Carl J. Tanner.
Radio Operator · 329th Squadron · Of Traverse City, MI.
The man.
Assigned to 329th Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group. Among the earliest arrivals -- sailed on Queen Elizabeth Aug. 31, 1942; first based at Alconbury, England, then Bungay, then Hardwick. Served as radio mechanic and rose to staff sergeant in 27 months from enlistment.
Service record.
Before and after.
Born March 12, 1923 in Traverse City, MI. Enlisted in USAAF on Jan. 13, 1942. Basic training at Jefferson Barracks, MO. Entered Radio Operators & Mechanics School at Scott Field, IL (March 1942); graduated with Class 33, July 28, 1942. Boarded Queen Elizabeth in New York Harbor Aug. 31, 1942.
After WWII, flew home in a B-24 (May 22-June 1945). Took 30 days leave; sent to Sioux Falls, SD, then Galveston, TX until Pacific War ended. Discharged September 28 at Fort Sheridan, IL. Recalled to active duty May 6, 1951 during Korean War. 26-year career spanning WWII, Korea, Vietnam -- assignments included 55th Air Weather Sqdn. McClellan AFB; 31st Air Rescue Sqdn. Clark AFB Philippines; 34th Air Rescue Sqdn. Okinawa (TDY); Loring AFB ME; Nellis AFB NV; George AFB CA; Danang, Vietnam (1963-64) as quality control inspector; Wurtsmith AFB MI (B-52). Retired Jan. 31, 1968 as tech sergeant. Married childhood sweetheart Elsie M. Smith, June 16, 1946; six children (of seven), 15 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.