Standing (L to R): Don Liddycoat (P); John Campbell (CP); Joseph M. Niehaus (N).
Front Row (L to R): Edward Weimer; Steve Patoprsty; Arthur Bensen; Irving Moskowitz; Kenneth Thompson; Harry Spera.
*Not pictured: John V. Mills (B)
- LIDDYCOAT, Donald P., Pilot
- CAMPBELL, John R, Co-Pilot
- NiEHAUS, Joseph M, Navigator
- MILLS, John V, Bombardier
- THOMPSON, Kenneth, Flight/Eng
- PATOPRSTY, Steve, Nose Gunner
- WEIMER, Edward R, Ball Gunner
- SPERA, Harry W, Tail Gunner
- BENSON, Arthur B., Waist Gunner
- MOSKOWITZ, Irivin, Waist Gunner
719th Squadron
David 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.
42-78172
A replacement ship flown overseas from Hamilton AAFB, CA, by Liddycoat’s crew. They arrived at Grottaglie on 5 April ’44. Crashed on night practice mission 10 August 44 with Crossley as pilot of partial crew. 4 DED, 1 Minor injury.
Pictures of Skipper
