Lyle McCarty

Lyle McCarty was a Navigator in the 757tth Bomb Squadron. He served his missions in the latter half of 1944 and into the first part of 1945, Lyle also flew some of the Solo Lone Wolf BAD WEATHER NIGHT AND DAYLIGHT combat missions in the Fall of 1944.

Lyle is also the author and editor of the 459th Bomb Group Association`s History Book "Coffee Tower", named after the call sign and signal tower at Giulia Airfield, home of the 459th Bomb Squadron northwest of Cerignola, Italy

Lyle McCarty - 757th Squadron

Oct. 8, 1923 ~ Oct. 13, 2011

Resident of Saratoga

Surrounded by his immediate family, Lyle passed away on October 13, just days after celebrating his 88th birthday with his children and grandchildren.

He was born to Lyle Hauser McCarty and Ethel Goodall McCarty in Atlanta GA. He went to school in Chicago and Buffalo, and graduated from Riley High School in South Bend IN. During World War II he saw combat as a navigator on a B-24 with the 459th Bomb Group stationed in Italy. With the GI Bill, he studied at Purdue University earning his BSME. He spent more than 33 years as an engineer and engineering manager at General Electric Company in Cincinnati, Idaho Falls, Valley Forge and San Jose in the spacecraft and nuclear power fields. Then he finished off his career as Western Editor of Design News Magazine for 7 years.

He enjoyed the camaraderie of the 459th Bomb Group Association, attending almost every annual gathering held all over the United States. Besides a term as president, he was their official historian, which led to his writing "COFFEE TOWER - a history of the 459th Bombardment Group in World War II." This acclaimed book showcases his gift of words and is in many libraries around the world.

Lyle and his wife Rita had been happily married for over 53 years. Their four children are Kathleen Johnson of San Francisco, Lyle McCarty of Davis, Bruce McCarty of Mechanicsburg PA and Meg Planka of Novato. His wife, his children, their spouses and his 7 grandchildren were the light of his life. They all survive him as does his close sister Nancy Feldman of Oak Ridge TN. He was much loved and respected.

Lyle was a member of the Saratoga Historical Foundation, the Saratoga Men's Club, SIRS and the Foothill Men's Garden Club. He was the featured speaker at the 2000 Memorial Day program at Madronia Cemetery. A graveside service at Madronia Cemetery for the immediate family is planned. Donations may go to Saratoga Historical Foundation, PO Box 172, Saratoga CA 95071 or to a charity of your choice. Please consider the 459th BG schilarship fund, Thanks.

2nd Lt Lyle H McCarty was assigned to the 459th BG 757th Squadron.
Military Occupational Specialty (MOS): Navigator.

The following information on Lyle McCarty is gathered and extracted from military records. We have many documents and copies of documents, including military award documents. It is from these documents that we have found this information on 2nd Lt McCarty. These serviceman's records are nowhere near complete and we are always looking for more material. If you can help add to Lyle McCarty's military record please contact us.

	Rank	General Order	Date	Award
Lyle McCarty	2nd Lt	4406	11/09/1944	AM
Lyle McCarty	2nd Lt	4896	12/07/1944	AM/OLC
Lyle McCarty	2nd Lt	486	02/03/1945	AM/2OLC
Lyle McCarty	1st Lt	1118	03/03/1945	DFC
Lyle McCarty	1st Lt	1173	03/06/1945	AM/3OLC