Posted By Philippe in Belgium on May 08, 2006 at 16:10:06:
In Reply to: 8th A.F., 2nd Air Div., 466 Bomb Group, 786th Bomb Squadron posted by S Balbo Kelley on May 04, 2006 at 12:53:27:
: I am looking for information about my Dad, Thomas Balbo(deceased). He was from Cleveland, OH. He was a B24 Navigator with the subject group flying missions from 3-8-45 through 4-9-45. His pilot was Lt. James R. Hinrichs.
: This crew lost a plane on 3-14-45 (over Belgium) but all of the crew survived and were back in action 2 weeks later.
: I would like to find out who the other crew members were (I have a photo I can email to verify), what the knickname of their first plane was and second plane.
: Any personal memories of him would also be great.
: He did his preflight in San Antonio TX, Adv Nav at Ellington Fld, TX, and CTD Univ of FL-Gainsville.
: I also have a Photo showing the entire OTC (CTD) graduating class from JAN 44 out of University of Florida, Gainsville with all of the names if anyone is interested.
: Thank you.
Here is what I get from my good friend Phil Dufrasne in Brussels:
march 14 1945, B24 42-50503, no known nickname,466th BG,786th BS U8*M, Mission#204, Target Holzwilkede, crew#691, Pilot 1st Lt Hinrich James B.
Crew bailed out over Belgium ( don't know where)All RTD a few weeks later.a/c crash location unknown but reported salvaged on march 24 1945.
That's all we have here in belgium
Philippe