27 April 1944
Missions #74 & #75 Targets: NoBall Moenneville #61 & Chalon-Sur-Marne


Mission #74: Target: NoBall Moenneville #61

On this date two missions were briefed and flown by the 392nd. For the morning effort, (18) aircrews were briefed at 0430 hours and took off for a target southwest of Abbeville. Lieutenants Joachim and Rappenport of the 578th and the 577th Squadrons were assigned Bombardiers to lead the raid. The first Squadron ships were able to bomb their Primary aiming point successfully while the second could not because of poor visibility in haze. A total of (156) 500# GP bombs were impacted in the one Primary target. No enemy aircraft were seen but flak was such that (6) aircraft returned with battle damage. Aircraft landed around 1200 hours with the next mission following three hours later.

Mission #75: Target:Chalon-Sur-Marne

At 1400 hours, an additional (26) aircrews were briefed for the second target this date and take-offs began around 1525 hours. Lieutenants Jackson and Colburn of the 576th and 577th Squadrons respectively were assigned lead Bombardiers on this mission. Both Squadrons attacked the assigned target with pin-point accuracy - dropping a total of (298) 500 ft GP bombs on the aiming points. No enemy aircraft opposition was seen, and only heavy AA fire was encountered when the Group got south of course outbound. One (1) aircraft, ft 509 from the 578th, with 2nd Lieutenant J. Weinheimer's crew was severely damaged which ultimately resulted in the crew crash landing at an RAF field. The heroics of the crew's Copilot, 2/Lt Marshall, was recognized subsequently with the award of a Distinguished Flying Cross for his efforts to save the ship and crew on this raid. With the aircraft badly damaged by AA fire, the Copilot, 2nd Lieutenant G. C. Marshall, had to take over control of the ship after the only man aboard who had an undamaged parachute - the Radio Operator, Technical Sergeant P. V. Kent - bailed out. With dead and wounded aboard, Lieutenant Marshall flew the crippled B-24 back into England where in the crash landing, (5) more crewmembers were killed. A total of (17) other Liberators were battle damaged by the heavy AA fire received. Returning ships from the second mission of the day landed around 2100 hours.

PREVIOUS
MISSION
NEXT
MISSION

CREW LOADING LIST FOR
27 APRIL 1944

MISSION #74      Target: NoBall-Moyenneville-No. 61 (morning mission)
MISSION #75      Target: Chalon-Sur-Marne (afternoon mission) follows this mission below.



CREW LOADING LIST FOR
27 APRIL1944

MISSION #74 TARGET:  NoBall-Moyenneville-No. 61 (morning mission)

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 027

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.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 371

P Johnston, H.F. 2nd Lt.
CP Merriam, H. 2nd Lt.
N Berman, 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.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 433

P Acebedo, B.H. 2nd Lt.
CP Coe, V.E. 2nd Lt.
N Kramer, L.G. 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.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 062

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 Gereben, A. Sgt.
LW Friemuth, H.E. Sgt.
BT Simpson, C.S. Sgt.
TG Hamilton, W.S. Sgt.

 27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 867

P Slipp, F.E. 1st Lt.
CP Brauer, G.M. 1st Lt.
N Beatson, R.J. 1st Lt.
B Gray, W.L. 1st 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.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 649

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

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 432

P Bradford, M.A. 2nd Lt.
CP Holben, W.P. 2nd Lt.
N Maxfield, W.P. 2nd Lt.
NG Davis, E.T. Sgt.
E Chapman, K.W. S/Sgt.
R O'Brien, W.W. S/Sgt.
RW Reausaw, F.M. Sgt.
LW Macklin, C.D. T/Sgt.
BT Wakelee, D.L. S/Sgt.
TG Yanora, M.R. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 546

P Jensen, A.H. 1st Lt.
CP Dorrell, W. 1st Lt.
N Tierney, J.F. 1st Lt.
NG Whited, J.A. S/Sgt.
E Cummings, D.L. T/Sgt.
R Sawyer, G.H. T/Sgt.
RW Davis, J.A. S/Sgt.
LW Oasheim, G.W. S/Sgt.
BT Hall, E.A. S/Sgt.
TG Rachell, W.W. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 415

P Monroe, D.E. 2nd Lt.
CP Neill, C.W. 2nd Lt.
N Sackler, H.J. 2nd Lt.
B Benenson, M. 2nd Lt.
E Holmes, E.T. S/Sgt.
R Lancy, N.J. S/Sgt.
RW Hall, G.E. Sgt.
LW Lucas, L.M. Sgt.
BT Wambach, J. Sgt.
TG Desonne, M. Sgt.

 27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 852

P Bridson, G.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Green, J.A. 2nd Lt.
N White, R. 2nd Lt.
B Willemin, W.W. 2nd Lt.
E Ashcraft, B. S/Sgt.
R Paolucci, U. S/Sgt.
RW Seery, J.B. Sgt.
LW Stafford, J.A. Sgt.
BT Powers, G. Sgt.
TG Tatelbaum, G. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 466

Martin, M.K. Maj.
P Edwards, C.E. Capt.
CP Taylor, G.H. 1st Lt.
N Untiedt, L.F. Capt.
B Joachim, W.T. 1st Lt.
E Mellow, N.J. T/Sgt.
R Braddock, W.A. T/Sgt.
RW Medel, M.N. S/Sgt.
LW LeBleu, L.W. S/Sgt.
BT Hill, R.E. S/Sgt.
TG Phelps, G.A. S/Sgt.
Hess, E.W. 2nd Lt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 478

P Reade, J.J. Capt.
CP Smith, R.L. 1st Lt.
N Planche, M.M. 1st Lt.
B Ziccarelli, J.A. 1st Lt.
E Edwards, C.E. T/Sgt.
R Schwabel, C.A. T/Sgt.
RW Sikoff, H. S/Sgt.
LW Bauer, W. S/Sgt.
BT Turner, L.F. S/Sgt.
TG Wagner, D.R. S/Sgt.
NG Rider, F.D. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 764

P Morefield, H.F. 1st Lt.
CP Buchanan, R.P. 1st Lt.
N McSweeney, J.P. 2nd Lt.
B Morris, J.A. Sgt.
E Kottke, A.H. T/Sgt.
R Whitmore, B. T/Sgt.
RW Brent, L.H. S/Sgt.
LW White, T. T/Sgt.
BT Harris, J.N. S/Sgt.
TG Eckert, J.A. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 028

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

 27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 472

P Schumacher, R.L 2nd Lt.
CP Prouse, H.W. 2nd Lt.
N Sullivan, J.J. 2nd Lt.
B Rodriguez, J.B. 2nd Lt.
E Pearson, W.M. T/Sgt.
R Sullivan, W. T/Sgt.
RW Hargrave, R.O. S/Sgt.
LW Hixon, R.D. T/Sgt.
BT Goldberg, M.R. S/Sgt.
TG Gaudreau, J.P. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 789

P Darnell, J.F. Jr. 1st Lt.
CP Slagle, E.E. 2nd Lt.
N Stasney, A.J. 2nd Lt.
B Lory, R.C. 2nd Lt.
E Whitaker, J.W. T/Sgt.
R Mandel, R.F. T/Sgt.
RW Rego, M.A. S/Sgt.
LW Sundo, J.R. S/Sgt.
BT Courtney, E.J. S/Sgt.
TG Ward, L.E. Sgt

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 552

P Wyatt, B.W. 2nd Lt.
CP Tufts, A.M. 2nd Lt.
N Franke, D.N. 2nd Lt.
NG Durant, W. T/Sgt.
E Goetz, J.R. S/Sgt.
R Monroe, R.W. S/Sgt.
RW Sorrells, J.F. Sgt.
LW Thompson, R.E. Sgt.
BT Harbaugh, D.E. S/Sgt.
TG Archambeau, A.P. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 448

P Fryman, B. 2nd Lt.
CP Barber, K.A. 2nd Lt.
N Young, R.L. 2nd Lt.
B Christian, N.R. 2nd Lt.
E Viosca, R.C. S/Sgt.
R Myers, J.M. S/Sgt.
RW Reilly, C.J. S/Sgt.
LW Childress, W.J. Sgt.
BT Chaplinsky, W.A. Sgt.
TG Grossi, R.H. Sgt.



MISSION #75      Target: Chalon-Sur-Marne (afternoon mission)


27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 670

P Barnes, L.J. Capt.
CP Martin, M.K. Maj.
N Kramer, L.G. 2nd Lt.
N Koch, C.H. Capt.
B Jackson, G.J. 1st Lt.
E Lewis, E.A. T/Sgt.
R Sibert, V.L. T/Sgt.
RW Malloy, P.D. S/Sgt.
LW Choromanski, J.E. S/Sgt.
BT Riley, A.J. S/Sgt.
TG Crowley, C.J. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 027

P Tyler, A.W. 2nd Lt.
CP Ricci, J.A. 2nd Lt.
N Bassett, E.F. 2nd Lt.
NG Podolski, P.D. S/Sgt.
E MacDonald, G.E. T/Sgt.
R Metz, W. T/Sgt.
RW Blaida, J.M. S/Sgt.
LW Brown, G.R. S/Sgt.
BT Wimberly, W.G. Sgt.
TG Troutman, E.A. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 371

P Johnston, H.F. 2nd Lt.
CP Merriam, H. 2nd Lt.
N Berman, 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.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 131

P Wittel, E.F. 1st Lt.
CP Marsters, W.R. 2nd Lt.
N Karl, J.F. 2nd Lt.
B Zuk, J.C. 2nd Lt.
E Cannada, V.P. T/Sgt.
R Jeffcoat, C.M. T/Sgt.
RW Dreher, J.J. Sgt.
LW Guillot, O.R. Sgt.
BT Lancaster, P.M. S/Sgt.
TG Roti, D.A. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 129

P Ellison, B.M. 1st Lt.
CP Jewett, G.A. 2nd Lt.
N Anderson, C.R. 2nd Lt.
N Hurdle, Q.C. 1st Lt.
E Samples, H.F. T/Sgt.
R Jean, R.P. T/Sgt.
RW Tupper, J.A. S/Sgt.
LW Patenaude, E.J. S/Sgt.
BT Picking, H.A. S/Sgt.
TG Anderson, C.S. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 097

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 Simpson, C.S. Sgt.
LW Friemuth, H.E. Sgt.
BT  Gereben, A. Sgt.
TG Hamilton, W.S. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 576th Sqdn.
A/C 722

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 Smith, R.C. T/Sgt.
RW Farmwalt, W.H. Pvt.
LW Hunt, L.B. 1st Lt.
BT Jarrett, C.W. S/Sgt.
TG Kunneke, J.H. Pvt.

 27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 415

P Brauer, G.M. 1st Lt.
CP Clifford, J.F. 1st Lt.
N McGough, J.G. 1st Lt.
B Eldridge, H.N. 2nd Lt.
E Branceforte, N. T/Sgt.
R Abraham, H.F. T/Sgt.
RW Whited, J.A. S/Sgt.
LW Keller, L.D. S/Sgt.
BT Maloy, J.B. Sgt.
TG Rachell, W.W. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 433

P Hunsaker, B.W. 2nd Lt.
CP Lach, R.F. 2nd Lt.
N Roy, D.G. 2nd Lt.
B Connery, M.J. 2nd Lt.
E Bodkins, F.C. S/Sgt.
R Rue, A.W. S/Sgt.
RW Ligon, A.C. Sgt.
LW Hampton, T.L. Sgt.
BT Friedel, C.F. Sgt.
TG Leech, R.M. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 427

P Reed, J.W. IV 2nd Lt.
CP Bate, H.C. 2nd Lt.
N Birnbaum, S.I. 2nd Lt.
B Beezley, D.D. 2nd Lt.
E Jankowski, S.F. S/Sgt.
R Holling, J.H. S/Sgt.
RW McGinley, W. C. Sgt.
LW Hultengren, C.W. Sgt.
BT Minick, F. Sgt.
TG Schaeffer, J.O. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 040

P Slipp, F.E. 1st Lt.
CP Jensen, A.H. 2nd Lt.
N Beatson, R.J. 2nd Lt.
B Gray, W.L. 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.
NG Hurley, A. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 617

P Larsen, N.R. 2nd Lt.
CP Stratton, C.R. Jr. 2nd Lt.
N O'Neill, T.J. 2nd Lt.
B Hiller, T.B. 2nd Lt.
E Robinson, W.F. S/Sgt.
R Fox, H.H. S/Sgt.
RW Barker, D.G. Sgt.
LW Cristofaro, G.J. Sgt.
BT Whitt, C.G. Sgt.
TG Wilcox, R.W. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 577th Sqdn.
A/C 432

P Bradford, M.A. 2nd Lt.
CP Holben, W.P. 2nd Lt.
N Maxfield, W.P. 2nd Lt.
NG Davis, E.T. Sgt.
E Chapman, K.W. S/Sgt.
R O'Brien, W.W. Sgt.
RW Reausaw, F.M. Sgt.
LW Macklin, C.D. T/Sgt.
BT Wakelee, D.L. S/Sgt.
TG Yanora, M.R. Sgt.

 27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 618

P Eiserman, G.O. 2nd Lt.
CP Fothergill, C.E. 2nd Lt.
N Smith, J.W. 2nd Lt.
B Yacavone, J.P. 2nd Lt.
E Edwards, C.E. T/Sgt.
R Davis, R.D. S/Sgt.
RW Hall, N.L. Sgt.
LW McGlinn, M.J. Sgt.
BT Jenkins, R.N. Sgt.
TG Coleman, E.B. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 764

P Morefield, H.F. 1st Lt.
CP Buchanan, R.P. 1st Lt.
N McSweeney, J.P. 2nd Lt.
NG Morris, J.A. Sgt.
E Kottke, A.H. T/Sgt.
R Whitmore, B. T/Sgt.
RW White, T. T/Sgt.
LW Brent, L.H. S/Sgt.
BT Harris, J.N. S/Sgt.
TG Eckert, J.A. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 10?

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

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 509

P Weinheimer, J. 2nd Lt.
CP Marshall, G.C. 2nd Lt.
N Gurwit, M.L. 2nd Lt.
B Ross, J.A. 2nd Lt.
E Aughinbaugh, C.L. S/Sgt.
R Kent, P.V. T/Sgt.
RW Rich, N.P. Sgt.
LW Munford, B. Sgt.
BT Fink, B. Sgt.
TG Duffy, R.R. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 187

P Fogarty, D.M. 1st Lt.
CP Bishop, R.R. 2nd Lt.
N Hess, D.W. 2nd Lt.
B Digman, T. Jr. 2nd Lt.
E Blong, J.T. Sgt.
R Karaso, J.J. S/Sgt.
RW Harringer, J.J. Sgt.
LW Chiodo, M.A. Sgt.
BT Bonnassiolle, J.P. Sgt.
TG Smith, L.F. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 100

P Lang, R.J. 2nd Lt.
CP Skaggs, R.L. 2nd Lt.
N Reinoehl, W.T. 2nd Lt.
B Ferry, J.R. 2nd Lt.
E Verzyl, R.R. S/Sgt.
R Stanul, A.J. S/Sgt.
RW Coplin, G.R. Sgt.
LW Rudnitsky, B.E. Sgt.
BT Brown, R.T. Sgt.
TG Richter, E.R. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 578th Sqdn.
A/C 852

P Bridson, G.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Green, J.A. 2nd Lt.
N Quail, J.L. 2nd Lt.
B Willemin, W.W. 2nd Lt.
E Ashcraft, B. S/Sgt.
R Paolucci, U. S/Sgt.
RW Stafford, J.A. Sgt.
LW Seery, J.B. Sgt.
BT - -
TG Powers, G. Sgt.

 27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 448

P Hunt, N.J. 2nd Lt.
CP Roetzel, P.B. 2nd Lt.
N Shelton, O.W. 2nd Lt.
B Sullivan, F.J. 2nd Lt.
E McKinzie, W.L. S/Sgt.
R Wilkinson, H.C. S/Sgt.
RW Osment, M. Sgt.
LW Bennett, G.H. S/Sgt.
BT Jackson, L.A. Sgt.
TG McEwan, D.L. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 789

P Fryman, B. 2nd Lt.
CP Barber, K.A. 2nd Lt.
N Young, R.L. 2nd Lt.
B Christian, N.R. 2nd Lt.
E Viosca, R.C. S/Sgt.
R Myers, J.M. S/Sgt.
RW Reilly, C.J. S/Sgt.
LW Childress, W.J. Sgt.
BT Chaplinsky, W.A. Sgt.
TG Grossi, R.H. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 544

P Gann, D.L. 2nd Lt.
CP Dick, W.C. 2nd Lt.
N Spensley, R.E. 2nd Lt.
B Kennedy, T. 1st Lt.
E Shrader, C. S/Sgt.
R Carroll, J.T. S/Sgt.
RW Anderson, A.R. Sgt.
NT Puchir, J.Sgt.
BT Reynolds, R.L. Sgt.
TG Sinclair, R.E. Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 552

P Darnell, J.F. Jr. 1st Lt.
CP Slagle, E.E. 2nd Lt.
N Stasney, A.J. 2nd Lt.
B Lory, R.C. 2nd Lt.
E Whitaker, J.W. T/Sgt.
R Mandel, R.F. T/Sgt.
RW Sundo, J.R. S/Sgt.
LW Rego, M.A. S/Sgt.
BT Courtney, E.J. S/Sgt.
TG Ward, L.E. Sgt

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 472

P Brunn, W.S. 2nd Lt.
CP Reinbold, H.L. F/O
N Griffith, R.C. 2nd Lt.
B Coyle, J.D. 2nd Lt.
E Harris, W.T. S/Sgt.
R Adams, R.V. T/Sgt.
RW Wright, J.K. S/Sgt.
LW Smith, D.L. S/Sgt.
BT Goric, R.D. S/Sgt.
TG Fund, E.J. S/Sgt.

27 Apr 1944 579th Sqdn.
A/C 615

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

PREVIOUS
MISSION
NEXT
MISSION
MISSING AIR CREW REPORT SECTION


27 APRIL 1944
TARGET: CHALON-SUR-MARNE

MISSING AIRCREW REPORT: #05215 AIRCRAFT: #41-29509 "KNUCKLE HEAD" "A-Bar" 9th Mission

AIRCREW: WEINHEIMER     *     SQUADRON: 578TH

CREW POSITIONS AND STATUS:

P   2/T  Weinheimer, Jacob (NMI) WIA - U.S. Control
CP  2/LT Marshall, George C.     WIA - U.S. Control
N   2/LT Gurwit, Marvin L.       WIA - U.S. Control
B   2/LT Ross, John A.           KIA
R/O T/S  Kent, Parke V.          POW
EnG S/S  Aughinbaugh, Clayton L. KIA
BT  SGT  Fink, Bernard (NMI)     KIA
WG  SGT  Rich, Nicholas R        KIA
WG  SGT  Munford, Ben (NMI)      KIA
TG  SGT  Duffy, Robert R.        WIA - U.S. Control

MISSION LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES: Returning debriefings gave an account that this aircraft had been hit by flak at 50-55N; 03-20E with one man bailing out at 1930 hours, and the ship finally crashed landed at sea near Westgate-Kent with (5) of the crew killed and (4) injured in the crash. The date of this final 392nd de-briefing account was 1 June 1944. No other information was given in these general reporting at the time though one member, Sgt. Kent, who had bailed out earlier, was taken as a POW.

INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS OF CREWMEN FATES: After the war, Sgt. Kent, one of the surviving crewmen and the only POW, gave the following account of the crew’s plight in a report given 9 March 1946. "We took off from England about noon after a very quick briefing which only the Pilot and Navigator attended. I was flying as spare Radio Operator at the time and did not know any of crew members until that day. We bombed an airfield in France and were very near the French coast on our return trip when we were struck by flak. The plane started in a slow spin (and) the Co-Pilot left his position and started pulling off (his) flak suit and oxygen mask. The Engineer prepared to leave his position in the upper turret. It was my duty to clear the flight desk, open the flight deck doors and the bomb bays, which I did and stood waiting for orders. The plane was still dropping and the Engineer came out of his position trying to get his feet on the cat-walk where I was standing. In order to make room for him and for the Co-Pilot who had left his position, I was forced to bail out. I delayed opening my parachute for several thousand feet and then looked around expecting to see others about, but saw none nor could I see any plane going down. While a prisoner, I heard in a round-about-manner that the plane had kept on in a rather long coasting dive until it hit in the Channel a little way from the English shore; and that one man at least (had) survived the crash. I give you the above information with an open mind as it came to me from fellows who had been in the same outfit (392nd) as I, but might have been speaking of an entirely different case...". Sgt. Kent had given this account from his home then of Route #1, Charlotte, Vermont.

BURIAL RECORDS: The following members of this aircrew are interred in the U.S. National Overseas Military Cemetery at CAMBRIDGE: Ross (Grave E-4-85); Aughinbaugh (Grave C-i -3) and Rich (Grave E-4-5). There is no information listed for Sgts. Munford and Fink. Both Ross and Aughinbaugh are shown to have been awarded the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Purple Heart.

NEXT OF KIN DATA IN WWII: None given in this MACR reporting.





| B24.NET Home | Missions Home Page | Top of this page |