Fishel's Crew

Standing (L to R): James E. Wolck (togglier), Carlos Ascari (CP), Bernie Fishel (P), Gerald C. Smith (FE/Top), Arthur E. Polczynski (R/O/WG). Front (L to R): James M. Farley (G), John Albanese (N), Joseph T. Buie (G).

This is a photo of LT Fishel and his crew of Oct 6, '44 after their mission to Berlin. LT Fishel had been the copilot on the original Towne crew. When the Towne and Rex crews were merged, LT Fishel became first pilot and flew with crews composed of unassigned crewmen (a "bastard crew"). LT Albanese, also from the original Towne crew, flew 6 missions as LT Fishel's bombardier/navigator. LT Fishel finished his combat tour on his next mission.

James Wolck, Gerald Smith, and Joseph Buie flew with the Goettel crew until that crew was disbanded when LT Goettel was wounded. Arthur Polczynski was from LT Yochem's crew, and James Farley was part of CAPT Rex's original crew.

(submitted by John C. Albanese, 833rd)