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39th Bomb Group (VH)

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Photos
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The following photos are courtesy of Greg Wilkes, son of S/Sgt James C. Wilkes, Jr., Radio Operator (unless otherwise noted).

Crew 43

If you can help ID who is who - please let us know.
Click Image to enlarge


Standing L to R:
1st Lt Edmond "Red" Arvin,Jr., AC; 1st Lt Robert B. Johnson, Pilot; 1st Lt Leonard A. Kuther, Bomb; 1st Lt Glen C. Durkin, Nav.

Kneeling L to R:
S/Sgt Martin McDonough, Jr., LG; 1st Lt Stanley Lapinski, Radar; S/Sgt Paul Kasmer, RG -
Click Image to enlarge



Left to Right:
James C. Wilkes, Radio Operator, Thomas Mayfield, Tail Gunner, Paul Kasmer, Right Gunner (Crew 43) and LTJG Don Robinson (Robinson was a hometown friend of Mayfield's - The photo is taken at Robinson's "Canvass Condo" at the Navy field, Guam.)


L to R:
Thomas Mayfield, Jr., TG; Martin McDonough, Jr., LG and Paul Kasmer, RG


S/Sgt James Wilkes, Radio Operator, had told his other crewmembers he could never see what was going on outside of their plane when the missions were conducted (he had no window). Martin McDonough, LG, decided to give him one and painted a house window complete with curtains radio compartment so he "could see what was going on". His window has a barely visible gold star painted on it.

Click the above image to enlarge


S/Sgt Paul (Kasmarchik) Kasmer
Right Gunner
Over his gunner's blister "Mad Russian"
Click image to enlarge


Sgt Thomas Mayfield, Tail Gunner
"Meatball" under his side window
Click image to enlarge



Tommy Mayfield, TG
& Paul Kachmarchik (now Kasmer), RG
in front of their "Warren Hotel" - Guam

Cathoilc Chapel in the background

Note: Martin McDonough shared that the Warren Hotel was a favorite hangout in Salina, KS.
"it brings back memories"

(Photo Source: "History of the 39th BG WWII")


Anyone with any updated information on this crew please email updates@39th.org

Photo Page 2
Photo Source:Greg Wilkes, Son of James C. Wilkes, Radio Operator