The Morford crew was one of ten crews specially trained in the AZON project.  They came to the 753rd Squadron as a group in May 1944 and participated in several AZON missions in June, September 1944.

Morford's crew flew B-24J 44-40291 "Royal Flush" from the States.  This AZON equipped aircraft lasted less than a week after arriving (see report below).

The four gunners who trained with the crew in the States, Sgt's Polan, Balakier, Seay, and Parks did not join the crew in England.  Assigned as gunners to this crew after arrival at Horsham St. Faith were Sgt's, Edward E. Betts, Charlie M. Fowler, Vincent C. Morreale, and Frederick W. Wright.  Sgt. Morreale was wounded in action on October 14th and received the Purple Heart.

The crew's first mission was an AZON mission on June 14, 1944.  They flew several missions from July - October when Morford and most of the crew was transferred to the 755th Squadron on October 23rd to become a lead crew.  1Lt Robert W.Vincent was the only crew member who remained with the 753rd, and, having become qualified to be a first pilot, flew the remainder of his missions in that squadron.  It is not known which crew or crews on which he was the pilot.

Accompanying Morford to the 755th was the navigator from John Tracy's crew (AZON 10), 2Lt Benny N. Costello and a newly arrived 2Lt James E. Slauson.  Costello was to be either Pilotage or DR navigator on the new lead crew, but Slauson's specialty is not known.

Most of the crew completed their tour of missions in February 1945, but records show Morford as only having 26 missions to his credit.  It is assumed that he flew a complete tour, but the dates of a number of his missions are not known.

Both Morford and Vincent were promoted to Captain while in the 458th.

                                                                                          Mission list compiled from 458th group records

                                                                                              Mission list compiled from 458th group records

(L-R) Joe Kania, Charlie Aillet, Bob Vincent (with cigar)

Photo courtesy: Matt Kania

Photo courtesy: William Case

May 30, 1944 - 44-40291 "Royal Flush" crashed on takeoff

Photo courtesy: Matt Kania

On Tuesday, May 30, 1944, Lt's. Morford, Strand, and Butler took off on a training mission.  The pilot that day was 1Lt William P. McCarthy.  The engineer, radio operator, and four gunners were from an unknown crew.

Description of Accident: Lt. MC CARTHY in A/C B24 44-40291 on 30 May 44 while starting to take off for a practice mission had the propellers on #1 and #2 engines run away.  On the pre-take off run-up the engines checked normal also the props check through normal.  The A/C was then taxied onto the R/W and the power was applied for take off.  When the A/C had gained about 70 MPH #1 prop started running away.  Shortly after this #2 prop began to run away.  Lt MC CARTHY tried to control toggle switch which had no effect on controlling the props.  No attempt was made to use the prop feathering mechanism to help stabilize the props.  At this time the A/C was in the air with an airspeed of 120 MPH.  Lt MC CARTHY decided to cut the power and land the A/C and try to stop it on the remainder of the R/W.  However, having only 1300 feet of R/W left he was unable to bring A/C to stop on the R/W and ran off the end onto rough ground which tore the landing gear off and completely wrecked the A/C.  The recommendations are that the prop governors of all A/C be tested for correct setting on the acceptance checks.  Also, that the pilots try using feathering mechanism to help control a runaway prop.

1Lt Robert W. Morford: "On run up all engines and instruments checked OK.  Lt. McCarthy, the pilot, was riding right side as we were to fly #3 position and he would be able to fly the wing better from the right.  I made the take off and as we were going down the runway on the early part of the run, I checked the manifold pressure and RPM's and everything looked OK.  When we were making 75 MPH I pulled the nose off and about that time I heard a prop out of synchronization.  Lt. McCarthy and the engineer were taking care of the instruments and settings.  Things seemed OK and I presumed the RPM on one engine might be set a little high and continued the run.  At 110 MPH both props began to run wild.  We were off the ground at 120 and at that time Lt. McCarthy decided to cut the power.  We immediately settled on the ground and applied the brakes.  We went off the end of the runway at about 50  MPH.  The left gear gave way, the nose gear collapsed and we came to an immediate stop.  During this time Lt. McCarthy cut the switches and attempted to put the mixture controls in idle cut off.  The crew was warned to stand by for a crash.  All the crew escaped injury.  Four men went out the waist and six men out the top hatch.  Lt. McCarthy came out the top hatch last.  The accident occurred at approximately 12:15."

Fowler standin on left, Morford standing third from left

Photo courtesy: Matt Kania