CREW LISTING

573rd BOMB SQUADRON

ROLES: PILOT AND CO-PILOT

INDIVIDUAL & NON-INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS


Assigned
Squadron Crew Year Month Role Name Rank Serial
57357300143CPLane, Lyle V.2/Lt.O795408
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 2. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES: These crew members flew with Shaffner on a ferry mission, per the source order. Crew position assumed based upon listing position. I have no way of knowing whether they flew together regularly with another pilot. Confirmed Pablonis's crew position; he was in group in February, as was Mosser.
57357301443PBoone, William R., Jr.Capt.O727844
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1943. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: On 10/06/44, Lt Boone, flying as first pilot in 43-34309, crash landed. The airplane later went down on the Ahrweiler mission on 12/23/44 and is listed as 574th Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Capt Boone was lead qualified with Lts Schweizer and Basco in the 573rd.
57357302743PDooley, Joseph E., Jr.Maj.O372031
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1943. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, this crew was lead qualified with 1Lt William C. Henley, 0665918, as Navigator. Mikochik had been Abraham's bombardier but was not with him when he went down on the Ahrweiler mission.
573573034453PFlorine, Orville M.2/Lt.O687190
SOURCE: SO-41, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 14 Mar 1945
NOTES: This was an A-26 aircraft and crew. 43-22618 flown over from the US.
57357304844PMay, Winton L.1/Lt.O762049
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Lts May and Solomon were on the 23 Dec 44 mission. Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lt May was lead qualified with Lt Solomon and Lt Peters (formerly of Rice's crew).
573573060453PSlessinger, Maynard2/Lt.O764936
SOURCE: SO-41, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 14 Mar 1945
NOTES: 43-22626 was an A-26 aircraft.
573573150432CPAbernathy, William E.1/Lt.O731778
573573150435PBoyette, Norment G.2/Lt.O795349
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35067. 8 Oct 1943
NOTES: All crew were killed in aircraft 41-35067 on 8 October 1943 when it crashed after it got into an uncontrollable spin. Roles are assumed from existing role data and rank. Although Boyette's role was deduced as CP by elimination, he is attributed as Pilot on the accident report. Davis' forename comes from 573BS History (reel A0644 page 905), which also states that Parnell was a crew chief. Davis's ASN from 391BG Medical Journal (Reel B0427 page 1046).
ADDENDUM: Accident Report has since been received and details have been updated accordingly. Abernath's ASN is shown as O-731776. This crew was previously listed as crew #391101.
573573122449PAbraham, Clayton S.2/LT.O751078
573573122449CPBovie, Verne H.2/LT.O715700
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34454. 13 Oct 1944
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Roye-Amy/A-73.
On October 13, 1944, Clayton S. Abraham, 2nd Lt, AC, was taxiing to his hardstand after landing from a non-operational flight in B-26G10, AAF #43-34454. Lt. Abraham allowed his attention to be entirely occupied with avoiding bad spots in the perimeter strip, and in doing so failed to pay proper attention to a parked truck. He struck the truck with about six (6) feet of his right wing, resulting in major damage to the aircraft.
573573002449PAbraham, Clayton S.2/Lt.O751078
573573002449CPBovie, Verne H.2/Lt.O715700
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 9. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES: The flight over was in 43-34428. Lt Abraham and Sgt Lemon were killed on 12/23/44 in 42-107747. They are buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. One can infer from the hardback history that the above crew flew the mission except that a SSgt Woodrow Wilson appears to have taken Mikochik's place. Remainder of mission crew not identified.
573573126449PAbraham, Clayton S.1/Lt.O751078
573573126449CPBovie, Verne H.2/Lt.O715700
SOURCE: MACR 11663, 42-107747. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 42-107747 was hit in rear and crew unable to control aircraft. Bovie states that Murphy may have bailed out as he saw another chute above him when he bailed out. Bovie saw the rest of crew in the aircraft wreckage.
57357300343PAdams, Frank B.Capt.O410126
57357300343CPCooper, Frank S.2/Lt.O750775
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Capt Adams was shot down on 05/08/44 (42-95829). Per the softback history, there were 6 survivors. Per the hardback history, the crew included the following people: 2Lt William H. Meek, CP (from Lt. Cassiday's crew); 1Lt Billy F. Williams, BN; SSgt Alfis T. Thomas, RG (from Lt. Boylan's crew); SSgt Melvin L. Bachman, EG (Ditto); and SSgt George L. Schoerlin, AG. I do not know whether Williams and Schoerlin were regular members of his crew. Adams flew over in 42-95804.
57357310843PAdams, Frank B.Capt.O410126
573573108444CPMeek, William M.2/Lt.O680676
SOURCE: MACR 04482, 42-95829. 8 May 1944
NOTES: Target: Bonnieres, France. Adams received direct FLAK hit in his left engine. Bombs were salvoed. 3 parachutes seen leaving from rear of aircraft, 2 from bomb bay. Aircraft appeared to be under control. All crew survived and returned to duty.
573573004451PAdrian, Clarence J.1/Lt.O680589
573573004451CPNear, James B.2/Lt.O928310
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES: From the format of the assignment order, I could not identify the enlisted men who were on this crew. Thompson recently identified the enlisted men for me.
573573000432PAnderson, Ren H.2/Lt.O665264
SOURCE: SO-10, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 12 Feb 1943
NOTES:
573573000442PAnderson, William B.1/LT.O793037
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: So far, the crew loading lists show that Anderson and crew flew 9 missions with the 391BG, with the last being mission #14. It is possible that he had previously served with another group and that he had completed the required number of missions to complete his tour.
573573005451PAppleton, William N.2/Lt.O1552836
573573005451CPFrisque, Alvin J.2/Lt.O2067693
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, January 1945. 1 Jan 1945
NOTES: This information is from Bill Appleton except that Frisque's serial number comes from Dave Garnham's database. ADDENDUM: Serial number and forename for Kerner come from SO-104 Par 3. Surname, Forenames, Rank, and ASN for Cannarella, Arrington, and Mathias obtained from Air Medal Awards, GO 36, Hq, 9th Bombardment Division, 10 March 1945. Their correct roles have been obtained from the 391BG Mission Records, Crew Loading Lists.
573573029446CPArmstrong, Edwin H.2/Lt.O823230
573573029446PDunn, Edmund B.2/Lt.O690065
SOURCE: SO-157, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 9. 5 Jun 1944
NOTES: On 12/02/44, in 43-34165, double direct hits from 88's injured Dunn, Sims, and Wagner. A substitute FE was killed, who was probably SSgt Jesse M. Elerbee, as the hardback history lists him as killed; whereas, it lists the Ahrweiler mission crews as missing. Ed Armstrong advises that he then flew 5 missions as Col Williams's co-pilot and then 15 more missions checking out new crews. Dunn flew over in 42-107849. The particulars on Hartwell comes from 391st SO-126, dated 24 Sep 44. That he was aboard 34165 comes from Charlie Hartwell Ford. Since I had the crew without a bombardier and Hartwell without a crew, I have assumed that they belong together. ADDENDUM: Wagner's rank and serial number were found in the Medal Awards sections of the 391BG mission records.
573573006432PArmstrong, James F.1/Lt.O664119
573573006432CPHumphrey, Wallace J.2/Lt.O693375
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES:
573573038444CPArneson, Kenneth L.2/Lt.O690884
573573038444PHartman, Louis E.2/Lt.O684328
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: Sgt Bell was killed on 05/28/44 and is buried in the Cambridge Cemetery. Someone at the 1996 reunion confirmed that he was flying that day with Lt Hartman. On 07/05/44, Lt (by then 1st Lt) Hartman's plane (42-107834) was shot down. He and SSgt Pavinski were killed and are buried in the Normandy Cemetery, as is Pvt Edward N. Grove, flying his first mission, according to a source at the 1996 reunion. Mrs. Ethel Burnside, Lt Hartman's sister, recently confirmed that Sgt Grove was flying with Lt. Hartman. The only other change in the mission crew was that 1Lt Donald E. Collins flew as bombardier, Lt Baker having been assigned to Armstrong's crew. ADDENDUM: Baker's correct ASN obtained from General Orders No. 141, 18 May 1944.
573573113444CPArneson, Kenneth L.2/Lt.O690884
573573113444PHartman, Louis E.1/Lt.O684328
SOURCE: MACR 06359, 42-107834. 5 Jul 1944
NOTES: Target: Senoche F/D. 42-107834 was hit by FLAK and crashed near Foret de Dreux. One witness statement says that Hartman bailed out of top hatch, but was knocked out and failed to open parachute. CP and B suffered burns.
573573007452PAtwater, John H., Jr.2/Lt.O686878
573573007452CPSullivan, John J., Jr.F/OT131010
SOURCE: SO-23, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 10 Feb 1945
NOTES:
573573008432PAuer, John R.2/Lt.O731552
573573008432CPClark, James G.2/Lt.O796780
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 2. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES: These crew members were together for a ferry mission per the source order. I have assumed crew positions from the order of listing. Their engineer that day was Erwin Russell, later of Armstrong's crew.
573573028452CPBaker, Elbert H., III2/Lt.O2057078
573573028452PDuncan, Oliver L.Maj.O406830
SOURCE: SO-23, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 10 Feb 1945
NOTES:
573573009448PBaker, Kenneth L.2/Lt.O705098
573573009448CPSmith, Edward C.2/Lt.O715821
SOURCE: OO-101, NORTH ATL WG, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Par. 3. 23 Jul 1944
NOTES: Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lt Baker was lead qualified with Lt Morse and Lt Hilty. He had flown over in 43-34343.
573573137448PBaker, Kenneth L.1/Lt.O705098
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22603. 21 Apr 1945
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Maastricht/Beek (Y-44).

On 21 April 1945, 1st Lt Kenneth L. Baker, was flying an-A-26C25 aircraft, A.F. #43-22603 on an operational mission. While returning from the mission, adverse weather conditions existed at the home base, Lt. Baker lost the home field, because of low ceilings and very poor visibility. He located Y-44, and made a decision to land there. This field is under construction and has no flying control. After landing, Lt Baker had to turn around at end of runway, to proceed to taxi-strip, as there were no strips at end of runway, onto which he could turn. Another aircraft landing behind him, made him taxi directly off the runway, in order to-avoid a collision of two aircraft. In so doing, the right wheel dropped into a hole, causing right prop to dig into the ground.

All three blades of the right prop were bent. One of two bombs, which had hung up, because of faulty shackles, fell, and slightly damaged the bomb-bay doors.

Immediate cause: Taxied into hole with right wheel damaging right prop blades.
Underlying cause: Pilot had to get off rurway to avoid landing aircraft colliding with his aircraft and no taxi strips were available at end of runway.
Responsibility: Airport terrain, one-hundred percent (100%).
Recommendations: None.

573573128448PBaker, Kenneth L.2/Lt.O705098
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34447. 14 Jan 1945
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Roye/Amy (A-73).
573573011444CPBaldwin, Lawrence H.2/Lt.O689009
573573011444PBaxter, Robert E.2/Lt.O684240
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: ADDENDUM: Other documents show that Madenfort's ASN of O671755 in SO-98 is incorrect.
573573118432PBarker, Frederick E.2/Lt.O738331
573573118444CPReynolds, John J.2/Lt.O544730
573573118444X (P)Walker, Hugh H.1/Lt.O670677
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95801. 24 Aug 1944
NOTES: Landing accident at RAF Friston.
On 24 August 1944, at about 1615, Lieutenant Frederick E. Barker filed a clearance for a ferry trip to Friston Air Field. Previously, flying control at AAF Station 166 had called flying control at Friston and they reported the field in good condition and cleared us for a B-26 landing there. On arriving at Friston the pilot contacted flying control and was cleared for an immediate landing. Even though there was intermittent precipitation in the area; it was impossible for the pilot to ascertain the condition of the field from the air, and the slippery, soggy field was not reported to the pilot by flying control. A good landing was reported by the crew, however, there was not enough traction on the grass field to stop the B-26 at the end of the runway. In the opinion of the committee the cause for the accident would be considered entirely on the judgement of flying control. There are no recommendations.

The statement by 2/Lt. John J. Reynolds states:
1. On 24 August 1944 at about 1615, we were circling Friston air field. I, as co-pilot, contacted the tower for landing instructions and received them. We were to touch down on the very end of the field on a short strip of steel matting. We made a normal approach to a landing and the pilot, Lt Barker, decided that we would overshoot: so we went around again ano made another normal approach with wheels down and flaps down at approximately 140 m.p.h. to the runway. We touched the runway first on the steel matting and rolled until we hit the first hill on the runway where we bounced into the air again. We settled back down and everything was normal and under control. The pilot held the nose wheel off the ground to lose speed, but not for long as the runway is not too long. When the pilot put the nose on the ground and tried to apply the brakes, they did not respond to the pressure. At this time, we were about three fourths of the way down the runway and still traveling approxiwately 100 m.p.h. The pilot tried to apply the brakes again and found them to be no good. He then tried to ground loop the airplane, but could not. We saw that a crash was coming and relayed that information to the crew. I did not have time to pull up the wheels, but I cut off the mixture control and master and ignition switches before we hit the dirt embankment at the end of the runway. As we hit the embankment, the nose and main wheels were sheared off and we went over it and into a gravel pit on the other side of the embankment, which pit is about 30 to 40 feet deep and 55 feet wide. The last I can remember clearly is the plane crashing into the pit while I was holding the wheel in the forward position with one hand and opening the hatch with the other.
2. After the crash, I can remember being helped out of the plane by Lt Netherton who was riding in the radio compartment and remember seeing Sgt Schaefer and Puterka trying to get to the pilot and get him out of the airplane. The right engine was on fire but not burning too badly at that time. After. The above Sgts succeeded in getting the pilot out of the aircraft, Sgt Puterka went back and started throwing dirt upon the burning engine, and Sgt Schaefer continued to help Lt Barker up the hill and to the ambulance. Everyone was given immediate medical attention of the highest kind.
3. The weather at the time we arrived at Friston was a moderate rain, with visibility at approximately 1 to 2 miles. It would clear up in places and visibility would increase to 3 miles. On the field itself it was raining and the ground was soggy and slick. The tower cleared us to land at their field and did not report the slippery runway.

Barker, Netherton, Walker, and Bistagne sustained major injuries in the crash; the rest of the crew received minor injuries.

The reason for this flight was to ferry 2 minimal flight crews to Friston in order to fly 2 of the group's aircraft back to Station 166. These aircraft were likely to be 42-107671 (two cylinders out of lost engine) piloted by L/Col. Ljunggren, and 42-95808 (right horizontal stabilizer had 3 ribs broken, left engine mechanical failure) piloted by Capt. Jannsen. Both aircraft made emergency landings at Friston returning from mission #139 on 9 August 1944, and it is likely that repairs to these had been completed.

These personnel were all members of the 572nd Bomb Squadron, but flying a 573rd Bomb Squadron aircraft. Bistagne's role is not annotated on the report and no record of him has currently been found in the group's records.
ADDENDUM: Accident report for 43-22603 on 21 April 1945 shows that Bistagne was Engineering Officer.
573573102432PBarkhurst, George R.2/Lt.O664122
573573102435CPProps, Phillip J.2/Lt.O735658
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-17781. 5 Jun 1943
NOTES: On June 5, 1943 at approximately 1545 EWT, B-26B airplane, AF No. 41-17781 pilot 2nd. Lt. George R. Barkhurst, crashed and burned three miles South of Jersey, Georgia, fatally injuring all occupants of the airplane.
The pilot had been flying at a low altitude, estimated by various observers at from 20 to 50 feet, for at least eight miles prior to the point of the crash. Immediately prior to the accident the ship was flying up a slight draw and passed over a house 1/8 of a mile bčhind which was a hill. The tail and both propellers of the plane struck this hill 150 feet from the top, the ship bounced into the air and the left engine stopped. Parts of the airplane were strewn from this point to the point of rest of the airplane. The plane hit the ground again 800 feet from first point of impact and right engine stopped. Ship bounced again and skidded along ground for 770 feet and fuselage broke just forward of upper gun turret, 25 feet before point of rest. Both engines apparently left ship at this point and wing and rest of fuselage then made a 210 feet turn to right and came to rest, on fire. Ship caught fire after first bounce and gasoline exploded when it hit the second time. Fire continued until burned out. Persons arriving at the scene were unable to rescue any of the men trapped in the wreck because of the fire. Statements of all witnesses and prop marks on ground indicate that both engines and airplane were functioning normally at time of accident. An examination of wreckage accounted for all control surfaces in proper place on aircraft or within 150 of point of rest.
There was no evidence that would indicate sabotage. Witnesses state that there was a change in the attitude of the airplane just prior to the accident indicating that the pilot tried to gain altitude suddenly, which, connected with the first marks on the ground when the ship hit, leads to the belief that the ship mushed into the hill.
There is insufficient evidence to place the direct responsibility for this accident. However, it is the opinion of this committee that it was due to the pilot's failing to see the hill in time to change altitude fast enough or to his misjudging the altitude of the hill.
Engel was a Photo Lab Technician.
573573000432PBarkhurst, George R.2/Lt.O664122
SOURCE: SO-10, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 12 Feb 1943
NOTES:
57357300044PBartaUNK005
SOURCE: Name appears on taxi sheets for various missions. 25 Feb 1944
NOTES: This name comes from the taxi sheet for the mission on 03/04/45.
573573010452PBarta, John J.2/Lt.O681000
573573010452CPRice, Jack H.F/OT131182
SOURCE: SO-23, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 10 Feb 1945
NOTES:
573573037444CPBerman, Edward P.2/Lt.O816036
573573037444PGoodson, Robert G.2/Lt.O542798
SOURCE: SO-107, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 19 Apr 1944
NOTES: On 05/28/44 flak ignited the right engine (42-95850) eventually causing the right wing to fall off, but all survived (those shown were the mission crew).
573573110444CPBerman, Edward P.2/Lt.O816036
573573110444PGoodson, Robert G.2/Lt.O542798
SOURCE: MACR 05547, 42-95850. 28 May 1944
NOTES: target: Maisons-Lafitte RR Bridge, France. Goodson's right engine hit by FLAK which burst into flames. He dropped out of formation with engine smoking and went into a shallow dive. 2 chutes were seen by witnesses. The right wing was seen to break off and the aircraft exploded. Goodson states that gunners bailed out through waist window and Officers through bomb bay. Markings of T*R found on wreckage. Everett was suffering from burns. All POW except Raona who evaded.
57357301243PBernzen, Frank, Jr.1/Lt.O738335
57357301243CPBuerlein, Homer K.2/Lt.O693616
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Sgt LaPlante did not fly over with Lt Bernzen. On 03/19/44, Lt Bernzen and crew were shot down (42-95849). Of the crew listed above, Lt Bernzen and Sgts Brown, Grace, and La Plante are all buried in the Normandy Cemetery, as is 2/Lt John D. Hill, 0692789, who was flying as co-pilot, according to the hardback history, which also lists Lt Dragonetti as bombardier; I have assumed that Lt Dragonetti was his regular bombardier. Dave Garnham found confirmation on microfilm of Lt Dragonetti's death. Bernzen's airplane for the flight overseas was 42-95830.
57357310743PBernzen, Frank, Jr.1/Lt.O738335
573573107442CPHill, John D.2/Lt.O692789
SOURCE: MACR 05853, 42-95849. 19 Mar 1944
NOTES: Target: Grismont Military Installation. 42-95849 was flying box 1, first flight, No.2. It was hit by FLAK whilst turning away from the first bomb run and the fabric on left horizontal stabilizer was almost completely shot away. It fell away from formation with a badly smoking left engine. It rejoined the formation for the second bomb run and received a direct hit over the target. The tail was blown off aft of the turret and the aircraft turned over onto its back and fell towards the ground. 3 parachutes were seen.
57357310643CPBidwell, Arthur S.2/Lt.O692850
573573106432PLowenthal, Samuel S.2/Lt.O796845
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95943. 15 Mar 1944
NOTES: Landing accident at Matching/Sta 166. The pilot was ferrying this ship from AAF station 519 (RAF Grove, Berkshire) after modifications. The pilot apparently made a normal approach but landed a little long (he estimated about 300 yards from the head of the runway). Immediately starting to apply brakes, the pilot claimed the left brake was not holding, which forced him to be easy on the good brake (skid marks by both wheels for the last 75 yards dispute this point and seem to indicate an excessively fast or long landing). At any rate the ship rolled off the end of the runway and the nose wheel collapsed. The fact that the main wheels never got off the end of the runway indicates that at this point the pilot had killed much of his speed, but the continued use of brakes greatly increased the down load on the nose wheel burying it in the soft earth. The extra resistance caused thereby overstressed the nose wheel assembly. It is believed at the accident was due 100% to pilot error, and 70% judgement and 30% technique. Whenever it appears impossible that a stop can be effected before rolling into soft earth, brakes should be released at the last moment to reduce the extra download on the nose wheel with the result that it will continue to roll.
573573115444CPBinkley, Walter E.1/LT.O747720
573573115444PCrim, Herman L.2/LT.O747753
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31978. 8 Aug 1944
NOTES: Taxiing accident at RAF Tangmere.
Second Lieutenant Norman L. Crim, O-747753, A.C., in ship B-26B35, AF. No. 41-31978 landed at Tangmere, Sussex (RAF) due to lack of petrol upon return from a combat mission.
When taxiing out for take-off, Lt. Crim did not take due care and caution and taxied into a building near the perimeter strip. This resulted in damage to the left wing of the airplane.
Accident due 100% to pilot's error (carelessness) in not analising the situation when taxiing.
No recommendations.
NOTE: The mission records show that Crim landed away from base after returning from mission #136 on 7th August 1944. After landing, it is likely that the aircraft needed repairs before it was able to leave Tangmere the following day.
57357314944PBjork, Paul A.2/Lt.O684251
573573149444CPWilson, Gilbert E.F/OT1788
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-17994. 5 Apr 1944
NOTES: Aircraft type B-26-B4, No. 41-17994 crashed on take off, immediately after becoming airborne, due to loss of power in the right engine. With this loss of power, after being airborne, the aircraft lost airspeed and altitude rapidly, forcing crash landing.
The investigating committee is convinced that the pilot used good judgement in making a wheels up landing after loss of airspeed. Also the committee find it impossible to determine any cause other than loss of power in right engine.
A proper and efficient pre-flight check was made. There are no recommendations for action to prevent repetition.
NOTE: This accident occurred at RAF Toome Bridge, Northern Ireland (a replacement crew training center) before this crew (except Greico) were assigned to the 573rd Bomb Squadron.
57357300044PBjork, Paul A.1/Lt.O684251
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This name comes from the 100th mission taxi sheet, and the particulars come from Par 4, SO-1, 9th Bombardment Division, 09/25/44, which lists aircrew personnel for return to the ZI.
573573013444PBollinger, Clarence M.F/OT121917
573573013444CPWardensky, Warren T.2/Lt.O680343
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: Bollinger returned a 2Lt with serial number 0887199 per Par 4, SO-1, 9th Bombardment Division, 09/25/44, which lists aircrew personnel for return to the ZI.
57357305243CPBoone, William R., Jr.1/Lt.O727844
573573052432PPorter, Harry D.1/Lt.O731656
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: This was a crew for the flight overseas. Porter was shot down on 05/28/44 (42-95943). Per the hardback history, the mission crew, in addition to SSgt Harris, were 1Lt Donald E. Cole, CP (from Lt Snyder's crew); 1Lt Wesley W. Carmichael, BN; SSgt Eugene D. Kessler, EG (who had been on Capt Adams's crew; and SSgt John J. Hogan, AG. The softback history indicates that there were 5 survivors; I have not been able to identify who was the casualty. Lt Boone is listed elsewhere as a first pilot. Porter flew over in 42-95828.
57357301544PBoyd, Ralph H.2/Lt.O691225
57357301544CPStiteler, Quentin W.F/OT122230
SOURCE: Softback History. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: From the softback history, on 08/13/44, Lt Boyd's plane was hit by Lt Colsch's plane after the latter's aircraft was hit by a bomb dropped from above, causing loss of control. I had been unable to identify Boyd's crew, but Dave Garnham dug out the above information. He also advised that all were killed or listed as missing except for Lt Boyd, who returned to the Group on Sep 4, 1944 but apparently did not fly any more missions. All remains must have been returned to the ZI except for Sgt Young who is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men" as buried in the Normandy Cemetery.
57357311744PBoyd, Ralph H.2/Lt.O691225
57357311744CPStiteler, Quentin W.F/OT122230
SOURCE: MACR 07649, 42-95834. 13 Aug 1944
NOTES: Target: Cherisy RR Bridge, France. 42-95800 (Low flight, No.4. - Kohler) hit by FLAK, collided with adjacent aircraft 42-95834 (No. 5 - Boyd). Both aircraft broke apart and went into a spin. Coincidentally, low flight passed underneath lead flight at exactly the time of bomb release, which may mean that aircraft was struck by falling bomb from lead flight.
57357301643PBoylan, Joseph J.1/Lt.O796289
57357301643CPSullens, James A.Capt.O407075
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: On 12/23/44 mission in 42-95825, Easy Dog 99, by then Capt Boylan was shot down, but the crew all bailed out. From the 1996 reunion, the following mission crew members were confirmed: 1Lt Homer K. Buerlein (CP) of Bernzen's crew, Capt Norman S. Dudley, Jr., (N) of Adams crew, Capt William L. Smith (B), TSgt Alan E. Adair, 15196591, (RG), who arrived in Sep., SSgt Robert V. Vehr (EG), no other data, and SSgt Edward A. Vichi (RG), no other data. A Pvt Chester E. Seamens, 15086936, flew overseas with Lt Boylan. Smith had been in B-17's earlier and instructed 391st bombardiers in combat bombing. Boylan flew over in 42-95826.
57357312543PBoylan, Joseph J.Capt.O796289
57357312543CPBuerlein, Homer K.1/Lt.O693616
SOURCE: MACR 11662, 42-95825. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 42-95825 was in a 3 ship lead flight and bombing was by flight in trail. Enemy aircraft had already attacked the low and high flights. After the lead flight turned off target, 30 enemy aircraft made single attacks from the rear. Abraham in 42-107747 wavered in formation and then dropped back. Explosive shells were seen striking Boylan in 42-95825. The wings, fuselage, and nacelles were hit. His speed fell to 180 and he nosed aircraft down. All crew survived and became POW. The only remaining aircraft of the lead flight, Dillard in 42-107806, then climbed and joined the lead flight of the box ahead.
57357310443CPBoylan, Joseph J.2/Lt.O796289
57357310443PSellers, Lamar, Jr.1/Lt.O793181
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35047. 24 Jun 1943
NOTES: Mid air collision in the vicinity Warrington, NC.
Aircraft was returning from Fort Dix, New Jersey and flying at minimum altitude cross country in formation. Upon reaching a clearing, pilot let down lower than the top level and in doing so struck a telephone line. Aircraft was not damaged to the extent that it could not continue and so completed the trip to Myrtle Beach.
NOTE: It is likely that Wos and Carter were ground crew.
573573017444PCassiday, Clyde E.2/Lt.O536803
573573017444CPMeek, William M.2/Lt.O680676
SOURCE: SO-107, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 19 Apr 1944
NOTES: Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, by then Capt Cassiday was lead qualified with Schweizer (listed elsewhere) and 2Lt William J. Hilty, 0747663. The tail number of the aircraft ferried over (42-107609) comes from SO-36, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/05/44.
573573018449PChannell, Charles C.2/Lt.O705903
573573018449CPFruchter, Murray S.2/Lt.O714689
SOURCE: SO-248, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 14 Sep 1944
NOTES: This crew flew over in 43-34430.
573573000449w.pChannell, Charles C.2/Lt.O705903
SOURCE: MACR 09530, 42-107595. 12 Oct 1944
NOTES: Pilot - high flight, no.5. Second bomb run. 30 seconds before bombs away left engine of no.4 smoking. 10 seconds before bombs away, his right engine went out. Losing speed and altitude rapidly.
57357301944PClapham, Lloyd M.2/Lt.O690051
57357301944CPDoebler, Reuben I.2/Lt.O818274
SOURCE: SO-157, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 9. 5 Jun 1944
NOTES: On 12/10/44, in 43-34183, the left engine caught fire on takeoff; bombs were jettisoned 4 mi west of base. All successfully bailed out except Lt Clapham, whose chute failed to open. All crew members cannot be identified. Clapham flew over in 43-34140.
57357312444PClapham, Lloyd M.1/Lt.O690051
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34183. 11 Dec 1944
NOTES: Killed in crash 5 miles west of A-73 in 43-34183 due to engine failure.
57357300044PClapham, Lloyd M.?O690051
SOURCE: Name appears on taxi sheets for various missions. 25 Feb 1944
NOTES: Surname appears as Pilot in one or more Taxi Sheets.
573573020449PClark, Harry W.2/Lt.O758418
573573020449CPKellar, Harry E., Jr.2/Lt.O713667
SOURCE: SO-124, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 6. 21 Sep 1944
NOTES:
57357302143PClark, Robert H.1/Lt.O26154
57357302143CPParker, George L.1/Lt.O757263
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1943. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: Lt Clark flew over as Gilmore's co-pilot in 42-95842, along with Culshaw and Rollings. The crew shown here is identified in the hardback history; it was shot down on 07/28/44 (42-95842). Per the softback history, two chutes were seen; however, Mrs. A. K. Clements (widow of Lt Clark) advises that Clark, Parker, and Sweren survived. TSgt Rollings and SSgt Culshaw are buried in the Normandy Cemetery. Lemmon's remains must have been returned to the ZI; he is mentioned also on one of Logan's entries. Dave Garnham of Bedford, England reports the A/C name Hitch Hiker for 42-95842 and found confirmation on microfilm of Lt. Lemmon's death. Parker's serial number comes from Dave Garnham's database.
57357311443PClark, Robert H.1/Lt.O26154
57357311443CPParker, George L.1/Lt.O757263
SOURCE: MACR 09831, 42-95842. 28 Jul 1944
NOTES: Target: Grosley sur Risle, France. 42-95842 was hit by FLAK in the waist section near Thury Harcourt, France. The aircraft broke into two pieces which were seen to slowly spin down. Three crew were seen to bail out, one from the tail section and two from the forward section. In a subsequent statement, Parker states that he was wounded in his left leg and foot. Lemmon was trapped in the bombardier's compartment of the spinning aircraft, and Culshaw and Rollings had probably been killed when the 88mm shell exploded in the waist section. After bailing out and landing, Parker saw Sweren in the hands of the Germans. Parker was taken to hospital by the Germans for treatment of his wounds. Clark was seen bailing out by Parker, but it is currently unclear what happened to him.
57357303543CPClark, Robert H.1/Lt.O26154
573573035439PGilmore, James H.Capt.O412102
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: A Pvt Donald E. Dennis, 12090640, an Engineer Gunner, flew overseas with this crew. The airplane was 42-95842. See entry for Lt Clark as first pilot. ADDENDUM: 573BS History (reel A0644 page 914) states that Gilmore was Squadron Operations Officer until he was transferred to the newly formed 1st Pathfinder Squadron on 14 February 1944 [see Special Orders No.44 on this website]. Pvt. D. E. Dennis (EG) appears in the crew loading lists for 3 of the group's early missions, but it is not clear what became of him afterwards.
57357306243CPCole, Donald E.2/Lt.O692948
57357306243PSnyder, Richard J.1/Lt.O672240
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Wally Ellertson (Wollert R. Ellertson, 2Lt, 0692771) advises me that he was the co-pilot on this crew for 67 missions (finishing in August, 1944). Cole, shown on SO-345, must have been the co-pilot only for the flight overseas. Similarly, Ellertson is shown on this order as Ed Holliday's co-pilot. Ellertson provided Aubuchon and Tinney's names. The airplane Snyder flew over, 42-95823, Baby Doll, crashed on 09/24/44 returning from a ferry mission to France. ADDENDUM: Aubochon's and Tinney's serial numbers, forenames, and ranks have since been obtained from the Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists of the 391BG Mission Records. Also, Carother's surname amended to Carothers.
57357310943CPCole, Donald E.1/Lt.O692948
573573109432PPorter, Harry D.1/Lt.O731656
SOURCE: MACR 05127, 42-95943. 28 May 1944
NOTES: target: Amiens M/Y, France. Box 2, high flight, No.6? Aircraft was hit by FLAK. The right engine was smoking with oil leaking from the oil cooler shutter. Gasoline was streaming from left engine. Kessler and Carmichael were captured soon after the crash. Harris and Porter evaded but were captured at Petite Sains near Arras, France July 1944. The fate of Cole and Hagan is not clear from the report, but other sources show that they successfully evaded capture.
573573022444PColsch, John W.1/Lt.O445975
573573022444CPKelley, William J.2/Lt.O688826
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: On 05/28/44, hydraulics were shot out (42-95798). On 08/13/44, Lt Colsch's plane (42-95800) was hit by a bomb dropped from above. The resulting loss of control led to a mid-air with 42-95834, a 572nd aircraft, piloted by Lt Boyd. The crew listed above is correct except that Sgt Henry A. Miller replaced Hibbler. Lt Kohler was killed and is buried in the Normandy Cemetery. I have been unable to identify other casualties, whose remains were returned to the ZI.
573573116444PColsch, John W.1/Lt.O445975
573573116444CPKelley, William J.2/Lt.O688826
SOURCE: MACR 07648, 42-95800. 13 Aug 1944
NOTES: Target: Cherisy RR Bridge, France. 42-95800 (Low flight, No.4. - Kohler) hit by FLAK, collided with adjacent aircraft 42-95834 (No. 5 - Boyd). Both aircraft broke apart and went into a spin. Coincidentally, low flight passed underneath lead flight at exactly the time of bomb release, which may mean that aircraft was struck by falling bomb from lead flight.
573573000449PCox, Wilbur G.Capt.O791676
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: The referenced order identifies Capt Cox as a pilot. He is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men" as being killed on 12/23/44 and is buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. He is not listed among the killed or missing in the hardback history nor is he listed on the taxi sheet in the softback history. I do not know with whom he was flying.
573573127449PCox, Wilbur G.Capt.O791676
573573127449CPWinegar, Dan P.2/Lt.O768360
SOURCE: MACR 14626, 42-95878. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Assigned to 574BS, 391BG, 9AF USAAF. Transferred to 1st Pathfinder Sqn, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Euskirchen railroad bridge in B-26 42-95878 'Weary Lera' shot down by flak while leading 322BG crashed in flames near Bonn, Germany. (source: AAM - http://www.americanairmuseum.com/aircraft/10081).
573573153449PCox, Wilbur G.Capt.O791676
573573153449CPFrick, Ralph L.2/Lt.O781276
SOURCE: SO-266, Par. 5; HQ, 70th Replacement Depot - Assignment of crews to various Bomb Groups. 22 Sep 1944
NOTES: Apart from Frick, this crew flew their first mission with the 573th Bomb Squadron on 7 October 1944. According to the crew loading lists, 2/Lt. Dan P. Winegar flew as this crew’s co-pilot. Frick flew as co-pilot with a number of different crews, and transferred from the 573rd to the 574th Bomb Squadron after December 1944. Winegar became the co-pilot of Cox’s crew who later were assigned to the 1st Pathfinder Squadron. Winegar and the rest of Cox’s crew were all KIA whilst leading the 322nd Bomb Group on 23 December 1944.
5735730004312CPCronin, Joseph F.O693755
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: Cronin's name appears in the 391BG Mission Records (crew loading lists), but was not listed on the original website. They could appear in one or more website photographs.
57357300044PDaffern, Troey1/Lt.O672763
SOURCE: Name from Mission #31 taxi sheet; details from Dave Garnham's database. 22 Apr 1944
NOTES:
5735731054312CPDalman, Norwood G.2/Lt.O692952
5735731054312CPDonnelly, Francis J.2/Lt.O693764
5735731054312PStimm, Howard M.1/Lt.O664467
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95824. 23 Dec 1943
NOTES: All crew were killed in aircraft 42-95824 on 12 December 1943 when it crashed at Colesburg, KY. Apart from Wiley, other crew member roles are a guess. 573BS History (reel A0644 page 907) states Dalman and Donnelly were both co-pilots, and that Stimm was checking both out on night flying.
573573025444CPDarden, Frank E.2/Lt.O815850
573573025444PDillard, Frank P., Jr.2/Lt.O684297
SOURCE: SO-107, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 19 Apr 1944
NOTES:
57357302343PDearing, Raymond B., Jr.1/Lt.O796327
57357302343CPDooley, Joseph E., Jr.Maj.O372031
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Maj Dooley is listed later as a pilot. The flight over was in 42-95802.
5735731484312CPDefoe, Donald G.2/Lt.O693011
573573148439PGilmore, James H.Capt.O412102
SOURCE: SO-44, Hqs, IX Bomber Command, Par. 16 - transfer of air crew to 1st Pathfinder Squadron (M) Provisional. 14 Feb 1944
NOTES: Crew transferred to 1st Pathfinder Squadron (M) Provisional before 391st BG flew their first combat mission.
573573024449PDent, Herbert W., Jr.1/Lt.O793079
573573024449CPHagaman, John W., Jr.2/Lt.O797989
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: This crew was made up overseas. They were on the 23 Dec 44 mission to Ahrweiler on which Hagaman was wounded.
573573042449CPDeVries, Roy2/Lt.O557937
573573042449PJimenez, James A.2/Lt.O689059
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 9. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES:
573573000444w.pDillard, Frank P., Jr.1/Lt.O684297
SOURCE: MACR 11662, 42-95825. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Pilot - Box 2, lead flight, no.2. Bombing by flights in trail. Enemy aircraft had already attacked our low and high flights. After turning off target, enemy aircraft attacked our 3 ship flight. 30 enemy aircraft making single attacks at our tails. Abraham 42-107747 wavered in formation and then dropped back. Last I saw of it. I could see explosive shells striking Boylan's aircraft 42-95825. Wings, fuselage, nacelles were hit. Speed fell to 180 and he nosed aircraft down. I then climbed and joined the lead flight of the Box ahead of us.
573573000444w.pDillard, Frank P., Jr.1/Lt.O684297
SOURCE: MACR 11663, 42-107747. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Pilot - Box 2, lead flight, no.2. Bombing by flight in trail. 30 enemy aircraft attacked high and low flights first. Enemy aircraft attacked singly from the rear.
57357302644PDobda, Michael1/Lt.O816071
57357302644CPSink, Archie A.2/Lt.O814575
SOURCE: Both Histories. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: On 02/13/45, flying 42-95822, Black Jack, Lt Dobda caught flak in the right engine after bombs away. A changed format in the hardback history book, listing individuals rather than crews, made it impossible to infer crew makeup; however, an anonymous contributor at the Savannah reunion provided the names listed above, all of whom are listed in the hardback history as missing. Their ranks and serial numbers come from the hardback history. None is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men."
57357313044PDobda, Michael1/Lt.O816071
57357313044CPSink, Archie A.2/Lt.O814575
SOURCE: MACR 12244, 42-95822. 13 Feb 1945
NOTES: Target: Euskirchen, Germany. 42-95822 direct flak hit on right engine and navigator compartment. The engine caught fire, the aircraft lost speed, peeled to right under control. 1, then 2 parachutes seen. The aircraft then went into a flat spin and then broke in two at the aft bomb bay. 2 more parachutes were seen to emerge from the front section. The crew later stated that the bombardier had got out of nose but couldn't get his parachute from the radio room due to an intense fire that had spread from the bomb bay.
573573000444PDoolittle, James H., Jr.?O429055
SOURCE: Name appears on taxi sheets for various missions. 25 Feb 1944
NOTES: Surname appears as Pilot in one or more Taxi Sheets.
573573000444PDoolittle, James H., Jr.Capt.O429055
SOURCE: SQO-005, 573rd Bombardment Squadron. 18 Mar 1945
NOTES: Doolittle's name appears in the 391BG Mission Records (crew loading lists), but was not listed on the original website. They could appear in one or more website photographs.
573573139452PDuncan, Oliver L.Maj.O406830
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-39243. 21 May 1945
NOTES: Landing accident destroyed by fire at Wattisham/Sta 377.
573573136446PDunn, Edmund B.2/Lt.O690065
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-39348. 11 Apr 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73.
573573132451PEdwards, Atwood L.2/Lt.O719590
573573132451CPHorry, Harold L.2/Lt.O2066537
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35252. 12 Mar 1945
NOTES: Take off accident at Roye/A-73. On 12th March 1945, 2nd Lieutenant Atwood L. Edwards was scheduled to fly a B-26C25 aircraft, AF No. 41-35252, on a combat bombing mission. Edwards started his take-off on runway 10 in the normal procedure. He had reached the speed just under that at which the aircraft becomes airborne, when the tire of the right main gear deflated. He at once cut the throttle and held aircraft straight until right gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to swerve to the right off the runway. After leaving runway the right strut dug into the ground, turning the aircraft 90 degrees and bringing it to a stop. Main gear was wrecked and right wing was buckled. Cause: 100% material failure; aircraft structure. Recommendations: none.
573573030451PEdwards, Atwood L.2/Lt.O719590
573573030451CPHorry, Harold L.2/Lt.O2066537
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES:
573573129448PEdwards, George A., Jr.1/Lt.O689950
573573129448CPRhoda, Merton J.1/Lt.O817528
SOURCE: Accident Report, 44-67840. 16 Jan 1945
NOTES: KCRT at A-73. On 16 January 1945, 1st Lieutenant George A. Edwards took off on a combat mission in a B-26G15 aircraft, AF number for 44-67840, and crashed immediately after take-off. He was scheduled to fly No. 4 position in the high flight of the first box, and took off in the proper order in the formation. Ship carried bomb load of 2 x 2,000 lbs. G. P., fused 1/10 nose and non-delay tail. Take-off, as observed by personnel in the control tower and at other vantage points on the ground, appeared to be normal in every respect. Lieutenant Edwards started his take off run approximately 20 seconds behind the No. 3 ship of his flight and seemed to experience no difficulty in leaving the ground, his ship becoming airborne about two-thirds of the way down the runway. He had attained about 50 feet of altitude and had retracted his landing gear, when his left wing was seen to dip and the ship went into a turn to the left, meanwhile losing altitude rapidly. Examination of the marks left on the ground by the aircraft indicates that the left wing first struck the ground just off the upwind end of the take-off runway. After this first contact, the aircraft remained airborne for approximately 100 yards and then crashed into the ground. Both engines were turned off and the plane broke in two at the point just forward of the top turret. The forward part skidded about 100 yards beyond the engines and the tail section, which remained fairly close together. Personnel arriving immediately after the crash found the forward section on fire. The work of removing personnel from the wreck began at once and all crew members except the pilot had been removed when the bombs, still contained in the bomb bay, exploded. This explosion occurred approximately 10 minutes after the aircraft had crashed. Inspection of the two engine assemblies showed that the left and right engine propellers had lost 3 and 2 blades respectively, the complete blade in each case having been torn in its entirety from the propeller hub. Cause: 100% material failure. The board feels that this accident was the result of either complete or partial failure of the left engine immediately after take-off. Recommendations none. ADDENDUM: Edwards and Coe were pinned in the wreckage and died in the explosion. Although Velthouse escaped from the wreckage, he was killed by the concussion from the bombs. Rhoda and Butler received major injuries, with Franques suffering minor injuries. One of the medics, Pfc. George P. Thomas, was also injured by the explosion.
573573031448PEdwards, George A., Jr.1/Lt.O689950
573573031448CPRhoda, Merton J.2/Lt.O817528
SOURCE: SO-106, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 12 Aug 1944
NOTES: Lt Edwards crashed on takeoff on 01/16/45 in 44-67840. Lt Edwards is buried in the Epinal Cemetery. An unknown source at the 1996 reunion indicated that a bombardier named Butler flew with this crew. Similarly, a source indicated that Velthouse was killed in action; he is not listed in "Return of the Marauder Men. The source order shows a SSgt John A. Richard, 14061167, as a member of this crew; he is shown with an MOS of 509, which I have been unable to identify. It may be that for an enlisted bombardier. The hardback history shows that a TSgt William J. Coe, 13157796, was killed in January, 1945. I had assumed that he was killed on this flight until one of my current golfing buddies told me that his best boyhood friend had gone to B-26's and was killed in a Jeep accident. His friend was TSgt Coe!
57357304043CPEllertson, Wollert R.2/Lt.O692771
57357304043PHolliday, Edward F.2/Lt.O669724
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: According to Rip Collins at the 1996 reunion, Feinberg did not fly over; Collins did, but he then transferred to Armstrong's crew. The airplane for the flight over was 42-95850.
57357300043w.cpEllertson, Wollert R.2/Lt.O692771
SOURCE: MACR 04482, 42-95829. 8 May 1944
NOTES: Co-Pilot - low flight, no.3. Direct FLAK hit in left engine, parts blown off.
573573032451PEllis, Hayden F., Jr.2/Lt.O719595
573573032451CPJones, Frank R.2/Lt.O2061715
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES:
573573033451PEmmert, Autry C.2/Lt.O719598
573573033451CPKendall, George R.2/Lt.O834447
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES:
573573000PFarrell, James J. "Boss"?O793751
SOURCE: Name appears on taxi sheets for various missions. 25 Feb 1944
NOTES: Surname appears as Pilot in one or more Taxi Sheets. Pilot and crew on Detached Service from 322nd Bomb Group, 449th Bomb Squadron whilst training 391st Bomb Group crews on their early combat missions.
57357304344CPFisher, George L.Lt.O2066323
57357304344PKelley, James W.2/Lt.O721775
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This pilot's last name first came from the taxi sheet for the first mission on 03/04/45. Alton Howard and Hugh Walker supplied the rest of the information about the crew. Fisher's serial number comes from Dave Garnham's database. ADDENDUM: Serial numbers and correct forenames for Farrow and Chominski come from SO-104 Par 4.
573573143453PFlorine, Orville M.2/Lt.O687190
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-39590. 25 Jun 1945
NOTES: Crashed belly landing at Vitry/B-50.
573573000449PFrick, Ralph L.2/Lt.O781276
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES:
573573054432CPFuller, Kenneth C.2/Lt.O669698
573573054432PReidelberger, Paul J.2/Lt.O793172
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 2. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES: These crew members flew together on a ferry mission, per the source order. Crew position assumed based upon listing position. I have no way of knowing whether they flew together regularly.
57357300044PGibson, Glen W.O731857
SOURCE: Name from Mission #7 taxi sheet; details from Dave Garnham's database. 2 Mar 1944
NOTES:
573573036452PGonyer, James E.2/Lt.O758986
573573036452CPJones, Richard V.2/Lt.O721108
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES:
573573144449PHagaman, John W., Jr.2/Lt.O797989
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22601. 6 Jul 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Rosieres/B-87.
573573039452PHinds, Robert O.2/Lt.O721083
573573039452CPLong, Vernon C.2/Lt.O721143
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: This pilot's lastname comes from the Coesfeld taxi sheet. I then found a pilot with this last name in the referenced order, and crew members belong to the 391st BG
573573041434PHolliday, Robert L.2/Lt.O683703
573573041434CPRegan, Bernard J.2/Lt.O754196
SOURCE: SO-107, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 19 Apr 1944
NOTES: This crew was transferred from the 572nd Squadron to the 573rd Squadron by Hqs 391st BG SO-80, dated 9 July 1944. The tail number of the aircraft ferried over (42-107597) comes from SO-36, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/05/44. The following are Hap Holliday's recent comments about his incident of 6 Jul 44. "On returning from the mission of the day and putting our gear down for landing, it was noted that the left gear indicated down but not locked. We pulled out of the landing pattern and retracted and lowered the gear a number of times with the same indication showing up on the instrument. Our engineer said as far as he could tell the gear was down and locked. After two low and slow passes over the tower and being observed with binoculars by the tower personnel, they said they could see nothing wrong. The decision was then made that the instrument wasn't working and we would go ahead and land. As the picture shows, the gear was down but not locked. There were no injuries, and aside from a bent-up propeller and a scuffed-up wing tip, there was no other damage. As you may recall our landing gear worked like a knee with an arm extending up from the gear that fitted into a U-shaped bracket. If the arm was in the bracket the knee effect was the reverse of retraction and the gear would then take the load. After the arm was in the bracket, a pin closed the bracket, and the arm could not come out, hence the down and locked condition. It was found that the pin (for some reason) was in position before the arm was in position and so the gear was still in a retraction condition, and under load it folded up just like being retracted. This is one of the few one main gear and nose wheel landings where the plane came out with very little damage and no crew injuries."
57357300044PHollinger, C. W.F/OUNK022
SOURCE: Softback History. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: On 05/25/44, hydraulics shot out; crash landed (41-31890).
573573133452CPHutchings, Arden B.2/Lt.O2065005
573573133452PLentz, Homer W.2/Lt.O2058081
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95820. 12 Mar 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73. On 12th March 1945, 2nd Lieutenant Homer W. Lentz was scheduled to fly a B-26B45, AF No. 42-95820 on a local night transition mission. He received instructions for landing from the tower and then gave his co-pilot permission to land the plane. Because of ground haze he did not turn on the landing lights until in the round-out of the approach. When the lights came on, he saw that they were not lined up with the landing runway; instead of, they were to the right. Pilot gave co-pilot verbal orders to go around, which the co-pilot did not hear. At the same time the pilot retracted the wheels, and the co-pilot proceeded to land the aircraft with wheels partially retracted. Aircraft was completely wrecked due to this action. Cause: 100% pilot error. Poor judgement, in that incorrect decision was made. Recommendations: none.
573573044452CPHutchings, Arden B.2/Lt.O2065005
573573044452PLentz, Homer W.2/Lt.O2058081
SOURCE: SO-23, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 10 Feb 1945
NOTES:
573573050448CPJacobson, Willard J.2/Lt.O713459
573573050448PMosher, William V.2/Lt.O705766
SOURCE: OO-101, NORTH ATL WG, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Par. 3. 23 Jul 1944
NOTES: In 43-34319 on 02/14/45, Lt Mosher had a flat tire on landing, ran off end of runway, and collapsed the nose wheel. Solomon flew as Bombardier with Mosher on Clarion. Mosher flew over in 43-34344.
57357305344CPJames, Warren S.2/Lt.O822016
57357305344PPutnam, Paul M.2/Lt.O700970
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This pilot is listed as a spare on the Ahrweiler taxi sheet. The co-pilot's name comes from the taxi sheet for the mission on 03/04/45. A picture and some details were provided by James's grandson, Alex. The particulars come from Dave Garnham's database. Apparently, the other two crew members were T/Sgt Frank Meriweather, 20458305 and S/Sgt Ike S. Novak, but we do not know the exact crew position for them. NOTE: Zauzig, Meriwether, and Novak are listed on Putnam's crew on SO-104.
57357300044w.cpJames, Warren S.2/Lt.O822016
SOURCE: MACR 09530, 42-107595. 12 Oct 1944
NOTES: Co-Pilot - high flight, no.6. Heavy, intense, accurate flak after turning off bomb run. Peters no.4. Hit by flak. 500 feet below. Left engine smoking. Right engine feathered. Still being hit by flak. Losing altitude rapidly. Peters called Cassidy (Flight Leader) to say they were bailing out. No chutes.
57357300044w.unkJames, Warren S.2/Lt.O822016
SOURCE: MACR 12244, 42-95822. 13 Feb 1945
NOTES:
573573058432CPJenson, Neale O.2/Lt.O693561
573573058432PShaffner, Lawrence H.1/Lt.O793182
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Shaffner's airplane for the flight over was 42-95825, Easy Dog 99, which went down on 12/23/44, flown by Boylan. ADDENDUM: Tusinac's correct ASN has been found in various Orders and Medal Awards.
573573141449PJimenez, James A.2/Lt.O689059
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22667. 20 Jun 1945
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Vitry-en-Artois/B-50.
57357305743CPJones, Jack S. "Righteous"2/Lt.O796829
57357305743PSellers, Lamar, Jr.1/Lt.O793181
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Sellers became the Squadron Operations Officer. Mark F. Hopkins, Jr., 1Lt, 0669047, was Navigator. Edelston reports that he was lead Bombardier on 27 missions. The flight over was in 42-95801, Smokey's Coach. NOTE: Victor's forenames and ASN have since been obtained from GO-105. 573BS History (reel A0644 page 1024) states Jones' nickname was "Righteous".
573573142453PJordan, John D.2/Lt.O836807
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-30411. 24 Jun 1945
NOTES: Take off accident due to engine failure at Vitry/ 7mi NW B-50. ASN and rank from Air Medal Awards, GO 6, Hq, 9th Air Division, 15 May 1945 (Reel B0427 page 1398).
573573000453CPKidd, Donald H.2/Lt.O835215
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: ASN obtained from SO-228 (see Documents / Orders section of this website).
573573046432CPKline, Henry N., Jr.2/Lt.O693686
573573046432PLogan, Robert B.1/Lt.O731613
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: There are two entries for Logan involving different crews. The partial crew above is the one for the flight overseas. Fred Kelley sent me a picture made in May, 1943, of Logan, himself, and other crew members who he identified (see the other entry). The flight over was in 42-95829.
57357300044PLarsen, Kenneth W.2/Lt.O713481
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: The last name Larson comes from the taxi sheet for the second mission on 12/23/44. The taxi sheet for the first mission on 03/04/45 shows a 573rd pilot names Larsen; these must be the same person. It turns out that they are. An e-mail from Todd McGuire (grandson) confirms that Larsen was a pilot in the 573rd.
573573000432PLizerman, Louis J.2/Lt.O731612
SOURCE: SO-10, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 12 Feb 1943
NOTES:
573573103434PLjunggren, Ernest N.Maj.O25232
573573103432CPReidelberger, Paul J.1/Lt.O793172
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31754. 11 Jun 1943
NOTES: Dickey and Reidelberger were killed on 11 June 1943. The aircraft crashed due to engine failure and was then destroyed by fire at Bloomfield, KY. 573BS History (reel A0644 page 898 and 952) states that, on a flight from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to Godman Field, Kentucky, the pilot gave the order to bail out after developing engine trouble over very mountainous country. When the emergency salvo failed to function, Reidelberger entered the bombardier's compartment and opened the bombay doors. He then assisted his companions to make their exit, and again entered the bombardier's compartment and closed the bombay doors. A critically low altitude being reached, Reidelberger elected to remain and assist the pilot. Hardy was seriously injured on landing, fracturing his spine and suffering broken bones. Dickey died later from his injuries. With the left engine on fire, Ljunggren brought the aircraft down in a field. Reidelberger was trapped in his seat, and, while the plane was burning and with ammunition exploding in the wreckage, Ljunggren's repeated attempts to rescue the co-pilot failed. Ljunggren was seriously burned about the head, arms, and legs. Reidelberger was posthumously awarded the DFC. Reel A0644 page 905 states that Ljunggren was 573BS CO at the time and was briefly replaced by Sullens on 5 Oct 1943, who was subsequently replaced by Dooley on 8 Oct 1943.
573573045444PLloyd, Bryan M.Capt.O661510
573573045449CPPeters, Marvin L. W.2/Lt.O2056206
SOURCE: SO-248, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 14 Sep 1944
NOTES: The flight over was in 43-34421. See a separate entry for Lt Peters flying as first pilot. He and Kohn are thus listed twice. Stallings of Shoemaker's crew flew as Lloyd's Bombardier on Clarion. Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lloyd, Stallings, and Henley were lead qualified. Hershel Wilson became co-pilot, replacing Peters, until he upgraded also.
573573047432PLogan, Robert B.1/Lt.O731613
573573047432CPStevens, Robert J.O673244
SOURCE: OO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 21 Apr 1943
NOTES: There are two entries for Logan, as I have two completely different crews for him. The source for this crew is Fred Kelley, who sent me a picture of this crew made in May, 1943, and who provided the names. They were pictured in front of a B-26, which he said was named "The Dog." None of these individuals had been in the database except Logan and Kelley. The fact that these individuals were not in the database does not necessarily mean that they did not go overseas with the Group; I may just not have had a source that identified them. The source for the information on Fred is OO-1, Hqs 391st BG, MacDill Field, 04/21/43, Par 1. Re Lt Lemmon, see entry for Lt Robert Clark as first pilot.
573573000PMarble, Ralph W.?O521712
SOURCE: Name appears on taxi sheets for various missions. 25 Feb 1944
NOTES: Surname appears as Pilot in one or more Taxi Sheets. Pilot and crew on Detached Service from 386th Bomb Group, 552nd Bomb Squadron whilst training 391st Bomb Group crews on their early combat missions.
573573000454w.unkMassoni, Robert J.1/Lt.O782771
SOURCE: MACR 14863, 44-35303. 17 Aug 1945
NOTES:
573573000PMatthews, Seth H., JrO392388
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This name comes from the taxi sheet for the first mission on 03/04/45.
57357315244PMay, Winton L.2/Lt.O762049
573573152CPMichuda, Anton G.2/Lt.O819573
SOURCE: SO-72, Hqs, AAB Barksdale Field, LA, Par. 11. 12 Mar 1944
NOTES: Apart from Doyle, this crew flew their first mission with the 573th Bomb Squadron on 1 August 1944. According to the crew loading lists, Sgt. Woodrow Wilson regularly flew as this crew’s togglier.
57357300044PMcNulty, Mark E.Capt.O726443
SOURCE: Name from Mission #7 taxi sheet; details from Dave Garnham's database. 2 Mar 1944
NOTES:
57357300044PMerrigan, Edward L.1/Lt.O793813
SOURCE: Name from Mission #7 taxi sheet; details from Dave Garnham's database. 2 Mar 1944
NOTES:
573573051449CPMerryman, Victor C.2/Lt.O738213
573573051449PPeters, Marvin L. W.2/Lt.O2056206
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: This crew was made up overseas. Merryman, Bruce, and Robert were assigned to the squadron on the listed order. Per the softback history, Lt Peters, flying as first pilot in 42-107595 on 10/12/44, was seen on single engine with the other engine on fire. The hardback history lists the above crew plus 2Lt Henry D. Gabriel of Lt Channell's crew. None of these people is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men."
573573121449CPMerryman, Victor C.2/Lt.O738213
573573121449PPeters, Marvin L. W.2/Lt.O2056206
SOURCE: MACR 09530, 42-107595. 12 Oct 1944
NOTES: Target: Grevenbroich. Peters was flying high flight, No.4. His aircraft was hit by FLAK whilst on the bomb run. His left engine began smoking and then his right engine failed 10 seconds before bomb release. After the turn away from the target, the formation was subject to heavy, intense, and accurate FLAK. Peters' aircraft lost speed and altitude rapidly, and he called Cassidy (the flight leader) to say that his crew were bailing out.
573573154449CPMerryman, Victor C.2/Lt.O738213
573573154449PWilson, Hershel D.2/Lt.O758669
SOURCE: SO-266, Par. 5; HQ, 70th Replacement Depot - Assignment of crews to various Bomb Groups. 22 Sep 1944
NOTES: As per the order, this tentative crew was assigned to the group on 22 September 1944. The crew loading lists show this crew was split up and flew with various other crews. Most were assigned to the 573rd Bomb Squadron, except for Wegenek, Gould, and Harvey who were assigned to the 572nd.
573573112432PMitchell, Kenneth W.Capt.O731630
5735731124311CPSchiro, Alfred P.2/Lt.O757299
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95804. 29 May 1944
NOTES: Crashed on take off at Stansted/Sta 169. ADDENDUM: Suffered an engine failure on take off for the Orival mission on 29 May 1944. The aircraft flown by Capt. Kenneth W Mitchell, crashed at Mole Hill Green, about 1.5 miles SW of Stansted, Essex. The aircraft took off from runway 03 at Matching Green with 2 x 2,000lb bombs on board. Take-off was normal, but at about 200 feet altitude the right engine cut out, caught again briefly, then completlely cut out. The pilot sounded the alarm bell for a crash landing. Unable to maintain altitude and airspeed, the pilot flew straight ahead, and the co-pilot, Lt. Schiro cut the mixture control and switches for the left engine before the aircraft hit the tops of some trees. The aircraft hit the ground violently at 1130 hours and began to burn before coming to a stop. All the crew escaped before the aircraft exploded four minutes later.
573573000432PMorin, Raymond V.2/Lt.O791721
SOURCE: SO-10, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 12 Feb 1943
NOTES:
573573049451PMorris, William C.2/Lt.O720326
573573049451CPStubblefield, John S.2/Lt.O833622
SOURCE: SO-315, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 8. 10 Nov 1944
NOTES: Dave Morris reports that his father flew over in 44-67906.
573573119447CPMoscovic, Frank P.2/LT.O821061
573573119447PRice, Elma Z.2/LT.O813420
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95797. 25 Aug 1944
NOTES: Target: Brest/Penscorff Coastal Defences. Mid-air collision between stabilizer of lead flight No.4 (42-95802 - Thorn) and left propellor of No.6 (42-95797 - Rice).

The statement by Rice in the accident report states "Returning from a combat sortie on the afternoon of August 25, 1944, number four ship in our lead flight was running low on gas and called up that he was going to leave the formation and land on the Cherbourg Peninsula for gas. I was flying left wing of number four ship, and acknowledged his call. I saw his plane leave the formation to the rear and well below me. I began to pull up on the lead element of the flight. Some time elapsed, when the plane came up from my left and under me. The instant I saw the plane coming up, I immediately try to pull up to avoid a collision but it was impossible.

The plane tore my left wing up a bit, and bent the left propeller, rendering the left engine inoperative. I immediately feathered the prop, and by the time I had the plane under control, I was to the left of course. With the bad wing, I could not hold my altitude. We broke below the overcast at approximately 3000 feet, just off the coast of the German held Island of Jersey, at which time we received intent accurate flak. I immediately tried to turn back to sea, at this time they shot my right engine out. [Peters (bombardier) reported in his statement that the engineer had tried to call Shuler on the interphone, but had not received an answer. Peters also stated that he saw Shuler lying against the skin of the ship, presumably dead or seriously injured.]

We immediately prepared for ditching. We ditched approximately 6 to 8 miles off the southeast coast of Jersey. [Witnesses state that Rice made a beautiful landing on the water. The aircraft floated for 5 to 10 seconds before its nose sank and the its tail rose up, and then it completely sank 5 to 10 seconds later.] After we hit the water, Captain Rutledge circled overhead and dropped a dinghy, and the naval vessel not far away shot a fix on him and got our position. The co-pilot, bombardier, engineer and myself hung on to a one-man dinghy for 1 hour and 20 minutes. We were picked up by a small boat sent out from the US Destroyer escort, and carried back and put on board the escort. My tail gunner bailed out the instant of the collision, and my radio operator was hit by flak at Jersey.

We remained with the escort overnight where we received excellent treatment from the Navy. PT boats picked us up the next morning, August 26, and carried us into Cherbourg, where we were taken to the 298th General Hospital. We were put under their care for a twenty-four hour observation. My bombardier had a dislocated shoulder and it was put back in place by the naval doctor. When we were released by the hospital we went to the Counter Intelligence Corps Headquarters and got orders so we could catch a plane back to England. We arrived in London the afternoon of August 27, and the Intelligence Dept got in touch with our base and transportation was arranged for the trip to our home field."

NOTE: According to his Escape & Evasion report, Hume landed in the sea near the French island of Brehat off the coast of Brittany and was rescued by a French fishing boat. He was then taken to the French mainland, where the FFI took him to a hotel in St. Quay. The FFI later took him to St. Brieuc where he was delivered to Allied Forces. He later returned to England by C-47. The crew loading lists show that Hume never flew with Rice, or any other 391st crew again, so it is likely that he was returned to the US because of his knowledge of some members of the French Resistance forces.

573573055447CPMoscovic, Frank P.2/Lt.O821061
573573055447PRice, Elma Z.2/Lt.O813420
SOURCE: SO-95, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 3. 29 Jul 1944
NOTES: Lt Rice's airplane (42-95797) was involved in a mid-air with Capt Thorn's on 08/25/44. Per the softback history, Lt Rice then received flak from Guernsey Island and had to ditch nearby as a result. A US destroyer picked up the remaining four crewmen. Cpl Shuler is listed on the Wall of the Brittany Cemetery as missing on this date.
573573131448PMosher, William V.2/Lt.O705766
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34319. 14 Feb 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73.
57357300043PMundkowski, Robert L.2/Lt.O735634
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 2. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES:
573573063452CPMurphy, Herbert I.F/OT130440
573573063452PThomas, Clarence H.2/Lt.O681246
SOURCE: SO-23, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 10 Feb 1945
NOTES:
57357300043w.cpParker, George L.1/Lt.O757263
SOURCE: MACR 05127, 42-95943. 28 May 1944
NOTES: CP for Lt. Clark. Box 2, high flight, no.4. Porter's ship hit by FLAK under right wing. Oil coming out of oil cooler shutter. Dropped back and then pulled back into position but came too far to the right forcing us out of position (Porter no.6 ???). Then crossed beneath our flight, losing altitude.
573573000432PPeebles, Harry O.2/Lt.O731650
SOURCE: SO-10, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 12 Feb 1943
NOTES:
573573059449CPPisaruck, William2/Lt.O823947
573573059449PShoemaker, Kenneth E.2/Lt.O699782
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 9. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES: On 10/06/44, Lt Shoemaker belly landed in 42-107841, but the airplane was repairable. In "Return of The Marauder Men" Lt Shoemaker is listed under the Wall of the Missing (Ardennes cemetery) as having been killed on 08/07/46, while still a member of the 391st. This date actually was 6 Aug 45. Per t Shoemaker's grandson, Lt Shoemaker was the pilot of an A-26 C (ser # 322598) which departed Cambrai (A-74) at 1600 hours on 06/08/45 He was reported missing by 2000 hours by personnel at Valley, Wales. The only other person aboard was T/Sgt Frank Repar (#20517670) of Cleveland, who was the Crew Chief. The last communication with the ground was by radio, indicating 28 miles visibility at 5000 feet.
573573101432PPorter, Harry D.2/Lt.O731656
573573101435CPStokes, Milton R.2/Lt.O796906
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31759. 1 Jun 1943
NOTES: Take off accident at Myrtle Beach, SC.
Aircraft hit obstruction light with nose wheel during take off. Upon inspection light was found to be too close to end of runway creating a hazard. Lights have since been moved.
573573000432w.pPorter, Harry D.1/Lt.O731656
SOURCE: MACR 04482, 42-95829. 8 May 1944
NOTES: Pilot - no.4. Direct FLAK hit in left engine.
57357300044PPrince, Alfred W.2/Lt.O718748
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: The last name Printz is listed on the taxi sheet for the second mission on 12/23/44. I suspect that there is a name error involved here, as the taxi sheet for the mission on 01/28/45 shows a pilot named Prince, both in the 573rd. I suspect that these are the same person. The particulars come from Dave Garnham's database, but he does not show Prince's position.
57357300044w.pPutnam, Paul M.2/Lt.O700970
SOURCE: MACR 09530, 42-107595. 12 Oct 1944
NOTES: Pilot - high flight, no.6. Aircraft lagging. Left engine smoking. Right engine feathered. Heavy, intense, accurate flak.
57357300044PReedUNK045
SOURCE: Name appears on taxi sheets for various missions. 25 Feb 1944
NOTES: This name comes from a 573rd flight on the taxi sheet for 03/14/45. Although the 572nd had a pilot named Reed at this time, I doubt that he was filling in in a 573rd flight.
573573000445CPReeves, Marion L.2/Lt.O678322
SOURCE: General Orders No. 141, Par. 1;HQ, Ninth Air Force 18 May 1944
NOTES:
573573146451PRichmond, Manley O.Maj.O401055
573573146458CPSowers, Elbert J.1/Lt.O2058029
SOURCE: MACR 14863, 44-35303. 17 Aug 1945
NOTES: At 06:09, Major Richmond and crew left Marignane, France in A-26C Invader 44-35303 on route to Marrakech. The crew and aircraft were on a ferry mission and returning to the US. At 06:39 after reaching 8,000 feet and levelling off on course the aircraft was seen, by the 2 other aircraft accompanying (#4176 - Massoni and #9560 - MacFarren), to go into vertical dive. Wreckage was later seen floating in the sea south of Marseilles. It was reported that one body was seen floating in the water, and a life raft was dropped. However, when the life raft was later recovered, no survivors were found.
573573000PRidgeway, Robert A.O558548
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This pilot's name comes from taxi sheets for missions 219, 251, and 265.
57357306143CPRooney, Philip M.2/Lt.O757287
57357306143PSloss, William1/Lt.O796895
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES:
573573000442PRutledge, Maurice O.Capt.O724646
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: So far, the crew loading lists show that Rutledge and crew flew 9 missions with the 391BG, with the last being mission #28. It is possible that he had previously served with another group and that he had completed the required number of missions to complete his tour.
573573056448PSchaffron, Joseph L., Jr.2/Lt.O556028
573573056448CPWright, William E.2/Lt.O713678
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: Gil Wojciechowski advises that Basco was transferred to James Doolittle, Jr.'s crew and that Leslie J. Laydon replaced him. I have no record of a pilot named Doolittle, but I have heard that he was in the 391st for a short time. Schaffron flew over in 43-34357.
573573067432CPSchwartz, James P.2/Lt.O669794
573573067432PWilliamson, Charles A.2/Lt.O793213
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 1. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES: These crew members flew together on a ferry mission, per the source order. Crew position assumed based upon listing position . I have no way of knowing whether they flew together regularly.
5735731234411ACCSeck, Robert W.Sgt.18002000
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34319. 29 Nov 1944
NOTES: Ground accident at Roye/Amy (A-73).

1. During the preflight of Airplane Serial #43-34319 by Sgt. Robert W. Seck (Assistant Crew Chief), ASN 18002000, on the morning of 29 November 1944 at 0630: Sgt Seck had completed the preflight inspection with exception of checking the blowers. While in the process of shifting the blowers, Sgt Seck heard a loud report on the left engine. He immediately stopped both engines and got out of the airplane to investigate.

2. He then discovered that the airplane had moved forward during the preflight, and the left propeller had struck a Weapons Carrier "USA #2182513", that had been parked in front of the Airplane during the preflight. The Propeller tips were bent upward approximately 4", necessitating a Propeller change.

3. S/Sgt William M. Goodrich, ASN 32446868, and Cpl. William L. Moore, ASN 36539231, were in the airplane checking the radio equipment at this time, S/Sgt Goodrich being in the radio compartment and Cpl. Moore in the Co-pilot's seat. Due to darkness the men were unable to see outside of the airplane, and none of them realized that the airplane had moved until the accident occurred. It is believed that during the preflight the wheel chocks were blown from under the wheels and Sgt Seck accidently released the left brake while in the process of changing blowers.

57357300044PShanks, Lucian H.2/Lt.O713566
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This pilot is listed on the taxi sheet for the second mission on 12/23/44. The particulars come from Dave Garnham's database, alllthough he does not show Shanks's position..
573573145449PShoemaker, Kenneth E.1/Lt.O699782
SOURCE: MACR 14885, 43-22598. 6 Aug 1945
NOTES: It is assumed Shoemaker crashed landed at sea whilst on ferry mission.
573573000449PSlentz, Henry A.2/Lt.O523923
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: The referenced order gives this officer's name as "Slentz." The taxi sheet for the first mission on 4 Mar 45 shows a first pilot in the 573rd named Lentz. One must question whether the referenced order or the taxi sheet has misspelled his name.
57357300043w.unkSloss, William1/Lt.O796895
SOURCE: MACR 05853, 42-95849. 19 Mar 1944
NOTES:
57357300043w.pSnyder, Richard J.1/Lt.O672240
SOURCE: MACR 04482, 42-95829. 8 May 1944
NOTES: Pilot - low flight, no.3. Adams received direct FLAK hit in left engine. Salvoed bombs. 3 chutes from rear, 2 from bomb bay. Aircraft under control.
5735730004312PStimm, Howard M.1/Lt.O664467
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1943. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: Ed Quillen advised me that this crew was killed at Godman Field. A second co-pilot was aboard; his last name was Dalman. A pilot at the 1996 reunion gave me the first name and two co-pilot's names. 573BS History (reel A0644 page 907) states Dalman and Donnelly were both co-pilots, and that Stimm was checking both out on night flying (see records elsewhere on this website for further details).
573573134448CPStone, Jack C.1/Lt.O715848
573573134448PWalter, Philip S.1/Lt.O704994
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-107806. 21 Mar 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73. On 21 March 1945, 1st Lieutenant Philip S. Walter was flying a B-26C45 aircraft, AF No. 42-107806, on a local night training mission. Lieutenant Walter made normal traffic pattern dropping his wheels while our base leg. He asserts positively, that gear indicator was in down and locked position before landing. He landed ship on runway to 28 approximately 50 yards from end of runway. After rolling approximately 2,500 feet, nose wheel was let down and brakes applied. As brakes were applied, the right main gear collapsed. The right engine and propeller have major damages, the right wing-tip, aileron, wheel-well doors, engine cowling and fuselage were damaged. In view of the fact that the down-lock was not actuated, it could not have engaged the switch which actuates gear indicator, gear indicator could not have possibly shown down and locked for right gear operation. Cause: 100% pilot error, carelessness. Pilot and co-pilot failed to accurately check the gear indicator prior to landing. Recommendations: None.
573573147448CPStone, Jack C.2/Lt.O715848
573573147448PWalter, Philip S.1/Lt.O704994
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34454. 5 Jan 1945
NOTES: Ground looped at Roye/A-73.

On 5th of January 1945 first Lieutenant Walter was flying a B26G10 aircraft, AF number 43-34454 on a combat mission. The mission was recalled 5 minutes before fighter rendezvous. Lieutenant Walter returned to the field in formation and prepared for a normal formation landing. After a normal approach and landing Lieutenant Walter had a blow out of his left main gear tire approximately 100 yards after touchdown. The pilot endeavored to keep the airplane straight and was successful for a short interval; however, the slippery condition of the runway finally caused him to slide off of the left edge. When the aircraft struck the soft soil it spun around and skidded, tearing off the right main gear, breaking the right wing and buckling the fuselage.

Cause: The accident was caused by 100% material failure, i.e. tire blew out.

Recommendations: None.

NOTE: This was a 573BS crew flying a 574BS aircraft.

573573065448CPStone, Jack C.2/Lt.O715848
573573065448PWalter, Philip S.2/Lt.O704994
SOURCE: OO-101, NORTH ATL WG, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Par. 3. 23 Jul 1944
NOTES: Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lt Walter was lead qualified with Lt Muddiman and Lt Peters (formerly of Rice's crew).
573573066451CPSynnestvedt, Huard I.2/Lt.O714753
573573066432PWanstreet, William H., Jr.1/Lt.O731706
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES: I could not identify the enlisted men because of the format of the assignment order. With help from Thompson of Adrian's crew, I was able to identify them by a process of elimination, Interestingly, Wanstreet was assigned to the 575th Sqdn in April, 1943 (see OO-1, Hqs 391st BG, MacDill Field, 04/21/43), but apparently did not arrive in the 573rd until 1945.
573573120432CPThomas, Arthur L.1/Lt.O693957
573573120432PThorn, David H.Capt.O793198
SOURCE: MACR 08058, 42-95802. 25 Aug 1944
NOTES: Target: Brest/Penscorff Coastal Defences. Mid-air collision between stabilizer of lead flight No.4 (42-95802 - Thorn) and left propellor of No.6 (42-95797 - Rice). Thorn lowered landing gear, one man bailed out, then aircraft went into spin. Calvert, who managed to bail out and was picked up by fishermen, stated that Thorn was low on gas and planned to land in Cherbourg and left the formation, but then decided to rejoin the formation and follow them to Cherbourg.
573573064432CPThomas, Arthur L.2/Lt.O693957
573573064432PThorn, David H.1/Lt.O793198
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Capt Thorn, Lt Thomas, and Sgt Annette were killed on 08/25/44 (42-95802) and are buried in the Brittany Cemetery. Their loss resulted from a mid-air with Lt Rice's airplane. Sgt Meyer of Sloss's crew was flying as Engineer Gunner that day with either this crew or Rice's, as he too was killed and is buried in the Brittany Cemetery. Thorn flew over in 42-95822.
573573000432w.unkThorn, David H.Capt.O793198
SOURCE: MACR 05853, 42-95849. 19 Mar 1944
NOTES:
573573000452PTresemer, Richard M.1/Lt.O475397
SOURCE: Name from Mission #251 taxi sheet. 11 Mar 1945
NOTES: Surname appears as Pilot in Taxi Sheet for mission #251. ADDENDUM: Forename, Rank, and ASN obtained from Air Medal Awards, Section II, GO 43, Hq, 9th Bombardment Division, 23 March 1945.
5735731354412PWalmsley, Robert E.O711050
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-39146. 25 Mar 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Perrone/A-73.
573573138448PWalter, Philip S.Capt.O704994
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22645. 4 May 1945
NOTES: Ground accident at Maastricht-Beek (Y-44).

On May 4 1945, Capt Philip S. Walter, flying A-26C25 type aircraft A.F. #43-22645, landed away from base at Station Y-44. After taking off from Y-44 and returning to base, Capt Walter found that the tips of his ship's left propeller blades had been damaged. Flight characteristics had been normal on return trip and Capt Walter had been unaware of his propeller striking any obstruction.

Upon return to Y-44 to ascertain the cause of damage, Capt Walter found a loose section of Hessian matting in the hardstand in which he had been parked. The matting showed a two-foot cut which was evidently caused by a turning propeller. The ground beneath the matting was soft enough to allow the plane's weight to depress the center of the section, thereby elevating its edge to a height which would allow it to be sucked into a rapidly revolving propeller.

Immediate Cause: Left propeller struck Hessian Matting.
Underlying Cause: Loose section of Hessian Matting was drawn into path of revolving propeller by propeller suction when engines were run up.
Responsibility: 100% Airport Terrain.
Recommendations: None.

573573000448PWalter, Philip S.Lt.O704994
SOURCE: Softback History. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: ADDENDUM: The original website stated "On 01/05/45, Lt Walter crashed on landing in 43-34454 when a tire blew." and that the pilot was R. W. Walter of the 574th Bomb Squadron. The source was the 391BG Softback History. However, the accident report and information from Paul Clouting state that 43-34454 crashed on landing at A-73, Roye/Amy on 5 January 1945 when a tyre blew out, and the aircraft ground looped. The aircraft, flown by 2nd Lt. Phillip S. Walter and crew, suffered Cat.4 damage and was salvaged. The final entry on the aircraft record card lists, GLUE 9AF CON SAL NBD on 6/1/45. Details of this crash are available elsewhere on this website.
573573000432PWanstreet, William H., Jr.1/Lt.O731706
SOURCE: OO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 21 Apr 1943
NOTES: I could not identify the enlisted men because of the format of the assignment order. With help from Thompson of Adrian's crew, I was able to identify them by a process of elimination, Interestingly, Wanstreet was assigned to the 575th Sqdn in April, 1943 (see OO-1, Hqs 391st BG, MacDill Field, 04/21/43), but apparently did not arrive in the 573rd until 1945.
573573000444w.cpWilson, Gilbert E.F/OT1788
SOURCE: MACR 05547, 42-95850. 28 May 1944
NOTES: Co-Pilot - same flight as Goodson. Smoke coming from oil cooler. Right wheel well aflame.
573573000449PWilson, Hershel D.2/Lt.O758669
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: Lt Wilson's crew was made up overseas. On 03/25/45, in 42-107841, Lt Wilson crash landed because of severe flak damage; the aircraft was totalled.
573573140449PWilson, Hershel D.2/Lt.O758669
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-30411. 17 Jun 1945
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Vitry-en-Artois/B-50.
573573000449PWinegar, Dan P.2/Lt.O768360
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: The referenced order assigned individuals; all pilots were 1082's, so I cannot tell whether Winegar was a 1st or 2nd pilot.
57357300044PYouse, William H.1/Lt.O667630
SOURCE: Name from Mission #31 taxi sheet; details from Dave Garnham's database. 22 Apr 1944
NOTES: