Gooch family portrait Norman OK AAF Aircrew

[easterneagle87]

I love good WW2 portraits! Antique store find yesterday. Nice Aircrew wings and American Defense ribbon. The way the names are written, I think the AAF member is Elvie Gooch. Anyone know anything about this airman? OR.. if his brother served, Wayne Gooch, and their histories? 

 

[Titanfan]

Misspelled first name on the photo. Please note mother's and father's name here...

[Titanfan]

He was overseas with the 15th air force in Italy. 454th bg, 738th bs. No air medals or dfc, so may have been in an instructor role due to his high rank.

[jumpship]

Based on the movement list below, dated 6 Dec 1943, with him as a passenger, he was a Flight Chief with the 738th BS.

 

Per the link below for another BS, ref a Flight Chief: "Each of the squadron's four flights had one Flight Chief, who supervised a minimum of four Crew Chiefs and eight Assistant Crew Chiefs. The four Flight Chiefs reported to one Line Chief, who was under the supervision of the Engineering Officer and his assistant officer." So, he was responsible for a number of men who kicked the tires and lit the fires, so to speak- all important aircraft maintenance.

 

https://b26.com/page/WW2-556th-Bomb-Squadron-387th-Bomb Group-Engineering-Section.htm

 

 

Source: NARA

 

Dan

[easterneagle87]

Appreciated