Assigned to the 390th Bomb Group on 1st Lt. George B. Spann's crew as ball turret operator and Assistant radio operator. First mission to Calais on June 2, 1944. Also participated in D-Day flights. Flew on the first England-Russia-Italy-England mission. After 13 missions, our crew was shot down by flak on a mission to the BMW plant at Munich, Germany. Bailed out over Munich with fire in the bomb bay. I lit in a flak battery and was captured immediately. All crew members got out safely and only the radio operator was wounded. I was taken to flak headquarters in Munich and later transferred to an air base north of the city, and placed in solitary confinement. That evening was placed on a train with other Prisoner of War (POW)'s and sent to Wetzlar, Germany and again placed in solitary confinement for several weeks. After interrogation during the weeks, was sent to Stalag Luft IV (Keifeheide. ) On February 6, 1945, we (about 2000) Prisoner of War (POW)s were walked out of camp to avoid capture or release by Russian troops. After walking 765 kilometers we were liberated by the 101st Infantry at Halle, Germany. Returned to the US 10 June 1945. Received a commission at Lockburne AFB, Ohio in 1949 when the Strategic Air Command (SAC) took over the base. Served in Korea at K-45 Chunchon. Served in SAC for over 12 years, mostly in the 8th Air Force, and some in the 2nd Air Force. Also served in Vietnam with Headquarters MACV, also Deputy Commander, Joint Household Goods Shipping Office, Washington DC. Retired the Air Force in January 1970.



AM w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster/ POW Medal/ ETO Ribbon/ American Campaign Medal/ WW II Victory Medal/ National Defense Service Medal/ Good Conduct Medal/ Korea UN Service Medal/ Korean Service Medal/ Vietnam Bronze Star/ RVN Honor Medal 3rd Class/ Vietnam Medal/ RVN Campaign