Photo Credit to FindaGrave member Alex K. He does not appear to be an active member. I would like to thank him for posting this photo of Earl Edelen and the crew of the Raunchy. It is posted on the memorial of Joel Corn. It is a real treasure.

The following info courtesy of FindaGrave member John Dowdy # 47791572:

Engineer T/Sgt. Earl T. Edelen DFC KIA
Hometown: Newark, N.J.
Squadron: 344th BS 98th Bomb Group
Service # 32187178
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Purple Heart.
Pilot 1st/Lt. Samuel R. Neeley DFC KIA

Target: Ploesti (White IV)
Missing Air Crew Report Details
USAAF MACR#:
Date Lost: 1-Aug-43
Serial Number: 41-11819
Aircraft Model B-24D
Aircraft Letter: G
Aircraft Name: RAUNCHY
Location: Lost near the target, Ploesti.
Cause: AA balloon Crew of 10 8 KIA 2 POW

Sgt. Earl T. Edelen lost his life in the Ploesti raid "Operation Tidal Wave" one of the most daring raids of WW2. Coming in at tree top level the 98th BG destroy Romanian oil refineries.

Flown by 1st/Lt. Samuel R. Neeley and crew of the 98BG, briefed to fly in the 1st wave attacking White IV Ploesti. Immediately after bomb release was hit by an AA balloon cable attached with an explosive device which upon detonation caused a wing to disintegrate.

The Radio operator and a Gunner survived the crash and became POW. Some of the crew members remains may not have been recovered or identified. Sgt. Edelen is buried plot B Row 12 Grave 9 Ardennes American Cemetery Neupre, Belgium.

Crew of RAUNCHY
1st/Lt. Samuel R. Neeley Pilot
1st/Lt. Joel I. Corn Navigator
2nd/Lt.Herman H. Henslee Co Pilot
2nd/Lt. Eugeen L. Rodgen Bombardier
Sgt. Robert P. Schultz
Sgt.Charles P. Geers, Gunner
Sgt. Earl T. Edelen Gunner
Sgt. Alfred D. Cason Gunner
Sgt. Alfred D. Cason Gunner