World War II Honoree

Frank Condreras

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Lynbrook, New York

8th Air Force. Basic Training in Florida, attended airplane mechanic school in Amarillo, Texas, Gunnery School in Kingman, Arizona. Served in the 8th Army Air Corps. Was a flight engineer and top turret gunner on a B-17 G Flying Fortress. Heavily involved in the air war over Germany. Completed 26 missions, participating in Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe Campaigns. During 27th mission, a bomb run over Berlin, was shot down on March 17, 1945. The plane crashed in Poland, was picked up by Russian Infantry and held as POW until status could be identified as U.S. Military. Crew spent 2 months making way back to base in Chelveston, England. Awards/Citations: Wings over Blue Velvet Patch, Presidential Citation, Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, three Campaign Medals; Battle of Ardennes (with Bronze Star), Battle of Rhineland (with Bronze Star), Battle of Central Germany (with Bronze Star), Sharp shooter Medal, Prisoner of War. Honorably discharged on October 27, 1945.