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| Russell Elwell in India, 1944 |
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| Recent Address: |
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240 Pembroke Hill Rd., Pembroke, NH 03275 |
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| Email: |
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| Family Information: |
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Parents: Bethelyn and Edwin; Wife: Millie; Children: David and Dale. |
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| Hometown: |
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Pembroke, NH |
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| Date Entered Service: |
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November 4, 1942 |
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| Service Number: |
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11084127 |
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| Bomb Group: |
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40th and 421st AAF BU, Sqdn. T, Crew 2A -- Muroc, CA |
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| Squadron: |
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45th |
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| Location of Unit: |
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Salina, Kansas (November, 1943) |
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| Missions Flown: |
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22 (including first and last B-29 missions to Japan) |
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| Hump Missions Flown: |
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10 round trip flights |
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| Targets: |
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Yawata, Palembang, Anshan, Okayama, Omura, Mukden, Singapore (5), Bangkok, Rangoon (2), Nagoya, Hamamatsu, Tokyo, Osaka (2), Kobe, Japan |
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| Awards/Decorations: |
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Marksman Medal,Good Conduct Medal,Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters,Distinguished Flying Cross,Presidential Unit Citation |
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| Service Schools Attended: |
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Chanute Field -- Electrical Specialist Apr 1942; Seymour Johnson -- Aircraft Mechanic Nov 1942; Boeing Fortress School May 1943 |
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| Military Specialty(ies): |
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MOS 611-Aerial Gunner, Electrical Specialist |
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| Rank Upon Discharge: |
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S/Sgt |
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| Crew Type: |
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Flight crew |
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| Airplane Serial No.& Name: |
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42-24579 Eddie Allen,42-24541 Bombin' Buggy II,42-6281 20th Century Unlimited,42-24740 Harry Miller,42-24574 293 |
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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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October 20, 1945 |
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| Date Discharged from the 58th: |
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October 25, 1945 |
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| Post-WWII Military Service: |
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| Post-WWII Civilian Occupation(s): |
| Building Contractor/Developer; Boat Manufacturer; Supt. -- College Properties; Licensed Plumber; Licensed Electrician. |
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| Thoughts on the 58th Bomb Wing: |
| As years go by my values have changed. At that time, we were young -- "destroy and kill the enemy with no reservations." We, of course, were following orders as we should have in wartime. Now, in retrospect, my conscience kicks in especially for the civilians killed or injured. The experience at times was frightening although adventuresome and it continues to strongly remain in my memory. Of all the many military services, I feel my choice of Air Force was the best. |
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| Comments: |
| It is great that those involved in the 58th Bomb Wing and 40th Bomb Group Association, and other-like organizations are so dedicated. Otherwise, documentation of these historical events may be lost. The 58th BW accomplished so much. |
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| Russ Elwell, 2002 |
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