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LOOKING4

The Looking4 section is designed to help you find more information about someone who served in the 379th. Please send your inquiries to: looking4@379thbga.org
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Search No. 1350 - 42-29796 B-17F 527th Squadron

From: Richard, rj-smid@home.nl
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Sunday, October 22, 2006 1:55 PM
Subject: 42-29796 B-17F 527th Squadron 379th Bomb Group

Dear Sir,

My name is Richard and I live in The Netherlands. I am very interested in the WWII Airwar over my Country here in Holland. I am living not far away where at 28th of july 1943 a B-17F was shotdown by a Focke Wulf 190 of the Luftwaffe. I have find the exact location where the B-17F was crashed, and have find a lot of B-17 parts in a very good condition. I have the following question :

I like to give some parts of this Aircraft to 2/Lt. Reginald D. Kendall or Sgt. William T. Mulcahy or S/Sgt. Arthur M. Sherman this three crewmembers where the only survivers of this crash in WWII. On your Final Mission Roster I find the name of S/Sgt. Arthur M. Sherman (Airgunner), do you know of he or the other two crewmembers are still alive ?. I like to contact them or the family from the crew of the 42-29796. I can send the family pictures of the crashsite and send them some parts of this B-17F. Can you help me fore more information or other information about this crew and this Aircraft ?.

Netherlands 28-07-1943 Target : Kassel Germany 42-29796 B-17F 527th Squadron 379th Bomb Group based at Kimbolton

1/Lt. Charles L. Taylor Jr. KIA
2/Lt. John Coniglio KIA
2/Lt. Thomas V. Nash KIA
T/Sgt. Richard A. Howell KIA
T/Sgt. Harry L. Dent KIA
S/Sgt. Joseph A. Kinney KIA
S/Sgt. Gilbert L. Widrick KIA
2/Lt. Reginald D. Kendall
Sgt. William T. Mulcahy
S/Sgt. Arthur M. Sherman

Kind Regards from The Netherlands,
Richard

Richard -
Thank you for your interest in the 379th Bomb Group. We are happy to be able to provide the following information. Association records indicate that aircraft 42-29796 (Squadron Code FO-M) was dispatched on July 28, 1943 to bomb the aircraft components plants at Kassel/Oschersleben, Germany. This aircraft was listed as Missing in Action following the mission. Crew was as follows:

Taylor Jr., Charles L, Lt, Pilot, KIA
Kendall, Reginald D, Lt, Co-Pilot, POW
Coniglio, John (NMI), Lt, Nav, KIA
Nash, Thomas V, Lt, Bomb, KIA
Mulcahy, William T, Sgt, Radio Op, POW
Howell, Richard A, TSgt, Top Turret, KIA
Kinney, Joseph A, SSgt, Ball Turret, KIA
Dent, Harry L, Sgt, Right Waist, KIA
Sherman, Arthur M, SSgt, Left Waist, POW
Widick, Gilbert L, SSgt, Tail, KIA

Arthur Sherman was a member of the 379th Bomb Group Association until his death in 2003. His widow is on our current membership roster. Reginald Kendall and William Mulcahy were not Association members, but we have been able to locate the family of Lt. Kendall. Your note will be forwarded to both families for any interest they may have in the crash site photos and parts. If you could provide more details on the parts you mention (size, weight, etc.) it would be helpful to pass along and to determine whether the Association might also be interested.

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information.

Responding 4 11/5/2006
Kent

Search No.   1349 - Thomas P Lyons

From:   modica-amore leonard, leo.modicaamore@swing.be
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Wednesday, September 06, 2006 4:57 PM
Subject: Thoms P lyons

Hello,
I'm looking for informations about Thoms Plyons. He's died 25 June 1943 in B17 42-29892. Pictures and info. on crew and aeroplane are welcome.
Thanks a lot.

Sir -
Association records for Thomas P Lyons show he flew 3 missions as radio operator/gunner with the 527th Squadron from June 11 to June 25, 1943. Our records show missions 2, 4, and 5. Sgt Lyons may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records. Our records show Sgt Lyons was flying on a/c 42-29892 on the June 25, 1943 mission to Hamburg, Germany. This A/C was listed as Missing in Action. Crew was as follows:

Groom, Douglas K, Lt, Pilot, KIA
Pulaski, Frank T, Lt, Co-Pilot, KIA
Bellmeyer, Arthur C, Lt, Nav, POW
Mortenson, Thomas S, Lt, Bomb, POW
Lyons, Thomas P, TSgt, Radio Op, KIA
Brinkman, Howard H, SSgt, Top Turret, POW
Mills, Frank A, SSgt, Ball Turret, KIA
Burzycki, Thaddeus Z, Sgt, Right Waist, KIA
Weaver, Ralph E, SSgt, Left Waist, POW
Bowers, James C, SSgt, Tail, POW

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information. Sorry, we have no photograph of this aircraft or crew.

Responding 4 10/19/2006
Kent

Search No.  1348 - Robert Romme

From: "Clifford Romme" <cromme@yahoo.com>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 17, 2006 5:57 AM
Subject: Robert Romme - Cousin

I recently learned that my cousin was part of the 379 He was killed on Jan 5, 1944. I found his grave in Cambridge last week but do not know anything else - plane(s) he flew on, role, etc. If you have any information on where I might look, please let me know.
Thank you.
Clifford R. Romme

Clifford -
Association records for Robert Romme show he flew 14 missions as navigator with the 526th Squadron from September 23, 1943 to January 5, 1944. Our records show missions 31, 33, 35, 36, 40, 41, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 51, 53, and 56. Lt. Romme may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Lt. Romme flew missions in a number of different aircraft, including 42-29747, "Rikki-Tikki-Tavi II", 42-29997, "Sack", 42-29890, "Stupefier", 42-31093, "Deacons Sinners", 42-29891, "Dangerous Dan", 42-5827, "Lakanuki", 42-31043, "Elsie Mae", and others on aircraft with no name. Of the above, we have photos of "Stupefier" and "Dangerous Dan", copies will be sent in separate e-mail.

Our records show Lt. Romme was the navigator on a/c 42-37887 on the January 5, 1944 mission to Kiel, Germany. This A/C crash landed at Covington, England immediately after takeoff. Crew was as follows:

Maresh, Wayne P, F/O, Pilot, KIA
Mailander, Frank L, Lt, Co-Pilot, KIA
Romme, Robert A, Lt, Nav, KIA
Cashatt, Burton W, Lt, Bomb, KIA
Wilsey, Orvis J, TSgt, Radio Op, KIA
Williams, Raymond, TSgt, Top Turret, KIA
Mcgrew, Albert N, Sgt, Ball Turret, KIA
Cheramie, Maurice J, SSgt, Right Waist, WIA
Oneill, James, SSgt, Left Waist, WIA
Gentile, Jerry J, SSgt, Tail, KIA

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information.

Responding 4 10/19/2006
Kent

Search No. 1347 - Charles Ingraham

From: George Bruckert, VPXB17@aol.com
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 8:55 PM
Subject: Information on my cousin Charles Ingraham

My 2nd cousin, Charles J. Ingraham, was a navigator with the 379th. He was shot down in November, 1944, I believe on a mission to Zeitz, Germany. He is deceased now, as is his wife, Marion, and we have lost touch with his son. I am trying to get information on his service with the 379th, such as what squadron he was with, his aircraft, the date he was shot down, and any surviving crew members. coud you possibly help me?

George Bruckert



George -
Association records for Charles Ingraham show he flew 25 missions as navigator with the 527th Squadron from August 16 to November 30, 1944. Our records show missions 190, 192, 196, 197, 198, 200, 201, 205, 208, 209, 211, 213, 220, 221, 222, 225, 226, 230, 234, 235, 237, 238, 239, 244, and 245. Lt. Ingraham may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Our records show Lt. Ingraham was the navigator on a/c 42-107014, "Lucy" on the November 30, 1944 mission to Zietz, Germany. This A/C was hit by flak prior to target, loosing multiple engines. The crew bailed out and were captured. Crew was as follows:

Puckett, Robert D, 1st Lt, Pilot, POW
Childes, Donald M, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot, POW
Ingraham Jr, Charles J, 2nd Lt, Navigator, POW
Reedy, George E, F/O, Bombardier, POW
Yriarte, Roman, TSgt, Radio Op, POW
Salley, Robert L, TSgt, Top Turret, POW
Hirschi, Alvin L, SSgt, Ball Turret, POW
Williams, Jarvis D, SSgt, Waist, POW
Tirapelli, Attilio S, SSgt, Tail, POW

Robert Puckett and Alvin Hirschi are on our current Association roster. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information. A photo of a/c 42-107014, "Lucy", is attached, but the identity of the crew shown in the photo is unknown. If you recognize Lt. Ingraham in this photo, we would be grateful if you would let us know.

Responding 4 9/17/2006
Kent

Search No.  1346 - George McHugh

From: wendy Alexander, wenalexander@yahoo.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Monday, September 04, 2006 11:47 AM
Subject: Lt. George McHugh, 526th Squadron, 379th BGA

I am looking for information on my Father's brother who was shot down over Pont Pointe, France on June16, 1944. Lt. George McHugh. He was a bomber pilot who was wounded but stayed with the plane to avoid crashing into the town. He tried to crash land in a field but was killed. I believe he was the only casualty. He is considered a big hero in Pont Pointe. I would love any info on the list of survivors or his crewmen. I know that a Sgt. Shaw of Elgin Texas survived as well as an Edward I. Peterson. I have been unable to find any other information on his service records due to the 1973 fire in St. Louis. Do you have any other suggestions on where I might look for his official service records? Do you know if the records for those killed were kept somewhere else?

Sincerely,
Wendy Alexander

Wendy -
Association records for George McHugh show he flew 31 missions as Pilot with the 526th Squadron from March 26 to June 16, 1944. Our records show missions 89, 90, 91, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, 103, 105, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 118, 119, 124, 126, 133, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 142, 143, and 144. Lt. McHugh may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On June 16, 1944, a/c 42-31648, "Ensign Mary", was hit and set ablaze by flak over the target. Lt. McHugh was able to stay with the formation until after the bombs were dropped on the target, and then put the aircraft into a dive to try to extinguish the flames. After ordering the rest of the crew to bail out, Lt. McHugh stayed at the controls to maneuver the aircraft away from the village of Pont Point, France, preventing the airplane from crashing into homes in the village. Lt. McHugh was killed when his aircraft crashed in a field at the perimeter of the village. A monument in his honor was built in the center of the village, and a street was named in his honor. A full account of this incident is included in the 379th Bomb Group Anthology, available from our PX.

Crew on this mission was as follows:

McHugh George, 1st Lt, P, KIA
Peterson Edward I., 2nd Lt, CP, Evaded
Reese Robert D., 2nd Lt, N, POW
Atkinson Charles R., 2nd Lt, B, POW
Groat Russell J., T/SGT, RO, POW
Tullier Lester A., S/SGT, TT, KIA
Shaw J. K. (IO), S/SGT, BT, Evaded
Thompson George, S/SGT, WG, POW
Little Bruce S., S/SGT, TG, POW

Sorry, none of the survivors are on our current Association roster, and we do not have any information on Lt. McHugh's service records. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information.

Responding 4 9/17/2006
Kent

Search No.  1345 - Zigfryd Czarnecki

From: Ray Morgan, raymorgan@adelphia.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Saturday, September 02, 2006 6:38 PM
Subject: crew list names

I am searching for information on Bomb Group 379 Squadron 526. Is it possible to get a photo of the crew? I have a photo of the combat crew of 379 bomb group 379 squadron 525 and there is another number on the photo 42-29890. I am 81 years of age and was engaged to the waist gunner on the STUPEFIER. His address at the time was 379th bomb group 526th Squadron.

According to all of the information I have his plane was shot down on JUNE l8, l944, he was taken prisoner by the germans and Died on JUNE l9, l944. I have a photo of THE STUPIFIER met it's end in a field near Kimbolton when returning from the long mission to Anklam on 9th October 1943. Since he was shot down on JUNE 18, 1944 he had to have been on another stupifier or a different plane altogether.

It was years before his body was received for burial. I am so very anxious to see if he is in the combat crew for 379 Bomb Group, 526 Squadron. Although it has been 42 years. Seems like yesterday. This wonderful airman's name is ZIGFRYD CZARNECKI, born on OCTOBER l8, l923

The pilot of the plane on June l8, 1944 was S. J. King from Akron, Ohio but I have been unable to locate him. I will be happy to receive any information you may be able to provide. Please let me know if the 379th BOMB GROUP is having a reunion this coming year.

After his death I enlisted in the UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS until the war ended in l946.

Thank you very much
MS. DORA MAY (JENKINS) MORGAN

Dora -
Association records for Zigfryd Czarnecki show he flew 23 missions as gunner with the 526th Squadron from March 26 to June 18, 1944. Our records show missions 89, 90, 91, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 103, 104, 107, 109, 111, 113, 118, 119, 121, 123, 141, 143, 144, and 145. Sgt Czarnecki may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Our records do not show Sgt Czarnecki flying any of his missions aboard "Stupifier", or a later aircraft, "Stupifier II". Sgt Czarnecki was flying aboard a/c 42-102628, "G.I. Jane" on Mission 145 to Hamburg, Germany. This A/C was observed on fire prior to target. The plane stayed in formation, dropped its bombs, and peeled off into a dive to put the fire out. One parachute was seen. Crew was as follows:

King, Stephen J., 1st Lt, P, POW
Miller, Milton S., 1st Lt, CP, KIA
Casey, Donald E., 2nd Lt, N, POW
Henry, Charles W., 2nd Lt, B, POW
Rutishauser, Charles E., T/SGT, RO, KIA (Ardennes)
Wheeler, Raymond F., T/SGT, TT, POW
Hagen, James H., S/SGT, BT, POW
Czarnecki, Zigfryd V., S/SGT, WG, KIA-Died as POW
Miller, Eugene V., S/SGT, TG, KIA

Donald Casey is on our current Association roster. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information. Sorry, we do not have a photo of the crew or any aircraft our records show Sgt Czarnecki having flown aboard. Our 2006 Reunion will be held in Seattle September 6 - 10.

Responding 4 9/4/2006
Kent

Search No.  1344 - 42-5829, Flying Jenny

From: researchone1@sbcglobal.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Friday, September 01, 2006 9:53 AM
Subject: "FLYING JENNY"

Looking for crew photographs etc. for :

B-17F A/C: 42-5829 "FLYING JENNY" 525 BOMB SQUADRON CODE FR MACR 1361 30 JUL 1943 KASSEL/AACHEN ?? GERMANY

Is there a way to actually determine where the aircraft crashed? Latitude-Longitude etc. All assistance will be appreciated.

Thank You
gjs



Sir -
Association records for a/c 42-5829, "Flying Jenny", indicate this aircraft was dispatched on Mission 17 to Kassel, Germany on July 30, 1943. Our records show this a/c as "Missing in Action". Sorry, we have no information on location of crash site. Crew was as follows:

Hoveland, Lawrence B., 1st Lt, P, KIA
Kusy, Stanley A., 2nd Lt, CP, KIA
Johnston, William E., 2nd Lt, N, KIA
Williams, David L., 2nd Lt, B, POW
Williams, Stanley, T/SGT, RO, POW
Denny, Carl L., T/SGT, TT, KIA
Manista, Stanley F., S/SGT, BT, POW
Blanton, Joseph W., S/SGT, RW, POW
Oman, Andrew J., S/SGT, LW, POW
Wasley, Thiel, S/SGT, TG, POW

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information. A photo of this a/c is attached, but the identity of the crew shown in this photo is unconfirmed, although it is believed to be the Hoveland crew.

Responding 4 9/4/2006
Kent

Search No.  1343 - Leroy E. Nicholson

From: Gregory Vida, gregoryvida@yahoo.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2006 6:56 AM
Subject: WHEREABOUTS OF CREW MEMBER

Good Morning,

I am searching for a former member of the 379th whom I have lost touch with over the years. He was my stepfather back in the 70s' and I am wondering if he is still alive. His name is Leeroy E. Nicholson, originally from Paterson, NJ: Last rank was Staff Sergeant Position was waist gunner on a B-17F. Was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two oakleaf clusters. Completed all 25 missions and was slightly wounded by shell fragments in the ear. Did not receive Purple Heart although he could have applied for it. Last known state of residence is New Jersey. I would appreciate any data you could pass on to me. Thank you and keep up the great website!

Greg Vida

Greg -
Association records for Leroy E. Nicholson show that he flew 25 missions as gunner with the 527th Bomb Squadron from October 20, 1943 to March 19, 1944. Records indicate missions number 39, 40, 41, 43, 44, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 52, 53, 55, 58, 59, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 83, and 84. Sgt. Nicholson may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Sgt Nicholson flew missions on a number of different aircraft. His first combat mission, according to our records, was Mission 39 to Duren/Gilze Rijen, Germany. Crew for that mission, and what looks to have been Sgt Nicholson's "regular" crew, was as follows:

Smith, James E, 2nd Lt, Pilot
Lamphear, Leon G, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Labore, Joseph R, 2nd Lt, Nav
Mulkern, James P, 2nd Lt, Bomb
Webster, Walter S, Sgt, Radio Op
Uporsky, Joseph (NMI), SSgt, Top Turret
Davis, Herschell H, Sgt, Ball Turret
Nicholson, Leroy E, Sgt, Right Waist
Potter, James L, Sgt, Left Waist
Warren, Edward H, SSgt, Tail

Sorry, we have no information on the current whereabouts of Sgt Nicholson. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information.

Responding 4 8/23/2006
Kent

Search No.  1342 - Robert R Phillips

From: <walkermatic@bellsouth.net>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Tuesday, August 08, 2006 9:28 PM
Subject: Looking for information on my uncle

My uncle Robert R Phillips was a tail gunner in a B-17 and flew 35 missions. I am attaching two photos which are on the 303rd Bomber groups web site. He identified the people he could remember in both of the photos. He is not sure of which bomber group he was in or squadron. I did a search on one of the crewmen that were KIA (Joe Clark) and found he was a member of the 379th group and 527th squadron (if it is the same Joe Clark). I am wondering if my uncle was a member of this same group. Once again, his name is Robert Reinhart Phillips and the pilot of the plane he was on was Frank Biorn. The plane picture that I have was the Hellcat Agnes although my uncle says he does not remember his plane having a name. Any help you can provide would be great.

Sir -
Association records for Robert P Phillips (our records show M.I. as P, may be a transcription error) show that he flew 8 missions as gunner with the 527th Bomb Squadron from March 8 to March 22, 1945. Records indicate missions number 296, 297, 298, 300, 301, 302, 306, and 307. Sgt. Phillips may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Sgt Phillips flew missions on a number of different aircraft, but none on "Hellcat Agnes". Our records show he did fly at least one mission each on 42-38058, "The Wish Bone", 42-37805, "Carol Dawn", and 44-6835, "Stardust" (photos will be sent in separate e-mail). His last combat mission, according to our records, was Mission 307 to Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Crew for that mission was as follows:

Biorn, Frank R, 2nd Lt, Pilot
Perry, Robert D, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Clark, Joe T, F/O, Nav
Klansnic, Richard J, Sgt, Togglier
Crouch, Hubert J, Sgt, Radio Op
Volak, Walter J, Sgt, Top Turret
Brown, William C, Sgt, Ball Turret
Phillips, Robert P, Sgt, Tail
Garcia, Antone R, Sgt, Spot Jammer

Richard Klansnic is on our current Association roster. Following up on your Uncle's recollection, Flight Officer Joe T Clark, flying as Navigator with pilot Frank Biorn, was hit by flak on the March 23, 1945 mission to Gladbeck, Germany, and died in the hospital the following day. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information.

Responding 4 8/22/2006
Kent

Search No.  1341 - Beverly C Besh

From: Dave Fett, dave.fett@iowaglass.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Thursday, August 03, 2006 11:07 AM
Subject: RE: B.C. Besh, 379th BGA, 524th Squadron

Looking for any and all info you have regarding B.C. Besh. # of missions, name of his plane, rank, position, dates, old photos, etc... He is my wife's uncle and while very fascinating, he is also very quiet when it comes to his service. I have gotten some info from him but I hate to bug him. Any info you could supply would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Dave Fett

Dave -
Association records for Beverly C Besh show that he flew 43 missions as gunner with the 524th Bomb Squadron from July 29, 1944 to April 20, 1945. Records indicate missions number 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 184, 185, 186, 188, 189, 192, 194, 196, 199, 200, 201, 203, 204, 210, 211, 215, 217, 219, 221, 226, 227, 231, 232, 235, 236, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 244, 289, 293, 301, 308, 315, 323, and 329. Sgt. Besh may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Sgt Besh flew missions on a number of different aircraft, among them 42-32024, "Swamp Fire", and 42-107213, "Rubble Rouser". Photos of those aircraft will be sent in separate e-mail. Also, he flew as part of the squadron and group lead crew on several occasions. Records show Sgt. Besh's first combat mission was aboard a/c 43-37855, "Boomerang's Big Friend" (sorry, no photo available). Crew of this aircraft for that mission was as follows:

Lindsay, Elro C, F/O, Pilot
Ports, Thomas A, 2nd Lt, Co-Pilot
Barlow, Edward R, 2nd Lt, Nav
Barath, Alex, 2nd Lt, Bomb
Crosby, George H, Sgt, Radio Op
Besh, Beverly C, Sgt, Top Turret
Brassell, Dennis A, Sgt, Ball Turret
Lee Pard, jr, George P, Sgt, Waist
Marinaro, Frank, Sgt, Tail

George Lee Pard is on our current Association roster. We do not know of any photo of Sgt Besh's crew. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members have any additional information.

Responding 4 8/19/2006
Kent

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