Roy E Loyless

Military
Sergeant Roy Loyless, a tail gunner of the 91st Bomb Group in position inside B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-95851) nicknamed "Qualified Quail" at Bassingbourn. Printed caption on reverse: 'Roy Loyless, tail gunner on "Qualified Quail" 91st Bomb Grp. 401st, Sqd,' media-379137.jpg FRE 700 Sergeant Roy Loyless, a tail gunner of the 91st Bomb Group in position inside B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-95851) nicknamed "Qualified Quail" at Bassingbourn. Printed caption on reverse: 'Roy Loyless, tail gunner on "Qualified Quail" 91st Bomb Grp. 401st, Sqd,' Roger Freeman Collection

IWM, Roger Freeman Collection

Object Number - FRE 700 - Sergeant Roy Loyless, a tail gunner of the 91st Bomb Group in position inside B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-95851) nicknamed "Qualified...

Roy joined the Army Air Corps when he turned 18. He received his wings at Kingman, AZ, completed final training in Sioux City, IA. He was subsequently sent to England without a furlough because of the need for bomber crews after D-Day. On his 15th mission, November 2nd, 1944 his crew was sent to Merseburg. On that mission, his B-17 was hit by flak and caught fire. He bailed out into sub-freezing weather only to begin a seven month ordeal as a prisoner of war.

He was awarded the Purple Heart, two air medals, the Prisoner of War medal, Europe, Africa and Middle East medals, Northern France medal with 3 battle stars and the air combat medal. The French government awarded Roy the Legion of Honor, their highest award given to citizens, equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Honor, for his decisive role in the liberation of France.

Roy was married to his wife Joyce, for 71 years and was blessed with two daughters and two grandsons. (written by daughter Renee)



Shot down, 15th mission, Merseburg 2 November 1944. Prisoner of War (POW), Stalag Luft IV, Stalag Luft I. Captured -- in new Ford truck, Henry Ford plant Cologne during War. Might have got away if it hadn't been for Ford truck the home guard had.



AM 3Oak Leaf Cluster, PH, American Campaign, POW, Victory, Good Conduct, EAME

Connections

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Units served with

Unofficial emblem of the 91st Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-767031
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-761845
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Qualified Quail
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron
A bomber crew of the 91st Bomb Group led by Lieutenant John J Askins, with their B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Qualified Quail". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Crew of "Qualified Quail", Triangle-A, LL-K, Back Row: L to R; Antony Delaporto, Navigator; John J. Askins, Pilot; Randal Archer, Co-Pilot; Paul Collier, Bombardier. Front Row: Roger Armstron[g], Radio; Rob[er]t Webb, Ball Gunner; Hilmer Beicker, Engineer; Ralph Azevedo, Armorer/Gunner; Roy Loyless, Tail Gunner.
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: USA The Hard Way
  • Unit: 91st Bomb Group 401st Bomb Squadron

Missions

  • Date: 2 November 1944

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

El Paso, Texas, United States 23 September 1925

Died

Kerrville, Texas 17 April 2017

Other

Prisoner of War (POW)

Barth, Germany 2 November 1944

Revisions

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ContributorPat Flyer
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Sources

Patrick Milward research for Book Qualified Quail

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Contributorpsan5722
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This website

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ContributorPat Flyer
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Update on 19 May 2017 by Patrick Milward, author of B-17 Qualified Quail and honored to have been a friend of Roy Loyless

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ContributorPat Flyer
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Personal contact with Roy Loyless

Date
ContributorPat Flyer
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Personal contact with Roy E. Loyless

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ContributorAAM
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Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 10141 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / self /MACR 10141

Roy E Loyless: Gallery (4 items)