George “Lee” Penney

George “Lee” Penney of Apalachin, New York was a member of the US Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP) and later served in the 9th Bomb Group during World War II. During the war he was a proud member of the 99th Squadron, which descended from the 99th Aero Squadron of WW I fame. 

At the peak of World War II, Lee Penney and his Squadron were based on the island of Tinian, made famous by the heroic assault and capture by United States Marines during the summer of 1944. Tinian later became a launching point for US Army Air Corps B-29 heavy bombers commencing their attacks on the Japanese home islands. 

While he did not know it at the time, he witnessed the loading of what was later disclosed as the atomic bomb aboard the B-29 Enola Gay as it began its mission that initiated the end of the carnage and savagery of World War II. 

During his Army years, he was trained to repair aircraft computers and he later applied his skills working for IBM Corporation. 

Later in life Lee Penney settled in Owego, NY and was the owner of The Hub, a longtime store in Owego. 

Lee Penney served his community for several years as a Councilman in the Town of Owego and as a member of the Tioga County Legislature. 

On February 6, 2015, Lee Penney passed away at his home in Apalachin. He will be forever remembered by his wife of 69 years Helen Penney, the New York State Senate, and an American nation grateful for his service to his country.