On October 15th 44, the policy of lead crew supply was changed. Previously each squadron had available a certain number of crews to assume the responsibility of leading the Group and Squadrons on a mission. The policy was changed, pooling all lead crews into one squadron. It was designated that the duty of that squadron would be training lead crews and keeping them equipped with lead aircraft and equipment. This assignment was given to the 791st Squadron.

Its success depended upon the efficiency of the squadron given the assignment. It meant a more careful and detailed training programme; superior maintenance of equipment, since all other ships of a squadron drop on the lead. A lot of equipment was involved: GH, H2X, radio equipment, and the performance of the ship.

By October 15th 44, most of the lead crews had completed or were nearing completion of their combat tours. It meant the 791st had to take relatively new replacement crews and pick those who were potential leaders. Once selected, they had to be trained, checked out in the intracacies of leading a squadron. Lead crews flew combat less regularly than the wing crews and as a result took a great deal longer to complete their combat tours.

William Graf Crew#92

Craig Harrington Crew#84

Edward Holum Crew#88

George Kotraba Crew#87

Charles Leyes Crew#94

Addison Manning Crew#88

James Mikkelsen Crew#84

Earl Sawyer Crew#84

Clarence Schulze Crew#84

Robert Seiler/Thomas Murphy Crew#81

Willard Sell Crew#86

Rufus Stephens Crew#80

John "Jack" Stevens Crew#89

James "Dave" Swearingen Crew#78

Frank Watson Crew#85

Wells Wescott Crew#87

Charles White Crew#98

Troy Wild Crew#78

Billy Williams Crew#80