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S/Sgt Richard G. Curry
Tail Gunner

He also researched and wrote "History" for VFW Post 249 and DAV Chapter 64. That project took more than 3 years to complete. Curry also continues to update the books as needed.

His extensive knowledge about the County's veterans along with his personal experiences, have lead Curry to become a much-sought-after speaker for area school groups.

Back Seat: Grandchildren Lauren & Michael and in the front Richard Curry with Gene Wise behind the wheel
In 2001,the commanders of the Butler County veterans' organizations selected him as Veteran of the Year, and honored him at the Veterans Day dinner-dance at the Vagabond Center in Lyndora, PA.

 
Thirty Four Years Later
Richard Curry (L) and Harry Slater, Jr meet in 1979. The last they saw one another was May 25, 1945. The day Harry, David and the rest of the Kobler Crew left on their bombing mission to Tokyo.

An excerpt from Richard Curry's diary states:

May 25, 1945 (Richard went with David to his plane to see him off, wish him good luck and return safely) "I was a gasp when he said, "This will be the last time I see you. I know that I will not be returning. I want to thank you for all that you have done for me and wish that I could be more like you". Richard answered him saying, "Don't worry too much. I just flew my first mission and I returned "O.K." Richard tried to further reassure his cousin that everything would be all right, but he could see he wasn't getting through to him.

David's premonition came true.

On 26 May 1945 - on David Curry's first mission he and 9 other members of his crew mates were lost. Harry Slater, Jr., was the CFC Gunner and the only survivor of the crew. He spent from May - August until liberated as prisoner of the Japanese
Butler County Veterans of World War II

Richard Curry has put three years of hard work into writing and compiling this book as well as a life-time of gathering information about the experiences of others, as well as his own, as veterans from Butler County, PA.

Included in the 243-pages are photos of the veterans and of memorabilia from their WWII days

Profits from the sale of this book are donated to D.A.V. Chapter 64.


Richard G. "Dick" Curry took his final flight on Aug. 5, 2008

Crew 19 Main Page

60th Squadron Index Page
Source: "Butler County Veterans of WWII" by Richard Curry, TG, P-19