Dominick Louis DeSalvo

Military
An airman of the 379th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Swamp Fire" , 1 November 1944. Official caption on image: "(GRP-214-5-379)(1-11-44)." media-413429.jpg FRE 4745 This is Dominick DeSalvo Ground Crew Chief assigned to the 524th BS of the 379th Bomb Group. He is standing in front of his B-17 Flying Fortress nicknamed "Swamp Fire" , 1 November 1944; this is in celebration of "Swamp Fire's" completion of 100 missions without an abort. Official caption on image: "(GRP-214-5-379)(1-11-44)." Roger Freeman Collection

Connected to airman's record using information in the caption.

Object Number - FRE 4745 - This is Dominick DeSalvo Ground Crew Chief assigned to the 524th BS of the 379th Bomb Group. He is standing in front of his B-17 Flying Fortress...

Assigned to 524BS, 379BG, 8AF USAAF. Crew chief for B-17 'Swamp Fire', 100 missions without an abort. Completed 3 tours of duty in ETO and then a tour in Germany.



Awards: LOM, WWII Victory, EAME, National Defense, Distinguished Service and Air Force Commendation Medals.



Post war: Completed a tour [4th] in Germany rising to the rank of Major.



LOM Citation: - "For exceptional meritorious services as Ground Crew Chief responsible for the maintenance of a heavy bombardment aircraft. M/Sgt DeSalvo achieved a remarkable and inspiring record in the maintenance of the aircraft he was responsible for and to the number of consecutive combat missions flown without abortives caused by mechanical failures. M/Sgt DeSalvo has exhibited an exceptionally high degree of mechanical skill and resourcefulness and has voluntarily worked many hours above the time imposed by duty in order to have his aircraft in operational condition for a mission. He has shown a definite talent for improvisation. Much of this time working short handed and without needed tools, he has been able to meet and overcome many unusual conditions that have arisen as well as accomplished major repair work due to battle damage. This is to include several wing and engine changes. By his skills, efficiency and devotion to duty, M/Sgt DeSalvo established this exceptional record of aircraft maintenance which distinguishes him above other men of his grade and experience and reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 379th Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • 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
  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Swamp Fire
  • Unit: 379th Bomb Group 524th Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Born

Milboro, Massachusetts, USA 10 February 1920

Enlisted

Los Angeles, California 10 June 1946 Re-enlisted USAF.

Died

Bellevue, WA 26 May 2016

Buried

Sunset Hills Memorial Cemetery, Bellevue, WA 6 June 2016 Sunset Hills Memorial Park Bellevue, King County, WA

Other

LOM Award

RAF Kimbolton, UK Awarded Legion of Merit.

Based

Kimbolton Assigned to 524BS, 379BG, 8AF USAAF.

Enlisted

Revisions

Date
Contributorcody1947
Changes
Sources

379th Bg Records and personnel accounts

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

379th Bombardment Group Anthology, pg 217 / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia

Dominick Louis DeSalvo: Gallery (4 items)