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Cpt. John W. "Jack" Kreitz Crew
720th Squadron |
This picture was taken shortly after arriving in Manduria.
Front Left to Right
Jack Kreitz - Pilot
Harold Hilbert - Co-Pilot
John J. Townsend - Navigator
Larry Tiernan - Bombardier
Rear Left to Right
Max Padgett - Tail Gunner
Sam D'Amato - Flight Engineer
Robert Gutfleish - Waist Gunner
Norman MacDonald - Ball Turret Gunner
Donald McCormick - Waist Gunner
Paul Crum - Nose Gunner
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The crew started their tour in September 1944 and completed it in March 1945.
They flew the B-24 42-78645 from Mitchell Field to Manduria and on many of their missions.
This crew was designated a lead crew in October 1944. They flew 15 missions as lead, ( one as wing lead ) and seven as Deputy leads.
They were second lead box on a mission to the Brenner Pass on 27 December 1944 when, for the first time in the 15th Airforce, all groups bombs landed within 1,000 feet of the aiming point.
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Information provided by Jack Kreitz, 720th Squadron
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