Ivor Parry Evans

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[edit] Ivor P. Evans

(Born 1923, Aliquippa, PA) Bombardier on B-25 aircraft in the U.S. Army Air Corps in North Africa, Italy, and Corsica during World War II. Decorated for actions near Anzio beach. Recipient of the U.S. Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal. Bombardier on B-36 aircraft and radar navigator on B-52 aircraft in the Strategic Air Command. Winner of the 1955 SAC bombing competition. Base commander, Walker Air Force Base, Roswell, NM.

1944 - World War II: Anzio campaign. The Air Medal was awarded by Headquarters Twelfth Air Force to Ivor P. Evans, First Lieutenant, Air Corps, 321st Bombardment Group (M). The citation reads: For meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight as bombardier of a B-25 type aircraft. On 30 January 1944, Lieutenant Evans flew as lead bombardier of a thirty-three plane formation attacking a road junction at Genzano, near Anzio beach, Italy. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire which heavily damaged his airplane upon the approach to the target, Lieutenant Evans, displaying outstanding courage and professional skill, directed his pilot on a perfect run over the objective, thereby enabling the formation to release its bombs with devastating effect upon this vital link in enemy communication lines. His proficiency in combat reflects great credit upon himself and the armed forces of the United States.
He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his attack upon a railroad bridge near Attigliano, Italy on April 17, 1944.
On at least three missions, his plane was escorted by members of the 99th Fighter Squadron, also known as the Tuskegee Airmen.
Ivor Evans remained in the military and had a distinguished thirty year career as a U.S. Air Force officer. He was a bombardier on B-36 aircraft in the Strategic Air Command. As such, he and his crew won the 1955 bombing competition for all of SAC. He was Assistant Director of Operations for the 821st Air Division at Ellsworth Air Force Base, during the Cuban missile crisis. He later became Base Commander of Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico from 1963 to 1965.