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PHOTO CREDITS

OKLAHOMAN, The

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CECIL J. WHITENER

Survived Operation TIDAL WAVE, 1 Aug 43, Ploesti Romania (Horizontal Mission Marker)
Lost 5 Dec 43, FRA - MACR 2351 - Pilot Harley B. Mason

Contributor - Dave Winkler

Info Contributor - Roy Potter
Shot down 5 Dec 43 over St. Nazaire, France, by a direct burst of flak. Flying THE OKLAHOMAN on this day, was Lt. Mason's crew, who normally flew in FIGHTIN' SAM (42-40506). Lt. Mason was the sole survivor (POW). My Uncle, Eldon N. Colby (Co-Pilot), was flying next to THE OKLAHOMAN on his first mission as a Pilot, in TOUCH OF TEXAS (42-40751). Pieces of the exploding THE OKLAHOMAN hit his (and several other) aircraft.

Info Contributor - Clyde Vick
My Father, Lowell Vick, was the Eng/Top Turret Gunner. The pilot, Jack Martin, was from Tosamingo, Oklahoma, hence the name.

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