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Frank Zukaitis |
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Frank Zukaitis |
Written by Harold (Diz) Kronenberg
| Lieutenant Zukaitis Completes Tour of Duty With Eighth Air Force EIGHTH AIR FORCE BASE SOMEWHERE IN BRITAIN. Lieutenant Frank Zukaitis recently completed his thirtieth mission as a bombardier on an Army Air Forces Flying Fortress of the Eighth Air Force, somewhere in England. His earliest missions were flown in the B-24 Liberator heavy bomber, but he ended up flying his last missions in the B-17 Flying Fortress. All missions were flown with the 34th Heavy Bombardment Group, flying out of Mendellsham, England. Lieutenant Zukaitis entered the service in February of 1943, reported to San Antonio, Texas, received his basic training in Houston, Texas, and earned his gunner's wings in Laredo, Texas. He received his commission and bombardier wings after bombardier training in Big Springs, Texas. He was joined there by his wife, Charlene, and infant son. After a short leave, he reported to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he joined a B-24 crew of the 34th Bombardment Group. The group was sent to Blythe, California for training and, in early 1944, was sent overseas to their bombing base in England. Zukaitis states that his group saw few German fighters but, at times, the anti-aircraft fire (flak) was intense. He particularly felt good about helping the infantry by bombing "the krauts" on D-Day. After a short furlough at home, Zukaitis will report back to duty at Midland, Texas. |
