The 330th Bomb Group 330th Bomb Group



 

457th Bombardment Squadron

This squadron, commanded by LTCOL Lindsey Vereen and spearheaded by 1st SGT William Reeb, veteran of North Africa, took the war pretty much in stride. With SSGT Paoletti and his men, CPL'S Silverman and Sanders, behind the supply counter, with SSGT Mitchell in the orderly room and that artiste with the C-Ration can, SSGT Ktona, as mess Seargant, feeding, housing, camp construction and housekeeping ran swiftly and smoothly despite rain, air raid alerts, and midnight take-offs. This Squadron lost the fewest men in combat, had the lowest abort rate, and the highest percentage over the target of any squadron in the 330th Bomb Group.


AIRCrews - Aircraft - GROUNDCrews - personneL


Crew 711 K-1 (SN 42-93969) was shot down on 24 May 1945, by flak and crashed into Tokyo Bay. The Pilot on K-2 (Bill Kerchevel) witnessed K-1 being hit at least twice by flak. The approach altitude was 10,000 feet. Kercheval witnessed K-1 first being hit on its initial IP between Mt. Fujiyama and Yokohama on their final approach. He later saw the plane takes its final hit just over Tokyo Bay and spiral into the sea. All aboard were lost, including LTCOL Frederick Andrews, who was the 314th BW's Operations Officer, who was riding as an observer. MACR # 14492

Here are four of her eleven crew: Front Row L to R: SGT Merrit Fogel (RG on K-4), SSGT Samuel MiKill (RO), Back Row: CPL Jacob Fisher (LG), CPL James Fisher (TG) and CPL James Finucane (RG).

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
Comments
A/C
CAP
Douglas H. Neill
0-428560
 
P
2LT
Robert D. Harklerode
0-825062
 
N
1LT
Clarence A. Davis
0-664747
 
B
2LT
Arthur V. Howe
0-2064259
 
Rad Ob
2LT
Rowland S. Wilson Jr.
0-762855
 
FE
MSGT
Donald O. Stoner
18037375
 
RO
SSGT
Samuel M. Mikill
14061648
 
CFC
SSGT
Richard R. Berg
36821712
 
RG
CPL
James P. Finucane
31421220
 
LG
CPL
Jacob A. Fisher
33833152
 
TG
CPL
James N. Fisher
34190093
 
Observer
LTCOL
Frederick L. Andrews
0-23316
 
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Lee E. Shubert
37011793
 
Asst/Chief
SSGT
Richard E.. Branagan
32166819
 
Ground
MSGT
Robert J. Warren
19049632
 
Ground
SGT
John R. Schnaibel
38426813
 
Ground
SGT
Julius E. Hunt
37603385
 
Ground
SGT
Edwin R. Stremlow
36248429
 

Crew 702 of "City of Red Bank" aka "Happy Savage". This crew flew 22 missions, mainly on K-2 (42-93976). This crew received 4 Air Medals.Front Row, L to R: SSGT Thomas Sawyer (RG), SGT William Klinesmith (TG), SSGT John Ryan (LG), SSGT Warren Thompson (CFC), Back Row: SSGT Eliw Kurucz (RO), 1LT Herbert C. Counts (Rad Ob), 1LT William Parkinson (FE), 1LT Herman Greif (N), 1LT Jay Titus (B), 2LT William Kercheval (P), MAJ John Matthews (A/C). Of special note, there is an oral history recording of Mr. Titus available at the University of N. Texas.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
Comments
A/C
MAJ
John A. Matthews
0-441794
 
P
2LT
William L. Kercheval
0-825124
 
N
1LT
Herman J. Greif
0-689604
 
B
1LT
Jay D. Titus
0-731116
 
Rad Ob
1LT
Herbert C. Counts
0-2068078
 
FE
1LT
William A. Parkinson
0-867650
 
RO
SSGT
Eli W. Kurucz
35396587
 
CFC
SSGT
Warren T. Thompson
36763094
 
RG
SSGT
Thomas E. Sawyer
11096992
 
LG
SSGT
John B. Ryan
31424979
 
TG
SGT
William E. Klinesmith
13174899
 
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Richard W.E. Branagan
32166819
 
Ground
MSGT
Robert W. Kling
16003061
 
Ground
SGT
Frank C. Kovach
32494907
 
Ground
SGT
Lewis M. DeBottis
32679230
 
Ground
SGT
Thomas F. Fawcett
12177331
 

Crew 707 of K-3 "City of Fort Worth" (SN-42-93982). This crew flew 23 missions. The A/C, MAJ Jackson Wallace(the first one on the left) was awarded the DFC on 14 Sep 1945. Here is the rest of the crew standing behind K-11. They are L to R: MAJ Jackson Wallace (A/C), 2LT Roger Vannelli (P), 2LT John Nolan (N), 1LT Chester Kalinowski, Jr. (B), 2LT Norman Graham (Rad Ob), MSGT John Stanko (FE), SSTG William Ryan (RO), TSGT Bryon Bottomly (CFC), SSGT Richard Davidson (RG), SGT John Degroot (LG), SGT Francis Bradley (TG). The entire crew received Air Medals with Oak Leaf Clusters.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
MAJ
Jackson S. Wallace
0-428887
P
2LT
Roger B. Vannelli
0-827091
N
2LT
John P. Nolan
0-2063459
B
1LT
Chester J. Kalinowski Jr.
0-739032
Rad Ob
2LT
Norman E. Graham
0-2064244
FE
MSGT
John G. Stanko
13011147
RO
SSGT
William L. Ryan
17120365
CFC
TSGT
Bryon E. Bottomly
19124971
RG
SSGT
Richard E. Davidson
36450631
LG
SGT
John H. Degroot
33747331
TG
SGT
Francis J. Bradley
12227724
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
MSGT
Vasillos Gianes
11017127
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Carl Schmidt
36235639
Ground
MSGT
John R. Nylander
20758515
Ground
TSGT
Tony E. Braidic
33260712
Ground
TSGT
Jim C. Speck
38291413

Crew 706 of "City of Roanoke" aka "Ready Bettie", flew 21 mission in K-4 (SN-44-69817). MAJ Herman Smith (A/C), 1LT Charles Hammer (N) and FO Norman Rael (Rad Ob) all received the DFC on 22 June 1945. Here is a photo of the crew just prior to their departure for the Marianas. Back Row, L to R: MAJ Herman Smith (A/C), 2LT Lloyd Rissman (P), 1LT Paul Poterfield (B), 1LT Charles Hammer (N), FO Norman Rael (Rad Ob) Front Row: MSGT Vern Ruegsegger (FE), SSGT Lester Dembiczak (TG), SSGT Paul DePascale (LG), SSG Elvin Eudy (RO), TSGT Jerry Strong (CFC), SGT Merritt Fogel (RG) The entire crew received multiple Air Medals.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
MAJ
Herman L. Smith
0-437309
P
2LT
Lloyd H. Rissman
0-778572
N
1LT
Charles L. Hammer
0-2064572
B
1LT
Paul M. Porterfield
0-735921
Rad Ob
FO
Norman R. Rael
T-131551
FE
MSGT
Vern J. Ruegsegger
19030326
RO
SSGT
Elvin E. Eudy
34772865
CFC
TSGT
Jerry C. Strong
38397402
RG
SGT
Merritt M. Fogel
33830213
LG
SSGT
Paul A. DePascale
42019633
TG
SSGT
Lester L. Dembiczak
42011541
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Rudolph Eskra
15330322
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Orwell A. Erickson
37305927
Ground
SGT
Oswald C. Ortman
35510718
Ground
SGT
William R. Montague
34607872

COL Reynolds himself with the crew of K-4. In the center kneeling is COL Lindsey Vereen, the 457th Squad Commander. MAJ Smith is to the right of him.


Crew 705 of "The City of Duluth" aka "She Wolf". This was the crew of the first K-5 (SN-42-93957) and flew her for 6 missions until Willman's crew left for Lead Crew Training and she was passed along to Woolwine. When Willman returned from Lead Crew Training they were assigned K-1(2) (SN 42-93976) "The City of Red bank" aka 'The Happy Savage'and flew an additional 9 missions for a grand total of 15. Left to Right, kneeling, CPL George Bearup, Jr.(RG), SSGT William Grove (CFC), CPL George Murphy (RO), standing, CPL Ollie Eubanks (TG), SGT Johnnie M. Walker (FE), 2LT Francis Hofheins (Rad Ob), 2LT William Grossmiller (B), 2LT Charles Sweeney (N), 2LT Raymond FRozman (P), CAP Robert Willman (AC)

.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
CAP
Robert J. Willman
0-724498
P
2LT
Raymond F. Rozman
0-777832
N
2LT
Charles K Sweeney
0-2068797
B
2LT
William J. Grossmiller
0-785493
Rad Ob
2LT
Francis H. Hofheins
0-2068667
FE
SGT
Johnnie M. Wallker
6667183
RO
CPL
George R. Murphy
38509570
CFC
SSGT
William H. Grove
15320667
RG
CPL
George W. Bearup Jr.
36896971
LG
CPL
Troy G. Brooks
33854990
TG
CPL
Ollie O. Eubanks
34931128
Ground Crew
C/Chief
CPL
James F. Farrara Jr.
14038814
Ground
SGT
Robert R. Priel
42011844
Ground
SGT
George T. Roach
31167745

Crew ??? of K-5 (SN-42-93957) "City of Lynchburg" aka "Don't Worry Bouta' Thing". This was the second crew to have the K-5 aircraft designation. Front Row, L to R: TSGT Marion Potter Jr. (CFC), MSGT Joseph Ivey, Jr. (FE), SSGT Kenneth Owings (RO), SSGT Chester Shields (LG), SGT Charles Isaacs (RG), SSGT William Uschock (TG). Back Row: 1LT Eugene Copeland (P), CAP James Fiumara (B), MAJ Charles Woolwine (A/C), 2LT Walter Penny (N), FO John H. Schell (Rad Ob). This crew flew 15 missions and received 2 Air Medals. On 6 Aug 1945 they were sent to Muroc for Lead Crew Training and the War was over before they made it back.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
MAJ
Charles C. Woolwine
0-428544
P
1LT
Eugene J. Copeland
0-835446
N
2LT
Walter M. Penny
0-2079213
B
CAP
James M. Fiumara
0-443489
Rad Ob
FO
John H. Schell
T-137791
FE
MSGT
Joseph S. Ivey, Jr.
34263278
RO
SSGT
Kenneth R. Owings
37528397
CFC
TSGT
Marion M. Potter Jr.
35736356
RG
SGT
Charles B. Isaacs
13069257
LG
SSGT
Chester A. Shields
35752745
TG
SSGT
William B. Uschock
33917032
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
MSGT
Troy La D. Putnam
18040876

Crew 713 of K-6 (SN 42-93971)"City of Council Bluffs" aka "THE GERM". This crew flew an amazing 28 missions. Crew received the DFC and received mulitiple Air Medals as well. They are; Front row, L to R: MSGT Stanley Richards (FE), TSGT Charles McDaniel (CFC), SSGT Harold Ossman (RO), SSGT Francis Fallon (RG), SSGT John Farr Jr. (LG), SSGT Ara Eresian (TG) Back Row: CAP Ralph Erwin (A/C), 2LT Robert Grainger (P), FO Melvin Peterson (N), 1LT John Hogan (B), 2LT William Fletcher, Jr. (Rad Ob)

Thanks to Mr. Harold Ossman (RO) for the photos and information

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
Comments
AM
DFC
A/C
CAP
Ralph W, Erwin
0-666261
AM OLC GO 141. 11 JUL 45
2
 
P
2LT
Robert L. Grainger
0-774625
AM OLC GO 141. 11 JUL 45
2
 
N
FO
Melvin A. Peterson
T-129178
     
B
1LT
John R. Hogan
0-1055618
     
Rad Ob
2LT
William D. Fletcher,Jr.
0-268990
AM OLC GO 141. 11 JUL 45
2
 
FE
MSGT
Stanley D. Richards
17035790
     
RO
SSGT
Harold L. Ossman
37672658
     
CFC
TSGT
Charles W. McDaniel
18105349
     
RG
SSGT
Francis I. Fallon
32985905
     
LG
SSGT
John C. Farr Jr.
33800144
     
TG
SSGT
Ara Eresian
31389467
   
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
MSGT
Albert J. Popalis
6949191
   
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Thomas W. Jones Jr.
33085407
   
Ground
SSGT
Virgle V. Rutledge
39325616
   
Ground
CPL
William M. Baker
35616954
   

Here are some Ground Crew picks of K-6. That is Thomas Jones on the far left, CPL Edward H. Wilson, SSGT Glenn D. Garaffa and SSGT Virgil Rutledge on the far right. (thanks to Mr. Rutledge for info on this photo)


Here is another one of the Ground Crew of K-6. That is from kneeling, L to R: CPL Edward Wilson, CPL William Baker, Rutledge (blond) in the middle. Standing, L to R: SSGT Glenn Garaffa, SSGT Virgle Rutledge and SSGT Thomas Jones, Jr.

Here is a great site created by Harold Ossman's daughter. Great photos from Guam!


Crew 715 flew only K-7 (SN: 42-93978) "City of Jacksonville" aka "Miss Take". They are bottom row L/R: SGT Leo Rabaut Jr. (RG), CPL Edward Preston (TG), SSGT Robert Richmond (RO), SSGT Jack Henderson (CFC) Top Row L/R: SGT James Burroughs (LG), 1LT William Keck (FE), 1LT James Adams (B), 2LT Arthur Harmuth (Rad Ob), 2LT John Loose (N), FO Clifford Readout (P), CAP James Bradford (A/C). This crew completed 23 missions and received multiple Air Medals and a DFC. They brought this aircraft over in April, 1945 and flew her safely home to the States in November, 1945.

Much thanks to Mr. William. Keck (FE)for the photos and info!

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
CAP
James W. Bradford
0-804600
P
FO
Clifford H. Readout
T-4222
N
2LT
John C. Loose
0-2063444
B
1LT
James E. Adams
0-695127
Rad Ob
2LT
Arthur M. Harmuth
0-2069010
FE
1LT
William J. Keck
0-870148
RO
SSGT
Robert A. Richmond
34546036
CFC
SSGT
Jack W. Henderson
36467068
RG
SSGT
Leo P. Rabaut Jr.
16130550
LG
SGT
James E. Burroughs
33921488
TG
CPL
Edward L. Preston
20956898
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Guy L. Hall
34425431
Ground
SGT
Frank E Middaugh
16142489
Ground
SGT
Eldridge B Sinclair
18157751
Ground
SGT
John Branick
32939288
Ground
SGT
Ferrel M Palmer
34666720

Here is the very proud Ground Crew of K-7. They are L to R: SGT Ferrel Palmer, Crew Chief Guy Hall, SGT Eldridge Sinclair, SGT John Branick and SGT Frank Middaugh. These men did their best to assure that the air crew that piloted this aircraft came back everytime.


Crew 717 of "City of St. Petersburg" K-8 (SN-42-93980) aka "My Gal" & K-14 (SN-42-94032)"My Gal II". This was the crew of the first K-8. A/C was Thompson Hiles, Jr. After 10 missions, the aircraft was grounded for repair and they flew K-14. Since their was no crew assigned to the newer K-14, Hiles asked for her and from May on, they flew K-14 and renamed her to My Gal II. Here are the My Gal Guys!: front Row L to R, SGT Jules VanHouten (RG), SSGT Charles Wells (LG), TSST Robert Neu (CFC), 2LT Rudy Weber (Rad Ob) Back Row: SGT Andy Kosty (TG) (really a CFC man), SSGT Jack Hardison (RO) 1LT Earl Deter (B) 2LT Robert Crain (N), FO Everett Odom (FE) 2LT Roeder Stinson (P) and CAP Thompson Hiles (A/C). Overall the crew flew 24 Missions total.

That is SSGT Lloyd "Jack" Hardison, Sr. 2nd from the left. Jack was the RO on K-8 and K-14 and by all accounts the reason she was named St. Petersburg. It was his hometown, which means his name was pulled out of the hat.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
CAP
Thompson Hiles
0-793339
P
2LT
Roderick S. Stinson
0-780757
N
2LT
Robert W. Crain
0-2068621
B
1LT
Earl R. Deter
0-744455
Rad Ob
2LT
Rudolph E. Weber
0-2069170
FE
FO
Everton C. Odom
T-225237
RO
SSGT
Lloyd J. Hardison Sr.
12122128
CFC
TSGT
Robert J. Neu
16189057
RG
SGT
Jules R. VanHouten
13194406
LG
SSGT
Charles H. Wells
33904872
TG
SGT
LeRoy G. Peters
36834650
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Joseph M. Knowles Jr.
14014568
The TG, Peters was wounded on the 11th mission and replaced by A. R. Kosty
Crew ??? of K-8 (SN: 42-93980) Crew 2. "City of Williamsport" aka "Miss Annabelle". This crew flew 23 successful missions and received multiple Air Medals. On one mission to Hammatsu this crew lost one engine, but continued on. They fell behind in formation but still continued over the target with excellent bombing results. They then were able to limp the aircraft back to Iwo Jima and made a foul weather night landing on three engines! WOW!. Here they are in Kansas just prior to departure for Guam. Front Row, L to R: SGT Robert Allan (RG), SGT James Rollins (LG), MSGT Harold Wacholtz (FE), SGT William Blaney (TG), TSGT George Haruch (CFC), SSGT Paul McGinnis (RO) Back Row: 2LT Albert Seyller (B), 1LT Warren Ludlow Jr. (Rad Ob), 1LT Burt Zimmermann A/C), FO Henry Louy Jr. (P), 2LT James Kreitz (N)

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Burt W. Zimmermann
0-687793
P
FO
Henry J. Louy Jr.
T-133539
N
2LT
James C. Kreitz
0-2079021
B
2LT
Albert F. Seyller
0-931699
Rad Ob
1LT
Warren S. Ludlow Jr.
0-730279
FE
MSGT
Harold F. Wacholtz
16006454
RO
SSGT
Paul R. McGinnis
15054592
CFC
TSGT
George J. Haruch
36960603
RG
SGT
Robert Allan
12239743
LG
SGT
James F. Rollins
33898192
TG
SGT
William G. Blaney
33916977
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Joseph M. Knowles, Jr.
14014568

Crew ??? of K-9 "City of Chattanooga" (SN-42-94062) aka "PLUTO". Pictured below, Front Row, L to R: CPL Harry Sibley (LG), SGT Floyd McCormick (CFC), SSGT Alan Utley (RO), MSGT Donald Wood (FE), CPL Emil Bevacqua (TG), CPL William Lee (RG). Back Row: 1LT William Cameron (B), 2LT Robert Mussina (N), 1LT Donald Freeman (A/C), FO Jack Weaver (P), 2LT Alfred Sisemore (Rad Ob)This crew flew 25 missions over the Empire plus one Dumbo Mission. They received multiple Air Medals as well. The (B) Cameron was the last to witness the Schiltz crew go down.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Donald R. Freeman
0-821156
P
FO
Jack E. Weaver
T-65485
N
2LT
Robert D. Mussina
0-929114
B
1LT
William A. Cameron
0-931755
Rad Ob
2LT
Alfred B. Sisemore
0-2075710
FE
MSGT
Donald P. Wood
39700900
RO
SSGT
Alan R. Utley
35903155
CFC
SGT
Floyd R. McCormick
12227665
RG
CPL
William J. Lee
35808543
LG
CPL
Harry H. Sibley
33802196
TG
CPL
Emil J. Bevacqua
42100457
Ground Crew
Ground
SSGT
Orwell A. Erickson
37305927
Ground
CPL
Wayne F. Miller
15108060
Ground
SSGT
Glen D. Garaffa
35582395
Ground
CPL
Frederick J. Traber
33599801
Ground
CPL
Alexander S. Gramaglia
31311061


Pilot Captain Donald Freeman, Crew Chief Staff Sargent Orwell Erickson, Mechanic Fred Traber,
Mechanic Corporal Alexander Grimaglia, Staff Sargent Glen Garrafa


Crew ??? of K-9 this crew flew same aircraft as the crew above.They were, Front Row, L to R: 2LT Charles Taylor (B), FO Ralph Forte (P), 1LT James Reed (A/C), 2LT Joe Brown (Rad Ob), Back Row: MSGT James Pace (FE), SGT Edward Thomas (RO), SSGT Francis Peters (CFC), PFC Stanford Bleir (RG), PFC Joseph Miskunas (LG), SGT Richard Palmer (TG). Not pictured: 2LT Raymond Steppling (N)They completed 10 missions.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
James E. Reed
0-811247
P
FO
Ralph Forte
T-64771
N
2LT
Raymond A. Steppling
0-2079140
B
2LT
Charles P. Taylor
0-788672
Rad Ob
2LT
Joe E. Brown
0-2076530
FE
MSGT
James E. Pace
18034209
RO
SGT
Edward L. Thomas
19202551
CFC
SSGT
Francis D. Peters
39564275
RG
PFC
Stanford C. Bleir
42131927
LG
PFC
Joseph F. Miskunas
31349524
TG
SGT
Richard A. Palmer
31373786
Ground Crew
Ground
SSGT
Orwell A. Erickson
37305927
Ground
CPL
Wayne F. Miller
15108060

Crew 703 mainly flew K-10 "City of Louisville" aka "Shillelagh Highman ". They completed 19 missions and received multiple Air Medals. They were sent to Muroc in late summer of 1945 and never returned before the war ended. I recently received a crew photo from Aracely Tate (daughter in-law of Sam Tate) Many, many, many thanks for sending in this photo! Here they are front row L to R: 1LT Richard O'Neill (A/C), 1LT Thomas Kelly (P), FO Harold Anderson (Rad OB), Back Row: MSGT Adolph Finney (FE), SSGT Samuel Tate, Jr.(RO), 2LT Marvin Johnson (N), SGT Earl Haugen (RG), SGT Leonard Hartman (TG), SGT Ray Heintz (LG), SSGT David Thompson (CFC)

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Richard M. O'Neill
0-526424
P
1LT
Thomas F. Kelly
0-827006
N
2LT
Marvin S. Johnson
0-2064591
B
1LT
Thomas A. Walsh
0-673087
Rad Ob
FO
Harold L. Anderson
T-125875
FE
MSGT
Adolph Finney
13030685
RO
SSGT
Samuel E. Tate, Jr.
39572210
CFC
SSGT
David K. Thompson
19173359
RG
SGT
Earl K. Haugen
16192015
LG
SGT
Ray F. Heintz
36691780
TG
SGT
Leonard Hartman
33800820
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Clyde A. Wing
18009569
Ground
SSGT
Ronald J. Terwilliger
32551523
Ground
PFC
Howard W. Ainsworth
37153274

Crew ??? also flew K-10 (SN: 42-93935). They are Front Row, L to R : FO Bernard Vinoski (B), 1LT Nils Johnson (P), 1LT Charles Hinzman (A/C), LT Paul Baron (N), 2LT Roland Roupe (Rad Ob). Back Row: MSGT William Lower (FE), SGT Donald O'Hare (RO), SSGT Carlos Wastel, Jr.(CFC), SSGT Charles Rohrman RG), SGT Norman Steinmetz LG), SSGT Herman Transport (TG). Crew flew 15 missions and were awarded multiple Air Medals.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Charles L. Hinzman
0-821015
P
1LT
Nils J. Johnson
T-133533
N
2LT
Paul C. Baron
0-2078899
B
FO
Bernard B. Vinoski
T-9305
Rad Ob
2LT
Roland E. Roupe
0-2073222
FE
MSGT
William D. Lower
17001062
RO
SSGT
Donald O'Hare
32943037
CFC
SSGT
Carlos L. Wastel, Jr.
38562215
RG
SSGT
Charles H. Rohrman
32606715
LG
SGT
Norman Steinmetz
12220447
TG
SSGT
Herman B. Transport
42034388

Crew 708 of K-11 "City of Berkeley" aka "Je Revien" (I Shall Return) The Bombardier, McKeane, was later replaced by 1LT Fotios P. Liginos. The A/C West transferred to K-54 and became part of the Keohane Crew. Thus the new A/C for this crew became 2LT Robert Kimball. Here they are as they were in late August 1945. Front Row, L to R: SGT Luther Goggans (TG), SSGT David Barrett (RG), TSGT Gordon Phelps (CFC), SSGT Joseph Marziani (RO). Back Row: SSGT Charles Bohler (LG), 2LT Harry Blaney (N), 1LT Robert DeChene (Rad Ob), 1LT Fatios Liginos (B), 1LT Adam Miller (FE), 2LT John Kraatz (P), 2LT Robert Kimball (A/C). This Crew flew 23 missions and received the DFC and multiple Air Medals.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Frederick E. West
0-743147
A/C
1LT
Robert J. Kimball
0-777704
P
2LT
John F. Kraatz
0-813522
N
2LT
Harry A. Blaney
0-2068569
B
2LT
Bernard E. McKeane
0-751582
B
1LT
Fatios P. Liginos
0-754807
Rad Ob
1LT
Robert A. DeChene
0-2068963
FE
1LT
Adam Miller
0864961
RO
SSGT
Joseph L. Marziani
33582414
CFC
TSGT
Gordon S. Phelps
36863931
RG
SSGT
David W. Barrett
39621571
LG
SSGT
Charles E. Bohler
34828071
TG
SGT
Luther J. Goggans
18212900
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Donald R. Packingham
16012982
Ground
SSGT
Robert J. Gilbert
34036736
Ground
SGT
Francis E. Wilhelmi
17152370
Ground
CPL
George J. Horvath, Jr.
13134213

Crew 709 of K-12 "City of Clayton" aka "Our Baby" Flew 8 missions in K-12 then the (P) Norris transferred to K-13 under McNamara. Crew received multiple Air Medals. After their 7th mission on May 14th, Barthels went on "sick call" and the crew was disbanded. From here on out this aircraft had a new crew headed by Bobbie Johnston. Here is a brand new Crew Photo compliments of the TG's niece, Judy Price. Thanks Judy! Standing from left to right are: ,1LT Richard(Bart) Barthels (A/C), 2LT Arnold(Pudge) Norris (P), FO Louis(Andy) Anderson (N), 1LT Fotios(Frank) Liginos (B), 2LT Bud Fields (Rad Ob) (later replaced by 2LT Harry Allstun) Front row; SGT Ronald(Kid) Brubaker (RG), SSGT Vivian(Sparks) Parks, Jr. (RO), FO George(Boot) Boutros (FE), SSGT Nicholas(Nick) Ianniruberto (LG), SSGT Charles(T.G.) Burlie (TG), TSGT Andrew(Kosty) Kosty (CFC). This photo was taken in late January 1945 at Walker AAF.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Richard (Bart)M. Barthels
0-745584
P
2LT
Arnold (Pudge)H. Norris
0-779205
N
FO
Louis (Andy) B. Anderson
T-131777
B
1LT
Fotios (Frank) P. Liginos
0-754807
Rad Ob
2LT
Harry B. Allstun
0-2068543
FE
FO
George (Boot) J. Boutros
T-17030235
RO
SSGT
Vivian (Sparks) A. Parks, Jr.
34677561
CFC
TSGT
Andrew (Kosty)R. Kosty
32676229
RG
SGT
Ronald (Kid) W. Brubaker
19206679
LG
SSGT
Nicholas (Nick) Ianniruberto
12142804
TG
SSGT
Charles (T.G.) D. Burlile
35410329
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Bert M. Jordan
6952993

Crew 704 mainly flew K-12 for 23 missions. "City of Clayton" aka "Our Baby" Crew 2. They are, Front Row, L to R: SSGT Jerome Gromenstein (RG), SSGT Earl Allen (TG), SSGT George Spilich (RO), FO Ralph Donohoo (FE), SGT Paul E. Butcher (LG), TSGT Oliver Welch (CFC). Back Row: 2LT Robert Flishel (N), CAP Bobbie Johnston (A/C), 1LT Livingston Crowell (P), 1LT William Bender (B), 2LT Morris Borene (Rad Ob). This crew was awarded multiple Air Medals. The (N), Flishel was the 330th BG Association President.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
CAP
Bobbie L. Johnston
0-664402
P
1LT
Livingston V. R. Crowell
0-825796
N
1LT
Robert C. Flischel
0-2068642
B
1LT
William "Bill" Bender
0-772812
Rad Ob
2LT
Morris E. Borene
0-2074652
FE
FO
Ralph E. Donohoo
T-225317
RO
SSGT
George J. Spilich
32523501
CFC
TSGT
Oliver W. Welch
18004960
RG
SSGT
Jerome L. Gromenstein
14192052
LG
SGT
Paul E. Butcher
35297710
TG
SSGT
Earl F. Allen
37729382
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Lee E. Shubert
37011793
Eng. Mech
SSGT
Joseph R. Wally
36740142

Crew ??? mainly flew K-12. They shared K-12 with Crew 704. Late in June 1945, three crews of the 8th Air Forces, 316th BW, 346th BG, 463rd BS consisting of 1LT's John Dickinson, Roy Reeves and James Frey received orders to take off for the Marianas where they would fly with the 20th AF. The 314th BW needed replacement crews and the 8th AF crews were to absorb experience, which they could later pass on to their fellow crews. So on July 5, 1945 the 8th AF landed on Guam . They were the only crews in their squadron to see combat with the 20th AF. So, the answer is YES, if anyone ever asks you if the might 8th AF ever bombed Japan.The Dickinson crew served in the 330th's, 457th BS. Roy Reeves was in the 29th BG's, 30th BS and Jim Frey went into the 39th BG's, 62nd BS. They are, Front Row: TSGT Percy Hanson (RO), SSGT Edwin Sloan (CFC), SGT Lorne Keen (LG), SSGT Charles Vetter (FE), SGT Jim Harkins (TG) SGT Nathan Fein (RG) Back Row: 2LT John (Jay) Gormley (B), FO Earl Edge (P), 1LT John Dickinson (A/C), 2LT Paul Hill (N), 2LT Bruce Abrams (Rad Ob). They completed 11 missions including one for the Show of Force at the 38th Parellel.

Thanks so much to Mr. Bruce Abrams (Rad Ob) for additional data and the crew photo.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
John D. Dickinson
0-687005
P
FO
Earl J. Edge
T-133518
N
2LT
Paul W. Hill
0-2078981
B
2LT
John R. Gormley
0-2091441
Rad Ob
2LT
Bruce R. Abrams
0-2078357
FE
SGT
Charles A. Vetter
14081476
RO
TSGT
Percival L. Hanson
16156733
CFC
SSGT
Edwin F. Sloan
16195297
RG
SGT
Lorne D, Keen
36755155
LG
SGT
Nathan D. Fein
12231889
TG
SGT
JamesD. Harkins
33765895

Crew 701 of "City of Jersey City" aka "McNAMARA's BAND" (K-13). Crew photo taken at Walker AAFB. Left to Right, kneeling, SGT Walter Solowski (RG), SGT Charles Staats (TG), SGT Victor Swinkski (LG), SGT Vincent Hinkley (CFC), MSGT Charles Hawbaker (FE), SGT George Joseph (RO). Back Row, 1LT Charles McNamara (A/C), 2LT Bruce Liten (P), 1LT Robert Jones (B), 2LT James Kristoff (N), 1LT Burgess Field (Rad Ob). Crew flew 28 Missions.

Thanks to the sons of Mr. Charles McNamara's (A/C) for the photographs and continued support.

K-13 on Guam in early 1945.From left to R are: Hawbaker, Swinski, Joseph, Solowski, Hinkley, Jones and the A/C, Charles J. McNamara. Staats is sitting behind and between Swinksi and Joseph. Kristoff is behind Hinkley and Jones and Liten is behind him. The remaining appear to be ground crewmen/armorer's etc.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Charles J. McNamara
0-2017229
P
2LT
Bruce H. Liten
0-778821
P
2LT
Arnold H. Norris
0-779205
N
2LT
James E. Kristoff
0-2063436
B
1LT
Robert M. Jones
0-738702
Rad Ob
2LT
Burgess A. Field
0-2064488
FE
MSGT
Charles E. Hawbaker
13030816
RO
SGT
George M. Joseph
31220345
CFC
SSGT
Vincent G. Hinkley
32041722
RG
SGT
Walter P. Solowski
32730064
LG
SGT
Victor J. Swinkski
32859473
TG
SGT
Charles E. Staats, Jr.
42102195
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
SSGT
Theodore Petrilack
33349425
Acft Mech
SSGT
Raymond K Hiatt
14049873

Crew 712, flying (SN: 44-69795)K-14 (no time for a name yet) This was the 330th's 2nd loss in the War. They never got any easier. They crash-landed on Guam after returning from their first mission at about 2200Z 12 April 1945. First attempt in rain squall was aborted by Agana tower. It appears that the aircraft made contact with a tree that did damage to the #1 engine, wingtip & flaps. A decision was made to crash-land vs. a bailout because of damage to the plane. The crew was ordered into crash positions and moments later the aircraft stalled out and cartwheeled while on final approach to Harmon Field. The aircraft burst into flame and all but the RO were killed instantly. The men are buried on Guam in Army Navy Marine Cemetary #2.
Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
1LT
Robert R. Ziegele
0-463951
P
2LT
George R. Longsdorf
0-779912
N
2LT
Willard W. Lersch
0-262736
B
1LT
Charles E. Cooper
0-735278
Rad Ob
1LT
David R. Anderson
0-747073
FE
MSGT
Ray M. Cline
6970718
RO
SSGT
Clinton A. Spear
6572752
CFC
SSGT
Arthur W. Johnson Jr.
36572385
RG
SGT
Clifton E. Coker
34931136
LG
CPL
Nicholas G. Brando
20223927
TG
PFC
Victor W. Wright
34785002
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Gene L. Palmer
17030811
Ground
SSGT
Theodore Petrilack
33349425
Ground
SGT
Frank C. Kovach
32494907

Crew 710. This was the 2nd of 3 crews to be assigned the K-14 (SN: 42-94032). "City of San Jose". They completed 11 missions and received multiple Air Medals before being sent to Muroc for training. Aircraft then was handed over to Hiles and crew. We finally received a crew photo from the LG William Allen. Many thanks go out!! They are Back Row, from L to R: 2LT Leonard Raphael (Rad Ob), 2LT Charles Rhoades (P), CAP Robert Locks (A/C), 1LT Ralph Glenn (B) and 1LT Charles Geheb (N); Front Row: SSGT Maxwell Singer (RG), SSGT Richard Perron (RO), TSGT Edward Hoar (CFC), TSGT Gerald Warren (FE), SSGT William Allen (LG) and SGT Vollie Biddy (TG).

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
CAP
Robert I. Locks
0-722652
P
2LT
Charles E. Rhoades
0-778568
N
1LT
Charles E. Geheb
0-2068650
B
1LT
Ralph E. Glenn
0-751652
Rad Ob
2LT
Leonard M. Raphael
0-722887
FE
TSGT
Gerald A. Warren
36168745
RO
SSGT
Richard O. Perron
11128395
CFC
TSGT
Edward A. Hoar
32862159
RG
SSGT
Maxwell J. Singer
39119991
LG
SSGT
William G. Allen
14154897
TG
SGT
Vollie H. Biddy
18192416
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Gene L. Palmer
17030811
Ground
SGT
Frank C. Kovach
32494907
Ground
SGT
Arthur B. Prestia
17169126

Crew 714 of K-15 (SN: 44-69996) and "City of Gary, IN" aka "?" (hah!). This from the TG, Stevens. "After about 8 missions, we had still not named the plane. The Ground Crew then painted a giant "?" mark on the nose . They said they did not know if we would come back after each mission. They were right and on our 20th mission we crashed on Iwo Jima with # 3 and #4 engines out". Aircraft was a total loss. Goodbye to 44-69996.No injuries to crew and they flew an additional 3 missions in K-3. Front Row, L to R: SGT John Stevens (TG), SGT Angelo Calderone (RG), SSGT William Lloyd (RO), SGT Marion Kiehl (LG), TSGT Andrew Klotnia (CFC), Top Row: MSGT William Culver (FE), CAP Thomas Abbring (A/C), 2LT John Reis (P), 2LT Charles Parsons (B), 2LT Wayne Brockeriede (N), 2LT Charles Wills (Rad Ob). This crew completed 23 msisions with only a minor injury to their LG, Kiehl. He was wounded on a mission to Tokyo, 23 May 1945. Crew received multiple Air Medals after completing 23 missions.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
A/C
CAP
Thomas R. Abbring
0-668375
P
2LT
John F. Reis
0-780009
N
2LT
Wayne E. Brockeriede
0-2068584
B
2LT
Charles E. Parsons
0-785501
Rad Ob
2LT
Charles A. Wills
0-2058056
FE
MSGT
William S. Culver
34150738
RO
SSGT
William E. Lloyd
35148480
CFC
TSGT
Andrew A. Klotnia
36755747
RG
SGT
Angelo J. Calderone
13146828
LG
SGT
Marion L. Kiehl
35174242
TG
SGT
John D. Stevens
12217494
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
TSGT
Richard S. Rafferty
20841345
Ground
SSGT
Russell F. Rose
16019760

Crew 718 (SN: 42-94029) flew an astonishing 27 missions in K-16 "City of Kankakee" aka "LUCKY STRIKE". Front Row, L to R: SSGT John Ryan(RG), SSGT Clinton Lambourne (LG), TSGT Jack Boyd (CFC), MSGT Robert Barber (FE), SSGT Paul Roads (RO), SGT Arthur Kruk (TG), Back Row: CAP Vivian Lock (A/C), FO Fred Bingham (P), 1LT David Collins (N), 1LT Frank Reuter (B), 2LT Oliver Ross (Rad Ob). They received multiple Air Medals and one DFC for their mission flown on 22 June 1945 against the Mitsubishi Aircraft Plant at Tamashima.

Position
Rank
First
Last
SN
Comments
A/C
CAP
Vivian E. Lock
0-522924
 
P
FO
Fred H. Bingham
T-5950
 
N
1LT
David C. Collins
0-2068615
 
B
1LT
Frank P. Reuter
0-2061259
 
Rad Ob
2LT
Oliver S. Ross
0-2073222
 
FE
MSGT
Robert W. Barber
11090664
 
RO
SSGT
Paul C. Roads
15126219
 
CFC
TSGT
Jack R. Boyd
19195089
 
RG
SSGT
John B. Ryan
31417076
 
LG
SSGT
Clinton D. Lambourne
19171993
 
TG
SGT
Arthur F. Kruk
42026644
 
Ground Crew
Cr/Chief
MSGT
Charles D. Welch Jr.
11017108
 
Ground
PFC
Robert V. Kilpatrick
14189029
 


458th

This site was last updated 02/24/2010