Crew #568, 785th. Squadron- S/Sgt. Frank Cox

Recently had correspondence with Frank Cox , who's Father S/Sgt. Frank Cox, flew at the same time as my Dad. My Father was on Crew #555 , 785th. Squadron Frank's Father flew with Crew #568 , 785th. Squadron. His Dad's main aircraft was "Dixie", which my Father also flew aboard. Frank's Father sadly passed away in the 60's. He shared with me an account of his Dad's missions from another crew member written in 1968. Frank shares the following photos...S/SGT. Cox is 3rd. from left , kneeling. crew #568 ....Crew was Piloted by Lt. Wm. Lee (19 - 20 yrs. old) He was highly liked...Quote from Frank Cox :"The navigator in the crew was Ray Carlson. He is kneeling in most shots – he was the tallest guy. A B-17 gunner once told me that 6 ft. was maximum height for being on a crew. He was 6’ 4 inches. Asked how he made it and he said when the doctor said he could not get into a flying crew because he was over 6 ft., he corrected the doctor and said he was only 5’ 11. Doctor said if he was 5’ 11 he could get into the program and that was the end of that."

Airman Cox kneeling on far right. Ground crewman can be seen on the wing, and fuel lines are strung on the ground behind them. Frank thought they had likely just returned from a mission when this photo was taken. They are a pretty stoic looking group.... crew #568



"Dixie" Jacket Patch from Airman Cox's flying jacket.