that time, the number of B-17s and flight crews assigned to each squadron had doubled. But the ground crew echelon number remained the same, which meant each crew chief and his two to three men would have to take care of two planes. “That was quite a burden, but by then we had a lot of experience so we managed well. The main problem was availability of parking ‘hardstands.’ They built a few more, but in many cases, there were two B-17s on a hardstand designed for one. We managed that situation by pulling the planes into the parking spaces with our Cletrac tractors. Each B-17 had its tail off in the mud, but either could taxi out. This increase in aircraft meant we could send out 38 to 40 planes on a mission. For me personally, the net result was that I took almost no twenty-four hour leaves or three-day passes for the rest of my time in England.”
BRONZE STAR
Although the 95th Bomb Group suffered grievous losses early on, they became the most decorated group in the European Theater. Though Peek seldom mentions it, he received a Bronze Star and citation for “meritorious achievement in connection with military operations against the enemy as squadron engineering officer in the European Theater of Operations from 1 June 1943 to 12 June 1944. Captain Peek has so thoroughly trained his men that the aircraft supervised by them have established outstanding records in combat. During the first days of the invasion when the entire undertaking depended immeasurably on assistance from the air, his squadron achieved a perfect operational record. His leadership and superior technical knowledge reflects the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.” Today, at 99-years-young, Chester Peek continues to be mighty proud of the Mighty Eighth Air Force.
Note: This article has been excerpted and adapted by the author from her book entitled “My Father, My Friends ~ Memories of World War II~”
Sparky Barnes
is a longtime aviation author and photographer, and the recipient of the Bax Seat Trophy and the “Lady Antiquer of the Year” awards. She personally restored her 1948 Piper Vagabond and holds a commercial glid-er certificate with private single engine land and sea ratings.
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