392nd Bomb Group

Target: Gaggenau - 3 October 1944 - Mission #178

A factory near the health spa and gambling mecca of Baden-Baden was assigned for strike on this raid. Briefing for (40) crews was conducted at 0330 hours and at 0700 (39) commenced take-off. The 576th led the mission with Lieutenant Miller as Bombardier. The target was bombed visually with generally unsatisfactory results with just a few of the (224) 100 pounders hitting the south part of the target area. There were no fighters but flak caused (6) bombers to be damaged, but all returned safely around 1525 hours.

2/Lt John Beder, 576th, had to make an emergency landing at RAF Mepal in Cambridgeshire. He later reported, "Twenty minutes prior to hitting the target, No. 1 engine ran out of oil thus necessitating feathering it. We made the run on the target dropping our bombs, then in trying to keep up with the formation, we had to use a lot of power, 2450 to 2500 RPM and 38 to 40" Hg. This accounts for our gas running pretty low, however in descent across the channel we reduced power to 2000 RPMs and 28" Hg. By this time the formation was approximately 15 to 20 miles ahead of us, so we proceeded to get back to home base by means of our own navigation. The navigator gave us a heading which proved O.K. but in the meantime we tuned in Buncher #5, when I thought we were over the Buncher I picked up a heading of 330 degrees, the radio compass definitely fell away from the Buncher, so picking up 330 degrees I flew for two minutes and did not see our field, so we flew for about 10 minutes and asked the Engineer for a fuel check. He reported 100 gallons in the cells, so then I decided it was time to land anywhere and quick. Mepal was off our left wing, so I cut a Lancaster off on the final approach and proceeded to land. I realized we didn't have time and fuel to give them a call so we landed.

"About 50 feet from the runway they fired us a red flare, but being low on gas and now wishing to endanger the personnel on board I landed.

"They directed us to a parking area and we headed toward a hangar where we parked. I was told to report to the Station Commanding Officer to whom I related the story above. In the meantime, home base was notified and they sent a ship over for us with the crew chief of 511 aboard. We were fed at Mepal and, after eating, they asked to have the ship moved.

"In pulling away from this hangar we had to go over a grass area. In doing this the left wheel mired down. I cut the engines and got out to take a look at it. The crew chief, thinking that we could get the ship out, put some men in the tail and straightened the nose wheel. He then suggested pouring the coal to the three engines, and hitting the right brake. In doing this the nose wheel slipped to the left, thus collapsing, damaging the nose section."

CREW LOADING LIST - MISSION #178

3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 511
P Beder, J. 2nd Lt.
CP Samsell, J.A. 2nd Lt.
N Matishowski, J. 2nd Lt.
B Murray, J.G. 2nd Lt.
E Morley, J.P. Sgt.
R Murgatroyd, R.S. Sgt.
RW Carr, R.P. Cpl.
LW Merchant, W.D. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Schodrof, R.H. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 432
P Hart, W. 1st Lt.
CP Crawford, D.A. 2nd Lt.
N Oppenheim, R. 2nd Lt.
B Griesbaum, L.A. S/Sgt.
E Shields, V.E. S/Sgt.
R Young, W.S. S/Sgt.
RW Stern, J. S/Sgt.
LW Genna, N.J. S/Sgt.
BT George, O. S/Sgt.
TG Clemmer, C.J. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 145
CA Pennypacker, J.E. Capt.
P Caldwell, R.R. 1st Lt.
CP Harer, R.J. 2nd Lt.
N Thornburgh, J.W. 2nd Lt.
B Miller, S. 2nd Lt.
E Munden, F.R. T/Sgt.
R Westerfield, M.M. T/Sgt.
RW Maher, T.O. S/Sgt.
LW Conn, J.G. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Bennett, D.F. S/Sgt.
NV Edmundson, R.H. 1st Lt.
PN Walters, J.E. 1st Lt.
3 Oct 1944 576h Sqdn.
A/C 659
P Johnson, R.D. 1st Lt.
CP Ellis, J.F. 2nd Lt.
N Hildebrand, L.C. 2nd Lt.
B Mountain, J.G. 2nd Lt.
E Stolins, E.A. T/Sgt.
R Holmes, E.L. T/Sgt.
RW Daniels, J. S/Sgt.
LW Gordon, G.P. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Cochran, G.D. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 194
P Novik, A.J. 1st Lt.
CP Graves, J.H. 2nd Lt.
N Fife, R.M. 2nd Lt.
B Glass, R.D. Sgt.
E DiMarco, F.J. S/Sgt.
R Hildebrand, R.O. S/Sgt.
RW Watkins, M.F. Sgt.
LW Graves, R.H. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Buckley, C.A. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 489
P Kilmer, W.A. 1st Lt.
CP McConnell, C.W. 2nd Lt.
N Isakson, E.J. 2nd Lt.
B Sexton, W.C. 2nd Lt.
E Cappello, E.J. S/Sgt.
R Chambers, R.L. S/Sgt.
RW Spears, D.D. S/Sgt.
LW McAtee, J.R. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Turner, E.C. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 387
P Meehan, J.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Carey, H.V. 2nd Lt.
N McAfee, S.P. F/O
B Herzig, H. 2nd Lt.
E Cohen, H.J. T/Sgt.
R Candido, C.D. T/Sgt.
RW Lange, D.H. S/Sgt.
LW Conner, P.P. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Lynch, R.C. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 357
P Larson, R.D. 1st Lt.
CP Hawn, I. F/O
N Biles, W.R. 2nd Lt.
B Martin, P.R. S/Sgt.
E Dearborn, H.W. T/Sgt.
R Peterson, J.V. T/Sgt.
RW Benadum, T.E. S/Sgt.
LW Cuthbert, J.K. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Hetzer, R.L. Pvt.
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 299
P Peterson, T.W. 2nd Lt.
CP Rohe, J.M. 2nd Lt.
N Leonard, A.C. 2nd Lt.
B Lawson, R.F. 2nd Lt.
E Bruney, G.L. Cpl.
R Green, C.M. S/Sgt.
RW Mitchell, D.F. Cpl.
LW Hamment, R.E. Cpl.
BT Hankins, T.E. Cpl.
TG - -
3 Oct 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 650
P Sommers, O.L. 2nd Lt.
CP McLaughry, J.A. III 2nd Lt.
N Streicher, H.P. 2nd Lt.
B - -
E Drummond, W.D. T/Sgt.
R Fender, J.F. S/Sgt.
RW Borraccini, P.J. S/Sgt.
LW Bennett, D.F. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Luciano, S. Sgt.
NT O'Kane, R.P. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 079
P Enyart, D.W. 1st Lt.
CP Froehlich, S.S. 2nd Lt.
N Mertens, J.A. 2nd Lt.
B Snyderman, J. 2nd Lt.
E Aycock, C.E. Sgt.
R Gersten, G. Sgt.
RW Arneson, J.A. Sgt.
LW Mohan, V.L. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Barlow, S.N. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 785
P Scott, D.A. 2nd Lt.
CP Jordan, E.B. 2nd Lt.
N Tucker, R.A. 2nd Lt.
B Barger, G.W. 2nd Lt.
E Karas, J. Sgt.
R Berger, S. Sgt.
RW Glasscock, J.B. Sgt.
LW Hanley, E.H. Sgt.
BT - -
TG McKee, S.P. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 323
P Brandt, R.M. 1st Lt.
CP Fabiani, H.L. 2nd Lt.
N Mintz, H.B. 2nd Lt.
B Copple, R.N. 2nd Lt.
E Chelenyak, J.A. Cpl.
R Abraham, L.J. Cpl.
RW Richardson, W.C. Cpl.
LW Johnson, E.W. Cpl.
BT - -
TG Harmon, G.E. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 642
P Pierce, W.R. 1st Lt.
CP Williamson, D.R. 1st Lt.
N Putziger, S. 1st Lt.
B Beezley, D.D. 1st Lt.
E Stand, A.J. T/Sgt.
R Rankin, R.P. T/Sgt.
RW Cooperman, G.F. S/Sgt.
LW Ferenc, F.J. S/Sgt.
BT Liske, J.R. 2nd Lt.
TG Carrabba, C. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 813
P Comeau, E.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Davis, W.R. 2nd Lt.
N Neuman, W.E. 2nd Lt.
B - -
E Scalet, J. T/Sgt.
R Haney, P.W. T/Sgt.
RW Jasinski, R. Sgt.
LW Kearns, H.H. Sgt.
BT Pendergraft, J.C. Sgt.
TG Krause, H.L. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 991
P Buaas, W.C. 2nd Lt.
CP Pedrotta, C.H. 2nd Lt.
N Fowler, R.T. 2nd Lt.
B Guest, T.C. 2nd Lt.
E Coleman, R.G. Sgt.
R Todrowski, H.R. Sgt.
RW Worcester, C.E. Sgt.
LW Sopha, B.E. Sgt.
BT Callejas, F.N. S/Sgt.
TG - -
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 012
P Daley, J.C. 2nd Lt.
CP Stebner, O.G. 2nd Lt.
N Thomas, C.P. 2nd Lt.
B Cunningham, V.J. 2nd Lt.
E Minster, G.E. S/Sgt.
R Firquain, O.S. S/Sgt.
RW Bevill, B.T. S/Sgt.
LW Cole, R.A. S/Sgt.
BT Benenson, M. 1st Lt.
TG Berry, J.F. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 151 (no mission credit)
P Barron, J.N. 1st Lt.
CP Kressig, E.L. 2nd Lt.
N Attinson, C. 2nd Lt.
B Feltman, D.S. 1st Lt.
E Slater, D.L. T/Sgt.
R Osborne, R.C. Pvt.
RW Salvato, T.W. S/Sgt.
LW Garner, H.S. T/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Demar, S. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 040 (no mission credit)
P Propper, H.M. 2nd Lt.
CP Brier, A.L. 2nd Lt.
N Barber, A.G. 2nd Lt.
B Garrett, H.L. 2nd Lt.
E McPherson, C.C. S/Sgt.
R Dodd, W.C. S/Sgt.
RW Postema, R.H. Sgt.
LW Chapman, C.M. S/Sgt.
BT Steins, D.C. S/Sgt.
TG Wickham, R.H. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 169
P Walker, D.L. 1st Lt.
CP Nunziato, D.J. 2nd Lt.
N Bedore, C.P. 2nd Lt.
B Buente, V.O. 2nd Lt.
E Gusciora, A.A. Sgt.
R Lane, A.E. Sgt.
RW Maloukis, S.J. Sgt.
LW Kimball, B.A. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Ballas, P.T. Sgt.
Johnson, L.L. Col.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 186
P Joyce, J.F. F/O
CP Bowman, J.A. F/O
N Van Pelt, W.W. 2nd Lt.
B McQuade, R.N. F/O
E Albino, A. Cpl.
R Brown, J.F. Cpl.
RW Gorham, R.L. Cpl.
LW Andrews, Q.Q. Cpl.
BT - -
TG Richter, R.H. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 250
P Henderson, P.B. 1st Lt.
CP Stull, R.B. 1st Lt.
N Allen, H.W. 1st Lt.
B Williamson, R.D. 1st Lt.
E Thompson, A.W. T/Sgt.
R Burns, P.J. T/Sgt.
RW Smith, G.R. S/Sgt.
LW Vantine, J.E. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Howell, J.L. S/Sgt.
NT Peters, J.L. F/O
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 249
P Bilz, J.J. 2nd Lt.
CP Slayter, D.W. 2nd Lt.
N Barnes, J.M. 2nd Lt.
B Overman, D.T. 2nd Lt.
E Grout, A.G. Cpl.
R Fahrenbruch, K.G. Cpl.
RW Poepping, R.F. Cpl.
LW Beals, B.M. Cpl.
BT - -
TG Ludwig, D.J. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 477
P Twining, E.S. 2nd Lt.
CP Duff, A.L. 2nd Lt.
N Bertoli, L.J. 2nd Lt.
B Clark, H.J. 2nd Lt.
E Hostetter, F.E. T/Sgt.
R Hinckley, B.J. T/Sgt.
RW Grimm, R.H. S/Sgt.
LW Maguire, F.H. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Largen, J.E. S/Sgt.
NT Lipman, B.D. 2nd Lt.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 446
P Miller, D.E. 1st Lt.
CP Heller, P. 2nd Lt.
N Moos, J.C. 2nd Lt.
B Inamorato, J.T. 2nd Lt.
E Myers, L.P. T/Sgt.
R Luczak, H.J. T/Sgt.
RW Agoglia, E.J. S/Sgt.
LW Faulstich, A.F. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Shea, H.A. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 313
P Bell, W.M. 1st Lt.
CP Pope, C.H. 2nd Lt.
N Cole, R.W. 2nd Lt.
B Snoden, C.A. 2nd Lt.
E Morse, J.H. T/Sgt.
R Gordon, C.J. T/Sgt.
RW Bross, J.H. S/Sgt.
LW Onstot, P.O. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Case, R.F. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 293
P Walker, J.R. 2nd Lt.
CP Holmes, F. 1st Lt.
N Bauer, H.H. 2nd Lt.
B Donohue, J.J. 2nd Lt.
E Thomas, C.B. T/Sgt.
R Jewell, R.B. T/Sgt.
RW Collins, S.J. S/Sgt.
LW Faucette, E.W. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Pataki, S.M. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 337
P Tays, R.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Ferguson, T.B. F/O
N Holzinger, J.J. 2nd Lt.
B Sorensen, A.C. 2nd Lt.
E King, C.C. Sgt.
R Berger, J.T. Sgt.
RW Coury, G.A. Sgt.
LW Turner, M.E. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Fetterhoff, E.E. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 235
P McClellan, H.B. 2nd Lt.
CP Carleton, D. 2nd Lt.
N Havel, E.E. 2nd Lt.
B - -
E Berger, R.F. S/Sgt.
R Kingston, D.B. S//Sgt.
RW Markle, J.M. S/Sgt.
LW Patton, L.A. S/Sgt.
BT Kosinski, F.H. S/Sgt.
TG Willey, J.R. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 966
P Johnson, R.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Cook, J.M. 2nd Lt.
N Waters, J.F. 2nd Lt.
B Weiss, J.E. F/O
E Lang, C.F. T/Sgt.
R Lauger, L. S/Sgt.
RW Castaneda, J.A. S/Sgt.
LW Stickley, F.F. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Van Alstine, N.G. S/Sgt.
S-27 Steffen, N.W. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 495
P Ross, J.E. 2nd Lt.
CP Crane, F.D. 2nd Lt.
N Richner, G.C. Jr. F/O
B Hester, T.G. S/Sgt.
E Albright, H.B. Sgt.
R Agnew, T.G. Cpl.
RW Blackburn, W.F. Cpl.
LW Brooks, V.B. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Arnold, E.R. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 328
P Mayer, E.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Fligge, S.G. 2nd Lt.
N Burros, R.S. 2nd Lt.
B - -
E Fickel, S.A. Cpl.
R Hatfield, H.C. Cpl.
RW Robinson, M.M. Pvt.
LW Gibson, C.P. Cpl.
BT Eller, M. S/Sgt.
TG Fulton, C.E. Pvt.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 808
P Neundorf, C.A. 1st Lt.
CP Washington, E.K. 2nd Lt.
N Abrams, E.J. 2nd Lt.
B Pipitone, S.R. F/O
E Moore, P.L. T/Sgt.
R Toniatti, L.A. T/Sgt.
RW Blalock, E.L. S/Sgt.
LW Sullivan, J.K. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Xander, C.H. S/Sgt.
PN Shumaker, M.C. 2nd Lt.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 409
P Markuson, C.O. F/O
CP Hutchcroft, H.W. F/O
N Gallagher, W.W. 2nd Lt.
B Hunter, E.R. Cpl.
E Cain, P.L. Cpl.
R Burke, J.E. Cpl.
RW Monaghan, T.D. Cpl.
LW Howard, J.B. Cpl.
BT - -
TG Horn, J.E. Jr. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 272
P Cieply, E.J. 2nd Lt.
CP Mackey, O. 2nd Lt.
N Griesar, O.J. 2nd Lt.
B Long, W.B. Cpl.
E Cannon, L.F. Cpl.
R Cade, G.W. Cpl.
RW Montez, A.G. Cpl.
LW Kinsinger, W.D. Cpl.
BT - -
TG Huston, C.F. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 623
P Benson, R.J. 1st Lt.
CP Buccigrossi, S.A. 2nd Lt.
N Keane, J.J.F. 2nd Lt.
B Davenport, J.R. 2nd Lt.
E Solberg, F.O. T/Sgt.
R Davey, J.F. T/Sgt.
RW Middleton, W.H. S/Sgt.
LW Radkiewicz, N.I. S/Sgt.
BT Crosby, P.E. 2nd Lt.
TG Legaard, C. S/Sgt.
S-27 Belsky, M. Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 697
P Tuchel, R.H. 1st Lt.
CP Hay, G.R. 2nd Lt.
N Faust, L.E. 2nd Lt.
B Kirol, J. S/Sgt.
E Tvergyak, P.A. T/Sgt.
R Johnson, H.K. T/Sgt.
RW Warrick, H.E. S/Sgt.
LW - -
BT Vincent, J.W. S/Sgt.
TG Carter, D.J. S/Sgt.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 195
P Jordan, T.J. 2nd Lt.
CP Osojnicki, E.S. 2nd Lt.
N Sprosty, A.O. 2nd Lt.
B Pyecroft, E.J. S/Sgt.
E Kinzler, S.J. S/Sgt.
R Brown, L.E. Jr. Sgt.
RW Davis, T.N. Cpl.
LW Meister, R.H. Cpl.
BT - -
TG Kwiatowski, L.P. Cpl.
3 Oct 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 448
P Kwash, R.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Gulacsik, A. 2nd Lt.
N Coy, E.T. 2nd Lt.
B Lassins, E.G. 2nd Lt.
E Yarber, H.W. T/Sgt.
R McKim, L.D. T/Sgt.
RW Denter, W.S. S/Sgt.
LW Callahan, E.M. S/Sgt.
BT - -
TG Sandusky, D.L. S/Sgt.