

Navigator – J. E. Lidiak – Joseph Edwin Lidiak b. Feb. 8, 1924 – d. Jul. 26, 1980
Co-Pilot – J. C. Rucigay – John Charles Rucigay b. Jan. 25, 1925 – d. Nov. 1, 2014
Pilot – T. J. MacDonald – Thomas Joseph MacDonald – b. Feb. 18, 1924 – d. Jul. 1, 1968
Bombardier – R. E. Denison – Robert Orville Denison – b. Sept. 26, 1923 – d. Sept. 10, 2017
Ball Gunner – Charles E Cartmille – b. Apr. 29, 1921 – d. Sept. 19, 1982
Martin Gunner – Merle Weik – Merle Otto Weik – b. Dec. 16, 1922 – d. Dec. 22, 2004
Tail Gunner – John Lewis – unknown
Waist Gunner – Guy Howard – Guy Walter Howard – b. Nov. 11, 1924 – d. Aug. 17, 2015
Nose Gunner – Bob Marcum – Bob Marcum – b. Apr. 29, 1922 – d. Aug. 29, 2011
Waist Gunner – Bob Garin – Robert Eugene Garin – b. Jul. 20, 1924 – d. Sept. 8, 1988
These men all have families I hope know their stories by now. John Rucigay wrote about this mission through his eyes and experience, and I am grateful that he shared this with all of us. They did not often talk about what they experienced in WWII, they did not do this to get attention or be on a talk show. They did this because they were called to defend this country and our freedom. They just did what needed to be done and hopefully, returned home to their loved ones.

B-24 Martin Top Turret Gunner

B-24 Liberator

B-24 Liberator Martin Turret Gunner

Thank you again for your service to our country. I have enjoyed learning more about the aircraft the “Little One” B-24 Liberator.
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