Members not identified in photo
Standing (L to R): Jack Newman (R/O), L. A. Flinn (G), and Frank Riggs (G). Kneeling (L to R): George Parks (B), John McCarthy (N), Joseph Whitlock (CP), Warren Ridgeway (P), George Potts (F/E), and John Colson (G).
- RIDGEWAY, Warren H., Pilot – KIA 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- WHITLOCK, Joseph C., Co-Pilot – KIA 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- McCARTHY, John P., Navigator
- PARKS, George H., Bombardier – KIA 2 April 44 Starr
- POTTS, George T, Flight/Eng – KIA 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- NEWMAN, Jack B, Radio/Op – POW 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- COLSON, John P., Nose Gunner – KIA 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- FLINN, L. A., Gunner
- RIGGS, Frank A., Waist Gunner – POW 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- TRIPP, LeRoy E., Gunner – POW 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway
- RABENT, Raymond J, Gunner – POW 24 Mar 44 Ridgeway (Not OC)
717th Squadron
Edward J. Sass, Jr. was the original C.O. from June ‘43 to December ’44. Shelby McArthur became C.O. in December ‘44 and remained so until February ‘45. From February ‘45 to May ’45, Wilbur Parker was the C.O.
Thunder Bay Babe
An original cadre ship acquired 15 October ’43 and assigned to Ridgeway’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. The “Babe” went down with Ridgeway’s crew aboard on the mission of 24 March ’44 against Steyr Austria Ì 6 KIA 4 POW. MACR 3469. [Note: A bond drive in Alpena, Michigan raised the money to “buy this bomber.” Thunder Bay is on Lake Huron, Alpena, Michigan.]
MACR 3469
