Miscellaneous Items of the 467th BG(H)

"Witchcraft" 100th Mission Awards Ceremony

The completion of "Witchcraft's" 100th combat mission on 7th Jan. 45 was a widely publicized event, for she had just established a record among 8th Air Force Liberators. On this mission bombing the Hermann Goering Steel Works in Brunswick, her return was greeted by an imposing array of "brass" from higher headquarters.

As "Witchcraft" returned to Rackheath after her 100th mission, the ground crew, M/Sgt Joe Ramirez, S/Sgt George Dong, Sgt Raymond Betcher, Cpl Walter Elliot, and Cpl Joseph Vetter, received the congratulations of Major General William E. Kepner, Second Air Division commander; Brigadier General Walter R. Peck, 96th Combat Wing commander; Col Albert Shower, 467th BG commander; and Major Fred Holdrege, 790th Squadron commander. Pictured above Ray Betcher receives his award.

For "meritorious achievement in the performance of outstanding services", Crew Chief Joe Ramirez received an Oak Leaf Cluster to his Bronze Star Medal. The other four men of the crew received Certificates of Meritorious Service, signed by General Peck, for their excellent work. Pictured below is George Dong receiving his award.

To view official film of Witchcraft's 100th mission and the awards ceremony filmed by the Eighth Army Air Force Combat Camera Unit with narration by Col. Fred E. Holdrege ret., Click here