Standing (L to R): George Hansen (B); Ray Aldrich (P); Joseph Brehun (N); John Vest (CP). Front Row (L to R): Bruche Boggs (TTG); Ernst Meyer (BTG); Robert Leete (NG); Jack Powell (WG); Robert Haynes (TG); Veris Way (WG)

Standing (L to R): John Vest (CP); Ray Aldrich (P).
Kneeling (L to R): Bob Leete (NG); Jack Powell (RO); Bruce Boggs (TG); Werls Way (WG); Ernst Meyer (BG).

  • ALDRICH, Raymond R, Pilot
  • VEST, John E., Co-Pilot
  • BREHUN, Joseph , Navigator – DED 9 Dec 44 THE BUZZER
  • HANSEN, George W., Bombardier – POW 13 Oct 44 Mealey
  • POWELL, Jack G, RW -Radio/Op
  • LEETE, Robert E., Nose Gunner
  • MEYER, Ernst L, Ball Gunner
  • BOGGS, Bruce D, Tail Gunner
  • HAYNES, Robert E., Gunner
  • WAY, Veris C., Lt Waist Gunner
  • CHRISTIAN, Tedo R., Navigator

719th Squadron

719logoDavid Councill was the original C.O. from July ‘43 to 8 December ’43 when he and his crew were lost during the movement overseas. Most of the 719th officer and NCO staff were among the 14 men lost aboard Councill’s aircraft. This placed the 719th in dire straits in January ’44. Arthur B. Swan took over as C.O. and began sorting things out in January ’44. He served as the C. O. until he received a serious combat wound on 23 April ‘44. Charles E. Harton from the 717th Squadron was selected to be the acting commander until Art Swan could reassume the position. When Swan was promoted to higher echelon, Harton continued as the acting C.O. until July ‘44. Harold R. Loughran, a lead crew pilot from the 717th became the 719th C.O. in July ‘44 and remained through September ’44. In September ‘44, William Allen became the C.O. and remained so until May ‘45.

42-78273

A replacement aircraft that arrived into the 449th on 3 July ’44. Named by Aldrich crew. The replacement for “Our Baby” was given the last name “TOO,” rather than using the Roman numeral “II”. She was flown to Gioia Depot on 29 April ’45.

Pictures of Our Baby Too

OurBabyToo1OurBabyToo2

OurBabyToo3

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