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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. 1390 - Robert Brill

From: Mike Stanton, mistan1@sbcglobal.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 7:16 AM
Subject: Any info?

Hello my name is Mike Stanton. I got this letter from my friend and he asked if I could find out any and all info on his granddad. Is there any thing out there to be had? Thank you so much for you time in advance.
Mike Stanton

My Grandpa Leroy (Robert) Brill was stationed at Kimbolton England and flew for the 108th Airforce as a member of the 379th. He originally served as a copilot on Hells Bells or Hells Belle. He can' remember the exact name but he said that there was a pretty little lady painted on the nose of the aircraft. Anyway he flew approximately 12 missions with that crew. On one of the missions the airplane took some flack and lost an engine. They made it back and the airplane was repaired, however it crashed in England during a test flight after the repair.

This is the funny part. For some reason this plane used more fuel than all of the other planes. In at least one instance they had to land at an alternate location to fill up with fuel to make it back to the base because they were out of fuel. Anyway after the plane crashed on the test flight they began looking at it and discovered that the previous flight crew had been stashing metal plates all over the place for additional armor. They actually ended up removing 1,200 to 1,300 pounds of extra steel on the plane. He still thinks that is pretty funny.

The pilot ended up being promoted and my Grandpa was promoted to pilot. At this point he wanted to get out as fast as he could so he asked to go on a rotation that allowed him to fly up to 3 missions a week. What this meant is that he didn't necessarily fly with the same crew all of the time. He filled in wherever needed. Anyway he flew approximately 10 missions in this role. His last mission was Cologne Germany (late November early December) and he took some flack and by the time he regained control of the airplane he was around 14,000 feet well below the formation. He said that some fighter pilots had seen that they were in trouble so they came down to protect him. A bomber out of formation was easy pickins.

They found a fairly safe place to put her down in a field in Belgium. Everyone was alive when they landed/crashed but the bombardier ended up passing right in front of all of them. Man I can't even think about how hard that would be to watch. Anyway there was fighting going on all around them. So they just hung out in a barn nearby. After a while a British tank pulled up and seen the plane and then yelled something along the lines of "Yanks are you okay". They came out and the rest is history. Oh yeah, unfortunately the plane he was flying didn't have a name and I believe it was a B17-F, where as Hells Bells/Belle was a B17-G (a better plane).

Mike -
Association records for Robert A Brill show he flew 17 missions as co-pilot with the 526th Squadron from August 11 to October 11, 1944. Records show Missions 187, 189, 190, 191, 193, 194, 195, 198, 201, 206, 210, 211, 215, 216, 217, 218, and 219. Lt Brill may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On October 11, 1944, Lt Brill was flying in aircraft 42-35058, "The Wish Bone". This aircraft was, presumably, damaged and landed away, likely at an airfield near Ghent. Crew complement for this mission was as follows:

Mullen, Robert E, Lieutenant, Pilot
Brill, Robert A, Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Hornbeck, Donald D, Lieutenant, Navigator
Charpier, Eugene H, Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier, KIA
Titus, Ross P, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Adams, William J, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Neitzke, Reno D, Corporal, Ball Turret Gunner
Varsetti, Donald L, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Stagg, Robert A, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

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

Responding 4 11/1/2007
Kent

Search No.  1389 - Morrison Nolan and Ronald Jacobs

From: Cutting S, s.cutting@rhul.ac.uk
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Sunday, September 23, 2007 4:34 PM
Subject: 379 BG

Dear Sir
I am carrying out academic research of a resistance network operating in Paris during WW2. Two pilots helped by this resistance group were Morrison Nolan and Ronald Jacobs, both of the 379th BG. Their details are below.

I would be most grateful if you could supply me with any information you or your members might have on these pilots, or, if indeed they are still alive some way I could communicate with them.

Plane 42-3300
September 3rd 1944
Squadron 524, Bomb Group 379. B17 Flying Fortress.

Date: September 3rd 1944

Mission: Romilly-sur-Seine, France. Target: German armed forces. This plane was one of 140 8th AF heavy bombers bound for Romilly-sur-Seine that day and 379 Bomb group left Kimbolton air base in England.

Crash: 09.55 at Epinay (Normandy, near Bernay and Rouen).

Specifics: Plane hit by 'ack-ack' fire that knocked out left, inboard No. 2 engine. The crew were ordered to evacuate and 7 managed this. Three failed to get out of the plane before it crashed and were killed.

S/Sgt. Morrison T. Nolan (turret gunner) got out of the plane without injury. (ser. No. 18115971) (Barrack 37B at Stalag 17B). Born 14th August 1916, Galverston, Texas.

2nd Lt. Ronald William Jacobs (navigator)-survived (Ser. No. 0-683244) went to Stalag 17B. Born 30 Sept. 1917. Canton, Ohio

I look forward to hearing from you

Professor Simon M. Cutting
School of Biological Sciences,
Royal Holloway, University of London,
Egham,
Surrey,
TW20 0EX
UK

Professor Cutting -
Association records for a/c 42-3300, on the September 3, 1943 mission to the aircraft components plant at Romilly, France show that this aircraft was listed as Missing in Action. Crew of this aircraft for this mission was as follows:

Krafft, Julius W, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot, KIA
Toft, Norman E, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, POW
Jacobs, Ronald W, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, POW
Peifer, Thomas D, 1st Lieutenant, Bombardier, POW
Mckeegan, Hugh (NMI), Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, POW
Nolan, Morrison T, Staff Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner, POW
Frydryk, Frank P, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, KIA
Armstrong, Donald B, Tech Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, KIA
Klump, Delbert W, Tech Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner, POW
Vandergriff, Robert A, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, POW

None of the surviving members of this crew are on our membership roster, and, unfortunately, we have no further information. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information.

Responding 4 11/1/2007
Kent

Search No. 1388 - Edward F Connolly

From: "Kathy Nicholson" <knicholson9@mchsi.com>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Sunday, June 17, 2007 12:10 PM
Subject: 379th BGA

Hello, I found this email address with the help of my grandfather, and he had a few questions for you. What happened to the aircraft named "Nasty Tim?" Also curious if you have any information or photos of the crew? If you have any information, if you could please send it to: Tom Connolly
I would like to thank you for you're time and hope to hear back soon.
Michael Nicholson

Tom -
Association records for Edward F Connolly show he flew 17 missions as bombardier with the 526th Squadron from June 22 to September 16, 1943. Our records show missions 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, and 30. Lt Connolly may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On September 16, 1943, the 379th was dispatched to the ball bearing plant at Nantes, France. Lt Connolly was flying on aircraft 42-29901 which was listed as Missing in Action. This aircraft was apparently hit by an aerial bomb released from a fighter aircraft - no other details are available. Crew for that mission, and their disposition, was as follows:

Euwer, Walter C, Lieutenant, Pilot, KIA
Brown, Leonard M, Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, KIA
Evans, Sten A, Lieutenant, Navigator, KIA
Connelly, Edward F, Lieutenant, Bombardier, KIA
Blatchford, Samuel N, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, POW
Hamilton, Louis A, Tech Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner, KIA
Schroeder, Elmer W, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, POW
Koval, Cyril G, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, POW
Held, Alfred D, Staff Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner, POW
Hart, Clifford M, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, KIA

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Sorry, we have no photographs of this crew or aircraft. We also have no record of an aircraft named "Nasty Tim" or "Nasty Ten" - this may have been an "unofficial" name given to a specific airplane by the crew.

Responding 4 7/23/2007
Kent

Search No. 1387 - James R Locke

From: Emory Watts, ewatts@eastex.net
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Saturday, July 07, 2007 7:55 AM
Subject: military data on james r locke

I am trying to locate the military service records for James Robert Locke, he was with the 379th Bombardment, 527th Bomb sq, s/n 38203158. He flew in Sept. 1943 on missions #27,30,31 in Oct. #35,36, and was shot down on Oct14,1943 on raid to Schweinfurt, Germany. I would like as much info that you can supply me with, like who was on the plane, who survived, name of airplane, names of people living & addresses if any ect, thks
Emory Watts brother-in-law to mr Locke

Emory -
Association records for James R Locke show he flew 6 missions as gunner with the 527th Squadron from September 6 to October 14, 1943. Our records show missions 27, 31, 35, 36, 37, and 38. Sgt Locke may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On October 14, 1943, the Eighth Air Force dispatched 320 heavy bombers, including 17 from the 379th BG, against the ball bearing works at Schweinfurt, Germany. This mission came to be known as Black Thursday, due to the appalling losses suffered by the Eighth. In all, 60 heavy bombers, including 6 from the 379th, failed to return. Sgt Locke flew this mission in a/c 42-3176, "Lady Astrid", photo will be sent via separate e-mail. Crew for that mission, and their disposition, was as follows:

Johnson, Alden C, 1st Lieutenant, Pilot, KIA
Holtsberg, Warren E, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, POW
Tapping, Vincent E, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, POW
Dubois, Louis E, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, POW
Velasquez, Antonio A, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, KIA
Brittain, Benjamin B, Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner, POW
Rousseau, Raoul A, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, KIA
Scripter, Ralph K, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, KIA
Locke, James R, Staff Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner, KIA
Johnson, Eugene T, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, KIA

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. The crew in the photo is unknown, however, given the number of mission symbols showing there is a possibility that this may be the Alden Johnson crew listed above, including Sgt Locke. We would be grateful if you would advise if you recognize him in the photo.

Responding 4 7/16/2007
Kent

Search No. 1386 - Charles V Blondell

From: "Edward Blondell" <blondell2710@hotmail.com>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 1:43 PM
Subject: SGT Charles V Blondell

Hi, My name is Edward Blondell, I'was looking information about SGT Charles V Blondell,serial number 16049064,he died on 5-Jan-44, he was a relative of my grandfather and I'm interested to know more about him, it will be great if you can get some photo, I' was looking everywhere without success until I found this great page, you are doing great because we can't forget those people who fought and died for us fighting against the evil,we must remember and honor our heroes.

Edward -
Association records for Charles V Blondell show he flew 3 missions as gunner with the 525th Squadron from August 15, 1943 to January 5, 1944. Our records show missions 19, 44, and 56. Sgt Blondell may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On January 5, 1944, the 379th was dispatched to hit the port facilities at Kiel, Germany. Sgt Blondell was flying as tail gunner on a/c 42-31093, "Deacon's Sinners" which, according to the information we have, was rammed by an Me-109 after the bomb run, and the airplane blew up and disintegrated. No other details are available. Crew for that mission, and their disposition, was as follows:

Eaton, Thomas E, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot, KIA
Hainline, Henry L, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, KIA
Doty, Robert S, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, KIA
Wright, Clifford W, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, KIA
Clark, Arnold G, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, KIA
Matheny, Ray T, Tech Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner, POW
Ferrell, Ray , Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, KIA
Nevells, Arnold E, Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, POW
Ceglarek, Boleslaw B, Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner, KIA
Blondell, Charles V, Sergeant, Tail Gunner, KIA

Ray Matheny is on our current Association roster. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Sorry, we have no photographs of "Deacon's Sinners", however, the aircraft our records show for Sgt Blondell's 1st combat mission was 42-29891, "Dangerous Dan". A photo of that aircraft is attached.

Responding 4 7/16/2007
Kent

Search No.  1385 - Edwin C Sprouse

From:  "Betsy Scobie" <kamp634@gmail.com>
To: <Looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Tuesday, July 10, 2007 11:11 AM
Subject: Judy 11

I'm looking for Edmund Sprouse, Radio Operator/ Gunner on the Judy 11 for tours between January 30, 1944 to April 24, 1944.
Sincerely,
Edward H. "Mick" Scobie

Mick -
Association records for Edwin C Sprouse show he flew 32 missions as radio operator/gunner with the 527th Squadron from February 4 to April 24, 1944.
Our records show missions 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101. Sgt Sprouse may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

Association records show you and Sgt Sprouse flying a number of missions in a/c 42-97462, "Judy II". What looks to be Sgt Sprouse's "regular" crew, as flown on mission 91 (flown in Judy II, according to our records) was as follows:

Stefanski, Edward L, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Kendall, Don V, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Schaeffer, James R, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator
Brasch, Robert L, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Sprouse, Edwin C, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Mariotti, Daniel E, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Scobie, Edward H, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Dye, Earl V, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner
Benjamin, Franklin H, Staff Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner
Hansen, Warren E, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. We would be grateful for copies of any photos, particularly Judy II that you mention - we have no known photo of that aircraft. Photos from veterans and their families are always welcome and helpful in responding to future inquiries.

Previously scanned photos are best, but any hard copies of personal photos will be copied and returned on request.

Responding 4 7/16/2007
Kent

Search No. 1384 - John J. Francis

From: STEVE AND NANCY COOK, terralsco@msn.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 7:55 AM
Subject: INfo on John J. Francis

Hello,
I am looking for any info regarding John J. Francis Bombardier in the 379th bomb group on behalf of my son in law, Ben Francis. Any info would be appreciated, I.e. name of plane he served on, crew members etc. Thank you so much and God Bless our WWII veterans.
Sincerely, Steve Cook

Steve -
Association records for John J. Francis show he flew 4 missions as bombardier with the 524th Squadron from May 29 to June 25, 1943. Our records show missions 1, 2, 4, and 5. Lt Francis may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On June 25, 1943, the 379th was dispatched to the U-boat pens at Hamburg, Germany. Lt Francis was flying on aircraft 42-30165 which was listed as Missing in Action. No other details are available. Crew for that mission, and their disposition, was as follows:

Hartman, Paul W, Lieutenant, Pilot, POW
Howe, Charles M, Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, POW
Gore, James A, Lieutenant, Navigator, POW
Francis, John J, Lieutenant, Bombardier, POW
Blick, James E, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, KIA
Gullace, Anthony J, Private, Top Turret Gunner, POW
Slagowski, Clyde L, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, POW
Schrader, Harold L, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, KIA
Greeley, Robert E, Private, Left Waist Gunner, POW
Fannin, Bryant W, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, POW

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

Responding 4 7/5/2007
Kent

Search No.  1383 - 42-38192, Hutchins Crew

From: "Felix Kahlert" <felix.Kahlert@gmx.de>
To: <looking4@379thbga.org>
Sent: Sunday, July 01, 2007 7:59 PM
Subject: Information of 42-38192, 524th BS "Hutchins Crew"

Ladies and Gentlemen,

first of them, sorry for my bad english. My name is Felix Kahlert from Todtnauberg/Germany, which is located in the Black Forest close to the swiss border. Todtnauberg is where, on July 12th 1944, The B-24, 42-38192 (Pilot Bruce A. Hutchins),524th squadron, crashed into our domestic mountain "Stübenwasen" (8 KIA, 1 POW). I am a member of the local homeland history club, whose purpose is - among others - to clear up this airplaine crash. This incident is of historic interest for us. Maybe you are able to help me and answer some questions that we get on clearing up the story: How are the Names of the other Crew members ? Is there any report (MACR)? I am trying to locate a photo of this crew and of the plane for our local museum. Where could I ask probably for them? I really hope that you can give us some help in this case.
Thank you in advance for your efforts
Sincerely yours
Felix Kahlert

Felix -
Association records for a/c 42-38192, "Coral Princess", show this 524th Squadron aircraft dispatched on 12 July 1944 against the marshalling yards in Munich, Germany. This aircraft was believed to be hit by flak over the target, causing the loss of at least 2 engines. It was last seen going down under control. This aircraft was listed as Missing in Action. Crew was as follows:

Hutchins, Bruce A, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot, KIA
Webber, Robert H, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, KIA
Haile, James R, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, KIA
Bowen, Grover J, Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier, KIA
Shaffer, Robert L, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, KIA
White, George N, Staff Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, KIA
Stutts, James L, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, POW
Degenheart, Harry I, Sergeant, Waist Gunner, KIA
Collins, Walter E, Sergeant, Tail Gunner, KIA

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. The MACR for this loss is #7506 (sorry, we do not have a copy of this report) - a photo of the aircraft is attached, but it is not known whether the crew pictured is the crew listed above.

Responding 4 7/5/2007
Kent

Search No. 1382 - Hector De Vargas

From: joe k., joe35@dslextreme.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 4:55 PM
Subject: Hector De Vargas

Do you have any info on Hector De Vargas who was in the 524 bomber squadron, 379 bomber group, his plane was shot down on a raid to sweinfurt and he is buried in the American cemetery at Lorraine France.Any more info you might have would be appreciated. Thank you.
Joe K.

Joe -
Association records for Hector De Vargas show he flew 15 missions as bombardier with the 524th Squadron from August 17 to October 14, 1943. Our records show missions 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, and 38. Lt De Vargas may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we have in our records.

On October 14, 1943, the Eighth Air Force dispatched 320 heavy bombers (including 17 from the 379th Bomb Group) to strike the ball bearing works at Schweinfurt, Germany. Of that total, 60 airplanes (including 6 from the 379th) were listed as MIA due to enemy action, including the 379th's a/c 42-29776. This aircraft was reported to have collided head-on with an Me-109. Crew for that mission, and their disposition, was as follows:

Gaffield Jr., Samuel P, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot, KIA
Carlson, Thoralf Deg, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, KIA
Namjestnik, Steve J, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, KIA
Devargas, Hector R, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, KIA
Ehrenzeller, John M, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, KIA
Grossman, Edwin G, Tech Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner, KIA
Landis, Frederick G, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, KIA
Gray, Ramey G, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, POW
Skelton, Arthur T, Staff Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner, KIA
Forsythe Jr., William (NMI), Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, KIA

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

Responding 4 7/2/2007
Kent

Search No.  1381 – Lady Godiva and crew picture

From: Loic, Lemarchandloic@aol.com
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 7:16 AM
Subject: Looking for Lady Godiva and crew picture

Hello all, I'm looking for picture about this crew and their a/c "Lady Godiva". A/c was hit by flak and crashed in Britany. Two men managed to evade capture and were lodged by Lefevre's family in Juvisy near Paris from 8 to 12 July 1943.

B-17F #42-29878 “Lady Godiva” LF-G 379th BG, 526th BS
1st Lt Theodore M. Peterson (P) EVD
2nd Lt Jack W. Bourn (CP) POW
2nd Lt Woodrow P. Moore (N) POW
2nd Lt Warren J. Rosacker (B) POW
T/Sgt Maynard M. Spencer (TTG) POW
T/Sgt John M. Scott (RO) EVD
S/Sgt William E. Blubaugh (BTG) POW
S/Sgt Paul R. Cribelar (LWG) POW
S/Sgt William T. Ayres (RWG) POW
S/Sgt Gideon A. Brown (TG) POW

MACR #1293 : Taked off Kimbolton, assigned target the U/Y at St Nazaire. All crew bale out on the return flight due to severe flak damage. Crashed in Channel one mile off the shore at Saint-Quay-Portrieux, 10 miles north of Saint-Brieuc, France. 8 POW, 2 EVD Any more info or doc will be much appreciated. E&E report too.
Thanks in advance
Regards
Loic

Loic –
Association records for a/c 42-29878, “Lady Godiva” confirm the information you provided. Unfortunately we have no details on the circumstances that led to this airplane being listed officially as Missing in Action. Your crew list is what we have in our records also – the only other information available is that we show that this was this crew’s, and the 379th Bomb Group’s, first combat mission.

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

Responding 4 6/15/2007
Kent

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