Raymond A Vicha

Military

media-23605.jpeg UPL 23605 Robert L. Hopkin's Crew. Back row: (L-R) S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel-Ball Turret Gunner, S/Sgt. Raymond A. Vicha-Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. William J. Germiller-Engineer/Gunner, S/Sgt. Roy E. Nutter-Waist gunner, T/Sgt. Raymond Gibeau-Radio Operator/Gunner. Front row: (L-R) Capt. Meyer C. Wagner-Squadron Operations, 2nd Lt. Ed Jordan -was Hopkins' usual Co-pilot but on this mission (to Ruhlang, Germany) he flew in Tail Gunner location to relay observations to Maj. Simeral, 1st Lt. Robert L. Hopkins-Pilot, Maj. Robert K. Simeral-398th Group Operations (flew in Co-pilot seat), Capt. Carlton C. Moore-Squadron Bombardier, 1st Lt. Vonnerlin Wernecke-Navigator. Photo was taken on 28th May, 1944.

398th Bomb Group Collection via Nuthampstead Airfield Museum.

Object Number - UPL 23605 - Robert L. Hopkin's Crew. Back row: (L-R) S/Sgt. James F. Hochadel-Ball Turret Gunner, S/Sgt. Raymond A. Vicha-Waist Gunner, S/Sgt. William J....

Connections

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Units served with

398th Bomb Group

Unit Hierarchy: Group
Air Force: Eighth Air Force
Type Category: Bombardment

603rd Bomb Squadron

Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
Air Force: Eighth Air Force
Type Category: Bombardment

Places

Nuthampstead

Site type: Airfield

Events

Event	Location	Date	Description
Other Distinguished Flying Cross Award: General Orders No. 643		29 January 1945	For extraordinary achievement while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany and German occupied countries, from 6 May 1944 to 24 December 1944. Throughout these operations Sergeant Vicha demonstrated outstanding ability and an exemplary devotion to duty. On all missions in which he participated he consistently rendered exceptional services in the performance of his tasks. He has flown to heavily defended targets deep in Germany and through his expert gunnery assisted in warding off enemy opposition and in maintaining the integrity of the formation. Sergeant Vicha served with distinction as a crew member of the lead aircraft of a Bombardment Group and Bombardment Squadron on numerous missions, attaining a high degree of coordination with other personnel. On several missions the formation in which Sergeant Vicha was flying was subjected to vicious attacks by hostile aircraft. Fighting from his gun position he aided in achieving maximum firepower and in successfully repelling the enemy fighters. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this soldier on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from North Dakota.

Event

Location

Date

Description

Other

Distinguished Flying Cross Award: General Orders No. 643

29 January 1945

For extraordinary achievement while serving as Waist Gunner of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany and German occupied countries, from 6 May 1944 to 24 December 1944. Throughout these operations Sergeant Vicha demonstrated outstanding ability and an exemplary devotion to duty. On all missions in which he participated he consistently rendered exceptional services in the performance of his tasks. He has flown to heavily defended targets deep in Germany and through his expert gunnery assisted in warding off enemy opposition and in maintaining the integrity of the formation. Sergeant Vicha served with distinction as a crew member of the lead aircraft of a Bombardment Group and Bombardment Squadron on numerous missions, attaining a high degree of coordination with other personnel. On several missions the formation in which Sergeant Vicha was flying was subjected to vicious attacks by hostile aircraft. Fighting from his gun position he aided in achieving maximum firepower and in successfully repelling the enemy fighters. The courage, coolness and skill displayed by this soldier on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from North Dakota.