CREW LISTING

574th BOMB SQUADRON

ROLE: FLIGHT ENGINEER

INDIVIDUAL & NON-INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS


Assigned
Squadron Crew Year Month Role Name Rank Serial
574574008439FEBailey, Charley M.Sgt.19096495
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Carson flew over in 42-95852, Mad Bull.
574574145444EGBarnett, Ellis B.Sgt.35285927
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-18081. 5 Apr 1944
NOTES: The pilot overshot, landing about one third the way down the runway. This resulted in his running off the end of runway 04. After leaving the hard surface, the pilot made a 180 degree turn without stopping and in coming back onto the runway the right propeller struck a stone marker.
The committee finds pilot error in landing technique, responsible for the accident.
NOTE: This accident occurred at RAF Toome Bridge, Northern Ireland (a replacement crew training center) before this crew (except Christopher) were assigned to the 574th Bomb Squadron.
574574000444w.ttBarnett, Ellis B.S/Sgt.35285927
SOURCE: MACR 09831, 42-95842. 28 Jul 1944
NOTES: Top Turret Gunner - Box 2, low flight no.5. Janssen (575BS), low flight, no.2. NB Role assumed to be FE.
574574024439FEBasco, Orin S.Sgt.18134960
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: The flight over was in 42-95798.
574574005449FEBendickson, Warren E.Cpl.36417120
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 10. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES: Capt Brown was shot down on 12/23/44 in 42-95865 (Sky Hag). Lts Bishop and Estrem are buried in the Luxembourg Cemetery. Apparently, Sgt Rudyard L. Courtenay and Sgt Robert L. Vidler replaced Gagne and Bendickson on this mission (hardback history). According to the softback history, a Lt Brown hit a powerline on takeoff on 10/05/44. As the squadrons are the same, I assume that these are one individual.
57457405943FEBooth, Looie G.S/Sgt.39231832
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Crash landed at New Romney on 03/18/44 in 42-95837, the same airplane as flown over.
574574127451FEBrown, John T.Sgt.16030541
SOURCE: Accident Report, 44-67871. 16 Jan 1945
NOTES: Take off accident at Roye/A-73. On 16th January 1945, Captain William E. Fields taxied a B-26G15 aircraft, AF No. 44-67871 to the east end of runway 28 in preparation for take-off on a combat mission. He was scheduled to fly number No. 2 position in the low flight of the second box. Captain Fields started his take-off run at the proper interval behind the leader of his flight. After he had proceeded down the runway approximately 1000 feet, his ship was observed to strike a snow bank which lay at the left edge of the runway and to continue through this bank, leaving the runway and collapsing the nose wheel. Investigation showed that the nose wheel down-lock had been sheared off probably by the impact of the wheel against the snowbank. Cause: Failure of the pilot to correctly align his aircraft straight down the runway by the use of throttles or brakes, resulted in plane striking snow bank at end of runway, breaking loose the down-lock and collapsing the nose wheel. Tire tracks from the aircraft indicates that the plane did not slip or swerve but continued along a straight line towards the runway edge. Responsibility: 100% pilot error. Recommendations: The board recommends that Captain Fields be given transition flights at every available opportunity and that he be given a check ride by competent personnel to determine whether or not he is capable of continuing his duties as first pilot. This recommendation is made in view of the fact that Captain Fields has flown, as first pilot, only 11 hours since his assignment to this group.
574574017451FEBrown, John T.Sgt.16030541
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES:
574574016444FEByrne, Thomas W.S/Sgt.32296055
SOURCE: SO-58, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 5. 27 May 1944
NOTES: The tail number of the aircraft ferried over (42-107606) comes from SO-37, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/06/44.
574574000444w.wgByrne, Thomas W.S/Sgt.32296055
SOURCE: MACR 07795, 42-95851. 7 Aug 1944
NOTES: Waist Gunner - low flight, no.2.
574574043444FECampbell, Frederick L.S/Sgt.33362523
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: The tail number of the aircraft ferried over (42-107632) comes from SO-37, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/06/44.
574574058444FECampbell, Harry M.S/Sgt.13153106
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES:
574574000432FEChatfield, Trevor V., Jr.S/Sgt.14067521
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
5745740004412w.ttChristensen, Fred J.Cpl.36753900
SOURCE: MACR 11677, 42-95818. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Top Turret Gunner - Box 1, low flight, no.5. 12 enemy aircraft attacked and 42-95818 (No.6) was hit in left engine. The engine burst into flames and the aircraft began to lose altitude. Christensen's role is a guess. NB Role assumed to be FE.
574574022446FECitro, Samuel A.Sgt.12164796
SOURCE: SO-157, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 9. 5 Jun 1944
NOTES: Per OO-2, Hqs 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lt Hillier was lead qualified with Lt Edward H. Hesse, Jr., 1Lt, 0669291, (who arrived in Sep 44) as Bombardier and 2Lt Gilbert A. Luhman, 0718115, (no other information) as Navigator. Hillier flew over in 43-34132.
574574125448FEDean, Milton L., Jr.S/Sgt.38389353
SOURCE: MACR 11677, 42-95818. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 42-95818 was flying box 1, low flight, No.6. 12 enemy aircraft attacked and 42-95818 was hit in left engine. The engine burst into flames and the aircraft began to lose altitude. The witness Christensen's role is not stated in the report and so is a guess.
574574046449FEDeja, Thomas L.S/Sgt.19059151
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: Two letters of the Armorer Gunner's name are unreadable on my copy of the referenced order. Per softback history, Lt Proctor landed in 43-34177 on 02/23/45 at A-78 with a fuel leak. While waiting to be towed off runway, was hit by a P-47, totalling both aircraft. NOTE: unreadable surname identified as Caccamo from SO-75.
574574057451FEElliott, Andrew J.Cpl.38470641
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES: Lt Warrington's plane, 44-67914, was hit by flak on 01/25/45 and burst into flames during second run on target. F/O Ransom and Cpl Williams are buried in the Netherlands
574574128451FEElliott, Andrew J.Sgt.38470641
SOURCE: MACR 12203, 44-67914. 25 Jan 1945
NOTES: Target: Euskirchen, Germany. 44-67914 was flying box 2, high flight, No.5. Two bomb runs were made on the target. The aircraft was hit by FLAK and a hole the size of a turret appeared in the top of front bomb bay. Flames were coming out of the hole and the aircraft made a shallow turn to left under No.4. It then began spiralling towards the ground with pieces of aircraft flying off until it hit the ground. Ransom (the Bombardier in the nose) did not respond to bail out order, so he may have been wounded or unconscious. Williams was either killed when aircraft exploded or his parachute may have caught fire.
574574036432FEFasone, Samuel R.S/Sgt.33118697
SOURCE: SO-60, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 29 May 1943
NOTES: Per the source order, these individuals were killed, apparently in an aircraft accident. I have assumed the officers' crew positions, based upon the order in which they are listed. The order lists the Summary Courts Officers, not all of whom are in the database, but I have no way of knowing whether they were on crew status.
574574102432FEFasone, Samuel R.S/Sgt.33118697
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31762. 29 May 1943
NOTES: This crew were killed in a crash landing at MacDill Field, FL.
574574053451FEFayle, Clifford H.Sgt.11038008
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES:
574574045451FEFeldman, MarvinPvt.32979204
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574103435EGFlaherty, Coleman F.S/Sgt.13060924
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-17670. 8 Jun 1943
NOTES: Belly landing at Shaw Field, SC.
The Accident Committee report states "This Field was notified about 00:30 that a B-26B at Myrtle Beach could not get his left landing gear down and would proceed to Shaw Field to make a belly landing. Instructions from Myrtle Beach tower were that all crew members were to use parachute except co-pilot, who could either stay with the ship or jump. He decided to stay with the ship. All crew members jumped successfully and the pilot and co-pilot proceeded to land the air plane on the belly with wheels up. It is the consensus of opinion of the Accident Classification Committee that malfunctioning of landing gear was the cause of the accident. This is substantiated by statement of the Sub-Depot after inspection of the landing gear."
574574101435EGFlaherty, Coleman F.S/Sgt.13060924
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31751. 14 May 1943
NOTES: Landing accident at MacDill Field, FL.
The pilot made a normal approach and lowered his landing gear at 1500 feet at an indicated airspeed of 160 MPH. The pilot flew the ship on in and made a normal landing on runway nine. As the ship rolled down the runway and its speed decreased the left gear gave way allowing the left prop to dig into the concrete runway. The increased weight and strain also caused the right gear to fold but the ship had lost its speed and was stopped on the left nacelle doors and belly before the right prop struck the ground.
Investigation brought out the fact the gear mechanisms were functioning normally and hydraulic pressure was normal. The co-pilot dropped the gear and witnesses felt the increased drag as the gear came down. However, the co-pilot and engineer were not certain the gear was down, and locked. They both checked the indicator but were not satisified due to poor visibility. The co-pilot asked the pilot to check the gear indicator but since he was busy landing the ship he didn't check it carefully. The result being the gear was not down and locked which caused the accident. Both the pilot and co-pilot should assume the responsibility of this accident as neither of them made certain the indicator said "wheels down and locked".
Recommendations : That pilot and co-pilot ascertain definitely if gear is down and locked before landing this model of B-26. Also it is my opinion and recommendation some warning signal should be installed on this model to further assist the pilots in ascertaining whether or not the airplane is ready to land.
57457405644EGFowler, JesseSgt.12134197
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Per the softback history, Lt Talton crashed on takeoff on 10/05/44 in 42-95873. All were killed. The other names come from the hardback history (serial numbers were not given), and their crew positions are assumed from the order listed. While I do not like to make such assumptions, doing this gets the individuals' names into the database so that they can be searched for. Of the above, only Sgt Zobel is buried in Europe, in the Epinal Cemetery, although Sgt Shuler is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men" on the Wall of the Missing, but his date of death is given as 08/25/44, which does not agree with the date of this crash. Talton flew over as a passenger with Hanish of the 575th, per SO-345, Hqs AAB, Godman Field, dated 12/24/43.
ADDENDUM: Shuler was killed whilst flying with Rice's crew (573BS), whose aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision with Thorn's aircraft on 25 August 1944. Collison was the AG listed in the MACR - see crew #574114 for details.
57457411444EGFowler, JesseSgt.12134197
SOURCE: MACR 15281, 42-95873. 5 Oct 1944
NOTES: Killed in take-off crash in 42-95873 at Roye Amy/A-73.
57457400944FEFrazier, Richard F.S/Sgt.35343654
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Chism and Del Oliver's names come from the Ahrweiler mission taxi sheet. They were flying 42-95927, Pops Wagon. At the Savannah reunion an anonymous contributor supplied the remaining names and indicated that Loesch was co-pilot on the Ahrweiler mission. Loegering was credited with shooting down 5 German fighters on this mission. Chism and Dixon's serial numbers comes from Dave Garnham's database. ADDENDUM: Kash's (AKA Cash) rank and serial number were found in the Medal Awards sections of the 391BG mission records.
57457400044w.tgFrazier, Richard F.S/Sgt.35343654
SOURCE: MACR 11669, 42-107597. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Tail Gunner - Box 2, low flight, no.1. Enemy aircraft attacked on bomb run. 42-107597 no.5 on fire. Lost altitude. Both wings burning.
57457400044w.unkFrazier, Richard F.S/Sgt.35343654
SOURCE: MACR 11672, 43-34361. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES:
574574047451FEGeislar, George G.Cpl.17011803
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: Maj Richmond and SSgt John K. Gross, 37316654, (on whom I have no other information) are listed in "Return..." as having died on 17 Aug 45 and are buried in the Rhone Cemetery. Clyde Kirkbride advises that they crashed into the Mediterranean on the first leg of their flight home and that there were no survivors. No other casualties are listed in "Return...", however. They must have been in an A-26, as one would expect that a B-26 ferry crew would have included a pilot, co-pilot, navigator, flight engineer, and radio operator. 391st SO-23 also contains this crew listing.
574574000432FEGernhardt, Roger M.S/Sgt.16045273
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574060451FEHartmann, Frederick M.Cpl.32886565
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574030451FEHendricks, John W.Cpl.37520324
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574013451FEHering, Edgar H.Cpl.36485209
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574011453FEHerrin, Leslie E.Sgt.38471726
SOURCE: SO-41, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 14 Mar 1945
NOTES: 43-22652 was an A-26 aircraft. ADDENDUM: Herrin's ASN of O8471726 and rank of 1/Lt. on original website is incorrect. ASN and rank from Air Medal Awards, GO 6, Hq, 9th Air Division, 15 May 1945 (Reel B0427 page 1399).
574574106435FEHey, Charles H., Jr.Sgt.33225486
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35054. 8 Oct 1943
NOTES: All crew except Watkinson and Woessner were killed in aircraft 41-35054 on 8 October 1943 when it crashed 4 mile NE of Mac Dill Field, FL after an engine failure and entering an uncontrollable spin. 574BS History (reel A0644 page 1067) states that Watkinson received a fracture of the left leg and internal injuries. Woessner received a leg fracture, neck injury, and internal injuries. Hardwick died two days later from his injuries. Dailey was from the armament section riding as passenger. In his account of the crash, Watkinson stated that the left engine failed shortly after take off from MacDill, but, after the engine was feathered and the aircraft trimmed accordingly, the aircraft was maintaining 140 MPH and climbing very, very slowly. Intending to land at Peter O'Knight airfield, he made a turn into the dead engine. He misjudged the turn and, after turning back to the right, the aircraft lost airspeed and he was forced to ditch in Tampa Bay. The tail section behind the top turret broke off after it hit the water and the rest of the aircraft flipped onto its back. Only Watkinson and Woessner managed to escape from the submerged aircraft and clambered aboard the aircraft's life-raft. They were picked up by a rescue boat shortly after. Watkinson states that the crew was not braced for a crash landing, and this could account for the casualties. He says that, in future, his crews will know crash landing procedures. When the aircraft was salvaged, the landing gear was found to be down and locked. The accident committee concluded that this was the cause of the accident, but Watkinson and Woessner both state the gear was up before ditching !
574574006432FEHicks, James P.S/Sgt.35350769
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Capt Bush was the B-Flight leader. His aircraft for the flight over was 42-95832, The Huntress. The aircraft name and that of Wilson were supplied by someone at the 1996 reunion. Fred Bush later confirmed these and added Hay's name. As was typically the case in the original flight over, the Bombardiers and Armorer Gunners went over by ship; thus, Hay and Wilson did not fly over and were not included on the referenced order, which explains not having Wilson's serial number. ADDENDUM: Wilson's serial number, forenames, and rank have since been obtained from the Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists of the 391BG Mission Records.
574574026453FEHopson, Othel A.Cpl.39131086
SOURCE: SO-41, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 14 Mar 1945
NOTES: 43-22649 was an A-26 aircraft.
574574000453w.tgHopson, Othel A.Sgt.39131086
SOURCE: MACR 13671, 44-67929. 3 Apr 1945
NOTES: Tail Gunner - #583. Box 1, high flight, no.4. Hameln, Germany. #929K no.5. Joined formation, flew for 1 hour. Climbing steeply, left engine smoking, fell back, disappeared after flying through colud.
574574134449FEHosking, William H.S/Sgt.36592721
SOURCE: Accident Report, 44-67920. 3 Mar 1945
NOTES: Take off accident at Roye/A-73. On 3 March 1945, 1st Lieutenant Guy F. Henage was scheduled to take off on a combat bombing mission in a B-26G15 aircraft, AF No. 44-67920, his position in formation was No. 2, high flight, first box. Lieutenant Henage began his take off run on runway 050, in proper order in formation and at normal interval behind the ship preceding him. Take-off run was made on left side of runway, the preceding ship having taken off on the right hand side, wind was 90 degrees cross-wind from the left, velocity about 12 miles per hour. After rolling more than 3/4 the length of the runway, ship became airborne, was observed to swerve towards its left and then to crash, with wheels retracted, off the end of and to the left of the runway. Aircraft is complete wreck as result of this accident. Lieutenant Henage stated that, just at point of becoming airborne, his ship showed the strong and continued tendency to swerve to the left, which rapidly became uncontrollable and thus necessitated his cutting power and crash landing the aircraft. Co-pilot and engineer stated upon questioning, that they observed a drop in RPM and manifold pressure. They both agreed with the pilot that there was a definite and severe loss of power on the left engine. Cause: 100% material failure. The board feels that this accident occurred as a direct result of either partial or complete loss of power on the left engine. Statements of pilot, co-pilot and engineer; the behavior of the ship as observed from the ground; and the impossibility of strong prop-wash having been encountered due to the relative position of ships with respect to surface wind are believed to constitute sufficient weight of evidence to support this conclusion. Recommendations none.
574574021449FEHosking, William H.Sgt.36592721
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: On 03/03/45, Lt Henage crashed on takeoff, wrecking 44-67920.
574574050453FEHudaski, JohnCpl.36597012
SOURCE: SO-41, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 14 Mar 1945
NOTES: 43-22643 was an A-26 aircraft. ADDENDUM: Sanders and Hudaski flew A-26C 43-22643 to the ETO. This aircraft was assigned to the 573rd Bomb Squadron, coded T6-B, and was flown on 9 combat missions.
574574000432FEInsalaco, Stephen J.S/Sgt.31144500
SOURCE: OO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 21 Apr 1943
NOTES:
57457400043FEJamicich, FrankCpl.19106687
SOURCE: OO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 21 Apr 1943
NOTES: This individual was possibly Ground Crew - role currently unknown. ASN confirmed from Bronze Star Awards, GO 188, Hq, IX Bomber Command, 22 September 1944.
574574015451FEJohnson, Denzil R.Cpl.17110651
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES: A spare, piloted by Ehrhardt, is shown on the taxi sheet for 6 Mar 45. I suspect that this is a spelling error.
574574104432FEKalbach, Carl R.S/Sgt.13047715
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31740. 25 Jun 1943
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Myrtle Beach, SC.
Pilot was being checked out as first pilot on this type aircraft. This was the first time he was flying ship from left side of cockpit and was taxiing on taxiway during local rain shower prior to take off.
In the opinion of this committee, the accident was caused by the combination of inexperience of the pilot, wet taxiway, and smooth tires.
RECOMMENDATIONS : Recommend that in the future pilots be checked out in aircraft during better weather conditions, and that they be given aircraft which are as mechanically perfect as possible.
NOTE: The aircraft slid into a ditch; damaging the nose, propellors, and requiring major repairs.
574574000432FEKalbach, Carl R.S/Sgt.13047715
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574000449FEKerulis, John P.T/Sgt.6917062
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 3. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES:
574574146449EGKerulis, John P.T/Sgt.6917062
SOURCE: SO-266, Par. 5; HQ, 70th Replacement Depot - Assignment of crews to various Bomb Groups. 22 Sep 1944
NOTES: Apart from Hartwell, this crew flew their first mission with the 574th Bomb Squadron on 7 October 1944. According to the crew loading lists, Sgt. Dale E. McDonald flew as this crew’s Armorer/Gunner. Hartwell flew as togglier with a number of 573rd Bomb Squadron crews.
57457400743FEKoleszarik, Stephen A.Sgt.13030228
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: According to the hardback history, Lt Elrod was killed in May, 1944, but the day is not stated, and the crew personnel have not been determined. On 08/07/44 Lt Callison's plane (42-95851) was badly damaged by flak. Per the hardback history the crew substitutions were as follows: 2Lt Rugg, formerly of Shofner's crew; SSgt Howard F. Simones; and SSgt Acle B. Caywood. Lt Rugg was killed and is buried in the Normandy Cemetery. Callison flew over in the same aircraft, 42-95851.
57457411243FEKoleszarik, Stephen A.S/Sgt.13030228
SOURCE: MACR 07795, 42-95851. 7 Aug 1944
NOTES: Target: Nogent Le Roi Bridge, France. 42-95851 was hit by FLAK in left wing, went into a spin, and crashed near Conde Sur N? (south of Caen), France.
574574012449FEKowalski, Joseph W.Pvt.16004803
SOURCE: SO-124, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 6. 21 Sep 1944
NOTES: Lt Detjens' plane (41-35010, Snakes Revenge) was shot down on 23 Dec 44. From the hardback history it appears that the above crew was the mission crew that day except that 2Lt Joseph M. Blair replaced Lt Osterberg. Lt Detjens is listed on the Wall of the Missing in the Luxembourg Cemetery. Lts Kaye and Blair are buried there.
574574124449FEKowalski, Joseph W.S/Sgt.16004803
SOURCE: MACR 11674, 41-35010. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 41-35010 was flying in box 2, low flight, No.2. Enemy aircraft attacked from the right and 41-35010 received most of the fire and dropped out of formation. The gunners in the rear of the aircraft state that the aircraft went into a steep dive and seemed to be out of control, suggesting that the pilot and co-pilot may have been seriously injured by the fighter attack. Kowalski was seriously injured in the TT. Only Kowalski and Potocnik managed to bail out, Miller being pinned in the tail by the force of the rapid descent before the aircraft crashed.
574574049431FEKromm, Delbert C.S/Sgt.16038746
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Capt (by then) Salmon became the Squadron Operations Officer after the Ahrweiler mission. The flight over was in 42-95833, Zombie. Hollis is shown as a first pilot on the Mission #4 taxi sheet.
57457405443FELelokas, John B.Sgt.13056556
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: According to the referenced order, a second radio-gunner flew overseas with this crew; Brightman, Bernard (NMI), 12039047. From OO-28, Hqs Sta #11, Caribbean Wing ATC, Morrison Field, 5 Jan 44, Talton is shown as co-pilot. The flight over was in 42-95840, Sam Cran. A list of accidents shows this aircraft as crash landing on 05/28/44 and becoming Cat E, but a pilot's name is not given.
57457410843FELittle, Joseph R.S/Sgt.11038778
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-34799. 14 Dec 1943
NOTES: Taxiing accident at Jacksonville AAF, FL.
On the night of 14 December 1943, at approximately 1845 EWT?, a B-26 piloted by 2nd Lt Peter Metelsky collided with a parked B-25 airplane on the transient hanger [sic] line. Bad weather further south of the terminal and heavy traffic resulted in Jacksonville. Lack of personnel prevented the line crew form [sic] guarding each tip of parked and taxiing planes.
It is evident that the pilot saw the B-25 parked on the line as he states that he did not think he was that close. It is the opinion of the committee that the subject pilot was taxiing too fast and that uncertain as to the exact position of other aircraft should have stopped before taxiing on.
The parked B-25 42-87303 from Hunter Field, GA, sustained damage to left rudder, right rudder, left vertical stabilizer, left elevator, horizontal stabilizer, and the rear turret.
The left wing tip and aileron of 41-34799 were damaged in the collision.
Metelsky states that he was tired after flying thru clouds in formation, and that the lights on the hangar were blinding him. He was in transit from Godman Field, Fort Knox, KY, to Myrtle Beach Bombing Range, SC, for the purpose of obtaining gunnery practice.
57457400143FELittle, Joseph R.S/Sgt.11038778
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: An anonymous contributor at the 1996 reunion, whose writing I could not be sure of, supplied the navigator, bombardier, and tail gunner's names, and the airplane name, Sleepy Time Gal, 42-95838 . He also indicated that Max Hawkes became the RG. Hawkes was formerly on the crew of Lloyd Stanfield. Only the P, CP, FE, and RG flew over. A list of airplane incidents gives the airplane name as Calamity Lou. Kershaw's particulars come from SO-7, HQS 391ST BG, Par. 3, 2/7/43. Both Flake and Holdridge are shown also with Shofner.
ADDENDUM: Aldous and crew were assigned to the 1st Pathfinder Squadron shortly after the 391st arrived in England. Aldous's 1PFS aircraft (an ex-344BG aircraft 42-107583) was named "Sleepy Time Gal". Therefore, it is possible that Aldous flew 42-95838 to to England, but it was not this aircraft that was named "Sleepy Time Gal".
57457414443EGLittle, Joseph R.S/Sgt.11038778
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.
574574000432FEMagalski, Edward E.S/Sgt.33057256
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 2. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES: SO-7, 2/7/43, shows that Magalski was in the group in February.
574574107431EGMcDowell, Charles H.S/SGT.20756301
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35219. 8 Nov 1943
NOTES: Gunnery accident at Myrtle Beach Bombing Range, SC.
On November 8, 1943, while the 574th Bomb-Sq was on gunnery practice at Myrtle Beach, S.C, the top turret gunner, S/Sgt C. H. McDowell, 20756301, 575th Bomb Sq, in ship 41-35219, was tracing the tow target after making several bursts. As the stabilizer came into the line of fire the left gun discharged causing damage to the stabilizer and elevator. The cartridge had been discharged by the firing pin but had apparently been "cooked off". The gun stops were in operation. Ship is being repaired in Squadron.

According to the "Flight Report - Operations" document within the Accident Report, Alexander, Donnelly, Smutsky, McDowell, Sgt. H. Sontag (Alexander's regular AG) and Sgt. A. J. Mohler (duty code annotated W) flew this aircraft from 13:25 to 14:25 on the day of the accident, but without Van Scott. Van Scott (duty code annotated W) flew with the Bird crew earlier the same day. This appears to contradict the crew listing given in the Form No. 14 Accident Report which also gives the time of the accident as 14:00 EWT !
574574129449FEMcNamara, George P.S/Sgt.39103681
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95931. 27 Jan 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73. On 27th of January 1945, 1st Lieutenant Richard B. Spangler was flying a B-26B50 aircraft, AF number 42-95931, on a local training mission for the purpose of formation practice. Aircraft was loaded with 2 x 2000 lb GP bombs. Upon completing his mission, Lieutenant Spangler returned to base and made a normal landing on runway 100, touching down in the first quarter of the runway and slightly right of centre. Approximately 200 yards beyond the touchdown point, the plane ran off the right side of the runway, going through a deep bank of snow at the runway edge. Impact with this snow bank tore off the right main gear and the nose gear. The plane continued sliding for about 50 yards, collapsing the left main gear and turning through almost 180 degrees. Aircraft is total loss as result of this accident. Examination of tire tracks indicates that accident was due to deflated right main wheel tire. Track made by right tire was almost twice as wide as that made by normally inflated tire. tire was found to be deflated immediately after accident, with no apparent break in casing. Subsequent inspection revealed valve stem to be sheared in two within the casing. Calls: 100% material failure. Plane landed with deflated right main wheel tire, causing aircraft to leave runway. Recommendations: None.
574574000449FEMcNamara, George P.S/Sgt.39103681
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 3. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES:
57457403243FEMercer, George B.Sgt.31198026
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Capt Benjamin F. Schoenfeld, 0407125, a pilot, flew overseas with Capt Loesch in 42-95839. Zimmer's name was supplied by someone at the 1996 reunion. Someone else listed Albert Arena as bombardier. I do not know who Loesch's original bombardier was. Metelsky was first pilot qualified, as he is shown on the taxi sheet for Mission #88. Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, by then Lt Col Loesch was lead qualified with Lt Hesse (listed with Lt Hillier) as Bombardier and 1Lt Bernard C. Kinnan, 0807236, (not otherwise identified) as Navigator.
574574051449FEMilashoski, Raphael K.Cpl.16074877
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 10. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES: Sherwood states that Reid became his RG in the 391st, but he cannot remember his first name.
574574000449w.tgMilashoski, Raphael K.S/Sgt.16074877
SOURCE: MACR 12606, 44-67820. 24 Feb 1945
NOTES: Tail Gunner - leading element of 3 ships. Aircraft 820-U left engine burst into flames. Fire spread to both engines. Waist gun jettisoned, 1 chute. 2 more chutes. Bombs salvoed. Aircraft exploded.
57457405243FEMiller, Leslie R.S/Sgt.33180010
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Lt Shofner was a flight leader. On 05/27/44 flak knocked out the right engine (42-95827); control maintained. The hardback history lists the mission crew as 2Lt Bernard (NMI) Davidson, CP; 1Lt Stephen J. Sivak, N; and Sgt Paul J. Wilson, AG (of Bush's crew and also listed there) in addition to Shofner, Miller and Holdridge. I infer that Flake was not on this mission with this crew. The softback history states that there were four survivors; Dave Garnham advises that Davidson and Wilson were killed. At some point, Flake was assigned to Aldous's crew. Lt Rugg was killed on 7 Aug 44 and is buried in the Normandy Cemetery. In SO-127, Hqs 391st BG, 9/1/43, Miller's serial number is given as 35180010. Shofner flew over in 42-95800. Both Flake and Holdridge are shown also with Aldous.
57457411043FEMiller, Leslie R.S/Sgt.33180010
SOURCE: MACR 05131, 42-95827. 27 May 1944
NOTES: target: Maisons-Lafitte RR Bridge, France. Holdridge was hospitalized with fractured ankles. Crew captured.
574574000452FENichols, William G.Sgt.32941921
SOURCE: SO-104, 9th Bombardment Div, Par. 3. 15 Apr 1945
NOTES: Per SO-104 - transferred to 397th Bomb Group.
574574147452EGNichols, William G.Cpl.32941921
SOURCE: Special Orders No. 318, HQ, Lake Charles AAF, Par.1,2,3. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: This order lists the crew. Crew members assigned to the 574th Bomb Squadron as per SO-18, HQ, 391 Bomb Group, 2 February 1945.
574574031449FEOliphant, Clare H., Jr.Cpl.19194669
SOURCE: SO-248, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 14 Sep 1944
NOTES: Lt Lesmeister was shot down on 12/23/44 in 42-107597 and was last seen with both wings blazing (softback history). From the hardback history, it appears that his regular crew was aboard, but none listed here is shown as a casualty in "Return of the Marauder Men."
574574120449FEOliphant, Clare H., Jr.S/Sgt.19194669
SOURCE: MACR 11669, 42-107597. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Stephenson (tail gunner) was firing at an enemy fighter attacking from the rear. It is assumed that he either killed or injured the enemy pilot as there was a collision. The enemy fighter sliced off the rear turret leaving a gaping hole and killing Stephenson. The fighter lost a wing and went down. All crew bailed out and survived, becoming POW.
574574034444FEPeebles, Harold W.Sgt.39550509
SOURCE: SO-58, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 5. 27 May 1944
NOTES: On 12/05/44, Lt Lowe crash landed in #42-107815 after running out of fuel. Apparently, only Lt Lowe was injured.
574574000452w.ttPiepenbrink, CharlesSgt.31366380
SOURCE: MACR 13671, 44-67929. 3 Apr 1945
NOTES: Top Turret Gunner - #927R. Box 1, high flight, no.6. #929K had disappeared when we broke through cloud. NB Role assumed to be FE.
574574136451FERader, CarlSgt.38539360
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95807. 5 Apr 1945
NOTES: Crash landing at Laon/ 5mi N A-69. On 5 April 1945, 1st Lt Clifford F. Hocker was flying a B-26 aircraft, A.F. #42-95807 on a scheduled training mission; instruments and practice navigation. By his own admission, Lt Hocker was buzzing a farmer in a field. In so doing he flew so low that the propeller blades struck the ground. In attempting to regain altitude, he pulled back so abruptly on control column that the tail turret struck the ground. Being unable to regain a safe altitude, he crash landed straight ahead. The aircraft was loaded with four (4) X one thousand (1000) lb. Gp bombs. Three of these were dislodged and thrown through the bombay, when the tail turret struck the ground. The aircraft caught fire and burned, detonating the remaining bomb. All personnel had evacuated the area prior to detonation of bomb. Cause: One-hundred per cent (100%) pilot error. Pilot was acting in direct disobedience of AAF Regulations and local flying orders in indulging in unauthorised low flying. Recommendations: None.
574574023451FERader, CarlCpl.38539360
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574039449FERaimonde, PaulCpl.32871884
SOURCE: SO-220, Hqs, AAB Barksdale Field, LA, Par. 21. 7 Aug 1944
NOTES: This crew, with changes noted below, was shot down on 12/23/44 in 43-34361. From the hardback history, it appears that Luhmann and Stock were not on this mission but were replaced by 2Lt Earl E. Cline and TSgt William C. Swanson. Sgts Raimonde and Swanson are buried in the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery.
574574122449FERaimonde, PaulS/Sgt.32871884
SOURCE: MACR 11672, 43-34361. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Matus and Stoeckel (43-34361 - No.6, low flight) saw an enemy aircraft collide with Lesmeister's aircraft (42-107597 - No.5) and shear off the tail turret. The enemy aircraft lost a wing and went down. Matus in 43-34361 was attacked by fighters and the aircraft lost its left engine and elevator control. A witness reported that its tail was missing and that it was rocking back and forth. A fire started and spread to bomb bay. Stoeckel states that Raimonde and Swanson had their chutes on, but failed to bail out before aircraft went into a spin at low altitude.
574574018433FERamos, SalvadorS/Sgt.39280893
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: The crew listed above completed 68 missions by Sep 44. Bob Garwick was a member of the original cadre of the 391st. He started as a co-pilot for Lloyd Stanfield but upgraded in the summer of 1943 at Myrtle Beach. The referenced order, which was the overseas deployment order, lists only Garwick, Krinke, Ramos, and Higbee plus a second engineer-gunner, Kitterman, Delbert C., Sgt, 38446873, as the crew for the overseas flight. Bob tells me that Kitterman was not with him and that his co-pilot for the flight overseas was actually Arlie Watkinson, a 1st pilot who was recovering from a crash (where else) in Tampa Bay. He also says that Ramos was not an NMI, as the orders say; his middle name was Ramon. Per Par 4, SO-1, 9th Bombardment Division, 09/25/44, which lists aircrew personnel for return to the ZI, Ramos is identified as Ray S. Krinke, Hinton, and Lund all went over by ship. Bob was in D Flight, led by Stan Bird, and generally flew #2 position on Bird. Bob's plane 42-95841 (Powerful Katrinka) bore the letters 4L-S (for Sugar) and was named for Kate Garwick. The airplane went down on the Ahrweiler mission, flown by Lt Donnelly. ADDENDUM: Lund's serial number, forenames, and rank have since been obtained from the Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists of the 391BG Mission Records.
574574044444FEReeves, James P.Sgt.34687665
SOURCE: SO-58, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 5. 27 May 1944
NOTES: Someone at the 1996 reunion noted that Hall was replaced by John E. Tymczak on the 14th mission.
574574135452FERiddell, Felix O.Sgt.34635739
SOURCE: MACR 13671, 44-67929. 3 Apr 1945
NOTES: Target: Hameln M/Y, Germany. 44-67929 (929-K) was flying box 1, high flight, No.5. Flew for 1 hour with formation. During a steep climb through cloud its left engine was seen to be smoking. It fell back and was was not seen when the formation came out above the cloud,
574574029451FERoos, John A.Cpl.37327250
SOURCE: SO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 9. 1 Jan 1945
NOTES:
57457401444FESampson, William G.Cpl.36589011
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Lt Donnelly was shot down on 12/23/44 in 42-95841, Powerful Katrinka, Garwick's airplane. I have assumed the above crew, listed in the hardback history, as his regular crew because none is now shown in someone else's crew. Lts Donnelly and Wroten are on the Wall of the Missing in the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery. Sgt Hasquin is buried in the Luxembourg Cemetery. Donnelly and Wroten's serial number comes from Dave Garnham's database.
57457412144FESampson, William G.Cpl.36589011
SOURCE: MACR 11671, 42-95841. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Enemy aircraft attacked from right and No.2 (Detjens 41-35010) received most of the fire and dropped out of formation. No.3 (Donnelly - 42-95841) left formation. No.4 (Brown - 42-95865) moved into No.2 position and was attacked by fighters. The tail of his aircraft was shot off and it span out of control.
57457402044FESchiffner, Edward C.Sgt.32760481
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: This was a made-up crew. Werner and Greenough were assigned by SO-126, HQs 391st, 09/24/44, Par 3. From the softback history, Lt Haynes was shot down on 12/23/44 in 42-95798; he was killed outright, and the aircraft went down in flames. The hardback history gives his middle initial as A, vice S. The three sergeants are all from Lt. Ryan's regular crew and are listed there also. Fetters recently confirmed this crew makeup and that Lt Haynes was killed but that the others got out. Lt Haynes is not listed in "Return of the Marauder Men."
57457404844FESchiffner, Edward C.Sgt.32760481
SOURCE: SO-95, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 4. 29 Jul 1944
NOTES: Per the softback history, Lt Ryan dropped out of formation on 12/23/44 in 42-95818 (Lady Chance) because of left engine damage from fighters. From the hardback history, it appears that his crew that day, in addition to himself and Lt Rouse, were 2Lt Claude Letzring, SSgt Thomas Netecke, Sgt Milton L. Dean, Jr., and Sgt Clinton B. Trapp. Sgts Dean and Netecke are buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. Schiffner, Weiand, and Fetters flew that day with Lt Haynes.
57457412344FESchiffner, Edward C.S/Sgt.32760481
SOURCE: MACR 11673, 42-95798. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. FLAK damage to 42-95798 caused one engine to run rough, but continued with bomb run. Turning off the bomb run, aircraft was attacked by enemy fighters, which caused fire in bomb bay. Haynes stayed at the controls to enable rest of crew to bail out, but aircraft went into vertical dive just as last man was leaving.
574574000432FESeager, Glenn L.S/Sgt.32138816
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574105432EGSeal, Roderick D.Cpl.38174074
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35074. 21 Jul 1943
NOTES: Crash due to mechanical failure at Godman Field, Fort Knox, KY.
After completing a formation mission the pilot attempted to lower his landing gear for a landing at Godman Field. Because of a broken hydraulic line, the landing gear had to be lowered by emergency procedure. The pilot was unable to lower the flaps and also there was no pressure for the brake system. After landing and rolling to within 800 feet of the end of the runway, the pilot pulled the emergency air brake bottle causing damage to the fuselage and left nacelle by sudden stoppage.
Also the two main landing gear tires were blown. This was the only damage noted at the time, and it was felt that no Form No. 14 was necessary. The tires were replaced by this ship's squadron that night, and the next day the ship was flown back to the home base at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where upon further inspection, damage as noted in Incl. No. 4 was discovered.
Incl. No. 4 states "Wrinkled bulkhead at rear of left nacelle, buckled rib above left main gear down lock, distorted plate supporting left main gear down lock, wrinkles and stressed rivets on top of left wing near fuselage, wrinkle on bottom of left wing between fuselage and nacelle, and wrinkle on top of right wing near fuselage." The aircraft was turned over to the 97th Service Group for repairs.
574574000432GCSenger, Glenn L.S/Sgt.32133816
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES: Ground Crew - MOS 748 - Airplane Mechanic - Gunner
574574033444FEShaw, Ralph H.S/Sgt.17122089
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES:
574574027451FEShirkey, John L.Cpl.35656772
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES: On 04/03/45, flying 44-67877, Lt Lehfeldt's right engine was knocked out by flak over Entebuch. He crash landed in an orchard east of Honnef, totalling the aircraft.
574574000432FESiegel, Arthur E.S/Sgt.19055508
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574000432FESilverman, JacobS/Sgt.6980161
SOURCE: SO-64, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Myrtle Beach, SC, Par. 2. 3 Jun 1943
NOTES: SO-7, 2/7/43, shows Silverman in the group in February.
57457400043FESkinner, Donald G.Cpl.36178951
SOURCE: OO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 21 Apr 1943
NOTES: The forenames of "Harold J.", sourced from OO-1, were given on the original website. The forenames of "Donald G." are given on a number of later documents, which is confirmed by NARA enlistment records.
574574035451FESlone, RichmondCpl.35869422
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574019449FESmith, EdwardT/Sgt.6999470
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, September 1944. 1 Sep 1944
NOTES: This was a made up crew overseas. Lt Gray and Sgt Buckley were assigned by SO-126, Hqs 391st, 09/24/44, Par 3. Lt Gray was shot down on 12/23/44 in 44-67826. I have assumed that the above crew listed in the hardback history was his regular crew. Sgt Buckley was killed and is buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. Another Sgt Buckley was killed that day (with Mickelson) and is also buried there.
574574118449FESmith, EdwardT/Sgt.6999470
SOURCE: MACR 11660, 44-67826. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Aircraft hit in rear and engines by enemy fighters.
574574037451FESpiewak, Frank J.Cpl.36754293
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES: Lt Martin was shot down on 02/10/45 (42-107720); the softback history states that the plane went down in flames. F/O Rochefort and Cpl Silverston are buried in the Netherlands Cemetery.
574574131451FESpiewak, Frank J.Sgt.36754293
SOURCE: MACR 12222, 42-107720. 10 Feb 1945
NOTES: Target: Berg Gladbach, Germany. Aircraft crashed 10km south of Koblenz. Window ships. Each box made 3 runs on target. 42-107720 was flying box 2, second flight. It received a direct FLAK hit in right wing engine nacelle, and the right wing and engine were blown off. The aircraft flipped onto its back, burst into flames, and began to spin downwards.
574574000432FEStrauch, Henry K.S/Sgt.31092208
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574055449FEStruwe, Neel L.S/Sgt.38456954
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: Lt Stevenson was shot down on 12/23/44 (42-95838). His bombardier on this mission was Emil L. Schwarz, 2Lt, 0760001. Louis Verdeal sent a listing of missing crews on the Ahrweiler mission; he advises that Lt Stevenson went down with the plane in order to give his crew time to bail out and that Col Hugh Walker is trying to obtain the posthumous award of the Medal of Honor to him. Per "Return of the Marauder Men," Lt Stevenson is buried in the Ardennes Cemetery.
574574116449FEStruwe, Neel L.S/Sgt.38456954
SOURCE: MACR 11485, 42-95838. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 42-95838 was hit in tail turret and right wing. Fire spread to bomb bay. Stevenson held plane steady while all of the crew bailed out, but was killed when it exploded.
574574000432FEStuder, Robert L.S/Sgt.18108160
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574028448FESukey, Emil P.Cpl.35538214
SOURCE: OO-101, NORTH ATL WG, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Par. 3. 23 Jul 1944
NOTES: Leonard flew over in 43-34353.
574574000432FESullivan, Virgil E.S/Sgt.19013729
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 3. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
574574025451FESunday, Arthur M.Sgt.34546511
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: On 02/24/45, Lt Huskey's plane, 44-67820, was hit by flak in the left engine, and the right engine then caught fire. Lts. Huskey and Reiser are buried in the Luxembourg Cemetery. Assignment orders give Huskey's name as shown; "Return..." has his name as Huskeym in error.
574574132451FESunday, Arthur M.Sgt.34546511
SOURCE: MACR 12606, 44-67820. 24 Feb 1945
NOTES: Target: Irlich, Germany. 44-67820 (820-U) was flying No.2 in a lead element of 3 ships. It was hit by FLAK and both engines were on fire with one feathered. The bombs were salvoed, after which the aircraft went into a dive and exploded. The 3 gunners bailed out, but the Officers were killed in the explosion. The aircraft crashed near Deukelford, Germany.
574574002432FESwearingen, Paul J.S/Sgt.18115529
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: A second radio-gunner is shown in the referenced order (Dimaio, Adam (NMI), Sgt, 32451979) as flying overseas with this crew. From OO-28, Hqs Sta #11, Caribbean Wing ATC, Morrison Field, 5 Jan 44, Fitzhugh is listed with Loesch for the flight over. Stan Bird was the leader of D Flight. Hasson's name was supplied by someone at the 1996 reunion. The flight over was in 42-95835.
574574000432w.ttSwearingen, Paul J.S/Sgt.18115529
SOURCE: MACR 05131, 42-95827. 27 May 1944
NOTES: Top Turret Gunner - Box 1, 2nd flight, no.1. Shofner's right engine burning about one minute after bombs dropped. He dropped out of formation and feathered the propeller. Engine fire appeared to out. Aircraft under control.
57457400043FETaffe, Almont J.Sgt.35350774
SOURCE: OO-1, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 1. 21 Apr 1943
NOTES:
574574130451FETarreto, AlbertCpl.33605165
SOURCE: Accident Report, 44-67829. 27 Jan 1945
NOTES: Crashed on take off at Roye/A-73. On 27th January 1945, 2nd Lieutenant James E. McLaurin took off on a local training mission in a B-26G15 aircraft, AF number 44-67829. Take-off was on runway 100. Ship was landed with 2 x 2000 lb GP bombs. Lt. McLaurin's take off run was exceptionally long, his ship remaining on the ground almost to the end of the runway. Immediately after becoming airborne and before the wheels were fully retracted, aircraft was seen to bank to the right momentarily, right itself and then crash straight ahead. Observation from the ground, confirmed by the statements of the pilot and co-pilot, seem to indicate either partial or complete loss of power on the right engine. Aircraft is total loss as result of this accident. Upon examination of the aircraft and its engines, subsequent to the accident, the right engine carburettor heat control lever was found in the hot position, the carburettor air scoop was closed and the hot air intake gate was in the open position. Inspection of the spark plugs of the right engine showed them to be be badly burnt and covered with a heavy deposit of carbon. Upon questioning, the pilot stated that the carburettor control levers were in the neutral position before and during takeoff. He admitted, however, that he had not, prior to takeoff, assured cold operation by placing the control lever in the cold position and then returning it to neutral. Lieutenant McLaurin also stated that, at no time between engine-start and take-off, did he idle his engines at such speed as might make possible the the leading-up of the spark plugs because of excessively low RPM. Cause: 100% pilot error. The facts disclosed by examination of the right engine, taken in conjunction with the pilot statements, leave the board to the conclusion that this accident was caused by partial or complete loss of power on the right engine, due to detonation. The board believes that this detonation was directly attributable to the pilot's failure to check properly the position of his carburettor heat controls prior to takeoff. Recommendations: None. NOTE: None of the crew were injured except for McLaurin and Martin who received minor and major injuries respectively.
574574040451FETarreto, AlbertCpl.33605165
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES:
574574000452FEThompson, David H.Sgt.33609102
SOURCE: SO-104, 9th Bombardment Div, Par. 3. 15 Apr 1945
NOTES: Per SO-104 - transferred to 322nd Bomb Group.
574574148452EGThompson, David H.Cpl.33609102
SOURCE: Special Orders No. 318, HQ, Lake Charles AAF, Par.1,2,3. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: This order lists the crew. Crew members assigned to the 574th Bomb Squadron as per SO-18, HQ, 391 Bomb Group, 2 February 1945.
574574004431FETurner, Arthur E.Sgt.12170493
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Then Lt Col Brandon, formerly the Squadron CO, was killed on the Ahrweiler (12/23/44) mission, apparently flying with Lt Mickelson in 43-34309 and is buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. He is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men" as assigned to Headquarters; evidently he was flying as a co-pilot or observer. Majka was first-pilot qualified, as he is shown on the taxi sheet for Mission #88. The flight over was in 42-95818, Lady Chance.
574574119448FEVidler, Robert L.S/Sgt.39409473
SOURCE: MACR 11664, 42-95865. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Enemy aircraft attacked from right and No.2 (Detjens 41-35010) received most of the fire and dropped out of formation. No.3 (Donnelly - 42-95841) left formation. No.4 (Brown - 42-95865) moved into No.2 position and was attacked by fighters. The tail of his aircraft was shot off and it span out of control. Brillhart states that Vidler and Courtenay also bailed out.
574574010444FEWade, Charles C.?SGT.34265189
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: Lt Dauteuil was shot down on 05/27/44 (41-31716). The softback history says that 6 chutes were seen and that there were 4 survivors. The hardback history shows the above crew members as the actual mission crew. None of the above is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men." Redfield Sweet advised me that Rider made it back and that Rider and Koehler bailed out with one chute, Rider breaking his ankle. Koehler's chute had been damaged by flak. The tail number of the aircraft ferried over comes from SO-37, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/06/44. Dauteuil flew over in 42-107629. Dave Garnham advises that Dauteuil and Wilson were MIA but did not survive.
574574111444FEWade, Charles C.Sgt.34265189
SOURCE: MACR 05135, 41-31716. 27 May 1944
NOTES: target: Maisons-Lafitte RR Bridge, France. Hit by FLAK. Right engine was smoking and the aircraft was going down at 45 degree angle but under control. All 6 crew bailed out. Wade suffered serious injury and was in a plaster cast from waist to foot. Co-Pilot hospitalized too. Polaski and Rider evaded capture and were eventually liberated. Koehler and Wilson were sent to German POW camp. Dauteuil also evaded but was captured November 1944 and became a POW.
574574038451FEWalsh, James P.Sgt.36344025
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: The referenced order was needed to connect the officers and enlisted men, because SO-1, Hqs 391st BG, 1 Jan 45, does not positively connect them, but it does assign Martorani to the 574th. Note: Kirk's ASN is listed as 34766912 in Army Enlistment records, but appears as 34766913 in Special Orders 3 and 104 !
574574133451FEWardlow, Lawrence T.Sgt.35871880
SOURCE: Accident Report, 44-67890. 3 Mar 1945
NOTES: Take off accident at Roye/A-73. On 3 March 1945, 2nd Lieutenant Jack Mozian was scheduled to fly a B-26G15 aircraft, AF No. 44-67890, on a combat bombing mission. His position in the formation was the No. 2 man of the lead flight in the first box. Lieutenant Mozian began his take-off run on runway to 280, in proper order in formation and at normal interval behind the plane proceeding him. His ship became airborne after rolling about half the length of the runway and then settled back to the runway almost immediately and before the wheels were fully retracted. The plane skidded down the runway for approximately 300 yards and finally went off the runway's left edge. Aircraft is complete wreck as result of this accident. Pilot's statement furnishes no definite evidence of engine failure. Both the pilot and co-pilot admit that the engines checked out normally when run up in the hard stand and that they seemed to put out full power then and on the take-off run before ship became airborne. Examination of engine subsequent to accident revealed no evidence of malfunction. Cause: 100-percent pilot error. The board feels that the lack of definite evidence of engine failure, taken in conjunction with the plane's shorter than usual take-off run, lead to the conclusion that the aircraft was taken off with insufficient speed to remain airborne. Recommendations: None.
574574042451FEWardlow, Lawrence T.Cpl.35871880
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES: On 03/03/45, Lt Mozian crashed on takeoff, wrecking 44-67890.
57457400344FEWattlington, Leonard N.S/Sgt.18137860
SOURCE: OO-2, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 6 Feb 1945
NOTES: At the 1996 reunion, Bischoff supplied the last names of the co-pilot and the three gunners. Dave Garnham supplied the other particulars. Per the referenced order, Lt Bischoff was lead qualified with Lt Batty and Lt Osterberg; I presume Osterberg was added overseas.
574574041448FEWeibking, Eugene E.Cpl.37609715
SOURCE: OO-101, NORTH ATL WG, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Par. 3. 23 Jul 1944
NOTES: Then 1Lt Mickelson was shot down on 12/23/44 in 43-34309. From the hardback history, one could infer that his crew that day was as above plus Lt Col Donald K. Brandon and 2Lt John R. Peters. Lt Mickelson, Col Brandon, and then SSgt Buckley are buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. Mickelson's airplane for the flight over was 42-34348.
574574117448FEWeibking, Eugene E.S/Sgt.37609715
SOURCE: MACR 11651, 43-34309. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Buckley (tail gunner) reported his guns had jammed, and was then killed after being struck in the chest by a 20mm shell. Crew bailed out but Mickelson and Brandon could not open nose wheel door or bomb bay and may have been trying to land aircraft which either crashed or blew up.