Back Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. 2nd Lt. James Esterbrooks, Navigator
  2. F/O Henry P. Ference, Bombardier
  3. F/O Stanley DeLafette, Co-Pilot, (Did not fly on this mission)
  4. 2nd Lt. Robert W. Lehner, Pilot
  5. 2nd Lt. Ed Jones, Co-Pilot, (Lassegard Crew in place of DeLafette )

Front Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. Sgt. Rex V.A. Kellogg, Tail Gunner
  2. S/Sgt. Ozie C. French, Engineer
  3. Sgt. Vergil W. Register, Waist Gunner
  4. S/Sgt. William B. Elliott, Radio
  5. S/Sgt. Kenneth Bachman, Ball Turret

Notes:

  1. Ed Jones is listed as Co-Pilot on the Lehner Mission for 1 August 1944, but when I sent him the photo some time ago, he didn't remember the occasion.
  2. James Esterbrooks thought that he was there in the capacity of instructor.
  3. The Lehner crew flew their first mission on 1st August 1944. Geoff Rice believes that Ed Jones flew in the place of F/O Stanley DeLafette, the regular Lehner Co-Pilot on 1 August 1944. Usually on a crews 1st combat mission, the regular co-pilot was bumped and a combat experienced co-pilot or pilot flew in the co-pilot's seat. Meanwhile the regular co-pilot would fly with the other experienced crew.
  4. Geoff later found that F/O Stanley DeLafette flew in Ed Jones' place with Lassegard on 5th August 1944. Thus completing the trade.

Comments:

  1. 398th Mission No. 59: Melun / Villaroche, France, 1 August 1944
  2. On this mission the Lehner crew flew in the High Group, rear element.
  3. Aircraft flown: 43-37825 N7-J
  4. Aircraft in photo: unknown but probably 43-37825 N7-J
  5. Photo Date: 1 August 1944
  6. Photo Location: Nuthampstead
  7. Photo Reference No. A9211
  8. Information compiled by UK Friends of the 398th with thanks to James Esterbrooks and Ken Kellogg.
  9. If you would like to add information about this photograph, please contact our Crew Photos Coordinator. Please mention the title and photograph date.

See also:

  1. The Lehner Crew was shot down on 21 November 1944.
  2. 398th Mission: 21 November 1944 to Merseburg, Germany
  3. Edward Jones, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Video Interview (11m 54s)
  4. Edward Jones, 398th Pilot - 603rd Squadron Video Interview Transcription