8 April 1944 Mission #61 Target: Brunswick

This mission proved to be another tough one for the 392nd, one which would extract a much greater toll than the Group’s first mission to the same target on 15 March earlier. General briefings for (36) aircrews were held between 0530-0600 a maximum effort. All aircraft were loaded with 500# GP bombs and a total of (348) would be released on the raid. The Group was following the 44th Bomb Group in and just before the IF at Salzwedel, both units were attacked by an estimated (75) single and twin-engine aircraft in single, two and three aircraft passes. Most of the attacks were against the 44th but the 392nd encountered many and had (12) enemy aircraft claims. While the first Section of Group aircraft bombed on the Primary, the second and third Sections released on Longenhagen airfield, just north of Hannover. Bombing results for all were fair to poor on the mission and resulting casualties were high. The 577th and 579th Squadrons lost two aircraft and aircrews on this mission. 2nd Lieutenant T. E. Eloranta in #061 of the 577th, flying his first mission, was attacked by (3) enemy aircraft and was seen to explode and crash with no chutes observed. In another 577th ship, #505, 2nd Lieutenant T. L. Anderson and his crew were forced to crash land near Cromer, England killing (5) members of his crew and injuring (5) others. In the 579th, 1st Lieutenant James W. Dickson’s crew in #599 was last seen being attacked by (5) enemy aircraft approximately ten minutes before bombs away. The ship was seen going down and trailing smoke with (3) chutes observed. The unit history also records aircraft #469 of the 579th being lost this day with no other details on aircrew or circumstances except to note that Staff Sergeant J. E. McGee was wounded by a 20MM shell. While little flak was encountered, enemy aircraft attacks succeeded in battle damaging (6) other B-24s of the Group. Of the (30) aircraft over target, (26) returned safely to base, landing around 1630 hours.

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CREW LOADING LIST FOR
8 APRIL 1944

MISSION #61      Target: Brunswick



8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 772

P Kamenitsa, W.T. 2nd Lt.
CP Graham, G.E. Jr. 2nd Lt.
N Caulfield, J.J. 2nd Lt.
B Miller, G.A. 2nd Lt.
E Heater, E.J. S/Sgt.
R Trivison, J.R. S/Sgt.
RW Guillot, O.R. Sgt.
LW Krejci, J.J. S/Sgt.
BT Young, A.B. Sgt.
TG Morgan, L.C. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 593

P Meighen, W.E. 2nd Lt.
CP Mason, J.J. 2nd Lt.
N Plunkett, F.A. 2nd Lt.
B Buzzi, H.G. 2nd Lt.
E Austin, L.D. S/Sgt.
R Epstein, B.B. S/Sgt.
RW Bode, J.E. Sgt.
LW Lewis, E.L. T/Sgt.
BT Kuhns, R.H. Sgt
TG Cuevas, D.E. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 181

P Filkel, O.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Hurd, J.S. 2nd Lt.
N Tyson, E.E. 2nd Lt.
B Tudor, J.R. 2nd Lt.
E Blevins, R.E. T/Sgt.
R Kennett, R.L. S/Sgt.
RW Kirkpatrick, H.K. S/Sgt.
LW Farmwalt, W.H. Pvt.
BT Jarrett, C.W. S/Sgt.
TG Hoover, A.L. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 835

P Conneran, E.J. 2nd Lt.
CP Callaghan, G.P. 2nd Lt.
Horey, E.N. Sgt.
B Gragg, S.J. 2nd Lt.
E Sooy, H.B. S/Sgt.
R Still, J.T. S/Sgt.
RW Repley, C.A. Sgt.
LW Harvison, W.P. S/Sgt.
BT Ross, L.K. S/Sgt.
TG Hanna, W.W. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 433

P Bratton, K.D. 2nd Lt.
CP Hurd, W.F. 2nd Lt.
N Colbrook, W.L. 2nd Lt.
B Wytak, S.M. 2nd Lt.
E Simmons, W.W. S/Sgt.
R Lennert, B.J. S/Sgt.
RW Friemuth, H.E. Sgt.
LW Gereben, A. Sgt.
BT Simpson, C.S. Sgt.
TG Hamilton, W.S. Jr. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 097 (no mission credit)

P Johnston, H.F. 2nd Lt.
CP Merriam, H. 2nd Lt.
NBerman, M. 2nd Lt.
B Moos, A.J. 2nd Lt.
E Zonza, F.S. S/Sgt.
R Thompson, T.E. S/Sgt.
RW Mackin, L.B. Sgt.
LW Ferry, C.W. Sgt.
BT Planakis, B.J. Sgt.
TG Porter, J.M. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 027 (no mission credit)

P Jones, G.E. 1st Lt.
CP Sandoz, R.R. 2nd Lt.
N Morris, J.C. 2nd Lt.
B  Thomas, H.E. 2nd Lt.
E  Bodoh, A.E. T/Sgt.
R McAdams, R.E. T/Sgt.
RW Marvin, H.E. S/Sgt.
LW Lane, T. S/Sgt.
BT Surber, W.C. S/Sgt.
TG Rossi, V.H. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 511

P Acebedo, B.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Coe, V.E. 2nd Lt.
N Purner, D.J. 2nd Lt.
B Robinson, W.F. 2nd Lt.
E Bullard, R.E. S/Sgt.
R Kauffman, T.H. S/Sgt.
RW Keller, C.T. Sgt.
LW Allred, E.L. Sgt.
BT Blaney, R.E. Pvt.
TG Abraham, R.A. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 560 (no mission credit)

P Prell, D.D. 2nd Lt.
CP Weiss, D.B. 2nd Lt.
N Smith, C.W. 1st Lt.
B Stetson, H.E. 2nd Lt.
E Backus, D.G. S/Sgt.
R Byler, H.J. S/Sgt.
RW Edwards, D.S. Sgt.
LW Simila, W. S/Sgt.
BT Pearson, B.T. Sgt.
TG Dreher, J.F. Sgt.

 8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 642

P Copp, R.D. Capt.
CP Schoolmaster, C.F. Maj.
N Cohen, J.M. 1st Lt.
N Gries, R.F. 1st Lt.
B Rapenport, R. 1st Lt.
E Hodge, G.L. T/Sgt.
R Bisnett, B.R. T/Sgt.
RW Hurley, W.F. T/Sgt.
LW Hohman, H. S/Sgt.
BT Nowicki, M.M. T/Sgt.
TG Hurley, A. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 427

P Abell, G.W. 2nd Lt.
CP Eldridge, M.C. 2nd Lt.
N Maxfield, W.P. 2nd Lt.
B Lawrence, J.S. 2nd Lt.
E Tryboski, L.E. T/Sgt.
R Nemeth, P.J. S/Sgt.
RW Horton, H.E. Sgt.
LW Roper, D.W. Sgt.
BT Manville, F.E. S/Sgt.
TG Moore, J.R. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 704

P Tiefenthal, D.E. 1st Lt.
CP Clifford, R.R. 2nd Lt.
N Chichetto, A.F. 2nd Lt.
B Gordon, A.M. 2nd Lt.
E Wright, A. T/Sgt.
R O'Brien, W.W. S/Sgt.
RW Davis, J.A. S/Sgt.
LW Castor, J.R. S/Sgt.
BT Yanora, M.R.Sgt.
TG Brown, S. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 061

P Eloranta, T.E. 2nd Lt.
CP Kitlan, R.K. 2nd Lt.
N Quigley, E.J. 2nd Lt.
B Varela, H.J. 1st Lt.
E Borick, P.M. S/Sgt.
R Bennett, C.E. S/Sgt.
RW Stephens, D.J. Sgt.
LW Berkise, J.A. S/Sgt.
BT Rush, W.A. Sgt.
TG Price, D.E. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 432 (no mission credit)

P Johnson, O.P. 2nd Lt.
CP Tedford, L.W. 2nd Lt.
N Roberts, M.E. 2nd Lt.
B Feagan, H.C. 1st Lt.
E Whitson, M.D. S/Sgt.
R Perlberg, A.C. S/Sgt.
RW Barnard, C.F. S/Sgt.
LW Joyce, R. S/Sgt.
BT Kaeble, R.R. S/Sgt.
TG Marchuk, J. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 097

P Griggs, R.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Wilde, A.H. 2nd Lt.
N Coward, D.M 2nd Lt.
B Rowe, G.F. 2nd Lt.
E Sackeli, A. S/Sgt.
R Kresser, F.M. S/Sgt.
RW Tomak, J.E. S/Sgt
LW Moore, J.H. Sgt.
BT Hanson, F.B. Pvt.
TG Lindsay, E.L. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 495

P Slipp, F.E. 1st Lt.
CP Jensen, A.H. 1st Lt.
N Beatson, R.J. 1st Lt.
B Fain, J.M. 2nd Lt.
E McKinley, W.C. T/Sgt.
R Lorenzen, W.H. T/Sgt.
RW Kolczynski, W.J. S/Sgt.
LW White, F.A. S/Sgt.
BT Buzick, J.M. S/Sgt.
TG Cordick, D.H. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 505

P Anderson, T.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Leland, P.N. 2nd Lt.
N Jacobs, J. 2nd Lt.
NT Richards, E.B. Sgt.
E Cook, C.T. S/Sgt.
R Marshall, G.J. T/Sgt.
RW Shikenjanski, G.T. Cpl.
LW Schmidt, E.A. S/Sgt.
BT Sullivan, E. Jr. Sgt.
TG -
RCM Vandervort, R.N. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 754

P McNichol, T.F. 1st Lt.
CP Lamer, M. 2nd Lt.
N Donaldson, C.D. 2nd Lt.
B Wargo, M.A. 2nd Lt.
E Trumpy, E. T/Sgt.
R O'Kon, M.A. T/Sgt.
RW Osterheldt, J.J. S/Sgt.
LW Rosenfeld, C.B. T/Sgt.
BT Green, L.A. S/Sgt.
TG Rathburn, E.K. S/Sgt.
NG Elston, R.C. S/Sgt.
 

8 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 058

P Bass, L.F. 2nd Lt.
CP Gahm, K.L. 2nd Lt.
N Steele, W.M. 2nd Lt.
B Stover, A.R. Jr. 2nd Lt.
E Knettel, G.A. S/Sgt.
R Thomas, J.W. S/Sgt.
RW Reeves, W.E. Sgt.
LW Brzostowski, J.J. Sgt.
BT Burnett, W.H. Sgt.
TG Norrell, R.E. Sgt.
 

 8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 105

P Fletcher, R.E. 1st Lt.
CP McCarthy, C.G. 2nd Lt.
N Keck, R.W. 2nd Lt.
B Wilk, H. S/Sgt.
E Kelly, J.E. T/Sgt.
R Biska, S.L. Sgt.
RW Osborne, J.H. Sgt.
LW Wukotich, M.L. S/Sgt.
BT Mancuso, M.A. S/Sgt.
TG Rider, F.D. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 187

P Young, M.N. 1st Lt.
CP Goodwin, J.J. 2nd Lt.
N Dunphy, R.J. 1st Lt.
B Cunningham, R.B. 2nd Lt.
E Triplett, W.F. T/Sgt.
R Garcia, P.J. T/Sgt.
RW Porter, C.C. S/Sgt.
LW Teater, R.S. S/Sgt.
BT Rickey, J.J. Jr. S/Sgt.
TG Ross, J.D. S/Sgt.
NT Harris, J.N. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 478

P Lishka, A. Jr. Capt.
CP Feld, B.H. 1st Lt.
N Sweeny, P.J. 1st Lt.
B Kelly, F.B. 1st Lt.
E Carlson, C.E. T/Sgt.
R Dohm, H.E. S/Sgt.
RW Goodall, W.J. S/Sgt.
LW Ellingson, H.E. S/Sgt.
BT Drylie, J. S/Sgt.
TG Dedmon, S.E. S/Sgt.
Halstead, H.C. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 764

P Rogers, G.E. 2nd Lt.
CP Weir, R.A. 2nd Lt.
N Roper, J.A. 2nd Lt.
B Kane, F.J. 2nd Lt.
E McCalicher, R.L. S/Sgt.
R Lawson, E.J. S/Sgt.
RW Longo, R.J. Sgt.
LW Andrews, H.L. Sgt.
BT Danford, R.W. Sgt.
TG Gienko, E.J. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 517

P Schildknecht, H.E. 1st Lt.
CP Long, J.D. Jr. 2nd Lt.
N Hersh, A. 2nd Lt.
B Wasowicz, M.V. 2nd Lt.
E Sadler, R.S. T/Sgt.
R Begley, J.F. T/Sgt.
RW Reade, G.J. S/Sgt.
LW Gegere, G.P. S/Sgt.
BT Reid, H.A. S/Sgt.
TG Reed, B.P. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 485

P Morefield, H.F. 1st Lt.
CP Grisell, R. 2nd Lt.
N Kaufman, K.S. 2nd Lt.
B Kuttner, F.F. 2nd Lt.
E Betterley, E.C. S/Sgt.
R Gerrard, R.W. T/Sgt.
RW Coday, D.S. S/Sgt.
LW Breithaupt, H.A. S/Sgt.
BT Adago, D.R. S/Sgt.
TG Blekkenk, J.H. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 896

P Cohen, S. 1st Lt.
CP Shoenhair, R.D. 1st Lt.
N Mardirosian, A. 1st Lt.
B Valker, G.E. 1st Lt.
E Hayes, F.W. T/Sgt
R Buckley, G.J. T/Sgt.
RW Dellinger, T.C. S/Sgt.
LW Carr, H.L. S/Sgt.
BT Thrower, W.E. S/Sgt.
TG McGee, R.G. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 852

P Sabourin, R.E. 2nd Lt.
CP Amble, E.F. 2nd Lt.
N Singleton, W.T. 2nd Lt.
B Morris, J.A. S/Sgt.
E Hollien, F.J. S/Sgt.
R Spagnola, J.T. Pvt.
RW Mateski, W.J. Sgt.
LW Robbins, K.H. Sgt.
BT Mahon, E.M. Sgt.
TG Moran, E.J. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 548

P Weinheimer, J. 2nd Lt.
CP Marshall, G.C. 2nd Lt.
N Ross, J.A. 2nd Lt.
B Rich, N.P. Sgt.
E Aughinbaugh, C.L. S/Sgt.
R Johnson, J.H. S/Sgt.
RW Eckert, J.A. S/Sgt.
LW Munford, B. Sgt.
BT Fink, B. Sgt.
TG Duffy, R.R. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 688

P Slafka, C.M. 2nd Lt.
CP Stroble, W.A. 2nd Lt.
N Daniels, A.S. 2nd Lt.
B Haukom, C.R. Sgt.
E Vassey, E.E. S/Sgt.
R Bull, F.L. S/Sgt.
RW Spika, C.J. S/Sgt.
LW Hardy, A.E. Sgt.
BT McDonald, A.E. Sgt.
TG Vetrano, A. Sgt.

 8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 544

P Spartage, G. 1st Lt.
CP Kern, R.B. 2nd Lt.
N Tauskey, W.A. 2nd Lt.
B Campbell, R.A. 2nd Lt.
E Burns, R.N. T/Sgt.
R Worthington, P.A. T/Sgt.
RW Helmke, E.A. S/Sgt.
LW Warren, O.J. S/Sgt.
BT Riedlinger, A.J. S/Sgt.
TG Ridgeway, J.W. Sgt.
NG Beseda, J.F. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 599

P Dickson, J.W. 1st Lt.
CP Kubale, E.W. 1st Lt.
N McDade, J.J. 1st Lt.
B White, E.I. 1st Lt.
E York, R.M. T/Sgt.
R Zimpleman, J.G. T/Sgt.
RW Luchak, A. S/Sgt.
LW Reilly, B.A. S/Sgt.
BT Erickson, C.W. S/Sgt.
TG Cooper, S.L. S/Sgt.
NG O'Neill, F.L. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 469

P Ellis, J.D. 2nd Lt.
CP Dorn, W.A. 2nd Lt.
N Weber, F.J. 2nd Lt.
B McEwan, D.L. S/Sgt.
E Hassett, B.E. T/Sgt.
R Chojecki, J.M. S/Sgt.
RW Asch, H.W. Sgt.
LW Quick, L.I. Sgt.
BT McGee, J.E. S/Sgt.
TG Seymour, A.S. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 510

P Ellinger, C.F. 2nd Lt.
CP Morton, N.H. 2nd Lt.
N Wieland, J.L. 2nd Lt.
B Hall, R.H. 2nd Lt.
E Coble, A.D. S/Sgt.
R Olson, R. S/Sgt.
RW Dilley, P.E. Sgt.
LW Phillips, H.E. Sgt.
BT Hasenfratz, M.J. Sgt.
TG Weeks, H.H. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 474

P Pardue, R.V. 2nd Lt.
CP Jernigen, W.R. 2nd Lt.
N Semler, R.E. 2nd Lt.
B Crowell, R.K. 2nd Lt.
E McCary, F.F. S/Sgt.
R Evans, W.E. S/Sgt.
RW Lanning, E.G. Sgt.
LW Koroluck, S. Sgt.
BT Holley, C.B. Sgt.
TG Thornburg, R.C. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 261

P Nugent, W.A. 1st Lt.
CP Burciaga, L.R. 2nd Lt.
N Davis, W.X. 2nd Lt.
B Krause, W.N. 2nd Lt.
E O'Brien, J.J. T/Sgt.
R Demming, F.H. T/Sgt.
RW Pawlyshyn, M.J. S/Sgt.
LW McGahey, G.L. S/Sgt.
BT Lander, W. S/Sgt.
TG Sowers, D.R. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 789

P Lotterhos, R.H. Jr. 1st Lt.
CP Zolomy, E.M. 2nd Lt.
N Healing, K.A. 2nd Lt.
Ward, W.D. S/Sgt.
E Thompson, R.L. T/Sgt.
R Garay, E.M. T/Sgt.
RW Wright, J.R. S/Sgt.
LW  Rebiejo, F. S/Sgt
BT Bunyea, E.W. S/Sgt.
TG Moody, C.B. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 448

P Hammond, G.L. 1st Lt.
CP Schaumacher, R.L 2nd Lt.
N Sullivan, J.J. 2nd Lt.
B Rodriguez, J.B. 2nd Lt.
E Pearson, W.M. T/Sgt.
R Sullivan, W. Jr. T/Sgt.
RW Hargrave, R.O. S/Sgt.
LW White, C.B.  S/Sgt.
BT Goldberg, M.R. S/Sgt.
TG Gaudreau, J.P. S/Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 654

P Sherwood, W.B. 2nd Lt.
CP Anderson, J.B. 2Lt.
N Sheridan, J.J. 2nd Lt.
B Grybos, T.J. S/Sgt.
E Todd, R.E. S/Sgt.
R Mohr, D.C. S/Sgt.
RW Carroll, J.B. Sgt.
LW Draper, J.W. S/Sgt.
BT Courtney, E.J. Sgt.
TG Ward, L.E. Sgt.

8 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 160

P Bell, C.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Slagle, M.E. 2nd Lt.
N Orenbach, D. 2nd Lt.
B Bogie, W.T. 2nd Lt.
E Gilmore, E.E. S/Sgt.
R Knight, J.S. S/Sgt.
RW Fleege, J.F. Sgt.
LW Gellis, L. Sgt.
BT Blanco, J.W. Sgt.
TG Egan, A.J. Sgt.

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MISSING AIR CREW REPORT SECTION


8 APRIL 1944
TARGET: BRUNSWICK

MISSING AIRCREW REPORT #03937 AIRCRAFT: #42-110061 (NO NICKNAME) "W" 1st Mission

AIRCREW: ELORANTA     *     SQUADRON: 577th

CREW POSITIONS AND STATUS:

P   2/LT Eloranta, Toivo E. POW
CP  2/LT Kitlan, Richard K. POW
N   2/LT Quigley, Edward J. POW
B   1/LT Varela, Henry J.   POW
R/O S/S Bennett, Charles E. POW
EnG S/S Borick, Paul M.     POW
WG  SGT Rush, William A.    POW
WG  S/S Berkise, John A.    POW
BG  SGT Stephens, Dale J.   POW
TG  SGT Price, Donald E.    POW

MISSION LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES: The returning eye-witness report by element leader, Pilot Griggs of the 577th, states that the Eloranta plane was hit by enemy aircraft fire, blew up, and went down with no chutes seen. Facts later reported by the crewmen stated their aircraft was hit just after the I.P. on the bomb run, and all managed to bail out. German Report #KU1373 from Airfield Command WunsdorI reported the aircraft’s crash site between Haste and Hohnhorst and (7) kilometers southwest of Wunsdorf at 1517 hours, and the aircrew captured stating this Liberator was "probably shot down through fighter (attack) and destroyed by burning following crash".

INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS OF CREWMEN FATES: Pilot Eloranta’s later casualty questionnaire form completed after his repatriation from POW status noted some highlights, as follows: their ship was badly damaged just past the I.P and the bailout order given; all (10) crewmen safely egressed the plane with the waist area gunners and Co-Pilot bailing out through the aft camera hatch, and the remaining members in front including himself all exiting through the bomb bay. He estimated all this event took place about 30-50 miles north-northeast of Hannover and the point where the plane crashed in an open field with all crewmen being taken prisoner. Another member, Sgt. Berkise gave a later statement that he had seen all crew individuals at the Dulag-Luft interrogation center near Frankfurt, and later he accounted for all the enlisted members when they all were liberated in a wooded area (3) miles east of Ransholen, Austria, on 8 May 1945 around the Inns River. All men were in good spirits and good physical condition according to this man’s written report. This mission was the crew’s very first one (as well as the aircraft’s being flown that day). The crewmen were all sent to Dulag-Luft (West Oberursel) on 10 April 1944 for interrogation and subsequent captivity.

NEXT OF KIN DATA IN WWII: Information was as follows: Eloranta (Wife, Pauline M., Bozeman, Montana); Kitlan (Father, Michael, Passic, New Jersey); Quigley (Mother, Loretta W., Chicago, Illinois); Varela (Mother, Maria D., Salt Lake City, Utah); Bennett (Mother, Martha R., Cincinnati, Ohio); Berkise (Mother, Mary A., Pittston, Pennsylvania); Borick (Father, Michael, Minneapolis, Minnesota); Rush (Father, Allen G., Kansas City, Missouri); Brice (Father, John, Columbus, Ohio); and Stephens (Sister, Colleen Durham of National City, California).

*************

MISSING AIRCREW REPORT: #03945 AIRCRAFT: #42-7599 "MACK’S SACK III" "B-Bar" 29th Mission

AIRCREW: DICKSON     *     SQUADRON: 579th

CREW POSITIONS AND STATUS:

P   1/LT Dickson, James W.       KIA
CP  1/LT Kubale, Edward W.       KIA
N   1/LT McDade, John J. Jr      KIA
B   l/LT White, Edward I.        KIA
R/O T/S  Zimpelman, John G.      KIA
EnG T/S  York, Roy M.            KIA
WG  S/S  Luchak, Alexander (NMI) POW
WG  S/S  Erickson, Clifford W.   KIA
BG  S/S  Reilly, Bernard A.      KIA
TG  S/S  O’Neill, Francis L.     KIA
NG  S/S  Cooper, Samuel L. Jr    KIA

MISSION LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES: An eye-witness account by Lt. Ellis on a returning crew stated the Dickson plane was seen going down 5-10 minutes before bomb drop as a result of enemy fighter attack with (3) parachutes being seen. A German Report from Airfield Command at Fassberg and dated 11 April cited the time of shoot down "probably by fighter" at 1400 hours (GLT) at a location of (2) kilometers southeast of Breitenhaus and (15) kilometers south-southwest of Ulsen on 8 April, Report #121227-121228. The plane was found totally destroyed in the crash, and (10) crewmen were found dead. The 11th crew member, Sgt. Luchak, who was wounded, was taken prisoner the next morning, 9 April, at 1000 hours near Weyhausen and placed in a Luftwaffe hospital at Wiemar.

INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS OF CREWMEN FATES: There is no such report in this MACR from the lone survivor, Sgt. Luchak.

BURIAL RECORDS: A thorough investigation into this crew's crash was made after the war by the U.S. Army. Discussions with German witnesses revealed that a bomber formation was seen after noon heading from west to east that was attacked by German fighter planes. One plane crashed in flames in the woods in the vicinity of Bokel. The bodies of nine crewmen were buried by the Wehrmacht in the crater made by the plane. The body of a tenth man was buried in the community cemetery of Sprakensehl, about four miles from the scene of the crash. T/Sgt Zimpelman's body was apparently identified at a later date and returned to the U.S. for burial. The other nine casualties from this crew are now interred at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in Section 78, Site 1027-1029.

NEXT OF KIN DATA IN WWII: Information given is: Dickson (Mother, Hannah R., Pauls Valley, Oklahoma); Kubale (Mother, Josephine of Reedsville, Wisconsin); McDade (Mother, Mary E.., Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania); White (Grandmother, Emma E., Indianapolis, Indiana): Zimpleman (Mother, Irene G., Alliance, Ohio); York (Wife, Nadine, Santa Rita, New Mexico); Luchak (Wife, Nadja E., New York, New York); Reilly Father, Patrick E., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania); Erickson (Wife, Marlys E., Moorehead, Minnesota); O’Neill (Mother, Mrs John H., Baltimore, Maryland). No data was recorded for Sgt. Cooper.




CASUALTIES NOT LISTED IN MACR

2/LT  Anderson, Thomas L. (P)     577th   KIA
2/LT  Jacobs, James (NMI) (N)     577th   KIA
SGT   Richards, Earl B. Jr. (NT)  577th   KIA
S/SGT Schmidt, Elmer A. (G)       577th   KIA
SGT   Vandervort, Robert N. (RCM) 577th   KIA

This aircrew was on the Brunswick mission this date. The Report of Aircraft Accident contains this sequence of events based on statements made by engineer S/Sgt Charles T. Cook and right waist gunner Cpl George T. Shikenjanski: "After having reached a point three or four miles beyond the Enemy coast the oil pressure of No. 1 engine fell to a very low level and oil was noticed to be leaking from the engine. The prop was feathered with difficulty. Almost immediately the oil pressure on No. 2 engine dropped very low and efforts to feather the prop failed. During this short period the plane turned back toward land, the bombs were jettisoned into the English Channel and all excess weight including the guns were thrown overboard. The men in the waist took up 'Ditching positions' and the plane crashed just after reaching the coast at approximately 1320 hours at Bidwell Farm, Sidestrand, Norfolk. Shortly after crashing the plane caught fire and burned. 2/Lt Leland, S/Sgt Cook, T/Sgt Marshall, Cpl Shikenjanski, and Sgt Sullivan were all injured in the crash." One deceased crewmember, Sgt. Schmidt, was buried at CAMBRIDGE Cemetery, England, in Grave B-6-l0. He was awarded the Purple Heart. There is no record on the interments of the remaining men. This crew was flying B-24J #42-73505, nicknamed "FAIRY BELLE", Call Letter "5", which ship was on its 30th combat mission. A home state of South Dakota was listed for Sgt. Schmidt.





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