Introduction
This page is devoted to those B-29 flight crew members who paid the ultimate price for freedom while
serving in the Far East Air Force during the Korean War. Some were veterans of a previous war who had
experienced the trials and triumphs of aerial combat in World War II. Others were fresh out of training
school, flying their first and last mission at a young age. Still others were fathers, sons, brothers,
and uncles whose families would forever grieve after they received the news that their Air Force veteran
would never be returning home to them again. Please remember the fallen--and never forget that the
price of freedom for some families was astronomical during the Korean War. To send information,
reminiscences, and photographs of your B-29 loved one, contact Lynnita Brown, 111 E. Houghton St., Tuscola,
IL 61953; ph. 217-253-4620 or 253-5171; e-mail lynnita@thekwe.org.
No cost is ever associated with posting Korean War-related information on the Korean War Educator.
In Remembrance of Them
In Remembrance of
Capt. David Gandin
Captain Gandin's B-29 aircraft (#44-62279) developed an
engine fire in the climb after takeoff on October 19, 1950. Steps taken to maintain flight caused the
bombs on board to detonate and sever the control wires. The plane crashed into the
China Sea off the coast of Okinawa, killing all but three members of the crew. David Gandin was
born in Culver City, California, on April 15, 1919. He was survived by daughters
Leslee S. Gandin (3 years old) and Peggy Dee Gandin (1 year old); brother, Dr. Morris Gandin; sister, Mrs.
Irving Jaffe; and niece Louise Gandin. Louise supplied the documents and photographs for this
Remembrance page. Fate of Crew of #44-62279:
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Anderson, SSgt. Clarence D. (survivor) - husband of Mrs. Betty Anderson, Riverside,
California. He escaped with a sprained ankle.
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Archard, M/Sgt. James O. (fatality) -
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Bandin, Capt. David (fatality) - brother of Dr. Morris M. Gandin, Los Angeles, and
father of Leslee and Peggy Dee Gandin
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Brandon, SSgt. N.Y. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Ruth E. Brandon, March AFB
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Davis, Capt. George A. Jr. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Ruth H. Davis of Perris,
California
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Edgington, SSgt. Richard A. (survivor - uninjured) -
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Kusel, SSgt. Harold E. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Ruth E. Kusel, Arlington
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LeMaster, MSgt. Lester M. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Emma J. Lemaster, March AFB
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Martin, Maj. John G. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Mercedes R. Martin of Riverside,
California
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Stowers, Capt. Frederick H. (survivor) - son of Mrs. James A. Stowers of West Palm
Beach, Florida. He suffered serious injuries in the crash.
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Willis, Maj. Robert F. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Agnes Willis, Riverside, California
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Wohlgemuth, S/Sgt. Edward J. (fatality) - husband of Mrs. Della M. Wohlgemuth of
Syracuse, New York
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