William C. Toombs, Sr.

Description:

Technical Sergeant William C. Toombs, Sr., North Little Rock. Sergeant Toombs enlisted in the Army Air Corps 31 October 1942. He was assigned as a flight engineer and top turret gunner with the 493rd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, European Theater of Operations. Sergeant Toombs flew twenty missions in a B-24 Liberator before transitioning to the B-17 Flying Fortress. Then, having flown only four missions, 11 September 1944, with two of the four engines shot out they crash-landed in a Belgium turnip field. Sergeant Toombs’ military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals. He is an active member of the 8th Air Force and Distinguished Flying Cross organizations.

Technical Sergeant William C. Toomb’s Distinguished Flying Cross narrative reads: “Technical Sergeant, Army Air Forces, United States Army, For extraordinary achievement while serving as top turret gunner on many high altitude heavy bombardment missions against the enemy over Continental Europe, during a period ending 27 September 1944. Sergeant Toombs repelled numerous hostile fighter attacks by his excellent marksmanship, there by assuring the safety of the crew and aircraft. The courage, presence of mind and devotion to duty while engaged in aerial combat on all these occasions are in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Army Air Forces.”

More Info:

Technical Sergeant William C. Toombs, Sr., North Little Rock.  Sergeant Toombs enlisted in the Army Air Corps 31 October 1942.  He was assigned as a flight engineer and top turret gunner with the 493rd Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, European Theater of Operations.  Sergeant Toombs flew twenty missions in a B-24 Liberator before transitioning to the B-17 Flying Fortress.  Then, having flown only four missions, 11 September 1944, with two of the four engines shot out they crash-landed in a Belgium turnip field.  Sergeant Toombs’ military awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals.  He is an active member of the 8th Air Force and Distinguished Flying Cross organizations.