John Repola
MilitaryImage courtesy of Louis J Oliver
564th BS became a 'Pathfinder' lead crew in March 1944 with lead for 2nd AD B-24 groups. 99+ target accuracy . Stayed in service and retired as AF Reserve Lieutenant. Colonel
Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Commendation Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, WWII Victory Medal, AF Reserve Medal
'John Repola (AO685840) was the Squadron Bombardier for the 564th Squadron of the 389th Bombardment Group, Hethel, June 1943 to May 1945. The 564th became a Pathfinder lead crew sometime in February of early March 1944. The Squadron provided lead crews for missions flown by 2nd Air Division B-24 Groups. The Bomb Group was highly praised and the 564th Squadron was judged on efficiency best in European Operations in 1945.
John's decorations and awards include, among others, Air Medal and DFC. One achievement remembered was his 99+ target accuracy for a particular perios of time (Stars and Stripes). He retired Lieutenant Colonel, February 1966. John died (at age 74) in September 1995 and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. '
Connections
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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
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Born |
Patterson, New Jersey | 4 April 1921 | |
Died |
17 September 1995 | ||
Buried |
Revisions
Louis J Oliver (cousin), via American Air Museum Memory Book Correspondence.
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / L. J. Oliver, cousin & Page 386 in the book 2ND AIR DIVISIONby Turner Publishing Company, 1998 edition (D790.A2S45)