351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   High Box
   Stations   –	0810
   Start Engines –	0820
   Taxi     –	0830
   Take Off   –	0845
   Last Take Off –	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Ludwigshaven [Ludwigshafen Railroad Marshalling Yards]
   Secondary: Any Military target in Germany near fighter support.
   Last Resort: Any Military target in Germany near fighter support.
   
   
4. Loading:
   351st "A": 10 x 500# 1/10 x 1/40
   351st "B":
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - Hopkins - 975-O, Anderson - 576-C
   Chaff: ___
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2400 Gal.
   Remarks: ____
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	Comp. Group	Comp. CBW
   Lead	457th
   Low	457th
   High	351st

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	94th "A"	Ludwigshafen
   2nd	41st
   3rd	94th "B"
   4th	41st "B"
   5th	1st	Ludwigshafen
   6th	40th	Manheim [Mannheim]
   7th
   8th
   2nd Division	4 CBWs	Neunkirchen – Saarbrucken – Konz - Karthaus
   3rd Division	4 CBWs	Karlsruhe – Strasbourg - Limoges
   Marauders3rd Division	2 CBWs
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: ____
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     2 Grps. P-47’s	0150° E	Bal. 1-1 [& Bal. 1-2]
     2 Grps. P-51’s	0470° E [0407°]	[Bal. 1-3 & 1-4]
     1 Grp. P-51’s	0725° E [0752°]	[Bal. 1-5]
     1 Grp. P-38’s	0725° E [0752°]	[Bal. 1-6]
     1 Grp. P-38’s	0706	[Bal. 1-7]
     1 Grp. P-38’s	0552	Bal. 1-8

     1 Grp. P-51’s (Bal. 1-9) to sweep target area 30 mins. before + 2 more Gps. P-47’s sweeping.
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   351st	17,500'	Splasher 7
   ___
   ___

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Navigators, Bombardiers and Radio Operators:
    Salvo Bombs
    Chaff – 1 min. before IP for 12 mins.
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Jail Bird
    Visual Bombing -	Thunder Jug
    Authenticator –	St. Louis
    Recall -	____
    Weather Code -	IBVAT on “A” [Radio Channel A]
    Release "CHAFF" -	Tin Hat

    Abandon – White Horse Larry [Harry according to the Field Order]
    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A	Woodcraft Red	G [Green]
    351st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Blue	RY [Red Yellow]
    401st B
    457th A	Woodcraft Green	R [Red]
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.	Swordfish	R - R [Red Red]
    40th C.B.W.	Foxhole	Y - Y [Yellow Yellow]
    41st C.B.W.	Cowboy	G - G [Green Green]
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance One
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove One-One
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points: [Lat. & Long.]		Fighter Reference Points:
    1. Beachy Head		P - Paris
    2. 5000 - 0017		R - Troyes
    3. 4924 - 0248		O - Thaon
    4. 4830 – 0470 [0407 in Field Order]		2 - Strasbourg
    5. 4811 - 0627		L – Manheim [Mannheim]
    6. 5015 - 0552		I - Saarbrucken
    		N - Frankfurt
    		G - Namur

    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0200 – 0800	R-RR	L	F
    0800 – 1400	YY	Z	B
    1400 – 2000	RY	D	O

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All except:
    2. - Overholt (349), Sengstock (157)
    3. - Johnson (470), Evans (613)
    4. -
       
       
16. Let-Down on Splasher # 7, if overcast.
    351st A   360° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B   ___° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    457 A Lead  330° Mag.
    457 A Low  345° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields.
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    Woodbridge – emerg. airdrome
    Reference [Altitude] – 21,000’
    Spares turn back at enemy coast.
    Maintain R-T silence.
    

1. General Narrative. The 351st Group furnished twenty aircraft, including two aircraft scheduled as flying spares for the Mission of 27 May, 1944. The aircraft took off as scheduled at 0845 hours and proceeded singly to Splasher 7 for the group assembly. The group and combat wing formations were carried out at Splasher 7 as planned. No trouble was experienced and the combat wing formation departed with nearly all of the aircraft in position, but slightly late. This time was made up and the formation left the English coast on time and in position.
    Eighteen ships were in position when the enemy coast was crossed. The route followed was nearly as briefed. Variations are indicated on the Track Chart.
    Approximately twenty minutes before the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run], the combat wing was attacked by a heavy force of enemy fighters. Shortly before the attacks, the #4 aircraft, lead squadron, high group, lost the #4 engine and hence could not keep in formation, even after jettisoning its bombs. The #6 plane of the lead squadron attempted to afford the #4 plane some cover, and both were lost to the fighter attacks which followed. Enemy fighter attacks were responsible for the loss of four more aircraft from the High Group.
    Just before the IP was reached, the combat wing leader gave the code for PFF bombing. He later changed his mind, which resulted in the lead and high groups of the 94th “A” Combat Wing making two 180° turns and relinquishing the division lead to bomb last.
    The target was covered with smoke so thoroughly that the High Group Lead Bombardier could not see his assigned MPI [Mean Point of Impact]. Bombs were dropped and were believed to have hit to the right of the MPI.
    At the target, flak was moderate to intense, accurate for height and fair for deflection. After bombing the High Group joined the Lead Group without difficulty and returned to base as briefed. No difficulties were met after leaving the target.
    It is the belief of the Group Leader that much better bombing could have been done by this group had the combat wing leader made the decision to bomb visually at first.
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Aircraft 42-97169, pilot Lt. Emerson, returned from 50°07’N-01°20’E [4 miles NNW of Le Tréport, France.] after finding it impossible to catch up with the formation. This aircraft did not contact the group between base and Splasher 7, and after taking an interception course between the splasher and the point of entry at the enemy coast, found that the formation was about seven miles ahead of it and entering enemy territory.
    Aircraft 42-38038, pilot Lt. Walker, returned from 50°15’N-00°57’E [23.5 miles off the coast NW of Le Tréport, France] when there was no place in the formation for it to take. This aircraft was scheduled as a flying spare and returned as planned. The other aircraft scheduled as a flying spare took the position left vacant by aircraft 42-97169.
    The remaining eighteen aircraft continued as indicated in the General Narrative. Fighter attacks accounted for six aircraft before the target was reached. The remaining twelve attacked in the formation indicated on the Formation Over Target diagram.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. Six aircraft were lost to heavy fighter attacks by fifty to seventy-five enemy aircraft which made two head on attacks twenty minutes before the IP was reached. Apparently no evasive action was taken by the wing leader. Fighter support was nil for this twenty minute period during which enemy fighters attacked.
    Aircraft 42-97157, pilot Lt. Sengstock, fell out of formation shortly before the attacks when the #4 engine went out. Aircraft 42-102613, pilot Lt. Evans, attempted to give this aircraft protection, and both were lost to the fighter attacks which immediately followed. Aircraft 42-97157 was seen going down near Epinal, France. Six chutes were seen. Aircraft 42-102613 was last seen headed toward Switzerland with the #3 engine smoking.  Aircraft 42-102470, pilot Lt. Johnson, was last seen going down partially under control with half of the right elevator broken off. Aircraft 42-31899, pilot Lt. Peters, was seen heading toward Switzerland with one engine out. Aircraft 42-31975, pilot Lt. Hopkins, was seen to receive a direct hit in the cockpit from a 20mm, after which it went into a spin. Two chutes were seen. Aircraft 42-97149, pilot Lt. Myers, was reported to have been heading for the Alps when it was attacked by seven aircraft and went into a spin.
   
4. Group Leader. Captain Daniel E. McCafferty, flying in Aircraft 42-31879, led the High Group of the 94th Combat Wing.
   
   

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 0845 hours.
   2. Group formed at 0932 hours at 17,400 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 0938 hours at 17,400 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1031 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1230 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 7/10ths. Tops 11,000 feet.
      2. Visibility unlimited miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 247 degrees. 38 knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. DR [Dead Reckoning] and GEE
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. GEE
   9. Joined task force at 1031 hours at [Unreadable]
   10. Departed English Coast at 1031 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1051 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: 1051 hours.
       2. Coming back: 1313 hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 247 degrees.
       2. 38 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: GEE
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at 1305 hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 333 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 25,900 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1313 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: VISUAL, CAVU [Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited]
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: NONE
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 51°03'N-02°58'E [3 miles S of Koekelare, Belgium]
       2. Time 1431 hours.
   17. Comments: ____

Group: 351st Low Group
Target: Ludwigshaven, Germany [Ludwigshafen]
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 26,000’
Direction of Attack: 332° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 260°
Wind Velocity: 47 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: A PFF run was called for and toward the end of the run the Wing Leader decided to make a visual run. The High turned back with the Lead while the Low went in to bomb. Heavy smoke obscured the target area making the M.P.I. [Mean Point of Impact] hard to pick up. Bombs were away at 1313 hours on a Mag. heading of 332°.

[Signed:] George W. Gross, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Gross, George W.  Pilot - 1st Lt. Dixey, Joseph R. Navigator - 1st Lt. Roberts, William N.
Aircraft B-17G   879-Q  Take-off - 0845 Landed - 1530
Objective - Railway Marshalling Yard at Ludwigshaven [Ludwigshafen], Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - As briefed
Initial Point - As briefed
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 11   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: ONE
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: ____   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 10 x 500 LB. G.P. [General Purpose]
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - Fast
Information at Release Point: M.P.I. covered with smoke.

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Right of briefed M.P.I.
Mean Temp. Metro -26 Actual -24
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 260°  Actual 260°  Velocity - Metro 40  Actual 47
Temp C. - Metro -26° C. Actual -24° C.

1. The target was the railway marshalling yard at Ludwigshaven [Ludwigshafen], Germany. Photo coverage was poor due to heavy smoke that partially obscured the target.
2. The bombs of this group fell in a compact pattern in the area of the railway repair shops at the NE end of the M/Y [Marshalling Yard]. The main building is covered with bursts and subsidiary buildings should be damaged. A few bombs landed on the northern choke point of the M/Y [Marshalling Yard].
   1. The pattern measures 1062’ x 1157’ and the MPI is 1335’ right of the briefed MPI.

1. Sixteen (16) bombs of leaflets were dropped; 8 of G-41 and 8 of G-43.
2. Preliminary review of negatives indicates that our bombs fell 500 yards over the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] at the north end of the M/Y [Marshalling Yard].
3. E/A [Enemy Aircraft] were encountered at 48°20’N-07°20’E [2 miles N of Saint-Maurice, France.]; 50 to 75 E/A were seen in this area. These were ME-109’s and FW-190’s, both old and new type. The E/A approached from 1200 high and low; on the first two passes the E/A flew wing to wing, comprising groups of 8 to 10 E/A; all subsequent passes made at our Group were carried out by flights of 2, 3, and 4 E/A. The E/A were painted a light blue or gray, with no visible markings; this gave them an added advantage as they attacked from the haze and blended well into it. No special weapons were observed. This Group is claiming 11-0-4.[Shot down-Probables-Damaged]
4. Meager fire from about four guns was encountered as our A/C were crossing the enemy coast on the way in North of Dieppe; it was low and to the right. At the target flak was moderate to intense, accurate for height and fair for deflection; black, brown, and white bursts were observed.
5. Weather was CAVU [Ceiling and Visibility Unlimited] throughout the mission with a little haze.
6. No observations of military importance were noted.
7. PFF units were not employed for bombing by this Group. At 1219 hours no fighter support was to be seen until twenty minutes thereafter. During this interval the enemy A/C pressed home their terrific attacks and shot down six of our A/C. A/C 157-N had one engine feathered before attacks and dropped behind. Then E/A made passes at it. Six chutes were seen to emerge near Epinal, France. A/C 470-J was last seen going down partially under control, with half of right elevator broken off. No chutes seen. A/C 613-C was last seen heading towards Switzerland with No. 3 engine smoking. A/C 149-X is reported to have been heading for the Alps when it was attacked by seven E/A and was last seen in a spin. Eight chutes seen. A/C 899-B was last seen heading towards Switzerland with one engine out. A/C 975-O was seen to receive a direct hit in the cockpit by 20 mm. after which it went into a spin. Two chutes were seen. C-1 [Autopilot] equipment functioned well.

1. Target: Assigned - Ludwigshaven [Ludwigshafen], Germany  Bombed - Ludwigshaven [Ludwigshafen], Germany
2. Route as Flown. - As briefed, except that a 360° turn was made between IP and target before actual bomb run.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - Clear  B. En route - 2 – 3/10th cloud
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - No
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: 5. Moderate, accurate for height, poor to fair for deflection. Black, brown and white bursts were observed. Method of fire control was believed to be continuous following.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Dieppe, 20,500’, 1050 -- about 4 guns, low and to the right.
7. Was Chaff carried? - Yes  How discharged? In target area.
8. Position of Group - High
9. Group – 351  A/C over enemy terr. – 18, A/C damaged – 5, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 1313, 
Time of bombs away – 1313, Height – 26,000’, Axis of attack – 333° Mag.  Bomb run – 3 min.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None

    509th Sqdn.
A/C 914-S Would like some good candy bars — Yank rations! - Lt. Goodman.
 No more 360° turns over the target. – Lt. Heard.
A/C 384-T Whole crew would like tracers at least one every ten rounds.
A/C 144-R Transportation is very slow – we had to wait about 40 minutes after landing – Lt. Sier.
A/C 845-F Fighter cover withdrew just as attacks came. – Lt. Hicks.

    510th Sqdn.
A/C 560-A Would like tracers in all guns; no time to sight without them. – All gunners.
A/C 077-D Would like coca-cola or some cold drink after missions instead of coffee. – Whole crew.
 We felt we needed extra flak protective equipment because we were flying low-low; but equipment officer would not give it to us, though he had plenty of it.
A/C 576-C Something ought to be done about formation. We were strung out all the way. – F/O McFetridge.

[Signed] Stephen R. Callahan, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Ass’t. S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97169, 509th Squadron, returned early because the Pilot was unable to locate the formation.
   2. Airplane No. 42-38038, 510th Squadron, returned early as planned.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 42-97144, 509th Squadron. One flak hole through bottom of right hand wing inboard panel, damaging Tokyo tank.
   2. Airplane No. 42-97196, 510th Squadron. Flak hole through bottom of RH wing panel, damaging spar. 20 mm. hole entered left side of fuselage rear of tail gunner’s compartment and damaged oxygen line and bulkheads 9 & 10. Flak damage to RH stabilizer and elevator. Skin damage to right side of fuselage rear of tail gunner’s compartment, caused by 20 mm. explosion.
   3. Airplane No. 42-102576, 510th Squadron. Right wing badly damaged by explosion of 20 mm. shell. Vertical stabilizer severely damaged by explosion of 20 mm. shell. Flak hole in plexiglass nose.
   4. Airplane No. 42-107077, 510th Squadron. Flak damage to right main tire. Flak damage to vertical stabilizer bulkheads. Empty shell case hole leading edge left wing. Three flak holes through left wing, damage to skin, corrugation and Tokyo tank. Flak damage to stringers bottom of right wing inboard panel. Flak damage to dorsal fin and vertical stabilizer, bulkheads. Flak hole ball turret. Several flak holes bottom, left and right sides of fuselage, internal damage to radio room doors and ammunition chute, bulkheads and circumferential stiffeners.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MINOR DAMAGE		BY FLAK		BY FLAK & FIGHTER		BY FLAK & Friend
   4		4		2		2		0

1. No armament malfunctions or failures were reported on the Mission of 27 May, 1944.
2. A total of seven (7) all electrical type aircraft participated in the Mission of 27 May, 1944.

1. The Station Ordnance Officer has reported the expenditure of 64,930 rounds of Caliber .50 ammunition on the Mission of 27 May, 1944.
2. This figure includes 54,000 rounds expended by the six aircraft missing in action.

1. Following is the disposition of bombs on the Mission of 27 May, 1944.

1. Following interrogation a negative report for the above date is hereby submitted.

[Signed:] Ernest J. Cater, 1st Lt. Air Corps, Group Equipment Officer

Aircraft No. 97169 Squadron - 509   Pilot - Emerson
Time of Abortive - 1050   Location when Aborted - 50°07’N-01°20’E [4 miles off coast NNW of Le Tréport, France.]
Reason - Failed to locate Group at Splasher. Saw no flares.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 20,000 ft.
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None - Saw flak shooting at wing on coast.
Remarks: Took intercepting course from splasher to point of entry on enemy coast. About 7 miles behind them as they crossed enemy coast.
[Signed] James K. Emerson



Aircraft No. 38038  Squadron - 510   Pilot - Walker
Time of Abortive - 1046   Location when Aborted - 50°15’N-00°57’E [23 miles off coast N of Dieppe, France]
Reason - Spare
Disposition of Bombs: Dropped in Channel.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: F/S [Flying Spare] Dropped bombs because #3 engine went out.
[Signed] Charles W. Walker, 1st Lt.

1. Call Letter and Last Four numbers of A/C in each Squadron:

   a. 94th "A" Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 1879–Q, 7066–O, 7349–B, 7157–N, 2613–C, 2470–J
   Sqdn 509th A/C: 9914–S, 7149–X, 1384–T, 7169–N, 7845–F, 7144–R, (7202–Z Spare)
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1899–B, 7077–D, 1560–A, 7196–M, 2576–C, 1975–O, (8038–R Spare)
   Sqdn 511th A/C: None
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ____

   
   
2. Target: GH-616
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T WVH R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T LCX R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T NXO R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T MVO R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. High Box: Taxi – 0830; Take-Off – 0845; E.T.D. Field – ____
   

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1030	17,000 Ft	Beachy Head

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1051	21,000 Ft	50°00'N-01°17'E [Tocqueville-sur-Eu, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1421	21,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°40'E [Oostduinkerke, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1447	7,000 Ft	Clacton

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1515 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "H"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: High Box
    508 Squadron: 10 x 500 [lb. G.P. General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    509 Squadron: 10 x 500 [lb. G.P. General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    510 Squadron: 10 x 500 [lb. G.P. General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuses]
    511 Squadron: None
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2400 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. High Box: Name: Joseph R. Dixey Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: 1879-Q  Sqdn. 508th
    
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
16. Lead Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	1879–Q	____	____	510	1899–B	____	____
    	7066–O	____	____		7077–D	____	____
    	7349–B	____	____		1560–A	____	____
    	7157–N	____	____		7196–M	____	____
    	2613–C	____			2576–C	____	____
    	2470–J	____			1975–O	____	____
    				[Flying Spare]	8038–R	____	____
    509	9914–S	____	____	511	None
    	7149–X	____	____
    	1384–T	____	____
    	7169–N	____	____
    	7845–F	____	____
    	7144–R	____	____
    [Flying Spare]	7202–Z	____	____

Report Compiled By Henry Twork, T/Sgt.

 Eighteen planes completed the mission to Ludwigshafen, Germany, led by Captain Dixey and Captain McCafferty with Lt. Roberts navigating and Lt. Gross as bombardier. Bombs were dropped in a compact pattern on the northeast end of the marshalling yards. About 50 to 75 ME 109s and FW 190s attacked the formation before the target. They came in from the nose in groups of two to three and sometimes as many as six. Six B-17s were shot down during this attack; Lt. Sengstock in 42-97157, Lt. Johnson in 42-102470, Lt. Evans in 42-102613, Lt. Myers in 42-97149, Lt. Hopkins in 42-31975, and Lt. Peters in 42-31899 who landed in Switzerland.
 The severity of these attacks can be best described by Lt. Redmond flying 42-39914 of the 509th Squadron.
 “On about the second pass, one of the German groups of three was aiming right at my ship. As I saw the firing commence from their guns, I pulled up about 15 feet. This was the most violent maneuver I could do because of the whiplash effect at the end of the squadron. My bombardier, Tony Wagner, reported later that just after the pull up, he saw about twenty 20mm cannon shells burst just under the ship. As these Germans made their pass, they paid dearly. Tony Wagner, bombardier and Wes Creech, top turret, and Sam Bell, ball turret, combined on the German leader and blew him up as he approached. His explosion blew his right wing man into the line of fire of Marty Strom, the navigator, who very promptly shot his tail off. I mean this literally; it looked like a sewing machine poking holes in a sheet of paper. The tail separated from the fuselage of the plane and both parts tumbled out of sight. Strom reported this to be the fanciest shooting done by the 8th Air Force."
 “At a later time, after a number of brews at the Officers Club, he admitted that he really was shooting at the prop, but got the tail. However, the result was the same. As the third plane passed under us, the ball turret and tail gunner blasted him. Vern Palmer, the tail gunner, reported that he had shot the canopy off and the pilot was bailing out. This was of course, the way it looked, but what actually happened was that he had crippled the plane and the pilot jettisoned the canopy and bailed out.”
 Many ships sustained damage, including Lt. Anderson’s 42-107077, which returned to Polebrook with a hole four feet by 18 inches in the vertical stabilizer. In addition, two 20mm cannon shells had exploded at the rear of number three engine, turning the right wing into a sieve.

• A/C# 42-97157   YB-N  "Mr. Malfunction"  Pilot: Sengstock     A/C's 20th Mission   MACR # 5330

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Flying toward the target, 42-97157, with one engine out fell out of formation and then was attacked by German Fighters. With two more engines hit the pilot Sengstock ordered the crew to bail out. All parachuted from the plane except S/Sgt Wenzloff, who was found in the crashed plane near Baldenheim, 10 km S.W. of Schlettstadt. The Co-pilot, 2nd Lt Emerson, Harold D., according to the MACR 5330, one report said he drowned in the Rhein River. Another said he may have been killed by German civilians before he was able to remove his parachute. In MACR 5324 the co-pilot of plane 42-102470 reportedly was told that another co-pilot drowned in the Rhein River near where the pilot of 42-102470 landed in the river.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Sengstock, Edgar F., From Wisconsin, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Emerson, Harold D., Killed in Action
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Fitzpatrick, Robert E., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Kirby, Wilfred W., From Maryland, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Sahulcik, Robert J., From New Jersey, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Green, Ralph T., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Wenzloff, Robert W., Killed in Action.
  • Right Waist Gunner - This position was not manned.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Kilby, John M., From Oregon, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Weatherholt, Oliver R., From West Virginia, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Harold D. Emerson, Buried - Plot E Row 14 Grave 26, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters
  • Robert W. Wenzloff, No burial records were found.
  
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-102470   YB-J  Pilot: Johnson     A/C's 9th Mission   MACR # 5325

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  The MACR includes an Interrogation Statement written using information given by other crews who returned to Polebrook it reads:
  First Lieutenant Gosta Johnson was flying as pilot of aircraft #42-102470 on a mission to Ludwigshaven, Germany on May 27, 1944. He was flying in the No. 6 position, Lead Squadron. He was attacked by enemy aircraft and had half of his right elevator broken off. One pilot reported that his No. 2 Engine was smoking and he descended almost vertically out of sight.
  In a statement the pilot, Gosta Johnson, wrote that he left the formation near Offenburg, Germany and sustained a head wound which knocked him unconscious. He and the bombardier were bailed out of the plane by the navigator, co-pilot and the top turret gunner. He and the bombardier, Samuel Rosenberg, were taken to the hospital in Offenburg, Germany. They were both taken to the operating room as Rosenberg had two wounds and was being operated on when he died.
  The aircraft blew up before it hit the ground SE of Hagenau.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Johnson, Gosta, From Illinois, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Neumann, Herbert C., From Maryland, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Schmidt, Robert A., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Rosenberg, Samuel, Died of injuries in a German hospital from 20 mm in chest.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Anderson, John, From Texas, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Smith, Joseph R., From Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Kolling, Edward V., From New Jersey, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - This Position not manned.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt DeHart, Johnnie A., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Drews, Richard S., From Ohio, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Samuel Rosenberg, No burial records were found.
  
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-102613   YB-C  Pilot: Evans     A/C's 10th Mission   MACR # 5324

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account in Missing Air Crew Report # 5324
   "I, Mark Medick, O-81113, was flying as Pilot of aircraft #42-97202 which was in No. 3 position of the Lead Element of the High Squadron on a mission to Ludwigshaven, Germany on May 27, 1944. I first saw Lt. Howard R. Evans apparently after he had been attacked by enemy fighters because the propeller of his No. 3 Engine was feathered. I noticed a white vapor coming from his gas tanks and presumed that they had been hit in this attack in addition to the No. 3 Engine. Then I saw him attacked by enemy fighters, and a black vapor appeared which indicated an oil leak. After this attack he pulled out of formation and headed toward Switzerland under control. The Alps were plainly visible from where we were. I saw no parachutes nor did I hear anything from Lt. Evans on VHF [radio].
  [Signed] Mark Medick, 2nd Lt., Air Corps."
  
  Statement on Questionnaire completed by Bombardier, Roger N. Peterson, after returning from Prisoner of War Camp.
   "My observations about what happened upon the loss of B-17 in which I was flying on May 27, 1944, are hazy and restricted to the front portion of the plane. We had been under attack by German fighter planes for about five minutes when a wave of fighters came in from about 1 o'clock, high. I was at the Chin Turret position and firing when I heard a sharp explosion at the rear of the Nose and felt the plane lurch. I kept firing until the wave of German fighter planes passed and then looked around to see the Nose on fire and the trailing edge of the right wing of the Plane also on fire. Lt. Joseph Norton, Navigator, who had been at the right-hand gun position in the Nose, was crumpled on the floor, in the midst of the flames. I pulled him out and examined his body and could see no sigh of life. I then realized that I too was wounded and began to feel dizzy from either the wounds or from lack of oxygen. I pulled on my parachute and began crawling through the flames that blocked the door to the Nose. The plane was, at this time, apparently out of control and plunging down towards the earth. At the door I had a faint recollection of waiting for someone to go out before me at the escape hatch right below the Pilot's deck. I thought that it might be the Top-Turret Gunner, Sgt. Kopf, but would not be at all certain of this. The next thing I remember was floating down with my chute opened. I lost consciousness again and awoke on the ground an hour later, according to my watch which was still running. Prior to leaving the bombardier's position in the Nose of the plane, neither the Interphone of oxygen systems were working so I could not check on and other members of the crew.
   A few weeks later I was placed in a German Prison Camp (Stalag-Luft III), where I met the Pilot, Lt. Howard R. Evans, and the co-pilot, Lt. James Duffy. Both of these officers were surprised to see me and had believed me dead. Both had apparently bailed out prior to me. They did say that they had heard that three 'chutes had been seen to come out of out plane and that they wondered who the third man was until I had appeared at the Camp.
   At the German military hospital at Strassbourg, Germany, where I was taken on the night of May 27, 1944, I heard that there were some enlisted American airman also being treated there. The Germans, however, claimed that these men had been there fore [sp] some weeks so that would indicate that they were not from my crew. I believe that this hospital was the large one in the vicinity and that any crew members picked up in an injured state, would have been brought there from any point within twenty of thirty miles away, as I was."
  [Signed] Roger N. Peterson, Capt., Air Corps Res. (Inactive)
  
  Statement on Questionnaire completed by Co-Pilot, James J. Duffy, after returning from Prisoner of War Camp.
   "Just before or just as we were turning on the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] our group was jumped by an enemy fighter group of what appeared to be both Me's and F.W.'s. We were hit on the 2nd attack. 8 Bombers were shot down over this part of Alsace-Lorraine. (Area between Strasbourg & Lahr.) Most of us experienced a motor car trip of a short distance to a military barracks in the town of Lohr - here we were imprisoned for the night prior to a train trip to Freiburg the next day where we were imprisoned in a civilian jail for 3 days. Representatives of 7 crews from our group were in the party and it was said that one other bomber headed off toward Switzerland after the attack.
   The plane was hit by a 20 mm shell from a FW(?) attacking at 12 o'clock level. Lt. Norton was killed instantly - the plane started upward sharply out of control. The instrument panel end armor plate in rear of panel appeared shattered by the explosion. The origin of the fire was undetermined but was thought later to be glycol under the flight deck being fed by oxygen. The fire produced heat of great intensity. The B-17 was a new all electrical ship - most of the pilots were finding a few "bugs" in them - this was probably the reason for the bomb load not leaving the ship even though the switch was on salvo. I tried to contact the crew on interphone but had no success so assumed it to have been "shot out" - after informing the pilot, Lt. Evans, he pressed the alarm bell. Whether or not this was operating I do not know. Because of the intensity of the flames I was unable to remain in the CP seat and was told to get out by the pilot. Sgt. Koch, Top Turret gunner, had started [to] leave the ship but had forgotten his chest chute and was returning to his position for the chute. This caused some confusion in the cockpit causing me to fall into the companionway to the nose near the hatch. The flames in this part of the plane were definitely out of control and blocked the entrance to the nose. As I lay there momentarily before pulling the emergency hatch handle and leaving the ship, I saw Lt. Norton lying on the navigator's table dead. His side of the nose [unreadable] was pretty badly torn by 20 mm cannon which I assume came from the attack at 12 o'clock level passed through his body and shattered the armor plate in the rear of the instrument panel (Pilot's) and then shattered then panel itself knocking the instruments into my lap in my position (Co-Pilot). Lt. Peterson appeared dead and slumped over his chin turret guns (Bombardier). Two weeks later he arrived at the prison camp, Luft III, and said he remembered vaguely reaching for his chute and the next remembrance was when he came to consciousness on the ground badly burned and bleeding about the legs from 20 mm fragments. He then assumed as did Lt. Evans and I that the ship exploded in mid-air knocking him free and possibly the body of Lt. Norton. Lt Norton wore a back pack type chute. It would be possible for this type chute to open by the force of a blast. Lt. Peterson landed a considerable distance away from Lt. Evans and I who landed in the same town. Lt. Peterson's report would better tell you what took place in the nose and his reaction to this explosion. Lt. Evans landed in the Rhein River and I in a plowed field. There was much wreckage about the fields (airplane wreckage). We were told that a C.P. from another B-17 had landed near Lt. Evans in the river and drowned. The town was very small about 500 population. The chief of police was dressed in a uniform with a party arm band. He was about 5'4" tall and seemed to consider us quite a prize. Many of the women and children wanted to see us, at this he took great delight. A nurse, German I believe, was summoned to attend my wounds of the leg, The following clues I believe will lead to the identity of the village. One man rather tall and well built - who said little and appeared to be sort of a clerk or member of the police wore a civilian suit and had either a wooden leg or club foot. Another a little old lady (late 40's) told me not to be afraid in perfect English. The one that was with us for a few hours was a German boy about 14 or 15 years old who tried to question me in school boy English. He lived down the street from the police station - as I saw him in a window when I was being marched to a town about 3 or 4 miles distant. Besides this boy there was a girl about 20 who could speak English - gave us water in the police station and said she had visited America or had lived (I think) in Pennsylvania long enough to pick up the language. The desk of the chief of police had a large picture of Hitler hanging on the wall behind it. The next town that we were marched to was about 3 or 4 miles away as previously mentioned. Here we were kept in a small anteroom next to the main office. Both of these towns were similar. This station was also located in the square. Here the Germans called someone in Lahr. Two wehrmacht soldiers in a four passenger car brought us to Lahr party headquarters. Our chutes were put into this garage next to [the] house. A doctor (military) attended [to us]. We were marched about 2 or 3 blocks to a military barracks in Lahr at the base of a large hill. Here I might include that the march between the first two small towns bordered the Rhein River. The ride by [car] from the 2nd small town to Lahr took about 20 minutes to ½ hour. The two soldiers, at Lohr the man with a wooden hand appeared to be the senior officer often appeared to be a fanatic. We observed many envelopes containing personal property of previous prisoner airmen."
  The men who were killed in action were initially buried in the local cemetery at Nommenweier, District Lahr, Germany.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Evans, Howard R., From Arizona, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Duffy, James J., From Massachusetts, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Norton, Joseph P., Killed in Action
  • Bombardier - 1st Lt Peterson, Roger N., Sustained fracture of right rib and flesh wounds on right hand. From New York, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Kopf, Donald G., Killed In Action
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Pope, Ronald C., Killed In Action
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Joiner, Glen E., Killed In Action
  • Right Waist Gunner - This Position not manned.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Honsowetz, Jack W., Killed In Action
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Kovacs, Stephen, Killed In Action
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • 2nd Lt Joseph P. Norton, Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Evanston, Cook County, Illinois
  • S/Sgt Donald G. Kopf, Burial: Greenwood Cemetery, Muscatine, Muscatine County, Iowa
  • T/Sgt Ronald C. Pope, Burial: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri, Plot: SECTION 84 SITE 301; CENOTAPH at Riverside Annex Cemetery, South Paris, Oxford County, Maine
  • S/Sgt Glen E. Joiner, Burial: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri, Plot: SECTION 84 SITE 301
  • Sgt Jack W. Honsowetz, Burial: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, Lemay, St. Louis County, Missouri, Plot: SECTION 84 SITE 301
  • S/Sgt Stephen Kovacs, Burial: Assumption Cemetery and Mausoleum, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York.

  

  
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• A/C# 42-31975   TU-O  "Queen Of The Air"  Pilot: Hopkins     A/C's 28th Mission   MACR # 5331

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account document in the Missing Air Crew Report # 5331.
   I, George W. Hertz, was flying as Tail Gunner on aircraft 42-31384 which was in No. 3 position of lead element of high squadron on a mission to Ludwigshaven, Germany on 27 May, 1944. I saw Lt. Hopkins who was flying in the low squadron on my left attacked by enemy fighters just before the IP [Initial Point of bomb run]. They succeeded in damaging two of his engines, as evidenced by fire. He fell out of the formation and headed straight down completely out of control. While the plane was descending I saw five (5) parachutes come out from it. This is all I saw due to the fact that the plane went out of sight. I heard nothing over VHF [radio].
  [Signed] George W. Hartz, S/Sgt., Air Corps.
  
  An Interrogation Statement in the Missing Air Crew Report # 5331 reads.
  "First Lieutenant Horace E. Hopkins, O-803206 was flying in aircraft #42-31975 on a mission to Ludwigshaven, Germany on May 27, 1944. His plane received a direct hit from fighters in the cockpit. It went into a spin and two (2) parachutes were seen."
  According to reports in the MACR the plane crashed at Sachemont, 17 km South of St Die, France.
  The men were initially buried on 30 May 1944 in cemetery of Clefay 12 mi. South of St Die, France except for Lt. Habecker who was buried there on 31 May 1944.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Hopkins, Horace E., Killed in Action
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Hale, Everett M., Killed in Action
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Habecker, Carl W., Killed in Action
  • Nose Gunner - T/Sgt Suddock, Dwight E., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Atwood, Richard J., Killed in Action
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Stroh, William H., the MACR shows he returned from POW camp but the National Archives online database has no records.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Willhite, Avondale L., Killed in Action
  • Right Waist Gunner - T/Sgt Norquist, Lyle A., Killed in Action
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Snyder, Samuel A., Killed in Action
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Bruning, Norman J., Killed in Action
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Horace E. Hopkins, Burial: Middlefield Cemetery, Middlefield, Geauga County, Ohio, Plot: East-Block 2, row 10, lot D
  • Everett M. Hale, Buried in Grace Cemetery, Grace, Cariboou County, Idaho
  • Carl W. Habecker, Buried: Plot D Row 19 Grave 22, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France
  • Richard J. Atwood, Burial: Beech Grove Cemetery, Muncie, Delaware County, Indiana, Plot: Sec. E, Lot 74
  • Avondle L. Willhite, Buried: Plot E Row 33 Grave 26, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart
  • Lyle A. Norquist, Buried: Plot D Row 19 Grave 23, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster
  • Samuel A. Snyder, Buried: Plot A Row 28 Grave 48, Lorraine American Cemetery, St Avold, France, Awards: Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
  • Norman J. Bruning, Burial: Saint Bernards Cemetery, Breda, Carroll County, Iowa

  

  
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• A/C# 42-31899   TU-B  Pilot: Peters     A/C's 18th Mission   MACR # 2772

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account in the Missing Air Crew Report:
  "I, William R. Raser, O-800939, was flying as pilot of aircraft number 42-97196 which was leading the second element on a mission to Ludwigshaven, Germany on May 27, 1944. About five (5) minutes before the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run], I saw enemy fighters attack Lt. Peters' plane which was leading the low squadron in which I was flying, they succeeded in setting his No. 3 engine on fire. He immediately feathered it and the fire went out. He then fell behind the formation and jettisoned his bombs. He did not succeed in getting back into formation and so peeled off to the right and headed toward Switzerland under control. I heard nothing over VHF [radio]."
  [Signed] William R. Raser, 1st Lt., Air Corps.
  
  Eyewitness Account in the Missing Air Crew Report:
  "I, Charles H. Auten, Jr., O-454703, was flying as pilot of aircraft #42-107077 which was #2 position of the lead element of the low squadron on a mission to Ludwigshafen, Germany on 27 May 1944. I saw Lt. Peters being attacked by enemy fighters about ten minutes before the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. His #3 engine was hit as evidenced by smoke for about one minute, and Lt. Peters' plane continued in flight as squadron leader. He was losing altitude and airspeed which caused his squadron to straggle from the rest. At this time, he feathered the #3 engine, and shortly thereafter two subsequent enemy fighter attacks were made, but no additional damage could be seen. I called Lt. Peters on VHF asking if he would be able to continue to lead, but received no reply. Since he was losing altitude at 300 feet per minute it was necessary fot the remaining members of the squadron to pull ahead and upwards. I last saw Lt. Peters' plane proceeding southward toward Switzerland apparently under complete control and without the existance of fires. He was not seen to be attacked further by enemy aircraft and no parachutes were seen at any time."
  [Signed] Charles H. Auten, Jr., 1st Lt., Air Corps.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Peters, Harold M., From Alabama, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Windes, Honor G., From Arizona, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Navigator - 1st Lt Miller, Richard G., From Michigan, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Bombardier - 1st Lt Martin, Ferris S., From Illinois, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Konkel, William O., From Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Taylor, Vee L., From New York, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Vandeberg, Willie, From Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Right Waist Gunner - S/Sgt King, Raymond J., From Minnesota, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Gilliam, Walter T. Jr., From Virginia, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Moulton, Reed L., From Wyoming, Held by Switzerland until end of war.
  
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-97149   RQ-X  Pilot: Myers     A/C's 13th Mission   MACR # 5327

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account in the Missing Air Crew Report:
  I, Frederick F. Harris, Jr., ASN 32487886, was flying as Ball Turret Gunner on aircraft #42-31384 which was flying #3 position of the high squadron on a mission to Ludwigshafen, Germany on 27 May 1944. At the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] I saw Lt. Myers flying on my right attacked by enemy fighters, but I could see no signs of damage inflicted. After this attack he came back into his regular position of the formation (he had been slightly out of position). Then he was attacked again by fighters, but still there were no visible signs of damage. He was forced to fall out of the formation, however, and seemed to fall under our plane and to come out on top of the lead group (we were high group). Then he fell back and I saw eight (8) parachutes come from the plane. The plane then peeled off to the right and headed toward Switzerland under control. Nothing heard on VHF [radio].
  [Signed] Frederick F. Harris Jr., S/Sgt., Air Corps.
  
  The MACR records indicate the plane crashed at Baldenheim, 10 km southeast of Schlettstadt.
  Lt. Myers, Lt. Butrum, T/Sgt Stanford, S/Sgt Mansmann and S/Sgt Denton were captured near Lahr, Germany.
  Lt Roszyk and S/Sgt Roysden were captured at Forchheim near Kenzingen on 27 May 1944.
  Lt Naas was captured at Stuehlingen District Waldshut on 3rd May 1944.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Myers, Tedfred E., From Georgia, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Butrum, Clarence A., From California, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Roszyk, Henry M., From New York, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Naas, Vernon N., From Minnesota, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Stanford, Walter C., From Texas, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Draper, Edwin S., Injured taken to German Hospital - From Kansas, POW at Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Mansmann, William J., Injured, From New Jersey, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Right Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Blackburn, Woodrow W., From Nevada, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Roysden, Avon, From Oregon, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Denton, John M., From Ohio, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.