Philip Spofford was born in Arlington, MA. and graduated from Arlington High School in 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps one month later completing his basic training at Fort Devens, MA. At a later date he completed Armament School at Lowry Field, Colorado and then Gunnery School in Las Vegas, Nevada.



Early, in 1943, Philip, now a member of the Eight Army Air Force, was assigned to 94th Bomb Group (H), 332nd Squadron. He and his crew were assigned to their first plane, a B-17 F bomber named "FIFI" , A/C # 42-29699. Philip's assigned position was "Ball Turret" Gunner.



In April, 1943 The FiFi and it's crew flew from Presque Isle, Maine to England. Upon arrival the Fifi and crew were initially attached to the 91st Bomber Group at Bassingbourm. In May, 1943, The FiFi and crew were transferred to Earls Colne. During this time The FiFi and crew had flown 5 missions.



During the FiFi's 4th mission, Flensburg, Germany, May 19th, the FiFI was badly damaged. The Bombardier was killed and Co-Pilot badly injured. Philip along with two other gunners managed to shoot down three enemy aircraft. As described by Philip the plane managed to keep flying with the Aid of two engines ( two having been disabled by enemy fire). Miraculously the FiFI, after losing a third engine, managed to make it home. The Capt., Urban S. Adams, received an award for bringing the plane and his crew home safely, according to Philip.



The FiFI was grounded for repair due to its extensive damage. Philip and his crew were assigned to another plane, "The HOUSE of LORDS" A/C # 42-5881. They flew one more mission (#5) from Earls Colne before being transferred to Rougham Air Field in Bury St. Edmunds, June 13th, 1943. From here the crew flew the rest of their missions.



Philip managed to complete his 25 missions without injury, flying his last mission on Nov. 5th, 1943 over Buer, Germany. On the same day he was made a member of the "Lucky Bastard Club". Philip was 20 years old when he arrived back home to the States. In 1944 he married his high school sweetheart. He remained in the Reserves and then re-enlisted during the Korean Conflict after which he remained in the Air Force, retiring after 27 years total of service.



Philip retired on Cape Cod in MA. and pursed his passions in life, which were his family, friends, golf, fishing, and hunting. He passed away on October 30, 2011 at the age of 88 leaving his wife, three sons, a daughter, 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.



As his son I am proud to say he was my father and am especially proud of his service during a very important and without question a difficult time in our Nation's history.