Qualified Quail

401st Squadron

Chattanooga Choo Choo -

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Serial # 42-97851

Back Row - Left to Right:

Sgt. John Hassler, Ground Crew; Sgt. Noel Rodewald, Ground Crew; Sgt. James D. Felts, Ball Turret Gunner; Sgt. George Elliott, Ground Crew; Sgt. Virgil Mott, Ground Crew; Sgt. Karl F. Schwantes, Tail Gunner; Sgt. Ray Rummage, Waist Gunner.

Front Row - Left to Right:

S/Sgt. Donald Wilkinson, Flight Engineer; Lt. William E. Guldner, Pilot; Lt. Avery O. Gage, Navigator; Lt. Harley E. McVay, Co-pilot; Lt. Raymond A. Johnson, Bombardier; S/Sgt. Benjamin Camarino, Radio Operator.

Qualified Quail Factoid - This crew flew its first mission on June 2, 1944 and its 32nd on August 12, 1944. On July 20, 1944, they flew the Leipzig mission. Their plane was the only one of six in the low squadron to survive the fighter attacks. Qualified Quail Navigator Avery Gage commented, "We were extremely lucky as we were one of the few crews who came home together."