418th Bomb Squadron
F/O Thomas C. Beisser of the Harold Bayley crew. (Photo courtesy of Brian Beisser, Grandson)
F/O Thomas C. Beisser
T/Sgt. Angelo A. Alfier, Togglier for Lt. Carl Hellerich and Lt. Lee Jacobs crews, is seen (on right) behind the top turret of VARGA VENUS #42-102621 XR-P. This 349th aircraft was salvaged after the July 29, 1944 mission to Merseburg. Photo courtesy of Jeffrey C. Alfier, son of Angelo Alfire.
T/Sgt. Angelo A. Alfier
George D. Sharpe, 418th Flight Officer. Photo courtesy of George Sharpe, Jr. Sharpe crew information
George D. Sharpe
George D. Sharpe, 418th Flight Officer. Photo courtesy of George Sharpe, Jr. Sharpe crew information
George D. Sharpe
George D. Sharpe, 418th Flight Officer. Photo courtesy of George Sharpe, Jr. Sharpe crew information
George D. Sharpe
George D. Sharpe, 418th Flight Officer. Photo courtesy of George Sharpe, Jr. Sharpe crew information
George D. Sharpe,
Photo attached was in Life Magazine in March 1944.
“Nelson R. King, 17064928, Technical Sergeant, Army Air Forces, United States Army. For Gallantry in action while serving as Radio Operator and Gunner of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over Germany 29 November 1943. While manning his gun, fighting off fierce attacks by enemy planes, Sergeant King noticed that the ball turret gunner had collapsed from lack of oxygen. As soon as there was a lull in the fighting, he rushed to the turret, removed his stricken comrade to the radio compartment and placed his own oxygen mask on his face. When the gunner regained consciousness, he was hysterical and immediately tore off the oxygen mask and began to hit Sergeant King. Still without a supply of oxygen for himself, Sergeant King tied the mask on his hysterical comrade and held him down until he had become quiet. A short time later, the copilot found Sergeant King unconscious from lack of oxygen and his hands badly frost-bitten as he had removed his gloves in order to tie the mask on the ball turret gunner. The gallantry, complete disregard for his own safety and devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant King undoubtedly saved the life of his comrade. His actions on this occasion reflect highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.”
Nelson King was on the Frank G. Laura crew, who named their A/C in his honor. Lauro Crew Information
“Nelson R. King
Cadet Emanuel E. Greasamar. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Greasamar's son by way of Keith Buchanan) Lauro Crew information
Cadet Emanuel E. Greasamar
Cadet Emanuel E. Greasamar in pilot training. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Greasamar's son by way of Keith Buchanan) Lauro Crew information
Cadet Emanuel E. Greasamar
Lt. Emanuel E. Greasamar, Co-Pilot on the Frank Lauro crew. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Greasamar's son by way of Keith Buchanan) Lauro Crew information
Lt. Emanuel E. Greasamar
