I was an air crew member assigned to a B-17E (Uncle Biff) in the Time period of the Battle of Midway (May-June l942),  based at Bellows Field with 72nd Bomb Squadron 5th Bomb Group.    Anxious to communicate with any personnel (air crew or ground crew) still around, who were a part of the 72nd Squadron and/or 5th Group at that time.

My father was in the 42 Sq. the 11 BG-H as a Armorer 911 during the Battle of Midway in 1942. He went on to Gudalcanal, Santos and the Solomon Islands.

Would you have been in the same place during this time. He served in the 11 BG H 42 Sq. 7 TH ACC from 1940 to 1945 and was at Hickam on 12/7/1941.  

Sincerely yours,
PA.Dutchman

Son of Tech Sgt. Raymond A. Heilman, JR.
11 TH Field Artillery 1937-1940
Schofield Barracks

7 TH AAC 11 BGH 42 Sq.1940-45
Hickam Survivor 12/7/1941
USAAC Armorer (P) 911
Pres. Unit Citati

This comes from Fortress Against the Sun. Both the 42 Sq. and the 72 Sq. flew missions together

Gene E. Salecker, in Fortress Against the Sun, reports on Earl’s last mission as follows:

“On February 1, nine B-17s set out to bomb enemy around Bougainville. Breaking into two elements, the first element, consisting of five planes from the 72nd BS, set fire to a large cargo ship with two or three direct hits and several near misses. Following close behind, the second element, made up of one plane  from the 72nd BS and three from the 42nd BS/ 11th BG, flew through heavy antiaircraft fire to bomb another supply vessel. Midway through the bomb run

B-17E (41-9122, Eager Beavers), piloted by Capt. Frank L. Houx (42nd BS),
was hit in the bomb bay by an antiaircraft shell and disintegrated in midair. After scoring two hits on the enemy ship, the three remaining planes turned back towards Henderson Field but were intercepted by some 20 Zeros.In the ensuing air battle, B-17E (41-2442, Yokohama Express), flown by Capt.Harold P. Hensley, was attacked repeatedly and seriously damaged,necessitating a water landing. Capt. Hensley and his crew were never seenagain. The two remaining planes, flown by Capt. Earl O. Hall, CO of the 42ndBS, and a Capt. Thomas, continued to fight off the persistent attackers, shooting down four planes before Capt. Hall's B-17E (41-9151) was shot out of the sky.

All by himself now, Capt. Thomas continued to try and fend off the
attackers. The Zeros chased the Flying Fortress for almost 200 miles, seriously wounding the radio operator and bombardier, and knocking out the tail guns, and the ball turret and top turret guns. Two engines were damaged, one main tire was flattened, and all of the ammunition for the nose and radio compartment guns was expended but the B-17 would not go down. After three more Zeros were shot down, the Japanese finally gave up and Capt. Thomas was able to make a successful crash landing on Guadalcanal. Having had a total of only four planes assigned to the 42nd BS, the loss of all four planes and three entire crews effectively eliminated the 42nd BS from any further operations in the South
Pacific.”
 

Sincerely yours,
PA.Dutchman

Son of Tech Sgt. Raymond A. Heilman, JR.
11 TH Field Artillery 1937-1940
Schofield Barracks

7 TH AAC 11 BGH 42 Sq.1940-45
Hickam Survivor 12/7/1941
USAAC Armorer (P) 911
Pres. Unit Citati

 I was at Hickam Field and Bellows field only during May and June of 1942 -  I was an Armorer & Tail gunner on B-17E 41-2415, flying missions during the Battle of Midway.  I do know that the 11th Bomb Group was there  at Bellows because, (while we were returned as a crew to the United States on a PAA China Clipper), our airplane (Uncle Biff) was left behind with the 11th Bomb Group - total history of the 11th Bomb Group,  is published in "Grey Geese Calling" By Cleveland  shows essentially what you are relating in great detail. I currently have a copy at my disposal - Please furnish me name and any details of your father's assignment (winner1@bellsouth.net) and I will scan the book for anything relevant.

I have responsed to your prior message in detail.   This account elaborates that message as follows.   The entire history of the 42nd Squadron 11th Group, which contains many pictures of planes, crews, and names of pilots and crews is contained in this book.   I need for you to send me details, names of personnel and aircraft (including Plane tail numbers and I will scan that history for you to detect specific details.  Please do this quickly because I will lose access to this book in about 10 days, from today.