Lawrence Baldridge
MACR: 3255
2nd Lt. Lawrence C Baldridge was assigned to the 459th BG 756th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Pilot.
2nd Lt Lawrence C Baldridge was part of the original cadre of 459 BG guys going overseas in January,1944 and was the Pilot of B-24H A/C 42-52406 named "Smoky", which had been flown
overseas in January,1944 by Lt Lawrence C Baldwin & Crew, arriving at Guilia
Air Field( 459 BG Home Base) on 1/10/44.
Lt Baldridge and crew were on
459 BG M # 6 to bomb Vienna City target, 3/17/44, when over the target, A/C
42-52319 ( La Borrache ), was hit by flak destroying the tail & rudder and
then had a Mid- Air Collision with A/C 42-52406 " Smoky" with both ships
coming apart and killing 19 airmen.
