This picture is signed by John Ciborski, 720th squadron
I was a member of the 450th BG (H), 720th Squadron from May 1944 to March 1945.
I completed 50 missions as a pilot. I flew half as a Co-pilot and half as 1st
pilot.
My first mission was on May 6th, 1944 and my last on November 20th, 1944. I had
the pleasure of flying with many officers and enlisted men in many different
aircraft during my time with the 450th.
I was co-pilot in the crew of Guy V. Munsey. We landed in Manduria on May 2nd
1944. We were assigned to the 723rd Squadron. Our first order was to take our
plane over to another squadron. The crew was then split up and Lt. Baker took
over as pilot. I was told as soon as soon as he learned the finer points of
formation flying I would be back with my original crew.
I flew my first mission on May 6th, 1944 under Lt. Conklin. When I got back
they called me in and told me I was transfered to the 720th Squadron. (Never
asked and never found out why).
My old crew kept flying with Lt. Baker, on May 24th, 1944 they were shot down.
Five were killed and the rest became P.O.W.'s.
My next two flights were with Lt. Mullhollan.
I then flew seventeen missions with Lt. John L. Jeff. Lt. Jeff finished his
tour in August 1944 and flew home. I was moved to 1st Pilot and assigned
personnel to fly with me.
Later I was promoted to 1st Lt. I made 19 trips as 1st Pilot, flew my 50th
mission on November 20th 1944.
Our C.O., Major Stevens, wouldn't let me go home. He made me his morale
officer. I was promoted to Captain on December 8th, 1944. I did a lot of morale
work.
I finally headed Stateside on March 1st, 1945.
Thank you for what you are doing for the 450th,
Mart Cope.
Mart in Manduria 1944
Mart with camp dog "Skippy"
Mart in Manduria 1944
Cadet Cope, San Antonio 1943
Santa Cerera, 1944
Cope Flying a B-24
That's Mart on the right
Mart in Algiers 1944
Campbell & Cope at a home for
injured Yugoslavian children
