351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   Composite Box
   Stations   –	0655
   Start Engines –	0705
   Taxi     –	0715
   Take Off   –	0730
   Last Take Off –	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Visual - Politz [Germany] Synthetic Oil; PFF - Stralsund, [Germany] Elec. Power
   Secondary: Barth A/D [Airdrome]
   Last Resort: ____
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: 10 x 500# GP [General Purpose] 1/10 x 1/40 [Fuse] - All A/C [Aircraft]
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - None
   Chaff: All A/C commence release chaff at 3 min. before I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] - for 15 minutes. Each A/C will carry 360 units.
   
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 gallons
   Remarks: ____
   
   
6. Wing Formation:

   Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	94th (C) CBW	94th (D) CBW
   Lead	457	351st	401	351st
   Low	457	351st	401	457th
   High	457	351st	401	401st

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position		CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	"A" Task Force	94th "A"	Politz - Syn. Oil	0900 at Louth
   2nd		94th "B"	Politz - Syn. Oil	0902
   3rd		94th "C"	Politz - Syn. Oil	9004
   4th		94th "D"	Politz - Syn. Oil	9006
   5th	"B" Task Force	1st - 3 Gp.	Brux
   6th		41st - 3 Gp.	Brux & Runland
   7th		40th - 3 Gp.	Ruhland
   8th
   2nd Division		15 Gps.	Bohlen - Oil Mersburg - Chem. Plant
   3rd Division		12 Gps.	Same as 2nd Div.
   Marauders
   RAF [Royal Air Force]		500 Lancs. & Halifax [Bombers]	Emerich Harbor

   
   Remarks: ____
    Base Reference Altitude 23,000'
    Division Assembly line: Felixstowe to 5110[N]-0246[E].
    Interval between Task Forces: 2 minutes.
    Division Assembly Line - "A" Task Force - Louth to 0300'E; "B" Task Force Orfordness to 5737-0437E.
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]	[Type]
     1 Gp - P-51's	5440-1000E	Balance 1-1	Front
     1 Gp - P-51's	5440-1000E	Balance 1-2	Middle
     1 Gp - P-51's	5440-1000E	Balance 1-3	Rear

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead	5,000'	Kings Cliffe
   Low	4,000'	Kings Cliffe
   High	6,000'	Kings Cliffe
   Composite	8,000'	Glatton

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Gunners, Bombardiers, and Radio Operators:
    Type of Bombing Formation -
    Intervalometer Settings - Visual - Salvo; PFF - 125 Feet.
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	In The Clear
    Visual Bombing –	In The Clear
    Authenticator –	Victory Garden
    Recall –	"B" Group - Star Half Back "D" Group - Pig Skin Parade
    Weather Code –	BVITA
    Release "CHAFF" –	In The Clear

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st Lead	Woodcraft Baker Lead	RG [Red Green]
    351st Low	Woodcraft Baker Low	RR
    351st High	Woodcraft Baker Low	GG
    Composite	Woodcraft Dog Lead	RG
    401st A
    401st B
    457th A
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	"B" Group - "Vinegrove 1-2"; "D" Group - "Vinegrove 1-4"
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    C.P. 1 - Louth		L - Zwolle
    C.P. 2 - 5430-0850E		O - Osnabruck
    C.P. 3 - 5416-1218E		G - Kassel
    C.P. 4 - 5421-1344E		S - Hanover
    _____		H - Magdeburg
    _____		I - Leipsig
    _____		P - Chemnitz
    _____		M - Dresden
    _____		E - Kiel
    _____		N - Rostock
    _____		T - Stettin

    Remarks: ____
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0100 – 0700
    0700 – 1300	RY	P	L
    1300 – 1900	GY	M	F

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All Except Following:
    2. - F-124, K-252, H-435, O-277
    3. - L-676, P-258
    4. - Available on all A/C.
    
    
16. Let-Down on Kings Cliffe, if overcast.
    351st A   030° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    Composite   Glatton - 050° Mag.
    401st A   ___° Mag.
    457th A   ___° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields.
    3. Landing Aids.
    
    
18. Special Instructions:
    A. Camera A/C to Return - F-674, S-512, R-038, F-711.
    B. Bombing Altitude will be staggered between 25,500' & 27,000'. Groups scheduled to fly at 27,000' will guide on Groups flying at 25,500 Ft.
    C. Spares turn back at 3°E.
    Division Air Commander - Col. Luper "A" Task Force.
    

1. Date of Mission - 7 October, 1944.
   1. Target – Politz, Germany (Primary)
   2. Force – The 351st Group furnished the 94th "B" Group, consisting of thirty-six aircraft (including three PFF units), and the lead squadron of the 94th "D" Group, consisting of twelve aircraft (including one PFF unit).
   3. Position – The 94th "B" Group was briefed and flew as the second formation in the Division. The 94th "D" Group flew, as briefed, in the fourth position of the Division formation.
   4. Lead Teams

      	"B" Group Lead (To Target)
      	Air Commander:	Lt Col Benoid A. Glawe
      	Pilot:	1st Lt. Arthur Bartzocas
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Seymore N. Levinson
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Lloyd H. Kline

      
      

      	"B" Group Lead (Return)
      	Air Commander:	1st Lt. Duane S. Anderson
      	Pilot:	2nd Lt. Mark O. Rice
      	Navigator:	2nd Lt. Milton J. Morrisette
      	Bombardier:	2nd Lt. Gerald E. Tracewitz

      	"D" Group Lead
      	Air Commander:	Major James T. Stewart
      	Pilot:	Captain Jerome H. Geiger
      	Navigator:	1st Lt. Lester W. Boardman
      	Bombardier:	1st Lt. Earl L. Braneman

2. Narrative.
   1.  Group & Wing Assembly - (B Group) Assembly was as briefed, with the formation complete by 0826. Kings Cliffe buncher was departed slightly east of course on time (0836) and at the briefed altitude (5,000 feet). The "D" Group assembled as briefed, over the Glatton buncher at 8,000 feet.
   2.  Route Over England – (B Group) The turn at Holbeach was cut short to keep the formation on time. Louth, the first control point, was reached at the briefed time (0902) and altitude (5,000 feet), and the English coast was crossed as briefed.
      
      (D Group) The buncher was departed one minute late (0841), and the turn at March was cut short in order to save time. Louth was departed six minutes late, time having been lost in order to be in the correct position.
   3.  Division Assembly – (B Group) No trouble was encountered on the Division Assembly, it being flown exactly as briefed.
      
      (D Group) The D Group fell into the Division formation in the proper position, but had to fly slightly north of course in order to hold its position in relation to the other formations.
   4.  Flight to Target – (B Group) The route in was as briefed. Some time was lost on the first leg, and the formation was four minutes late at the second control point, having arrived there at 1022. The enemy coast was crossed as briefed, and the following control point was reached at 1144, one minute late. Time was gained crossing the Baltic, and the control point (54°17'N-12°18'E) was reached nine minutes early, at 1200. On the following leg of the route, time was again lost, and the succeeding control point was reached five minutes late, at 1240.
      
      The flight to the target for the D Group was as briefed.
   5.  Description of Bombing Run – (B Group) Because of winds which might have made the bombing run too short, and to avoid the possibility of cutting off the preceding formation, a 270° turn to the right was made at the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. The briefed IP was used. Intense and very accurate flak was encountered on the bombing run, and the group lead aircraft lost an engine at this time. Bombing was visual, but unobserved because of an effective smoke screen and smoke from previous bombs. Each squadron performed its own sighting operations. Data from the lead squadron is unavailable as the lead aircraft is missing in action. The high squadron turned at the briefed IP, but was unable to identify the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] because of smoke. Bombs were dropped into the smoke of previous bombing. The low squadron also used the briefed IP and bombed into the smoke. In both cases, the C-1 Pilot [Autopilot] was used satisfactorily.
      
      (D Group) At the turn before the IP a 360° turn to the left was made in order that the "D" Group would be able to bomb in the proper order, and not cut out the preceding formation. At the IP the low and high squadrons turned first, followed by the lead squadron of the D Group. The primary target was bombed visually, but the MPI was not identified because of smoke. The C-1 Pilot was used satisfactorily, and intense flak was encountered on the run. Bombs fell into the smoke of previous bombs, fourteen minutes late, at 1309.
   6.  Flight From Target – (B Group) After bombs away the group leader made a turn to the left, but was unable to maintain the lead because of battle damage incurred at the target. The deputy leader took over the lead, cut the air speed in order to protect stragglers, and made a gradual return to the briefed route. Minor variations from the briefed course were made in order to avoid flak installations. The enemy coast was crossed twenty minutes late, at 1435, just north of course. Upon the advice of the Scouting Force, a route north of course across the North Sea was initiated. But because the new route seemed to be over a solid undercast, and to avoid using extra fuel, a direct course to Louth was chosen, and let down to 1,500 feet was made by the time the English coast was reached. The coast was crossed on course at 1619 (fifteen minutes late) at 1,500 feet altitude. Return to base was made just under the overcast, at 1,500 feet, and landings were made without incident.
      
      (D Group) After bombs away a deviation to the north and east of course was made in an effort to reform the group. Crossing the North Sea, an arbitrary route south of course was chosen in an effort to conserve time and fuel, and the English coast was crossed at 1615 at 8,000 feet over 52°58'N-00°58'E. An instrument let down was made on the Kings Cliffe buncher and all ships returned to base individually.
   7.  Fighter Support – Reported as adequate.
   8.  Comments – Seven aircraft, all of the "B" Group, are reported missing. A/C 44-8222, pilot Lt Col Glawe (Group Leader) left the formation just after bombs away with one engine feathered and a large hole and fuel leak in its wing. This aircraft reported it would attempt to reach Sweden, but an SOS was later received which indicated the ship to be at 53°30'N-01°59'E. Nothing further has been heard from this ship. Aircraft 43-37674, pilot Lt McGuire, and 43-38527, pilot Lt Dargue, were hit by flak over the target; eight chutes were reported from the first, and nine from the second. Aircraft 43-38171, pilot Lt Merrill, was reported on fire as a result of flak, and lost to the formation. No chutes were observed. Aircraft 43-38426, pilot Lt Fisher, was seen going down under control just past the target, and the exact cause of damage is not known. Aircraft 42-31192, pilot Lt Petersen, and 42-97196, pilot Lt Evans, both are missing to unknown causes.
      
      Flak at the target was intense and very accurate. No enemy aircraft were encountered. Weather in the target area was clear, but clouds were encountered on the return route over the North Sea and England.
   9.  Aircraft Not Attacking – Aircraft 43-38585 (low squadron, "B" Group), pilot Lt Lambert, turned back from 54°28'N-11°02'E; reported #3 engine trouble. Aircraft 42-97258 (lead squadron, "D" Group), pilot Lt Wishnewsky, failed to attack when over the target because of battle damage to the release mechanism which prevented the release of the bombs.

1. The Lead A/C of the Lead Sqdn., 94th "B" Wing, made the complete sighting operation for the Lead Sqdn., 94th "B" Wing. After attacking the target, the lead A/C did not return to this base.
2. The following information was compiled from the Deputy Bombardier of the Lead Sqdn., 94th "B" Wing.
   1. The Mag. [Magnetic] heading at time of attack was 340°.
   2. "Bombs Away" took place at 1259 hours.
   3. Bombing altitude was 26,600'.
   4. Results were unobserved due to smoke screen and smoke from previous bombing.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined) - Visual.
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron Lead made sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes.
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. Smoke Screen and Smoke from previous bombing.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? MPI was not identified - Bombed into the smoke.
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? No.
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes.
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? Flak burst tipped wing a few seconds before release.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Androkitis, John
Pilot - 2nd. Lt. Purcell, James M.
Navigator - 2nd. Lt. Hammaker, Robert S.

Aircraft B-17G   Y-651  Take-off - 0744 Landed - 1707
Objective - Politz near Stettin, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Bombed into Smoke
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ___   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500-Lb. AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  MPI covered by smoke

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved due to smoke
Mean Temp. Metro -8 Actual -8
Winds - Altitude - 28,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 340°  Actual 207°  Velocity - Metro 20  Actual 20
Temp C. - Metro -35° C. Actual -32° C.

1. Type of Bombing (Visual, PFF or Combined) - Visual.
2. Did Squadron perform own sighting operation, bomb on smoke marker, or was bombing done in Group Formation? Squadron Lead made sighting operation.
3. Was turn made at briefed I.P.? Yes.
4. Cloud coverage and visibility. Visibility was poor due to Smoke Screen and Smoke from previous bombing.
5. If Visual, when was MPI identified? If not actually seen, how was it located? MPI was not identified - MPI was not identified - Bombed into the smoke.
6. Any Interference on Bomb Run? No.
7. Did C-1 [Autopilot] function satisfactory? Yes.
8. Any other factors affecting accuracy? No.

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Smith, Donald W.
Pilot - 1st Lt. Bunnell, Jerry A.
Navigator - 2nd. Lt. Mabrey, William C.

Aircraft B-17G   Q-080  Take-off - 0731 Landed - 1711
Objective - Politz near Stettin, Germany
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - Bombed into Smoke
Initial Point - As Briefed
Method of Attack - Squadron
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 12   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: Lead A/C   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ___   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - G.P.[General Purpose] 500-Lb. AN-M43
Number of Bombs Loaded - 10   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/40
Synchronization - On

Information at Release Point:  MPI covered by smoke

Type of Release - Salvo
Point of Impact If Seen - Unobserved due to smoke
Mean Temp. Metro -8 Actual -8
Winds - Altitude - 26,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 340°  Actual 350°  Velocity - Metro 20  Actual 24
Temp C. - Metro -35° C. Actual -30° C.

1. The target for the four squadrons of this Group was the Hydrierwerke Dil plant at Politz, Germany. At time of bombing the target area was obscured by a very effective smoke screen and smoke from previous bombing. Photo cover was complete, but only the pattern of the lead squadron, 94th "B" group could be definitely identified.
2. The bombs of the lead squadron, 94th "B" group can be plotted in an area 3,750 feet to the SE of the target. Some damage will be done to residences in the area.
3. The bombs of the low and high squadrons, 94th "B" group, and of the lead squadron of 94th "D" group cannot be seen on the ground. Smoke markers from all groups can be seen going into the target area.

1. No leaflets were carried on today's mission.
2. The primary target, synthetic oil plant at Politz, was bombed by the four squadrons dispatched from this Base, visually, but through a very effective smoke screen and the smoke of previous bombing. Aiming on the MPI [Mean Point of Impact] was by triangulation and through the smoke. Strike photographs show no bursts which can be definitely pin-pointed, but smoke markers are seen headed for the target area. A large fire is seen in approximately the middle of the target.
3. No enemy aircraft were encountered, and no claims [of enemy aircraft being shot down] are being submitted.
4. Flak at the target was intense and very accurate, continuing for about ten minutes. There was meager, inaccurate flak in the vicinity of Peenemunde, and meager to moderate flak was observed over Flensburg and Sasznitz.
5. The weather was clear in the target area, but heavy smoke at the target prevented accurate visual sighting on the MPI.
6. There were four large MVs at anchor in Prorer Bay at 5425-1340E. Twelve A/C were observed on airfield at Putnitz - 5416-1228 E. Twelve s/e [single engine] fighters observed on runway at Zingst, 5426-1250E. What appeared to be an airfield with twelve s/e planes was observed at 1212 hours at approximately 5404N - 1235 E. About twenty s/e [single engine] A/C [Aircraft] were observed on an airfield believed to be Ribinitz airfield.
7. PFF equipment worked well and was used for navigational aid. Scouting Force sent adequate information as to conditions at the primary, including the smoke screen, but did not send this message in code. Fighter support was adequate. Two of our A/C landed short of home base, one at Ludham because of flak damage and shortage of fuel, and the other at Warbois because of insufficient fuel. Seven of our A/C are missing. Our A/C 222-A left the formation just after bombs away with one engine feathered, and a large hole and fuel leak in its wing. This A/C reported that it would attempt to reach Sweden. A/C 674-F was observed to go down over the target, a victim of flak; eight chutes were observed from this aircraft. A/C 527-C was shot down by flak over the target and nine chutes were reported from this aircraft. A/C 171-Y was observed on fire as a result of flak just past the target, and was lost to the formation. No chutes are reported. A/C 426-B was seen going down under control just past the target. No chutes were seen, and the exact cause of the damage is not known. A/C 196-M and 192-R are missing to causes unknown. A late report indicates that an SOS has been received from A/C 222-A from 5330N.-0159E. This message was received at 1602 hours.

    508th Squadron:
A/C 956-L: Pilot's hydraulic switch gets in way and my knees knock it on. Could it be changed? - Lt. Crutcher.
Pilot's controls were shot out and pilot's oxygen was shot out. Co-pilot recovered control of plane and told crew about oxygen being shot out. If it hadn't been for this we would have crashed. The engineer fixed hydraulics. We would have [had] to crash land; [but] by using oil from top turret and urine for hydraulic fluid [we were able to use the hydraulics]. I think this was clear thinking on the part of both men. - Lt. Johnson.
A/C 277-O: Lousey weather reports not needed. - Lt. Angelini.

    509th Squadron:
A/C 984-M: Transportation after landing still poor. - Lt. Whitaker.
A/C 156-R: Low squadron flew right under us at bombs away - our bombs barely missed them. Doing a 360° turn in target area caused us to get a lot of flak that we wouldn't have had otherwise. - Lt. Basehore.

    510th Squadron:
A/C 512-S: Formation was good over target, and bombs all seemed to drop at once. - Lt. Miller
A/C 515-L: We climbed too slow today. Climbing was done at 135 I.A.S. [Indicated Air Speed] average. - Lawson.
A/C 082-B: How come the 360° on the I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]? No need for it. - Lt. Marsey.

    511th Squadron:
A/C 080-Q: No transportation came for this crew. Had to use the truck that came for Merrill. - Lt. Bunnell.
A/C 524-D: No reason for 360 degree turn over the target. - Crew

1. Abortives and Flying Spares:
   1. Airplane No. 43-38585, 511th Squadron, returned early. Pilot stated that at 4,000 feet altitude the oil temperature began to rise above normal and as the climb continued, the oil pressure began to drop. After reaching 110 degrees and 40 PSI pressure, an attempt was made to feather the engine. The propeller failed to feather, so the aircraft left the formation; as excessive manifold pressure was being used, and Pilot stated he could not keep up. When the aircraft returned, it was found that the oil temperature regulator shutters had stuck shut.
2. Battle Damage:
   1. Airplane No. 43-37956, 508th Squadron. Large flak hole through right wing inboard panel, damaging skin, braces and stringers. 12" flak hole entered underside of fuselage, left of navigator's escape hatch, and emerged through top, damaging cables, lines, heating system, skin and corrugation. (Major).
   2. Airplane No. 42-97349, 508th Squadron. Flak hole through left inboard wing panel, damaging de-icer lines. Flak damage to left side of vertical stabilizer and left side of tail section. (Major).
   3. Airplane No. 42-31711, 508th Squadron. Numerous flak holes left and right stabilizers. #1 Engine sump hit by flak, damaging engine. Flak skin holes underside nose section. (Major).
   4. Airplane No. 43-38277, 508th Squadron. Flak hole underside right wing, damaging skin and several stringers. Flak hole left wing, damaging skin, and gusset plate. (Major).
   5. Airplane No. 42-97258, 508th Squadron. Flak entered left side of tail section and emerged through vertical stabilizer, causing large rips. (Minor).
   6. Airplane No. 43-37900, 508th Squadron. Flak skin damage to left side of vertical stabilizer. Flak entered just left of ball turret, damaging stringers, floor and bulkhead. Flak entered left elevator and emerged through stabilizer. Several scattered flak hits top of left wing. (Major).
   7. Airplane No. 43-38591, 509th Squadron. Flak hole through left stabilizer. Five flak holes right wing, damaging tokio tanks, and six flak holes left wing, damaging main tanks. Two flak holes vertical stabilizer. Numerous flak holes both sides of fuselage. Right waist window damaged by flak. #3 nacelle damaged by flak. (Major).
   8. Airplane No. 42-39914, 509th Squadron. Two flak holes left stabilizer, requiring change. Three flak holes through forsal [dorsal] fin, two flak holes through vertical fin, flak damage to #4 nacelle and intercooler duct. Several flak holes through both wings, damaging tokio tanks. Several flak holes throughout fuselage. (Major).
   9. Airplane No. 44-6156, 509th Squadron. Several hundred flak holes throughout aircraft, vertical and horizontal stabilizers, both wings, bomb bay doors , tires, damaging all tokio tanks and all feeder tanks, wiring, skin, stringers, and bulkheads. (Major).
   10. Airplane No. 43-37964, 509th Squadron. Flak holes through both stabilizers and elevators, one through vertical stabilizer. Very numerous flak holes through both wings, damaging tokio and main tanks, tires hit by flak, as well as fuselage, throughout aircraft. #4 engine also hit by flak and also plexiglass nose section. (Major).
   11. Airplane No. 43-37676, 509th Squadron. Several hundred flak holes throughout aircraft, both wings, damaging tokio tanks, tail section, both horizontal stabilizers, vertical stabilizer and #2 ignition harness, as well as fuselage throughout. (Major).
   12. Airplane No. 43-38432, 509th Squadron. Flak damage to waist window, plexiglass nose, #4 cowl flap hose, #1 oil vent line, severe damage to both wings, countless holes through out stabilizers, ring cowls and fuselage in general. (Major).
   13. Airplane No. 42-31384, 509th Squadron. Numerous flak holes throughout aircraft, external and internal damage throughout, spar, and numerous parts must be replaced. (Major).
   14. Airplane No. 42-107124, 510th Squadron. Hundreds of flak holes throughout entire aircraft, internal and external damage, tanks, superchargers, stabilizers and many parts must be changed. (Major).
   15. Airplane No. 43-37512, 510th Squadron. Flak entered leading edge of left wing, damaging spar. One flak hole top of left wing fairing. (Major).
   16. Airplane No. 44-8280, 510th Squadron. Three flak holes left wing, damaging #2 tank and feeder. Flak hot [sic] #4 oil line, causing engine failure. Flak damage leading edge of left stabilizer. (Major).
   17. Airplane No. 42-38038, 510th Squadron. Two flak holes right wing tip. One flak hole left wing tip. Two flak holes fuselage left of bomb bay doors. Two flak holes left wing, damaging tokios. One flak hole through tail section, damaging mount and stringer. One flak hole right side of dorsal fin. (Major).
   18. Airplane No. 43-37524, 511th Squadron. Flak hole through left wing from above. Numerous small skin holes bottom of right wing, flak hole leading edge right wing, damaging diagonal brace. Two flak holes leading edge left wing. (Major).
   19. Airplane No. 42-97381, 511th Squadron. Three flak holes top of left wing and underside. One flak hole underside right wing. Flak hole at Station 3A, cutting circumferential, damaging control cable box and pulley. Skin hole by flak #4 nacelle inspection door. (Major.)
   20. Airplane No. 43-38435, 511th Squadron. Seven flak holes through right wing, damaging skin, corrugation, feeder tank, and tokios. Flak holes leading edges of both wings, damaging spar. One flak hole underside left wing. One flak hole through fuselage, cutting rudder and elevator cable. Flak entered tail wheel well, went through fuselage and finally out through vertical stabilizer, damaging wires, navigation lights on stabilizers. (Major).
   21. Airplane No. 42-97965, PFF Aircraft. Flak hole through left wing outer panel, skin, corrugation and tokio tank damaged. Flak hole through inner panel near connection of panels, skin, corrugation and tokio tank damaged. Flak hole underside of #1 nacelle, skin, and #6 cylinder damaged. Flak hole underside of left wing, skin, corrugation and #2 tank damaged. Small flak hole underside of right wing, skin and corrugation damaged. Three small flak holes through right wing tip, skin and corrugation damaged. Flak hole in leading edge of right horizontal stabilizer, skin and former and ribs damaged. Flak hole in leading edge of left horizontal stabilizer, skin and former damaged. Flak hole in dorsal fin at waist position. Small flak hole underside of fuselage, near Radar dome. Small flak hole in radar dome. Flak hole rear of the main entrance door. (Major).
   22. Airplane No. 42-97687, PFF Aircraft. Flak hole underside of the left wing inner panel, skin, corrugation and #1 fuel tank damaged. Small flak hole on leading edge of left wing inner panel, skin damage only.
   
   

   TOTAL A/C DAMAGED		MAJOR DAMAGE		MINOR DAMAGE		DAMAGED BY FLAK
   24		23		1		24

1. The following armament malfunctions were reported on the mission of 7 October, 1944.
   1. A/C 42-31711 (Mechanical Bombing System). Aircraft attacked target 2½ minutes late. Examination reveals flak hit left forward bomb door retracting screw bending it. Door motor could not open doors far enough to disengage mechanical interlock, and door motor burned out. Pilot's emergency release was used but the binding action of bent screw made operation of emergency release difficult. New front left retracting mechanism installed. Burned out door motor replaced.
   2. A/C 42-97258 Bombs failed to release. Flak hit salvo relay box. Jagged edge of hole pressed inward against electric wiring causing master relay to burn out. Bombs jettisoned mechanically over Baltic Sea. New master relay installed in salvo relay box.

Aircraft No. 585 Squadron - 511  Pilot - Lt. Lambert
Time of Abortive - 1150  Location when Aborted - 54°28'N-11°02'E [Over Fehmarn Island, 43 miles ENE of Kiel, Germany]
Reason For Abortive - #3 engine oil temperature rose to 110° on climb, at 21,000' oil pressure dropped slowly to 55# then rapidly to 40#. Engine was feathered at this point. Engine would not feather, prop windmilled was unable to stay in formation, formation was over Denmark as was unable to salvo bombs, tried feathering engine again, at this point turned back. Engine feathered when temp. dropped.
Disposition of Bombs: Salvoed at 54°29'N-8°E (North Sea).
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 21,000'
Enemy Opposition Encountered - Flak 54°32'N-09°02'E & 54°21'N-08°38'E
Remarks: ____
[Signed] [No Signature]

1. Last Four numbers and Call Letter of A/C in each Squadron:

   a. 94th "B" Combat Group   Lead Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: Z–9765, (R–1192 Flying Spare)
   Sqdn 509th A/C: F–7674, A–8222, M–7964, U–8591, R–6156, P–8432, S–9914, L–7676, V–7854, T–1384
   Sqdn 510th A/C: F–7124
   Sqdn 511th A/C:

   
   

   b. 94th "B" Combat Group   High Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C:
   Sqdn 509th A/C:
   Sqdn 510th A/C: D–7957, K–7252, B–6082, G–7862, L–7515, C–2576, T–8461, A–8465, H–8280, S–7512, M–7196, Y–7651
   Sqdn 511th A/C:

   
   

   c. 94th "B" Combat Group   Low Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C:
   Sqdn 509th A/C:
   Sqdn 510th A/C: R–8038
   Sqdn 511th A/C: Q–8080, C–8527, A–8428, K–8585, U–7381, G–8070, D–7524, H–8435, B–8426, Y–8171, F–7705

   c. 94th "D" Composite Group   Lead Squadron
   Sqdn 508th A/C: K–8130, P–7258, H–8666, D–8405, O–8277, B–7349, M–7900, C–7843, J–7978, F–1711, L–7956
   Sqdn 509th A/C:
   Sqdn 510th A/C:
   Sqdn 511th A/C: Z–7687

2. Target: 94th "B" - GQ-1551 No. 13 Ill/11; 94th "D" - GQ-1551 No. 16 Ill/11.
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T OWWM R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T TUA R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T JQS R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T NDF R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. Lead Box: Taxi – 0715; Take-Off – 0730; E.T.D. Field – At Take-Off
   b. ____ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   0905	5,000 Ft	53°24'N-00°13'E [English coast 10 miles ENE of Louth]

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1128	20,000 Ft	54°30'N-08°50'E [German coast 10 miles W of Husum]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1415	20,000 Ft	54°30'N-08°50'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1604	5,000 Ft	Louth

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1645 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# [GP -General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" High Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# [GP -General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# [GP -General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
    Bomb load of Each A/C: "D" Lead Box
    508 Squadron: All A/C 10 x 500# [GP -General Purpose] 1/10 Nose x 1/40 Tail [Fuses]
    509 Squadron:
    510 Squadron:
    511 Squadron:
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. [94th "B"] Lead Group: Name: B.E. Glawe Rank: Lt. Col. A/C: A-8222  Sqdn. 509
    b. [94th "B"] High Group: Name: J.M. Purcell Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: B-7701 Sqdn. 509
    c. [94th "B"] Low Group: Name: J.E. Bunnell Rank: 1st Lt. A/C: Q-8080 Sqdn. 511
    c. [94th "D"] Lead Group: Name: J.T. Stewart Rank: Major A/C: Z-7687 Sqdn. 511
    
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None

Report Compiled By J.C. Muesing, S/Sgt.

• A/C# 44-8222   YB-A  Pilot: Lt. Bartzocas A/C's 4th Mission   MACR # 9565

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Marvin R. Walker, 0-760932, was flying as Pilot of Aircraft No. 43-38432 which was leading the Low Section, Lead Squadron, on a mission to Politz, Germany on 7 October 1944. The first thing I noticed about Lt. Bartzocas was that he feathered his No. 3 Engine over the target. Just after the target his No. 2 Engine started giving off a fine spray of liquid. He stayed in formation fully under control until the formation made a left turn. Instead of turning left with us, he kept on going straight which was in the direction of Sweden. He seemed still under control. I saw no parachutes and heard nothing over VHF."
  [Signed] Marvin R. Walker, 1st Lt., Air Corps.
  
  Letter from Top Turret Gunner Louis W. Walter to Commanding General, Army Air Forces, concerning Lloyd H. Kline, Albert Pollyea, Carlton E. Mendell and Thomas W. Clarke which was filed in the MACR:
  Dear Sir:
  I received Individual Casualty Questionaires on the above men. I hope the following information will be of some value to you.
  Our crew, including these men, landed on the airfield at Sjobo, Sweden on October 7, 1944. We were the lead crew. All of the crew were uninjured except Albert Pollyea who had a very slight flak wound over one eye.
  We were kept in a schoolhouse under guard three nights. On October 10, 1944 we were moved by rail to Granna, Sweden to an Internee Camp.
  Lt. Col. Glawe, Wing Commander, and 1st. Lt. Thomas W. Clarke went to Stockholm, Sweden on October 13, 1944 to be returned to their base in England as they were high priority men.
  On October 23, 1944 I was ordered to report to Vasteras, Sweden for line duty. On October 27, 1944, S/Sgt. Paul E. Waxler reported to Vasteras, Sweden also. We were not released from there until July 2, 1945.
  The evening of December 4, 1944, I received a telephone call from 1st Lt. Seymour R. Levinson, the navigator of the crew. By the way he talked, I understood that he was being returned to England. Later we found out that this camp at Granna, Sweden was vacated about this time. Lt. Seymour R. Levinson arrived safely in England. However, I do not know if these men were on the same plane.
  If these men have been lost, I suggest that you check the ATC [Air Transport Command] Flight Records out of Bromma Field, Stockholm, Sweden on or about this date.
  If possible please advise me of any additional information on these men.
  [Signed] Louis W. Walters

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Bartzocas, Arthur, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Air Commander - Lt Col Glawe, Benoid E., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Levinson, Seymour R., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Kline, Lloyd H., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Walters, Louis W., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Massara, Joseph M., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Waxler, Paul E., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Mickey Operator - 1st Lt Clarke, Thomas W., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - 2nd Lt Pollyea, Albert, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Mendell, Carlton E., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  

• A/C# 43-37674   RQ-F  Pilot: Lt. McGuire  A/C's 31st Mission   MACR # 9356

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  According to questionnaires filed in the Missing Air Crew Report the plane made a successful three point landing at Ronneby near Karlshamn, Sweden. The men were interned in Sweden, some for only two months.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt McGuire, David R., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Simpson, Alfred K. Jr., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Thompson, Carl J., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Storms, George R., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Messaros, Andrew, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Austin, Mason G., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Bohl, Raleigh A., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Smith, Richard E., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Hughes, Clyde P., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  

• A/C# 43-38527   DS-C  Pilot: Lt. Dargue  A/C's 3rd Mission   MACR # 9320

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Donald E. Hadley, 0-820003, was flying as pilot of Aircraft No. 43-38070, flying on Lt Dargue's right wing on a mission to Politz, Germany on 7 October 1944. Just after bombs away I saw Lt Dargue's plane receive a direct flak burst in No. 3 Engine, which set it afire, He fell out of formation immediately, under control, went into a steep dive, and was seen to pull out of it at approximately 20,000 feet. This is all I saw. I saw no parachutes nor did I hear anything on VHF."
  [Signed] Donald E. Hadley, 2nd Lt, Air Corps.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Robert E. Ponder, ASN 12031804, was flying as Top Turret Gunner on Aircraft 42-102576 which was flying above and on Dargue's left on a mission to Politz, Germany on 7 October 1944. While over the target Dargue's ship was directly hit by flak in the No. 3 engine and it caught fire immediately. The plane left the formation and shortly afterward I saw eight (8) parachutes come from it. All eight chutes opened. The plane then started heading back toward the target and I saw it explode in mid-air at about 9,000 or 10,000 feet altitude."
  [Signed] Robert E. Ponder, ASN 12031804.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Charles L. Shields, ASN 36830696, was flying as gunner on aircraft 42-102576 which was on Dargue's left on a mission to Politz, Germany on 7 October, !944. Just after Bombs away Dargue's plane was hit by flak and was set fire. It left the formation and I definitely saw eight (8) parachutes come from it. I was unable to see what happened to the plane after that."
  [Signed] Charles L. Shields, ASN 36830696.
  
  German letter concerning Bombardier Raymond M. Brooks translated into English in MACR File:
  PoW Camp of the Air Force 1, Group III
  To: Dulag Luft Wetzlar, Klosterwald
  The POW camp received on 15 Febr 1945 the above mentioned PW [Prisoner of War] from Gen. Hosp. Stettin. Brooks has been wounded on 7 Oct 1944 when downed. He was in Hospital where his left leg was amputated until today. His physical constitution is severely shocked and he can not be expected to travel several days. There for he will not be at your station. He was logged in this camp. The made-out personality form 1 as well as the confiscated second identification tag are being forwarded enclosed.
  
  According to a German document in the MACR the plane crashed at Lake Carpiner, 24 km. north-west of Stettin, 300m north of Lake Carpiner. Damage 98%.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Dargue, Donald S., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Anderson, Harold P., was arrested by Field Police on 17 Oct 1944 around 2030 hour at Alten-Treptow, 15 km north of Brandenburg [Neubrandenburg]. POW at Stalag 7A Moosburg Bavaria 48-12 (Work Camps 3324-46 Krumbachstrasse 48011, Work Camp 3368 Munich 48-11), Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt LeCheminant, George P., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Brooks, Raymond M., POW at Stalag 2C Greifswald Pomerania, Prussia 54-13, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Asmus Edward R. Jr., KIA, body washed ashore.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Birch, William L., Rescued by submarine base members from Lake Damaschen. POW in Germany
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Collins, Leo J., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Mickey Operator - S/Sgt Hormerte, Alexander, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Cawetzka, Francis J., POW at Dulag Luft Grosstychow Dulag 12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Dingee, George A., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • S/Sgt Edward R. Asmus Jr., Burial: Beverly National Cemetery, Beverly, Burlington County, New Jersey, Plot: M, 0, 4
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 43-38171   DS-Y  Pilot: Lt. Merrill  A/C's 21st Mission   MACR # 9357

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Stanley Edelman, 0-776644, was flying as Bombardier on Aircraft No. 43-37705 which was flying to the right of Lt Merrill on a mission to Politz, Germany on 7 October 1944. Flak over the target was heavy and Lt Merrill's plane received a direct hit in the main gas tank which set the plane on fire at once. He peeled off to the right in a slow spiral. Plane seemed to be under control. Just as he peeled off to the right I saw one (1) member jump out and open chute at once. Then I saw another man come from the bomb bay who made a delayed jump. I never saw his parachute open. Then I saw two more objects come out, but I cannot be sure that they were men. The plane spiraled on down and was seen to crash and explode. My tail gunner reported over interphone that he saw the plane crash."
  [Signed] Stanley Edelman, 2nd Lt, Air Corps.
  
  Eyewitness Account
  "I, Robert R. Kasper, 0-823615, was flying as pilot of Aircraft 43-37705, flying on the right of Lt Merrill on a mission to Politz, Germany on 7 October 1944. Just after bombs away, Lt Merrill - his right wing on fire from a direct hit by flak - turned to the right and descended. All engines seemed to be functioning. I saw the Tail Gunner's hatch fall open and the Tail Gunner came out with parachute on. However, I did not see his parachute open. Plane descended at about a 20 degree angle under control, but I could not watch it as I had to keep in formation."
  [Signed] Robert R. Kasper, 2nd Lt, Air Corps.
  
  The plane crashed at 1303 o'clock south of Neu Sarnow [Zarnowko, Poland] 6 km north of Stepenitz [Stepnica, Poland], 33 km north of Stettin [Szczecin, Poland], 99% damage.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Merrill, Danforth N., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Ayette, Robert V., POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt O'Shea, Michael F. Jr., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 1st Lt Custard, William H. Jr., POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Edmonds, Eugene C., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Williams, James W., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Chaffin, Claude M., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Veltry, Thomas A., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - T/Sgt Choquette, Ralph W., POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  

• A/C# 43-38426   DS-B  Pilot: F/O Fisher  A/C's 7th Mission   MACR # 9567

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  1. Position of missing aircraft when last sighted or contacted:
   a. By coordinates - 53 degrees, 32' N, 14 degrees 32' E.
   b. Approximate altitude - 26,500 feet.
   c. Last noted heading - North - toward Sweden.
  
  Flak at target was intense and accurate. No enemy fighters encountered.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - F/O Fisher, Allen M., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - F/O Carnegie, Thomas M. III, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - F/O Cannizzaro, Anthony, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Wagoner, Robert C., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Brink, Thomas W., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Stevens, Charles A., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Kern, Lester L., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Chickola, Joseph A., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Tucker, Jack A., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-31192   YB-R  Pilot: Lt. Petersen  A/C's 41st Mission   MACR # 9566

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  "Interrogation of Former Prisoners of War" form filled out by Radio Operator Lawrence E. Jensen:
  Question: Date other crew members were last seen:
  Answer: Shot by anti aircraft over Politz, Germany or Poland; flew to Sweden, near Karlshamm, Sweden, made crash landing, seven of the crew killed, all killed but [Sgt.] Best [and myself]; saw bodies and knew they were dead; Swedes buried bodies and marked graves; buried in cemetery for American flyers buried in Malmo, Sweden. Best and Jensen taken to hospital and kept 10 days and then interned at Grenna, Sweden; kept for three or four weeks then sent to Mullsjo, Sweden; treated fine; taken out of Sweden by ATC [Air Transport Command]. Prisoners were taken to Stockholm by train and ATC had an air field there on stormy nights flew in and took out American prisoners. About 100 went to Stockholm this same night.
  
  This description of the events of the crash landing of the aircraft are written on Sgt Crawford's memorial page on Findagrave.com. Death: Oct. 7, 1944, Farabol, Olofströms kommun, Blekinge län, Sweden.
  Robert Crawford served as waist gunner with 8th AF, 351st BG at Polebrook, England.
  On his 2nd mission, Oct 7th 1944, the target was synthetic oil factories in Politz, Germany. This very mission, they had an experienced replacement pilot, Einer Petersen on his 25th mission. Their aircraft B-17G #42-31192 (YB-R), first lost a supercharger for engine number 2, before reaching target. Over Politz aircraft was hit by flak and lost engine 3 and 4, and a lot of fuel.
  Crew decided to try to reach Sweden and headed out over the Baltic Sea with only one engine working. Due to clouds they couldn't see if they were over land or sea. When they ran out of fuel they tried for an emergency landing. Under the clouds they realized the area had a lot of woods and few fields.
  When approaching a field the pilot spotted potato pickers in the intended landing area. He tried to gain altitude again, but the plane stalled and crashed in the woods nearby. The crew were in emergency positions in the radio room and were thrown out when the plane crashed and split in half against a big rock, catching fire.
  Crawford together with the pilot Petersen, co-pilot Wilson, top turret gunner Candelaria, ball turret gunner Blake, were killed instantly or died in the ambulance.
  Four survived the very crash: tail gunner Lloyd Best and radio operator Larry Jensen, together with navigator Benjamin Christensen and bombardier William Rooney. They were taken to hospital in Karlshamn, Sweden where Christensen and Rooney died a few days later.
  Jensen and Best were interned in Sweden for three months. Then they were transferred back to England. Larry Jensen has described the events in an interview for the project "the Voices of World War II". The crash site in Farabol, Sweden is marked with a memorial stone. MACR 9566.
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Petersen, Einer, Killed in Action.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Wilson, Duane A., Killed in Action.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Christensen, Benjamin F., Killed in Action.
  • Bombardier - F/O Rooney, William F., Killed in Action.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Candelaria, Louis R., Killed in Action.
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Jensen, Lawrence E., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Crawford, Robert W., Killed in Action.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Blake, Jerry K. Jr., Killed in Action.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Best, Lloyd G., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records: None
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • 1st Lt Petersen, Einer, Burial: Hillside Cemetery Culbertson, Roosevelt County, Montana
  • 2nd Lt Wilson, Duane A., Burial: Plot: block 2, Maple Hill Cemetery, Kansas City, Wyandotte County, Kansas
  • 2nd Lt Christensen, Benjamin F., Burial: Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial, Hamm, Canton de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
  • F/O Rooney, William F., No burial records located.
  • Sgt Candelaria, Louis R., Burial: Greenlawn Memorial Park, Bakersfield, Kern County, California
  • Sgt Crawford, Robert W., Burial: Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles County, California
  • Sgt Blake, Jerry K. Jr., No burial records located.

  

  
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• A/C# 42-97196   TU-M  "Bobbie Anne"  Pilot: Lt. Evans  A/C's 53rd Mission   MACR # 9568

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Lt Evans landed the plane in Sweden.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Evans, Vernon B., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Holub, Edward W., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Margolis, Harry, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Nose Gunner - S/Sgt Cox, John M., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Gerard, Douglas T., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Milani, Joseph R., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Waist Gunner - Sgt Mills, Martin A., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Glynn, Robert L. Jr., Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Bell, William, Interned in Sweden, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-97638   TU-Z PFF A/C Pilot: Lt. Flannery of the 457th Bomb Group   MACR # 9773

   Aircraft Loss Circumstances:
  

  This PFF aircraft was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group was being used by the 457th Bomb Group on the mission of 7 October 1944 to Politz, Germany. The plane left the formation after "Bombs Away" with No. 3 engine on fire, apparently from a direct hit. The right wing was also on fire. Flames reached out past tail. The plane crashed 15 km NNE of Stettin near Langenberg.