From notes of Sgt. Fraga: May 25, 1943 - I was in this gun turret cleaning it with 100 octane gas when static electricity caused it to explode. Plane caught fire burning tail turret off. Later repaired and we flew it on many more missions.
TSgt. George G. Fraga, ASN 14056010
Aerial Gunner - Bryan Crew
10th Air Force / 7th Bombardment Group / 436th Bombardment Squadron
Enlisted: 13 May 41 Relieved From Duty w/10th AF: 18 Oct 43
51 Combat Mission
Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster
Presidential Unit Citation
(Images/Info Courtesy of Fraga Family)
Bryan Crew
Back, L-R: Capt. Merle G. Bryan (P), 1Lt. Robert J.Clarke (CP)
Capt. Chester R. Williams (N), TSgt. Roy R. Hagerich (B)
Front, L-R: SSgt. Norman J. Blazzard (E), TSgt. William B. Stripling Jr.
SSgt. Harold J. Everett (RO), SSgt. Thomas L. Hendrix (G), Fraga
(Click on images to enlarge)
"Among the first group of Combat Crews to
leave India for Home. Oct. 29, 1943"
Back: Williams (far right) and others from different crews
Front: Everett (far left), Fraga (2nd from right), Blazzard (far right), others from different crew
Close Calls for Sgt. Fraga
20 MM that nearly got me in tail turret.
436th BS Personnel
7th BG Personnel
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