Written by Researcher and FHC Volunteer Mark Galluzzo
As we discussed in our last Blog article, “Framingham’s 50 Mission B-17 Aviators: Lieutenant Colonel Edward “Skip” Stoddard, USAAF,” Framingham had three, 50 mission B-17 aviators: Lieutenant Colonel Skip Stoddard, Captain Ron Forward, and First Lieutenant George Devine.
LTC Stoddard of Framingham was truly an elite pilot. Captain Forward and 1st LT Devine were also courageous and skilled air warriors. Each handled their duties with outstanding airmanship and faced the constant stress inherent in this new, unpredictable, and dangerous form of warfare.
Captain Ronald Bradley Forward, USAAF
Captain Forward lived at 7 Central Street before joining the military. Born in 1918, he was a 1936 graduate of Framingham High School. In 1941, Ron completed the U.S. Government-funded Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP) in Framingham. At that time, Framingham operated two airports and was the first town in Massachusetts to host CPTP. He attended the inaugural class at Gould’s Airport. His group included Norm McDonald who later reached “Double Ace” status flying Spitfires and P-51 Mustangs. Through this unique program, Ron received his Civilian Pilots Certificate on 01 January 1941. Shortly thereafter, he joined the USAAF as a Flying Cadet.
Following the completion of his flight training, he received his wings, was commissioned as an Army Second Lieutenant, and headed off to England. While in England he met his future wife Sheila Dean (they eventually married in July of 1943). Stationed in England and then the Mediterranean, he flew fifty (50) combat missions. For his valorous efforts he was awarded the Air Medal with seven Oak Leaf Clusters (8 total awards).
Captain Forward returned to the U.S. in late 1943, where he was assigned to the Army Air Transport Command in Wilmington, Delaware and Westover Field, MA. He was given command of the 30th AirLift Squadron in 1956. After completing his 28+ year Air Force career, he eventually settled in Wyndham, NH. He retired as a Colonel. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 100.
First Lieutenant George Francis Devine, USAAF
George grew up at 90 Clark Street and was one of six brothers to serve. Born in 1919, he was a 1936 graduate of Framingham High School. In 1937, he married Virginia L. Mercer and by 1940 lived in Stamford, CT. He served as a B-17 Bombardier in the 8th Air Force’s 99th Bombardment Group (346th Bomb Squadron). He also flew for the 15th Air Force. As a B-17 Bombardier, he had to be intimately familiar with the iconic Norden Bombsight. He flew fifty (50) missions and was awarded the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters (10 total awards). He passed away in June of 1990 in Florida.
“Accurate and effective bombing is the ultimate purpose of your entire airplane and crew. Every other function is preparatory to hitting and destroying the target. That’s your bombardier’s job. The success or failure of the mission depends upon what he accomplishes in that short interval of the bombing run. When the bombardier takes over the airplane for the run on the target, he is in absolute command. He will tell you what he wants done, and until he tells you ‘Bombs away,’ his word is law.” – From the B-17 Pilot Training Manual – 1943
“The Norden bombsight functioned as a part of a whole system. As the bomber approached its target, the bombardier entered data about wind direction, airspeed and altitude into the bombsight’s analog computer, which calculated wind drift and provided the correct aim point. An internal gyroscope provided the stability necessary for using the telescopic sight at high altitudes. When connected to the Sperry C-1 Autopilot, the Norden bombsight provided unprecedented accuracy.” – From the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Norden M-9 Bombsight Fact Sheet
Regardless of the theater in which they flew, these men were members of an elite fraternity: USAAF aviators who completed 50 missions over hostile territory. They serve as examples of the valor and unflinching sacrifice so prevalent in the citizens of Framingham during turbulent times. As time moves on, the “Greatest Generation” is leaving us; there are, however, more of their stories to tell. In future postings, we will highlight the bravery, endurance, and sacrifice of those involved in ground combat and in peril on the seas.
Suggested Reading:
Holland, James. Big Week: The Biggest Air Battle of World War II, Atlantic Monthly Press, 2018
Miller, Donald L. Masters of the Air: America’s Bomber Boys Who Fought The Air War Against Nazi Germany, Simon & Schuster, 2007
The United States Strategic Bombing Surveys: Summary Reports (Europe and Pacific), US Army Air Force, 30 September 1945