Bivins Crew

Front Row (L to R):Frank Lopez (N); James Bivins (P); Harold Jones (CP); Edward Mazur (B).  Standing (L to R): Leon Malinowski (BG); Lawrence Blair (WG); Albert Stahman (TG); oe Greer (FE); John Hebda (NG); William Fisher (RO)

  • BIVINS, James K., Pilot – RTD 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • JONES, Harold W., Co-Pilot – KIA 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • LOPEZ, Frank, Navigator – KIA08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • MAZUR, Edward J., Bombardier – KIA 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • GREER, Joe T., Flight/Eng – RTD 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • FISHER, William F, Radio Op – RTD 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • BLAIR, Lawrence F., Waist Gunner – RTD 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • HEBDA, John S., Nose Gunner – KIA 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • MALINOWSKI, Leon P., Ball Turret – RTD 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK
  • STAHMAN, Albert R, Tail Gunner – RTD 08 Jan 45 Bivins, JK

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.

42-99770

An early replacement ship acquired 4 May ’44. Flown overseas by Claybaugh crew. Sgt. Buchsbaum was on ground crew. Carried combat #61 until it landed at Foggia 7/19/44 with battle damage. Upon return to 449th on 5 Oct, it was renumbered to #77. The “Waggin” crashlanded, cartwheeling, on approach to Grottaglie Field, out of fuel, on 8 January ‘45 with J. K. Bivins crew aboard killing the navigator, copilot, bombardier, and nose gunner.

Pictures of Draggin Waggin

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