Buzza's Crew - 603rd Squadron - 9 September 1944
Back Row (viewer's left to right):
  1. 2nd Lt. John G. Blythe, Co-Pilot
  2. S/Sgt. George V. Spraggins, Engineer
  3. 2nd Lt. Michael J. Cingles, Navigator
  4. 2nd Lt. Kenneth L. Buzza, Pilot
  5. 2nd Lt. Irving B. Porton, Bombardier

Front Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. Sgt. Eugene P. Minchoff, Tail Gunner
  2. Sgt. David G. Morgan, Ball Turret Gunner
  3. Sgt. John A. McMenamin, Radio
  4. Sgt. Jack Madlung, Waist gunner

Notes:

  1. The photo was taken after their first mission. 
  2. Since this was the Buzza's crews first combat mission, the crew flew with an experienced pilot, in this case Bill Ganz from the Rudrud crew, 602 SQ flew in the co-pilot chair with Buzza to familiarize him and the crew with combat flying. John Blythe, the Buzza Crew's regular co-piot flew with Rudrud. From the picture, though, the entire Buzza crew which includes John Blythre must have got together for the photo.
  3. The Loading List for 9 September 1944 shows the Buzza Crew as 602 SQ, but his was a 603 SQ crew

Comments:

  1. 398th Mission No. 79, Mannheim, Germany
  2. Crew Mission No. 1
  3. On this mission the Buzza crew flew in the Low Squadron
  4. Aircraft flown: 42-102593 K8-C, Vonnie
  5. Aircraft in photo: probably 42-102593 K8-C, Vonnie
  6. Photo Date: 9 September 1944, after first mission
  7. Photo Location: Nuthampstead
  8. Photo Reference No. BUZZ01
  9. Information compiled by UK Friends of the 398th with thanks to Beth Gaines, granddaughter of George V. Spraggins.
  10. If you would like to add information about this photograph or can provide a better scan, please contact our Crew Pictures Coordinator. Please mention the title and photograph date.





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