Hal:  Thanks for that info on the crew names.  Figured it was a slim to none chance any of them were left.

By the way, do you know if there are any records available such as mission debriefs that one could research?  I assume such reports would have been archived, perhaps at Maxwell or elsewhere on the web.

Thanks again for your responses.
Bob M.

Bob,
 
There is quite a bit of information available from various sources.  Have you considered contacting George Hoidra for a copy of the 1996 447th History?  That would be an excellent place to start.  See my earlier post for his e-mail address.  Also take a look at the white tab marked Research just above where you log in.  Lots of stuff there about sources of information.  I have copies of the microfilms for the 447th and they include thousands of pages of information regarding the daily operations of the Group.  Sometimes hard to read and about 20% is impossible to read but still tons of interesting information.  All depends on how far you want to take this.  There is also another site that has generated a lot of interest around here recently, www.footnote.com , I haven't had a chance to explore it yet but you may want to take a look there too.
 
Hal

I have just found out that at least one member of this crew, George Halstad, is still living and doing well in California.  He is 92 years young and a thrill to talk with.  I sent him the picture and he identified the following individuals:  Front row, left to right:  William Patrick, Robert Bussinger, Theodore Miller, Donald Imholt.  Back Row, left to right: William Grose, George Halstad, Bill Fargason, Bob Murphy (my dad), and William Fleetwood. 

His daughter (Molly Stegner), who got in touch with me, said the picture was a little dark so he did not notice the men in the middle row.  I will see if he can identify them as well.

It was a very emotional and wonderful moment when we spoke.  One which I hope to repeat many times in the near future.  I hope all of you out there are lucky enough to also have this experience of finding someone who can give you some first hand information about your friend or relative.  It is one of those very special moments.

Bob Murphy

Mr. Halstad's daughter sent me a correction on the crew picture.  The names listed for the front row actually apply to the middle row.

Sorry for the confusion!!

Bob M.