Recorded memoir of Paul Dickerson (MC 371/882/5)
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Recorded memoir of Paul Dickerson

1


MC 371/882/5


1 audio cassette

nd [c 1985]


445th Bomb Group


Paul Dickerson


Contact details at start of recording have been redacted (0mn 51s to 0mn 57s).

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Description
[00:00-05:00] Remarks on service as a gunner in 703rd Squadron and a member of Cecil Isom's lead crew: joining Air Force, Dallas, Texas, 14 February 1943 and discharge from service, 17 September 1945. Remarks on training at bases in Mississippi, Texas, Utah, Arizona and Kansas. Describes journey to England by aeroplane via Goose Bay, Labrador [Canada] and Prestwick, Scotland. Comments on the British people, including their positive attitude during wartime. Mentions spending week at an RAF base. Remarks on his crew: Cecil Isom (pilot); Lonnie Justus (co-pilot); Arthur Shay (navigator); Charles Bunting (bombardier); Ed [Edward] Barnes (engineer); John Riman/Rienman (radio operator); William Wagner, Raymond Phillips, Kyle Bailey and himself (gunners). Comments on 445th Bomb Group and 703rd Squadron commanders, including Jimmy [James] Stewart. [05:00-10:00] Describes first mission, Orly airfield, Paris. Describes memorable missions: night mission to Berlin, including flying over site of 1936 Olympics, and to St Malo, France, 13 August 1944. [10:00-15:00] Describes mission to Kassel, Germany, 27 September 1944, when the Group was attacked by over 100 German fighters. Describes mission debrief and shock at the loss of so many crews. [15:00-20:00] Debrief continued and mentions their B-24, 'Patty Girl.' Comments on missions led by Jimmy Stewart and final mission to Gerolstein, Germany, 25 December 1944. Lists medals he was awarded and comments on his return to the United States (US) on ship 'Mauritania' February [? 1945]. Describes his activities on return to the US, his family and visiting England for reunions. Mentions seeing wartime destruction in London. Comments on his feelings about military service and the hospitality of English people. Recorded on side A only. For transcript, see MC 371/253.