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| John Bailey and Col. Blanchard |
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| Current Address: |
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813 Young, Nokomis, IL 62075-1459
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| Email: |
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| Family Information: |
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Parents: Albert and Vernie; Brother: Albert A.; Nephews: Albert E., Richard Galbreath, Jr.
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| Hometown: |
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South Haven, Michigan |
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| Date Entered Service: |
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October 2, 1942 |
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| Service Number: |
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36532076 |
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| Bomb Group: |
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40th |
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| Squadron: |
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25th |
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| Location of Unit: |
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Chukulia, India (April, 1944)
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| Missions Flown: |
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| Hump Missions Flown: |
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Two as a mechanic |
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| Targets: |
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| Awards/Decorations: |
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WWII Victory Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Service Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, Good Conduct Medal
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| Service Schools Attended: |
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Sheppard Field, TX - Mechanic Nov 1941 - Feb 1942; Boeing B-29 School - Mechanic Feb 1942 - Apr 1942; Boeing Factory Apr 1942 - Jul 1942
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| Military Specialty(ies): |
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MOS 750-Aircraft Maint.Technician- Crew Chief, 43170 Dock Chief
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| Rank Upon Discharge: |
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M/Sgt |
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| Crew Type: |
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Ground crew |
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| Airplane Serial No.& Name: |
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42-6288 (unnamed) - lost on China photo mission
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| Were you a POW? |
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No |
| If so, where? |
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| Were you interned? |
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No |
| If so, where? |
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| Date Transferred from the 58th: |
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November, 1945 |
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| Date Discharged from the 58th: |
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| Post-WWII Military Service: |
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In active reserve until 1950. Recalled to active duty August 1950 until August 1951. Served with the 509 BW at Walker AFB at Roswell, New Mexico. Got married there. Went to England for temporary duty for three months with 509 BW. Had my own maintenance dock and made Master Sergeant there. Was 43170 specialist.
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| Post-WWII Civilian Occupation(s): |
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A/C mechanic with American Airlines for 35 years. Was crew chief most of the time. Went back to school to get my A/E ticket at Western Michigan College in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Took flying lessons and got my private pilot's license. Worked at small airport until I joined American Air Lines.
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| Thoughts on the 58th Bomb Wing: |
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I saw a lot of the world I would never had seen. I made many new friends. Some now passed away. It gave me my training for my further work in civilian life: 35 years with American Air Lines as an A/E mechanic and crew chief. Also firmed up my love of airplanes and flying. Got my pilot's license through the GI bill. Many fond memories working and flying in India and China. Have picture of Colonel Sanders at my airplane when he took over the 40th BG. That's a story because I didn't know who he was at first and did not salute as was flight line policy at that time. He never chewed me out. Flew ten years with the Civil Air Patrol.
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| Comments: |
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Mr. Bailey passed away August 8th 2011.
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