Edward J Dittlinger
MilitaryPrinted caption: 'Front Row-Jay Hiesel Navigator, Lt. Robert E "Stoney" Stoneburner Bombardier, Lt. Keith W Porter Pilot/Co-Pilot, Roy Schmidt Pilot
Back Row-S/Sgt. Billy W Buzbee Armourer Ball Turret Gunner, S/Sgt. Robert F Bennett Assistnat Flight Engineer Gunner, T/Sgt James C Cammack Radio Operator, S/Sgt. Lee Effner Gunner, S/Sgt. Everett L Williams, T/Sgt. Edward J Dittlinger Flight Engineer Top Turret Gunner
26/4/1944 Topeka AAF Kansas.'
Edward J Dittlinger Via American Air Museum Memory Book correspondence.
Mid-air collision in B-24 "Thumper" on 35th mission, returned
'I was flight engineer on RC Schmidt's crew #162-12. We were assembled in Kerns Utah and had phase training at Davis Monthan Air Field, Tuscon, Arizona. After phase training we went to Topeka AAFB, Kansas to pick up our new B-24. We flew to England the northern route. We stopped over in Manchester, New Hampshire, Gander, Labrador and Kefleck Iceland. We landed in Stone, England where out B-24 was taken away from us. From Stone we were sent to the 445th at Tibbenham. We flew 35 missions. On our 30th mission our pilot Lt Schmidt wanted to make Captain so he volunteered for a second tour. Our Co-Pilot was promoted to 1st Lt and appointed pilot of the crew. Also after our 9th mission our navigator Jay Heisel was made lead navigator and transferred to Isom's crew. For the rest of our missions we flew with various co-pilots and navigators.'
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Revisions
After WW2 joined the Air Force Reserved. Was Aircraft Organizational Maintenance Officer in 433rd Military Airlift Group at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX. Attained the Rank of chief Warrant Officer W4. Retired with 34 years Service.
Birsic & page 250 in the book 2ND AIR DIVISION by Turner Publishing Company, 1998, D790.A2S45 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia