Standing (L to R): McKinley (RO); Mowrey (TG); Wyatt (BG); Previto (NG); Brioli (WG); Fernandez (TTG). Bottom Row (L to R): Armstrong (P); Cordery (N); Abrams (B); Ware (CP)

  • ARMSTRONG, Bernard F, Pilot – KIA 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • WARE, James R., Co-Pilot – POW 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • CORDERY, Edmund P., Navigator – POW 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • ABRAMS, Solomon E, Bombardier – POW 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • FERNANDEZ, Renee , FT/Eng, POW 5 May 44 Armstrong
  • MCKINLEY, George , Radio/Op – POW 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • BRIOLI, Americo J, Waist Gunner – POW 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • MOWERY, Clarence R, Tail Gunner – POW 5 May 1944 Armstrong
  • WYATT, Jackson H, Gunner

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.

42-50307

Flown over by Armstrong’s crew, April ’44, from Topeka. Downed over Ploesti on 5 May ’44. KIA – pilot “Bonnie” Armstrong with ball gunner and replacement nose gunner; all seven other crew members taken POW. MACR 4608.

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