COMMENTS & NOTES
MEMO 1:
CREW
1ST LT JOHN D. BRADY
ORIGINAL CREW #32 FLEW OVERSEAS IN: A/C #42-30071 "SKIPPER"
1ST LT JOHN D. BRADY P; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
2ND LT JOHN L. HOERR CP; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
2ND LT HARRY H. CROSBY NAV; CPT (Group Navigator, on operations until end of hostilities in 1945)
2ND LT HOWARD B. "HAMBONE" HAMILTON BOM; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
S/SGT ADOLPH BLUM TTE; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
S/SGT HAROLD E. CLANTON WG; KIA 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
S/SGT SAUL LEVITT ROG; X-FERRED TO "YANK" MAGAZINE STAFF
PVT ROLAND D. GANGWER BTG; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
S/SGT JAMES A. McCUSKER WG; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
S/SGT GEORGE J. PETROHELOS TG; POW 10 OCT 43 MUNSTER
CREW FLEW MOST MISSIONS IN "PADDLEFOOT'S PROXY" 25863 LD-V
NOTES:
T/SGT JOSEPH E. HAFER REPLACED SAUL LEVITT AS ROG AFTER LEVITT WAS INJURED IN JEEP ACCIDENT. SAUL LEVITT WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE STAFF OF "YANK" MAGAZINE UPON HIS RECOVERY. HAFER WAS TAKEN PRISONER. LT DAVID SOLOMAN, THE REGULAR NAVIGATOR ON CREW #29 REPLACED HARRY CROSBY FOR THIS MISSION AND WAS TAKEN PRISONER AS WELL.
CREW #32 LED THE 10 OCT 43 MISSION AND MAJ JOHN C. EGAN, THE 418TH CO, FLEW IN THE CO-PILOT'S SEAT. NEAR THE I.P. "MLLE ZIG ZIG" (A/C #42-30830; THEY WERE NOT FLYING "SKIPPER" THIS MISSION) WAS HIT BY FLAK KILLING SGT CLANTON AND BADLY WOUNDING HOWARD HAMILTON AND ROLAND GANGWER. THE SURVIVING CREW MEMBERS SUCCEEDED IN BAILING OUT AND WERE TAKEN PRISONER. HAMILTON AND GANGWER SPENT A LONG TIME IN THE HOSPITAL.
Subj:B-17 42-5863 "Paddlefoot's Proxy"
Date:11/11/2002 11:04:42 AM Pacific Standard Time
From:dovejoint@hotmail.com
Hello Mike, Do you have any information about a belly landing crash at
Thorpe Abbotts of B-17 # 42-5863 Paddlefoot's Proxy on Sept 6, 1943 piloted
by Albert M. Elton? Also is there any way to find out if this A/C was green
or silver?
Thanks....Jeffrey DeLong
Hi Jeff,
Can you tell me what you are basing the question on? From my records, Paddlefoot's Proxy was heavily damaged on Sept 3, 1943 over Paris. She was with the crew of Lt John D. Brady. We have no account of her flying on Sept 6, 1943 although she may have. It is funny that there is no mention of this belly landing in Century Bombers, :Plane Names and Bloody Noses-100th BG, Story of the Century or Contrails. Would be a nice piece of info on the plane and Bucky Elton if it can be verified. Appreciate any light you can shine on this? This plane was reassigned to the 390th Bomb Group after September 1943. She was an original aircraft of the 418th BS and was a Olive Drab and Gray. She was an F model. MPF 2002…….
Hi Mike, I received the copy of the accident report last night about the
events of Sept. 6, 1943. Bucky Elton did have a belly landing, but it was
from a test flight after repairs had been made to the plane. I am assuming
repairs made due to the damage received on Sept. 3rd… Jeff DeLong
Most missions were with the Crew of Lt John D Brady. The pilot when she came over was Lt Flesher, he was CO of the 418th at that time and then would be Air Exec of the 100th.
List of Missions of Lt John Brady Crew & Paddlefoot's Proxy"
1. June 26, 1943 LeMans 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
2. June 28, 1943 St Nazaire (Flak City) 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
3. July 17, 1943 Hamburg 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
4. July 24, 1943 Trondheim 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
5. July 25, 1943 Kiel 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
6. July 26, 1943 Hanover 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
7. July 28, 1943 Oschersleben 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
8. July 29, 1943 Warnemunde 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
9. July 30, 1943 Kassel 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
10. Aug 15, 1943 Merville & Lille 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
11 Sept 3, 1943 Paris 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Lt John D. Brady
Sept 6, 1943 Stuttgart 25863 Paddlefoot's Proxy LD-V Capt. Bucky Elton (test flight, crash landed)
12. Sept 15, 1943 Paris 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U
13. Sept 16, 1943 Bordeaux 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U
14. Sept 23, 1943 Vannes 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U
15. Sept 26, 1943 Paris 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U
16. Sept 27, 1943 Emden 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U
17. Oct. 4, 1943 Hanau 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U
18. Oct 10, 1943 Munster 230830 M'lle Zig Zig LD-U (SHOT DOWN)
Now some more details about the aircraft: She was a B-17F built by Vega out of Long Beach CA. on March 31, 1943. Assigned to Kearny Neb April 15, 1943, Wendover on May 2, 1943, Dow Field-May 30, 1943 Assigned 418th BS/100th BG (LD-V) Thorpe Abbotts. Transferred to 568BS/390th BG (BI-O) Framlingham. She was sent to the depot at Burtonwood in Sept 1944 and Salvaged Feb 2, 1945 at Burtonwood, England…. Mpf 2002
Copy of material given to POW's in Germany in 1945; from John Brady to pw September 1993
The great Bolshevik offensive has now crossed the frontiers of Germany. The men in the Moscow Kremlin
believe the way is open for the conquest of the Western World. This will certainly be the decisive battle for
us, but it will also be the decisive battle for England, for the United States, and for the maintenance of
Western civilization.
Or whatever today, remains of it.
The events in the Baltic States, in Poland, Hungary and Greece are proof enough for all to see the real
program behind the mask of Moscow's so-called " limited national aims" and reveals to us how Moscow
interprets democratic principals both for the countries she has conquered and also for Germany and your
countries as well.
It is also clear enough today that the issue at stake is not merely the destruction of Germany and the
extermination of the German race. The fate of your country too is at stake. This means the fate of your
wives, of your children, your home, it also means everything that makes life liveable, lovable and honorable
for you.
Each of you who has watched the development of Bolshevism throughout this war knows in his innermost
heart the truth about Bolshevism. Therefore we are now addressing you as white men to other white men.
This is not an appeal. At least we feel there is no alternative for any of us, who feels himself a citizen of our
continent and our civilization, but to stop the red flood here and now.
Extraordinary events demand extraordinary measures and decisions. One of these decisions is now put to
you. We address ourselves to you regardless of your rank or of your nationality.
Soldiers ! We are sure there are some amongst you who have recognized the danger of Bolshevik-
Communism for his country. We are sure that many of you have seen clearly what this war is now leading
to. We are sure that many of you see what the consequences of the destruction of Europe - not just
Germany, but of Europe - will mean to your own country. Therefore we want to make the following
proposal to you.
We think that our fight has also became your fight. If there are some amongst you who are willing to take
consequences and who are willing to join the ranks of the German soldiers who fight in this battle which
will decide both the fate of Germany and the fate of your countries we should like to know it. We invite
you to join our ranks and the tens of thousands of volunteers from the communist crushed and conquered
nations of eastern Europe, which have had to choose between submission under a most brutal Asiatic rule -
or a national existence in the future under European ideas, many of which, of course are your own ideas.
Whether you are willing to fight in the front-line or in the service corps: we make you this solemn promise:
Whoever as a soldier of his own nation is willing to join the common front for the common cause, will be
freed immediately after victory of the present offensive and return to his own country via Switzerland.
All that we have to ask from you is the word of the gentlemen not to fight directly or indirectly for the cause
of Bolshivik Communism so long as this war continues.
At this momemt we do not ask you to think about Germany. We ask you to think about your own country,
we ask you just to measuire the choices which you and your people aty home would have to, in case the
Bolshivik - Communism onslaught should overpower Europe. We must and we will put and end to
Bolshevism and we will achieve this under all circumstances. Please inform the convoy officer of your
decision and you will recieve the privilages of our own men for we expect you to share their duty. This is
something which surpasses all national bounderies. The world today is confronted by the fight of the east
against the west. We ask you to think it over.
ARE YOU FOR THE CULTURE OF WEST OR BARBARAIC ASIATIC EAST
MAKE YOUR DECISION NOW !
THE VICTOR HERALD Friday September 24, 1943
John D. Brady Has Been Made Captain
News comes to the Herald from somewhere overseas, that John D.
Brady, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brady, has been promoted to the rank
of captain.
John Jr. wants to read his hometown newspaper while far from
home, and has filed a written request in that effect with the Herald.
Here's hoping that every issue goes through to him promptly.
THE VICTOR HERALD Friday October 22, 1943
Flying Cross Won By John Brady In Africa
Capt. John D. Brady, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brady, has
been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery in the African
raid.
John, who is stationed somewhere in England, kept very quiet
about the distinction he had attained, and the news came to his parents
through a letter from the wife of his bombardier.
THE VICTOR HERALD Friday October 29, 1943
Capt. John Brady Is Reported As Missing In Action
Notification that their eldest son, Captain John D. Brady, has
been missing in action over Europe since October 10, came to Mr. and
Mrs. John J. Brady of Maple Avenue, Victor, last Friday afternoon,
through a telegram from the War Department.
Captain Brady, bomber pilot, 25 years old, recently received
the Distinguished Flying Cross for his achievements in North Africa. The
date given in the telegram indicates that his plane was forced down
while he was participating in a mass raid over Germany. His parents
received a letter from him on September 27.
Captain Brady's musical talent had brought him into touch
with a wide circle of friends and acquaintances who join with his family
in eagerly awaiting good news concerning him. After attending school in
Victor and being graduated from St. Mary's parochial school in
Canandaigua, he became a student in Canandaigua Academy, and was a
member of the Academy band when that organization won first place in a
national music contest. He played the saxophone and clarinet.
Continuing his study of music at Ithaca College, he was
graduated in 1941 with the degree of Bachelor of Science and was a
member of Piu Mu Aplha, national music fraternity. With the beginning of
the next school year, he became music instructor in the Guilford, N Y.,
school, but resigned that position in December 1941, to enlist in the
Army Air Corps. A younger brother, Pfc. Paul Eugene, is a member of the
Air Force Band at Lincoln, Nebraska.
The young aviator won his wings at Spruce Field, Moultrie,
Ga., August 5, 1942, and was then transferred to Hendricks Field,
Sebring, Florida. Early this year, at Sioux City, Iowa, he became a
first lieutenant, and later earned the rank of captain. He left Kearney,
Nebraska, in May for overseas duty, and has participated with skill and
valor in various important missions. He is the first Victor man reported
missing in action.
THE VICTOR HERALD Friday November 19, 1943
Capt. John D. Brady A German Government Prisoner of War
News that Capt. John D. Brady, missing in action over
Europe since October 10, had been found to be a prisoner of war of the
German Government, came to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brady, last
Saturday, lifting a burden of anxiety from not only the family, but from
the entire community. Although it was known here that the mission from
which Capt. John's plane failed to return had proved to be one of the
most dangerous of the war, the conviction that he still lived persisted
among his relatives and townspeople, and has now been happily justified.
The longed for information came in the form of a telegram
from the War Department in Washington, D.C., which reads,
Report received through the International Red Cross, your
son, Capt. John D. Brady, is a prisoner of war of the German Government.
Letter of information follows.
Mrs. Brady has received letters from the mothers of two
members of John's crew, both of whom have been found to be prisoners of
war, and it is hoped that the entire crew may have landed safely and
will soon be located.
Born in Victor, Captain Brady attended the Victor
schools as a young boy and then became a student in Canandaigua from
which he graduated. Later, attending Canandaigua Academy, he was a
member of the Academy band when that organization won first place in a
national music contest. He played the saxophone and clarinet.
Continuing his study of music at Ithaca College, he was
graduated in 1941 with a degree of Bachelor of Science and was a member
of Piu Mu Alpha, national music fraternity. With the beginning of the
next school year, he became music instructor in the Guilford, NY school,
but resigned that position in December, 1941, to enlist in the Army Air
Corps.
The young aviator won his wings at Spruce Field,
Moultrie, Ga., August 5, 1942, and was then transferred to Hendricks
Field, Sebring, Fla. Early this year, at Sioux City, Iowa, he became a
first lieutenant and later, by his skill and valor in combat, earned the
rank of Captain.
Many friends in Victor and Canandaigua rejoice in the
news that he is safe, but will appreciate his disappointment that he is
grounded, perhaps for the remainder of the conflict.
THE VICTOR HERALD Friday February 12, 1943 Front Page
COL 5
John B. Brady Made A First Lieutenant
John B. Brady, son of Mr. and MRs. John J. Brady, was recently
commissioned as a first lieutenant in the United States Army, the
investiture taking place at Sioux City, Iowa. Lieut. Brady has been
transferred to Boise City, Idaho.
Paul Gene Brady In Medical Air Force
Paul Eugene Brady, son of Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brady, went
into service in the United States Army on January 29, and is on duty in
the Medical Air Force at Kearns, Utah.
This has a newspaper copy
THE VICTOR HERALD Friday December 17, 1943 Front Page COL 6
John Brady Writes To Parents From German Prison Camp
The receipt of a post card early this week, from their
eldest son, Captain John D. Brady, makes the Christmas season far more
joyful for Mr. and Mrs. John J. Brady and family of Maple Avenue than it
could otherwise have been. And not to the family alone, but also to
many, many friends happiness is brought by the news that a personal
message from John has been received.
Writing on November 2, 1943, at a prisoners of war camp
somewhere between Berlin and Dresden, but nearer Dresden, John gave news
of his situation as follows
Dear Mother and Dad,
I am hoping that by this date you have been informed
of my status. I am in good health. Made a fine chocolate pie yesterday,
also some fine stew. Am quite the cook, of necessity. A Merry Christmas
to you all. Love, John.
John's plane was one of the 60 which failed to return
to base from a mission over Berlin on October 10. On October 22 a
telegram from the War Department informed his parents that he was
missing in action. Another telegram received from the War Department, on
November 13, gave the cheering news that the International Red Cross had
located the young captain in Germany, where he was being held as a
prisoner of war. Two members of his crew have also been found to be
prisoners of war.
MEMO 2:
Original 100th, Crew #32.
