Ballenger, John Sidney

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.