Charles H. Turner of Jackson, Miss., was very interested in entering the fight against the Axis powers and actually applied to join the Royal Air Force as a pilot through Canada before America entered World War II. Before he could be accepted and processed, the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and the RAF stopped accepting Americans for service in their military. Turner then enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force on June 12, 1942, and went to pilot school. Unfortunately, he didn't pass flight training and was then sent to photography school. He entered active service as a camera technician and flight photographer on Jan. 9, 1943, and served in the China Burma Theatre, as well as with the 20th Air Force.
To India
Turner was attached to the 58th Bombardment Wing, 468th Bombardment Group (H) and (HV), 794th Bombardment Squadron, and 14th Photo Laboratory. His group was originally stationed in India, and in 1944 the 468th Bombardment Group established itself with the best operational record of the four B-29 groups then in combat. HQ XXth bomber command awarded the 468th with the General Billy Mitchell personal sailing burgee and authorized it to adopt the name “The General Billy Mitchell Group,” a name requiring outstanding performance of duty. Within a year, the 468th participated in eight campaigns and earned three distinguished unit citations. Turner served on the Craig’s Comet, which was a Bell Atlantic B-29-15BA Super fortress 42-63445 of the 794th Bomb Squadron, 468th Bombardment Group (H), originally stationed in Kalaikunda, India.
Earning Awards
Turner's B-29 Craig’s Comet flew many reconnaissance and bombardment missions over Japan, Manchuria, China, Taiwan, Burma, Malay Peninsula, Singapore and Sumatra. The distances his plane traveled were vast, and 16-hour combat flights were common. For his skill and courage under combat conditions, Turner was awarded both the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. His 468th Bombardment Group was so effective against the enemy that Gen. Curtis Lemay authorized the 468th to lead the 20th Air Force's show of force flight over the U.S.S. Missouri during the Japanese surrender ceremonies. After the war, Turner finally achieved his goal of becoming a pilot and owned his own personal plane for many years.
Our Collection
The Michigan Traveling Military Museum is pleased to have and display the Sgt. Charles H. Turner 20th Army Air Force B-29 photographer grouping. This exceptional set includes his original A-2 Jacket, uniform, complete medal and insignia grouping, dog tags, flight hats and flight and personal military papers. It is a fitting tribute to a proud 20th Air Force veteran who wanted to fight the enemy from Day 1.
