Harold A Radetsky

Military

Col. Harold A. Radetsky, USAAF. Most of his World War II years were spent overseas, initially participating as an "A-20" bomber pilot with the first U.S. military unit, 15th Bomb Squadron, to attack occupied Europe from England on July 4, 1942. The squadron was subsequently deployed to North Africa and conducted bombing missions against General Rommel's retreating German forces. Returning to the U.S. in early 1943, he joined a newly formed bomb group which deployed to England in early 1944 for pre and post D-Day combat activity in both A-20 and A-26 attack bombers against German military targets in France and Germany until VE Day. The bomb group was then ordered to the Far East to participate in the invasion of Japan, and was in transit when the war ended.

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Units served with

A bomber crew of the 301st Bomb Group with their A-20 Havoc after being awarded medals. From left to right, they are Sergeant B.B. Cunningham of Tupelo, Missouri; Sergeant R.L. Golay of Fredonia, Kansas; Second Lieutenant M. Dorton of Long Beach; and Major Charles C. Kegelman. Image stamped on reverse: 'Passed for Publication 11 Jul 1942.' [stamp], 'Not to be published until 12/7/42.' [stamp], 'Keystone Press.' [stamp], 'USA (NIR)CCC.' [written annotation] and '209807.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on rev

15th Bomb Squadron

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

Missions

Places

Revisions

Date5 May 2023 20:04:53
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Removed extra info in the "Role/job" field.

 

Date24 Jul 2017 14:40:38
ContributorMikeThomas
ChangesChanges to awards
Sources

Most of his World War II years were spent overseas, initially participating as an "A-20" bomber pilot with the first U.S. military unit, 15th Bomb Squadron, to attack occupied Europe from England on July 4, 1942. The squadron was subsequently deployed to North Africa and conducted bombing missions against General Rommel's retreating German forces. Returning to the U.S. in early 1943, he joined a newly formed bomb group which deployed to England in early 1944 for pre and post D-Day combat activity in both A-20 and A-26 attack bombers against German military targets in France and Germany until VE Day. The bomb group was then ordered to the Far East to participate in the invasion of Japan, and was in transit when the war ended.

Date24 Jul 2017 14:38:42
ContributorMikeThomas
ChangesChanges to highest rank, unit associations, place associations and mission associations
Sources

Source is personal knowledge of Col. Harold A. Radetsky ("Hal) and his obituary in the Fort Worth, Star-Telegram on May, 30,2014.

Date24 Jul 2017 14:20:47
ContributorMikeThomas
ChangesCreated entry with surname, middlename, firstname, nickname, nationality, role and biography
Sources

Most of his World War II years were spent overseas, initially participating as an "A-20" bomber pilot with the first U.S. military unit, 15th Bomb Squadron, to attack occupied Europe from England on July 4, 1942. The squadron was subsequently deployed to North Africa and conducted bombing missions against General Rommel's retreating German forces. Returning to the U.S. in early 1943, he joined a newly formed bomb group which deployed to England in early 1944 for pre and post D-Day combat activity in both A-20 and A-26 attack bombers against German military targets in France and Germany until VE Day. The bomb group was then ordered to the Far East to participate in the invasion of Japan, and was in transit when the war ended.