The story
Clark Gable enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in August 1942, and was commissioned as an officer in October.
He was initially involved in making recruiting films in the US, then was posted with the 351st Bomb Group to RAF Polebrook in England, where he spent most of the war as head of a motion picture unit.
He flew 5 combat missions, including one to Germany, as an observer-gunner in B-17 Flying Fortresses in 1943, earning the Air Medal and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
In the raid on Germany, 1 crewman was killed and 2 others were wounded; flak went through Gable’s boot and narrowly missed his head.
When MGM studio executives found out, they badgered to have him reassigned to non-combat duty in the US. He was promoted to major in May 1944, but, when it was clear that he would not get another combat assignment, he requested and was granted a discharge. His discharge papers were signed by Captain Ronald Reagan.
Date: One of the flights of the 351BG/510BS
There's more to discover
You have arrived at just one small part of Back to Normandy — a personal project dedicated to preserving stories, images, music and memories of the Second World War.
Every record is a doorway to a larger story. Explore Back to Normandy to discover more, or visit Fred Vogels' personal website to learn about the person and the projects behind it.