LT. FRED HODGES ON NORWAY RAID Second Lt. Fred Hodges, son of Mr. and Mrs. Lewis W. Hodges, 64 River, was pilot of the Flying Fortress “Exterminator” which returned unscathed Saturday after an unprecedented 1,800-mile flight over the German U-boat base at Trondheim, Norway. Lt. Hodges’ plane was one of a flight of American bombers which left the base a mass of flaming oil tanks. Only three planes received minor damage. This information, received here last night from the Associated Press, came from a United States bomber base in Great Britain. Due to the difference in time between England and this country, the dispatch was dated this morning. Lt. Hodges enlisted in the Army Air Corps in November, 1939, and after being trained at Mitchel Field, L. I., and Langley Field, Va., he went one and a half years as a mechanic in a ground crew in Puerto Rico. Returning to the United States he was stationed at Maxwell Field, Ala., and Camden Field, S.C. before receiving his commission and pilot’s wings at Moody Field, Valdosta, Ga., Nov, 11, 1942. He also had been at Sebring Field, Fla., Salt Lake City, Utah, Boise, Idaho, Walla Walla Air Base, Wash., and Salina, Kan. He has been home twice since receiving his commission. The family believes he went overseas about two months ago.
HODGES MISSING OVER GERMANY Second Lt. Fred Hodges, pilot of the Flying Fortress “Exterminator,” purchased from the sale of war bonds in Binghamton, was reported missing in action July 28 over Oscherleben, Germany, according to a telegram received yesterday morning by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis W. Hodges, 64 River, from the Adjutant General in Washington, D.C. Lt. Hodges, third Oneonta listed as missing in raids over Europe last month, was pilot of the Binghamton bomber which recently returned unscathed after an unprecedented 1,800- mile flight over the German U-boat base at Trondheim, Norway. His plane was one of a flight of American bombers which left the base a flaming mass. The Oneonta officer, who had been home twice since receiving his commission and pilot’s wings at Moody Field, Valdosta, Ga., Nov. 11, 1942, was sent overseas about two months ago. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps Nov. 1, 1939, and served at Mitchel Field, L. I., and Langley Field, Va., before being assigned as a mechanic in a ground crew in Puerto Rico, where he was stationed about 18 months. He received flight training at Maxwell Field, Ala., and Camden Field, S.C. Lt. Hodges, who graduated from OHS in 1939 has two brothers with the Armed Forces. Pvt. Norbert Hodges is with the Army in North Africa, and Sgt. Robert Hodges is stationed at Camp Edwards, Mass. Also reported missing in action last month are 2nd Lt. Clifford C. Dartt, son of Mr. and Mrs. Clifford F. Dartt of 19 Pleasant, and S-Sgt. Donald A. Rutan, son of Mr. And Mrs. H. M. Rutan of 33 Grove. Note from Russ: He was eventually declared KIA.