John Timothy Byrne

Military

Completed 15 missions from 3 November 1943 to 20 June 1944. Safely bailed out of B-17 Flying Fortress 42-3532 'Lucille Ball' on his second mission on 5 November 1943 on return from Gelsenkirchen.

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 351st Bomb Group.

351st Bomb Group

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

People

Second Lieutenant Donald A. Gaylord, a pilot of the 351st Bomb Group with the damaged fueselage of his B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-3532) nicknamed "Lucille Ball". Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication'16 Nov 1943.' [stamp] and '293129.' [Censor no.]. Printed caption on reverse: 'PILOT RISKS LIFE TO KEEP FLYING FORTRESS FROM CRASHING ON ENGLISH TOWN. It has just been disclosed that a 23-year-old American pilot 2nd Lt. Donald A Gaylord of Waterloo, IA, ris

Donald Alvin Gaylord

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 511th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-?
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

William Thomas Palmer

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 511th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34406961
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator

Paul B Smith

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 511th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 18137087
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Engineer, Top Turret Gunner

Conrad James Womble

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 511th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-679271 (14106946 on enlistment)
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Aircraft

Second Lieutenant Donald A. Gaylord, a pilot of the 351st Bomb Group with the damaged fueselage of his B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-3532) nicknamed "Lucille Ball". Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publication'16 Nov 1943.' [stamp] and '293129.' [Censor no.]. Printed caption on reverse: 'PILOT RISKS LIFE TO KEEP FLYING FORTRESS FROM CRASHING ON ENGLISH TOWN. It has just been disclosed that a 23-year-old American pilot 2nd Lt. Donald A Gaylord of Waterloo, IA, ris

42-3532

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lucille Ball
  • Unit: 351st Bomb Group 511th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Enlisted

Providence, Rhode Island

Revisions

Date
ContributorEmily
Changes
Sources

Listed as crew of Lucille Ball on 5 November 1943 by The Bee and on 351st.org, further information from Enlistment Record