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Researching my dad, David Harter

Discussion in '☆☆ New Recruits ☆☆' started by memeems, Aug 9, 2010.

  1. memeems

    memeems recruit

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    My dad was a B-17 pilot during WWII and would rarely talk about any of his experiences. I have his flight log which lists his first combat mission as July 25, 1944 to Le Chapelle from GU. Looks like he flew 35 combat missions. I'm interested to know more about these missions and am wondering where is the best place to research more info. He was originally from Ohio but went on to reside in South Carolina until he died in 1977. Any suggestions are welcomed!

    Lisa
     
    memeems, Aug 9, 2010
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  2. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    Welcome Lisa. I would suggest that your first step is to try to obtain his records. Follow the steps outlined in this thread http://www.ww2f.com/military-servic...esting-copies-military-personnel-records.html. Please be advised that there was a serious fire in St. Louis in 2073 that destroyed many WW2 records, but they may be able to piece together some things you are missing.

    Do you by any chance have his discharge papers (DD-214). If you do, ti can provide a wealth of information. If you can, scan some of his filght log and post it in the Information section. There are many around who can give you more.
     
    LRusso216, Aug 9, 2010
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  3. memeems

    memeems recruit

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    Good idea to scan the flight log. I have calls into my sisters about further information they have on his military records. And my niece has several pieces of history related to it as well. This all got started because one of the women I work with had a dad who was a pilot in WWII as well, same age, same state, and we're trying to figure out if their paths ever crossed. Long shot, I'm sure, but still interesting to look into!

    Thanks for your suggestions! I am going to see if i can get his discharge papers.

    Lisa
     
    memeems, Aug 10, 2010
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  4. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    I'm guessing the "from GU" is Grafton Underwood, which was the home field of the 384th Bomb Group which indeed attacked Le Chapelle on 25 July.

    Find more information at:
    384th Bomb Group
     
    mcoffee, Aug 10, 2010
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  5. GPRegt

    GPRegt Member

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    Hopefully, your Dad recorded the Tail Number of each aircraft. These will help us identify indvidual B-17s.

    Steve W.
     
    GPRegt, Aug 10, 2010
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