Maj
Johnson R. STAPLES
Johnston Staples
Major Johnson R. Staples (note: some records list the spelling as Johnston); Station Training.
Assigned to the 100th Bombardment Group
Location:
Unit: 418th Bombardment Squadron
Rank:
Position: Pilot
Additional 100th Service Notes
Status: NOC
Comments: COMMANDING OFFICER, 418TH (TAPS 3-88)
Comments and Notes
Memo 1:
CREW
ONE OF THE LAST AIRCRAFT TO LEAVE THORPE ABBOTTS AT THE CLOSE OF HOSTILITIES. DEPARTED 25 SEP 1945
On the 15th of August 1945, Colonel Jack Wallace, Commanding Officer of the 100th toured the base personally announcing the 100th was scheduled to return to the U.S.A. The last six (6) aircraft to leave with passangers did so under Special Order No #1 dated 25 Sep 1945. Destination was Greinier Field at Manchester, New Hampshire.
The lead aircraft, B-17G #44-8912 was flown by Major Johnson R. Staples. Aboard were five (5) crew members and five (5) passangers. Those aboard are listed below..
Maj Johnson R. Staples Aircraft Commander 418th Sqdn.. CO Taps March 1988
Maj J.S. Robinson Co-pilot 418th Sqdn. Commander of 24 Dec 44 Bulge Relief.
Capt E.C. King Navigator 351st Sqdn. Flew periless 24 May 1944 Berlin Mission.
T/Sgt E.W. Miller Flight Engineer 418th Sqdn Flying at the end of hostilities.
T/Sgt F. Kocher Radio Operator 418th Sqdn Completed Tour 05 Jan 1945 Frankfurt.
M/Sgt J. Klingenstein Passenger Flight Line Chief
Maj Horace L. Varian Passenger Gnd Execitive Officer
Capt William A. Carleton Passenger Group Engineering Officer
Capt A.J. Tong Passenger 349th Sqdn. Bombardier
F/O S.E. Wood Passenger unk Sqdn. Co-pilot
Photos
Staples and the 418th Squadron
Major Johnson Staples leading the 418th Squadron
