Personal Stories

of

America's Greatest Generation
For over two years the men of the 488th Bombardment Squadron flew their B-25 medium bombers into action in North Africa and Europe. In the course of the war the squadron steadily battled the Germans, but also prevailed in confrontations with severe weather, Mt. Vesuvius and miserable living conditions. Mission after mission, the unit's air crews exposed themselves to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire in the skies over southern Europe in order to strike their targets -- a task which played a vital role in the drive by Allied forces to achieve victory on the ground. (Mark Lioi, 2003)

Here are a few of their experiences.

Click on the names to read their stories.

Victor Ramirez Joe Byrd

Joe Byrd

Bombardier

 Myron Perry

Myron Perry

Radio Gunner

 

Jerry Gronley

Jerry Gronley

Pilot

 Beryl Grubaugh

Beryl Grubaugh

Pilot

 George Wells

George Wells

Pilot

 

RM Johnston

R. M. Johnston

Pilot

 Jack Marsh

Jack Marsh

Pilot

 Jerry Rosenthal

Gerald Rosenthal

Radio Operator

 

Joseph Karpiak

Joseph Karpiak

Ground Crew

 

William Mally

Pilot

  

Orrin Matthews

Pilot

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

Are you (or someone you know) associated with the 488th Bombardment Group? * Do you have a story, antecdote, experience, or tidbit of information you'd like to share with your fellow comrades, and those with a genuine interest in the personal aspect of what happened while you served in the European Theater? Well, to add your picture and story to this web page, just complete the attached form .

* To verify whether you, or someone dear to you, was a member of this squadron, click on Men of the 488th to see a complete alphabetic roster of the men assigned to this group.