Tim was the 6th of 8th children born to John Ivan McLaughlin and Carrie Belle Gilden McLaughlin. Tim was a tail gunner in World War II, he originally was an airplane mechanic. He chose the position of gunner because it paid an additional $50 a month. Tim served in the U.S.. Army Air Corps, 512 Bomb Squadron. His plane was shot down. He received the purple heart,a citation of honor,and a distinguished flying cross medal. Tail Gunner S/Sgt. Tim O. Mclaughlin MIA/KIA DFC Hometown: Janesville, Wis Squadron: 512th BS 376th Bomb Group Service # 16047969 Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Pilot 1st/Lt. Brian W. Flavelle, MIA/KIA DFC Target: Ploesti (White I) Missing Air Crew Report Details USAAF MACR#: Date Lost: 1-Aug-43 Serial Number: 42-40563 Aircraft Model B-24D Aircraft Letter: Aircraft Name: WONGO WONGO Location: Crashed into the Med at 1130 AM, south of Corfu. Cause: Probable reason for the crash listed as improper manual fuel transfer. Crew of 10 MIA/KIA Sgt. Mclaughlin was a recipient of his 2nd Distinguished Flying Cross for his valor in the Ploesti raid "Operation Tidal Wave" August 1st 1943. One of the most daring raids of WW2. Coming in at tree top level the 376th BG destroy Romanian oil refineries. Flown by Lt Flavelle and crew as the lead aircraft of the second section to attack White I which was composed of 7 512th BS aircraft. Approaching Corfu at approximately 2000 feet, the aircraft was seen to develop a wing wobble, stall and fall away to the left before entering into a spin diving into the sea. The aircraft detonated upon impact and a column of smoke rose to 200 ft. Various positions reported in the vicinity of 38N 19E. The Flavelle wingman descended to search for survivors which were not located. The aircraft could not climb back to reach the formation and had to return to Libya. Probable reason for the crash listed as improper manual fuel transfer. Sgt. Mclaughlins remains were never recovered. Crew of WONGO WONGO Capt. Brian W. Flavelle Pilot 1st/Lt. John C. Ryan Co Pilot 1st/Lt. John C. Ryan Co Pilot 1Lt. Robert F. Wilson Navigator 1st/Lt.Jack B. Lanning Bombardier T/Sgt. John H. Cleveland Engineer T/Sgt. Willis S. Lutz Radio Op. S/Sgt. Robert M. Bowden Gunner S/Sgt. Melick J. Janacek Gunner S/Sgt. Melicar J. Janacek Gunner S/Sgt. Tim O. Mclaughlin Tail Gunner Sgt. Sander Lazar Gunner -------------------------