Basic Pilot Class 42-H at Goodfellow Field near San Angelo, Texas.

Subsequently assigned to 33rd Bomb Squadron, 22nd Bombardment Group, 22nd Bomb Wing, 15th Air Force stationed at March AFB, California. In July 1950, the 22nd BG was placed under the command of FEAF Bomber Command (Provisional) while deployed to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.

"The B-29 Superfortress: A Comprehensive Registry….." by Robert A. Mann

At approximately 04:17 a.m. October 19, 1950 on a combat mission against North Korea: B-29 serial #44-62279 (tail code: Circle E) during the climb-out after take-off, the #1 engine developed a fire. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the bombs on-board to detonate and sever the control wires; and the plane crashed into the China Sea about 5 miles off the coast of Okinawa. There were numerous fatalities (KTOAEF); and its crew included:

Maj. John G. Martin (airplane command pilot) Connecticut

Capt. George Arthur Davis, Jr. (pilot) Massachusetts

Capt. David Gandin (navigator) California

Capt. Frederick P. Stowers (bombardier) Alabama -survived-

Maj. Robert F. Willis (radar operator) Kansas

MSgt James O. Archerd (flight engineer) Oklahoma

SSgt Clarence D. Anderson (radio operator) -survived-

SSgt Richard F. Edgington (CFC gunner) West Virginia -survived-

SSgt Edward Jerome Wohlgemuth (right gunner) New York

SSgt N. Y. Brandon (left gunner) Kentucky

SSgt Harold L. Kusel (tail gunner) Kansas

MSgt Lester Enzly LeMaster (aircrew) Oklahoma

John G Martin