John F Neyenhouse
MilitaryI'm John F Neyenhouse Sr., 90 years old (April 2010), 91 in a few months, and I flew 71 missions as a first pilot in a Martin B-26 Marauder in WW2. Graduated from Kelly Field, Class of 42 K, 13 Dec. 1942. I was transferred to MacDill Field, Tampa, Fla. Our crew was formed Dec 1942. Lt. Toon was our co-pilot. In June, 1942 we were dispatched to Ypsilanti (Detroit, Michigan) to pick up our brand new B26s. We were supposed to fly to the West Coast. We were told. However we received orders to fly to Savannah and then to fly to Goose Bay, Canada. From there to England. The Wing Commander got these orders piece meal as we went. We ended up in Chipping Ongar, Chelmsford, England, on the 22/23 of June 1942.
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Ninth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 387th Bomb Group 559th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Captain
- Role/Job: Pilot / Commanding Officer
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 387th Bomb Group 559th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
- Nicknames: Hot Garters
- Unit: 387th Bomb Group 559th Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Willingale
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
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Born |
16 November 1919 | Son of George and Theresa [Duquette] Neyenhouse. Video Interview: https://youtu.be/4HmaO704HZs PLATTSBURGH — John F. Neyenhouse, 91, of Wild Goose Lane, Plattsburgh, N.Y., passed away on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. He was born in Plattsburgh, N.Y., on Nov. 16, 1919, the son of George and Theresa (Duquette) Neyenhouse. John graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1940 and attended Plattsburgh State University, before joining the Army Air Corp. in World War ll. He served in the European Theater and the air offensive over Europe, Normandy and northern France, where he flew 71 bombing missions piloting a B-26 Marauder. Having attained the rank of major at the age of 25, John received the European African Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon and the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal with Twelve Oak Leaf Clusters. Following his discharge from the service and a brief career as a commercial pilot, he owned and operated a dairy farm in Peru, N.Y., and later held civilian positions on Plattsburgh Air Force Base as chief of Construction in Base Procurement and later as vehicle maintenance officer. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and a communicant of St. Mary's of the Lake Church. Aviation grew to be his passion as he was especially proud of maintaining his pilot's license throughout his adult life. Infinitely and remarkably patient and accepting of others and dedicated to his family, he was most notably optimistic and positive-thinking and always found a way to infuse humor where it was so badly needed. He enjoyed great books and beautiful music. Survivors include his loving wife of 66 years, Mary (Sullivan) Neyenhouse; four sons and eight daughters, 29 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; a sister, Mary; and a son, Richard. | |
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Enlisted |
10 March 1942 | Albany, New York | |
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Based |
22 June 1942 | Assigned to 559BS, 387BG, 9AF USAAF. | |
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Died |
6 December 2010 | ||
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Buried |
9 December 2010 | Saint Augustine Cemetery Peru, Clinton County, New York |