Us Official Photographs

Allied Airmen in France

War II many Allied airmen, who were forced-down or escaped from German prison camps in France, were helped to safety by the French Marquis. The escapees would pass through the hands of the Marquis, French peasants, and seemingly innocent villagers who guided them across the French border into Switzerland. After the liberation of France the repatriated men boarded planes at a French airfield and flown back to their bases and then home. Here, crew members of the Boeing B-17 "Duffy's Tavern;" they had all come over from the States together, and had all flown 20 missions together. On the 21st they were returning from Frankfurt, Germany, when three engines failed. They landed in France. Three of the crew were taken prisoners by the Germans. The navigator got home, none of them know how to this day. The rest drifted into Switzerland separately, aided by the French Patriots. They are, left to right: S/Sgt. Warren J. Prosperi, Mathopac, New York, Tail Gunner S/Sgt. Howard W. Lawson, Goldendale, Washington, Waist Gunner T/Sgt. Owin V. Taylor, Fowler, Kansas, Radio Operator S/Sgt. Clement C. Budelman, Bergenfield, New Jersey, Waist Gunner S/Sgt. Ben H. St. John, Oneonta, New York, Ball Turret Gunner