Trafton "Bud" Sprowl

MILTON - Trafton "Bud" Sprowl, 86, passed away on Sept. 22, 2009, after a long illness and series of health problems. Bud Sprowl was born on Nov. 29, 1923 in Rockland, Maine, to Arthur M. Sprowl and Lizzie B. Davis. He was one of 12 children. Bud was a combat veteran of World War II, having served as a bombardier/gunner in the 483rd Bomb Group, 815th Squadron, 15th Army Air Corp, as a member of the Pacitti/Rardin crew. He flew multiple combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe and Germany in a B-17 Flying Fortress. Among his decorations were several air medals for air combat operations. Bud was a proud member of the 483rd Bomb Group Association and attended several reunions with his surviving crew members until his health became an issue. There is a monument dedicated to the bomb group's service at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Bud was there when the monument was dedicated and unveiled.Bud went to work at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, where he rose to shop foreman. He worked on several...