ELGES, WARREN

Warren Elges

Army Air Force

Middle Island

elges

Warren Elges

Warren Elges was born in Brooklyn on October 9, 1920. He was the son of Lucy (Abrams) and Edward Elges. Before entering the service Elges was living in Middle Island and was employed as a mechanic at his father’s service station.

Elges enlisted in the Army Air Force on January 16, 1942 at Whitehall Street in New York City. He was assigned to the 334th fighter Squadron, 4th fighter Group, where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. Elges left the United States on June 4th, 1942 arriving in England aboard the Queen Elizabeth. During the war Elges was involved in the air offensive over Europe, Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, ETO Service Medal and a Distinguished Unit Badge. Elges was discharged from the service on September 26, 1945 at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Written by,

Erica Kannry

Longwood JHS

Feb. 2006

The 4th Fighter group was born out of the three American Eagle Squadrons Nos 71, 121 and 133. These squadrons were made up of American pilots who made their way to England to fly and fight with the RAF against the Luftwaffe before America entered WWII. In September of 1942 the three squadrons were officially turned over by the RAF to the fledgling 8th Air Force and became the famous 4th Fighter Group. The three squadrons were then renamed the 334th, 335th & 336th. With over 1000 Nazi aircraft destroyed the 4th FG was the highest scoring American unit in Europe during the war.