384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in World War II

Welcome to the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Photo Gallery. This gallery makes available the photographic and documentary portion of the 384th BG record. All content on this gallery is visible to all visitors. Those wishing to enter a comment or contribute images will need to register and log in (links at left of Home page). Please register for an account when you need access beyond viewing gallery content. For additional information about the 384th BG, visit the 384th Bomb Group website⇗.

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RUCKMAN, SPIEGEL CREW PICTURE FRONT

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RUCKMAN, SPIEGEL CREW PICTURE FRONT.jpg RUCKMAN, SPIEGEL CREW PICTURE FRONT.jpg 25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket25 April 1945, T. Hutchinson, R. Lucas LAST ONE!ThumbnailsBack of Jacket

Front Row L-R: William J. Hole (490th BG, CP), Raymond J. Patulski (490th BG, N), Johnie E. Young (384th BG, ETTG), Jack W. Rivall (384th BG, B), Frederick A. Sorenson (384th BG, TG), Maurice D. Carpenter (490th BG, RO), Charles W. Sanduski (490th, TOG), Dale C. Tyler (490th BG, TG), Frank Stockton (490th BG, WG)

Rear Row L-R: John O. Beeby (384th BG, N), Fiorino A. Cinquanta (384th BG, CP), Si Spiegal (490th BG, P), James J. Coffrey (490th BG, ETTG), James S. Peterson (78th FG, 83rd FS), Jack G. Garstak (384th BG, RO), Albert Horan (384th BG,), Alonzo R. Rice (384th BG, WG) Salvatore Novarra (490th BG, BTG)

Lieutenant Ruckman, Pilot of the 384th Bomb Group is not in the picture. He was the photographer.

1LT James S. Peterson was a P-51 Pilot. On 14 February 1945, he and another P-51 landed at Inowroclaw, Poland where Peterson’s landing gear collapsed. (MACR 12327, 78th Fighter Group, 83rd FS). The other P-51 was repaired and the pilot planned to escort B-17 Stardust on the return trip thru Italy but the Russians did not grant a clearance. The pilot, LT Innocenzi, stayed with his undamaged ship. LT Pererson hitched a ride back to England on 44-6592, Stardust piloted By LT George F. Ruckman.

The B-17 used for parts was 43-38150, GIDDY, 490th Bomb Group, Si I. Spiegel Crew, 390th BG, 849th BS

Location of where the picture was taken is unknown but likely was taken during the time that they were in Italy.

Picture is courtesy of George F. Ruckman via William J. “Bill” O’Leary, original co-pilot on the George F Ruckman Crew.
Bill O'Leary was not on the 3 February mission: In O'Leary's own words: 'I'm proud to say that I flew my first Mission as a co-pilot on a B-17 while still 19 years of age. On my 9th Mission, Feb.1, 1945, as a co-pilot on Ruckman's crew, I suffered a damaged ear drum as the result of flying with a very bad cold. I was confined to the Base Hospital for thirteen days, plus a few trips to the Thrapston General Hospital.

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