850th BS History, February 1944: "The Squadron received its first 'Fly-away' ship, Number 129561, Saturday 26 February (1944), which was assigned to Group crew number 60, piloted by Second Lieutenant, Robert L. Byerley. The arrival of the new ship kindled a new interest among the crews as latest improvements were noted and made the subject of conversation. The arrival of additional planes was eagerly awaited."

Standing, L-R:
Morris J. Zavesky         - Gunner            ASN 35357701
Ralph C.  Haines          - Bombardier        ASN 0551165
Howard M. Drescher        - Copilot           ASN 0818276           
Robert T. Byerley         - Pilot             ASN 0692761
Robert F. Carlisle        - Navigator         ASN 0703605
Homer F.  Townley,Jr.     - R.O.              ASN 34612144

Kneeling, L-R:
Paul        Novichenk       - Gunner            ASN 15323363 (Orphaned) (KIA)*
Jesus G.    Salazar         - Gunner            ASN 38363597 (Orphaned)
Ralph H.    Lyons           - Engineer          ASN 16080611
Theodore J. Ryczek          - Gunner            ASN 31327228

* Novichenk is listed as KIA with the 448th BG on 6 Nov 44 on MACR 10348.

ASNs so-colored for EMs link to their NARA Enlistment Records.

Combat Period: May-September 1944. 
Picture credits and names: Morris Zavesky

Status: Original 490th BG crew, arrived at Harrington at the end of May 1944. Late starters (1st Combat Mission in July of '44), they achieved 28 missions by the end of September 1944, and had to stay on until they could get in their 35 sorties.

Preferred Aircraft: B24J 42-50607 and B24H 41-29607
 
Agents Inserted:
MR 1444 DZ Frederick 18 (4) Part of the Inter-Allied Mission ALOES
MR 1801 DZ Bob 277      (2) Sussex Team DIAMONT
MR 2066 DZ Bob 325      (4) BCRA agents