Standing (L to R): Currier (N); Wood (P); Fenton (B); Lubin (CP). Front Row (L to R): Granowski (WG); H. Smith (WG); Bowers (BG); Knies (RO); Myers (FE); G. Smith (TG)

  • WOOD, John W, Pilot
  • LUBIN, Sylvan H., Copilot
  • CURRIER, Donald R., Navigator
  • FENTON, Robert B., Bombardier
  • AYERS, Wilfred C., F/E UT
  • KNEIS, Norbert J., Nose gunner
  • BAUERS, Dennin J., Ball Gunner – KIA 16 April 1944 – Temchulla
  • SMITH, Gilbert H., Tail Gunner
  • GRANKOWSKI, William W., Lt waist
  • SMITH, Carleton H., Waist Gunner

718th Squadron

718logoWilliam Nosker was the original C.O. from July ‘43 until April ‘44 when he was transferred to the 47th Wing Headquarters as Assistant Operations Officer. Nosker was killed when the 376th Bomb Group B-24 that he was aboard crashed on takeoff on 15 August ‘44. Rexford Tompkins, the original Operations Officer for the 718th, became the C.O. in April ‘44 and remained so until September ’44. Charles Jordan finished out the war as the 718th C. O. from September ‘44 through May ’45.

Woods Chopper

Woods Chopper

Woods Chopper

Woods Chopper

Woods Chopper

An original cadre ship acquired 20 October ’43 and assigned to Wood’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Her nose art, initially, revealed a swinging axe beheading Hitler, with the heads of Mussolini and Tojo lying close by! Headquarters requested the falling head be removed from the nose art (too gory) which was later done. The “Chopper” crashed on near base, out of fuel from combat damage, at Grottaglie on 2 July ’44 with Kirkland’s crew aboard. 3 KIA and others survived.

42-7750

An original cadre ship acquired 20 October ’43 and assigned to Woods’ crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. Her nose art, initially, revealed a swinging axe beheading Hitler, with the heads of Mussolini and Tojo lying close by! Headquarters requested the falling head be removed from the nose art (too gory) which was later done. The “Chopper” crashed on near base, out of fuel from combat damage, at Grottaglie on 2 July ’44 with Kirkland’s crew aboard. 3 KIA and others survived.

Pictures of Woods Chopper

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