Edward J. Reilly.
Radio Operator · 409th Squadron · Of Syracuse, NY.
The man.
Assigned to 93rd Bomb Group, 409th Bomb Sqdn. at Hardwick, England in February 1945. On his second mission near Augsburg, shot down an ME-262 jet fighter within 20 feet of their nose turret. The kill was credited to nose gunner Bill Deutch (Detroit) and Flight Engineer Bill (Ben) Franklin (Birmingham) in the Martin upper. Also attacked by FW-190s; saved by P-47 Thunderbolt escorts. Flew 12 missions total.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born April 2, 1923 in Syracuse, NY. Left Holy Cross Seminary, Notre Dame University in December 1942 to enlist in USAAC. Washed out of pilot training at Santa Ana. Transferred to Radio School at Scott Field; graduated in top quartile. Earned gunner's wings on B-17s at Yuma, AZ. Joined combat crew at Charleston AFB, Autumn 1944.
Discharged November 24, 1945 from March Field. Received Air Medal and two campaign stars for ETO duty. Completed four years in three at St. Bonaventure University. Married Marjorie Cook in senior year. Graduate studies at Fordham University. Five-year teaching career in New York City, then upstate. Then 30 years with the National Fire Sprinkler Association (last six as president). Retired April 1985. Six children, 15 grandchildren, one great-granddaughter. Youngest son Dan is a career USAF officer at Tinker AFB.