Back row (L to R): Sherwood T. Avery (CP), Roger R. Trumbull (P), Edward West (N), William E. Shaw (B), and Rubert F. Beard (BG) Front row (L to R): Kirby L. Wetzel (TG), Maurice L. Perreault (NG), Tris M. Carta (F/E), John W. LaTourette (R/O), Frank J. Mariani (TTG).
- TRUMBULL, Roger R., Pilot
- AVERY, Sherwood T., Co-Pilot
- WEST, Edward, Navigator
- SHAW, William E, Bombardier – KIA 17 Oct 44 Trumbull (flak)
- CARTA, Tris, Flight/Eng.
- LaTOURRETTE, John W., Radio/Op
- MARIANI, Frank, Top Turret
- WETZEL, Kirby L, Tail Gunner
- PERREAULT, Maurice L, Nose Gunner
- BEARD, Ralph F, Ball Guner
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.
42-51902
A replacement ship flown overseas from Grenier AFB, NH, in August ’44. Assigned to Trumbull crew. Trumbull’s crew placed the various proposed names in a hat and drew one out. The name proposed by F/E Tris Carta was drawn from the hat. Flown to the Gioia depot on 29 Apr 45 at the end of combat.
