Back Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. Nick Habre, Tail Gunner
  2. Stan Guzik, Togglier
  3. Karl Walker, Flight Engineer
  4. Julius Eckstein, Radio Operator / Gunner
  5. Joe Baker, Right Waist Gunner
  6. Joe Battor, Ball Rurret

Front Row (viewer's left to right):

  1. James E. Smith (Jimmy), Pilot
  2. Jessie Benton, Co-pilot
  3. Jack Mann, Navigator

Missing from Photo:

  1. Jack Lee (did not go overseas). Note there is another Jack Lee in the 398th who who was a pilot.

Notes:

  1. Ranks of men at time of photo are not known at this time.
  2. The James E. Smith crew did not fly any combat missions.  They were sent to Nuthampstead as a replacement crew for one of the 6 ships that went down on the 'RDX' mission on 13 April 1945.  The war ended before they were assigned combat.  However, they were part of "Operation Revival" and flew one of the POW pick-up missions on Sunday, 13 May 1945.

See also:

  1. 398th POW Experiences
  2. 398th Formation Chart for 13 May 1945 POW Pickup

Comments:

  1. Aircraft in photo: Unknown
  2. Photo Date: Spring 1945
  3. Photo Location: While training in Topeka, Kansas
  4. Photo Reference No. Eckstein01
  5. Information compiled by UK Friends of the 398th with thanks to Julius Eckstein and Lee Bradley.
  6. If you would like to add information about this photograph, please contact our Crew Photos Coordinator. Please mention the title and photograph date.