Black and white image of a young man standing near some greenery. Museum records identify the individual as Ralph Raines, newly home from fighting in Italy during World War II. Raines, a long time area resident, was the ball gunner in his crew, manning the turret underneath the plane, until near the end of the war when a shortage of navigators led to him being pressed into service at that post. Raines, who had not quite completed navigational school, flew nine missions as navigator. He was later awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission where he navigated their damaged bomber back to base after a bombing run left them with only one engine and dangerously low fuel levels. The course he plotted to get them back needed no corrections, enabling the plane to land safely in Italy. The pilot submitted Raines' name for the medal, but the medal itself was not awarded until 1982, the paperwork having been lost in the shuffle after the war. (Original photo remains with the family of the donor; image is a photograph of original.)
Black and white image of a young man, Ralph Raines, manning a gun inside of a B-24 bomber during World War II. Raines, a long time area resident, was usually the ball gunner in his crew, manning the turret underneath the plane, until near the end of the war when a shortage of navigators led to him being pressed into service at that post. Raines, who had not quite completed navigational school, flew nine missions as navigator. He was later awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission where he navigated their damaged bomber back to base after a bombing run left them with only one engine and dangerously low fuel levels. The course he plotted to get them back needed no corrections, enabling the plane to land safely in Italy. The pilot submitted Raines' name for the medal, but the medal itself was not awarded until 1982, the paperwork having been lost in the shuffle after the war. (Original photo remains with the family of the donor; image is a photograph of original.)
Black and white image of a young man, Ralph Raines, in his airman's uniform from World War II. Raines, a long time area resident, was the ball gunner in his crew, manning the turret underneath the plane, until near the end of the war when a shortage of navigators led to him being pressed into service at that post. Raines, who had not quite completed navigational school, flew nine missions as navigator. He was later awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission where he navigated their damaged bomber back to base after a bombing run left them with only one engine and dangerously low fuel levels. The course he plotted to get them back needed no corrections, enabling the plane to land safely in Italy. The pilot submitted Raines' name for the medal, but the medal itself was not awarded until 1982, the paperwork having been lost in the shuffle after the war. (Original photo remains with the family of the donor; image is a photograph of original.)
Black and white image of a young man, Ralph Raines, in his World War II Aviation Cadet dress uniform. Raines, a long time area resident, was the ball gunner in his crew, manning the turret underneath the plane, until near the end of the war when a shortage of navigators led to him being pressed into service at that post. Raines, who had not quite completed navigational school, flew nine missions as navigator. He was later awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for a mission where he navigated their damaged bomber back to base after a bombing run left them with only one engine and dangerously low fuel levels. The course he plotted to get them back needed no corrections, enabling the plane to land safely in Italy. The pilot submitted Raines' name for the medal, but the medal itself was not awarded until 1982, the paperwork having been lost in the shuffle after the war. (Original photo remains with the family of the donor; image is a photograph of original.)
Due to a housing shortage during WWII the government had some trailers moved onto the city block that now makes up Rogers Park. Dr. and Mrs. Rogers built a mansion on the property where they retired. The house fell into disrepair and was dismantled where some of the materials were used in other houses during the war. This is on the corner of Elm Street and 18th Avenue.
Due to a housing shortage during WWII the government had some trailers moved onto the city block that now makes up Rogers Park. Dr. and Mrs. Rogers built a mansion on the property where they retired. The house fell into disrepair and was dismantled where some of the materials were used in other houses during the war.
