Albert J. Flyen
Era: World War II
Military Branch: Army
Albert J. Flyen entered the Army Air Corps in December of 1942.
He was a Technical Sergeant and a radio operator on a B-24 Liberator Bomber with the 44th Bomb Group (Heavy) of the Eigth Air Force in England. He flew a B-24 "Tinker Bell" from Natal, Brazil, to Africa and to England with the 102nd Bomb Group November of 1943. The 102nd was decimated by German fighters and replaced by the 44th Bomb Group.
He flew 27 missions before the Normandy landings. He participated in the D-Day offensive in Normandy.
He recalls: "On landing from this mission we were immediately given a large pill at the briefing room. They became known as ''Tiger Pills'' because they made you feel like a tiger. When we landed after the second mission, I went to the mess hall. About halfway through my meal the pill wore off. I became so tired that I hardly made it to my bunk.
"It was a great experience, and I am proud that i was able to participate. I was able to complete 34 missions and was discharged in June of 1945."
Mr. Flayen was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Presidential Unit Citation, European-African-Middle East Campaign Medal and World War II Victory Medal.
He was honorably discharged in June of 1945.
Source: Hometown Heroes: The St. Louis County World War II Project. 81.
