Looking-571th info, crew

My grandfather Layton L. Wickizer (Bud) was a ball turret gunner during the war. A couple of weeks ago my mother gave me a small file of what little information she had about him during the war. It contained a small notebook that listed his missions and two pictures of the gentlemen he flew with during the war. We are trying to find information on the men and anything else to share with my new grandchild when he grows up. He is named after my grandfather and I wish my grandfather had lived to see his great-great grandchild but he passed away about 10 years ago. On the back of one of the pictures the men in the picture are identified and I was wondering if any are still living. I would also like to know where to get picures of the planes. The names are as follows, Horton, Philip S.-Pilot, Hayes, Thomas-Co-Pilot, Freeman, Richard W.-Navigator, Johnson, Oliver W.-Bombardier-Toggiler, Gungl, John W.-Engineer-Top turret, Cohn, Sidney-Radio Operator, Sines, Lloyd E.-Waist Gunner, Verdi, Joseph F.-Waist Gunner, Koehler, Sylvester J.-Tail Gunner. The plane names I found are: Chaff Wagon, Boston Blackie/Heaven Cent, The Jennie Bell, Lucky and Gentleman Jim. any information at all would be appreciated.

Thanks.

dheadley -- Welcome into the company of true veterans (and descendants) of the 390th Bomb Group, most likely as a member of the 570th Squadron.. Take a look at the Research section at www.390th.org -- you will find your grandfather's name if you look at the 'Personnel List' and 'By Crew Member Name' areas.

Your grandfather flew 35 missions from June 2, 1944 to September 27 1944. In the 'By Crew Member Name' area, here is the link (although you could do this yourself easily enough). Their format requires single quotes. Just in case spelling or format of last name-first name is not exact, I would suggest using their wild card (%) symbol. When you research in direct fashion, you would want to enter 'Wickiser%' and results will be for all people with such a last name (only one in your case). Your grandfather flew exclusively with crew 90 after his first seven missions. Philip S. Horton produces about the identical profile. Take note that the link also lists airplane numbers -- you can research the fate of those specific airplanes in the research 'Mission Summary' area. As I did you will probably spend hours researching the other crew members and cross referencing flights, etc. (remember to search on 'lastname%' and don't bother with first names until you get things nailed down).

I have my father's copy of the 1947 'Blue Book', The Story of the 390th Bombardment Group (H) -- many unit histories were offered after WWII to members of those units. I recall sitting in airbase libraries as a kid and reading wide-eyed about air, naval, marine and army units throughout the world. The index of personnel in the back of the Blue Book is not perfect and I do not see your grandfather's name anywhere (they even have a small section at the end titled 'Not listed in unit rosters' that has produced results for some relatives asking questions). I'd say your grandfather's history is quite intact due to the fact that the 390th BG museum in Tucson (and website) has him listed.

Hugh 'Skyguy5' suggested contacting Carolyn or Jean. That could help -- please let us know how much more you learn from them versus off the 390th website.
Best wishes!!

Denise,
   I may be wrong, correct me if so, but all of this sounds familiar.  Didn't You or one of your family visit the museum last month (March) and I pulled up a copy of this info.  The museum is correcting the name spelling and if I remember correctly, we located the crew pic and a pic of Gentleman Jim.  If not, Carolyn or Gene can definitely help you out.  If the surviving crew members belong to the 390th Association, the museum can give you their current address.  If not you will have to search through the web site white pages.  Good Luck!
   Too bad this all didn't come to light just a little earlier.  Last month we had a reunion in Tucson, and many of the veterans were there.
Regards,
Hugh