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Zanin, Anthony John

Individual Personnel Data
Name Zanin, Anthony John, "Tony"
Rank Second Lieutenant
Serial Number O-761493
Unit Assignments Assigned to the 547th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), per AAF Station 106 Special Orders #146 dated 24 July 1944, effective 24 July 1944.
Duty Bombardier
MOS1035 - Bombardier
Last Duty Date 8 September 1944
Results Transferred
Additional Information
  • Date of Birth: 27 August 1923
  • Graduated from Bombardier School at Victorville AAF, Victorville, California, Class #43-17, 4 December 1943.
  • Transferred in grade to the Casual Pool, 8th AFRD, AAF Station 594 on 8 September (1944 per Squadron Morning Report), to return to the USA for reassignment. This was apparently precipitated by the reduced need for trained Bombardiers in the European Theater.
Photo Album:Crew Photo Album




Crew Composition When Assigned to the 384th BG
Replacement Combat Crew
CREWMEMBER POSITION RESULTS
2nd Lt. Sienkiewicz, Edward Alfred, "Sink"PilotCT
2nd Lt. Frederick, Edwin Bernard, "Ed"Co-pilotCT
2nd Lt. Stockman, William Alexander, "Bill"NavigatorCT
2nd Lt. Zanin, Anthony John, "Tony"BombardierTR
S/SGT. Crowell, Hollis HenryRadio Operator / GunnerCT
S/SGT. Ballenger, John SidneyEngineer / Top Turret GunnerCT
S/SGT. Storm, DelbertBall Turret GunnerCT
SGT. Wilson, August Frederick, "Fred"Tail GunnerTR
SGT. Foster, Garnet Eugene, "Gene"Flexible GunnerCT
PVT. Orth, Alvin WilsonFlexible GunnerCT

Crew History

The Ed Sienkiewicz Crew was formed at MacDill Field in Tampa Florida in February, 1944. Initially, the crew pilot was Robert Miller, but he was replaced by Sienkiewicz at MacDill. In training, they were known as 'Crew 115,' a name which they continued to use for themselves, even long after the war!

After crew training, they picked up a new B-17G at Hunter Field, Georgia, and departed for England on 29 June 1944. With stops at Grenier Field (Manchester, New Hampshire), Dow Field (Bangor, Maine), Gander Field (Gander, Newfoundland, Canada), they arrived in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on 3 July. They then traveled by boat and train to Stone, England, to await their combat assignment. They were then sent to the 384th BG on 24 July, where they were assigned to the 547th BS.

After the pilot Sienkiewicz flew a familiarization mission as copilot of an experienced crew on 3 August 1944, the entire crew flew its first combat mission together on 4 August. However, as with most crews in this theater, it did not remain together long. First, Zanin (bombardier) was ordered to return to the US for reassignment. Next, Wilson (tail gunner) was removed from flight status for medical reasons on 5 September. The crew was sent to a 'flak house' during 14-21 November, officers to Roke Manor (AAF Station 503), and EM to Ebrington Manor (AAF Station 498). Shortly thereafter, Stockman (navigator), was transferred to the Robert Owens Crew after his 30th mission. The remaining crewmembers flew most of their missions together, completing their combat tours in January 1945.

Missions, Aircraft, Crews
This individual was credited with 7 Combat Missions.
Number Date Target Position Aircraft Mission/Sortie Information
172 4 August 1944 Target: NOBALL (V-1 Launch Site)
Type: CROSSBOW (V-Weapons)
Location: Crepieul, France
Bombardier 42‑38013 Combat Mission Credit
This aircraft carried delayed-action bombs which were jettisoned in the Channel. Landed away at Kimbolton, reasons unknown.
Sortie Report
173 5 August 1944 Target: Luftwaffe Controlling Station
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Langenhagen, Germany
Bombardier 42‑97150 Combat Mission Credit
Lead group hot camera ship.
Sortie Report
174 7 August 1944 Target: Aircraft Fuel Depot
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: Dugny (Paris), France
Bombardier 42‑37788 Combat Mission Credit
Low group.
Sortie Report
178 12 August 1944 Target: "Landing Ground"
Type: German Air Force (Luftwaffe)
Location: La Perthe, France
Bombardier 43‑37843 Combat Mission Credit
High section deputy, high group.
Sortie Report
179 13 August 1944 Target: Tactical: Road Network
Type: Transportation
Location: Beaumont-le-Roger (area), France
Bombardier 42‑37788 Combat Mission Credit
Low group flying spare; joined formation.
Sortie Report
182 18 August 1944 Target: Tactical: Bridge
Type: Transportation
Location: Vise, Belgium
Bombardier 44‑6109 Combat Mission Credit
Low group.
Sortie Report
183 24 August 1944 Target: Synthetic Oil & Chemical Plant
Type: Oil Industry
Location: Merseburg, Germany
Bombardier 44‑6080 Combat Mission Credit
High section deputy, lead group.
Sortie Report

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