Description:
From Captain Zachary Layton - displayed next to this painting in 1D945 - ABB 4/16/2025
This painting by John Downs depicts B-17’s from the 347th Bomb Squadron, 99th Bombardment Group, 15 AF, USAAF inbound to conduct a bombing run against a Railroad Bridge in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia During WWII. This bridge was the last railroad bridge usable by the Germans during their retreat from Romania.
During this mission, SSgt LaVey, a bombardier, earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for successfully dropping the aircraft’s bombs on-target after sustaining a chest wound from flak. There were 16 crew members injured between the nine-ship formation. After recovering from his injury, he continued flying with the 347th until December 1944. SSgt LaVey wrote to the 99th Bomb Group newsletter to share his story and citation.
From the 99th Bomb Group Newsletter – November 1995
The photo on the back page of the August newsletter of the Staff Sgt. getting the DFC was me. I was awarded this for a NOVI SAD, YOUGOSLAVIA mission 18 Sept. 1944 flying as an NCO bombardier. From the citation-" Sergeant LaVey was severely wounded by a piece of flak in the chest. Despite the seriousness of his wound and the shock he suffered from it, he gallantly remained in his position, refusing aid from any member of the crew until he dropped his bombs in the assigned target area, aiding immeasurably to the grave damage inflicted on enemy installations. This courageous action, conspicuous gallantry, and unfailing devotion to duty displayed by Sergeant LaVey in his determination to fulfill his mission with complete disregard for his own personal welfare, together with his outstanding combat record, has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of The United States of America." Hope this has been of some help. Will see you next year, and Baltimore looks good for 1997.
Yours in the 99th. s/ Jim LaVey
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