoever were painted on its planes.
B26.COM
