John J Cole

Military
Staff Sergeant David Cole of the 385th Bomb Group, with the tail gun of his B-17 Flying Fortress, 6 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '6-11-43. 130. David Cole, 385 BG.' Printed caption on reverse: U.S. AIR FORCE IN GREAT DAYLIGHT OFFENSIVE ON EUROPE. The great daylight offensive against Europe continues, targets in Germany, France and Belgium being attacked by great formations of bombers and fighters from the U.S. Army Air Force and the R.A.F. PHOTO SHOWS: Staff Sgt. David J. Cole, 48 year o media-413667.jpg FRE 4983 Staff Sergeant David Cole of the 385th Bomb Group, with the tail gun of his B-17 Flying Fortress, 6 November 1943.

Handwritten caption on reverse: '6-11-43. 130. David Cole, 385 BG.' Printed caption on reverse: U.S. AIR FORCE IN GREAT DAYLIGHT OFFENSIVE ON EUROPE. The great daylight offensive against Europe continues, targets in Germany, France and Belgium being attacked by great formations of bombers and fighters from the U.S. Army Air Force and the R.A.F. PHOTO SHOWS: Staff Sgt. David J. Cole, 48 year old Gunner and formerly a taxi driver in Portland, Oregon, after returning from the great raid on the Ruhr. Sgt. Cole has five stars on the Victory Ribbon for major engagements, and served with the artillery during the last war. NC. 6th Nov. 1943. PE. Censor no: 291702. On reverse: US Army Censor and Planet News Ltd [Stamps]. Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 4983 - Staff Sergeant David Cole of the 385th Bomb Group, with the tail gun of his B-17 Flying Fortress, 6 November 1943. Handwritten caption on...

David Cole died 30 January 1980 in Portland OR. He was reputed to have been the oldest tail gunner in the 8thAF being born in 1895.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.

385th Bomb Group

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

Places

Revisions

Date
Contributoryesguitarman
Changes
Sources

358 Bomg Group

Date
ContributorHelen
Changes
Sources

385th BG newsletter 15 May 1980

Date
ContributorLucy May
Changes
Sources

http://www.385thbga.com/records/database/

John J Cole: Gallery (1 items)

Staff Sergeant David Cole of the 385th Bomb Group, with the tail gun of his B-17 Flying Fortress, 6 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '6-11-43. 130. David Cole, 385 BG.' Printed caption on reverse: U.S. AIR FORCE IN GREAT DAYLIGHT OFFENSIVE ON EUROPE. The great daylight offensive against Europe continues, targets in Germany, France and Belgium being attacked by great formations of bombers and fighters from the U.S. Army Air Force and the R.A.F. PHOTO SHOWS: Staff Sgt. David J. Cole, 48 year o

Object number: FRE 4983 - Staff Sergeant David Cole of the 385th Bomb Group...