August 1944 to February 1945



DFC/ AM



John flew lead crew and radar, the lead crew never had their own plane, but would fly a different one every mission. They did this for a couple of reasons.

1. So the Germans didn't identify which plane was the lead.

2. All the radar planes were kept at a separate base, and outfitted uniquely for every mission. John and his crew had to go about 40mi away to pick up a plane outfitted with radar and bring it back before each mission...

He said it often short-changed them on the briefing.