• RUSTAD, Warren N, Pilot – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • GEISERT, Robert C, Co-Pilot – POW 14 JUL 44, Geisert
  • KIRRAINE, James A, Nav – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • BOWEN, John W, Bom – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • HALE, Hubert H, Top Turret – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • FRANKOVIC, Peter J, Nose – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • LeGROW, Ralph, Tail – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • WIDENHOFER, Robert P, Ball – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • SPANO, FranK J, Lt Waist – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • REED, Norman R, Rt Waist – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad
  • KEELER, Kenneth A, Co-Pilot – KIA 13 APR 44 Rustad (Co-pilot of Meade crew, replaced Geisert on 13 April Mission)

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.

41-28833

Flown overseas by Harton’s crew arriving at at Grottaglie on 8 April ’44. Named for Harton’s wife. The new ship was adopted by Group Headquarters as a lead ship. She was downed on 13 April ’44 over Budapest with Rustad crew aboard, hit by bombs of the 376th BG flying overhead. 10 KIA. MACR 4096.

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