Orville Bergier Ross

Military
Lieutenant Paul Shulz, head navigator of the 385th Bomb Group plots a route with two bombardiers before a mission. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 10 Oct 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘287576.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'SERIES OF PICTURES OF THE INTELLEGENCE SECTION OF A FORTRESS GROUP BEFORE A RAID. Picture shows: Before briefing the course is studied by leaders of mission. L to R- Lt Paul Shulz, Detroit, lead navigator; Capt Orville Ross, Pea media-380137.jpg FRE 1383 Lieutenant Paul Shulz, head navigator of the 385th Bomb Group plots a route with two bombardiers before a mission. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 10 Oct 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘287576.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'SERIES OF PICTURES OF THE INTELLEGENCE SECTION OF A FORTRESS GROUP BEFORE A RAID. Picture shows: Before briefing the course is studied by leaders of mission. L to R- Lt Paul Shulz, Detroit, lead navigator; Capt Orville Ross, Peadbody, Kansas, group bombardier and Lt Louis Dantoni, Los Angeles, California, lead bombardier. US Pool/SG/H/Keystone. (NOTE THE FAKE MAP WHICH HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S BENEFIT).' Roger Freeman Collection

I added his person record and linked him to this photo. In the caption you will see that he is the middle member of this photo.

Object Number - FRE 1383 - Lieutenant Paul Shulz, head navigator of the 385th Bomb Group plots a route with two bombardiers before a mission. Image stamped on reverse;...

Here is his obituary:



Col. Orville Bergier Ross, USAF Ret., 86, of Bliss Mine Road in Middletown died May 22, 2002 at Newport Hospital. He was the husband of Diane Iris (Leach) Ross of Middletown and the late Dorothy Jean (Leach) Ross. Born in Peabody, Kan., June 11, 1915, he was the son of the late Arthur Oliver and Cynthia (Bergier) Ross.



Col. Ross served for 26 years in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and the Korean War. During World War II he was a bombardier in the 385th bomb squadron flying out of England and was awarded the Croix de Guerre with a Gold Star by the French government. After his retirement in 1966, he and his late wife Dorothy settled in Newport. They owned and operated the antique store La Fontaine on Spring Street until he sold it in 1991. After that, Col. Ross took care of his properties. He was a member of the 385 Bomber Group Society and a founding member of the American Air Museum in England.



He is survived by his wife, nephews Thomas Holmberg of California, Edward Holmberg of Colorado and David Holmberg of London, England, and several great-nieces and great-nephews. He was the brother of the late Ivan Ross and Ruth Holmberg.



His funeral was held May 29. Burial was in Newport Memorial Park in Middletown. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Air Museum in England.

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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

People

Lieutenant Paul Shulz, head navigator of the 385th Bomb Group plots a route with two bombardiers before a mission. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 10 Oct 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘287576.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'SERIES OF PICTURES OF THE INTELLEGENCE SECTION OF A FORTRESS GROUP BEFORE A RAID. Picture shows: Before briefing the course is studied by leaders of mission. L to R- Lt Paul Shulz, Detroit, lead navigator; Capt Orville Ross, Pea

Paul R Schulz

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 551st Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
  • Role/Job: Naviagator

Revisions

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His obituary states he was awarded the Croix de Guerre by the French Gov

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I research genealogy in Newport Rhode Island area. I bought his house in 2014. Since he did not have children of his own, I added him to my personal genealogy projects. I feel that it's important for him to be recognized on this site as he was a founding member of this community. RIP Orville Ross

Orville Bergier Ross: Gallery (2 items)

Lieutenant Paul Shulz, head navigator of the 385th Bomb Group plots a route with two bombardiers before a mission. Image stamped on reverse; ‘Keystone Press.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 10 Oct 1943.’ [stamp] and ‘287576.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'SERIES OF PICTURES OF THE INTELLEGENCE SECTION OF A FORTRESS GROUP BEFORE A RAID. Picture shows: Before briefing the course is studied by leaders of mission. L to R- Lt Paul Shulz, Detroit, lead navigator; Capt Orville Ross, Pea

Object number: FRE 1383 - Lieutenant Paul Shulz, head navigator of the 385th...

Lieutenant Paul Schulz, lead navigator of the 385th Bomb Group plots a route with two bombardiers before a mission. Passed for publication 10 Oct 1944. Printed caption on reverse: 'Series Of Pictures Of The Intelligence Section Of A Fortress Group Before A Raid. Photo Shows:- Before briefing the course is studied by leaders of mission. L to R:- Lt. Paul Schulz, Detroit, lead navigator, Lt. Louis Dentoni, Los Angeles, California, lead bombadier; Capt. Orville Ross, Peabody, Kansas, group bombadier and Lt.

Object number: FRE 4954 - Lieutenant Paul Schulz, lead navigator of the...