Donald W Hamaker

Military

Completed 36 combat missions from February 3, (Berlin) through April 16, 1945. Piloted "Lady Gay" to bomb Chemnitz but was forced down by flak in Ghent, Bel. on February 6, 1945. All crew survived. Flew A/C back to Deopham Green following repairs. Flew an additional 3 'Operation Chow Hound' food drops into Holland in early May, 1945. Awarded DFC, Air Medal (with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters). Remained in the USAF Reserve serving last with 728th MAS/452 MAW at March AFB Calif. Retired Lt. Col. USAF(R) in 1968.

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Units served with

The insignia of the 452nd Bomb Group.
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Lady Gay
  • Unit: 452nd Bomb Group 730th Bomb Squadron

Missions

Places

Revisions

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Hamaker Family records

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Service and Personnel Files

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Military Personnel files

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1999 Unit Roster / Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia