Philip G. Buffinton.
Pilot · 328th Squadron · Of Williamstown, MA.
The man.
Entered USAAF Aviation Cadet Program in January 1943. Reported to Atlantic City, NJ, Syracuse University College Training Program in the spring of 1943. Reported to San Antonio, TX for pre-flight training in July 1943. Primary flight training at Coleman, TX. Basic at Greenville, TX.
Received wings and commission at Frederick, OK in March 1944 as part of Class 44-C. B-24 training at Liberal, KS and assembled crew at Bradley Field, CT in September 1944. Sailed to Scotland in October 1944. Reported to 93rd Bomb Group, 328th Sqdn. at Hardwick, England. Flew 19 missions over Germany, 13 as lead crew. Flew B-24 to States in May 1945. Reported to Sioux Falls, SD for B-29 training but with the end of Pacific hostilities was discharged in September 1945 with rank of first lieutenant. Received three Air Medals.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Entered USAAF Aviation Cadet Program in January 1943. Reported to Atlantic City, NJ, Syracuse University College Training Program in the spring of 1943. Reported to San Antonio, TX for pre-flight training in July 1943. Primary flight training at Coleman, TX. Basic at Greenville, TX. Received wings and commission at Frederick, OK in March 1944 as part of Class 44-C. B-24 training at Liberal, KS and assembled crew at Bradley Field, CT in September 1944. Sailed to Scotland in October 1944. Reported to 93rd Bomb Group, 328th Sqdn. at Hardwick, England. Flew 19 missions over Germany, 13 as lead crew. Flew B-24 to States in May 1945. Reported to Sioux Falls, SD for B-29 training but with the end of Pacific hostilities was discharged in September 1945 with rank of first lieutenant. Received three Air Medals.
Married Rita Gagnier on Oct. 22, 1945. Has three daughters and one grandson.
Service record.
Missions flown.
Before and after.
Born on Oct. 18, 1923 in Williamstown, MA where his father taught history at Williams College.
Graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1949, degree in engineering. Spent his business career in the insurance business in various capacities. Retired from State Farm Insurance Companies in 1987 as executive vice-president and chief operating officer. Married Rita Gagnier on Oct. 22, 1945. Has three daughters and one grandson.