Macgill's Crew

The crew of Virgo, front row (L to R): Bill Nestle (CP), Charlie Macgill (P), Monroe Meltzer (B), Ken Leonard (N). Back row (L to R): Paul Jacobson (WG), Jim baker (NG), Al Demitry (R/O), Bill Nelson (BG), Cliff Bodin (FE/Top), Vester Wilson (TG).

I came from the 9th Anti Sub Squadron and the rest of the crew came in together from Phase Training. When we departed Davis/Monthan Army Air Base, MSGT James Chadbourn was temporarily placed on the crew for the flight to England. Chadourn was Line Chief of the 834th, and it was customary to put an experienced mechanic aboard for the flight overseas, and to remain until arrival at Sudbury.

The crew had the honor of flying the first combat mission of the 486th Bomb Group and remained together as a crew until about the 20th mission when I had the great embarrassment of being hospitalized with, of all things, an infants' disease - impetigo, from a dirty oxygen mask! Try to imagine being bed ridden in a military hospital ward, full of battle casualties, and having a face painted with blue medication because of such a non-combat problem.

Doc Timerick worked hard to clear it up, but it persisted and the crew had to fly missions with other crews. By the time I was released, most of the crew had gone home and I flew the rest of my tour as an instructor Pilot with brand new crews. (My punishment!) My wonderful crew did not see each other again until some 35 years later when I helped get the Association started. It took several Group reunions, and many hours of searching Phone books, etc., to find everyone, but it was well worth the effort, and we enjoy each other regularly now.

Prior for departing for England, Rudolph Morino took ill and was replaced by James Baker. Another crew change occurred upon arrival in Sudbury. LT Macgill's bombardier, LT Meltzer and LT Leonard, were removed from the crew as, and weren't replaced. SGT Baker assumed responsibilities as Togglier.

- Charlie Macgill

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