Joe Stevens, Pilot, 559th Bomb Squadron, 387th Bomb Group, Martin B-26 Marauder pilot.

Barksdale Crew Picture, Left to Right: Joseph Stevens (Orbisonia, PA), Francis Turner (Axbridge, Mass.), Harold Morrison (Peoria, Illinois), Cecil Terrill (Tulsa, OK.), Charles Suder (unknown, Missouri), William A. Paul (Scranton, PA).

Joe Stevens at an airman cadet at Corsicanna, Texas, in a PT-19.

A good picture of an AT-17 and BT-13. BT-13 Coffeeville, Kansas 1943; AT-17 Pampa, Texas, 1944

Here is a picture of Joe Stevens when he graduated from Pampa AAF and got his wings. Class was 44-C. March 12, 1944.

A picture of my Dad on the 559th "adopted" P-47. Reportedly, a fighter pilot landed the ship at their base stating that it was running rough, and then left not to return. The fighter was kept with the group and was taken on several airfield moves. I do not believe my father ever flew it, although some of the pilots reportedly took it up occasionally for pleasure flying.

The 387th, 559th over Paris, March 1945. Joe Stevens is piloting the ship that is mid-picture, right side. The ship was the BLIVET. The name came from the saying: "Five pounds of (crap) in a three-pound bag,
blivet (believe it) or not". The Blivet was TQ-Z and was formerly the Louisville Slugger.

I have attached the picture he has of the "Texas Queen", formerly "Black Boy", Ser. 44-67916, Sq. designation TQ-G. The aircraft was taken on 49 missions and survived the war.