DONALD R. BINGHAM
Donald Ray Bingham was born 5-APR 1925 in Pekin, Illinois. His parents were Eugene Manuel Bingham (1889–1954) and Gertrude E. Thomas(1899–1954). Donald had two brothers: Wilbur and Ernest and three sisters Jessie, Anna Marie, and Betty Mae.
Donald attended Pekin Community High School. His listed yearbook activity was, “Stage Craft,” and his byline was, “He gets a Lot Out of Life.” According to the 1930’s Federal Census, the family lived at 1230 South 6th Street in Pekin. By 1940, the family lived at 356 South Cohital in Pekin IL.
Donald planned to enter the service the same week he graduated from high school in 1943. His desire was to join the Army as an Aviation Cadet. Donald secured the three letters of recommendation from local community leaders who attested to Donald good character and abilities. F.B. Stowe, the Pekin Community High School Counselor said of Donald, “He is above average in ability and comes from a good family background.” Ross E. Anderson, the Managing Secretary of the Pekin Chamber of Commerce wrote, “I feel quite sure that he is the caliber to prove himself worthy of the Air Corps.” E.M. Kumpf, a cashier at The Herget National Bank in Pekin wrote, “He has a good reputation, and I have always found him honest.”
Donald received a letter from the War Department dated 11-Jun 1943 stating: “By direction of the President, you are hereby ordered to active-duty effective June 17, 1943.” One week later to the day after walking down the aisle as a graduate, Donald reported in Chicago for duty with the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Donald served on a B-24 Liberator, Heavy Bomber, flying 35 missions as part of the “Bungay Buckaroos” in Suffolk England with the 8th Air Force. Donald served as a “Sperry Gunner” more commonly known as a Ball Turret Gunner. The ball turret was a 3.5′ bubble on the belly of a B-24.
Sadly, Donald lost a brother and brother-in-law during the war. For the rest of Donald’s story, click on the pdf below:
