Jim Mike Tolleson
Military
All named and Identified are Ground Crewmen/Personnel of "Swamp Fire" 42-32024 524th BS, 379th BG
L-R: Quarterback-Unknown; Sgt Jim Mike Tolleson-Mechanic, T/Sgt Berj Bejian-Engineer/TTG, Unidentified (Back to Camera), Sgt Seymour Romoff-Mechanic/Eng, Rube Cohn-Armorer, Sgt Joseph Simmonette-Mechanic/Asst. Ground Crew Chief, Unidentified- (Thought to be Henry Gerhart Mechanic but unconfirmed as of yet.).
B-17 Flying Fortress to right of bell tent is (serial number 42-38141) nicknamed 'Pansy Yokum', to left of tent is (serial number 42-39828) nicknamed "Penny Ante"
Research of records; photo recognition and verification from family
Object Number - UPL 18729 - During off duty hours members of the 379th Bomb Group participate in a spirited game of football at an 8th Air Force Base in England, 20 April 1944....
Assigned to 524BS, 379BG, 8AF USAAF. Ground crew for B-17 'Swamp Fire', 100 missions without an abort. ETD
Awards: WWII Victory, EAME.
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Aircraft
![A bomber crew of the 379th Bomb Group, and their mascot "Scragg", with their B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-32024) nicknamed "Swamp Fire". Image via Byron Clark. A printed caption has been attached to the reverse: 'Swamp Fire First Crew. Kimbolton, May 1 1944 [handwritten annotation to this says: 'Photo Taken.']. Rear Row, L to R. Berj Bejian- Engineer & Top Turret, Roy Avery- Waist Gunner, Andrew Stroman- Ball Turret, John Rose- Waist Gunner, Elijah Lewis- Tail Gunner, Edward Pryzybyla- Radio Gun](https://assets.americanairmuseum.com/s3fs-public/styles/teaser_thumb_x2/public/freeman/media-380040.jpg.webp?itok=ECA71LeY)
- Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
- Nicknames: Swamp Fire
- Unit: 379th Bomb Group 524th Bomb Squadron
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Born |
Howard County, Arkansas | 3 October 1921 | Son of Augustis and Pearl Ofelia [Tribble] Tolleson. |
|
Enlisted |
Little Rock, AR | 20 August 1942 | Little Rock, Arkansas |
|
Other Discharged USAAF |
13 September 1945 | Honourable discharge. | |
|
Died |
Nashville, AR | 25 October 1968 | |
|
Buried |
County Line Cemetery, Nashville, AR | County Line Cemetery Nashville, Howard County, AR | |
|
Based |
Kimbolton | Assigned to 524BS, 379BG, 8AF USAAF. |
