Lennon,
I have a page of biographies on my website that you are free to use. If you read thru all of them, you will see how each person had a different slant or story about their training or how they traveled to get to their unit or to get back home.
BIOGRAPHIES OF VETERANS OF ITALY
I have been in contact with a few veterans. One that lives near me and is a distant relative was a tail-gunner on a B-24 out of Italy. He is very nice chap to talk to.
I know of a few more names and numbers but I have not called them in awhile so I'm not sure if their numbers are up-to-date. I recently contacted an officer in the black 92nd Division but I'll have to search for his number. He said he would send me photos but he hasn't, yet.
Let me know if I can help.
Steve