Lt. Traetta occupied the left seat in the cockpit. He was the commander of the crew and responsible for their safety and efficiency at all times, even on the ground between missions. Dad's ID card from Pueblo Army Air Base is signed by Lt. Traetta. He was dad's commanding officer. He also was responsible for censoring the crew's mail. Lt. Traetta was responsible for flying the plane to its target and returning it to base, or an alternate base in the case of trouble or lack of fuel to return. He was also charged with keeping the plane in it proper place in the tight formations they flew.