Michael J. Donahue.
Radio Operator · 409th Squadron · Of Emmett, MI.
The man.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
At Westover Field, MA in December 1943, his crew was formed and assigned to the 8th Air Force, 93rd Bomb Group, 409th Sqdn. in Hardwick, England. On Friday the 13th, 1945 with a lead crew of 13, he completed his last mission to Worms, Germany.
His good memories are firing flares from the flight deck of Balls of Fire, the 93rd assembly ship. Flying the Glenn Miller Band to their airbase for a performance. The V-1 and V-2 Bombs exploding in London.
Received five Air Medals, ETO Medal, four Bronze Stars, Victory Medal, American Theater, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and two lead crew Certificates of Commendation.
He returned to the States in February 1945. After flight training at Reno Army Airbase with the Air Transport Command, he was assigned to the Miami Airport where he remained until his discharge in November 1945.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born on Sept. 19, 1923 in Emmett, MI. Joined the USAAF in April 1943, completed basic training in Florida, Radio School at Scott Field, IL and Gunnery School at Tyndall Field, FL.
He married Veronica Grace in 1948 and has four children and three grandchildren. He graduated in 1954 from U of D Dental School. He practiced dentistry in Midland, MI until his retirement in 1988.