Squadron: 65th sqdn and 403rd sqdn
Position:
Was made flight engineer March 1941 at albrook field p.c.z. on B-17-Bs. Crewed
on Ds,Es. and LB30s Flew 130+ rts to the Galapgoes islands from Guatemala
City ( Sept 17th1941 to July 1942) was transfered to the 19th bg Phillipines
in Jan. but shortage of planes out of seattle held us up til july. Took a
B-17-F Taxpayers Pride To Mareeba Aust. did 25 missions out of Port Moresby.
Transfered to the 65th Nov. 15th 1942 did 25 missions, TDY to 8th photo 21
mile airdrome 1st of March returned to 65th to find my crew had been transfered
back to Mareeba and into the 403rd only flew 8 missions with them , was returned
to the states and the 19thBG June 1943.
Served: above
Originally from: New Jersey
Training: Albrook Field Panama Canal Zone and Rio Hato Panama
Citations/Medals: 2 air metals and silver star
Planes:
Besides 'Taxpayers Pride" 19 B-17-Es &Fs and 1 B24-D Our crew named taxpayers
pride in the states flew in HOOMALIMALI, LAST STRAW, I'AM WILLING, NAUGHTY
BUT NICE, OLD FAITHFUL, LAK-A-NOOKY, SUPER SNOOPER, BLUES IN THE NIGHT, HELL
FROM HEAVEN MEN,OLD TOPPER,THE MUSTANG, TUGBOAT ANNIE, LOOSE GOOSE, TOJO's
JINX. The 24D was named 50 cal. gal.
Number of Missions: 83
Description of Missions:
All but a half doz. were single missions to the Solomons, North coast of
New guinea, most to Rabaul city and airdromes.
Most poignant, sad or touching memory of the war:
The lose of Lt. ROY K. DUFFY Jan. 8th and wounding of Lt. Eugene Benedetti,
Lt. VERNON STRASWER March 7th KIA. and Sgt Ralph Thomas my asst. engineer
and good buddy June 26 1943
Funniest or most fun memory of the war:
It wasn't funny
Any odd or strange memories from the war:
Sgt Alexander Kaczmarczk got sick on the flight from Hamilton to Hickam.
We left him there, He died on Capt. E Rickenbacker's raft trying to catch
up with his crew as he really wanted to fight the japs. He's my HERO.
Most heroic thing I saw or did:
Where I was and how I celebrated when I learned the war was
over:
I had been discharged and was at home in Trenton N.J. with my wife of
two years and our new Son. He will be 54 July 12th [ed. note: 1999]
How having gone to war has affected me, what comes to mind when I think
of the war:
I saluted my first WAC Lt. got married to my high school sweetheart, and
found a job as a electrician.
To future generations:
Remember the men and women that gave their lives so they can enjoy the
good life they have