Plane # 40-2247

Crew from 37th Squadron, 17th Group - (Bail Out)

Despite heavy anti-aircraft fire Lieutenant McElroy and crew attacked the Yokosuka Naval Base to bomb enemy shipping and supplies. One Japanese ship took a direct hit and was seen to fall over on its side, and a second was sheathed in flames when the B25 continued west towards China. The crew successfully bailed out over land and the only injury was a wrenched knee suffered by Sergeant Williams. The crew arrived at Chuhshei three days later thanks to help from local friendly Chinese. The entire crew remained in Indo-China to fly missions for more than a year, and all five crew members survived the war despite an enviable record of combat missions.

Mc Elroy Edgar E (0-421122)
Lieutenant Colonel - Pilot Crew 13

 

Born March 24, 1912, Ennis, Texas
Died April 04, 2003, Lubbock, Texas

Graduated Ennis High School and attended Trinity University for three years. Entered military service November 28, 1940. Completed pilot training and commissioned as Second Lieutenant, July, 1941. Remained in China-Burma-India Command after Tokyo Raid until June, 1943. Subsequently served in many operational assignments at squadron, group and wing level. Rated as command pilot. Post-war service includes service in Japan, Korea, the Mariana Islands, England, Germany, and Laos. Retired June 30, 1962. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.

 

 

Knobloch Richard A. "Knobby" (--)
Brigadier General - Co-Pilot Crew 13

 

Born May 27, 1918, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Died August 13, 2001

Graduated from Kansas State University with a BA Degree. Entered military service in November, 1940 at Randolph Field, Texas. Graduated from pilot training and commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, July, 1941. After raid on Tokyo, remained in China-Burma-India Theater and completed more than 60 bombing missions before returning to the States in 1943. After various assignments in the U.S. he reported to England for duty with the Royal Air Force. He served as deputy commander of a Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, then as Air Attaché to Italy, deputy commander, AF personnel Center and Wing Commander, and Commander of Andrews AFB, MD. Graduate of Industrial College of the Armed Forces. Retired from the Air Force in 1970. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, and the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.

 

 

Campbell Clayton J (0-419327)
Lieutenant Colonel - Navigator Crew 13

 

Born March 14, 1917 in St. Maries, Idaho
Died November 17, 2002, Richland, WA

Graduated from University of Idaho, with B.S. degree, 1940. Entered service June, 1940 at Fort Wright, Spokane, Washington. Commissioned and rated as navigator, June, 1941. Remained in China-Burma-India Theater after Tokyo Raid and flew 250 combat hours. Released from active duty, December, 1945. Decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, Air Medal and Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.

 

 

Bourgeois Robert C (7000417)
Flight Officer - Bombardier Crew 13

 

Born September 28, 1917, Lecompte, Louisiana.
Died November 13, 2001, Metairie, LA

Graduated from high school and attended Delgado Trade School, New Orleans, Louisiana. Entered service on October 14, 1939 at New Orleans. Graduated Bombsight Maintenance School, Lowry Air Force Base, Colorado. Remained in China-Burma-India Theater after Tokyo Raid until July 15, 1943. Separated from active duty on March 9, 1946. Decorations include Distinguished Flying Cross, Chinese Army, Navy, Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.

 

 

Williams Adam Ray (6969211)
Master Sergeant - Engineer-Gunner Crew 13

 

Born September 27, 1919, Gastonia, North Carolina
Died November 30, 1993

Completed one year of High School. Entered military service on September 1, 1938 at Charlotte, North Carolina and served with Field Artillery before transfer to Army Air Corps in 1939. Assigned 37th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale Field, Louisiana. After Tokyo Raid, remained in China-Burma-India Theater until June, 1943. Discharged on July 4, 1945. Decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Silver Star, Purple Heart, and the Chinese Army, Navy, and Air Corps Medal, Class A, 1st Grade.