CREW LISTING

575th BOMB SQUADRON

ROLE: BOMBARDIER

INDIVIDUAL & NON-INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS


Assigned
Squadron Crew Year Month Role Name Rank Serial
575575011448BAdair, John J.2/Lt.O746676
SOURCE: SO-106, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 12 Aug 1944
NOTES: Lt Gatlin was shot down on 12/23/44 in #42-107671 per the softback history. He is listed on the Wall of the Missing in the Henri-Chapelle Cemetery. From the hardback history, one can infer that the other crew members were Lt Biezis (Wall, Henri-Chapelle Cemetery), SSgt Sanchez (Wall, Luxembourg Cemetery), SSgt Weissker and SSgt Cowart (both buried in the the Lorraine Cemetery), and Lt. Adair. Lt. Adair was the only survivor of his crew; he reports in "Who Dat?" that the other members of the crew were killed on the ground by SS troops; "Return of the Marauder Men" gives their date of death as 12/24/44. Weissker and Cowart must have died in the shootdown, as their date of death is given as the 23rd.
575575126448BAdair, John J.1/Lt.O746676
SOURCE: MACR 11661, 42-107671. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 42-107671 was seen with left engine on fire and right engine feathered. Crew abandoned aircraft due to fire in bomb bay. Although 6 parachutes were seen leaving the aircraft, Adair was the only survivor. Adair states that he believes the rest of the crew were killed by S.S. Troops or by civilians.
575575007449BAndercheck, Edward F.2/Lt.O766160
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: Cambier flew one of the three planes (of six) that returned safely from the ferry mission to France on 24 Sep 44.
5755750364412BAttanasio, Carmine A.F/OT132544
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, December 1944. 1 Dec 1944
NOTES: Albert Martin, brother of Clarence R., both pilots in the 575th, supplied Clarence's name, and he had thought that the co-pilot's name was Pinkham. All the names shown above, aside from the pilot's, were supplied by Bill Phillips, co-pilot, at the 1996 reunion.
575575000432BNBacon, Albert N.2/Lt.O733128
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: Bacon appears in 69 crew loading lists.
575575032449BBanks, Ben T.2/Lt.O712269
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: Cpl Pennington was killed on 02/24/45, on a mission with Capt Hanish (see Comments there).
575575021449BBarnes, John W.2/Lt.O659510
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 11. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES:
575575000455BBorgardt, Gottleib2/Lt.O1996055
SOURCE: Operations Orders No. 6, Par. 1,2; HQ, 391st Bombardment Group - Fully Qualified to Fly as Lead Combat Team. 1 May 1945
NOTES:
575575000432BBranaman, Earl L.2/Lt.O733139
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
57557513743XBraverman, Eugene A.2/Lt.O741230
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-36126 25 Sep 1943
NOTES: Landing accident in L-3B aircraft, 6 miles SW of Godman Field, KY. The pilot took off on a local flight and flew to Zone #3 about 7 miles South West of Godman Field. Here he executed a few power-off stalls and then proceeded to simulate a forced landing from 1000 feet. As he tried to clear the engine at 400 feet it cut out completely. The switches and gas were cut. The landing was a very rough three point landing on rough terrain. The landing gear collapsed and twisted the right wing, both of which will have to be replaced. OPINION: (1) That the proper gliding angle was not maintained to keep the propeller windmilling. (2) That had the ship been landed normally and into the wind, the damage would have been less. (3) That the pilot of heavier aircraft be given more transistion training time on small ships.
5755750004312BNBrooks, Richard2/Lt.O744919
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: Details from Crew Loading Lists. Brooks regularly flew with the Tucker crew.
575575136449BBunk, Ralph F.1/Lt.O746981
SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34326 7 Feb 1945
NOTES: Landing accident at A-58. Pilot made normal landing. Tire blew out on left main gear, causing aircraft to swerve to the left and off of runway. Pilot used left throttle and right brake in an attempt to keep the aircraft on runway. There was a 20 degree cross-wind at 15 MPH aggravating the aircraft's tendency to swerve to the left. Pilot was landing on the left-hand side of runway in his correction for drift. NOTE: This Accident Report was filed by the 410th Bomb Group, 647th Bomb Squadron. It is assumed that this aircraft and this crew (except for Curtis, and formerly of the 574 and 575 squadrons respectively) were transferred to this squadron at some point. The 410BG were originally equipped with A-20 Havoc aircraft. This report has been included for completeness.
575575000449BBunk, Ralph F.1/Lt.O746981
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 4. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES:
575575030444BCastagnoni, Aldo2/Lt.O669996
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: Lakin flew over in 42-107591. Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, by then Capt Lakin was lead qualified with Lt Vurgaropulis (of Willis's crew) as Bombardier and Lt Rogers (of Coult's crew) as Navigator.
575575000444w.togComer, Jack S.S/Sgt.10601613
SOURCE: MACR 06649, 42-95821. 8 Jul 1944
NOTES: Bombardier - no.4. Stalnaker continued on bomb run after he was hit but was losing altitude. NB Role assumed to be Togglier.
575575140BCook, William A.F/OT132566
SOURCE: Special Orders No. 318, HQ, Lake Charles AAF, Par.1,2,3. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: This crew, apart from Cook, flew their first mission together on 1 March 1945.
575575000TOGCovino, Anthony A.S/Sgt.31406691
SOURCE: Name appears in picture caption. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: Name appears in the caption for a picture of the Leavitt crew from the original website. Details obtained from SO-75 & SO-104.
575575026449BCrisp, Jack P.2/Lt.O703379
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 12. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES: At the 1996 reunion, Vance Brady supplied the following information: the airplane name (The Grinning Gremlin), but not the number, and that Lt Crisp was injured in a ground accident and was replaced by "Doc" Bogart. From the Ahrweiler taxi sheet, the number is given as 855-R. The entire number almost surely is 42-95855, opcode O8-R.
575575115432BDrake, Leo A., Jr.1/Lt.O733161
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95832. 4 Jul 1944
NOTES: Crashed on take off engine failure at Matching/3mi S Sta 166.

On 4 July 1944, Donald D. O'Hare, O-735810, 1st Lt A.C., having properly checked his aircraft B-26B50 MA, AF No. 42-95832, took off on a local training mission with a seven man crew and ten (10) one hundred pound bomb load. Just as the aircraft was becoming airborne the left engine failed completely. The right propeller fluctuated considerably. The aircraft never attained enough air speed to insure retaining control and holding altitude. The pilot picked a grain field and made a belly landing. The landing was beautifully executed on a slight upslope. The soft dirt tore off the lower segments of each engine cowling, the wheel nacelle doors, the bombay doors, the keel beam of the bombay and part of the skin of under the fuselage. The aircraft slid straight up the slope for approximately 150-200 yards. At that time it went across a ditch approximately six (6) feet wide and four (4) feet deep. The shock even at slow speed swung the aircraft to the right, tore off the left engine, and set the aircraft afire. In the swing to the right the fuselage rode over the torn off left engine, tearing out the rear bombay and breaking the fuselage in two. The crew evacuated the airplane through the copilot's and navigator's hatch. The pilot's hatch was jammed. One enlisted man was in the tail. He was removed by the copilot and the engineer-gunner. The aircraft had checked out on the preflight but on previous flights had been criticized for lack of power. The crash was caused by 100% material failure, complete left engine failure and probable failure of the right propeller, cause undetermined. There are no recommendations.

NOTE: See Reel A0644 page 1264 for an account of the crash.

O'Hare stated that, after feathering the left engine, full rudder trim was not sufficient and that he made a gentle turn to the left to avoid the radar towers at North Weald airfield. He also stated that the bombardier and radio man suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns; the enlisted bombardier (Schwisow) suffered a broken arm, head injuries and and 1st and 2nd degree burns; the rest of the crew suffered minor 1st degree burns; and that he had minor lacerations of the jaw.

575575113432BDrake, Leo A., Jr.2/Lt.O733161
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95805. 23 May 1944
NOTES: Landing accident at Matching/Sta 166. At about 1050 on the morning of 23 May 1944, B-26B50MA, 42-95805 made a normal approach for a landing on runway 03. The plane touched down fast almost on three points and according to testimony of occupants of the plane, almost immediately tended to swerve to the right. About 4 seconds (300 yards) after touching down both main wheels were locked, the left very slightly before the right as evidenced by the tyre marks on the runway. These marks continue to the point where the plane left the runway about 700 yards further along and show by their breadth that the right tire blew out about 100 yards before the left which burst shortly before the plane left the runway. Upon leaving the runway, the plane skidding on the soft shoulder, was shorn of the left main gear which raked the left side of the fuselage and allowed the left the nacelle, propeller, and wing to be damaged. Post-crash examination of both wheels showed no sign of binding or heating within the brakes; both wheels were free to turn. The brake valves were inspected and found satisfactory and the lines were clear except for a minimum of hydraulic fluid in the airlines. The air bottle had not been pulled. The brakes had been adjusted within the squadron only the day before. The evidence shows that after landing the plane had tended to swerve to the right which condition the pilot attempted to compensate first by rudder, then by normal use of the left brake and application of power to the right engine, the wheels changed almost instantaneously from a condition of freewheeling to one of complete lock, and that the brakes were locked at a point unreasonably far from the end of the runway and under conditions that refute any contention that the pilot held the brakes depressed thereby causing the accident. With the evidence presented, this board finds itself unable to fairly affix the responsibility in the case of this accident. There are no recommendations.
575575000432BDrake, Leo A., Jr.2/Lt.O733161
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
575575010451BDupuy, Joe L.2/Lt.O2068019
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES: Per Par 11, SO-98, 9th BD, 04/08/45, Lt. Fagan's crew was sent to Pathfinder.
575575008449BEinarson, Harold M.2/Lt.O722647
SOURCE: SO-128, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 27 Sep 1944
NOTES:
57557510943BEmminger, Harold J.2/Lt.O733165
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95932*. 20 Mar 1944
NOTES: Landing accident at Matching/Sta 166. The pilot landed out of a fast approach at least two-thirds of the way down the runway. His immediate use of brakes was attested to by the appearance of smoke for a short period after landing, but it disappeared until shortly before his attempted turn at the end of the runway where it appeared again. Inspection of the runway right after the accident showed that the right wheel skidded for about 100 yards. The ship was unable to make the turn and the left wheel, under the added download caused by the turn, sank deep into the soft earth allowing the left prop to hit the ground. The accident was due do at 100-percent to pilot error, about 80% judgement and 20% technique. It is recommended that if I stop appears impossible, the pilot role straight ahead on the soft Earth not using brakes off the runway.
57557502243BEmminger, Harold J.2/Lt.O733165
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES:
575575000432BFlessing, Donald W.2/Lt.O733172
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
5755750244312BFodor, Joseph P.2/Lt.O793238
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Allen Clark advises me that Fodor was also a navigator. Kelley flew over in 42-95827. 575BS History (Reel A0644 page 1224) states that "Pop" Kelley was a veteran B-26 pilot and joined the squadron in October 1943.
575575052444BGarside, John A.2/Lt.O671339
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: Lt Carpenter's name is unreadable on my copy of the source order; his name was found in SO-23, Hqs Lake Charles AAF, 01/23/44, Par 1. Lt Garside flew with Jannsen on the 12/23/44 mission.
575575000444w.bGarside, John A.1/Lt.O671339
SOURCE: MACR 11661, 42-107671. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Bombardier - Box 1, lead flight,no.1. 50 to 75 enemy aircraft. Attacked from rear in waves of 15 to 20 at a time. He saw 42-107671 with left engine on fire and right engine feathered.
57557500143BHanton, Emil M.2/Lt.O741340
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1943. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: Lt Aldridge, who had flown over as Stalnaker's co-pilot, was shot down 04/27/44 (42-95845), while flying as first pilot. Per the hardback history, the other crew members on this mission were as shown above. The softback history indicates that there were 5 survivors, but "Return of the Marauder Men" lists SSgt Kreft with this date of death (he is buried in the the Normandy Cemetery) and also shows Cpl Saylor on the Wall of the Missing at the Ardennes Cemetery, on 04/28/45.
57557511143BHanton, Emil M.2/Lt.O741340
SOURCE: MACR 04216, 42-95845. 27 Apr 1944
NOTES: Target: Arras M/Y, France. FLAK hit right engine which burst into flames. Aldridge momentarily lost control and the aircraft went into a steep turn to the right. He passed under No.2 in the flight with his wing and right engine on fire. He appeared to have the aircraft under control and continued evasive action until 5000 feet. 4 parachutes seen to leave the aircraft before it did a tight left spiral, crashed, and exploded. Burgess and Hanton evaded for a while until they were captured.
575575000432BHathaway, Robert I.2/Lt.O730724
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
575575053449BHawkinson, William D.2/Lt.O704289
SOURCE: SO-241, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 2. 6 Sep 1944
NOTES: Lt Sharp was shot down on 12/23/44 in 43-34440. Martin Mazurk, at the 1996 convention, confirmed that Sharp's co-pilot on this mission was 2Lt Raymond E. Hedstrom of Cambier's crew. Of the above, only Lt Hawkinson is listed in "Return of the Marauder Men"; he is buried in the Lorraine Cemetery. Lt Ouellette must have upgraded to first pilot, as his name appears on the Operation Clarion taxi sheet. His bombardier that day was Lowe from Bolton's crew.
575575124449BHawkinson, William D.2/Lt.O704289
SOURCE: MACR 11486, 43-34440. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. 43-34440 was hit in tail turret and right wing. Fire spread to bomb bay. Hawkinson was fighting the fire in the bomb bay. Either died in aircraft or parachute burned.
575575051432BHesterly, Wayne H.2/Lt.O666038
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Schirmer flew over in 42-95855. Hesterly's particulars come from SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bomb Group, Par 4, 2/7/1943. He became the Squadron Bombardier and so flew with a number of crews, but he states that later on he flew mostly with Schirmer, and I am sure that he was no longer a 2nd Lt.. ADDENDUM: Crew loading lists show that Mawhorr was this crew's regular AG.
575575019449BHunter, Phillip H.1/Lt.O676282
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 4. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: These crewmen reported as individuals. Lt Heslep was on the Ahrweiler mission and apparently returned to base. I have been unable to identify his crew entirely. Apparently, Jim Watson was at the 1996 reunion and entered the gunners' names and his serial number. I already had Bass's particulars from orders, but I did not know that he was on this crew. From the 22 March 45 taxi sheet, Hunter flew with him then.
575575138449BHunter, Phillip H.1/Lt.O676282
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 that all members were assigned to the 575th Bomb Squadron, but were split up and flew with various other crews.
57557504544TOGInsley, Edwin G.T/Sgt.33064534
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Michael Petrich recently supplied the above-listed crew names along with some interesting sidelights. He left the US on Christmas Day, 1943, some days ahead of the initial deployment of the 391st. As a result of being hospitalized in Northern Ireland, he lost his first crew. The above-listed names are his second crew; he had the first replacement crew for the 575th. His ferry airplane number (42-95864) comes from a Morrison Field order, SO-473, dated 12/24/44; it would only be a coincidence if this airplane ended up in the 391st. On 05/21/44, Petrich was flying 42-95805 which was badly damaged by a gunner in 827 test-firing guns. Undercarriage collapsed after brakes burned out. Lt Petrich was shot down in 42-107811 on 07/05/44. The softback history says that there were known to be survivors, and obviously Petrich survived. "Return of the Marauder Men" lists Sgt Martel as buried in the Normandy Cemetery and Sgt Insley on the Wall of the Missing in the Brittany Cemetery. Serial numbers come from Dave Garnham's database.
57557511644TOGInsley, Edwin G.T/Sgt.33064534
SOURCE: MACR 06360, 42-107811. 5 Jul 1944
NOTES: Target: Senoche F/D. 42-107811 was hit in aft bomb bay by FLAK then broke apart. Petrich stated that Sullivan was shot and killed whilst descending in his parachute.
57557505644BIvory, Richard E.2/Lt.O749906
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95840 28 May 1944
NOTES: Someone at the 1996 reunion indicated that the above were regular crew members. On 05/28/44 crash landed (42-95840). Believed to be on test flight. Per the softback history, Lt Sullivan's plane (42-95848) was shot down on 06/07/44, but four chutes appeared and two survived. The hardback history identifies the following as "missing": Lt Sullivan, Lt Hobson, TSgt Roberge, and SSgt Peterson. "Return of the Marauder Men" lists only Sgt Peterson as a casualty (which means that other remains were returned to the US. Dave Garnham found verification on microfilm of Lt. Sullivan's death. ADDENDUM: The mission records show that this was Sullivan's regular crew. This crew were aboard 42-95840 on the Amiens mission of 28 May 1944, when the aircraft was hit by FLAK over the target and was seen to leave formation, gliding down under control. The aircraft is believed to have crash landed near the English coast where it ran into anti-landing traps, and was declared Cat E and salvaged. Sullivan and crew were OK.
57557511444BIvory, Richard E.2/Lt.O749906
SOURCE: MACR 05689, 42-95848. 7 Jun 1944
NOTES: Target: Briouze Railway Sidings. 42-95848 was lead flight, No.7. Aircraft was hit by FLAK and crashed NE of Bretteville, France. 4 parachutes seen, but last one did not deploy fully.
575575012451BJost, Leonard G.2/Lt.O2069453
SOURCE: SO-5, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 11 Jan 1945
NOTES:
57557500444BKelley, John J., Jr.2/Lt.O766280
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Breeseman and Kelly's names come from the Ahrweiler mission taxi sheet. They apparently returned safely. The other names were supplied by an anonymous contributor at the 1996 reunion, who also wrote that Maj. Harkins (Ops Officer) flew with Breeseman on this missison. Presumably, Curtis did not go. There is an AG named Joseph Burns on Brooks crew in the 575th, but this must be a different J. Burns, as Brooks's crew did not arrive until January, 1945. Dupuy, of Fagan's crew, was Breeseman's bombardier on the 22 Mar 45 mission. Particulars come from Dave Garnham's database. ADDENDUM: Kelley's and Gifford's forenames, ranks, and serial numbers found in Medal Awards sections of 391BG mission records.
575575002449BKennair, Thomas J.1/Lt.O712163
SOURCE: SO-126, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 4. 24 Sep 1944
NOTES: The source order assigned people as individuals. Bass identified the names on his crew. Kennair went over as Noland's bombardier (Noland was killed on the ferry mission of 9/24/44). McMahon's correct ASN obtained from Sixth Oak Leaf Cluster Award, GO28, Hq, 9th Bombardment Division (M), 25 February 1945 (Reel B0428 page 876).
575575130449BKennair, Thomas J.2/Lt.O712163
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-107620. 21 Mar 1945
NOTES: Ground accident at Roye/Amy (A-73).

1. On 21 March 1945, 1st Lt Earl J. Bass was scheduled to fly a B-26C45 aircraft, A.F. #42-107620 on a local training mission. Lt Bass taxied out and pulled up at end of runway two-three, and stopped at angle of forty-five (45) degrees to the taxi strip, while waiting for aircraft ahead to be cleared for take-off. This aircraft, a B-26G15, A.F. #44-67986 was piloted by Lt Norman W. Sherwood, O-813962. Lt Sherwood, prior to take-off, ran his engines up to maximum power on the taxi strip, blowing loose slabs of asphalt from taxi strip into Lt Bass' aircraft, causing pilot's and co-pilot's windshields to be broken, plexiglass of nose broken, damage to left propeller, and minor dents in fuselage and left engine cowling.

2. Cause: One hundred percent (100%) airfield terrain. Taxi strip surfaces at the point of accident occurence are in bad condition. Asphalt surfacing is cracked and loose.

3. Recommendations: None.

575575042449BKennair, Thomas J.2/Lt.O712163
SOURCE: SO-220, Hqs, AAB Barksdale Field, LA, Par. 21. 7 Aug 1944
NOTES: Lt Noland was flying one of the three planes that crashed returning from a ferry mission to France on 09/24/44. He was flying 42-95853, "Miss Laid," and crashed in Hatfield Heath. According to Bob Mynn in an article, "When the Weather Won", his crew were Crider and Terrian. Note that he did not have a co-pilot for this ferry mission. All were killed and are buried in the American Military Cemetery at Madingley. Noland's name is spelled Nolan in several instances, creating some confusion. Kennair later flew with Bass, and his name was often misspelled as Kinnair.
575575044432BLanford, Edwin H.2/Lt.O666683
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: At the 1996 reunion, Jim Newton supplied Lanford and Armstrong's names and corrected his serial number, which I had managed to garble. He also indicated that Jim Clark, who flew over with Mitchell, became their navigator. Armstrong's particulars come from SO-7, 391BG, 2/7/43. On 05/28/44 flak damaged hydraulics (42-95852); belly landed at base. Olfson flew over in 42-95847, Scrumptious.
575575000432BLanford, Edwin H.1/Lt.O666683
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
575575000432BLaufman, Herbert J.2/Lt.O732863
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
575575003449BLowe, Gene D.2/Lt.O718114
SOURCE: SO-248, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 14 Sep 1944
NOTES:
575575005451BMaxon, William K.2/Lt.O766321
SOURCE: SO-3, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 1. 9 Jan 1945
NOTES:
575575035448BMayer, Harry S., Jr.2/Lt.O712192
SOURCE: OO-101, NORTH ATL WG, Dow Field, Bangor, ME, Par. 3. 23 Jul 1944
NOTES: On 02/24/45, flying 44-67902 (Hube), Lt Martin crashed due to severe flak damage. His airplane for the flight over was 43-34347.
57557503144BMazurk, Martin C.2/Lt.O712193
SOURCE: SO-248, Hqs, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 14 Sep 1944
NOTES: Per Martin Mazurk at the 1996 reunion, when he was transferred to Saunders crew to become a lead crew, he was replaced by Covino, not a rated bombardier, but what was called a "toggleer."
57557505044BMazurk, Martin C.2/Lt.O712193
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: All of these names were supplied by Martin Mazurk. I already had Wilkes's name and particulars from an extract of an R&R order sent to me by Clyde Kirkbride, but I still do not know for sure that he was a flight engineer. Apparently, Saunders had no bombardier but was ready to lead, so Mazurk was transferred from Leavitt to Saunders. Saunders, Raef, and Albert's serial numbers come from Dave Garnham's database. ADDENDUM: Crew loading lists show Elliott as FE and Wilkes as AG.
575575000432BMcCarty, John F.2/Lt.O666054
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 4. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
57557501443BMcCutcheon, Roy B., Jr.2/Lt.O534471
SOURCE: Hardback History. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: This crew was shot down on 03/25/44 (42-95854). The hardback history lists Raymond Smith as flying co-pilot. According to the softback history, there were 5 survivors. Dave Garnham determined from microfilm that SSgt Reagan was killed. There is another entry for Raymond Smith, as he flew over as first pilot.
57557505443BMcCutcheon, Roy B., Jr.2/Lt.O534471
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: Smith flew over in 42-95854. The source order shows a second flight engineer, Dominic M. Passarella, Sgt, 32714843, as flying over with Smith.
575575000432TOGMcCutcheon, Roy B.S/Sgt.19065411
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 2. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
57557511043BMcCutcheon, Roy B., Jr.2/Lt.O534471
SOURCE: MACR 03457, 42-95854. 25 Mar 1944
NOTES: Target: Hirson M/Y, France. 42-95854 was 2nd box, low flight, No.6. It was hit by FLAK, stayed in formation for 2 minutes, went into a spin, and exploded before hitting ground near Laon, France. 3 to 5 parachutes were seen. Reagan was found dead about 50 feet from aircraft wreckage with parachute deployed. His severe injuries suggest that he struck the ground hard, and perhaps his parachute caught on the tail, or it malfunctioned.
575575058449BMiles, Francis L.2/Lt.O703566
SOURCE: SO-121, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 12. 13 Sep 1944
NOTES:
575575025444BMotley, William F.2/Lt.O699227
SOURCE: SO-107, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 19 Apr 1944
NOTES: From the 22 Mar 45 taxi sheet, a first pilot named Nelson of the 575th flew that day; he was probably the above Nelson.
5755751124312BMurphy, Francis J.1/LT.O534308
SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95950. 12 May 1944
NOTES: Landing accident at Matching/Sta 166. The B-26B50MA, AF # 42-95950 was making a single engine approach, the right engine having been feathered after loss of oil pressure and decided vibration had set in. After wheels and flaps had been lowered in the normal manner the plane was brought in in a fast glide and set down about a third of the runway down at the rather high landing speed of 130 MPH. Anticipating no trouble, speed was at first dissipated by holding the nose up and then the nose wheel was eased down and brakes applied. The pilot states that absolutely no reaction to the depression of both brake pedals prompted him to cause the emergency air bottle to be pulled; estimated speed at this time was about 30 MPH. Characteristically, both wheels locked. Unfortunately, the plane skidded to the left and when it hit the soft shoulder, the shearing forces was too great for the right landing gear assembly which gave way. All crew were in crash landing positions for the landing, but stood up after the aircraft was on the ground. All crew resumed crash landing positions when the aircraft started to skid, except for the engineer in the waist position who recived a slight cut on his forehead. Cause of the engine failure remains undetermined. Neither pilot nor engineer checked hydraulic pressure after wheels and flaps operated normally. 100% failure of structure; is brake failure. In view of the fact that this is the second total loss not to mention the number of tires destroyed occasioned by ships skidding off the runway after pulling the air bottle, it is recommended that a thorough study study be made of alternative methods of bringing the ship to a stop. One suggestion involves coordinated use of the shut off and bleed valves in the emergency system by which pressure could be at least partially controlled. Another suggestion incorporates landing on the runway to absorb the initial shock, but then as speed is dissipated, rolling deliberately off onto the soft shoulder where the friction coefficient will help to dissipate that last bit of speed that air resistance and a smooth runway affect so little. NOTE: Rapport is listed on the accident report crew listing for 42-95950 on 12 May 1944 as (Duty) "M", (Rating) "F/S", and (Branch) "MC". These are possibly "Medical", "Flight Surgeon", and "Medical Corps" respectively.
5755751054312BNMurphy, Francis J.F/OO534308
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35078 (previously 41-34078). 25 Jul 1943
NOTES: Ditched Into Atlantic Ocean 200 yards off Myrtle Beach, SC. Reel B0427 page 981 states that all occupants escaped to the aircraft's life raft and were later picked up by a crash boat. Kramer (Assistant Crew Chief) suffered sprained ankle, sprained left wrist, and minor contusions. All other crew suffered minor abrasions.
Pilot's statement: "I was the pilot of B-26C21, 41-35078. I took off at 0835 on runway 35 behind an A-20. Just after leaving the ground we had a violent yaw to the left which I thought was prop wash, but which might have been a partial failure of the left engine. I continued my climb to 900 feet and had turned to the left when airplane 41-35066 called and told me that my left engine was smoking badly. I checked it and oil smoke was coming from under the cowling. I called the tower while at 1000 feet and told them I was coming in for an emergency landing on runway 35.
I was on the downwind leg at about 160 miles per hour when the oil pressure fluctuated and dropped to 0, and the temperature started dropping rapidly. I feathered the engine and notified the tower. The co-pilot went off to salvo the bombs from the nose, while we were at 150 MPH and 900 feet. The airspeed dropped to 140 MPH as he salvoed, and in order to hold that, I had to lower the nose and dived to 600 feet. I was carrying about 2500 RPM and 49 inches Hg on the right engine. When the doors came shut we were unable to pick up speed and lost down to 135 MPH and once at 130 MPH. I had intended to make a right turn away from the field and come into runway 35 but my speed and gradual loss of altitude did not warrant it. I then attempted a left turn into the dead engine with reduced power on the right engine but the speed dropped to 120 so I gave power and called to tower while at 500 feet, that I was going to land in the water, which was straight ahead.
I made my descent at 150 MPH and made a flat landing in the water about 200 yards off shore. The only roughness on the landing was when the nose finally settled causing a sudden stop. All crew members got out all right and the plane floated for about 30 seconds while we got the raft out. All emergency procedures went excellently except the co-pilot and I each thought the other had cut the right switch and it was not cut. The crash boat came and picked us up."
The aircraft was salvaged and the Accident Committee concluded that the engine failure was caused by the failure of the Thermostatic Relief Valve fitted to the oil cooler. Two recent additional cases of the same type of failure were considered by the committee.
The committee commended the pilot for good judgement, and good technique.
5755751024312BMurphy, Francis J.F/OO534308
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-18149. 13 May 1943
NOTES: Mid-air collision at Osprey Bmb Rng Nr Osprey, FL. 575BS History (Reel A0644 page 1204) states that after avoiding another aircraft on a low-level bombing run, Olfson scraped through the branches of the only large tree on the bombing range. The plexiglass in the bombardier's compartment was shattered but F/O Murphy was uninjured. The plane also suffered damage to the leading edge of the right wing between the fuselage and nacelle. Tail gunner Armstrong called the pilot over the interphone and said "Hey Ollie, I think we just hit a tree", to which Ollie replied "No Kiddin"! The plane returned to the airfield, though it carried branches and leaves from stem to stern.
575575000432TOGMurphy, Francis J.S/Sgt.19069281
SOURCE: SO-7, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, MacDill Field, FLA, Par. 2. 7 Feb 1943
NOTES:
5755751174312BMurphy, Francis J.1/Lt.O534308
SOURCE: MACR 06649, 42-95821. 8 Jul 1944
NOTES: Target: Nantes RR Bridge, France. Stalnaker was leading the first box. During the bomb run the formation encountered heavy and accurate FLAK. Stalnaker was hit in both engines and his right engine started smoking. He continued the bomb run even though he was losing altitude. After the formation had dropped its bombs, he broke left and feathered his right engine. Mitchell flying in No.2 position took over the lead and called Stalnaker (who seemed calm) to say he was trying to get him fighter escort. Witnesses in the second box saw Stalnaker's aircraft flying alongside for a while until it stalled and crashed 5 mile NW of Chateaubriant. All crew bailed out and survived. The report seems to show that only Alexander was captured and the rest returned to duty.
5755750004312BMurphy, Francis J.O534308
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: Murphy'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.
57557503744BPalmer, Wayne R.1/Lt.O681761
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: From the softback history, on 05/08/1944 hydraulics were damaged leading to collapse of the landing gear at touchdown (41-31972). The crew listed here was provided by Bob Christ at the end of the year 2001. He did not provide the name of a co-pilot. Bob advises that their airplane was 31716 and that its name was "Six Hits and a Miss." The Miss, a picture of a girl, was featured on the nose. The full number was probably 41-31716, as it was a 575th airplane. All of these people were listed in Par 4, SO-1, 9th Bombardment Division, 09/25/44, which named only individual aircrew personnel for return to the ZI. ADDENDUM: The name of the missing Co-Pilot Bonifacino was found in the caption for the Martin crew photograph on this website.
57557500044BPalmer, Wayne R.1/Lt.O681761
SOURCE: SO-1, 9th Bombardment Div, Par. 4. 25 Sep 1944
NOTES: This order lists aircrew personnel for return to the ZI.
575575000455BParravani, Frank A.2/Lt.O1824790
SOURCE: Operations Orders No. 6, Par. 1,2; HQ, 391st Bombardment Group - Fully Qualified to Fly as Lead Combat Team. 1 May 1945
NOTES:
5755750004312BNPeterson, Warren E.Lt.O673685
SOURCE: 575BS History - Reel A0644 21 Jan 1943
NOTES: 575BS History (Reel A0644 page 1229) states that he was assigned to the squadron as Bombardier in December 1943.
5755750344412BPigott, Mardyle O.F/OT131616
SOURCE: SO-296, Hqs, AAB Barksdale Field, LA, Par. 23. 22 Oct 1944
NOTES: Info from pilot, except as noted below. He is brother of Clarence R. Martin, also a pilot in the 575th. The first name, rank, and serial number for Sheppard come from SO-127, Hqs 391st BG, dated 9/1/43; it is possible that he is not the right Sheppard in this case. ADDENDUM: FE on original website (T/SGT. THOMAS K. SHEPPARD, ASN 38159990) was incorrect. Crew names and missing serial numbers obtained from SO-296 Par 23.
575575018444BRauschenberger, Arthur F.2/Lt.O741368
SOURCE: SO-107, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 1. 19 Apr 1944
NOTES: On 02/24/45, by then Capt Rauschenberger was killed when flying on a mission with Capt Hanish. Wakeland returned a 2Lt with serial number 0887215 per Par 4, SO-1, 9th Bombardment Division, 09/25/44, which lists aircrew personnel for return to the ZI. The tail number of the aircraft ferried over (42-107626) comes from SO-37, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/06/44.
575575009449BRogers, William M.2/Lt.O723822
SOURCE: SO-124, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 6. 21 Sep 1944
NOTES: Note that in OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lt Rogers's middle initial is given as M vice K, as shown in the above-referenced order. Rogers must have been navigator rated, as he flew lead later as such.
57557501544BSchwartz, Jerome D.2/Lt.O783231
SOURCE: SO-318, Hqs, 3RD AF STG WG, Hunter Field, GA, Par. 1. 13 Nov 1944
NOTES: This pilot's last name comes from the taxi sheet for the first mission on 03/04/45. I found a pilot with the same last name in the referenced order. I have included the crew on the gamble that there were not two pilots with this name in a relatively short timespan.
575575020449BSmith, Phillip2/Lt.O718158
SOURCE: SO-128, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 2. 27 Sep 1944
NOTES: SO-220, Hqs Barkdale Field, 8/7/44, gives the flight engineer's name as Kervin, which I suspect is correct.
575575040451BSutcliffe, George W.F/OT131630
SOURCE: SO-296, Hqs, AAB Barksdale Field, LA, Par. 23. 22 Oct 1944
NOTES: Info provided by Dick Naugle, except that Dave Morris provided the number (44-677924) of the Aircraft ferried over. ADDENDUM: Missing serial numbers for Sutcliffe and Morris come from SO-296 Par 23.
575575061447BVurgaropulos, John C.2/Lt.O765759
SOURCE: SO-95, Hqs, 391st Bombardment Group, Par. 5. 29 Jul 1944
NOTES: Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Lt Willis was lead qualified with 1Lt Hubert R. Demeester, 0729442, who had arrived as an individual (SO-126, 391st BG, 9/24/44) as Bombardier and Lt Miles (listed in the Comments under Capt Hanish) as Navigator. On 02/24/45, Lt Vurgaropulos was killed while flying on a mission with Capt Hanish. On 03/09/45, Lt Willis crash landed in 42-95843 (Rashioned Passion) (sp?) at base when his plane's landing gear failed because of flak damage. Per Par 11, SO-98, 9th BD, 04/08/45, SSgt Kulwin went to Pathfinder with Lt Julian Brooks's crew, replacing Broussard.
575575129447BVurgaropulos, John C.1/Lt.O765759
SOURCE: MACR 12611, 42-107576. 24 Feb 1945
NOTES: Target: Irlich. 42-107576 was flying box 1, lead flight. Just before release point, burst of FLAK hit the right engine and the main auxiliary fuel tank. The aircraft caught fire, veered right, and then went down in spiral dive. The wing broke off in the dive. No parachutes were observed leaving the aircraft.
57557501743BWechsler, Howard2/Lt.O797108
SOURCE: SO-345, Hqs, AAB Godman Field, KY, Par. 1. 24 Dec 1943
NOTES: On 05/25/44 aircraft 42-107743 was badly flak damaged; returned on single engine. On 10/06/44, then Major Harkins aircraft, 42-107837, was badly flak damaged. Per OO-2, 391st BG, 02/06/45, Maj Harkins was lead qualified with by then Capt Barnes (of Ives crew) and Wolfe, who undoubtedly arrived much later than Harkins, as Navigator. The aircraft that Harkins flew over (42-95805) became Cat E on 05/21/44. Lt. Petrich was flying it, and it was badly damaged by a gunner in 827 test-firing guns. Undercarriage collapsed after brakes burned out.
575575057449BWilkinson, Patrick H.1/Lt.O666110
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1943. 1 Jan 1943
NOTES: Lt Tavener flew overseas as Lt Ruble's co-pilot in the original group of 57 crews. This crew was made up overseas. Wilkinson was assigned by SO-126, Hqs 391st, 09/24/44, Par 4. Lt Tavener was shot down on 12/23/44 in 42-95932 (Fifinella). I have assumed that the above crew was his "regular" crew at the time, as I cannot find them on other crews. Lt Tavener is listed on the Wall of the Missing in the Luxembourg Cemetery, and Lts Castle and Wilkinson are buried there. From Don Hudson I learned that Wynne and one other crewman successfully bailed out.
575575125449BWilkinson, Patrick H.1/Lt.O666110
SOURCE: MACR 11551, 42-95932. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft.
575575139449BWilkinson, Patrick H.1/Lt.O666110
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 that all members were assigned to the 575th Bomb Squadron, but were split up and flew with various other crews.
575575108431BWilliams, Edgar G.1/Lt.O791015
SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-35068. 9 Sep 1943
NOTES: Friendly fire [shoot down] in the vicinity of Lebanon, TN. Stalnaker was pilot of a B-26 C21 airplane 41-35068 on the afternoon of September 9, 1943. He was flying the lead ship of a formation on a low altitude maneuver with TA800. While on a bombing run a land mine was exploded directly ahead causing damage to above mention airplane. In no way was the pilot responsible for the damage done to the airplane. Damage sustained to the airplane: left propellor cuff was bent, left wing dented, de-icer boot torn, small holes in fabric on left aileron, dents in left wing and left horizontal stabilizer, trailing edge of left elevator bent and torn, and two holes in left elevator.
57557502744BWolfe, Edward2/Lt.O761272
SOURCE: Miscellaneous Sources, 1944. 1 Jan 1944
NOTES: Lt Kloepfer was shot down on 12/23/44 in 42-95844, Miss Behavin. I have assumed that the above crew, listed in the hardback history, was his regular crew, as I can find them on no other crew. Lts Kloepfer and Hulton are buried in the Lorraine Cemetery.
57557512744BWolfe, Edward2/Lt.O761272
SOURCE: MACR 11670, 42-95844. 23 Dec 1944
NOTES: Target: Ahrweiler, Germany. Formation attacked by 50 to 75 enemy aircraft attacking in waves of 10 to 15 aircraft. Haynes was the only survivor and states that there was a fire in the bomb bay which may have prevented the Officers from bailing out. Humble was injured and was too weak to bail out. Stevens' parachute had been damaged by enemy fire and was also hysterical. Only Haynes managed to bail out of the waist window when the aircraft started spinning and became a POW.
57557504844BWylder, Edward J.2/Lt.O744170
SOURCE: SO-98, AAF STA AAF-236, Par. 3. 10 Apr 1944
NOTES: The tail number of the aircraft ferried over comes from SO-37, Hqs 3rd AF Staging Wing, Hunter Field, 02/06/44.
575575000BYoung, Robert F. S.10601631
SOURCE: 391BG Mission Records: Medal Awards and Crew Loading Lists. 15 Feb 1943
NOTES: Young'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.