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Scott McElvain
4/25/2002 10:32:42 AM | I am the son of a 401st co-pilot and have accumulated a lot of info and info sources on 401st aircrew members. I have also been to all the reunions since 1988. If you need to find out what squadron or crew an individual was part of, what missions they went on, what planes they flew, and info on the airplanes including where to find pictures of them, let me know.
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David Livingston
4/29/2002 4:39:22 PM | I too am the son of a 401st crewmember. His name is O.E "Woody" Livingston. He was a T/sgt top turret gunner on a plane called "Caseys Strawberry Blonde". His first mission was on D-Day and he was shot down on his 32nd or 35th mission. He was in the 612th bomb squadron. I think he flew a few missions on the Fancy Nancy. My dad doesn't like to brag too much about his accomplishments so if I could get any information on them it would be great. Thank You
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Duke Sumonia
5/2/2002 11:04:32 PM | Seeking info on a Lt. Walter H. Beck, pilot of HANGOVER HAVEN, s/n 42-97487.Was in 612th BS.
I do this kind of research (no cost)to help relatives learn about those YOUNG MEN who fought to keep us free.
THANK YOU
Duke Sumonia Glen Haven, Co.
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Scott McElvain
5/6/2002 1:34:54 PM | Will get back with info when I return from a short trip I'm on.......
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Michelle
5/10/2002 6:32:57 PM | Thank you for your kind offer. I am looking for photos of "the Slick Chick" tail # 42-97811 from the 401st BG, 612th BS out of Deenethorpe. They only flew 15 missions before being shot down near Caen on June 25, 1944. My cousin was the left waist gunner. So far no photos of the crew or the plane have been located. I have copies of Maslen's and Bowman's work on the 401st and th e 612th..hoping for other, not so well known, information.
Thanks m
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Jack Reid
5/12/2002 5:31:09 AM | I found this message on the Mighty Eigth Message board - looks like a few good leads
Posted by George D. Kasparian on July 08, 1999 at 14:39:44:
In Reply to: "Slick Chick" posted by Harry Ehmann on July 08, 1999 at 08:27:19:
: T.J. Greer flew 13 1/2 missions with "Slick Chick" as bombadier, 401 Bomb Group, 612 squadron.
: Slick Chick" shot down by flak March 1944. Looking for any known photographs of "Slick Chick".
: Would appreciate any assistance. Thank you.
Hello Harry,
According to the book "Heavy Bombers of the Mighty Eighth" by Andrews and Adams, "Slick Chick" B-17 SN 42-97811 with fuselage letters "SC" and tail letter "N" was shot down by AA on 25 Jun 1944 and crashed at Vaubecourt,
France. Pilot was Lt John W. Myretetus of Collingsworth, NJ. There were 3 KIA and 7 POW. MACR 6230. They indicate that the National Air and Space Museum in Washington has a photo: NASA 65704AC(J). There is also a photo (I presume of the noseart) on page 80 of the book "Vintage Aircraft Nose Art" by Gary M. Valant, Oscelo, Wisconsin: Motorbooks International, 1987.
George
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Scott McElvain
5/14/2002 10:08:18 AM | Have a list of crew members and missions with a partial list of planes his crew flew. It only included serial numbers and nicknames of B-17s from Aug '44 on. I can also give you info on each plane including those that have negatives in the national archives. You can order prints through companies that have "pull rights". Too much info to put on the message board.
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Scott McElvain
5/14/2002 10:17:15 AM | Beck was co-pilot on Toussaint's crew according to a 612th booklet listing crews and missions by pilot. Only the last few missions have planes designated since they didn't start keeping track of individual planes until Aug '44. Three missions on Hangover Haven and one on Heavenly Body. Can also provide info on the planes. Both have negatives in the National Archives that you can have companies pull and make prints. Took much info to put in a message on the board.
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Scott McElvain
5/14/2002 10:23:12 AM | Slick Chick has a negative in the National Archives No. 65704AC (J). Write to the National Archives at College Park, Special Media Archives Services Division (NWCS), 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD, 20740-6001. Include the group, squadron, pilot, and negative number. They may have more photos of the crew, also. They will send you xeroxes of the photos plus flyers from companies that can pull negatives and make actual prints for you.
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quest
5/26/2002 10:04:59 PM | do u have any pics or info on the plane " be there baby", part of the 615 squadron in the summer of 44
thanks
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J ack Reid
5/27/2002 7:22:06 PM | 'Jeff' posted this inquiry in the forum in October - maybe you can compare what info you have:
would like to know if anyone has any info on crew or plane, of the b-17, that was in the 615th at deenthorpe during summer/fall of 1944 known as "be there baby". thanks
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Scott McElvain
5/28/2002 3:02:10 PM | Be There Baby's serial number is unknown but there is a negative #A65769AC in the National Archives connected with the plane. Write the National Archives at College Park, Speical Media Archives Division (NWCS), 8691 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD, 20740-6001 and request a xerox of the photo. They will send said xerox with a list of companies that can pull the negative and make prints.
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Ira watkins.
5/29/2002 10:48:49 PM | HI, My Dad was a Armorer gunner in the A.A.F.
his name was Ira S. Watkins A.S.# 38663973.
He was a sergeant entrance of active duty on
Apr. 4,1944 , date of separation Oct. 20 1945
at March Fild Calif. He had paper work with 612 sq.
on it, any help I will be thankfull.
Thank,
Ira Watkins
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quest
5/31/2002 10:38:59 PM | thanks a lot, and i will write. is there anything else u can tell me about this plane or crew.
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Scott McElvain
5/31/2002 11:42:02 PM | Without a serial number, that's about all I can say. If you can get a serial number, I can look up basic info like when it got overseas, what happened to it, etc.
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Scott McElvain
6/15/2002 1:05:23 PM | "Be there Baby"'s serial number is unknown although there is a negative of it in the national archives (see my previous reponses for an address and info). A lot of times a plane would be called a nickname by a crew, but no nose art. Sometimes the crew would have a nickname, but nothing on the plane. Think I'll put a message on the board asking for a serial number.
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Ariane Georges-Villers
6/18/2002 12:05:23 PM | Dear Sir,
I'm a "War Godmother" here in Neupré, Belgium, and two of my godsons come from the 401st. They are 1LT John W.Wilson and S/Sergeant Gilbert F.Andrews, both KIA on April 17, 1943, after a bombing raid on Bremen.They were flying "Hellsapoppin". I know there are two survivors, but one of them couldn't tell me much, for it was his only mission with that crew, and the last one, Robert C. Barton is certified still alive, but impossible to locate (maybe California). I only have two pics of John, none of Gil, one of the plane, but no nose art, and none of the crew. John's next of kins don't seem willing to help me (it can be very difficult and moving for them, so I understood).
You can check what I already know by going on the site : www.angelfire.com/my/mighty8thlh/index.html
Click on the button "The ultimate sacrifice", then on the name "1Lt John W. Wilson".
Could you tell me a little more, please ? I would really appreciate.
Thank you in advance, and Keep 'em Flying!
God Bless Us ALL,
Ariane Georges (Belgium)
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Scott McElvain
6/20/2002 11:19:35 AM | According to a booklet on B-17s called "Project Bits and Pieces", there was a plane called "Hellsapoppin" in the 401st Squadron of the 91st Bomb Group, not the 401st Bomb Group. I can provide some information on the plane, but nothing about the crew since all I have is 401st Group personnel info.
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quest
6/21/2002 12:29:41 AM | thanks for the info. i just got the xeroxed copy of the foto of "be there baby" and will send for a print. i dont know if the nose art was on the plane or not but will try and find out. again, thanks for all the trouble
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ChuckDralle
6/22/2002 11:31:40 AM | I have an uncle who was assigned to the 612 bomber squadron and the 401st bomber group that was shot down I believe Sept 9,1944.the only info i have is that he died over or in lorraine france. Any information would be appreciated.His name was Arlo Dralle,a staff seargent.
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Judy Damewood
6/23/2002 2:07:12 PM | A relative of mine, Carl Djernes, who was a pilot with the 615th Bomb Squadron (there is a photo in the Gallery of him with his crew) died last year. We are planning a small tribute to him at our Djernes Family Reunion in Nebraska next month. I have a list of missions (37 missions from 16 Nov 1944 through 24 Mar 1945) that he flew, evidently copied from his 201 file. I would like information on the plane(s) he flew and any other information that the association might have on him. I do not know whether he was a member or not; I have asked his widow via e-mail. Thanks so much for any help you might be able to provide.
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Ed Pearce
6/23/2002 9:16:57 PM | Scott,
Years ago I purchased an original A-2 flight jacket from a shop in Maine. The jacket had the name "Ray" painted on the left chest, and on the back, had "Fitch's Band Wagon" painted with 9 bombs. With the jacket came a handwritten note from a Mr. John R. Petro of Estero, FL, (perhaps "Ray") with the story of Fitch's Band Wagon and it's crash landing on the 9th mission. I realize Mr. Petro wasn't on the flight crew, (at least in the crew photo on the web site) but I believe he may have been on the ground support crew for the aircraft, or perhaps a replacement on the flight crew. If you have any information you can supply me on this gentleman, I would appreciate it. My cell phone is 281-300-6970
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Scott McElvain
6/26/2002 11:13:38 PM | There is a photo with Slick Chick in the National Archives, negative number 65704(J). I think J might be for jacket which means they took a photo of someone's leather jacket. It's probably the same jacket shot that's in Valant's book on nose art. Sorry I can't do better for you.
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Scott McElvain
6/26/2002 11:20:16 PM | Couldn't find an I. Watkins on any of the 612th crew lists. Do you know anything like his pilots name?
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Scott McElvain
6/26/2002 11:25:03 PM | Found a list of the crew's missions made up from loading lists. If from his records, your copy is probably more definitive, but the list I have mentions several planes which I can look up and give you more info on.
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Scott McElvain
6/26/2002 11:37:36 PM | Couldn't find the name on any of the 613th crew listings. That plane was a 613th airplane. I think it crashed early in the tour, so it's not going to be listed on any of the crew lists. Nicknames and serial numbers weren't kept track of before Aug 44. Will see if there is a writeup among the losses.
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Scott McELvain
6/26/2002 11:40:56 PM | Haven't found a Dralle among the crew listings yet, but can check another booklet that has losses by date. Don't lose hope just yet. Will get back with you.
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Jim Rudnick
8/13/2002 6:56:43 PM | My uncle, George Post was a bombardier with the 401st BG, 615th Sq. The name of his a/c was "Last Year's Fun", commanded by R.E. Howlin. If you have any info on this particular plane, I'd sure appreciate you letting me know. Thanks.
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Melba Schmidt Hixon
8/19/2002 1:24:15 AM | In re: Lt, John J. Daly, Bombardier, 614thSq.401st BG.
POW, Stalag Luft 1, South Compound. mia 4/11/44. "Also Ran-Still Running"-42-39820. Pilot was Lt. S.P. Wilson. Much of this info came from Donald Byers. I have never been able to determine if Lt. Daly came back alive and is he still alive. I see in this forum that you have helped many people. Thank you.
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Scott McElvain
8/20/2002 12:24:43 AM | Don and I have pretty much the same references. I'm sure he probably came back alive, but he isn't in the latest group directory and I don't have my old ones handy to see if he might have been a member of the association before. You might check with Art Seder or George Menzel of the Association to see if he has been a member. I will check and see if any other crew members are still around. There may be since I have some corrections written in on his crew's page from one of the reunions. I always try and have crew members see if the information in the squadron booklets is correct.
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Mary Studeny
9/8/2002 10:10:06 AM | I am the daughter of Capt. John Studeny of Erie, PA. He died in 1995 and I just today found this wonderful website.
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Michael Lahey
9/21/2002 9:31:44 PM | looking for any info. Lt. Edward A. Lahey, copilot, Little John. Pilot Kermit Opie.
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Guy L. McClung III
10/14/2002 12:42:11 AM | Thanks for all your work-do you have any info on my Dad, Guy L. Mcclung. Jr. ?
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Robert D. Johnson, Jr.
8/19/2003 11:09:54 AM | My father was in the 612th. Cpl. Robert D. Johnson. Any info on mission, planes or photos would be gratly appreciated.
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Bobbi Jones
11/9/2003 11:36:08 AM | There is no picture of 1st Lt. D. Loughlin's crew (612th Bomb Squadron) on this website. Casey's Strawberry Blonde was shot down on 9 Sep 1944. I am the niece of T/Sgt James L. Sommers. I have two pictures of the crew and a letter written by T/Sgt Livingston to my Grandparents telling of the final minutes. If you are interested, please let me know.
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Bobbi Jones
11/9/2003 11:41:33 AM | There is no picture of 1st Lt. D. Loughlin's crew (612th Bomb Squadron) on this website. Casey's Strawberry Blonde was shot down on 9 Sep 1944. I am the niece of T/Sgt James L. Sommers. I have two pictures of the crew and a letter written by T/Sgt Livingston to my Grandparents telling of the final minutes. If you are interested, please let me know.
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Reid Wheeler
1/16/2004 12:44:59 AM | I don't know if your offer is still available, but my wife (Nancy Singleton Wheeler) is the eldest daughter of Lt. Col.(ret) J. H. Singleton who flew in the 401st, 614 BS in April of 1944. He and his crew were only at Deenthorpe for a short while (he flew 2 missions on April 27 and was shot down on his 3rd mission on April 29, 1944).
Am looking for where I might find a picture of either his plane (Cawnt Miss 42-31116) and/or a crew picture.
Any suggestions?
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Joe Bixler
5/1/2004 9:54:59 AM | Greetings, My uncle, 2nd Lt. Ralston E. Bixler, was assigned to the 401st and died after a bombing run to Wilhelmshaven on Feb. 26, 1943. I do not know the name of his bomber, and am uncertain of his role (I think navigator). Have you any info.? Thanks for doing this, Joe
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Loretta (Roberts) DeVillires
5/25/2004 4:15:00 AM | I am the daughter of T/Sgt Mervin Lee Roberts.
I know he belonged to the 401st and ended up in the 615th but I have not been able to find out much regarding who he flew with etc. He was a Radio Operator/mechanic/aerial gunner.
I know he flew 30 missions, 2 credit but can only find out about six missions under P.E. Campbell during the last six months. He was there from Mid 44-mid 45.
Can you help us find out more information as to where and who he flew with. Thank You
e-mail will probably be the best way if you find out anything. simba@sti.net
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bruce ligon
10/7/2004 5:13:40 PM | i'm trying to find info about my dad's crew. lt.delbert b. ligon was the navigator on the "HEAVENLY BODY" that flew out of deenethorpe. he arrived there in march of 44. any info would be helpful as i lost him in dec of 03. thank you, bruce
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Dave Edkins
3/12/2005 4:50:46 PM | Hello Scott,
In response to your offer for information on aircrew members, I am looking for information about T/Sgt L.E. Williams, top turret gunner with Lt. Nelson's crew (613th BS), who was KIA at Politz on 7 Oct 1944. Most useful info would be locating a photo of him or his crew. I have most of the details of his service time and death. Knowledge of anyone who knew him and served with him. His entire crew was killed on that mission, but there may still be people who remember serving with him.
Thank you
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Bill Erzar
5/24/2005 12:03:13 AM | Scott,
Looking for info on Sgt.Bill Erzar, my dad, on Bill Tobin Crew, 614th. Am working with his crewmate Norm Moreau presently. Norm says he flew with my dad for ten missions after he arrived in the squadron. 401st records show eight. But, I am looking for possible info prior to Feb. 1945. Any help will be appreciated. I have already written Art Seder and L.A. Mitchell previously.
Thanks,
Bill
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Sharmaine
6/7/2005 7:09:34 PM | I am the grand daughter of S/Sgt Howard P Monzingo. He belong to the 612 Bomb squadron that was shot down over Saarbrucken Germany. His crew was the first lost on the 9th mission out on Dec 30, 1943. The origional mission was to Ludwigshaven under Air Commander Majo Edwin Brown.
The information I am looking for is which POW camp were the surviors taken to. I was also looking for a picture of the crew with the Stubborn Jean.
My grand father and several of his crew members escaped from the POW camp and he kept a journal of the events that happened over the 2 1/2 years. Unfortunately when he passed away it was given to a very irresponsible person in our family and the information has been lost.
I am hoping to travel to Germany next year and I head that the POW camp is still there but I am not sure where to look for the information.
Some of the crew members were:
2nd Lt T. Neag
2nd Lt. ES Santos
2nd Lt. DeRaimo
S/Sgt Purwin
S/Sgt Farrell
S/Sgt Dasskiewicz
If you have any information on this such as POW camp location or even a photo of the crew, I would deeply appreciate anything you could send.
My grand father was a wonderful man who loved his country. I feel that it is my duty to pass on to our newest family members his legacy.
Thanks
Sharmaine Hughes
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Nico Knol
7/7/2005 7:02:03 PM | My name s Nico Knol and live in Holland. I am looking for all information I can get inclusive pictures about Capt. Kaufman's crew of 614th Bomb Sq.
It's most because I adopted the grave of 2nd LT F.B.Robinson in Margraten (Holland).
He died in action on 11th Dec 1943 during the action with number MARC 8711 flying Penny's Thunderhead.
I don't know how old Mr. Robinson was or what town in Texas he came from.
I have heard probebly Capt. R.H. Kaufman is still alive.
Please let me know everything you know.
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Donna Sharp-Noble
7/31/2005 3:14:07 PM | I am the youngest daughter of Jack T. Sharp who was the ball turret gunner of the D-Day Dottie. My family is trying to gain any information we can about his WWII days and anyone who has stories about him. He was shot down on July 19, 1944 and a POW at Stalag Luft III until April of 45. The plane that he was shot down in at Angers, France was serial # 44-6129. No one seems to know the nickname of the plane. The D-Day Dottie is listed as serial # 42-102947. Any info at all would be greatly appreciated. My father passed away on July 15, 2005 and we all would love to know some of his stories. Thank you.
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Rick Kaufman
9/27/2005 11:56:02 PM | Nico:
My father (Richard H. Kaufman) is still alive. I will try to visit this site with him next time I visit.
I don't think Dad will remember much, but it doesn't hurt to try...
Rick Kaufman
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Gary Piper
10/11/2005 10:51:05 AM | A/C 41-24447 Kickapoo shot down north sea 2/26/1943
MACR 3575 - I do have a copy
Pilot Capt J Swais
Good story on 91st Bomb group web site
Go to 91stbombgroup.com for details, just type in Kickapoo in search web page.
I am researching a member of same crew a S/Sgt G Nesemeier, Waist Gunner, believe has was my Grandfather.
Hope this is of help
Gary
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david tieri
10/17/2005 1:46:35 AM | My grandfather was named omar richardson and he was a tail gunner in the 401st bg 612 bs, the name of the plane was the boche buster. Just wondering if you can give me any more information, or pictures or whatever.. thanks alot
david
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Norman P. Claxon
4/28/2007 8:03:06 AM | Hi Scott, I am looking for info on the Alferd Vokaty crew for a Howard Crull who says they were shot down in the aircraft, Dorsal Queen ? Their regular aircraft was: Command Performance, but was down for maintenance. Do you have anything on this ?
Thanks a lot !
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Bill Alexander
8/30/2009 9:40:20 PM | Judy,
Carl Djernes was my Great Uncle. I would love to share any information we have.
wwalex@tx.rr.com
My mother is Marilyn Alexander (McHargue) from Central City. You may already know her.
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