World War II Honoree

George Thomas Potts

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Honored By

Eileen Smith

Relationship

Niece

MEMBER OF THE THUNDER BAYA BABE CREW. SHOT DOWN ON 3-24-1944 OVER YUGOSLAVIA DUE TO FLAK STARTING FIRE ON SHIP. FOUR CREW MEMBERS WERE ABLE TO BAIL OUT AND OTHERS WERE TRAPPED BY FIRE. HE WAS THE RIGHT WING GUNNER ON THAT TRIP. SOMEHOW THE PILOT MISSED OTHER AIRCRAFT RETURNING TO BASE DUE TO WEATHER AND THEN WHEN REALIZED HE MISSED THE CORRECT PATH THE NAVIGATOR GAVE HIM AND THEY ENDED UP OVER GERMANY AIRSPACE. SIX CREW MEMBERS WENT DOWN WITH THE SHIP. THE GOAL THAT DAY WAY TO HEAD TO AUSTRIA TO BOMB A BALL BEARING PLANT.