Mass Militaria & Antiques

John B. Wade, Jr. was born on April 12th, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wade graduated from South East Catholic High School in Philadelphia in 1941, where he completed a scientific course of study. Before the war, he participated in an Engineering Defense Training Program at the University of Pennsylvania, completing 100 class hours. He was also employed with the Drydock Association of Philadelphia, working as a piledriver and rigger involved in the construction of two drydocks for the Philadelphia Navy Yard.

Military Education and Training

His military journey began with extensive training across the United States, including:

England – D & R Pilot Radio Course

University of Arkansas – College Training Detachment (6 weeks)

Ellington Field, Texas – Preflight Navigation (6 weeks)

Las Vegas, Nevada – Flexible Gunnery (6 weeks)

Carlsbad Army Air Field, New Mexico – Advanced Bombardiering (18 weeks)

Midland, Texas – Bombardier Refresher Course (6 weeks)

Combat Service and Unit

Assigned to the 448th Bombardment Group (Heavy) of the 8th Air Force, Wade participated in an extensive combat tour in the European Theater of Operations. He flew from various airfields including bases in Iceland, Valley, Wales, and Knettishall, England. His unit carried out dozens of missions targeting strategic Axis positions across occupied Europe.

Among his records is a detailed mission log listing 35 combat missions, describing bombing raids over targets in France and Germany such as bridges, airfields, and railway yards. His final mission, on February 27, 1945, targeted rail yards at Wuesburg, Germany. A personal note at the conclusion of his combat summary reads with relief and humility:

“This is the day I often thought would never come. Now for the trip home.”

Valor and Decorations

Wade’s courage and precision bombing under intense conditions earned official recognition. He received the Air Medal with an Oak Leaf Cluster, honoring his “meritorious achievement in accomplishing with distinction several aerial operational missions over enemy-occupied Continental Europe.” This award was conferred by command of Major General Kepner and signed by Brigadier General Francis H. Griswold, Chief of Staff, 2d Air Division, in January 1945.

A Certificate of Valor from the 448th Bombardment Group (Heavy) further commends Wade’s “courage and devotion to duty,” noting that his actions served as an inspiration to his comrades.

Incident and Survival

A striking artifact in his record is a commemorative plaque shaped like a parachute badge, inscribed:

“John B. Wade – Bailout Jan. 4, 1944 – England.”

This indicates he survived a midair emergency requiring him to bail out of his damaged plane and deploy his parchute

Discharge and Postwar Life

Following the completion of his tour and further service duty, Wade was honorably discharged from the Army of the United States. His Separation Qualification Record describes his rank as 2nd Lieutenant, Bombardier 1035, and records his wartime specialty and postwar occupational experience. His discharge was processed on April 19, 1947