This section contains several subsections with different categories of historical information for the 385th BG.The information is drawn from several different sources which has resulted in some minor discrepancies, Every effort has been made to resolve these, but where no clear resolution is apparent, the differences remain.
Perhaps the most significant information is available in The Airman Database contained in this section of the website. It was created from a
ROSTER OF AIRMEN
Of the
385th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force
in World War II
Compiled by Bill Varnedoe
These data were taken from the Loading Lists of the 385th BG combat missions missions, preserved in the U. S. National Archives in College Park, MD. There is an entry for each credited mission which that individual flew. However, aborted missions, training missions, slow-timing engines, etc. are not entered. Please note: In the original records there were many typos and mis-spelled names. Therefore, in searching for an individual or tabulating his tour of combat, check other possible spellings or sound-alike spellings. These are combat airmen only, both enlisted men and officers. Ground personnel, mechanics, MPs, clerks, medical, etc., are not included, however, some flight photographers are.
The names are in alphabetical order, then by mission. Each entry contains, in order:
1. Name (Last, first)
2. Position on the crew (P=Pilot, CP=Co-pilot, CA=Command Pilot, N=Navigator, B=Bombardier, CTG=Chin Turret Gunner, TTG=Top Turret Gunner & Engineer, RO=Radio Operator. BTG=Ball Turret Gunner, TG=Tail Gunner, WGL=Waist Gunner Left, WGR=Waist Gunner Right, G=Gunner, O=Observer, F=Photographer, X=Extra, MO=Mickey (radar) Operator), RC=Radio Control.
3. 385th Mission Number
4. Date of that mission
5. Crew (Pilot)
6. B-17 flown (Serial Number)
7. Name of that B-17, if known.
Other publications, such as “The 385th Bomb Group, 8th Army Air Force WW II History and Data” by W. W. Varnedoe and Charles Lundsberg III may furnish other information and/or pictures.