Drinan Crew

Standing (L to R): Robert L. Levenson (B); Edward Drinan (P); James H. Brunger (CP); Henry G. Silverwright (N). Kneeling: Donald W. Harrington; Reginald W. Brown; Frederick E. Albright; Robert K. Parson; William A. Simmermon; Vernon L. Smith.

  • DRINAN, Edward V., Pilot
  • BRUNGER, James H., Co-Pilot – KIA 07 April 44 Bell
  • SIVERWRIGHT, Henry C., Navigator
  • LEVENSON, Robert L., Bombardier
  • BROWN, Reginald W., Nose Gunner
  • HARRINGTON, Donald W., R/OP, Waist – POW 31 Jan 44 Brady
  • ALBRIGHT, Frederick E., F/E Top Turret
  • PARSONS, Robert K., Tail Turret
  • SIMMERMEN, William A., Rt Waist
  • SMITH, Vernon L., Ball Gunner
  • SMITH, Virgil A., Ball Gunner

716th Squadron

716logoJohn A. Silverstein (changed his name after the war to John (Jack) Steele) was C.O. from June ‘43 to July ’44. He was followed by Charles E. Harton from July ‘44 to November ’44. Harton had served as the acting C.O. for the 719th squadron while Swan was in the hospital recovering from wounds during May ‘44 to July ‘44. Lloyd M. Bentsen (who became a U.S. Senator from Texas, U. S. Treasurer after the war, and U.S. Vice Presidential Candidate) was the C.O. from November ‘44 until February ’45. Robert Johnson took over from mid-‘45 to V.E. Day in May ’45.

The Heavenly Body

The Heavenly Body
An original aircraft delivered to Bruning 15 Oct. ’43, and assigned to Drinan’s crew. Crashed and burned on an emergency landing during a practice flight, 7/17/44. 1 DED.

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