Sergeant Michael Pappas
"Lindell crew"
828th Bomb Squadron,  485th Bomb Group
15th Army Air Force

Michaael's family lived in Watertown, Massachusetts, one of America's oldest towns.

Down the hill from the Pappas family home was the Watertown Arsenal. Because of the Arsenal's strategic importance, the US military placed a 90mm flak battery in the Pappas family's backyard, one of the few homes in America other than the White House with its own anti-aircraft defense.

Nearby was the Hood Rubber plant, where Michael's father worked. Hood produced the subzero flying boots worn by the US airmen.

Michael's family were founding members of Taxiarchae Archangels Greek Orthodox church.

Michael, Florence, Julia

"Greek school" at Taxiarchae church

According to his high school yearbook, Michael hoped to become a naval aviator.

We know that Michael worked the family farm; delivered eggs before school; then walked 2 miles to school where he excelled in his studies. He played soccer, too.

Michael (top left) with his National Honor Society peers.

Watertown High School, class of '43

After graduating high school, a still-underaged Michael needed his parents' permission to enlist. They said no, but eventually relented. Michael joined the Army Air Force.

Basic training in America, summer 1944.

Michael visited home just before deployment to Europe.

Maria Pappas with her son. This was the last time she ever saw him.

Michael was the tail gunner for the Lindell crew. Imagine -40˚ wind howling through the open waist windows hitting the tail gunner's back for 8+ hours.

The Pappas family and honored guest.

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