Bradley Crew

Crew includes: Gil Bradley (P) (standing, left rear); Philip Sheridan (CP); Ken Ebersole (B); Joseph McMenimen (N); Joen Montagna (FE); Robert Fisher (G); Roland Prescher (G); Herbert Clements (G); Paul Biggart (G) (front row left); Franklin Grubaugh (G)

  • BRADLEY, Gilbert F., Pilot EVD 25 Feb 44 Bradley
  • SHERIDAN, Phillip J., Co-Pilot
  • McMENIMEN, Joseph P., Navigator – POW 2/22/44 Bird
  • EBERSOLE, Kenneth E., Bombardier – EVD 25 Feb 44 Bradley
  • MONTAGNA, Joseph W., Flight/Eng. – EVD 25 Feb 44 Bradley
  • CLEMENTS, Herbert R., Radio/Op, Nose Gunner – EVD 25 Feb 44, Bradley
  • BIGGART, Paul S., Lt Waist – KIA 25 Feb 44 Bradley
  • FISHER, Robert F., Tail Gunner
  • GRUBAUGH, Franklin A., Ball Turret – EVD 25 Feb 44 Bradley
  • PRESCHER, Roland J., Rt Waist Gunner – EVD 25 Feb 44 Bradley
  • MILLS, Irving J., Tail Gunner – EVD 25 Feb 44 Bradley

716th Squadron

716logoJohn A. Silverstein (changed his name after the war to John (Jack) Steele) was C.O. from June ‘43 to July ’44. He was followed by Charles E. Harton from July ‘44 to November ’44. Harton had served as the acting C.O. for the 719th squadron while Swan was in the hospital recovering from wounds during May ‘44 to July ‘44. Lloyd M. Bentsen (who became a U.S. Senator from Texas, U. S. Treasurer after the war, and U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate) was the C.O. from November ‘44 until February ’45. Robert Johnson took over from mid-‘45 to V.E. Day in May ’45.

Sophisticated Lady

Sophisticated Lady

Sophisticated Lady

An original cadre ship acquired 26 October ’44 and assigned to Bird’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The “Lady” was downed on 25 February ’44 when Bradley’s crew was forced to abandon her over Yugoslavia due to combat damage suffered on the mission to Regensburg, Germany. Before she went down the crew downed 15 enemy fighters. 1 KIA 9 EVD. MACR 2695.

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

Pistol Packin’ Mama

An original cadre ship acquired 1 November ’43 and assigned to Gil Bradley’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Downed on the 22 February ’44 Regensburg mission with Bird’s crew aboard. 10 POW. MACR 2712. Pieces of the ship were found in 1983 and members of the crew attended a meeting in Austria with the pilot they shot down ̐ and who also had downed them — in an exchange of post-war friendships.

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