Old Faithful

401st Squadron

Lt. Mikonis' Crew

Begin the Beguine

Serial # 42-37958 LL G

Back Row - Left to Right

S/Sgt. Douglas K. Deurmyer, Radio Operator/Gunner; Sgt. Richard A. Mehlberg, Waist Gunner; Sgt. Ralph Stein, Ball Turret Gunner; Sgt. Cyril J. Powers, Tail Gunner; S/Sgt. Roy C. Anderson, Engineer/Top Turret Gunner; Sgt. Dean A. McDowell

Front Row - Left to Right

2nd Lt. Peter Mikonis, Pilot; 2nd Lt. Frank E. Pepper, Jr., Co-pilot; 2nd Lt. Will H. Stevens, Bombardier; 2nd Lt. Joseph E. Sullivan, Navigator

Photo contributed by Joe Harlick

Old Faithful Factoid - Nine of the above crewmen were killed when a damaged wing broke off as a landing was attempted near Wincanton, England on 25 June 1944. They were returning from a combat mission to Toulouse, France. Sgt. Powers was not on that fatal mission. The crew was commemorated in England on 5 June 2004.

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