The B-24 "The Frendlin" and crew in China during WWII.

This B-24J, serial #42-73265 was assigned to 425th Bomb Squadron at Kunming. The plane departed Liuchow on 20 May 1944 for a planned sea sweep mission with return to Kunming. However, it was hit by enemy fire during the mission forcing the crew to bail out prior to reaching a friendly airfield. All crew members were assisted by American Missionaries, Chinese villagers and guerilla's to reach an American base safely. Crew members on that mission were:

1Lt. Chester R. Bohart (pilot)
1Lt. Grant C. Pratt (co pilot)
1Lt. Donald B. Duffey (navigator)
1Lt. Clune J. Clifford (bombardier)
T/Sgt. Charles P. Yelton (engineer)
T/Sgt. Russel A. Giles (radio operator)
S/Sgt. Walter L. Yearick (ass't. engineer)
S/Sgt Max C. Elder (gunner)
S/Sgt Francis J. 'Midge' Meaney, Jr. (gunner)
S/Sgt. Milton A. McGee (ass't. radio operator)

'Midge' Meaney's story of the incident and the amazing aid the crew received can be read here:

- http://usaaf-in-cbi.com/308th_web/friendlin.htm

Location Tags

| China
| China » | Guangxi province 广西省 » Liuzhou 柳州

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Milton A. Mcgee

March 2, 1921 — August 21, 2007

Milton Albert McGee, 86, formerly of 15374 U.S. Hwy. 6, Plymouth, died of natural causes at Miller’s Merry Manor, Walkerton, at 1:50 p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2007. He had been a Plymouth resident since 1948.

Milton was born on March 2, 1921 in Walters, Oklahoma. He was the son of John Alla and Ollie Marie Stewart McGee.

He graduated from Blue High School, Walters, Oklahoma, in 1941. Milt had worked for the C.C.C. prior to his high school graduation.

An Oklahoma native, he rough-necked it in the oil fields before the war. Milt served in World War II as the radio operator on a B-24 bomber and would also man the plane’s top gun when the action got hot.

He and his crew were part of the 425th Bomb Squadron in the 308th Bomb Group stationed out of Kunming, China. He and his crew flew 69 missions, and all of his mates survived after being shot down over China.

Among his medals are the Air Medal with oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart with oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross which was awarded by Gen. Claire Chenault.

On July 29, 1944, Milton and Edna Marie Hoffman were married in St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Chicago. Edna preceded him in death on June 24, 2006.

Milt worked at Bendix for 32 years as a refrigeration and air-conditioning engineer.

He enjoyed hunting, farming, gardening, camping, fishing and spending time with his family, especially attending the sporting events of his children and grandchildren.

Milt was a member of Calvary Lutheran Church, Plymouth, where he was an Elder and Trustee. He also belonged to the V.F.W. and the National Rifle Association.

Milt leaves his loving family; three sons: John A. and wife Sharon McGee, Wayne M. and wife Cheryl McGee, all of Walkerton and Thomas C. and wife Susan McGee of Plymouth, a daughter: Janis K and spouse Dan Malicki of Klamath Falls, Oregon along with seven granddaughters: Megan Hellickson, Kari Snyder, Katie McGee, Caitlin Malicki, Tara McGee, Molly McGee and Carlin Malicki and a grandson: Andrew McGee and great granddaughter: Alexis Snyder.

A sister: Billie Lewis of Dennison, Texas; two nieces and two nephews also survive.

Friends are invited to celebrate the life of Milton McGee from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 23, 2007, in the Calvary Lutheran Church, 1314 N. Michigan St., Plymouth. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. in the Church with the Rev. Steven Resner officiating.

Burial will be in Morris Cemetery on U.S. 6 west of LaPaz, where Military Rites will be accorded by the Plymouth American Legion Post 27 and the Plymouth V.F.W. Post 1162.