90th Bomb Group

Hello 90th Bomb Group Community,

I’m currently working on a book for a family whose relative served with the 320th Bomb Squadron of the 90th Bomb Group during World War II. The servicemember’s name was Staff Sergeant Delmar Thompson. Based on my research, he arrived at Iron Range around November 13, 1942, and remained there until early 1943, when he was transferred to Port Moresby. From my sources, he remained at Port Moresby until he returned to the States for furlough in January/February 1944 and then was reassigned to Chatham outside of Savannah, Georgia.

My sources also indicate that he served with Captain William Gentry. Gentry, who was from Dalton, Illinois, piloted the B-24 Liberator nicknamed "The Dude." They participated together in significant missions, including an attack on a Japanese convoy near Mussau Island where they skip-bombed and sank a large enemy vessel. Staff Sergeant George R. Lynch: An airman from Madison, Wisconsin, with whom Delmar was frequently mentioned in news reports. I am not certain if Staff Sergeant Lynch flew with Delmar and Captain Gentry.

I’m hoping to locate any photographs of Iron Range from that time period, as well as gain a better understanding of what daily life was like for the soldiers and airmen stationed at Iron Range and Port Moresby, and learn as much as I can about Delmar's bombing missions.

Any information, resources, or direction you might be able to share would be greatly appreciated.

Have a safe and wonderful day everyone!

SherryC

Here is a crew list for Gentry from a post war list prepared by Loyde Adams. There are no Lynch's on the list with the 90th.

GENTRY, WILLIAM B. #427326, 320th Sqdn. Walker, William C. #734283, (cp), Harlow, Tony #734555, (n), Snorkelberger, George #726951, (b), Rizzi, Frank #12037217, (ro), Doiron, Walter #6968489, (e), Coard, John #12085282, (g), Bixler, Gordon #19083841, (g), Donovan, Frank #11042132, (g), Thompson, Delmar #16007474, (g), Boitea, John #16027199, (photo). Into 90th 6-27-1943, crashed 9-30-1943, all W I A & R T D.

This is before July of 43 as evidenced by the lack of Skull and bombs on the tail, and no nose turret.

Nose art close up of Dude

no list

Snaps from National Archives video