The 355th FS pilots ready for mission on April 17, 1945

I found this in my collection. This is a PR photo of pilots of the 355th Fighter Squad of the 354th Fighter Group taken on April 15, 1945.

Do you recognize any of the pilots?







Our friend, Chuck Tighe (of the 355th FS) just sent me an email letting me know that this same photo is included (in color) in Steve Blake's book "The Pioneer Mustangs Group - The 354th Fighter Group in World War II."

In the book the caption lists the men as:

Capt. Gus Allen(far left) leading the "briefing".

L to R - Lt Bob Roberson, Unknown (1) , Unknown (2) , Lt. John Hayes, Unknown (3) , Lt Angelo Carnivale.

Kneeling are Lt. Russell Kline and Lt. Girard Kress.

Chuck also believes the men not identified in the book are:

Unknown (1) - Dick Lill
Unknown (2) - Ralph Van Cleave
Unknown (3) - Harold Philpott


Thanks, Chuck!

I am going to forward this photo to Ralph Van Cleave's widow. She will be happy to see it!