[ Post a Response | 457th Bomb Group Message Board ]
Posted by Alan Morton
on 10/30/2008, 5:47 am, in reply to "Photo of Sweater Out Crew"
Message modified by board administrator 11/2/2008, 11:37 pm
(Webmaster note: the first part of this message was meant to be posted in this thread but ended up out of order. I was unable to move it into place, so I am copying Alan's text from the misplaced post here, which is where it would fall chronologically. I hope that's OK, Alan! -- Diane Reese.)
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A point of interest using this web site: On the Web's Home Page is a Button entitled Photo Archives, then Air Crews of the 457th BG. This Air Crew listing of Air Crews is categorized by the Pilot's first and last name. Typically, the photo attached therewith could be very confusing ... in one instance is a photo of a B-17 Bomber Crew that went through training together in the States. In another instance, is listed by the Pilots name is called a LEAD CREW ... this crew is a specially selected group of Officers and Enlisted Men randomly chosen to LEAD the 457th Bomber Crews to the Target for each mission.
These LEAD CREWS are also identified by the LEAD PILOT'S name and is HEAVILY loaded with back-up Officers to assure the completion of the MISSION ... should one Officer be killed. The only Enlisted Men aboard the LEAD aircraft are the Flight Engineer/Top Turret gunner, the Radio Operator/gunner, and one lone waist gunner.
Happy Trails folks, Alan Morton ... a former Flight Engineer/Top Turret Gunner.
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Here are some PRELIMINARY findings by Eric and Sheila:
S/Sgt. James V. Ambrose POW, Tail Gunner. Born: 1/13/1914;
Death Date: 8/29/2002; Interment Date: 9/12/2002; Cemetery: Bay Pines National Cemetery, Bay Pines, FL
S/Sgt, Lovell O'Masters POW, Waist Gunner, Born: 1909, Death: unknown, Residence: Sacramento, California,
Marital Status: Separated, with dependents, Death Date: Unknow.
Co-Pilot Lt. Robert H. Cunningham, POW, Military Seriial Number 0815091, Resident of Pennsylvania,
Balance of Data: Unknown.
Navigator/Bombardier Lt. Daniel G. McLaughlin, POW, Resident State: Florida.
T/Sgt. Paul R. Clark, Radio Operator, POW. State Residence: Iowa
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