Herman enlisted in the U.S. Army on July 24, 1941 at the
young age of 16. About this time the Air Corps was expanding rapidly with the
anticipation of war in Europe and the Pacific. It became a separate entity from
the regular Army and its name was changed to Army Air Force (AAF.) Its
commander through much of the war was General Hap Arnold.
Herman is unique in that he says that he was assigned to the
AAF instead of enlisting in that organization. This shows that he probably tested well and it
was felt he would be a good candidate for a crewman on a bomber.
After basic training Herman was shipped overseas. First stop
however was in Newfoundland in 1942. Here he participated in far ranging
anti-submarine patrols over the icy Atlantic searching for German U-Boats.
Soon afterwards he was transferred to Spinazzola Italy with
the 15th AAF. He was assigned to the 490th Bomb Group
composed of B-24 Liberator bombers. He spent two years at Spinazzola.
The 490th BG was somewhat unique in that it’s
tail markings on the B-24s was that of a yellow “O.” His last job was that of a
Technical Inspector. His last base was in Natal Brazil.
Herman’s awards include the Distinguished Unit Badge GO 3604
15th AAF. He also received the American Defense and Service medals. There were also the European-African-Middle
Eastern Service medal, and the Good Conduct medal.
The 460th BG later served in Vietnam and is now
known as the 460th Space Group.
Herman was discharged on September 27, 1945.
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