Michael J. DeBrino.
329th Squadron · Of Schenectady, NY.
The man.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Enlisted in the USAAC Oct. 24, 1941; basic training at Ft. Dix, NJ; orientation at Jefferson Barracks, MO; then to Lowry Field, CO. Graduated from Air Corps Tech School as an aircraft armorer on March 21, 1942. Assigned to 329th Bomb Sqdn., 93rd Bomb Group, March 1942 at Barksdale Field, LA. Went to Ft. Myers, FL in May 1942 for anti-submarine patrol.
Left for overseas duty on Aug. 2, 1942, Alconbury, England; moved to Hardwicke, September 1942. While at Barksdale Field, he attended Chemical Warfare School. Became Gas NCO for 329th. In November 1943 he graduated from Consolidated Turret School, Kirkham, Blackpool. Their group participated in the African Campaign and Ploesti. They earned 11 Battle Stars plus DUB for Africa and Ploesti.
Memorable experience: On way back home, their plane made an emergency landing at Stornaway, Scotland and were there for eight days. When they finally arrived at Bradley Field, they were welcomed like 'long lost heroes' by their buddies who thought they had perished in the cold ocean.
Returned to USA June 1945 via Bradley Field, CT. Went on 10 day furlough, then returned to Sioux Falls, SD, June 1945, then to Clovis, NM, August 1945. Back to Ft. Dix, NJ for discharge in September 1945. Received the American Defense Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, DUB with cluster, EAME Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Service record.
Before and after.
Born in Schenectady, NY on Sept. 22, 1919 and attended school there.
Married Oct. 10, 1946 to Mary Mizzero. They have three sons, one daughter and eight grandchildren. Retired from U.S. Postal Service.