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Edgar L Sikes


World War II · US Army

United States of America
Thumbnail for Crew with mascot.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyFlight crew and ground crew talking over the 50th mission under the nose of B-17 "Idiots Delight". Mascot "Flak Jr." is being held by one of the crew. Pilot 1st Lt. Austin E. Francis of Collinsville, Illinois signs Form One as M/Sgt Renrose of Reading, Pennsylvania, Crew Chief, looks on (center). 94th Bomp Group. jpg
Thumbnail for Completion of 50th successful mission with raid on Berlin March 1944.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyFlying Fortress "Idiot's Delight" completes 50th successful mission without a single abortion with raid on Berlin, 22 March 44 in which 1,400 tons of bombs dropped on the battered German capital for the 5th time. The attack was virtually unchallenged by Luftwaffe fighters in spite of ample opportunity to oppose. Flak, however, was the heaviest encountered over Berlin. Idiots Delight taxis into hardstand at then of mission as ground crew waves it in.
Thumbnail for Debriefing Crew Idiot's Delight.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyDebriefing Crew Idiot's Delight.jpg
Thumbnail for Idiot's Delight Nose Art.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyIdiot's Delight Nose Art.jpg
Thumbnail for Touching up Nose Art.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyMsgt Bingham watches Sgt Pilla paint another bomb on the side of Boeing B-17 'Idiots' Delight', of the 8th Air Force. England. The larger bomb to the right of the paintbrush is symbolic of completing their 50th mission.
Thumbnail for Crew photo Idiot's Delight.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyPhoto of Idiot's Delight ground crew.jpg
Thumbnail for Idiot's Delight crew 10 Jan 44.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyIdiot's Delight crew photo taken 29 December 1943. Original caption stated, "Lt. John F. Cota Crew-332nd Squadron A/C 42-30301 XM-B2 "IDIOT'S DELIGHT".jpg
Thumbnail for Crew with mascot.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyCrew with mascot.jpg
Thumbnail for Idiots delight color.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyIdiots delight color.jpg
Thumbnail for Idiot's Delight Mascot Flak Jr..jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyIdiot's Delight Mascot Flak Jr..jpg
Thumbnail for Idiots delight color.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyIdiots delight color.jpg
Thumbnail for Edgar Sikes memorial St. James France.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyEdgar Sikes memorial St. James France.jpg
Thumbnail for Air Medal.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyAir Medal.jpg
Thumbnail for Purple Heart.gifAdded by: texasoldcarguyPurple Heart.gif
Thumbnail for 2788150407_2b25df5a56_b.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguy2788150407_2b25df5a56_b.jpg
Thumbnail for Staff Sgt flight jacket.jpgAdded by: texasoldcarguyS/Sgt Guy T. Hiatt, Covington, Kentucky, left waist gunner on "Idiot's Delight" flying his 21st mission, was saved from serious injury when a piece of flak over Berlin hit the ammunition belt of his gun. One 50 cal bullet was exploded and another badly damaged his flight jacket.jpg