401st Bomb Group (H) Association
The best damned outfit in the USAAF!
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Jo Dove
8/4/2003 7:29:26 PM
I have a news paper account where he was given a third oak leaf cluster for exceptional meritorious achievement for combat missions. This was my dad, does anyone remember him?
If so feel free to email me stickmamajo@aol.com
Scott McElvain
8/5/2003 11:53:02 PM
My dad was in the 612th, so it's not like I would have known him, but if you know what crew he was on, we can certainly do some more research on him.  I'll start looking through my squadron books to see if I can find him.
Donald A. Byers
8/13/2003 2:17:15 PM
Father with 615th BS, 401 BG (H)
Go to the History page and under 615th look for pilot's name and will give all the missions!

Pilot       1st Lt. C.P. Djernes
co-pilot    2nd Lt. R.H. Spiva
Navigaror   2nd Lt. J.F. Canale
Togglier    S/Sgt.  G.A. Reiher  
Radio Ops   S/Sgt.  L. LaCourse
Engineer    T/Sgt.  D. Chiu
Ball Turret S/Sgt   R.H. Bill
Tail Gunner S/Sgt.  O.R. Akins
Waist Gunner S/Sgt  A.E. Wagner

Sorry no other names show in the 2000 Membership directory.
Jo Dove
8/14/2003 8:09:30 PM
Thank you so much for your help. I was beginning to wonder if he ever really existed. He died about 20 years ago, and I only saw him once or twice since I was 4 years old. I only have stories and very few memories of my own. If anyone else has any thing I would love to hear it. I did find the picture on the history page. That is him alright!
Donald Byers
8/15/2003 12:54:29 PM
Was glad to help you out Joe.

Don Byers
Scott McElvain
8/23/2003 1:25:58 AM
Just to let you know.  A number of the planes that your dad flew on have negatives on file with the National Archives.  Between my dad's records and the crew list, I was able to get pictures of several of the planes he flew.  If you are interested in something like that, let me know.
Arlin Akins
11/7/2003 1:58:57 AM
He was my grandfather, the lady doing the questions is my Aunt. I would love to see some of those pics! All I've got is stories and pictures, and those would be a great addition.