36th BS

McKenney Crew

Picture Notes: A typo in Parnell's 1st edition mistakenly identifies the McKee crew as that of McKenney.  This picture contributed by Tyre Benefield, son of the Dispatcher in this picture. The McKenney and Munn crews were both released from the 814th BS, 482nd BG at Alconbury on 4 Dec 43 to the 36th BS as augmentation crews. Two of the gunners, Dudley and Redlund, flew with other Carpetbagger crews, Dudley going down with the Carpenter crew in early March of 1944.  He evaded until June of 1944, but was captured and spent the duration as a POW.

Back Row, L-R:
Eugene N. Boerner               -    Navigator
Earl F. McKenney                -    Pilot
Jay O. Pridham, Jr.             -    Bombardier
Francis W. Goodreau             -    Copilot

Front Row, Kneeling:
James P. Benefield              -    Dispatcher
Alvin L. Johnson                -    Engineer
Reed B. Greenwood               -    Tailgunner
James L. Anderson               -    Radio Operator

Extras from original crew:
John W. Redlund                 -    Gunner
John W. Dudley                  -    Gunner

Combat Period: Jan-Jul 1944 (30 missions)

Preferred Aircraft: B24-D 42-63775 L

This plane survived Anti-Submarine days in the 479th ASW Group, flew under the 482nd BG banner in the early days of the Carpetbaggers at Alconbury and Watton, was flown heavily during the summer of 1944 and on into 1945, being last repaired at Carnaby in late April of 1945. Still on the July 1945 inventory report, it was RZI on 9 July 1945 and probably scrapped shortly thereafter.  In April, May and June of 1944, with the 36th BS it averaged a combat mission every three days. Photo courtesy 801st/492nd BG Assoc.

Aircraft Details: Tom Brittan

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