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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. 1630 - Harold R. Holden

From: rob holden; hborholden@yahoo.com
Sent: Monday, July 08, 2013 11:40 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject:  Harold R. Holden, bombader

Holden, Harold R served 6/7/44-11/5/44

Rob –
Association records for Harold R. Holden show he flew 30 missions as bombardier with the 526th Squadron from June 7 to November 5, 1944. Our records show missions 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 150, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 185, 201, 208, 218, 219, 223, 224, 227, 228, 229, and 232. Lt. Holden may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Lt. Holden’s “original” crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

Greenough, Charles J, Lieutenant, Pilot
Richards, Wallace A, Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Melling, Dale E, Lieutenant, Navigator
Holden, Harold R, Flight Officer, Bombardier
Dempsay, Howard L, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Reed, Roy C, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Rixon, Joe H, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Danforth, Charles W, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Roberts, Thomas W, 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. Sorry, we have no photos of Lt. Holden or his crew. If you have any photo of this crew, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 8/14/2013
Kent

Search No. 1629 - Howard W. Simpkins, Jr.

From:   Edward Dyson; r.edwarddyson@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, June 28, 2013 11:41 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Howard William Simpkins, Jr 2nd LT Pilot

Dear Sirs,
Hello, I am in the process of trying to obtain any pertinent information for my Uncle Bill who served as a B-17 pilot on the "Goo Goo" and possibly other fortresses according to your site. I hope that you can help me please.

He was my mother's Brother, she was able to pass down to our family some of her recollections, however I would like to fill in the blanks that would help enable us to add to his legacy. If you require any additional information from me, please feel free to contact me anytime.

Thank you.

Yours truly,
Edward Dyson

Edward –
Association records for Howard W. Simpkins, Jr. show he flew 36 missions as pilot with the 524th Squadron from November 1, 1944 to March 7, 1945. Our records show missions 229, 230, 236, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 244, 246, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 255, 256, 258, 260, 262, 263, 265, 266, 268, 269, 272, 274, 275, 276, 280, 281, 284, 289, 291, 292, and 295. Lt. Simpkins may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Lt. Simpkins’ “regular” crew was as follows:

Simpkins Jr., Howard W, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Gjelvik, Edgar C, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Eppinger, Ira G, Flight Officer, Navigator
Parker, Raymond W, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Yeomans, Donald D, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Abrashoff, Kero, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Sterner, Guy S, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Delong, Walter B, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Hill, Mack W, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

As with most 379th air crew, Lt. Simpkins flew his missions in a number of different aircraft, including, as you state, a/c 43-37851, “Goo Goo”. However, 26 of the listed missions were flown in Goo Goo. Sorry, we have no photo of this aircraft.

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 photos of Lt. Simpkins or his crew. If you have any photo of this crew, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 7/7/2013
Kent

Search No. 1628 - Percy D. Redden

From: Chris Williams; westtexassixshooter@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, June 06, 2013 1:08 PM
To: Looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Redden, Percy D

My wife's Grandfather was Percy D Redden and, he was a crew member (Sergeant, Eng/Top Turret Gunner) in the 524th BS, 379th BG and was a crew member with: 2LT Arnold J Hecker, Pilot. Can you identify and advise us of; Aircraft(s), aircraft names, tail numbers, missions and any other information which you believe would be pertainent? Thank You,

Chris R. Williams
Sergeant Major, USA, Retired

Chris –
Association records for Percy D. Redden show he flew 34 missions as engineer/gunner with the 524th Squadron from November 10, 1944 to April 3, 1945. Our records show missions 236, 238, 239, 240, 241, 244, 246, 248, 251, 252, 253, 255, 258, 260, 265, 266, 268, 269, 271, 274, 276, 281, 283, 284, 287, 289, 295, 296, 300, 301, 304, 305, 306, and 315. Sgt. Redden may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Sgt. Redden’s “regular” crew was as follows:

Hecker, Arnold J, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Marshall, Clarence J, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Thimmig, Robert F, Flight Officer, Navigator
Wenger, Herbert R, Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier
Leto, Philip J, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Redden, Percy D, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Zaken, Charles L, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Belt, Boaz E, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Thornburg, Roland H, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

As with most 379th air crew, Sgt. Redden flew his missions in a number of different aircraft, including:

43-37934, Million Dollar Baby (Mission 238)
42-107213, Rubble Rouser (Missions 239, 240, 241, 244, 246, 255, 260, 265)
42-40003, Ol Gappy/Topper (Mission 251)
44-6602, Slew Foot Sue (Mission 252)
44-8425, Connie (Mission 258)
42-102974, Hellcat Agnes (Mission 269)

The balance of his missions were flown in aircraft with no known “name”. Ol Gappy/Topper was the “champ” heavy bomber of the 8th Air Force, having flown 157 combat missions by war’s end.

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. A photo of the Arnold Hecker crew is being sent separately. If you have any crew photo of Sgt. Redden or his crew, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 7/7/2013
Kent

Search No. 1627 - Paul Kondravy

From: Laura DiMauro; lauradimauro618@yahoo.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 10:45 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Paul Kondravy

Hello,

I am trying to re-acquire the medals my grandfather, Paul Kondravy, was awarded for his service in WWII. I was told I need his military number to write to the government and they will re-issue them. Is there any way you can look up the information for me?
Any other information you have on him would be greatly appreciated. I know he was shot down in a plane called "White Lightning" and was prisoner of war, but I'd love records of all of his missions.
I will be putting together a collage with his jacket, medals, and anything else I can find. I also made a video documentary of him before he passed away. I can send it to you if you'd like it for your archives.

Thank you so much!
Laura DiMauro

Laura –
Association records for Paul Kondravy show he flew 26 missions as radio operator/gunner with the 526th Squadron from November 4, 1944 to February 9, 1945. Our records show missions 231, 232, 234, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 242, 243, 244, 248, 249, 252, 256, 257, 260, 262, 264, 265, 268, 270, 273, 274, 276, and 277. Sgt. Kondravy may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

The 379th’s target on February 9, 1945 was a viaduct at Arnsberg, Germany. Sgt. Kondravy was the radio operator for the Pearlman crew aboard a/c 44-6119, “White Lightnin”, which lost 2 engines and was last seen heading towards Belgium. Crew was as follows:

Pearlman, Herbert I, Lieutenant, Pilot, Prisoner Of War
O'Neill, John K, Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, Prisoner Of War
Francescani, Charles, Lieutenant, Bombardier, Prisoner Of War
Maloney, Raymond P, Staff Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier, Prisoner Of War
Kondravy, Paul, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Bryant, Alva E, Staff Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Wells, Wesley E, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, Prisoner Of War
White, Fred T, Staff Sergeant, Waist Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Jervis, Al W, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, Prisoner Of War

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 Sgt. Kondravy. A photo of a/c White Lightnin is being sent separately. If you have any crew photo of him or his crew, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share. We show Sgt. Kondravy’s service number as 33829141, but cannot attest to its accuracy.

Responding4 6/15/2013
Kent

Search No. 1626 - William J. Cook Jr.

From: Bill Cook; billjcook82@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2013 3:03 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Lt. William J Cook, Jr.

Dear Sirs,

I am looking for any information I can get on my Uncle William J Cook, Jr. He seemed to jump between aircraft in the 525th serving on the Calamity Jane, Gay Cavalleros, Peter Wabbit, Damndifino, Stump Jumper, Picadilly Willy, Battlin' Bobbie, & a couple unnamed aircraft. He was Shot down 9/16/43 on the Battlin' Bobbie and evaded capture into Spain in Feb of 1944. I am looking for any pictures you might have of him as well as any documentation or accounts on how he received his Silver Star and Air Medal w/ Cluster? (A mystery to the family as he rarely talked about it) Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. He died Feb. of 1998

Thank you and kindest regards,
Bill J Cook

Bill –
Association records for William J. Cook Jr. show he flew 18 missions as bombardier with the 525th Squadron from June 11 to September 16, 1943. Our records show missions 2, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Lt. Cook may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

On September 16, 1943, the 379th targeted a ball bearing factory at Nantes, France. Lt. Cook was the bombardier aboard a/c 42-29876, “Battlin Bobbie”, which left the formation
with 2 engines out and the left wing on fire. Crew was as follows:

Hoyt III, Elton, 1st Lieutenant, Pilot, Evaded
Schroeder, Norman C, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, Evaded
Glickman, Louis H, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, Evaded
Cook Jr., William J, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, Evaded
Dulberg, Herbert W, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, Evaded
Thomas, John F, Tech Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Eldridge, Russel H, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Minor, Harry L, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner, Evaded
Miller, William J, Tech Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner, Evaded
Shaffer, Edward R, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, Evaded

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 information on individual awards. A photo containing Lt. Cook is being sent separately. If you have any crew photo that includes him, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 6/15/2013
Kent

Search No. 1625 - Sydney P. Kelly

From: Jack Burg; jack_burg@hotmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 28, 2013 7:10 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Anita Marie

To whom may know the answer,

My grandfather, Sydney Prince Kelly, was killed in action while serving aboard the Anita Marie on July 7th, 1944 over Leipzig, Germany. What type of aircraft was the Anita Marie? Do you have any knowledge of the details of her loss? I know 6 of her crew were taken POW, while 3, one being my grandfather, were killed. Any insight is much appreciated.

Best,
Jack Burg 

Jack –
Association records for Sydney P. Kelly show he flew 25 missions as bombardier with the 524th Squadron from May 23 to July 7, 1944. Our records show missions 123, 124, 125,126, 130, 132, 135, 136, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 147, 148, 149, 150, 152, 157, 158, 159, and 161. Lt. Kelly may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

The July 7, 1944 mission for the 379th was an aircraft factory at Liepzig, Germany. Lt. Kelly was the bombardier aboard a/c 42-31085, “Anita Marie”, a Boeing-built B-17G, which is believed to have been hit and downed by flak. Crew was as follows:

Reidman, John E, 1st Lieutenant, Pilot, Prisoner Of War
Smith, Robert H, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, Killed In Action
Kelly, Sydney P, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, Killed In Action
Sarfaty, David E, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, Prisoner Of War
Moreno, Edmund V, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Rowe, Albert O, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Killed In Action
Krosunger, Peter G, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Fields, Donald E, Staff Sergeant, Waist Gunner, Prisoner Of War
Pekonen, Ray W, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, Prisoner Of War

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 Lt. Kelly or this crew. If you have any crew photo that includes him, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 6/13/2013
Kent

Search No.  1624 - Harold L. Willey

From:   Howard Willey; howardwilley@earthlink.net
Sent: Monday, May 27, 2013 8:46 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Harold L Willey

I am searching for information on my father, Harold L. Willey. Its my understanding that he was a BT gunner on a B-17 named Red Dragon which was on mission #186 to Pirmasens when it was shot down. I would be interested in any other missions he was on, and whether he flew on other planes.

I have also noted other crews listed for a B-17 called the Red Dragon, such as one referenced in the book "Protector of the Red Dragon". Is this the same plane?

Were any records kept about the kills by various gunners or crews? Lastly, which had the higher mortality rate, being a B-17 crewmember or a German Fighters pilot.

Thanks for your help.
Howard Willey

Howard –
Association records for Harold L. Willey show he flew 17 missions as ball turret gunner with the 527th Squadron from July 6 to August 9, 1944. Our records show missions 160, 161, 162, 165, 166, 168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 177, 178, 182, 183, 185, and 186. Sgt. Willey may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

On August 9, 1944, the 379th Bomb Group targeted a factory at Pirmasens, Germany. Sgt. Willey was flying in the ball turret for the Howard Hamilton crew aboard a/c 43-37951, “Red Dragon”. This aircraft was hit by flak over Liege, losing altitude until unable to stay with the Group. Crew was as follows:

Hamilton, Howard H, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot, Evaded
Feaster, Rexford H, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, Evaded
Kaufman, Hector A, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, Evaded
Nielsen, Walter R, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, Evaded
Siegle, Howard P, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, Evaded
Miller, Vincent N, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Evaded
Willey, Harold L, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, Evaded
Dorning, Dale D, Staff Sergeant, Waist Gunner, Evaded
Wilmoth, Robert L, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner, Evaded

Like most 379th crews, Sgt. Willey flew his missions in a number of different aircraft. In addition to Red Dragon (8 missions), he flew 1 each in 42-39789, “Skunkface”, 42-97462, “Judy II”, 42-107146, “Mairzy Doats”, 42-97170, “Julie Mae”, and a couple of other aircraft with no name. Sorry, we have no information on individual gunner claims, or the mortality rate. We are also unaware of “Protector of the Red Dragon”, but there is circumstantial evidence that more than one 379th a/c was named Red Dragon.

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. A photo, dated 25 June 1944, and identified as the Hamilton crew, is being sent separately. If you can identify Sgt. Willey in this photo, we would be grateful for that information. If you have any other crew photos that include him, or images of Red Dragon, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 6/13/2013
Kent

Search No. 1623 - Victor P. Wickline

From: Kathleen Wickline Latendresse; cruzzqueen@juno.com
Sent: Sunday, May 26, 2013 8:39 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Wickline, Victor co-pilot London Avenger

Hello, I am looking for any information about my grandfather who flew B 17's in England as part of the 379th Bomb Group. His name was Victor P. Wickline. I know he was a decorated pilot who was part of the final London Avenger crew. He recently died, and unfortunately he never wanted to talk much about his war history. I do know that he flew over 25 missions and the crews always wanted to fly with him because he always brought his crew and plane home; no matter how badly it was damaged.
Kathleen Wickline Latendresse

Kathleen –
Our condolences on your grandfather’s passing. We will add his name to our Taps roster.

Association records for Victor P. Wickline show he flew 34 missions as pilot and co-pilot with the 525th Squadron from December 18, 1944 to April 14, 1945. Our records show missions 250, 252, 253, 254, 261, 262, 263, 264, 266, 268, 271, 273, 275, 277, 285, 288, 292, 293, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 301, 302, 303, 305, 313, 315, 318, 319, 320, 323, and 324. Lt. Wickline may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

As you state, Lt. Wickline (Flight Officer Wickline at the time) flew a number of his missions (6) in a/c 42-31228, “London Avenger”, which was one of 4 aircraft “purchased” by the Town of Bermondsey, England, through a Donation Drive. London Avenger made a belly landing near Old Weston on 20 January 1945 following a raid on Stuttgart, Germany. Crew was as follows:

Phinney, Keith L, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Wickline, Victor P, Flight Officer, Co-Pilot
Williams, William T, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Wetherbee, Raymond, Staff Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier
Hitchon, Edward F, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Rasmussen, Donald E, Staff Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Nephew Jr., William, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Adams, Willis S, Staff Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Tacy Jr., Clyde I, 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. A photo of Lt. Wickline and this crew is being sent separately. If you have any photos that include him, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 6/11/2013
Kent 

Search No. 1622 – David L. Miksche

From: Jen Jackson Quintano; jacksjen@gmail.com
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2013 9:32 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: David L. Miksche

I'm so happy to have found your website! Thanks for helping those of us who want to connect with our history. I'm looking for any information you might have on my great-uncle, David Leo Miksche. He flew B-17s with the 524th Squadron in WWII. Anything you can pass along is much appreciated. I appreciate your assistance.
Best,
Jen Jackson Quintano                         

Jen –
Association records for David L. Miksche show he flew 20 missions as pilot and co-pilot with the 526th Squadron from March 3 to April 20, 1945. Our records show missions 293, 297, 298, 299, 302, 303, 308, 309, 311, 312, 314, 315, 317, 322, 323, 324, 325, 327, 328, and 329. Lt. Miksche may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

Like most 379th crew, Lt. Miksche flew his missions in a number of different aircraft, and, as his missions were flown late in the war (the 379th’s last mission was No. 330, on April 25, 1945), with a number of different crews. What looks close to being his “regular” crew was as follows:

Miksche, David L, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Williams, Charles A, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Manning, William F, Flight Officer, Navigator
Merritt, Eugene, Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier
Conway, Joseph, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Glass, Paul J, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Thomson Jr., William J, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Hunt, Henry J, 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. Sorry, we have no photo of Lt. Miksche or his crew. If you have any photos that include him, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 6/11/2013
Kent

From: Jen Jackson Quintano [mailto:jacksjen@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, July 08, 2013 10:51 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Re: Looking 4 - 1622 – David L. Miksche

Hi there,
It looks like I didn't respond to thank you for passing along this info (I was dispatched to several fires in Colorado just as I received this and was gone for a few weeks). So, belatedly, thank you! I know our family has some military photos of Leo hiding away in dusty photo albums. I'll pass along copies as I find them.
I really appreciate all that you do...
Jen

Search No. 1621 – Ronald M. MacKenzie

From: Lynn Fairbanks; lfairbanks@roadrunner.com
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 12:52 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Ronald MacKenzie

Friend of my late mother's and born, as was I, in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Waist gunner and I believe MIA on 7-9-44 over France. Any other information would be most appreciated.
Lynn Robert Fairbanks

Lynn –
Association records for Ronald M. MacKenzie show he flew 1 mission as waist gunner with the 525th Squadron on July 9, 1944, 379th Bomb Group Mission 162. Sgt. MacKenzie may have flown additional missions, but this is the only one we can document.

On the July 9, 1944 mission to Lapossonniers, France, Sgt. MacKenzie was flying what is believed to be his crew’s first combat mission, in a/c 42-38141, “Pansy Yokum”, which was declared Missing in Action, and believed to have gone down in the North Sea. Crew was as follows:

Frye, Hughe E, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot, Killed In Action
Gluckman, Victor B, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot, Killed In Action
Stoupe, Chester B, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator, Killed In Action
Epperson, Orval W, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier, Killed In Action
Crites, Harry W, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner, Killed In Action
Davids, Robert J, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Killed In Action
Kunrod, Thomas A, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner, Killed In Action
Mackenzie, Ronald M, Sergeant, Waist Gunner, Killed In Action
Eiler, Lawrence R, Corporal, Tail Gunner, Killed In Action

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Photos of this crew, including Sgt. MacKenzie, are being sent separately. If you have any photos that include him, we would be grateful for any copies you’d be willing to share.

Responding4 6/10/2013
Kent

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