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Bellefonte boys go off to war

PHOTOS PROVIDED

It was a cold snowy day in 1943 when this train pulled out of the Bellefonte Railroad Station with local boys leaving for military servcie in World War II. Below, The late Robert E. (Pat) Davy from Blanchard is seen departing to begin his service in the 10th Army Air Corps, 492 Bomb Group, 7th Bomb Squadron. As the train leaves, Dean Confer, also from Blanchard, holds Davy’s 4-year-old nephew up to the open window to say his good-bye. Davy served as nose gunner, waist gunner and bombardier in the Consolidated B-24 Liberator while stationed in India. Shot down in enemy territory over Rangoon Burma, he and most of his crew managed to survive 11 days in the jungle. Under the cover of darkness, they walked toward India until they encountered the British 14th Army and were returned to service. Mr. Confer went on to honorably serve in the U.S. Army as well. We thank Jim Davy, who enjoys researching local history and collecting old photos, for sharing these photos with other Express readers.

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