VERNON A. BAUMGART.
Pilot · Of Appleton, WI, WI.
The man.
Assigned to 93rd Bomb Group at Benghazi, North Africa, August 1943. After one combat mission with the 93rd from North Africa, was reassigned to the 392nd Bomb Group at Wendling, flying 24 more missions with them. Led the mission to Friedrichshafen — the 392nd's most costly mission, with only 10 of 29 aircraft returning. Returned to States August 1944 as captain.
Service record.
Before and after.
Born May 14, 1915 in Appleton, WI. Joined USAAC March 25, 1942. Finished pilot training Feb. 16, 1943 at Pampa, TX. B-24 phase training; assigned crew at Tucson, AZ; B-24 training at Pueblo, CO.
Stayed in Air Force for 21 years — Westover AB, MA; Clark AB, Philippines; Bolling AB, Washington DC; Griffiss AB, NY; Taipei, Taiwan. Retired from Elgin AFB, FL in April 1963 as lieutenant colonel. Received Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters. Flew aircraft from P-51 Mustang through B-29 plus 500 hours in jets. Moved back to Wisconsin in 1967; worked civilian job for 10 years, retired 1977. Married 51 years (widower); one son, two daughters, one granddaughter. Enjoys touring motorcycle trips and military reunions.