After Vincent Reed completed B-24 transition in the Fall of 1943, he went to Salt Lake City to pick up his crew. Fully qualified to be an aircraft commander, Vince was eager to go. To his dismay, upon arrival at SLC, he found there were too many B-24 pilots. Those with the least time in the B-24 would have to serve as co-pilots. When they got to Vince, they pointed him to the right (co-pilot's) seat. The pilot (John Woolnough) only had 10% more time in the B-24. What a blow!

Vince swallowed his pride and gritted his way through the many phases of crew training. the overseas trip and nine long combat missions. He was well liked by his crew. Finally! The break came! Vince was to take command of a newly arrived replacement crew. Unfortunately, W.S. Starnes, had to move over to the right seat to make way for the combat seasoned veteran, Vince Reed. - John Woolnough