Johnson Crew – Assigned 753rd Squadron – December 19, 1944

Cecil Johnson and crew arrived at Horsham at the end of December 1944 and were assigned to the 753rd Squadron.  They flew their first mission on January 14, 1945.  The crew’s co-pilot, 2Lt Leo Hecht flew with the Diehl Crew on this date and was killed when their aircraft crashed (due to battle damage) in Norwich on the return flight.

The Johnson Crew was transferred to the 755th Squadron in early March 1945 and flew a number of lead missions, most notably the raid of April 7th to the Krummel Munitions Factory, for which they were awarded a “Lead Crew Commendation” for their part in the mission.  An available load list shows that the crew also flew on the Eighth Air Force’s last combat operation of the war to Bad Reichenhall on April 25, 1945.

On May 17, in preparation for return to the United States, the entire crew was transferred back into the 753rd Squadron.  In June, the crew were assigned to fly Howling Banshee back to the U.S.

Courtesy: Glenn Bosshardt

Short Snorter

Short Snorter issued on the occasion of the group’s 200th mission on February 26, 1945

Courtesy: Glenn Bosshardt

June 1945

Members of the Johnson Crew and ground men gather for a photo prior to departing Horsham St Faith for the U.S.A.

Standing: Cecil Johnson, Charles Bosshardt, Ben Drenth, Joseph VanBibber
Kneeling, 2nd from left: William Abrams, 4th from left: William Gann

If you can identify any of the others in this photo, please contact me.

Operations Order Number 21

Under authority contained in Letter ETOUSA, Subject: “Movement Orders, Shipment 10060”, File No. AG 370.5, OPGC, Dated 27 May 1945, the following A/C and personnel assigned thereto will proceed via Valley A/D by best available air route to Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, thence to Camp Miles Standish, Boston, POE.  Personnel will report to the AAF Base Commander at Bradley Field.  AAF personnel are being returned for the purpose of authorized TD for rest and recuperation and for further assignment.  Personnel listed on this order are on Detached Service and are being accounted for on Morning Report of the Air Echelon of the Squadron to which they are assigned.  TDN 212/50425  FSA 1942-45  60-136  P-431-02.

Shipment No. 10060-UZ  T-M-S: B-24J  A/C Serial No. 44-40273  Crew No. 2 of 18