Looking for information on PHILLIPS, EDWARD I. JR   CAPTAIN  0-660003
379 Bomb Squadron ?
 
Thanks
George

 This is interesting. You are the second person that is looking for information on Capt. Edward I. Phillips, Jr., a B-25J co-pilot flying with the 12th Air Force, 57th Bombardment Wing, 310th Bombardment Group, 379th Bombardment Squadron. I am the nephew of 1st Lt. George S. Watts, the bombardier on that aircraft when they were shot down and killed on January 18, 1945.
 
     As a result of a documentary that I am currently making on the Collings Foundation and their "Wings of Freedom Tour" ("Collings Foundation - Preserving the Past"), I was inspired to finally look into Uncle George's Army Air Force service and the circumstances of his death, which was never discussed within my family until now. I have found quite a lot on 57thbombwing.com, since they have the complete Squadron History for the 379th BS in .pdf form. But I am still researching (I am awaiting a copy of the Missing Air Crew Report), with the eventual goal of writing the story for myself and my two younger brothers, as well as providing a copy to author Dominique Taddei for the second volume that he is currently writing.
 
     I am interested in finding out more about George S. Watts and his crew members, and the B-25J they were flying in on that day. For instance, I have not been able to learn if the aricraft had a name and nose art (the photograph that Dominique emailed me some months ago is not sufficientlt detailed to show that). Please contact me back channel.

dwattsjr,
George (one1) posted this message based om my  "People Search" post on 57thbombwing.com. See:
http://57thbombwing.com/phpBB57/viewtopic.php?t=192

Chances are, I will be seeing Jay Craddock (friend of Edward Phillips) at the 57th reunion in September. Jay is a retired USAF officer and he has been searching for the family of his friend for many years. I will put him in contact with you. Maybe comparing notes can lead to some fruitful information. Good luck in your search!
V/R
VJ White

http://57thBombWing.com
http://vjwhite.com/JPWhite

VJ,

     I am already attempting to find Capt. Phillips' family for Jay. We talked on the telephone a couple months ago, at which time he was able to impart to me the eyewitness accounts he was told of what happened to 43-27649 on January 18, 1945, on his visit to the base on the day after.

     I am hoping to have news for Jay shortly. 

Best Regards,

David