William Culp

Military
D-Day, first Pathfinder crew to be back after mission over Normandy UPL 28820 UPL 28820 "Photo made immediately after first 9th Troop Carrier plane** to fly over target area landed back in England. Crew includes, left to right: S/Sgt. Edward F. Laurendeau (crew chief); Capt Edward E Cannon (surgeon); Capt William Culp, (navigator); Capt Vito S Pedone (co-pilot), Lt Col Joel L Crouch (pilot); Missing on the picture Cpl. Harold E. Coonrod (Radio-operator)" - ** C-47A 42-93098. Serial #1 Chalk #1.

NARA ref 342-FH-3A09086-53323AC.

personnal knowledge. Change of the name of the man on the left of the picture. He is the crew chief and not the radio operator

Object Number - UPL 28820 - "Photo made immediately after first 9th Troop Carrier plane** to fly over target area landed back in England. Crew includes, left to right: S/Sgt....

Assigned to IX Troop Carrier Command, 9AF USAAF. Navigator for lead aircraft [C-47 42-93098] of lead serial to drop pathfinder paratroops at zone A, St-Germain-de-Varrevill, France on D-day 6-Jun-44.



Awards: WWII Victory, EAME.

Connections

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Units served with

People

D-Day, first Pathfinder crew. Serial #1 Chalk #1

Joel Lee Crouch

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: IX Air Force Troop Carrier Command
  • Service Numbers: O-309751
  • Highest Rank: Colonel
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

D-Day, first Pathfinder crew. Serial #1 Chalk #1

42-93098

  • Aircraft Type: C-47 Skytrain
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 94th Troop Carrier Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Chalk #1, Serial #1

50480 Saint-Germain-de-Varreville, France 6 June 1944 Navigator for lead aircraft [C-47 42-93098] of lead serial to drop pathfinder paratroops at zone A, St-Germain-de-Varrevill, France on D-day 6-Jun-44.
Denver, Colorado, USA

Born

Colorado, USA

Based

North Witham Assigned to IX Troop Carrier Command, 9AF USAAF.

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

http://www.airspacemag.com/daily-planet/pilot-who-led-d-day-invasion-18…
https://www.fold3.com/image/32145435
World War II Army Airborne Troop Carriers By David Polk
http://www.americandday.org/D-Day/Airborne_Division-Pathfinder-Plane_1…

William Culp: Gallery (2 items)

D-Day, first Pathfinder crew to be back after mission over Normandy

Object number: UPL 28820 - "Photo made immediately after first 9th Troop...

D-Day, first Pathfinder crew. Serial #1 Chalk #1

Object number: UPL 28821 - Chalk #1, Serial #1 - C-47 42-93098 and crew...