William F. Doerner.
Waist Gunner · Of Cleveland, OH.
The man.
From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook
Went overseas to England on Aug. 16, 1942 and became a replacement gunner on B-24s with the 93rd Bomb Group, also known as 'Ted's Traveling Circus.'
He was on the Ploesti Oil Raid in Rumania, Aug. 1, 1943. He destroyed an ME-109, Macchi 202 and damaged a JU-88 over Foggia, Italy, Aug 16, 1943 and completed his 25th mission, Nov. 5, 1943 over Munster, Germany.
Was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, six Air Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation for Ploesti, five European Campaign Stars and several other ribbons. He was part of a team of combat veterans headed by Col. George S. Brown, to instruct and prepare the newly arrived 446th and 448th Bomb Group for combat operations.
Returned to the States in March 1944 and was assigned as a gunnery instructor at Westover Field, MA. Discharged on May 18, 1945 with the rank of staff sergeant.
Service record.
Before and after.
Born on June 21, 1923 in Cleveland, OH. Joined the USAAF on Dec. 19, 1941. Basic training at Jefferson Barracks in Missouri. Assigned to the 14th Fighter Group, P-38s at Hamilton Field, CA.
He married Josephine Zuccaro on Oct. 27, 1945, they have one daughter, Barbara. He worked for the Ford Motor Company in management and various capacities. Retired in March 1985 after 31 years with the company.