James J O'Boyle

The month and year teen-age O'Boyle was drafted into the US AAC. January, 1943, still 19 !

  Jim was a Tail-Turret Gunner on the B-24 "Teepee Time Gal" B -24 Liberator, he flew Combat Missions out of Foggia, Italy during WW II.

M/Sgt James J O'Boyle, Tail Gunner in the Turrret on the B-24 Liberator, "Teepee Time Gal"  with the 455th Bomb Group, the 743rd Bomb Squad flying Combat missions out of Cerignola, Iatly.

ABOUT THE FLAK Suit and the Story !

This a gag photo thought of by pilot Brooks and our Squadron photog who was like a mascot to our crew he hadhis choice of any crew  he wanted for his missions and he sort of adopted us and we adopted him---but I  am so embarrassed--I forgot his name--just plain slipped from my memory---yes,  thats Brooks in a flak suit, never worn by a pilot and a  gas mask (never worn in a plane) if you will look at this guy's boots and know WWII lore you will recognize British flying boots which Brooks got in a trade for something--maybe  one of our B-24s--who knows--at the time, early 1944, no one else had such boots the photo appears in our group story book-"The Vulgar Vultures" and I've a copy  printed by our photog friend along with photos of each crew member at their  position on our steed Tepee Time Gal---the British we were in contact with were  anti airtcraft gunners located on San Giovanni to protect our groups, our planes and and everybody--from air raids--their highest officers were Sergeants and Brooks was  accepted by their group, invited to their Sgt's mess and their red light girls  as well, even though he was an officer. I do believe Brooks could be accepted  by anyone and everyone--what a gift--

 "Sammy"  Seymour Gaines /crew Member, VIA son Jim O'Boyle, Jr.