• WOODLE, John C., Pilot – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • BRYAN, William C., Co-Pilot – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • DICKSON, Vernon C., Navigator
  • MOREY, Howard R., Bombardier – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • RUSH, Lewis M., F/E – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • SUMPTER, Frank I., Nose Turret – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • FINK, William D., Ball Turret – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • CALDWELL, Vernon C., Tail Turret – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • WILLIAMS, Clifford H., Rt Waist – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle
  • BURT, Doyce V., Lt Waist – POW 22 Feb 44 Woodle

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.

Guardian Angel

An original cadre ship acquired 15 October ’43, and assigned to Woodle’s crew who flew her overseas in December ’43. She was downed on the 22 February ’44 Regensburg mission with Woodle’s crew aboard. 11 POW. MACR 03174.

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