John D. Oliver

Retired Chief Master Sgt John D Oliver was a B17 waist and tail gunner over Europe. during the Second World War.

In 1944, on his tenth mission, while flying a bombing run over Germany his plane came in the under attack from the Lufwaffe. While firing at the enemy. CMSgt. Oliver was struck by enemy fire. Despite being wounded, CMSgt Oliver continued to return fire. During the firefight, the crew’s pilot was killed and the co pilot was wounded. The co-pilot managed to land the plane.

CMSgt Oliver returned to action and went on to fly 50 missions over Europe and the Mediterranean theatre, before serving in Korea and Vietnam.

This Story of Valor was provided by CMSgt Oliver’s son, Danny Oliver.