Front row (L to R): Charles Berfield (N), Arthur Mandelsweig (B), Harry Mahoney (P), and Louis Haberman (CP). Standing (L to R): Max Hackerdorn (NG), Harold McCrary (WG), William Bower (WG), Leonard Adler (F/E-TTG), Douglas Clarkson (TG) and Alfred Dick (BG).

  • MAHONEY, Harry, Pilot
  • HABERMAN, Louis B, Co-Pilot
  • TRIGLIA, Edward L, Navigator
  • BERFIELD, Charles M, Bombardier
  • ADLER, Leonard R., Flight/Eng.
  • HACKEDORN, Max R., Nose Gunner
  • DICK, Alfred S, Ball Turret Gunner
  • SIDIE, Donald E, Gunner
  • CHRANS, Vern R
  • CHURCHWELL, Christopher George

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.

Patches

Patches Patches Patches

An original cadre ship acquired 9 November ’43 and assigned to Gentry’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The crew originally intended to name her “Lil Lassie”. However, after noting that flak repairs had made many patches on her wings and fuselage, the name “Patches” was agreed upon. Destroyed on crash landing, 8/6/44 with Mahoney crew aboard, salvaged 8/7/44.

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