Crew # 555

Crew # 555
Crew # 555 - planes flown: DAMIFINO , DIXIE, LET ER RIP, TIMES A WASTIN

1st. LT. J. William Smith

1st. LT. J. William Smith

Sunday, April 19, 2009

466th BG. Crew #555 Members Reunited....










Crew #555 taken in Late 1944, Attlebridge England. Planes flown, Damifino, Dixie!, Times-a-Wastin. Crew members as follows: Standing Left to Right: Pilot-Paul Bridgman, Radio Operator-Elijah J. Porter, Waist/Top Gunner-Corodon Norton, Nose Gunner-Wm. E. Gilbert, Co-Pilot- Wesley R. Vawter, Navigator- John Wm. Smith, Seated Left to Right: Tail Gunner-R.E. Weckerly, Bombadier-Tom Hallet, Engineer-Allen D. Miller, Ball Turret Gunner- James R. Attenholt.My Father, J. Wm. Smith, has kept in touch with Co-Pilot Wes Vawter since the war. They lost track of all the other crewmen over the years. I imagine after surviving the war most of the veterans were happy to forget the things they witnessed , ready to put it behind them and go about their lives. My father never talked about his War experiences as long as I can remember while growing up. Upon gaining computer literacy (to a point) a few years ago I discovered some 8th Air Force Web sites which spurred me to begin asking Dad, then in his late 80's , questions about those experiences so many years ago. He opened up and told me many stories of those months in England. I was fascinated and was able to post a few photos and some of his experiences on a Web site. I later started my own Web Blog and had a couple of posts about the 466th Bomb Group. Finding these photos posted here, I was able to get Wesley Vawter to name all the guys in the photo. Dad had forgotten a few of the names but Wes had them written down.
Low and behold the son of one of Dads' Crew Mates saw my site and contacted me to let me know that another Crewman, Corodon (Buzz) Norton was alive and well and living in Florida at age 82. I excitedly contacted Dad (now 92) and gave him the news. I then called Mr. Norton and visited with him for 15 minutes or so. He was happy to find that Dad and Wes Vawter were still alive and kicking. Dad and Buzz will be talking soon. I am so happy that this series of events has occurred. Comrades from so many years ago will be reunited, at least over the phone. I hope that this event will not open old wounds. These men relied upon each other to get through those times and were closer than family, in a way. I am sincerely grateful that Mr. Nortons son, Greg, contacted me and helped connect the old pals after all these years. Thanks again Greg.
Navigator LT. J. W. Smith
Crew #555 Members with "Damifino"
#555 Crew Member....A small guy....maybe the Ball Turret Gunner?

5 comments:

  1. GREAT use of a blog. I really enjoyed hearing about the reunion of your father and his crew memebers. Hope you post more about the phone conversations.

    I'll feature this in the next issue of the Heritage Herald newsletter.

    (I can be contacted directly at rhammans@gmail.com.)

    Reed Hammans
    Heritage League of the Second Air Division
    http://www.heritageleague.org

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  2. Forgot to mention, I'm the grand-nephew of Paul W. Perry, 466th BG, 785th and 784 BS's.

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  3. Thanks Reed....I've been "sleeping at the wheel' and just caught your comment!

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  4. looking for any information you may have or can help me find on 2lt Floyd Elliott, Pilot in Command of a B24 crew in the 466th.

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  5. 2ND. Lt. Floyd Elliot:
    Co-pilot on Crew #613, (Pilot Adolf Komer), 786th. Bomb Squadron. Flew B-24H-15-FO #42-52570."Sack Happy" which was shot down May 29, 1944.
    Prior to that date Lt. Elliot was moved to Crew #630, 786th. Bomb Squadron. Lt. Elliot was Pilot / Co-Pilot with Crew #630. Charles Zavorka was also listed as Pilot for Crew #630. They flew at least 23 Missions from June 2, 1944 to July 11, 1944.

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