}J ~ j~ r1j fJDjJl~J [-~ J r IJ r JjJ JU lJJ ~l JU iJJ JJ in Rction ouer Europe with the P-47i1nd P-51
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Also by the Author
FIGHTER UNrrs & PILOTS OF THE 8TH AIR FORCE: SEPTEMBER 1942 - MAY 1945 Volume I: Day~to-Day Operations· Fighter Group Histories Volume 2: Aerial Victories· Ace Data
THE 363RD FIGHTER GROUP IN WORW WAR If: IN ACTION OVER EUROPE WITH THE P-51 MUSTANG
THE 356TH FIGHTER GROUP
in World War II in Action over Europe with the P-47 and P-51
Kent D. Miller
Schiffer Military History Atglen, PA
Dust jacket and aircraft profile artwork by S.W. Ferguson, Colorado Springs, CO.
all the COl'er: TH\VAITES WADES IN By May 19, 1944, David Thwaites, eventually to be the first aerial ace in the 356th Fighter Group, had scored two and one half victories while flying with the 361 st Fighter Squadron. On this date, the 356th Dew a penetration support and ran into over 100 enemy fighters in the Celle-QuackenbruckHanover area. Thwaites and his wingman took on 25·plus Fw 190s that were attacking some B~24s, and in a matter of minutes he had shot down one Focke- Wulf and damaged another three.
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Contents Introduction The 356th Fighter Group in World War II Appendices Appendix J: Appendix 2: Appendix 3: Appendix 4: Appendix 5: Appendix 6: Appendix 7: Appendix 8: Appendix 9: Appendix J 0: Appendix JJ: Appendix 12:
,. ,
, ,
Distinguished Unit Citation 356th Fighter Group Battle Honors/Assignments 356th Fighter Group Commanders 356th Fighter Group Squadron Commanders Squadron Operations Officers 356th Fighter Group Statistical Report Air and Ground Aces of the 356th Fighter Group 356th Fighter Group Scorers Pilot List Aircraft Markings Representative Aircraft Non-Flying Personnel
Photo Section 356th Fighter Group Aircraft in Profile
,
7 8
117 118 119 120 121 122 124 125 128 167 168 180
192 320
Introduction
This is the story of an American fighter group which flew in the European Theater of Operations during the Second World War. Known officially as the 356th Fighter Group, the unit spent over two years in England, occupying the airfield at Martlesham Heath, in the county of Suffolk. Originally entering combat flying P-47 Thunderliolts and later switching to P-51 Mustangs, the 356th dispatched its aircraft on 407 missions across the Channel. Between the time of the first, on October 15, 1943, and the final mission on May 7, 1945, the 356th was credited with destroying 277 enemy planes, probably destroying 23 more, and damaging 192. Because the principle of bomber escort was strictly adhered to by the 356th's leaders, pilots of the group often had to pass up opportunities to engage enemy fighters and increase their scores. While this fact helped earn the 356th a reputation as being a "hard luck" outfit, due to their low victory to loss
ratio, the gratitude and praise from the bomber crews more
than offset this misnomer. While the majority of the information contained in this history came from the official group and squadron records, much was also supplied by members of the 356th. A large number responded to my requests for assistance and photographs, and to all ofthem I am extremely grateful. Unfortunately, quite a few of them have since passed away, and it is to their memory, and to all those who gave their lives in Europe, that I dedicate this book. In addition, I would like to thank the staffs of both the Air Force Museum and the Air Force Historical Research Center, Henry Kidd, Steve Blake, Ted Damick, and Tom Ivie. Kent D. Miller Hicksville, Ohio, October 2002
7
The 356th Fighter Group in World War"
The 356th Fighter Group was formally constituted on December 8, 1942, pursuant to War Department Letter AG 320.2. Four days later, the 356th was officially activated at
the pilots worked closely with radio-navigation aids and un-
dertook instrument and cross-country flights. The 356th was split into air and ground echelons on August 13, with the pilots flying the P-4Ts to Newark, New Jersey. The ground personnel traveled to Camp Myles Standish, Massachusetts, and prepared for overseas staging. They boarded the "Queen Eliza-
Westover Field, Massachusetts, and placed under the control of the First Air Force. Initial commander was Lt. Joseph Morris, Jr., who took charge on December 28. His duration was but
one day, as Capt. Harold J. Lister took command the following day. The 356th began to take shape in early January of 1943, as the 359th, 360th, and 361 st Fighter Squadrons were activated on the 7th. Then on February 9, 1943, Maj. Harold J. Rau took command of the 356th and the next few weeks were
beth" on August 20, and after a five day journey, arrived at
Gourock, Scotland. After dis-embarking, the ground echelon settled into the group's first English home, Station F-345, Goxhill, Lincolnshire. On the same day, August 26, the 356th was attached to the 65th Fighter Wing, VIlJ Fighter Command, of the 8th Air Force. Meanwhile, the air echelon sailed aboard the "HMS Orion" on September 5, 1943. They arrived at Glascow, Scotland, on the 15th, then proceeded to Goxhill.
spent procuring supplies, equipment, and most importantly,
pilots. The initial cadre of fliers came from the 326th Fighter Group (a Ist Air Force Replacement Training Group) and by the end of February the squadrons were almost at full strength. Beginning on March 9, Headquarters and the 359th and 360th moved to Trumbull Field, Connecticut, while the 361 st flew out of New Haven Army Air Base, Connecticut. P-47B Thunderbolts were assigned to the group and both flight and
Once things were organized the group moved one more
time, leaving Goxhill on October 5. The 356th's permanent home was to be F-369, Martlesham Heath, Suffolk, situated between Ipswich and Woodbridge. The air components arrived
on the 9th, with the 361st pilots taking up residence on the base itself, while the 359th and 360th pilots resided in Kesgrave Hall and Playford Hall, respectively, both located a short distance from the field. To assist the 356th, the 85th Service Group (later designated the 447th Air Service Group), commanded by LtCol. Austin L. Sands, was stationed at Martlesham Heath. The 85th was comprised of the 54th Station Complement Squadron, the 394th Service Squadron, the IlOlst Signal Company, a Quartermaster section, the 1834th Ordnance Supply and Maintenance Company, and the I I84th Military Police Company. With everything now in place, the 356th Fighter Group was ready to
ground echelons attended various schools. Topics of lectures included high altitude flying, aircraft identification, intelligence reports, first aid, and subjects relating to the various departments within each squadron.
May 30 saw the group move to Mitchel Field, New York. With Headquarters at Mitchel, the squadrons rotated out ofWest
Haven Municipal Airport and Bradley Field, Connecticut. Here, P-47D's were taken on and training consisted of transition flying, gunnery and gun camera practice, aerobatics, formation,
navigation, high altitude and night flying, instrument training and Link trainer time. On the 8th of June, the 361st moved once more, this time to Suffolk County Airfield, New York. The 356th's final phase of training began on July 4, 1943, as the group moved to Grenier Field, New Hampshire. Here
enter the air war over Europe.
The following pages comprise the 356th's operational history. All 407 combat missions are covered with the following 8
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Jl
information supplied (where known): date, mission number,
seven RAF Spitfires in the Bruges area. Maj. Baccus was the sole 359th pilot on the mission as the rest were still enroute
leader, details of the mission itself, a listing of each pilot on the flight, and a listing of claims made. There are gaps in the squad-
from Goxhil\.
ron line-ups in several instances; early 359th Fighter Squadron records omit pilots for October and November of 1943,
Line-up
and the other squadrons have a gap or two in 1944 and 1945. An (*) indicates a pilot who aborted, and here only the 359th
359th: 360th:
kept accurate records. Also throughout the mission summaries, sections of
"Notes" appear, filling in other happenings of the day with the 361 sl:
356th. Chief among these are command changes, accidents, and the names of pilots completing their tours. Unless otherwise indicated, a pilot was sent back to the States after finishing his tour. Scoring is indicated in the following manner: 0-0-
none (see 360th) Kinnard, L'Heureux, Koczak, Halverson Johnson, Kress, Cook, Withers
Ellingson, Hockmeyer, McCullough, McLaughlin Evans, Bennett, Adams, Baccus(359th) Edner, Rau, Roberts, Von Holzhausen Montgomery, Porter, Hyde, Perrin
Wood, Metzger, Strait, Bailey Price, Racine, Korhorn, Gansberg
ofor air claims is destroyed-probables-damaged, while 0-0 for aged.
October 16 (#2) LlCo\. Rau led a sweep from 1516 to 1726. The P-4Ts
Below are the radio call signs for the group and each squadron. During the course of the text these names will appear and these will give the reader an idea of what unit is involved:
crossed in at 1551 near Noordwaal with the spares returning earlier when ten miles from landfall. After crossing in, the group turned north over Waordin, flew to Amsterdam, then turned
Group Leader: Soundwave until April 22, 1944 then; "A" Group: Lampshade "B" Group: Notebook "c" Group: Seaweed
overcast was encountered from mid-Channel onwards and the
359th Ftr Sqn: Beachhouse until April 22, 1944 then;
359th: 360th:
ground claims (aircraft and other targets) is destroyed-dam-
west and made landfall-out at 163 I near Noordwaa\. Solid only other planes seen were some 55th Fighter Group P-38's near Rotterdam.
"A" Group: Farmhouse
"B" Group: Bucket 360th Ftr Sqn: Plaster until April 22, 1944 then; 361st:
"A" Group: Vortex "B" Group: Deansgate
361st Ftr Sqn: Molecoat until April 22, 1944 then;
Line-up Rau, Edner, Baccus (rest are unknown) Kinnard, Halverson, Borelli Bennett, Johnson, Hockmeyer Evans, McCullough, Walters
Fletcher, Asbridge (spares) Montgomery, Metzger, Wood, Johnson Hyde, McDowell, Price, Gibson Campbell, Porter, Hewett, Hayden Dendle, Erickson, Tuckey, Martin
"A" Group: Chinwag
October 17
"B" Group: Webber
(#3) LlCo\. Rau led a sweep from 1625 to 1808. Landfall was made at 1705 east of Calais and the pilots then swept the Calais-
• • •
St. Inglevert area. The 360th spotted four Gennan fighters over Calais but no contact was made and everyone later crossed out
at 1730.
October 15, 1943 (#1) With Maj. Seldon R. Edner (on loan from the 4th Fighter Group) in the lead, 32 P-4Ts took off at 1411 for a sweep. The fighters crossed in at 1458 overWesthoofd, then flew south to
359th: 360th: 3618t:
Haist and later made a ninety degree turn towards Ostend. All
of the planes crossed out near Ostend from 1522 to 1532 with the 361st landing at 1553, followed by the 360th at 1600. No enemy aircraft were seen on the flight, though 360th pilots saw
9
Line-up Baccus (rest are unknown)
Rau, Withers (rest are unknown) Roberts, Leyser, Wood, Vangos Porter, Campbell, Erickson, Tuckey Strait, Gibson, Metzger, McDowell Johnson, Gansberg
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
October 18
Line-up
(#4) LlCol. Rau led a planned escort from 1431 to 1614. The
359th: 360th:
group made landfall at 1515 over Schouwen Island then proceeded to the Breda area. Upon arrival there the pilots were informed the bombers were being recalled, so the Thunderbolts also headed for home, crossing out south of Schouwen.
361 st: Line-up
359th: 360th:
361 Sl:
Baccus, Smith (rest are unknown) Kinnard, Fletcher, McCullough, Maxwell Bennett, Garvey, Withers, Walters Cota, Halverson, Borelli, McHale Evans, Johnson, Martin Rau, Montgomery, Perrin, Campbell Roberts, Von Holzhausen, Price, Gibson Hyde, Korhom, Vangos, Martin Edner, Wood, Leyser, Hotchkiss
October 24 (#7) LtCol. Rau led a sweep from 1150 to 1357. Landfall was at 1240 near Cabourg and the pilots swept theArgentan-Bemay area without incident. Landfall-out then came near Fecamp at 1317. Line-up
359th: 36Otb:
October 20 (#5) LlCol. Rau led a withdrawal support from 1401 to 1601. The pilots made landfall at 1450 over Schouwen Island and made RN at 1457 west of Gilze-Rijen. The 359th, flying as top cover, saw several Germans but did not make contact. The P-4Ts later crossed out near Westhoofd and broke from the bombers over the Channel.
361 sl:
Line-up
359th: 360th:
361sl:
Baccus, Smith, Weber, Knudsen (rest are unknown) Kinnard, Evans, Adams, Maxwell Bennett, Fletcher, Borelli, McHale Cook, L'Heureux, Koczak, McLaughlin Cota, Parker, Martin, Withers Edner, Dendle, Von Holzhausen, Hayden Montgomery, Leyser, Metzger, Price Hewett, Erickson, Strait, Gibson
Rau (rest are unknown) Kinnard, Niemi, Martin, Johnson Kress, Hockmeyer, Halverson, Asbridge Ellingson, Garvey, Withers Bennett, Parker, Vitali Roberts, Hewett, Hayden, Korhorn Hyde, Dendle, Hotchkiss, Racine Montgomery, Strait, Tuckey, Bailey Perrin, Porter, Johnson, Martin Gansberg(spare)
Rau, Baccus (rest are unknown) Kinnard, L'Heureux, Asbridge Bennett, McCullough, Hockmeyer Cook, Martin, Parker Kress, Adams, McHale Vitali(spare) Wood, Bailey, McDowell Hyde, Metzger, Korhom Porter, Von Holzhausen, Perrin Johnson, Racine, Leyser
November 3 (#8) LlCol. Rau led a penetration support from 1137 to 1430. Landfall was at 1238 over Tessel Island with RN coming at 1243 near Schiermontkoog. The bombers were taken to fifty miles east of Graningen, and while six Fw 190's were spotted by the 359th, no enemy planes were engaged. While heading home, Capt. Hyde led his flight down to strafe in the Zuider Zee area. The pilots claimed 0-1 barge, 0-1 boat, 0-1 truck, and 0-1 factory, while flak gunners scored a few hits on Hyde's right wing.
October 22 (#6) Maj. Edner led the group on a planned B-26 escort from 1520 to 1638. Landfall was at 1550 near Gravelines, and while the P-4Ts reached the RN area on time, the bombers never showed up due to weather. Fairly heavy flak was encountered and five Thunderbolts were damaged but everyone later crossed out at 1620 in the Calais area. While landing, a P-47 hit and killed Pvt. Andrew P. Girasek, who was an airfield controller attached to the 54th Station Complement Squadron.
Line-up
359th: 360th:
361st:
10
Rau, Henry (rest are unknown) Bennett, Garvey, McCullough, Hockmeyer Cook, Johnson, Niemi, Maxwell Evans, Kress, Ellingson, McLaughlin Fletcher, Withers, McHale, Walters Roberts, Bailey, Dendle, Tuckey Montgomery, Hayden, Strait, Martin Hyde, Gansberg, Hewett, Campbell Edner, Vangos, Perrin, Erickson
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
November 5
361 st:
(#9) LtCol. Coen led the group on a penetration support from 1149 to 1429. The planes made landfall north of Ijmuiden at 1246, minus four 36lst aborts. R/V was accomplished near Meppel at 1256 and the bombers were taken to the Borken area. Escort was broken at 1328 and the P-47's crossed out over Knocke at 1350. A few German fighters were seen in the Gladbach area and a Me 109 was damaged near Roermond for the 356th's first air claim. Lt. Vangos (361 st) also claimed another 109 as damaged but it was later disallowed by the Victory Credit Board. (0-0-1 air)
359th: 360th:
36lst:
November 10 (#11) LtCol. Rau led a B-26 escort from 1330 to 1544. R/V with the bombers was at 1430 in mid-Channel with landfall following at 1435 near Dieppe. Heading home after an uneventful flight, eight P-47's of the 359th became separated and made landfall-out by themselves in the Dunkirk area and landed at other fields in England. The rest of the group broke away at 1523 over the Channel and headed home.
Line-up Baccus (others are unknown) Kinnard, Garvey, Koczak Bennett, Halverson, L'Heureux
Line-up
359th: 360th:
36lst:
Parker, Withers, L'Heureux, Borelli Ellingson, Hockmeyer, Koczak, Maxwell Montgomery, Gibson, Bailey, Hayden
Wood*, Korhorn*, Racine*, Gibson*
Wood, Vangos, Racine, Johnson
Hyde, Dendle, Hayden, Gansberg
Hyde, Gansberg, Erickson, Tuckey Strait, Metzger, McDowell, Martin
Capt. P.H. Hyde
Claims
Location
Me 109 dam(air)
Roennond
November 11 (#12) LtCol. Rau led a withdrawal support from 1245 to 1524. Landfall was made at 1325 over the Dutch Islands with R/V coming at 1400 in the Munster area. The group later crossed out west of Schouwen around 1500 minus one P-47, the 356th's first loss of the war. Lt. Dolor A. Martin (360th) was last heard
Notes: The 356th's new Flying Exec, LtCol. Oscar H. Coen, came to the group as an experienced combat pilot/leader. He
earlier flew with 71 Squadron, RAF and had claimed 1.5 kills with that unit. Transferring into the new 4th Fighter Group when
the Eagle Squadrons were disbanded, Coen claimed two more victories while flying with them. By the time he joined the 356th in late October, he had flown some 100 sorties for 295
from near Amhem and was believed to have had an oxygen
failure. Also while heading out, a 36lst flight picked up a straggling B-17. As they neared Heusden, two Fw 190's made a bounce but no damage was done. Upon landing at Martlesham Heath, Lt. Brown and Lt. Brearley (359th) collided, causing slight damage to both Thunderbolts. (llost)
combat hours.
November 7 (#10) LtCol. Rau led a penetration support from 0925 to 1150. RN and landfall were made southeast of Ostend at 1016 and the bombers were taken to west of Soignes then to west of Binden. Escort was terminated near Givet at 1045 and the group crossed out near Blankenberge at 1114.
359th: 360th:
Line-up
359th: 360th:
Rau, Baccus, Henry (others are unknown) Bennett, Cook, Fletcher, Garvey Evans, Halverson, Niemi, Adams
Cota, Niemi, McLaughlin Evans, Adams, Vitali Coen, Johnson, Vangos, Von Holzhausen Roberts, Hewett, Porter, Bailey
Sqll
361st:
Montgomery, Metzger, Tuckey, Strait Roberts, Racine, McDowell, Von Holzhausen Wood, Porter, Gansberg Leyser, Dendle, Martin
Rau (others are unknown) Kinnard, Johnson, Parker, Hockmeyer Cook, L'Heureux, Adams, Walters Cota, McCullough, Kress, Martin Fletcher, Niemi, McLaughlin
361st:
Jl
Line-up Baccus, Brown, Brearley (others are unknown) Kinnard, Halverson, Kress, L'Heureux
Bennett, Vitali, Adams, Walters Evans, Martin, Maxwell, McHale Parker, Borelli, Ellingson, McLaughlin Rau, Martin, Erickson, Tuckey Wood, Bailey, Racine, Hayden Roberts, Johnson, Porter, Dendle Gibson, McDowell, Von Holzhausen
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
November 25 (#15) LtCo!. Rau led an escort for the 56th Fighter Group from 1205 to 1339. The planes made R/V with the 56th near Dungeness and both units crossed in south of Boulogne at 1250. The 356th escorted the other P-4Ts to SI. Omer where the 56th bombed the airfield. After they were finished, the group swept the area before crossing out between Calais and Gravelines.
November 13 (#13) LtCo!' Coen led a withdrawal support from 1129 to 1403. Landfall was north of Ijmuiden and upon arrival in the R/V area near Meppel, no bombers were seen. The pilots circled west of Meppel to Emmen twice, then headed home, crossing out south of Amsterdam at 1312. Lt. McCullough (360th) was on his way home when two Fw 190's bounced him. He turned into them and the Germans broke off the action.
Line-up Line~up
359th: 360th:
361 st:
359th: 360th:
Coen, Farmer (others are unknown) Bennett, Garvey, Johnson, L'Heureux Evans, McHale, McLaughlin, Niemi Cota, Hockmeyer, Koczak, Vitali Ellingson, Withers, Walters McCullough(spare) Montgomery, Gibson, McDowell, Martin Hyde, Johnson, Hewett, Leyser, Metzger Wood, Korhom, Racine, Hayden Porter, Dendle, Perrin, Campbell, Erickson
36lst:
Rau, Baccus, Smith (others are unknown) Bennett, Vitali, Parker, Maxwell Kress, Adams, Withers, L' Heureux Evans, Ellingson, Cook, Asbridge Halverson, Koczak, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Montgomery, Alexander, Erickson, Leyser Wood, Jack, Racine, Von Holzhausen Metzger, Hewett, Korhorn, Campbell Hyde, Gansberg, Perrin, Martin
November 26 (#16) LtCo!. Rau led a withdrawal support from 1129 to 1348. Landfall came at 1219 north of Bergen with RN following west of Groningen at 1235. Both forces later crossed out over Texel Island at 1258. A pair ofFw 190's were seen by LI. Rubncr (359th) but no contact was made.
November 18 Notes: The 360th Fighter Squadron underwent a command change as Maj. Kinnard was transferred to the 35Sth Fighter Group at Steeple Morden. He would command that unit's 354th Fighter Squadron, then later be CO of the 4th and 355th Fighter Groups. During his tours in England, Kinnard would claim 25 kills, 8 aerial and 17 on the ground. With his departure, Capt. Joseph Bennett took temporary command of the 360th.
359th: 360th:
November 19 (#14) LtCo!' Rau led a penetration support from 1043 to 1318. RN was in mid-Channel at I 159 and the planes crossed in at 1200 near Egmond. The mission was without incident and the bombers were later left back at the Channel at 1223.
361st:
Line-up Baccus, Rubner (rest are unknown) Rau, Walters, Withers*, Dunn
Halverson, Koczak, McCullough, Fletcher Bennett, Maxwell, Vitali, Brock Evans, Borelli, Asbridge, Ellingson Montgomery, Jack, McDowell, Johnson Hyde, Hewett, Wood, Leyser Korhorn, Porter, Von Holzhausen, Racine Krieger, Gansberg, Erickson, Tuckey
Line-up
359th: 360th:
361sl:
Baccus, O'Barr (others are unknown) Bennett, Cook, Cota, Garvey, Johnson Kress, McCullough, Niemi, Parker, Withers Borelli, Maxwell, Vitali, Walters Rau, Gibson, Perrin, Campbell Wood, McDowell, Roberts, Bailey Hyde, Vangos, Erickson, Tuckey Martin, Hewett, Leyser, Strait
Notes: Capt. Montgomery was relieved as CO of the 361 5t and newly arrived Maj. William Waller, 1JI, assumed command.
November 28 Notes: A number of changes took place within the 356th on this date. First, LtCo!. Rau was transferred to a Wing Headquarters job and taking command of the 356th was LtCo!. Einar Axel Malmstrom. A former private in the National Guard, Malmstrom received his commission in the Air Corps Reserve in 1931. Flying with Observation Squadrons in pre-war days, he was called to active duty in 1940 and came overseas with 8th Air Force Headquarters in 1943. As for Harold Rau, he would later command the 20th Fighter Group on two occasions and claim one aerial and four ground victories.
November 23 Notes: The 361 st Fighter Squadron also saw a change in commanders as Maj. Roberts was relieved. Taking over as temporary CO was Capt. Emery H. Montgomery.
/2
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
In the 360th, Maj. Joseph R. Williams took command from Capt. Bennett, and Capt. Gerald W. Johnson took over as Operations Officer. Williams came from the 355th Fighter Group (where he commanded the 354th Fighter Squadron, now run by Claiborne Kinnard) and Johnson was a veteran of the European war, having gained 7.5 kills flying with the 56th Fighter Group earlier in 1943. Joc Bennett went to the 56th, later transferred to the 4th Fighter Group, and claimed 8.5 kills before becoming a POW in May of 1944. Although transferred on paper, Bennett would fly one more mission with the 360th.
November 30 (# J 8) LtCo!. Coen led a penetration support from 1024 to 1251. Landfall was made at I 103 over Tholen and RlV came near Rosendaal at 1130. On the way in, Maj. Baccus chased two enemy fighters without inflicting any damage and a Me 109 made an ineffectual pass against the 361 st. Lt. Rubner (359th), returning early with engine trouble, was jumped by four Me 109's but they did not press their attack. The bombers were later left at 1] 45 near Julich and the group crossed out near Walcheren at 1205.
November 29 (#17) LtCo!. Coen led an escort from 1348 to 1632. Landfall was made at 1457 with R/V at the same time southwest of Aschendorf. As the 359th moved to the rear of the bombers, numerous German fighters were engaged near Meppel. Elements of the other squadrons also became involved and the 356th claimed its tirst victories of the war. However, five P47's were also lost, including Lt. John D. Hull and Lt. Warren A. Beach (359th), Lt. Julius B. Asbridge (360th), and Lt. Allen M. Metzger and Lt. Johnnie F. Martin (361 st). All were lost in the fights or due to low gas and bad weather except for Beach. While making RN, he was hit by a gunner in a B-17 and with no oil pressure, was forced to bailout. After the Germans were dispersed, the group tried to reform and escOli was broken in mid-Channel at 1506.
359th: 360th:
361 st:
Deeember 1 (#19) Maj. Williams led an escort from 1139 to 1412. LtCo!. Coen was originally to lead the mission, but while taxi-ing in the mud, he damaged his drop tank. Landfall was at 1212 near Walcheren with RlV coming southwest of Munchen at 1232. Shortly after this, near Louvain, two Fw 190's bounced Lt. Bailey (361 st). While he escaped with minor wounds, Lt. Price attacked the 190's, destroying one and probably destroying the second. The 360th saw five Fw 190's and Me 109's but did not engage them, while Capt. Wood (36 Ist) was bounced by a Me 109 which failed to register any hits. The bombers were left at 1305 near Thourout and the P-47's crossed out at 1312 between Dunkirk and Nieuport. White Flight of the 361 sl also escorted five stragglers then crossed out in the Dunkirk-Calais area. (1-1-0 air)
(5-2-2 air) (5 lost)
359th: 360th:
361 st:
Line-up Baccus, Beach, Hull, Smith, Rann White, Richason, Peet, Craig (others are unknown) Williams, Cota, Cook, Fletcher Bennett, Garvey, Withers, L' Heureux Ellingson, McCullough, McLaughlin, Borelli Adams, Maxwell, Vitali, Brock, Asbridge Coen, Malmstrom, Korhorn, Martin Tucker, Perrin, Campbell, Von Holzhausen Wood, Bailey, Vangos Hyde, Metzger, Hewett, Dendle
359th: Sqn 359th:
360th:
361st:
Claims
Location
Maj. D.A. Baccus
Me 109 dest(air)
NEMeppel
Capt. E.J. While
Me 109 dest(air)
NEMeppel
Lt. J.B. Smith
Me 109 dest(air)
NEMeppel
Me 109 prob(air)
NEMeppel
Lt. G.B. Peet
Me 109 dam(air)
NEMeppel
Lt. L.F. Richason
Me 109 dam(air)
NE Meppel
Lt. R.R. Withers
Me 109 dest(air)
Meppel
Capt. J.H. Bennett
Me 109 prob(air)
Meppel
Lt. A.M. Metzger
Me 109 dest(air)
Meppel
Line-up Coen, Baccus, Rubner* (olhers are unknown) Williams, Cook, Johnson, Kress Withers, Walters, Hockmeyer, McCullough McLaughlin, Garvey, Vitali, Dunn Borelli, Ellingson, McHale, Maxwell Montgomery, Waller, Racine, McDowell Hyde, Jack, Perrin, Campbell Porter, Erickson, Johnson*, Gansberg Price, Bailey, Strait, Hayden
360th:
36 Jst:
13
Line-up Baccus, Vossler, Henry, Conroy Burke, Cook (360th), Smith, Wadlow White, Brearley, Cotter, Rann Holm, Holtz, Weber, Bradshaw, Johnson (361 st) Malmstrom, Vitali, Parker, Maxwell Adams, Kress, Ellingson Williams, Borelli, Evans, Fletcher Johnson, Koczak, Hockmeyer, Walters L' Heureux, Brock Montgomery, Alexander, Hayden, Porter Wood, Jack, Price, Dendle
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Montgomery', Jack', Perrin, Dendle Wood, Strait, Hyde, Korhorn
Waller, Strait, Johnson, Vangos Bailey, Perrin, Campbell, Von Holzhausen Claims
Sqn 361st:
Lt. J.T. Price
Location
Fw 190 dest(air)
Brussels-Louvain
Fw 190 prob(air)
Brussels·Louvain
December 5 (#20) LlCo!. Coen led a withdrawal support from 1040 to 1302. The planes made landfall at 1123 near Le Treport and RJV'd at 1155 in the Rambouillet area. Escort was broken at landfallout, Le Treport, at 1218. The 360th spotted seven Me 110's but the Germans turned away before contact.
December 13 (#22) LtCo!. Coen was in the lead for an escort from 1101 to 1339. Landfall was north ofIjmuiden at 1200 with RJV at 1234 near Heede. The bombers were then left over Den Helder at 1246 and the P-4Ts headed home. Lt. Henry (359th) saw a Me 109 near Egmond but lost it after a short chase. Line-up
359th:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Baccus, Bradshaw, Smith, Earnhart Thorne, Ogden, Knudsen, Henry Burke, Rubner, Holtz, Craig White, Brearley, Cotter, Rann Wadlow, Conroy(spares) Williams, McHale, Parker', Niemi' Cota', Walters, Withers, L'Heureux Evans, Johnson, Borelli, Ellingson Halverson, Fletcher, McCullough, Koczak Coen, Johnson, Hewett, Korhorn Wood, Gansberg, Porter, Leyser Montgomery, Jack, Racine, Campbell Waller, Erickson, Price, Hyde
360th:
361 st:
December 16 (#23) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1220 to 1514. On the way out from England, Lt. James T. Price (361 st) spun-in northeast of Felixstowe, the victim of either mechanical problems or becoming disoriented in the overcast. According to the 361st diary, "The approximate course on take-off was 120 degress and Lt. Price was !lying tightly on his (Lt. Hewett) wing. About 500 feet off the ground, Lt. Hewett noticed Lt Price lower his wheels then pull them up again, then
December 11 (#21) LlCo!. Coen led a withdrawal support from 1110 to 1400. Landfall came at 1230 south of Tessel1sland and RJV was accomplished southwest of Groningen at 1250. After crossing out over Egmond, the bombers were left in mid-Channel at
1316. A pair of Fw 190's were seen by lhe 360th and two Me 110's were sighted by the 359th, but no contact was made.
he entered the overcast and noticed Lt. Price on his wing for about one minute. Upon coming out of the overcast he could not locate Lt. Price."
The rest of the planes crossed in al 1320 near Ijmuiden with RJV coming at 1340. The heavies were left over Tessel Island at 1410 after an uneventful trip. (llost)
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Baccus, Krieger, Henry, Burke Ogden, Earnhart, Meholic, Conriy Thome, Engel, Holm, Holtz While, Bradshaw, O'Barr, Richason Farmer(spare) Coen, L'Heureux, Hockmeyer, Maxwell Williams, W. Johnson, Parker, Cook Evans, McCullough, McHale, Vilali Adams, Borelli, McLaughlin, Hall Waller, Leyser, Erickson, Jack Wood, Korhom, Racine, Von Holzhausen Hyde, Hayden, Price, Tuckey Porter, Dendle, Vangos, Johnson
Coen, Bradshaw, Baccus, Peet Malmstrom, Burke, Henry, Rubner Thorne, Engel, Holm, Holtz Ogden, Knudsen, Weber, Brown Rann, Meholic, Smith(spares) Williams, Cook, Cota, Garvey G. Johnson, Hockmeyer, W. Johnson, Koczak Halverson, L'Heureux, McCullough, Niemi Vitali, Walters, Brock, Dunn, Borelli' Waller, Leyser, McDowell, Hayden Porter, Campbell, Hewett, Tuckey'
Line-up
359th:
Baccus, Henry, Farmer, Brown Burke, Holm, Holtz, Weber Thome, Peet, Knudsen, Ogden
360th:
/4
White, Bradshaw, O'Barr, Rann Rubner, Earnhart(spares) G. Johnson, Cook, L'Heureux, McCullough Evans, Hockmeyer, Koczak, Withers
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1I
361sl:
Maxwell, Vitali, McLaughlin, Borelli McHale, Walters, Brock, Hall Malmstrom, Hyde, Gansberg, Gibson Hewett, Price, Korhom, Johnson, Waller, Perrin, Racine Coen, Wood, Strait, Vangos
36lst:
December 20 (#24) LtCol. Coen led an escort from 1037 to 1315. The planes made landfall at I 132 south of Den Helder with RN at 1315 south of Groningen. While forming up with the bombers, a B24 collided with Capt. Paul H. Hyde (36Ist) and both aircraft
Halverson, Koczak, McCullough, Fletcher Hall(spare) Waller, Leyser, Perrin, Jack Hyde, Alexander, Bailey, Tuckey, Montgomery, Von Holzhausen, Hewett, Gibson Korhom, Strait, Erickson, Racine
December 21 (#25) LtCo!. Coen led a sweep from 1045 to 1319. Landfall was made at 1135 near Le Treport and the pilots swept the Amiens-Cambrai-Le Treport area. Everyone later crossed out north of Dieppe at 1212.
spun down out of control. FlO Alexander later wrote, "I was flying White #2, the
Line-up
wing of Capt. Paul H. Hyde, White #1. We broke through the overcast before we hit the enemy coast, in the vicinity of Den Helder, flying a course of 80 degrees, and still climbing to a height of 25,000 feet. At approximately 1115 hours I noticed a 8-24 approaching from about I o'clock, 200 or 300 feet below, apparently being attacked by a P-47 from the rear. About 800 yards before it reached us, it started a gentle turn to the starboard, and at about 300 yards, it pulled up sharply in front of our formation and straight at Capt. Hyde. I saw the B-24 pull up and I pulled back on the control sharply, thus avoiding collision with the B-24. Between the time the B-24 pulled up and hit Capl. Hyde, I had no time to warn him. There was a terrific explosion and a tremendous cloud of black smoke and flame. The 8-24 was missing its port wing from inboard of the inboard engine and was cartwheeling down when I last saw it. All I could see of Capt. Hyde's ship was the motor with the prop intact and approximately four to six feet of the fuselage attached to the motor. It made a gentle spiral dive down. The 8-24 hit Capt Hyde with the port wing approximately where the leading edge of the starboard wing joins the fuselage. No
359th:
360th:
361 Sl:
Baccus, Weber, Richason, Peet Burke, Vossler, Smith, Earnhart Thome, Holtz, Meholic, Brown White, Bradshaw, Engel, Rann Cotter(spare) Coen, Adams, Williams, Kress Halverson, Garvey, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Evans, Borelli, Cook, Ellingson Parker, Brock, W. Johnson, Maxwell CotaCspare) Waller, Hayden, Erickson, Alexander Wood, Korhom, Perrin, Tuckey Montgomery, Gansberg, McDowell, Leyser Porter, Gibson, Von Holzhausen, Johnson
December 22 (#26) LtCo!. Coen led an escort from 1302 to 1546. Landfall was made at 1349 north of Gravelines with RN following at 1413. The bombers were left at 1455 near Herstaar and the group crossed out near ljmuiden at 1500.
chutes were seen to open from either plane."
The bombers were left southwest of Oldenburg at 1156 and the pilots crossed out near ljmuiden at 1215. After reaching England, Ll. Koczak (360th) bellied-in at Bromeswell but
Line-up
359th:
was unhurt.
(J lost)
360th:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
Coen, Wadlow, Burke, Ogden Krieger, Meholic. Cotter, Richason Thorne, Craig, Brearley White, Bradshaw, Engel, Rann Williams, Kress, Walters, Dunn Parker, Maxwell, Vitali, Niemi Withers, Ellingson, W. Johnson, McLaughlin
361 st:
/5
Baccus, O'Barr, Brown, Rubner Burke, Vossler, Craig, Peet Thome, Ogden, Engel, Rann Holm, Knudsen, Meholic, Wadlow Bradshaw(spare) Williams, McHale, Withers, Niemi Cora, Dunn, Kress, L'Heureux Evans, Ellingson, W. Johnson, Borelli Halverson, Garvey, Hockmeyer, Koczak Brock(spare) Coen, Krieger, Bailey, Hayden Porter, Vangos, Erickson, Tuckey Waller, Von Holzhausen, Strait, Alexander Johnson, Gansberg, McDowell, Jack
The 3561h Fighler Group ill World War /I
Deeember 27 (#27) LlCol. Coen led an area palrol from 1245 to 1535. The planes crossed in southwest of as tend at 1313 and patrolled the Arras-Le Touquet area until 1430. A trio of 361st P-47's (Montgomery, Tuckey, Erickson) were hit by flak and went home early, and the rest of the group crossed out at 1442 near Berck-Sur-Mer.
Escort was broken at 1350 and while most of the group crossed out near Dieppe at 1415, the 361st made landfall-out at 141 I near Fecamp. (0-0-1 air) (2 lost) Line-up
359th: 359th:
360th:
361 st:
Coen, Meholic, Burke, Brown Baccus, 0' Barr, Henry, Rubner Thorne, Craig, Holm, Holtz White, Bradshaw, Cotter, Rann Engel, Farmer, Peet, Breariey(spares) Williams, Cota, Kress, Walters Fletcher, Garvey, Hockmeyer, Hall
Baccus, Brown', Smith, W. Brown Cotter, Bradshaw, 0' Barr, Richason
Line-up
Thorne, Vossler, Craig, Peet Holm, Holtz, Meholic, Conroy Burke, Collins, Rubner, Rann • - J.R. Brown was a D.S. pilot from the 362nd Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force 360th: Coen, Fletcher, McCullough, Koczak Kress, Withers, L'Heureux, Borelli
Parker, Niemi, Maxwell, Dunn
Evans, McLaughlin, Cook, Ellingson
Evans, McLaughlin, Cook, Borelli Waller, Hayden, Racine, Leyser Wood, Vangos, Bailey, Gansberg
Parker, Niemi, Vitali, Brock Walters(spare) 361st:
Montgomery, Erickson, Tuckey, Hewett Porter, Gibson, Perrin, Johnson
Waller, Erickson, Porter, Perrin Montgomery, Hewett, Tuckey, Bailey Racine, Jack, Gansberg, Gibson
Von Holzhausen, Alexander(spares)
Wood, Leyser, Dendle, Korhorn Vangos, Hayden
December 30 (#28) LlCol. Coen led a withdrawal support from 1220 to 1515. The pilots crossed in northeast of Dunkirk at 1240 and made RN at 1324. Shortly before picking the bombers up near Sr. Menehould, a number of Fw 190's were spotted. Several 359th
Sqll
359th:
Maj. D.A. Baccus
Claims
Locll/ion
Fw 190 dam(air)
NE 51. Menehould
December 31 (#29) LlCol. Coen led an area patrol from 1040 to 1316. The planes crossed in east of Dunkirk at 1120 and patrolled the
pilots fired on targets but only one Focke Wulf was damaged
(Capt. Burke and Lt. Cotter claimed Fw 190's damaged but these were later rejected). Near Montdidier, FlO Everett L. Brock (360th) and Lt. William R. Hayden (361 st) collided and both fliers were killed. Capt. Wood later filed this report, "I was leading Molecoat Green Section on the mission of30 December 1943. At 1350, just after the group had made at 180 degree turn to go along the
Lille-Paris area without incident. The group later crossed out
at 1235 near St. Valery. Line-up
359th:
Baccus, Ogden, Craig, Brown White, Bradshaw, O'Barr, Richason Thorne, Conroy, Holm, Holtz Cotter, Brearley, Smith, Earnhart
360th:
Williams, Parker, Vitali, Niemi' Ellingson, Halverson, Garvey, McCullough W. Johnson, McLaughlin, Cook, Hall Borelli', Kress, Withers, Dunn Adams, Walters(spares) Coen, Porter, Parham, Korhorn Wood, Bailey, Vangos, Alexander Waller, Strait, Hewett, Jack Montgomery, Tuckey, Gibson, Thwaites Voo Holzhausen, Leyser(spares)
bomber track, I was flying to the left rear of the last section of Plaster Squadron. A lone P-47 traveling 180 degrees to us tried
to make a sharp 180 degree turn to join the end of the last section of Plaster Squadron. I observed a large portion of wing fall off one of the airplanes. One ship immediately went into
Krieger, Farmer, Meholic
an uncontrolled spin. This plane was last seen as it spun into
the overcast. The other ship did a snap roll when it was hit and then glided straight ahead, losing altitude rapidly. I lost sight of the ship after it had lost about 4,000 feet of altitude. This
361 st:
collision occurred approximately over Soissons_ I was flying
at 23,000 feet and on the same level as the ships that collided."
16
The 356th Fighter Group in World War /I
January 4, 1944 (#30) LlCol. Coenled a withdrawal support from 1016 to 1221. The planes made landfall at 1051 near the Hook of Holland and RIY took place at 1103 south of Mook. The spares turned back here and one of them, Lt. Bradshaw (359th), ran across two Me 109's near Nijmegen. No damage was done to either side and Bradshaw returned home without problem. The bombers were taken to Walcheren and left there at landfall-out at 1125.
359th:
360th:
361 sl:
Line-up Coen, Krieger, Craig*, Peet Baccus, Brearley, Engel*, Wadlow Holm, Holtz, Ogden, Rann Burke, Collins, Smith, Farmer Bradshaw, Rubner, Meholic(spares) Williams, Niemi, Parker, Maxwell Kress, Adams, L' Heureux, Dunn Evans, Ellingson, W. Johnson, Borelli Halverson, Fletcher, Hockmeyer, Koczak Cook, Hall(spares) Waller, Vangos, McDowell, Alexander Wood, Gansberg, Bailey, Dendle Montgomery, Thwaites, Johnson, Gibson Porter, Parham, Strait, Perrin Leyser, Racine, Von Holzhausen
Also during the day, a number of practice flights were undertaken. According to the 359th diary, aLt. Ray C. Fortner, a new pilot, was killed in a crash near Witnesham, five miles north of Ipswich during his first orientation t1ight." (1 killed)
360th:
361st:
Sqn 361s(:
Lt. T.F. Bailey
Claims
Location
Fw 190 prob(air)
Sf Liege
January 7 (#32) LlCol. Coen led a withdrawal support from 0954 to 1231. Landfall came at l03l over the Hook of Holland and the bombers were met near Heusden at 1042. The group later broke near Mayenne at 1111, and while heading out, Lt. William F. Brown (359th) was hit by flak near Aachen. The 359th diary stated, "His plane was hit by flak near Aachen. He continued with his formation for a distance of approximately eighty miles before he announced over the Rff that his oil was gone and that he would have to bailout. Before bailing out Lt. Brown shouted, 'Good Luck!' to his formation." Evidently Brown's luck ran out, as he was later reponed to have been killed on the ground by angry civilians. The remainder of the PATs crossed out near Walcheren at 1155. (1 lost) Line-up Baccus, J.R. Brown#*, Ogden, Knudsen Thorne, Conroy", Meholic, Wadlow Cotter, Brearley, Engel, Richason Holm, Holtz, W. Brown, Collins • - D.S. pilot from 362nd FIr Grp, 9th Air Force 360th: Williams, Koczak, Halverson, Fletcher Kress, Adams, Withers, Walters Evans, McLaughlin, Johnson, Ellingson Parker, Dunn, Vitali, Hockmeyer Cota, Cook(spares) 36lst: Coen, Campbell, Erickson, Jack Hewett, Thwaites, Perrin, Parham Waller, Von Holzhausen, Strait, Alexander Tuckey, McDowell 359th:
January 5 (#31) LtCol. Coen was up front on a withdrawal support from 1128 to 1402. The pilots crossed in at 1158 near Knocke and made RIY southwest of Aachen at 1228. Just after RIY, a Fw 190 was seen attacking a lone B-17 south of Liege. Eight 361st pilots bounced the 190, and even though a wing was seen to snap off, it was credited only as a probable. The bombers were later left near Antwerp and the group crossed out at 1305.
(0·1·0 air)
359th:
Coen, Parker, Williams, Niemi W. Johnson, Garvey, Hockmeyer, Koczak Evans, Fletcher, Cook, Borelli Kress, Dunn, Withers, Adams Waller, Vangos, Bailey, Gibson Porter, Parham, McDowell, Tuckey Wood, Thwaites, Racine, Johnson Perrin, Dendle, Von Holzhausen, Gansberg Alexander(spare)
Line-up Thorne, Vossler, Smith, Henry White, Brearley, O'Barr, Conroy Engel, Brown, Farmer, Rann Rubner, Meholic, Wadlow, Cotter Richason(spare)
January 11 (#33) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a penetration support from 0951 to 1225. The planes crossed in at 1034 nOith of Ijmuiden and made RlV at 1046. Escort was given until 1100 in the Lingen area then the group orbitted until heading out at 1137 near The
17
The 356th Fighter Group it! World War Il
Hague. Right before breaking off, 15-20 enemy fighters bounced Red Flight of the 359th, and in tum, White Flight engaged these. Capt. White chased a Me 109 to 14,000 feet and probably destroyed it, while Lt. Rann fired on another but scored no hits. In addition, Capt. Evans and Lt. Kress (360th) claimed a Me 109 and Me 210, respectively, as damaged but
360th: 361 Sl:
Coen*, Kress (two others are unknown)
Waller, Perrin, Racine, Alexander Porter, Leyser*
Sqll 359th:
neither claim was allowed. (0-1-0 air) 361st:
Claims
Location
Maj. D.A. Baccus
(.5)Me II0dest(air) $teinhudcr Lake
Lt. J.B. Smith
Ju 88 dest(air)
Lt. J.H. Wadlow
(.5)Me 110 dest(air) Steinhuder Lake
Lt. R.W. Racine
Me 110 dest(air)
$tcinhudcr Lake
NW Hanover
Line·up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Malmstrom, Bradshaw, Ogden, Knudsen Thorne, Vossler, Cotter, Peet White, Brearley, Rann, Richason Henry, Rubner, Weber, Collins Williams, Vitali, Parker, Dunn Halverson, Garvey, McCullough, Koczak Evans, Cook, W. Johnson, McLaughlin Cota, Walters, Withers, Adams Kress, Borelli(spares) Montgomery, Thwaites, Johnson, Tuckey
January 14 (#35) LtCo!' Coen led an area patrol from 1413 to 1707. The planes made landfall east of Dunkirk at 1443 and arrived in the Arras area at 1455. From there they patrolled the Lille-AlbertCambrai-Bethunne area. At 1537, near Arras, a single Me 109 bounced the 359th and shot down Lt. Robert B. Conroy. The rest of the group later erossed out at 1624 near Gravelines. The 360th spares made the only claims on the mission as they strafed and damaged a minelayer north of Gravelines on their way home. (llost)
Hewett, Fremaux, Erickson, Jack
Wood, Korhorn, Bailey, Gibson Strait, Parham, McDowell, Gansberg
Line-up
359th: Sqll
359th:
Capt. EJ. White
Baccus, Knudsen, Meholic, Wadlow
Claims
Locatioll
White, Cotter, Rann, Henry
Me 109 prob(air)
Lingen
Thorne, Conroy, Holtz, Collins Burke, Vossler, Smith, Ogden
January 11 (#34) After LtCo!. Coen aborted, Maj. Baccus led a small force on a withdrawal support from 1150 to 1450. The pilots crossed in at 1231 and proceeded to the Steinhuder Lake area. 40-50
360th:
Coen, Koczak, Williams, Garvey Malmstrom, McHale, Vitali, Niemi
Gennans were seen and a number were engaged with 3 being
claimed as destroyed. Lt. Rolland W. Racine (361st) had downed a Me I 10 then was last seen heading east back toward
361 st:
Cota, Withers, Kress, Walters Evans, Stratford, Cook, Borelli Fletcher, McCuliough(spares) Waller, Fremaux, McDowell, Gansberg Krieger, Jack, Erickson, Leyser
the enemy fighters and he failed to return. The remaining P-
Montgomery*, Johnson, Porter, Gibson
47's made landfall-out at 1420. Lt. Smith of the 359th filed this report about Lt. Racine, "...we engaged in combat at about 23,000 feet in this vicinity
Wood, Korhorn, Strait, Campbell Hewett, Bailey(spares)
(Hanover-author) and I became separated from my section. I
January 21 (#36) LtCo!. Malmstrom led an area patrol from 1307 to 1603. Landfall came east of Dunkirk at 1342 and at that point, Maj. Montgomery aborted. As he headed home, two Me 109's bounced him northeast of Dunkirk. He managed to damage one before they broke off. The rest of the group arrived in the Arras area at 1355 and swept the Lille-Cambrai area. Some 359th pilots attacked St. Leger Airfield and hit a Ju 88 in the
was heading west at 21 ,000 feet, looking for my section, when I saw a lone P-47 come zooming up. It was QI-V and 1joined him. After a few moments he suddenly made a 180 degree rturn to the left and headed easterly in a 45 degree di ve, going very
fast. I started to follow but could see nothing to the east, so I again turned west and proceeded alone." (3-0-0 air) (llost)
359th:
air and a Fw 190 on the ground. Meanwhile, the 361st flew
Line-up
over Cambrai Airfield and knocked down another Ju 88. The 360th saw a trio of Fw 190's near Cambrai but made no con-
Baccus, Wadlow, Burke, Smith
tact. After reforming, everyone crossed out at 1533 near
Blankenberge. /8
Tile 356tll Fighter Group in World War /I
361 st:
(1-1-1 air) (0-1 groulld) Line-lip
Malmstrom, Campbell, Vangos, Tuckey Waller, Gibson, Engelhorn, Fremaux, Strait Montgomery, Von Holzhausen, Perrin, Parham Wood, Korhorn, McDowell, Gansberg, Thwaites
359th:
Thorne, Earnhart, Fanner, J.R. Brown·* White*, Bradshaw, Engel, Smith Krieger, Weber*, Holm, Holtz Coen, Burke, Henry, Vossler Peet, Rann(spares) • - D.S. pilot from the 362nd Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force 360th: Kress, Stratford, Ellingson, McLaughlin Cota, Dunn, Withers, L'Heureux Halverson, McCullough, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Parker, Vitali, Niemi, Maxwell Borelli(spare) 361st: Malmstrom, Fremaux, Korhorn, Jack Waller, Parham, Campbell, Tuckey Montgomery*, Gibson, Porter, Von Holzhausen Bailey, McDowell, Thwaites, Hewett Sqll
Claims
HdQts:
LtCo!. O.H. Coen
(.5)Fw 190 dam{grd) 51. Leger
FlO R.O. Vossler
Ju 88 prob(air)
Lt. J.D. Henry
(.5)Fw 190 dam(grd) 5t. Leger
Lt. S.H. Hewett
(.5)Ju 88 dest(air)
Cambrai
Lt. D.F. Thwaites
(.5)Ju 88 dest(air)
Cambrai
Maj. E.H. Montgomery Me 109 dam(air)
Line-lip
359th:
Location
359th: 361st:
January 24 (#38) LlCo!. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 0936 to 1240. Crossing in at 1007 over Nieuwe Sluis, RlV came east of Malmedy at 1030. The heavies were taken past Antwerp and escort was broken at I 124 between Ghent and the coast. 30-plus Germans were engaged in the Brussels area and later, near Antwerp, 8 more were hit. When the fights were over, the 356th had registered its best day thus far. 00-0-4 air)
360th:
51. Leger
361 st:
NE Dunkirk
January 23 (#37) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a dive-bombing effort from 1534 to 1733. The 359th put up I I "bombers" and 8 escorts, the 360th had 12 "bombers" and 8 escorts, while the 36 Ist provided top cover. Landfall was made near Schouwen at 1608 and the pilots flew to Gilze-Rijen. Attacking the field from east to west, some hits were scored on the dispersal areas and southwest runway. The group later crossed out near Walcheren at 1645.
359th:
360th:
Baccus, Bradshaw, Krieger, Peet Henry, Farmer, Meholic, Wadlow White, Vossler, Ogden, Weber Burke, Brearley, Engel, Rann Holtz, Earnhart(spares) Coen, Stratford, W. Johnson, McLaughlin Malmstrom, Dunn, Kress, Walters G. Johnson, Maxwell, Vitali, Niemi Williams, Hall, McCullough, Fletcher Waller, Vangos, Erickson, Gansberg Wood, Korhorn. Strait, Bailey Montgomery, Von Holzhausen, Hewett, Fremaux Porter, Culp, McDowell, Tuckey Parham, Perrin Claims
Sqn
3601h:
Lt. C.A. Vitali
Maj. G.W. Johnson
LocatiOIl
(3)Fw 190 dest(air) NW Lille Fw 190 dam(air)
NW Lille
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Ypres
(.5)Fw 190 dam(air) NE Ypres Capt. 1.B. Stratford
Fw 190 dest(air)
SW Antwerp
Lt. WE. Johnson
Me 109 dest(air)
W/Bruges
Line-up
Lt. L.F. Kress
Me 109dest(air)
NE Litle
Caen, Burke, Henry, Rann Thorne, Holtz, Cotter, Engel }bombers Baccus, Brearley, O'Barr*, Bradshaw White, Peet, Farmer, Smith }fighters Meholic, Richason, Holtz, Vossler Williams, Ellingson, W. Johnson, Koczak Kress, Adams, Garvey, Fletcher )bombers G. Johnson, McHale, Vitali, iemi Halverson, Hall, Hockmeyer, Dunn }fighters Cota, Maxwell, McLaughlin, Stratford
Lt. WG. Maxwell
Fw 190 dest(air)
NlLille
(.5)Fw 190dam(air) NEYprcs Ll. A.Y. Niemi 361st:
Fw 190 dest(air)
N/LilIe
Fw 190 dam(air)
NlLilIe
Ll. M.F. Erickson
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air) Ghenl-Bruges
Ll. R.H. Gansberg
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air) Ghent-Bruges
Ll. S.H. Hewett
Fw 190 dam(air)
Bruges-Ostend
January 29 (#39) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from lOll to 1358. Landfall came at 1045 near Flushing and RN fol-
19
The 356/11 Fighter G,Vllp in World War /I
lowed west of Coblenz at I 125. The bombers were left at 1208 south of Louvain and moments later, two Fw 190's were seen. Lt. L'Heureux bounced them, scored hits on one, and it went down in flames. Everyone later crossed Ollt near Blankenberge at 1240 without problem, but Lt. Bradshaw (359th) crash-landed at Langham after he ran out of fuel.
January 30 (#41) Maj. Baccus led a small withdrawal support from 1259 to 1544. The P-4Ts made landfall at 1340 near Zandevoort and proceeded along the bomber track to Dummer Lake. They orbitted there until 1425, saw no aircraft of any kind, flew to Meppel, then crossed out near Schouwen at 1512.
(1-0-0 air)
Line-up Baccus, Brearley, Smith, Earnhart Hubbard', Bradshaw, Cotter, Rann Thome*, Peet*, Ogden*, Rubner* • - Wing pilot flying as an observer 360th: Williams. Adams, L'Heureux, Kress G. Johnson, Cook, W. Johnson, McLaughlin Halverson, Garvey, McCullough. Fletcher Parker, McHale. Vitali. iemi Dunn, Maxwell(spares) 361st: Malmstrom, Vangos, Johnson, Von Holzhausen Porter, Thwaites, Gansberg. Fremaux, Jack* Waller, Campbell, Parham, Gibson, LeyserStrait, Korhorn, McDowell, Erickson*
359th:
359th:
Sql1
360th:
Lt. R.C. L'Heureux
Claims
Locarioll
Fw 190dest(air)
LOllvain
360th: 361 st:
January 31 (#42) LtCo!. Coon led a penetration support from 1302 to 1524. Landfall came at 1339 with RN following at 1344 northwest of Dieppe. The bombers were left west of Manford at 1430 with landfall near Calais at 1440. Due to bad weather. most of the pilots landed at Manston.
359th:
360th: January 30 (#40) LtCo!. Coen led a penetration support from 1057 to 1412. Landfall came south of The Hague at 1135 and the main force of B-24's was never found, A few B-1 Ts were taken to Dummer Lake where they were left at 1230, then landfall-out came at 1335 near Schouwen.
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Baccus, Holm, Holtz Burke, Smith, Ogden none Malmstrom, Montgomery, Strait, Jack
361 st:
Line-up Coen, Collins, Brearley, Knudsen Engel, Wadlow, Rann, Weber Thorne, Vossler, 0' Barr, Peet Henry, Earnhart, Burke*, Smith* Williams, Koezak, Hockmeyer, Hall Parker, Niemi, Vitali, Maxwell Evans, Cook, McLaughlin, Stratford* Kress, McHale. L'Heureux, Adams* Waller, Hewett, Johnson, Von Holzhausen Korhorn, Perrin, Campbell-, McDowell Gibson, Vangas. Tuckey* Wood, Fremaux, Porter, Leyser Bailey, Gansberg(relays)
Line-up Coen, Smith, Ogden, Wadlow Henry, Meholic, Holm, Holtz Thorne, Earnhart*, O'Barr, Peet Krieger, Collins*, Engel, Rann Malmstrom, Koczak, McCullough, Garvey G, Johnson, Borelli, Ellingson, McLaughlin Cota, L' Heureux. Kress, Stratford Vitali, Maxwell, McHale, Niemi Waller, Erickson. Gibson, Vangos* Wood, Johnson, Strait, Korhorn Hewell, Perrin, Tuckey Porter, Bailey, Fremaux, Gansberg
February 2 (#43) LlCo!. Coen led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1300 to 1521. RIV came at 1352 over the Channel wilh landfall at 1400 northwest of Dieppe. The bombers were taken to SI. Pol and then back out to the coast. Afler breaking, the pilots swept the area until landfall-out at 1423 north of Dunkirk.
359th:
360th:
20
Line-up Baccus, Collins. Holm, Holtz White, Brearley, Engel, Wadlow Thorne. Vossler, Cotter, Rann Krieger, O'Barr, Ogden, Earnhart Williams, Stratford, Ellingson, McLaughlin Cota, L'Heureux, Kress, Dunn G. Johnson, McHale, Vitali. Niemi Halverson, Hall, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Cook(spare)
The 356tll Fighter Group in World War JJ
361 st:
February 5 (#46) LtCo\. Malmstrom was up front on an escort from 0917 to 1243. Landfall came at 1007 near St. Valery and the B-24's were picked up at 1026 near Mammers. Escort was given until southeast of Blois at 1050 and the P-4Ts crossed out at 1140 near St. Valery. Maj. Baccus bounced a Fw i90 southwest of Vendome but made no claim. Returning to England, FlO Earnhart (359th) safely put-down at Manston while the rest of the group landed at home.
Coen, Thwaites, Johnson, Gibson Leyser, Erickson, Fremaux*, Campbell Wood, Korhorn, McDowell, Parham Montgomery*, Bailey, Tuckey, Vangos
February 3 (#44) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 0949
to 1307. Landfall came at 1030 north of Ijmuiden and RN was accomplished near Meppel at 1041. After an uneventful flight, the bombers were left over the orth Sea at 1123.
Line-up
359th:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 Sl:
Malmstrom, Farmer, Cotter, Brearley Baccus, Rann, O'BaIT, Peet Krieger, Vossler, White*, Bradshaw Burke, Smith*, Holm, Holtz Ogden, Collins*(spares) G. Johnson, Ellingson, W. Johnson, Cook Halverson, Hall, McCullough, Fletcher Williams, Maxwell, Vitali, McLaughlin Cota, Adams, Kress, Dunn Stratford, Koczak(spares) Montgomery, Bell, McDowell, Leyser* Porter, Perrin, Gibson, Fremaux Wood, Sai ley, Yon Holzhausen Hewett, Thwaites, Johnson Korhorn, Parham(relays)
360th:
361sl:
February 6 (#47) LtCo!. Coen led an escort from 1057 to 1427. On takeoff, Lt. Collins (359th) suffered mechanical failure and safely crash-landed at Manston. The rest ofthe group crossed in northeast of Dunkirk at 1133 and made RN at 1215 west of Troyes. The bombers were later left at 1250 near Etampes and just after breaking, two Fw 190'5 were spotted near Dreux. One was shot down and two 361st pilots, Lt. Erickson and FlO Jack, strafed some flak towers near Soissons with poor results. Landfall-out then came southwest of Hon Fleur and Maj. Baccus landed at Bradwell Bay while Lts. Engel and O'Barr (359th) set down at Woodbridge.
February 4 (#45) LtCo!. Coen led a penetration support from 105410 1347. Landfall was near Walcheren at 1131 and RlV was made near Duren at 1155. The bombers were taken to Weisbaden and left there at 1212 as P-38's took over. All was quiet and everyone crossed out at 1300 near Overflakkee. Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 Sl:
Baccus, Richason, Craig, Weber Henry, Knudsen, Brearley*, Collins Thorne, Rann, Holm, Holtz White, Bradshaw, Engel, Earnhart Williams, McHale, Niemi, Maxwell Cota, Kress, Borelli, Green G. Johnson, Hockmeyer, Fletcher, Koczak Evans, W. Johnson, Ellingson, Cook Malmstrom, Fremaux, Campbell, Gibson Porter, Yoakum, McDowell, Parham, Gansberg Montgomery, Bell, Bailey, Strait Hewett, Thwaites, Tuckey*, DeMerit, Vangos
Thome, Richason, Holm, Holtz Engel, Rann. Henry*, Craig* Burke, Knudsen, Farmer, Weber Ogden(relay) Caen, Maxwell, Vitali, Garvey Malmstrom, Koczak, Halverson, Hall W. Johnson, McLaughlin, Ellingson, Borelli Fletcher, McHale(spares) Waller, Von Holzhausen, Leyser, Gansberg Porter, Yoakum, Campbell, Thwaites Montgomery*, Bell, Johnson, DeMerit Strait, Tuckey, Hewett, Parham
(1-0-0 air) Line-up
359th:
360th:
21
Coen, Wadlow, Burke, Earnhart Malmstrom, Craig, Ogden, Weber* Thorne, Richason, Cotter, Farmer White, Brearley, Engel, O'Barr Baccus, Collins*(spares) Williams, Maxwell, McHale, Green G. Johnson, Adams, L' Heureux, Dunn Evans, Borelli, W. Johnson, Stratford Halverson*, Fletcher, Hockmeyer, Hall Ellingson, McLaughlin(spares)
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
361st:
Wood, DeMerit, Perrin, Parham Campbell, Bell, Korhorn, Tuckey Strait, Yoakum, Erickson, Jack Porter, Vangos, Fremaux, McDowell
Sqll 361st:
Lt. OJ. Strait
Claims
Location
Fw 190 dest(air)
Paris-Soissons
• - D.S. pilot from the 365th Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force 360th: Williams, Adams, Kress, Dunn Parker, Green, iemi, Walters Evans, McLaughlin, W. Johnson, Ellingson Hockmeyer, Hall, McCullough, Garvey 361 st: Coen, Jack, Perrin, Yoakum Malmstrom*, Campbell*, Gibson*, Leyser* Strait, Parham, Johnson, Bell Wood, DeMerit, McDowell, Vangos
February 8 (#48) LtCol. Malmstrom led a penetration support from 1007 to 1302. Landfall was at 1035 near Ostend with RN at 1104
Sqn
southwest of Malmedy. The bombers were taken to northwest
HdQlS:
of Linburg and left there at 1125. The group later crossed out north of Dunkirk from 1218 to 1224.
359'h:
359th:
361st:
Claims
Locatioll
Fw 190 dam(air)
NE Lingen Meppen
Maj. J.H. Thorne
Fw 190 dest(air)
Capt. EJ. White
(.33)Fw 190 dest(air) Meppcn
Lt. R.D. Bradshaw
(.33)Fw 190 dest(air) Mcppen
Line-up
Ll. G.W Engel
(.33)Fw 190 dest(air) Mcppcn
Baccus, Richason, Ogden, Weber Holm, Holtz, Craig, Earnhart
Lt. We. O· Barr
Fw 190 dam(air)
Meppen
Lt. WE. Johnson
Fw 190 dest(air)
Ruhlcrtwist
Lt. L.F. Kress
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air) Ruhlcrtwist
3601h:
Thorne. Vossler, Farmer
360th:
LtCol. O.H. Coen
Colter, Knudsen, O'Barr, Smith White, Bradshaw(relays) Malmstrom, McCullough, Halverson, Garvey
361st:
FlO C. W. Dunn
(.5)w 190 dest(air)
Capt. J.N. Wood
(1.5)Fw 190 dest(air) NE Lingen
Ruhlenwist
FlO J.Y. Jack
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Lingen
Cota, Walters, L'Heureux, Adams Williams, Maxwell, Parker, Niemi Evans, Stratford, Cook, McLaughlin
Lt. R.C. McDowell
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Lingen
Lt. J.P. Perrin
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Lingen
Fw 190 dam(air)
NE Lingen
Hall, Koczak(spares) Montgomery, Bell, Korhorn, Tuckey
Lt. DJ. Strait
Me 109 dest(air)
NE Lingen
Lt. M.W. DeMerit
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air) NE Lingen
Strait, Gansberg, Vangos, Leyser
Wood, DeMerit, Erickson, Thwaites Porter, Yoakum, Campbell, Fremaux
February 11 (#50) Maj. Krieger led a penetration support from 0905 to 1135. RlV came over the Channel at 0952 with landfall near Fecamp at 0956. The 360th was vectored towards bogies but nothing was seen and they crossed out at 1100 near Brilogne. The rest of the group broke from the bombers at 1039 near St. Valery and crossed out near Dieppe at 1100.
February 10 (#49) LtCol. Caen led a withdrawal support from 1123 to 1412. Landfall came at 1225 south of Bergen Alkmaar and the group then flew to Zwolle. From there they proceeded to the Lingen
area and made RlV at 1245. Escort was given until 1330 near Ijmuiden with landfall coming there. Near the RlV point, 40-
Line-up
359th:
plus Germans were engaged with the 361 st making claims
northeast of Lingen, the 359th near Meppen, and the 360th near Ruhlertwist. On the debit side, Lt. Merrill W. DeMerit (361 st) was shot up and bailed out near Lingen. (l0-0-3 air) (llost)
360th:
COla, Walters, L' Heureux, Dunn
Evans, Fletcher, Hockmeyer, Koczak W. Johnson, Stratford, Cook, Borelli 361sl: Montgomery, l.R. Murphy', Korhorn, Fremaux Porter, Gansberg, Campbell, Thwaites McDowell, Gibson, Von Holzhausen, Tuckey Hewett, Johnson, Dendle, Leyser • - D.S. pilot from the 365th Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force
Line-up
359th:
Malmstrom, Mehollc, Burke, Weber White, Warren, Engel, Richason Thorne, Rann, Farmer, Brearley Henry, Rubner, Bradshaw, Wadlow Krieger, Maxwell, Parker, Niemi
Thome, J.R. Murphy', O'Barr, Vossler Burke*. Craig*, Farmer*, Peet
White, Bradshaw, Engel, Richason Holm, Mehollc*, Henry, Rubner* Cotter, Rann(spares)
22
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
February 11 (#51) LtCo!. Coen led a withdrawal support from 1207 to 1450. Landfall was at 1251 near Ostend and RlV followed northwest of Charleville. In the vicinity of Guise-Villiers, 20-plus Germans were engaged. Coen and Lt. Peet chased a Me 109 to the deck and destroyed it northwest of Charieville and others knocked down two Fw 190's. Capt. Byron A. Evans (360th) was last seen near St. Quentin and his loss was summed up in a short 360th entry, "Capt. Evans' aircraft was last seen chasing a Me 109 in a vertical dive entering a cloud layer at 6,000 feet." The bombers were taken out to the coast where landfall was made at 1400 near Le Treport, except for a 361st flight which crossed out at 1352 near Berck-Sur-Mer. (3-1-1 air) (1 lost)
Holzhausen (361st) also claimed a 190 as damaged but all three were later disallowed. Lt. Koczak (360th) became separated near Dieppe and he ran across a trio ofFw 190's hitting some B-I?'s. He destroyed one Focke Wulf and chased the others away before breaking off. Lt. Meholic (359th) had his hydraulics shot out by flak near Rouen and he safely crash-landed at Manston.
(6·0·3 air)
359th:
360th:
Line-up Cocn, Peet Baccus, Cotter, Holm, Holtz Thorne*, Clayborne*, Burke, Meholic White*, Farmer, Rann, Richason Henry, Wyatt, Bradshaw, Wadlow 360th: Williams, Maxwell, Parker, Niemi Kress, Adams, L'Heureux, Walters Evans, Fletcher, Bockmeyer, Koczak W. Johnson, Stratford, Cook, Borelli 361st: Montgomery, J.R Murphy~, Korhorn*, Fremaux McDowell, Gansberg, Campbell, Leyser, Parham Porter, Gibson, Von Holzhausen, Tuckey Hewett, Dendle, Perrin, Johnson, Thwaites* • - D.S. pilot from the 365th Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force
359th:
36 J sl:
Line-up Thorne, Vossler, Craig, Peet Krieger, Richason, Henry, Weber Burke, O'Barr, Engel, Wadlow Holm, Farmer, Meholic, Earnhart Rann, Bradshaw, Warren *(spotters) Coen, Borelli, Ellingson, Stratford Parker, Maxwell, Niemi, Green Kress, L'Heureux, Walters, Adams McCullough, Koczak, Fletcher, Hall Montgomery, Leyser, Korhorn, Parham Wood, Bell, Hewett, Thwaites Waller*, Vangos, Von Holzhausen, Dendle Porter, Yoakum, Johnson, Jack
Sqn 360th:
36lst:
Claims
Location
Lt. B.E. Ellingson
Me 109 dest(air)
Chartres
Lt. A.S. Koczak
Fw 190 dest(air)
Dieppe
Lt. w.G. Maxwell
Fw 190 dest(air)
Chartres
Lt. H.D. Parker
Fw 190 dest(air)
Chartres
Lt. P.E. McCullough Fw 190 dam(air)
Chartres
Lt. S.H. Hewett
SE Paris
(2)Fw 190 dam(air) SE Paris Lt. D.F. Thwaites
Sqn
Claims
Me 109 dest(air)
SW Paris
Location
HdQlS:
LtCol. a.H. Coen
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) NW Charleville
359th:
Lt. G.B. Peet
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) NW Charleville
360,h,
Lt. P.E. McCullough Fw 190 dest(air)
3615t:
Me 109 dest(air)
February IS (#53) LtCo!. Coen led a dive-bombing mission from 1300 to 1513. The group made landfall at 1345 near Nieuport and upon reaching the target area, discovered it totally obscured by clouds. Heading home, the field at Coxyde was hit with only a few bombs landing near a runway. Landfall was then made at 1429 from Ostend to Dunkirk.
MarIe
Fw 190 prob(air)
S/Albert
Ll. C.J. Garvey
Fw 190 dest(air)
S/Albert
Lt. J.P. Perrin
Fw 190 dam(air)
Charlevillc
February 13 (#52) LtCo!. Coen led a Type-16 Control from 1345 to 1635. The planes crossed in at 1430 near Le Treport then were vectored to the Chartres area where 20-plus fighters were engaged. Five kills were registered then the P-47's were vectored to Amiens but nothing further was seen before landfall-out at 1556 near Le Treport. Lts. Weber and Henry (359th) claimed a Fw 190 and Me 109, respectively, as damaged, while Lt. Von
Line-up 359th: Thorne, Vossler, Rann, Wadlow Holm, Brearley*, Holtz, Richson }bombers Cotter, Meholic, Bradshaw Coen, J.Auton', O'Barr }fighters White, Engel, Smith , - CO of the 65th Fighter Wing
23
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War 1I
360th:
361st:
Williams, Koczak, McCullough, Hall' }bombers Cota, L'Heureux, Withers, Dunn W. Johnson, Borelli, Cook, Ellingson Parker, Maxwell, Niemi }fighters Fletcher, Vitali, Green Malmstrom, Vangos, Von Holzhausen, Tuckey Montgomery', Erickson, Strait, McDowell }bombers Waller', Campbell, Parbam, Thwaites Bailey, Yoakum, Culp }fighters Leyser, Jack, Johnson'
Lin.e~llp
359th:
360th:
Krieger, McLaughlin, Cook, Ellingson
361s1:
Waller, Culp, Erickson, Leyser Strait, Yoakum, Bailey, Jack February 21 (#56) LtCol. Malmstrom led an escort from 1213 to 1545. Landfall came at 1309 near Noordwijerhout and RlV was made. oorthwest of Minden at 1356. Several flights took one box of bombers past Hanover and broke at 1412 while the rest broke from their heavies west of Oldenburg. Near Hanover, 20-plus Me I09's were engaged by parts of the 359th and 361 st and Lt. Thomas Von Holzhausen (36Ist) was last seen in this fight. His loss was recorded as follows: "Lt. Von Holzhausen helped to engage a formation of Me 109's. He and his element leader
February 20 (#54) LtCol. Malmstrom led a penetration support from 1044 to 1326. Landfall came south of Ijmuiden at 1137 with RN at 1150 northeast of Zwolle. The bombers were left io the Lingen area at 1215 and the group crossed out near Bergen Alkmaar at 1241. Lt. Weber (359th) hit some trees while landing at Ipswich, aod while totally demolishing his P-47, he walked away with-
turned into two Me I09's with Lt. Von Holzhausen wide and to the right of his element leader in a left turn. The turn came so
out injury.
steep that the element leader lost sight of Von Holzhausen. He was not seen after this. The leader observed approximately 15 Me 109's in a gaggle above them but did not believe the enemy aircraft were near enough to fire at Lt. Von Holzhausen. No Rtf was received by group planes, base, or wing control-
Lille~llp
Baccus, Wyatt', O'Barr, Smith Henry, Rubner, Engel*, Richason Thorne, Warren, Cotter, Rann*
360th:
Holm, Craig, Holtz, Weber Brearley, Meholic(spares) Williams, Withers, Kress, Walters
ler."
One flight of the 360th ran across some Me 109's near Celie and hit two without loss. Afterwards, the main part of the group crossed out at 1438 near Egmond with others going out near Zandervoort at 1450. (1-1-3 air) (lIos!)
Krieger, Maxwell, Vitali, McHale
361 st:
Parker, McHale, Vitali, Maxwell Walters(spare) Malmstrom, Vangos, McDowell, Bell Porter, Johnson, Hewett, Fremaux
Notes: This was the last mission with the 356th for LtCol. Oscar Coen. He went to help break-in the 365th Fighter Group of the 9th Air Force, then later took a Headquarters job with the 9th. With his departure, the Deputy CO spot was temporarily unfilled.
359th:
Baccus, Clayborne, O'Barr, Knudsen Bradshaw, Holtz, Engel, Wadlow Thorne', Vossler, Cotter, Rann Williams, Dunn, L'Heureux, Hall Halverson, Koczak, McCullough
Cota, Hall, McCullough, Fletcher W. Johnson, McLaughlio, Cook, Borelli L'Heureux(spare), Halverson, Dunn(relays) Malmstrom, Perrin, Montgomery, Korbom Waller, Erickson, Wood, Bailey Vangos, Bell, Gibson, Culp Fremaux, Leyser, Yoakum, Von Holzhausen
Line-up
359th:
Malmstrom, Peet, Farmer, Knudsen Baccus, Vossler, Meholic, Rubner
February 20 (#55) LtCol. Malmstrom led ao area patrol from 1427 to 1655. After crossing io northwest of Flushing at 1510, the pilots flew
360th:
to west of Antwerp, south to Vancure, west to Bethunne, then
northwest to Gravelines where landfall was made at 1620.
24
White, Brearley, Cotter, Rann Holm, Holtz, Smith, Earnhart Williams, McHale, Krieger, Maxwell Cota, Withers, Kress, Adams Johnson, McLaughlin, Cook, Ellingson Halverson, Fletcher, Vitali, Koczak Walters, Dunn(spares), Hall(relay)
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War II
36lst:
Waller, Culp, Perrin, Jack Wood, Campbell, Bailey, Von Holzhausen Montgomery*, Gibson*, Erickson, Jobnson Porter, Tuckey, Strait, Gansberg
Sqn
359th:
Claims
Location
Lt. W.w. Cotter
Me 109 dest(air)
Hanover
Capt. E.J. White
Me 109 dam(air)
Hanover
Lt. 360th:
w.A.
Holm
Me 109 dam(air)
360th:
Hanover
Lt. H.B. McLaughlin Me 109 prob(air)
Celie
Lt. J.R. Cook
Celle
Me 109 dam(air)
Line~up
359th:
36lst:
February 22 (#57) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1316 to 1613. Crossing in north of Walcheren at 1405, twenty-five bombers were picked up by tbe 359th north of Limburg at 1450. These were left near Liege at 1520 and the squadron crossed out near Knocke at 1542. The rest of the group R!V'd north of Limburg at 1510, broke east of Malmedy at 1520, and crossed out at 1550 near Knocke.
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Baccus, Rubner, Farmer, Peet Krieger, Knudsen, Ogden, Earnhart White, Bradshaw, Cotter, Rann Holm, Holtz, Meholic, Smith Richason(spare), Wadlow, Wyatt(relays) Cota, Withers, L'Heureux, Adams Halverson, Fletcher, Koczak Parker, Niemi, McHale, Vitali Williams, Stratford, Cook, Ellingson Malmstrom, Leyser, Strait, Gansberg Montgomery, Yoakum, Bailey, Campbell Waller, Culp, Perrin, Bell Porter, Gibson, Johnson, Tuckey
5qn
360th:
Ll. W.H. Fletcher
Claims
Location
Me 109 dam(air)
SW Aachen
February 25 (#59) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1342 to 1645. Lt. Erickson (36lst) spun-out while forming up (he landed o.k.) and the rest made landfall at 1418. The 359th RI V'd near Metz at 1503, the 360th southeast of Luxembourg at 1505, and the 361 st at 1512. As the 359th made R!V, three Me I09's were bounced and two were damaged after Capt. Ogden chased them to the deck. The bombers were left east of St. Quentin at 1548 and the group headed borne, while Capt. Ogden and Lt. Weber (359th) landed at Manston.
Line-up Baccus, Vossler, Henry, Wadlow Burke, Peet*, Ogden*, Rubner White, Brearley, Engel, Rann Holm, Farmer, Meholic, Earnhart Malmstrom, McCullough, Halverson, Koczak Parker, McHale, Vitali, Niemi Williams, Stratford, Johnson, Cook Cota, Walters, Withers, L'Heureux Waller, Campbell, Vangos, Leyser Wood, Fremaux, Erickson, Culp Montgomery*, Gibson, McDowell, Korborn Hewett, Bell, Tuckey
(0-0-2 air) Line~up
359th:
February 24 (#58) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1244 to 1520. Landfall came at 1327 north of Walcheren and RlV was accomplished southwest of Bonn at 1407. The 359th and 361st picked up sixty B-24's while the 360th escorted sixty more. The main box was left near the coast at 1445 and the P47's crossed out at 1448 near Ostend. The 360th broke west of Brussels at 1450 and crossed out at 1455 near Ostend. White Flight of the 360th bounced two Me 109's southwest of Aachen and damaged one, while a 361 st flight bounced a Me 410 taking-off from Flushing but the German escaped in the haze.
360th:
361st:
Malmstrom, Warren, Baccus, Peet Burke, Rubner, Ogden, Weber White, Bradshaw, Engel, Richason Holm, Wadlow, Smith, Earnhart Williams, Hall, McCullough, Garvey Parker, Niemi, Vitali, Green Johnson, Stratford, Ellingson, Borelli Krieger, Walters, Withers, Dunn Waller, Yoakum, Vangos, Jack Strait, Culp, Perrin, Bell Montgomery, Parham, McDowell, Leyser Wood, Bailey, Thwaites, Erickson* Claims
Sqn
HdQts:
Capt. H.A. Ogden
Location
(2)Me 109 dam(air) Metz
(0-0-1 air)
February 26 Notes: The 356th stood down from operations but several pilots went up on test flights. Lt. William W. Cotter (359th) was 25
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
buzzing the field when his prop hit the ground. He was unable to turn around to line-up on the runway and he died of the injuries sustained in the resultant crash. (1 killed) February 28 (#60) Maj. Williams led an area patrol from 1323 to 1620. Landfall came at 1418 northeast of Dieppe and the group flew to Le Havre. From there they flew to Rouen, then back to Dieppe, circled there until 1536, then crossed out southwest of Le Treport.
March 2 (#62) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a bomber support from 1222 to 1510. The group crossed in near Knocke at 1259 and the 361st R!V'd with some B-24's at 1318 near Spa. The othertwo squadrons swept up the bomber track and the 360th picked up some B-I?'s at 1320, while the 359th R!V'd with some B-I?'s near Eupen at 1325. The 361 st broke at landfall, Schouwen, at 1421 and the other squadrons broke at 1435 near Bruges then crossed out north of Ostend at 1440.
359th: 359th:
360th:
36lst:
Line-up Baccus, Vossler, Henry, Brearley O'Barr, Warren, Craig*, Wyatt Burke, Clayborne, Rann, Smith Holm, Peet, Holtz, Earnhart Williams, Green, McCullough, Maxwell Malmstrom, Fletcher, Halverson, Garvey Cota, L'Heureux, Adams, Walters Krieger, McLaughlin, Cook, Borelli Waller, Vangos, Perrin, Culp Wood, Tuckey, Hewett, Thwaites Montgomery, Campbell, Yoakum, Korhorn Porter, Parham, Erickson, Gibson
360th:
361 st:
March 3 (#63) L1Co!. Malmstrom led an area support from 1253 to 1608. Landfall was at 1326 north of Beveland and since no bombers were at the RN point, the group flew on the track to Giessen. The pilots circled here until 1410, then were vectored north until landfall south of The Hague at 1518. Some extremely heavy flak was encountered and 11 P-4?,s (6 from the 359th, 3 from the 361 st, and 2 from the 360th) were damaged but none were lost.
February 29 (#61) L1Co!. Malmstrom led a Type-I 6 Control from 1055 to 1400. After landfall at 1155 near Egmond, the planes were vectored to Zwolle, then to Apeldoorn, then back to Zwolle. From there they flew east until 1236, headed west over the Zuider Zee, and later crossed out southwest of Zandervoort at 1316.
359th:
360th:
36lst:
Line-up Malmstrom, Farmer, Ogden, Weber White, Wyatt, 0' Barr, Bradshaw Thorne, Meholic, Engel, Craig Burke, Peet, Henry, Rubner Williams, Withers, L'Heureux, Dunn Halverson, Fletcher, Hocksmeyer, Garvey Parker, Green, Vitali, Maxwell Johnson, McLaughlin, Borelli, Stratford Montgomery, Engelhom, Leyser, Hewett Wood, Campbell, Fremaux, Yoakum Strait, Nystrom, Culp, Perrin McDowell, Thwaites, Gibson Johnson, Bell(relays)
Line-up Baccus, Warren, O'Barr, Holtz Krieger, Clayborne, Meholic, Peet Thorne, Vossler, Ogden, Craig Burke*, Richason, Henry, Rubner Farmer, Wyatt(spotters) Williams, Stratford, Cook, Ellingson Cota, Hall, Withers, Dunn Parker, McHale, Vitali, Niemi McCullough(spare) Malmstrom, Leyser, Korhom, Bell Montgomery, Thwaites, Bailey, Yoakum Waller, Erickson, Jack, Gibson, Campbell* Porter, Johnson, Culp, Hewett, Vangos Perrin, Lee(relays)
359th:
360th:
361st:
26
Line-up Thorne, Bradshaw, Engel Henry, Rubner, Meholic, Farmer White, Brearley, Ogden, Weber Burke, Earnhart, Peet, O'Barr Rann, Wadlow(relays) Malmstrom, Williams, McCullough, Garvey Parker, Niemi, McHale, Green Cota, Stratford, McLaughlin, Borelli Kress, Adams, L'Heureux, Dunn Waller, Engelhom, Perrin, Johnson Montgomery*, Culp, Parham, Gansberg* Wood, Dendle, McDowell, Gibson Porter, Campbell, Korhorn, Yoakum Hewett, Thwaites(spotters)
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War II
March 4 (#64) LtCol. Malmstrom led a penetration-withdrawal support from 1029 to 1230. Landfall was at 1102 in the Dunkirk-Ostend area with RN coming at 1117. The bombers were left south of Huyat 1133, and along with several stragglers, landfall-out was at 1200 in the Dunkirk-Ostend area.
361st:
March 6 (#67) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1237 to 1550. Landfall was made north of Nordwijk at 1330 and RI V near Nienburg at 1420. Just before RN, six Fw 190's were engaged and one was damaged by a 359th pilot. Moments later, 20 more Germans approached from the northwest and six of these were shot down. Lt. Milton F. Erickson (36Ist) was hit in this scrap and bailed out in the Lingen area. The bombers were later left over the Northeast Polder at 1504 with landfall following at IS I0 north of The Hague. The 361st diary recorded Erickson's loss like this, "At 1445 Lt. Parham heard Lt. Erickson say that it was getting late and was about time to set course for home. Shortly thereafter was the last seen of Lt. Erickson as he went down into a cloud layer and was not seen from then on. In a break between the clouds, a P-47 was seen being attacked by three enemy aircraft-in back of them were three more enemy aircraft, and in back of those six were three more enemy aircraft. The 47 may have been Lt. Erickson's ship." (6-1-2 air) (1 lost)
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Thorne, Wyatt, O'Barr, Wadlow White, Bradshaw, Engel, Rann Burke, Smith, Farmer, Earnhart Williams, Krieger, Maxwell, Green Halverson, Hockmeyer, Fletcher, Hall Cota, Kress, Adams, Dunn Johnson, Borelli, J. Cook, McLaughlin Malmstrom, Strait, Gansberg, Lee Campbell, Erickson, Dendle, Bell Montgomery, Bailey, Fremaux, Nystrom
March 4 (#65) Maj. Williams led a Type-l 6 Controlfrom 1430 to 1635. Crossing in at 1515 near Dunkirk, the pilots were vectored to west of Lille then to St. Orner. No bombers were seen and the P-47's crossed out ncar Calais at 1614. Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Baccus, Warren, O'Barr, Wadlow Henry*, Weber, Meholic, Knudsen Burke, Brearley, Smith*, Earnhart Williams, Green, Stratford, Borelli Hockmeyer, L'Heureux, Fletcher, Hall Parker, Niemi, Maxwell, McHale Waller, Hewett, Vangos, Nystrom Porter, Lee, Jack, Parham Korhorn*, Johnson, Dendle, Tuckey*
Line-up
359th:
360th:
March 5 (#66) Maj. Baccus led a penetration support from 0909 to 1222. Landfall came west of Cabourg at 1001 and RN was made west of Laval at 1018. The B-24's were left south of Cholet at 1033 and the group crossed out at 1120 northwest ofBayeaux.
359th:
360th:
Parker, Maxwell, Niemi Wood, Nystrom, Bailey, Yoakum Montgomery, Engelhorn, Korhom, Dendle Porter, Lee, Campbell, Gibson Strait, Leyser, McDowell, Bell
36lst:
Line-up
Sqn
Baccus, Engel, O'Barr, Wadlow Henry, Rubner, Meholic, Knudsen White, Bradshaw, Brearley, Rann Burke, Farmer, Smith, Earnhart Cota, McCullough, McHale Williams, Stratford, J. Cook, Ellingson Kress, Dunn, Withers, L'Heureux
359th:
361Sl:
27
Baccus, Rann, O'Barr, Wadlow White, Bradshaw, Brearley, Peet Burke*, Clayborne, Farmer, Weber* Henry, Rubner, Meholic, Engel Malmstrom, Fletcher, McCullough, Garvey Williams, Niemi, Parker, Maxwell Cota, Adams, Withers, L'Heureux Johnson, Stratford, Ellingson, McLaughlin Waller, Leyser, Vangos, Jack Porter, Culp, Erickson, Parham, Bell Montgomery, Lee, Johnson, Fremaux Wood, Nystrom, Hewett, Thwaites Claims
Location
Lt. W.L. Farmer
Me 109 desl(air)
Nienburg
Lt. U. Meholic
Me 109 desl(air)
Nienburg
Lt. C.H. Rubner
Me 109 desl(air)
Nienburg Nienburg
Lt. G.w. Engel
Me 109 prob(air)
Lt. J.D. Henry
Fw 190 dam(air)
Nienburg
Capt. F.S. Porter
Me 109 desl(air)
N/Steinhuder Lake
Lt. S.H. Hewetl
Me 109 dest(air)
NW Steinhuder Lake
The 3561h Fighrer Group in World War II
Maj. W. Walle
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) N/Steinhuder Lake (.5)Me 109 dam(air) !'\/Steinhuder Lake
Lt. H.C. Leyser
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) N/Steinhuder Lake (.5)Me 109 dam(air) N/Steinhuder Lake
March 8 (#68) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1403 to 1711. Landfall came near Zandrood at 1502 with RN south of Quackenbruck at 1535. Just before RIV, Lt. Justus D. Henry and Lt. Wadlow (359th) strafed Hesepe Airfield and each damaged a Me 110. Making a second pass, Henry was hit by flak, cartwheeled into a Me 110, then into a hangar which exploded. Northwest of Lingen, three Me I09's attacked the bombers and the 360th broke these up and downed two. The heavies were taken out with landfall at 1625 near Egmond and escort was broken in mid-Channel. (2-0-0 air) (l-2 ground) (lios/)
March 9 (#69) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1253 to 1552. Crossing in at 1346 near Zandevoort, RN came at 1445 north of Steinhuder Lake. Escort was broken northeast of Lingen at 1455 and the planes crossed out at 1522 near Egmond. The only excitement came when the 360th saw a Fw 190 which avoided contact near Zwolle. Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
While, Bradshaw, Rann, Warren Krieger, Richason, Ogden, Peet* Burke, Clayborne, Farmer, Craig* Holm, Holtz, Henry, Wadlow Meholic, Wyatt(spotters) Williams, Borelli, Johnson, Ellingson Halverson, Koczak. Hockmeyer, Garvey Cota, Maxwell, McHale, Niemi Kress, Walters, Withers, Adams Malmstrom, Gansberg, Tukey, Tuckey Strait, Lee, McDowell, Fremaux Montgomery, Engelhom, Korhom, Yoakum Waller, Nystrom, Campbell, Culp
Sqn 359(h:
360th:
Claims
Location
Me 110 dest(grd)
Hesepe
Me liD dam(grd)
Hesepe
LL J.H. Wadlow
Me liD dam(grd)
Hesepe
Maj. 1.R. Williams
Me 109 dest(air)
NW Lingen
Lt. B. Borelli
Me 109 dest(air)
t\W Lingen
Lt. J.D. Henry
Malmstrom, Richason, Baccus, Rubner Ogden, O'Barr, Brearley, Peet Holm, Clayborne, Meholic, Knudsen Engel, Wadlow, Rann, Warren Cota, Niemi, Maxwell, Green Kress, Withers, L'Heureux, Walters Johnson, Borelli, Stratford, Ellingson Halverson, Garvey, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Waller, Gansberg, Vangos, Jack Strait, Lee, Campbell, Tuckey' Wood, Engelhorn, Johnson, Parham* Krieger, Leyser, Hewett, Thwaites
March 11 (#70) LtCol. Malmstrom led a penetration and target support from 0813 to 1115. Landfall was near Den Helder at 0900 with RlV two minutes later near Egmond. The bombers were taken to southwest of Munster and later left at 1005. The P-4Ts then crossed out at 1040 near Walcheren. Line-lip
359th:
360th:
361 st:
NOTes: New Deputy CO for the 356th was LtCol. Philip E.
Tukey, Jr. He had won his wings in May of 1940 and initially served with the 8th Fighter Group. Joining the 56th Fighter Group in 1942, he came overseas as CO of the 63rd Fighter Squadron. Transferred in September of 1943, Tukey served as Assistant Operations Officer for VIII Fighter Command until being posted to the 356th.
Baccus, Rubner, Brearley, Wadlow Krieger, Clayborne, Ogden*, Farmer* White, Bradshaw, Rann, Warren Holm, Peet, Meholic, Smith Engel, Richason(relays) Malmstrom, Niemi, Parker, McHale J. Cook, L'Heureux, Stratford, Ellingson Williams, McCullough, Hockmeyer, Green Kress, Waiters, Withers, Adams Waller, Parham, McDowell, Tuckey* Korhom, Nystrom, Leyser, Penin Porter*, Johnson, Strait, Gibson Hewett, Culp, Fremaux*
March 13 (#71) LtCol. Malmstrom led a Type-I 6 Control from 0847 to 1203. Crossing in northeast of Dieppe at 0934, the P-4Ts were vectored to the Evreux-Amiens-Cambrai area. Some bombers were seen near Levs but were not picked up and the group made landfall-out over Calais at 1134.
28
The 3561h Fighter GlVup ill World War II
359th:
360th:
3615t:
Line-up Baccus, Knudsen, Meholic, Wadlow White, Bradshaw, Rann, Warren Holm", Clayborne, Enge], Peet Smith, Farmer(spares) Cota, Dunn, Kress, Walters Johnson, Ellingson, J. Cook, McLaughlin Parker, Max well, McHale, Green Krieger, Hall(spares) Malmstrom, Tuckey, Campbell, Dendle Waller, Perrin, Vangos, Jack POiler, Engelhorn, Gansberg, Lee Korhorn, Thwaites(spares)
southwest of St. Dizier. Near this point, one Me 109 bounced Red Flight of the 359th and it was in turn shot down. The bombers were taken to Compiegne and left there at 1350 and landfall-out was strung out from 1330 to 1340 from Le Treport to Cape Gris Nez. The 361st strafed two airfields on the way home, claiming 0-2 buildings and 0-1 flak tower. Lt. Bradshaw (359th) shot up an aircraft south of Dummer Lake, then he and Capt. White damaged a loco in the same area. (1-0-0 air) (0-1 groulld)
359th:
March IS (#72) LtCol. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1023 to 1345. Landfall came near Zandvoort at ] 105 with R/V nonh of Minden at 1145. Southeast of Nijmegen, a Me 109 was sighted and downed by a pair of 359th pilots. While the other two squadrons stayed with the bombers, the 359th strafed in the Munster area, claiming 3-0 locos, 0-5 railcars, 1-0 truck, and 0-1 flak lower. (Maj. Baccus' flight shared in 1-0 loco and the railcars, Lt. Peet claimed 1-0 loco and the flak tower, Baccus claimed the truck, and Capt. White and Lt. Bradshaw shared the third 10co).The bombers were brought back to the coast without incident and left in mid-Channel. (1-0-0 air)
360lh:
361st:
359th:
Claims
Sqll
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) SE Nijmegen
Lt. H. Weber
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) SE Nijmegen
Location
w.c. O'Barr
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) 5E $1. Oizier
Lt. R.B. Warren
(.5)Me 109 dest(air) 5E S1. Dizier
u. R.O. Bradshaw
u/i ale dam(grd)
Lt.
S/Dummer Lake
March 17 Notes: Due to injuries suffered in an accident on this date, Maj. Joseph R. Williams was sent home. Taking over as 360th CO was Maj. Andrew E. Krieger, Jr., a veteran of the Philippines campaign with the 3rd Pursuit Squadron. Krieger had been Group Operations Officer since his arrival in September of 1943. March 18 (#74) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a penetration support from] 142 to 1515. After landfall northeast of Dunkirk at 1218, the 360lh and 36] st made RIV at 1256 near St. Dizier. The 359th acted as freelance and two flights strafed a field west of Nancy damaging two craft. One of these flights then escorted some stragglers back out to the coast. The main group took the bombers to Aelesta] and broke at 1330. Lt. B]eftlleriosA. Vangos (36Ist) was hit by flak in the Lille area and be]lied-in southeast of Cambrai.
Location
Lt. J.J. MehoJic
Claims
Sqn
Line-up 3591h: Ma]mstrom, Knudsen, Engel, Wyatt , Burke, Clayborne, Ogden, Craig White, Bradshaw, O'Barr, Wadlow Baccus, Weber, Meholic, Peet 360th: Williams, McHale, Vitali, Green Withers, Dunn, Adams, Walters Cota, McCullough, Hockmeyer, Hall Johnson, Ellingson, J. Cook, McLaughlin L' Heureux, Maupin(relays) 361 st: Waller, Dendle, Hewett, Thwaites Montgomery, Fremaux, Korhorn, Nystrom Porter, Johnson, Gibson, Bell Strait, Leyser, Yoakum
359th:
Line-up Thorne, Knudsen, O'Barr, Warren, White Krieger, Richason, Ogden, PeeL Burke, Clayborne, Farmer, Craig Holm, Wyatl, Holtz, Rubner, Bradshaw Williams, Maupin, Ellingson, Borelli Parker, E. Cook, Vitali, Niemi Cota, Maxwell, Withers, Walters Hockmeyer, Hall, Garvey, McLaughlin McCuliough(spare) Ma]mstrom, Gibson, Perrin, Campbell Wood, Vangos, McDowell, Johnson Jack, Lee, Dendle, Culp Parham, Bell, Yoakum, Engelhorn
March 16 (#73) LtCol. Ma]mstrom led a withdrawal suppon from] 203 to ]517. Landfall came near Ostend at 124] with R/V at ]325
29
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War 1I
T. Bell (36Ist) strafed an airfield northeast of Brussels. Porter
Lt. Engelhom submitted this report ofVangos' loss, "I was flying Red #4 as Lt. Vangos' wingman. Over the Lille area at 1237 hours at 18,000 feet, we encountered light bur accurate flak. At 1240 we caught up with Red I and 2 and flew on until 1245 hours when Lt. Vangos called and said he was going back. I followed him and he made a 180 degree tum and started down. At 15,000 feet he turned to 270 degrees and started gliding due west. At 13,000 feet his prop stopped and he opened his canopy. He made a half-roll as if to bailout but pulled out and started gliding towards an open field. He made a beautiful belly landing in a large field." The 360th saw four Fw 190's south of Luneville but lost them in the overcast. The pilots later crossed out from 1435 to 1455 in the Dunkirk-St. Valery area. (0-2 groulld) (I/ost)
359th:
360th:
361 st:
359th:
Line-up Baccus, Peet, O'Barr, Holtz Burke, Clayborne, Farmer*, Weber* White, Wadlow, Rann, Warren Tukey, Rubner, Brearley, Knudsen Smith, Craig(spares) Krieger, McCullough, Hockmeyer, Hall J. Cook, McLaughlin, Stratford, Borelli Parker, E. Cook, Vitali, Green Kress, Walters, Withers, Dunn Ellingson, Maupin(relays) Malmstrom, Jack, Bell, Engelhorn Strait, Nystrom, Thwaites, Culp Montgomery, Vangos, Korhorn* Porter, Campbell, Yoakum
Sqll
359th:
damaged a Me 110 but he and Bell were both downed by flak gunners. Lt. Bernard A. Tuckey (361 st) crashed off Orfordness on the way in, and a trio of 360th pilots, Lt. Charles J. Garvey, Lt. Philip E. McCullough, and FlO Howard P. Maupin, went down over the Continent. Tuckey and Bell were killed, Maupin evaded capture and returned to England in September, and the others were captured. (I-O-O air) (0-1 groulld) (6/ost)
Lt. W.e. O'Barr
Claims
Locatioll
glider dam(grd)
W/Nancy
360th:
361 st:
(.25) 00 217 dam(grd) WlNancy
Ll. R.K. Holtz
(.25)00217 dam(grd) WfNancy
Lt. G.B. Peel
(.25)00217 dam(grd) W/Nancy
Clai/lLt
Sqll
Location
HdQts:
LtCo!. E.A. Malmstrom Me 109 desl(air) Charleville
36 1st:
Capt F.S. Porter
Me II0dam(grd)
NlBrussels
March 21 Notes: Due to Maj. Krieger taking over as 360th CO, Maj. James H. Thorne moved up to become Group Operations Officer. With his departure from the 359th, Capt. Ernest J. White, Jr., took over as that squadron's Operations Officer.
(.25)Oo217dam(grd) W/Nancy Maj. O.A. Baccus
Line-up Malmstrom, Craig, Smith, Richason Meholic, Weber, Engel, Peet White, Bradshaw, Rann, Warren Holm, Wyatt, Holtz, Vossler Tukey, Niemi, Vitali, E. Cook Halverson, Hall, McCullough, Garvey Johnson, Maupin, J. Cook, Stratford Krieger, Dunn, Walters, Adams Borelli, McLaughlin(relays) Montgomery, Engelhorn, Gansberg, Fremaux Bailey, Yoakum, Perrin, Parham Porter, Tuckey, Dendle, Bell Wood, Nystrom, Hewett, Lee
March 22 (#76) LtCo!. Malmstrom led a withdrawal support from 1242 to 1625. Landfall came south of Ijmuiden at 1335 and a small force of B-ITs was picked up shortly after. Another force of bombers was later met northeast of Lingen at 1445 and these were left at landfall, Egmond, at 1516. Lt. Jack (361 st) also escorted a crippled P-38 back home.
March 20 (#75) LtCo!. Malmstrom was in the lead on an escort from 1142 to 1450. Landfall came northeast of Astende in horrible weather and no RfV was made as the bombers turned back. Malmstrom and his flight did fly to the RJV area and ran across three Me 109's near Charleville. In a short fight, the Colonel dispatched one of the Germans. Lt. Hewett and Lt. Lee (361 st) strafed in the Abbeville area on the way out and shot up two flak towers. Six pilots were MIA on the mission, with four being lost due to the weather. Capt. Fred S. Porter and Lt. DeWitt
359th:
30
Line-up Baccus', Weber, Smith, Earnhart Rann, Warren, Bradshaw, O'Barr Thorne, Richason', Engel, Knudsen Burke, Clayborne, Farmer*, Vossler
The 356tll Fighter Group ill World War I!
360th:
361 st:
Malmstrom, J. Cook, Stratford, Borelli Kress, Ellingson, Withers, Adams Krieger, Hockmeyer, Halverson, Hall Parker, Niemi, Vitali, Green (squadron had 3 aborts but pilots are unknown) Tukey, Jack, McDowell, Lee Waller, Thwaites, Gibson, Fremaux Strait, Culp, Johnson, Engelhorn
360th:
361 st:
March 27 (#79) LtCol. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 1417[0 1745. The pilots crossed in near Cabourg at 1515 and made RN near the Loire River at 1540. The bombers were left at Grandcampe and the planes crossed out at 1645 near Bayeaux. Capt. Halverson (360th) cracked-up at Martlesham Heath after his gear collapsed while landing his damaged plane. The ship was a write·off but Halverson was unhUll.
March 23 (#77) LtCol. Tukey led a penetration-withdrawal support from 0910 to 1310. Crossing in at 0950 near Walcheren, RN came east of Bonn at 1030. One squadron took the bombers to Gertruidenburg, left them at I 145, and crossed out near Flushing at 1220. The rest of the group brought their bombers out to Schouwen and left them at 1210. Capt. White and Lt. Smith (359th) destroyed a loco near Duren, then Smith shot up a Me 110 on Diest-Schaffen Airfield. Lt. J. Cook and FlO Green (360lh) also damaged an E-boat in the North Sea. (0·/ groulld)
359th:
360th:
361 st:
359m:
Line·up
359th:
360th:
Une·up Baccus, Weber, Farmer, Craig Engel*, Knudsen, Peet, Earnhart* White, Clayborne*, Smith, Ogden Holm, Brearley, Holtz, Vossler Cota, Adams, Kress, Walters Parker, E. Cook, Vitali, Niemi Johnson, McLaughlin, Ellingson, Borelli Hockmeyer, Hall, J. Cook, Green Tukey, Leyser, Hewett, Thwaites Malmstrom, Gansberg, Culp, Lee Waller, Engelhom, Perrin, Fremaux Wood, Yoakum
Sq1l LI. J.B. Smith
Claims
Locatio/!
Me 110 dam(grd)
WlDuren
361 st:
Baccus, Wood, Maholic, Weber Engel, Earnhart, Peet, Craig Holm, Wyatt, Holtz, Vossler Rann, Bradshaw, G'Barr Tukey, McHale, Parker, E. Cook Kress, Adams, Withers, L' Heureux Krieger, Borelli, Stratford, Ellingsoo Halverson, Hall, Hockmeyer, McLaughlin (squadroo had 2 aborts, pilots unknown) Montgomery, Eogelhorn, Johnson, Thorne Parham, Perrin, Culp, Campbell Wood, Fremaux, Gansberg, Leyser* Bailey, Jack, Hewett, Dendle
March 29 (#80) LtCol. Tukey led a penetration SUpp0I1 from 1154 to 1545. Landfall was near Egmond at 1235 and RIV came near Quackenbruck at 1301. Three Me 109's were seen in the Steinhuder Lake area and a two were destroyed with the third claimed as a probable. A 360th flight also strafed Cloppenburg Airfield and shot up four Me 410's. Some 359th and 361st pilots strafed near Steinhuder Lake with the 359th getting 3-1 locos and 0-1 tug, and the 361st claimed 0-7 locos. Landfallout was made near Egmond at 1447 and Lt. Lee (36Ist) crashlanded at Leiston due to damage he received when he hit a pole while strafing. (2-1-0 air)
March 24 (#78) LtCol. Malmstrom led a penetration support from 0726 to 1110. Landfall was nearOstend and RN came south ofBrus· sels at 0822. The bombers were left at 0918 north of Coblenz as the 4th Fighter Group relieved the PATs. Everyone later landed at Debden and Braintree as Martlesham Heath was covered with heavy clouds.
359th:
Parker, McLaughlin, Vitali, Niemi Johnson, Borelli, Stratford, Ellingson Kress, Walters, L'Heureux, Adams (squadron had one abort, pilot unknown) Waller, Gansberg, Gibson, Culp Strait, Jack, McDowell, Parham, Bailey
(3-1 groulld)
Line·up Malmstrom, Knudsen, Ogden, Richason Holm, Wyatt, Smith, Vossler White, Craig, Bradshaw, Warren Farmer, Earnhart(relays)
359th:
3/
Line·up Baccus, Wood, Holtz, Knudsen Burke, Clayborne, Farmer, Earnhart White*, Craig, Bradshaw, Warren Thorne, Rubner, Smith, Brearley
The 356/h Fighter Croup
360th:
361 Sl:
Krieger*, Withers, Green, Walters Halverson, Hall, Hockmeyer, Fletcher* Cota, McHale*, Niemi*, Vitali Stratford, McLaughlin, Johnson, Borelli Tukey, Leyser, Dendle, Lee McDowell, Engelhom, Gibson, Thwaites Waller, Culp, Yoakum Strait, Fremaux, Gansberg, Parham
Sqll
Claims
Locatioll
Me 109 desl(air)
5teinhuder Lake
HdQts:
Maj. J.H. Thorne
359th:
LI. C.H. Rubner
Me 109 desl(air)
5leinhuder Lake
LI. J.B. Smilh
Me 109 prob(air)
Sleinhuder Lake
Lt. WE. Johnson
(2)Me 410 dcst(grd) Cloppenburg AIF
3601h:
Lt. H.B. McLaughlin Me 410 dcst(grd)
Cloppenburg AIF
LL B. Borelli
Cloppenburg AlF
Me 410 dam(grd)
ill
World War /I
AprilS (#82) Col. Malmstrom led a sweep from 1330 to 1633. Landfall was at 1416 and the pilots flew to the Munster area. Turning for home due to the weather, the group crossed out at 1543 near Walcheren.
359th:
360th:
361 st: April 1 (#81) LtCol. Tukey led a sweep from 0748 to 1106. Landfall was made at 0840 north of Ijmuiden, then the squadrons split up to look for targets. The 359th dive-bombed Diepholz Airfield without result, then strafed in the Dummer Lake area for clai ms of 2-0 locos, 1-0 tug, 0-1 barge, and 0-2 flak towers. Two flights also hit Rheine Airfield destroying four Me 410'5 and damaging two more. The 360th damaged 4 locos, then shot up some shipping in the Dortmund Canal. The 361 st claimed 6-6 locos, 1-3 tugs, 0-7 barges, and 0-1 flak tower. The squadrons later crossed out near Ijmuiden around 1005.
AprilS (#83) LlCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1215 to 1526, Landfall came north of Ijmuiden at 1304 and the 359th and 360th made RIV ne,,, Zwolle at 1316. The 361st acted as freelance and tlew along the bomber track. A 359th flight strafed Salzbergen Airfield where a Do 217 was damaged and Capt. Ogden (HdQts) claimed a flak tower, gun emplacement, auto, and building as damaged. The P-47's later crossed out near Ijmuiden at 1435.
(4-2 ground)
359th:
360th:
36lst:
Line-up Tukey, Craig', Smith, Knudsen Burke, Bradshaw', Farmer, Earnhart Baccus, Wadlow, Meholic, Weber Holm, Wyatt, Ogden, Warren Cota, Fletcher, Halverson, Hall Vitali. McHale, Niemi, Maxwell Thorne, McLaughlin, Stratford, Ellingson Montgomery, Fremaux, Johnson, Leyser Strait, Jack, Gibson, Dendle Wood, Parham, Hewett, Thwaites Bailey, Burns, McDowell, Lee
Sqll
Claims
LocaTion
Dummer Lake
HdQts:
CapL H.A. Ogden
Me 410 desl(grd)
3591h:
Lt. R.B. Warren
(2)Me 410 dest(grd) Dummer Lake
LtCol. D.A. Baccus
Me 410 dest(grd)
Lt. JJ. Meholic
(.5)Me 410 dam(grd)
Dummer Lake
(.5)Me 41 0 dam(grd)
Dummer Lake
(.5)Me 41 0 dam(grd)
Dummer Lake
(.5)Me 41 0 dam(grd)
Dummer Lake
Lt. H. Weber
Line-up White, Wood', Meholic, Vossler Engel, Weber, Peet. Knudsen Burke, Craig, Farmer, Claybome Ogden, Wyatt*, Holm, Smith Wadlow, Forsyth(relays) , Malmstrom, Fletcher, Halverson, Hall Krieger, L'Heureux, Kress, Walters Parker, E, Cook, Vitali, McHale Cota, Dunn. Ellingson, Borelli* Waller, Gansberg, Hewett, Thwaites McDowell, Parham, Bailey, Lee Wood, Engelhorn, Johnson, Burns Perrin, Yoakum, Campbell, Dendle
(0-1 groul/d)
359th:
360th:
36151:
Line-up White, Craig', Brearley, Wyatt Meholic, Wadlow, 0' Barr, Warren Burke*, Clayborne, Ogden, Smith Engel, Weber, Peet, Earnhart Krieger, Borelli, Stratford, Ellingson Parker, E. Cook, McHale, Maxwell Cota, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Halverson Kress, Adams, Walters, Dunn Tukey, Dendle, Bailey, Leyser Perrin, Lee, Gibson, Jack Hewett. Engelhorn, Korhorn, Fremaux Johnson, Parham, Campbell, Thwaites
Sqll
Dummer L..1ke
3591h:
32
Lt. J.B. Smith
Claims
LoCaiiOIl
Do 217 dam(grd)
Salzbergen A/F
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
April 9 (#84) Col. Malmstrom led a sweep from 1348 to 1633. After crossing in north of Ijmuiden at 1440. the pilots flew to the Dummer Lake area. The 359lh then strafed between Dummer Lake and Meppen, claiming 0-1 loco, 1-0 railcar, 0-10 barges. 0-1 factory, and 0-1 barracks. The group later crossed OUl in the Ijmuiden area at 1552. Lt. Carl W. Dunn (360th) acted as a spotter on the mission and he was killed when he spun-in near Gissing in bad weather. His loss was noted as this, "Lt. Dunn was returning from a spotting mission, climbing through an overcast. when he apparently developed vertigo and spun-in and crashed about a mile north of Bueston Station." (llost)
359th:
360th:
36151:
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up White, Wood, O'Barr, Wadlow Holm, Wyatt'" Brearley, Vossler Burke, Clayborne, Smith, Craig Rann, Warren, Bradshaw, Earnhart Tukey, Fletcher, Koczak, Knapp Johnson, McLaughlin, Ogden, Borelli Krieger, E. Cook, Vitali, Maxwell Kress, Adams, L'Heureux. Walters Waller, Decker, Perrin, Bums McDowell, Lee, Gibson, Jack Montgomery, Leyser, Korhorn, Engelhorn Wood, Campbell, Johnson, Gansberg
Aprilll (#86) Col. Malmstrom led a penetration support from 0856 to 1354. Landfall was made at 0941 near Ijmuiden and the 360th and 361 st RIV'd northwest ofDulllmer Lake at 0950. The 359th swept the bomber track and the heavies were later left north of Brunswick. After this, pilots strafed wilh claims of 13-3 air~ craft, 2-6 locos, 4-6 railcars, and 0-2 hangars. The 361 st got the planes at Gifhorn Airfield where Lt. Ernest Nt Parham was downed by flak. Lt. Joseph V. Jack was also hit, limped back to England, and was taken off operations due to his wounds. Part of the report of Parham's loss follows, "On his second pass on this field, Lt. Parham joined up with Ll. Leyser. After this pass, Lt. Leyser saw Lt. Parham's engine to smoke badly and be on fire for several seconds, evidently hit by enemy fire. They pulled up from the field and at an altitude of 3,000 feet Lt. Parham called on the RIT saying he thought he could make it. Two minutes later he called again saying his oil pressure was gone and he was bailing out. No parachute was seen but it was thought he got out since his plane was under eomrol at all times. Lt. Leyser says Lt. Parham's plane crashed several seconds later and exploded on hitting the ground." Meanwhile, Capt. Hunter D. Parker (360th) was hit while strafing and bailed out southwest of Dummer Lake. The squad~ ron diary stated, "Green Flight then went down on an airdrome believed to have been Havern, 7 miles west ofSteinhuder Lake. After this arrack, Green Leader radioed that he was hit in his engine but was trying to make it. Another five minutes revealed that it was necessary for him to bailout, estimated at 10 miles southwest of Dummer Lake." Landfall-out was made by squadrons from 1200 to 1205 in the Egmond-The Hague area.
Une-lip Malmstrom, Knudsen*, Brearley*, Vossler White, Craig, Holtz, Wyatt Burke, Clayborne, Smith, Earnhart Engel, Peel, Meholic, Weber Krieger, L' Heureux, Kress, Adams Halverson, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Hall Parker, E. Cook, Vitali, Maxwell Johnson, Borelli, McLaughlin, Fletcher Dunn, Walters(spotters) Wood, Engelhorn, Hewelt, Fremaux Strait, McDowell, Leyser, Perrin Gansberg, Burns, Korhorn, Thwaites Campbell, Jack, Lee
April 10 (#85) LlCol. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 0900 to 1240. Landfall came at 0956 near Le Treport, RN at 1037 southwest ofTours. and more bombers were then picked up near Vendome. They were taken to south ofTrovilie and left at 1118 while the P-47's crossed out at 1145 northeast of Caen. Near Argentan, the 360th fought twelve Germans witham making any claims. However. Lt. \Villiam E. Johnson was last seen chasing an enemy fighter through the bomber formation and he failed to retum.
The 360th diary noted, "Lt. Johnson was last seen about 1145 about 20 miles east of Argentan making an attack on EJA from 12,000 feet. One chute was seen shortly after he was last seen, also a naming plane. Unable to determine if this was Lt. Johnson. He may have been hit by fire from B-24's while following ElA lhru the formation." Capt. White and Lt. Wood (359th) collided on the mission but both managed to land safely in England, and Lt. Wadlow (359tl1) landed at Woodbridge. (I lost)
(13-3 groulld) (2 lost)
359th:
33
Lille-up Burke, Wood, Brearley, Craig
The 356th Fighter Group in World War /I
360th:
361 st:
Ogden, Warren, 0' Barr, Wadlow Holm, Wyatt, Holtz, Vossler Engel*. Weber, Peet, Knudsen Krieger, Koczak, Fletcher, Hall Stratford, McLaughlin, Ellingson, Borelli Kress, Walters, L'Heureux, Adams Parker, E. Cook, Vitali, McHale Malmstrom, Decker, Gibson, Jack McDowell, Engelhorn, Bailey, Leyser Montgomery, Parham, Korhorn, Fremaux Hewett, Gansberg, Campbell, Burns Claims
Sqll
HdQts:
Location
Col. E.A. Malmstrom (2)Me 110 dest(grd) All claims are at Gifhom (.251Me 109 des'(grd) (.25)Ju 88 deSl(grd)
361s1:
Lt. R.H. Gansberg
(2)Me II0dest(grd) (2)Ju 88 dest(grd)
Lt. S.H. Hewett
(2)Ju 88 dest(grd) (.5)Fw 190 dest(grd) Ju 52 dam(grd)
Lt E.M. Parham
Ju 88 dest(grd)
Lt. W.w. Burns
Ju 88 dest(grd)
360th:
361st:
April 13 (#88) LtCol. Tukey led a penetration support from 1218 to 1606. Landfall and RN came at 1300 near Nieuport and shortly after, Maj. Montgomery (361 st) became separated. Heading home alone, he ran across two Fw 190'5 near Huy and downed them both. Meanwhile, the 359th and 361 st took their bombers to south of KaiserIautern and broke at 1416, while the 360th broke from their bombers at 1430 southeast of Strasbourg. A 359th flight bounced a Me 109 on the way out but the German evaded without damage. Some 361 st pilots strafed on the Rhine claiming 2-1 tugs, 1-0 paddle-wheeler, and 0-3 barges while another flight hit Bishwiller Airfield and burned a pair of Me llO's. Finally, Lt. Lee shot up four He 111 's on Hagenow Airfield. (2-0-0 air) (2-6 ground)
(.5)Fw 190 dcst(grd)
1I/i ale dam(grd)
Lt. J.Y. Jack
359th:
(.25)Me 109 dest(grd) (.25)Ju 88 dest(grd)
Lt. R. Gibson
(.25)Me 109 dest(grd) (.25)Ju 88 dest(grd)
FlO E.L. Decker
(.25)Me 109 dest{grd)
360th:
(.25)Ju 88 dest(grd) Lt. H.C. Leyser
uli ale dam(grd)
April 12 (#87) Col. Malmstrom led a planned escort from 1241 to 1536. Landfall came near Knocke at 1320 then the squadrons split up. The 359th did not RlV but flew to Frankfurt then strafed an airfield east of Ghent where Malmstrom damaged a building. They then crossed out near Ostend at 1505. The 360th RN'd with some B-24's at 1345, took them to Dison, and crossed out near Dunkirk. The 361 st did not RN and flew along the bomber track to Limburg. One flight strafed Buvrinnes Airfield and damaged some buildings then the squadron crossed out at IS 10 near Le Touquet.
359th:
White, Wood, Holtz, Warren Engel, Knudsen, Weber, Vossler Krieger, Fletcher, Koczak, Knapp Vitali, McHale, Niemi, E. Cook Kress, Adams, Ogden, Withers Stratford, Borelli, McLaughlin, Ellingson Wood, Thwaites, Korhorn, Decker (rest of squadron not recorded)
361 st:
Line-up White, Wood, Brearley, Warren Smith, Earnhart, Craig, Clayborne Holm, Wyatt, Holtz, Vossler Engel, Knudsen, Meholic, Weber Bradshaw, Krowiak(relays) Tukey, Koczak, Fletcher, Knapp Stratford, Ellingson, Borelli, McLaughlin Withers, Walters, Niemi, Hall Montgomery, Engelhorn, Ogden, Decker Perrin, Gibson, Korhorn, Burns Hewett, Dendle, Bai ley, Gansberg McDowell, Lee
Sqll
HdQts:
Capt. H.A. Ogden
Cltlims
Location
Me 110 dest(grd)
Bischwiller NF
(2)Me 110 dam(grd) Bischwiller NF 361st:
Maj. E.H. Montgomery (2)Fw 190dest(air) Huy FlO E.L. Decker
Me 110 dest(grd)
Lt. E.P. Lee
(4)He III dam(grd) Hagenow
Bischwiller NF
April 15 (#89) Col. Malmstrom led a sweep from 1236 to 1435. Due to bad weather, the planes were recalled just after penetrating Dutch air space.
Line-up Malmstrom, Craig, Wadlow, Wyatt Burke, Clayborne, Smith, Earnhart
34
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War 1I
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up While, Rubner, Bradshaw, Wood Engel, Collins", Meholic, Weber Holm, Vossler, Brearley, Wyatt Rann, Warren, O'BaIT, Wadlow Cota, Wilhers, Ellingson, McLaughlin Vitali, Walters, McHale, E. Cook Hal verson, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Hall Malmstrom, Lee. Perrin, Gansberg Bailey, Thwaites, Campbell, Bums Waller, Culp, Hewett, Gibson Wood, Korhorn, McDowell, Fremaux
359th:
360th:
361 st:
April 18 (#90) LtCol. Tukey led a penelration support from I 155 10 1615. Landfall and RlV came northeast of Cuxhaven al 1335 and the bombers were later left al 1414 near Oslerberg. The P-4Ts then crossed out at 1510 from Den Helder to ljmuiden.
359th:
3601h:
361sl:
Line-lip Burke, Forsyth, Bradshaw, Vossler Rann, Warren, O'Barr, Wadlow Holm, Wood, Brearley, Rubner Meholic, Weber, Engel, Collins Malmstrom, McLaughlin, McHale, E. Cook Stratford, Ellingson, Ogden, Borelli Cota, Perryman, Withers, Adams Halverson, Knapp, Hockmeyer, L'Heureux Waller, Morgan, Gibson, Culp Bailey, Kaczynski, Campbell, Lee Montgomery, Ingram, Korhom, Fremaux Hewett, Faison, Johnson, Bums
April 19 (#93) Capt. Strait led another orientation sweep from 1530 to 1759. Landfall was near Egmond at 1622, then the pilots swept beyond Meppel and back to landfall-oul at Schouwen at 1720. The planes then flew down the coast to Calais before heading home.
Line-up Tukey, Collins, Bradshaw, Earnhart Ogden, Warren, 0' Barr, Wadlow Burke, Craig, Farmer, Clayborne Engel, Rubner, Holtz, Wyatt Cota, Withers, Ellingson, McLaughlin Vitali, Walters, McHale, E. Cook Halverson, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Rann, Wood, Brearley, Vossler (all 3591h pilots) Wood, Thwaites, Campbell, Culp Bailey, Decker, Leyser, Engelhorn Johnson, Fremaux, McDowell, Lee
Line-up Sirait (361 st), Leathers (360th), Gansberg (361 st), Tucker (360th) McDowell, Engle (361 st), Wyatt, Krowiak (359th) Maxwell, Mercer (360th), Warren (359th), Obosla (360th) McLaughlin (360th), Lubbers (359th), Thwaites (361 st), Perryman (360th) April 20 (#94) LtCol. Tukey led a Type-16 Control from 1719 to 2002. After landfall north of Dunkirk at 1754, the planes arrived in the Cambrai area at 1810. The group was veclOred to Paris, saw nothing, then crossed out from 1915 to 1921 in the SI. Valery-Le Treport area.
April 18 (#91) Capl. Strait led an oricmation sweep for new pilots from 1700 to 1940. The planes made landfall at 1757 near ljmuiden, new to Meppel, then southeast to Eindhoven, then crossed out overlhe Dutch Islands at 1852.
359th:
une·up Strait, Faison, Gansberg, Kaczynski (all 361 st) Peet (359th), Ingram (361 Sl), Weber (359Ih), Bruce (361 st) L'Heureux, Perryman, McLaughlin (all 360th), Engle (361 st) Maxwell (360th), Krowiak (359th), Bums (36Ist), Lubbers (359th)
360th:
April 19 (#92) Col. Malmslrom led a withdrawal support from 0951 to 1250. Landfall came at 1026 north of Walcheren and RlV was made west ofCoblenz at 1103. The bombers were broughl back to Ostend and the group crossed out northeast of Dunkirk al 1152.
361 st:
35
Line-up Burke, Forsyth, Farmer, Clayborne Rann, Lubbers, Peet, Collins Holm, Krowiak, Weber, Rubner Bradshaw, Wood, O'Barr, Warren Craig, Vossler(relays) COla, Leathers, Borelli, E. Cook Wilhers, Obosla, L'Heureux, Adams Halverson, Tucker, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Stratford, Mercer, McLaughlin Tukey, Piper", Ogden, Decker Strait, Engle, McDowell, Leyser Wood, Morgan, Korhorn, Burns Hewett, Bruce, Campbell, Gibson
The 356t1l Fighter Group ill World War 1I
, - Wing pilot who would shortly be assigned to the 56th Ftr Grp
360th: 361st:
April 22 (#95) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 1747 to 2103. Landfall came north of Ijmuiden at 1833 with RIV coming southeast of Zwolle at 1850. The bombers were taken to Munster and left at 1915 as P-38's took over escorl. Pilots then strafed in the Munster-Hamm-Gutersloh area, claiming] -1 I locos, 1- J tugs, 0-21 barges, 0-1 house, 0-1 bridge, and 0-2 switch houses. Landfall out was spread out from Overflakkee to Ijmuiden from 2000 to 2009.
Local;OI1
Sqll
HdQls:
Col. E.A. Malmstrom (3)He 111 dest(grd) All claims area at Hagenau Capt. H.A. Ogdcn
He 111 dest(grd) (.5)Go 242 dam(grd)*
Maj. J.H. Thorne 359th:
Line-up 359th: Tukey, Vossler, Meholic, Peet Rann, Warren, 0' Barr, Wood Burke, Forsyth, Craig, Clayborne Holm, Wyatt, Rubner, Wadlow 360th: Krieger, Leathers, Maxwell, J. Cook Kress, Obasla, L'Heureux, Perryman Stfmrord, Tucker,McLaughlin, Ellingson Halverson, Hall, Hockmeyer, Knapp 3615t: Waller, Pipe,', Leyser, Decker Bailey, Ingram, Korhorn, Engelhorn Hewett, Morgan, Johnson, Engle McDowell, Kaczynski*, Campbell, Faison , - Wing pilot 011 D.S.
(.5)He III dam(grd)*"
Lt. W.C Brearley
Go 242 dam(grd)
Lt. M.M. Clayborne
(.5)Go 2-12 dam(grd)**" (.5)He III dam(grd)@
FlO EA. Forsyth
Lt. C.E Krowiak
(.5)Go 242 dam(grd)* He III dam(grd) (.5)Go 2-12 dam(grd)@@@
Lt. R.B. Warren
(.5)He III dam(grd)@ (.5)Go 242 dam(grd)***
360tl1:
LI. RJ. Collins
(.5)Hc 111 dam(grd)**
LI. W.L. Farmcr
(.5)Go 242 dam(grd)@@@
Lt. L.H. Knapp
He III dest(grd) (J.5)Oo 242 dam(grd)#
Notes: Today was the last operational mission for Maj. Krieger, CO of the 360th. He would stay on as commander, however, umil the end ofthe momh.
361st:
April 23 (#96) Col. Malmstrom led a sweep from 1300 to 1650. The group crossed in at 1343 near Ostend then proceeded to Hagenau Airfield. The 359th led the attack by dropping parachute frag-bombs, followed by the other squadrons dive-bombing the field. After this, most pilots made from three to five strafing passes claiming 6 kills, but flak gunners knocked down Col. Malmstrom, Ll. Daughtry L. Hall (360Ih), and Ll. Henry J. Kaczynski (36Ist). The rest of the group re-formed and crossed out at 1615 near Niewe Sluis. (6-24 groulld) (3 lost)
359lh:
Malmstrom, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Hall Kress. Adams, Withers. L'Heureux Wood*, Thwaites*, Perrin, Fremaux Strait, Kaczynski. Gansberg, Yoakum McDowell, Bruce, Campbell, Cull'
Capt. L.F. Kress
(1.5)00242 dam(grd)#
Lt. C.W. Adams
(.5)Go 242 dam(grd)##
Lt. R.C LHeureux
(.5)Go 242 dam(grd)##
LL V. Hockmeyer
(1.5)Go 242 dam(grd)@@
LI. R.R. Withers
(1.5)Go 242 dam(grd)@@
FlO J.H. Culp
Me 109 dest(grd)
Lt. J.P. Perrin
He III dam(grd)
Lt. G.L. Yoakum
(2)Go 242 dam(grd)
LL H.J. Kaczynski
(2)He 111 dam(grd)
Ll. R.L. Campbell
He 1I I dam(grd)
Me 109 dam(grd)
LI. E.c. Fremaux
He I I I dam(grd)
Lt. R.H. Gansbcrg
Hc 111 dam(grd)
Lt. J.L. Bruce
Go 242 dam(grd)
April 24 (#97) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 1054 to 1522. Landfall was near Ault at 1148 and some B-24's were picked lip there. These were later left near Nancy at 1300. Lt. William B. Ingram (3615t) was last heard from saying he was Iowan fuel northwest of Lille and ended up as a prisoner. Lt. Thwaites filed this report on Ingram's loss, "I was escorting Lt. Ingram back home. He had two wing tanks 011 and was running Iowan gasoline. We got rid of the tanks, one went off and r knocked the other off with my wing. At Lille we got some flak butl don't believe any of the bursts were close enough
Line-up Thorne, Collins, Rubner*, Knudsen' Rann*, Forsyth, Brearley, Warren Ogden, Krowiak, Farmer, Clayborne
36
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
to hit us. After we had passed Lille, I checked on his gas and he said he had 30 gallons. I told him to get his prop back as far as
April 26 (#99) LtCol. Tukey (with "A" Group) and LtCol. Baccus (with "B" Group) were in the lead for a penetration-withdrawal support from 0728 to 1135. "A" crossed in at 0824 near Den Helder and R!V'd north of Hardenburgh at 0835. They took the bombers through the target and out, making landfall from 1015 to 1040 from Egmond to Ijmuiden. "B" Group (the 359th) crossed in at 0826 and R!V'd at 0835 near Zwolle. Landfall-out for them was at 1004 and escort was broken over the Channel at 1015. Back over England, Lt. Richard B. Warren (359th) at-
he could and he would make it. He said for me not to stay with him and I told him I was OK. Then he called and said for me to
climb up and try to contact Manston. I climbed up over him, we were at 8,000 feet, I got up to 12,000 feet, called and could receive no one. rcalled him back and could not get an answer. I orbitted and lost altitude but could not find him." The rest of the group crossed out at 1440 from Boulogne
to Calais. One side note on the flight was that at the R!V point, the oxygen hose of LtCo!. Baccus became dis- connected. He men flew through the B-24 formation while unconcious! He came-to near Paris, hooked the hose back up, and continued on his way. (llosl)
359th:
tempted to pass under Lt. Rann's PA? However, he hit Rann's starboard wing and crashed near Bromeswell. Rann retained
control of his ship and landed safely at Woodbridge. The 359th diary recorded the collision as this, ''The only unfortunate accident occurred just after crossing the English coast and cost the life ofLt. Warren. While crossing below and {Q the right of Lt. Rann in a crossover turn, Lt. Warren hit the
Li"e-up Baccus, Clayborne, Peet, Wadlow Rann, Lubbers, O'Barr, Wood
right wing of the aircraft of Lt. Rann, probably with his canopy, and it is believed that the inpact stunned him, his aircraft spinning into the ground out of control onto the golf course east of
Meholic, Knudsen, Farmer, Earnhart
360th:
Cota, Green, Maxwell, E. Cook
Woodbridge." (llosl)
Kress, Perryman, Withers, Obosla
361sl:
Stratford, Mercer, McLaughlin, Tucker Tukey, Decker, Leyser, Culp
Line-up
359th:
Strait, Engle, Johnson, Fremaux
Waller, Ingram, Hewett, Yoakum, Korhorn Perrin, Morgan, Thwaites, Faison, Engelhorn
Notes: With the loss of Col. Malmstrom, LtCol. Tukey took command of the 356th. With this move, the Deputy CO slot would be vacant for a few days.
360th:
April 25 (#98) LtCol. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 1000 to 1345. After crossing in at 1046 near Dieppe, the group reached the RN point, Compiegne, at 1149. The bombers were brought out to the coast and left near Le Treport at 1235.
361 st:
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Baccus, Clayborne, Smith, Craig Holtz, Kro.wiak*, Rubner, Vossler Thorne, Forsyth, Fanner, Earnhart
Rann, ¥farren,O'Barr, ¥food Tukey, Green, Maxwell, E. Cook Halverson, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Fletcher Stratford, McLaughlin, J. Cook, Mercer COla, Perryman, Withers, Adams Waller, Leyser, Korhorn, Decker Hewett, Morgan, Gansberg, Lee Wood, Faison, Johnson, Thwaites Perrin, Bruce, Engle
Notes: LtCol. Donald Baccus was moved up to become Deputy Group Commander. Taking his spot as 359th CO was Capt. Ernest J. White, Jr., with Capt. Mark J. Burke filling the 359th Operations slot.
Lille-up Tukey, Wyan, Weber, Richason Meholic, Forsyth, Farmer, Earnhart Burke, Krowiak, Ogden, Craig Holtz, Collins, Rubner, Knudsen Cota, Leathers, Maxwell, Green Halverson, Fletcher, Hockrneyer, Knapp Thorne, McLaughlin, J. Cook, Mercer Adams(spares) McDowell, Burns, Korhom, Engelhom Wood, Bruce, Campbell, Culp
April 27 (#100) LtCol. Baccus led a Type-I 6 Control from 1625 to 1925. Landfall was near Ostend at 170 I and after reaching Reims, the group was vectored west. Near Laon, 14 Gennans were engaged by various flights with four kills claimed against three
losses. Lt. Raymond K. Holtz (359th) shot down the same Fw 190 which had just shot him up and he bailed out (Holtz eventually returned to England by way of Spain). Capt. John B.
Strait, Lee, Perrin, Fremaux
37
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Stratford (360th) and Lt. Casimir F. Krowiak (359th) were also shot down and both pilots were killed. After the fight, the group re-formed and crossed out in the Dieppe area from 1821 to 1840. Following are the three short reports relating to the losses, "On arriving at the melee, Lt. Brearley spotted three E/A. He and his wingman, Lt. Clayborne, followed them down to the deck after asking Lt. Holtz to cover the attack. Lt. Holtz acknowledged the call and shortly thereafter was heard to say he was bailing Ollt. None of the pilots of the other squadrons saw Lt. Holtz or Lt. Krowiak after the 359th engaged in combat. Lt. Krowiak was not heard on the RII'. The only statement from Lt. Holtz was a very calm statement to the effect that he was bailing out." The 360th's entry for Stratford was very short, "Capt. Stratford last seen in no trouble in combat area, peeling off to attack 1730-35 hours." (4-0-1 air) (3 lost)
360th:
361 st:
April 29 (#102) Capt. Strait led a penetration support from 0840 to 1113. Landfall was south ofljmuiden at 0935 and RIV came over the Zuider Zee at 0945. The bombers were escorted until 1004 when the 4th Fighter Group took over and the group later crossed out at 1035 near Zandvoort. Line~llp
359th:
Line-lip
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Burke, Lubbers, Peet, Wood Meholic, Forsyth, Ogden, Collins Holtz, Krowiak, Brearley, Clayborne Cota, Fletcher, Hockmeyer, Obosla Withers, Adams, L'Heureux, Walters, Leathers Stratford, Tucker, McLaughlin, Mercer Baccus, Yoakum, Bailey, Bruce Strait, Gansberg, Thwaites McDowell, Faison, Campbell, Burns
Sqll
Cla.ims Capt. H.A. Ogden
(.5)Fw 190 dcst(air) Rebns-Chateau Thierry
359th:
Lt. R.K. Holtz
Fw 190 dcst(air)
Lt. R.J. Collins
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air) Reims-Chateau Thierry
Lt. D.B. Mercer
Fw 190 dest(air)
Laon
Fw 190 dam(air)
Laon
Fw 190 dest(air)
Laon
Lt. W.E. Leathers
360th:
361 st:
Reims-Chateau Thierry
359th:
April 28 (#101) LtCo!. Tukey led a Type-16 Control from 0830 to 1215. The 359th and 360th picked up some bomhers at 0950 east of the Jersey Islands and crossed in near Cherbourg ar 0953. While they took the bombers to theirtargets, the 361st swept theEvreux area. All three squadrons later joined up and crossed out at 1120 near Dieppe.
359th:
Burke, Lubbers, Farmer, Clayborne Engel, Craig, Peet, Forsyth Rann, Wood, Bradshaw, Wyatt Cota, Adams, J. Cook, Mercer Vitali, Leathers, Maxwell, Green Kress, L'Heureux, Withers, Perryman Strait, Bruce, Gibson, Yoakum Perrin, Lee, Gansberg, Culp Johnson, Engle, Thwaites
April 29 (#103) LtCo!' Waller led a sweep from Inl to 1545. Landfall was near Noordwijk at 1308 and the group flew to Amsterdam. From there they flew to Lingen, picked up a few bombers at 1340, and broke at 1435 near Ijmuiden.
Location
HdQts:
Meholic, Wyatt, Peet, Knudsen Kress, Perryman, Withers, Walters J. Cook, Leathers, L' Heureux, Mercer Hal verson, abasia, Hockmeyer, Knapp Vitali, E. Cook, Maxwell, Green Waller, Lee, Dendle, Culp Strait, Engle, Gansberg Wood, Fremaux, Campbell, Engelhorn Perlin, Morgan, Gibson, Yoakum
360th:
36lst:
Line-up Tukey, Lubbers, Brearley, Rubner Rann, Wood, Bradshaw, Wadlow Burke, Clayborne, Farmer, Earnhart
Line-up Meholic, Lubbers, Brearley, Rubner Peet, Forsyth, Knudsen, Clayborne Rann, Wood, O'Barr, Wyatt* Bradshaw, Collins, Craig, Farmer Halverson, Knapp, Fletcher, Ohosla Vitali, Walters, Maxwell, E. Cook 1. Cook, Adams, L'Heureux, Mercer Hockmeyer, Perryman, Ellingson, Borelli Waller, Leyser, Campbell, Engle McDowell, Faison, Dendle, Engelhorn Wood, Bruce, Fremaux, Burns Bailey, Culp, Yoakum, Lee
Notes: Later that evening, Maj. Thorne (HdQts) and Capt. Meholic, Lt. Peet, and Lt. Knudsen (359th) took part in an AirSea Rescue search. 38
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
April 30 (#104) LlCo!. Waller led a withdrawal support from 1012 to 1406. The group crossed in at 1055 near Dieppe and made RN over the Loire River at 1136. The bombers were then escorted to landfall-out, Cabourg, at 1258. Lt. Thwaites (36Ist) attempted to bounce a Fw 190 southeast of Orleans but some P-51's beat him to it.
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up Waller (36lst), Lubbers, Brearley, Rubner Engel, Collins, Wadlow, Wood Ogden, Forsyth, O'Barr, C1ayborne* Rann, Farmer*(spares) Cota, Borelli, Ellingson, Mercer Kress, Perryman, Walters, Adams Halverson, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Obosla Vitali, Leathers, Niemi, Green Wood, Faison, Campbell, Thwaites Bailey, Bruce, Dendle, Yoakum Perrin, Burns, Gibson, Culp Johnson, Leyser
May 1 (#105) LlCo!. Tukey led an area support from 0734 to 1028. After crossing in at 0837 near Le Treport, the pilots circled the Amiens area until 0948. The group later crossed out near St. Valery at 0950.
359th:
360th:
361S1:
Line-up White, Craig*, Brearley, Wood Rann, Lubbers, O'Barr, Forsyth Thorne, Earnhart, Farmer, Clayborne Tukey, Niemi, Maxwell, E. Cook Withers, Walters, L'Heureux, Perryman Hockrneyer, Obosla, Fletcher, Knapp Strait, Morgan, Gibson, Lee McDowell, Engelhorn, Campbell, Fremaux Johnson, Dendle, Decker, Yoakum
May 1 (#106) LlCo!. Waller led a penetration support from 1619 to 1900. RJV came near Nieuport at 1659 and the bombers were taken to south of Sedan. The P-4Ts later crossed out near Dunkirk at 1824.
359th:
Line-up Rann*, Craig*, Brearley, Clayborne Holm, Lubbers, Farmer, Knudsen Bradshaw, Wood, Wadlow, Earnhart
360th:
36lst:
Cota, Ellingson, J. Cook, Borelli Vitali, Leathers, Niemi, Green Kress, Withers, L'Heureux, Perryman Waller, Leyser, Gansberg, Lee Hewett, Culp, Korhorn, Yoakum Wood, Faison, Johnson, Fremaux Perrin, Burns, Dend1e, Decker
Notes: The 360th received a new commander as Maj. Krieger went to VlII Fighter Command. New CO was Capt. John W. Vogt, Jr., a 56th Fighter Group veteran returning for a second tour. He had claimed 5 victories while flying with the 63rd Fighter Squadron on his first.
May4 (#107) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 0820 to 1145. Landfall came at 0922 and since the bombers aborted, the group flew to the Gottingen area. Blue Flight ofthe 360th strafed in the Herford-Bielefeld area and claimed 0-3 locos (all shared by Capt. Kress, and LIs. Walters, L' Heureux, and Perryman) while the 361 stlangled with some Fw 190's in the Dummer Lake-Steinhuder Lake area. Six 190's were downed, but Capt. Sidney H. Hewett and Lt. Jack H. Culp were hit and bailed out. Landfall-out was then by flights south of Egmond from 1030 to 1105. Lt. John L. Bruce (36Ist), acting as relay, turned too tight while trying to land and died in the crash which resulted. Capt Wood filed this report on Hewett and Culp, "When we were in the vicinity of Steinhuder Lake, our squadron spotted two boxes of enemy aircraft, approximately 40 in each box, below us at about 20,000 feet. We were flying at approximately 24,000 feet when Capt. Hewett called and said they were Fw 190's. I immediately led Blue and Green Flights down to bounce the EfA. Capt. Hewett and Lt. Cnlp were the only two left in White Flight at this time. It is believed they went down and joined in the fight. The last time they were seen was when Blue and Green Flights went down to attack." Lt. Kahle wrote of Bruce's loss, "Lt. Bruce and I were on a relay mission on 4 May 1944. We returned to the field and broke away. LI. Bruce broke too hard and was halfway around still along side the runway. He had to bank it up steep and pull it to make it. It appeared he stalled out with flaps down and did not have enough altitude to recover because his wing hit the ground and the plane blew apart." (6-0-1 air) (3 lost)
359th:
39
Line-up Tukey, Lubbers, Ogden, Weber Engel, Knudsen, O'Barr, Rubner
The 356111 Fighter Group ill World War 1I
360th:
361 st:
Holm, Wyatt, Brearley, Vossler Rann, Wood, Bradshaw, Farmer Cota, E. Cook, McHale, Green J. Cook, Mercer, Ellingson, Borelli Kress, Walters, L'Heureux, Perryman Halverson, Leathers, Hockrneyer, Knapp Waller, Leyser, Gansberg, Lee Hewett, Cnlp, Korhorn, Yoakum Wood, Faison, Johnson, Fremaux Perrin, Burns, Dendle, Decker
Thorne, Leyser, Gibson, Lee McDowell, Faison, Korhorn, Engle Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Roland J. Halverson May 8 (#109) Maj. Thorne led an escort from 0748 to lO08. Landfall and RN came south of Egmond at 0839 and the bombers were left west of Lingen at 0915 as other P-47's arrived. Everyone turned for home and crossed out near Ijmuiden at 0930.
Kahle, Bruce(relays) Claims
Sqll
361st:
Location
Capl. J.N. Wood
(3)Fw 190 desl(air) :-1/Sleinhuder Lake
Ll. J.H. Culp
(2)Fw 190 dest(air) N/Steinhuder Lake
Capt. J.P. Perrin
Fw 190 dest(air)
N/Steinhuder Lake
Ll. J.K. Johnson
Fw 190 dam(air)
N/Steinhudcr Lake
359th:
360th:
361st:
Notes: Completed Tour: Capt. James N. Wood became the first group pilot to finish a combat tour. He signed up for a second and returned to the States on leave.
May7 (#108) LtCo!. Tukey led an aborted escort from 1025 to 1415. Crossing in at 1117 near Egmond, heavy overcast was encountered and no RlV was made. The group flew to the Wittenburg area and left there at 1220. While heading home. the 360th picked up a straggler, as did the 361 st, and these were left at the coast. Lt. William H. Wood (359th) lost oil pressure and bailed out north of Lingen and the rest of the group made landfall-out at 1320 near Ameland. The 359th diary stated, "Ll. Wood experienced trouble with his engine shortly after passing Bremen, losing oil pressure and being unable to maintain altitude. He announced he was going to bail out~ however. no one actually saw him bailout. His position was fixed as just north of Lingen andjust west of Quackenbruck." (llost)
360th:
361 st:
Kress, L'Heureux, Withers, Adams J. Cook, Obosla, Ellingson, Borelli Thorne, Burns, Johnson, Thwaites Strait, Leyser, Korhorn, Yoakum McDowell, Faison, Campbell, Lee
May 8 (#110) LtCo!. Waller led a withdrawal support from 1130 to 1424. Landfall came south of Egmond at 1224 with RIV coming northwest of Lingen at 1243. The bombers were taken back to Egmond and left at 1317 then the 359th and 360th swept south while the 361 st swept back to Meppe!. Afterwards, the squadrons crossed out near Egmond at 1325.
359th:
360th:
361 st: 359th:
Line-lip White, Lubbers, Ogden, Wyatt Meholic, Knudsen, Peet, Weber Rann, Earnhart, Bradshaw, Vossler Vogt, E. Cook, Niemi, Green
Line-up Burke, Lubbers, Farmer, Clayborne Rann, Wood, Bradshaw, Earnhart Holm, Smith*, Brearley*, Vossler* Engel, Knudsen, Peet*, Weber Tukey, Fletcher, Halverson, Knapp
Lille-up Burke, Lubbers, Ogden, Clayborne Engel, Knudsen, Farmer, Earnhart Rann, Smith, Brearley, Wyatt Cota, Obosla, Ellingson, Knapp Kress, Adams, Withers, L'Heureux Vitali, Leathers, Maxwell, Niemi McLaughlin, Hepfer(relays) Waller, Dendle, Gibson, Engle Strait, Faison, Leyser, Engelhorn Perrin, Fremaux, Korhorn, Decker
May 9 (#111) LtCo!. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 0740 to lO50. Landfall came at 0832 near Nieuport and the squadrons then split up. The 359th flew to southwest of Brussels, then to Florennes, then went out with some bombers over the Dutch Islands. The 360th RN'd at 0835 southeast of Ostend, and while seeing four Me 109's, made no contact. The 36lst made RJV near Florennes at 0835 and later broke at 1018 near Schouwen.
Kress, L'Heureux, Withers, Walters Vogt, Ellingson, J. Cook, Borelli Vitali, Leathers, Maxwell, Obosla Waller, Dendle, Johnson, Yoakum Perrin, Engelhorn, Fremaux, Decker
40
The 356,h Fighter Group in World War 1l
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up Tukey, Lubbers, Peet, Weber Ogden, Rubner, Brearley, Clayborne Rann, Knudsen, Bradshaw', Earnhart Vogt, Knapp, Hockmeyer, Obosla 1. Cook, Mercer, Borelli, Ellingson Withers, Perryman, L'Heureux, Adams McDowell, Thwaites, Campbell, Decker Johnson, Dendle, Gibson, Fremaux
Line-up
359th:
360th:
Vitali, Leathers, Maxwell, Green
361 sl:
Perrin, Lee, Gansberg, Burns
May 11 (#112) L1Co!. Tukey lOok off as leader of an area support from 1434 to 1833. After he aborted, L1Co!. Waller lOok over and landfall was made at 1527 near Dieppe. The pilots flew to the until 1640. Landfall-out was made north of Avranches, then the P-47's crossed back in, and made final landfall south of Pointe de Barneur at 1730.
May 13 (#114) L1Co!. Baccus led a penetration support from J 122 to 1615. RIV and landfall were at 1259 east of Siellsland and the bombers were later left northeast of Kiel at 1400. Just as they
Line-up
360th:
361 sl:
Tukey, Dendle, Fremaux, Decker Korhorn, Kahle, Campbell, Yoakum Strait, Thompson, Gansberg, Thwaites McDowell, Engelhorn, Gibson, Burns
Notes: Completed Tour: Lt. Harry B. McLaughlin: to 27th Air Transport Group
Loire River, then back and forth between Orleans and Gien
359th:
White, Lubbers, Brearley, Wyatt Bradshaw, Wadlow, O'Barr*, Vossler* Holm, Craig, Peet, Earnhart Engel, Weber, Farmer, Clayborne Vogt, Anderson, Hockrneyer, Obosla Withers, Walters, Adams, Perryman Thorne, Mercer, McLaughlin, Borelli
Burke, Coughenour, Peet, Earnhart Rann, Lubbers, Bradshaw, Rubner
were breaking off, three gaggles of 40-plus Germans were seen
heading in from north of Lubeck. The 356th swung in behind them and followed, and as they neared some B-24's, the Thunderbolts struck. The 360th and 361 st chased two gaggles to Kiel and the 359th chased the third to Hamburg. Intense fighting netted six kills for one loss plus two P-47's badly damaged. Capt. Willis A. Holm (359th) was killed while Lt. James A. Wyatt (359th) was badly hit but managed to land at
Holm, Cline, Meholic, Brearley Engel, Weber, Farmer, Clayborne Tukey', McLaughlin, E. Cook, Ellingson Hockmeyer, Anderson, Maxwell, Leathers Cota, Obosla, McHale, Green Kress, Russell, Withers, Walters Waller, Engle, Gibson, Faison Korhorn, Kahle, Yoakum, Engelhorn Ogden, Swift, Dendle, Lee McDowell, Thompson, Thwaites, Decker
Woodbridge (due to his wounds he did not return to combat),
and Lt. Adams (360th) was shot up and bellied-in at Beccles. Finally, on the way home, Lt. Weber (359th) strafed in tbe Nordholz area and damaged 8 buildings. Landfall was by flights north of Tessel from 1445 to 1455. Lt. Wyatt reported that he and Capt. Holm bounced two Fw 190's. After attacking one 190, Wyatt stated, "1 then started worrying about Capt. Holm, so I pulled up and joined him. As
Notes: Completed Tour: Lt. Ricbard A. Rann, Lt. Bertrum E. Ellingson; both pilots returned to the States on leave before returning for second tours.
I crossed under him I saw that flames were starting to come from his supercharger section." Wyatt then dove after another
May 12 (#113) L1Co!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1047 to 1452. Landfall was near Furness at 1126 with RN coming southwest of Brussels at 1153. The bombers were taken to the Fulda area and then left northeast of Frankfurt at 1317. From the Rhine River 10 Fulda, the group was repeatedly bounced by P-51's but no damage was done. Lt. McLaughlin (360th) also fired upon a pair of Me 109's but was too far out of range. Landfall later came near Gravelines from 1406 to 1415.
190 and that was the last he saw of Holm. (6-4-3 air)
(1 lost) Line-up
359th:
360th:
4/
Baccus, Coughenour, Ogden, Weber Peet, Hoffert, Smith, Knudsen Holm, Wyatt, Farmer, Vossler Bradshaw, Wadlow, Brearley, Earnhart Cota, Anderson, Hockmeyer, Koczak J. Cook, Mercer, Borelli, Hepfer
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
361st:
Withers, Russell, Adams, Perryman McHale, Green, Walters, E. Cook McDowell, Engle, Johnson, Dendle Perrin, Swift, Campbell, Thwaites Thorne, Thompson, Gansberg, Burns Bailey, Kahle, Gibson, Faison
361sl:
Vogt, Perryman, Hockmeyer, Russell Withers, Borelli, L'Heureux, Walters Waller, Swift, Johnson, Leyser Perrin, Dendle, Korhorn, Engle Bailey, Faison, Thwaites, Burns Strait, Decker, Gansberg, Engelhorn
Sqn
Claims
Location
Sqn
HdQts:
Lteo!' D.A. Baccus
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air)
Kiel~Lubeck
3591h:
Lt. H. Weber
Fw 190 dam(air)
Kiel-Lubeck
3601h:
3591h:
Lt. WL. Farmer
Fw 190 desl(air)
Kiel-Lubeck
3601h:
36Is(:
Claims
Locatioll
Me 109 dest(air)
Steinhuder Luke
Capt. J. W. Vogt
Fw 190 desl(air)
SW Celle
Lt. WO. Maxwell
Me 109 dest(air)
Nienburg
LL R.L. Coughenour (.5)Fw 190 dcs((air) Kiel-Lubeck
Lt. A.A. Perryman
Fw 190 dest(air)
$W Celie
Capt. W.A. Holm
Fw 190 prob(air)
Kiel-Lubeck
Lt. EM. Russell
Fw 190 dest(air)
Hanover
Lt. J.A. Wyatt
Fw 190 prob(air)
Kiel-Lubeck
LI. C.A. Vitali
Me 109 dest(air)
Steinhuder Lake
Fw 190 dam(air)
Kiel-Lubeck
LI. R.R. Withers
Me 109 desl(air)
Hanover
Ll. R.R. Withers
Fw 190 dcst(uir)
Kiel
Me 109 dam(air)
Hanover
Ll. C.W. Adams
Fw 190 prob(uir)
Kiel
Lt. R.c. L· Hcurcux
Me 109 dam(air)
Hanover
LI. A.A. Perryman
Fw 190 dam(uir)
Kiel
Capt. OJ. Strait
Me 109 dest(air)
Quackcnbruck
Capt. T.E Bailey
Fw 190 desl(uir)
SE Lubeck
Lt. H.M. Engelhom
Me 109 dest(air)
Quackenbruck
Lt. B.A. Swift
Fw 190 dest(air)
SlKiel
LI. R.H. Gansberg
Me 109 dest(air)
Quackenbruck
Lt. O.E Thwaites
Fw 190 dest(air)
Hamburg
LI. D.E Thwaites
Fw 190 dest(air)
Quackenbruck
Lt. E.L. Faison
Fw 190 prob(air)
SE Lubeck
361st:
(3)Fw 190 dam(air) Quackenbruck Lteo!. W Waller
NOles: Completed Tour: Capt. Reginald C. McDowell; went to States on leave before coming back for a second tOUf.
360th:
NE Dummer LakeElMinden
May 20 (#116) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration support from 0903 to 1205. RN came over the Channel at 0935 with landfall near Ostend at 0945. The bombers were left near Louvain at 1055 and the group crossed out over the Dutch Islands at 1119. Lt. Alex S. Koczak (360th) suffered engine failure near Valenciennes and bailed out to become a POW. Also on the way home, Lt. Vossler and Lt. O'Barr (359th) covered a bomber crew which bailed out over the Channel. (llost)
May 19 (#115) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 1105 to 1509. Landfall came near Egmond at 1205 with RN over the Zuider Zee. North of Steinhuder Lake, 14 Germans were seen by the 359th. Lt. Weber chased a Me 109 into compressibility and the 109 crashed. The other squadrons took on two boxes of 40-plus bandits in the Celle-Quackenbruck-Hanover area, claiming 10 kills for 3 losses. Lt. Allen A. Perryman (360th) bailed out after being hit by a Me 109, and Lt. Edwin D. Cook (360th) and Lt. James K. Johnson (36 Ist) were also shot down by fighters. The bombers were later left north of Hanover at 1315 and landfall was near Egmond at 1415. Capt. Perrin (36Ist) also strafed on the way out and damaged a gun emplacement. (11-0-6 air) (3 last)
359th:
Me 109 dam(air)
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line·up Burke, Coughenour, Knudsen', Clayborne* Meholic, Cline, Craig, Rubner Bradshaw, Earnhart, Brearley, Weber Tukey, Obosla, Koczak, Knapp Vitali, Leathers, Maxwell, E. Cook
Line-up Burke, Coughenour, Brearley, Clayborne Engel, Hoffert, Farmer, Earnhart Bradshaw, Rubner, 0' Barr, Vossler Cota, Leathers, Maxwell, Obosla J. Cook, Mercer, Koczak, Borelli Hockrneyer, Anderson, Fletcher, Knapp Baccus, Yoakum, Decker, Lee Perrin, Kahle, Fremaux, Burns Bailey, Thompson, Gibson, Leyser
May 21 (#117) LtCo!. Tukey led a sweep against rail and transportation targets from 1016 to 1500. Landfall was near Overflakkee
42
The 3561h FighTer Group if! World War II
at 1056 and the pilots looked for targets in the WilhelmshavenBremerhaven-Hamburg area. The 359th claimed 2-2 locos and 0-1 flak tower, while the 360th claimed 0-2 locos and the 36 Ist scored hits on four rail junctions. A He-177 was also bounced as it took off from Stade Airfield and shot down. Landfall was by flights in the Ijmuiden area but two pilots were MIA: Lt. Edwin E. Anderson (360th) went down near Oldenburg, and Lt. Wallace G. Maxwell (360th) went down in the North Sea off Wilhelmshaven and his body washed ashore the next day.
360th:
361st:
Thorne, Lee, Korhorn, Burns
Bailey, Engelhorn, Gansberg, Decker
NOles: Completed Tour: Lt. William L. Farmer: to 27th Air Transport Group; Lt. Chester A. Vitali: to 495th Fighter Training Group; Capt. John P. Perrin: to 27th Air Transport Group and later killed in an accident.
(1-0-0 air)
(2 lost) Line-lip
359th:
Tukey, Hoffert, Brearley, Craig White, Cline, Bradshaw, Wadlow
May 22 (#119) LtCo!. Tukey led a dive-bombing mission from 1704 to 2003. Landfall carne near Westhoofd at 1757 and bombing results were poor. Four planes of the 359th dropped on the
Thome, Vossler, Fanner, Weber
360th:
361 st:
Meholic, O'Barr, Knudsen, Rubner Vogt, Anderson, Knapp, Mercer Withers, Russell, Hockmeyer, Obosla Cota, Leidy, Maxwell, Leathers Cook, Borelli, L'Heureux, Walters Bailey, Leyser, Gibson, Fremaux
railbridge at Hassell, scored two hits, but caused no damage.
Four P-47's of the 360th missed the bridge entirely, and four 361 st ships put one bomb on a secondary bridge three miles away. Everyone then headed for home, crossing out at 1930 in the Blankenberge area.
Perrin, Thompson, Thwaites, Swift Baccus, Burns, Korhorn, Lee Strait, Yoakum, Gansberg, Engelhorn
Line-up
359th: Sql/ 360lh:
Capt. N.D. COla
Claims
Location
He-l77 desl(air)
Stade AIF
360th:
NOles: Completed Tour: Lt. Robert D. Bradshaw; Lt. William C. Brearley; back to States on leave before returning for a second tour; Lt. Bernard Borelli; back to the States before return-
361st:
ing for a second tour; Lt. Vincent Hockmeyer; to States on leave before returning for a second tour.
Thorne, Hoffert, Clayborne, Rubner Burke, Chickering, Wadlow, Bergstrom Ogden, Weber, Smith, Vossler Cota, Leidy, Knapp, Hepfer L'Heureux, Goldwasser, Walters, Obosla Tukey, Lee, Gansberg, Burns Bailey, Morel, Gibson, Hargreaves
NOles: Completed Tour: Lt. Robert Gibson: to 27th Air Transport Group; Lt. Clifford D. Walters.
May 22 (#118) LtCo!. Baccus led a sweep from Iml to 1419. After landfall at 1111 near Westhoofd, the squadrons flew to east of Quackenbruck and split up. The 359th flew a course from
May 23 (# 120) LtCo!. Tukey led an escort from 0704 to 10 I5. Landfall and RJV came at 0755 near Le Treport and the bombers were later left at 0830 near Chalons-Sur-Marne. The planes then crossed out at 0910 near St. Valery.
Dummer Lake to Bremen to Nienburg and later crossed out at
1315 near Egmond. The 360th flew to Steinhuder Lake and Bremen, saw a Me 110 which evaded the P-47's, then headed for home. The 361 st flew to Hanover, Munster, and Paderborn,
Line-up
359th:
then crossed out in the Egmond-Ijrnuiden-Schouwen area. Line-up
359th:
Baccus, Mercer, Cook L'Heureux, Russell, Knapp, Obosla Cota, Leidy, Fletcher, Hepfer Withers, Walters, Vitali, Leathers Waller, Swift, Gibson, Faison Perrin, Kahle, Fremaux, Engle
360th:
Whire, Malo, Farmer, O'Barr Engel, Cline, Knudsen, Lubbers Meholic, Hoffert, Wadlow, Clayborne Smith, Earnhart, Weber, Vossler
43
Tukey, Chickering, Rubner, Hoffert Meholic, Cline, Clayborne, Lubbers Engel, Malo·, Craig, Earnhart Vogt, Leidy, Knapp, Hepfer L'Heureux, Russell, Fletcher, Niemi Kress, Goldwasser, Cook, Mercer
The 3561h Fighter Group ill World War II
361sl:
Strait, Kovacs, Fremaux, Leyser Korhorn, Kahle, Lee, Thompson Gansberg, Yoakum, Clayton, Decker
360th:
May 23 An off day for the 356th but several new pilots were up on training flights. Lt. Grant F. Moyer (360th) was killed and the 360th wrote, "Lt. Moyer, while training with the group trainiog school, was on a dive-bombing pass on the target off Bradwell Bay. He came in too low, struck the water, and crashed." (l killed)
361 Sl:
Sqn
May 24 (#121) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration support from 0847 to 1249. The 359th and 361st made RJV north of the coast and landfall came at 1030 near Meldorf. The bombers were left near Hagenow at 1050 when P-51's took over and the group turned for home. Back over England, Baccus lost oil pressure and had to glide-in at Manston. In doing so, he hit a truck and tractor which wrecked his P-47 but he emerged unhurt.
360th:
361 st:
Claims
Location
360th,
Lt. R.M. Leidy
Me 109 dcst(air)
W/Neufchateau
3615(:
Lt. D.F. Thwaitcs
Me 109 dest(air)
Neufchateau
May 27 (#123) LtCol. Baccus took off a.leader of an escort from 1000 10 1329. After he aborted, Capt. Meholic lOok the lead and landfall was made southwest of Le Treport at 1055. The bombers were picked up near 01 isy at I 104 and left near Chaumont at 1200. The 359th and 360th then swept the Nancy-Metz area and crossed out at 1255 southwest of Ostend. The 361 st swept the Orleans area and made landfall at 1248 northeast of Chateaudun.
Lil1e~up
359th:
Meholic, Cline, O'Barr, Lubbers Smith, Vossler, Weber, Earnhart Vogt, Leidy, Fletcher, Leathers Ogden, Obosla, iemi, Green Kress, Goldwasser, Knapp, Russell Tukey, Thompson, Lee, Clayton Thwaites, Kovacs, Leyser, Swift Waller, Hargreaves, Engelhorn, Engle Bailey, Morel, Fremaux, Decker
Burke*, Malo*, Craig*. Clayborne Meholic*. Bergstrom, Wadlow, Hoffert Engel, Cline, Knudsen, Lubbers Smith, Vossler, Weber, Earnhart Baccus, Fletcher, L'Heureux, Obosla Thorne, Leathers, Niemi, Leidy Kress, Russell, Knapp, Goldwasser Waller, Swift, Fremaux, Engle Korhorn, Kahle, Thwaites, Lee Bailey, Leyser, Yoakum, Decker Strait, Faison, Gansberg, Engelhorn
359th:
360th:
361 st:
NOles: Maj. Emery Montgomery left the 361st and Capt. Thomas F. Bailey was given the job of Operations Officer for the
Line-up Baccus*, Malo, Wadlow, Clayborne Engel, Bergstrom, Knudsen, Cline Meholic, 0' Barr, Rubner, Lubbers Smith. Forsyth, Weber, Earnhart Vogt, Leathers, L' Heureux, Fletcher Ogden, Russell, Knapp, Goldwasser Cook, Niemi, Green, Mercer Waller, Clayton, Campbell, Leyser Korhorn, Kovacs, Lee, Thompson Strait, Kahle, Yoakum, Decker Gansberg, Burns, Engelhorn, Faison
squadron.
Nores: Completed tour: Lt. Harry C. Leyser
May2S (#122) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 0703 to 1102. Landfall was at 0758 near Le Treport with RJV coming southeast of Soissons at 0835. The bombers were left at 0905 east of Chaumont and after breaking, 20-plus Me 109's were
May 27 (#124) LtCol. Baccus led a Type-16 Control from 1505 to 1708. Landfall was made at 1550 northeast of Knocke and the pilots then flew to Brussels. Nothing was seen and the ships crossed out north of astend at 1615.
seen near Neufchateau. Two were shot down before the group
crossed out north of Dunkirk at 1015. (2-0-0 air)
359th:
359th:
Line-lip White, Bergstrom, Wadlow, Clayborne Engel, Chickering, Knudsen, Hoffert
360th:
44
Line-up Baccus, Forsyth, Rubner, Chickering White, Hoffert, Knudsen, Lubbers Cota, Sova, Knapp, Mercer Kress, Goldwasser, Tierni, Green
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War 1/
361 st:
Strait, Hargreaves, Yoakum, Decker Korhorn, Kahle, Gansberg, Faison
May 28 (#125) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration support from 1204 to 1537. On lake-off, the P-47 flown by Lt. Craig (359th) lost power just as he lined off. Though he set the plane back down, it flipped over after hitting a ditch at the end of the runway. The craft caught tire but Craig was pulled out safely. The rest of the group crossed in near Egmond and made R/V west of Lingen at 1325. After breaking at 1400 near Nienburg, the group swept north until 1415 then headed out. Some 361st pilots strafed the Dortmund-Ems canal claiming 0-12 barges and 0-1 gun emplacement. Lille~up
3591h:
360th:
361 st:
O'Barr later wrote, "I lost my oil pressure and had engine failure. I bailed out over the N.E. Polder, a drained section of the Zuider Zee. I rolled my ship over at 15,000 feet to bailout, fell about halfway out and my seat pack chute caught under the canopy. The nose fell through and the air stream forced me against the canopy with my left foot caught under the right canopy rail. When 1 finally realized what happened. 1 began to struggle to free myself. 1 managed to reach back over my head and grab the back of the canopy giving me enough leverage to pull my chute from under the canopy and at the same time to jerk my foot from under the canopy track. 1 was immediately flipped off the plane and since I had no idea how high I was, I pulled the rip cord. II just so happened that I was upside down when the chute opened, so it was like being on the end of a whiplash when the opening shock came." (Itos!)
White, Bergstrom, Craig*, Lubbers Meholic, Malo, O'Barr, Cline Engel, Broxton, Knudsen, Hoffert Smith, Clayborne, Weber, Earnhart, Wilmot Baccus, Mercer, Niemi, Leidy Kress, Russell, Knapp, Goldwasser Cota, Leathers, Fletcher, abasia Strait, Clayton, Burns, Hargreaves Thwaites, Hurley, Decker, Swift Korhorn, Engle, Campbell, Thompson Gansberg, Kahle, Engelhorn, Faison
3591h:
360th:
361st:
May 28 (#126) Capt. Vogt led a Type-16 Control from 1556 to 1826. Landfall was at 1634 north of Dunkirk, then the pilots flew to south of Brussels and northeast of Luxembourg. Nothing developed and the planes crossed out at 1745 near Dunkirk.
May 30 (#128) LtCol. Baccus led a withdrawal support from 0907 to 1328. RIV came at 1035 over the Northeast Polder and the bombers were left at 1158 near Egmond. The 36lst then swept the Meppel-Osnabruck-Dummer Lake-Steinhuder Lake area, while the 360th strafed in the Hamburg area with claims of 02 boats.
Line~l/p
359th: 360th: 361 s1:
Line-lip White, Bergstrom, 0' Barr, Lubbers Rubner, Chickering, Clayborne, Cline Meholic, Malo, Knudsen, Forsyth Smith, Earnhart, Weber, Vossler Vogt, Leathers, Niemi, Olive Cook, Leidy, Green, Mercer Kress, Goldwasser, Knapp, Russell Tukey, Burns, Fremaux, Thompson Korhorn, Clayton, Thwaites, Engle Bailey, Kahle, Campbell, Swift Yoakum, Kovacs, Lee, Faison
(see 360th) Vogt, Olive, Cook, Green Cota, Sova, Wadlow(359th), Forsyth(359th) Ogden, Morel, Lee, Wiggins Fremaux, Harris, Yoakum, Kovacs
359th:
May 29 (#127) LtCol. Tukey led a penetration support from 0936 to 1419. RIV was made north ofCuxhaven at 1129 and the bombers were left northwest of Berlin at 1218. Heading southwest, the group later crossed out north of Ijmuiden. A single Me 109 was seen near Hamburg but that was all. Lt. William C. O'Barr (359th) suffered engine problems and was forced to bailout southwest of the Northeast Polder.
360tl"
361 st:
45
Line-up Baccus, Malo, Clayborne, Hoffert Wadlow, Wilmot, Rubner, Chickering Meholic, Bergstrom, Knudsen, Cline Weber, Forsyth, Vossler, Lubbers Cota, Soya, Fletcher, abasia McHale, Olive, Niemi, Goldwasser Cook, Mercer, Green, Leidy Waller, Hargreaves, Thwaites, Engle Bailey, Hurley, Burns, Swift Strait, Harris, Yoakum, Decker Gansberg, Kovacs, Engelhorn, Faison
The 356th Fighter Gmtlp in World War lf
May 30 (#129) LtCo!. Baccus led a dive-bombing mission from 1616 to 1909. Landfall was at 1711 near Le Treport and the pilots flew to the rail bridge at Soissons. Not a single hit was recorded on the structure but some track was tol11 up. The P-4Ts then crossed out near Dieppe at 1810.
359th: 360th: 361 st:
360th:
361 st:
Korhorn, Hurley, Fremaux, Wiggins
Bailey, Hargreaves, Engelhorn, Morel
Line-up
June 3
Tukey, Pietruszka, Lubbers, Forsyth Ogden, Clayborne, Weber, Vossler Baccus, Leidy, Fletcher, Goldwasser Vogt, Douglas, Bluhm, Kariva Waller, Kahle, Fremaux, Swift
(#132) Maj. White led a Type-I 6 Control from 1234 to 1540. Aftercrossing in southwcst of Ostend at 1309, the planes swept the Mons-Antwerp-Paris area. Nothing was seen and the planes crossed out near Dunkirk at 1457. Line-up
Campbell, Morel, Faison, Wiggins
Bailey, Clayton, Engle, Thompson
359th:
May 31 (#130) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 0850 to 1250. RN came at 1022 between Meppel and Lingen and the bombers were left nOltheast of Hamburg at 1125. Lt. Lawrence L. Goldwasser (360th) lost oil pressure on the way in and bailed
360th:
361 st:
out near Zevenburgen.
The 360th diary stated it thus, "Lt. Goldwasser's oil pressure dropped to zero. He bailed out o.k., at 1148 hours from 11,000 feet near Zevenburgen, south of Rotterdam."
(#133) This was it' The invasion of Europe began and the 356th put up five missions in support of the landings. LtCol. Tukey led the day's first effort, a patrol of the invasion area, from 0340 to 0758. Heavy overcast was encountered and the pilots patrolled from 0420 to 0645 without sighting any aircraft. Lt. George C. Kariva (360th) suffered engine trouble and bailed out over the Channel; he eventually drifted ashore near Dunkirk and was captured.
Line-up
Burke', Bergstrom, Lubbers, Malo Knudsen, Chickering, Wadlow, Cline Meholic, Broxton, Rubner, Coughenour*
360th:
361 st:
White, Pietruszka, Vossler, Wilmot' Knudsen, Bergstrom, Craig, Hoffen Meholic. Chickering, Lubbers, Cline VOgI, Mercer, Bluhm, Leidy McHale, Kariva, Leathers, Olive Fletcher, Sova, Herin, Obosla Strait, Kahle, Faison, Engle Gansberg, Mills, Burns, Swift Thwaites, Kovacs, Decker, Thompson
June 6
(J Lost)
359th:
Cota, Russell, Knapp, Douglas Ogden, Obasla, Herin, Soya Cook, Mercer, Green, Leidy Baccus, Engle, Lee, Hams
Smith, Earnhart, Clayborne, Earnhart Tukey, Herin, McHale, Olive Kress, Douglas, Knapp, Goldwasser Vogt, Leidy, Bluhm, Green Waller, Harris, Fremaux, Thompson Thwaites, Morel, Lee, Kahle
(1/ost)
Line-up
359th:
Korhorn, Wiggins. Engle, Decker
Yoakum, Kovacs, Faison, Clayton
360th:
June 2 (#131) LtCo!. Baccus led a Type-16 Control from 1032 to 1338. Landfall came at I 137 near Ostend and the group then swept the Tournai-Peronne-Brussels-Sedan area. Landfall-out was later made at 1315 near Dunkirk after an uneventful flight.
361 st:
Tukey, Craig, Smith, Vossler' Engel, Earnhart, Knudsen, Rubner Burke, Weber, Peet, Wadlow Vogt, Bluhm, Cook, Green McHale, Kariva, Niemi, Olive Waller, Morel, Engle, Mills Thorne, Hargreaves, Lee, Wiggins Bailey, Kovacs, Engelhorn, Clayton
June 6 Line-up
359th:
(#134) LtCo!. Baccus led a beach-head patrol from 0558 to 0945. The pilots were in their assigned area from 0645 to 0905 but saw nothing.
Burke, Wilmot, Rubner, Coughenour Wadlow, Broxton, Clayborne, Lubbers Weber, Forsyth, Earnhart, Vossler
46
The 356111 Fighrer Group in World War II
359th: 360th: 361 sl:
Line-up White, Coughenour, Richason, Forsyth Baccus, Douglas, Knapp, Russell L'Heureux, Obosla, Herin, Sova Campbell, Thompson, Bums, Swift
June 6 (#135) LtCol. Tukey led a fighter-bomber show to the Angars area from 1047 to 1428. Crossing in near lo Treport, the pilots hit targets northeast of los Audelys and Chateau du Lar, claiming 6-21 trucks, 1-0 loco, and 1-0 auto. FlO Emil F. Sova (360m) was shot up by flak and bailed out to become a paw. (llost)
359th:
360th: 361sl:
Line-lip Tukey, Earnhart, Smith, Vossler Burke, Weber, Peet, Rubner Engel, Cline, Wadlow, Hoffert Vogt, Olive, McHale, Niemi Cook, Leidy, Green, Sova Ogden, Burns, Thompson, Swift
June 6 (#136) LtCol. Baccus led a dive-bombing mission from 1417
360th:
Kress, Russell, Knapp, Herin
361st:
Cook, Mercer, Bluhm, Green L'Heureux, Leidy, Leathers, Olive none
June 7 (# 138) LtCol. Tukey led a small fighter-bomber mission from 0442 to 0807. The planes swept the Avranches-DomfrontMayenne-Forges area with the following claims: the 359th strafed 7 trucks and two lines of railcars and put a few bombs
on a supply dump. The 360th destroyed 8 trucks and bombed a train, and the 361st destroyed at least 10 trucks and damaged 20 more.
359th: 360th: 361st:
Line-up Ogden, Pietruszka, Vossler, Earnhart Tukey, Douglas, Niemi, Russell
Thwaites, Hurley, Decker, Mills
June7 (#139) Capt. Bailey led a mission to the same area as #138 from 0705 to 1047. Strafing and bombing in the DomfrontMortain area produced claims of 35-25 vehicles and 2-8 rai]cars. 8-12 Fw 190'5 were also seen but they avoided contact.
to 1754. Targets in the Tours~Le Mans area were attacked with
known claims of 1-0 loco, 4-35 railcars, 8-0 vehicles, and 0-1 bridge.
359th: 360th: 361 sf:
Line-up
359th: 360th: 361 sl:
White, Coughenour, Knudsen, Forsyth
Line-up Weber, Forsyth, Clayborne, Wilmot Kress, Leidy, Knapp, Bluhm Bai]ey, Kahle, Yoakum, Kovacs Fremaux, Hargreaves, Lee, Thompson
Baccus, Leathers, Douglas L'Heureux, Mercer, Herin, Obosla
June 7 (#140) LtCol. Waller led a third fighter-bomber show to the same area from 1026 to 1439. Strafing and bombing netted 0I loco, 0-20 railcars, 0-1 tank, and 4-5 vehicles before landfall-out at 1336 near St. Valery.
Waller, Clayton, Faison, Hurley Thorne, Engle, Decker, Mills Korhorn, Lee, Thwaites, Kovacs Gansberg, Hargreaves, Engelhorn, Wiggins
June 6 (# 137) After LtCol. Baccus aborted, Lt. Wadlow led a Type-16 Control from 1819 to 222]. Landfall was at 1930 near Le
359m:
Line-up Burke*, LeMoyne, Earnhart, Broxton' Peel, Coughenour, Rubner, Craig
360th:
Treport and the pilots then swept the Beauvais-Amiens-ParisRouen-Dieppe area. One truck was destroyed near Beauviasl Tille Airfield and some tanks were strafed with unknown results near Rauen. The group crossed out near Le Trepon at
Cook, Teel, Green, Russell L'Heureux, Williams, Herin, Olive
361 st:
Waller, Swift, Burns, Morel Korhorn, Wiggins, Engelhom, Clayton
2142 and Lt. Hoffert (359th) landed at Manston with a broken June 7 (#141) LtCo!. Baccus led a mission to the Laval area from] 126 to 1553. Part of the 359th hit Laval Airfield claiming 5-1 by strafing and destroying four more with bombs. Ll. Thwaites (361 st) also tagged along on this attack and burned a Ju 52 as well. White Flight of the 359th was bounced by a dozen Fw
oil line.
359th:
Line-up Baccus·, Pelletier, Richason, Broxton Wadlow, Wilmot, Cline, Ma]o Knudsen, Chickering, Hoffert, Bergstrom 47
Tile 356tll Fighter Group ill World War II
190's but no damage was done, while FlO Decker downed one of three 190's seen near Laval. Other claims amounted to 3-0 locos, I-I truck. and 1-0 auto.
ing Orfordness at 1500 feet at 0735 he said he would have to bailout because of lack of oil pressure and because the prop was running away. It is unknown whether he crash-landed or went into the Channel." abasia's loss was stated thus, "Lt. abasia was dive-bombing a train; one of his bombs hit a railroad car and there was an explosion which he flew through. His plane then crashed in a woods near Rauen, France." (2 lost)
(1-0-0 air) (6-1 groul/d)
359th: 360th: 36 1st:
Line-up Baccus, Malo, Richason, Bergstrom Engel, Pelletier, Vossler, Pietruszka Ogden, Laviolette, Mercer, Douglas McHale, Pleasant, abasia Gansberg, Mills, Thwaites, Hurley Campbell, Engle, Decker, Faison
359th: 360th:
Sqn HdQ1S:
LtCol. D.A. Baccus
359th:
Ll. L.P. Richason
361 $1:
Claims
Locmioll
Ju 52 desl(grd)
Laval
Me 109 dest(grd)
Laval
Ju 52 dest(grd)
Laval
Me 109 dam(grd)
Laval
Capl. G. w. Engel
Ju 52 dest(grd)
Laval
Ll. A.E. Bergstrom
Me 109 dest(grd)
Laval
FlO E.L. Decker
Fw 190 dest(air)
SE Laval
Lt. D.F. Thwaites
J u 52 dcst(grd)
Laval
361 st:
June 8 (#144) LlCo!. Tukey led a mission which took off at 0713 but a flak hit at landfall (Boulogne) forced him home. The rest of the pilots hit a number of targels claiming 1-0 loco, 8-0 trucks, and 0-2 bridges, plus tracks were Cllt in several places. The 361 st also lost a pair of pilots: FlO Edmund L. Decker hit the ground while strafing near Bouconvillers and Ll. Ray F. Engle was missing in the Abbeville area after calling in he was low on fuel. Lt. Swift wrote this report on FlO Decker's loss, "I was flying Red #4 on the mission. FlO Decker and myself were strafing two trucks around 25 miles southwest of Beauvais, France, at approximately 0850. On our first pass, FlO Decker racked his plane around violently to the left, causing streamers lO come off the wings and went inlO a vertical bank. When I finished shooting and turned left to rejoin him. he had hit the ground and aliI saw was a hole in the ground and a mass of flames where the plane exploded." As for Engle, the 361 st wrote, "After a strafing pass in adverse weather, Lt. Engle became separated from his flight. At approximately 0955 hours he was heard to say over the RJT that his fuel pressure was falling off and his engine cutting out. He then transmitted over the Rtf that he was bailing out." (2 lost)
June 7 (#142) Maj. Vogt led an area patrol from 1720 to 2258. Landfall came near Lannien at 1920 and the 359th and 361 st gave support to some B-24's in the Kerlin-Bastard area. The 360th swept and shot lip two trains and 15 railcars.
359th: 360th: 36lst:
Line-up Meholic, Broxton, Rubner, Coughenour Peet, Vossler, Weber, Wilmot* Cota, Russell, Green, Douglas Kress, Olive, Herin, abasia Strait, Clayton, Lee, Wiggins Campbell, Kahle, Burns, Kovacs
Line-lip White, Hoffert, Cline, Lubbers Burke, Chickering, Clayborne, Forsyth Vogt, Leidy, Niemi, Bluhm Kress, Leathers, L' Heureux, Knapp Strait, Morel, Yoakum, Kahle Gansberg, Hargreaves, Lee, Thompson
June 8 (#143) Capt. Strait led a dive-bombing mission from 0453 to 0759. Landfall came at 0600 near Dieppe and targets were hit in the Forges-Rauen area. The 359th destroyed a loco and at least three railcars; the 360th blew up a loco and a few railcars but Lt. Joseph Obosla was lost. He was evidently caught in a bomb blast and crashed near Rauen. 361st pilots turned in claims for 2-3 locos and 4-0 trucks. Heading home, Lt. Robert A. Coughenour (359th) lost oil pressure and he crashed off Orfordness. The 359th recorded, "Lt. Coughenour was apparently hit and he headed for base escorted by Lt. Rubner. While approach-
359th: 360th: 36 Ist:
48
Line-up Tukey*, Bergstrom, Wadlow, Pelletier Smith, Pietruszka, Craig, Malo Cook, McHale, Bluhm Ogden, Rideout, Knapp, Mercer Waller, Hurley, Decker, Swift Fremaux, Mills, Yoakum, Engle
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 11
June 8 (#145) LtCol. Baccus led a fighter-bomber mission to the Beauvais area from 1046 to ]359. Strafing and bombing saw considerable damage to tracks and warehouses, one bridge, and a number of vehicles and railcars. Line-up
359th: 360th: 36lst:
Engel, Shelton, Lubbers, Chickering Knudsen, Tucker, Earnhart, Hoffert Baccus, Thorne, Knapp, Olive Cota, Servocky, Herin, Russell Bailey, Thompson, Engelhorn, Kahle Korhorn, Hargreaves, Thwaites, Faison
Lt. Engelhorn witnessed his loss and wrote, "1 was flying Red #3 on the mission. We were strafing an armored convoy about 6 miles eastofMontdidier, France, at approximately 1900 hours. After the second pass, I pulled up to the right and over to my left I saw Lt. Lee's airplane in a climb on tire with a lot of flame coming out. It fell off into a stall and did about a full spin and hit the ground a quarter of a mile south of the convoy and exploded." As for Smith, the 359th diary stated, "At 1905, east of Amiens, Lt. Smith was bounced by a single Me 109. Hit in the tail section, his aircraft caught fire and he bailed out. Maj. White followed his chute down and reports that he landed safely along the Somme River east of Amiens." (2 lost)
June 8 (#146) Maj. Vogt led a mission to the Beauvais area from 1350 to 1636. At BeauvaislNiviliers Airfield, two Fw 190's were bounced as they took off. Both were destroyed and a third Focke Wulf was burned on the ground. The 360th also saw eight Fw 190's north of Beauvais but no contact was made. Other claims amounted to 2-2 locos and 21-]5 railcars. (2-0-0 air)
Line-up
359th: 360th: 361st:
White, Thorne, Cline, Hoffert Smith, Alphonse, Richason, LeMoyne Cook, Robinson, Leathers, Douglas Knapp, Nebinger, Niemi, Williams Ogden, Hurley, Engelhorn, Swift Campbell, Mills, Lee, Faison
(1-0-0 groltltd)
June 10 (#148) LtCo!. Waller led a dive-bombing mission from 0730 to 1106. The group patrolled the Caen-Lisieux-Bernay area and made the following claims: the 359th bombed a convoy of 40 trucks, scoring many hits, hit a marshalling yard with at least two railcars destroyed, and attacked another convoy with claims of 2-4 trucks. The 360th claimed 4-4 railcars and 0-1 truck west of Bernay, and the 361 st got 1-0 truck plus strafed over 100 railcars in a marshalling yard with undeterminable results.
Line-lip
359th: 360th: 361st:
Burke, Bruner, Wadlow, Forsyth Meholic, Mellinger, Clayborne, Bergstrom Vogt, Romine, Bluhm, Teel McHaJe, Green Strait, Wiggins, Yoakum, Clayton Gansberg, Morel, Burns, Kovacs
Sql!
Claims
Locatioll
359th:
Lt. M.M. Clayborne
Fw 190 dest(air)
All claims are at
3615(:
Lt. H.E. Wiggins
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air) Beauvais-Nivillers
LL G.L. Yoakum
(.5)Fw 190 dest(air)
Capt. 0.8. Clayton
(.5)Fw 190 dest(grd)
Line-up
359th:
(.5)Fw 190 dest(grd)
360th:
June 8 (#147) Maj. White led a dive-bombing mission from 1716 to 2003. 359th pilots hit a marshalling yard at Amiens and scored hits on the SO-plus railcars there. At 1905, east of Amiens, a Me 109 bounced one flight and shot down Lt. James B. Smith. He bailed out east of Amiens, evaded capture, and returned to England in August. The 360th shot up a truck, power station, and two barges, while the 361 st claimed 2-0 locos and 5-0 railcars. Lt. Edward P. Lee was hit by ground fire while strafing a convoy near Montdidier and he crashed with his ship.
361st:
Ogden, Chickering, Lubbers, Hoffert Peet, Tucker, Rubner, Bergstrom Meholic, Forsyth, Craig, Pelletier Weber*, Malo, Clayborne, Wilmot Vogt, Romine, Herin, Douglas Cook, Phillips, Bluhm, Russell L'Heureux, Laviolette, Green, Leidy Niemi, Pleasant, Leathers, Olive Waller, Clayton, Faison, Hurley Yoakum, Morel, Swift, Mills Korhorn, Gillette, Thompson, Harris Gansberg, Hall, Engelhorn, Wiggins
June 10 (#149) LtCo!. Tukey led an area patrol from 1414 to 1729. Landfall came near Le Treport and the pilots attacked targets
49
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1/
in the Chartres-Reims-Chambray area. A 359th flight strafed an airfield southeast of Dreux claiming I-I plane, 0-2 hangars, and 0-1 truck. The rest of the 359th got 2-8 vehicles and scored hits on a marshalling yard near Nantes. 360th pilots got one truck and the 361 st shot up two trains and a number of vehicles. Lt. Elijah PHarris (361 st) had his P-47 cut in half by a flak hit near Gassicourt while Lt. Fremaux (361 st) was also hit and made a one-wheel landing at Woodbridge. Fremaux later filed this report, "We were bombing a train and I was unable to release my bomb and belly tank. This was on the railroad between Dreux and Paris, France. Being low on gas, I called White Leader and told him my wingman, Lt. Harris, and I were going home. We started out on a heading of 0 degrees north in a slow climb. In about 10 minutes and at an altitude of 5,000 feet we started getting heavy, intense, accurate flak. This was in the Mantes-Gassicourt, France, area. My wingman, Lt. Harris, and I were hit almost immediately and at about the same time. When I saw Lt. Harris, his ship had been subject to a direct hit and split right behind the cockpit. He went straight down into the clouds and I followed him down as soon as the flak ceased. I saw his plane burning on the ground but was unable to observe any chute." (1-1 ground) (1 lost)
359th:
360th:
361st:
360th:
361st:
Lt. L.F. Richason
Claims
Lucation
Fw 190 desl(grd)
SE Dreux
Fw 190 dam(grd)
SE Dreux
Line-up Meholic*, Mellinger, Earnhart, Malo Peet'\ Tucker*, Lubbers*, Broxton Engel, Shelton, Wadlow, Pelletier Knudsen, Cline, Vossler, Pietruszka Cota, Rideout, Russell, Leidy Bluhm, Pleasant, Olive Withers, Garlent, Knapp, Servocky L'Heureux, Peacock, Leathers, Williams Tukey, Kovacs, Burns, Hargreaves Campbell, Roberts, Thompson, Drake Bailey, Engelhorn, Scheible, Wiggins Gansberg, Schlack, Kahle, Gillette Claims
Sqn
361st:
Location
Lt. R.H. Gansberg
Me 109 dest(air)
SW Bernay
Lt. D. Kahle
Me 109 dest(air)
SW Bernay
June 12 (#151) LlCo!. Baccus leda sweep from 1118 to 1440. Landfall was at 1212 near Le Treport and the pilots swept the AmiensCreil area. They shot up and bombed two trains and over 20 railcars and trucks south of Amiens and Beauvais. The planes later crossed out at 1347 near Le TrepOlt.
Line-up White, Cline, Vossler, Pietruszka Engel, Shelton*, Wadlow, Broxton Burke, Bruner, Richason, Forsyth Knudsen, Mellinger*, Earnhart, Malo Tukey, Thorne, Knapp, Gleason L'Heureux, Taylor, Niemi, Servocky Withers, Herin, Rhoades Green, Leidy Strait, Schlack, Kahle, Hargreaves Campbell, Roberts, Fremaux, Harris Bailey, Drake, Thompson, Hurley Thwaites, Kovacs, Burns, Wiggins
Sqn
359th:
359th:
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up Baccus, Shelton, White, Pietruszka Wadlow, Bruner, Forsyth, Mellinger Meholic, Pelletier*, Earnhart, Wilmot Peet, LeMoyne, Richason, Malo vogt, Burke(359th), Herin, Douglas L'Heureux, Phillips, Niemi, Laviolette Withers, Leidy, Olive, Romine McHale, Robinson, Russell, Teel Strait, Mills, Fremaux, Hurley Yoakum, Hall, Wiggins, Schlack Korhorn, Scheible, Swift, Morel Thorne, Faison, Thwaites, Hargreaves
June 13 (#152) LlCoJ. Tukey led an area patrol from 1826 to 2216. Landfall came at 1929 near Le Treport and three boxes of BiTs were picked up east of Beauvais at 2020. Heavy overcast prevented any ground attacks and the group crossed out around 2135 in the Ostend-Boulogne-Calais area.
June 11 (#150) LlCo!. Tukey led an area patrol from 0540 to 0945. Landfall came near Dieppe at 0634 and the pilots covered the Chartres-Abbeville area until 0805. Southwest of Bernay, the 361 st engaged six Me I09's and two were destroyed. The only ground attacks were made by 360th pilots who claimed 1-0 loco and 0-5 railcars southwest of Abbeville.
359th:
(2-0-0 air) 50
Line-up Burke, Tucker, Clayborne, Broxton Ogden, Forsyth, Lubbers, Hoffert Engel*, Alphonse*, Cline*, Bruner* Baccus, Chickering, Rubner, Bergstrom
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th:
361 st:
Tukey, Rhoades, Russell, Nebinger McHale, Taylor, Leathers, Garlent Withers, Servocky, Olive, Gleason Cook, Teel, Grecn, Leidy Bailey, Roberts, Burns, Clayton Campbell, Hurley, Kahle, Drake Thorne, Engelhorn, Scheible, Swift Korhorn, Gillette, Thompson, Kovacs
361st:
June 14 (#154) LtCo!. Baccus led a sweep from 1911 to 2240. Landfall came at 20 I5 in the Le Trepon-Dieppe area and the 359th gave top cover as the other squadrons looked for targets. Near Peronne, 12 Me I 09's bounced the 360th and damaged a P-47. A 359th night gave chase but the Germans escaped. Due to the bounce the 360thjeltisoned its bombs while the 361 5t destroyed or damaged 30 railcars near Thourite. The group re-formed and crossed out at 2155 from Le Touquet to Le Trepon.
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Ray R. Withers; went to States on leave before returning for a second tour. June 14 (#153) LtCo!. Waller led an area support from 0628 to 0947. Landfall came at 0704 in the Dunkirk-Ostend area and the 360th made RN with a few B-ITs near St. Trond and later near Ghent. These were taken to Bruges without incident, but Ll. Fred C. Phillips suffered engine trouble and bailed out near Hel1ogenbosch. The other squadrons circled the Brussels area until 0905 then crossed out near Knocke at 091 I. Following is Capt. L'Heureux's report of Phillips' loss, "I was leading Vortex Green and Lt. Phillips was Vortex Green 4. Over the overcast, about 25 miles east of Henogenbosch, he reported that his engine was missing. Thinking the cause was with the supercharger regulator, Vortex Red Leader wid him to go down to a lower altitude and see if he could overcome the trouble. As I was experiencing regulator trouble, [ told him to let down through the overcast on course and 1would meet him below the overcast. I let down and met him at 20,000 feet in a glide, on course. My trouble had disappeared and I was able to stay with him. We advised him to try various methods of regaining power, but he kept in a glide without power. He reponed his oil pressure as very low and going down. This may have been due to the fact that the engine was not running. Vortex Red Leadertold him to bailout at 8,000 feet ifhecould not succeed in starting the engine. I followed him down to 8,000 feet where he half-rolled and bailed out safely. Circling the area in his vicinity, I observed he landed safely, 3 miles west of Hertogenbosch Airdrome. The ship crashed and burst into flames some 25 miles further west."
359th:
360th:
361st:
360th:
Line-up Burke, Tucker, Clayborne, Broxton Knudsen, Pelletier, Lubbers, Malo Engel, Shelton, Richason, Wilmot Weber, Alphonse, Earnhart, Pietruszka* Vogt, Garient, Leathers, Taylor L'Heureux, Nebinger, Herin, Rhoades Ogden, Robinson, Olive, Servocky Cook, Leidy, Bluhm, Green Baccus, Wiggins, Faison, Hurley Korhorn, Hall, Campbell, Schlack Thorne, Gillette, Engelhorn, Swift Bailey, Morel, Thompson, Mills
June 15 (#155) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration-Iargel-withdrawal suppan from 0534 to 0943. Landfall came al 0700 near BerckSur-Mer and fifteen B-ITs were taken to Frevent and Doulles. The 360th and 361st broke at Doulles and swept while the 359th look the bombers to landfall-out, Dunkirk, at 0820. While sweeping the Amiens-Arras-Dreux area, three Me 109's were engaged southeast of Rouen and one was destroyed.
(1·0·2 air)
(11051)
359th:
Cota, Gleason, Olive, Douglas L'Heureux, Nebinger, Herin, Phillips Waller, Hargreaves, Burns, Clayton Fremaux, Roberts, Swift, Kovacs Strait, Hall, Wiggins, Schlack Thwaites, Morel, Faison, Mills Yoakum, Scheible, Kahle, Drake
Line-up White, Bruner, Craig, Collins Knudsen*', LeMoyne*, Richason, Wilmot Meholic, Mellinger, Forsyth, Bergstrom Peet, Chickering, Lubbers, Hoffert Engel, Shelton, Weber, Malo VagI, Green, Bluhm, Teel McHale, Pleasant, Leathers, Laviolette
3591h:
360th:
5/
Line-up Meholic, Bruner, Earnhart, Bergstrom Rubner, LeMoyne, Hoffert, Broxton Peet, Tucker, Richason, Pietruszka Tukey, Williams, Russell, Rideout Thome, Laviolette, Olive, Pleasant Cota, Nebinger, Leathers, Rhoades
The 356111 Fighter Group in World War /I
361st:
June 17 (#158) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration,target,withdrawal sup' port from 1849 to 2305. RIV and landfall came at 1950 near
Bailey, Roberts, Swift, Gillette Gansberg, Kovacs, Yoakum, Clayton
Korhorn" Scheible, Kahle, Drake Sqn 361st:
Claims
Cabourg and the 8-24's were taken to Tours. After escorting them back out to the coast, the group broke at 2240.
Location
Capt. W.R. Scheible
Me 109 dest(air)
SE Rouen
Capt. E. Korhorn
Me 109 dam(air)
SE Rouen
Lt. D. Kahle
Me 109 dam(air)
SE Rouen
359th:
June 16 (#156) LtCo!. Baccus led a dive,bombing mission from 1715 to 2023, After landfall at 1815 near Dunkirk, Ihe planes were
360th:
vectored to their target area. The 359th hit a marshalling yard and shot up a train with to railcars, then damaged 5 vehicles
361st:
and 10 barges, The 360th attacked a marshalling yard at Baupanne claiming 0,12 railcars and 0,1 truck there plus 0,3 barges later. 361st pilots bombed a marshalling yard at Nesle
June 18 (#159) LtCo!. Waller led a penetration,target,withdrawal sup, port from 0646 to 1050. RIV came north of Heligoland at 0840
where 50-plus railcars were damaged with frag-bombs, then three vehicles and a train were strafed.
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Baccus, Mellinger, Forsyth, Malo Clayborne, Bruner, Lubbers, Broxton Engel, LeMoyne, Craig, Chickering Vogt, Douglas, Green, Gleason Cook, Teel, Bluhm, Leidy Niemi, Rhoades, Herin, Robinson Bailey, Schlack, Faison, Thompson Thwaites, Hurley, Wiggins, Hall Campbell, Drake, Swift, Kovacs
with landfall coming shortly after. The bombers were taken to Misburg and Bremen then left at 0920 northwest of HeIigoland.
359th:
360th:
June 17 (#157) Maj. Thorne led a Type, 16 Control from 1103 to 1453. Landfall was at 1154 near Dieppe and the group patrolled the
361 st:
Dreux-Paris area. The mission was uneventful and the planes crossed out aL 1346 near Le Havre.
359th:
Line-up Burke, Mellinger, Forsyth, Malo Clayborne, Bruner, Lubbers, Broxton Engel, LeMoyne, Craig, Chickering Vogt, Gleason, Knapp, Servocky McHale, Garlent, Niemi, Taylor Cook, Teel, Green, Romine Tukey, Kovacs, Faison, Hall Thorne, Swift, Burns, Hurley Bailey, Schlack, Thwaites, Gillette
Line-up White, Alphonse, Earnhart, Pietruszka
Line-up White*, Alphonse, Earnhart, Pietruszka Wadlow, Bergstrom, Cline, Wilmot Meholic, Shelton, Richason*, Pelletier Peet, Tucker, Vossler, Hoffert Lubbers, Broxton(relays) Cota, Rideout, Mercer, Teel L' Heureux, Rhoades, Herin, Peacock Kress, Williams, Russell, Gleason Green, Laviolette, Leathers, Pleasant Waller, Thompson, Kahle, Roberts Campbell, Drake, Engelhorn, Hargreaves Bailey. Morel, Thwaites, Mills Yoaknm, Hurley, Burns, Scheible
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Lester F. Kress
Wadlow, Bergstrom, Cline, Wilmot
360th:
Meholic, Shelton, Richason, Pelletier Peet, Tucker, Vossler, Hoffert Cota, Romine, Mercer, Rideout Kress, Servocky, Knapp, Williams
June 20 (#160) Maj. Thorne led a penetration,target,withdrawal sup' port from 0657 to 1118. Landfall came south of Egmond at 0808 and the B,24's were picked lip northeast of Hanover at 0900. These were taken to Misburg and back out to landfall,
Herin, Peacock, Olive, Robinson
from Bremerhaven to Cuxhaven, being left at 0950.
McHale, Garlent, Niemi, Pleasant
361st:
Thorne, Roberts, Burns, Hargreaves Waller, Thompson, Yoakum, Claylon Strait, Scheible, Kahle, Gillette Gansberg, Morel, Engelhorn, Mills
359th:
Line-up Thorne, Mellinger, Forsyth, Malo Peet, Bruner, Clayborne, Broxton*
52
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th:
361st:
Burke, LeMoyne, Craig, Chickering Engel, Wilmot, Vossler, Bergstrom Vogt, Gleason, Knapp, Servocky McHale, Garlent, Niemi, Taylor Cota, Robinson, Russell, Nebinger Cook, Rideout, Bluhm, Romine Strait, Schlack, Kovacs, Clayton Campbell, Gillette, Faison, Wiggins Gansberg, Mills, Swift, Hargreaves Fremaux, Morel, Kahle, Hall
June 21 (#163) Maj. Thorne led an area patrol from 1844 to 2102. The group covered the Berck-Sur-Mer-Neufchatel-Nayon area from 1925 until landfall-out at 20 I O.
359th: 360th: 361 st:
June 20 (#161) Maj. Thorne led an area support from 1856 to 2201. After landfall at 1942 near Le Touquet, the pilots patrolled the Arras area. Nothing developed and the group crossed out at 2117 near Le Treport.
359th:
360th:
361st:
June 22 (#164) Maj. Thorne led a penetration support from 1012 to 1350. RJV and landfall came near St. Valery at II 19 and the bombers hit V-I sites in the NUC01ll1 area. Two 359th flights strafed in the Gourney area shooting up four strings of railcars and two vehicles. The 361 st swept the Beauvais area after breaking off and crossed out at 1240 while the rest of the group broke at 1233 near St. Valery.
Line-up Ogden, Alphonse, Richason, Hoffert Knudsen, Tucker, Cline, Pelletier Meholic, Shelton, Weber, Broxton Thorne, Rhoades, Herin, Peacock Leathers, Taylor, Olive, Laviolette Green, Teel, Leidy, Douglas Bailey, Roberts, Burns, Hurley Engelhorn, Gillette, Thompson, Hargreaves Korhorn, Scheible, Yoakum, Drake
Line-up 359th: Burke*, Bergstrom, Rubner, Malo Ogden, Bruner, Clayborne, Pietruszka Engel*, LeMoyne, Broxton, Chickering 360th: Thorne, Romine, Green, Williams Adriani', Taylor, Niemi, Pleasant L'Heureux, Peacock, Herin, Nebinger • - possibly an observer from Wing HdQts 361st: Strait, Clayton, Fremaux, Gansberg Scheible, Gillette, Thompson, Morel Campbell, Roberts, Swift, Hargreaves
June 21 (#162) LtCol. Tukey led a penetration support from 0649 to 1147. The bombers were picked up north of Heligoland at 0850 and taken to Muritz Lake. After breaking near Schwerin at 0925, the group swept until landfall at 1045 near Egmond.
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Thorne, Bergstrom, Richason, Pelletier Weber, Shelton, Lubbers, Hoffert Cota, Garlent, Olive, Rhoades Leathers, Servocky, Leidy, Teel Waller, Mills, Kovacs, Hall Fremaux, Gillette, Thompson, Morel Strait, Roberts, Faison, Kahle
Line-up Burke, Bergstrom*, Rubner, Malo Clayborne, Bruner, Lubbers*, Pietruszka Engel, LeMoyne, Broxton, Chickering Peet, Mellinger*, Vossler, Wilmot Cline, Alphonse(relays) Vogt, Nebinger, Herin, Robinson McHale, Garlent, Niemi, Laviolette Cook, Rideout, Bluhm, Romine Knapp, Olive, Leidy, Gleason Tukey, Schlack, Wiggins, Drake Yoakum, Hurley, Burns, Clayton Bailey, Faison, Scheible, Mills Korhorn, Morel, Kahle, Hall
June 22 (#165) Capt. Cota led a Type-16 Control from 1706 to 2032. Landfall came near Dieppe at 1735 and the 359th flew to Rouen while the rest went to Dreux. A pair of Fw 190's were chased by a 359th flight from northwest ofRouen to northwest of Paris but no damage was done. A pair of 361 st pilots wok on a half dozen Me 109's near Evreux and downed one in a short scrap. Landfall was by flights from 1930 to 1945 in the Fecamp-Le Treport area. (1-0-0 air)
359th:
53
Line-up Meholic, Shelton, Wadlow, Pelletier Weber, Tucker, Richason, Hoffert Peet, Alphonse, Earnhart, Cline
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
360th:
36lst:
Cota, Rhoades, Leathers, Robinson Knapp, Douglas, Russell, Servocky Cook, Mercer, Bluhm, Leidy Korhorn, Mills, Kahle, Hall Faison, Drake, Wiggins, Morel Yoakum, Hurley, Burns, Schlack Claims
Sq1l
3615t:
Noles: Completed tour: Capt. Donald 1. Strait; Lt. Ray H.
Gansberg; both went to the States on leave before returning for a second tour. Also, both had completed their tours in late May but signed up for extensions due to the impending invasion.
June 25 (#168) Capt. Cota led a Type-I 6 Control from 0535 to 0830. Landfall came at 0625 near Le Treport and the group patrolled the Evreux-Rouen-Paris area. The 359th saw a train, but suspecting a flak trap, did not attack. The group later crossed out at 0744 near Le Touquet.
Locatio1l
Lt. \V.S. Hurley
(.5)Me 109 dest{air) Evreux
Lt. G.L. Yoakum
(.5)Me 109 desl(air) Evreux
June 23 (#166) Maj. Burke led an area patrol from 1812 to 2209. Landfall came at 1906 near Le Treport and a few bombers were picked up south of Paris at 1930. The bombers went to Soissons and were later left at landfaH, Schouwen, at 2130.
Line-up
359th:
360th: Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Burke, Shelton, Weber, Pelletier' Wadlow, Tucker, Richason, Cline Peet, Alphonse, Vossler', Pietruszka* L' Heureux, Williams, Knapp, Gleason Green, Teel, Leidy, Romine Ogden, Peacock, Fletcher, Nebinger Strait, Swift, Engelhorn, Thompson Fremaux, Kahle, Clayton, Hargreaves Gansberg, Gillette, Kovacs, Scheible
361 st:
June 25 (#169) Lt. Rubner led a small withdrawal support from 0814 to II 10. Landfall was at 0847 near Furness and a single B-17 was picked up at 1015 south of Ostend. Escort was given lO Manston where the pilots broke at 1040.
June 24 (#167) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support. RlV came at 1236 between Heligoland and Cuxhaven and the bombers split into two sections. The 360th and 361 st (plus a 359th flight) took some to Bremen and later left them over the Frisian Islands. Two flights of the 359th went to the Bremen area and broke north of Ijmuiden at 1343. The other 359th flight had broken earlier and crossed out over the Frisians.
Line-up
359th: 360th: 361 st:
360th:
361st:
Rubner, Mellinger, Craig, Bergstrom none Fremaux, Kahle, Robel1s, Clayton
June 25 (#170) Capt. Ogden led a Type-16 Control from 1049 to 1431. Landfall came at 1124 near Nieuport and the pilots flew to the St. Quentin area. The 361 st did RJV with a few B-I7's at 1230 near Arras and brought them out. The other squadrons swept the Arras-Mons-Hirshorn area then made landfall from 1303 to 1317 near Gravelines.
Line-lip
359th:
Meholic, Bruner, Clayborne, Forsyth Weber, LeMoyne, Earnhart, Malo Peet, Chickering, Lubbers, Pietruszka Cota, Romine, Bluhm, Leidy Leathers, Pleasant, Olive, Laviolette L'Heureux, Nebinger, Mercer, Peacock Korhorn, Morel, Kovacs, Gillette Faison, Mills, Swift, Hall Engelhorn, Upp, Thompson, Scheible
Meholic, Bruner, Clayborne, Forsyth Rubner*, Mellinger*, Craig*, Bergstrom* Engel, Chickering, Lubbers, Hoffert Knudsen, LeMoyne, Earnhart, Malo Vogt, Robinson, Fletcher, Rhoades Niemi, Garlent, Leathers, Pleasant Cook, Rideout, Bluhm, Mercer Thorne, Williams, Russell, Douglas Tukey, Mills, Yoakum, Hargreaves Campbell, Gillette, Wiggins, Drake Strait, Roberts, Hurley, Schlack Gansberg, Hall, Faison, Morel
Line~rtp
359th:
360th:
54
Ogden, Alphonse, Vossler, Broxton Knudsen, Shelton, Richason, Pelletier Engel, Tucker, Wadlow, Wilmot Cota. Teel, Leidy, Rideout Fletcher, Rhoades, Olive, Garlent Knapp, Douglas, Russell, Robinson
The 356(11 Fighter Group in World War Jl
361st:
Bailey, Upp, Swift, Hurley Engelhorn, Hargreaves, Bums, Schlack Faison, Drake, Thompson, Morel
June 29 (#173) Capt. Meholic led a penetration support from 0713 to 1140. Landfall was at 0804 near Egmond and some B-24's were picked up at 0818 over the Northeast Polder. Escort was broken at 0910 southwest of Hanover and the P-4Ts crossed out at 1005 near The Hague. Some 359th pilots strafed in the Meppen area and claimed I-I locos and 0-4 railcars.
June 27 (#171) Maj. Thome led a dive-bombing mission from 1814 to 2140. Landfall was at 1926 near Le Treport and the pilots attacked Coulommiers Airfield with little result. The group later crossed out at 2100 near Berck-Sur-Mer.
359th: 359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line¥up Burke', Shelton, Vossler, Hoffert Clayborne, Bruner, Forsyth, Chickering Weber, LeMoyne, Lubbers, Pietruszka Vogt, Laviolette, Niemi, Taylor Knapp, Servocky, Russell, Williams Fletcher, Peacock, Herin, ebinger Thorne, Hall, Kahle, Drake Fremaux, Upp, Thompson, Schlack Korhorn, Gillette, Hurley, Scheible
360th:
361 st:
June 28 (#172) LlCo!. Baccus led a sweep/withdrawal support from 0621 to 1015. Landfall came at 0720 between Dieppe and Le Treport, and while the 359th swept north, the other squadrons new to east of Paris to RIV with some bombers. The 359th strafed in the Ghent-Brussels area claiming 1-0 loco and 0-5 vehicles. Lt. Charles B. Earnhart hit either a tree or pole and bellied-in, evaded capture, and returned to England in September. A few 360th pilots also strafed after breaking and claimed 1-0 loco and 0-8 railcars. Landfall was by flights from 0915 to 0927 in the Walcheren area. Here is how the 359th stated Earnhart's loss, "Lt. Earnhart probably hit a tree or telephone pole while strafing trucks. He stated over the Rff that he was in trouble and was seen to crashland and run away from his aircraft, which was then strafed by Ll. Wadlow and Lt. Alphonse."
June 30 (#174) Maj. Thorne led a dive-bombing mission from 1847 to 2203. Landfall was at 1942 north of Le Treport and everyone later crossed out south ofLe Touquet at 2113. Near Montdidier, two 359th flights jettisoned their bombs as I I Me 109's were seen. No contact was made then one flight strafed near Arras claiming 3-1 locos and 3-2 railcars. The 360th had little success, claiming 0-1 bridge and 0-5 barges, while the 361 st did not attack as they were bounced (without damage) west of Laon by a dozen Me 109's. All pilots returned to England in good shape, though Lt. Clayborne (359th) landed dead-stick at Manston.
359th:
(llos!)
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up White*, Shelton, Vossler, Hoffert Knudsen, Bruner, Clayborne, Bergstrom Meholic, Alphonse, Craig, Forsyth Weber, leMoyne, Lubbers, Malo' Vogt, Nebinger, Fletcher, Peacock Cook, Rideout, Leidy, Romine Knapp, Williams, Russell, Servocky Niemi, Taylor, Herin, Laviolette Korhorn, Hargreaves, Wiggins, Hall Thwaites, Schlack, Thompson, Upp Campbell, Drake, Kahle, Morel Fremaux, Roberts, Clayton, Gillette
360th:
Line-up Baccus, Mellinger, Rubner, Wilmot Wadlow, Alphonse, Earnhart, Pelletier Burke, Tucker, Richason, Broxton Ogden, Rhoades, Mercer, Robinson Leathers, Pleasant, Olive, Garlent Cook, Romine, Bluhm, Rideout Waller, Mills, Kovacs, Yoakum Scheible, Morel, Swift, Upp Bailey, Roberts, Clayton, Gillette
361 sl:
Line-up Burke, Mellinger, Cline, Wilmot Weber, LeMoyne, Clayborne, Hoffert Engel, Tucker, Forsyth, Bruner Vogt, Rideout, Knapp, Servocky Fletcher, Robinson, Leidy, Rhoades Herin, Teel, Bluhm, Gleason Thorne, Upp, Hurley, Schlack Bailey, Roberts, Swift, Scheible Campbell, Drake, Kahle, Hall
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Robert L. Campbell: to 65th Fighter Wing HdQts
55
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
July 1 (#175) LtCo!. Baccus led an aborted dive-bombing mission from 1851 to 1947. Bad weather caused the pilots to be recalled just after reaching enemy territory.
Herin, Garlent, Olive, Laviolette
361st:
Knapp, Servocky, Green, Gleason Thorne, Wiggins, Thompson, Scheible Fremaux, Robens, Bums, Hall Korhorn, Schlack, Faison, Mills
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Baccus, Shelton, Craig, Pietruszka Meholic, Malo, Lubbers, Bergstrom Peet, Alphonse, Vossler, Broxton Cota, Nebinger, Bluhm, Teel McHale, Pleasant, Olive, Taylor Ogden, Gleason, Russell, Williams none listed
JulyS (#178) LtCo!. Tukey led a sweep from 0744 to 1057. After crossing in at 0834 near Le Trepon, the pilots swept the OrIeans-Rouen area until crossing out east of Dieppe at 1005. With the 359th providing cover, the rest claimed 0-1 barge plus two trains and over 50 railcars damaged. Line-up
July 4 (#176) LtCo!' Waller led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0600 to 0927. RIV and landfall came at 0712 in the
359th:
Dieppe-Le Treport area and the B-I7's were taken lO their tar-
get and back out. The 360th broke at 0755 to chase some bo-
360th:
gies but nothing developed and they re-joined the rest of the
group. Landfall-out was then from 0831 to 0835 in the BayeauxAult area.
Tukey, Peacock, Fletcher, Rhoades Knapp, Gleason, Bluhm, Williams L'Heureux, Taylor, Olive, Pleasant Green, Rideout, Mercer, Teel
361st: Line-lip
359th:
Burke, Tarbutton, Lubbers, Bruner Engel, Chickering, Cline, Wilmot Rubner, Tucker, Clayborne, Hoffert Knudsen, Alphonse, Craig*', Malo
Burke, Tarbutton, Lubbers, LeMoyne Rubner, Tucker, Clayborne, Hoffert
Bailey, Lewis, Kovacs, Upp Engelhom, Gillette, Kahle, Drake Ogden, Ashby, Clayton, Mills Thwaites, Hargreaves, Hurley, Scheible
Engel, Chickering, Cline, Wilmot
360th:
July 6 (#179) LtCo!. Baccus led a dive-bombing mission from 0511 to 0841. Landfall was at 0605 northeast of Dieppe and a num-
Ogden, Gleason. Green, Williams L'Heureux, Rhoades, Aetcher, Robinson
Cook, Mercer, Bluhm, Teel McHale, Pleasant, Olive, Taylor 361 st:
ber of targets were attacked in the Fithviers-Gisors-Pontoise-
Fontainbleau area. A stray Me 109 was picked off on the deck south of Fontainbleau and other claims included 2-5 locos, 360 railcars, 1-0 truck, and a number of hits on tracks. The group then crossed out from 0802 to 0805 in the Cayeaux-Le Treport
Waller, Roberts, Wiggins, Morel
Yoakum, Upp, Thompson, Schlack Korhorn, Drake, Clayton, Hall Thwaites, Hurley, Kahle, Scheible
area.
July 4 (#177) LtCo!. Baccus led a dive-bombing mission from 1508 to 1850. Landfall was at 1557 in the Dunkirk-Ostend area and
(1-0-0 air) Line-up
359th:
targets were hit in the Versoull-Cambrai-Joinville area. Claims
amounted to 4-4 locos, 0-6 railcars, 0-6 trucks, 2-5 barges, and 0-1 flak tower. The group later crossed out by squadrons from 1745 to 1830 near Gravelines. 360th: Line-up
359th:
Baccus, Shelton, Wadlow, Bergstrom Weber, Malo, Forsyth, Pietruszka
361st:
Meholic, Pelletier, Richason, Broxton
360th:
Cook, Peacock, Leidy, Romine
56
Burke, Tarbutton, Lubbers, Bruner Rubner, Tucker, Clayborne, Hoffert Engel, Chickering, Cline, Pietruszka Knudsen, Alphonse, Craig, Malo Cota, Douglas, Knapp, Servocky McHale, Garlent, Leathers, Taylor Cook, Teel, Green, Romine Baccus, Tillman, Thompson, Gillette Yoakum, Schlack, Wiggins, Upp Thome, Roberts, Kovacs, Hargreaves Faison, Mills, Clayton, Hall
The 356r1l Fighter Group ;/1 World War II
Sqll 361st:
Ll. E.L. Thompson
Claims
Location
Nores: LtCo!. William Waller flew his last mission today but
Me 109 dest(air)
SlFontainbleau
he would stay on as 361st CO until his replacement arrived on July 16.
July 6 (#180) Capt. Ogden led aType-16 Control from 1843 to 2215. After landfall at 1940 over Le Trepon, the 359th flew to south of Rouen where they picked up some B-24's. These were taken to west of Amiens and left at the coast, then the squadron flew back in and swept the Rouen-Paris area. The 360th dive-bombed the airfield at Dreux aud started a number of fires, while the 361 st patrolled the Beauvais area without incident. After reforming, the group crossed out south of Bologne at 2 I30.
July 8 (#182) LtCo!. Tukey led MEW Control sweep from 051410 0845. Landfall came at 0607 near Le Trepon and the pilots later crossed out at 0808 in the same area. The Dunkirk-AmiensLille area was covered and claims amounted to 2-0 trucks and 0-8 railcars.
359th: 359th:
360th:
361 Sl:
Line-up Ogden, Shelton, Craig, Bergstrom Wadlow, Pelletier, Richason, Malo Peet, Tarbutton, Cline, Broxton Weber. Tucker, Forsyth, Pietruszka Thorne, Taylor, Leathers, Pleasant Knapp, Gleason, Russell, Williams Fletcher, Nebinger, Herin, Peacock Bluhm, Romine, Mercer, Rideout Waller, Rodgers, Kahle, Drake Korhorn, Ashby, Kovacs, Mills Bailey, Whitmore, Scheible, Gillette Fremaux, Lewis, Burns, Hall
360th:
361st:
July 8 (#183) LlCo!. Baccus led a dive-bombing mission from 1146 to 1503. After landfall at 1235 southwest of Le Treport, Cormeilles-en-Vixen Airfield was bombed with poor results. Pilots then strafed in the Beauvais area and claimed 1-2 locos and 0-50 railcars. The group iater crossed out at 1415 in the Le Trepan area.
July7 (#181) LlCo!. Tukey led a penetration suppon from 0645 to 1130. RN was made at 0800 near Meppel and the bombers were left south of I ordhausen at 0915. Capt. Weber and Lt. leMoyne (359th) destroyed a loco on the way out and the group crossed out from Egmond to Overflakkee.
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up White, Tarbutton, Lubbers, Chickering Wadlow', Pelletier, Richason, Malo Peet, Mellinger, Craig, Bergstrom Cota, Taylor, Olive, Laviolette Green, Rideout, Mercer, Leidy Knapp, Gleason, Russell, Servocky Tukey, Ashby, Kovacs, Morel Thwaites, Tillman, Gillette, Scheible Engelhom, Whitmore, Swift, Hargreaves
359th:
360th:
Line-up Peet, Tarbutton, Cline*, Broxton Wadlow, Pelletier, Richason* Weber, LeMoyne, Forsyth, Pietruszka Knudsen, Mellinger, Lubbers, Bergstrom Hoffen(relay) Tukey, Servocky, Russell, Douglas Cota, Teel, Green, Romine L'Heureux, Robinson, Fletcher, Nebinger McHale, Pleasant, Leathers, Garlent Waller, Ashby, Swift, Morel Thwaites, Tillman, Thompson, Schlack Bailey, Lewis, Kahle, Hargreaves Korhom, Robens, Burns, Upp
361 Sl:
Line-up Baccus, Alphonse, Rubner, Broxton Burke, Cline, Clayborne, Hoffen Weber, LeMoyne, Forsyth, Pietruszka Thorne, Servocky, Knapp, Gleason McHale, Taylor, Leathers, Pleasant Cota, Peacock, Herin, Robinson Ogden, Teel, Russell, Rideout Tukey, Rodgers, Kahle, Gillette Fremaux, Lewis, Thompson, Drake Bailey, Robens, Mills, Schlack Faison, Upp, Swift, Morel
July 9 (#184) Capt. Weber led a MEW Control sweep from 1130 to 145 I. The original leader, Maj. White, was forced to crashland at Woodbridge just after take-off. Landfall was made at 1216 in the Ostend-Dunkirk area and after an uneventful patrol of the Cambrai-Reims-Brussels area, the group crossed out at 1410 near Ostend.
57
The 356th Fighter Group in World War !l
359th:
360th:
Line-up
361st:
Baccus, Whitmore, Scheible, Hargreaves Engelhorn, Tillman, Bums, Schlack Bailey, Ashby, Hurley, Hall Thwaites, Lewis, Wiggins, Rodgers
White*, Tarbutton, Cline, Chickering Wadlow, Pelletier, Richason, Malo Weber, LeMoyne, Forsyth, Pietruszka L'Heureux, Garlent, Leidy, Laviolette Green, Taylor, Mercer, Rideout
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. James R. Cook
Fletcher, Nebinger, Herin, Peacock
361st:
Thwaites, Rodgers, Bums, Hargreaves Engelhorn, Whitmore, Yoakum, Scheible Kovacs, Ashby, Upp, Drake
July 12 (#187) Maj. Thorne led a withdrawal support from 1451 to 1756. Landfall was made at 1542 near Ostend and R/V with some stragglers was at 1605 near St. Michel. The 360th made
July 11 (#185) Maj. Vogt led an escort from 0940 to 1350. Landfall came at 1025 and RN followed at 1035 near Ghent. The bombers were left west of Donauworth at 1140 although three B-24
two trips back in after the first box was left at the coast to bring other bombers out.
stragglers were taken out to the coast.
359th:
Line-up
White, Tarbutton, Richason, Chickering Wadlow, Pelletier, Bruner*, Tucker*
Line~up
359th:
360th:
White, Tarbutton, Richason, Chickering Wadlow, Pelletier, Cline, Malo Peet, Mellinger, Bruner, Bergstrom
360th:
361 st:
Weber, LeMoyne, Forsyth, Pietruszka Hoffert, Shelton(relays) Vogt, Gleason, Knapp, Williams Fletcher, Laviolette, Leathers, Pleasant L'Heureux, Nebinger, Herin, Rhoades
361st:
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. William G. Craig
Bluhm, Teel, Mercer, Leidy Bailey, Roberts, Kahle, Schlack
July 14 (#188) LtCo!' Tukey led a withdrawal support from 0904 to 1313. Landfall was at 0945 near Le Treport with RN coming southwest of Orleans at 1025. The bombers were left at 1130 near St. Valery, then the group swept the Evreux area before
Faison, Hall, Swift, Lewis
Korhorn, Tillman, Clayton, Morel Fremaux, Drake, Mills, Hargreaves
July 12 (#186) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration support from 1007 to 1345. Landfall came at 1057 near Knocke and RN was accomplished at IllS near Ghent. The B-I?'s were left southeast
crossing out near Dieppe. Line-up
359th:
Tukey, Chickering, Lubbers, Tucker Rubner, Mellinger, Bruner, Shelton Engel, Pelletier, Cline, Malo Peet, Alphonse, Hoffert*, Bergstrom
360th:
Cota, Romine, Bluhm, Rideout Niemi, Laviolette, Olive, Taylor L'Heureux, Peacock, Leidy, Nebinger Knapp, Williams, Russell, Servocky Thorne, Rodgers, Swift, Gillette
of Luxembourg at I 157 and the group crossed out at 1243 near
Knocke.
Wadlow, LeMoyne, Richason, Pietruszka
Line-up
359th:
Burke, Bruner, Lubbers, Tucker Rubner, Alphonse, Vossler, Shelton Engel*, Pelletier, Cline*, Malo Peet, Mellinger, Hoffert, Bergstrom
360th:
Engel, Alphonse, Cline, Shelton L'Heureux, Rideout, Mercer, Pleasant Knapp, Servocky, Russell, Williams Bluhm, Teel, Leidy, Taylor Thorne, Mills, Kahle, Morel Korhorn, Hurley, Clayton, Drake Weber, LeMoyne, Craig, Pietruszka (all 359th pilots)
Cook, Romine, Mercer, Rideout Adrian', Williams, Russell, Gleason
361st:
Fremaux, Lewis, Burns, Hall
Korhorn, Upp, Kahle, Whitmore Faison, Tillman, Scheible, Ashby
L'Heureux, Robinson, Herin, Peacock McHale, Laviolette, Niemi, Olive • - possibly an observer from Wing HdQts
58
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
July 15 (11189) Maj. Vogl led a strafing mission from 1727 to 2035. While the 359th gave cover, the rest looked for targets in the Sens-Compiegne area. A rail-line near Gisors was bombed by the 360lh while the 361 st brought their bombs home. A Me 109 was seen near Beauvais but it evaded in the overcast.
359th:
360th:
361s!:
Line-up Meholic, Perry, Richason, Chickering Vossler, leMoyne, Forsyth, Malo Knudsen, Bergstrom, Broxton, Pietruszka Lubbers, Griswold(relays) Yogt, Rhoades, Fletcher, Peacock Green, Garlenl, Leidy, Romine L'Heureux, Douglas, Russell, Servocky Korhorn, Ashby, Clayton, Roberts Thwaites, Whitmore, Kovacs, Mills Yoakum, Wiggins, Swift, Tillman
359th:
Notes: Maj. James M. Cooper took command of the 361 st this day, replacing LtCol. Waller. Cooper, overseas since 1942, had completed an earlier 250 hour tour with Ihe PA7 equipped 78th Fighter Group and had two damaged claims to his credit.
July 18 (11192) LICol. Tukey led a patrol from 1850 to 2220. Landfall was northeast of Dieppe at 1945 and the group covered the Evreux-Dreux area. At 2130 they were vectored 10 Triqueville, nothing was seen, and the PATs crossed out at 2138 near Dieppe.
359th:
360th:
July 16 (11190) LICol. Baccus led a penetration support from 0642 to 1033. RlV was over the North Sea at 0725 and landfall came at 0734 over the Dutch Islands. The 4th Fighler Group relieved the PATs at 0755 near Brussels, then the group made a second RJV at 0830. These bombers were left easl of Trier at 0905 and the pilots crossed out near Knocke.
361 sl:
Line-lip Tukey, Malo, Forsyth, Bergslrom Engel, Griswold, Weber, Tucker Bruner, Chickering(relays) Vogt, Servocky, Knapp, Douglas Ogden, Pleasant, Olive, Laviolette Thorne, Whitmore, Kovacs, Schlack Cooper, Tillman, Swift, Mills
Notes: An aflernoon practice flight by some 360th pilots ended with the dealh of one man. Ll. Shirley J. Green and Lt. Wayne E. Leather; collided, and while Leather; put down safely, Green died in the crash of his plane near Woodbridge. The following is an account of the accident, "Lt. Green scheduled a four ship training flight. Just before take·off it was discovered Ihat IWO of the ships would be late in taking-off. Arrangements were made to join up with Lt. Green over the field. Ll. Leathers, on a solo hop, asked to fly wilh Lt. Green and his wingman until the others arrived. Thus, a three ship flight was in close formation when the olhers joined them. One of the ships pulled oul in front of the three ship formation and did a barrell roll. This so surprised Ll. Green that he nosed over sharply. Both Lt. Green's wingmen lost sight of him and proceeded straight ahead in a slight climb. Ll. Green then pulled up evidently still walching the ship roll and hit the ship piloted by Ll. Leathers. The propellor of Lt. Leather's ship cut the tail off of Ll. Green's ship and he crashed near Woodbridge, Suffolk." (l killed)
Line·lip Burke, Chickering, Lubbers', Tucker Rubner, Mellinger, Bruner, Shelton Engel, Pellelier, Cline, Malo Meholic, Alphonse, Vossler, Bergstrom 3601h: Cota, Williams, Russell, Douglas Bluhm, Rideout, Leidy, Teel Adrian·, Taylor, Olive, Laviolette Flelcher, Nebinger, Rhoades • - possibly an observer from Wing HdQls 361 sl: Baccus, Schlack, Hurley, Lewis Fremaux, Hall, Kahle, Hargreaves Korhorn, Morel, Thompson, Gilletle Faison, Rodgers, Burns, Upp
359th:
July 16 (11191) LtCol. Baccus led four PATs on a weather recon with bombs. Landfall was at 1545 near Le Treport and the pilots flew to the Paris area. Lt. Forsyth scored one hit on a runway at Conches, and Baccus and Lt. Perry had two near hits on some tracks. The planes later crossed out near Le Treport at 1705.
July 19 (#193) LtCol. Baccus led an escort/sweep from 0720 to 1127. RJV with some B-24's came over the North Sea at 0748 and these were left southeast of Strasbourg at 0912. At this point the group splil, with the 3591h flying to northeaSI of Saarbrucken
59
\
Line-up Baccus, Pen'y, Forsyth, Pietruszka
The 3561h Fighter Group in World War 1/
where RIV was made with four small boxes of bombers. They later broke northeast of Trier at 0938 without problem. Three flights of the 36lst patrolled the Ludwigshafen area, while the 360th and parts of the 359th did some strafing. A pair of Me
359th:
410's were damaged at Le Culot and other claims were 3-0
360th:
locos, 0-5 railcars, and 0-1 staff car before landfall at 1050 near Nieuport. Lt. LeMoyne was wounded by flak and he landed
Engel, Perry, Richason, Tucker Knudsen, Bergstrom, Broxton, Tarbutton Meholic, Alphonse, Pietruszka, Mellinger Weber, Shelton, Vossler, Forsyth Vogt, Teel, Mercer, Rideout McHale, Taylor, Niemi, Pleasant Cota, Gleason, Russell, Williams
at Manston where his ship was a write-off.
L'Heureux, Robinson, Rhoades, Nebinger
(0·2 ground)
361sl:
Tukey, Hurley, Burns, Ashby Engelhorn, Hargreaves, Clayton, Mills
Cooper, Upp, Kovacs, Schlack Thwaites, Morel, Thompson, Hall
Line-up
359th:
Engel, Perry, Richason, Tucker Knudsen, Bergstrom, Broxton, Tarbutton
360th:
361st:
Meholic, Alphonse, Pietruszka, Mellinger Weber, LeMoyne, Forsyth, Shelton Baccus, Williams, Knapp, Gleason McHale, Taylor, Niemi, Pleasant
July 20 (#196) Maj. Thorne led a withdrawal support from 1010 to 1400. Landfall came at 1050 near Ostend with RIV at 1153 in
Fletcher, Peacock, Rhoades, Robinson
with landfall coming there.
the Giessen area. The bombers were left at Schouwen at 1135
Bailey, Lewis, Hurley, Hargreaves Ogden, Hall, Clayton, Morel
Line-up
Yoakum, Drake, Kahle, Schlack
359th: 360th: 361 sl:
Engelhorn, Roberts, Wiggins, Tillman Sqn 359th:
Claims
Location
Capl. H. Weber
Me 410 dam(grd)
Le Culot
Ll. H.P. LeMoyne
Me 410 dam(grd)
Le Culot
Clayborne, Bruner, Malo, Pelletier* Knapp, Servocky, Bluhm, Romine Thorne, Tillman, Kahle, Drake
July 21 (#197) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration support from 0803 to 1203. Landfall was at 0855 near Schouwen and RIV followcd at 0910. The 359th broke at 0935 northwest of Karlsruhe and
July 19 (#194) Maj. White led a withdrawal support from 0953 to 1310. Landfall came at 1036 near Knocke and RN followed at 1050 near Antwerp. The bombers were left at the coast at 1055, then
one flight strafed on the way out, claiming] -0 loco and]-5
vehicles. The rest brokefrom 1010 to 1015 in the Neuenkirchen area and landfall was from 1107 to IJ 16 in the Ostend-
the group flew back in, took more bombers out, and broke from
Schouwen area.
these at 1230 over the Channe!. Line-up
359th: 360th: 36lst:
359th:
Line-up White, Bruner, Lubbers, Pelletier* none
Korhorn, Whitmore, Swift, Mills
Baccus, Perry, Vossler, Forsyth Weber, Hoffert*, Pietruszka, Mellinger Knudsen, Alphonse, Broxton, Tarbutton Engel, Shelton, Richason, Tucker
360th:
July 20 (#195) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration support from 0855 to 1400. After landfall near Walcheren at 0942, R/V was made at 0945 near Turnhout. The bombers were left at 1200 southwest of Coblenz and landfall was near Walcheren at 1304. Capt. Carmen F. Rhoades and Lt. Robert A. Robinson (360th) collided near Hisenden but both bailed out safely.
Vogt, Servocky, Russell, Gleason Bluhm, Rideout, Mercer, Romine
L'Heureux, Nebinger, Fletcher, Peacock McHale, Pleasant, Niemi, Taylor
36lst:
Bailey, Rodgers, Wiggins, Lewis Engelhorn, Roberts, Thompson, Hall Fremaux, Ashby, Swift, Whitmore Yoakum, Mills, Scheible, Tillman
(2 lost)
July 21 (#198) Capt. Mehohc led a withdrawal support from 0952 to 1420. Landfall came at 1035 near Coxyde and R/V with the B-
Line-up
60
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Il
24's was at I 143 northeast of Saarbrucken. The bombers were then taken to landfall, Westhoofd, at 1303.
359th: 360th: 361 sl:
July 25 (#20 I) Capt. Bailey led an area cover from 1826 to 2227. The four planes crossed in at 1915 near Le TrepOit and the pilots looked over Creton Airfield but made no attacks.
Line-up Meholic, Bruner, Lubbers, Pelletier Cota, Knapp, Teel, Williams Korhorn, Hurley, Clayton, Drake
361 st:
July 24 (# 199) Maj. Vogt led an area support from 1128 to 1527. Landfall came at 1223 near St. Valery and the pilots swept to southwest ofRennes until 1415. Nothing developed and they crossed out at 1433 near Le Havre.
359th:
360th:
361st:
July 25 (#202) Maj. Vogt led an area patrol from 1841 to 2215. The 479th Fighter Group was picked up over its base at Wattisham but the P-38's later aborted at the enemy coast. The 56th Fighter Group was then contacted and given cover while they attacked targets in the Beauvais-Paris area. North of Paris, a lone Me 109 was chased and damaged and the planes later crossed oul at 2145 in the Dieppe-Le Treport area. (0-0-1 air)
Line-up Weber, Perry, Vossler, Forsyth Engel, Mellinger, Bruner, Hoffert Meholic, Shelton, Richason, Tucker Ogden*, Alphonse, Broxton, Tarbutton Vogl, Romine, Mercer, Teel McHale, Taylor, Niemi, Laviolette L' Heureux, Peacock, Olive, Nebinger Knapp, Douglas, Servocky, Gleason Cooper, Mills, Hurley, Hargreaves Faison, Swift, Schlack, Morel Yoakum, Upp, Kovacs, Drake Engelhorn, Scheible, Kahle, Rodgers
359th:
360th:
361st: NOles: Completed tour: Capt. Gardner W. Engel; Capt. Herbert
Weber July 25 (#200) LtCo!' Baccus led an area support from 0946 to 1323. Landfall was in the Dieppe-St. Valery area at 1045, the group swept the Paris area without incident, and landfall-out came at
361sl:
Claims
Loea/ioll
Capl. N.D. COla
(.5)Mc 109 dam(air) NW Paris
Lt. C.M. Taylor
(.5)Mc 109dam(air) NW Paris
July 26 (#203) Maj. White led a dive-bombing effort from 1706 to 2008. The group crossed in at 1755 near Le Treport and due to overcast had to orbit the Beauvais area until a hole was found. The main target, an oil dump, was then attacked with the 56th Fighter Group and flames were seen afterward. The 360th also shot up a few vehicles and 65 railcars before the planes made landfall at 1912 near St. Valery.
Line~tlp
360th:
Line-up White, Perry, Bruner, Chickering Clayborne, Shelton, Hoffert, Alphonse Knudsen, LeMoyne, Vossler, Pietmszka Peet, Griswold, Forsyth, Tucker Vogt, Leidy, Mercer, Romine Cota, Olive, Taylor, Laviolette Knapp, Teel, Herin, Douglas L'Heureux, Pleasant, Russell, Nebinger Cooper, Mills, Swift, Whitmore Faison, Morel, Scheible, Drake Ogden, Roberts, Kovacs, Gillette
Sqn
360th:
1230.
359th:
Line-up Bailey, Morgan, Kahle, Schlack
Burke, Griswold, Cline*, Malo Rubner, Mellinger, Bruner, Hoffert Meholic, Shelton, Clayborne, Bergstrom Wadlow, Tarbutton, Broxton, Alphonse Cota, Pleasant, Olive, Peacock McHale, Taylor, Niemi, Laviolette Ogden, Servocky, Douglas, Williams Bluhm, Teel, Russell, Romine Baccus, Tillman, Gillette, Clayton Fremaux, Whitmore, Thompson, Roberts Cooper, Hall, Swift, Upp Thwaites, Ashby, Hurley, Lewis
359th:
61
Line-up White, Griswold, Cline, Malo Rubner, Mellinger, Bruner, Chickering Meholic, Tucker, Forsyth, LeMoyne Wadlow, Tarbutton, Broxton, Pietruszka
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th:
361 Sl:
L'Heureux, Nebinger, Fletcher, Peacock McHale, Laviolette, Leathers, Garlent Knapp, Taylor, Williams, Douglas Bluhm, Rideout, Mercer, Teel Korhom, Ashby, Scheible, Upp Fremaux, Hargreaves, Swift, Lewis Thwaites, Schlack, Kovacs, Morgan Yoakum, Gillette, Clayton, Roberts
361 st:
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. James J. Meholic
July 29 (#206) Maj. Cooper led an area patrol from 0643 to 1045. Landfall came at 0741 near Le Trepan and the group patrolled the Evreux-Paris-Argentan area. A 359th flight strafed Illiers L'Euegne Airfield and damaged some trucks while another flight hit St. Andre de L'Eure and damaged a He III. The pilots later crossed out at 0945 in the Le Trepon area.
NOles: Completed tour: Capt. Evert Korhorn
July 27 (#204) LtCo!. Baccus led a Type-I 6 Control from 0543 to 0901. Landfall was at 0630 near Ostend and the pilots swept the St. Quentin-Paris area. Baccus and part of the 361 st strafed COlmeilles-en-Vixen Airfield where he destroyed a He III and others claimed 2-0 trucks and 0-2 buildings. Landfall-out was spread from St. Valery to Ostend around 0820.
(0-1 ground) Lil1e~up
359th:
(1-0 groul/d)
360th:
Line-up
3591h:
3601h:
361 sl:
Burke, Griswold, Hoffert, Malo Vossler, Pelletier, Forsyth, LeMoyne Meholic, Perry, Bruner, Chickering Peel, Tarbutton, Clayborne, Bergstrom Vogt, Leidy, Douglas, Williams Mercer, Teel, Russell, Romine Fletcher, Peacock, Olive, Pleasant Leathers, Garlent, Taylor, Laviolette Baccus, Rodgers, Hurley, Drake Faison, Gillette, Kahle, Ashby Fremaux, Lewis, Thompson, Morgan Yoakum, Hall, Mills, Roberts
Sq1l
HdQts:
LtCal. D.A. Baccus
Claims
Location
He III dest(grd)
Carmeilles·en·Vixen
36lst:
360th:
White, Griswold, Bruner, Shelton Vossler, Pietruszka, Forsyth, Alphonse Peet, Perry, Cline, Bergstrom Knudsen, Chickering, Mellinger, Malo Baccus, Rideout, Mercer, Romine McHale, Garlent, Niemi, Taylor Knapp, Williams, Gleason, Servoeky Fletcher, Douglas, Olive, Nebinger Cooper, Lewis, Hurley, Rodgers Ogden, Gillette, Swift, Morel Bailey, Morgan, Thompson, Tillman Fremaux, Whitmore, Upp, Hall
Sqll
359th:
Capt. G.B. Peel
Claims
Location
He III darn(grd)
$1.
Andre de L'Eure
Noles: Completed tour: Capt. Thomas F. Bailey
July 31 (#207) Maj. Vogt led an area patrol from 1002 to 1308. Landfall was at 1046 near Nieupon and the group swept the I amurLaon-Amiens-Paris-Dieppe area until crossing out at 1235 near Dunkirk.
July 28 (#205) Maj. Thorne led a Type-l 6 Control from 0720 to 1003. Landfall was made at 0800 near Berck-Sur-Mer and the group later crossed out at 0940 near St. Valery. Attacks in the Reims area netted 1-2 locos and 13-0 vehicles.
359th:
Cooper, Ashby, Kovacs, Sehlack Yoakum, Hargreaves, Upp, Morel Fremaux, Roberts, Seheible, Gillette
359th:
Line-up Thorne, Griswold, Richason, Tucker Rubner, Tarbutton, Bruner, Broxton Meholic, Perry, Hoffert, Pelletier Ogden, Garlent, Leathers, Laviolette Bluhm, Leidy, Romine, Rideout Herin, Servocky, Douglas, Gleason
360th:
361st:
62
Line-up Ogden, Griswold, Richason, Tarbutton Clayborne, Alphonse, Broxton, LeMoyne Peet, Perry, Hoffert, Pietruszka Vogt, Williams, Herin, Servocky Niemi, Garlent, Taylor, Lavioletre L' Heureux, Pleasant, Fletcher, Peacock Cooper, Lewis, Hurley, Ashby Faison, Schlack, Swift, Roberts Thwaites, Drake, Clayton, Tillman
The 356rh Fighrer Group ill World War Il
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Robert C. L'Heureux
August 2 (#211) Maj. Thorne led a dive-bombing mission from 1744 to 2042. After landfall at 1848, the pilots new to Clermont and
July 31 (#208) Maj. White led a sweep from 1220 to 1610. After landfall northeast of Ostend at 1301, the PATs swept the GilzeRijen-Liege-Laon-Ghent-Brussels area until landfall over the Dutch Islands from 1530 to 1550.
made these claims: the 359th scored some hits on a bridge and
damaged a train; the 360th hit a marshalling yard at Clermont and damaged 15 railcars plus hit a bridge. The 361 st gave cover, and while doing this, Lt. Swift and Ll. Hall collided. Both, however, managed to make it home and land safely.
359th: 360th: 361st:
Line·up White, Pelletier, Forsyth, Shelton Russell, Leidy, Rideout, Teel Yoakum, Kahle, Upp, Morgan
Line-up
359th:
360th:
Notes: Completed tour: Maj. Ernest J. White; stayed on as CO until early August then went back to the States on leave prior to returning for a second tour.
361st: July 31 (#209) Maj. Cooper led an area patrol from 1349 to 1715. Landfall came near Knocke at 1432, the pilots orbitted the LiegeTrier area until 1630, then crossed out at 1654 over the Dutch Islands.
359th:
Yoakum, Rodgers, Hurley, Morgan
Notes: Maj. James N. Wood returned to the 361 st for a second tour. He assumed the job of Operations Officer as Capl. Thomas F. Bailey prepared to return to the States.
Line-up Wadlow, Griswold, Richason, Chickering
August 3 (#212) LlCo!. Baccus led a MEW Cono'ol from 1811 to 2050. Landfall came in the Knocke area at 1854 and all three squadrons made attacks against ground targets. The 360th and 361 st
Vossler, Bergstrom, LeMoyne, Malo
360th:
Rubner, Tarbutton, Pietruszka, Mellinger Cota, Pleasant, Olive, Nebinger Herin, Williams, Douglas, Gleason
361sl:
Thorne, Alphonse, Richason, Chickering Vossler, leMoyne, Forsyth, Pietruszka Peet, Tarbutton, Lubbers, Broxton Ogden, Romine, Russell, Rideout Herin, Williams, Servocky, Gleason Fletcher, Peacock, Olive, Pleasant Cooper, Schlack, Swift, Hall Engelhorn, Drake, Kahle, Clayton
hit a field near Chievres and left fires among the hangars and buildings. the 359th bombed a marshalling yard near Namur and recorded a few hits. The group later crossed alit at 2027 near Knocke.
Bluhm, Laviolene, Taylor, Garlent Cooper, Nystrom, Thompson, Whitmore Swift, Gillene, Kovacs, Scheible Thwaites, Lewis, Hargreaves, Rodgers
Line-up
August 1 (#210) LtCo!. Tukey led a Type-16 Control from 1347 to 1734. The pilots made landfall at 1445 near Le Treport, flew to Beauvais and Paris, then crossed out at 1630 north of Fecamp.
359th:
Burke, Malo, Bruner, Shelton Rubner, Tucker, Cline, Pelletier
360th:
Baccus, Kennedy, Olive, Teel
Ogden, Mellinger, Hoffert, Bergstrom McHale, Garlent,
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Peet, Griswold, Cline, Chickering Clayborne, Bergstrom, Hoffert, Alphonse Wadlow, Perry, Shehon, Malo Vogt, Garlent, Leathers, Laviolette Mercer, Teel, Russell, Rideout Knapp, Servocky, Douglas, Gleason Tukey, Whitmore, Kovacs, Rodgers Ogden, Ashby, Thompson, Nystrom
361sl:
iemi, Laviolette
Knapp, Taylor, Douglas, Servocky Thwaites, Whitmore, Hargreaves, Tillman Kahle, Nystrom, Upp, Ashby Yoakum, Lewis, Mills, Morel
August 4 (#213) LlCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1044 to 1533. Landfall came at 1233 south of Cuxhaven and RlV was made at 1240. The bombers were taken to Luneburg and back out to south of Hamburg, being left at 1315. Right before breaking, 25-plus Me 109's were sighted
Thwaites, Tillman, Hargreaves, Lewis
63
The 3561h Fighter Group in World War If
The 361 st pilots R!V'd off Orfordness and broke from their aborting bomber at 1945 near Dunkirk. The 359th's B-17 also abolted at Dunkirk and was left at 1955 off Orfordness. The
and engaged near Hamburg. 15 ki lis were recorded with three
pilots claiming doubles, including Lt. Fletcher, who bagged his without firing a shot! While he chased a pair of 109's on the deck, one hit a tree and exploded, and the second touched
360th's charge did fly its mission, crossing in at 1945 near Dunkirk and crossing out at 20 12. In addition, four P-47's flew cover patrol, crossing in at 1940 near Gravelines and crossing out near Dunkirkat 2000.
ground, skidded a ways, then burst into flames. Lt. Joseph ,",V.
Mills (361 st) was last heard from near Hamburg and was still MIA at war's end. Following is a description of his loss. "Lt. Mills helped to engage 75 plus hostile aircraft. Climbing to 38,000 feet he dropped back approximately 300 yards behind his element
Line-lip
359th: 360th: 361st:
leader. When his element leader went to protect the Flight
Leader from a Me 109, Lt. Mills became separated. At 20,000 feet when his element leader pulled out of a dive, he heard on
bombers were picked up south of Hamburg at 1235. After RlV, one squadron swept to east of Wittenberg while the others broke
Wadlow, Collins*, Richason*, Broxton* Lubbers, Griswold, Shelton, Pietruszka
at 1335 over the Zuider Zee. A Me 410 (possibly a Me 262)
Peet, Perry, LeMoyne, Chickering
Zwolle and claimed 2-0 locos.
was chased but not caught and a 361 st section strafed near
Clayborne, Alphonse, Tarbutton, Mellinger Vogt, Gleason, Herin, Williams Fletcher, Nebinger, Pleasant, Peacock Thorne, Romine, Mercer, Teel Niemi, Taylor, Leathers, Laviolette
361st:
Yoakum, Whitmore, Hargreaves. Tillman
AugustS (#215) LtCo!' Baccus led a withdrawal support from 1027 to 1447. Landfall was made south of Ijmuiden at 1125 and the
Line-up
360th:
Cota, Servocky, Herin, Rideout Engelhorn, Lewis, Upp, Ashby
the radio, 'Green 4 bailing auf. Almost immediately the element leader saw a chute open." (15-0-1 air) (llosl)
359th:
Rubner, Pelletier, Rann, Bergstrom
359th:
Line-lip Baccus, Griswold, Richason, BroxlOn
Lubbers, Malo, Cline, LeMoyne Peet, Perry, Bruner, Tucker
Tukey, Roberts, Wiggins, Gillette Faison, Rodgers, Hurley, Drake Cooper, Morgan, Kovacs, Hall
360th:
Thwaites, Nystrom, Clayton, Mills
Clayborne, Bergstrom, Hoffert, Chickering Cota, Peacock, Pleasant, Nebinger Knapp, Servocky, McHale, Williams Bluhm, Tee!, Russell, Romine Ogden, Laviolette, Niemi, Gartent
Claims
Location
Capl. G.B. Peel
Me 109 dest(air)
NE Bremen
Ll. L.G. Alphonsc
Me 109 dest(air)
Selseingen-Ouersberg
Ll. M.M. Clayborne
Me 109 dest(air)
Sclseingcn-Ouersberg
Maj. l.W. Vogt
(2)Me 109 dest(air) SW Hamburg
Lt. W.H. Aetcher
(2)Mc 109 dcsl(air) SW Hamburg
Lt. R.S. Gleason
Me 109 dcst(air)
SW Hamburg
Ll. T.O. Teel
Me 109 dest(air)
SW Hamburg
LL l.H. Williams
Me 109 dest(air)
SW Hamburg
LL H.E. Wiggins
(2)Me 109 dest(air) Bremen-Hamburg
Lt. E.L. Faison
Me 109 dest(air)
Bremen-Hamburg
Lt. W.S. Hurlcy
Me 109 dest(air)
Bremen-Hamburg
Lt. D.E Thwaites
Me 109 dest(air)
Bremcn·Hamburg
Lt. R.E. Rodgers
Me 109 dam(air)
Bremen-Hamburg
Sqll
3591h:
36Oth:
361sl:
361st:
Cooper, Schlack, Morel, Drake Faison, Nystrom, Wiggins. Moran Thwaites, Hall, Kovacs, Rodgers Yoakum, Gilletle, Hargreaves, Roberts
Notes: Completed tour: LtCo!. Donald A. Baccus; went to the States on leave before returning for a second tour.
August 6 (#216) LtCo!. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 0927 to 1418. The group crossed in south of Husum at L 115 and R!V'd with the B-24's at 1125. One squadron went to LuneburgSchleswig and LOok out two boxes of 8-24's while the rest broke
at 1230 at landfall. Lt. Vossler (359th) chased a bogie near Flensburg but could not catch it.
August 4 (#214) Capt. Cota led a special escort from 1758 to 2040. Three B-I7's were to be escorted but things did not go as planned.
359th:
64
Line-up Rubner, Collins, Rann, Mellinger
The 356th Fighter Group i/1 World War II
360th:
361sl:
Lubbers, Shelton, LeMoyne, Pelletier Clayborne, Perry', Tarbutton, Bergstrom Vossler, Alphonse, Forsyth, Pietruszka Tukey, Douglas, Servocky, Gleason McHale, Taylor, Leathers, Laviolette Cota, Pleasant, Oli ve, Peacock Russell, Romine, Mercer, Rideout Thwaites, Lewis, Hurley, Ashby Swift, Whitmore, Wiggins, Tillman Engelhorn. Morgan, Kahle, Gillette Thompson, Schlack, Clayton, Roberts
August 7 (#217) Maj. Thorne led a penetration-larget-withdrawal support from 0905 to 1206. Landfall was at 0945 near Schouwen and RN with Ihe B-24's came at 1020 near Turnhollt. The bombers were left west of Brussels at 1130 and landfall-out was at 1205 near Knocke. Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 sL:
Ogden, Griswold, Tucker", Alphonse Rann, Pelletier, Bruner, Collins Peel, Perry, Hoffert, Chickering Vogt, Rideout, Mercer, Teel Knapp, Gleason, Douglas, Servocky Bluhm, Laviolette, Leathers, Taylor Thorne, Rodgers, Kovacs, Tillman Faison, Drake, Hall Yoakum, Whitmore, Swift, Gillette
361 st:
August 9 (#219) LtCo!' Tukey led a sweep from 1055 to 1455. Landfall came at 1127 north of Ostend and the group later crossed out at 1402 near Schouwen. The planes penetrated to west of Stuttgart untjl 1245, then strafed in the Namur-Liege-Trier area on the way Ollt. Lt. Robert E. Rodgers (361 st) was hit and badly wounded and had to belly-in southwest of Liege. Claims amounted to 7-2 locos, 0-10 railcars, and 2-0 trucks. Lt Faison later filed this report, "We left Red Flight to strafe a trajn, which we destroyed, and continued alit on course. I spotted a truck approximately 25 miles SSE of Liege, Belgium, and told the flight I would be right back; however, they followed me down and I called them 10 join up while I essed out on course. White #2, Lt. Rodgers, did not join lip. I called him twice but he did not answer. I noticed a few tracers coming up in that area and think maybe White #2 had been hit." (llos/) Line-up
359th:
360th:
August 8 (#218) Maj. Cooper led an area patrol from 1207 to 1510. Landfall was at 1302 near Le Treport and targets in the AmiensBeauvais area were hit. Most of the 359th dropped their bombs on a marshalling yard at Achet Ie Grande, then strafed another yard at HamelencoUrl. The 360th strafed a string of railcars and the 361 st attacked targets near Arras. Total claims ran to 7II locos, 6-113 railcars, 2-6 vehicles, and 0-5 flak towers. Landfall was then from 1430 to 1443 near Berck-Sur-Mer.
361 Sl:
360th:
Tukey, GriSWOld, Bruner, Mellinger Rann, Bergstrom, Shelton, Pietruszka Peet, Pen'y, Hoffert*, Chickering Rubner, Pelletier, LeMoyne, Malo Vogt, Rjdeout, Mercer, Romine McHale, Garlenl, Leathers, Taylor Knapp, Tucker, Servocky, Douglas Olive, Peacock, Pleasant, Nebinger Cooper, Morel, Kahle, Tillman Faison, Rodgers, Upp, Drake Fremaux, Gillette, Thompson, Hall Yoakum, Lewis, Swift, Ashby
Notes: Completed tour: Capl. George B. Peel.
August 9 (#220) Maj. Thome led a dive-bombing mission from 1745 to 2054. After landfall south of Ostend at 1829, marshalling yards in the Montcomet and Valienciennes area were hit. Tracks were cut and other claims came to 4-0 locos, 0-40 railcars, 0- I flak tower, and 1-0 building. Landfall was from 1955 to 20 I0 south of Dunkirk.
Line-up
359th:
Cooper, Ashby, Clayton, Upp Swift, Roberts, Thompson, Nystrom Engelhom, Morgan, Wiggins, Lewis Kahle, Morel, Kovacs, Hargreaves
Peet, Griswold, Tarbutton, Bergstrom Knudsen, Pelletier, leMoyne, Malo Clayborne, Perry, Shelton, Pietruszka* Vossler, Alphonse, Tucker, Mellinger Cota, Rideout, Teel, Romine Fletcher, Nebinger, Peacock, Pleasant Ogden, Laviolette, Olive, Garlent Herin, Tucker, Gleason, Williams
Line-up
359th:
65
Burke, O'Quinn, Lubbers, Hoffert Vossler, Kennedy, Tucker, Alphonse Knudsen, Schamberg, Tarbutton, Mellinger
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War lJ
360th:
Thorne, Teel, Leidy, Laviolette
August 11 (#223) LlCo!. Tukey led aType-16 Control from 1117 to 1537. The planes crossed in at 1210 near Le Treport, patrolled the
Herin, Gleason, Williams, Tucker Fletcher, Nebinger, Olive, Peacock
361st:
Thwaites, Nystrom, Hargreaves, Roberts Thompson, Upp, Hurley, Morgan Engelhorn, Morel, Wiggins, Tillman
Chartres area, then made landfall at 1430 near Cayeaux. Line-up
359th: Notes: Maj. Mark J. Burke took command of the 359th as Maj. White went to the States. Taking over as Operations Officer was Capt. Richard A. Rann.
Vossler, Broxton*, Hoffert, Chickering
360th:
361st:
lines in the Coulommiers-Vitry-Esternay-Compiegne area.
Before landfall-out at 1228 near St. Valery, the group claimed 7-2 locos, 25-65 railcars, 8-22 vehicles, and 0-1 tank.
Rubner, Griswold, Shelton, Bergstrom Lubbers*, Broxton, Bruner, Malo Clayborne, Perry, Pelletier, Pietruszka Tarbutton, O'Quinn(relays) Vogt, Williams, Douglas, Servocky
then swept the Amiens-Beauvais area until landfall-out near
St. Valery at 2025.
Mercer, Rideout, Leidy, Romine
361 st:
McHale, Taylor, Leathers, Garlent Fremaux, Hall, Wiggins, Gillette
359th: 360th: 36lst:
Faison, Whitmore, Kovacs, Schlack Yoakum, Morel, Hurley, Tillman
August 10 (#222) Maj. Burke led a dive-bombing mission from 1638 to 2032. Landfall came at 1738 near Le Treport and targets in the 1-2 locos, 62-152 railcars, 10-5 trucks, 4-0 armored cars, and 1-0 bridge, everyone crossed out near Le Treport from 1920 to 1945.
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Bruner, Scharnberg, Tarbutton, Collins Vogt, Leidy, Quigley, Nebinger
Fremaux, Gillette, Clayton Yoakum, Roberts, Swift, Drake
August 12 (#225) LlCo!. Tukey led a dive-bombing mission from 0522 to 0814. Landfall came at 0606 near Knocke and a number of targets were attacked. The 359th dropped on a marshalling yard
Epernay-Compiegne-Paris area were attacked. After claiming
359th:
Tukey, Hall, Thompson, Nystrom Cooper, Morgan, Kovacs, Upp Faison, Schlack, Wiggins, Morel
August 11 (#224) Maj. Vogt led a special escort from 1850 to 2115. R/V with two 482nd Bomb Group B-I7's was over England and landfall came at 1934 near Fecamp. One bomber aborted and the second was taken to La Chenaie and left there. The P-47's
Line-up
360th:
Cota, Barnhart, Mercer, Rideout Herin, Douglas, Servocky, Peacock McHale, Causer, Leathers, Garlent
August 10 (#221) Maj. Vogt led a dive-bombing mission from 0937 to 1257. After landfall at 1028 near Le Treport, the planes hit rail
359th:
Knudsen, O'Quinn, Shelton, Pietruszka Lubbers, Pelletier, LeMoyne, Malo
at Auberton, scoring hits in the yard, then strafed for claims of
0-6 locos, 0-10 railcars, and 1-0 truck. The 360th shot up the St. Trond area for claims of 14-3 locos, 6-42 railcars, and 2-0 trucks. The 361st caught a pair of 1u 88's on the deck at Guise-
Line-up Burke, Scharnberg, Tucker, Alphonse Lubbers*, Griswold, LeMoyne, Pelletier Rann, Perry, Mellinger, Chickering Knapp, Romine, Niemi, Taylor
Avesnes and bagged them both while strafing netted 7-0 locos
and 6-34 railcars. (2-0-0 air) Line-up
Olive, Rideout, Peacock, Nebinger Herin, Williams, Leidy, Tucker
359th:
Thwaites, Schlack, Kahle, Nystrom Swift, Drake, Hargreaves, Roberts Engelhorn, Whitmore, Clayton, Morgan
360th: 361 st:
66
Tukey, Griswold, Tarbutton, Pelletier Tucker, Alphonse, Mellinger, Broxton Knapp, Douglas, Williams, Tucker Mercer, Barnhart, Leidy, Rideout Fremaux, Gillette, Clayton Yoakum, Roberts, Swift, Drake
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
Sqll
361st
Claims
Locatioll
(.5)Ju 88 dcst(air)
Guise-Avesncs
(.5)Ju 88 dcst(air)
Guise-Avesnes
Capl. 0.8. ClaYlOn
(.5)Ju 88 desl(air)
Guise-Avcsnes
Lt. R.W. Gillette
(.5)Ju 88 dest(air)
Guisc-Avcsnes
Ll. E.C. Frcmaux
360th: 361st:
August 12 (#229) Maj. Vogt led a Type-I 6 Control from 1757 to 2133. After landfall at 1852 near Le Treport, the planes patrolled the
August 12 (#226) Maj. Cooper led a dive-bombing mission from 0735 to 1032. Landfall came at 0813 near Knocke and the pilots later
Falaise- Vire-Caen area and gave cover to 9th Air Force B-26's
crossed out at 1003 near Dunkirk. Targets in the Douai and Sedan areas were hit with claims of 1-2 locos, 0-30 railcars, and a number of rail cuts.
until 2030. Landfall then followed at 2035 near St. Valery. Line-Lip
359th: Rubner, O'Quinn', leMoyne, Malo Lubbers, Collins, Shelton, Chickering Vogt, Peacock, Olive, Pleasant McHale, Causer, Laviolette, Garlent Cooper, Lewis, Hurley, Ashby
360th:
Lubbers, Perry, Chickering, Broxton Tucker, Scharnberg, Cline, Pietruszka Vogt, ebinger, Olive, Tucker
361 st:
Cooper, Ashby, Kovacs, Lewis
Wood, Schlack, Kovacs, Hargreaves
August 13 (#230) Capt. Knudsen led a dive-bombing mission from 0508 to 0810. Landfall came near Le Treport and pilots attacked targets in the Rouen-Neufchatel area. Claims came to 9-7 locos, 17-38 railcars, and 2-1 flak towers. On the way back to
Lille-up
359th: 360lh: 361s!:
Knapp, Causer, Douglas, Peacock Mercer, Pleasant, Leidy, Rideout Thome, Morgan, Swift, Drake Faison, Nystrom, Kahle, Roberts
Niemi, Teel, Laviolette, Williams Engelhorn, Gillette, Hargreaves. Schlack
August 12 (#227) Capt. Knudsen led a dive-bombing mission from IlO9 to 1405. Landfall was near Knocke at 1146 and targels were attacked in the Charleroi-La Chateau-Lumes area. Claims
Martlesham Heath, British anti-aircraft gunners fired on the P-
amounted to 4-8 locos, 30-229 railcars, and 4-4 vehicles before landfall carne near Ostend from 1328 to 1339.
47's. Lt. Henry L. Lewis (361 st) reported he was hit badly and failed to return.
The write-up of Lewis' loss follows, "Lt. Lewis and Lt. Broxton (359th-author) crossed out northeast of Fecamp, France at 16,000 feet returning to base after strafing and dive-bomb-
Lille-up
359th: 360lh:
Knudsen, Kennedy, Hoffert, Pietruszka Bruner, Perry, Mellinger, Alphonse Cota, Nebinger, Leathers, Teel
ing in France. After crossing out they flew a heading of 03 degrees for about fifteen minutes, letting down to about 4,000 feet. Lt. Broxton noticed overcast over the Channel at about 5,000 feet and they changed course to ]0 degrees and started
Niemi, Quigley, Herin, Tucker
361s!:
Engelhorn, Hall, Thompson, Upp Yoakum, Clayton, Wiggins, Morel
climbing to lO,OOO feet. Lt. Broxton then called Wing Control and was told to steer 35 degrees for 8 minutes and that would
August 12 (#228) Maj. Thorne led a dive-bombing mission from 1337 to 1650. Landfall was made at 1424 near Oslend and targets in
bring him lo Manston. Because of the overcast, Lt. Broxton was unable to determine where he crossed into England, but he was sure he was still over the Channel when he recei ved the 35 degree vector. Immediately after turning to 35 degrees, they encountered intense heavy flak at 8,000 feet. Lt. Broxton observed a few bursts in front of Lt. Lewis who was flying 400
the Montcornet-Hirshorn-Charleville area were hit. Near
Montcornel, Lt. Lester H. Knapp (360Ih) was knocked down by nak and Lt. H. Philip Causer (360th) was downed near Paris. While Knapp was killed, Causer managed to evade capture. In
yards to his left and slightly below. Lt. Broxton commenced a steep climbing tum to the right with full power and Lt. Lewis broke down and slightly to the left. Upon leveling off at 11,000
exchange, claims were made for 3-2 locos, 29-56 railcars, and
9-0 vehicles. (2 lost)
359th:
feet, Lt. Broxton observed Lt. Lewis on course at about 5,000 feet. About 5 minutes later Lt. Broxton observed Lt. Lewis at
Line-up
the same altitude and still on course. He then advised Lt. Lewis
Rann, O'Quinn, Shelton, Collins' LeMoyne, Griswold, Tarbutton, Malo
on the R!f that he was 2 minutes from Manston but received
no reply. He then let down through the overcast in places over
67
The 356th Fighter Group in World War If
the Thames Estuary down to 200 feet. A pilot with another squadron identified himself and said they were 2 minutes from
Line-up
359th:
Manston. He then heard Lt. Lewis acknowledge and say he thought he could make it." (1 lost)
Lubbers, PeITY, Tarbutton, Pietruszka
360th:
Vogt, Romine, Teel, Rideout
361 st:
Thwaites, Gillette, Kahle, Ashby Faison, Schlack, Hurley, Nystrom
Fletcher, Taylor, Pleasant, Laviolette
Line-up
359th: 360th: 361st:
Knudsen, 0' Quinn, Shelton, Broxton LeMoyne, Griswold, Pelletier, Malo McHale, Leidy, Leathers, Garlent Fletcher, Quigley, Pleasant, Nebinger Schlack, Thompson, Ashby Faison, Lewis, Hurley, Upp
August 13 (#231) LtCo!. Tukey led a dive-bombing mission from 0649 to 1028. Landfall was near Dieppe at 0750 and the pilots hunted in the Paris-Rouen-Forges area. Claims amounted to 18-40 railcars and 8-3 trucks before landfall at 0930 from Le Touquet
August 14 (#234) Maj. Cooper led a dive-bombing mission from 0455 to 0830. After landfall at 0557 near Le Treport, the pilots swept the Reims-Chalons-Sedan area until landfall-out at 0727 near Berck-Sur-Mer. Pilots made claims for 1-0 loco, 2-11 railcars, and 0-3 tanks while a P-47 was lost. A Fw 190 was seen near
Amiens and Lt. Tucker and Lt. Louis G. Alphonse (359th) gave chase. As the pair approached Laval, American ground gunners opened fire and knocked down Alphonse, who was killed. (llost)
to Dieppe.
Line-up
359th:
360th:
Tukey, Scharnberg, Tarbutton, Chickering Bruner, Mellinger, Cline, Alphonse
360th:
Niemi, Nebinger, Olive, Peacock
Cota, Barnhart, Teel, Peacock
361 st:
Leathers, Barnhart, Laviolette, GaI·lent Cooper, Tillman, Wiggins, Whitmore Thompson, Hargreaves, Kovacs, Schalck
Herin, Tucker, Douglas, Williams
36 Ist:
Rann, O'Quinn, Cline, Pelletier Bruner, Perry, Tucker, Alphonse
Line-up
359th:
Rann, Schamberg, Alphonse, Cline
Fremaux, Morel, Clayton, Gillette Kahle, Hall, Wiggins, Nystrom
August 15 (#235) LtCo!. Tukey led an area support for RAF bombers from 0959 to 1335. Landfall was near Schouwen at 1046 and the group then split up to patrol airfields while the bombers unloaded. The 359th covered Volkel, the 360th Gilze-Rijen and Eindhoven, and the 361 st Soesterberg and Deelan. After this,
August 13 (#232) Maj. Cooper led a dive-bombing mission to the Paris-
Rauen area from 1421 to 1746. Landfall came at 1516 near Le Treport and the planes later crossed out east of Dieppe at 1707. Bombing and strafing netted 0-2 trains, 1-0 truck, and 1-0 bridge, plus 15 railcars destroyed or damaged and a number of hits on a marshalling yard.
some 361st pilots strafed in the Tillburg-Breda area claiming
6-2 locos, 0-15 railcars, and 0-1 radar station. Line-up
359th:
Line-lip
359th: 360th: 361st:
Vossler, Griswold, Pelletier, Malo Tucker, O'Quinn, LeMoyne, Shelton Niemi, Garlent, Mercer, Leidy Herin, Quigley, Olive, Servocky Cooper, Upp, Kovacs, Hargreaves
Tukey, Kennedy, Richason, Collins LeMoyne, Griswold, Shelton, Bergstrom Rann, Scharnberg, Mellinger, Malo
360th:
Tucker, Perry, Forsyth, Pelletier Vogt, Tucker, Douglas, Williams Mercer, Barnhart, Leidy, Romine
Engelhorn, Drake, Swift, Roberts
August 13 (#233) Maj. Vogt led a dive-bombing mission from 1600 to 1925. Landfall was made at 1645 near Dieppe and the group
361 st:
later crossed out at 1840 near Le Treport. A few targets were seen in the Forges and Beauvais area for claims of 3-15 rail-
cars and 0-1 truck. 68
McHale, Laviolette, Leathers, Garlent Olive, Quigley, Pleasant, Nebinger Ogden, Nystrom, Kahle, Roberts Swift, Gillette, Hurley, Drake Wood, Tillman, Morel, Whitmore Fremaux, Ashby, Kovacs, Upp
Tile 356rll righrer Group in World War 11
Notes: Completed lour: Capt. Harold A. Ogden.
The loss was reported,
August 16 (#236) Maj. Vogl Jed an area patrol from 0748 to 1205. After landfall al 0840 near Egmond, Ihe pilols palrolled as far as Hanover before turning for horne. Strafing in the AmsterdamDelmeld area nelled 2-0 locos and 0-3 railcars, plus Ihe 361 Sl bagged a balloon near Paderbom.
359th:
36Otl1:
36lsl:
(5-1-4 air) (J lost)
Line-up Rubner, O'Quinn, Cline*, Bergstrom Bruner, Perry, Forsyth, Malo Lubbers, Collins*, Hoffert, Mellinger Tucker, Griswold, Tarbutton, Chickering Vogt, Quigley, Pleasant, Nebinger Herin, Williams, Servocky, Leidy McHale, Garlent, Niemi, Laviolette Russell, Teel, Mercer, Romine Cooper, Whitmore, Clayton, UPI' Swift, Schlack, Kahle, Tillman Wood, Hall, Wiggins, Roberts Faison, Ashby, Hurley, Nystrom
3591h:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Rubner, Schamberg, Shelton, Griswold Tarbutton, Mellinger, Richason, Malo Vossler, O'Quinn, Forsyth, Bergstrom Vogt, Taylor, Leathers, Laviolette Herin, Douglas, Russell, Williams Bluhm, Teel, Leidy, Rideout Engelhom, Hall, Clayton, UpI' Thompson, Tillman, Kovacs, Hargreaves Faison, Ashby, Hurley, Whitmore
Sqn
August 17 (#237) LtCo!. Tukcy led a dive-bombing mission from 095910 1305. Landfall came near Le Treport at 1049 and the pilots flew La the Rouen-Amiens-Cambrai area. Due to heavy overcast, no results were observed of the bombing and no strafing was done. The planes later crossed out near Dunkirk at 1230.
359th:
360lh:
361sl:
359th.
Lt. R.O. Vossler Lt. F.A. Forsyth
361st:
Line-up Tukey, Schamberg, Shelton, Collins Thome, Kennedy, Mellinger, Perry Rann, 0' Quinn, Forsyth, Malo LeMoyne, Griswold, Hoffert, Bergstrom Cota, Barnhart, Leidy, Romine Olive, Nebinger, Pleasant, Quigley McHale, Garienl, Leathers, Taylor Herin, Tucker, Williams, Douglas Cooper, Morel, Claylon, Ashby Fremaux, Gillelte, Swift, Drake Thwaites, Whitmore. Kahle, Nystrom Engelhom, Hall, Wiggins, Schlack
Claims
Location
Fw 190 de~l(air)
Beauvais
Fw 190 dam(air)
Beauvais
Fw 190 de~t(air)
Beauvais
Capt. J.D. Tarbutton
(.5)Fw 190 darn(air) Beauvais
Ll. L.F. Richson
(.5)Fw [90 dalll(air) Beauvais
Lt. J.A. Hargreaves
Fw 190 dest(air)
Beauvais
Fw 190 prob(air)
Beauvais
Fw 190 desl(air)
Beauvais
Lt. E.L. Thompson
(2)Fw 190 dam(air) Beauvais LI. E.A. Kovacs
Fw 190 desl(air)
Beauvais
Notes: Completed lour: Capt. Chester H. Rubner; Lt. Richard G. Vossler
August 18 (#239) Maj. Cooper led a dive-bombing mission from 1648 to 2005. Landfall came at 1743 near Le Treport and the planes later crossed out in the same area at 1920. Targets in the Fo1ltoise-Gisors-Beaumont-Marseilles area were attacked with claims of 1-0 loco, 15-13 railcars, 0-14 oil tanks, and 1-0 armored car.
August 18 (#238) Maj. Vogt led a dive-bombing mission from 1209 to 1515. Landfall was al1311 near Le Treport, then near Beauvais, 16 Fw 190's were seen. The pilots jettisoned their bombs and engaged Ihe enemy fighlers, claiming 5 kills for Ihe loss of Lt. John R. Tillman (361 st).
359th:
69
Line-lip Burke, Kennedy, LeMoyne, Shelton Bruner, Perry, Hoffert*, Chickering Lubbers, Collins, Tucker, Pelletier
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th:
361st:
Cota, Barnhart, Mercer, Romine Olive, Quigley, Pleasant, Peacock Niemi, Garlent, Leidy, Thcker Cooper, Hall, Swift, Schlack Kahle, Roberts, Wiggins, Nystrom Wood, Morel, Clayton, Upp
360th: 361st:
Vogt, Romine, Teel, Rideout Herin, Tucker, Douglas, Williams Yoakum, Ashby, Hargreaves, Roberts Thompson, Kovacs, Whitmore, Morgan
August 25 (#243) Maj. Thorne led a withdrawal support from 1207 to 1634. The group crossed in at 1338 near SI. Peter and RN'd west of Maribo at 1402. The bombers were escorted unevent~ fully and left at 1440 near Spiel Island.
August 23 (#240) Maj. Vogt led a dive-bombing mission from 1440 to 1800. After landfall at 1833 near Gravelines, the pilots were vectored south. Not mnch was seen but the 360th did cut tracks at two small marshalling yards before landfall at 1708 near Dunkirk.
Line~up
359th:
Knudsen, Scharnberg, Shelton*, Pelletier Tarbutton, Pietruszka, Forsyth, Perry*
Clayborne, O'Quinn" Hoffert, Chickering Lubbers, Collins, LeMoyne, Broxton
Line-up
359th:
360th:
Rann, Scharnberg, Richason, Pelletier Tarbutton, Griswold, Hoffert, Chickering Knudsen, Collins, Forsyth, Malo Vogt, Teel, Mercer, Romine Fletcher, Nebinger, Pleasant, Peacock
360th:
361 st:
Herin, Tucker, Taylor, Douglas
361 st:
Wood, Whitmore, Hurley, Ashby Kovacs, Schlack, Clayton, Upp
August 24 (#241) LtCo!. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 0935 to 1401. Landfall was north ofIjmuiden at 1037 and RN came at 1225 east of Hanover. The B-24's were then left off Great Yarmouth at 1315.
360th: 361st:
Fletcher, Quigley, Peacock, Nebinger McHale, Garlent, Ellingson, Taylor Thorne, Swift, Schlack, Engelhol11 Gillette, Wiggins, Morel Wood, Roberts, Kahle, Morgan Faison, Whitmore, Kovacs, Ha11
Engelhorn, Hall, Hargreaves, Morgan
359th:
Bluhm, Romine, Mercer, Barnhart Herin, Williams, Douglas, Tucker
Notes: Completed tour: Maj. James H. Thorne
August 26 (#244) LlCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1000 to 1350. Landfall came north of Egmond at 1112 and RN followed south of Meppel at 1126. The heavies
Line-up
were taken to Gelsenkirchen and back out to the coast, being
Tukey, O'Quinn, Tucker, Pelletier Richason, Perry, Mellinger, Broxton McHale, Laviolette,'Taylor, Garlent Fletcher, Quigley, Peacock, Nebinger Cooper, Morel, Wiggins Swift, Gillette, Hurley, Drake
left at 1308. Line-up
359th:
Tukey, Kennedy, Shelton, Chickering Richason, Pietruszka, Cline, Pelletier
August 24 (#242) Maj. Vogt led a withdrawal support from 0952 to 1351. Landfall came at 1048 near Egmond and the B-24's were picked
360th:
Knudsen, O'Quinn, Mellinger, Broxton Bruner, Griswold, Forsyth, Malo Vogt, Williams, Douglas, Tucker Mercer, Romine, Rideout, Barnhart
up at 1140 near Hanover. These were left west of Hanover at 1200 and then a dozen more B-24's were taken out to the coast and left at 1235.
361 st:
Ellingson, Laviolette, McHale, Taylor Fletcher, Peacock, Nebinger, Pleasant Cooper, Drake, Thompson, Nystrom Kahle, Gillette, Hurley, Roberts Yoakum, Whitmore, Hargreaves, Morel
Line-up
359th:
Engelhorn, Morgan, Swift, Upp
Wadlow, Scharnberg, Cline, Malo LeMoyne, Pietruszka, Shelton, Chickering
70
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
shot up targets in the Tillburg-Antwerp-Brussels area. Claims amounted to 4-4 locos, 1-2 railcars, and 0-1 barge.
August 27 (#245) LtCo!. Tukey led a dive-bombing mission from 1106 to 1448. Landfall came at 1148 near Nieuport and the 359th gave covet as the others attacked targets in the Saarbrucken-Luxembourg area. Claims amounted to 6-10 locos, 20-122 railcars, and 0-6 half-tracks. Landfall-out was later made at 1414 in the Ostend-Dunkirk area.
359th:
360th: 359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Clayborne, Collins, Hoffert, Chickering LeMoyne, Griswold, Shelton, Broxton Knudsen, O'Quinn, Forsyth, Malo Lubbers, Pietruszka, Mellinger, Pelletier Tukey, Barnhart, Leidy, Rideout McHale, Laviolette, Taylor, Servocky Fletcher, Quigley, Olive, Nebinger Ellingson, Tucker, Williams, Douglas Wood, Drake, Kovacs, Upp Engelhorn, Nystrom, Hargreaves, Morgan McDowell, Whitmore, Hurley, Hall Faison, Kahle, Gillette
361 st:
August 28 (#248) Maj. Vogt led a dive-bombing mission from 1703 to 2118. The planes made landfall at 1747 near Westhoofd and the pilots strafed and bombed in the same area as earlier in the day. Claims ran to 6-2 locos, 3-50 railcars, 2-0 autos, and 1-0 truck. Lt. James H. Perry (359th) had to bailout east of Orfordness but ASR units picked him up in good shape. (1 lost-rescued)
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Millard M. Clayborne; Capt. Howard R. Knudsen 359th: August 27 (#246) After Maj. Burke aborted, Capt. Wadlow led a divebombing mission from 1639 to 1958. Landfall came at 1720 southwest of Ostend and the 359th and 360th hit targets in the Trier-Neufchatel area. 3-2 locos and 2-0 railcars were claimed though heavy overcast prevented many attacks. The 361 st was bounced by 353rd Fighter Group PATs northwest of Sedan, forcing the pilots to jettison their bombs.
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Rann, Perry, Sbelton, Mellinger Tarbutton, Broxton, Hoffert, Chickering Lubbers, Schamberg, Pelletier, Collins Bluhm, Romine, Leidy, Teel Retcher, 'ebinger, Olive, Quigley Ellingson, Servocky, Williams, Tucker Cooper, Ashby, Hargreaves, Whitmore Thompson, Scblack, Upp, Nystrom McDowell, Roberts, Morel, Drake
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Burke, Schamberg, Pelletier, Perry Tucker, O'Quinn, Mellinger, Broxton Bruner, Griswold, LeMoyne, Forsyth Vogt, Peacock, Taylor, Gadent Ellingson, Tucker, Servocky, Williams Mercer, Rideout, Teel, Barnhart Thwaites, Nystrom, Kovacs, Gillette Yoakum, Morel, Swift, Schlack Engelhorn, Morgan, Hargreaves, Hall
NOles: Completed tour: Maj. Mark J. Burke
Lille-up Burke', Kennedy, Forsyth, Schamberg Richason, Collins, Shelton, Pelletier Wadlow, Broxton, Hoffert, Chickering Vogt, Servocky, Williams, Peacock Bluhm, Barnhart, Leidy, Romine McHale, Rideout, Niemi, Taylor Yoakum, Morgan, Kovacs, Roberts Swift, Upp, Thompson, Whitmore
August 29 (#249) LtCo!. Tukey led a dive-bombing mission from 0714 to 1021. Afterlandfall at 0753 near Nieuport, the group searched in the Mauberge-Charleroi-Namur-St. Dinant area. Claims came to 10-2 locos, 0-71 railcars, and 4-2 vehicles. Lt. Thomas D. Teel (360th) was hit by flak near Lille and though seen to bailout, he was still MIA at war's end. The group reported, "Lt. Teel was returning from a routine dive-bombing and strafing mission, in the vicinity ofLille, France. As he and his leader broke clear of the clouds some heavy flak was seen. Evasive action was taken but Lt. Teel called to say his plane was hit. Smoke followed and in a few seconds flame came from his super-charger and he was advised to bailout. He jumped and disappeared into the clouds
NOles: Completed tour: Capt. Joseph M. McHale; Capt. Albert V.Niemi August 28 (#247) Maj. Cooper led a dive-bombing mission from 0747 to 1120. Landfall came at 0831 near Overflakkee and the group 71
Tile 356tll Fighter Group in World War II
before his chute was fully open. His leader dove through the clouds, circled, but failed to see him again."
Sqn
36Oth:
Lt. R.M. Leidy
(1 lost) Line-up
359th:
360th:
Tukey, O'Quinn, LeMoyne, Cline Richason, Collins, Shelton, Bergstrom Wadlow, Griswold, Bruner, Chickering Bluhm, Romine, Leidy, Teel Olive, Quigley, Peacock, Nebinger
361 st:
Claims
LocaTioll
Me 109 dest(grd)
Le Culot
Me 109 dam(grd)
Le Culot
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. George L. Yoakum. September 1 (#251) Capt. Wadlow led a dive-bombing mission from 1658 to 21 06. Landfall came at 1737 near Ostend and everyone later crossed out at 2023 in the same area. The 359'" bombed a road intersection near Metz then strafed east of Nancy for claims of
Fletcher, Barnhart, Taylor, Garlent Wood, Nystrom, Kahle, Ashby
1-0 loco and 0-5 railcars. The 360th hit an airfield southeast of Nancy and shot up some Ju 52's. The 361 st strafed as well, claiming 1-0 loco, 21-4 trucks, 2-0 jeeps, and 0-1 half-tracks.
Engelhorn, Kovacs, Gillette
McDowell, Morgan, Upp, Hall
(4-1 groulld)
September 1 (#250) Maj. Cooper led a fighter-bomber mission from 0742 to 1058. Landfall came at 0816 northeast of Ostend and the group later crossed out from 1011 to 1030 in the NieuportWalcheren area. Lt. Frank A. Forsyth (359th) strafed a loco,
Line-up
359th: 360th:
then when three railcars exploded, their debris damaged his P-
47. He bellied-in southwest of Brussels, fought with ground
361 st:
troops in Belgium, and later returned to England. In addition to I~ I aircraft hit near Le eulot, claims were 4-1 locos, 3-31 railcars, and 12-2 vehicles in the Givet-Namur-Liege area.
Wadlow, Cline, Shelton, Bergstrom leMoyne, Collins, Bruner, Griswold Vogt, Williams, Douglas, Tucker Olive, Pleasant, Nebinger, Quigley Fletcher, Peacock, Taylor, Romine Engelhorn, Gillene, Thompson, Morgan Clayton, Morel, Roberts, Whitmore Kahle, Drake, Swift, Ashby
The 359th gave this account of Forsyth's loss, "Capt. Rann dispatched Lt. Forsyth and Lt. Griswold to investigate bogies north of them, which turned out to be part of the group. Lt. Forsyth then went down to strafe a stationary target of eight to twelve freight cars, three of which were evidently loaded with ammunition, which blew up as he was over them. The result-
Claims
Locatio"
Ju 52 dest(grd)
SE Nancy
Capt. \V.H. Fletcher
(.5)Ju 52 dest(grd)*
SE Nancy
Lt. J.T. Romine
(.5)Ju 52 dest(grd)*
SE Nancy
(.5)1u 52 dam(grd)
SE Nancy
Sqll
360th,
ing blast probably damaged his propellor governor system for
Lt. E. W. Pleasant
Lt. E.M. Nebinger
he could not regain altitude or power. After a short time he
(.5)Ju 52 dest(grd)" SE Nancy (.5)Ju 52 dam(grd)
turned south and bellied the ship in about 15 miles southwest of Brussels." (1-1 groulld)
SE Nancy
Lt. H.$. Olive
(.5)Ju 52 dest(grd)** SE Nancy
Lt. F. W. Peacock
(.5)Ju 52 dest(grd)@ SE Nancy
Lt. C.M. Taylor
(.5)Ju 52 dest(grd)@ SE Nancy
(I lost)
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Homer M. Engelhorn; stayed on with Group Operations Staff until Febmary of 1945.
Line-up
359th:
Rann, O'Quinn, Forsyth, Griswold September 3 (#252) LtCo!. Tukey led a strafing sweep from 1427 to 1745. Landfall came at 1503 near Walcheren and the pilots hit tar-
Tucker, Broxton, Hoffert, Chickering Lubbers, Scharnberg, Pelletier, Pietruszka
360th:
361 st:
Cota, Williams, Laviolette, Garient Mercer, Barnhart, Leidy, Rideout Ellingson, Servocky, Douglas, Tucker Cooper, Drake, Upp, Ashby Engelhorn, Gillette, Hurley, Hall
gelS in the Aachen-Cologne area. Claims were 18-9 locos, 0-
24 railcars, and 19-18 vehicles before landfall at 1705 near Walcheren.
Yoakum, Morel, Wiggins, Schlack
Line-up
359th:
Tukey, Scharnberg, Pelletier, Pietruszka LeMoyne, Collins, Shelton, Bergstrom
Bruner, Perry, Hoffert, Chickering 72
The 356tll Fighter GIVUp ill World War 1/
360lh:
361 st:
Cota, Welch, Taylor, Garlent Mercer, Barnhart, Leidy, Romine Ellingson, Crump, Douglas, Tucker McDowell, Hooker, Nystrom, Whitmore Claylon, Bomberger, Roberts, Ashby Fremaux, Higginbotham, Upp, Hall
September 8 (#255) Maj. Cooper led a strafing sweep from 1253 to 1530. After landfall at 1338 near Knocke, the pilots flew as far as Euskirchen. Due to bad weather, the mission was recalled and landfall came at 1500 north of Ostend.
359th:
September 5 (#253) Maj. Cooper led a strafing sweep from 1144 to 1442. Landfall was made at 1230 near Egmond and the pilots later crossed out in the same area at 1353. At Twente-Enschede Airfield, a He I I I was caught on the deck and shot down, and Olher claims amounted to I-I locos, 0-18 railcars, 16-11 vehicles, and 2-3 barges. (1-0-0 air)
359th:
360th:
361 st:
361st:
Line-up Rann, Kennedy, Cline, Pietruszka
September 9 (#256) Capt. Wadlow led a strafing sweep from 1528 to 1937. Landfall came at 1610 near Knocke and the group lalercrossed out from 1918 to 1927. A He III was burned west of Bad Nauheim and other claims were 10-4 locos and 0-63 railcars. Some 360th pilots were attacking a train near Wetzlar when four Fw 190's bounced them. Lt. John H. Garlent was downed in the initial bounce; Lt. Harry F. Rideout was last seen being chased by a pair of 190's; and Lt. Robert M. Leidy was last heard from in trouble near Coblenz. In exchange, only one Focke- Wulf was damaged. On the way home, Lt. Broxton (359th) crash-landed south of Martlesham Heath but was unharmed. The following are short accounts of the three 360th MIA's: "Lt. Garlents's flight was strafing a train in the vicinity of Wetz)ar, Germany. When the flight was attacked by four Fw 190's, Lt. Garlent's ship was seen to crash and burn. Lt. Leidy chased two Fw L90's into Germany following their attack on the squadron. He was last contacted on the radio when nearing the Rhine River near Coblenz saying he was all right but low on gas. Lt. Rideout was strafing a train with his squadron when they were attacked by Fw 190's. He was hit and started home with two Fw 190's chasing him. Last contacted when he said they were attacking him again." (0-0-1 air) (I -0 groulld)
Richason, Cooley, Bergstrom, Pelletier Tucker, Perry, Hoffert, Griswold Bluhm, Royer, Rideout, Barnhart Olive, Andrino, Pleasant, Nebinger Leathers, Carlson, Laviolette, Williams Cooper, Baylor, Wiggins, Schlack Fremaux, Epley, Hurley, Morgan Thwaites, Beck, Kahle, Morel
Sqll
361sl:
360th:
Claims
Locatio"
Capt. D.E Thwaites
(.5)He III dest(air) TwentelEnschede
Ll. EA. Morgan
(.5)He III dest(air) TwentelEnschede
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Edward C. Fremaux; Capt. David F. Thwaites. September 6 (#254) Maj. vogt led a strafing sweep from 122210 1604. Landfall came at 1300 near Knocke, and due 10 bad weather in the Fulda area, the pilots strafed from Rotterdam to Coblenz. Claims ran 1017-0 locos, 2-70 railcars, and 11-9 vehicles.
3591h:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Rann, Easley, Pelletier, Scharnberg Richason, O'Quinn, LeMoyne, Cline Bruner, Hale, Malo, Griswold Fletcher, Nebinger, Olive, Peacock Russell, Laviolette, Taylor, Garlent Ellingson, Tucker, Servocky, Gleason Cooper, Bomberger, Hurley, Morgan Thompson, Baylor, Kovacs, Hargreaves Faison, Beck, Wiggins, Nystrom
Line-up Lubbers, Hale, Pelletier, Pietruszka Tarbutton, Perry, Shelton, Bergstrom Tucker, Cooley, Mellinger, Broxton vogt, Barnhart, Leidy, Rideout Russell, Gleason, Servod:y, Douglas Leathers, Laviolette, Taylor, Garlent Wood, Barnes, Clayton, Gillette
(3 lost)
359th:
Faison, Hooker, Hargreaves, Morel McDowell, Higginbotham, Kovacs, Ashby
Line-up Wadlow, Kennedy, Shelton, O'Quinn Tucker, Easley, Cline, Perry Lubbers, Cooley, Bergstrom, Pietruszka Tarbutton, Scharnberg, Mellinger, Broxton
73
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th:
361st:
Vogt, Burwell, Pleasant, Peacock Romine, Royer, Leidy, Rideout Ellingson, Crump, Douglas, Gleason Taylor, Welch, Laviolette, Garlent Wood, Epley, Roberts, Whitmore Clayton, Barnes, Upp, Schlack McDowell, Hooker, Morel, Ashby Faison, Higginbotham, Gillette, Morgan
Sqn
Claims
Location
359th:
Lt. D.F. Tucker
He III dest(grd)
W/Bad Nauheim
360th:
Lt. J.T. Romine
Fw 190 dam(air)
W/Giessen
361st:
McDowell, Epley, Hargreaves, Drake Clayton, Beck, Roberts, Hall Faison, Barnes, Nystrom, Ashby Kovacs, Hooker, Gillette, Schlack
September 12 (#259) Maj. Wood led a withdrawal support from 1052 to 1525. Landfall was made at 1131 near Egmond and R/V was accomplished from 1250 to 1307 at various locations. The 359th broke at 1430 near Ghent while the others left the bombers at 1438 near Ostend. Line-up
September 10 (#257) LtCo!. Tukey led a strafing sweep from 1034 to 1448. Landfall-in and out were made near Knocke at 1130 and 1420, respectively. Attacks in the Seigburg area netted 7-4 locos, 4-2
359th:
vehicles, and an uncalculated number of railcars destroyed or
360th:
Lubbers, Troge, Cline, Pietruszka*
damaged. Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
361st:
Tukey, Scharnberg, Hoffert, Mellinger LeMoyne, Easley, Shelton, Perry Lubbers, Carr, Pelletier, Cline Bruner, Hale, Malo, Griswold Cota, Carlson, Mercer, Barnhart Russell, Tucker, Servocky, Gleason Olive, Nebinger, Andrino, Quigley Wood, Barnes, Hurley, Nystrom Kovacs, Baylor, Hargreaves, Schlack Faison, Bomberger, Upp, Morgan
September 11 (#258) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1034 to 1501. Landfall came at 1135 near Egmond
(2-3 ground)
Line-up
359th:
and RN was made at 1235 southeast of Hanover. Escort was
given to landfall-out, Egmond, at 1412. Three flights strafed in the Zwolle area and claimed 2-2 locos plus 1-7 railcars. 360th:
Line-up
Rann, Carr, Mellinger, Perry Richason, O'Quinn, Cline, Broxton Tucker, Cornett, Hoffert, Pietruszka
360th:
Bruner, Griswold, Hoffert, Shelton Cota, Andrino, Olive, Quigley Bluhm, Urban, Barnhart, Royer Ellingson, Huebner, Douglas, Servocky Leathers, Carlson, Pleasant, Welch Wood, Barnes, Upp, Drake Swift, Bomberger, Gillette, Morgan Faison, Baylor, Nystrom, Whitmore Kovacs, Epley, Hargreaves, Hall
September 13 (#260) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0834 to 1310. After crossing in at Nieuport, R/V was made at 10 13 southeast of Metz. The bombers were left at 11 10 near Darmstadt and landfall came at 1225 near Knocke. A 360th flight strafed an airfield northwest of Stuttgart and burned two planes.
McDowell, Beck, Wiggins, Whitmore
359th:
Rann, Brown, Bergstrom, Chickering LeMoyne, Kennedy, Pelletier, Scharnberg
361 st:
Tarbutton, Scharnberg, Shelton, Bergstrom Tukey, Barnhart, Mercer, Royer Fletcher, Burwell, Peacock, Pleasant Leathers, Carlson, Taylor, Laviolette
Tukey, Perry, Shelton, Broxton Richason, Hale, Hoffert, Chickering Tucker, Cornett, Mellinger, Griswold Tarbutton, Scharnberg, Bergstrom, Pietruszka Cota, Tucker, Servocky, Douglas Fletcher, Burwell, Pleasant, Nebinger Taylor, Ciocchi, Laviolette, Welch Mercer, Urban, Barnhart, Royer McDowell, Beck, Hargreaves, Drake Swift, Baylor, Roberts, Hall Faison, Hooker, Upp, Schlack Kovacs, Bomberger, Nystrom, Whitmore
Russell, Crump, Douglas, Tucker
74
The 356tll Fighter GrollP in World War 1I
Claims
Location
Capt. W.H. Retcher
Fw 190 dest(grd)
NW Stuttgart
Me 410 dam(grd)
NW Stuttgart
Lt. O.L. Burwell
Me 410 dest(grd)
N
Fw 190 dam(grd)
"t-.'W Stuttgart
Me 410 dam(grd)
r-,f\V Stuttgart
Sqll
36Oth:
Ll. E.W. Pleasant
~
tions, three pilots were lost: Capt. Westwood H. Fletcher (360th) went down but evaded with help from the Dutch Underground; FlO John P. Tucker (360th) was killed near Nijmegen; and Lt. Howell L. Broxton (359th) was hit at Groesbeek. Broxton's P47 was literally shredded by a tlak hit and cartwheeled along the ground but the pilot suffered only a slight wound and contusions. Broxton was picked up by elements of the 82nd Airborne Division and returned to England a week later. (3 lost)
Stuttgart
September 14
Notes: Capt. Richard A. Rann took over as 359th CO, replacing Maj. Burke, who had finished his tour in late August. September 16 (#261) Capt. Wadlow led an area patrol from 1546 to 1914. After landfall at 1620 near Overflakkee, the pilots tlew to east of Munster. Strafing in the Oldenburg and QuackenblUck area saw the group claim 9-3 locos, 2-53 railcars, 0-1 tug, and 0-4 barges. Landfall was then made from 1815 to 1819 in the Ijmuiden area.
359th:
360th:
Line~tlp
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Wadlow, Kennedy, Hoffert, Cline LeMoyne, Robertson, Mellinger, O'Quinn Tarbutton, Brown, Broxton, Scharnberg Bruner, Pietruszka, Pelletier, Bergstrom Bluhm, Switzer, Russell, Urban Ellingson, Huebner, Gleason, Crump Laviolette, Ciocchi, Williams, Carlson Olive, Burwell, Peacock, Quigley Wood, Schlack, Wiggins, Hall Clayton, Baylor, Roberts, Hooker Kovacs, Barnes, Nystrom, Ashby Swift, Epley, Upp, Morgan
361 st:
Line-up Rann, Robertson, Broxton, Perry Lubbers, Troge, Mellinger, O'Quinn Richason, Easley, Pelletier, Griswold LeMoyne, Scharnberg, Cline, Chickering Pietruszka, Carr(spares) Tukey, ClUmp, Williams, Welch Fletcher, Andrino, Pleasant, Burwell Mercer, Childers, Barnhart, Royer Servocky, Huebner, Douglas, Tucker Cooper, Lindsay, Hurley, Hall Swift, Tobiassen, Gillette, Bomberger McDowell, Runyan, Roberts, Higginbotham Scheible, Wiggins, Whitson, Nystrom, Beck
September 18 (#263) Maj. Cooper led a flak suppression mission from 1210 to 1520. Landfall came at 1252 near Overflakkee and the group destroyed 35 more tlak positions. Lt. James H. Perry (359th) was hit northwest ofNijrnegen and crashed in an orchard, while Capt. Reginald C. McDowell (361 st) bellied-in near Groesbeek. He was rescued by American troops and returned to England shortly after. (2 lost)
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. James H. Wadlow September 17 (#262) The airborne invasion of Holland began and the 356th was given a flak suppression role. As the group diarist put it, 'The group's role in this operation was to fly over enemy flak emplacements in advance of the troop carrier planes in order to draw enemy fire and then destroy by strafing and bombing as much as possible of the Gernnan anti-aircraft artillery. It would be difficult to determine how successful the group was in silencing flak batteries, but there can be no doubt about its success in drawing enemy fire." LlCo!. Tukey led the mission from 1118 to 1510 and landfall came at 1210 near Goerree. After reaching the Nijmegen area, the group split up and went hunting. While silencing four pillboxes, twelve machine-gun posts, and thirty-six tlak posi-
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Tarbutton, Rudd, Mellinger, PietlUszka leMoyne, Scharnberg, Chickering, Perry BlUner, Robertson, Bergstrom, O'Quinn Easley, Cornett(spares) Cota, ClUmp, Russell, Gleason Leathers, Ciocchi, Laviolette, Welch Bluhm, Childers, Barnhart, Urban Cooper, Tomlinson, Scheible, Swift Lindsay, Hurley, Drake McDowell, Ruoyan, Wiggins, Hall
NOles: Completed tour: Maj. Norman D. Cota; stayed on as 360th Operations Officer until early October.
75
The 3561h Fighter Group in World War II
September 19 (#264) LtCol. Tukey led a withdrawal support from 1204 to 1625. Landfall came at 1250 near Walcheren with RN by the 359th and 361st at 1350 northeast of Siegen. The 360th did not pick up any bombers and after a patrol crossed out at 1520 northeast of Ostend. The bombers were left at 1534 near Blankenberge, and while Lt. Higginbotham (361 st) crashlanded near Mons, everyone else returned without problem.
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 sf:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361sf:
Tukey, Robertson, Shelton, Scharnberg Tucker, Batie, Cline, Griswold Lubbers, Brown, Mellinger, O'Quinn Richason, Hale. Chickering. Pietruszka Vogt, Ciocchi, Williams, Welch Servocky, Russell, Douglas, Huebner Olive, Switzer, Peacock, Quigley Wood, Whitson, Kovacs, Ashby Kahle, Tomlinson, Hurley, Hall Thompson, Higginbotham, Schlack, Swift Baylor, Morel, Drake, Morgan, Roberts
September 25 (#267) Maj. Cooper led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1008 to 1337. Landfall came at 1044 near Knocke and RN followed at 1142 near Coblenz. The 361st broke at 1245 near Knocke, the 360th at 1250 near Namur, and the 359th at 1320 in the Ostend area. Line-up
359th:
September 20 (#265) Maj. Cooper led a flak suppression mission from 1530 to 1832. Landfall came at 1631 near The Hague and the group arrived in the Arnhem area at 1650. Due to bad weather the mission was scrubbed and the planes crossed out near Katwijk at 1732.
360th:
361st:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 sf:
Tarbutton, Kirschner, Bergstrom, Scharnberg LeMoyne, Rudd, Mellinger, Chickering Lubbers, Robertson, Cline, O'Quinn Vogt, Childers, Barnhart, Royer Russell, Crump, Douglas, Servocky Quigley, Pleasant, Burwell Wood, Barnes, Gillette, Drake Clayton, Hooker, Hurley, Morgan Thompson, Tomlinson, Kahle, Morel
Rann, Kennedy, Cline, Griswold Mellinger, Gohsler, LeMoyne, Schamberg Tucker, Robertson, Chickering, Pietruszka Ellingson, Crump, Gleason, Barnhart Pleasant, Andrino, Peacock, Quigley Leathers, Carlson, Laviolette, Royer Cooper, Beck, Kovacs, Ashby Kahle, Bomberger, Scheible, Whitmore Thompson, Runyan, Wiggins, Morel Upp, Lindsay, Nystrom, Epley
Tarbutton, Gohsler, Bergstrom, O'QuinnBruner, Rudd, Shelton, Scharnberg Mellinger, Brown, Malo, Chickering Tucker*, Robertson, LeMoyne, Griswold Bluhm, Andrino, Olive, Burwell Russell, Switzer, Gleason, Huebner Leathers, Carlson, Peacock, Welch Ellingson, Urban, Romine, Royer Cooper, Whitson, Nystrom, Epley Kovacs, Lindsay, Upp, Beck Thompson, Runyan, Wiggins, Schlack Kahle, Baylor, Ashby, Scheible
September 26 (#268) Maj. Vogt led an area patrol from 1538 to 1905. Landfall came at 1618 in the Overflakkee-Schouwen area and the group later crossed out at 1811 near Schouwen. The pilots provided cover for C-4Ts in the Arnhem-Nijmegen area without incident. Line-up
359th: September 23 (#266) Maj. Vogt led a flak suppression mission from 1418 to 1804. Landfall was made at 1508 north of Westhoofd and the group later crossed out in the same area at 1715. Without loss, 4-0 flak positions were claimed in the Arnhem-Nijmegen area. Maj. Wood (361 st) had to crash-land at Diest due to flak damage but he hitched a ride back to Martlehsham Heath on a C-47 later in the day. Lt. Lubbers (359th) was also hit but landed safely at Antwerp.
360th:
361 st:
76
Rann, Gohsler, Tucker, Kennedy Richason, Cornett-, Hoffert, Griswold Tarbutton, Batie, leMoyne, Malo Lubbers-, Easley, Mellinger, Pelletier Vogt, Huebner. Douglas, Crump Mercer, Urban, Romine, Childers Leathers, Ciocchi. Gleason, Carlson Olive. Andrino. Nebinger. Burwell Wood, Barnes, Gillette, Morel Kahle, Whitson, Hargreaves, Whitmore
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Il
September 30 (#271) Capt. Rann led a withdrawal support from 1215 to 1549.
Thompson, Tomlinson, Roberts, Drake
Clayton, Hooker, Hurley, Hall Scheible, Ashby
Landfall came at 1244 near Schouwen and R/V was made near Munster al 1335. The bombers were left at 1500 near Egmond and the group crossed out north of Ijmuiden.
September 27 (#269) Maj. Cooper led an area patrol from 0753 to 1138. After landfall at 0831 near Knocke, the pilots arri ved at Duren and patrolled until 1030, then crossed out at ]055 near Knocke.
359th:
Line-up
359th:
Line-up
Rann, Brearley, Kennedy, Robertson Tucker, Easley, Hoffert, Griswo]d Lubbers*, Gohsler, Mellinger, Malo, Rudd
Rann, Easley, Pelletier, Cline
Richason, Cornell, Pelletier, Pietruszka
LeMoyne, Hale, Tucker, Pietruszka
Hale(spare) Ellingson, Urban, Borelli, Royer
Tarbutton, Gohsler, Ma]o, Griswold
360th:
Lubbers, Cornett, Hoffert, Mellinger
360th:
Leathers, Ciocchi, Taylor, Carlson Hockmeyer, Quigley, Peacock, Nebinger Servocky, Huebner, Douglas, Switzer
B]uhm, Ciocchi, Nebinger, Welch Withers, Switzer, Russel1, Huebner Ellingson, Urban, Borelli, Runyan
361 st:
Cooper, Higginbotham, Scheible, Morel
36] st:
Bamhart(relay) Wood, Hallmark, Nystrom, Hooker
Kovacs, Lindsay, Hargreaves, Drake
Clayton, Lindsay, Schlack, Baylor
Thompson, Beck, Roberts, Schlack
Swift, Runyan, Drake, Beck Kahle, Morel, Ashby, Bomberger Whitmore(spare)
Wiggins, Epley, Hurley, Whitmore
Hall, Gillette Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Roy B. Bluhm
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Lee F. Richason
September 28 (#270) Maj. Vogt led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1009 to 1443. The group made landfall near Schouwen, lIew to southeast of Liege, then northeast to RJV north of Siegen at 1145. The bombers were taken to Kassel and out, being left
October 2 (#272) Maj. Cooper led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0845 to 1314. After landfall at 0923 near Ostend, the
near Ostend at 1400.
bombers were taken to Kassel and later withdrew on a recipro-
359th:
Line-up Rann, Batie, Cline, Pietruszka
360th:
Tucker, Comett, Hoffert, Me]linger Tarhutton, Rudd, Pelletier*, Schamberg Easley(spare) Vogt, Burwell, Hockmeyer, Andrino
planes flew southeast across the Rheine River, then northwest
to Furstenburg, then made RIV at 1013 near Limburg. The cal course. The 359th and 360th broke at I 130 north of Marburg and crossed out near Ostend at 1225. The 36]st swept the target area after RIV, re-joined after bombing, and broke again at ] ]50 west of Kassel. These pilots then crossed out at ]235 near Ostend. Line-up
359th:
Withers, Switzer, Servocky, Crump Mercer, Royer, Romine, Barnhart
36]st:
Taylor, Ciocchi, Williams, Carlson Wood, Bomberger, Hurley, Nystrom Thompson, Higginbotham, Wiggins, Hall
Tarbutton*, Batie, Pelletier, Schamberg Shelton, Carr*, Cline, Robertson Lubbers, Cooley, Ma]o, Easley Tucker, Kirschner*, Mellinger, Griswold*
360th:
Lindsay, Gansberg, Hargreaves, Barnes
Troge" Withers*, Switzer, G]eason, Servocky
Kahle, Baylor, Gillette, Epley
Borelli, Urban, Romine*, Barnhart
Kovacs, Morel
Tay]or, Carlson, Russell, Ciocchi Olive, Quigley, Nebinger, Andrino Cooper, Whitson, More], Bay]or Swift, Drake, Upp, Hall Faison, Beck, Gillette, Runyan
Notes: Completed tour: Maj. John W. Vogt; Lt. Durward B. Mercer
36]st:
77
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Wiggins, Bomberger, Nystrom, Epley Hooker, Roberts
Ijmuiden and RJV followed at 1155 southwest of Zwolle. The bombers were taken to Lippstadt and out, being left over the North Sea at 1308.
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Robert P. Lubbers Line-up
October 2 (#273) Capt. Tarbutton led a withdrawal support from 1147to 1525. Landfall came at 1223 near Nordwijk and RJV was at 1315 in the Oldenzall area. After reaching the bombers, the pilots swept to Lippstadt, then took the heavies to landfall, ljmuiden, breaking at 1458.
359th: 360th: 361st:
359th:
Tukey, Robertson, Kennedy, Schamberg LeMoyne, Batie, Bergstrom, Malo
360th:
Line-up Tarbullon, Hale, Brearley, Bergstrom Withers, Romine, Huebner, Williams none
Tarbutton, Hale, Mellinger, Griswold Bruner, Kirschner, Cline, Chickering Cornett, Brown(spares) Withers, Crump, Williams, Ciocchi Hockrneyer, Burwell, Olive, Andrino Ellingson, Urban, Pleasant, Romine
361st:
October 3 (#274) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0948 to 1500. Landfall was at 1026 near Knocke and RJ
Borelli, Switzer, Servocky, Huebner Strait, Bomberger, Morel, Epley Kovacs, Whitson, Upp, Runyan Thompson, Hallmark, Nystrom, Tomlinson Faison, Baylor, Drake, Lindsay, Schlack
to Nuremburg then were taken out and left at 1325 southwest of Sedan. The group then made landfall-out at 1415 in the
October 6 (#276) LtCo!. Cooper led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0913 to 1408. RJV with the B-24's was at 1036 north of Schiermonnikoog Island and landfall came at 1125 south of
Ostend area.
Cuxhaven. The bombers went to Hamburg, were later left at
V was made southwest ofWurzburg at 1150. The bombers went
359th:
1210 north of Terschelling, and the group crossed out at 1245 south of Cuxhaven. A Fw 190 was seen north of Bremen but
Line-up Tarbutton, Brown, Griswold, Hale Pelletier, Carr, Brcarley, Malo
no contact was made.
Mellinger, Kirschner, Bergstrom, Easley
360th:
Line-up
Shelton, Cornett, Cline, Scharnberg Gohlser, Batie(spares) Wood, Crump, Williams, Carlson Russell, Huebner, Servocky, Switzer Hockrneyer, Burwell, Pleasant, Andrino
359th:
Bruner, Easley, Malo, Scharnberg
360th:
Ellingson, Urban, Barnhart, Royer
361 st:
Rann, Gohsler, Hoffert, Chickering Shelton, Carr, Pelletier, Robertson
Strait, Tomlinson, Kovacs, Whitson Swift, Lindsay, Morel, Hooker Clayton, Hallmark, Schlack, Runyan Kahle, Beck, Hall, Epley, Gillette
LeMoyne, Troge, Cline, Griswold Withers, Royer, Childers, Barnhart Russell, Huebner, Crump, Switzer Leathers, Welch, Williams, Carlson Olive, Andrino, Nebinger, Burwell
361st:
Notes: Two changes took place in the 360th as John Vogt and Norman Cota went back to the States. Maj. James N. Wood transferred in from the 361 st to take command of the squadron while Capt. Ray R. Withers took over as Operations Officer. With Wood's departure from the 361st, Capt. Donald Strait became that unit's Operation Officer.
Cooper, Tomlinson, Hall, Lindsay Hurley, Tobiassen, Ashby, Hooker Swift, Bomberger, Scheible, Hallmark Wiggins, Baylor, Roberts, Beck
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Homer S. Olive; Lt. BlayneA. Swift.
October 7 (#277) LtCo!' Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0948 to 1430. RJV was over the North Sea and landfall came at 1055 near Ijmuiden. The B-24's were taken to Kasscl then back out, being left at 1322 nearIjmuiden. At 1310, near Rheine, Capt. Strait's 361st flight broke up an attack by
October 5 (#275) LtCo!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0959 to 1344. Landfall was made at 110 I north of 78
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
four Me 262'5 but no claims were made. Then at 1315 south of Meppel, Lt. Bruner (359th) took a shot at another jet, also without success. Two flights of the 361st stayed with the bombers while the other two strafed Fritzlar Airfield. Lt. Paul J. Roberts was hit in the engine by flak and bailed out northwest of Marburg. He landed safely but was then killed by angry civilians. The P-4Ts flown by Capt. Scheible, Lt. Kahle, and Lt. Whitmore were also badly damaged, with the former two landing at Manston. Whitmore put down in a pasture near Arras, and after three days of rounding up gas, flew back to Martlesham Heath. Here is what the 361 st diary said about Lt. Roberts, "Lt. Hooker saw Roberts' plane get hit on the left side of the engine, the engine was smoking badly. Lt. Roberts pulled up to about 2,000 feet, couldn't gain any more altitude. Then Roberts said over the Rtf that his engine was quitting. Lt. Hooker escorted Roberts for about 10 minutes on a course of 260 degrees. Lt. Roberts was losing altitude and speed. Lt. Hooker could not contact him on the radio but saw Roberts open his canopy and bailout of the right side of his plane from about 700 or 800 feet. He saw the chute open fully at about 400 feet and saw Lt. Roberts in a wooded area on a hill, about 35 miles southwest of Fritzlar."
Lt. H.E. Whitmore
Lt. F.F. Hooker
360th:
36151:
Me 410 dam(grd) Lt. D. Kahle
Claims Capl. \V.R. Scheible
Lt. P.J. Roberts
Me 110 dest(grd)
Capt. R.J. Upp
(3.5)Ju 88 dam(grd)
Capt. J.M. Hallmark (3)Me lID dam(grd)
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Airus E. Bergstrom; Lt. Dayne Kahle; Lt. Edward J. Malo; Lt. Edward L. Thompson
October 9 (#278) LtCo!. Tokey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1251 to 1655. Landfall came at 1337 near Knocke and RN was made at 1426. The bombers were taken to Mainz and out, being left at 1540 near Brussels. The group then made landfall at 1618 in the Ostend-Knocke area.
359th:
360th:
361sl:
Line-up Tukey, Easley, Kennedy, Forsyth Shelton, Troge, Chickering, Robertson LeMoyne, Gohsler, Cline, Cornett Bruner, Rudd, Mellinger, Scharnberg Tucker*, O'Quinn, Brearley, Hale Withers, Carlson, Williams, Ciocchi Russell, Crump, Laviolette, Huebner Hockmeyer, Andrino, Nebinger, Quigley Romine, Childers, Pleasant, Urban Cooper, Hall, Schlack, Tobiassen Wiggins, Epley, Ashby, Tomlinson Faison, Lindsay, Drake, Baylor Hurley, Bomberger, Beck, Runyan Whitson, Upp, Hallmark, Hooker Gillette(spare)
October 11 (#279) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0828 to 1220. Landfall came at 0909 near Ostend and the bombers were picked up south of Liege at 0943. The 359th was vectored after bogies three times and each time the bogies turned out to be the 56th Fighter Group. After the third time the 359th did not re-join the bombers and later crossed out near Boulogne. The 361 st broke near the target area, Cologne, and swept, then made RJV again at ]015 near Coblenz. They and the 360th left the bombers at ] 106 near Bruges and crossed out near Ostend at ] J09.
Location
(2)Me lID dest(grd) All claims are at Fritzlar Ju 88 dest(grd) (4)Ju 88 dam(grd)
Lt. E.L. Thompson
Me 110 dest(grd)
(2)Me lID dam(grd)
Line-up Tukey, Kirschner*, Bergstrom, Robertson Bruner, Easley, Brearley, O'Quinn Mellinger, Troge, Malo, Rudd Shelton, Brown, Griswold, Hale Wood, Switzer, Borelli, Crump Hockmeyer, Quigley, Nebinger, Burwell Ellingson, Childers, Barnhart, Royer Leathers, Carlson, Laviolette, Ciocchi Cooper, Runyan, Kovacs, Whitson Thompson, Roberts, Scheible, Hallmark Strait, Tobiassen, Drake, Epley Kahle, Whitmore, Upp, Hooker
Sqn 361 st:
Me 110 dest(grd) Me I 10 dam(grd)
(9-20 ground) (llost)
359th:
Ju 88 dest(grd)
(2.5)J" 88 dam(grd)
Ju 88 dcst(grd) uti ale dest(grd) Me 110 dam(grd) Hs-123 dam(grd) Ju 88 dam(grd)
79
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Line-up
Line-up
359th:
Rann, Troge, Chickering, Robertson Cline, Gohsler, Scharnberg, Cornett Tucker, Hale, Hoffert, Brearley Pelletier, Rudd, Forsyth', Carr
359th:
Tucker, Hale, Hoffert, Batie Shelton, Kirschner, Griswold*, Carr
Brown, Kirschner(spares)
3601h:
Griswold, Batie(relays) Wood, Crump, Borelli, Switzer Leathers, Carlson, Laviolette, Welch Ellingson, Royer, Romine, Childers Hockmcyer, Quigley, Nebinger, Andrino
361sl:
360th:
Pleasant, Childers, Barnhart, Urban 361 st:
Faison, Tomlinson, Whitmore, Beck, Hurley Gansberg, Tobiassen, Morel
October 17 (#282) LtCo!. Cooper led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0759 to 1147. Landfall was at 0840 near Knocke and RlV came at 0902 in the Liege area. The bombers went to Cologne and were brought out, being left at 1021 near Namur. The group then crossed out in the Ostend area. Line-up
Knocke.
359th: 359tli:
Chickering, Troge, Scharnberg, Kirschner
Rann, Gohsler, Scharnberg, Cornell
Mellinger, Gohsler, Carr"
Brearley, Hale, Griswold, Brown
Bruner*, Easley, Pietruszka, O'Quinn
LeMoyne, Cooley", Robertson, Troge Bruner, Rudd" Forsyth, Easley
LeMoyne, Cooley, Hotlert, Batie Withers, Burwell, Nebinger, Quigley Taylor, Carlson, Laviolette, Welch
360th:
Tucker',O'Quinn Withers, Burwell, Peacock, Andrino
Ellingson, Royer, Romine, Urban
361 st:
Pleasant, Urban, Barnhart, Royer
361 sl:
Tarbutton, Cornett, Kennedy, Brown
Line-up
Mellinger, Kirschner, Chickering, Carr*
360tli:
Strait, Bomberger, Barnes, Wiggins
Ashby, Gillette, Runyan
Faison, Tobiassen, Hargreaves, Hallmark Wiggins, Lindsay, Nystrom, Beck, Schlack
October 14 (#280) LtCo!. Cooper led a patrol from 1012 to 1454. Landfall came at 1057 near Knocke and tlie pilots patrolled the Cologne area until 1235. Landfall-out was later made at 1340 near
Rudd, Troge(spares) Wood, Carlson, Leathers, Ciocchi Russell, Huebner, Servocky, Switzer Hockmeyer, Andrino, Peacock, Burwell
Strait, Hall, Morel, Bomberger Hurley, Whitson, Gillette, Barnes
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. John H. Cline
Tukey, Easley, Forsytli, Pietruszka* Tarbutton, Cooley, Chickering, Cornett
Borelli, Switzer, Douglas, Huebner Taylor, Ciocchi, Childers, Welcli Cooper, Hall, Drake, Tomlinson Upp, Epley, Schlack, Hooker Strait, Baylor, Nystrom, Runyan
Borelli, Huebner, Gleason, Crump Cooper, Epley, Ashby, Hooker Kovacs, Hallmark, Whitmore, Beck Gansberg, Hall, Drake, Taylor Clayton, Whitson, Barnes, Lindsay
Faison, Tobiassen, Schlack, Higginbotham Nystrom, Bomberger Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Rolfe L. Chickering
Kovacs, Hallmark, Gillelte, Bomberger
Clayton, Tobiassen, Ashby, Barnes
Lt. Elmer A. Kovacs October 18 (#283) Maj. Wood led an area support from 0910 to 1425. Landfall came at 1000 near Noordwijk and the group flew to Bielefeld and Hanover. At 1105 some B-I7's were picked up and later left south of Coblenz at 1120. Landfall then came from 1330 to 1348 in the Flushing area.
October 15 (#281) LtCo!. Tukey led an area patrol from 0653 to 1148. Landfall came at 0737 near Knocke and the group patrolled the Siegen-Wiesbaden area until 0945. A 361st flight strafed near Giessen claiming 3-1 locos and approximately 50 railcars
destroyed or damaged. All planes, except three which landed at Brussels, crossed out at 1048 near Ostend.
80
The 356th Fighter Gmup ill World War 11
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Rann, Cooley, Scharnberg*, Cornett Pelletier, Rudd, Holfert, Easley Tucker, Batie, Griswold, Brown Brearley, Hale, Carr, Troge O'Quinn", Gohsler(spares) Wood, Gleason, Douglas, Huebner Hockmeyer, Burwell, Peacock, Andrino Leathers, Carlson, Taylor, Ciocchi Pleasant, Barnhart, Childers, Royer Strait, Whitmore, Hallmark, Hurley Cristadoro, Drake, Clayton, Baylor Whitson, Bomberger, Higginbotham, Gillette Ashby, Campbell, Hooker, Beck, Barnes
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Tukey*, Easley*, Pietruszka"', Rudd':' Hoffert*, Miller, O'Quinn''', Cooley Tarbutton, Hackney, Brearley, Batie Sbelton, McKelvy*, Brown, Carr Gohsler, Kirschner(spares) Ellingson, Dunn, Pleasant, Urban Laviolette, Poppell, Childers, Welch Borelli, Cook, Nebinger, Andrino Servocky, Ragsdale, Gleason, Huebner Strait, Cox, Upp, Lindsay Wiggins, Campbell, Ashby, Runyan Hurley, Ray, Whitmore, Hallmark Gansberg, Cristadoro, Drake, Baylor Tomlinson, Whitson(spares)
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Clyde M. Taylor
Notes: Completed tour: LtCol. Philip E. Tukey; returned to States on leave before returning for a second tour. He would leave in early November. Maj. Ernest J. White returned for his second tour and was placed in command of the 359th once again. With his return, Capl. Rann was appointed Operations Officer.
October 19 (#284) LtCol. Cooper led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1131 to 1528. Landfall was made at 1210 south of Ostend and RIV was accomplished at 1300 near Landau. After taking the bombers to Mannheim and out, the pilots broke at 1420 near Liege and crossed out at 1445 near Ostend.
359th:
360th:
361 s1:
October 24 (#286) Maj. Wood led a strafing sweep from 1241 to 1622. After landfall at 1344 near Den Helder, the group flew to Minden, arriving there at 1425. Heavy overcast was encountered and the pilots turned for home at 1445. Some strafing was done near Bielefeld with claims of7-1 locos and 0-55 railcars and landfall came north of Ijmuiden at 1520. Maj. Cristadoro crash-landed at Martlesham Heath after his prop ran away on take-off and Lt. Tomlinson bailed out near Chedburch shortly after take-off due to mechanical trouble.
Line-up Bruner, Baker, Kennedy, Easley Mellinger, Batie, Brown, Hale Tarbutton, Kirschner, Carr, Troge LeMoyne, Cooley, Scharnberg, Gohsler Robertson, Cornett(spares) Withers, Gatlin, Childers, Ciocchi Borelli, Ragsdale, Servocky, Crump Ellingson, Pidwell, Romine, Urban Hockmeyer, Thomas, Nebinger, Quigley Cooper, Tobiassen, Morel, Gansberg Upp, Cox, Bomberger, Lindsay Wiggins, Gillette, Ashby, Hargreaves Hall, Ray, Nystrom, Tomlinson, Baylor
359th:
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Harry F. LeMoyne; Lt. Paul R. Mellinger; Lt. Paul F. Morel
360th: October 22 (#285) LtCol. Tukey led (until he aborted) a penetration support from 1143 to 1605, Landfall was made at 1245 near Nordwijk and the group swept north of the bomber track to RJ V with some 8-17'5. These were left at 1325 near Quackenbruck, then the pilots swept from Osnabruck to landfall, Ijmuiden, at 1520,
361 sl:
8/
Line-up Rann, Blewett, Carr, Cooley Kennedy, McKelvy, Robeltson, Kirschner Tucker, Bennett, Brearley, Gohsler Pelletier, Hildebrand, Pietruszka*, Forsyth Griswold, Baker(relays) Rudd, Hackney(spares) Wood, Gatlin, Laviolette, Welch Russell, Switzer, Servocky, Crump Withers, Pidwell, Childers, Royer Hockmeyer, Thomas, Peacock, Burwell Gansberg, Campbell, Schlack, Hargreaves Scheible, Ray, Hurley, Tomlinson* Hall, Cristadoro*, Clayton, Tobiassen Drake, Higginbotham, Bomberger, Barnes, Runyan
The 356tll Fighter Group in World War II
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. George S. Pelletier
October 30 (#289) Capt. Withers led an area patrol from 1300 to 1605. Landfall was made soulh of Den Helder at 1345 and the planes patrolled the Hanover area until 1445. Landfall-out was then made at 1519 in the Egmond area.
October 25 (#287) LtCol. Cooper led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from I I 18 to 1444. Landfall was made at 1224 north of Ijmuiden and RJV came near Zwolle at 1250. The bombers went to Hamm and were later left near Egmond at 1359.
359th:
Line-up 359th: 360th:
Line-up Bruner, Odenwald, O'Quinn, Gohsler Robertson, Miller, Carr, Rudd Shelton, Nielsen, Brown, Troge
360th:
361st:
Hoffert, Bennett, Griswold, Cooley Easley, Kirschner(spares) Withers, Poppell, Williams, Carlson
none
Withers, Thomas, Childers, Burwell Laviolette, Gatlin, Carlson, Poppell Pleasant, Pidwell, Barnhart, Royer Servocky, Crump, Gleason, Huebner none
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Charles J. Servocky
Pleasant, Dunn, Romine, Urban
361 Sl:
Hockmeyer, Cook, Peacock, Andrino Borelli, Ragsdale, Childers, Huebner Cooper, Beck, Nystrom, Tobiassen Hallmark, Drake, Baylor Gansberg, Cox, Clayton Wiggins, Bomberger, Whitson, Epley Ashby, Hooker, Whittnore, Higginbotham
November 1 (#290) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1153 to 1600. Landfall came at 1307 north of Ijmuiden and R/V was made west of Egmond. The bombers went to
Gelsenkirchen and were later left at 1452 near Zwolle. Both the 360th and 361st saw Me 262's and gave chase, but none of the jets were caught. Blue Flight of the 359th strafed on the way out, claiming 1-0 truck, 0-3 barges, and 0-1 tank. The group later crossed out near Den Helder at 1500.
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Toney Shelton
October 30 (#288) After LtCol. Cooper aborted, Lt. Wiggins led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1053 to 1439. Landfall came at 1209 and the B-I7's were picked up over the Zuider Zee at 1215. They were taken to Hamm and out, being left at 1340 over the Zuider Zee. Red Flight of the 359th bounced two Me I09's near Gladbeck but the Germans evaded contact
359th:
Line-up Tarbutton, Gohsler, Forsyth, Hale Tucker, Cooley, Pietruszka, Brown
360th:
Wood, Nebinger, Williams, Peacock Russell, Huebner, Douglas, Crump
361st:
Strait, Gillette, Morgan, Barnes Schlack, Hooker, Drake, Epley
by diving into some clouds. NOles: Completed tour: Lt.
359th:
Line-up Rann, Hildebrand, O'Quinn', Easley Kennedy, Nielsen', Hale, Rudd Tucker, Bennett, Forsyth, Cooley
November 2 (#291) LtCol. Cooper led a penetration-larget-withdrawal support from 1020 to 1420. Landfall came at I I 19 near Ijmuiden and RJV was made at 1140 near Egmond. The 359th and 360th took the bombers to Bielefeld and out, breaking at 1319 southwest of Zwolle, then making landfall at 1328 near Ijmuiden. Capt. Tucker (359th) bounced a Me 262 near Lingen but it escaped without damage. Pilots of the 360th also saw three jets in the target area but could not engage them. The 36lst swept east and south of Bielefeld then joined the bombers. They broke at 1323 near Alkmaar and crossed out in the Ijmuiden area at 1329.
Hoffert, McKelvy, Brown, Troge
Robertson, Odenwald, Carr, Kirschner Pietruszka*(spare) 3601h: 361st:
orwood C. Douglas
none
Cooper', Baylor, Drake, Hall Upp, Lindsay, Morgan, Whitson Wiggins, Campbell, Gillette, Runyan Scheible, Ray, Nystrom, Beck Faison, Epley, Schlack, Bomberger
82
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Il
359th:
Line-Lip
Tucker*, Meade*, Hoffert, Hackney*
Tucker, Oliver, Brown, Hackney
Brearley, McKelvy(relays) O'Quinn*, Hale*(spares) Wood, Ragsdale, Crump, Huebner
Hoffert, Hi Idebrand, Pietruszka, Batie Brearley, Miller, Hale, Blewett
360th:
Tarbunon,McKelvy, Forsyth, Kirschner Robertson, Nielsen, Carr, Troge
Leathers, Ciocchi, Williams, Carlson Ellingson, Pidwell, Barnhart, Royer Hockmeyer, Burwell, Peacock, Andrino
Cornett(spare) 360th:
361 st:
361st:
Withers, Switzer, Gleason, Huebner Hockmeyer, Andrino, Nebinger, Thomas
Laviolette, Gatlin, Childers, Welch Ellingson, Dunn, Barnhart Pidwell(relay) Cooper, Runyan, Schlack, Gillerte Hargreaves, Whitmore, Nystrom, Hallmark
Sqn
Gansberg, Tobiassen, Drake, Hall Upp, Cox, Morgan, Lindsay
3S91h:
Faison, Whitson, Barnes, Beck
November 5 (#293) LtCol. Cooper led an area patrol from 0915 to 1330. Landfall came at 1004 near Knocke and the pilots patrolled the
Notes: Completed lour: Lt Wilford D. Drake; Lt Richard W.
Gillerte
Capt. R.A. Rann
Claim~·
Location
Me 262 dam(air)
Lingen-Enschede
Giessen area without incident. No strafing was done due to heavy overcast and some loose escort was given to the Liege area before the group crossed out near Knocke at 1250.
November 3 Notes: Col. Tukey, who had completed his tour on October 22, headed home on leave. Taking over as Group CO was LtCol.
Line-up
Donald Baccus, the CUlTent Deputy CO. Also, 25 North Ameri-
359th:
can P-5l D Mustangs arrived at Martlesham Heath and pilots quickly began checking-out in the new fighter. Unfamiliarity with the plane resulted in a few problems, most notably nine accidents during the month (nearly all being landing mishaps). In the meantime, P-47 operations continued.
Tarbutton, Gohsler, Forsyth, Rudd Brearley, Hildebrand, O'Quinn, Easley Tucker, Oliver, Hoffert, Bennett
360th:
November 4 (#292) LtCol. Baccus led a withdrawal support from 0954 to 1442. No bombers were seen at the RIV point so the pilots
Robertson, McKelvy, Kirschner, Troge Hale(spare) Withers, Gallin, Williams, Welch Ellingson, Dunn, Pleasant, Urban Hockmeyer, Quigley, Nebinger, Thomas
36lst:
swept the Hamburg-Hanover-Halberstadt area, then made R/V at IllS southwest of Hanover. Between Lingen and Enschede, three Me 262's hit a 360th flight, shOaling down FlO Willard
Childers, Huebner, Crump, Switzer Cooper, Baylor, Hall, Tobiassen Clayton, Cox, Barnes, Bomberger
Faison, Campbell, Schlack, Epley Nystrom, Ray, Whitmore, Hallmark
W. Royer. Capt Rann (359th) chased one jet and scored a few hits while Capt Gansberg (361 st) fired on another jet without result Capt Gansberg and Lt Tobiassen (36lst) also strafed near Meppel, claiming 1-0 loco, while Lts. Wiggins and Epley (36Ist) shot up 15 barges near Haselunne. The group later broke from the bombers at 1345 near Ijmuiden. (0-0-1 air) (llost)
November 6 (#294) LtCo!. Baccus led a withdrawal support from 0840 to 1236. Landfall was made at 0931 near Knocke, then the group orbitted Antwerp. RIV was made at 0946 near Turnhout and the bombers were left in the Egmond area from 1058 to IllS. Line-up
359th: Line-up
359th:
Strait, Ray, Nystrom, Beck Gansberg, Tobiassen, Morgan, Baylor Clayton, Lindsay, Upp, Higginbotham Wiggins, Epley, Ashby, Hooker Scheible(spare)
Baccus, Miller, Kennedy, Blewert Rann, Odenwald, CalT, Kirschner
Baccus, Nielsen, Brown, CalT Brearley, Miller, Rudd, Bennett Bruner, Blewett, Kirschner, Odenwald
Tucker, Meade, Cornett, Hackney
Bruner*, Baker*, Pietruszka, Easley
83
The 3561h Fighler GIVUp ill World War /I
360th:
Hockmeyer, Cook, Burwell, Andrino
Line-up
359th:
Pleasant, Dunn, Romine, Barnhart Gleason, Switzer, Crump, Ragsdale
361st:
Williams, Poppell, Ciocchi, Carlson Strait, Bowers, Upp, Whitson Ashby, Burdick, Epley, Campbell Scheible, Ray. Hall, Bomberger
Rann, Oliver', Easley, Bennett Forsyth, Hildebrand, O'Quinn, Baker Tarbutton, Miller. Rudd, Gohsler Brearley, Nielsen, Brown, Kirschner
360th:
November 8 (#295) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0855 to 1430. Landfall came at 0958 near Zandvoort,
361sl:
where the group was subjected to a heavy flak barrage. Near
Hale(sparc) Withers, Switzer, Gleason, Crump Williams, Yannell, Ciocchi, Poppell Hockmeyer, Cook, Burwell, Quigley Cooper, Campbell, Beck, Ray Hurley, Carwile, Hall, Hooker Strait, Whitson, Upp, Bomberger
Osnabruck, a Me 262 bounced Green Flight of the 359th and shot up Lt. Charles C. McKelvy. Lt. William L. Hoffert pulled in to check the damage when the jet came back and hit Hoffert, forcing him to bailout. McKelvy eluded the 262 and headed
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. James H. Williams
November IO (#297) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1034 to 150 I. Landfall came at 1116 near Knocke
for Brussels but some Me 109's arrived on the scene and chased
him to the deck. With no way to escape, McKelvy bellied-in and was captured. Meanwhile, Lt. Rudd fired on the jet but
and the planes reached Hanau at 1229. The group orbitted, saw no bombers, lhen headed home. A few heavies were picked up on the way out and taken home without trouble.
scored no hits. The squadrons split up with the 359th making
RIV at 1040 and the 361 st at 1110. The 360th swept the Mcrseburg-Leipzig area, then brought out a straggling box of
bombers. The pilots broke from 1215 to 1245 in the Steinhuder Lake and Rheine areas, with landfall at 1330 near Katwijk. (2 lost)
359tl1:
Brown, Lawrence, Hale:;:, Rudd Tucker, SOllnier, Griswold*, Hackney* Troge,Oliver(relays)
Line-lip
359th:
360th:
36lsl:
Line-up Bruner, Hildebrand, Cornett, Baker
Rann, Baker. Pietruszka, Batie
Tarbutton, Blewett, Forsyth, Gohsler Tucker, Meade. Cornett. Hackney Hoffert, McKelvy, Troge, Odenwald Rudd(spare) Baccus, Pidwell, Pleasant, Urban Withers, Welch, Williams, Carlson
360th:
Withers, Ceraolo, Huebner, Ragsdale
361st:
Laviolette, Yannell, Carlson, Gatlin Baccus, Bowers, Hall, Tobiassen Clayton, Cox, Bomberger, Higginbotham
Romine, Des Jardins, Barnhart, Urban
Wiggins, Burdick, Epley, Runyan
Laviolette, Ragsdale, Switzer, Huebner Peacock, Gatlin, Nebinger, Quigley
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Herbert B. Hall
Faison, Campbell, Runyan. Epley Scheible, Bomberger, Beck, Hallmark Hurley, Hooker, Hall, Baylor Cochran, Lindsay(spares)
November 11-19 The 356th stood down to finalize conversion tn the P-51. The old, reliable P-47's days were numbered, but 110 one would
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. John F. Pietruszka
forget the job they had done over the past thirteen months of combat. Feelings among the pilots were mixed, but most seemed eager to see what the new fighter could accomplish.
November 9 (#296) LtCol. Cooper led a sweep from 0753 to 1150. Landfall came at 0834 near Knocke and the pilots flew to west of
November 20 (#298) LtCol. Baccus led a split P-47/P-51 escort from 0956 to 1441. 32 P-51's and 28 P-47's took off, but the Thunderbolts
Mannheim before turning back due to the weather. Some Bl7's were picked up at Saarbrucken and later left near Liege at
were recalled near the enemy coast. The P-51's made RN at
1015. The group later crossed out near Ostend at 1106.
ahead to drop "chaff", re-joined the bombers, then broke again
1026 west of Walcheren then broke at 1041. The pilots swept
84
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
at 1147 near Egmond. Lt. Louis B. Runyan (36Ist) took off
360th:
late with the P-51 force and was last seen heading southwest m join his night. Nothing was heard from him after that and he evidently crashed into the Channel. (Ilosl)
Borelli, Hedrick, Huebner, Switzer* Hockmeyer, Quigley, Burwell, Des Jardins
361st: 359th:
360th:
Line-up (all P-47) Tucker, Meade, Griswold, Bennett Scharnberg, Hildebrand, Easley, Miller Robertson, Crum, Troge, Odenwald Forsyth, Lawrence, O'Quinn, Blewett (all P-51) Withers, Des Jardins, Peacock, Burwell Ellingson, Jones, Pleasant, Urban
Leathers, Ciocchi, Childers, Welch Pidwell(spare) (P-51) Cooper, Jett, Campbell, Burdick Nystrom, Cochran, Beck, Ray Strait, Tobiassen, Baylor, Bowers
Upp, Whitson, Barnes, Cox Lindsay(spare) Notes: Completed tour: LlCo!. James M. Cooper; stayed on as 361st CO until January of 1945.
Leathers, Yannell, Laviolette, Welch Borelli, Ceraolo, Gleason, Crump
361st:
(P-51) Wood, Yannell, Barnhart, Dunn
November 24 Notes: LtCol. Ernest 1. White (who had not flown a mission
Pidwell*. Barnhart(relays) (P-47) Baccus, Jarvis, Beck, Carwile Clayton, Jett, Scheible, Bowers Upp. Cope, Ashby, Burdick (P-51) Faison, Whitson, Bomberger, Lindsay Wiggins, Runyan, Epley, Campbell
since his return in October) went back to the States and Capt.
Richard Rann again took charge of the 359th. Capt. Ray Withers then transferred in from the 360th to take the 359th Operationsjob, with Capt. Bel1rum E. Ellingson taking over as 360th Operations Officer.
Hargreaves, Ray, Nystrom, Hallmark
Hurley, Baylor, Hooker, Tobiassen
November 25 (#300) Capt. Strait led "A" Group (the 360th and 361st) and Capt. Tarbutton led "B" on a bomber support from 0959 to 1532. Landfall came at I036 near Ostend and RIV followed at 1057 southeast of Namur. The 361 st swept east and south, with
November 21 (#299) LlCo!. Baccus led a mixed escort (and the last P-47 sorties) to the Marburg area from 0944 to 1430. RIV with the B-24's came at 1059 north of Osnabruck, the bombers went to
two flights strafing Zwickau Airfield. Lt. Hooker also strafed a marshalling yard near Zwickau, claiming 2-0 locos and 0-10 vehicles which were on railcars. Meanwhile, the 359th strafed in the Fulda area: two Ju 88's were hit near Ettinghausen and
Hamburg, then were left at 1305 near Egmond. Lt. Walter O.
Hedrick (360th), on his first mission, became separated and eventually bellied-in near Haro, Spain, after running out offue!. He returned to the group a short time later and resumed flying.
Lt. J. Brown and Lt. Carr shot up a downed B-17. A marshalling yard near Fulda was heavily strafed with claims of 14-12 locos, 2-28 railcars, and 0-4 vehicles. A 360th flight flew with the 359th and one of its pilots, Lt. James A. Des Jardins, took a flak hit and crashed in the yard. After re-grouping, the P-51's crossed out around 1453 near Zeebmge. Lt. Comer (360th) crash-landed at Ghent, and while wiping out his ship, he was unhurt.
According to the 360th diary, "Lt. Switzer had to abort near Dummer Lake and Ll. Hedrick was mid to go with him as escort. Lt. Hedrick could not find Lt. Switzer and called himseveral times. This was the last contact we had with him. He has since been reported as being in Spain." (Ilosl)
359th:
Line-lip (P-47) Tarbutton, Lawrence, Batie, Miller
Again, the 360th diary gives a shan acount of the loss.
"One flight, flying with the 359th Squadron, strafed a marshalling yard east of Fulda. While strafing, Ll. Des Jardin's
J. Brown, Traupe, Troge, Nielsen Tucker, Sonnier, Cooley, Bennett
plane was hit by machine gun fire. His ship was on fire and he went in on a wing. It is not believed he could have gotten out
Brearley, Harney, O'Quinn, Hildebrand Crump(360th) acted as a spare (P-51) Baccus, A. Brown, Easley, Baker
of the plane." (5-9 ground) (llos/)
Rann, Oliver, Hackney, Meade
Forsyth, Blewett, Scharnberg, Hale Robertson, Crum, Rudd, Odenwald
85
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
3S9th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Tarbutton, Miller, Hale*, Blewett Forsyth, A. Brown, 0' Quinn, Baker Scharnberg, Lawrence"', Cornett, Gohsler* Tucker, Oliver, Cooley*, Hackney 1. Brown, Crum*, Carr, Kirschner Childers*, Gatlin, Nebinger, Des Jardins (all 360th) Hildebrand-spare Ellingson, Comer, Peacock, Quigley Pleasant, Dunn, Barnhart, Urban Leathers, Ciocchi, Carlson, Poppell Borelli, Switzer, Gleason, Huebner Strait, Cope, Hallmark, Cochran Hurley, Baylor, Hooker, Jarvis Faison, Barnes, Morgan, Cox Wiggins, Jett, Ashby, Burdick Whitson, Upp, Epley, Ray
360th:
361 st:
Tucker, Meade, Cooley, Bennett* Lawrence*, Sonnier(spares) Baccus, Cook, Nebinger, Quigley Borelli, Ceraolo, Crump, Ragsdale Leathers, Yannell, Childers, Ciocchi Barnhart, Dunn, Urban, Pidwell Strait, Jarvis, Gansberg, Bowers Upp*, Bomberger*, Lindsay, Barnes Wiggins, Burden, Campbell, Jett Scheible, Cope, Whitmore, Beck
Sqn
Claims
Location
HdQts:
LtCol. D.A. Baccus
(2)Me 109 dest(air) Dummer Lake
359th:
Capt. R.A. Rann
(2)Me 109 dest(air) All 359th claims are at NW Dummer Lake
Lt. W.e. Cooley Capt. D.F. Tucker
(2)Me 109 dest(air) Me 109 dest(air) Me 109 dam(air)
Sqll
359th:
361st:
Claims
Location
Lt. J.B. Cornett
Ju SS dam(grd)
Ettinghausen
Lt. R.e. Scharnberg
Ju 88 dam(grd)
Ettinghausen
Lt.
c.T. Ashby
Lt. H.R. Gohsler
360th:
Lt. A.R. Hale
Fw 190 dest(air)
Capt. M.P. Yannell
(2)Me 109 dest(air) All 360th claims are
(2)Fw 190 dest(grd) Zwickau Fw 190 darn(grd)
Me 109 dest(air)
(2)Me 109 dam(air) at Dummer Lake
Zwickau
Lt. T.J. Urban
Me 109 dest(air)
Lt. e.D. Burdick
Fw 190 dest(grd)
Zwickau
Capt. B. Borelli
Me 109 dam(air)
Lt. W.S. Hurley
Fw 190 dest(grd)
Zwickau
Lt. R.E. Barnhart
Me 109 dam(air)
(2)Fw 190 darn(grd) Zwickau
Lt. N.B. Ceraolo
Me 109 dam(air)
Fw 190dest(grd)
Lt. W.K. Dunn
Me 109 dam (air)
Capt. W.R. Scheible
(3)Me 109 dest(air) All 361st claims are at
Lt. H.E. Wiggins
Zwickau
(3)Fw 190 darn(grd) Zwickau Lt. S.N. Jett
Fw 190 dam(grd)
361st:
Zwickau
(2)Me 109 dam(air) Osnabruck-Dummer Lake
November 26 (#301) LtCol. Baccus led a target-withdrawal support from 0954 to 1340. RlV came at lOSS east of Zwolle, then Capt. Strait led the 361 st to investigate bogies in the Osnabruck area. Over 150 enemy fighters were sighted and all three squadrons eventually joined in the fight. When it was over, the 3S6th had turned in its best perfonnance of the war, a day which might have been even better if not for the large number of gun stoppages (due to freezing) in the P-S I 's. After the battle, one 361 5t flight did re-join the bombers at 1200 near Bielefeld and left them at 1230 near Munster. The last excitement of the day came while heading home: Lt. Barnes (361st) was bounced by a Me 262 but after out-turning it, the jet broke off the action near Apeldoorn.
(2)Fw 190 dest(air)
Capt. OJ. Strait
(1.5)Me 109 dest(air)
Lt. S.N. lett
(.5)Me 109 dest(air)
Lt. e.E. Beck
Me 109 dest(air)
Lt. l.A. Bowers
Me 109 dest(air)
Lt. R.R. Burden
Fw 190 dest(air)
Lt. W.C. Jarvis
Me 109 dest(air) Fw 190 dam(air)
Ll. H.E. Whitmore
Me 109 dest(air)
Lt. B.B. Barnes
Fw 190 dam(air)
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Wayne E. Leathers.
November 27 (#302) Maj. Wood led a fighter cover from 1034 to 1357. Right after take-off, Lt. Odenwald (3S9th) lost power and crashlanded near base. The rest of the pilots crossed in at 1123 near The Hague but the 359th Fighter Group was never located. Instead, the 359th Fighter Squadron was vectored to Munster where two gaggles of German planes were engaged. The 361 st
(24-0-11 air) Line-lip
3S9th:
Lt. H.E. Wiggins
Rann, Miller, Hale, Gohsler Easley, Harney, Cornett, Baker Robertson, Traupe, Troge, Nielsen
86
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War II
swept to Munster without incident and it and the 360th crossed out at 1319 south of The Hague. On the way home, Lt. Cook (360th) suffered engine problems over Belgium and bailed out. He broke an arm in doing so and was off flying duty for several weeks. (2-2-1 air) Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Withers, Crum, Carr, Kirschner J. Brown, Miller, Rudd, Blewett Tucker, Hackney, Cooley, Bennett Bruner, A. Brown, Batie, Lawrence Odenwald*(spare) Wood, Huebner, Gleason, Switzer Pleasant, Jones, Urban, Dunn Hockmeyer, Burwell, Peacock, Cook Laviolette, Poppell, Carlson, Welch Faison, Lindsay, Morgan, Barnes Schlack, Burden, Ashby, Burdick Clayton, Cope, Hallmark, Ray Gansberg, Baylor, Hooker, Jarvis Claims
Location
Capt. D.E Tucker
Fw 190 dest(air)
NlMunster
Capt. R.R. Withers
Me 109 dest(air)
N/Munsler
Lt. I.E. Blewett
Me 109 prob(air)
N/Munsler
Lt. R.E. Carr
Fw 190 prob(air)
N/Munster
Lt. G. Crum
Me 109 dam(air)
N/Munster
Sqll
359th:
361st:
November 30 (#304) LlCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1100 to 1602. Landfall came at 1139 and RIV followed at 1214 near St. Vith. "A" Group (the 359th and 36lst) flew alongside the bomber track to Leipzig then joined up and escorted them until 1455 near Liege. "B" Group gave close escort to Zeitz and back out to north of Namur, breaking at 1520 and crossing out at 1533 near Knocke.
359th:
360th:
361st:
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Dick F. Tucker. November 29 (#303) Capt. Rann led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1100 to 1505. "A" Group (the 359th and 360th) made RJ Vat 1154 near Egmond and laterleftthe bombers at 1358 near Meppe!. Afterwards they swept southwest and patrolled until landfall at 1405 near Egmond. "B" Group (the 361st) gave close escort to Hanover and broke away at 1430 near Zwolle.
359th:
360th:
Gansberg*, Burden, Epley, Jett Hargreaves, Cope, Beck, Ray Faison, Bowers, Hurley, Jarvis Clayton, Whitson, Morgan, Cox Upp, Cochran, Hallmark, Tobiassen Campbell, Baskin
Line-up Withers, Meade, Cooley, Hale Easley, Harney, Cornett, Baker Tarbutton, Lawrence, Bennett, Gohsler J. Brown, Nielsen, Carr*, Kirschner Brearley, Crum, Forsyth Ellingson, Quigley, Burwell, Andrino Childers, Gatlin, Carlson, Ciocchi Pleasant, Jones, Urban, Dunn Borelli, Ceraolo, Crump, Huebner Laviolette, Welch, Yannell, Pidwell Baccus, Cochran, Beck, Cope Gansberg, Baskin, Baylor, Tobiassen Strait, Burns, Morgan, Cox Wiggins, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Schlack, Ray, Whitmore, Jett Whitson, Bowers
December 4 (#305) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1029 to 1507. The group crossed in near Ostend and the 359th and 360th made RJV at 1105 near Ghent. The 361st acted as freelance and they joined up at Coblenz. Escort was later broken southwest of Coblenz at 1325.
Line-up Rann, Sonnier, Griswold, Oliver Tarbutton, Lawrence, Forsyth, Gohsler Scharnberg, Blewett, Carr*, Rudd Robertson, Nielsen, Troge, Odenwald Brearley, Harney, Easley, A. Brown Wood, Ragsdale, Yannell, Dunn Borelli, Ceraolo, Switzer, Huebner Ellingson, Gatlin, Welch, Ciocchi Hockrneyer, Burwell, Nebinger, Quigley Pleasant, Paquet, Barnhart, Pidwell
Line-up
359th:
360th:
87
Withers, Harney, Cornett, Oliver Griswold, Sonnier*, O'Quinn, Hackney Tarbutton, Blewett, Forsyth, Gohsler J. Brown, Nielsen, Carr, Kirschner Rudd, Meade*(relays) Wood, Ragsdale, Crump, Switzer Barnhart, Paquet, Urban, Pidwell Hockrneyer, Andrino, Nebinger, Burwell
The 356th Fighter Group ill World l-\I{/r II
Laviolene, Jones, Welch, Dunn
Sqll
Pleasant. Gatlin, Yannell 361 st:
3591h:
Claims
Locatio/l
Capt. J.D. Tarbutton (2)Fw 190 de.<;t(air) NW Berlin
Peacock, Quigley, Huebner
Capt. c.J. Hackney
Fw 190 dest(air)
Muritl L..'lkc-Berlin
Strait, Jarvis, Hooker, Baylor Clayton, Wallace, Barnes, Cox Schlack, Smith, Epley, Jett
Lt. EA. Forsyth
Fw 190 dest(air)
Muritz Lake-Berlin
Fw 190 prob(air)
Muritz Lake-Berlin
Fw 190 dest(air)
Muritz Lake-Berlin
Nystrom, Cochran, Whitmore, Hallmark
Capt. L.L. Robertson Fw 190 prob(air)
NIBerlin
Faison, Whitson, Beck, Lindsay
Lt. A.R. Hale
Muritz Lake-Berlin
LL L. Oliver
Bowers, Burdick
361s!:
December 5 (#306) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal suppon to the Berlin area. "A" Group (the 359th and pan of the 361 st) and "B" Group (led by Maj. Wood) both RN'd at 0941
Capt. WR. Scheible (2)Fw 190 dest(air) Eberswalde Capt. OJ. Strait
(2)Fw 190 dest(air) Eberswulde
Lt. R.H. Campbell
(2)Fw 190 dcst(air) Eberswulde
Lt.
c.T. Ashby
Lt. C.O. Burdick
near Egmond. "A" then swept ahead and ran into 40-60 Fw 190's near Wittenberg. Fights ranged from there to Eberswalde and against 13 kills, five P-51's were lost. Capt. Jean D.
Fw 190 dam(air)
Fw 190 dest(air)
Eberswalde
Fw 190 prob(air)
EbersW:lldc
Fw 190 dest(air)
Eberswalde
Fw 190 dam(air)
Eberswalde
December 6 (#307) Maj. Wood led "A" Group and Capt. Withers led "B" Group on a penetration-target-withdrawal suppon from 0946 to 1415. After landfall at 1030 nonh of Ijmuiden, "A" (360th and part of the 361st) swept ahead to the Leipzig area. "B" made RIV east of Zwolle at 1043 and took the bombers to
Tarbutton (359th) was downed by a 190 and bailed out and the other four were all last seen chasing Focke- Wulfs near
Eberswalde- Lt. Russell C. Scharnberg (359th), and Capt. Ray H. Gansberg. Lt. Ben B. Barnes, and Lt. Jack T. Smith (all 361 st). "A" later re-joined the bombers nonh of Berlin at 1120 and they broke at 1250 near Zwolle. "B" Group's flight was uneventful (they did see two Me 262'5 west ofSteinhuder Lake) and they broke off south of Meppel at 1315.
Merseburg and out. "A" reformed for close escort on the way
out and the bombers were left at 1335 near Zwolle. Most of the pilots landed at Woodbridge due to bad weather and later flew back to Martlesham Heath.
(13-3-2 air)
(5 last) Line-lip
359th:
Lille·up
359th:
Baccus, Harney, Kennedy, Baker Schamberg, Meade, Cooley*. Bennett
Griswold, Bennen*, O'Quinn*, Hackney* Robertson*, Crum. Troge, Odenwald* Forsyth, Lawrence. Gohsler, A. Brown
Brearley*, Nielsen, Batie*, Oliver Tarbutton. Miller, Hale, Blewett* Robertson, Traupe, Troge, Carr
360th:
360th:
Forsyth, Sonnier, Rudd*, Hackney Wood, Ragsdale, Yannell, Dunn
Carr, Nielsen*(relays) Wood, Ragsdale, Gleason, Switzer Peacock, Andrino, Nebinger, Burwell Ellingson, Corner, Ciocchi, Carlson
Laviolette, Ciocchi, Carlson, Gatlin Hockmeyer, Burwell, Nebillger, Andrino Borelli, Swilzer, Gleason, Ceraolo
361 st:
Withers, Oliver, Rudd, Batie
36151:
Peacock, Quigley, Crump, Welch Ellingson, Paquet, Pleasant Gansberg, Wallace, Barnes, Lindsay Schlack, Smith, Campbell, Burdick Strait. Cochran, Scheible, Cochran Hooker. Baskin, Baylor, Jarvis Upp, Jett, Epley. Carwile Ashby, Cox
Russell, Jones, Yannell, Pidwell Faison, Burden, Epley, Jett Nystrom, Cope, Beck, Cox Hurley, Baskin, Baylor, Jarvis Clayton, Wallace, Morgan, Lindsay
Nates: Completed tour: Capt. Donald B. Clayton; Lt. Frank A. Forsyth; Lt. Fred W. Peacock Deeember 11 (#308) Capt. Strait led a sweep/withdrawal support from 0920 to 1440. Landfall was over the Dutch Islands and the group swept the Apeldoom-Munster-Mannheim area. At 1200 some
88
The 356(h Fighter C,VIlP in World War If
December 15 (#310) LtCo!. Baccus led a penelration-target-withdrawal support from 0943 to 1413. RlV was made at 1112 northwest of
bombers were picked up near Giessen and escorted Ollt lImil
1243.
359th:
Line-up
Zwolle and the heavies went lO Kassel. They were then brought
Withers, Miller, Hale, Blewett" J. Brown, Odenwald, Carr', Kirschner
out and left at 1300 south of Liege. Line-up
Griswold*. Lawrence*, Rudd, Bennett*
Brearley, Meade, Cooley, Hackney Easley, Harney, Cornett, A. Brown 36Oth:
359th:
Hockmeyer, Nebinger, Andrino, Burwell
Russell, elson, Welch, Gatlin Borelli, Turnidge, Gleason, Ceraolo Romine, Rensch, Barnhart, Pidwell
360th:
Pleasant, Jones, Carlson, Ciocchi
361 st:
Laviolette, Paquet, Crump, Quigley Strait, Cope, Beck, Hallmark
Baccus, Wong, Batie, Oliver Easley, Sonnier, Cooley, Bennett Griswold, Lawrenee, Hale, Miller J. Brown, Crum, Troge, Odenwald Traupe, Harney(spares) Ellingson, Renseh. Urban. Dunn Hockmeyer, Jones, Andrino, Pidwell Borelli, Huebner, Russell, Switzer
Hooker, Bowers, Baylor, Higginbotham
361 st:
Upp, Whitson, 'Morgan, Wallace Wiggins, Burdick, Campbell, Jett
Schlaek, Lindsay, Epley, Baskin December 12 (#309) Capt. Ellingson led "A" Group and Capt. Withers led
Yannell, Nelson, Cioeehi, Poppell Strait, Higginbotham, Morgan, Whitson Schlack, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Scheible, Cochran, Ray, Cope Hooker, Baskin, Baylor, Bowers Wallace(spare)
December 18 (#311) Capt. Strait led a freelance sweep from 1115 to 1335. Landfall came at 1155 near Blankenberge and the group new
"8" Group on a penetration-target-withdrawal support from
0939 to 1525. Landfall was at 1050 then "A" swept north of the bomber track to give target support. They were later vec-
in almost solid cloud to the Coblenz area. The mission was
tored to Ruhr but nothing was seen. "B" made RlV at 1058
scrubbed at 1250 and the P-51 's crossed Ollt at 1310 near Walcheren. Lt. Donald L. Turnidge (360tl1) suffered mechanical trouble and bailed out near Dusseldorf to become a POW.
near St. Vith and later broke at 1410 near Liege. Coming home,
Lt. O'Quinn (359th) bailed out off Margale after suffering mechanical problems and was picked up by ASR.
(1 lost)
(1 lost-reswed) Line-up
359th:
Line-up
359th:
Withers, Harney, Batie, Oliver Easley, Bennett, O'Quinn, Meade Griswold, Lawrence, Gohsler, Blewett
360th:
J. Brown, ielsen, Troge, Odenwald Traupe, Crum(spares) Ellingson, Nelson, Carlson, Gatlin Pleasant, Paquet, Barnhart, Pidwell Yannell, Ciocchi, Welch, Poppell
360th:
Yannell, Turner, Burwell, Comer
Hockmeyer, Turner, Andrino, Quigley
Pleasant, Rensch, Barnhart, Dunn
Wiggins, Jarvis, Baylor, Bowers
Pidwell(spare) Strait, Burden, Campbell, Jett Nystrom, Cochran, Ray, Whitson
Upp, Higginbotham, Lindsay, Cox
Hurley, Jarvis, Bowers, Hallmark
Schlack, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Nystrom, Cochran, Hallmark, Ray Ashby, Baskin, Beck, Jett
Upp, Cox, Lindsay, Higginbotham Morgan, Baskin, Beck, Burdick
Borelli, Turnidge, Crump, Cerao10
Urban, Huebner(spares) 361 st:
Withers, Harney, Cornett, Batie J. Brown, Nielsen, Troge, Odenwald Easley, Sonnier, Kirschner, Hackney Griswold, Lawrence, Gohsler, A. Brown Cooley, Traupe, Blewett, Bennett Crum, Miller(spares) Borelli, Turnidge, Crump, Huebner Laviolette, Poppell, Ciocchi, Gatlin
361st:
89
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War Il
December 23 (#312) Maj. Wood led a MEW Control sweep from 1045 to 1405. Landfall was made near Ostend and the group patrolled the Coblenz-Strasbourg area. The mission was without incident (although the 360th reported seeing some jets) and the Mustangs crossed out at 1330.
359th:
360th:
361sl:
359th:
Line-up Rann, Stone, Rudd, Batie* Easley, Meade, Hackney, Kirschner Griswold, Miller, Hale, Blewett Kennedy*, Harney, Troge, Traupe Robertson*, Crum* A. Brown, Sonnier(spares) Wood, Ragsdale, Welch, Poppell Romine, Paquet, Urban, Jones Pleasant, Pidwell, Carlson, Gatlin Hockmeyer, Andrino, Nebinger, Burwell Russell, Huebner, Gleason, Switzer Ceraolo, Nelson Faison, Cochran, Hargreaves, Ray Baylor, Jarvis, Tobiassen, Bowers Upp, Wallace, Bomberger, Higginbotham Wiggins, Burden, Epley, Jett Scheible, Baskin, Beck, Cox
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Rann, Murtishaw, A. Brown, Miller Rudd, Baker, Cornett, Harney Easley, Meade, Cooley Brearley, Hildebrand, Hale, Sonnier J. Brown, Carr, Odenwald Griswold, Wong, Nielsen, Lawrence Ellingson, Jones, Carlson, Gatlin Childers, Corner, Ciocchi, Poppell Russell, Ragsdale, Andrino, Ceraolo Hockmeyer, Hedrick, Burwell, Turner Yannell, Urban, Welch, Nelson Romine, Paquet, Barnhart, Dunn Baccus, Jarvis, Hallmark, Bowers Ashby, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Upp, Wallace, Bomberger, Whitson Hargreaves, Cochran,· Beck, Ray Nystrom, Baskin, Lindsay, Jett Scheible, Tobiassen, Baylor, Epley
December 25 (#314) LlCo!. Baccus led a patrol of the Bonn area from 0840 to 1340. Landfall came at 0952 near Knocke and the group arrived near Bonn at 1045. The pilots swept to Coblenz and saw some B-26's, then were vectored to Cologne and Bonn. A number of Fw 190'5 were engaged east of Bonn for claims of 3-0-4 while Lt. Richard J. Andrino and Lt. Milton H. Huebner (both 360th) were lost. Shortly after this, 8-10 Me 109's were seen southwest of Coblenz and 3 of these were knocked down without loss. (6-0-4 air)
NOles: Completed tour: Capt. Edward L. Faison; Lt. Edward
M. Nebinger
December 24 (#313) LlCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1158 to 1635. Landfall came at 1230 near Knocke and "B" Group made RN at 1328 near Liege. "A" flew north of the track, then was vectored to Bonn. They picked up some B-24's and later left them at 1510 near Liege. Meanwhile, "B" took their B-ITs to their target area and out, breaking at 1550 near Ostend. Lt. Arthur Wong (359th) had mechanical troubles and bailed out over Laacher See to become a prisoner. The 360th again sighted some Me 262's but could not engage them. Wong's loss was recorded by the 359lh diary as such, "Lt. Wong was last seen at 1430 in the vicinity of Laacher See. He was last seen dropping out of formation. Lt. Griswold turned to escort him but was unable to locate him. A few minutes later he called on the Rtf reporting that he was setting a course of 270 degrees and asked for the position of the rest of the flight. Nothing was heard from him thereafter."
(2 lost)
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Baccus, Murtishaw, Cooley, Kirschner Rudd, Baker, Hackney, Harney Withers, Lawrence, A. Brown, Miller 1. Brown, Wieland, Troge, Nielsen Ellingson, Jones, Pleasant, Urban Hockmeyer, Thomas, Andrirro, Switzer Borelli, Rensch, Crump, Huebner Childers, Corner, Carlson, Gatlin Strait, Whitson, Upp, Lindsay Epley, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Nystrom, Cochran, Ray, Cope Hooker. Jarvis, Tobiassen, Bowers
(llost) Sqll
90
Claims
Location
HdQts:
LICol. D.A. Baccus
Me 109 desl(air)
Bonn
359
Lt. E.F. Troge
Fw 190 dest(air)
Bonn
Lt. A.L. Brown
Fw 190 dam(air)
Bonn
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th:
Capt. B.E. Ellingson Fw 190 dest(air) Me 109 dest(air)
SIB ann
Fw 190 dest(air)
Bonn
Fw 190 dam(air)
Bonn
Lt. D.F. Jones
Fw 190dam(air)
SlBonn
Lt. TJ. Urban
Fw 190 dam (air)
Bonn
Capt OJ. Strait
Me 109 desl(air)
SW Coblenz
Capt. E.W. Pleasant
361 st:
361sl:
SIB ann
December 28 (#317) Capt. Withers led 26 P-5]'s off from Kingscliffe for a MEW Control sweep from 1000 to 1430. The planes were vectored to Trier and Coblenz where a few B-24's were escorted from] 235 to 1245.
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Rona]d J. Upp
December 26 (#315) Capt. Rann led a MEW Control sweep from 1200 to ]534. Landfall came neat Knocke and the group flew to the Coblenz area. Four Fw ]90's were engaged by a 359th flight east of Bonn and all were shot down. Capt. Claude J. Hackney, however, was last seen going into the overcast and failed to return. Lt. Warren C. Cooley took a flak hit after the scrap and he bailed out to become a prisoner.
359th: 360th: 361 sl:
(4-0-0 air) (2 lost)
359th: 360th: 361sl:
359th:
Claims Lt.
w.e.
Cooley
359th:
Location
360th:
(2)Fw 190 dest(air) NE Bonn
Capt. CJ. Hackney
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Bonn
Lt. l.W. Meade
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Bonn
361sl:
December 27 (#316) Capt. Strait led a freelance sweep from IllS to 1635. The group crossed in at 1202 near Ostend and the pilots swept to south of Bingen. From there they went west of Ruhr, then to Cologne, then crossed out near Knocke from 1415 to 1435. Due to bad weather, everyone landed at Kingscliffe, Wittering, and Woodbridge.
359th:
360th:
Line-up Withers, Crum, A. Brown, Kirschner, Gohsler Barnhart, Dunn (others are unknown) Strait, Cope, Hargreaves, Ray Tobiassen, Whitson, Baskin, Morgan Higginbotham, Bomberger, Wallace, Ashby Campbell, Jett
December 28 (#3] 8) LlCo/. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from I 144 to ]5 17. Landfall was made at 1215 near Nieuport with RIV at 1228 near Ghent. The bombers were taken to their target and out, being left at 1420 near Ghent. Landfallout then came near Ostend at 1430.
Line-up Rann, Stone, Cornett, Harney Eas]ey*, Meade, Cooley, Hackney Wood, Switzer, Yannell, Corner Borelli, Rensch, Romine, Paquet Wiggins, Burden, Campbell, Jett Hurley, Baskin, Hallmark, Jarvis
Sqn
Strait, Cope, Hargreaves, Ray Scheible, Baskin, Tobiassen, Whitson Morgan, Higginbotham, Bomberger, Wallace Ashby, Burdick, Campbell, Jett
Line-up Baccus, Hildebrand, Cornett, Baker Rann, Stone, J. Brown, Traupe Sonnier(spare) Ellingson, Pidwell, Burwell, Switzer Childers, Ne]son, Welch, Poppell Borelli, Ceraolo, Urban, Rensch Pleasant, Paquet Wiggins, Burden, Schlack, Epley Hurley, Jarvis, Baylor, Bowers Hooker, Beck
December 30 (#3] 9) Maj. Wood led a freelance sweep from 1148 to ]540. Arriving in the Coblenz area at 1250, the pilots patrolled until 1405. One box ofB-I7's were escorted out, being left at 1420 southeast of Liege.
Line-up Withers, Lawrence, Troge, B]ewett Rudd, Baker, Gohsler, Miller Robertson, Crum, Carr, Odenwa]d Easley, Hildebrand, A. Brown, Kirschner Wood, Ragsdale, Yannell, Corner Russell, Cerao]o, Crump, Rensch Hockmeyer, Thomas, Switzer, Hedrick Barnhart, Paquet, Urban, Dunn
359th: 360th:
91
Line-up Withers (others are unknown) Wood, Ragsdale, Ciocchi, Poppell Lavio]ette, Nelson, Carlson, Gatlin Thomas, Turner, Yannell, Switzer Pleasant, Quigley, Barnhart, Jones
The 356111 Fighler Group in World War II
361 st:
Hurley, Baskin, Hallmark, Bowers Hooker, Cox, Lindsay, Whitson Schlack, Burden, Epley, Burdick
Ellingson, Jones, Gleason, Rensch Romine. Urban, Pleasant, Quigley
361 SL:
Hargreaves, Cochran, Beck, Cope Nystrom, lett, Bomberger, Jarvis
Strait, Burden, Jelt, Nystrom Scheible, Cope, Beck, Jarvis Baylor, Baskin, Bomberger, Higginbotham
Ashby, Wallace
Whitson, Cox, Ashby, Burdick Tobiassen, Bowers
December 31 (#320) Capt. Strait led a penetration-target-withdrawal support to the Trier area from 0835 to 1320. Both "A" and "B" Groups made landfall at 0930, then "A" swept ahead to the target, re-
January I (#322) Lt. Hooker led a PRU escort from 1311 La 1630. RN with the F-5's was over Woodbridge and the planes new south to Coblenz. The recon ships were then brought out and left at 1530 near Liege.
joined the bombers, and lOok them to landfall-out. "B" origi-
nally made RN with the wrong bombers near Knocke, left those, and flew to Trier where they RN'd at 1118. These bombers were left at 1235 south of Ghent and landfall was made at
Line-up
1250 between Knocke and Ostend.
361 Sl:
January 2 (#323) Capt. Rann led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0930 to 1258. Landfall came at 1006 near Nieuport and
Line-up
359th:
Rann, Lawrence, Miller, Hildebrand* Rudd, Baker, Gohsler, Blewett Easley, Meade, Odenwald, Sonnier
the bombers were met south of Brussels. After being taken Coblenz and out, the heavies were left at 1215 near Ghent.
J. Brown*, Wieland, Troge, Nielsen
360th:
361 st:
Hooker, Wallace, Campbell
Carr, Murtishaw(spares) Ellingson, Jones, Russell, Paquet Romine, Pidwell, Pleasant, Quigley
(Q
Line-up
359th:
Rann, Oliver, Gohsler, Harney
Hockmeyer, Turner, Burwell, Corner
A. Brown, Stone, Blewett, Hildebrand
Yannell, Ceraolo, Urban, Dunn Strait, Higginbotham, Morgan, Cox Ashby, Burden, Campbell, Burdick
Easley, Murtishaw, Odenwald, Kirschner' J. Brown, Traupe Borelli, Ceraolo. Cmmp. Rensch
360th:
Hargreaves, Cochran, Ray, Cope Scheible, Jarvis, Tobiassen, Bowers
Hockmeyer, Hedrick. Switzer, Comer
Nystrom, Baskin, Baylor, Wallace Beck, Bomberger
361sl:
Pleasant, Pidwell, Quigley, Dunn Childers, Nelson, Carlson, Welch Hurley, Cope, Beck, Cochran Hallmark, Jarvis, Baylor, Baskin Morgan, Cox, Bomberger, Higginbotham
January I, 1945 (#321) LtCo!. Baccus led a MEW Control sweep from 1208 to
Ashby, Burden, Epley, Jett Lindsay, Ray
1556. After crossing in near Knocke, the planes were vectored
to Aachen, then the group patrolled the Cologne-Ruhr-KasselCoblenz area. Five small boxes of B-I7's were escorted out
Line-up
January 3 (#324) Maj. Wood led a MEW Control sweep from 0917 to 150 I . Landfall came aL 1000 near Knocke and the pi lots swept until 1130 when some B-24's were picked up. The bombers
Withers*, Stone, A. Brown, Baker
were later left from 1320 to 1335 in lhc Arion area.
and landfall came at 1509 near Knocke.
359th:
Rudd, Lawrence*, Blewett, Harney Gohsler, Murtishaw, Nielsen, Sonnier
360th:
Line-up
J. Brown, Cmm, Carr, Traupe Easley, Meade, Odenwald, Kirschner Baccus, Carlson, Burwell, Thomas Laviolette, Gatlin, Ciocchi, Poppell Russell, Paquet, Barnhart*, Turner
359th:
Withers, Oliver, Carr, Harney A. Brown, Murtishaw*, Odcnwald, Sonnier
Robertson, Wieland, Troge, Cmm Griswold, Stone, Miller*, Hildebrand
92
The 356th Fighter GrollP ill World War II
360th:
361st:
Wood, Ragsdale, Ciocchi, Poppell Pleasant, Quigley, Laviolette, Gatlin
the group escorted them out and broke near Ostend at 1243. Due to weather conditions, nearly the entire group later landed
Hockmeyer, Thomas, Burwell, Turner Borelli, Rensch, Crump, Ceraolo
at Woodbridge.
Pidwell(spare) Scheible, Baskin, Hallmark, Jarvis Hooker, Lindsay, Bomberger, Wallace Schlack, Burdick, Campbell, Jett Nystrom, Cope, Ray, Cochran
Une-up
359th:
Tobiassen, Cox 360th:
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Henry P. Laviolette; Capt. Edward W. Pleasant
Baccus, Murtishaw*, Odenwald, Meade Rudd, Oliver"', Baker, Harney" Brearley, Wieland, Troge, Nielsen Withers, Stone*, Kirschner, Sonnier Griswold, Lawrence, Gohsler, Hildebrand Yannell, Corner, Thomas, Burwell
Barnhart, Jones, Urban, Quigley Borelli, Rensch, Romine, Dunn
Russell, Ragsdale, Gleason, Paquet January 4
Carlson, Ciocchi, Crump, Gatlin Hockmeyer, Turner, Switzer, Hedrick
Notes: LlCol. Cooper departed for the States and Maj. Don Strait assumed command of the 361 st Fighter Squadron. With his move up, Capt. Wilbur R. Scheible took over as Operations
361 st:
Scheible, Burdick, Campbell, Jett
Ottlcer.
Hargreaves, Cochran, Ray, Cope Hurley, Bowers, Baylor, Baskin
January 5
Morgan, Burden, Lindsay, Whitson Hooker, Cox, Epley, Jarvis
(#325) After Maj. Strait aborted, Capt. Withers led a penetration-target-withdrawal sup paIl from 1142 to 1534. Landhtll was
Notes: Completed tour: CapL Jack A. Hargreaves
made at 1244 over Calais and R/V came at 1305 northeast of Liege. The bombers went to Bonn and the group brought them out, breaking at 1445 near Arras. Some Fw 190's were reported on the mission and the 360th saw a Me 262 in the target area
January 7 (#327) Maj. Strait led a MEW Control sweep from 0935 to 1349. The group arrived in the Lingen area at 1040 then was
but nothing developed.
vectored to Dummer Lake, Munster, and Paderborn. At 1155 some B-17's were met near Bielefeld and these were left at
359th:
360th:
Ulle-up
1241 over the Zuider Zee. The P-51's swept north atier break-
Withers, Oliver, Baker, Harney Griswold, Stone, Blewett, Hildebrand Brearley, Wieland, Can', Crum
ing then headed home.
Easley, Meade, Kirschner, Sonnier
359th:
Line-up
Miller, Murtishaw(spares) Yannell, Corner, Switzer, Hedrick Crump, Paquet, Russell, Ragsdale
Childers, Nelson, Welch, Poppell
360th:
Romine, Jones, Barnhart, Dunn
361st:
Rann, Harney, Cornett, Kirschner A. Brown, Stone, Blewett*, Miller Brearley, Murtishaw, Hale, Meade" 1. Brown, Crum, Carr, Traupe Wood, Ragsdale, Weleh, Ciocchi Hockmeyer, Hedrick, Burwell, Crump Borelli, Ceraolo, Gleason, Paquet
Strait*, Cox, Lindsay, Whitson Ashby, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Cochran, Hargreaves, Ray, Cope Baylor, Bowers, Tobiassen*, Higginbotham*'
361 st:
Beck, Wallace(spares)
Thomas, Quigley, Dunn, Gatlin Pidwell(spare) Strait, Cochran, Beck, Cope Hallmark, Baskin, Baylor, Jarvis
Schlack, Burden, Epley, Burdick Hooker, Whitson, Bomberger, Cox Nystrom, Jett, Tobiassen, Higginbotham
January 6 (#326) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0915 to 1400. RIV was made southwest of Brussels
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Vincent Hockmeyer
at 1023 and the bombers were taken to Cologne. Afterwards,
93
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Il
(13-1-4 air) (0-1 ground) (1 lost)
January 10 Notes: Col. Tukey arrived back at Martlesham Heath and took command of the 356th once more. With his return, Don Baccus resumed his duties as Deputy co. January 13 (#328) Capt. Rann led a penetration-target-withdrawal sUpp0l1 from 1048 to 1520. In atrocious weather, Lt. Wendel J.A. Nelson (360th) spun-out while forming up and crashed near Grundisburgh. The 360th recorded only this short account, "Lt. Nelson took-off with his squadron in a snowstorm and apparently became a victim of vertigo for he spun-in and crashed about 5 miles north of Manlesham Heath. His aircraft exploded on hitting the ground." The rest of the group made RJV at 1202 west of Charleroi and later broke at 1405 near Metz. (1 lost)
359th:
360th:
361st:
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Rann, Wieland, Carr, Traupe A. Brown, Stone, Gohsler, Miller Bruner, Oliver, Cornett, Batie Bennett, Harney(spares) Childers, Nelson, Carlson, Gatlin Borelli, Paquet, Gleason, Rensch Yannell, Corner, Thomas, Switzer Hurley, Baskin, Hallmark, Jarvis Bomberger, Wallace, Lindsay, Higginbotham Schlack, Burdick, Epley, Jett Campbell, Cope
Line-up Withers, Oliver, Cornett, Batie A. Brown, Stone, Bennett, Hildebrand J. Brown, Wieland, Carr, Crum Brearley, Hm'ney, Hale, Sonnier Easley, Meade, Odenwald, Murtishaw Baker, Lawrence(spares) Ellingson, Jones, Carlson, Gatlin Childers, Ciocchi, Welch, Poppell Gleason, Rensch, Ragsdale, Ceraolo Yannell, Corner, Thomas, Turner Barnhan, Dunn, Urban, Pidwell Strait, Whitson, Morgan, Wallace* Ashby, Burden·, Epley·, Burdick Nystrom, Cochran, Whitmore, Ray Jarvis, Hallmark, Baylor, Bowers Hooker, Baskin, Beck, Jett Bomberger, Cope* Claims
wcmioll
Fw 190 dest(air)
S/Osnabruck
LL TJ. Urban
Fw 190 dest(air)
S/Osnabruck
LL c.T. Ashby
(2.5)Fw 190 dest(air) SW Dummer Lake
Sqll
360th:
LL R.E. Bamhart
361st:
LI. \V.M. Baskin
(!.5)Fw 190 dest(air) SW Dummer Lake
Ll. CD. Burdick
(2)Fw 190 dest(air) SW Dummer Lake
Lt. F.E Hooker
(2)Fw 190 dest(air) SW Dummer Lake Me 262 dam(grd)
Hescpe AIF
Maj. OJ. Strait
Fw 190 desl(air)
SW Dummer Lake
LI. M.W. Baylor
Fw 190 desl(air)
SW Dummer Lake
Fw 190 prob(air)
SW Dummer Lake
Lt. W.e. Jarvis
Fw 190 dest(air)
SW Dummer Lake
Lt. l.A. Bowers
Fw 190 dam(air)
SW Dummer Lake
Lt. R.N. Whitson
Fw 190 dam(air)
SW Dummer Lake
(2)Fw 190 dam(air) SW Dummer Lake
January 14 (#329) Maj. Strait led a MEW Control sweep from 10 13 to 1540. Landfall came at I I 15 near Ijmuiden and the planes swept to Wittenberg. On the way, Strait and his flight bounced a pair of Me 262's but no damage was done. RJV came at 1255 northwest of Hamburg and the bombers went to Hallendorf and out, being left at 1455 near Egmond. On the trip home, 15-20 Fw 190's were engaged southwest of Dummer Lake and 13 were destroyed. Afterwards, Lt. Freeman F. Hooker (361 sl) made a pass across Hesepe Airfield, damaged a Me 262, but was hit by flak and bailed out to become a prisoner. According to the 36 Ist diary, "After the fight, Hooker went down to strafe Hesepe AIF and it is believed his plane was hit by flak. After this pass, Lt. Hooker and his wingman, Lt. Baskin, shot at some trains in the area. A few minutes later Lt. Hooker said over the Rtf Lhat his oil pressure was zero and he was bailing out. In jumping he hit the tail of his ship and was probably injured, but his chute opened and he landed safely."
January 14 (#330) Lt. Schlack led a PRU escort from 1344 to 1705. The reeon Spitfire was taken to the Hanover-Brunswick-Ehmen area without incident.
361 st:
Line-up Schlack, Campbell, Epley, Wallace
January 15 (#33 I) Capt. Withers led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0930 to 150 I. Landfall came near Ostend and the B-
94
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War !I
17's were met at 1055 near Metz. They went to Regensburg and Munich and escort was broken at 1350 near Verdun.
359th:
361sl:
Hurley, Jarvis, Hallmark, Bowers Morgan, Higginbotham, Lindsay, Whitson
Line-up Withers, Hildebrand, Gohsler, Bennett
Epley, Jett, Campbell, Burdick
Easley, Meade, Kirschner, Sonnier
Baylor, Cox, Bomberger, Wallace
1. Brown, Wieland, Nielsen, Traupe
Ashby, Nystrom(relays) Beck, Baskin(spares)
Bnmer, Oliver, Cornett, Batie A. Brown, Stone, Blewett, Lawrence
360th:
Barnhart, Dunn, Ceraolo, Rensch Strait, Cochran, Whitmore, Ray
Carr, Murtishaw(spares) Borelli, Paquet, Ceraolo, Ragsdale
January 16 (#333) Capt. Russell led a PRU escort. RfV with the recon Spitfire was at 1255 north of The Hague and the planes flew to Osnabrock, Hanover, and Magdeburg.
Barnhart, Dunn, Gleason, Rensch
Childers, Ciocchi, Welch, Gatlin Yannell, Corner, Thomas, Switzer
361st:
Scheible, Jctt, Epley, Burdick Nystrom, Cochran, Lindsay, Ray
3591h: 3601h:
Hurley, Bowers, Baylor, Jarvis Morgan, Bomberger, Cox
Hallmark, Baskin, Campbell, Beck
Line-up A. Brown, Stone, Batie, Sonnier Russell, Ragsdale, Gleason, Paquet
January 17 (#334) Capt. Scheible led a force from Martlesham Heath (most pilots from the day before were slill on the Continent) on a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1052 to 1505. The bombers were met at I] 42 near Egmond and they went to Paderboro. Afterwards, the pilots took them out to Egmond and broke al 1423.
Whitmore, Wallace
January 16 (#332) Maj. Strait led an escort which took off at 0932. Landfall came near Egmond and while over the Zuider Zee, Lt. Vance C. Harney (359th) turned for home with engine trouble. He made it across the Channel but then crashed near Biggleswade.
The 359th diarist stated, "Shortly after crossing the Zuider 359th: 360th: 361 st:
Zee, Lt. Harney motioned to Capt. Bruner that he was returning to base and in sign language indicated he did not want escort. He was killed in a crash near Biggleswade. It is believed
his radio was out and that he crashed while trying to get below the low clouds. At the rime he turned back the fighters had not
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Bernard Borelli. Pilots across the Channel also started to fly back home. Taking-off from Beauvaisrrille, Ll. Robert E. Carr (359th) crashed near
yet been warned of weather conditions in England." The rest of the group made R/V at 1045 near Egmond and the bombers went to Strasbourg and Magdeburg. Escort was
Maisoncelle with fatal results. (1 killed)
ended at 1345 in the Landau-Metz area and due to bad weather, most of the pilots landed at Ghent, Cambrai, Merville, Beauvais! Tille, LaonlCouvron, LaonlAthies, and CambrailNiergnies. Lt. Ray (36Ist) flipped on landing after hitting a snowdrift but he
January 18 (#335) Capt. Scheible led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0940 to 1420. Some bombers were met at 1055 east of Rheims and were taken to Kaiserlautern. The 36] st broke at 1215 south of Metz, then flew back in and RlV'd again at 1225 near Strasbourg. They broke from these bombers at 1245 near Verdun. Several more pilots from the January 16 mission flew back and one more died. Ll. Chester W. Lawrence (359th) took off from LaonlCouvron and spun-in off Felixstowe. The 359th recorded, "Lt. Lawrence was returning from the continent and while over the North Sea he ran into difficulty and was heard to say that he was bailing out. The only observation was of his
was unhamled. (I lost)
359th:
360th:
Line-up J. Brown, Sonnier, Baker, Batie Borelli, Quigley, Childers, Ciocchi Scheible, Hallmark, Wiggins, Higginbotham
Line-up Bruner, Harney', Cornett, Oliver Hale, Murtishaw, Kirschner, Bennett Gohsler, Wieland, Nielsen, Meade Brearley, Lawrence, Blewett, Hildebrand J. Brown, Crum, Carr, Traupe Ellingson, Jones, Thomas, Switzer Childers, Ciocchi, Carlson, Gatlin
95
The 356th Fighter GIVUp ill World War/l
aircraft hitting the water. An intensive search by his fellow pilots and an Air-Sea Rescue plane failed to locate him." (1 killed)
359th:
360th:
361 sl:
359th:
Line-lip Withers, Crllm, Cornett, Batie* Gohsler, Oliver, Odenwald, Meade 1. Brown:::' Wieland, Nielsen, Traupe* Sonnier, Mllrtishaw*(spares) Russell, Paquet, Gleason, Ceraolo Carlson, Ciocchi, Switzer, Turner Childers, Welch, Quigley, Jones Scheible, Burden, Burdick, Cope Bomberger, Whitson, Lindsay, Higginbotham Hall mark, Baskin, Tobiassen, Bowers Cochran, Wallace
360th:
361 st:
Jauuary 29 (#338) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0941 to 1414. Landfall came near Egmond and the 360th and 361 st RlV'd at 1200 near Gutersloh. They later left the bombers northwest of Arion at 1305 and headed out. The 359th swept to Dummer Lake, then flew southwest, crossed the Rhine, and later made landfall near Ostend.
Nutes: Completed tour: Capt. Raymond R. Withers
January 21 (#336) Maj. Rann led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0905 to 1425. Landfall came at 0956 near as tend and the bombers were picked up north of Nancy at 1042. They were taken to Aschaffenberg and out, being left al 1255 near Nancy. The group then swept until landfall-out ncar Knocke at ]350.
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Bruner, Oliver, Cornett, Batie Hale, Murtishaw, Odenwald, Bennett Brearley, Stone, Blewett, Miller Traupe, Sonnier(spares) Wood, Dunn, Barnhart, Pidwell Crump, Rensch, Ceraolo, Paquet Yannell, Corner, Thomas, Turner Morgan, Burden, Campbell, Burdick Whitmore, Cope, Beck, Ray Hallmark, Baskin, Tobiassen, Bowers Epley, Jett
359th:
Line-up Rann, Oliver*, Rudd, Batie Hale, Meade, Odenwald, Sonnier Griswold, Hildebrand, Gohsler, Blewett J. Brown, Crum*, Nielsen, Traupe Troge, Wieland(spares) Ellingson, Jones, Urban, Pidwell Romine, Quigley, Barnh'art, Dunn Childers, Poppell, Cioeehi, Welch Burwell, Turner, Switzer, Corner Hurley, Whitson, Lindsay, Higginbotham Wiggins, Burden, Epley, Jett Nystrom, Cochran, Beck, Cope Baylor, Bowers, Tobiassen, Jarvis Wallace, Cox
360th:
361st:
Line-up Rann, Murtishaw, Kirschner, Meade Troge, Wieland, Nielsen, Crum A. Brown, Stone, Gohsler, Hildebrand Rudd, Oliver, Cornett, Baker Traupe, Sonnier(spares) Ellingson, Rensch, Barnhart, Ciocchi Crump, Switzer, Thomas, Ceraolo Childers, Poppell, Gleason, Gatlin Welch, Turner, Quigley, Ragsdale Baccus, Cochran, Whitmore, Ray Baylor, Bowers, Tobiassen, Jarvis Strait, Cox, Morgan, Whitson Ashby, Burdick, Campbell, Jett Higginbotham, Cope
February 3 (#339) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0856 to 1428. After landfall near Cuxhaven, "A" Group swept ahead while "B" made R/V at 0947 over the Northeast Polder. The bombers went to Berlin and the group later broke away near Texel Island. Lt. Odenwald and Lt. Crum (359th) strafed southeast of Bremen and claimed 4-3 locos, 0-5 railcars, and 1- I buildings. Capt. Russell (360th) had a coolant fire which forced him to bailout. Breaking an arm, he was picked up by Frenchmen, taken to Rheims, and later transported back to England.
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. James B. Griswold; Capt. Howard E. Wiggins.
Jauuary 23 (#337) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal SUpp0l1 from 0937 to 1225. RlV came in mid-Channel and the planes crossed in at 1030 near Knocke. The bombers went to Neus and were later left near Antwerp at 1200. 96
The 3561h Fighter GIVUp ill World War 11
359th:
360th:
361 sl:
LiHe-up Bruner, Baker, Comett*, Batie Rudd. Murtishaw, Odenwald, Crum Troge. Wieland, Blewett, Traupe Brearley, Hildebrand, Miller, Stone Hale, Meade. Bennett. Sonnier* Gohsler, Nielsen(spares) Wood, Rensch, Thomas, Turner Childers, Poppell, Gleason, Gatlin Russell, Paquet, Crump, Ceraolo Ellingson, Jones, Urban, Pidwell Yannell, Corner, Carlson, Dunn BarnhaJ1(spare) Hallmark, Bowers, Baylor, Jarvis Bomberger, Higginbotham, Lindsay, Wallace Ashby, Jett, Burdick, Burden Whitmore, Cochran, Ray, Cope Epley, Cox, Beck, Campbell Tobiassen, Whitson
the 361st) swept ahead, "B" made RlV at 1007 near Egmond. The bombers went to Lutzkendorf and the pilots broke at 1225 near Paderborn. Near Dummer Lake, "A" saw three bogies which were too far away to make contacl, then saw four more which evaded in the overcast. One 359th night strafed in the target area claiming 4-2 locos. I-II railcars, 2-2 vehicles, and L-I shacks and the group later crossed out near Overflakkee.
359th:
360th:
361 st: February 3 (#340) Ll. J. Brown and Lt. Oliver new a PRU escort, taking off at 1328. Along with two 364th Fighter Group P-5 I's and the PRU Spitfire, the planes flew to the Berlin area. Near Brunswick, a Me 262 bounced the 364th planes and passed in front of Brown and Oliver. Both pilots fired but scored no hits. Climbing, the pair ran into more jets. The 262's passed without firing and Brown turned into one of the jets but again missed and both sides then broke off the action. Heading home, the pair strafed in the Nienburg-Quackenbruck-Minden area, claiming 6-1 locos, 0-20 railcars, and 1-0 auto.
February 9 (#342) LlCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1035 to 155 I. Landfall and RIV were made at 1120 near Knocke and the bombers went to Lutzkendorf. The 360th swept ahead to the target area then flew to Hanover, Bremen, Osnabmck, and Zwolle. A Me 262 was seen near Lutzkendorf but no contact was made. Bringing the bombers out, escort was broken at 1500 near St. Trond. Early on the mission, the 360th night led by Lt. Switzer was bounced by a trio of 20th Fighter Group P-51's north of Mannheim. No shots were fired but the 360th pilots dropped their tanks and had to return home early.
Line-up
359th:
Line-lip Baccus, Sonnier, Bennett, Meade A. Brown, Stone, Blewett, Miller Easley, Murtishaw, Gohsler, Hildebrand* Rann, Oliver, Cornett, Baker J. Brown, Wieland, Tielsen, Crum Yannell, Corner, Burwell, Rensch Romine, Jones, Urban, Pidwell Ellingson, Ragsdale, A. Thomas, Turner Crump, Paquet, Ceraolo, Hedrick Carlson, Gatlin, Poppell, Dunn Strait, Tobiassen, Bomberger, Cox Campbell, Jett, Epley, Burden Hurley, Cochran, Whitmore, Ray Baylor, Jarvis, Lindsay, Bowers Nystrom, Whitson, Hallmark, Cope Beck, Wallace
J. Brown, Oliver
February 4 An off day for the 356th but a 359th flight did fly a practice gunnery mission. Once airborne, "Lt. Ralph E. Odenwald splitessed at 13,000 feet and as he was pulling out of it he apparently rolled and started another split-ess. His aircraft disappeared through the overcast and was not seen again by the other members of his element nor were they able to contact him by radio. A P-51 was later reported to have gone into the water at Bradwell Bay at approximately the same time Lt. Odenwald was last seen." (l killed)
359th:
360th: February 6 (#341) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0914 to 1445. While "A" Group (359th and part of
97
Line-up Rann, Stone, Miller, Hildebrand Comen, Murtishaw, Bennett, Sonnier Bnmer, Cmm, Rudd, Kirschner Troge, Wieland, Gohsler, Meade Brearley, Oliver, Baker, Blewett Easley(spare) Baccus, Corner, Romine, Pidwell Switzer, Hedrick, Ceraolo, Paquet Ellingson, Jones, W. Thomas, Turner Carlson, Gatlin, Gleason, Poppell
The 356tl1 Fighter Group in World War II
361 st:
Burwell, Rensch, Dunn, Ragsdale Ciocchi(spare) Strait, Campbell, Jett, Burden Beck, Cope, Whitmore, Ray Hurley, Jarvis, Baskin, Tobiassen Morgan, Cox, Lindsay, Higginbotham Hallmark, Wallace, Baylor, Whitson Bomberger, Bowers(spare)
0-10 railcars, and 0-1 auto. Part of the P-51 's broke at 1315 north of Frankfurt while the remainder left the bombers at 1400 west of Coblenz. To finish the day, Lt. Burdick (361 st) was bounced by a pair of Me 262's in the Zwolle-Meppel area but returned in good shape. (7-0-6 air) Line-up
359th:
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Bertrum E. Ellingson; Capt. William S. Hurley. February 10 (#343) Capt. Thomas led a small escort from 1304 to 1520. RJ V with eight 92nd Bomb Group B-ITs came at 1410 near the Dutch Coast. While the 359th flight patrolled, the others took the bombers to Ijrnuiden and out, breaking in mid-Channel at 1445.
359th: 360th: 361 Sl:
360th:
Line-up Cornett, Collett, Kirschner, Walters W. Thomas, Weller, Ragsdale Tobiassen, Loffler, Bowers, Webb
361st:
February 11 Capt. Ray Withers left for the States, having eompleted his seeond tour baek in January. Taking over as 359th Operations Officer was Capt. Bobby Childers.
Bruner*, Collett, Rudd*, Baker Hale, Murtishaw, Kirschner, Sonnier J. Brown, Wieland, ielsen, Crum* Troge, Oliver, Traupe, Bennett* A. Brown, Stone*, Blewett, Miller Meade, Hildebrand(spares) Wood*, Ragsdale, Switzer, Paquet Urban, Pidwell, Romine, Jones Yannell, Ceraolo, Carlson, Gatlin Crump, Poppell, Welch, Quigley Barnharl, Dunn, Burwell, Rensch Hedrick(spare) Strait, Cope, Whitmore, Ray Baylor, Webb, Nystrom, Bowers Morgan, Dupuy, Bomberger, Cox Asbby, Jett, Epley, Burdick Beck, Burden, Whitson, Wallace
Sqll
359th:
February 13
Lt. A.L. Brown
LI. R.C. Miller
Claims
LoC(I!ioll
Fw 190 dest(air)
Dresden-Chemnitz
Fw 190 dam(air)
Dresden-Chemnitz
Fw 190 dam(air)
Dresden-Chcmnitz S/Chcmnitz
Another off day from operations but a practice hop cost the
360th:
LI. W.O. Hedrick
Fw 190 dam(air)
361 st a pilot. While practicing dog-figbting, Lt. Walter M. Baskin stalled out and spun-in near Trimley. Lt. Baylor reported, "I was leading a training flight and Lt. Baskin was flying the number three position. At approximately 1615 hours, I saw Lt. Baskin chasing a P-51. I was at 7,500 feet. He pulled above me
361sl:
Maj. D.J. Strait
(2)Fw 190 dcsl(air) S/Chemnilz
LI. M.W. Baylor
(2)Fw 190 dcsl(air) S/Chemnilz
Lt. J.A. Bowers
(2)Fw 190 dest(air) S/Chemnitz
Lt. H.E. Whilmore
(2)Fw 190 dam(air) S/Chemnitz
Fw 190 dam(air)
S/Chemnilz
and stalled and while going up the plane sliced off on a wing
and ended up in a flat spin. It made approximately 7 turns before it crashed into about 3 feet of water in the flats of the Orwell River, 2 miles west of Tarplay. Tbe cockpit burst into flames after it crashed." (l killed)
February 15 (#345) Maj. Rann led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0920 to 1522. RJV came at 1014 east of Meppel and the bombers were taken to Leipzig and out, being left at 1330 west of Coblenz. The 360th and 361 st strafed in the Frankfurt-Fulda area and claimed 3-2 locos and 0-28 railcars.
February 14 (#344) After Maj. Wood aborted, Maj. Strait led an escort from 0954 to 1545. While "A" Group swept ahead, "B" made RJV at 1055 near Lingen. "B" saw 15-20 Fw 190's in the Chemnitz area but did not make contact. "A" did engage some 190's in the same area and bagged 7 without loss. Some 359th and 360th pilots also strafed in the Oiessen area with claims of2-1 loeos,
Line-up
359th:
98
Rann, Stone, Kirschner, Hildebrand Robertson, Wieland, Traupe, Crum Bruner, Collett, Rudd*, Baker Hale, Murtishaw, Bennett, Meade Cornett*, Oliver, Gohsler, Blewett Troge, Nielsen(spares)
The 356rh Fighrer Group ill World War 11
360th:
W. Thomas, Quigley, Nelson, Ragsdale Kennedy, Pidwell, Urban, Jones
locos, 0-40 railcars, 2-0 trucks, and 0-2 switch-houses in the Amberg area. The only other claims on the flight were 1-0 loco
Yannell, Corner, Dunn, Rensch
361st:
and 0-2 flak towers by the 359th. Capt. William F. Traupe (359th) was hit by flak near Heilbronn but died when his chute failed to open. Lt. Carlton L. Weleh (360th) became separated in the overcast, took a flak hit, and bailed out south of Leipzig. (6-0-1 air)
Cnllnp, Seanor, Ceraolo, Paquet Easley, Gatlin(spares) Bamhart(relay) Morgan, Riley, Lindsay, Cox Baylor, Loffier, Jarvis, Bowers Hallmark, Burdick, Jen, Burden ystrom, Humphrey, Beck, Webb Whitmore, Ray, Campbell, Wallace Bomberger(spare)
(11-5 grolllld)
(2 lost) Line-up
359th:
Bruner, Collett, Baker, Batie Cornett, Male, Bennett, Sonnier
February 19 (#346) Maj, Wood led a penetration-larget-withdrawal support from 1250 to 1615, RlV was made at 1345 west of the Zuider
A. Brown, Blewett, Rudd, Kirschner Childers, Walters, Miller, Hildebrand J. Brown, Wieland, Traupe, Crum
360th:
Zee and the bombers \Vent to Gelsenkirchen. Two flights of the 360th also swept the Bremen area and the bombers were left at
1509 north of Egmond. Line-up
359th:
Bruner, Stipes, Rudd, Batie Childers, Male, Kirschner, Sonnier J. Brown, Marsh, Traupe, Crum
361 st:
A. Brown, Walters, Blewett, Stone
360th:
Meade, Miller(spares) Wood, A. Thomas, Dunn, Rensch Crump, McNary, Switzer, Ceraolo W. Thomas, Weller, Ragsdale, Turner
36lst:
Yannell, Corner, Ciocchi, Jones Carlson, Nelson, Poppell, Paquet W. Thomas, Turner', Welch, Quigley Barnhart, Weller, Burwell, Rensch Crump, McNary, Switzer, Hedrick Strait, Slanker, Burden, Burdick Whitmore, Humphrey, Beck, Cochran Schlack, Pound, Jarvis, Webb Morgan, Dupuy, Lindsay, Cox Campbell, Riley, Bowers, Whitson Claims
Location
Maj. OJ. Strait
(3)Fi 156 dcst(air)
SE Bayreuth
Lt. C.D. Burdick
(2.5)Fi 156 dest(air) SE Bayreuth
Lt. E.L. Slanker
(.5)Fi 156 dcsl(air) SE Bayreuth Fi 156 dam(air)
SE Bayreuth
Capt. EA. Morgan
(3)uJi ale desl(grd)
Windlcschcnlaibach
Sqll
361st:
Carlson, Seanor, Gleason, Poppell Ciocchi, Jones(spares) Schlack', Riley, Lindsay, Whitson Epley, Sianker, Campbell, Burden Nystrom, Ter Haar, Ray, Shepard Baylor, Pound, Bowers, Burdick Dupuy, Loffier(spares)
FlO J.K. Dupuy
Me 110dest(grd)
Windleschenlaibach
Ju 88 dest(grd)
Windleschenlaibaeh
Ju 88 dest(grd)
Windleschenlaibach
(.5)u1i ale dest(grd) Windleschenlaibach
February 20 (#347) Maj. Strait led an area sweep from 1000 to 1509. The 361st made RIV atll07 and broke at 1220 to resume the sweep. The 360th picked up some bombers at 1120 near Brussels, took
LI. J.e. Lindsay
them to Hamburg, and broke at 1215. Sweeping the PilzenKarlsbad-Nurnberg-Coburg area, a number of claims were
Capt. R.E Schlack
made, Near Bayreuth, eight Fi 156's were caught by a 361st flight and six were destroyed. AnOlher 361 st flight led by Capt.
Ll. W.C. Jarvis
Fw 190 dcst(grd)
Bayreuth-Eindbach
(.5)u1i alc dest(grd) Windleschenlaibach Lt. RJ. Cox
Fw 190 dest(grd)
Windleschenlaibach
(2)Fw 190 dam(grd) Bayreuth-Eindbach Ju 88 dest(grd)
Furth
(3)Ju 88 dam(grd)
Furth
Ju 88 dest(grd)
Furth
Morgan hit an airfield at Windleschenlaibach and got eight on
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Fred W. Bruner
the ground. Lt. Cox alld Lt. Lindsay also hit another field near Bayreuth and here Lindsay burned a Fw 190 and Cox damaged another pair. Capt. Schlack and Lt. Jarvis strafed Furth and shot up five Ju 88's and other 361st pilots claimed 3-0
February 21 (#348) Maj. Rann led a penetration-larget-withdrawal support from 091 I to 1435. Landfall came at 0941 and RIV was made
99
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
near Liege at 10 IO. The 359th swept ahead, later re-joined, then it and the 360th broke at 1317 southeast of Givet. The 361st broke at 1346 in the Sedan area. Coming home, two 360th flights strafed airfields: Lt. Paquet and Lt. Crump made claims near Crailsheim, while Capt. Thomas, Lt. Ragsdale, and Lt. Weller shot up Ottingen. Other claims came to 0-1 barge, 0-1
Line-up
361st: Sql1 361st:
360th:
Location
Me 262 desl(air)
Steltin
port from 1016 to 1453. Landfall came aL 1105 near Ijmuiden and RlV followed at 1130 souLh of Quackenbruck. The bomb-
Line-up Rann, Collett, Batie, Baker
ers were taken to Luneburg Airfield and Ulzen, then were left
Brearley, Scott, Miller, Crum
at 1350 in the Almaar area. The 36lst chased a pair of Me
Robertson, Walters, BlewetL, Hildebrand
262's near Dammenburg but failed to catch either one. Pilots
Hale, Male, Bennett, Murtishaw
of the 360th strafed west of Ulzen, and while Lt. Alden S. Thomas was downed by flak, the squadron claimed 5-2 locos and 0-12 railcars.
w. Thomas, Weller, Ragsdale, Turner
(liosl)
Crump, Paquet, Ceraolo, Hedrick Burwell, Corner(spares) Scheible, Tel' Haar. Ray, Cox
359th:
Line-up Childers, Sargent, Meade, Murtishaw
Baylor, Bowers, Jarvis, Loffler
Troge, Marsh, Cornett, Crum
Bomberger, Riley, Lindsay, Wallace Ashby, Sianker, Epley, Burdick
A. Brown, Stone, Blewett, Hildebrand Rudd, Stipes, Baker, Oliver Bennett, Sonnier(relays) Batie, Collett(spares)
Burden, Dupuy Sqn 360th:
Claims
(#351) Capt. Yanneliled a penetration-targel-wilhdrawal sup-
Easley, Pidwell, Ciocchi, Jones Yannell, Nelson, Gleason, Seanor
36lst:
Lt. H.E. Whitmore
February 22
hangar, 0-1 railcar, and 0-1 flak position. (0-5 ground)
359th:
Whitmore, Webb
Claims
Location
Lt. A.A. Paquet
Fw 190 dam(grd)
NW Crailsheim
W-34 dam(grd)
NW Crailsheim
Lt. J. W. Crump
Fw 190 dam(grd)
NW Crai lshei m
Capt. W.G. Thomas
He I I I dam(grd)
S/Nurnberg
Lt. R.S. Ragsdale
(.5)He III dam(grd) SIN urn berg
Lt. J.P. Weller
(.5)He III dam(grd) S/Nurnberg
360th:
Yannell, A. Thomas, Dunn, Corner
Switzer, McNary, Ceraolo, Hedrick Tukey, Poppell, Quigley, Ragsdale Romine, Schmidt, Ciocchi, Pidwell W. Thomas, Schmalz, Jones, Seanor
361st:
Strait, Pound, Jarvis, Loffler Lindsay, Dupuy, Cox, Riley Ashby, Slanker, Burdick, Burden Beck, Humphrey, Ray, Cochran
February 21 (#349) Lt. Rudd led a PRU escort to Hamburg. The mission
Whitmore, Ter Haar, Bowers, Jett
was cut short when the F-5 developed mechanical problems
Wallace, Webb(spares)
and headed home. February 23 (#352) Capt. Scheible led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0857 to 1445. RJV was made near Dummer Lake at
Line-lip
359th:
Rudd, Sonnier
1013 and the bombers went to Chemnitz. Bringing them back
February 21 (#350) Lt. Whitmore led a PRU escort from 1245 to 1717. Landfall came near Den Helder at 1315 and the F-5 flew to Stettin. While there, a Me 262 made a pass at the photo ship
out, escort was ended at 1325 south of Strasbourg. The 360th strafed a field near Fulda to make the only claims on the mis-
sion. All but one 359th flight (led by Capt. Cornett) then landed
and Lt. Webb fired but scored no hits. Whitmore got into position, scored hits on the wings and fuselage, then a final burst caused the jet to disintegrate. (l-O-O air)
at Merville, Le Culot, and Lille due to weather conditions and, except for Lt. Oliver, they all returned to Martlesham Heath
the next day.
100
(1-1 ground)
The 356/h Fighter Group ill World War /I
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-lip Childers, Walters, Stone, Hildebrand Rudd, Stipes, Batie, Oliver 1. Brown, Scott, Kirschner, Crurn
craft did not bum, explode, or tip, but it did break up. Lt. Brown was not seen to leave his aircraft. Lt. Scott's aircraft was ap-
parently hit by intense flak during a strafing pass. He reponed
Cornett, Sargent, Meade, Sonnier Troge, Marsh, Bennett, Murtishaw
no oil pressure and headed west, climbing to 4,000 feet. His aircraft was smoking but not on fire. He jettisoned his canopy as if in preparation to bailout, then started gliding down to a
Baker(spare) Yannell, Corner, Poppell, McNary Barnhan, Dunn, Burwell, Rensch
small field for a belly landing. The aircraft struck the ground at aboUl a 20 degree dive, exploding as it struck." Other 359th claims amounted to 1-0 loco, 0-6 buildings,
Thomas, Turner*. Crump, Hedrick
0-2 radar towers, and 1-0 flak position. While going home, Lt.
Urban, Seanor, Pidwell, Jones Easley(spare) Scheible, Lindsay, Rhynard, Dupuy Schlack, Sianker, Burdick, Jett Hallmark, Ter Haar, Cochran, Shepard
Jarvis M. Ter Haar (36 Ist) lost his coolant, made a fiery crashlanding nearTantonville, and spent the rest of the war in Allied hospitals. (1-2 ground) (310sl)
Baylor, Rosenbauer, Jarvis, Loffler
Bomberger, Pound, Ray, Wallace Cope, Riley(spares) Sqll
360th:
CapL M.P. Yannell
Line-up
359th:
Claims
Location
He-I 77 dest(grd)
Giebelstadt
He-l77 dam(grd)
Giebelstadt
A. Brown, Simmerman, Gohsler, Miller Cornett, Sargent, Bennett, Murtishaw
360th: February 25 (#353) Maj. Rann led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0838 to 1333. RN was made at 0955 southwest of Metz, the bombers went to Friedrickshafen, and were left from 1145 to 1200 west of Strasbourg. The 359th broke earlier, just after
Meade, Male(spares) Thomas, Charlton, Easley, Schmalz Carlson, Gatlin, Gleason, Weller
Romine, Schmidt, Urban, Ciocchi Burwell, McNary, Dunn, Paquet
361 st:
crossing the Rhine, and proceeded to look for targets. Near
Hechingen, Rann's flight attacked a train and he was hit by flak. Rann made it to Schaffshausen before he had to belly-in and was captured. Other 359th flights hit BendorfAirfield and shot up some He Ill's but Lt. Alston L. Brown bellied-in near the field after flak gunners nailed his P-51. Lt. Henry C. Scott was also hit and lost his oil pressure while heading home. He
Rann, N. Smith', Rudd, Batie J. Brown, Scott, Nielsen, Wieland
Switzer, Ceraolo(spares) Strait, Rosenbauer, Bowers, Webb Ray, Shepard, Cochran, Ter Haar Hallmark, Sianker, Burden, Jett Bomberger, Skjelbostad, Wallace, Riley Tobiassen, Dupuy(spares)
Sqn 3591h:
Claims
Location
Bendorf AfF
LI. J.E Brown
He 11 1 desl(grd)
jettisoned his canopy to bailout, but for some reason stayed
LI. A.L. Brown
He 111 dam(grd)
Bendorf AIF
with his plane and staned down in a glide. His Mustang hit the ground in a good belly-landing but then exploded with fatal
Ll. H.R. Gohsler
He 11 I dam(grd)
Bendorf AIF
results. Here are how the losses were recorded, "Red Flight attacked a loco standing still with steam up in a cut. The target
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Robert S. Gleason February 26 (#354) Col. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0948 to 1547. RN was made at 1I00nonhwest ofLingen and the 360th then broke off to sweep. They later re-joined the
was probably bait for a flak trap as approximately 20 light flak guns opened up on either side of the cut. Maj. Rann was hit and bellied-in (wo or three minutes later which is about 25 miles north of Schaffshausen. He assured the squadron he would see them soon and was seen by Lt. Murtishaw to run away from his aircraft. Blue Flight attacked another airdrome con-
formation near Berlin and the bombers were later left at 1425 northwest of Lingen.
taining approximately 10-20 well dispersed and concealed twin engine aircraft. Again, intense light flak was encountered. Lt. Brown's aircraft was hit and he crash-landed nearby. His air-
359th:
Line-up Childers, Hildebrand*, Gohsler, Miller Troge, Meade*, Bennett, Murtishaw*
101
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
1. Brown, Sonnier, Nielsen, Wieland Cornen*. Oliver*. Baker*, Batie* 360th:
361 st:
and the 359th then swept ahead to east of Nuremburg. The others gave close escort to Schwerte and the bombers were left at 1610 south of Liege.
Kirschner', Collett(spares) Tukey, Quigley, Gatlin, Weller Barnhart, Dunn, Burwell, Rensch Crump, Paquet, Switzer, Ceraolo Urban, Pidwell, Ciocchi, Charlton Jones, Nelson(spares) Schlack, Slanker, Burdick, Jett Bowers, Solomon, Tobiassen, Lindsay Beck, Loffler, Cope, Stoddard Humphrey, Skjelbostad, Cox, Burden Wallace, Dupuy(spares)
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Robert F. Schlack; stayed on with 361 st Operations until war's end. With Maj. Rann's loss the day before, Maj. Wayne E. Rhynard was placed in command of the 359th Fighter Squadron. Rhynard was a veteran of the Mediterranean Theater, having claimed one victory in 84 missions with the 79th Fighter Group (P-40's).
March 1 (#357) Maj. Strait led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1152 to 1655. Lt. Sonnier (359th) had an engine fire on take-off and he safely bailed out near Monewden. The rest of the group RlV'd at 1330 north of Colmar and later broke away in the same area at 1530. Two flights of the 36lst broke in the target area and swept without incident to Nuremburg and Schweinfurt. Lt. Walter O. Hedrick (360tll) bailed out near Strasbourg, badly injured a leg, and spent the last weeks of the war as a prisoner. (llost)
February 27 (#355) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1145 to 1712. RN was made at 1235 south of Liege while the 360th swept ahead and re-joined in the target area, Gretz. As the bombers turned for home, the 360th again swept,joined up once more, and everyone broke at 1610 southwest of Liege. A Me 262 was spotted east of Frankfurt but it evaded contact. Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Baccus, Male, Kirschner, Sonnier Cornett, Stipes, Baker, Oliver Brown, Marsh, Nielsen, Wieland Miller, Crum(spares) Thomas, Charlton, Quigley, Turner Easley, Ceraolo, Switzer, Paquet Urban, Simpson, Ciocchi, Pidwell Gatlin, Seanor(spares) Hallmark, Skjelbostad, Cox, Dupuy lett, Thorough, Burden, Sianker Whitmore, Humphrey, Cope, Shepard Jarvis, Webb(spares)
Childers, Rhynard, Nielsen, Wieland Rudd, Stipes, Baker, Oliver Robertson, Simmerman, Miller, Hildebrand Troge, Sargent, Bennen, Murtishaw Gohsler, Sonnier(spares) Wood, Schmidt, Urban, Ciocchi Barnhart, Schrull, Corner, Weller Thomas, Schmalz, Quigley, Turner Carlson, Seanor, Poppell, Nelson Scheible, Pound, Bowers, Webb Bomberberger, Skjelbostad, Wallace, Riley Ashby, Harrop, Burdick, Slanker Ray, Cochran, Shepard, Stoddard Campbell, Loffler(spares)
3591h:
360th:
361st:
February 28 (#356) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1303 to 1736. RN came at 1405 southeast of Namur
Line-up Childers, Marsh, Nielsen, Crum
Rhynard, Sargent, Meade, Murtishaw Cornett, N. Smith, Oliver, Hildebrand Gohsler, E. Smith, Stone, Walters Sonnier', Male(spares) Yannell, McNary, Paquet, Hedrick Easley, Rutland, Turner, Schmalz Gatlin, elson, Carslon, Weller Dunn, Schrull, Corner, Rensch Crump, Poppell(spares) Strait, Harrop, Burdick, Sianker Whitmore, Cochran, Humphrey, Stoddard Scheible, Solomon, Jarvis, Lindsay Morgan, Loffler, Riley, Dupuy Jett, Pound(spares)
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Frank A. Morgan
102
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War II
March 2 (#358) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration-larget-withdrawal support from 0807 to 1437. The 360th and 361st made RN at 0920 southwest of Coblenz while the 359th swept along the track to Chemnitz. The mission was uneventful and the bombers were left at 1230 southwest of Coblenz by the 360th and at 1245 northeast of Trier by the 361 st Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Baccus, Sargent, Bennett', Murtishaw Rhynard, Collett, Crum, Balie, Oliver' Robertson, Edinborough, Blewett, Hildebrand Brearley, Marsh, Nielsen, Wieland Wood, Charlton, Turner, Schmalz Urban, Schmidt, Jones, Simpson Barnhart, Schrull, Rensch, Weller Crump, Rutland, Switzer, McNary Yannell, Gatlin, Seanor Strait, Stoddard, Cochran, Humphrey Tobiassen, Rosenbauer, Bowers, Webb Hallmark, Skjelboslad, Cox, Riley Epley, Thorough, Campbell, Burdick Bomberger, Harrop, Jarvis, Shepard Cope, Dupuy(spares)
March 3 (#359) Col. Tukey led an area patrol from 0723 to 1304. Crossing in near Ijmuiden, the pilots swept to Brandenburg, Dessau, Pilsen, and Erfurt. Nothing developed and the group later crossed out at 1220 near Knocke.
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361st:
Notes: Completed tour: Capt. Jack T Romine
March 5 (#361) After Maj. Wood aborted, Capt. Scheible led a penetration support from 0724 to 1210. The bombers were picked up at 0939 near Trier, but the mission was recalled due to weather at 0950 while near Plauen. Line-up
359th:
360th:
Line-lip
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Robertson, E. Smith, Stone, Walters Rudd, Stipes, Oliver, Collett Childers, Marsh', Nielsen, Crum' Hale, Male, Bennett, Murtishaw Blewett, Batie(spares) Wood, Seanor, Paquet, Rutland Carlson, Stevenson, Poppell Easley, Simpson, Pidwell, Schmidt Burwell, Schrull, Dunn Thkey, Jarvis, Tobiassen, Loffler Lindsay, Skjelbostad, Whitson, Wallace Scheible, Thorough, Jett, Slanker Ray, Shepard, Whitmore, Humphrey Ashby, Pound, Burdick, Dupuy
March 4 (#360) Capt. Yannellied an escort to the DIm area from 0803 to 1323. RN came at 10lO north of Frieburg and the group later broke off at 1145 near Luneville.
Rhynard, Stone, Blewett, Hildebrand Brearley, Batie, Baker, Collett Brown, Crum, Wieland, Sonnier Nielsen, Bennett Yannell, Corner, Dunn, Rensch Crump, Poppell, Switzer, Weller Romine, Pidwell, Ciocchi, Jones Hallmark, Skjelbostad, Whitson, Cox Ashby, Harrop, Epley, Burden ystrom, Humphrey, Cochran, Shepard Wallace, Pound(spares)
361 st:
Rhynard, Edinborough', Gohsler, Walters' Troge, Marsh*, Wieland*, Nielsen Hale, Stoenner, Bennett, Sonnier Rudd, Slipes, Oliver, Collett Balie, Male(spares) Wood', Proctor, Quigley, Charlton Easley, Simpson, Corner, Schrull Carlson, Stevenson, Gatlin, Nelson Ceraolo, Schalck, Crump, Rutland Paquet, Schmidt(spares) Scheible, Thorough, Burden, Sianker Beck, Stoddard, Cope, Humphrey Ashby, Solomon, Tobiassen, Webb Lindsay, Cox, Wallace, Skjelbostad Burdick, Pound(spares)
March 7 (#362) LtCo!' Baccus led an escort to the Kassel-Siegen area from 0836 to 1338. RN came at 10lO near Zwolle and the bombers were left at 1145 near Suest Line-up
359th:
360th:
103
Baccus, Murtishaw, Kirschner, Sonnier Gohsler, Simmerman, Stone, Walters Cornett, Stipes, Baker, Oliver Bennett, Male(spares) Yannell, Stevenson, Ciocchi, Seanor Easley, Schalck, Switzer, McNary Burwell, Shea, Turner, Schmalz
The 356,11 Fighter Group in World War II
361 st:
Quigley Poppell(spares) Scheible, Stoddard, Ray, Humphrey Baylor, Rosenbauer, Bowers, Webb Ashby, Thorough, Burdick, Sianker Cope, Jarvis(spares)
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Clifford T. Ashby March 7 (#363) Lt. Whitson led a PRU escort from 1240 to 1705. The F-S flew to the Berlin~Stendal area without incident, though four Me 262'5 were seen east of Berlin. Lifle~llp
361 st:
360th:
361 st:
March 11 (#366) Maj. Strait led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1128 to 150 I. RN was made at 1250 north of Borkum and the bombers went to Bremen. They were later brought back out and left north of Egmond at 1421. Lt. Lindsay (36Ist) had engine trouble on the way home and safely crash-landed at St. Trond, while Lt. Walters (359th) wrote-off his P-51 when he ground-looped after a brake lock-up.
Whitson, Dupuy, Wallace
March 9 (#364) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0757 to 1235. The 360th and 361st made RlV at 0924 near Meppel while the 359th swept ahead to north of
359th:
Brunswick, Soltau, and Bremen. The bombers were then left
near Egmond as the P-51 's headed home.
360th:
Linewup 359th:
360th:
Rhynard, E. Smith, Blewett, Stone Troge, Sanders, Nielsen, Crum Cornell, N. Smith, Batie, Collett Hale, Stoenner, Sonnier, Murtishaw Wieland(spare) Baccus, Pidwell, Paquet, Schalck Urban, Schmidt, Corner, Simpson Barnhart, Weller, Rensch, Schrull Carlson, Proctor, Jones, Stevenson
361st:
Ciocchi, Rutland(spares) Hallmark, Rosenbauer, Jarvis, Sianker Bomberger, Riley, Wallace, Dupuy Whitmore, Stoddard, Campbell, Harrop Ray, Thorough, Cope, Shepard Cox(spare)
361 st:
359th: March 10 (#365) Capt. Yannell led a sweep of the Bonn-Coblenz area from 1445 to 1911. The pilots were in the area from 1615 to 1745 and while several vectors were received, nothing was seen.
Line-up Childers, Sonnier, Nielsen, Crum Cornett, Sellers, Baker*, Batie* Robertson, Edinborough, Gohsler, Walters Kirschner, Sargent, Murtishaw, Male Meade, Blewett(spares) Crump, Schalck, Easley, McNary Gatlin, Seanor, Poppell, Nelson Urban, Hickey, Pidwell, Schmidt Burwell, Schmalz, Quigley, Charlton Corner, Turner(spares) Strait, Thorough, Burden, Harrop Beck, Shepard, Cope, Humphrey Hallmark, Solomon, Bowers, Pound Lindsay, Skjelbostad, Cox, Riley Burdick, Loffler(spares)
March 12 (#367) Maj. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0940 to 1540. The 359th and 361 st made RN over the Danish Peninsula at 1127, took the bombers to Swinemunde, then left left them at 1415 northeast of Ameland. The 360th swept ahead and around Swinemunde, joined up in the target area, and broke with the other squadrons.
NOles: Completed tour: Lt. Harold E. Whitmore
359th:
Rudd, Meade(spares) Yannell, Ciocchi, Ceraolo, Weller Urban, Pidwell, Jones, Poppell Carlson, Gatlin(spares) none
360th:
Line-up Rhynard, Stipes, Baker, Collett Brown, Male, Nielsen, Wieland
/04
Line-up Childers, Sonnier, Blewett, Stone Hale, Stoenner, Meade, Murtishaw Brown, Male, Wieland, Marsh Rudd, Stipes, Baker, Batie Wood, Hickey, Corner, Simpson Burwell, Charlton, Turner*. Schmalz Carlson, Proctor, Ciocchi, Stevenson Yannell, Rutland, Easley, Switzer Paquet(spare)
The 356th Fighter GroUfJ in World War II
361 sl:
Scheible, Stoddard, Cope, Shepard Tobiassen, Solomon, Bowers, Webb Bomberger, Riley, Wallace, Dupuy Campbell, Pound, Burden, Harrop Cox, Humphrey(spares)
March 14 (#368) Col. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1303 tu 1823. RJV was made at 1423 north of Trier, the bombers went to Hildesheim, and the group broke at 1655 north of Egmond. Southwest of the target, a pair of Me 262's were chased but each escaped. Then near Bielefeld, another 234 was seen and after a short chase the German pilot bailed out. (1-0-0 air)
sure and bailed out near Winterswijk to become a POW. The 359th dairy recorded, "Lt. Batie returned early from the Hanover area after reporting losing oil pressure. He was escorted out by Capt. Collett and from Dummer Lake they headed towards the British lines. However, his engine seemed in danger of catching fire and he proceeded to bail out near Winterswijk." (1 lost)
359th:
360th: 359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Tukey, Sanders, Troge, Wieland Brearley, Stoenner, Meade, Male Cornett, N. Smith, Batie, Stipes Kirschner, Sargent(spares) Urban, Schmidt, Jones, Simpson Crump, Schalck, Switzer, McNary Barnhart, Baker, Ceraolo, Weller Burwell, Schmalz, Turner* Baylor, Rosenbauer, Bowers, Loftler Whitson, Skjelbostad, Wallace, Riley Burdick, Caron, Sianker, Webb Ray, Stoddard, Cope, Shepard
Sqll
360th:
Lt. R.E. Barnhart
Claims
Location
AI' 234 dest(air)
Bielefeld-Hildesheim
361 st:
March 17 (#371) Maj. Strait led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1005 to 1535. RIV was made at I 140 southwest of Fulda, the bombers went to the Bohlen-Molbis area, and the group broke at 1355 near Coblenz.
359tb: March 14 (#369) Maj. Rhynard led a penetration support for nine B-I7's from 1424 to 1643. The P-5]'s took the 92nd Bomb Group heavies (carrying the new "Disney" bombs) to Ijmuiden, then swept east of Amsterdam and south of Ijmuiden, breaking for home at 1558.
359th: 360th: 361 st:
Line-up Rhynard, Walters, Blewett, Stone Corner, Schrull, Pidwell, Rutland Tobiassen, Humphrey, Burden, Dupuy
March 15 (#370) LtCol. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1302 to 1809. RJV came at 1417 northeast of Lingen and the bombers went to Oranienburg. Two Me 262's were seen but no contacL was made and the pilots broke at 1715 north of Zwolle. Lt. Roger A. Batie (359th) lost his oil pres-
Line-up Rhynard, Sellers, Batie*, Collett* Gohsler, E. Smith, Blewett, Walters Troge, Siegel, Wieland, Marsh Murtishaw, Male(spares) Yannell, Schmalz, Quigley, Charlton Ceraolo, Baker, Rensch, Schrull Carlson, Seanor, Ciocchi, Proctor Easley, McNary, Switzer, Rutland Baccus, Dupuy, Cox, Skjelbostad Burdick, Caron, lett, Harrop Nystrom, Stoddard, Cope, Shepard Bowers, Solomon, Wallace, Pound Whitson, Thorough(spares)
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Robertson, Simmerman, Stone, Walters Rudd, Sellers, Meade, Collett Troge, Siegel, Nielsen, Crum Kirschner, N. Smith, Oliver, Marsh Hale, Stoenner, Murtishaw, Male Thomas, Hickey, Jones, Pidwell Gatlin, Nelson, Poppell, Seanor Barnhart, Mauldin, Dunn, Baker Burwell, Schmalz, Ragsdale, Shea Ceraolo, Stevenson(spares) Strait, Harrop, Sianker, Thorough Beck, Solomon, Cope, Shepard Hallmark, Rosenbauer, Tobiassen, Webb Bomberger, Skjelbostad, Whitson, Riley Jett, Caron, Burdick, Dupuy Loffler(spare)
Notes: Completed tour: Maj. Donald J. Strait; stayed on as 361st CO until later in the month.
105
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
March 18 (#372) LtCo!. Wood led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0846 to 1359. RN carne over the Zuider Zee at 1000 and the bombers went to Berlin. In the target area, 8-10 Me 262's were seen and while Lt. Urban (360th) and Lt. Campbell and Lt. Epley (361 st) chased jets, no one scored any hits. The bombers were brought out and left at 1310 near Zwolle and after reaching home, Lt. Meade (359th) safely crashlanded.
March 20 (#374) Capt. Yannellied an escort to Hamburg from 1427 to 1842. Landfall came south of Cuxhaven where "A" Group (360th and part of the 359th) split-off and swept the HanoverMunster area. "B" RN'd at 1540 northeast of Emden, left the bombers near the target. then swept south. Between Wesennunde and Hamburg, Lt. Rudd (359th) fired on several Me 262's and damaged one. Capt. Hallmark and Lt. Riley (361 st) also fired on a jet but they scored no hits. (0-0-1 air)
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Robertson, Warner, Blewett, Hildebrand Troge, Siegel, Wieland, Marsh Cornett, N. Smith, Oliver", Stipes' Hale. Stoenner. Sonnier, Sargent Meade, Male(spares) Wood, Proctor, Ciocchi, Schmalz Burwell, Shea, Ragsdale, Charlton Thomas, Mauldin, Rensch, Weller Urban, Schmidt, Corner, Simpson Scheible, Shepard, Cochran, Humphrey Tobiassen, Rosenbauer, Bowers, Loffler
Line-up
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Campbell, Riley, Dupuy, Skjelbostad Epley, Caron, Jett, Thorough Sianker, Solomon(spares) March 19 (#373) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from I 108 to 1650. The bomhers were met by the 359th and 360th at 1315 north ofWiesbaden and were taken to Bohlen. They were brought back out and later left at 1525 near Coblenz. Lt. Crum (359th) bounced a Me 262 but failed to score any hits. The 361st swept ahead to Chemnitz and Leipzig but saw nothing.
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Childers, Taylor, Meade, Male Gohsler, E. Smith, Collett, Walters Rudd, Sellers, Oliver, Hildebrand Crum, Marsh(spares) Yannell, Ceraolo, Dunn, Ciocchi Urhan, Baker, Comer, Weller Crump, Rensch, Easley, Paquet Jones, Pidwell(spares) Hallmark, Riley, Wallace, Skjelbostad Burdick, Caron, Sianker, Harrop Nystrom, Cope, Humphrey, Stoddard Jarvis, Lomer(spares)
Sqll
359lh:
Ll. E.G. Rudd
Claims
Locatioll
Me 262 dam(air)
Wesermunde-Hamburg
March 21 (#375) Capt. Thomas led an escort to Handorf Airfield from 0759 to 1216. RN came over the Zuider Zee at 0850 and after the bombers hit the target, the 359th broke near Quackenbruck at 0945. The others left the heavies shortly after then provided top cover for the 355th Fighter Group which was strafing in
Line·llp
the Rheine area. The 359th spares went hunting on their own
Childers', Siegel, Crum, Marsh Gohsler', E. Smith, Stone, Hildebrand Hale, Taylor, Meade, Stoenner Cornett', Sellers*, Oliver*, Stipes Murtishaw, Walters(spares) Carlson, Stevenson, Gatlin, Seanor Pidwell, Hickey, Jones, Schmidt Crump, McNary, Switzer, Paquet Dunn, Schrull, Ceraolo, Baker Poppell', Weller, Turner Baccus, Webb, Solomon Lindsay, Loffler, Wallace, Skjelbostad Riley, Epley, Caron, Sianker Harrop, Ray, Shepard, Cochran Humphrey, Dupuy, Thorough
and shot up a Fw 190 during a pass across an airfield northwest of Osnabruck. (0-1 groltnd)
359th:
360th:
Line-up Hale, Stoenner, Murtishaw, Male Nielsen, Siegel, Wieland, E. Smith Troge, Edioborough, Miller, Walters Blewett, Simmerman, Sonnier, Sargent Baccus, Stone, Kirschner(spares) Thomas, McNary, Easley, Schalck Gatlin, Stevenson, Ciocchi, Proctor
Burwell, Schmalz, Quigley, Shea Comer, Hickey, Jones, Schmidt
106
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1!
361st:
Nystrom, Harrop, Jett, Slanker Cope, Shepard, Cochran, Stoddard Tobiassen, Solomon, Jarvis, Webb Whitson, Riley, Wallace, Humphrey Dupuy, Loffler(spares)
Sqll
359th:
Lt. RJ. Stone
Claims
Location
Fw 190 dam(grd)
Achmer
March 22 (#378) Lt. Nielsen led a PRU escort to Dresden. Landfall came at 1240 near Schouwen and the recon ship aborted at 1340 southwest of Leipzig. The planes crossed out at 1435 near Schouwen and landed at 1516.
359th:
March 22 (#376) LtCol. Wood led an area support from 1037 to 1506. The planes reached Cologne at 1202 and a few bombers were picked up there at 1239. These were later left at 1250 near Roermond, then the group swept the Ruhr-Munster-Rheine area. Afterwards they flew to the Frisian Islands, down to the Zuider Zee, to Haarlem, then home. A 361st flight strafed Plantlunne Airfield and damaged a He III.
March 23 (#379) Capt. Robertson led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1147 to 1450. RIV was made east of Eindhoven at 1253 and the bombers went to Munster. Escort was later terminated at 1400 north of Ijmuiden.
359th:
(0-1 ground)
359th:
360th:
36lst:
361st:
360th:
Line-up Rhynard, Warner, Crum, Simmerman Brearley, Taylor, Meade, Stoenner Gohsler, Edinborough, Miller, Hildebrand Kirschner, Siegel(spares) Wood, Switzer, Jones, Seanor Urban, Hickey, Pidwell, Schmidt Crump, Remenicky, Paquet, Schalck Ragsdale, Shea, Turner, Charlton Quigley, Ciocchi(spares) Nystrom, Stoddard, Humphrey, Shepard Campbell, Solomon, Jarvis, Pound Lindsay, James, Riley, Skjelbostad Jett, Caron, Sianker, Thorough Cope, Dupuy(spares)
Sqll
Lt. R.C. Nystrom
Claims
Location
He III dam(grd)
Planllunne
36lst:
Line-up Robertson, Edinborough, Miller, Walters Blewett, Warner, Crum, Simmerman Baker, Sellers(spares) Barnhart" Weller, Ceraolo Burwell, Schmalz, Quigley, Charlton Rensch, Turner(spares) Hallmark, Pound, Solomon, Carlson Bomberger, James, Dupuy, Skjelbostad Slanker, Harrop(spares)
March 24 (#380) LtCol. Baccus led an area support from 0832 to 1258. The group arrived near Lingen at 0940 and stayed under MEW Control until the 78th Fighter Group relieved them at 1157.
359th:
360th: Notes: Completed tour: LtCol. James N. Wood; stayed on as
360th CO until early April. March 22 (#377) Lt. Burdick led an ASR cover from 1113 to 1644. RlV with the Warwick came near Cromer and it was taken to north of the Frisian Islands. Afterwards, the pilots patrolled the Heligoland-Bremen area.
361st:
Line-up Nielsen, E. Smith, Sonnier, Sargent
361st:
Line-up Burdick, Loffler, Webb, Murtishaw(359th)
107
Line-up Baccus, Sellers, Baker, Oliver Kirschner, Taylor, Murtishaw, Male Brown, Siegel, Wieland, Marsh Troge, Sargent, Crum, Simmerman Miller, Hildebrand(spares) Thomas, Charlton, Rensch, Turner Corner, Jones, Pidwell, Ceraolo Barnhart, Weller, Dunn, Baker Burwell, Schmalz, Ragsdale, Shea Paquet, Switzer(spares) Carlson, Skjelbostad, Whitson, Dupuy Scheible, Caron, Burden, Thorough Beck, Stoddard, Ray, Cope Jett, Webb, Jarvis, Cochran Slanker, Loffler(spares)
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1/
March 24 (#381) Maj. Rhynard led an area support from 1309 to 1723. Arriving in the Lingen area at 1422, the group patrolled until 1618 when the 56th Fighter Group took over near Enschede. The 360th strafed near Noordhom and claimed 2-0 trucks and 1-0 building, and the group later crossed out at 1637 north of Ijmuiden.
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line-up Rhynard, E. Smith, Gohsler, Sonnier Hale, Warner, Blewett, Cullett Cornett, Edinborough, Rudd, Walters Crump, Rutland, Easley, McNary Urban, Schmidt, Gatlin, Seanor Carlson, Schrull, Turner, Schalck Hallmark, Humphrey, Cochran, Shepard Baylor, Pound, Tobiassen, Slanker Bomberger, James, Lindsay, Wallace
361st:
Carlson, Proctor. Seanor, Stevenson Pidwell, Jones(spares) Campbell, Caron, Burden, Thorough Ray, Shepard, Cochran, Humphrey Tobiassen, Solomon, Webb, Pound Riley, Skjelbostad(spares)
March 28 NOles: Maj. Don Strait left for the States and Maj. Donald R. Carison lOok command of thc 36 Isl. Carlson had flown 153:20 combat hours with the 4th Fighter Group (as both Squadron and Group Operations Officer) before joining the 3561h in March. March 30 (#384) Maj. Yannell led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1235 to 1637. RN was near Meppel at 1323, the bombers went to Bremen, and the group broke at 1540 near
Egmond. March 24 (#382) Maj. Yanneilled an area patrol from 1452 to 1912. Landfall came at 1545 and the group patrolled the Lingen area until 1807. The 361st strafed some barges in the Dortmund-Ems Canal, damaging fi ve. Lt. Jarvis (361 5t) lost his oi Ipressure on the way home, bailed out east of Lowestoft, and was picked up by ASR units. (llost-resclted)
359th:
360th: Line-up
359th: 360th: 361 st:
Robertson, Sargent, Miller, Hildebrand ielsen, Siegel, Stone Yannell, Stevenson, Quigley, Ragsdale Barnhart, Proctor Campbell, Jarvis, Jett, Webb Burdick, Cope, Loffler, Stoddard
March 27 (#383) Maj. Rhynard led an escort for RAF Lancasters from 1548 to 1900. The 360lh and 361st made RN at 1630 near Walcheren and left the bombers at 1830 near Tholen. The 359th swept the Bonn-Kassel-Hoizminden-Einbeck-GottingenZwolle area without incident.
361 st:
Line-up Childers, Warner, Crum, Simmerman
Kirschner, Taylor, Meade, Male Cornett, O'Quinn, Oliver, Stipes Gohsler, Edinborough, Miller, Smith Rudd, Sellers, Blewett, Stoenner* Hildebrand, Walters(spares) Yannell, Rutland, Switzer, McNary Ceraolo, Mauldin, Rensch, Schrull Gatlin, Baker, Paquet, Schalck Urban, Hickey, Comer, Schmidt Ciocchi. Stevenson, Seanor, Proctor Pidwell(spare) Hallmark, Shepard, Cochran, Stoddard Baylor, Solomon, Webb, Loffler Bomberger, Cox, James, Riley lett, Caron, Burden, Harrop Cope, Humphrey, Dupuy, Slanker Bowers, Skjelbostad(spares)
Notes: There was some excitement at the end of a training flight. Lt. Burdick (361 st) had to land dead-stick, but he managed to get his P-51 down without damage or injury.
Lille-up
359th:
Rhynard, Sargent, Meade, Stipes Cornett, Simmerman, Oliver, Sellers
360th:
Hale, Taylor, Murtishaw, Stoenner Blewett, Wieland(spares) Barnhart, Mauldin, Weller, Baker Burwell, Chariton, Turner, Schmalz
March 31 (#385) LtCo!. Baccus led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0703 to 1141. RN came at 0820 west of Coblenz and the bombers went to LUlzkendorf. The 361 st broke at 0915, then swept the Halle-Magdeburg-Kassel area. The others broke at 1115 near Brussels and headed home. 108
The 356/h Fighter Group in World War II
Line-up
3591h:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up
Brown, Siegel, Stone, Marsh Troge. Warner, Sonnier, Sargent Rudd, Edinborough, Miller, Smilh ielsen, Q'Quinn, Baker, Sellers Kirschner, Taylor, Meade, Male Crum*, Walters(spares) Thomas, Hickey, Jones, Schmidt Ragsdale, Shea, Turner, Charlton Barnhart, Weller, Dunn, Schrull Carlson, Proctor, Poppell, Stevenson Crump, Remenicky, Switzer, Schalck Quigley, Rensch(spares) Baccus, Solomon, Loffler, Pound Scheible, Cox, James, Skjelbostad Epley, Kinsey, Burden, Thorough Ray, Shepard, Cope, Stoddard Bowers, Riley, Harrop, Humphrey Caron, Webb(spares)
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Notes: Completed tour: Capl. Donald D. Carlson
April 3 (#388) Maj. Rhynardled a penetration-targel-wilhdrawal suppori from 1441 to 1912. The bombers were mel at 1620 nonh of the Frisian Islands, they went to Kiel, and were left at 1807 north of the Frisians. 5-6 Me 262's were seen west of Kiel but no contact was made.
Notes: Completed tour: LiCo!. Donald A. Baccus; transferred to the 359th Fighter Group at EaSI Wrelham in early April. He was CO of the group and he would add one ground victory and a damaged to his total before the war ended. Another training flight saw a second dead-stick landing in as many days. This lime, FlO Dupuy (3615t) set down at Waltisham without injury.
Line-up
359th: April]
(#386) After LI. Epley aborted, Lt. Ray led an ASR cover from 151210 1818. The Warwick was taken to Borkum Island and back home uneventfully. 360th:
Line-up
361 Sl:
Thomas, Rutland, Easley, Schalck Dunn, Mauldin, Ceraolo, Weller' Burwell, Schrull, Quigley, Charlton Gatlin, Proctor, Poppell, Seanor Rensch, Schmalz(spares) Yannell, Shea, Ragsdale, Turner Urban, Hickey, Comer, Schmidt Crump, Remenicky, Switzer, McNary Carlson, Stevenson, Ciocchi, Baker Jones, Pidwell(spares) Carlson, Skjelbostad, Cox, Riley Epley. Caron, Sianker, Thorough Nystrom, Stoddard, Cochran, Shepard Baylor, Loffler, Bowers, Pound Whitson, Humphrey(spares)
Epley', Harrop, Sianker, Thorough Ray, Whitson, Skjelbostad, James
April 2 (#387) Maj. Yannell led an escort to Denmark from 1429 to 1837. R!V was at 1530 over the N0I1h Sea and the bombers aborted before reaching the Dutch Coast Escort was then ended at 17 10 over the Nonh Sea. The mission was unusual in that the 359th's formation was 1I0wn by all 3601h pilots. The 359th had had a pany at Kesgrave Hall the night before and the 360th agreed to lIy for them the next day. As such, the 360th put up a double effort along wilh the normal 361 st contingent.
361st:
Rhynard, Sellers, Collett, Stipes' Gohsler, Edinborough, Miller, Smith Brown, Siegel, Stone, Marsh Troge, Warner, Sonnier, Simmerman Cornett*, Sargent*, Baker*, Hildebrand Crum, Walters(spares) Thomas, Hickey, Pidwell, Schmidt Ragsdale, Charlton, Turner, Shea Gatlin, Stevenson, Poppell, Proclor Easley, Remenicky, Paquet, Rutland Jones, McNary, Seanor, Schalck Switzer, Schmalz(spares) Scheible, Kinsey, Burden, Harrop Cope, Stoddard, Cochran, Shepard Campbell, Garneau, Jarvis, Pound Wallace, Riley, Cox, Dupuy Thorough, Webb(spares)
April 4 (#389) Co!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0744 to 1318. RIV came over the Channel at 0910, the bombers went to Reinsehelen Airfield, and escort was broken near Meppel at 1215. Lt. Pound (361 st) bailed out after losing his coolant but fortunately, came down inside Allied lines.
109
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
359th:
Line-up Childers, Simmerman, Sonnier, Sargent Rudd, Edinborough, Walters, Warner Brown, Siegel, Stone, Marsh Cornett, Sellers, Oliver, Stipes Troge, O'Quinn, Crum, Smith
360th:
Line-up
359th:
360th:
Nielsen*, Miller(spares) Tukey, Schmalz, Quigley, Charlton Easley, Remenicky, Paquet, Schalck Corner, Shea, Turner, McNary
Ragsdale, Baker, Schmalz, Remenicky
361 sl:
Urban, Hickey, Pidwell, Schmidt Poppell, Proctor, Seanor, Stevenson
36lst:
Switzer, Ragsdale(spares) Hallmark, Garneau, Humphrey, Shepard Jarvis, Webb, Bowers, Harrop
Bomberger, Dupuy, Whitson, Skjelbostad Burdick, Kinsey, Slanker, Thorough Pound, Riley(spares) April 4 (#390) Lt. Nielsen led an ASR cover. RIV with the leader B-17 was over Halesworth at 1655, the pilots covered some ASR launches, then broke from them at 1947.
359th: 360th:
Line-up Nielsen, McCloskey Poppell, Rutland
Hale, Edinborough, Walters, Smith Collett, Taylor, Meade, Stoenner Brown, Siegel, Wieland, Marsh Murtishaw, Male(spares) Yannell, Charlton, Switzer, Rutland Dunn, Cook, Ceraolo, Schrull Corner, Schmidt(spares) Carlson, Ellis, Bowers, Loffler Cox, Skjelbostad, Wallace, Dupuy Campbell, Caron, Jett, Harrop Humphrey, Garneau(spares)
April 7 (#392) After Maj. Rhynard aborted, Capt. Bomberger led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1010 to 1512. Lt. Garneau (361 st) crashed on take-off but was uninjured even
though his P-51 was totally wrecked. The bombers were picked up at 1130 near Texel, taken to Hanover, then left at 1415 north of the Frisian Islands. East of Steinhuder Lake, a number of Germans were engaged by the 359th while the other squadrons stuck with the bombers. A 361st flight did bounce a Me 262 near Hanover, but no damage was inflicted before the jet
pulled away. (3-1-1 air) Line-up
Notes: Maj. Michael P. Yannell took command of the 360th Fighter Squadron as LlCo!. Wood left for home.Yannell was a
359th:
veteran of the Mediterranean Theater, having gained two vic-
Rhynard':', O'Quinn, Collett*, Stipes* Gohsler, Edinborough, Miller"', Hildebrand Hale, Taylor, Murtishaw, Male
tories with the 86th Fighter Group. He had joined the 356th in
Brown, Siegel*, Wieland, Marsh*
October and had been Operations Officer since February. With
Cornett, Sellers*, Oliver\
his move, Capt. William G. Thomas filled the 360th's Opera-
Meade, Smith(spares) MeCloskey(relay) Urban, Baker, Quigley, Schmalz Ceraolo, Schrull, Weller, Mauldin
tions slot.
360th: April 6 (#391) Maj. Carlson led a penetration-target-withdrawal supPOlt from 0712 to 1238. RIV came at 0845 near Limburg, the
Gatlin, Cook, Seanor, Proctor Switzer, McNary, Corner, Stevenson
bombers went to Leipzig, and escort was broken at 1100 near
Limburg. Lt. Raleigh S. Ragsdale (360th) suffered engine trouble and was last heard from reporting he was going down
Walters:~
361sl:
west of Coblenz. He bellied-into a field but his plane flipped with fatal results. He was the last combat loss for the 356th during the war.
Crump, Remenicky, Pidwell, Charlton Turner(spare) Bomberger, Cox, Skjelbostad, James Epley, Kinsey, Burden, Thorough, Slanker Ray, Stoddard, Cope, Humphrey Bowers, Garneau*, Loffler, Solomon, Dupuy
(1 lost) Sqn 359th:
110
Claims
Location
Capt. J.F. Brown
Me 109 dest(air)
NE Steinhuder Lake
Lt. H.R. Gohsler
Me 109 dest(air)
ElSteinhuder Lake
Me 109 prob(air)
E/Steinhuder Lake
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War fl
Lt. J.B. Cornett
Fw 190 dest(air)
NE Steinhuder Lake
Lt. P.e. O'Quinn
Me 262 dam(air)
NE Steinhuder Lake
AprilS (#393) Maj. Rhynard led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0809 to 1336. The bombers were met at 1030 north ofCoblenz. went to the Dessau-Magdeburg area, and were left at 1225 east of Cologne.
359th:
360th:
361st:
Line·up
Sqn
Rhynard, Warner', Sonnier, Sargent Rudd, Smith', Miller, Hildebrand Nielsen, Siegel, Wieland, Marsh Kirschner, Taylor. Male, Stoenner Cornett"', Sellers, Oliver. Simmerman Thomas, Baker, Quigley, Schmalz Switzer, Charlton, Stevenson, Rutland Ceraolo, Shea, Weller, Schalck Dunn, Schrull, Rensch, Mauldin Pidwell, Cook, Seanor, McNary Hallmark, Caron, Jett, Harrop Ray, Humphrey, Cope Tobiassen, Garneau, Stoddard, Loftler, Solomon Lindsay, James, Cox, Dupuy
360rh:
April S (#394) LtCo!. Ellis (the new Deputy CO) led a PRU escort. The planes took an F-5 to Planeu and back without incident. Lille-up
359th:
361st:
Burwell, Schmalz, Quigley, Baker Corner, Schmidt, Poppell, Hickey Switzer, Weller(spares) Hallmark, Shepard, Ellis, Stoddard Campbell, Gameau*, Loffler, Solomon Lindsay, Dupuy, Cox, Riley Burden, Caron, Thorough, Humphrey Kinsey, Harrop(spares)
Maj. M.P. Yannell
Lt. RJ. Rensch
Claims
Location
Fw 190 dest(grd)
Biberaeh
uti ale desl(grd)
Biberaeh
Me 410 dam(grd)
Biberach
uti ale desl(grd)
Biberaeh
(3)uti ale dam(grd) Biberaeh Lt. E. W. Schrull Lt. T.N. Mauldin
Me 109 dam(grd)
Biberaeh
Fw 190 dam(grd)
Biberaeh
u/i ale dam(grd)
Bibcraeh
u/i ale dam(grd)
Bibcraeh
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Dante G. Ciocchi; Lt. Dale T. Quigley April 10 (#396) Co!. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1206 to 1724. RIV came near Osnabruck at 1345, the bombers went to Oranienburg, then were left at the Dutch Islands. A number of Me 262's were chased near the target; three were hit with one being destroyed. (1-1-1 air)
Ellis, Warner, Blewett, Collett Line-up
April 9 (#395) Maj. Yannell led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1428 to 1948. Lt. Garneau had another take-off accident and again emerged unhurt. RN carne south of Strasbourg at 1629, the bombers went to Oberpfaffenhofen, and were left at 1815 near Strasbourg. Yannell's flight strafed Biberach Airfield on the way home for the only claims.
359th:
360th:
(3-8 grol/I/d)
Line·up
359lh:
360th:
Brown*, Siegel, Wieland"', Marsh Troge, Simmerman, Sonnier, Sargent Rudd, Hildebrand, Miller, Walters Hale, Taylor', Murtishaw, Stoenner Nielsen, Warner(spares) Yannell, Mauldin, Rensch, Schrull Ciocchi, McNary, Seanor, Proctor
361 st:
111
Rhynard, Edinborough, Miller, Walters Brown, Stoenner, Wieland, Hildebrand Blewett, Warner, Sonnier, Simmerman Childers, Taylor, Meade, Male I ielsen, Siegel, Murtishaw, Marsh Hale, Sargent(spares) Tukey, Shea, Paquet, Hickey Gatlin, Proctor, Pidwell, Cook Yannell, Baker, Turner, Schmalz Dunn, Mauldin, Rensch, Schrull Switzer, Charlton, Rutland, Schaick Cartson, Solomon, Tobiassen, Loffler Bomberger, James, Wallace, Riley Beck, Humphrey, Shepard, Stoddard Ellis, Caron, Slanker, Harrop Dupuy, Kinsey(spares)
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Jl
Claims
Locatioll
Lt. w.e. Gatlin
Me 262 desl(air
Oranienburg
Lt. T.N. Mauldin
Me 262 prob(air)
Oranienburg
Lt. E. W. Schrull
Me 262 dam(air)
Oranienburg
Sqn
360th:
Notes: Completed tour: Lt. Louis R. Switzer
359th:
Line-up Childers, Warner, Collett, Sargent Cornett*, Sellers, Oliver, Stipes Kirschner, Taylor, Meade, Stoenner
360th:
Baker*, Male(spares) Yannell, Rutland, Jones, Stevenson CenlOlo, Schmalz, Corner, Shea
Aprilll (#397) After Maj. Rhynard aborted, Capt. Bomberger led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1009 to 1545. The 360th and 361st RIV'd at 1200 southwest of Mannheim, took
361st:
the bombers to Krailburg, then left them south of Mannheim at
1406. The 359th swept south of Munich and north of Chemnitz
Urban, Cook, Seanor, McNary Pidwell, Weller, Turner, Schmidt, Mauldin Carlson, Thorough, Kinsey, Harrop Ellis, Stoddard, Shepard, Humphrey Scheible, Solomon, Bowers, Loftler Skjelbostad, James(spares)
but saw nothing. Claims
Localioll
Maj. M.P. Yannell
Fw 190 desl(grd)
Schwerin
Lt. B.D. McNary
(2)Fw 190 dam(grd) Schwerin
Sqn
Lille-up
359th:
360th:
Rhynard*, Taylor, Meade, Stoenner Troge, Sargent, Sonnier, Simmerman
Brown, Stipes, Wieland, Hildebrand* Childers, O'Quinn", Oliver, Sellers
He 111 dam(grd)
Schwerin
Lt. N.B. Ceraolo
Fw 190 dam(grd)
Schwerin
Lt. G.w. Seanor
Do 217 dam(grd)
Schwerin
Gohsler, Smith, Walters, Edinborough
360th:
Miller, Murtishaw(spares) Thomas, Baker, Thomas, Schmalz Ceraolo, Schalck, Stevenson, Schmidt
April 13 (#399) Lt. Dunn led a PRU escort. The F-5 was taken to the Dusseldorf-Dresden area and the planes were home by 1500.
Dunn, Schrull, Weller, Mauldin unknown, McNary, Seanor, Cook
361 st:
unknown, Hickey, Poppell, Shea Bomberger, James, Cox, Dupuy Epley, Thorough, Jett, Burden Ray, Humphrey, Shepard, Stoddard Baylor, Solomon, Tobiassen, Loftler Riley, Sianker(spares)
Litle-up
360th:
Dunn, Rensch, Schrull, Mauldin
April 16 (#400) Col. Tukey led an escort/sweep from 1330 to 1850. R/ V came north of Mannheim at IS 10 and all but the Green Flights of each squadron broke at 1610 to hunt for targets. Nothing was seen, but a Me 262 was chased unsuccessfully near
April 12 A collision on a training flight cost the 361st a pilot. Lt. Eldon L. Sianker collided with a 56th Fighter Group P-47 (flown by
Regensburg by the 361st. The Green Flights stayed with the bombers until reaching the Rhine then broke and headed home.
Lt. Edward B. Lightfoot) and both pilots died in the crashes near Raydon.
Line-up
359th:
(1 killed)
Tukey, Edinborough, Walters, Smith Collett*, Warner, Sonnier, Simmerman* Cornett, Whitaker, Baker, Stipes*'
April 13 (#398) Maj. Carlson led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 1332 to 1817. RIV was made at 1500 near Heligoland, the bombers went to Wismar, then were left at 1535 northwest of Hamburg. The 361st swept the Hamburg-Lubeck-Schwerin area until 1635 while parts of the 360th strafed Schwerin Airfield for the day's claims.
360th:
Rudd, Sellers*, Miller, Male Hildebrand, Sargent(spares) Urban, Baker, Turner, Schmalz Corner, Schmidt, Poppell, McNary Gatlin, Cook, Proctor, unknown
(1.5 ground)
361 st:
112
Ceraolo, Weller, Seanor, Schrull Stevenson, Rensch(spares) Hallmark, Shepard, Ray, Stoddard Baylor, Solomon, Bowers, Webb Campbell, James, Whitson, Skjelbostad
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Ellis, Harrop, Burden, Kinsey Loffler, Riley(spares)
36 Ist:
April 17 (#401) Maj. Carlson led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from I 122 to 1650. RN was made at 13 I5 near Karlsbad,
Hallmark, James, Wallace, Riley Epley, Cotton, Burdick, Burden Ellis, Shepard, Cope, Harrop Baylor, Solomon, Bowers, Webb Whitson, Thorough(spares)
the bombers went to Dresden, and escort was broken near the
Sq,1
target. West of Dresden, four Me 262's were chased by the 359th but all escaped. A 361st flight was bounced by two jets
359th:
Lt. L. Oliver
Ar 234 dest(air)
Wertingen
36Oth:
Capt O.L. Burwell
Me 262 dam(air)
Ingolstadt
near Pilsen but no damage was done to either side. The group swept after breaking until 1425 but nothing was seen.
359th:
Line-up Rhynard, Siegel, Wieland, Marsh Meade, Taylor, Male"", Stoenner*
Gohsler, Edinborough, Miller, Oliver' Blewett, Warner, Crum, Simmennan
360th:
Baker, Sellers(spares) Urban, Cook, Seanor, McNary
361 Sl:
(.33)Me 262 dam(air) Ingolstadl (.33)Me 262 dam(air) Ingolstadl
Lt. G.W. Seanor
(.33)Me 262 dam(air) Ingolstadt
Line-up
359th:
Collett, Whitaker*, Baker', Stipes Miller, Smith, Gohsler', Edinborough Blewett, Warner, Sonnier, Sargent
360th:
Nielsen, McCloskey, Stone, Marsh Wieland, Walters(spares) Yannell, Proctor, Poppell, Schmidt Ceraolo, McNary, Schmalz, Mauldin Gatlin, Cook, Turner, Seanor
361 st:
cort was later broken at 1145 in the Mannheim area. (1-0-2 air)
Lt. W.e. Gatlin
Lt L.B. Proctor
ers went to Elsterverde and were later left at 1200 in the Erfurt area.
NOles: Completed tour: Capt. Theodore J. Urban
April 18 (#402) Maj. Rhynard led an escort for 9th Air Force B-26's from 0835 to 1338. RlV came at 0955 near Mannheim and the group then split into three sections. Lt. Oliver (359th) came upon an Ar-234 nearWertingen and shot it down, and two 360th flights chased some Me 262'5 near Ingolstadt and hit two. Es-
Location
April 19 (#403) Col. Tukey led a penetration-target-withdrawal suppon from 08 I3 to 1342. After RN at 1005 near Hameln, the bomb-
Cenwlo, Weller, Rensch, Mauldin
Burwell, Schmalz, Turner, Baker Jones, Rutland, Stevenson, Schalck Proctor, Charlton(spares) Carlson, Solomon, Bowers, Webb Bomberger, Riley, Wallace, Skjelbostad Scheible, Harrop, Thorough, Caron Beck, Cotton, Jett, Shepard Kinsey, James(spares)
Claims
Jones, SchrulJ, Rutland', Charlton Weller, Schalek(spares) Tukey, Whitson, Burdick, Caron Ray, Shepard, Cope, Humphrey Campbell, Solomon, Bowers, Webb Ellis, Cotton, Lindsay, Riley Burden, Harrop(spares)
April 20 (#404) Maj. Yannellled a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0824 to 1332. RN was northeast of Antwerp at 0923 and the bombers went to Brandenburg. After an uneventful
359th:
360th:
Litle-up Rhynard, Warner, Sonnier', Sargent Rudd, Smith, Walters, Hildebrand Brown, McCloskey, Stone, Siegel Cornett, Whitaker, Oliver, Stipes Crum, Wieland(spares) Burwell, Baker, Schmalz, McNary Corner, Shea, Schmidt, Hickey Gatlin, Cook, Seanor, Proctor Jones, Rutland, Charlton, Schalek Turner, Stevenson(spares)
flight, the bombers were left at 1230 near Recklinghausen.
359th:
1/3
Line-up Cbilders, Stipes, Crum, Simmerman Baker, Whitaker, Meade', Sellers' Gohsler, Edinborough, Miller, Hildebrand Hale, Taylor, Murtishaw', Stoenner Nielsen, McCloskey, Stone', Marsh' Bennett, Male(spares)
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1I
360th:
36lst:
Yannell, Mauldin, Weller, Schroll Gatlin, McNary, Seanor, Proctor Burwell, Charlton, Turner, Schmalz Easley, Rutland, Paquet, Schalck Ceraolo, Cook, Poppell, Schmidt Jones(spare) Baylor, Solomon, Webb, Loffler Campbell', Humphrey, Stoddard*, Shepard Lindsay, Skjelbostad, Bowers, James Jett, Cotton, Kinsey, Thorough Whitson, Dupuy, Burden, Riley Burdick, Harrop(spares)
May7 (#407) The three squadrons flew leaflet-drop escorts from 1056 to 1603. The 359th picked up their B-17 near Karlsruhe, took it to Munich, and left it near Heilbronn. The 360th made RN with their bomber at 1250 north of Itzehoe, took it to KielLubeck, then broke at 1410 near Oldeburg. The 361 st met their bomber at 1245 near Osnabruck, took it to Leipzig, then broke near Dummer Lake at 1445. Capt. Beck and FlO Cotton (36Ist) landed at Venia but everyone else returned to Martlesham Heath as the war came to an end.
359th: Completed Tour: Capt. Melvin W. Baylor April 25 (#405) After Maj. Rhynard aborted, Capt. Hallmark led a penetration-target-withdrawal support from 0742 to 1328. The group made RlV at 0932 south of Frankfurt and took the bombers to Pilsen. The pilots later broke off near Wurzburg without incident but most of the 360th put down at fields on the Continent due to gas shortage.
359th:
360th:
361 st:
Line-up Rhynard*, Warner, Crum, Simmerman Brearley, Taylor, Meade, Stoenner Gohsler, Smith, Walters', Hildebrand Brown, McCloskey', Stone, Siegel Kirschner, Murtishaw(spares) Dunn, Boucek, Poppell, McNary Pidwell, Cook, Seanor, Paquet Burwell, Remenicky, Schmalz, Baker Easley, Weller, Turner, Charlton Schmidt, Mauldin(spares) Hallmark, Pound, Kinsey, Solomon Wallace, Dupuy, Cox, Skjelbostad Ellis, Thorough, Jett, Caron Cope, Cochran, Stoddard, Humphrey Burden, Webb(spares)
May 2 (#406) Lt. Campbell led the 36lst on an escort from 1300 to 1642. One B-17 was picked up at 1330 near Cromer and it flew to Wangerooge, Wilhelmshaven, and Bremen. The pilots later broke at 1607 near Alkmaar and proceeded back home.
360th:
361st:
Line-up Cornett, Bender, Oliver, Sellers Gohsler, Whitaker, Baker, Bennell ielsen, Stone(spares) Yannell, Cook, Seanor, Baker Thomas, Boucek, Rensch, Mauldin Weller, Schmidt(spares) Bomberger, Dupuy, Skjelbostad, Pound Beck, Colton, Cope, Shepard Jarvis, Loffler(spares)
May 8 As the Group Statistical Officer wrote, "May was 'it'. Rumor after rumor, prediction after prediction, report after report, hot
news after more hot news, rolled onto the station and into the Statistical Section. After much study, analysis, slide-ruling, and consolidation, the correct answer, V-E Day, came on the 8th of May, 1945." Final totals for the 356th were: 407 missions, claims of 200-23-79 aerial and 77-113 ground victories, approximately 278-179 locos, 306-2,388 railcars, 263-229 vehicles, plus numerous barges, tugs, flak lowers, and other ground targets destroyed or damaged. On the debit side, 115 P-4Ts and P-51's were lost operationally, with many others written-off due to accidents or battle damage. 59 pilots were killed on operations, 43 were captured, 10 evaded capture, 3 were picked up by ASR, and, including post-war deaths, 13 fliers died in accidents. By squadron the break-down looked like this:
HdQts 359th 360th 361st
KIA 0 16 20 23
POW I 12 19 II
Evaded 0 5 4 I
ASR 0 2 0 I
KIAc 0 4 4 5
Line-up
361sl:
Campbell, Riley, Cox, Dupuy Beck, Harrop, Burden, Caron Whitson, Solomon
With the ceasation of hostilities, there was little activity around Martlesham Heath except for athletics. By the end of the month, a re-deployment program was initiated; ground personnel re-
1/4
The 3561h Fighler Group in World War Jl
ceived instruction in subjects connected to the Pacific war, while pilots continued to practice flight procedures and attend ground schools. There was a larger turnover of men with many transferring either to the States or to the Occupation Forces on the Continent.
June 30 Ll. William C. Boucek (360th) took his P-51 up on a test flight
May 18 After spending a year in German captlvlty, Col. Einar Malmstrom returned to Martlesham Heath. Flying back in a borrowed 4th Fighter Group P-51, Malmstrom spent a few days
July 8 Lt. Shelby N. Jett (361 st) died from burns received in a crash
catching up on all the news of the 356th.
June 9 Ll. Thomas C. Creevy (36Ist) became the f"st pilot to die after
and lost a wing near Bentwaters. He bailed out but died when
his chute failed to open. (l killed)
the day before. He had been a passenger in an A-35 which crashed and caught fire while landing. (l killed)
the war was over. He was doing aerobatics when he lost control and crashed near Podington. (l killed)
July 20 While on a practice flight, Lt. Richard J. Stone (359th) lost control and crashed near Wickham Market. Stone thus became the last member of the 356th to die. (1 killed)
June 18 Ll. Preston W. McKeon (36Ist) was on a test-hop when he collided with a B-1? His plane lost its tail and spun-into the ground near Debach. (1 killed)
November 4-10,1945 Remaining members of the 356th boarded the "Queen Mary" at Southampton for the trip back to the States. Maj. Sheldon Stecher, the Group Adjutant, remained at Martlesham Heath to turn the field back over to the RAF. On the 9th, the ship docked at New York City and the group was transferred to Camp
June 20 Ll. Richard J. Rensch (360th) was killed in a crash near Valley Airdrome, Wales. He had been visiting his brother, a B-1? pilot heading home, and was last seen doing a slow-roll into the overcast. (1 killed)
Kilmer, New Jersey. The following day the 356th Fighter Group was inactivated pursuant to War Department Letter AG 322.
The unit was later allocated to the Tennessee Air National Guard as the I 18th Transport Group.
115
Appendices
Appendices
Appendix 1
Distinguished Unit Citation
The 356th Fighter Group is cited for extraordinary heroism, determination, and esprit de corps in action against an enemy of the United States on 17, 18, and 23 September 1944. On these dates the 356th Fighter Group was assigned the task of neutralizing enemy gun positions in the Arnhem area of Holland in a military operation designed to land effectively a large force of airborne troops. The nature of this mission involved concentrated strafing and divebombing and opposition was anticipated to be severe in view of the vulnerability of aircraft attacking ground defenses. The success of the operation depended on a large extent upon the individual courage and aggressiveness of each participating pilot. On 17 September 1944, the 356th Fighter Group proceeded from base to the battle area at 2,500 feet. Almost immediately enemy gun positions opened fire, establishing targets for attack. Displaying the utmost bravery and determination, this unit sought out the enemy and relentlessly bombarded and strafed gun batteries and emplacements. The silencing of 4 pill boxes, 12 machine gun posts, and 7 heavy and 29 light flak emplacements reflected great tactical skill and courage and contributed immeasurably to the success of the military operation. Again on 18 and 23 September 1944, the 356th Fighter Group returned to the battle area intent upon the destruction of enemy positions. More effective concealment and the almost total discontinuance of tracer ammunition by the enemy had rendered identification difficult and made attack extremely hazardous. Notwithstanding, the 356th Fighter Group ceaselessly assaulted enemy positions with bombs and gun fire, scoring numerous victories. Thirtynine flak positions were silenced or destroyed as a result of the great determination evinced by the pilots of this unit in the ensuing battles. The 356th Fighter Group comported itself with such distinction on these occasions that the lives of many airborne troops were saved and success of the landing was assured. The unstinted courage, determination, and esprit de corps displayed by the personnel of this unit reflect the highest credit on the 356th Fighter Group and the armed forces of the United States. WDGO 351945
lJ7
The 356/h Fighter Group ill World War II
Appendix 2
356th Fighter Group Battle Honors Air Offensive Europe (July 4, 1942-June 5, i944) WD GO 85, 1945 For escorts, fighter sweeps, and ground support operations in preparation for the Normandy invasion. Normandy (June 6, I944-July 24,1944) WD GO 102, 1945 For support of the Al1ied invasion and subsequent break-out of the beach-head area. Northern France (July 25, I944-September 14, 1944) WD GO 103, 1945 For support of the drive through France to the German border. Rhineland (September 15, 1944-March 21, 1945) WD GO 118, 1945 For support of the airborne invasion of Holland and drive through to the Rhine. Ardennes-Alsaee (December 16, 1944-January 25,1945) WD GO 114, 1945 For support of the Ardennes offensive in Belgium and Luxembourg. Central Europe (March 22, 1945-May II, 1945) WD GO 116, 1945 For support of the final drive into Germany, Austria, and Czechoslovakia.
Wing and Command Assignments 8th Air Force Vlll Fighter Command, 65th Fighter Wing VIII Fighter Command, 67th Fighter Wing ist Bomb Division, 67th Fighter Wing ist Air Division, 67th Fighter Wing 3rd Air Division, 66th Fighter Wing
August 25, 1943 August 26, i943 August 8, 1944 September 15, 1944 January I, 1945 July 16, 1945
118
Appendices
Appendix 3
Commanders of the 356th Fighter Group LtCol. Harold J. Rau Col. Einar A. Malmstrom LtCol. Philip E. Tukey, Jr. LtCol. Donald A. Baccus Col. Philip E. Tukey, Jr.
February 9, 1943-November 28, 1943 November 28, 1943-Apri123, 1944 April 24, 1944-November 3, 1944 November 3, I944-January 10, 1945 January 10, 1945-November 1945
Deputy Group Commanders LtCol. Oscar H. Coen vacant
LtCol. Philip E. Tukey, Jr. LtCol. Donald A. Baccus vacant
LtCol. Donald A. Baccus LtCol. Richard N. Ellis
October 1943-February 15, 1944 February 15, 1944-March 1944 March 1944-April 24, 1944 April 24, 1944-November 3,1944 November 3, 1944-January la, 1945 January 10, 1945-@Apri16, 1945 @ApriI6, 1945-Summer 1945
Group Operations Officers Maj. Andrew E. Krieger, Jr. Maj. James H. Thorne LtCol. William J. Kennedy
September 1943-March 17, 1944 March 21, 1944-August 25,1944 August 25, 1944-Summer 1945
119
The 356/11 Fighter Group in World War If
Appendix 4
Squadron Commanders of the 356th Fighter Group
359th Ftr Sqn Capt. Beverly H. Bunce Lt. Joseph Morris, Jr. Capt. Arthur C. Canoll LtCo!. Donald A. Baccus Maj. Ernest J. White, Jr. Maj. Mark J. Burke Capt. Richard A. Rann LtCo!. Ernest J. White, Jr. Maj. Richard A. Rann LtCo!. Wayne E. Rhynard Maj. Bobby Childers
January 7, 1943-January 25, 1943 January 25, 1943-February 7,1943 February 7, 1943-June 19, 1943 June 19, I943-April 26, 1944 April 26, 1944-August 9,1944 August 9, 1944-September 14, 1944 September 14, 1944-0ctober 22, 1944 October 22, 1944-November 24, 1944 November 24, I944-February 25, 1945 (POW) February 26, 1945-July 22,1945 July 22, 1945-November 1945
360th Ftr Sqn Lt. Ronald G. Hoffman Lt. Edwin O. Curry Capt. Paul M. Brewer Maj. Claiborne H. Kinnard, Jr. Capt. Joseph H. Bennett Maj. Joseph R. Williams Maj. Andrew E. Krieger, Jr. Maj. John W. Vogt, Jr. LtCo!. James N. Wood Maj. Michael P. Yannell
January 7, 1943-January 12, 1943 January 12, 1943-January 28, 1943 January 28, 1943-May 28, 1943 May 28, 1943-November 18, 1943 November 18, I943-November 28, 1943 November 28, 1943-March 17, 1944 March 17, 1944-May I, 1944 May I, 1944-0ctober 3, 1944 October 3, 1944-April 4, 1945 April 4, 1945-November 1945
361st Ftr Sqn Lt. Raymond P. Stewart Maj. Fred C. Roberts, Jr. Capt. Emery H. Montgomery LrCo!. William Waller, III LtCo!. James M. Cooper Maj. Donald J. Strait Maj. Donald R. Carlson
January 7, 1943-January 30,1943 January 30, 1943-November 23, 1943 November 23, 1943-November 26, 1943 November 26, 1943-July 16, 1944 July 16, 1944-January 4, 1945 January 4, I945-March 28, 1945 March 28, 1945-November 1945
120
Appendices
Appendix 5
Squadron Operations Officers
3591h FIr Sqn Maj. James H. Thorne Capt. Ernesl J. White, Jr. Capt. Mark J. Burke Capt. Richard A. Rann Capt. Jean D. Tarbutton Capt. Richard A. Rann Capt. Raymond R. Withers Maj. Bobby Childers Capt. Charles E. Collett
States-March 21,1944 March 21, 1944-ApriI26, 1944 Apri126, 1944-August 9, 1944 August 9, 1944-September 14, 1944 September 14, 1944-0ctober22, 1944 October 22, I944-November 24, 1944 November 24, 1944-February II, 1945 February II, I 945-July 22,1945 July 22, 1945-November 1945
360th FIr Sqn Capt. Joseph H. Bennett unknown Maj. Gerald W. Johnson Capt. Byron A. Evans Capt. Norman D. Cota, Jr. Capt. Raymond R. Withers Capt. Bertrum E. Ellingson Maj. Michael P. Yannell Maj. William G. Thomas
States-November 18,1943 November 18, 1943-November 28, 1943 November 28, 1943-February 6, 1944 February 6, 1944-February II, 1944 February 11, I 944-0clober 3, 1944 October 3, I 944-November 24, 1944 November 24, 1944-February 9,1945 February 9, 1945-ApriI4, 1945 April 4, 1945-September 1945
361s1 FIr Sqn Maj. Emery H. Montgomery Capt. Thomas F. Bailey Maj. James . Wood Maj. Donald J. Strait Maj. Wilbur R. Scheible Maj. John M. Hallmark
States-May 24, 1944 May 24, I944-August 2,1944 August 2, I944-0ctober 3, 1944 October 3, 1944-January 4,1945 January 4, 1945-March 13, 1945 March 13, 1945-September 1945
121
The 356rh Fighter Grollp in World War II
Appendix 6
356th Fighter Group Statistical Report
Month
Missions
Air
7 1I 11 13 19 19 24 26 44 35 40 22 18 15 16 18 18 29 20 2 0 0
0-0-0 5-2-3 1-1-1 15-3-5 21-2-13 3-2-2 6-0-1 26-4-10 7-0-2 1-0-1 22-1-5 1-0-1 0-0-0 26-2-13 23-3-6 13-1-4 14-0-7 1-0-1 5-2-4 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
407
200-23-79
October 1943 November December January 1944 February March April May June July August September October November December January 1945 February March April May June
July
Grd
Losses'
KIAc
0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 4-8 25-36 0-0 8-2 1-3 0-0 8-5 9-20 5-9 0-0 0-1 13-13 0-2 4-13 0-0 0-0 0-0
0 6 4 3 3 9 2 13
0 0 0 1 1
2 9 9 I 6 12 5 6 3 1 0 0 0
0 0 I 0 I 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 4 2
77-113
115
13
11
• - includes pilots killed over Allied territory on/or returning from an operational mission, but whose death was DOl directly caused by enemy action.
Claims by Squadron
HdQts 359th 360th 361st
Destroyed
Air Probable
Damaged
6.5 48.5 49 96
0 12 5 6
4 19 25 31
Grd Destroyed Damaged 10.5 11
16 39.5
122
3.5 25.5 32 52
Appendices
Claims by Type Air
Ground
P-47
118-15-45
55-75
P-51
82-8-34
22-38
Claims by Enemy Aircraft Type Air
Ground
101-13-44
13-19
81-8-28
5-4
0-0
Ju 88
6-0-1 4-1-0
Me 262
2-1-6
Ar234
2-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0
Fw 190 Me 109 Fi 156
Me 110 He 177 He III
Me410 uli ale Ju 52
Me 323 Go 242 D0217
Hs 123 W34 Glider
14-16
0-1 0-0 13-13 1-1
8-20 8-9 7-8 7-2
1-0 0-14 0-3 0-1 0-1 0-1
123
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Il
Appendix 7
Air and Ground Aces of the 356th Fighter Group
Name
Air
Grd
Total
Maj. Donald J. Strait
13.5
Sqn
5
0 4
13.5
LtCol. Donald A. Baccus
9
361st 359th*
Maj. Wilbur R. Scheible
6
3
9
361st
Maj. Michael P. Yannell
4
4
8
HdQts 360th**
Capt. David F. Thwaites
6 5.5
HdQts
Lt. Clinton D. Burdick Capt. Raymond H. Gansberg
1
7
361s1
1 4
6.5 6.5
361st
6.5
HdQts
361st
Col. Einar A. Malmstrom
2.5 1
Capt. Howard E. Wiggins
4.5
55 1.5
Lt. Clifford T. Ashby
3.5
2
5.5
361st 361st
6
Capt. Frank A. Morgan
0.5
5
5.5
361st
Capt. Sidney H. Hewett
2.5
2.5
361st
Maj. Gerald W. Johnson
16.5
0
5 16.5
8
0
8
Maj. John W. Vogt, Jr.
* - claimed one ground victOlY with 359th Ftr Grp, ETO ** - claimed two air victories with 86th Ftr Grp, MTO *** - claimed 15.5 air victories with 56th FIr Grp, ETO @ -
claimed 5 air victories with 56th Ftr Grp, ETO
124
360th"** 360th@
Appendices
Appendix 8
356th Fighter Group Scorers
Air
Grd
D.A. Baccus
3.5-0-1
2-0
O.H. Coen
0.5-0-1
0-0.5
E.A. Malmstrom HA Ogden J.H. Thome
1-0-0 0.5-0-2 1-0-0
5.5-0 3-2.5 0-0.5
Hdqts plus 359th Ftr Sqn & 1-1 grd w/359th Ftr Grp, ETO plus 1.5-1.5-2 air w/RAF & 2-0-0 air w/4th Ftr Grp, ETO
plus 359th Ftr Sqn
JJ. Meholic R.e. Miller We. O'Barr L. Oliver P.e. O'Quinn G.B. Peet RA. Rann L.E Richason L.L. Robertson e.H. Rubner E.G. Rudd
1.5-0-0 0-0-1 0.5-0-1 2-0-0 0-0-1 1.5-0-1 2-0-1 0-0-1.5 0-1-0 2-0-0 0-0-1 0-0-0 2-2-0 0-0-0 2-0-0.5 1-0-0 1-0-0 2-0-1 1-1-1 0.5-0-0 0.5-0-0 1.5-0-0 1.33-1-1 1-0-0 0-1-1
0-1 0-0 0-1.25 0-0 0-0 0-1.25 0-0 3-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-2 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0 0-1 2-1 0-2 0-0 0-0 0-0
e.W Adams RE. Barnhart J.H. Bennett
0-1-0 2-0-1 0-\-0
0-0.5 0-0 0-0
B. Borelli O.L. Burwell
1-0-1 0-0-1 0-0-1 0-0-1 1-0-0.5 0-0-0 0.5-0-0 0-0-1 3-0-0
0-1
R.C. Scharnberg
359th Ftr Sqn LG. Alphonse D.A. Baccus A.E. Bergstrom lE. Blewett RD. Bradshaw We. Brearley A.L Brown J.E Brown R.E. Carr M.M. Clayborne RJ. Collins We. Cooley J.8. Cornett WW. Colter O. Crum R.A. Coughenour OW. Engel WL Fanner EA. Forsyth H.R Oohsler e.l Hackney A.R. Hale J.D. Henry WA.Holm R.K. Holtz e.E Krowiak H.E LeMoyne l.W Meade
1-0-0 1.5-0-1 0-0-0 0-1-0 0.33-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-2 1-0-0 0-1-0 2-0-0 0.5-0-0 4-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-1 0.5-0-0 0.33-1-0 2-0-0 2-1-0 2-1-0 2-0-0 1-0-1 0-0-1 0-1-1 1-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0
0-0 1-0.25 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-0 0-0 0-1 0-0.5 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-0.5 0-0.5 0-1 0-0 0-0 1-1.5 0-0 0-0.25 0-1.5 0-1 0-0
plus HdQts
J.B. Smith RJ. Stone J.D. Tarbutton J.H. Thorne E.E Troge D.E Tucker RG. Vossler J.H. Wadlow R.B. Warren H.Weber EJ. White R.R Withers J.A. Wyalt
plus HdQts
plus 360th Ftr Sqn
360th Ftr Sqn
N.B. Ceraolo J.R Cook N.D. Cota J.W Crump e.W Dunn WK. Dunn B.E. Ellingson
125
I-I
0-1 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0
later 8.5-3-3 air w/4th & 56th Ftr Grps, ETO
The 356th Fighter Group in World War If
WH. Fletcher C.I. Garvey WC Gatlin R.S. Gleason WO. Hedrick V. Hockmeyer G.W Johnson
2-0-1 1-0-0 1-0-0.33 1-0-0 0-0-1 0-0-0 1-0-0.5
WE. Johnson D.E Jones L.H. Knapp A.S. Koczak L.E Kress WE. Leathers R.C L'Heureux RM. Leidy TN. Mauldin WG. Maxwell P.E. McCullough H.B. McLaughlin B.D. McNary D.B. Mercer E.M. Nebinger A.V. Niemi H.S. Olive A.A. Paquet H.D. Parker E W Peacock A.A. Perryman E. W. Pleasant L.B. Proctor R.S. Ragsdale R.I. Rensch J.T Romine EM. Russell E.W Schrull G.W Seanor lB. Stratford C.M. Taylor TD. Teel WG. Thomas TJ. Urban CA. Vitali lW Vogt
2-0-0 0-0-1 0-0-0 1-0-0 1.5-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-1 1-0-0 0-1-0 3-0-0.5 1-1-1 0-1-0 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-1 1-0-1 0-0-0.33 0-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-1 1-0-0 0-0-1 0-0-0.33 1-0-0 0-0-0.5 1-0-0 0-0-0 2-0-1 4-0-1 3-0-0
J.P Weller
0-0-0
1.5-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-15 0-0
J.H. Williams J.R. Williams R.R Withers M.P. Yannell
plus 15.5-1-4 air w/56th Ftr Grp
2-0 0-0 1-15 0-0 0-15 0-0 0-0.5 I-I 0-1 0-0 0-0 1-0 0-3 0-0 0.5-05 0-0 0.5-0 0-2 0-0 0.5-0 0-0 I-I
0-0 0-05 1-4 0.5-05 0-0 0-2 0-1 0-0 0.5-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 plus 5-0-0 air w/56th Ftr Grp 0-05
1-0-0 1-0-0 3-0-1 2-0-2
0-0 0-0 0-15 4-2
3.5-0-1 1-1-0 0-0-1 15-0-0 3-1-1 1-0-0 3-0-1 0-0-0 1-0-0 5.5-0-3 0-0-0 2-0-0 0-0-0 0.5-0-0 0-0-0 2-0-0 1-0-0 0.5-0-0 0-0-0 1-0-0 0.5-0-0 1-1-0 1-0-0 2.5-0-0 0-0-0 0.5-0-0 0-0-0 1-1-0 2.5-0-3 2-0-0 1.5-0-0 0-0-1 1-0-0 2-0-1 0.5-0-0 0-0-1 0-0-0 1-0-1 0-0-1
2-1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-0 1-0 1-1 0-0 0-1 0.5-0 1-2 1-0 15-0 0-0 15-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 4-1 0.5-0 0-0 0-3 0-0 2.5-1 1-3 1-2 0-0 0.5-0 1-0 0-1 0-0 0-2 1-2 0-0
361st Ftr Sqn CT Ashby T.E Bailey B.B. Barnes WM. Baskin M.W Baylor CE. Beck lA. Bowers lL. Bruce R.R. Burden CD. Burdick WW Burns R.H. Campbell R.L. Campbell D.B. Clayton R.I. Cox lH. Culp E.L. Decker M.W DeMerit lK. Dupuy H.M. Engelhorn M.E Erickson E.L. Faison E.C Fremaux R.H. Gansberg R. Gibson R.W Gillette J.M. Hallmark J.A. Hargreaves S.H. Hewett EE Hooker WS. Hurley PH. Hyde J.v. Jack WC Jarvis S.N. Jett J.K. Johnson H.I. Kaczynski D. Kahle E. Korhorn
126
plus 359th Ftr Sqn plus 2 air w/86th Ftr Grp, MTO
Appendices
E.A. Kovacs E.P. Lee H.C. Leyser J.c. Lindsay R.C. McDowell A.M. Metzger
E.H. Montgomery EA. Morgan
R.C. ystrom E.M. Parham J.P. Perrin ES. Porter J.T. Price R.W Racine P.J. Roberts
1-0-0 0-0-0 0.5-0-0.5 0-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 2-0-1 0.5-0-0 0-0-0 0-0-0 2-0-2 1-0-0 1-1-0 1-0-0 0-0-0
0-0 0-4 0-1 1.5-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 5-0 0-1 1.5-0 0-1 0-1 0-0 0-0 1-0
R.E. Rodgers WR. Scheible R.F. Schlack E.L. Slanker D.J. Strait B.A. Swift E.L. Thompson D.F. Thwaites R.J. Upp W Waller H.E. Whitmore R.N. Whitson H.E. Wiggins LN. Wood G.L. Yoakum
/27
0-0-1 6-0-2 0-0-0 0.5-0-1 13.5-0-0 1-0-0 2-0-2 6-0-3 0-0-0 0.5-0-1.5 2-0-2 0-0-1 4.5-0-0 4.5-0-0 1-0-0
0-0 3-4 1-3 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-3 1-0 0-3.5 0-0 1-2.5 0-0 1.5-3 0-0 0-3
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Appendix 9
Pilot List
The following pages contain rosters of the pilots assigned to the 356th Fighter Group. Information included for each man includes (where known): dates of service, number of missions and/or combat hours, personal aircraft, and groundcrewmen. Also, for Headquarters personnel, their specific job duties are also noted.
Headquarters Baccus, Donald A., LtCol.
April I944-April 1945; to 359th Ftr Grp ex-359th Ftr Sqn; Deputy CO & CO 116 total missions P-47D OC-G 42-76583 P-47D OC-G P-5lD OC-G 44-14993 T/Sgt. Ray J. Salicetti-c/c(P-47) S/Sgt. Fred H. Derham-c/c(P-51)
Coen, Oscar H., LtCol.
October 1943-March 1944; to 9th Air Force ex-71 Sqn, RAF & 4th Ftr Grp 32 missions; Deputy CO P-47D OC-R 42-75389
Cristadoro, Maurice A., Maj.
October 1944-January 1945; to 20th Ftr Grp 3 missions; Assistant Ops
Ellis, Richard N., LtCol.
April 1945-Summer 1945 10 missions; Deputy CO P-5lD OC- "Telie's Terror"
Herin, Reginald A., Jr., Lt.
March 1945-EOW; ex-360th Ftr Sqn Assistant Ops
Kennedy, William J., LtCol.
August 1944-EOW 22 missions; Operations Officer P-47D OC-E 42-26851 P-51 D OC-E 44-15271 "Starduster" S/Sgt. Patrick A. Cavuto-c/c
Krieger, Andrew E., Jr., Maj.
September 1943-March 1944; to 360th FIr Sqn ex-3rd Pur Sqn, PTO; Operations Officer 39 missions P-47D PI-K "Fancy Nancy" S/Sgt. Donald M. Osgood-c/c
128
Appendices
Malmstrom, Einar A., Col.
November 1943-ApriI23, 1944(POW) 49 missions; CO P-47D QI-R 42-22550 "Kay-J" P-47D QI-R 42-25513 "Kay-J" S/Sgt. Henry H. Yoder-c/c Sgt. Willis A. Youtsey-acle
Nystrom, Richard C., Capt.
April 1945-EOW; ex-361st Ftr Sqn Assistant Ops
Ogden, Harold A., Capt.
October 1943-August 1944; ex-359th Ftr Sqn
85 missions; Assistant Ops P-47D OC-U 42-22517 "EagerEagle" S/Sgt. Frank J. Williamson-c/c Rau, Harold J., LtCol.
February I943-November 1943; to 8th Air Force HdQts; later 20th Ftr Grp CO
13 missions P-47D QI-R 42-8425 "Gentle Annie" P-47D QI-R 42-22550 "Gentle Annie" S/Sgt. Henry H. Yoder-c/c Sgt. Willis A. Youtsey-ac/c Scheible, Wilbur R., Maj.
March I945-EOW; ex-36lst Ftr Sqn
Opennions Officer Schlack, Robert E, Capt.
February 1945-September 1945; ex-361st Ftr Sqn Assistant Ops
Thorne, James H., Maj.
March 1944-September 1944; ex-359th Ftr Sqn 99 total missions; Operations Officer P-47D OC-K 42-75228 P-47D QI-R 42-26534 P-47D QI-R 42-28792 S/Sgt. Henry H. Yoder-cle Sgt. Willis A. Youtsey-ac/c
Tukey, Philip E., Jr., Col.
March 1944-November 1944; ex-56th Ftr Grp 77 missions, 30 I hours; Deputy CO & CO P-47D PI-T 42-25531 P-47D PI-T 42-26415 P-5IK PI-T44-11579 P-51 D PI-T 44-72435 P-51D PI-T 44-72455 S/Sgt. Mirion B. Wells-c/c Sgt. Dawson M. Wheeler-ac/c Sgt. Harold E. Koppe-arm.(P-47) Cpl. Francis StickleY-aIm.(P-51)
129
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 11
359th Fighter Squadron Alphonse, Louis G., Lt.
May 1944-August 14, 1944(KIA) 40 missions
Baccus, Donald A., LtCol.
June 1943-April 1944; to HdQts 116 missions
P-47D OC-I 42-8568 "The Bloody Shaft" PA7D OC-G 42-76583 T/Sgt. Ray 1. Salieetti-ele Baker, James B., Jr., Lt.
Batie, Roger A., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 42 missions P-5lD oc-y 44-15183 "Bama Baby" SISgt. Albert S. Mason-e/e Sgt. James B. Pasearello-ae/c August 1944-March 15, 1945(POW) 43 missions
P-5lD OC-N 44-15274 "Mojahalka" Beach, Warren A., Lt.
February I943-November 29, 1943(POW) 9 missions P-47D OC-Z 42-8601 SISgt. James D. Maher-c/c
Bender, Thomas L., Jr., FlO
January 1945-July 1945 1 mission, 5:05 hours
Bennett, Luther E., Jr., Lt.
October I944-September 1945 34 missions P-51 K OC-V "Spirit of Aggieland" SISgt. Harold F. Lycette-c/c Sgt. Rober1 P. Frank-ae/c
Bergstrom, Aims E., Capt.
May 1944-0ctober 1944 72 missions PA7D OC-l" 42-74673 "Carmen" P-47D OC-l" 42-28845 SISgt. Fred D. Hodge-c/e S/Sgt. Laurence S. Thomas-ac/c Sgt. Wesley A. Crone-arm.
Blewett, John E., Jr., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 49 missions P-5lD OC-U 44-15658 "Eager Eagle" SISgt. Frank J. Williamson-c/e Sgt. J.T. Cauker-ac/c
130
Appendices
Bradshaw, Robert D., Lt.
Brearley, William
c., Capt.
Brown, Alston L., Lt.
March 1943-May 1944 66 missions, 200 hours P-47D OC-X 42-74699 S/Sgt. Richard N. Doyle-c/c Sgt. Thomas J. Murphy-ac/c Sgt. Herb E. Mallett-arm. February 1943-May 1945 P-47D OC-C 42-8491 "Princess Jocelyn" P-47D OC-C 42-76211 "Princess Jocelyn" P-47D OC-C 44-19939 "Princess Jocelyn" P-51 K OC-C 44-11564 "Princess Jocelyn" S/Sgt. Francis H. McGillivray-c/e PFC Emanuel E Curcio-ac/c (P-47) PFC Albert J. Shockey-ae/c (P-51) Cpl. Walter W. Kondziela-arm. November 1944-February 25, 1945(KIA) 2S missions
P-51D OC- 44-14998 Brown, Jack E, Capt.
August 1944-June 1945; ex-389th & 25th Bomb Grps S7 missions P-5lD OC-A 44-11332 P-51 K OC-A 44-11366 "Bobby Socks" S/Sgt. George 1. Dorsi-c/c Cpl. Leonard C. Madson-ac/e
Brown, William F., Lt.
March I943-January 7, 1944(KIA)
Broxton, Howell L., Lt.
May 1944-September 17, 1944(MJA-E) 54 missions P-47D OC-B, 42-8549 "Elsie" S/Sgt. Stewart E. Schoonovar-c/c
Bruner, Fred w., Capt.
May 1944-February 1945 72 missions P-47D OC-O 44-19873 "Little Fifi" P-51D OC-O 44-15403 S/Sgt. John B. Hallahan-c/e Sgt. Earl J. Hall-ac/c
Burke, Mark J., Maj.
February 1943-0ctober 1944 P-47D OC- 42-76146
Carr, Robert E., Lt.
August 1944-January 17, 1945(KJA) 35 missions
/31
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Carroll, Arthur c., Capt.
February 1943-June 1943
Chickering, Rolfe L., Lt.
May 1944-0ctober 1944 75 missions P-47D OC-K 42-8588 "Gracie" S/Sgt. Thomas C. Shafer-c/c Sgt. Willard E. Gray-ac/c Sgt. Henry M. Roberts-arm.
Childers, Bobby, Maj.
February 1945-November 1945; ex-36Oth Ftr Sqn 53 missions (17 w/359th)
Clayborne, Millard M., Capt.
January I 944-August 1944 78 missions P-47D OC-D 42-75171 "Rambling Rebel" S/Sgt. Bradley W. Norris-c/c Sgt. Roy R. Miller-ac/c
Cline, John H., Lt.
April 1944-0ctober 1944 64 missions, 274:25 hours P-47D OC-A 42-8471 S/Sgt. George J. Dorsi-c/c Sgt. Leonard C. Madson-ac/c
Collett, Charles E., Capt.
January 1945-September 1945 20 missions P-51D OC-K44-15201 S/Sgt. Thomas C. Shafer-c/c Sgt. Willard E. Gray-ac/c
Collins, Robert J., Lt.
March 1943-May 1944; to 5th ERS August 1944-September 1944
Conroy, Robert B., Lt.
March 1943-January 14, 1944(POW) P-47D OC-X 42-8574 "Princess Pat" S/Sgt. Richard N. Doyle-c/c Sgt. Thomas J. Murphy-ac/c Sgt. Herb E. Mallett-arm.
Cooley, Warren
c., Lt.
August I944-December 26, 1944(POW) 26 missions P-47D OC-H "Lonesome Polecat" P-5lD OC-H 44-15181 S/Sgt. Henry D. McCombs-c/c Sgt. Steve H. Charuk-ac/c
Cornett, Jack B., Capt.
August 1944-September 1945 52 missions
Cotter, William w., Lt.
March 1943-February 26, I944(KIAc)
132
Appendices
P-47D OC-A 42-8492 "The Falcon" S/Sgt. Francis H. McGillivray-c/c Sgt. Robert M. Conrad-ac/c Cpl. Walter W. Kondziela-arm. Coughenour, Robert A., Jr., Lt.
Craig, William
c., Lt.
April 1944-June 8, 1944(K1A) 10 missions March 1943-August 1944 69 missions P-47D OC-N 42-8002 "Wilmarene" S/Sgt. Merten P. Greenhalgh-c/c Cpl. Robert R. Roginski-ac/c Sgt. James W. Hough-arm.
Crum, Glenn, Lt.
September I 944-September 1945 40 missions P-5lD OC-L 44-15177 "Koyli Renee" S/Sgt. Arthur H. Fix-c/c Sgt. George Schofield-ale
Earnhart, Charles B., Lt.
November 1943-June 28, 1944(MIA-E) ex-RCAF pilot
Easley, Preston W., Lt.
August 1944-February 1945; to 360th Ftr Sqn 42 missions (60 total for war) P-47D OC- "The Virginia Squire"
Edinborough, Warren T., Lt.
January I945-September 1945; ex-405th Ftr Grp 18 missions
Engel, Gardner W., Capt.
February 1943-July 1944 300 hours P-47D OC-P P-47D OC-P 42-76405 "Mad Marion" S/Sgt. Richard E. Carruthers-c/e Sgt. John R.W. Cahill-ac/c Sgt. Robert E. Clayton-arm.
Erschen, Harold E., Lt.
March 1943-August 1943; to 370th Ftr Grp and that unit later to ETO w/9th Air Force
Farmer, William L., Lt.
March 1943-May 1944 200 hours P-47D OC-H 42-74711 S/Sgt. HeillY D. McCombs-c/c Sgt. Steve H. Charuk-ac/c
Fortner, Raymond
c., Lt.
January 1944-January 4, 1944(KIAc) Omissions
133
The 356tll Fighter Group in World War II
Forsyth, Frank A., Lt.
March 1944-September I, 1944(MIA-E) October 1944-December 1944; ex-RCAF pilot
86 missions P-47D OC-I 42-26141 "Fearless Fosdick" P-5IK OC-I 44-11351 SISgt. Isadore Helfand-c/c Sgt. Thomas C. Shafer-ac/c Gohsler, Harry R., Lt.
September 1944-July 1945 63 missions, 282 hours P-51D OC-M 44-15528 "Junie" P-51D OC-Y 44-15138 "Hair-Breath Harry" SISgt. James W. Letscher-c/c(M) Sgt. George M. Harrington-ae/c(M) SISgt. Lyle R. McCormick-c/c(Y) Cpl. Reginald J. Skeel-ac/e(Y)
Griswold, James B., Capt.
July 1944-January 1945 73 missions, 270 hours P-47D OC-N 42-8002 "Lonesome Lee" P-47D OC-N 42-26557 "Lonesome Lee II" P-51D OC-N 44-15274 SISgt. Merten R. Greenhalgh-c/c Cpl. Robert R. Roginski-ac/e Sgt. James W. Hough-arm.
Hackney, Claude 1., Jr., Capt.
October 1944-December 26, 1944(KIA) 17 missions
Hale, Alfred R., Capt.
August 1944-September 1945 51 missions
P-51D OC- V 44-72288 "Marge" S/Sgt. Harold F. Lycette-c/c Sgt. Harry E. Peal-ac/c Cpl. Harold S. Bley-arm. Harney, Vance C., Lt.
November 1944-January 16, 1945(KIA) 21 missions
Henry, Justus D., Lt.
March 1943-March 8, 1944(KIA) P-47D OC-L 42-8467 S/Sgt. Arthur H. Fix-c/c
Hildebrand, Leonard J., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 45 missions
Hoffert, William L., Lt.
April 1944-November 8, 1944(POW) 80 missions P-47D OC-S 44-19802 S/Sgt. Thomas I. Murphy-c/c
134
Appendices
Sgt. James B. Pascarello-ac/c Sgt. Ken J. Phillips-arm.
Holm, Willis A., Capt.
March 1943-May 13, 1944(KIA) P-47D OC-M 42-74689 "Lady Jane" SISgt. James W. Letscher-c/c
Holtz, Raymond K., Lt.
March I943-April 27, 1944(MIA-E) P-47D OC-W 42-8567 "We Four" P-47D OC-W 43-25530 "We Four II" SISgt. Ray J. Brandle-c/c
Hull, John D., Lt.
March 1943-November 29, 1943(POW) P-47D OC- 42-8598
Judd, Russell P, Lt.
November 1944-February 1945; to 5th ERS and later KIA April 8, 1945. Ex-RCAF pilot and was on D.S. to 495th Ftr Trg Grp the whole time.
Kirschner, Charles M., Lt.
August I944-September 1945 52 missions
Knudsen, Howard R., Capt.
March 1943-Augusl 1944 P-47D OC-H SISgt. Henry D. McCombs-c/e Sgt. Steve H. Charuk-ac/c Cpl. Ken R. Schroeder-arm.
Krowiak, Casimir E, Lt.
April I944-April 27, 1944(KlA) 5 missions
Lawrence, Chester W" Lt.
November 1944-January 18, 1945(KIA) 22 missions
LeMoyne, Harry E, Capt.
May 1944-November 1944 67 missions P-47D OC-P "Lazy Mazie" SISgt. Richard E. Carruthers-c/c
Lubbers, Robert P., Capt.
April 1944-0ctober 1944 79 missions
Male, Kenneth J., Lt.
February 1945-September 1945 29 missions, 146 hours
Malo, Edward J., Lt.
May 1944-0ctober 1944 71 missions P-47D OC-E 42-74673 "Carmen" P-47D OC-E 42-28845
135
The 3561h Fighter Group in World War II
S/Sgt. Fred D. Hodge-c/c S/Sgt. Laurence S. Thomas-ac/c Sgt. Wesley A. Crone-arm. Marsh, Otto L., Lt.
February 1945-September 1945 22 missions
McCloskey, Bruce 0., Lt.
March 1945-April 1945 4 missions, 19:05 hours
McKelvy, Charles
Meade, John
c., Jr., Lt.
w., Lt.
October 1944-November 8, 1944(POW) 7 missions P-47D OC-J 42-76208 "Dodie Darlin" S/Sgt. Ralph V. Brennan-c/c October 1944-September 1945 48 missions
Meholic, James J., Capt.
March 1943-August 1944 300 hours P-47D OC-E P-47D OC-E 42-26129 P-47D OC-E 42-26851 S/Sgt. Patrick A. Cavuto-c/c
Mellinger, Paul R., Lt.
May 1944-0ctober 1944 68 missions, 259 hours P-47D OC-Y 42-8478 S/Sgt. Albert S. Mason-c/c
Miller, Richard
c., Lt.
Mueller, Carl F., Lt.
Murtishaw, George
Nielsen, Howard
October 1944-September 1945 48 missions P-51D OC-P 44-15268 "The Gremlin" S/Sgt. Richard E. Carruthers-c/c Sgt. John R.w. Cahill-ac/c Sgt. Robert E. Clayton-arm. May 1944-August 1944; was on D.S. to Station 101 for the entire period.
c., Lt.
w., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 37 missions October 1944-September 1945 45 missions P-51D OC-A S/Sgt. Robert M. Conrad-c/c Sgt. George M. Harrington-ac/c
136
Appendices
O'Barr, William C., Lt.
March 1943-May 29, 1944(POW) 67 missions, 195 hours P-47D OC-E 42-8654 P-47D OC-E 42-76372 S/Sgt. Patrick A. Cayuto-cle Sgt. James C. Kredell-arm.
Odenwald, Ralph E., Lt.
October 1944-February 4, 1945(KIAc) 25 missions P-51D OC-A 44-14864 S/Sgt. Robert M. Conrad-c/c Sgt. George M. Harrington-ac/c
Ogden, Harold E., Capt.
March 1943-0ctober 1943; to HdQts
Oliver, Leon, Lt.
October 1944-June 1945 45 missions P-51D OC-S S/Sgt. Thomas J. Murphy-c/c Sgt. Albert S. Woods-ac/c
O'Quinn, Percy
c., Lt.
August 1944-September 1945 36 missions
Peet, George B., Capt.
November 1943-September 1944; ex-RCAF P-47D OC-T 42-8645 P-47D OC-T 42-8617 S/Sgt. Edward R. Urbanski-c/c
Pelletier, George S., Lt.
April 1944-Noyember 1944 69 missions P-47D OC-X 42-28808 "Mary B" S/Sgt. Richard N. Doyle-c/c Sgt. Herb E. Mallett-arm.
Perry, James H., Lt.
July 1944-September 18, 1944(KJA) 37 missions
Pietruszka, John E, Lt.
May 1944-December 1944 69 missions
Rann, Richard A., Maj.
November 1943-February 25, 1945(POW) 120 missions, 395 hours P-47D OC-S 42-22524 P-47D OC-R 42-75389 P-47D OC-R 42-28675 P-51D OC-R 44-15028 T/Sgt. Leo V. Shaughnessy-c/c Sgt. Stan W. Grohoski-ac/c Cpl. Ken R. Munce-arm.
137
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Rhynard, Wayne E., LtCoL
February 1945-July 1945; to 357th Ftr Grp ex-79th Ftr Grp, MTO (84 missions) 21 missions, 121 hours P-51O OC-E 44-72284 "Mieharee I" S/Sgt Patrick A. Cavuto-e/e
Richason, Lee F., Capt
March 1943-0etober 1944 P-47D OC-Q 42-26331 "Slightly Dangerous" S/Sgt Henry Spelke-c/c
Robertson, Louis L, Capt.
August 1944-April 1945; ex-MTO pilot 33 missions P-51O OC-T 44-15677 S/Sgt. Edward R. Urbanski-c/e
Rubner, Chester H., Jr., Capt
February 1943-August1944
Rudd, Edward G., Capt
September 1944-EOW 61 missions, 255:15 hours P-51O OC-K 44-15201 "Eunie" S/Sgt Thomas C. Shafer-c/c Sgt Willard E. Gray-ac/e
Sanders, R.D., Lt
January 1945-March 1945; to 1st SF 3 missions, 16 hours
Sargent, Lawton G., Jr., Lt
January 1945-September 1945 23 missions, 112 hours
Scharnberg, Russell C., Lt.
August 1944-December 5, 1944(KIA) 44 missions
Scott, Henry
c., Lt.
January 1945-February 25, 1945(KJA) 3 missions, 15:05 hours
Sellers, Lorin B., Jr., Lt
February 1945-Ju1y 1945 17 missions
Shelton, Toney,Lt
May 1944-November 1944 69 missions
Siegel, John A., Lt
January 1945-September 1945 19 missions
Simmerman, Vernon J., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 19 missions
Smith, Elmer E., Jr., Lt
January 1945-September 1945 19 missions
138
Appendices
Smith, James B., Capt.
March I943-June 8, 1944(MIA-E) P-47D OC-R 42-8694 "Little Texan" P-47D OC-R 42-76168 SISgt. James Madaras-c/c
Smith, Ned L., FlO
January 1945-March 1945; to 1st SF 7 missions
Sonnier, Lucien 0., Lt.
November 1944-September 1945 41 missions P-51D OC-D 44-15185 "T-Lou" P-51D OC-D 44-72148 "T-Lou-II" SISgt. Bradley Norris-c/c Sgt. Roy R. Miller-ac/c
Stipes, Reuben B., Lt.
February 1945-September 1945 21 missions
Stoenner, Erwin F., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 19 missions
Stone, Richard J., Lt.
November 1944-July 20, 1945(KIAc) 37 missions P-51D OC-H 44-15181 SISgt. Henry D. McCombs-c/c Sgt. Frank Geloran-ac/c
Tarbutton, Jean D., Capt.
Aphl1944-Deeember 5, 1944(POW) ex- 1 Ith Air Force, Aleutians pilot 65 missions P-47D OC-C 42-26576 "Vee-T" P-51D OC-B 44-15219 SISgt. Francis H. McGillivray-c/c (P-47) SISgt. Lawrence L. Everett-c/c (P-51) Cpl. Walter W. Kondziela-arm (P-47)
Taylor, George A., Lt.
January I945-September 1945 16 missions
Thorne, James H., Maj.
March 1943-March 1944; to HdQts P-47D OC-K 42-75228 SISgt. Jesse G. Parfitt-ele Sgt. Thomas C. Shafer-ac/c Sgt. Wesley A. Crone-arm.
Traupe, William F., Capt.
November 1944-February 20, 1945(KIA) ex-360th Ftr Sqn (0 missions) 23 missions P-51D OC-S 44-15280 "Flying Dutchman" SISgt. Thomas J. Murphy-c/e
139
The 356tll Fighter Group ill World War II
Sgt. James B. Pascarello-ac/c
Sgt. Herb E. Mallett-arm. Troge, Eldon E, Capt.
August 1944-September 1945 52 missions
Tucker, Dick E, Capt.
May 1944-December 1944 76 missions
P-47D OC-T 42-28819 "Jodie Darlin" SISgt. Edward R. Urbanski-c/c Vossler, Richard G., Lt.
November 1943-August 1944; ex-RCAF P-47D OC-J 42-8646 P-47D OC-J 42-76208 "Lady Luck" SISgt. Ralph V. Brennan-c/c Later to PTO w/414th Ftr Grp (P-47N's)
Wadlow, James H., Jr., Capt.
March 1943-0ctober 1944 P-47D OC-f' P-47D OC-f' 42-74673 "Ich Brauche Du" SISgt. Richard E. Carruthers-c/c
Walters, Clarence L., Lt.
January I945-September 1945 28 missions
Warner, Ralph N., Jr., Lt.
March I945-September 1945 IS missions
Warren, Richard B., Lt.
January 1944-April 26, 1944(KlA) 29 missions
Weber, Herbert, Capt.
March 1943-July 1944 300 hours P-47D OC-V 42-8478 "Fifinella" SISgt. Harold E Lycette-c/c Sgt. Harry E. Peal-ac/c
Whitaker, William R., Lt.
January 1945-July 1945 4 missions, 20:40 hours
White, Ernest J., Jr., LtCo!.
February 1943-November 1944 P-47D OC-B 42-22528 P-47D OC-B 42-74745 P-47D OC-B 43-25557 SISgt. Lawrence L. Everett-c/c
Wieland, Nelson E., Lt.
November 1944-September 1945 40 missions P-51D OC-Q 44-15308 "Jean-Tom" SISgt. James M. Pratley-c/c
;1,
140
Appendices
Wilmot, Allen E., Lt.
May 1944-August 1944 18 missions
Withers, Raymond R., Capt.
November 1944-February 1945; ex-360th Ftr Sqn (see for details) P-5JD OC-B 44-15195 "Kathleen" S/Sgt. Lawrence L. Everett-c/c
Wong, Arthur, Jr., Lt.
November 1944-December 24, 1944(POW) 2 missions, 9 hours
Wood, William H., Lt.
March 1944-May 7, 1944(POW) 22 missions P-47D OC-A 42-8417 "Ich Brauche Du" S/Sgt. Robert M. Conrad-c/c Sgt. Emilio L. Savaro-ac/c
Wyatt, James A., Lt.
January 1944-May 13, 1944(WIA) 26 missions P-47D OC-A 42-8471 SIS gt. George J. Dorsi-cle
360th Fighter Squadron Adams, Charles w., Lt.
March 1943-May 1944 59 missions P-47D PI- "Francis' Favorite"
Anderson, Edwin E., Lt.
April I944-May 21, 1944(POW) 4 missions
Andrino, Richard J., Lt.
August 1944-December 25, 1944(KIA) 32 missions
Asbridge, Julius B., Lt.
February 1943-November 29, 1943(POW) 5 missions P-47D PI- W 42-8502 "Hell's Angel" S/Sgt. Donald J. Williams-c/c Sgt. Walter B. Phillips-arm.
Baker, Arthur M., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 19 missions P-5 JD PI-I
Barnhart, Robert E., Capt.
August 1944-April 1945 75 missions, 303;05 hours P-47D PI-B 42-28664 "Squirt" P-5JD PI-B 44-15189 "Margie Darling" S/Sgt. Albert E. Charron-c/c
141
The 356t1l Fighter Group ;11 World War II
Bennett, Joseph H., Capt.
March 1943-November 1943; to 56th Ftr Grp later to 4th Ftr Grp and POW May 25, 1944 15 missions
Bluhm, Roy B., Jr., Capt.
May 1944-November 1944; ex-56th Ftr Grp (claimed 1-0-1 air w/56th) 49 missions, 341 hours (total time) P-47D PI-X 42-26579 "Texas Lady"
Boucek, William C., Lt.
March 1945-June 30, 1945(KlAc) ex-bomber pilot 2 missions, 10:50 hours
Borelli, Bernard, Capt.
February 1943-January 1945 99 missions, 335:25 hours P-47D PI- Y "Jersey Panic" P-47D PI-C 44-19894 P-51D PI-C 44-15341 S/Sgt. Maxwell M. Simes-c/c(Y) Sgt. Frank L. Traino-ac/c(Y) Sgt. Wilford B. Goodwin-arm.(Y)
Brewer, Paul M., Jr., Capt.
February I943-May 1943; to 3691h Ftr Grp
Brock, Everett L., FlO
November I943-December 20, 1943(KIA) ex-RCAF pilot 6 missions
Burwell, Orvil L., Capt.
August I944-September 1945 69 missions, 305 hours P-47D PI-D P-51D PI-D 44-14973 "Lady Doris"
Carlson, Donald D., Capt.
August 1944-April 1945
66 missions, 320 hours P-47D PI-M "The Thundering Three" P-51D PI-M 44-15149 "Virgy" P-51D PI-M "Ginny II" P-51 K PI-M 44-11577 "Ginny Ill" S/Sgt. William Oliver-c/c Cpl. Fred E. Mast-arm. Causer, Herbert P., Lt.
July 1944-August 12, 1944(MlA-E); ex-RCAF 3 missions
Ceraolo, Nunzio B., Lt.
September 1944-Seprember 1945 53 missions P-5 ID PI-144-6325 I "Louise" S/Sgt. Edward J. Lacey-c/c
142
Appendices
Charlton, James G., Lt.
January 1945-EOW 26 missions P-5lD PI-B 44-15189 S/Sgt. Albert E. ChaITOn-c/c
Childers, Bobby, Maj.
September 1944-February 1945; to 359th Ftr Sqn 53 missions (36 w/360th)
Ciocchi, Dante G., Lt.
August 1944-April 1945 65 missions P-5lD Pl- 44-15218 "Miss Mary Nel"
Cook, Edwin D., Lt.
February 1944-May 19, 1944(POW) 27 missions
Cook, James R., Capt.
February 1943-July 1944 87 missions P-47D Pl-B "Quirk's DaI'k Horse" P-47D PI-B "Quirk's Dark Horse II" S/Sgt. Albert E. Charron-c/c Sgt. Richard L. Wise-ac/c
Cook, Thomas A., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 18 missions (injured November 27,1944 and back on operations April 1945) P-5ID PI-G "Akron Angel" S/Sgt. Leslie L. Parker-c/c Cpt. Francis L. Dasenbrook-arm.
Corner, Ernest W., Lt.
November 1944-September 1945 49 missions P-51D PI-X 44-63283 "Paper Doll"
Cota, Norman D., Jr., Maj.
February 1943-0ctober 1944 103 missions P-47D PI-B 42-74714 "Gremlin Express" P-47D PI-C 42-25534 S/Sgt. Leslie L. Parker-c/c Cpt. Francis L. Dasenbrook-arm.
Crump, John W., Capt.
August 1944-May 1945 77 missions, 311 hours P-47D PI-W 42-26322 "Jackie" P-5lD PI-W 44-15056 "Jackie" S/Sgt. Donald J. Williams-c/c Sgt. Lucien A. Tancredi-ac/c Cpt. John G. Phillips-artn.
Des Jardins, James A., Lt.
October 1944-November 25, 1944(KIA) 4 missions
143
The 3561h Fighter Group in World War II
Douglas, Norwood C., Lt.
April 1944-November 1944; ex-56th Ftr Grp 63 missions
P-47D Pl-Z 44-19861 "Chesapeake Beach" S/Sgt. Warren S. Wieker-c/c Dunn, Carl w., Lt.
November 1943-ApriI9, 1944(KlA) 34 missions P-47D PI-W 42-76147
Dunn, William K., Capt.
October 1944-September 1945 53 missions, 242:30 hours P-5lD PI-J2 44-15289 "Patty" S/Sgt. Buren E. King-c/c PFC Marvin L. Berger-arm.
Easley, Preston w., Capt.
February I945-September 1945; ex-359th Ftr Sqn 60 missions (18 w/360th) P-51 D PI-E 44-15333 "The Virginia Squire" S/Sgt. Leslie H. McMullen-c/c
Ellingson, Bertrum E., Capt.
February 1943-March 1945 108 missions
P-47D Pl-E P-51 D Pl-E 44-15333 S/Sgt. Leslie H. McMullen-c/c Evans, Byron A., Capt.
March 1943-February II, 1944(KIA) 31 missions
Fletcher, Westwood H., Capt.
March 1943-September 17, 1944(MIA-E) 93 missions
P-47D PI-J2 "Podunk" P-47D PI-J2 "Podunk 11" P-47D PI-J2 42-28472 "Podunk III" S/Sgt. Stanton B. Wilcox-c/c Sgt. Archie H. Carter-ac/e Garlent, John H., Lt.
June 1944-September 9, 1944(K1A) 44 missions
Garvey, Charles J., Lt.
March 1943-March 20, 1944(POW) 32 missions P-47D PI-D 42-74638 "Nashville Belle"
Gatlin, Wayne C., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 56 missions, 264 hours P-5lD PI-L 44-14574 "Sweet'n Low Down" S/Sgt. Robert E. Wallace-c/c Sgt. Frank L. Traino-ac/c Sgt. Lester J. Mills-arm. 144
Appendices
Gleason, Robert S., Lt.
May 1944-February 1945 70 missions
P-47D PI-G 42-25534 "Viscious Virgin" P-51D PI-G 44-15114 "Arasa & Jeff' S/Sgt. Leslie L. Parker-c/c Cpl. Francis L. Dasenbrook-arm. Goldwasser, Lawrence L., Lt.
May 1944-May 31, 1944(POW) 10 missions
Green, Shirley J., Lt.
December 1943-July 18, 1944(KIAc) 63 missions
P-47D PI-U 42-26565 "Lone Star Lady" Hall, Daughtry L., Lt.
Halverson, Roland J., Capt.
November I 943-April 23, 1944(POW) 38 missions February 1943-June 1944 53 missions
P-47DPI-M42-74731 "Joker" P-47D PI-M 42-25751 "Joker" S/Sgt. Warren S. Wicker-c/c Sgt. Wilfrid D. Lahaie-ac/c Hedrick, Walter 0., Lt.
October I944-March I, 1945(POW) 15 missions
Hepfer, Joseph B., Lt.
April 1944-August 1944 4 missions (possibly WIA in May 1944)
Herin, Reginald A., Jr., Lt.
May 1944-August 1944 February 1945-March 1945; to HdQts ex-56th Ftr Grp (1-0-0 air) 49 missions
Hickey, James A., Lt.
January 1945-July 1945; ex-bomber pilot 14 missions
P-51D PI-J 44-15052 S/Sgt. Carleton S. Rogers-c/c Sgt. John Shagat-ac/c Cpl. Forrest E. Hart-arm. Hockmeyer, Vincent, Capt.
February 1943-February 1945 99 missions
P-47D PI-H P-51D PI-H 44-15250 S/Sgt. Joseph O. Padron-c/c Cpl. Thomas E. Reynolds-arm. Huebner, Milton H., Lt.
August I944-December 25, 1944(KIA) 37 missions 145
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Il
Johnson, Gerald W., Maj.
November 1943-February 1944; to 56th Ftr Grp and ex-56th Ftr Grp 10 missions
Johnson, William E., Jr., Lt.
Jones, Donald E, Lt.
March 1943-April 10, 1944(KlA) 47 missions P-47D PI- "Kitten" November 1944-September 1945 51 missions
P-51D PI-O 44-15300 "Milly" S/Sgt. Robert C Paxson-c/c PFC Nolan R. Hinson-ac/c Cpl. Austin H. Lenhard-arm. Kariva, George C, Lt.
May 1944-June 6, 1944(POW); ex-RCAF 3 missions
Kinnard, Claiborne H., Jr., Maj.
March 1943-November 1943; to 355th FIr Grp 9 missions P-47D PI-A S/Sgt. Mirion B. Wells-c/c Sgt. Robert S. Bone-arm.
Knapp, Lester H., Lt.
March I944-August 12, 1944(KJA) 78 missions P-47D PI-W 42-26563 "Knapp Sack" S/Sgt. Donald J. Williams-c/c Sgt. Walter B. Phillips-arm.
Koczak, Alex S., Lt.
February I943-May 20, 1944(POW) 40 missions P-47D PI- 42-8469 "Jersey Bounce"
Kress, Lester E, Capt.
February 1943-July 1944 79 missions P-47D PI-F "Dear Alean" S/Sgt. Herman A. Volz-c/c
Krieger, Andrew E., Jr., Maj.
March 1944-May 1944; ex-HdQts 39 missions
P-47D PI-K "Fancy Nancy" SISgt. Donald M. Osgood-c/c Laviolette, Henry P., Lt.
June 1944-February 1945 74 missions
Lawson, Stuart D., Lt.
March 1943-August 1943
Leathers, Wayne E., Capt.
April 1944-November 1944 80 missions
146
Appendices
P-47D PI-L 42-26271 S/Sgt. Robert E. Wallace-c/c Leidy, Robert M., Lt.
May I944-September 9, 1944(KIA) 67 missions
P-47D PI-J "Jeanie-Janet" S/Sgt. Carleton S. Rogers-e/e Sgt. John Shagat-ae/e Cpl. Forrest E. Hart-arm. L'Heureux, Robert c., Capt.
March 1943-August 1944 99 missions
P-47D PI-O 42-76101 P-47D PI-O 42-26240 S/Sgt. Robert C. Paxson-c/e Loffredo, Ralph
c., Lt.
March 1943-August 1943; to 370th Ftr Grp and unit to ETO; he was KIAe March 4, 1944
Lundquist, Donald M., Lt.
March 1943-August 1943; to 370th Ftr Grp and to ETO
Martin, Dolor A., Lt.
March 1943-November II, 1943(KIA) 6 missions
Mauldin, Thurman N., Lt.
February I945-September 1945; ex-368th Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force 16 missions, 81 :30 hours P-5IDPI-K44-15211 "SweetPeay" S/Sgt. Stan H. Longbottom-c/e
Maupin, Howard P., FlO
February 1944-March 20, I944(MIA-E) 4 missions
Maxwell, Wallace G., Lt.
March 1943-May 21, 1944(KJA) 65 missions
P-47D PI- "Adolph's Horror" McCullough, Philip E., Lt.
March I943-March 20, 1944(POW) 40 missions
P-47D PI- "Big Dick" McHale, Joseph M., Capt.
February 1943-September 1944
89 missions McLaughlin, Harry B., Capt.
February 1943-May 1944 62 missions
P-47D PI-J 42-8535 "Red Dog" S/Sgt. Carleton S. Rogers-cle Sgt. John Shagat-ac/c Cpl. Forrest E. Hart-arm. /47
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
McNary, Billy D., Lt.
January I945-September 1945 28 missions P-51 D PT-P
Mercer, Durward B., Lt.
April 1944-0ctober 1944 74 missions, 249:55 hours P-47D PI-N 42-26309 "Georgia's Best" P-47D PI-N 42-26289 "Georgia's Best"
Moyer, Grant F., Lt.
May 1944-May 23, 1944(KIAc)
Omissions Nebinger, Edward M., Lt.
June 1944-January 1945 75 missions P-47D PT-A P-51D PI-A 44-15194 S/Sgt. Edward Woolley-c/c
Nelson, Howard E., Ll.
January 1945-March 1945; to 1st SF 9 missions
Nelson, Wendel J.A., Lt.
November I944-January 13, 1945(KIA) ex-RCAF 10 missions
Niemi, Albert v., Capt.
February 1943-September 1944 100 missions P-47D PT- "The Cape Codder"
Obosla, Joseph, Lt.
April I944-June 8, 1944(KIA) 30 missions
Olive, Homer S., Lt.
May 1944-November 1944 69 missions
Paquet, Adolph A., Lt.
November I944-September 1945 45 missions P-51 K PI-Y 44-11570 "Virgie" S/Sgt. Maxwell M. Simes-cle
Parker, Hunter D., Capt.
February 1943-Aprilll, 1944(POW) 52 missions P-47D PT-G 42-8474 P-47D PI-G 42-76449 S/Sgt. Donald J. Williams-c/e Cpl. Thomas F. Casey-arm.
Pascal, Irvin M., Lt.
March 1943-August 1943
Peacock, Fred W., Lt.
May 1944-December 1944 68 missions 148
Appendices
Perryman, Allen A., Jr., Lt.
March 1944-May 19, 1944(POW) 23 missions
Phillips, Fred
c., Jr., Lt.
May 1944-June 14, 1944(POW) 2 missions
Pidwell. John
c., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 56 missions, 248:40 hours P-51 D PH~ 44-14925 "Mary Jane" S/Sgt. Paul Peterson-clc Cpl. William E. Martin-arm.
Pleasant, Edward W., Capt.
May 1944-March 1945 84 missions
Poppell, Clifford S., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 47 missions P-5 1D PI-M 44-15590 "Barbara" Cpl. Fred W. Rickart-arm.
Proctor, Lawrence B., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 21 missions P-5lD PI-W
Quigley, Dale T., Lt.
August 1944-April 1945 71 missions
Ragsdale, Raleigh S., Lt.
October 1944-April 6, 1945(KIA) 49 missions P-5lD PI-Q 44-15552 "Big Lefty-Little Ann" S/Sgt. Anthony Librandi-c/c Cpl. David S. Marsball-arm.
Remenicky, Joseph, Lt.
January 1945-July 1945 8 missions
Rensch, Richard J., Lt.
November 1944-June 20, 1945(KIAc) 44 missions P-5lD PI-C 44-15341 Sgt. Wilford B. Goodwin-arm.
Rhoades, Carmen E, Capt.
May 1944-Ju1y 20, 1944(POW) 20 missions P-47D PI-A S/Sgt. Edward Woolley-c/c Sgt. Gerald C. Youngs-ac/c
Rideout, Harry E, Lt.
May 1944-September 9, 1944(KIA) 51 missions
149
The 35611t Fighter Group in World War 1/
Robinson, Robert A., Lt.
May I944-July 20, 1944(POW) 18 missions
Romine, Jack T., Capt.
May 1944-March 1945 78 missions P-47D PI- "Black Jack"
Royer, Willard w., FlO
August I 944-November 4, 1944(KIA) 21 missions
Russell, Francis M., Capt.
April 1944-March 1945 82 missions P-47D PI-S "Buckeye Bullet" P-51D PI-S 44-15601 "Buckeye Bullet"
Rutland, Herbert R., Jr., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 20 missions, 101:30 hours P-51D PI-R 44-72931
Schalck, George H., Lt.
January 1945-July 1945 22 missions P-51D PI-D 44-14973
Schmalz, Robert D., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 30 missions P-51 K PI-M 44-11577 SISgt. William Oliver-c/c
Schmidt, Robert P., Lt.
January I 945-September 1945 28 missions P-51D PI-W 44-15056 "Tarbaby" SISgt Lucien A. Tancredi-c/c Cpl. Willie C. McAlpin-ac/c
Schrull, Edward w., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 22 missions P-51D PI- V 44-72377 S/Sgt. Arthur V. Hagar-c/c
Seanor, George W., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 31 missions, 153:50 hours P-51D PI-H 44-15250 "Ringy Dingy" SISgt. Joseph O. Padron-clc Cpl. Thomas E. Reynolds-arm.
Servocky, Charles 1., Lt.
May 1944-November 1944 63 missions P-47D PI-F 42-76204 "Bright Eyes" S/Sgt. Herman A. Volz-c/c
150
Appendices
Shea, Richard J., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 15 missions
P-51D PI-S 44-15601 (KIAc after transferring out of the 356th) Simpson, John w., Lt.
January 1945-March 1945; to 1st SF 8 missions
Sova, Emil F., FlO
April 1944-June 6, 1944(POW) 7 missions
Stanick, John E., Lt.
April 1945-July 1945
amissions Stevenson, John F., Lt.
January I945-September 1945 22 missions P-51D PI-F 44-15361 SISgt. Herman A. Volz-c/c Sgt. Louis W. Fragella-arm.
Stratford, John B., Jr., Capt.
November 1943-April 27, 1944(KIA) 39 missions
Switzer, Louis R., Lt.
August 1944-April 1945 69 missions P-5 ID PI-F 44-11156 "Brenda" P-51D PI-F 44-15361 "Brenda" SISgt. Herman A. Volz-c/c Sgt. Louis W. Fragella-arm.
Tauroni, Dominic T., Lt.
May 1945-July 1945; ex-bomber pilot
amissions Taylor, Clyde M., Lt.
Teel, Thomas D., Lt.
May 1944-November 1944 62 missions P-47D PI- "Florida Gator" May 1944-August 29, 1944(KIA) 43 missions
Thomas, Alden S., Lt.
January 1945-February 22, 1945(POW) 3 missions
Thomas, William G., Capt.
Traupe, William F., Capt.
October 1944-September 1945 38 missions, 180 hours P-5 ID PI-K 44-11334 "Lois" SISgt. Donald M. Osgood-c/c Sgt. Harold E. Koppe-arm. October 1944-November 1944; to 359th Ftr Sqn;
a missions 151
The 356111 Fighter Group in World War II
Tucker, John P., FlO
ApriI1944-September 17, 1944(KIA) 31 missions
Turner, Eugene c., Lt.
November 1944-September 1945 43 missions, 201: 15 hours P-51D PI-A 44-15194 "Dotty" S/Sgt. Edward Woolley-c/c Sgt. John L. Garrison-ac/c Cpl. Lucien A. Ou-arm.
Turnidge, Donald L., Lt.
November I944-December 18, 1944(POW) 3 missions
Urban, Theodore J., Capt.
August 1944-ApriI1945 63 missions P-47D PI-J P-51D PI-J 44-15052 S/Sgt. Carleton S. Rogers-c/e Sgt. John Shagat-aele Cpl. Forrest E. Hart-arm.
Vitali, Chester A., Lt.
February 1943-May 1944 63 missions P-47D PI-L "Dedham Dreadnought" S/Sgt. Robert E. Wallaee-c/c Sgt. Edward Woolley-ac/c
Vogt, John
w., Jr., Maj.
May 1944-0ctober 1944; ex-56th Ftr Grp 64 missions P-47D PI-V 42-26553 "Jersey Mosquito" S/Sgt. Arthur V. Hagar-c/c
Walters, Clifford D., Lt.
March 1943-June 1944 62 missions
Welch, Carlton L., Lt.
August 1944-February 20, 1945(POW) ex-RCAF 33 missions P-51D PI-U 44-11220 "Fourth Apoealypsian" Cpl. Allen Farkus-arm.
Weller, Joel P, Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 32 missions P-51D PI-N
Williams, James H., Lt.
May 1944-November 1944 68 missions
Williams, Joseph R., Maj.
November 1943-Mareh 1944; ex-355th Ftr Grp 47 missions
152
Appendices
P-47D PI-A 42-76223 SISgt. Mirion B. Wells-c/c Withers, Raymond R., Capt.
March 1943-November 1944; to 359th Ftr Sqn 105 missions, 372: 10 hours total P-47D PI-N 42-22535 "Kathleen Ann" P-47D PI-Q 42-28823 "Kathleen Ann" P-5ID PI-Q 44-14936 "Kathleen Ann" SISgt. Anthony Librandi-c/c Sgt. George C. Goldschmidt-ac/c Cpl. Glendon C. Sawtelle-arm.
Wood, James N., LtCol.
October J 944-March 1945; ex-361 st Ftr Sqn 112 missions (29 wl360th) P-47D PI-V P-5ID PI-V 44-15115 "Naughty Nordie" P-51D PI-V 44-72377 "Naughty Nordie" SISgt. Arthur V. Hagar-c/c Sgt. Philip Daston-ac/c Cpl. John G. Phillips-arm.
Wood, Robert H., Lt.
May 1945-July 1945; ex-bomber pilot Omissions
Yannell, Michael P.,Maj.
October 1944-September 1945; ex-86th Ftr Grp, MTO (2 victories) 48 missions P-5ID PI-Z 44-15069 "Audrey 3rd" P-5ID PI-Z 44-73??? "Audrey 4th" SISgt. Warren S. Wicker-c/c Sgt. Wilfrid D. Lahaie-ac/c Cpl. Norman L. Allard-arm.
3618t Fighter Squadron Alexander, Robert S., FlO
November 1943-February 1944; to 3rd GTTF 11 missions, 23:35 hours P-47D QI-X 42-75522 SISgt. Robert E. Venzke-c/c
Ashby, Clifford T., Lt.
June 1944-March 1945 77 missions, 313:30 hours P-47D QI-M 42-76536 "Mary III" P-5ID QI-M 44-15073 SISgt. William H. McCormick-cle
Bailey, Thomas E, Capt.
February 1943-August 1944 88 missions, 301 :25 hours P-47D QI-C 42-8650 "Zombie"
153
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War II
P-47D QI-C 42-76594 "Zombie" S/Sgt. Joe G. Weber-c/c Sgt. Frank S. DeOrio-ac/c Sgt. Ken G. Miller-arm. Barnes, Benjamin B., Lt.
August 1944-December 5, 1944(KlA) 23 missions, 90:40 hours P-47D QI-W 42-76231 S/Sgt. Clifford N. Mullin-c/c
Baskin, Walter M., Lt.
November 1944-February 13, 1945(KlAc) ex-34th Bomb Group (41 missions) 27 missions, 116: I5 hours P-5 ID QI-D 44-15642 S/Sgt. James R. McAfee-c/c
Baylor, Melvin w., Capt.
August 1944-May 1945; ex-RCAF 66 missions, 285:20 hours P-47D QI-J 42-26275 P-5 lD QI-J 44-15097 "La Belle Mus Prang" S/Sgt. Otto R. Zamow-c/c Sgt. Harry Wohl-ac/c Sgt. John R. Stacer-arm.
Beck, Charles E., Lt.
August 1944-August 1945 63 missions, 285: 10 hours P-5lD QI-S 44-15343 "Pat" S/Sgt. Richard N. Rahnenfuhrer-c/c
Bell, DeWitt T., Jr., Lt.
January 1944-March 20, 1944(KIA) 20 missions, 56:42 hours
Bomberger, Amos H., II, Capt.
August 1944-August 1945 66 missions, 284 hours P-47D QI-B 42-26649 "Miss Carriage" P-5lD QI-B 44-15080 "Carolyn's Vergeltungswaffe" S/Sgt. Hugh Showers-c/c Sgt. Lewis B. Wolever-ac/c Cpl. Stan S. Ostroski-arm.
Bowers, James A., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 59 missions P-5 lD QI-V 44-1 5098 P-5 lD QI-V 44-15290 S/Sgt. Edward C. Rapoza-cle
Bruce, John L., Lt.
April 1944-May 4, 1944(KIA) II missions, 32:35 hours P-47D QI-B 43-25516 S/Sgt. Hugh Showers-c/c
154
Appendices
Burden, Rex R., Lt.
November 1944-September 1945 52 missions P-5lD QI-A44-15094 S/Sgt. Joe H. Young-c/c
Burdick, Clinton D., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 54 missions P-5lD QI-):),44-15310 "DoDo" S/Sgt. Hugh Showers-c/c
Burns, William W, Lt.
March 1944-July 1944; to 5th ERS 53 missions, 158:20 hours P-47D QI-Z 42-25850 S/Sgt. Ken A. Withers-c/c
Camosy, Arturo E., Lt.
March 1943-July 1943
Campbell, Raymond H., Capt.
October 1944-September 1945 55 missions P-5lD Ql-Y 44-15354 "Tim-Mit-El" S/Sgt. John Zalot-c/c Sgt. Howard J. Waterman-ac/c Cp1. Roger D. Cady-arm.
Campbell, Robert L., Lt.
March 1943-August 1944 81 missions, 223 hours P-47D QI-J 42-74661 "Bunky" P-47D QI-J 42-75252 "Big Ass Bird" S/Sgt. Otto R. Zamow-c/c Sgt. Harry Wohl-ac/c Sgt. John R. Stacer-arm.
Carlson, Donald R., Maj.
March 1945-November 1945; ex-4th Ftr Grp (153:20 hours) 7 missions P-51 D QI-I 44-72436 P-5lD QI-I 44-73172 S/Sgt. Gordon G. Cousins-c/e Sgt. Nestor Wolfson-ac/c Sgt. Clare P. Brewer-arm.
Caron, Donald F., Lt.
January 1945-August 1945; ex-bomber pilot (30 missions, 208 hours) 20 missions
Carwile, Jacob T., Lt.
October 1944-December 1944; to 67th Ftr Wg 3 missions, 7:35 hours
Clayton, Donald B., Capt.
May 1944-December 1944 72 missions, 270 hours P-47D QI-E 43-25561 155
The 3561h Fighter Grou.p in World War 1/
P-51D QI-E 44-15063 SISgt. Maurice W. Quinn-c/c Cochran, Paul R., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 45 missions P-51D QI-R 44-15570 "Lili Belle" SISgt. Henry H. Yoder-c/c
Cooper, James M., LtCol.
July 1944-January 1945; ex-78th Ftr Grp 46 missions, 177:50 hours P-47D QI-R 42-28792 P-51D QI-R 44-15169 SISgt. Henry H. Yoder-c/c
Cope, Roben E., Lt.
November 1944-September J945 52 missions P-51D QI-I44-15101 P~51D QI-Y44-72982 SISgt. Gordon G. Cousins-c/c
Cotton, John
w., FlO
March I945-September 1945; ex-RCAF 5 missions
Cox, Raymond J., Lt.
October 1944-September 1945 56 missions P-51D QI-Q 44-15089 "Lil Joe" SISgt. Gerald R. Pontbriand-c/c
Creevy, Thomas E., Lt.
May 1945-June 9, 1945(KIAc); ex-bomber pilot, 0 missions
Culp, Jack H., Lt.
January 1944-May 4, 1944(pOW) 32 missions, 102 hours P-47D QI-V 42-75507 SISgt. Edward C. Rapoza-c/c
Decker, Edmund L., FlO
March 1944-June 8, 1944(KIA) 30 missions, 127:20 hours P-47D QI-K 42-75556 SISgt. Henry R. Rotella-c/e
DeMerit, Merrill w., Lt.
January 1944-February 10, 1944(POW) 3 missions, 9:40 hours
Dendle, Elmer G., Lt.
March 1943-May J944; to 5th ERS 41 missions, 134:20 hours P-47D QI-K 42-75438 "Katie" P-47D QI-K 42-74709 S/Sgt. Edward F. Wolfe-c/c Sgt. Lawrence H. Richards-ac/c Cpl. Charles E. Setzke-arm. 156
Appendices
Drake, Wilford D., Lt.
June I944-November 1944 68 missions, 250: 10 hours P-47D QI-J 42-26275 "Joy Ann" S/Sgt. Otto R. Zamow-c/c Sgt. John R. Stacer-arm.
Dupuy, John K., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 37 missions
P-51D QI-Z44-15401 "Moonshine" S/Sgt. Edward J. Woehrel-c/c Engle, Raymond E, Lt.
April 1944-June 8, 1944(KIA) 27 missions, 95:25 hours P-47D QI-O 42-8427
Engelhorn, Homer M., Capt.
February 1944-February 1945 81 missions, 294:45 hours
Epley, Thomas K., Capt.
August I944-September 1945 61 missions P-51 D QI-E 44-15063 S/Sgt. Maurice W. Quinn-ele
Erickson, Milton E, Lt.
February I943-Mareh 6, 1944(POW) 36 missions, 89:30 hours P-47D QI-N 42-22520 P-47D QI-N 42-75255 S/Sgt. Edward J. McCormiek-c/e
Faison, Edward L., Capt.
April 1944-Deeember 1944 90 missions, 345 hours P-47D QI-I 42-76497 "Skipper" P-47D QI-I 42-28827 P-5lD QI-I 44-15101 S/Sgt. Gordon G. Cousins-c/e Sgt. Nestor Wolfson-aele Sgt. Clare P. Brewer-arm.
Fremaux, Edward C, Capt.
December 1943-September 1944 89 missions, 291 :55 hours P-47D QI-V 42-75426 "Swamp Fox" S/Sgt. Edward C Rapoza-c/e
Gansberg, Raymond H., Capt.
March 1943-December 5, 1944(KIA) 90 missions, 297:50 hours P-47D QI-P 42-8440 P-47D QI-P42-76177 P-5lD QI-P 44-15109 S/Sgt. Edward S. Poplawski-c/e
157
The 356th Fighter Group ill World War II
Garneau, Edgar H., Lt.
February 1945-April 1945; ex-bomber pilot (215:10 hours) 6 missions, 25:50 hours
Gearon, Stanford J., Lt.
April 1945-August 1945 Omissions
Gibson, Robert, Lt.
March 1943-May 1944 65 missions, 200 hours P-47D QI-H 42-8536 P-47D QI-H 42-75419 S/Sgt. Walter D. Wise-ele
Gillette, Richard w., Lt.
June I944-November 1944 71 missions, 251:15 hours P-47D Ql-Y 42-8510 "Shoo Shoo Baby" S/Sgt. John Zalot-e/e Sgt. Howard J. Waterman-ac/e Cpl. Roger D. Cady-arm.
Hall, Herbert B., Jr., Lt.
June I944-November 1944 76 missions, 270 hours P-47D QI-H 42-26120 "Ace of Spades" S/Sgt. Walter D. Wise-c/e
Hallmark, John M., Capt.
September 1944-September 1945 62 missions P-51 D QI-H 44-15045 "Look Jessie!" S/Sgt. Walter D. Wise-e/e
Hargreaves, Jack A., Capt.
May 1944-January 1945 79 missions, 270 hours
Harris, Elijah P., Lt.
May 1944-June 10, 1944(KlA) 5 missions, 15:43 hours
Harrop, John 0., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 29 missions P-5lD QI-X 44-15170 P-5lD QI-X 44-72951 S/Sgt. Robert E. Venzke-c/e
Hayden, William R., Lt.
March 1943-Deeember 30, 1943(KlA) 16 missions, 37 hours P-47D QI-X 42-8662 S/Sgt. Robert E. Venzke-c/e
Hewett, Sidney H., Capt.
February 1943-May 4, 1944(POW) 56 missions, 166 hours P-47D QI-F 42-76397 "Clarkie" P-47D QI-F 42-74702 "Clarkie II" 158
Appendices
S/Sgt. Bennie F. Giardiniere-c/c Sgt. Michael Yahwak-ac/c Sgt. Elwin D. Phillips-arm. Higginbotham, Merrion G., Lt.
August 1944-April 1945 33 missions, 102:45 hours P-5lD QI-Y 44-15354 S/Sgt. John Zalot-c/c Sgt. Howard 1. Waterman-ac/c
Hooker, Freeman E, Lt.
August 1944-January 14, 1945(POW) 36 missions, 138:40 hours P-5lD QI-J: 44-11329 S/Sgt. Gordon G. Cousins-c/c
Hotchkiss, Renna S., Lt.
March 1943-January 1944 (to hospital) 2 missions, 3:48 hours
Humphrey, Robert E, Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 3S missions P-5lD QI-G 44-72257 S/Sgt. Tom E. Garrity-c/c Sgt. Joe G. Chraska-ac/c Sgt. Carl R. Sproles-arm.
Hurley, William S., Jr., Capt.
May 1944-February 1945 86 missions, 321 hours P-47D QI-T 42-76564 "Eerie Eagle" P-51D QI-C 44-15055 S/Sgt. Gilbert T. Watson-c/c(T) S/Sgt. Michael Yanoso-c/c(C)
Hyde, Paul H., Jr., Capt.
March 1943-December 20, 1943(KIA) 19 missions, 48:40 hours P-47D QI-L 42-8677 S/Sgt. Lionel F. Ratte-c/c
Ingram, William B., Lt.
April I944-April 24, 1944(KIA) 4 missions, 8 hours
Jack, Joseph v., Lt.
November 1943-April 1944 35 missions, I II : I0 hours P-47D QI-X 42-75522 S/Sgt. Robert E. Venzke-c/c
Jarvis, William
c., Lt.
November 1944-September 1945 50 missions P-51D QI-L 44-15139 P-51D QI-L 44-63511 S/Sgt. Lionel E Ratte-c/c Sgt. Frank Ludkovich-ac/c
159
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Jett, Shelby N., Lt.
November I944-July 8, 1945(KIAc) 56 missions P-5 ID QI-E 44-15666 "Jett Job" S/Sgt. Gilbert G. Vaught-c/c
Johnson, James K., Lt.
March 1943-May 19, 1944(POW) 60 missions, 124: I5 hours P-47D QI-G 42-8436 S/Sgt. Tom Garrity-c/c Sgt. Joe G. Chraska-ac/c Sgt. Carl R. Sproles-arm.
Kaczynski, Henry J., Lt.
April I944-April 23, 1944(POW) 3 missions, 5:30 hours
Kahle, Dayne, Lt.
April 1944-0ctober 1944 76 missions, 273:10 hours P-47D QI-A 42-25505 "Rosemary" P-47D QI-A 42-26630 S/Sgt. Joe H. Young-etc
Kinsey, Samuel P.M., Capt.
March 1945-September 1945; ex-23rd Ftr Grp, CBI (4 victories) 11 missions
Korhom, Evert, Capt.
March 1943-July 1944 94 missions, 300 hours P-47D QI-U 42-8394 P-47D QI-U 42-2255 I P-47D QI-U 42-26241 P-47D QI-U 44-2665 I S/Sgt. Michael Yanoso-c/c
Kovacs, Elmer A., Lt.
May I944-0ctober 1944 75 missions, 252: 10 hours P-47D QI-Y 42-75827 "Dottie K" P-47D QI-Y 42-26451 S/Sgt. Frank A. Policelli-c/c
Lee, Edward P., Lt.
February 1944-June 8, 1944(KIA) 48 missions, 172:25 hours
Lewis, Henry L., Lt.
June 1944-August 13, 1944(KIA) 22 missions, 74:30 hours P-47D QI-X 42-75230
Leyser, Henry
c., III, Lt.
February 1943-June 1944 63 missions, 200 hours P-47D QI-W 42-74649 "Betty" P-47D QI-W 42-74727
160
Appendices
S/Sgt. Salvatore A. Puleo-c/c S/Sgt. Hugh G. Showers-c/c Lindsay, John C, Lt.
September 1944-September 1945 62 missions P-5 ID QI-T 44-1 5 152 "Dixie Rambler II" S/Sgt. Gilbert T. Watson-c/e
LoffJer, Leonard L., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 33 missions P-51D QI-~ 44-73115 S/Sgt. Michael Yanoso-c/c
Martin, Johnnie F., Lt.
March I943-November 29, 1943(KIA) 10 missions P-47D Ql-Q 42-8692 S/Sgt. Gerald R. Pontbriand-c/e
McDowell, Reginald C, Capt.
February 1943-September 18, 1944(MIA-E) 74 missions, 228:25 hours P-47D QI-I 42-74646 P-47D QI-I 42-76497 "Irene" S/Sgt. Gordon G. Cousins-c/e Sgt. Nestor Wolfson-ac/e Sgt. Clare P. Brewer-arm.
McKeon, Preston
w., Lt.
May 1945-June 18, 1945(KIAc); ex-bomber pilot Omissions
Metzger, Allen M., Lt.
March 1943-November 29, 1943(KJA) 10 missions, 22:30 hours P-47D QI-O 42-8509 S/Sgt. Paul L. Reynolds-c/c
Mills, Joseph w., Lt.
May 1944-August 4, 1944(KIA) 34 missions, 123 :25 hours P-47D QI-S 42-25842 S/Sgt. Richard N. Rahnenfuhrer-e/c
Montgomery, Emery H., Maj.
March 1943-May 1944 50 missions, 118:20 hours P-47D QI-B 42-76128 S/Sgt. Hugh G. Showers-c/c Sgt. Lewis B. Wolever-ac/c Sgt. Delbert A. Collins-arm.
Morel, Paul F., Lt.
May 1944-0ctober 1944 74 missions, 250 hours P-47D QI-K 42-25505 S/Sgt. Edward F. Wolfe-c/e
161
The 356/h Fighter Group ill World War Il
Morgan, Frank A., Capt.
Nystrom, Richard
c., Capt.
March 1944-May 1944; to 5th ERS, ex-RCAF July 1944-March 1945 60 missions, 321 hours P-47D QI-N 42-26459 "Portland Rose" P-51D QI-N 44-15079 P-51D QI-N 44-15585 "Donna" SISgt. Edward J. McCormick-c/c February 1944-March 1944 (to hospital) July 1944-April1945; to HdQts 80 missions, 275:05 hours
Parham, Ernest M., Lt.
December 1943-April II, 1944(KIA) 32 missions, 87:30 hours P-47D QI-O 42-75572 P-47D QI-O 42-76126 SISgt. Paul L. Reynolds-c/c
Perrin, John P., Capt.
March 1943-May 1944; later KIAc 65 missions, 200 hours P-47D QI-E 42-22533 SISgt. Maurice W. Quinn-c/c
Porter, Fred S., Jr., Capt.
March I943-March 20, 1944(POW) 51 missions, 137:30 hours P-47D QI-M 42-8510 "Fireball" SISgt. James R. McAfee-c/c Sgt. William H. McCormick-ac/c Cpl. Marion E. Popiel-arm.
Pound, John E., Lt.
February 1945-September 1945 22 missions
Price, James T., Lt.
March 1943-December 16, 1943(KIA) 9 missions, 18 hours P-47D QI-D 42-74724 SISgt. Gerald R. Pontbriand-c/c
Racine, Rolland
w., Lt.
Ray, Vincent S., Capt.
March 1943-January II, 1944(KJA) 19 missions, 48:50 hours P-47D QI-V 42-22525 SISgt. Edward C. Rapoza-c/c October I944-September 1945 57 missions P-51D QI-P 44-15109 "Shirley Vee" P-51D QI-P 44-72269 SISgt. Emil A. Provencher-c/c
162
Appendices
Richardson, Harold F., Lt.
March 1943-August 1943
Riley, Eldon S., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 32 missions
P-51D QI-W 44-15070 S/Sgt. Clifford N. Mullin-c/c Sgt. Warren L. Eggers-ac/c Roberts, Fred
c., Jr., Maj.
February 1943-November 1943 9 missions, 21 hours
P-47D QI-A 42-8482 S/Sgt. Joe H. Young-c/c Roberts, Paul J., Jr., Lt.
June I944-0ctober7, 1944(KIA) 58 missions, 173:50 hours P-47D QI-P 42-76177 "Mad Wolves" S/Sgt. Edward S. Poplawski-c/c
Rodgers, Robert E., Lt.
June I944-August 9, 1944(POW) 18 missions, 65:35 hours
Rosenbauer, Elwood J., Lt.
January 1945-March 1945; to 1st SF 8 missions, 41 :40 hours
Runyan, Louis B., Lt.
September 1944-November 20, 1944(KIA) 19 missions, 74:40 hours
Scheible, Wilbur R., Maj.
June 1944-March 1945; to HdQts 70 missions, 245:05 hours P-47D QI-Z 42-75426 P-51D QI-F 44-15083 S/Sgt. Michael Yahwak-c/c Sgt. Elwin D. Phillips-ac/c
Schlack, Robert F., Capt.
June 1944-February 1945; to HdQts 88 missions, 322:40 hours
Shepard, Alan C., Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 35 missions
P-51D QI-N 44-15585 "Jackie" S/Sgt. Edward J. McCormick-c/c Skjelbostad, Odmor, Lt.
January 1945-September 1945 32 missions
Sianker, Eldon L., Lt.
January I945-April 12, 1945(KIAc) 31 missions, 138:25 hours P-51D QI-M 44-15073 S/Sgt. William H. McCormick-c/c
163
The 356,11 Fighter Group ill World War II
Smith, Jack T., Lt.
November I944-December 5, 1944(KIA) 2 missions, 4:20 hours
Solomon, Richard E, Ll.
January 1945-September 1945 28 missions
Stoddard, Smith c., Ll.
January 1945-September 1945 28 missions P-5ID QI-S, 44-72149 S/Sgl. Richard N. Rahnenfuhrer-c/c
Strait, Donald J., Maj.
February 1943-March 1945 120 missions, 429:15 hours P-47D QI-T 42-8640 "Jersey Jerk" P-47D QI-T 42-25844 "Jersey Jerk" P-47D QI-T 42-76564 "Jersey Jerk" P-47D QI-T 42-28827 "Jersey Jerk" P-5!D QI-T 44-15152 "Jersey Jerk" S/Sgt. Gilbert T. Watson-c/c Sgt. Edward Bums-ac/c Sgt. James W. Shuff-arm.
Swift, Blayne A., Lt.
April 1944-0clOber ]944 77 missions, 266:30 hours P-47D QI-B 42-8608 "Butch" P-47D QI-B 42-26649 S/Sgt. Hugh G. Showers-c/c Sgt. Lewis B. Wolever-ac/c Cpl. Stan S. Ostroski-arm.
Tel' Haar, Jarvis M., Lt.
January 1945-February 25, 1945 (to hospital) 5 missions
Thompson, Edward L., Lt.
April 1944-0ctober 1944 71 missions, 261:55 hours P-47D QI-F 42-74736 "Little Nig" S/Sgl. Bennie E Giardiniere-c/c Sgt. Michael Yahwak-ac/c Sgt. Elwin D. Phillips-arm.
Thorough, Jerome S., Lt.
February 1945-September 1945; ex-368th Ftr Grp, 9th Air Force (8:25 hours) 27 missions, 129 hours P-5!D QI-O 44-15071 S/Sgt. Paul L. Reynolds Cpl. John E. Wise-arm.
Thwaites, David E, Capt.
December 1943-September 1944 90 missions, 293:50 hours P-47D QI-L 42-75214 "Polly" P-47D QI-L 42-26457 "Polly" /64
Appendices
S/Sgt. Lionel F. Ratte-c/c Sgt. Frank Strozzi-ac/c Tillman, John R., Lt.
Juoe 1944-August 18, 1944(KIA) 24 missions, 85 hours
Tobiassen, Arthur J., Lt.
September 1944-September 1945 50 missions P-47D QI-K 42-25505 P-51D QI-K 44-15345 S/Sgt. Edward F. Wolfe-c/c Sgt. Lawrence H. Reynolds-ac/c Cp!. Charles F. Setzke-arm.
Tomlinson, Robert M., Lt.
September 1944-January 1945 9 missions, 45:45 hours
Tuckey, Bernard A., Lt.
March I943-March 20, 1944(KIA) 37 missions, 96 hours
Upp, Ronald J., Capt.
Iune 1944-December 1944 73 missions, 270 hours P-47D QI-U 42-76594 "Zombie" P-47D QI-U 42-2665 I P-51D QI-U 44-15066 S/Sgt. Joe G. Weber-c/c Sgt. Frank S. DeOrio-ac/c Sgt. Ken G. Miller-arm.
Vangos, Blefthenos A., Lt.
March 1943-March 18, 1944(POW) 39 missions, 110: 10 hours P-47D QI-Y 42-74715 "Tbe Vangoose" S/Sgt. John zalot-c/c
Von Holzhausen, Thomas, Lt.
March 1943-February 21, I944(KIA) 33 missions, 84 hours P-47D QI-Z 42-74679 "China Doll" S/Sgt. Ken A. Withers-c/c Sgt. Emil A. Provencher-ac/c Sgt. James C. Gregory-arm.
Wallace, Robert L., Lt.
November 1944-August 1945 50 missions P-5lD QI-U 44-15066 "Ava Honey" S/Sgt. Joe G. Weber-c/c Sgt. Frank S. DeOno-ac/c Sgt. Ken G. Miller-arm.
Waller, William, III, LtCo!.
November 1943-July 1944 76 missions, 247:35 hours P-47D QI-A 42-8482 "Skeeter" 165
The 356111 Fighter Group in World War II
P-47D QI-A 42-8630 "Skeeter" P-47D QI-A 42-26630 S/Sgt. Joe H. Young-cle Sgt. George J. Wolfson-ac/c Sgt. Clyde C. Stone-arm. Webb, Russell H., Lt.
January I945-September 1945 31 missions P-5lD QI-Z 44-72391 SIS gt. Ken A. Wi thers-cle
Whitmore, Harold E., Lt.
June 1944-March 1945 68 missions, 280:20 hours P-47D QI-G 42-76379 P-5lDQI-G44-15011 ''The Lord Is My Shepherd" S/Sgt. Tom E. Garrity-c/c Sgt. Joe G. Chraska-ac/c Sgt. Carl R. Sproles-arm.
Whitson, Richard
September 1944-September 1945 65 missions P-51D QI-Z 44-15401 "Moonshine" S/Sgt. Edward J. Woehre1-c/c
., Lt.
Wiggins, Howard E., Capt.
May 1944-January 1945 75 missions, 277:55 hours P-47D QI-M 42-26272 "Angel Eyes" P-47D QI-M 42-26534 P-51 D QI-X 44-15170 S/Sgt. James R. McAfee-c/c(M) Sgt. William H. McCormick-ac/c(M) Cpl. Marion E. Popiel-arrn.(M} S/Sgt. Robert E. Venzke-c/c(X)
Wood, James N., LtCo!.
February 1943-0ctober 1944; to 360th Ftr Sqn I 12 missions (83 w/361 st) P-47D QI-S 42-74744 "Blind Date" P-47D QI-S 42-76422 "Blind Date" P-47D QI-S 44-19764 "Blind Date" S/Sgt. Richard N. Rahnenfuhrer-c/c Sgt. Henry R. Rotella-ac/c Sgt. George E. Clark-arm.
Yoakum, George L., Lt.
January 1944-September 1944 83 missions, 285:05 hours P-47D QI-G 42-76379 S/Sgt. Tom E. Garrity-c/c Sgt. Joe G. Chraska-ac/c Sgt. Carl R. Sproles-arm.
166
Appendices
Appendix 10
Aircraft Markings
Original combat aircraft for the 356th Fighter Group were Republic P-47D Thunderbolts. These planes carried the standard Army Air Force finish of olive drab upper and neutral gray lower surfaces. Aircraft serial numbers were applied in seven inch high yellow figures on both sides of the vertical tail. White Theater Bands were also applied when the group entered combat: a 12 inch band across the vertical tail above the serial number, an 18 inch band on both sides of the horizontal tails, and a 24 inch wide cowl band. In accordance to 8th Air Force policy, all aircraft carried squadron code letters in white on the fuselage, forward of the national insignia. These were OC for the 359th, PI for the 360th, and QI for the 361 st. Each plane also carried an individual aircraft letter in white to the rear of the national insignia. Where two planes had the same letter, a bar was placed below the letter, i.e. A. In March and April of 1944, natural metal finish (nml) P470's arrived and serial numbers, code letters, and tail bands were now in black. Almost all aircraft, however, had dark green applied to the upper surfaces while the lower surfaces remained in natural metal. From mid-March on, as a form of group marking, camouflaged planes had the white cowl band painted out while the black band on nmf ships was also removed. In
addition, from the summer of 1944, many Thunderbolts were operated with the leading edges of the wings and tail surfaces and canopy framing in natural metal. Around the same time, a number of 36lst PATs sported red spiraled prop hubs. When the first North American P-510 Mustangs arrived in November of 1944, all were in nmf with black spinners and Theater Bands. Robert F. Schlack of the 361st devised the group markings to carried on the P-51 's: the forward three quarters of the spinner was painted red, with tbe rear quarter being blue. A blue spiral was then applied to the red portion of the spinner, with some variations from plane to plane. In addition, longitudinal rows of blue diamonds were superimposed on a 12 inch red cowl band and extension which ran above the exhaust stacks back to the cockpit. It took some time to apply these markings to every Mustang and for a period a number of planes flew in combat with the black spinner/cowl band. From December of 1944, rudders were painted in squadron colors: yellow for the 359th, red for the 360th, and blue for the 361 st. One more change of markings came in February of 1945, as from that point, the spinner was painted in the squadron color. Many planes also had the squadron color applied to their canopy frames and trim tabs.
/67
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Appendix 11
Representative Aircraft
The following pages contain a listing of the P-4Ts and P-5l 's assigned to the 356th while overseas. Information included consists of the aircraft codes, serial number, names carried on the plane, and, where known, the regularly assigned pilot. Where an aircraft name is in the form "xxx/xxx", this indicates two names were applied, with the former carried on the port side and the latter on the
starboard. In addition to this information, the fate of the plane (if it was MIA, destroyed or damaged beyond repair, or transferred) is noted. Following are the abbreviations used: MIA MIAc
- the plane was lost on an operational flight - the plane was lost in a non-operational accident or due to damage/causes not associated with enemy action
DCL
- the plane was destroyed or wrecked beyond repair in a
crash-landing
TR
- the plane was transferred to another organization
Cat "E"
- the plane was battle damaged beyond repair and sent to a depot for scrapping or other disposition
Except for matching a name with one P-47 and two P-51's, the 361st Fighter Squadron aircraft are complete. The 359th and 360th are not, due mainly to lack of engineering records and photographs to research. Included at the end of the list is a separate list of incomplete planes with their known details.
P-47C-5-RE 41-6580 QI-E
HACK
P-47D-l-RE 42-7886 QI-Z P-47D-Z-RE 42-8002 OC-N "Wilmarene" 42-8002 OC-N "Lonesome Lee" 42-8394 QI-U 42-84010C42-84070C-
MIA 6-10-44 Harris
w.G. Craig 1.B. Griswold E. Korhorn
P-47D-Z-RA 42-22461 QI-N 42-22468 QI-Z 42-22469 PI- "Old Master" 42-22479 QI-Y 42-224880C-F
DCL 3-21-44 Nysrrom
TR same day received TR same day received MIA 9-9-44 Garlent MIAc 5-23-44 Moyer
168
Appendices
42-22517 OC-U "Eager Eagle" 42-22520 QI-N 42-225240C-S 42-22525 QI-V 42-225280C-B 42-22533 QI-E 42-22534 PI42-22535 PI-N "Kathleen Ann" 42-22542 PI42-22550 QI-R "Gentle Annie" 42-22550 QI-R "Kay-J" 42-22551 QI-U
H.A. Ogden M.F Erickson R.A. Rann R.W Racine EJ. White J.P. Perrin
Cat "E"
R.R. Withers
MIA 3-20-44 Maupill MIA 12-30-43 Brock
HJ. Rau E.A. Malmstrom E. Korhom
P-47D-4-RA 42-22766 QI-N 42-22780 PI-!::! 42-22786 PI42-22789 PI-B, P-47D-5-RE 42-84070C42-8417 QI-W 42-8417 OC-A "lch Brauche Du" 42-8425 QI-R "Gentle Annie" 42-8425 QI-W 42-8427 QI-O 42-8436 QI-G 42-8440 QI-P 42-8467 OC-L 42-8469 PI- "Jersey Bounce" 42-8461 OC-A 42-8471 OC-A 42-8474 PI-G 42-8478 OC-V "Fifinella" 42-84780C-y 42-8482 QI-A "Skeeter" 42-8482 QI-A 42-8482 QI-P 42-8491 OC-C "Princess Jocelyn" 42-8491 OC-C ''Tiger Lil" 42-8492 OC-A "The Falcon" 42-8502 PI-W "Hell's Angel" 42-8507 PI42-8509 QI-O 42-8510 QI-M "Fireball" 42-8510 QI-Y "Shoo Shoo Baby"
MIA 2-10-44 DeMerit MlAc 1-4-44 Fortner MIA 1-11-44 Racine
TR
MIA 5-4-44 Cu/p
WH. Wood HJ. Rau R.F Engle J.K. Johnson R.H. Gansberg J.D. Henry A.S. Koczak J.D. WyattlJ.H. Cline
TR 359th Ftr Sqn MIA 5-7-44 Wood
MIA 6-8-44 Ellgle TR MIA 3-20-44 Tuckey MIA 3-8-44 Hellry
H.D. Parker H. Weber P.R. Mellinger W Waller Fe. Roberts TR 361st Ftr Grp we. Brearley MIA 8-14-44 Alphollse W.W Cotter J.B. Asbridge A.M. Metzger FS. Porter R.W Gillette
/69
MIA I 1-29-43 Asbridge MIA 2-11-44 Evalls MIA 11-29-43 Metzger DCL 10-44 Crisradoro
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
42-85120C-O 42-8533 PI42-8535 PI-J "Red Dog" 42-8536 QI-H 42-85460C42-8549 OC-R "Elsie" 42-8559 OC-G 42-8564 OC-A 42-8567 OC-W "We Four" 42-8568 OC-I "The Bloody Shaft" 42-8574 OC-X "Princess Pat" 42-8588 OC-K "4-P' 42-8588 OC-K "Gracie" 42-85980C42-85990C42-8601 OC-Z 42-8608 QI-B "Butch" 42-8617 OC-T 42-8630 QI-A "Skeeter" 42-86390C42-8640 QI-T "Jersey Jerk" 42-8645 OC-T 42-8646 OC-J 42-8650 QI-C "Zombie" 42-86540C-!;; 42-8662 QI-X 42-8668 PI42-8677 QI-L 42-8685 QI-N 42-8692 QI-Q 42-8694 OC-R "Little Texan" P-47D-6-RE 42-74638 PI-D "Nashville Belle" 42-74639 PI42-74646 QI-I 42-74649 QI-W "Betty" 42-74658 OC-Y "Little Fi-Fi" 42-74661 QI-J "Bunky" 42-74662 PI42-746710C-L 42-74673 OC-I' "Ich Brauche Du" 42-74673 OC-I' "CarmenlPhyllis" 42-74679 QI-Z "China Doll" 42-746840C-G 42-74689 OC-M "Lady Jane"
MIA 5-20-44 Koczak H.B. McLaughlin R. Gibson H.L. Broxton
R.K. Holtz D.A. Baccus R.B. Conroy R.L. Chickering J.D. Hull WA. Beach B.A. Swift G.B. Peet W Waller D.J. Strait G.B. Peet R.G. Vossler T.F. Bailey We. O'Barr WR. Hayden
DCL DCL 9-9-44 BroXTOn DCL 2-20-44 Weber
DCL 5-28-44 Craig
MIA 11-29-43 Hull MIA 11-29-43 Beach
MIA 1-7-44 Brown TR TR 5th ERS DCL 3-13-44 McDowell
PH. Hyde
MIA 12-30-43 Hayden MIA 11-11-43 Martin MIA 12-20-43 Hyde
J.F. Martin J.B. Smith
MIA 11-29-43 Martin MIA 1-14-44 Conroy
C.J. Garvey
MIA 3-20-44 Garvey MIA 4-10-44 Johnson MIA 3-20-44 Porter DCLLee MIA 9-17-44 Broxton DCL 12-43 MIA 3-20-44 McCullough
R.e. McDowell H.e. Leyser R.L. Campbell
J.H. Wadlow A.E. BergstromlE.J. Malo T. Von Holzhausen MIA 2-21-44 Von Holzhausen WA. Holm
170
MIA 5-13-44 Holm
Appendices
42-746990C-X 42-74702 QI-F "Clarkie" 42-74709 QI-K 42-747 I I OC-H 42-74714 PI-B "Gremlin Express" 42-74715 QI- Y "The Vangoose" 42-74724 QI-D 42-74725 QI-P 42-74727 QI-W 42-74731 PI-M "Joker" 42-74736 QI-F "Little Nig" 42-74744 QI-S "Blind Date" 42-74745 OC-B P-47D-IO-RE 42-75134 PI42-751590C-S 42-75171 OC-D "Rambling Rebel" 42-75190 QI-O 42-75214 QI-L "Polly" P-47D-ll-RE 42-752280C-K 42-75230 QI-X 42-75253 QI-J "Fat Ass Bird" 42-75255 QI-N 42-75272 PI-P "Hard Luck" 42-753890C-R 42-75419 QI-H 42-75426 QI-V "Swamp Fox" 42-75426 QI-Z 42-75438 QI-K "Katie" 42-75505 QI- Y 42-75507 QI-V 42-75522 QI-X 42-75549 QI-]2 42-75553 QI-Z 42-75556 QI-K 42-75572 QI-O 42-75586 QI- Y P-47D-15-RE 42-75625 PI42-75827 QI-Y "Dottie K" 42-76066 PI-A 42-76101 PI-O
RoO. Bradshaw S.H. Hewett E.G. Dendle W.L. Farmer N.D. Cota B.A. Vangos J.T. Price H.C. Leyser R.I. Halverson E.L. Thompson J.N. Wood E.I. White
TR 9thAF MIA 12-16-43 Price
MIA 3-18-44 Vangos TR 5th ERS Cat "E" Cat "E"
TR 361 st Ftr Grp
MIA 4-23-44 Hall MIA 4-26-44 Warrell M.M. Clayborne D.F Thwaites
J.H. Thome H.L. Lewis R.L. Campbell M.F Erickson
TR 5th ERS MIA 8- I 3-44 LelVis TR MIA 3-6-44 Ericksoll MIA 6-14-44 Phillips
O.H. CoenlR.A. Rann R. Gibson E.C. Fremaux W.R. Scheible E.G. Dendle MIA 5- 19-44 Johllsoll J.H. Culp R.S. Alexander/J.Y. Jack
E.L. Decker E.M. Parham
MIA 8-18-44 Tillmall MIA 3-20-44 Bell MIA 6-8-44 Decker
MIA 6-6-44 Kariva E.A. Kovacs R.C. L'Heureux
171
The 356th Fighter Grollp in World War II
42-761120C42-76126 QI-O 42-76128 QI-B 42-76135 PI42-761460C42-76147 PI-W 42-761680C-R 42-76171 PI42-76177 QI-P 42-76177 QI-P "Mad Wolves" 42-76201 OC-C 42-76204 PI-F "Bright Eyes" 42-762060C42-76208 OC-J "Lady Luck" 42-76208 OC-J "Dodie Darlin" 42-76211 OC-C "Princess Jocelyn" 42-762200C42-76223 PI-A 42-76231 QI-W 42-76353 PI- "Naughty Patricia" 42-76372 OC-J;\ 42-76379 QI-G 42-76396 PI42-76397 QI-F "Clarkie II" 42-76405 OC-P "Mad Marion" 42-76405 OC-Y "Lil Abner" 42-764160C-Q 42-76422 QI-S "Blind Date" 42-76431 PI42-76449 PI-G 42-764910C42-76493 PI42-76497 QI-I "Irene" 42-76497 QI-I "Skipper" 42-76499 PI-Q 42-76536 QI-M "Mary III" 42-76564 QI-T "Jersey Jerk" 42-76564 QI-T "Eerie Eagle" 42-76570 QI-Z 42-76580 QH2 42-76583 OC-G 42-76594 QI-C "Zombie" 42-76594 QI-U "Zombie" 42-25294 PI-
E.M. Parham
MIA 4- I I -44 Parham
E.H. Montgomery
MIA 4-27-44 Srratford M.I. Burke e.W. Dunn J.B. Smith
MIAc 4-9-44 Dunn MIA 6-8-44 Smith
R.H. Gansberg P.I.Roberts
MIA 10-7-44 Roberts
C.J. Servocky R.G. Vossler C.e. McKelvy We. Brearley J.R. Williams B.B. Barnes
MIA 11-8-44 McKelvy MIAc 2-26-44 Corter MIA 4-27-44 Krowiak CL 3-17-44 Williams
MIA 9-17-44 Tucker w.e. O'Barr MIA 5-29-44 D'Barr G.L. Yoakum/H.E. Whitmore MIA 5-21-44 Anderson S.H. Hewett MIA 5-4-44 Hewett G.W. Engel
J.N. Wood RD. Parker
MIA 6-8-44 Lee MIA 6-8-44 Dbosla MIA 4-11-44 Parker MIA 7-20-44 Robinson
R.C. McDowell E.L. Faison MIA 5-21-44 Maxwell e.T. Ashby D.I. Strait W.S. Hurley MIA 4-23-44 Kaczynski D.A. Baccus T.E Bailey R.I. Upp
DCL 5-24-44 Baccus
MIA 5-19-44 Cook
172
Appendices
P-47D-20-RA 43-25271 QI-H 43-25302 PIP-47D-21-RA 43-25516 QI-B 43-25530 OC-W "We Four II" 43-2555 I QI-Q 43-255570C-B 43-25561 QI-E 43-25590 PIP-47D-21-RE 42-25505 QI-A "Rosemary" 42-25505 QI-K 42-25508 OC-O 42-25513 QI-R "Kay-J" 42-25524 PI- "Grace" 42-25527 QI-F 42-25531 PI-T 42-25534 PI-C 42-25534 PI-G "Viscious Virgin" 42-25535 PI-
MIA 4-24-44 Ingram MIA 5-19-44 Perryman
J.L. Bruce
DCL 5-4-44 Bruce
R.K. Holtz
MIA 9-18-44 Perry
E.I. White
MIA 4-27-44 Holtz
D.B. Clayton MIA 5-31-44 Goldwasser
D. Kahle P.E Morel MIA 6-28-44 Earnhart EA. Malmstrom
MIA 4-23-44 Malmstrom MIA 8-29-44 Teel Cat "E"
P.E. Tukey N.D. Cota R.S. Gleason
P-47D-22-RE 42-25571 PI-M "Joker"
R.I. Halverson
42-25842 QI-S
J.W Mills
MIA 7-20-44 Rhoades MIA 8-4-44 Mills
42-25844 QI-T "Jersey Jerk"
D.I. Strait
MIAc 10-24-44 Tomlinson
42-25850 QI-Z
WW Bums
42-25861 PI42-25997 PI-
MIA 9-9-44 Rideout MIA 6-6-44 Sova
42-26030 PI-S 42-26120 QI-H "Ace of Spades"
H.B. Hall
42-261290C-E
U. Meholic
42-26141 OC-I "Fearless Fosdick"
F.A. Forsyth
MIA 9-1-44 Forsyth
42-26147 PI42-26240 PI-O
R.C. L'Heureux
42-26241 QI-U
E. Korhorn
42-26253 OC-
TR MIA 6-8-44 Coughenour
42-26254 PI-D 42-26271 PI-L
WE. Leathers
MIA 8-12-44 Causer
42-26272 QI-M "Angel Eyes"
H.E. Wiggins
MIA 8-9-44 Rodgers
42-26275 QI-J "Joy Ann"
WD. Drake/M.W Baylor
42-262830C42-26289 PI-N "Georgia's Best"
D.B. Mercer
42-26309 PI-N "Georgia's Best"
D.B. Mercer
173
MIA 11-4-44 Royer
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
42-26322 PI-W "Jackie" J.W Crump 42-26331 OC-Q "Slightly Dangerous" L.F Richason P-47D-25-RE 42-26415 PI-T 42-26428 QI- Y 42-26451 QI-Y 42-26457 QI-L "Polly" 42-26459 QI-N "Portland Rose" 42-265320C-Q 42-26534 QI-R 42-26534 QI-M 42-26553 PI-V "Jersey Mosquito" 42-26563 PI-W "Knapp Sack" 42-26565 PI-U "Lone Star Lady" 42-26557 OC-N "Lonesome Lee II" 42-26576 OC-C "Vee-T" 42-26579 PI-X "Texas Lady" 42-26630 QI-A 42-26649 QI-B 42-26649 QI-B "Miss Carriage" 42-2665 I QI-U 42-26683 PI-C "Mugsy"
P.E. Tukey E.A. Kovacs D.F Thwaites FA. Morgan J.H. Thorne RE. Wiggins J.W Vogt L.W Knapp SJ. Green J.B. Griswold J.D. Tarbutton R.B. Bluhm W Waller/D. Kahle B.A. Swift
MIA 9-17-44 McDowell MIA 8-12-44 Knapp MIAc 7-18-44 Green
A.H. Bomberger
E. Korhorn/R.J. Upp MIA 9-9-44 Leidy
P-47D-27-RE 42-26851 OC-E 42-27314 PI-
lJ. MeholiclWJ. Kennedy
P-47D-26-RA 42-28283 PI-Q "Kathleen Ann" 42-28404 QI-F
R.R. Withers
P-47D-28-RA 42-28472 PI-Q "Podunk III" 42-28664 PI-B "Squirt" 42-28675 OC-R 42-28792 QI-R 42-28808 OC-X "Mary B" 42-28816 QI-D 42-28819 OC-T "Jodie Darlin" 42-28827 QI-T "Jersey Jerk" 42-28827 QI-I 42-28845 OC-E
WR Fletcher MIA 9-17-44 Fletcher R.E. Barnhart R.A. Rann J.R Thome/J.M. Cooper G.S. Pelletier DeL 10-24-44 Cristadoro D.F Tucker DJ. Strait E.L. Faison A.E. BergstromlEJ. Malo MIA 11-8-44 Hoffert
P-47D-28-RE 44-19764 QI-S "Blind Date"
J.N. Wood
174
DCL 9-23-44 Wood
Appendices
44-19802 44-19861 44-19873 44-19894 44-19936 44-19939
OC-S PI-Z "Chesapeake Beach" OC-O "Little FiFi" PI-C PIOC-C "Princess Jocelyn"
Incomplete P-47's OC-H "Lonesome Polecat" OC-P "Lazy Mazie" OC- "The Virginia Squire" OC- "Spoiled Brat" PI-K "Fancy Nancy" PI-J "Jeanie-Janet" PI-F "Dear Alean" PI-M "Joker" PI-S "Buckeye Bullet" PI-Y "Jersey Panic" PI-M "Thundering Three" PI-B "Quirk's Dark Horse" PI-B "Quirk's Dark Horse II" PI-L "Dedham Dreadnought" PI-D "Podunk" PI-]2 "Podunk II" PI- "Adolph's Horror" PI- "Francis' Favorite" PI- "Kitten" PI- "Florida Gator" PI- "Black Jack" PI- "The Cape Codder" PI- "Big Dick" PI- "Lady Babs" QI- "Flak Happy"
WL. Hoffert N.e. Douglas FW Bruner B. Borelli WC. Brearley
we. Cooley H.F LeMoyne PW Easley A.E. Krieger R.M. Leidy L.F Kress R.J. Halverson FM. Russell B. Borelli D.D. Carlson J.R. Cook J.R. Cook C.A. Vitali WH. Fletcher WH. Fletcher WG. Maxwell C.W Adams WE. Johnson e.M. Taylor J.T. Romine A.V. Niemi P.E. McCullough HACK
P-SID-S-NT 44-11156 PI-F "Brenda" L.R. Switzer 44-112120C44-11220 PI-U "Fourth Apocalypsian" e.L. Welch 44-1 1326 OC44-11329 QI-X FF Hooker 44-113320C-A J.F Brown 44-11334 PI-K "Lois" WG. Thomas 44-113510C-I FA. Forsyth 44-11357 OC-
175
MIA 3-1-45 Hedrick MIA 2-20-45 Welch MIA 12-5-44 Scharnberg MIA 1-14-45 Hooker
The 3561h Fighter Group ill World War II
P-SIK-I-NT 44-1 1366 OC-A "Bobby Socks!
J.E Brown
Connecticut Yankee"
44-11382 OCP-SIK-S-NT 44-11564 OC-C "Princess Jocelyn" 44-11570 PI-Y "Virgie" 44-11577 PI-M "Ginny III" 44-11579 PI-T 44-11637 OC-
WC. Brearley A.A. Paquet MIAc 5-30-45 Mauldill D.O. Carlson/RD. Schmalz MIAc 6-20-45 Rellsch P.E. Tukey
P-SlD-lO-NA 44-14354 PI44-14754 PI-L "Sweet'n Low Down" We. Gatlin 44-14766 PI-X P-SlD-IS-NA 44-14836 OCMIAc 1-16-45 Harney 44-148640C-A RA. Odenwald 44-14925 PI-E "Mary Jane" J.e. Pidwell MIAc 5-4-45 Pidwell 44-14936 PI-Q "Kathleen Ann" RR. Withers 44-14965 PI44-14973 PI-D "Lady Doris" O.L. BurweIVG.H. Schalck 44-14993 OC-G D.A. Baccus 44-149980CA.L. Brown MIA 2-25-45 Browll 44-15009 PI44-15011 QI-G "The Lord Is My Shepherd" H.E. Whitmore DCL 5-2-45 Cochrall 44-15028 OC-R R.A. Rann 44-15029 OC-S "Pottsville Express" MIA 12-26-44 Cooley 44-15033 PIMIA 12-18-44 Turnidge 44-15045 QI-H "Look Jessie!" J.M. Hallmark 44-15052 PI-J T.I. UrbanlJA Hickey 44-15056 PI-W "Jackie"f'Loraine" J.W Crump 44-15056 PI-W "Tarbaby" R.P. Schmidt 44-15063 QI-E D.B. ClaytonffX. Epley 44-15066 QI-U R.I. Upp 44-15066 QI-U "Ava Honey" R.L. Wallace 44-15069 PI-Z "Audrey 3rd"f'Judy" M.P. Yannell 44-15070 QI-W E.S. Riley 44-15071 QI-O J.S. Thorough 44-15073 QI-M "The Brunette Bunny" e.T. AshbylE.L. Slanker MIAc 4-12-45 Slallker 44-15079 QI-N EA. Morgan MIA 12-5-44 Smith 44-15080 QI-B "Carolyn's A.H. Bomberger Vergeltungswaffe" 44-15082 QI-Z DCL 2-25-45 Ter Hoar
176
Appendices
44-15083 QI-F WR. Scheible 44-15089 QI-Q "Lil Joe" R.I. Cox 44-15094 QI-A R.R. Burdeo 44-15097 QI-J "La Belle Mus Praog" M.W Baylor 44-15098 QI-V J.A. Bowers 44-15101 QI-I E.L. FaisoolR.E. Cope 44-15109 QI-P R.H. Gaosberg V.S. Ray 44-15109 QI-P "Shirley Vee" 44-15114 PI-G "Arasa & Jeff' R.S. Gleasoo 44-15115PI-V" aughryNordie" J.N.Wood 44-15118 QI-D 44-15133 PI44-15138 OC-Y "Hair-Breath Harry" H.R. Gohsler WC Jarvis 44-15139 QI-L 44-15149 PI-M "Virgy I" D.O. Carlsoo OJ. Strait 44-15152 QI-T "Jersey Jerk" 44-15152 QI-T "Dixie RamblerII" J.C Lindsay 44-15164 PI-P 44-15169 QI-R J.M. Cooper 44-15170 QI-X H.E. Wiggios/J.O. Harrop G. Crum 44-15177 OC-L "Koyli Renee" 44-15181 OC-H WC. Cooley/RJ. Stone J.B. Baker 44-15183 OC-y "Bama Baby" 44-15185 OC-D "T-Lou" L.O. Sonnier 44-15189 PI-B "Margie Darling"I"Virgie Mae" R.E. Barnhart J.G. Charlton 44-15189 PI-B 44-151930C44-15194 PI-A E.M. Nebinger 44-15194 PI-A "Dotty" E.C Turner 44-15195 OC-B "Kathleen" R.R. Withers 44-151990C44-1520 I OC-K "Eunie" E.G. Rudd 44-15203 OC-X "Nazi Hot Foot" 44-15208 OC44-15210 PI44-1521 I PI-K "Sweet Peay" T.N. Mauldin 44-15218 PI- "Miss Mary Nel" D.G. Ciocchi 44-152190C-B J.D. Tarbutton 44-15223 OC- "Renee" 44-152300C-V 44-152310C-F 44-15250 PI-H V. Hockmeyer 44-15250 PI-H "Ringy Dingy" G.W Seanor 44-15258 OC-Q 44-15268 OC-P "The Gremlin" R.C. Miller 44-15271 OC-E "Starduster" WJ. Kennedy
177
MIA 11-20-44 RUllyall DCL 1-16-45 Ray
DCL 3-12-45 Wood MIA 12-5-44 Gallsberg MIA 11-25-44 Des Jardills MIAc 3-24-45 Jarvis MIA 2-22-45 Thomas
MIAc 6-30-45 Soucek MIA 12-5-44 Sames
MIAc 7-20-45 Stolle MIAc 3-1-45 SOllnier
MIA 12-23-44 WOllg
MIA 12-5-44 Tarbullall MIAc 2-4-45 Odellwald MIA 12-12-44 O'Quillll
MIA 2-25-45 Rallll
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1/
44-152740C-N J.B. Griswold 44-15274 OC-N "Mojahalka" R.A. Batie 44-15280 OC-S "Flying Dutchman" WF Traupe 44-15288 OC-W 44-15289 PI-.Q "Patty" WK. Dunn 44-15290 QI-V J.A. Bowers 44-15300 PI-O "Milly"/ "Margaret" D.F Jones 44-15305 PI-N 44-15307 PI44-15308 OC-Q "Jean-Tom" N.E. Wieland 44-15310 QHl. "0000" e.D. Burdick 44-153300C44-153310C44-15333 PI-E B.E. Ellingson 44-15333 PI-E "The Virginia Squire" P.W Easley B. Borelli/RJ. Rensch 44-15341 PI-C e.E. Beck 44-15343 QI-S "Pat" 44-15345 QI-K AJ. Tobiassen M.G. Higginbotham 44-15354 QI-Y R.H. Campbell 44-15354 QI-Y "Tim-Mit-EI" L.R. Switzer 44-15361 PI-F "Brenda" 44-15364 PI44-15401 QI-Z "Moonshine" R.N. WhitsonlJ.K. Dupuy 44-15403 OC-O F W Bruner H.R. Gohsler 44-15528 OC-M "Junie" 44-15552 PI-Q "Big Lefty-Little Ann" R.S. Ragsdale P.R. Cochran 44-15570 QI-R "Lili Belle" FA. Morgan 44-15585 QI-N "Donna" 44-15585 QI-N "Jackie" A.e. Shepard 44-15590 PI-M "Barbara"I"Josephine" C.S. Poppell 44-15600 PI44-15601 PI-S "Buckeye Bullet" FM. RusselVRJ. Shea 44-15602 OC-!l. 44-156090C44-15642 QI-D WM. Baskin 44-15658 OC-U "Eager Eagle" J.E. Blewett 44-15666 QI-g "Jett Job" S.N. Jett 44-15677 OC-T L.L. Robertson P-5ID-20-NA 44-63250 OC44-63251 PI-J., "Louise" 44-63268 OC- "Little Mary" 44-63283 PI-X "Paper Doll" 44-63511 QI-L 44-63637 PI-
MIA 3-15-45 Batie MIA 2-25-45 Scott
MIA 1-13-45 Nelson MIA 12-25-44 Andrino
DCL4-7-45 Garneau
MIA 12-25-44 Huebner MIAc 6-18-45 McKeon MIA 1-17-45 Carr MIA 4-6-45 Ragsdale
DCL 2-6-45 Stone MIA 12-26-44 Hackney MIAc 2-13-45 Baskin
MIA 2-20-45 Traupe N.B. Ceraolo MIA 1-18-45 Lawrence E.W Corner We. Jarvis
/78
Appendices
44-72078 OC-M 44-72148 OC-D "T-Lou-Il" 44-72149 QI-S. 44-72257 QI-G 44-72269 QI-P 44-72284 OC-);\ "Micharee I" 44-72288 OC-V "Marge" 44-72377 PI-V "Naughty Nardie" 44-72379 PI44-7239 I QI-Z 44-724320C44-72435 PI-T 44-72436 QI-I 44-72455 PI-T 44-72542 OCP-5ID-25·NA 44-72931 Pl-R 44-72951 QI-X 44-72976 QI-K 44-72982 QI-Y 44-73115 QI-~ 44-73172 QI-I Incomplete P-51's OC-V "Spirit of Aggieland" OC-Z "Ruth Jane" OC- "Telie's Terror" OC- "Josephine" OC- "Toots" OC- "My Gals" Pl-Z "Audrey 4th" PI-G "Akron Angel" PI-M "Ginny II" QI- "Swamp Angel" Ql- "Patricia" Utility/Training Aircraft Oxford AB752 Oxford EN854 DC-61 43-14607 DC-64 44-70265
L.O. Sonnier S.c. Stoddard R.E Humphrey Y.S. Ray W.E. Rhynard A.R. Hale J.N. Wood R.H. Webb
MIAc 4-4-45 Pound
PE. Tukey D.R. Carlson PE. Tukey
DCL 3-19-45 Tukey
H.R. Rutland J.O. Harrop AJ. Tobiassen R.E. Cope L.L. Loffler D.R. Carlson
L.E. Bennett R.N. Ellis
M.P. Yannell T.A. Cook D.O. Carlson
P-47D AT-6 AT-6 P-38J
42-76429 TR 355th Ftr Grp 42-85126 41-34619 OC-044-23166 (a "droop-snoot" used for a few bombing missions)
179
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1I
Appendix 12
Non-Flying Personnel
While it was natural for the pilots to receive the vast majority of publicity during the war, for every Thunderbolt and Mustang which took to the air, there were dozens of officers and enlisted men who stayed on the ground doing a variety of tasks. Some handled the aircraft on the ground, others worked with the radios or guns, some looked after the parachutes or other equipment. Then there were those even farther removed from the flight line: the clerks who typed and filed mountains of paperwork, cooks, carpenters, supply personnel, and more. They were the unsung members of the group, but without whose contributions, the planes would not have gotten off the ground. The following pages contain rosters of the non-flying personnel assigned to the 356th. While an effort was made to get an accurate listing of these men, there may be errors or omissions. It is hoped that no offense wi II be taken to any gaps which may appear.
Headquarters Major Roy C. Connolly - Adjutant James A. Lowell - 10 Edward D. Meeker - Communications John H. Schneider - Engineering
John N. Dunn - Flight Surgeon Charles P McCormick - Exec Robert E. Nuerenberger - Flight Surgeon Sheldon Stecher - Adjutant
Captain Richard D. Barger - Supply Beverly H. Bunce - Supply Harry P. Carroll - Assistant Ops Stewart P. Crowell - Transportation William B. Downey - Chaplain Burton Hotfman - Special Services Theophane H. Leary - Chaplain James W. May - Weather Irving Pomerance - Photo Cyril L. Stavinoha - Dental Cecil W. Thorpe - Assistant Adjutant Stuart H. Werner - Assistant IO K.A. Wilson - ??
David R. Belcher - Finance Jesse Caden - Dental Louis H. Carpenter - Ordnance Richard A. Dimpfl - Assistant Adjutant Lyman D. Harper - Assistant Ops John R. Krutulis - Supply Harold J. Lister - Exec Stephen Pitalo - Dental Albion T Sawyer - Public Relations Winnet Sutterfield - Chaplain Robert S. Trenbarth - Chaplain Robert D. Williams - Weatber
Lieutenant Barden - Statistical Edward T. Barnhard - ?? Gerard F. Burke - Photo J. W. Gaines - ?? George M. Epperson - Assistant 10 Wilson O. Farr - Adjutant Leon Goldberg - Special Services Roger E. Green - Assistant Communications
Roger E. Green - Assistant Communication Morton Gutov - Statistical J.H. Huber, Jr. - Finance Elliott A. Mahoney - Assistant Ops w.J. Marchut - ?? Francis M. Ruttan - Assistant 10 Theodore M. Sperry - ??
Warrant Officer Arthur Ashkenase - Hospital Charles E. Taylor - ??
Andrew Mihovich - Assistant Tech Inspect Edmund F. Longworth - ??
180
Appendices
1st Sergeant John T. Fleming Master Sergeant Fred Hawkins Paul B. McCarty Fred B. Stinson Lyman F. Wallace
Albert C. Kissinger E. McIsaac William Ulmer Wade Winstead
Technical Sergeant Eustis M. Coplin Herbert B. Fishgrund William R. Furst William W. Knipe Clifford Palmer Angelo Puglise
Kenneth E. Cowan Louis R. Frumer Roscoe M. Garske Louis V. Knoblach George J. Piast Ross
Staff Sergeant William E. Almen William M. Falk George E. Jones Louis Meyer Hugo G. Poisson Albert L. Womer
Jesse C. Blakeeshee Harry J. Guckert John F. McGovern John T. Mulvihill Leonard M. Shayne
Sergeant Marcus J. Federer Edmund P. Fleming Boyd Hewitt Robert E. Koch Gilbert P. Madigan Seymour R. Pine
Jerome D. Berkowitz Albert J. Fine William N. Goldy Paul L. Hibbard Jerome M. Loquori Marion W. Payne Richard G. Schwaiger
Corporal Nicholas Christman Raymond Eisenberg Frank Fichera Howard L. Green Sam B. Kaplan Harold E. Mercer Frank B. Odeven Leland S. Pollock Charles C. Shackelford Anthony F. Stern
David A. Depan Herbert M. Feinsod Joe A. Gilbert Ferris J. Haddad James M. Klotz David A. Miller Anthony S. Piegari Roehrs Alex A. Skoczylas Anthony C. Vitale
Private First Class James G. Benear Morris Fincus Gennaro M. Nardiello Van Rice
Frank Dragone Arnold E. Johnson Paul E. Page Donald M. Wilbur
Private John Conforti Paul J. O'Hearn
Joe E. Lewman Loren Tatum
lSI
The 356111 Fighter Group in World War II
Unknown Vincent J. Curry Rocco Pagliaro Fred Trouw B.F. Edwards
R.A. Moody Lee M. Perry Reranrd Kaufman Irwin A. Smith
359th Fighter Squadron Maj. Alfred J.O. Speak - Exec Maj. Stephen E. Tackney - Exec Capt. Walter Baumgarten - Flight Surgeon Capt. Ralph E. Fain - Adjutant Capt. Noel M. Field - 10 Capt. Joseph Ruman - Engineering Ll. Ben S. Barr - Assistant Engineering
Lt. Jesse W. Cable - Communications Lt. Frank A. Cooley - Supply Lt. Harry Eisenberg - Cornmunicarions Lt. Mervin Feir - Armamemt
Lt. William Gall - ?? Lt. Robert B. Hanford, Jr. - Assistant 10 Lt. Thomas W. Hartley - Ordnance Lt. Irving C. Jacobs - Communications Lt. Frank W. Klimm - Armament Lt. Joseph Morris - Adjutant 1st Sgt. Clarence Buntenbah Master Sergeant George R. Bradley - comm. Marcus B. Hanson - Hangar Chief John Pechunka - eng.
Joseph B. Clark - Line Chief George T. McKnight - eng. Charles A. Vance - arm.
Technical Sergeant Don E. Clark William A. Diffenbach - comm James E. Egan - eng.(electric)
Dallas A. Credeur - radio Wallace R. Dull Roscoe M. Garske James D. Maher - eng(e/c), Flight Chief
Norman G. Lofgren - arm.
James M. Maisack - arm. Harry C. Reed - eng.(hangar) Clarence C. Roller - comm. Raymond J. Saliceni - eng(c/c) Paul E. Thompson - Flight Chief
Francis E. Mosher
Stephen E. Reydak - Flight Chief William B. Ross - arm. Leo V. Shaughnessy - eng.(c/c), Fit Chief Clarence C. Wortman - arm.
Staff Sergeant Ray J. Brandle - eng.(ele) John R.W. Cahill- eng.(aele) Patrick A. CavulO - eng.(c/c) Robert M. Conrad - eng.(aele & c/c) Fred H. Derham - eng.(ele) William Dom - eng.(carpenter) Richard N. Doyle - eng.(ele) Byrl Ebert - eng.(sheet metal) Arthur H. Fix - eng.(ele) Norman 1. Gavin
Ralph V. Brennan - eng.(c/c) Richard E. Carruthers - eng.(ele) William S. Collister - arm. William C. Coughlin - transp. George R. Dettlinger George J. Dorsi - eng.(e/c) James H. Ebel Lawrence L. Everett - eng.(ele) Clifford W. Flint Francis W. Geloran - eng.(ac/c) /82
Appendices
Nicholas T. Goluses - eng. Edward A. Grube - eng.(aele) Isidore Helfand - eng.(ele) Fred D. Hodges - eng.(ele) Arthur K. Johnson - eng. Edward J. Kuffel - eng.(instrument) Joe E. LeFond - radio Harold F. Lyeette - eng.(ele) FrankA. Marzano - eng.(prop) Don L. McAllister - arm. Arthur E. McConville Robert E. McCoy - radio Ray G. Meyer - eng.(instrument) Roy R. Miller - eng.(aele) Rowland F. Newill - arm. Edwin Obernauer - eng.(electric) Clarence W. Owen - arm. James M. Pratley - eng.(ele) Emilio L. Savaro - eng.(aele & ele) Thomas C. Shafer - eng.(aele & ele) John C. Swayze - eng.(aele) Laurence S. Thomas - eng.(aele) Sam Weiss - radio Frank J. Williamson - eng.(ele) Robert C. Wyche - arm.
Merten R. Greenhalgh - eng.(ele) John B. Hallahan - eng.(ele) Edward Heron - eng.(ele) Wilmer L. Howe - eng.(prop) Robert R. Kaatze Urban W. LaBonte - eng.(sheet metal) James W. Letseher - eng.(ele) James Madaras - eng.(ele) Albert S. Mason - eng.(ele) Henry D. McCombs - eng.(ele) Lyle R. McCormick - eng.(ele) Francis H. McGillivray - eng.(ele) James L. Miller - comm. Thomas J. Murphy - eng.(aele & ele) Bradley W. Norris - eng.(ele) Scott L. Olmstead - eng. clerk Jesse G. Parfitt - eng.(ele) Walter E. Roehrs Stewart E. Sehoonovar - eng.(cle) Henry Spelke - eng.(ele) Bernard T. Sweeney - arm. Edward R. Urbanski - eng.(ele) Carl E. Wigal - radio Albert S. Woods - eng.(elc)
Sergeant Llwellyn R. Bartlett - eng.(aele) Boyd B. Bolyard Ardery I. Calhoun - arm. Vincent T. Carrato - radio Steve H. Charuk - eng.(aele) John O. Connolly - eng.(welder) Murray Cooper - radio Joe T. Cuscione Stan J. Duda - fuel crew William M. Etchison - radio Lew W. Ferguson - radio Fred Frank John H. Frey - arm. Albert G. Giordano - arm. (photo) Edward T. Grogan - arm. Nicholas J. Guglielmo Charles L. Hannum - transp. Emil Herina - eng.(paraehute) Richard E. Keaster - transp. Gordon E. Laver Harold A. Lloyd - arm. William F. Maher - eng.(aele) Robert J. Masser - arm. Boyd E. Miles - Ops clerk William Nash - arm. William Newman Harry E. Peal - eng.(aele) Robert A. Pilkington
Dale K. Biee - eng.(instrument) Charles M. Cade - arm. J.T. Cauker - eng.(aele) Clyde B. Chamberlain - eng.(painter) Robert E. Clayton - arm. Edward E. Connor - fuel crew Wesley A. Crone - arm. Anthony Delrio - eng. clerk Ben F. Edwards David M. Faulkner - arm. clerk Robert M. Foreman - radio Robert P. Frank - eng.(aele) George M. Gerry - fuel crew Willard E. Gray - eng.(aele) Stan W. Grohoski - eng.(acle) Earl J. Hall - eng.(aelc) George M. Harrington - eng.(aclc) James W. Hough - arm. James C. Kredell - arm. Jerome Liquori DeWitt O. Lucas - medical Herb E. Mallett - arm. Peter M. Medan - radio Frank J. Moskwa Copeland R. Nelson - arm. James B. Pasearello - eng.(aelc) Ken J. Phillips - radio John J. Pollitt - eng.(aele) 183
The 356111 FighIer Group ill World War Il
William L. Pope - eng.(sheel metal) John A. Raczkowski - radio Albert O. Reese Henry M. Roberts - ann. John P. Sinclair John T. Sneddan - comm. Richard J. Steehler - arm. William F. Sluckenberg - arm.
James Powell - arm.
Herbert Raffeld - radio William D. Resburg - arm. George Schonfield - eng.(ac/c) Harry Slobodian - eng.(ac/c) Anthony Stabile Paul R. Strasser - comm. William 1. Yeager - comm.
Corporal
Hennan S. Spencer - cornm. Gilbert R. Wachs - arm. James M. Whitsel - arm.(phoIO) Ken A. Wood - arm.
Roy A. Appel - eng. clerk Gus R. Barron Norm H. Bender - arm. Elroy D. Boxley - arm. D. Clark - eng.(prop) Clarence Coudright - radio John C. Earley - arm. Mallie C. Freeman Chesler L. Gilbert - comm. William H. Haynes - arm. Harry M. Hoffman - arm. Sam P. Howard - comm. Morris G. Johnston - arm. Lee D. Jones James B. Kiser - arm. Paul K. Kline - camm. Edward J. Kroft· - ann. Robert L. Lau Thom J. Mauro Howard L. Mitchem Joe 1. Muratori ~ ann. William Nasser Dave Nudelman - comm. Michael D. O'Donnell - eng.(sheel melal) Robert R. Roginski - eng.(ac/c) Fred A. Schack - eng.(ac/c) Ken R. Schroeder - arm. Bernard Siegel Reginald J. Skeel - eng.(ac/c) George D. Uzzell - ann. James A. Westmoreland Virgil W. Wolfrum - fuel crew Harvel P. Young
Private First Class Louis T. Auriemma Leon J. Bonkowski Emanuel F. Curcio - eng.(ac/c) Bernard M. Ford - transp. Oscar E. Gray - arm. Jerome E. Jennings - eng.(ae/c) Richard Karam - fuel crew Albert H. Kube Robert Lograsso - arm. Joe T. McCormack - eng.(ac/c)
William G. Beck Frank D. Cansler - arm. Joe M. Finkelstein Joe A. Gilbert Cbester L. Howe - fuel crew Ted W. Jeske Edward J. Knoff - arm. John M. Kutchen Bertrand L. Mandeville Maurice J. Moran - arm.
Paul Abner - radio
Robert E.K. Baird J. D. Beaty - fuel crew Harold S. Bley - arm. Don V. Burgess - medical DeWayne D. Conyers - arm. Edward H. Cunningham - transp. William A. Erickson - camm.
Arthur A. Godosky George T. Gilky - arm. Leo C. Hickman - eng.(ac/c) Joe W. Hough - radio Leon E. Ide - ann. Joseph Jones - arm.
Wilbert F. Kaiser - arm. James J. Kendrew - cornm.
Walter W. Kondziela - arm. Leonard E. Laskowski - fuel crew Leonard C. Madson - eng.(ac/c) Roy D. McKlin - ann. Ken R. Munce - arm. Gracia C. ardei - eng.(carpenter) Horace J. Nickerson Alex S. Peslak - arm. Nicholas Phillips - arm.(photo) Walter Sanders George Schloss Herbert J. Short Glenn K. Sievert - arm.
184
Appendices
Giacomo A. Palmeri William C. Sammon Walt E. Schmoyer - comm. Albert J. Shockey - eng.(ac/c) Lecil G. Smithson
Tom D. Pollock John J. Sawrun - arm.(photo) Robert E. Shindledecker - fuel crew C.H. Smith Robert E. Yankovitz - eng.
Private Jack A. Cramer Don W. Greear Leon M. Jackson - eng. Jesus V. Sevilla
Earle E. Emilia Cecil E. Howard Mervin J. Pelzner
Unknown William M. Burns George H. Determan Herbert Forgash Ebb Gray Alkibades Harisiades Conrad Laskowski Walter C. Scheide Wilbur A. Zuhlke
John B. Cenforti Charles L. Ehrman Richard C. Fulton Elmer J. Handyside Lloyd T. Harrison Dale T. Roberson John A. Szweda
360th Fighter Squadron Maj. John W. Carlisle - Adjutant, Exec Capt. Walter A. Carey - Flight Surgeon Capt. Robert E. Doelling - 10 Capt. Roland L. Faulkner - Flight Surgeon Capt. Robert M. Kenny - Adjutant Capt. John R. Krutulis - Adjutant Capt. Harry A. Ragnell - Engineering Capt. Roderick O. Symmes - Armament Capt. Stuart H. Werner - 10 Lt. Thomas E. Bartley - ?? Lt. Edwin O. Curry - Adjutant Lt. Jerome T. Daly - Assistant Engineering Lt. Franklyn Foss - Communications Lt. Irving Goldman - Communications Lt. Thomas W. Hartley - Ordnance Lt. Winston L. Kirby - Communications Lt. Burton N. Levey - 10 Lt. Edmund M. Potts - Assistant Engineering Lt. Clarence L. Steeple - Assistant Engineering W 10 Ted T. Dolan - Supply WIO Herrick J. Horner - ?? 1st Sgt. Corchel C. Mullis Master Sergeant Charles R. Brennan Gilbert W. Kalil - eng. Robert P. Williams
James J. Dunleavy - arm. Armstead A. Wildman - eng.
Technical Sergeant Raymond Berry - arm.
Anthony P. Bosco - eng. 185
The 356111 Fighter Group jn World War Jl
Thomas S. Clocker Joe E. Finkel Jesse J. Frary - arm.
Raymond B. Farmer - eng. Wilson W. Forrester - eng.
Walter M. Harry - eng. John N. Keenan Walter C. Lampe - eomm. Jerome I. Odell - arm. Ollie A. Williams
John E. Jensen - eng. Joe E. Kupinewicz - camm.
Albert C. Medinger - eng. Harold E. Williams Staff Sergeant Arnold E. Anglin Robert S. Bone - arm. Edward Burns - eng.(e/e) Albert E. Charron - eng.(e/e) Harry E. Fletcher Arthur V. Hagar - eng.(e/e) William E. Huggins - eng.
Helmut C. Boker - arm. Clarmont E. Borkowski - eng.(e/e) Archie H. Carter - eng.(ae/e) Charles L. Coffman - arm. Howard M. DeWalt - eng. Salvadore M. Gonzales - fuel crew Walter E. Heuther Abraham Kaeher - arm.
Samuel Kassower
Buren E. King - eng.(c/c)
Ray B. Kobelinski - eng. Wilfrid F. LeBeau - eng. Henry J. LeMay - eng. Stanley H. Longbottom - eng.(e/e) Ray E. Manhardt - eng. George F. Miller - eng.(prop) James C. Neuenfeldt - eng.(e/e) Donald M. Osgood - eng.(e/e) Nick Palangio - eng.(e/e) Leslie L. Parker - eng.(e/e) Robert C. Paxson - eng.(e/e) Robert F. Preussler Carleton S. Rogers - eng.(e/e) Edmund F. Schubert - arm. Maxwell M. Simes - eng.(e/e) Lucien A. Tancredi - eng.(ae/e, e/e) Herman A. Volz - eng.(e/e) Ancel W. Watts - arm. Mirion B. Wells - eng.(e/e) Dawson M. Wheeler - eng.(ae/e) Richard B. Wilbur - eng.(e/e) Leslie H. Winkler - eng. George F. Williams - arm. Richard L. Wise - eng.(ae/e) Edward Woolley - eng.(e/e)
Edward J. Lacey - eng.(e/e) Mose C. Lee Anthony N. Librandi - eng.(e/e) Leslie H. McMullen - eng.(e/e) Fred H. Maslen Glenn D. Mishler - eng. William Oliver - eng.(e/e) Joe O. Padron - eng.(e/e) Henry J. Palombo - eng.(e/e) Ray C. Patnaude - eng. Paul Peterson - eng.(e/e) Dominic 1. PuJita - camm. Bernard C. Schinkel Royal E. Scudder - eng.(e/e) Willie W. Stadler - arm. Joe E. Vincent - arm. Robert E. Wallace - eng.(e/e) Willard R. Wein - eng. Dudley S. Wheatley Warren S. Wicker - eng.(e/e) Stanton B. Wilcox - eng.(e/e) Donald J. Williams - eng.(e/e) Robert W. Williams - eng. Ray L. Wolframski Gerald G. Youngs - eng.(e/e)
Ruford H. Creech - eng.
Sergeant Stanley Albanowski George J. Bertoneini
Peter E. Barta - arm.(photo) Earle M. Boardman Garvin R. Burton Wilbur F. Clunen - arm. Harry L. Davis - eng. Curtis J. Dennison Theodore E. Drewniak Marshall E. Fiedler - Ops clerk William R. Garber - arm. George G. Goldschmidt - eng.(ae/e)
Erwin E. Bucher - fuel crew
Frank Calieehio Philip Daston - eng.(ae/e) Elliott J. Deloney - eng. James T. Donahue - arm.
Allen L. Ester - arm. Louis W. Frangella - arm. John L. Garrison - eng.(ae/e) 186
Appendices
Wilford B. Goodwin - arm. Paul E. Haby - arm. Odus A. Henry James E. lbey - arm. Monroe H. Jones Henry Kolstad - arm. Wilfrid D. Lahaie - eng.(ac/c) Charles W. Mallast - eng. Rowe W. Meador Lester 1. Mills - arm. Ferris W. Norris - arm.(photo) Thaddeus 1. Pasyk - arm. Walter J. Pletcher Milton W. Renau - arm. Leo A. Sabatini - arm.(photo) John Shagat - eng.(ac/c) Irvin A. Smith - arm. Edwin J. Strawbridge Joe J. Voda - arm. William 1. Wenzinger Delbert D. Williams - arm. clerk Edward L. Workmaster - arm. Steve Zapoticzny - radio Verlin Zundell
George Goudy - eng. Hubert A. Hawkins Edward A. Herder - eng. Russell W. Johnson Harold E. Koppe - arm. Wildor LaFond - eng. William J. Luzczak - arm. Lloyd L. Mattox - arm. Louis Medvecky - eng. William Mitchell Daniel H. O'Brien Walter B. Phillips - arm. Joe A. Reshefsky - radio Robert L. Rich - comm. Onofrio Sabella Luke Silvio Marvin J. Stowell Frank L. Traino - eng.(ac/c) Edwin J. Walters John G. Whitcomb Cecil E. Wise Noel H. Yoho - radio Earl Zirkles
Corporal Norman L. Allard - arm. Mario 1. Amici William W. Baxter - arm. Zack Brewer - arm. Albert L. Capone - eng. Thomas F. Casey - arm. Doyle H. Clenny Lon G. Cotten Francis L. Dasenbrook - arm. Peter J. Dipaola - arm. Joe F. Estell - arm. Benjamin Finkel - arm. Philip J. Genovese - arm. Edward L. Greer - arm. Joe F. Harris - arm. Frank C. Hauser Earl A. Howell Walter F. Huffins - eng. Max Kargauer John M. Kramer Joe D.E. Letendre - eng. Morgan W. Lewis - arm. Robert L. Lopatcin William E. Martin - ann. Willie C. McAlpin - eng(ac/c) James O. Mhoon Rudolph Mosley - fuel crew Lucienne A. Ott - arm. John G. Phillips - arm.
John T. Allen Francis H. Bailey Benny Bohatkiewicz Rafael L. Cano Arsenio J. Casella - eng. Unez W. Cates Alex Colquhon - arm. Hoy E. Cryer James A. Dickens HughE. Dyke Allen Farkus - ann. Salvatore Gasbarro Seymour Gray Charles R. Griner - arm. Forrest E. Hart - arm. Charles L. Hendrickson Lawrence C. Hrdina Edward L. Johnson - radio Marvin H. Klem Austin H. Lenhard - arm. Harold A. Levi - eng. Carroll E. Long David S. Marshall - arm. Fred E. Mast Earl Meinel Albert W. Miller Ralph L. Newcomer Robert H. Page - eng. Thomas E. Reynolds - arm. 187
The 356rh Fighter Group in World War 1I
Fred W. Rickart - arm. Glendon C. Sawtelle - arm. Francis Stickley - arm. George W. Stout A.J. Saltalamacchia Francis H. Warren
Ken R. Roberts Richard G. Schwaiger Gerald E. Stone - fuel crew Edward G. Thielen - radio Milton H. Terry - arm. Joe Ziolkowski - arm.
Private First Class Francis H. Baudry Sanchez Boggs Floyd F. Cones Joe L. Cronin - eng. Joe M. Golden Einor O. Helgevold Dean D. Jackson Joe J. Kucia AI fred C. Lopez Frank L. Maurello Donald O. Miller Joe L. Nyanko Morris Pincus Jose Ramos - arm. Jim Smith - arm. Lanzo D. Wilson Earl A. Winkler
Marvin L. Berger - arm. Douglas A. Brooks - arm. Joe P. Cortese Isidore Gasolofsky Sylvester M. Gutierrez Nolan R. Hinson - eng.Cae/c) Walter F. Krauz William R. Lamborn Matthew W. Levoy Lloyd L. McLean Wilburn A. Miller - arm. John Pierce - anTI. Sam Prutch - arm. Robert A. Searles - eng. Harold W. Snyder Paul W. Wilson William R. Zmich
Private Howard R. Jones Ralph H. Lafara Edward Workman
Leonard J. Kogler Joe J. Stawowy
361st Fighter Squadron Maj. Winston C. Young· Exec Capt. Richard D. Barger - Supply Capt. Edward F. Higgins - Flight Surgeon Capt. Marvin J. Lesikar - Engineering Capt. George J. May - 10 Capt. Ray P. Stewart - Adjutant Lt. John R. Becker - ?? Lt. Irving W. Blackman - Armament Lt. Gerard F. Burke - Photo Lt. Walter A. Credle - Supply Lt. William H. Hoar - ?? Lt. Ralph P. Hubbell - Armament Lt. Sam A. Huddleston - ?? Lt. James F. Morrisey - Adjutant, Communications Lt. Charles H. Nesbit - Supply Lt. Evan H. Rogerson - Weather Lt. Robert E. Rye - Equipment Lt. Raymond A. Sherwin - ?? Lt. Francis P. Summers - Assistant 10 Lt. John A. Temasky - Communications
/88
Appendices
Lt. Stanley S. Ungar - Assistant 10 W/O Sullivan - Assistant Engineering 1st Sgt. James T. Stalion 1st Sgt. Edward W. Tegge
Master Sergeant Armand G. Cala - eng. Ernest F. Jeffries Everett A. Lillich - eng. John M. Meder - eng. Harry D. Schmidt - arm.
Russell L. DeNault George B. Kepka - eng. Rodney W. McQuiston - eng. Louis Petho - eng.
Fred P. Stinson - arm.
Technical Sergeant John F. Coen
Victor A. Fiarentini ~ arm. Gilbert P. Heathcote Ken S. Kent - eng. Joe Labenski William C. McCaslin - arm. Robert C. Welch Arthur L. Young - radar
Francis L. Flanagan - eng.
Joe T. Kent William W. Knipe Gerard J.D. Levreque - eng.
John E. Toomey - eng. Robert M. Wolbers Thomas O. Young
Staff Sergeant Henry E. Audy Philip E. Boyington - eng.(e/e) Gordon G. Cousins - eng.(e/e)
Robert A. Barnhill - eomm. Delbert A. Collins - arm. Eugene B. Fisher - arm.
Victor P. Foytho - arm. Thomas E. Garrity - eng.(ele) Henry Ginardi - eng. Charles B. Groves Arthur L. Jacobson - eng. William Kuchko - eng.
Alonzo G. Forrester
Sam R. Fuhr Bennie F. Giardiniere - eng.(e/e) Fred Gillier Lawrence S. Hebb - eng. Volmer R. Koefed - arm. Nat J. LaSpina - arm. William S. Majka - eng. Milford E. McClenny William H. McCormick - eng.(e/e) Clifford N. Mullin - eng.(e/e) Robert S. Nelson - eng. Gerald R. Pontbriand - eng.( ele) Salvatore A. Puleo - eng.(e/e) Richard N. Rahnenfuhrer - eng.(e/e) Lionel F. Ratte - eng.(e/e) Edwin R. Schultz - radar Leonard H. Siegler - arm. Clyde G. Stone - arm. Robert E. Venzke - eng.(e/e) Edwin O. Wilbur - Duty Sgt. Walter D. Wise - eng.(e/e) Edward J. Woehrel- eng.(ele) Edward F. Wolfe - eng.(e/e) Michael Yahwak - eng.(ae/e & e/e) Henry H. Yoder - eng.(e/e) John Zalot - eng.(e/e) Victor W. Zurawski - eng.(e/e)
Clemens G. Loritz - radio
James R. McAfee - eng.(e/e) Edward J. McCormick - eng.(e/e) Wenceslaus P. Mieroniski John T. Mulvihill FrankA. Polieelli - eng.(e/e) Edward S. Poplawski - eng.(c/c) Maurice W. Quinn - eng.(e/e) Edward C. Rapoza - eng.(e/e) Paul L. Reynolds - eng.(e/e) Seymour S. Schwartz
Hugh G. Showers - eng.(e/e) Gilbert G. Vaught - eng.(e/e) Joe G. Weber - eng.(e/e) Grover C. Williams Ken A. Withers - eng.(e/e) Charles 1. Woblsehlegel Edward A. Wyda - eng.(e/e) Michael Yanoso - eng.(e/e) Joe H. Young - eng.(e/e) Otto R. Zamow - eng.(e/e)
189
The 356111 Fighter Group in World War 11
Sergeant Joe A. Ambroski
Salvatore A. Antonucci Joe D. Borchick Edward Burns - eng.Cac/c) Michael Chinetti Nicholas Christman Daniel C. Cox Frank S. DeOrio - eng.Cac/c) Lloyd S. Dunker - arm. Warren L. Eggers - eng.Cacle) George C. Free - Ops clerk lorman T. Frith Joe E. Gray John W. Heise - radio William A. Hoffman - radio John Koziminsky Harry J. Linneman Francis Ludkovich - eng.(ac/c) Ray Matera - arm. Robert E. McArthur Ray J. Moriarity George R. Paul Elwin D. Phillips - arm & eng.Cac/c) Emil A. Provencher ~ eng.(ac/c) Joe L. Renski Wayne L. Roberts Henry M. Rotella - eng. Cae/c) Orville T. Sawyer John P. Schmelz James W. Shuff - arm. John D. Snyder John R. Stacer - arm. Frank Strozzi - eng.Cac/c) Tom J. Urbansky - arm. Ben Walener - eng.Cac/c) Robert K. Wilks Lewis B. Wolever - eng.Cac/c) Nestor Wolfson - eng. Cae/c) Willis A. Youtsey - eng.Cac/c)
Jerome B. Bentivegna - ann.
Clare P. Brewer - arm. Alfred O. Carriere - eng.
Joe G. Chraska - eng.Cac/c) George E. Clark - arm. Jay P. Delbridge Thomas J. Duffy John M. Dynak - arm. Perry L. Ford William Freedman David B. Gardner James C. Gregory - arm. Joe A. Hindman - eng.Cae/c) Andrew C. Kennedy Ben]. Lewandowski Don C. Little Louis L. Marsella Carl E. Maupen Ken G. Miller - arm. Albert O'Hara - eng. Trentino F. Perri - camm.
Stan F. Podgorski Robert J. Redman - radio Lawrence H. Richards - eng.(ac/c) Fred W. Roehling Floyd M. Ruttenberg Robert Scharf Horace H. Scot{ Forest T. Snode Carl R. Sproles - arm. Hal A. Steinnecker - cornm. Don W. Taylor
Edward J. Vieau Howard 1. Waterman - eng.Cac/c) Harry Wohl - eng.Cae/c) George J. Wolfson - eng. Cae/c) William Wyda - eng.Cae/c) Corporal James H. Andrews
John H. Arnold Alfred Atkeilsky James T. Clendening - comm. Charles F. Damgen Clifford D. Davis William J. Delaney ] ames English - arm. Russell P. Foreman Milton Friedman - ann. Harold E. Gavitt Ralph L. Gray Joe Gregory Ronald C. Hallett Robert P. Haselett - comm.
Edwin Aronowitz Roger D. Cady - arm. Frank Clinton Harold T. Davies Robert M. Dean Charles G. Duryee - eng. George Fisher Meyer W. Frank Joe Ganger Bryce H. Gram Elbert L. Greer Herbert C. Hall Everett L. Hargreaves
190
Appendices
James E. Hill John Huisd Gerard B. Jacobs David A. Jones Frank S. Kacizak Alvin P. Kopper Robert W. Krick
Aron Horowitz - eng.
Adrian H. Hunt - arm. Walter J. Jakobowski - comm. Wilbert D. Jones Charles E. Keiling - arm. Peter Kost Joe E. Langley Stan S. Leonard - eng. Walter F. Maloney Joe E. Mayo - eng. Harold R. McGann - eng. James F. Moore - eng. Howard E. Murphy Tom C. Nielsen Carl F. Patsche Marion E. Popiel - arm. Ralph F. Pusey - arm. Gilbert M. Sandman - eng.(ac/c) Burton D. Saxton Charles E. Setzke - arm. James R. Stephenson Martin G. Telle - radio Buford V. Walter Cecil H. Widner John E. Wise - arm. Ben T. Zaluski
Joe Lellkowsky - arm.
Harold P. Luppens Charles A. Mase Albert L. McAvoy - comm. Nelson G. Miner Edward T. Mullahy Cecil D. Nelson Stan S. Ostroski - arm. Oliver J. Pinnell - eng.(ac/c) John W. Price - arm.(photo) Hem,an J. Rickard - fuel crew Fred M. Sargent - Ops clerk Joe D. Schull James ShuITI
Camplin M. Straker Floyd R. Voytko - eng.(ac/c) John E. Wahon Cal well L. Wilkes - radio Harold G. Wood - comm clerk Private First Class Louis Berg William G. Carpenter - eng.(ac/c) Richard J. Dickson Mervin Grainger Robert C. Hill orman P. Jones
John H. Burchell Albert M. DeCosta Henry R. Driscoll Victor C. Guzzi Clarence S. Host - arm. John D. Kahler - camm. William R. Lamborn Barker N. Ledson - eng.(ac/c) Alfonso Loritz Jack M. McKenzie Alven R. McCluskey James S. Moss AIfred A. Nowotarski George F. Randall Elbert W. Somers - arm.(phoIO) Martin D. Sweeney Henry H. Wolf
Bernard Kau fman Emmene
F.
LaPoillle
Alfonso G. Lopez John D. MacKenzie Albert D. McLain Biven H. McLeod Eugene R. Nordberg - Ops clerk Aaron Plan Norman E. Sanders Tom W. Stevens Clifford V. Taylor Henry R. Yingling
Private James M. Budd Charleston - eng. John
Louis J. Cannizzaro Francis W. Donahue
F. Fleming
Vincent Runza
Unknown William B. Barton Herbert Klein
Edward T. Hooghkirk Walter R. Satterfield (Sgt?) 191
Photo Section
Photo Section
Headquarters personnel at a Stateside party held on August I I, 1943. Back LR: Jesse Caden, Stuart Werner, Sheldon Stecher, Burton Hoffman, Stewart Crowell,John Schneider, Richard Dimpfl. Front: George Piast,Jerome Berkowitz
Assistant crewchief George Goldschmidt (360th) in Ray Withers' P-47 at Grenier Fld
Withers' "Kathleen Ann" at Grenier
Anthony Librandi (crewchief) fueling Withers' ship
PATs of the 361 st at Suffolk County Airfield
193
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
USO entertainers at Martlesham Heath, late 1943. 5th from left is Burton Hoffman (Special Services Officer) and third from right is Sheldon Stecher (Adjutant)
Left: 360th pilots at Grenier Field,July 1943. L-R: Philip McCuliough,"Pappy" (a Republic Technical Rep), Charles Garvey, Wallace Maxwell, Albert Niemi, Chester Vitali Below: Pilots of the 360th at Grenier,August 1943. Back L-R: Ellingson, Koczak, Cota, Asbridge, L'Heureux, Kinnard (CO), Hockmeyer, Johnson, Halverson, Bennett, Evans. Front: Niemi, Cook, Maxwell, Withers, McHale, Fletcher, McLaughlin,Vitali,Walters,Adams
194
Photo Section
Above: Another group of 360th pilots, this time at Goxhill, England, September 1943. Back L-R: Ellingson, Borelli,Johnson, McHale,Walters, Kress, LHeureux. Front: Evans, Hockmeyer, Fletcher, McCullough, McLaughlin, Adams, Koczak Right: Pilots of the 359th, November 1943. Front L-R: Ernest White, Robert Bradshaw, Gardner Engle. In truck: Ray Holtz, unk.,Wiliiam Brearley,Wiliiam O'Barr, Mark Burke,William Farmer
Below: 359th pilots on the way out to their planes, late 1943 Below right: William Cotter (359th) and his crew. L-R: Francis McGillivray (crewchief), Cotter, Herman Spencer (radio), Robert Conrad (assistant crewchief)
195
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Harold J. Rau, 356th CO until late November 1943
Malmstrom with the crew of his P-47 "Kay-J". L-R: Henry Yoder (crewchieD, Malmstrom,Wiliis Youtsey (assistant crewchief)
Einar A. Malmstrom, 356th CO from late November 1943 until his capture in April of 1944
Former "Eagle" Squadron and 4th Fighter Group vet Oscar. eoen, now as 356th Deputy CO
196
Photo Section
Andrew Krieger, Group Operations Officer and later 360th CO
Donald Baccus, 359th CO and later both Deputy CO and Group CO
Julius Asbridge (360th) with his crew of "Hell's Angel". On far left is armorer Walter Phillips with Asbridge next to him
Allen Metzger (361 st)
Another shot of Asbridge
197
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
William Brearley (359th)
Ernest White (359th)
Everett Brock (360th)
Lester Kress (360th) with his "Dear Alean"
198
Photo Section
Richard Rann,an early 359th replacement pilot who eventually became squadronCO
Reginald McDowell (361 st) in the cockpit with William Waller (361 st CO) and Gordon Cousins (crewchief). Man on far right is unk.
Two tour 360th pilot Bernard Borelli
Hunter Parker (360th)
361 st pilots Robert Campbell (left) and Harry Leyser
199
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Justus Henry (359th)
Bleftherios Vangos (361 st) with his P-47 "The Vangoose"
361 st CO William Waller with his crew. L-R: George Wolfson (assistant crewchief), John Walton (radio), Joe Young (crewchief), Waller, Clyde Stone (armorer)
Robert Conroy (359th) and the crew of "Pat". L-R: Herb Mallett (armorer), Richard Doyle (crewchief). Conroy, Carl Wigal (radio), and Tom Murphy (assistant)
200
Photo Section
Willis Holm (359th)
Lee Richason (359th)
360th CO Joe Williams
Withers with his crew of "Kathleen Ann". L-R: Glendon Sawtelle (armorer), George Goldschmidt (assistant),Withers,Anthony Librandi (crewchief)
RayWithers (360th)
201
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 1I
361 st ace Sidney Hewett
Chester Rubner (359th)
Ernest Parham (361 st)
William Craig (359th)
202
Photo Section
Fred Porter (361 st) with his crew. L-R: Marion Popiel (armorer). Porter.William McCormick (assistant), James McAfee (crewchief).
Evert Korhorn (361 st)
Herbert Weber (359th)
Claiborne Kinnard. first 360th CO. Photo taken late in the war while he was serving with the 355th Fighter Group
First 361 st air ace David Thwaites and crew. L-R: Lionel Ratte (crewchief). Frank Strozzi (assistant),Thwaites, Louis Foytho (armorer)
203
The 356th Fighter Group in World War JJ
Above: 359th officers and pets.Standing:JamesWyatt and Gardner Engle (with Turbo). Seated:James Meholic,James Smith,Alfred Speak (Exec.), George Peet (with Toots),Wiliiam Farmer
Joseph Jack (361 st)
Einar Malmstrom (left) and Richard Warren (359th)
204
Photo Section
James Wood (361 st) in the cockpit with William Waller on far left. Just to Wood's left is crewchief Richard Rahnenfuhrer
Elmer Dendle (361 st) with his crew. L-R: Edward Wolfe (crewchief), Dendle, Lawrence Roberts (assistant)
359th pilots in early April 1944. L-R: RichardWarren, George Peet,Willis Holm, Ray Holtz,James Wyatt
Below: Award ceremony in front of Norm Cota's PI-B 42-74714 "Gremlin Express"
205
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Don Baccus' first P-47, OC-I 42-8568 'The Bloody Shaft"
359th P-47 of William Cotter. OC-A 42-8492
206
Photo Section
QI-J 42-74661 of the 361 st after being crash-landed in December 1943 by a ferry pilot.To the right of the prop is Otto Zamow (crewchief)
361 st P-47 of Robert Campbell. QI-J 42-75253 "Fat Ass Bird"
207
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Bleftherios Vangos' QI-Y 42-74715 "The Vangoose".The ship was decorated for a birthday party (BIR is just visible by the artwork)
Below: Charles Garvey was MIA March 20, 1944, in his PI-D 42-74638 "Nashville Belle". Photo was taken after the Germans had loaded it for a trip to the scrap yard
Pair of 361 st PATs, with William Waller's QI-A 42-8482 "Skeeter, Kiss O'Death" in foreground
208
Photo Section
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Dick Rann's OC-S 42-22524 lifting off
Line-up of 36 J st P-47's including a rare natural metal bird. Front to back: QI-H 42-75419 of Robert Gibson, QI-U 42-8394 of Evert Korhorn, and QI-R 42-25513 of Einar Malmstrom
209
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
OPPOSITE 360th pilots and officers@May 1944. Includes pilots who were MIA or transferred): Top: Krieger,Williams, Kinnard,Vogt Row 2: Cota, G.Johnson, Bennett, Evans Row 3: Halverson, W. Johnson, Hockmeyer, J. Cook, Fletcher, Parker, Kress, Vitali Row 4: Borelli, McCullough, Ellingson, Koczak, L'Heureux, Niemi,Walters, Maxwell Row 5: McLaughlin, Garvey,Asbridge,Walters, McHale, Adams, Martin, Brock Row 6: Hall, Green, Dunn, Stratford, E. Cook, Maupin, Knapp, Mercer William Farmer's OC-H 42-7471 I after the mission of March 6, J 944
Row 7:Tucker, Leathers, Obosla, Perryman, Russell,Anderson, Hepfer, Dolan
Below: 356th pilots, February 1944
Row 8: Kirby, Levey, Doelling, Faulkner, Carlisle, Krutulis, Symmes, Ragnell
356TH~~TE~6RDUP ~
210
Photo Section
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The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Philip Tukey (Group CO) with the crew of his PI-T L-R: Harold Koppe(armorer), Dawson Wheeler (assistant),Tukey, Mirion Wells (crewchief)
William Framer being congratulated by Ernie White upon completing his tour on May 22, 1944. On left is crewchief Henry McCombs
George Yoakum (361 st)
Robert Gibson (361 st) after completing his tour, also on May 22,1944. On left is crewchiefWalter Wise with Ed Fremaux on the right.
RayWithers (360th) shaking hands with Norman Cota after finishing his tour, again on June I3, 1944
Richard Nystrom (361 st & HdQts)
212
Photo Section
Don Baccus presenting a medal to Richard Vossler (359th)
John Cline (359th)
William Burns (361 st)
Henry Kaczynski (361 st)
213
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th CO and ace, John Vogt
Ray Engle (361 st)
Frank Forsyth (359th)
James Smith (359th)
Another shot of Forsyth with crewchief Isidore Helfand
214
Photo Section
Three 359th pilots. L-R: George Peet, unk,John Cline
Elmer Dendle (361 st)
Dick Rann (359th) with other squadron personnel. L-R: Stan Grohoski, Murray Cooper, William O'Barr, Ken Munce, Rann, Leo Shaunessy
Harry Leyser (361 st) on right with two crewchiefs, Clifford Mullin and Sam Puleo
Another view with L-R: Cooper, Munce, Shaunessy, Rann, O'Barr, Grohoski
215
The 356th Fighter Group in World War Jl
Sid Hewett (361 st) and crew. L-R: Elwin Phillips (armorer), Ben Giardiniere (crewchief), Hewett, Mike Yahwak (assistant)
Left: Einar Malmstrom (left) with James Wyatt (359th) in foreground
Below: Hewett and crew in front of his QI-F 42-74702 "Clarkie II"
216
Photo Section
361 st officers in May 1944. Kneeling L·R: May, Engle, Kahle, Campbell, Dendle, Burns, Lee,Young,Waller, Strait, Perrin, Bailey,Wiggins,Thwaites,Yoakum,Ternasky. Standing L·R: Harris, Kovacs, Hargreaves, Fremaux, Leyser, Engelhorn, Korhorn, Clayton, Barger, Gansberg, Faison, Morel, Mills, Decker, Leshikar, Morrisey, Blackman
Hewett's QI·F 42-74702 "Clarkie II" with early white nose band
217
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 11
"Clarkie II" now with oversprayed cowl band
Don Baccus crash-landed his OC-G 42-76583 on May 24, 1944
PI-X after crash-landing in May 1944
218
Photo Section
Herb Weber's OC-V 42-8478 "Fifinella"
OC-D 42-75171 "Rambling Rebel" of Millard Clayborne
Nose art on Ed Fremaux's QI-V 42-75426 "Swamp Fox"
219
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th P-4Ts undergoing maintenance with a P-SI fourth in line
220
Photo Section
221
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 11
P-4Ts of the 359th taxi-ing out for a mission
360th Armament Section. Standing far left is Roderick Symmes and standing far right is Leo Sabatini
John Dynak, 361 st armorer, with Tom Bailey's first "Zombie".
Right: 360th armorers beside Hunter Parker's PI-G. L-R:unk,Wilford Goodwin, Tom Casey
222
Photo Section
Bennie Giardiniere, 361 st crewchief, with Sid Hewett's QI-F 42-74702
Mike Yahwak, assistant crewchief on Hewett's P-47
361 st crewchief Ken Withers in Tom Von Holzhausen's QI-Z
359th crewchiefs. L-R: Francis McGillivray, Robert Conrad,Tom Murphy,William Maher, Richard Doyle
Gilbert Watson, 361 st crewchief for ace Don Strait
223
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Joseph Weber (left) a 361 st crewchief with John Meader, line chief
Everett Lillich, 361 st crewchief
360th armament personnel: L-R: James Dunleavy, George Williams, Roderick Symmes,Jerry Odell
Llewellyn Bartlett, 359th assistant crewchief, on Wood's OC-A "lch Brauche Du"
Herman Rickard, 361 st fueling section
224
Photo Section
DeOrio on a bike beside a line shack with drop tanks behind
Frank DeOrio, 361 st assistant crewchief
An unidentified 3S9th fuel crewman (known only as "Wally")
361 st armorer Victor Fioremini with "Flak Happy"
William McCaslin, 361 st armament section
225
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Jerome Odell, 360th armament section
Joseph Ruman, 359th Engineering Officer
361 st groundcrew with Richard Rahnenfuhrer (crewchief) in the cockpit with George Clark (armorer)
Below: 360th Communications Section
226
Photo Section
Left: Members of the 360th armament section. L-R:Jerry Odell, Robert Bone, Delbert Williams, Jesse Frary
Frank Cooley, 359th Supply Officer
Below: 360th Armament Section in front of 42-22751 Back Row Standing:Terry,Allard, Goodwin,Voda, Schubert, I. Smith, Stickley, Estell, Ester, Hart, Barta 4th Row Standing: Bone, Ibey, G. Williams, Coffman, Martin, Koppe, Odell, Genovese, Phillips, Lenhard, Brewer 3rd Row Kneeling: Lewis, Haby,Vincent, Sawtelle, Pasyk, Garber, Mattox, Marshall, Kolstad,Watts, Zundell, D.Wiliiams 2nd Row Sitting: Stadler, Mills, Finkel, Frangella, Ramos, Prutch, Barney, Reynolds, Ott, Dasenbrock
Stephen Tackney, 359th Executive Officer
Ist Row Sitting: Casey, Dunleavy, Ziolkowski, Rickart,Wiliiam I, Farkas, Griner, Workmaster, Reneau, Frary, Sabatini
227
The 356th Fighter Group in World War JI
Gardner Engel (359th) and crew. L-R: Robert Clayton (armorer), Engel, John Cahill (assistant), Richard Carruthers (crewchief)
General Anderson (left) and Reginald Herin (360th)
David Thwaites (361 st) with his crew. L-R: Lionel Ratte (crewchief), Victor Foytho (armorer),Thwaites, Frank Strozzi (assistant)
361 st ace Howard Wiggins and his crew. L-R: Marion Popiel (armorer), unk., William McCormick (assistant),Wiggins,James McAfee (crewchief)
Chester Rubner (359th) with an unidentified crewman
228
Photo Sec/ion
Richard Gillette (361 st)
Elmer Kovacs (361 st)
Jean Tarbutton (359th)
Joseph Mills (361 st)
H. Philip Causer (360th)
229
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Wilford Drake (361 st) and crew. L-R: Drake, John Stacer (armorer), Otto Zamow (crewchief)
Another shot of Drake and Zamow
Edmund Decker (361 st)
Carl Mueller (359th)
230
Photo Section
William Kennedy (HdQts)
Durward Mercer (360th) with an unidentified crewman and his PI-N "Georgia's Best"
Lester Knapp (360th)
James Perry (359th)
Deputy CO Don Baccus (left) with William Kennedy, Group Operations Officer
231
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Phil Tukey, Group CO. Photo taken October 13, 1944
Tukey with General Jesse Auton, Commanding Officer of the 65th Fighter Wing
Winston Young (361 st Exec) with Blayne Swift
Swift with his crew of QI-B 42-8608 "Butch". L-R: unk., Swift, Lewis Wolever (assistant), Hugh Showers (crewchief), Stan Ostroski (armorer)
Another view of Swift and his crew
359th pilot Richard Vossler (wearing R.A. Coughenour's life vest) upon completing his tour on August 18,1944. L-R: unk.,Ralph Brennan (crewchief),Vossler, Mark Burke (359th Ops)
232
Photo Section
James Cooper. 361 st CO
James Wood. now as 360th CO. Photo taken October 13. 1944
Trio of 361 st fliers who all finished their tours on September 5. 1944. L-R: Homer Engelhorn. Ed Fremaux. Dave Thwaites
Same trio, now with the order ofThwaites, Fremaux, Engelhorn
Clifford Poppell (360th) Photo taken on October II. 1944
Warren Cooley (359th) and crew, October 21. 1944. L-R: Cooley, Steve Charuk (assistant), Henry McCombs (crewchief)
233
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Richard Gillette (361 st) and his crew. L-R: Howard Waterman (assistant), Giliette,John Zalot (crewchief)
Tom Bailey (361 st) with his crew after his last mission,July 29, 1944. L-R: Frank DeOrio (assistant), Joe Weber (crewchief), Bailey, Ken Miller (armorer),John Heise (radio)
359th pilots on September 16, 1944. L-R: Mark Burke, James Wadlow, Dick Rann
John Crump (360th) on left with Orvil Burwell. Crump is holding his pet coyote which flew on several missions until being run over by a jeep at Martlesham Heath
James Thorne (359th & HdQts)
234
Photo Section
361 st personnel around the snack bar. L-R:Jack Hargreaves, George Free, Ed Thompson, Eugene Nordberg, Robert Schlack, Robert Upp
Rolfe Chickering (359th) and his crew, October 21, 1944. L-R: Tom Shafer (crewchief),Willard Gray (assistant), Henry Roberts (armorer), Chickering Right:Warren Cooley (left) and Robert Carr (359th)
Below: 361 st pilots and officers, July 30, 1944: Front L-R: Leyser, Morgan, Upp,Young, Cooper, Bailey,Thwaites,Yoakum, May Row 2: Morel,Schlack,Ashby, Swift,Thompson, Mills, Hargreaves, Kovacs, Kahle Row 3: Ungar,Wiggins, Nystrom, Rodgers,Tillman,Whitmore, Fremaux, Morrisey, Blackman, Gillette, Lewis Row 4: Hurley, Drake, Stewart, Korhorn, Barger, Clayton, Faison, Higgins, Leshikar
235
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Norwood Douglas (360th)
Robert Rodgers (361 st)
Frank Morgan (361 st) and the crew of his "Portland Rose", November 12, 1944
Ed Malo (359th)
Harry LeMoyne (359th) with his crewchief Richard Carruthers, October 21, 1944
236
Photo Section
359th personnel on October 13, 1944. L-R: Ed Malo,Wesley Crone (armorer), Fred Hodge (crewchief), Laurence Thomas (assistant),Airus Bergstrom
Ed Thompson (361 st) and crew with "Little Nig", October 5, 1944. L-R: Thompson, Elwin Phillips (armorer), Mike Yahwak (assistant), BennieGiardiniere (crewchief)
Ray Withers (360th) in his new "Kathleen Ann"
Airus Bergstrom (359th)
Merrion Higginbotham (361 st) on left with one of his brothers. October 9, 1944
237
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Paul Cochran (361 st) after a close call on November 8, 1944
William Dunn (360th) on October II, 1944
Another shot of Phil Tukey, October 13, 1944
Raleigh Ragsdale (360th) on October II, 1944
238
Photo Section
Willard Royer (360th)
George Pelletier (359th)
Dick Tucker (359th) and his crew.
John Crump (360th)
Howell Broxton (359th) with his ship which was demolished in Holland,September 1944
239
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Richard Andrino (left) and Orvil Burwell (360th)
Another view of Andrino and Burwell, with PI-C 42-26683 "Mugsy" in the background, September 9, 1944. By coincidence,"Mugsy" was MIA later in the day
Robert Barnhart (360th), September 9, 1944
240
Photo Section
Rolfe Chickering (359th)
Ted Urban (360th)
Toney Shelton (359th)
Paul Mellinger (359th)
Bobby Childers (359th & 360th)
Dale Quigley (360th)
John Pietruszka (359th)
Charles McKelvy (359th)
Allen Wilmot (359th)
241
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Russell Scharnberg (359th)
Dante Ciocchi (360th)
Louis Switzer (360th)
Nelson Wieland (359th)
Glenn Crum (359th)
Jean Tarbutton (359th)
242
Photo Section
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Pilots of the 3S6th Fighter Group, September 1944
243
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The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
George Yoakum's QI-G 42-76379 in full invasion stripe markings
Line-up of 361 st planes with Ql-J 42-26275 "Joy Ann" in foreground
Gardner Engels' OC-P 42-76405 "Mad Marion" with other 359th ships
244
Photo Section
Trio of 359th P-47's in August 1944. OC-Y 42-76405 is Engel's old ship re-coded, oc-y 42-8478, OC-E 42-26129
Lee Richason with his OC-§ "Slightly Dangerous"
245
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Starboard view of Richason's plane
PI-Y 42-26553 "Jersey Mosquito" of John Yogt
Patrick Cavuto (crewchief) and James Meholic with OC-E 42-26129
Meholic's later OC-E 42-26851
246
Photo Section
Richard Gillette with his QI-Y 42-85 10 "Shoo Shoo Baby"
Norwood Douglas' PI-Z 44-19861 "Chesapeake Beach"
Another view ofVogt's ship
247
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Wilford Drake's QI-J 42-26275 "Joy Ann"
OC-.E 42-74673 "Carmen" of Airus Bergstrom. He shared this plane with Ed Malo who had "Phyllis" painted on the other side.
248
Photo Section
361 st P-4Ts ready to roll. In front is Gillette's QI-Y
PI-.t:i 42-22780 of the 360th
Charles Servocky (360th) in his PI'F 42-76204 "Bright Eyes", October 30, 1944
249
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Tom Bailey's old "Zombie", now as QI-U of Ronald Upp
QI-B 42-8608 "Butch" of Blayne Swift
250
Photo Section
QI-M 42-76536 "Mary III" and QI-Y 42-8510"Shoo Shoo Baby" in flight.
Trio of 361 st ships with QI-Y 42-75827, QI-H 42-26120 "Ace of Spades", and QI-J 42-26275 "Joy Ann"
251
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Bernard Borelli's PI-C 44-19894 in November 1944
Phil Tukey's PI-T 42-26415
OC-T 42-28819 "Jodie Darlin" of Dick Tucker
252
Photo Section
James Griswold's OC-N 42-26557 "Lonesome Lee II"
QI-U 42-2665 I of Evert Korhorn
253
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Activity around OC-K 42-8588 "4F". L-R: Willard Gray (assistant), Clarence Coudright (radio). Henry Roberts (armorer). Rolfe Chickering. Tom Shafer (crewchief)
OC-X 42-28808 "Mary" of George Pelletier
254
Photo Section
QI-I 42-28827 in September 1944
Close-up of Ed Thompson's QI-F 42-74736 "Little Nig". Crewchief Bennie Giardiniere under the wing
Harry LeMoyne in his OC-P "Spoiled Brat"
255
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Nose art on James Thorne's QI-R 42-26534
Below: OC-.!!, 42-8549 "Elsie" after being crash-landed by Howell Broxton on September 9, 1944
Amos Bomberger's QI-B 42-26649 "Miss Carriage"
256
Photo Section
Three more views showing details of Bomberger's plane.
257
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
QI-Q 42-75549 after a crash-landing by Harry Leyser.
361 st ships undergoing maintenance. In hangar is Herbert Hall's QI-H 42-26120 "Ace of Spades" with QI-O to the right.
Opposite: Photo montage of various 3S6th P-47's
258
Photo Section
259
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Walter Baumgarten (3S9th Flight Surgeon) with Don Baccus
Headquarters enlisted men, top L-R: Howard Green, William Falk, Jerry Berkowitz; bottom: Leonard Shayne, Anthony Vitale, Robert Koch, Herb Fishground
John Phillips (360th armorer) with his "shop" and Dick Pine, Special Services.
Group Air Inspectors, L-R: Lyman Wallace, Fred Stinson, E. Mcisaac, William Ulmer
360th armament personnel William Martin (left) and Charles Griner
361 st enlisted men John Dynak (armament) and Louis Marsella
260
Photo Section
360th groundcrew. L-R: Fred Rickart (armorer), unk., Warren Wicker (crewchief),Wilfrid Lahaie (assistant)
Two 360th groundcrew with another "special" present. Lloyd Maddox (armorer) on left with james Neuenfeldt (assistant)
361 st crew doing maintenance on QI-E
361 st groundcrews atop QI-Y"Dottie K"
john jensen (360th electrical) on left with jerry Odell (armament) Right: George Harrington (359th assistant) on left with james Letscher (crewchief)
261
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
356th Headquarters Personnel, October I, 1944 Back L-R: Mulvihill, Schwaiger, Berkowitz, Falk, Eisenberg, Page,Womer, Dimpfl, Fishground, Furst, Coplin, Cowan,Vitale, Freedman, Skoczylas, Miller Kneeling: Poisson, Rice, Palmer, Fichera, Klotz, Piast, Federer, Frumer, McCarty, Madigan, Pollock, Jones, Dragone, Gutov Seated: Nardiello, Kaplan, Feinsod, Odeven
Wade Winstead, Group Aircraft Inspector
Adrian Hunt, 361 st armorer
Paul Reynolds, 361 st crewchief
262
Photo Section
359th refueling crew with George Gerry second from left
Leo Sabatini, 360th photo section
Ernie White (359th) before going home for good, November 1944 A'
FL:GHT
Armament Section of the 359th: Top center: Frank Klimm 2nd row: Maisack,Vance, Ross 3rd row: Collister, Newill, McAlister 4th row: Frey, Kredell, Mallett, Stuckenberg, Clayton, Crone, Resburg, Steehler, Cade, Calhoun, Hough, Masker
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5th row: Conyers, Kondziela, Kiser. Schoeder. Sweeney. Gilkey. Hoffman, Muratori, Bley, Bloxley, Earley,Jones 6th row: Uzzell,Young, Roberts,Wachs, Munce. Sievert 7th row:Wyche. Giordano, Faulkner 8th row: Powell, Kaiser, Peslak,Wood.Whitsel, Phillips, Sawrun
263
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
ArthurWong (359th)
Paul Cochran (361 st)
Alston Brown (359th)
L-R: Henry Laviolette (360th), Ed Pleasant (360th),James Griswold (359th)
Another shot ofTraupe
William Traupe (359th) with radio man Ken Phillips
Donald Turnidge (360th)
264
Photo Section
359th CO Dick Rann, December 18, 1944
Another view of Rann on the same date
361 st ace Wilbur Scheible with assistant Elwin Phillips (left) and crewchief MikeYahwak
360th CO and ace Mike Yannell
Clinton Burdick. another 361 st ace
Bernard Borelli (left) and Bertrum Ellingson. both 360th
265
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
HaroldWhitmore (361 st) with crewchiefTom Garrity (left) and armorer Carl Sproles
Top scorer in the 356th, Don Strait of the 361 st
Quartet of 361 st pilots after the February 14, 1945 mission. L-R: Harold Whitmore, Don Strait, Melvin Baylor,James Bowers
Orvil Burwell (360th)
Nunzio Ceraolo (360th) and his crewchief Edward Lacey
266
Photo Section
Harry Gohsler (359th)
Wayne Gatlin (360th)
Elmer Smith (359th)
Wallace in his "office"
Robert Wallace (361 st)
Mel Baylor (361 st)
John Pidwell (360th)
267
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Joe Remenicky (360th)
William Boucek (360th)
John Simpson (360th)
Joel Weller (360th)
268
Photo Section
Louis Robertson (359th) with crewchief Ed Urbanski on the left
Ed Schrull (360th) Right: 361 st pilots, L-R: Shelby Jett, Charles Beck,Amos Bomberger
Below: 359th pilots in late 1944. Back L-R: Louis Robertson,Warren Cooley, William Traupe, Glenn Crum, Ralph Odenwald; Front: Preston Easley, Robert Carr, Jack Brown, unk.
269
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
360th pilots in the Spring of 1945. Back L-R:Wiliiam Thomas, George Seanor, Tom Cook, Cliff Poppell. Front:John Pidwell,Wayne Gatlin, Don Jones
Jack Cornett (left) and Jack Brown, both 359th
Alfred Hale (left) and Leon Oliver, both 359th
Jack Brown (359th)
270
Photo Section
Brown with his unidentified armorer (left) and assistant crewchief Leonard Madson.
Ernest Corner (360th)
Corner with his crew of "Paper Doll"
Adolph Paquet (360th)
John Dupuy (361 st)
Ken Male (359th)
271
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Another shot of Male
Don Jones (3 60th)
Harry Gohsler (3S9th) getting all the help he can!
Wayne Rhynard. last wartime CO of the 359th
Thurman Mauldin (360th) on his "Sweet Peay"
272
Photo Section
John Crump (360th)
Another view of Crump and his "Jackie"
One more shot of Crump and his ship
273
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Eugene Turner (360th) and his "Dotty"
Robert Humphrey (361 st) and his crew. L-R: Tom Garrity (crewchief), Carl Sproles (armorer),Joe Chraska (assistant)
Close-up of "Dotty"
Amos Bomberger (361 st) on March 21, 1945
Bomberger and his crew with his ship (note the spiral markings on the spinner). L-R: Ben Wolever (assistant), Stan Ostroski (armorer), Bomberger, Hugh Showers (crewchief)
Another view of the same group, L-R:Wolever, Showers, Bomberger, Ostroski
274
Photo Section
Robert Barnhart (360th) and his "Margie Darling"
Luther Bennett (359th) in front of his "Spirit of Aggieland"
Ray Campbell (361 st) with the crew of "Tim Mit EI". Back L-R: john Zalot (crewchief), Campbell, Roger Cady (armorer). Kneeling: Howard Waterman (assistant)
Don Carlson (360th)
361 st pilots in a post-war shot,june 7, 1945. L-R: Charles Beck, Ray Campbell, Don Carlson (CO),Amos Bomberger,john Hallmark
275
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Robert Cope (left) and Vincent Ray, both 361 st
Herbert Rutland (360th)
William Brearley (359th) after his last mission. He was the only original pilot in the 356th to finish up the war flying with it. L-R: Francis McGillivray (crewchief), Noel Field (359th 1.0.), unk., Brearley, unk.
Schmidt with the crew of his "Tar Baby", L-R: Lucien Tancredi (crewchief), Schmidt, Willie McAlpin (assistant)
Robert Schmidt (360th)
276
Photo Section
Einar Malmstrom returns for a visit, May 18,1945. L-R: Malmstrom, Phil Tukey, Austin Sands (447th ASG),james Lowell, unk.
Returned 359th POWs with Maj. Stephen Tackney (Exec). Seated L-R: Roger Batie, Warren Cooley, Tackney, jean Tarbutton, Warren Beach. Standing: john Hull,Arthur Wong
361 st pilots coming from the Operations Building, February 1945. Behind the jeep is Vincent Ray, with Richard Nystrom and john Harrop coming out of the door
360th party for james Wood, March 25, 1945. Front L-R: "Doc" Carey, Don jones, Don Baccus, Phil Tukey,Wood,john Crump, unk.,Wayne Gatlin,Adolph Paquet. Back: to the right of Crump is Ernie Corner, and to his right is Herb Rutland
361 st pilots loading up for the ride out to their planes. L-R: Clinton Burdick, james Bowers,Wilbur Scheible, Rex Burden
Same party with back L-R: Lawrence Proctor, Orvil Burwell, Ernie Corner, Adolph Paquet, Louis Switzer,joel Weller, Richard Rensch. Front:Ted Urban, Nunzio Ceraolo,james Wood, Robert Barnhart, George Seanor,john Pidwell
277
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
The formal farewell party on March 25, 1945. 3rd from left is Phil Tukey and holding cigarette is Don Baccus
Preston Easley (360th) shown with his "The Virginia Squire"
James Charlton (360th) with a painting he created and "Don" the mascot
360th pilot. Kneeling: Don Jones. Back L-R:Adolph Paquet, Ernie Corner, Dick Rensch
278
Photo Section
Above: More 360th pilots, L-R:John Sranick,William Boucek, Lawrence Proctor, Robert Schmalz
Right: 360th fliers, L-R: Nunzio Ceraolo,Adolph Paquet,Jack Romine, Lawrence Proctor
Below: 361 st pilots and officers on April 14, 1945. Front L-R: Morrisey, Bowers,Tobiassen, Baylor, Lindsay, Bomberger,Young, Carlson, Hallmark, Campbell, Epley, Burdick, Beck, Ray, Humphrey. Back: May, Stewart,Webb, Loffler, Garneau, Solomon, Whitson, Skjelbostad, Riley, Higginbotham, Wallace, James, Dupuy, Cox, Kinsey, Jett, Burden, Cotton, Harrop, Thorough, Caron, Cochran, Cope, Shepard, Credle
279
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
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360th pilots and officers,June 1945
280
Photo Section
356th Fighter Group pilots and officers,April 1945
281
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Ed Faison in his new P-51, QI-I 44-1510 I in early November 1944. Note the plane does not have the nose markings applied yet.
OC-Q 44-15308 of the 359th which was damaged in the fight of November 26,1944
Two views of OC-O 44-15258 which was also damaged on November 26
282
Photo Section
Don Baccus in his aC-G 44-14993
PI-G 44-15 I 14 with pilot Robert Gleason
James Griswold's ae-N 44-15274
283
The 356th Fighter Group in World War 11
OC-E being towed through the snow
OC-W 44-15288
Another snow covered ship, this time it's Rex Burden's QI-A 44-15094
284
Photo Section
OC-F 44-1523 I also in the snow
Eugene Turner's PI-A 44-15194 (before the artwork was applied) and Don Jones' PI-O 44-15300 "Milly"
285
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
361 st birds out in the cold. On left is QI-H 44-15045 "Look Jessie!" of John Hallmark with Clinton Burdick's
Preston Easley's PI-E 44-15333 "The Virginia Squire"
OC-E 44-15271 "Starduster" of William Kennedy
286
QI-~
44-15340 "Do Do" on the right
Photo Section
Starboard view of "Starduster"
QI-J 44-15097 of Mel Baylor
Jack Brown's second OC-6, this one serialed 44-1 1366 and named "Bobby Socks"
287
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Bertrum Ellingson in his PI-E 44-15333 (later taken over by Easley) with Ted Urban in his PI-] 44-15052
Harry Gohsler out and about in his OC-Y 44-15138
Pair of 360th Mustangs returning from the mission of February 21. 1945.ln front is PI-C 44-15341 being flown this day by John Crump. while Adolph Paquet is behind
288
Photo Section
361 st P-51 's on the way home, February 9, 1945. Front to back: Don Strait in his QI-T 44-15152 "Jersey Jerk", Shelby Jett's QI-!; 44-15666 "Jett Job", Rex Burden in QI-A 44-15094
Harold Whitmore's P-51 D, "The Lord Is My Shepherd", QI-G 44-150 I I
289
The 356th Fighter Group in World War IJ
oc-u 44-1 5658 "Eager Eagle" of John
Above: Ray Withers' PI-Q 44-14936 in November 1944.
Blewett
Below: OC-Z "Ruth Jane"
290
Photo Section
Robert Wallace's QI-U 44-15066 "Ava Honey"
Nunzio Ceraolo's PI-144-6325 I "Louise"
291
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
OC-'Y 44-1 5 138 "Barna Baby" of James Baker
Frank Morgan's QI-N 44-15585 "Donna"
292
Photo Section
Richard Miller in his OC-P 44-15268 "The Gremlin". On left is radioman Ken Phillips with crewchief Richard Carruthers on right
Full side view of "The Gremlin"
293
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Left: Here's the doll behind the name of Miller's ship, "The Gremlin". Right:"Gremlin" in his usual spot on missions
Don Strait's QI-T 44-15152 "Jersey Jerk"
294
Photo Section
Cliff Poppell in his PI-t:! 44-15590 "Barbara"
QI-E 44-15063 ofTom Epley
John Lindsay took over Don Strait's ship in April 1945, QI-T is now named "Dixie Rambler II". Note he retained the victory markings on the canopy frame
295
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
OC-X 44-15203 "Nazi Hot Foot"
Crewchief Arthur Fix in front of Glenn Crum's OC-L 44-15177 "Koyli Renee"
296
Photo Section
Phil Tukey's P-51 PI-T 44-72435 which sported a spinner striped with all three squadron colors
QI-I 44-73436 of 361 st CO, Don Carlson
Wayne Gatlin in his PI-L 44-14754 "Sweet'n Low Down"
297
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Ray Burwell up in his PI-D 44-14973 "Lady Doris"
"Lady Doris" on the ground with PI-C 44-15341 of Dick Rensch to the left
298
Photo Section
During a practice flight on February I, 1945, Fred Bruner and Jack Brown collided. Bruner safely crash-landed his OC-O 44-15403
Brown managed to land his OC-h, 44-1 1332 at Woodbridge
QI-Z 44-1 540 I "Moonshine" of Richard Whitson
299
John Crump taking-off in his PI-W 44-15056 "Jackie"/"Lorraine"
Crewmen look over William Traupe's OC-S 44-15280 "Flying Dutchman"
CrewchiefTom Murphy (left) and assistant James Pascarella with "Flying Dutchman"
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
OC-Q 44-15308 "Jean-Tom" of Nelson Wieland
Above: Ed Rudd's OC-K 44-1520 I "Eunie" being bore-sighted Right:Alfred Hale's OC-V 44-72288 also being bore-sighted
302
Photo Section
Amos Bomberger's QI-B 44-15080 "Carolyn's Vergeltungswaffe" with Burdick's cockpit
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"Do Do" behind. 361 st Engineering Officer, Marvin Leshikar, is in the
William Brearley's P-51 K OC-C 44-1 1564 "Princess Jocelyn"
Jerome Thorough's QI-O 44-15071
303
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Above: Close up of the crew details on Thorough's ship Above right: Maintenance work on Bomberger's QI-B. L-R: Ben Wolever (assistant), unk., Hugh Showers (crewchief)
Right:"Patricia" ofthe 361 st with an unknown crewman Below:John Crump in his PI-W 44-15056 "Jackie"
304
Photo Section
Don Jones' PI-O 44-15300 "Milly" with George Seanor at the controls
Ernie Corner's PI-X 44-63283 being flown by George Schalck
PI-O 44-1 S300, PI-B 44-1 5 189 (with James Charlton), and PI-X 44-63283
305
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
PI-V 44-72377 flown by James Wood and later Ed Schrull
Mike Yannell's PI-Z "Audrey 4th"
306
Photo Section
PI-J 44-15052 ofTed Urban
Herbert Rutland's PI-R 44-72931 (the serial is stenciled wrong on the rudder)
307
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Another shot of Rutland's bird (the mis-applied serial shows clearly here)
James Charlton's PI-B 44-15189, formerly Barnhart's "Margie Darling"
308
Photo Section
Two views of Robert Schmidt's PI- W 44-15056 "Tar Baby"
Don Jones' PI-O 44-1 S300 "Milly"
309
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
P-47 used by the 360th as a hack aircraft, summer 1945
360th armorers working on John Stevenson's P-51, summer 1945
361 st groundcrew at work. L-R:Joe Weber (crewchief), Frank DeOrio (assistant), Ken Miller (armorer)
Gordon Cousins, 361 st crewchief
Earl Hall, 359th assistant crewchief
310
Photo Section
Robert Gray, 361 st
Robert Wallace, 360th crewchief
Above: 361 st groundcrew, with HowardWaterman (assistant) on left and John Zalot (crewchief) Above right: HdQts personnel, L-R: Paul McCarty,Jerry Berkowitz, Louis Meyer Right: HdQts personnel, L-R:William Ulmer, Paul McCarty, Ross, Robert Koch, Louis Meyer
311
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
356th Statistical Section,June 3,1945. Front L-R: Robert Koch, Roehrs. Back: Morton Gutov, Richard Dimpfl, Bardin
Post-war processing program at Martlesham Heath
360th Engineering crews (Part I) Back L-R: Patnaude, Charron,Volz, Deloney, Harry, Kobelinski, Rogers,Winkler, Wein. 3rd row: Ragnell,Wise, Goldschmidt, Letendre, Medinger, D.Wiliiams, Lacy,Wells.2nd row: Levi, Bosco, Clunen, Simes,Traino, Lafond, Farmer. Medvecky. Front: Higgins, Huffine
Robert Paxson, 360th crewchief
360th Engineering crews (Part 2) Back L-R: Kohl, Neuenfeldt, Parker, Kacher, Hager, laBeau, H.Wiliiams,Wicker. 3rd row: LeMay, Osgood, Casella, Capone, Colquhon, R.Williams, Smith. 2nd row: Goudy, Tancredi, Davis, Creech, Peterson, Gonzales, Wilcox, Wildman. Front: Greer,Jensen
312
Photo Section
Victor Foytho (in cockpit) with an unidentified 361 st crewman.Aircraft is "Do Do" of Clinton Burdick
Ed Woehrel, 361 st crewchief
Delbert Williams, 360th Armament Clerk
Aerial view of Martlesham Heath, July 26, 1944
Nolan Hinson, 360th assistant crewchief
Martlesham Heath Control Tower
313
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
359th Engineering Section, June 29, 1945 Top row L-R: Ruman, Barr 2nd row: Pechunka (Inspector), Clark (Line Chief), Hanson (Hangar Chief) 3rd row:Thompson,J. Maher, Shaughnessy, Reydak (all Flight Chiefs) 4th row (by box) L-R: Brennan, McCormack OC-J; Harrington, Conrad OC-A; Hallahan, Hall OC-O; Miller, Norris OC-D; Everett, Slobodian OC-B; Pascarello, Mason oc-y; Lycette, Frank OC-V; Madson, Dorsi OC-f:, 5th row: Helfan OC-I; Derham, Swayze OC-G; Carruthers, Cahill OC-P;Woods, Murphy OC-S; Schoonover,W. Maher OCZ; Cavuto, Charuk OC-E; Grube, Spelke OC-~; Pratley OC-Q 6th row:Jennings, Letscher OC-M; Shafer, Gray OC-K; Urbanski OC-T; Brandle, Grohoski OC-W; Shockey, McGillivray OCC; Shack, Doyle OC-X; Schonfield, Fix OC-L; Greenhalgh, Roginski OC-N 7th row: Hickman, Madaras OC-R; Skeel, McCormick OC-Y; Savaro Cauker,Wiliiamson OC-U
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Geloran, McCombs OC-H; Pollitt, Heron OC-F;
8th row: Herina (parachute), Gerry, Duda (refuel), Chamberlain (painter), Hodge, Sallicetti, Reed (hangar), Connolly (welder), Appel, Olmstead, Delrio (Eng. office), Marzano, Clark, Howe (prop), Dorn, Nardei (carpenter) 9th row: Wolfrum, Shindlecker, Howe (refuel), Karam, Laskowski, Beaty (refuel) laBonte, Ebert (sheet metal), O'Donnell, Pope (sheet metal), Levand, Egan, Obenhauer (electric), Kuffel, Bice, Meyer (instrument)
314
Photo Section
Base Operations Building
Inside the tower. Men are unk.
360th Operations shack in the foreground
Another view of Martlesham Heath with Briefing Rooms in foreground
Living quarters for 360th enlisted men outside base gates
315
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
Kesgrave Hall. home of the 359th pilots
Playford Hall. residence for the 360th pilots
Another view of Playford Hall
316
Photo Section
Closer view of Kesgrave Hall
Playford Hall
Playford Hall
317
The 356th Fighter Group in World War II
361 st Officer's Quarters
Officers Club view to the east from 361 st quarters
318
Photo Section
Air Force Day,August 1945, with P-51's from all three Squadrons, a P-47 and a B-17 for the local citizens to look over
319
356th Fighter Group Aircraft in Profile
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Considered the best pilot in the 359th Fighter Squadron, Don Baccus' first aircraft was this P-47D-5-RE named "The Bloody Shaft". Baccus flew OC-I until his transfer to Headquarters in April 1944, making claims in it on November 29 and December 30, 1943, and January II, I944.The ship would later be written off in a crash on May 28, 1944.
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Millard Clayborne joined the 359th as a replacement in January 1944. He flew the first of 78 missions on February I I and "The Rambling Rebel" was his only assigned aircraft. Clayborne scored his final victory in this ship on August 4, 1944, just prior to completing his tour.
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James Meholic was an original 359th pilot and flew a series of aircraft coded OC-E.This P-47D-27-RE was his final ship and was later assigned to William Kennedy, the 356th Fighter Group's Operations Officer. The star marking was evidently the idea of Patrick Cavuto, crewchief for Meholic, as these markings carried over onto Kennedy's P-51 D coded OC-E "Starduster".
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A late war replacement, John Blewett was assigned this P-5 I D-15-NA named "Eager Eagle". It appears the name for this plane was also the idea of the crewchief as Frank Williamson had earlier crewed the P-47 OC-U "Eager Eagle" of Harold Ogden. While Blewett claimed one probable during his tour it was not in OC-U.The only pilot to score in 4415658 was Alston Brown who damaged a FW-190 in it on Christmas Day of 1944.
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Ray Withers was an original 360th pilot and during his first tour flew ships coded PI-N. He was in this plane when claiming his first victory on November 29, 1943, and it was later MIA on March 20, 1944, with Howard Maupin. Upon returning for his second tour Withers flew planes coded PI-Q.
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Durward Mercer claimed one victory during his tour with the 360th. He flew PI-N "Georgia's Best" on the majority of his missions before finishing up in October of I944.This P-47D-22-RE was MIA shortly after as it went down on November 4 with Willard Royer at the controls.
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This late model P-47D-28-RE was the mount of two tour pilot Bernard Borelli. During his first tour Borelli flew ships coded PI-Y and took over PI-C when back for his second. He made no claims in this plane although he did damage a Me-I 09 in his later P-SI D PI-C.
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Long time 360th member Bertrum Ellingson flew aircraft coded PI-E during his two tours with the group. His first kill came on February 13, 1944, and then he scored a double in this ship on December 25, 1944. Finishing his second tour in March of 1945, Ellingson flew 108 missions during his time in Europe.
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First ace (counting air and ground kills) was Sidney Hewett of the 361 st. He flew two P-47's coded QI-F with 42-74702 being the first. Hewett was downed by a FW-190 near Steinhuder Lake on May 4, 1944, while flying his second ship.
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James Thorne served with both the 359th Fighter Squadron and Headquarters while with the 356th.When appointed Group Operations Officer in March of 1944, he began flying QI-R marked ships rather than his old OC-K planes. His first "bubble" P-47 was 42-26534, a P-47D-26RE carrying the "angel" artwork whose origin is 'unknown.
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One of only five aerial aces in the 356th, Clinton Burdick joined the 361 st Fighter Squadron in October of 1944. His first claims came on November 25, 1944, with his last coming on February 20, 1945. Note that his P-51 D15-NA was the second QI-B in the squadron with the bar placed above the letter rather than below.
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Top scoring ace in the 356th was Donald J. Strait.An original 361 st pilot, Strait claimed three kills in P-47's and a further ten and a half in P-51 'so "Jersey Jerk" was the only Mustang assigned to him and it would be passed on to Lt.John Lindsay in March of 1945 when Strait completed his second tour and went back to the States.
