![Staff Sergeant Donald W. Crossley, a tail gunner of the 95th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp] Handwritten caption on reverse: '21/9/43.' A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse of print, this has been lost, however considering the publication date, press agency and subject matter this was likely to have read: 'AWARDS TO THE HIGH-SCORING GUNNER. The Distinguished Flying Cross and an oak leaf cluster- the equivalent of two D.F.C's- have been award simultaneously to S/Sgt Donald W. Crossley, 25, of Wellsburg, W.VA., U.S. 8th Air Force tail gunner. Crossley, the highest scoring aerial gunner in the ETO, has shot down 12 German planes in 23 heavy bomber missions. The possessor of the Air Medal and the Oak Leaf Clusters, Crossley added a second cluster to his new DFC within a few days when his twelfth](http://americanairmuseum.com/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/freeman/media-379270.jpg?itok=RZV8YBPu)
Alfred Kessler
Military | General | Commanding Officer | 95th Bomb Group
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95th Bomb Group
Group
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The insignia of the 95th Bomb Group.
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![Staff Sergeant Donald W. Crossley, a tail gunner of the 95th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp] Handwritten caption on reverse: '21/9/43.' A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse of print, this has been lost, however considering the publication date, press agency and subject matter this was likely to have read: 'AWARDS TO THE HIGH-SCORING GUNNER. The Distinguished Flying Cross and an oak leaf cluster- the equivalent of two D.F.C's- have been award simultaneously to S/Sgt Donald W. Crossley, 25, of Wellsburg, W.VA., U.S. 8th Air Force tail gunner. Crossley, the highest scoring aerial gunner in the ETO, has shot down 12 German planes in 23 heavy bomber missions. The possessor of the Air Medal and the Oak Leaf Clusters, Crossley added a second cluster to his new DFC within a few days when his twelfth](http://americanairmuseum.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail/public/freeman/media-379270.jpg?itok=sC3X3Rke)
Staff Sergeant Donald W. Crossley, a tail gunner of the 95th Bomb Group in position inside a B-17 Flying Fortress. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp] Handwritten caption on reverse: '21/9/43.' A printed caption was previously attached to the reverse of print, this has been lost, however considering the publication date, press agency and subject matter this was likely to have read: 'AWARDS TO THE HIGH-SCORING GUNNER. The Distinguished Flying Cross and an oak leaf cluster- the equivalent of two D.F.C's- have been award simultaneously to S/Sgt Donald W. Crossley, 25, of Wellsburg, W.VA., U.S. 8th Air Force tail gunner. Crossley, the highest scoring aerial gunner in the ETO, has shot down 12 German planes in 23 heavy bomber missions. The possessor of the Air Medal and the Oak Leaf Clusters, Crossley added a second cluster to his new DFC within a few days when his twelfth "kill" was confirmed. With shooting as a hobby in his off time from his pre-war job with the Follansbee Steel Company in Follansbee W. Va....'
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An airman of the 95th Bomb Group with a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-102447) nicknamed "El's Belles". First handwritten caption on reverse: 'F/L on last of 365's bases in Belgium other side "Angels Sister" [name struck-out and annotated 'No'] 365 FG C Johnson/icm/75' Second handwritten caption on reverse: 'BG-A 95 BG.'
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Four airmen of the 95th Bomb Group. Handwritten caption on reverse: 'L to R: W. Isaacs (B) D.Merton(CP) J.Bader (N) R. Bender(P). 95BG en route to Africa'
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Staff Sergeant Hillabrant, a tail gunner of the 95th Bomb Group, with his aircraft, a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-29704) nicknamed "The Spook". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'The Spook, John Hillabrant (RG) Africa 4/43.'
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A Bomber crew of the 95th Bomb Group with their aircraft a B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-29704) nicknamed "The Spook". Handwritten caption on reverse: 'Standing L to R W. Clarke, J. Hillabrant, L Glick, E. Bennett. Bottom: D. Morton, J. Van Arscall, J.Bader.'
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Lieutenant-Colonel Harry Griffin "Griff" Mumford of the 95th Bomb Group with a jeep. Mumford has signed and dedicated the image to Freeman: 'To Roger Freeman, one of my favourite authors. Griff Mumford, Colonel USAF, 95th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force.'
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A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-37894) nicknamed "Pegasus IV" of the 95th Bomb Group flies above the clouds. Image stamped on reverse: 'U.S. Air Force Photo 1361st Photographic Squadron Aerospace Audio-visual Services ( MAC)'[stamp] Printed caption on reverse: 'A-26344 - FORT FORTIFIED: During a recent raid over Bremen, Germany by the 8th AAF, a closeup of the new chin-turrent Flying Fortress was picked out of a formation for study. Making the Fort a more deadly weapon of air offense, the softening up process continues unabated striking at Industrial nerve centres of Germany. 95th Bomb Group. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO'
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A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30178) nicknamed "Darlin' Dolly" of the 95th Bomb Group releases bombs over Emden. Printed caption on reverse: '25623 USAF - Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress drops salvo of bombs over Emden, Germany October 2. U.S. AIR FORCE PHOTO.'
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A B-17 Flying Fortress (serial number 42-30182) nicknamed "Blondie II" of the 95th Bomb Group.
The 95th Bomb Group was the only Eighth Air Force Group to be awarded three Distinguished Unit Citations. The first, shared by all four Bomb Wing Groups, was for the bombing of an aircraft factory under intense enemy fire at Regensburg on 17 August 1943. The second was awarded for a raid on marshalling yards at Munster on 10 October 1943 and the third for bombing a suburb of Berlin, on 4 March 1944, the first time the German capital had been bombed by USAAF. After VE Day, the Group transported liberated prisoners and displaced persons from Austria to France and England.
Flew a total of 321 combat missions between 13 May 1943 to 20 April 1945
Dropped 19,769 tons of bombs and 456.5 tons of food
Completed 8,625 sorties
Lost 156 B17s in combat, 36 in other operations
1,362 planes battle damaged and 61 forced to land on the continent
Claimed 425 enemy aircraft destroyed, 117 probable, 231 damaged.
Lost 569 men KIA and 3 MIA (assumed KIA)
Lost 825 men as POWs, 61 internees, 61 evaders, 192 wounded in action; 63 killed in noncombat accidents
Total casualties: 1,774
- Commanding officers
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Karl Truesdell
Military | Colonel | Command Pilot | 95th Bomb Group
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Chester Gilger
Military | Colonel | On Board ; Observer | 95th Bomb Group
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Jack Shuck
Military | Colonel | Commander, 95th Bomb Group, 452nd Bomb Group, Base Commander | 452nd Bomb Group
Deputy C/S for Operations, 3rd Air Division, Deputy C/S for Operations, 92nd Combat Bomb Wing. Commander 95th Bomb Group 15 October 1944 - April 1945. Commander 452nd Bomb Group, 6 June 1945 - July 1945. -
John Gerhart
Military | Colonel | Wing Commander/Group Commander/Pilot | 95th Bomb Group
Retired from the USAF in 1965 as a 4-star General ... -
Robert Stuart
Military | Lieutenant Colonel | Group Commander | 95th Bomb Group
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Structure
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4th Combat Bomb Wing
Wing
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4th Bomb Wing
Wing
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- Encompassing
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334th Bomb Squadron
Squadron
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335th Bomb Squadron
Squadron
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336th Bomb Squadron
Squadron
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412th Bomb Squadron
Squadron
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Headquarters (95th Bomb Group)
Headquarters
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- Previously was
- Not yet known
- Became
- Not yet known
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VIII Bomber Command 55
13 May 1943
The large fighter sweeps of the last several weeks have not been successful in drawing any significant numbers of German fighters in opposition. So, if the German will not send his fighters up for a one-on-one confrontation with the American P-47s,... -
VIII Bomber Command 56
14 May 1943
Today's operations will be the most extensive yet mounted by VIII Bomber Command. The operations call for a "maximum effort". Whereas in the past a single target or those close together have been chosen, today's effort is against widley separated... -
VIII Bomber Command 57
15 May 1943
The missions of VIII Bomber Command are becoming more sophisticated. The primary stratgic target for today is the U-Boat pens, marshalling yards and Luftwaffe airfield at Emden, Germany. The resistance of Luftwaffe fighters is a primary concern for the... -
VIII Bomber Command 58
17 May 1943
VIII Bomber Command launches another operation against German U-Boat facilities with three elements. The first element is a formation of 100 B-17s despatched from: 91BG (24); 92BG (10); 303BG (21); 305BG (21) and 306BG (24) to attack the German U-Boat... -
VIII Bomber Command 59
19 May 1943
The German naval bases at Kiel and Flensburg, Germany are the two primary targets for this mission. A force of 123 B-17s is despatched from: 91BG (19); 92BG (10); 303BG (27); 305BG (22); 306BG (24) and 351BG (21) to bomb the naval facilities at Kiel,... -
VIII Bomber Command 60
21 May 1943
The German naval and port facilities at Wilhelmshaven and Emden, Germany are the two primary targets for this mission. Once again, there is a two-fold strategic objective: entice the Luftwaffe to commit its fighter forces; and further degrade the naval... -
VIII Bomber Command 61
29 May 1943
Three primary targets are selected for this mission. The U-Boat pens at St. Nazaire, France are selected as the target for a force of 169 B-17s despatched from: 91BG (23); 92BG (22), 303BG (30); 305BG (25) 306BG (24); 351BG (21) and 379BG (24). This is... -
VIII Bomber Command 62
11 June 1943
The harbour facilities, port areas and U-Boat pens at Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven, Germany are the primary targets for this mission. This is the largest number of heavy bombers yet despatched on a single mission - 252. This is the first mission flown... -
VIII Bomber Command 63
13 June 1943
German naval facilities and port areas at Bremen, Germany and Kiel, Germany are the primary targets for this mission. A formation of 151 B-17s despatched from: 91BG (21); 92BG (17); 303BG (27); 305BG (24); 306BG (28); 351BG (21); and 379BG (13) are to... -
VIII Bomber Command 65
22 June 1943
The German rubber industry (Chemische Werke Hüls AG) at Marl (district Hüls-Nord), Germany, is the primary objective of this mission and is assigned to the Bomb Groups with the most expericence. Also the industrial area of Antwerp, Belgium is assigned... -
Orville Aasen
Military | Technical Sergeant | Radio Operator | 95th Bomb Group
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Jack Abadie
Military | Sergeant | Bombardier, Nose Gunner | 95th Bomb Group
Crashed at Sommerda on 10/7/44 in B-17 'Tornado Jr' #42-107050, Prisoner of War (POW). -
Frank Abbadessa
Military | Staff Sergeant | Radio Operator, Radio Operator Gunner | 95th Bomb Group
Shot down 11 December 1943 in B-17 #42-30182 'Blondie II'. Killed in Action (KIA). -
Dean Abbe
Military | Staff Sergeant | Tail Gunner | 95th Bomb Group
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Emory Abbott
Military | Sergeant | Air Engineering Squadron | 95th Bomb Group
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Raymond Abbott
Military | First Lieutenant | Co-Pilot | 95th Bomb Group
April 5, 1943, crew ditched B-17 #42-3121 due to engine failure. All crew got out safely, were spotted within four hours and picked up within 7 hours and returned to England. -
Richard Abbott
Military | 95th Bomb Group
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Joseph Abell
Military | 95th Bomb Group
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Adolph Abraham
Military | Technical Sergeant | 95th Bomb Group
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Melford Abraham
Military | First Lieutenant | Co-Pilot; Pilot | 95th Bomb Group
Missions from 4/19/44-9/9/44; 18 missions as co-pilot, 15 missions 1st pilot, own crew. Longest mission--Brux, CzeckoslovaKilled in Action (KIA) 5/12/44; Roughest mission--Leipzig, Germany 8/16/44. Finished full tour 33 missions (lead crews flew only... -
42-97194 'Good Pickin'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 5/2/44; Kearney 24/2/44; Presque Is 11/3/44; Assigned 336BS/95BG [ET-O] Horham 11/3/44; with G.M. Jackman force landed B-53 Merville, Belg., 10/5/45; with Lt Henderson force landed A-70 Laon, France 20/5/45; 114m Returned to the USA... -
41-24416 'Black Diamond Express'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Assigned 326BS/92BG Bangor 16/7/42; 95BG Horham /43; 359BS/303BG [BN-V] Molesworth, 17/6/43; Returned to the USA Sheppard 5/7/44; Reconstruction Finance Corporation (sold for scrap metal in USA) Walnut Ridge 26/10/45. BLACK DIAMOND EXPRESS. -
42-102427
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 2/3/44. Kearney 25/3/44. Grenier 2/4/44. Assigned 336BS/95BG [ET-C] Horham 7/4/44 Battle damaged Mainz 9/10/44 with Taylor; force landed France, 9RTD. Salvaged 14/11/44. -
42-102447 'El's Belles'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Dow Fd 4/4/44; Assigned 334BS/95BG [BG-A] Horham 6/4/44; with L.J. Price, force landed 4/8/44 sal; with M.S. Roy force landed Framlingham AFB 25/12/44; with H. Rivet force landed France 20/2/45; with J.E.... -
42-102450 'Paisano'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Kearney 22/3/44; Dow Fd 7/4/44; Assigned 96BG Snetterton 7/4/44; transferred 336BS/95BG Horham 8/4/44; with W. G. Helm force landed A-71 Clastres, France 29/12/44; 85m, Missing in Action Chemnitz 3/3/45 with Bob Duncan, Co... -
42-102455 'Lucky Lady' 'Screaming Eagle'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 4/3/44; Gt Falls 6/3/44; Cheyenne 4/4/44; Hunter 18/4/44; Grenier 5/5/44; Assigned 335BS/95BG [OE-Z] Horham 8/5/44 LUCKY LADY; with H.E. Hansen force landed B-58 Melsbroek, Bel 6/2/45; with G.T. Purdy force landed A-96 Toul-Ochey,... -
42-102560 'The Thomper'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 14/3/44; Gr Island 1/4/44; Dow Fd 8/4/44; Assigned 334BS/95BG [BG-X] Horham 11/4/44; 62m, Missing in Action Merseburg 30/11/44 with Chas Wicker, Co-pilot: Alf Rivas, Navigator: Fred Johnson, Bombardier: Warren Briggs, Radio Operator:... -
42-102667 'Yankee Wine'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 24/3/44; Hunter 16/4/44; Grenier 28/4/44; Assigned 334BS/95BG [BG-C] Horham 3/5/44; 4m, transferred 351BS/100BG [EP-J] Thorpe Abbotts 8/6/44; Missing in Action Merseburg 29/7/44 with Bob Schomp, Co-pilot: Henry Preher, Navigator: Bob... -
42-102678 'Ole Worrybird'
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 25/3/44; Hunter 16/4/44; Grenier 29/4/44; Assigned 334BS/95BG [BG-R] Horham 3/5/44; 42m, Missing in Action Merseburg 2/11/44 with Willis Pozola, Co-pilot: Barton McNeill, Navigator: Bob Strachen, Bombardier: Bill Livingstone, Flight... -
42-102700 "I'll Get By"
B-17 Flying Fortress
Delivered Cheyenne 26/3/44; Hunter 16/4/44; Dow Fd 3/5/44; Assigned 412BS/95BG [QW-Z] Horham 4/5/44; 22m, Missing in Action Paris 2/8/44 with Capt Bob Baber, Co-pilot: Jasper Kaylor, Navigator: Ray Dallas, Bombardier: Frank Sohm, Flight engineer/top...
Missions
Stations
| Station | Location | Date |
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| Based | Alconbury | 15 April 1943 – 1 June 1943 |
| Based | Framlingham | 12 May 1943 – 15 June 1943 |
| Based | Horham | 15 June 1943 – 3 August 1945 |
Connections
People
Aircraft
Citations
None
Revisions
| Date | Contributor | Update |
|---|---|---|
| 02 November 2016 16:42:43 | Mark Erickson | Changes to citations and stations |
| Sources | ||
I am the son of Lt. Ernest Anders Erickson and his Biographer |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 27 June 2016 00:38:52 | MSP | Changes to media associations |
| Sources | ||
MSP |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 08 October 2015 17:40:06 | FullHouse | Changes to mission associations and media associations |
| Sources | ||
Add 412 Bomb Squadron and 95th Bomb Group patches |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 19 September 2015 15:32:36 | mdgtmstng | Changes to motto, insignia and mission associations |
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Motto, as taken from group patch insignia. Tail marking was the letter B on a square background (a white square with a black B on camouflaged aircraft, and a black square with a white B on unpainted/natural aluminum aircraft. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 07 April 2015 20:53:43 | simaguire | Changes to description and mission associations |
| Sources | ||
B17s Over Berlin: Personal stories from the 95th bomb group |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 06 April 2015 20:48:13 | simaguire | Changes to commanding officers associations, mission associations and stations |
| Sources | ||
From: B-17s Over Berlin - Personal stories from the 95th bomb group. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 06 April 2015 20:33:28 | simaguire | Changes to insignia, aircraft types, mission associations and stations |
| Sources | ||
From: B-17s Over Berlin - Personal stories from the 95th bomb group. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 13 March 2015 15:31:40 | rossingtonj | Changes to type and mission associations |
| Sources | ||
Type added. |
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| Date | Contributor | Update |
| 27 September 2014 18:42:46 | AAM | AAM ingest |
| Sources | ||
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database / The Mighty Eighth. A History of the Units, Men and Machines of the US 8th Air Force.' by Roger A. Freeman (1989). 'Air Force Combat Units of World War II' compiled by the Department of the US Air Force, edited by Maurice Maurer (1983). / Units in the UK from ETOUSA Station List, as transcribed by Lt. Col. Philip Grinton (US Army, Retired) and extracted by IWM; air division data from L.D. Underwood, based on the 8th Air Force Strength Report of 6th August 1944, as published in 'The 8th Air Force Yearbook' by Lt. Col. John H Woolnough (1980) |
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