Crew Members: William Phillips (P); Lyman Lacy (CP); John Walsh (N); James Clary (B); Marvin Martin (FE); Virgil Kitchens (G); Thomas Walsh (G); Earl Boxter (G); Edgar Pohle (G); Edward Walsh (G)
Virgil Kitchens (BG); Marvin Martin (FE); Ed Walsh (WG); Tom Walsh (RO); Earl Baxter (NG)
- PHILLIPS, William T., Pilot – POW 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- LACY, Lyman W., Co-Pilot – EVD 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- WALSH, John J., Navigator – POW 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- CLARY, James R., Bombardier – POW 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- MARTIN, Marvin P., Flight/Eng. – POW 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- BAXTER, Earl , Nose Gunner – EVD 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- KITCHENS, Virgil W., Ball Gunner – EVD 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- POHLE, Edgar R., Tail Gunner – EVD 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- WALSH, Thomas F, Gunner – POW 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
- WALSH, Edward J., R/Op-Gunner – POW 19 Jan 44 – Phillips
719th Squadron
David Councill was the original C.O. from July ‘43 to 8 December ’43 when he and his crew were lost during the movement overseas. Most of the 719th officer and NCO staff were among the 14 men lost aboard Councill’s aircraft. This placed the 719th in dire straits in January ’44. Arthur B. Swan took over as C.O. and began sorting things out in January ’44. He served as the C. O. until he received a serious combat wound on 23 April ‘44. Charles E. Harton from the 717th Squadron was selected to be the acting commander until Art Swan could reassume the position. When Swan was promoted to higher echelon, Harton continued as the acting C.O. until July ‘44. Harold R. Loughran, a lead crew pilot from the 717th became the 719th C.O. in July ‘44 and remained through September ’44. In September ‘44, William Allen became the C.O. and remained so until May ‘45.
Betty Jean
An original cadre ship acquired 6 November ’43 and assigned to Phillips crew. Downed by flak over Perugia Airdrome, Italy, 19 January ’44 with Phillips crew Four evaded and 6 became POWs. MACR 2326.
MACR 2326
41-28625
An original cadre ship acquired 6 November ’43 and assigned to Phillips crew. Downed by flak over Perugia Airdrome, Italy, 19 January ’44 with Phillips crew Four evaded and 6 became POWs. MACR 2326.
Pictures of Betty Jean
