Grant L. Butcher – Master Sergeant, United States Army Air Forces

by

From Bud Slavin: July 2002

Michael, I have a photo taken at Arlington and I am trying to find out the story behind it. I cannot scan it as I do not have one. The stone says:

GRANT L. BUTCHER
MSGT
US ARMY
WORLD WAR II
AUG 18 1921
DEC 26 1981
AIR CORPS
SOLE SURVIVOR
JAN 1944
POW SEP 4 1945

Do you have any information on the story behind this?
Sincerely, Bud Slavin

Lieutenant and later Captain Robert Brittenbach was the pilot of a B24 liberator during World War II. He was attached to the Tenth Air Force, 7th Bombardment Group, 436th Bombardment Squadron in Bishnapur, India. I have two crew pictures that were sent to me in 1988 by M.R.London (Asst radio operator and gunner). I have found almost all of the crew listed here except for my dad. Here is a list of names from his crew in 1942 Bishnapur, India. He was promoted to Captain in 1943. He recieved the air medal and the DFC for his efforts in the WWII.

Pilot – Lieutenant Robert Brittenbach Died 1948 Heart Attack
Copilot – Lieutenant Charles McLoughlin KIA on another bomber
Navagator – Lieutenant Cecil Painter
Bombadier – Lieutenant Joseph McCord
Engineer/Gunner – Staff Sergeant Grant Butcher MIA POW
Assistant Engineer/Gunner – Staff Sergeant Eric Edmondson
Radio/Gunner – Staff Sergeant Roman Shaeffer
Assistant Radio/Gunner – Staff Sergeant M.R. London
Tail Gunner – Staff Sergeant Henry Caldwell

Research continues regarding this crew and Sergeant Butcher.

glbutcher-gravesite-photo-august-2006

BUTCHER, GRANT L

  • MSGT   US ARMY
  • WORLD WAR II
  • DATE OF BIRTH: 08/18/1921
  • DATE OF DEATH: 12/26/1981
  • BURIED AT: SECTION 34  SITE 5011
    ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

Read our general and most popular articles

Leave a Comment

error: