Does anyone know where I could find out the details of a particular WW2 American Airman. A lady spoke to me yesterday who’s grandfather flew as a pilot with the USAAF in B-26 Marauders from this country. She doesn’t know where he was based, but has an idea it was with the 495th Bomber Squadron, 344th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force. He was wounded at Arhweiler in Germany on 23 December 1944. His name was Winton L May. He came from Portland Oregon.
On his discharge sheet, it mentions the aircraft type as ‘Pilot Two Engine Bomber 1082’ does anyone know what the numbers mean?
He served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe according to his discharge papers. And was awarded the Silver Star, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, European African Middle East Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars. Was discharged from the USAAF on 22 November 1945.
Look forward to hearing your suggestions.
Best wishes,
Martin Pengelly
By: Denis - 20th August 2013 at 21:23
PM sent Martin
By: T6flyer - 20th August 2013 at 15:24
Denis,
Thanks for the reply, so much appreciated. There seems to be some kind of mixup – his discharge papers say as above, but a kind gentleman has sent me a link to this website, that shows that he was indeed with the 391st Bomb Group. The plot thickens!
http://projects.militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=48621
Best wishes,
Martin
By: Denis - 19th August 2013 at 17:09
One of the most comprehensive sites for the Marauder, its units and men is www.b26.com
Post your info there and most likely one of their very good historians will more than likely come up with something tangible.
The infamous Ahrweiler viaduct raid on the 23rd Dec 44 resulted in heavy losses for the 391st Bomb Group,
I was under the impression that only the 391st attacked the viaduct on this date… I stand to be corrected.
Good luck!
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August 19, 2013 at 12:29 pm