856th BS

Kuntz Crew

Picture Location: Harrington

Picture Date: Spring 1945

Shown here as the man smoking a pipe, Kuntz actually had two crews, his first was with the 492nd BG at Alamagordo (Crew 616) and North Pickenham, UK, before coming to Harrington.  His first crew is shown below in a clip from Special Orders #91(Alamagordo), dated 31 March 1944.  His arrival at Harrington is dated to 17 August 1944, Special Orders #121 (Station 179), where he was initially assigned to the 859th BS.  In September 1944, Special Orders #147(Station 179), he was reassigned to the 856th BS.  Taking leave on 6 October 1944, his fellow officers on later combat missions are also granted leave.  

 

They were:

John H. Webb     - Copilot
Vincent D. Woods - Navigator
George M. Snyder - Bombardier

Microfilm from February 1945 Show his Enlisted as:

Laurel W. Transtrum    - Gunner/Dispatcher
George F. Williams     - Radio Operator
Alphonse J. Rinz       - Engineer
John D. Duer           - Tail Gunner

These EMs were originally members of the Berkoff crew.

After his B-24 missions Kuntz was sent to Watton on 24 March '45 for Mosquito training.  Shown above with the Mossie named "Patty" and  Edward P. Kolacki, a Mossie Navigator, he crashed in Mosquito number 707 on the night of 24/25 April 1945.  Flight Officer Richard L. Greene was killed in the crash, becoming the last man to be KIA of the Group.  See the Honor Roll for details.

We would like very much to have a scan of Kuntz and his crews and crew members if any are known to exist.  Contact the Webmaster for details if you have any pictures of the men listed here.

Errata: Though he is listed as James E. Kuntz ASN 0808563 in the only set of orders we have from the Daylight 492nd BG, in all five cases of his appearance in Station 179 orders he is listed as James G. Kuntz, ASN 0808562.

Picture Credit: Marvin Edwards

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