Merry Widow

323rd Squadron

Lt. Gorby's Crew

Chattanooga Choo Choo

Serial # 42-31580

Back Row - Left to Right

T/Sgt. D. Fred Pilcher, Ball Turret Gunner, Asst. Engineer; S/Sgt. Frederick G. Parkins, Engineer; S/Sgt. Bernard F. Belletteire, Waist Gunner, Asst. Radio Operator; S/Sgt. William A. Reynolds, Tail Gunner; S/Sgt. Howard K. Beanblossom, Waist Gunner; S/Sgt. Frank J. Thau, Radio Operator

Front Row - Left to Right

2nd Lt. Eleuterio C. Rodriguez, Bombardier; 2nd Lt. Edward H. Wallner, Navigator; 1st Lt. William J. Thurman, Jr., Co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Cecil G. Gorby, Pilot

Photo contributed by

Merry Widow Factoid - This crew of the Merry Widow was not together the day it was shot down on 7 May 1944. The pilots, Gorby and Thurman, finished their tour the day before the plane was shot down.

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