Speer Crew – Assigned 753rd Squadron – May 26, 1944

Maurice Speer and crew were one of ten specially trained AZON crews who were assigned to the 458th in the spring of 1944.  Originally intended for duty in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater, their orders were changed en route and they flew to England instead.

The four officers, flight engineer and radio operator that had trained together arrived in England in May 1944.   The four gunners, not on board the AZON aircraft en route to the combat zone, continued on to the CBI, being replaced by four different gunners once the crew arrived in England.

The specially modified B-24J they flew over from the States was 44-40285 Table Stuff.

This crew was broken up in July 1944.  Two other AZON crews, along with the navigator and all four gunners of Speer’s crew were transferred to the 388th Bombardment Group (H) at Knettishall in July 1944.  Lt Peterson, navigator, was transferred with 2Lt John Lansing’s crew, and Sgt’s Depasquale, Kirkendall, Maleski, and Scatmacchia, gunners, were transferred with 2Lt John Larned’s crew.  The combat records and status of these crews with the 388th is unknown.  Half of Speer’s crew stayed with the 458th and flew additional missions.

After flying numerous missions as first pilot, and then command pilot, Maurice Speer finished his time in the 458th with the rank of Major and a job in the Group HQ section.

Lt Cronkite, co-pilot, Lt Halvorson, bombardier, and T/Sgt Anderson, radio operator all completed their combat tours with the 458th.  Cronkite and Halvorson were sent back to the States, while Anderson was transferred to AAF 114 at Hethel and the 389th Bombardment Group (H).  His activities there are unknown.

T/Sgt Richard Lohr (or Lehr) was with the 753rd until at least August 1, 1944.  It is there that his name ceases to be found in group or squadron records.

B-24JAZ-155-CO 44-40285  J4 H  Table Stuff

Distinguished Flying Cross

Maj Gen William E. Kepner ,2nd Air Division CO, awards Maj Speer the DFC