An Airman's Story: Captain Thor Elmer Hamrin Jr.



Born circa 1920 in California, Captain Thor Elmer Hamrin originally dreamed of becoming an actor while attending South Pasadena High School.  

Instead, after his 1938 graduation,  in response to World War II, Captain Thor Hamrin enlisted on November 6, 1941, in the U.S. Air Force.

Assigned to the 431st Bomber Squadron, 11th Bomber group - also known as the "Grey Geese."

Flying B-24J #42-73018 - I believe the plane was named "Captain and the Kid." However, I have also seen records of him as the captain of a plane named "JITA" (for Jab in the Ass) - Captain Thor E. Hamrin and his crew were last seen going down in flames approximately 12 miles off the coast of Truk, the Philippines on July 28, 1944.  He is remembered on the Tablet of the Missing, located at the Manila American Cemetry.

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a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller living in Salem, Virginia. 

In addition to her travel writings at www.takethebackroads.com, you can also read her book reviews at www.riteoffancy.com and US military biographies at www.everydaypatriot.com

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Location: California, USA

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