Major Jean B. Miller, 603rd Squadron Commander placing Distinguished Flying Cross on S/Sgt. Ray Vicha on 29 January 1945.

Jeff Eberle (Vicha) has determined that there were five DFC awards for the 603rd during the month of January. These are listed below with our best effort as to who is who in the photo.

Front Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. 1st Lt. Mark W. Magnan, Gen. Ord. #55, 1-20-45
  2. 1st Lt. John D. Brandstetter, Gen. Ord. #85, 1-29-45
  3. S/Sgt. Raymond A. Vicha, Gen. Ord. #84, 1-29-45
  4. S/Sgt. James A. Himbert, Gen. Ord. #82, 1-28-45

Not pictured:

  1. S/Sgt. Alfred P. Shadroui, Gen. Ord. #57, 1-20-45

Comments:

  1. Photo scan provided by Jeff Eberle (Vicha) in March 2006.
  2. The exact date of the photo is unknown, but it would likely be in late January or early February 1945.
  3. In regard to identification, the identity of Sgt. Vicha is known by Jeff Vicha. Through other photos, Jeff has high confidence on the identification of Bradstetter, and by process of elimination and resemblance to other photos Magnan and Himbert were identified.
  4. If you can provide provide additional information on the identity of the men in this photo, please contact Jeff Vicha, our 398th Awards Coordinator.