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| Alfred Keller - 1943 |
| Recent Address: |
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17760 Highway 71, St. Joseph, MO 64505
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| Email: |
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| Family Information: |
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| Hometown: |
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St Joseph, MO
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| Date Entered Service: |
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September 22, 1942
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| Service Number: |
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O-805845
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| Bomb Group: |
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462nd
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| Squadron: |
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770th
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| Location of Unit: |
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| Missions Flown: |
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| Hump Missions Flown: |
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Yes
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| Targets: |
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Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe, Namazu, Takasuki, Dumbo
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| Awards/Decorations: |
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Purple Heart, Silver Star, Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross.
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| Service Schools Attended: |
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Columbus, OH Jul 1943; Hayes, KS Oct 1943; Clovis, NM Jan 1944
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| Military Specialty(ies): |
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MOS 1093-Pilot B-29 VHB
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| Rank Upon Discharge: |
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1st Lieutenant
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| Crew Type: |
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Flight crew
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| Airplane Serial No.& Name: |
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42-65232 - Missouri Queen
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| Were you a POW? |
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No
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| Were you interned? |
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Yes
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| If so, where? |
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Iwo Jima (after 6/7/45 mission during which dad was wounded)
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| Date Transferred from the 58th: |
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| Date Discharged from the 58th: |
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October, 1945
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| Post-WWII Military Service: |
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| Post-WWII Civilian Occupation(s): |
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Owner - construction company
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| Thoughts on the 58th Bomb Wing: |
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| Comments: |
My father passed away on June 20, 1998. He talked a lot about his service during WWII. I think what he remembered most was the incredible bond he formed with his comrades in the 58th. He attended many of the reunions all over the world until failing health didn't allow it. His funeral was attended by two of his B-29 crew. They had traveled quite a distance and it was very touching. I enclosed a copy describing the June 7, 1945 mission for which Dad was eventually awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart.* The whole family is very proud of his service to the country and the man that he was. They don't make 'em like that anymore. Thank you. (Signed: Dean B. Keller, Colonel, US Army, Retired) GOD BLESS AMERICA
*Copy may be viewed in 58th Bomb Wing Memorial Office.
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Back Row: Alfred J. Keller, Pilot; Robert W. Jurgensen, Co-Pilot; Lewis Patton, Bombardier; Jack Gruber, Navigator; Ivle Lindy, Flight Engineer; Billie J. Gabe, Radio Operator.
Front Row: Raymond E. Stevens, Radar Operator; Thomas F. Harrington, CFC Gunner; William Diaz, Waist Gunner; Steve Mikstay, Waist Gunner; William D. Kinninger, Tail Gunner
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