vets

WWII USAAF/POW
S/Sgt. Dean West Millward
91stBG/401stBS
Right Waist Gunner

In 1941 Dad was called to serve his country. A proud day for him but a sad day for Grandma...he was her baby boy ! Born in Star Valley Wyoming.
The youngest of 12 siblings.

To my baby boy

Although today we're far apart.
Dear Dean you're always in my heart.
Because no matter where you roam,
I'm thinking of you here at home.

It's just a dream...those miles of blue,
And honest dear Dean,I'm there with you.
Just waiting for that happy day...
When you'll come marching home to stay.

Dear Lord I pray the sun will shine...
On a soldier boy I'm proud to say is mine.
And brush each little care away.
Please cheer and comfort him each day,
And maybe whisper if you please,
"I'm proud of my Staff sergeant over seas".

Dad was a Right Waist Gunner in the USAAF. He flew in 20 missions,which included one very successful and important one. They bombed one of Germany's biggest Ball Bearing factory, which crippled them a great deal! He and his crew recieved the President unit citation from President Roosevelt. What a great honor!
They were shot down in two B-17 Bombers during missions , one in "Rigor Mortis" ,which they made it safely back to England and the other in " Bomb Boggie" which he wasn't so fortunate to escape. He was shot in the leg during an air fight with the German planes and when he bailed out of the plane and hit the ground he had broken his ankle. The French Underground was there to try to save him but he couldn't walk to get to them before the Germans captured him and took him prisoner.He was a POW for two long, antagonizing years before his Hero, General Patten, liberated him in 1945.

General George S. Patton

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401 Bomb Squadron Insignia

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