Standing (L to R): Gawley (B); Tack (N); Kruckmeyer (CP); Geisel (P); Bottom Row (L to R): Medeiros (E); Mallot (WG); Potts (RO); Beatty (NG); Johnson (BG); Dillon (WG)

  • GEISEL, Joseph W., Pilot
  • KRUCKMEYER, Frederick J, Co-Pilot
  • TACK, David W., Navigator
  • GAWLEY, John B, Bombardier
  • MEDEIROS, Manuel , Engineer
  • POTTS, Francis C, Radio/Op, Rt. Waist
  • JOHNSON, John T., Ball Gunner
  • MATTOT, Maurice G., Lt. Wt Gunner
  • BEATY, J. D., Nose Gunner
  • DILLON, Walter J., Tail Gunner
  • DOERGE, Clyde J., never on load list, on overseas movement list

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.

Lonesome

Lonesome Lonesome Lonesome Lonesome Lonesome

An original cadre ship acquired 19 October ’43 and assigned to Geisel crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. “Lonesome” completed at least 41 combat sorties. After suffering battle damage she was sent to the Gioia depot for repairs in August 44. Reassigned and salvaged 16 August ’45.

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