391st Bomb Group - Accident & Macr Listing For 574th Bomb Squadron - Role: All - Individual & Non-individual Crew Members; & Witnesses

Accident and Missing Air Crew Reports

574th BOMB SQUADRON

ROLE: ALL

INDIVIDUAL & NON-INDIVIDUAL CREW MEMBERS; & WITNESSES

Sources: AAIR, USAAFDATA, MACR, WWII AAF Casualty List, NARA (see resources page).

		Assigned
Squadron	Crew	Year	Month	Role	Name	Rank	Serial	Status

574	574101	43	4	P	Wolfe, William W.	F/O	T120368
574	574101	43	5	CP	Callison, William K.	2/Lt.	O738342
574	574101	43	5	N	Olshak, Raymond F.	1/Lt.	O660389
574	574101	43	5	EG	Flaherty, Coleman F.	S/Sgt.	13060924
574	574101	43		RG	Gray, John C.	S/Sgt.	16063406
574	574101	43	2	AG	Bedgood, Herbert L.	S/Sgt.	6927505

					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.

574	574102	43	2	P	Martin, Elmer D.	2/Lt.	O663059
574	574102	43	2	CP	Richardson, Edgar R., Jr.	2/Lt.	O735664
574	574102	43	2	B	Pogonowski, Edward V.	2/Lt.	O732896
574	574102	43	2	FE	Fasone, Samuel R.	S/Sgt.	33118697
574	574102	43	2	RG	Kimmerle, Frederick G.	S/Sgt.	13008272
574	574102	43	2	AG	Canavit, Frank L.	S/Sgt.	36346313

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 41-31762. 29 May 1943
					NOTES: This crew were killed in a crash landing at MacDill Field, FL.

574	574103	43	4	P	Wolfe, William W.	F/O	T120368
574	574103	43	5	CP	Callison, William K.	2/Lt.	O738342
574	574103	43	5	BN	Olshak, Raymond F.	2/Lt.	O660389
574	574103	43	5	EG	Flaherty, Coleman F.	S/Sgt.	13060924
574	574103	43	2	AG	Bedgood, Herbert L.	S/Sgt.	6927505

					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."

574	574104	43		P	Metelsky, Peter	2/Lt.	O669769
574	574104	43	2	CP	Watkinson, Arlie G.	2/Lt.	O731708
574	574104	43	2	FE	Kalbach, 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.

574	574105	43	2	P	Alexander, Julian P.	1/Lt.	O792150
574	574105	43	1	CP	Majka, Fred J.	F/O	T187552
574	574105	43	2	B	Dwyer, Benjamin W.	1/Lt.	O666016
574	574105	43	2	EG	Seal, Roderick D.	Cpl.	38174074
574	574105	43	1	RG	Erb, Louis	S/Sgt.	36149712

					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.

574	574106	43	2	P	Watkinson, Arlie G.	1/Lt.	O731708
574	574106	43	2	CP	Seiller, Allen J.	1/Lt.	O731683	DNB
574	574106	43	10	B	Godfrey, Donald C.	2/Lt.	O741257	DNB
574	574106	43	5	FE	Hey, Charles H., Jr.	Sgt.	33225486	DNB
574	574106	43	5	RG	Hardwick, James T.	S/Sgt.	34269021	DNB
574	574106	43	5	OTH	Dailey, William A.	Sgt.	12139190	DNB
574	574106			EngOff	Woessner, William H.	2/Lt.	O861964

					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 !

574	574107	43	2	P	Alexander, Julian P.	1/LT.	O792150
574	574107	43	2	CP	Donnelly, William W., Jr.	2/LT.	O693550
574	574107	43	2	B	Smutsky, Charles B.	2/LT.	O733239
574	574107	43	1	EG	McDowell, Charles H.	S/SGT.	20756301
574	574107	43	2	RG	Cuellar, Ted S.	T/SGT.	38157515
574	574107	43	2	X	VanScott, James H.	Sgt.	32143457

574	574000	43	2	w.W	Mohler, Anthony J.	Sgt.	32380628
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Mohler's details come from the Accident Report for 41-35219 on 8 November 1943. His duty code is given as "W" and his role is currently unknown.

					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 !

574	574108	43		P	Metelsky, Peter	2/Lt.	O669769
574	574108	44	2	CP	Dietschler, Elmer A.	2/Lt.	O692954
574	574108	43		FE	Little, Joseph R.	S/Sgt.	11038778
574	574108	43		RG	Forster, William J.	Sgt.	33370371
574	574108	43	3	AG	Ramos, Salvador	Sgt.	39280893
574	574108	43	5	X	Halpin, William M.	Pfc.	32449879
574	574108	43	2	X	Jenkins, William B., Jr.	S/Sgt.	33219922
574	574108	43	2	X	Shupenko, Anthony S.	Sgt.	31109362

574	574000	43	2	w.GC	Seal, Roderick D.	T/Sgt.	38174074
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears on Flight Report for 41-34799 after taxiing accident of 14 December 1943. I assume that he was a member of the Ground Crew assigned to 574th Bomb Squadron.

					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.

574	574113	44	9	P	Brown, Clyde G.	Capt.	O424095

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95807. 5 Oct 1944
					NOTES: Take off accident weather at Amy (Roye)/A-73.

574	574115	43	1	P	Hollis, William N.	1/Lt.	O731585

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 42-95807. 31 Oct 1944
					NOTES: Ground looped at Roye-Amy/A-73.

574	574127	45	1	P	Fields, William E.	Capt.	O559109
574	574127	45	1	CP	Virostko, Fred	2/Lt.	O819432
574	574127	45	1	B	Usry, Tom H.	2/Lt.	O2068062
574	574127	45	1	FE	Brown, John T.	Sgt.	16030541
574	574127	45	1	RG	Moore, William F.	Cpl.	38538902
574	574127	45	1	AG	Gill, Robert E.	Sgt.	31114216

					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.

574	574129	44		P	Spangler, Richard B.	1/Lt.	O807535
574	574129	44	9	CP	Frick, Ralph L.	2/Lt.	O781276
574	574129	45	1	B	Walters, Thomas F.	F/O	T131636
574	574129	44	7	N	Saathoff, Wilbert L.	1/Lt.	O748106
574	574129	44	9	FE	McNamara, George P.	S/Sgt.	39103681
574	574129			RG	Tymczak, John E.	S/Sgt.	32446274
574	574129	44	8	AG	Jefferson, Jack M.	Sgt.	36767518

					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.

574	574130	45	1	P	McLaurin, James E.	2/Lt.	O578447
574	574130	45	1	CP	Blanton, James K., Jr.	2/Lt.	O667922
574	574130	45	1	B	Running, Clifford J.	F/O	T131619
574	574130	45	1	FE	Tarreto, Albert	Cpl.	33605165
574	574130	45	1	RG	Smith, Duncan R.	Cpl.	11071740
574	574130	45	1	AG	Martin, Harry L. F.	Cpl.	13169959

					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.

574	574133	44		P	Mozian, Jack	2/Lt.	O720325
574	574133	45	1	CP	Swain, Hugh B.	2/Lt.	O828637
574	574133	45	1	B	Stevens, William E.	F/O	T131627
574	574133	45	1	FE	Wardlow, Lawrence T.	Sgt.	35871880
574	574133			RG	Cope, Joe B.	Sgt.	38514598
574	574133			AG	Goodall, William T.	Sgt.	34507103

574	574000			w.GC	Janicich, H.	T/Sgt.	UNK5043
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears on Flight Report - Engineering within Aircraft Accident Report. Assumed to be Ground Crew.

					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.

574	574134	44	9	P	Henage, Guy F.	1/Lt.	O699758
574	574134	44	9	CP	Magner, Alan K., Jr.	1/Lt.	O823403
574	574134			B	Watrous, Edgar C.	S/Sgt.	31009803
574	574134	44	9	FE	Hosking, William H.	S/Sgt.	36592721
574	574134	44	9	RG	Gagne, Joseph N.	Cpl.	31218335
574	574134			AG	Farmer, William J.	S/Sgt.	37527185

					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.

574	574136	45	1	P	Hocker, Clifford F.	1/Lt.	O718640
574	574136	45	1	CP	McKim, Roy S., Jr.	2/Lt.	O833943
574	574136	45	1	B	Zuranski, Ralph C.	2/Lt.	O2069504
574	574136	45	1	FE	Rader, Carl	Sgt.	38539360
574	574136	45	1	RG	Price, Wade H.	Sgt.	34110888

HQS/UNK	391000			w.CWO	Lodge, George R.	??	UNK5059
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Lodge's name appears in the Accident Report for 42-95807 which crashed 5 April 1945. His role is given as CWO.

					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.

574	574137	45	3	P	Slessinger, Maynard	2/Lt.	O764936

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22648. 10 Apr 1945
					NOTES: Landing accident at Roye/A-73.

574	574138	45	5	P	Middlebrooks, Melvin T.	1/Lt.	O671059

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22527. 25 May 1945
					NOTES: Crashed belly landing at Asch/Y-29. ADDENDUM: Middlebrooks' ASN obtained from Special Orders #113, 23 April 1945, with promotion from 1/Lt. to Captain.

574	574139	45	6	P	Lonergan, John E.	2/Lt.	O782766
574	574139	45	6	B	Pereira, Joseph F., Jr.	F/O	T136579	KIA

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22600. 8 Jun 1945
					NOTES: Killed in crash near Birkenfeld, Germany.

574	574140	45	6	P	Murphy, Edward F.	1/Lt.	O760655
574	574140	45	6	B	Draganchuk, William	2/Lt.	O2069438
574	574140	45	6	G	Green, Everett M.	S/Sgt.	33647600

HQS/UNK	391000	45	6	w.DFCO	Murray, Donald E.	Capt.	UNK5045
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears in Accident Report documentation. Role stated as D.F.C.O (Deputy Flight Control Officer ?).

574	574000	45	6	w.CC	Schaub, Philip J.	Sgt.	UNK5123
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears in Accident Report documentation. Role stated as Crew Chief or Aerial Engineer.

574	574000	45	6	w.EO	Thompson, Dean W.	Capt.	UNK5122
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears in Accident Report documentation. Role stated as Engineering Officer.

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22598. 9 Jun 1945
					NOTES: Taxiing accident at Vitry-en-Artois (B-50). On 9 June 1945, 1st Lt Edward F. Murphy was taxiing an A-26C25 AAF #43-22598 aircraft back to its hardstand after a routine training flight. After entering the parking area Lt Murphy attempted to turn the aircraft around. While so doing, his right propeller came close enough to a canvas cover at the edge of the parking area to blow it back and consequently drag a tool box into the path of the propeller. The tips of the three blades were bent slightly necessitating replacement of the propeller. Immediate Cause: Right propeller struck crew chief's tool box. Underlying Cause: Poor judgement on the part of the pilot, first, in not allowing sufficient clearance to turn his plane around in, and secondly, in not waiting until a ground crew member arrived to direct his taxiing. Responsibility: 100% Pilot error. Recommendations: None.

574	574141	45	6	P	Broomfield, William S.		UNK101

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22661. 11 Jun 1945
					NOTES: Taxiing accident at Vitry-en-Artois/B-50.

574	574142	45	6	P	Martin, Dorsey L.	Capt.	O885239
574	574142	45	6	B	Brooks, Eugene F.	1/Lt.	O765463
574	574142	45	6	N	Pearl, Paul	1/Lt.	O800758
574	574142	45	6	G	Aylor, Albert S.	Sgt.	18190338

574	574000	45	6	w.CC	Schaub, Philip J.	Sgt.	UNK5123
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears in Accident Report documentation. Role stated as Crew Chief or Aerial Engineer.

574	574000	45	6	w.EO	Thompson, Dean W.	Capt.	UNK5122
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Name appears in Accident Report documentation. Role stated as Engineering Officer.

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-22598. 13 Jun 1945
					NOTES: Ground collision 5 miles West of Neurenburg, Germany. On 13 June 1945, Captain Dorsey L. Martin, was flying an A-26C25 type aircraft AAF #43-22598 on a low altitude navigation mission. After entering the authorized low level area, Captain Martin dropped to tree-top level. Shortly thereafter when the pilot attempted to pull up over an exceptionally tall tree the plane mushed, causing the plexiglass to be broken by the top branches of the tree. The plane was flown back to base and landed without further mishap. Immediate Cause: Lower half of plexiglass nose was broken by contact with tree. Underlying Cause: Poor judgement on the part of the pilot in allowing his plane to get close enough to the tree so that excessive control had to be used in an attempt to clear the top branches. Responsibility: 100% Pilot error. (Judgement) Recommendations: None.

574	574143	44	9	P	Proctor, Rollin M.	1/Lt.	O687208

					SOURCE: Accident Report, 43-34177 23 Feb 1945
					NOTES: Collision at AAF A-78. At 16:20, a B-26 made an emergency landing on runway 27. The pilot pulled the air bottle and the plane stopped on the right hand side of the runway some distance from the west end of the runway. Equipment was sent out to remove the plane from the runway. At 16:45, the B-26 was on the west perimeter north of the runway with approximately 1/3 of the fuselage over the runway. At 16:47, 2nd Lieutenant Morris H. Miller in P-47D-11, AF No. 42-75612, collided with the B-26 whilst taking off. Both aircraft were turned over to the 99th Service Squadron for salvage. There were no casualties. NOTE: B-26 AF No. is not specified in the Accident Report and is inferred from other sources.

574	574145	44	4	P	Morris, William E.	2/Lt.	O685169
574	574145	44		CP	Stone, Richard C.	2/Lt.	O753454
574	574145	44	4	EG	Barnett, Ellis B.	Sgt.	35285927
574	574145			RG	Christopher, Michael A.	S/Sgt.	35048252

					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.

574	574110	43		P	Shofner, James F.	Capt.	O662682	POW
574	574110	44	2	CP	Davidson, Bernard	2/Lt.	O667495	POW
574	574110	43		B	Sivak, Steven J.	1/Lt.	O669130	POW
574	574110	43		FE	Miller, Leslie R.	S/Sgt.	33180010	POW
574	574110	43		RG	Holdridge, Francis J.	T/Sgt.	32287062	POW
574	574110	43		AG	Wilson, Paul J.	Sgt.	31013843	POW

574	574000	43	2	w.tt	Swearingen, Paul J.	S/Sgt.	18115529
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: 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.

574	574000	43	2	w.rg	Hammond, Robert E.	T/Sgt.	15102407
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Radio Gunner - in aircraft behind Shofner. Shofner hit by FLAK. Right engine burst into flames. Ship left formation in shallow glide and he feathered propeller. Engine fire went out.

574	574000	44	2	w.tg	Arrant, James H.	S/Sgt.	18154810
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - Box 1, 2nd flight, no.1. As above. NB Role assumed to be AG.

					SOURCE: MACR 05131, 42-95827. 27 May 1944
					NOTES: target: Maisons-Lafitte RR Bridge, France. Holdridge was hospitalized with fractured ankles. Crew captured.

574	574111	44	4	P	Dauteuil, Donat F.	2/Lt.	O747759	POW
574	574111	44	4	CP	Wilson, John T.	2/Lt.	O691201	POW
574	574111	44	4	B	Koehler, Martin G.	2/Lt.	O746893	POW
574	574111	44	4	FE	Wade, Charles C.	Sgt.	34265189	POW
574	574111	44	4	RG	Rider, Eugene F.	Sgt.	36560221	EVA
574	574111	44	4	AG	Polaski, Walter F.	Cpl.	38188584	EVA

574	574000	44	4	w.tt	Way, Richard H.	S/Sgt.	12218199
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Top Turret Gunner - no.3. As above. 4 chutes.

574	574000	44	4	w.tg	Loebel, David N.	Sgt.	36261396
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - no.3 Dauteuil's ship going down at 45 degree angle, but under control. Right engine burning.

574	574000	44	2	w.tg	Sontag, Harry	S/Sgt.	32711628
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - low flight, no.4. Smoking engines. Saw 6 chutes. NB Role assumed to be AG.

					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.

575	575117	43	1	P	Stalnaker, George W.	L/Col.	O23784	EVA
575	575117	43	11	CP	Squier, Eugene R.	2/Lt.	O757317	EVA
575	575117	43	12	B	Murphy, Francis J.	1/Lt.	O534308	EVA
575	575117	43	1	N	Williams, Edgar G.	Capt.	O791015	EVA
575	575117	43		FE	Miller, Stanley W.	S/Sgt.	36453560	EVA
575	575117	43	2	RG	Smith, Richard B.	T/Sgt.	20314269	EVA
575	575117	43	2	AG	Alexander, Lloyd V.	S/Sgt.	35330756	POW
575	575117	43	2	GEE	Clark, Jim B.	1/Lt.	O669006	EVA

575	575000	43	2	w.p	Mitchell, Kenneth W.	Capt.	O731630
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - no.2. Stalnaker hit by FLAK on bomb run. Black smoke from right engine. Oil cooler hit ? I took over lead. Spoke to Stalnaker who seemed calm.

575	575000	44	4	w.cp	Carpenter, Earl S.	2/Lt.	O689206
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Co-Pilot - no.2 on Stalnaker's wing. Stalnaker hit by FLAK. Smoke from right engine about 30 seconds before bombs dropped. He broke left, feathered right engine, and lost altitude. Capt. Mitchell called Stalnaker to say he would take over the lead. About 5 minutes later, he called Stalnaker to say he was trying to get him a fighter escort.

574	574000	44	2	w.b	Arena, Albert	1/Lt.	O745795
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Bombardier - In Metelsky aircraft. Stalnaker on left. Heavy and accurate FLAK in target area. 5 chutes. Aircraft peeled to right, stalled, and crashed.

575	575000	44	4	w.tog	Comer, Jack S.	S/Sgt.	10601613
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Bombardier - no.4. Stalnaker continued on bomb run after he was hit but was losing altitude. NB Role assumed to be Togglier.

574	574000	43		w.wg	Forster, William J.	T/Sgt.	33370371
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Waist Gunner - In Metelsky aircraft. Stalnaker leading Box 1. We were in last flight of Box 2. 5 chutes.

					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.

574	574112	43	5	P	Callison, William K.	1/Lt.	O738342	KIA
574	574112	43		CP	Rugg, Earl J.	2/Lt.	O757291	KIA
574	574112	44	4	TOG	Caywood, Acle B.	S/Sgt.	35265263	KIA
574	574112	43		FE	Koleszarik, Stephen A.	S/Sgt.	13030228	KIA
574	574112	43		RG	Hanzl, Joseph E.	S/Sgt.	35307207	POW
574	574112	44		AG	Simones, Howard F.	S/Sgt.	36397034	KIA

574	574000	43	9	w.p	Carson, Charles W., Jr.	1/Lt.	O25958
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - Box 1, low flight, no.4

574	574000	44	4	w.wg	Byrne, Thomas W.	S/Sgt.	32296055
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Waist Gunner - low flight, no.2.

574	574000	44	4	w.tg	Loebel, David N.	S/Sgt.	36261396
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - low flight, no.2.

					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.

574	574109	43		CP	Elrod, Floyd E.	2/Lt.	O692865	KIA

					SOURCE: MACR 07795?, 42-95851. 11 May 1944
					NOTES: Elrod appears on the US Army and Air Force Casualty Lists. USAAFDATA records state that date of death was 11 May 1944 and the aircraft serial number 42-95851. As no MACR exists for this aircraft on this date and his name does not appear in any MACR, I assume that only he was killed whilst flying in this aircraft. ADDENDUM: Information from the 391BG records and Paul Clouting show that Elrod was fatally wounded by a piece of propeller blade whilst co-pilot of 42-95835. The aircraft had made an emergency single-engine landing back at base when the nose wheel collapsed. The aircraft had returned from the Criel mission (#55) on 11 May 1944.

573	573114	43		P	Clark, Robert H.	1/Lt.	O26154
573	573114	43		CP	Parker, George L.	1/Lt.	O757263	EVA
573	573114	43		B	Lemmon, Robert F.	1/Lt.	O666687	KIA
573	573114	43		FE	Culshaw, John R.	S/Sgt.	33429297	KIA
573	573114	43		RG	Rollings, William S.	T/Sgt.	33499791	KIA
573	573114	43		AG	Sweren, John W.	S/Sgt.	39197686	POW

574	574000	44	4	w.tt	Barnett, Ellis B.	S/Sgt.	35285927
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Top Turret Gunner - Box 2, low flight no.5. Janssen (575BS), low flight, no.2. NB Role assumed to be FE.

573	573000	44	4	w.wg	Raymond, Warren D.	T/Sgt.	16146455
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Waist Gunner - lead flight, no.3.

573	573000	44	4	w.tg	Brandenburg, Verlin H.	S/Sgt.	17079342
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - lead flight, no.3.

575	575000	44	7	w.tg	Collison, Arden J.	Sgt.	37667756
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - Box 2, low flight no.5. Janssen (575BS), low flight, no.2.

575	575000	44	2	w.tg	Vincent, Robert A.	S/Sgt.	32744968
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - Jannsen (575BS). Box 2, low flight, no.2. NB Role assumed to be AG.

					SOURCE: MACR 09831, 42-95842. 28 Jul 1944
					NOTES: Target: Grosley sur Risle, France. 42-95842 was hit by FLAK in the waist section near Thury Harcourt, France. The aircraft broke into two pieces which were seen to slowly spin down. Three crew were seen to bail out, one from the tail section and two from the forward section. In a subsequent statement, Parker states that he was wounded in his left leg and foot. Lemmon was trapped in the bombardier's compartment of the spinning aircraft, and Culshaw and Rollings had probably been killed when the 88mm shell exploded in the waist section. After bailing out and landing, Parker saw Sweren in the hands of the Germans. Parker was taken to hospital by the Germans for treatment of his wounds. Clark was seen bailing out by Parker, but it is currently unclear what happened to him.

574	574116	44	9	P	Stevenson, Wilbur P.	1/Lt.	O704857	KIA
574	574116	44	9	CP	Kollar, John J.	2/Lt.	O1995972	POW
574	574116	44	9	B	Schwarz, Emil L.	2/Lt.	O760001	POW
574	574116	44	9	FE	Struwe, Neel L.	S/Sgt.	38456954	POW
574	574116	44	9	RG	Walstrom, Arthur C.	Sgt.	19139693	POW
574	574116	44	9	AG	Verdeal, Louis J.	S/Sgt.	37701849	POW

574	574000	44		w.p	Woods, Philip L.	2/Lt.	O714813
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - Box 1, low flight, no.5.

574	574000	44	12	w.b	McNamara, James J.	2/Lt.	O783446
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Bombardier - Box 1, low flight, no.5.

					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.

574	574117	43	1	P	Brandon, Donald K.	L/Col.	O388874	KIA
574	574117	44	8	P	Mickelson, Clarence E.	1/Lt.	O705037	KIA
574	574117	44	8	CP	Smidl, Ward C.	2/Lt.	O715820	POW
574	574117	44	8	B	Messel, Kenneth R.	2/Lt.	O712195	POW
574	574117	44	9	B	Peters, John R.	2/Lt.	O733226	POW
574	574117	44	8	FE	Weibking, Eugene E.	S/Sgt.	37609715	POW
574	574117	44	8	RG	Troup, Jay S.	S/Sgt.	33489409	POW
574	574117	44	8	AG	Buckley, Robert D.	S/Sgt.	17151527	KIA

					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.

574	574118	44	9	P	Gray, Warren E.	1/Lt.	O812576	POW
574	574118	44	9	CP	Vaughn, Harry W.	2/Lt.	O781718	POW
574	574118	44	9	B	Crabb, Thomas D.	2/Lt.	O2061345	POW
574	574118	44	9	FE	Smith, Edward	T/Sgt.	6999470	KIA
574	574118	44	9	RG	Buckley, Daniel J.	S/Sgt.	12037426	KIA
574	574118	44	9	AG	Lay, Ansel B.	Sgt.	36761814	KIA

					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.

574	574119	44	9	P	Brown, Clyde G.	Capt.	O424095	KIA
574	574119	44	9	CP	Bishop, George M.	2/Lt.	O715127	KIA
574	574119	44	9	B	Estrem, Paul J.	2/Lt.	O765475	KIA
574	574119	44	8	FE	Vidler, Robert L.	S/Sgt.	39409473	KIA
574	574119	44	9	RG	Courtenay, Rudyard L.	Sgt.	12160887
574	574119	44	9	AG	Brillhart, Gene W.	S/Sgt.	18123496	POW

574	574000	44		w.tt	Loegering, Weston A.	Sgt.	37564530
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Top Turret Gunner - Box 2, low flight. 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.

					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.

574	574120	44	9	P	Lesmeister, Ralph H.	1/Lt.	O705722	POW
574	574120	44	9	CP	Stark, Albert O.	2/Lt.	O715368	POW
574	574120	44	9	B	Pollock, Carl B.	2/Lt.	O722606	POW
574	574120	44	9	FE	Oliphant, Clare H., Jr.	S/Sgt.	19194669	POW
574	574120	44	9	RG	Stanton, Frank D.	S/Sgt.	39694012	POW
574	574120	44	9	AG	Stephenson, John H.	S/Sgt.	18241927

574	574000	44		w.tg	Frazier, Richard F.	S/Sgt.	35343654
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: 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.

					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.

574	574121	44		P	Donnelly, Edward F.	2/Lt.	O715739	KIA
574	574121	44		CP	Wroten, Alton B.	2/Lt.	O718817	KIA
574	574121	44		B	Ward, Walter I.	2/Lt.	O2063207
574	574121	44		FE	Sampson, William G.	Cpl.	36589011
574	574121	44		RG	Hasquin, Felicien, Jr.	Cpl.	36485250	KIA
574	574121	44		AG	De Luca, Gustino F.	Cpl.	31337188

574	574000	44		w.tt	Loegering, Weston A.	Sgt.	37564530
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Top Turret Gunner - Box 2, low flight. 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.

					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.

574	574122	44	9	P	Matus, Paul M.	1/Lt.	O706223	POW
574	574122	44	9	CP	Young, William C.	2/Lt.	O822677	POW
574	574122	44		B	Cline, Earl E.	2/Lt.	O2061147	POW
574	574122	44	9	FE	Raimonde, Paul	S/Sgt.	32871884	KIA
574	574122	44		RG	Swanson, William C.	T/Sgt.	32422413	KIA
574	574122	44	9	AG	Stoeckel, Harry T., Jr.	S/Sgt.	19177318	POW

574	574000	44		w.p	Chism, Jack W.	1/Lt.	O700428
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - Box 2, low flight. 43-34361 was No.6 position, appeared below and was missing its tail, rocking back and forth.

574	574000	44		w.unk	Frazier, Richard F.	S/Sgt.	35343654

					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.

574	574123	44		P	Haynes, Jack S.	2/Lt.	O819263	KIA
574	574123	44	9	CP	Werner, John C.	2/Lt.	O781478	POW
574	574123	44	9	B	Greenough, William, II	1/Lt.	O1010428	POW
574	574123	44		FE	Schiffner, Edward C.	S/Sgt.	32760481	POW
574	574123	44		RG	Weiand, Harold W.	S/Sgt.	35678760	POW
574	574123	44		AG	Fetters, Wendell A.	S/Sgt.	37657139	POW

574	574000	44		w.unk	Spangler, Richard B.	1/Lt.	O807535

					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.

574	574124	44	9	P	Detjens, Dale C.	1/Lt.	O705009	KIA
574	574124	44	9	CP	Kaye, Frederick T.	2/Lt.	O713468	KIA
574	574124	44	11	B	Blair, Joseph M.	2/Lt.	O558793	KIA
574	574124	44	9	FE	Kowalski, Joseph W.	S/Sgt.	16004803	POW
574	574124	44	9	RG	Potocnik, Edward L.	S/Sgt.	36815194	POW
574	574124	44	9	AG	Miller, Joseph J.	S/Sgt.	37567273

574	574000	44		w.tt	Loegering, Weston A.	Sgt.	37564530
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Top Turret Gunner - Box 2, low flight. 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 span out of control.

					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.

574	574125	44	7	P	Ryan, Bertram L., Jr.	1/Lt.	O689361	KIA
574	574125	44	12	CP	Letzring, Claude	2/Lt.	O833355	KIA
574	574125	44	7	B	Rouse, Allen V.	2/Lt.	O761256	KIA
574	574125	44	8	FE	Dean, Milton L., Jr.	S/Sgt.	38389353	KIA
574	574125	44	8	RG	Netecke, Thomas M.	S/Sgt.	16168989	KIA
574	574125	44	7	AG	Trapp, Clinton R.	Sgt.	35480911	KIA

574	574000	44		w.p	Woods, Philip L.	2/Lt.	O714813
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - 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.

574	574000	44	12	w.tt	Christensen, Fred J.	Cpl.	36753900
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: 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.

					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.

574	574128	45	1	P	Warrington, Charles W., Jr.	2/Lt.	O714791	POW
574	574128	45	1	CP	Jastremski, Edward C.	2/Lt.	O831711	POW
574	574128	45	1	B	Ransom, William V.	F/O	T128665	KIA
574	574128	45	1	FE	Elliott, Andrew J.	Sgt.	38470641	POW
574	574128	45	1	RG	Williams, Robert P.	Sgt.	34801536	KIA
574	574128	45	1	AG	Kuto, George R.	Sgt.	36763247	POW

574	574000	45	1	w.tg	Young, Ralph C.	2/Lt.	O715921
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - Box 2, high flight, no.4. Warrington No.5. 2 runs. Hit by FLAK. Hole the size of a turret in top of front bomb bay. Flames coming out. Made shallow turn to left under us. Spiralling towards ground with pieces of aircraft flying off until it hit the ground.

574	574000	44	7	w.tog	Burgess, James A.	S/Sgt.	20616124
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Togglier. Box 2, high flight, no.3. Warrington pulled out of formation and began losing altitude. The left wing and forward bomb bay were burning. I saw one man bail out but no chute. 3 chutes seen when aircraft at 2000 feet. NB Role assumed to be AG.

574	574000	45	1	w.wg	Grimes, Charles M.	Cpl.	17151951
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Waist Gunner - Box 2, high flight, no.4. Warrington No.5. 2 runs.Hit by FLAK. Hole the size of a turret in top of front bomb bay. Flames coming out. Made shallow turn to left under us. Spiralling towards ground with pieces of aircraft flying off until it hit the ground.

					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.

574	574131	45	1	P	Martin, Ted E.	2/Lt.	O720310	KIA
574	574131	45	1	CP	Smith, Seymour	2/Lt.	O834049	KIA
574	574131	45	1	B	Rochefort, William H.	F/O	T131618	KIA
574	574131	45	1	FE	Spiewak, Frank J.	Sgt.	36754293	KIA
574	574131	45	1	RG	Silverston, Robert L.	Sgt.	36557244	KIA
574	574131	45	1	AG	Mann, Robert E.	Sgt.	36870445	KIA

574	574000	44		w.p	Woods, Philip L.	1/Lt.	O714813
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - Box 2, second flight, no.4. Aircraft 720 hit by FLAK in right wing, flipped over, and burst into flames.

574	574000	44	9	w.b	Lee, Leonard F.	2/Lt.	O712178
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Bombardier - Box 2, second flight, no.1. Aircraft 720 hit in right wing by FLAK. The wing was blown off, aircraft then turned over onto its back, and burst into flames.

574	574000	44	12	w.b	McNamara, James J.	2/Lt.	O783446
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Bombardier - Box 2, second flight, no.4. Right wing of 107720 received direct hit in right wing engine nacelle, and right wing and engine were blown off. Aircraft flipped onto its back and began to spin downwards.

					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.

574	574132	45	1	P	Huskey, William M.	1/Lt.	O664608	KIA
574	574132	45	1	CP	Whippy, Richard N.	2/Lt.	O833857
574	574132	45	1	B	Reiser, Ted A.	2/Lt.	O2068247	KIA
574	574132	45	1	FE	Sunday, Arthur M.	Sgt.	34546511	POW
574	574132	45	1	RG	Miller, Jay N.	Sgt.	19109445	POW
574	574132	45	1	AG	Siegfried, Fred J.	Sgt.	35232783	POW

574	574000	44	9	w.p	Sherwood, Norman W.	1/Lt.	O813962
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Pilot - leading element of 3 ships. Aircraft 820-U no.2. Hit by FLAK in right engine, which caught fire. Fire spread to bomb bay and navigator's compartment. Left formation.

574	574000	44	9	w.tg	Milashoski, Raphael K.	S/Sgt.	16074877
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: 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.

574	574000	44	9	w.wg	Widner, James R.	S/Sgt.	15080706
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Waist Gunner - leading element of 3 ships. Aircraft 820-U no.2 on fire. Both engines on fire, one feathered. 1 chute. 2 more chutes. Bombs salvoed. Aircraft went into a dive and exploded.

					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.

574	574135	45	2	P	Johnson, Clark G.	2/Lt.	O555011	KIA
574	574135	45	2	CP	Masco, Robert H.	2/Lt.	O2058234	KIA
574	574135	45	2	B	Schneiderman, Norman W.	F/O	T132603	KIA
574	574135	45	2	FE	Riddell, Felix O.	Sgt.	34635739	KIA
574	574135	45	2	RG	Lunsford, Arthur M.	Sgt.	34774196	KIA
574	574135	45	2	AG	McMahon, William J.	Sgt.	35146993	KIA

574	574000	45	3	w.tg	Hopson, Othel A.	Sgt.	39131086
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: 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.

574	574000	45	2	w.tt	Piepenbrink, Charles	Sgt.	31366380
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Top Turret Gunner - #927R. Box 1, high flight, no.6. #929K had disappeared when we broke through cloud. NB Role assumed to be FE.

574	574000	44	8	w.tg	Jefferson, Jack M.	Sgt.	36767518
					WITNESS DETAILS & STATEMENT: Tail Gunner - #227V. Box 1, high flight, no.1. #929K no.5. After 1 hour in the vicinity of Neuweid, left engine smoking, fell back. Entered cloud at 11,000 ft and broke ourt at 14,000 feet. Aircraft disappeared. NB Role assumed to be AG.

					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,

574	574114	43	5	P	Talton, John R.	1/Lt.	O795859	KIA
574	574114	43	12	CP	Salden, Vern E.	1/Lt.	O757294	KIA
574	574114	44		TOG	Pellissier, Ernest J.	T/Sgt.	10601628	KIA
574	574114	44		EG	Fowler, Jesse	Sgt.	12134197	KIA
574	574114	44		RG	Zobel, Carl J., Jr.	Sgt.	17114615	KIA
574	574114	44	7	AG	Collison, Arden J.	S/Sgt.	37667756

					SOURCE: MACR 15281, 42-95873. 5 Oct 1944
					NOTES: Killed in take-off crash in 42-95873 at Roye Amy/A-73.