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Joseph P. Gallagher Crew
Mad Cap Marge
721st Squadron





Joseph Gallagher Crew

Officers (standing L to R):
Second Lieutenant - Anthony A. Alston - Navigator
Second Lieutenant - Herman J. Simler - Co-Pilot
Second Lieutenant - Waldemar C. George - Bombardier
Second Lieutenant - Joseph P. Gallagher - Pilot

Enlisted (kneeling L to R):
Staff Sergeant William Stricklin - Lower ball turret gunner
Staff Sergeant James Vander Kooi - Tail gunner
Staff Sergeant Everett E. Cich - Waist gunner
Sergeant Ambrey V. Kavich - Top turret gunner
Sergeant Robert Treislinger - Nose gunner
Sergeant Frank J. Dyjor - Waist gunner

Original Crew

This photo is of the original Bottoms Up crew that left from Alamogordo, New Mexico, November 19, 1943.
The photograph was taken by the craft named "Frisco Belle" due to "Bottoms Up" having maintaince work done at the time.

Standing left to right
Sgt.Samuel Belgio - Assistant Engineer
2nd Lt. Maynard I Wayne - Navigator
2nd Lt. Edgar J Hall - Co Pilot
2nd Lt. John B. Kantner Bombardier
2nd Lt. Joseph P. Gallagher - Pilot
Sgt. Raymond F. Welty - Engineer

Kneeling left to right
Thomas R. Lindeland - Armorer
Sgt. Stephen Malarik Radio Operator
Sgt. Charles H Burrett Assistant Armorer
S/Sgt. Lester J Witherspoon - Mechanic
Sgt.- Name unknown



James Vander Kooi, the tail gunner on the aircraft, was on his 17th mission that fateful day of 24 May, 1944 when they were shot down. MACR # 5440
Jim was a P.O.W. from 24 May, 1944 to 29 May, 1945.

Information provided by James Vander Kooi, 721st Squadron
 




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