Raymond H Kilgore

Military ROLL OF HONOUR
media-50533.jpeg UPL 50533 FDR's Potato Peeler Kids, 303rd Bg. KIA 14 May 1943 (except 2Lt. Browning who was KIA 31 March 1943)
STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: Cpt. Ross C. Bales (pilot), 1Lt. Walter E. Dooley (Co-pilot), 2Lt. Paul M. Thomas (Navigator), 2Lt Carlton Browning (Navigator), KNEELING LEFT TO RIGHT: SGT. Homer T. Perkins (Waist Gunner), T/SGT. Raymond K. Winter Jr. (engineer), SGT. Jack D. Snell (Tail Gunner) S/SGT. Raymond H. Kilgore (Radio), S/SGT Joseph G. Zsampar (Ball Turret Gunner). MACR 15593

Object Number - UPL 50533 - FDR's Potato Peeler Kids, 303rd Bg. KIA 14 May 1943 (except 2Lt. Browning who was KIA 31 March 1943) STANDING LEFT TO RIGHT: Cpt. Ross C. Bales...

28-Feb-42 Assigned as Radio Operator on B-17F #41-24565 [BN P] "Idaho Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS at Pendleton Fielsd, Pendleton, Oregon and arrived 25-Oct-42 at Molesworth, UK aboard that aircraft.



Shot down 14 May 1943 in B-17F #42-5243 "FDR's Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS. Aircraft crashed into North Sea. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 15593



Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Cluster

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

Official emblem of the 303rd Bomb Group approved 7 November 1942.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-662289 and 18054662 on enlisting
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Aircraft

Corporal Murray S. Pearl, of the 303rd Bomb Group, with a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 41-24565) nicknamed "Idaho Potato Peeler". Image stamped on reverse: ‘Copyright Current Affairs Ltd.’ [stamp], ‘Passed for Publication 28 Jan 1943. [stamp] and ‘245656.’ [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'Cpl. Murray S. Pearl, serving with the U.S.A.A.F in a bomber squadron, appreciates the heavy fur-lined jerkin issued to him, for, in private life, he was a fur manufacturer at 222 West 28th Stre
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The Ramblin' Wreck : Idaho Potato Peeler
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
Staff Sergeant Richard C. Fortunak of the 303rd Bomb Group, checks his machine gun on his B-17 Flying Fortress. Passed for publication 25 Jan 1943. Printed caption on reverse: 'How The Boys Live And Work At Flying Fortress Station In England. Wide World Photo Shows:- Staff Sgt. Richard C. Fortunak, 1260 West 17th Avenue, Gary, Ind., Waist Gunner in a Fortress, which he and his crew mates have named "Hoosier Kid", adjusts gun in his turret. WW/ALA. 26-1-43.' On reverse: Associated Press, US Army Press Cens
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: The 8 Ball
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Knock-out Dropper
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
Sergeant Vernon E. Carlson, of the 303rd Bomb Group, paints the nose art of a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Holy Mackeral". Passed for publication 16 Dec 1942. Printed caption on reverse: '"Everything under control" is the optimistic message sent by Sgt. Vernon E. Carlson of the Air Corps, whose home is at 1431 N. Mayfield Ave, Chicago. He used to be with the Goetz Elevator Co. He is 29 and unmarried. O.P.S. shows him painting "Holy Mackerel" on a plane.' On reverse: Current Affairs Ltd, US Army Press C
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Holy Mackerel
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: FDR's Potato Peeler Kids
  • Unit: 303rd Bomb Group 359th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Assigned to Aircraft

Pendleton, OR 97801, USA 28 February 1942 Assigned as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peelers", 303BG/359BS at Pendleton Field, Pendleton, Oregon.

Other

Arrived in UK

Molesworth, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28, UK 25 October 1942 Arrived at Molesworth, UK on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peeler", 303BG/359BS at the Radio Operator.

Other

Mission #1, TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24565, 303BG/359BS - Aborted

Saint-Nazaire, France 17 November 1942 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, France, but mechanical failures forced the pilot to abort the sortie. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #2, TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24565, 303BG/359BS

18 November 1942 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, France. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #3, TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24581, 303BG/359BS

Lorient, France 22 November 1942 Served as Right Waist Gunner on B-17F 41-24581 "The '8' Ball", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at Lorient, France, but mechanical failures forced the pilot to abort the sortie. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #4, TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24581, 303BG/359BS

Saint-Nazaire, France 23 November 1942 Served as Right Waist Gunner on B-17F 41-24581 "The '8' Ball", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, France. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #5, TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24565, 303BG/359BS

Romilly-sur-Seine, France 20 December 1942 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the German air depot at Romilly, France. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #6, TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24609, 303BG/359BS

Lorient, France 30 December 1942 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24609 "Holy Mackerel", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at Lorient, France, but mechanical failures forced the pilot to abort the sortie. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #7 TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24605, 303BG/359BS

Saint-Nazaire, France 3 January 1943 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24605 "Knock-out Dropper", 303BG/359BS to bomb the U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, France.

Other

Mission #8 TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24565, 303BG/359BS

Lille, France 13 January 1943 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the Lille Fives Locomotive Works at Lille, France. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #9 TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 41-24565, 303BG/359BS

Lorient, France 23 January 1943 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 41-24565 "Idaho Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the U-Boat pens at Lorient, France. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #10 TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 42-5423 303BG/359BS

Osnabrück, Germany 4 February 1943 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 42-5423 "FDR's Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the industrial areas of Osnabruck, Germany, but mechanical failures forced the pilot to abort the sortie. RTB OK.

Other

Mission #11 TSGT Raymond H. Kilgore, w/B-17F 42-5423 303BG/359BS

Wilhelmshaven, Germany 26 February 1943 Served as Radio Operator on B-17F 42-5423 "FDR's Potato Peeler Kids", 303BG/359BS on a mission to bomb the port area and U-Boat pens at Wilhelmshaven, Germany. RTB OK.

Other

Killed in Action (KIA)

North Sea 14 May 1943 Killed when the aircraft was shot down by German fighters and crashed into the North Sea.

Born

Oklahoma

Other

Commemorated

6269 Margraten, Netherlands Commemorated on the Wall of the Missing, Netherlands American Cemetery.

Revisions

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a "#" to the A/C serial # in the "Summary biography" for clarity.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 15-Mar-2016. Added Mission #11 event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 26-Feb-43: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/017.pdf.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 15-Mar-2016. Added Mission #10 event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 4-Feb-43: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/041.pdf.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 15-Mar-2016. Made connections to Missions of 4-Feb-43 and 26-Feb-43 per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Reports of dates stated: http://www.303rdbg.com/

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2015. Made Mission connections within existing website data.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2015. Added Mission #9 event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 23-Jan-43: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/011.pdf.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 20-Dec-2015. Added Mission #8 event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 13-Jan-43: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/010.pdf.

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Addeed Mission #7 event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 3-Jan-43: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/009.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #5 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 20-Dec-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/007.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #6 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 30-Dec-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/008.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #5 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 20-Dec-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/007.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #4 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 23-Nov-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/004.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #3 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 22-Nov-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/003.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #2 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 18-Nov-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/002.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Mission #1 event per 303BG wesbite, Gary Moncur, Historian, Mission Report of 17-Nov-42: http://www.303rdbg.com/missionreports/001.pdf

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Assigned to Aircraft event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Ross C. Bales crew page: http://www.303rdbg.com/c-359-bales.html

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added Assigned to Aircraft event per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian, Ross C. Bales crew page: http://www.303rdbg.com/c-359-bales.html

Date
ContributorLee8thbuff
Changes
Sources

Lee Cunningham 14-Dec-2015. Added initial aassigment and arrival in UK to Summary Biography, added BG/BS to aircraft, made connections to 41-24564, 41-24581, 41-24605, 41-24609 and all missions through 3-Jan-43 per 303BG website, Gary Moncur, Historian: http://www.303rdbg.com/

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 15593, Losses of the 8th & 9th AFs Vol. I p. 118 by Bishop & Hey, WW II National Memorial

Raymond H Kilgore: Gallery (1 items)