Model Crews

The identity of the 384th was forged by the Model Crews. They were the first crews assigned to each squadron, and they led the way into combat. From those who completed their tours, to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, their legacies define the early spirit of the 384th.

Canine Crew

The dogs of the 384th served as tireless morale boosters, offering friendship and a welcome distraction during the long waits between missions. Their stories capture a softer, yet essential, side of life at Grafton Underwood.

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Group Chaplains

Chaplain Dayle Schnelle, Father Method Billy, and Father Herbert Butterbach served as the Group's chaplains. They helped the Group through the darkest days of war, and their contributions were profound. 

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Brothers in Arms

A remarkable number of brothers and twins served together in the 384th Bomb Group. Some completed their tours, others were POWs, and one even served at D-Day before joining the Group. Their stories are a testament to the family ties that define the 384th.

1140th MPC

The 1140th Military Police Company (MPC) were one of the Group's many support units. Their duties ranged from gate duty and guard duty, to aircraft security, and even bicycle control.

1st Lt. Merlin Howard Reed

1st Lt. Merlin H. Reed served as a pilot with the 546th Bomb Squadron, on the B-17 Silver Dollar. After 8 decades of being missing in action, he has finally been accounted for.

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Colonel Budd John Peaslee

Colonel Budd John Peaslee was one of the first to be assigned to the 384th Bomb Group. He was the group's first commanding officer, and he assumed command on May 29, 1943.

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Major Selden McMillin

Major Selden Longley McMillin served as Deputy Group Commander and pilot for the 384th Bomb Group. The legacy of the Group is in large part linked to McMillin and his words, "Keep the show on the road." 

Major William "Pop" Dolan

Major William Edward "Pop" Dolan served as Intelligence Officer and Station Photographic Officer, and he remained with the 384th throughout the duration of the war. 

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S/Sgt. William Bodenschatz

S/Sgt. William John Bodenschatz served as parachute shop supervisor for the 443rd Sub-Depot, one of the Group's support units. His precision and care directly saved the lives of over 1,000 men from the Group.

S/Sgt. William Mosher

S/Sgt. William Martin "Bill" Mosher served as a ball turret gunner with the 547th Bomb Squadron. After the war, he worked as a detective for the Galveston Police Department.

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S/Sgt. John Schimenek

S/Sgt. John Francis Schimenek served as a tail gunner with the 546th Bomb Squadron. After the war, he worked as a Military Firearms Instructor, and for the Burlington Northern Railroad. 

2nd Lt. Robert Griffin Crew

2nd Lt. Robert Griffin and his crew were killed in action on March 19, 1945 on board B-17G 43‑39035. They crashed into Reigate Hill as a result of cloud coverage and poor weather conditions.

2nd Lt. MacKellar Crew

2nd Lt. Donald Allen MacKellar and his crew were killed in action on April 6, 1945, just four minutes after takeoff, on board B-17G 44-6923. The cause of the crash remains unknown. 

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2nd Lt. Max Jean Miller Crew

2nd Lt. Max Jean Miller and seven of his crewmates were killed in action on April 13, 1944, on board B-17G 42‑31048. This day was the Group's largest single-mission loss. Nine crews were lost that day.

2nd Lt. James Brown Jr. Crew

2nd Lt. James Wesley Brown Jr. and seven of his crewmates were shot down on May 8, 1944, on board B-17G 42-97081. Most of crew remains missing in action to this day, with only two surviving.

June 22, 1943

The 384th flies their first combat mission to the General Motors Plant in Antwerp, Belgium. 10 men were killed in action, and 9 became prisoners of war. This mission reflected the Group's heavy losses still to come. 

June 25, 1943

The 384th flies their second combat mission to the submarine pen in Hamburg, Germany. 7 men were killed in action, and 20 became prisoners of war. It was from this loss that the 384th's motto was born. 

July 4. 1943

The 384th flies their sixth combat mission to the Gnome et Rhone Aircraft Engine Plant in Le Mans, France. 11 men were killed in action, and two were taken prisoners of war.

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July 25, 1943

The 384th flies their tenth combat mission to the Blohm + Voss Shipyards in Hamburg, Germany. 19 men were killed in action, 2 remain missing in action, and 38 were taken prisoners of war. 

June 6, 1944

The 384th flies their 127th, 128th, and 129th combat missions over France on D-Day, encountering severe weather. This historic day also connects the group's legacy directly to a Pointe du Hoc Ranger.