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Welcome aboard flak happy!!!! May I ask what ship you flew in.
We weren't assigned to a specific plane, but mostlly flew in a G-model that we named "Magnetic Maggie" because of its proclivity of attracting flak. Her serial was 071, so that's what we called her. Her ground crew chief told me a few years ago that she was still sitting on the field in the summer of 1945. A survivor of all but the wrecking crews.
Crews were assigned to fly when they were needed, and usually the rotation made allowance for proper rest, etc. But if you understand the military way, you know that doesn't always work. We in the 15th AF when I was in Italy flew 50 missions. That translates into 30 actual missions in my case, though I was credited for 51 missions because of the policy of awarding double credit for some missions north of a given parallel of latitude. It made no sense at all: Ploesti, the toughest target we had, brought us credit for one mission!Many thanks on answering the question. I guess I always thought a crew stayed together unless some one got hurt or otherwise. I had a school teacher years ago that flew in B-17's as a radio man. Sadly at the time I never asked him more questions. He taught at DeVry and his last name was McCarthy.
If you dont mind talking about it I was wondering what the rotation was for B-17's. Did you fly so many missions and then take a break or did you fly all the time till you hit your total. Please do not answer if this makes you uncomfortable as I am a Gulf war veteran and have a Uncle that did three tours in Vietnam and understand.
Paul
Sure. If I can answer any questions I'll give you my best shot.Wow, many thanks flakhappy. This explains alot on a B-25 Im researching. Thank you for answering my questions and thank you for your service
PS Im sure I will come up with more if your willing. Thanks again!!!!
Paul
Nice to be able to talk radio so someone.Welcome to the forum, flakhappy. I was a radio operator [US Navy], joining in 1951 and retired in '71. In the
early 50's I was assigned to a Composite Squadron (VC-62) at NAS Norfolk, Va. We flew B-25's, B-26's, A-20's
PB4Y-2's, B-17's and quite a few transport and cargo types. I was an Aviation Radioman [AL] until the Navy
decided to do away with the rate, and I had to switch to general service Radioman [RM]. I retired as an E-6.
Welcome aboard....
Charles