Patsy Gerrone (left), was sole survivor of the original crew, since he had been grounded for five days because of a cold, including on the day of the final flight. After the war, he corresponded with Elora, the wife of fellow machine gunner from the crew, Clifford Hamilton. Originally the men had been close, and Patsy had attended the earlier wedding of Clifford and Elora in Ft. Hood, Texas. Eventually, on June 22, 1946, Patsy and Elora married, and together they raised Hamilton's then fatherless daughter, as well as four additional sons of their own. (See more of their story at an external site here.)
Comments
Patsy Gerrone Obit
AVON LAKE - Patsy Gerrone, age 91, entered into eternal rest Saturday, October 5, 2013.
He was born on October 30, 1921 in Hazleton, Pa. and has lived in Avon Lake since 1945. He was a Tech Sergeant with the 373rd Bombardment Squadron of the 308th Bombardment Group attached to the Flying Tigers and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal w/ 1 Oak Leaf Cluster. He was employed by Avon Lake Board of Education as chief of Buildings and Grounds for 32 years. He was also a volunteer Fireman for 25 years with the Avon Lake Fire Dept., a member of the Knights of Columbus Fr. Ragan Council #3269, and member of the St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake. He enjoyed fishing and traveling to Las Vegas.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elora V. (nee Rees) Gerrone; daughter Susan Rhodes of Midland, Mich.; sons Thomas of Sheffield Lake, Ohio, Daniel (Barb) of Happy Valley, Ore., Richard (Susan) of Avon Lake, and Gary (Kimberly) of Avon Lake; 13 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers Lewis (Violet) Gerrone of Hazleton, Pa., and Angelo "Larry" Gerrone of Avon Lake.
He was preceded in death by 5 sisters and 1 brother.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/morningjournal/name/patsy-gerrone-…