Andrew Wilson Opsata
Military
Details added. - Kickapoo
Object Number - UPL 15379 - B-24D Liberator, 42-40776, named, Old Blister Butt, in the 8th AF, the 389th BG, and the 564th BS. Pilot Robert L. Wright and crew. Flew on 1st Aug...
Lt. Andrew Opsata was a B-24D Command pilot who flew the B-24D Liberator, 41-11817, Stinger, with his Copilot Lt. Louis Quaglino, and Bombardier Lt. Don Di Coscoe, on Operation Tidal Wave, assigned to the 389th Bomb Group, the 8th Air Force, temporarily detached to (TDY) to the 9th Air Force, the 98th Bomb Group, and the 514th Bombardment Squadron. He flew a total of 27 combat missions. On Operation Tidal Wave, the bombing mission to the Ploesti oil refineries, he bombed his target, returning safely to Libya with only one crew member, his gunner, SSgt John Gormey wounded by flak. WIA. 1 August, 1943.
Awards: DFC, AM (3OLC), WWII Victory, EAME.
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 415th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Tail Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 415th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 32160105 / O-?
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 98th Bomb Group 415th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 36320651
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
Aircraft
Missions
Places
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Colgan, ND | 4 October 1919 | Son of Stephen Edward and Tillie A [Hamberg] Opsata. |
|
Other Survived Ploesti |
Ploiești, Romania | 1 August 1943 | Pilot of B-24 Liberator 41-11817 'Stinger' participated in the 1st Aug 43 Ploesti oil refinery raid returning safely to Libya with only one crewmember WIA. |
|
Died |
Bellingham, WA | 17 June 2014 | |
|
Other Assigned |
Benghazi, Libya | Assigned to 415BS, 98 BG, 9AF USAAF. |
Revisions
Page 370 in the book 2ND AIR DIVISIONby Turner Publishing Company, 1998 edition (D790.A2S45);
http://www.lipper.cc/8th_AF/Chris/Chris_Chapt3.html
Flagged as a "Possible DUPLICATE" in the Nickname field so an Admin can check out this person.
https://www.fold3.com/image/32191616
https://www.fold3.com/image/27416291
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https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/andrew-opsata-obituary?pid=17140…
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/arlington-wa/andrew-opsata-6…
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/221856609/andrew-wilson-opsata
Added a "-" to the A/C serial number in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity & consistency.
Added connections to the 415 BS & 98 BG mentioned in the events section.