Grandfathers, US Army Air Corp, US Navy

Hey all, thought I'd share some service history for my Grandfathers. My Mom's dad John Berberich served with the Army Air Corp from 1942 - 1945. He was with the 376th BG, 515th SQ, 15th AF. He flew as a waist gunner on B-24 bombers, first being stationed in North Africa and then moving to Italy in late 1943. My Dad's dad Percy Estridge was aboard an escort destroyer, the USS Reeves, in the Pacific. I unfortunately don't know as much about his service history.... I wish I did know more.... :-/ I have a couple of his things luckily, so those provide some insight. Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my Mom's dad, so I heard a lot of stories from him and also have a decent amount of his personal belongings.

Here are a few photos:

 

Great photos! We can certainly help you find out more info about your grandpa in the Navy, use this thread and give his name and time of service and some of these great gentlemen will give you more detailed info.....

 

Glad to hear! I mentioned above some basic info about him, that's about all I know.... I'm not sure when he joined, but I'm pretty sure he got out late in 1945, once the war in the Pacific was over.

 

Wonder if he visited Darwin or not? Maybe Brisbane or Perth even...

 

Well that's good, in may cases that's all these guys need and within a few hours.......viola!

 

Do you know if your Grandfather took part in the raid on Ploiesti in August of 43'? You said he was in the 15th air force in the 376th BG so he very well might have!

 

At that point, he wasn't yet flying. He worked on aircraft at the time, but remembered that mission. He said many of the ones that returned had tree branches stuck in their cowlings! That's how low they flew! Once the group moved to Italy, he began flying. The group was looking for volunteers to be gunners, so he signed up. He did fly on high level Ploesti missions though.

 

That's awesome nonetheless, must have been hard to not say hello again to those who didn't make it back........Brave man your grandpa!

 

He was for sure. He's the reason I joined the Air Force myself.

 

That's great! Were you a flyer? If not we won't hold it against you

 

lol, I'm still in actually. Been in just over 17 years now, going for 20. Nah, i'm not a flyer. I'm an engineer. I work on water & fuels systems. I'm stationed at Whiteman AFB, home of the B-2.

 

Thank you for your service by the way zeppelin, The B-2 is a pretty impressive bird, where else have you been stationed?

 

Thanks! It really is. Always cool seeing that plane on the flightline... Although, they need to stop running those damn engines all day lol ;-) I've also been stationed at Dover AFB in Delaware and Ramstein AB in Germany.

 

Have you been to the Air Force academy in Colorado before, it's a beautiful place with that grand church and a view of the Rockies and Colorado Springs...I miss it

 

Haven't ever been there. I've seen photos though. Looks pretty awesome.

 

Thank you so much for this!! His middle name was Herman. Now I at least I know his date of enlistment, service numbers, etc. What is Fold3 by the way? I have seen the grave marker before online searching for his name. Thanks again for the information!

 

There you go, information within 24 hours! These guys are the best around.....