2nd set of eyes on dads discharge paper.

I have a microfilm copy of my dads discharge paper from WWII. Right under his name it reads info on his squad etc. if I post that corner of the paper can anyone tell me what you think it reads? My dad was Vernon J Sheldon serial# 16 098 314. Thank you for any verification on this I can get. I just need a second pair of eyes to tell me if I am reading this as I see it……514 bomb squad (15) AAF. So much appreciated. 

Parents
  • Hello,

    I believe you are correct.

    The 514th Bomb Squadron, part of the 376th Bomb Group, which was assigned to the 47th Bomb Wing,15th Air Force, Army Air Forces, operated in the Mediterranean area during WWII.

    However, be advised that the units found on WWII discharge documents may not necessarily be the unit(s) a serviceman served with for a majority of his time in the service.

    Dan

  • Hello,

    Not sure where the photo you added of more of his discharge document went, but the 376th Bomb group was given credit for the following campaigns in the European Theater of Operations during the war:

    Air Combat, EAME Theater (7 Dec 41- 11 May 45)

    Air Offensive, Europe (4 Jul 42- 4 Jun 44)

    Egypt-Libya (11 Jun 42- 12 Feb 43)

    Tunisia (12 Nov 42- 13 May 43)

    Sicily (14 May 43- 17 Aug 43)

    Naples-Foggia (18 Aug 43- 21 Jan 42)

    Anzio (22 Jan 44- 24 May 44)

    Rome-Arno (22 Jan 44- 9 Sep 44)

    Normandy (6 Jun 44- 24 Jul 44)

    Northern France (25 Jul 44- 14 Sep 44)

    Southern France (15 Aug 44- 14 Sep 44)

    North Apennines (10 Sep 44- 4 Apr 45)

    Rhineland (15 Sep 44- 21 March 45)

    Central Europe (22 Mar 45- 11 May 45)

    Po Valley (5 Apr 45-8 May 45)

    Note: The "Ploesti Raid' was not a campaign but an operation, known as Operation Tidalwave. 

    Source: "Air Force Combat Units of World War II" USGPO 1961.

    Dan

  • Hello,

    I'm sorry I removed the picture because I felt I was asking you for too much. I was so happy to just get this response and that confirmation of what I thought I was seeing on the discharge paper. I Heartm ordering a few of his medals to give as gifts to my siblings, but didn’t want to give wrong information or items to them. I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with me. My dad did not necessarily participate in all of these campaigns, but the 376th Bomb Group certainly participated in a lot. I noticed my dad was not awarded the Good Conduct award and wondered why everyone didn’t get one, or what the guidelines were for receiving that; he must of been a troublemaker way back then too :)  I find this history so important to understand, and am watching as much as I can on the WW2 war. I am just shocked that my dads service was never mentioned growing up, not a peep. He went in shortly after turning 18, and came out just four days shy of his 21st birthday. These warriors were so young, fighting battles that most did not know what they were in for. We owe them (you?) a debt of gratitude, they were a rare breed.️Flag usYou have been a big help ,and so kind to use your time to help answer some of the nagging questions I and so many of us have. I can’t thank you enough. 

    Blessings to you,

    Ruth

  • Ruth,

    I’m happy to help.I also learn something(s) with every person I assist.

    As for the Good Conduct Medal, it could have simply been an admin error or, as some of us who served might say, “he just got caught.”

    Dan

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