Personnel

CREW

RESTRICTED

                                     HEADQUARTERS 3RD BOMBARDMENT DIVISION

                                                               APO 559



(GENERAL ORDERS)                                                                                                               25 MAY 1944

NO. 147            



CITATION

The following listed members of an aircraft maintenance crew of the 351st Bombardment Squadron (H), 100th Bombardment Group (H), are cited for meritorious conduct and outstanding service in the maintenance of B-17 aircraft #42-3234, #42-31035, #4239867 and #42-31767, from the period 4 July 1943 to 11 May 1944. During that time the four aircraft completed fifty-six (56) consecutive high altitude bombing operations without having to return because of mechanical difficulty or failure. This record was accomplished through the extraordinary diligent and painstaking care with which these men performed their maintenance and repair work. Battle damage sustained by the aircraft required the replacement of three outer wing panels and three engines; stabilizer, rudder and aileron changes, besides the constant preventative maintenance demanded for continued safe flight. Work had to be done out of doors, often at night, and in bad weather. The devoted attention to detail shown by these enlisted men has enabled their crews to go into battle with the fullest confidence in their aircraft. The high degree of skill and unwavering devotion to duty displayed by this crew reflect highest credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States.



Official : Harold D. Wildrick    M/Sgt 33169105 Crew Chief

             Nels O. Davidson      S/Sgt 39176352 Mechanic   Taps 12 August 1992

             Sherman M. Nelson  S/Sgt 37174389 Mechanic

             Arnold L. Schluter    S/Sgt 36476574 Mechanic



 By command of Major General LeMay:



O.T. Dreawell                                                                             A.W. Kissner

Major, Air Corps                                                                         Brigadier General, U.S.A.

Adjutant General                                                                         Chief of Staff.

Distribution: Special Awards



Note: 42-3234 "Little Mike" Salvaged 10-10-43

       42-31035 "Hang the Expense" Salvaged 11-29-43

       42-39867 "Hang the Expense IV"  RZI June 45*

       42-31767 "Our Gal Sal"  RZI May 45



* Later renamed "Boeing Belle" with Louis Montgomery as Crew Chief.. 

   RZI = Returned to Zone of Interior (USA)