happy Masters of the Air release week. In honour of the series due to release on the 26th, I wanted to list a few faces we’ll be seeing throughout the series. I want to particularly note the crewmen of the 100th in hopes this makes sense to viewers who either a) didn’t have time to read any books based on the 100th bomb group, or b) want to read Masters of the Air by Donald L. Miller during/after the tv show aires. My lovely friend on tumblr @kylaym was happy to message me on instagram regarding who’s who for most of the 100th bomb group posts. She gets that everyone in uniform looks the same; same haircut, moustaches, masks, everywhere, etc. She mentioned it is always better to remember a bunch of lads as groups and crews than as individuals!
Here we gooo..
Colonel Neil “Chick” Harding
A West Point graduate and the school’s football coach prior to the war. Harding was a seasoned aviator who truly emulated much of the 100th’s attitude. He exhibited an appreciation for his crew’s mental and emotional well-being.
Major John C. “Bucky” Egan and Major Gale “Buck” Cleven
Two of the squadron commanders, Majors John “Bucky” Egan of the 418th Bomb Squadron and Gale “Buck” Cleven of the 350th, had piloting skills which matched their personalities. (Found top row 3rd and 4th members from left to right).
Captain John D. Brady
He served as a pilot in the 418th bomb squadron and was shot down during the mission to Munster on October 10th, 1943. (Shown here on the far left). He flew overseas in A/C #42-30071 “Skipper” as 1st Lt. Pilot. 2nd Lt’s being Lt. John L. Hoerr [Co-Pilot] and Lt. Harry Crosby [Group Navigator and Captain].
M/Sgt. Kenneth A. Lemmons
He served on the 351st Bomb Squadron and was one of the first crew chiefs assigned to the 100th Bomb Group. After being a part of the U.S. Air Force's ground crew, he was subsequently promoted to the position of flight chief. (Shown above in the front).
Harry H. Crosby
Harry served as a navigator in the 418th Bomb Squadron and later became Group Navigator for the Hundredth, however, his struggle with airsickness often hindered his ability to navigate. (Found above beside Brady on the right). Harry Crosby replaced Lt. Payne on the crew of Douglass.
Payne is found above on the right, beside Harry Crosby.
Lt. Howard B. “Hambone” Hamilton
He was a bombardier mostly known for flying with Brady’s crew.
On the October 10th Munster mission, crew #32 was led by Major John C. Egan as Co-Pilot. Near the initial point “Mlle Zig Zig” was hit by Flak, resulting in the following:
- Sgt Clanton passing away
- wounding Howard Hamilton and Roland Gangwer. (Both ended up spending a long time in the hospital).
- the surviving crew members bailed out but were taken prisoner.
Hamilton is seen above on the far left. Beside him on the left is Lt. James Douglass and Captain Frank Murphy.
Captain James Douglass
Served as a bombardier in the 418th Bomb Squadron with the Everett Blakely crew. (Seen above in the first picture beside Blakely).
Major Everett E. Blakely
Was a career officer of the United States Air Force. He was a highly decorated pilot of the B-17 bomber with the Bloody Hundredth Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force. He is most commonly known for his crew’s plane “Just a Snappin”. On a mission to Bremen on October 8th, 1943, his plane was severely damaged by flak and enemy fighters. He later became the Group Training Officer (Shown above on the right and next to Major John Egan in the second picture above).
Blakely’s Crew:
Major John Kidd- Command Pilot
1st Lt. Everett Blakely- Pilot
2nd Lt. Charles Via- Formation Officer in the tail (SWA on the mission during Black Week)
1st Lt. Harry Crosby - Navigator
2nd Lt. James Douglass - Bombadier
T/Sgt. Edmund Forkner - Radio operator
S/Sgt. William McClelland - Ball Turret Gunner (WIA on the Black Week mission)
S/Sgt. Edward Yevich - Waist Gunner (WIA on the Black Week mission)
S/Sgt. Lyle Nord - Waist Gunner
S/Sgt. Lester Saunders - Tail Gunner (KIA on the Black Week mission)
Lt Roy Claytor
Roy Claytor was part of the 350th Squadron. Above, he may be flying as a command pilot in this mission or practice with the Claytor Crew.
He is seen above on the left, beside Cleven.
Major Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal
Rosie joins the unit in late 1943. He becomes one of the 100th's most reliable pilots.
Rosenthal's Crew:
[Shown left to right; top row than bottom row]
Sgt. Loren Darling - Waist Gunner
Sgt. Michael V. Boccuzzi - Radio Operator/Gunner
Sgt. John H. Shaffer - Waist Gunner
Sgt. Clarence C. Hall - Top turret gunner/engineer
Sgt. William J. DeBlasio - Tail Gunner
Sgt. Ray H. Robinson - Ball Turret Gunner
Lt. Ronald C. Bailey - Navigator
Lt. Robert 'Rosie' Rosenthal - Pilot
Lt. Clifford J. Milburn - Bombardier
Lt. Winifred 'Pappy' Lewis - Copilot
Lt. Curtis Biddick
Lieutenant Curtis Biddick was known as a ‘hard luck’ pilot but was recognised as exceptionally expert and courageous. ‘Every time he went out something seemed to happen,’ said one of his buddies. On one raid he brought his plane back with 1,700 shell and bullet holes in it and two wounded men aboard.
He clashes due to his English colleagues embarking on night-time raids.
Richard Snyder
Biddick's co-pilot and was part of the 418th Bombardment Squadron.
Okay.... So I truly hope this helps going into Masters of the Air tomorrow. I can't wait to see all the bomber boys spread their wings and fly. This tv series is going to be an absolute wreck (in the best way possible). Thank you to everyone who enjoys my posts. Love y'all.
