Twenty four B-24 missions over Germany. Last 10 missions as lead crew pilot. Seven of these 10 missions were flown in 'Black Cat', B-24J-1-FO #42-95592. 'Black Cat' was the last American B-24 shot down over Germany in WWII. She was built by Ford, Willow Run. When lost over Regensburg, 21 April 1945, she was being flown by the Richard Farrington crew, not mine. Also piloted C-54s on the Berlin airlift (125 round trips) Nov 48-June 49, 15th Troop Carrier Squadron, 61st Troop Carrier Wing, , Germany. Flying career in B-36 bombers, Carswell AFB, TX, ended in Dec 49 due to an 'economy' reduction in USAF. Several thousand pilots were grounded AF wide. Prior to being grounded had been awarded a 'green' instrument card due to the many hours of actual instrument flying time during WWII and the airlift. Took and passed the 'green' instrument test while flying a B-36. Officially recorded 2,148 hours pilot time total. (Actual time was closer to 4,000 hours, not all recorded. )Graduated from flying school as a 'fighter' pilot-but never flew fighters. Soon after graduation, was assigned to Big Spring AAB, TX to train Bombardier cadets in twin engine AT-11s. Graduated 85 cadets in one year before being shipped to Fort Worth, TX for B-24 transition. Then on to WWII. Graduated flying school 22 Apr 1943, Class 43-D.



AM 3Oak Leaf Cluster, Medal for Humane Action (Berlin Airlift), Ten (10) service ribbons including ETO ribbon w/3 battle stars