Standing (L to R):Donahue (B); Lober (CP); Anderson (P); Riggs (N). Kneeling: Watson; Leonardi; Justice; Johnson; Biaggne; Kapish
- ANDERSON, Robert C., Pilot – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- LOBER, Donald W, Co-Pilot – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- RIGGS, Jr., Lewis W., Navigator – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- DONAHUE, Hugh J, Bombardier
- LEONARDI, Kenneth Anthony, Flight/Eng – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- WATSON, John H., Radio/Op – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- BIAGGNE, Russell R., Ball Gunner – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- JOHNSON, Robert H., Waist Gunner / UT – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- JUSTICE, Jack M., Nose Gunner – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
- KAPISH, Joseph R., TT – POW 24 June 44 Anderson R.C.
717th Squadron
Edward J. Sass, Jr. was the original C.O. from June ‘43 to December ’44. Shelby McArthur became C.O. in December ‘44 and remained so until February ‘45. From February ‘45 to May ’45, Wilbur Parker was the C.O.
MACR 6403
41-28846
A replacement ship flown overseas by Robert Anderson crew arriving at Grottaglie on 2 April ’44. Name originated at the Dakar, Africa, stopover airfield where the local natives called good luck charms “Gidi, Gidi,” so the crew adopted these words as the name for the ship and added the words “Boom, Boom.” “Gidi Gidi” with Anderson crew aboard was downed on the 24 June ’44 mission to Ploesti. 10 POW. MACR 6403.
Pictures of Gidi Gidi Boom Boom
