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LOOKING4

The Looking4 section is designed to help you find more information about someone who served in the 379th. Please send your inquiries to: looking4@379thbga.org


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Search No. 1650 - John T. Shields

From: Robert Cook; robert.d.cook@me.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 07, 2014 7:09 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: John T. Shields, WWII navigator

My wife's father, John T. Shields. whom I never had the opportunity to meet, was a navigator in WWII and reportedly flew on missions on DDay. Any information you have on him would be great. Thanks.
Robert Cook

Robert –
Association records for John T. Shields show he flew 35 missions as PFF navigator with the 525th Squadron from September 3, 1944 to March 17, 1945. Records indicate those missions as 198, 204, 208, 209, 212, 214, 216, 218, 219, 220, 225, 226, 228, 230, 233, 236, 237, 241, 242, 244, 251, 252, 256, 262, 264, 272, 274, 276, 281, 283, 285, 289, 293, 297, and 303. Lt. Shields may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

Lt. Shields, unlike traditional navigators who were part of a standard crew complement, was a PFF (Pathfinder Force) Navigator. He navigated by way of a radar set mounted in the airplane, and a retractable radome that replaced the B-17s normal ball turret. With this equipment, navigation to the target was possible even with cloud cover. Since this was a function reserved for Lead airplanes, the PFF operator (sometimes referred to as the “Mickey” operator) flew with whatever crew had the Lead for a given mission. One notable mission for Lt. Shields was the October 14, 1944 mission to the marshalling yards at Saarbrucken, Germany. Crew was as follows:

Gibson, Lester A, Captain, Pilot
Copeland, Phillips J, 1st Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Dunn, Melvin E, 1st Lieutenant, Navigator
Gareri, Dan J, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator-GEE
Shields, John T, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator-PFF
Bartlett, Ivan E, 1st Lieutenant, Bombardier
Van Buren, John C, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Doyle, Wayne T, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Taylor, Robert L, Tech Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Eichele, William S, Tech Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Adair, Orin W, 2nd Lieutenant, Tail Gunner – Formation Control

Flying in the Lead position, this crew, flying a/c 44-8136 experienced multiple engine failures, finally resulting in an unpowered glide onto a field in liberated France. The crew was able to find a ride to Paris, and were back at Kimbolton flying more missions a few days later.

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Related documents are being sent separately. If you have any photos of Lt. Shields during his 379th service you’d be willing to share, we would be grateful for any copies.

Responding4 1/8/2014
Kent

Search No. 1649 - Charles C. Vermillion

From:  Kaye Hardy; ckhardy@yahoo.com
Sent: Thursday, January 02, 2014 3:52 AM
To: Looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Charles Core Vermillion

I am looking for information concerning the service of Charles Core Vermillion. He was born and raised in the Shamrock., Texas, area. I know that he served with the 379th Bomb Group out of Kimbolton, England, from 1943 to 1944. My father always told me that he was a tail gunner but my sister says a waist gunner. Can you tell me which is correct and what the difference in the two are? I do not have any service information other than he served with the Army Air Corp. I would like any service information that you may have including his service number.

Thank you,
Charlyce Kaye Vermillion Hardy

Charlyce –
Association records for Charles C. Vermillion show he flew 24 missions as gunner with the 524th Squadron from October 20, 1943 to February 22, 1944. Records indicate those missions as 39, 40, 41, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 51, 54, 56, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 69, and 71. Sgt. Vermillion may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

Sgt. Vermillion’s regular crew, likely the one he trained with, was as follows:

Hemphill, Mac C, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Marshall, Kasper J, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Donley, Harold E, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator
Russoff, Jack (NMI), 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Harris, Wilson L, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Curry Jr., James F, Tech Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner
White, Richard G, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Mulhausen, James J, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner
Vermillion, Charles C, Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner
Price, Thomas U, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

Mission records we have available show Sgt. Vermillion flying all his missions as a waist gunner, located at the window positions in the side of the airplane, just aft of the wing. However, gunners were qualified as that, and were free to move into the other gun positions if mutually agreeable. It is possible he switched positions with the tail gunner (located below and behind the vertical tail) for one or more missions.

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Sorry, we have no photo of Sgt. Vermillion or his crew. If you have any photos of your father during his 379th service you’d be willing to share, we would be grateful for any copies. We have no information on his service number.

Responding4 1/7/2014
Kent

Search No. 1648 - Sumner M. Alpert

From: Brad Alpert; kid.doc@verizon.net
Sent: Sunday, December 29, 2013 1:26 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Sumner M. Alpert

I am looking for information about my father, Sumner M Alpert. He served as a B17 pilot Eighth Air Force, Group 379 Squadron 524. I know that on 9/28/44 his plane was badly damaged by flak. Two engines were hit on one wing, the pilot got glass in his eyes when some flak came through the wind shield, and the navigator was also injured. He feather the engines which had lost oil pressure, but they kept windmilling and catching on fire. He was able to get back to England safely. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. I found reference about him in search 1538. I learned that his plane was named the Lost Angle. After the war, he remained in the Air Force. We were stationed in Anchorage Alaska. On 6/29/55 while piloting a C-47, he flew to Sitkinak Island to drop barrels of kerosene on Sitkinak Dome, where a radar installation was to be build. The plane went down and he was killed when I was 4 years 8 months old. I visited AIaska with my mother in 1998. We found a helicopter pilot who had been in the Air Force and Coast Guard who had actually worked on the island. He knew where the wreckage was located. What an incredible blessing that was to put to rest all the questions we had, since everything was classified.
If you have any more information about my father, I would greatly appreciate it.

Brad Alpert

Brad –
Our condolences on the loss of your father so long ago. We will add his name to our Taps roster.

Association records for Sumner M. Alpert show he flew 35 missions as pilot with the 524th Squadron from July 29 to December 11, 1944. Records indicate those missions as 176, 177, 178, 182, 184, 185, 186, 188, 189, 192, 197, 199, 200, 201, 202, 207, 208, 211, 212, 213, 219, 221, 222, 223, 226, 227, 229, 230, 231, 232, 241, 242, 244, 246, and 249. Lt. Alpert may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

Lt. Alpert’s regular crew, likely the one he trained with, was as follows:

Bailey Jr., Stanley L, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Alpert, Sumner M, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Butler, Leo H, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator
Fenning, William M, Flight Officer, Bombardier
Cates, Harold H, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Plough, William B, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Ingram, John E, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Coles Jr., William J, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Maniaci, Phillip J, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

Regarding the 9/28/44 mission, I have no information to confirm or refute that account, however, I do see that Lt. Bailey did not fly again after the 8/24/1944 mission where they “landed away” (a different field, such as in an emergency) until 9/25/1944. Is it possible that the incident you describe, and Lt. Bailey’s injury, happened on the 8/24/1944 mission instead?

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. A photo we believe includes Lt. Alpert is being sent separately. If you have any photos of your father during his 379th service you’d be willing to share, we would be grateful for any copies.

Responding4 1/7/2014
Kent

Search No. 1647 - Louis W. Rohr


From: Zash Maro; zash12349@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, December 27, 2013 2:55 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: louis.w.rohr

I was browsing the web trying to find information about a Louis W Rohr who was a united states army air corps pilot in ww2. After accumulating data i have discovered that he was a member of the 379th bombardment group. I was hoping that you would be able to assist me in gathering any information,photos, and or documents that you may have on this man. He is a relative of mine and I would like to learn more about my family history. thank you

Zash –
Association records for Louis W. (“Rip”) Rohr show he flew 33 missions as pilot from May 29, 1943 to January 20, 1945. Records indicate those missions as 1, 4, 7, 11, 12, 16, 27, 32, 38, 41, 44, 52, 66, 69, 72, 94, 100, 109, 126, 130, 140, 145, 158, 162, 201, 204, 216, 228, 240, 251, 257, 267, and 268. Col. Rohr may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

At the time of the Group’s first combat mission, St. Nazaire on 29 May 1943, then Major Rohr flew as co-pilot to the Group CO, Colonel Preston. Crew was as follows:

Preston, Maurice A, Colonel, Pilot
Rohr, Louis W, Major, Co-Pilot
Dutch, Andrew K, Lieutenant, Navigator
Brown, Joseph A, Captain, Bombardier
Francis, John J, Lieutenant, Bombardier
Blick, James E, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Gullace, Anthony J, Staff Sergeant, Top Turret Gunner
Slagowski, Clyde L, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Schrader, Harold L, Staff Sergeant, Right Waist Gunner
Greeley, Robert E, Staff Sergeant, Left Waist Gunner
Howe, Charles M, Lieutenant, Tail Gunner-Formation Control

In his tenure with the 379th, Rohr served as an airplane Commander, typically in a Lead position, Group Operations Officer, 525th Squadron CO, and Deputy Group CO. These are the positions we can currently document – there are likely others.

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. A photo of Col. Rohr is being sent separately. If you have any photos of Col. Rohr during his 379th service you’d be willing to share, we would be grateful for any copies.

Responding4 1/7/2014
Kent

Search No. 1646 - Kenneth F. Ebner

From:Jill Dove; jjdove1@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 11, 2013 5:38 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Kenneth F. Ebner

Hello,
My name is Kyle and I'm doing a school project on my great uncle, Kenneth F. Ebner. I know he was an Air Force radio operator/gunner on a B-17. He flew in 1945. His plane might have been the "Miss Liberty." I found him on crew lists on this website. Could you please provide any more information for me?

Thank you,
Kyle:)

Kyle –
Association records for Kenneth F. Ebner show he flew 32 missions as radio operator/gunner with the 525th Squadron from January 2 to April 6, 1945. Records indicate those missions as 259, 261, 263, 264, 265, 267, 268, 271, 272, 273, 276, 277, 281, 282, 284, 288, 290, 292, 293, 294, 295, 297, 301, 303, 304, 305, 307, 311, 313, 315, 317, and 318. Sgt. Ebner may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

Sgt. Ebner’s regular crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

Elledge, George H, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Leeds, Leonard D, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Freedman, Robert L, Flight Officer, Navigator
Christian, John P, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Ebner, Kenneth F, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Moore, Phillip, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Youd, Ivan M, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Cipriano, James E, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Martin Jr., Francis W, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

Unlike most expectations that a crew was “assigned” to a specific airplane, combat airplanes are a shared resource, and crews were assigned to what was available. In the case of Sgt. Ebner and the Elledge crew, they flew many different aircraft assigned to the 525th Squadron – most that were never named. We cannot confirm any missions flown in “Miss Liberty”.

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

Responding4 1/5/2014
Kent

Search No. 1645 - Daniel E. Mariott

From: jimmy valente; jvvalente4@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 2013 7:34 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Dan Mariotti

hello, I'm looking for info and a photo if possible of my God Father Dan Mariotti, flew with the 527th.

thx
MSG Valente
US Army

Jimmy –
Association records for Daniel E. Mariotti show he flew 32 missions as engineer/gunner with the 527th Squadron from February 4 to April 24, 1944. Records indicate those missions as 64, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 80, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 99, 100, and 101. Sgt. Mariotti may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

Sgt. Mariotti’s regular crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

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

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

Responding4 1/5/2014
Kent

Search No.  1644 - R V Ball

From:   Tommy Adams; tommy.adams@layne.com
Sent: Friday, November 15, 2013 11:44 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: R V BAll CO-Pilot "Mary Jo" 379th BG

Fellow Americans,
I regret to inform you that as of last night R V Ball residing in Clarksville,TN Passed. During the War R V is listed on your website as having flown Co-Pilot on the “Mary Jo”, Ironically the name of his wife of 62 years who passed in 2009. I was going to list the link for his obituary but it did not make todays posting. If there is any more information you may possible be able to share about this man that was so respected among his entire community it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Wings Level, clear sky’s.

TOMMY ADAMS

Tommy –
Our condolences on Lt. Ball’s passing. We will add his name to our Taps roster.

Association records for R V Ball show he flew 30 missions as co-pilot with the 527th Squadron from August 24 to December 18, 1944. Records indicate those missions as 192, 198, 200, 201, 203, 205, 208, 211, 214, 216, 217, 218, 222, 224, 225, 226, 228, 229, 233, 234, 235, 237, 238, 240, 243, 244, 247, 248, 249, and 250. Lt. Ball may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Lt. Ball’s regular crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

Randall, Dale P, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Ball, R V, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Guest, Frank J, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator
Jourdet Jr., Lon W, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Harrington, Oliver P, Tech Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Bergreen, Roy E, Tech Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Park, Tyrus R, Staff Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Johnson, Thomas J, Staff Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Harris, Clarence W, Staff Sergeant, Tail Gunner

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

Responding4 1/5/2014
Kent

Search No. 1643 - Bernard V. Klauka

From: jeffrey standley; jstandley@cinci.rr.com
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 7:02 AM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Bernard Klauka

I'm looking for any info you might have on my Uncle Bernie who I believe was a pilot. Any info about number or nature of missions would be of interest.
Thanks, Jeff

Jeff –
Association records for Bernard V. Klauka show he flew 30 missions as pilot with the 526th Squadron from December 30, 1944 to April 6, 1945. Records indicate those missions as 256, 257, 258, 261, 262, 264, 268, 270, 272, 273, 276, 281, 283, 286, 287, 290, 298, 300, 302, 304, 305, 307, 308, 311, 313, 314, 317, and 318. Lt. Klauka may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Lt. Klauka’s regular crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

Klauka, Bernard V, Lieutenant, Pilot
Putyrake, Alex , Flight Officer, Co-Pilot
Van rosendael, William A, Lieutenant, Navigator
Fry, Sheridan , Lieutenant, Bombardier
Goulart, Joseph E, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Long, Henry A, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Harrar, Robert K, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Keaton, Kenneth N, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Walsh, Clayton P, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Sorry, we have no photo of this crew. If you have any photos of Lt. Klauka or his crew you’d be willing to share, we would be grateful for any copies.

Responding4 1/5/2014
Kent

Search No. 1642 - Alexander P. Mavro

From: David Mavro; dmavro@gmail.com
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 11:00 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org
Subject: Alexander P. Mavro

Hello-

I am the son of the late Alexander P. Mavro, who passed away in 1985. Any information and/or photographs of his crew would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for having a website dedicated to this!
David Mavro

David –
Association records for Alexander Mavro show he flew 37 missions as gunner/toggleer with the 524th Squadron from October 5, 1944 to March 8, 1945. Records indicate those missions as 215, 216, 217, 221, 222, 223, 225, 227, 229, 230, 231, 232, 235, 236, 238, 239, 241, 242, 246, 248, 251, 253, 256, 258, 259, 262, 266, 278, 283, 284, 285, 288, 289, 291, 292, 293, and 296. Sgt. Mavro may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Sgt Mavro’s regular crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

Haynie, John C, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Clipson, Frank R, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Baney, Merle L, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator
Witz, Wilfred M, 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier
Drewek, Raymond, Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Didominicus, Nicholas M, Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Mavro, Alexander P, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Platt, William Z, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Kyger, Clarence J, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

This response will be posted in the "Looking 4" section of our website, in case any members or readers have any additional information. Sorry, we have no photo of this crew. If you have any photos of Sgt. Mavro or his crew you’d be willing to share, we would be grateful for any copies.

Responding4 1/5/2014
Kent

Search No. 1641 - Egon Woerle

From: McLaughlin Teaki; Teakie.McLaughlin@irs.gov
Sent: Wednesday, November 06, 2013 4:19 PM
To: looking4@379thbga.org

I am looking for more information on my father Egon Woerle. He was in the 524th.379th He was a sargent and was a tail gunner on Ol topper?

Teakie McLaughlin

Teakie –
Association records for Egon Woerle show he flew 32 missions as tail gunner with the 524th Squadron from June 22 to September 25, 1944. Records indicate those missions as 150, 152, 153, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 170, 171, 173, 174, 176, 177, 180, 184, 188, 189, 192, 194, 195, 199, 200, 201, 204, 205, and 208. Sgt. Woerle may have flown additional missions, but these are the ones we can document.

What looks to be Sgt Woerle’s regular crew, possibly the one he trained with, was as follows:

Hawthorne, Baine A, 2nd Lieutenant, Pilot
Schofield, William E, 2nd Lieutenant, Co-Pilot
Rocklage Jr., Harry W, 2nd Lieutenant, Navigator
Whealton, Daniel J, Sergeant, Nose Gunner/Togglier
Lilley, Thomas E, Staff Sergeant, Radio Operator/Gunner
Edwards, Robert M, Staff Sergeant, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner
Rodriquez, Eugene T, Sergeant, Ball Turret Gunner
Wensel Jr., George P, Sergeant, Waist Gunner
Woerle, Egon, Sergeant, Tail Gunner

As you indicate, Sgt. Woerle flew many of his missions on a/c 42-40003, “Ol’ Gappy/Topper”. This aircraft had the distinction of being the champ of all 8th Air Force heavy bombers, flying an amazing 157 combat missions.

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

Responding4 1/5/2014
Kent

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