UPL 5616
IMAGEIn January 1945, returning from a mission, enemy flak knocked out one of the engines and rendered landing gear inoperable. My Dad told us how grateful he and the crew were that pilots Charles W. Cleary and John C McArdle were able to guide the aircraft to liberated Belgium and crash landed; all the crew got out without a scratch. My Dad knew French from High School, so he was able to be a translator for the crew. They stayed at the homes of welcoming Belgians until they were transported back to England. Courtesy Ernie Z. Frausto; Photo with thanks to Andy J De Casati
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Units
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator, Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 453rd Bomb Group 734th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-719139
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator