Kenneth J. O’Boyle, 97th Bomb Squadron
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Standing next to A-20K, “Ole 98”, Grosseto Italy, January 1945. This was the ship I flew the southern route over the pond, and had quite an attachment for as I also flew it on missions. We accomplished the trip over here in 61 hours and 10 minutes - a distance of over 11,000 miles. We had 2 long jumps of 1400 miles being in the air seven hours each time. Believe me I have some tender memories of the flight. I often felt like wanting to stand for hours and hours. It sure is a cramped space to have to stay for that length of time. The trip across the Sahara was the last I hope to make across such a stretch of desolate country. That and the South American jungle. There'd be no hope for anyone having to go down in either place.
Colorized.
When this picture was taken this plane had 205 missions on it.
“Ole 98” in the background, is the one I flew over here.
Same A-20B of the 97th Bomb Squadron.
From control tower at Grosseto Airfield. A-26 on runway, more in background and a B-25. June 1945.
From control tower at Grosseto Airfield. A-26 on runway, more in background and a B-25. June 1945.
A-26C at Grosseto, last light of day – pretty lucky to get the picture. May 1945.
85BS Flight line, Grosseto. Pics courtesy Dwight Orman, 57th FG, 65th FS.
85BS Flight line, Grosseto. Pics courtesy Dwight Orman, 57th FG, 65th FS.
Italy WWII Postcard – “Panorama east side”.
Christmas Card 1944, 97th Bomb Squadron.
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