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Cpl. William K. Gernheuser
720th Squadron
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Gernheuser's crew was formed in Tonopah, Nevada and in late 1943 picked up a new B-24 at Hamilton Field, Ca. From here they flew to West Palm Beach , Florida by way of
Phoenix, Az., Midland, Tx. and Memphis, Tenn.
After a few days in West Palm Beach it was off to Manduria, Italy via Trinidad, Belem, Brazil, Forteleza, Brazil, Dakar, Africa and Marraketch, Morroco.
After arriving in Manduria, the crew was split up and assigned to fly several missions with experienced crews, before flying together in combat.
On 29th April 1944 while flying their 11th mission, to bomb a U-Boat base in Toulon, France, the crew were shot down and forced to bail out 75 miles from the French coast,, in the Mediterranean Sea.
They were picked up three days later by a German amphibeous aircraft...........Read the whole story HERE
He returned to New York City on the Gripsholm- March 1945 and Spent 28 years in city, county, and state political offices:
-4 years Toledo City Council
-4 years Ohio Legislature
-20 years Lucas County Commissioner
He retired in 1976, helped establish the Lucas County Emergency Medical System and worked with them until his death Sept. 9, 1984
Surviving of his immediate family are: Wife-Joanne; Daughters- Mrs. Paul (Julie) Heinrichs and Laurie Livingston; Son- Kenneth
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Link to Crew Picture
Information provided by Stratton W. Beesley, 720th Squadron
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