B-17G " BTO in the ETO "
42-102647 613th
28 May 1944 Mission # 77 Target: Dessau
28 May 1944 , 10:00 engines are on.
21 aircraft were airborne by 11:06 , mission #77 , Primary target: Oil Refinery .
This was the roughest mission of the 401st Bombardment Group's tour in the ETO.
They were attack by approximately 200 enemy fighters. The attacks lasted for 40 minutes.
As many as 60 enemy aircraft attacked in formation, using saturation tactics.
All of the High Squadron but the Lead Aircraft were shot down. A total of six Group aircraft were lost in the target area.
The Group's bombs fell in an excellent pattern, and dense smoke was observed over the target.
Missing Air Crew Report : 53051. Organization : AAF Sta 128.
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James R. Irwin 2nd Lt 0-753829 61? th
- After the second run over target the A/C was ht by enemy fighters.
Pulled out to right of formation, lost 2000-3000 feet altitude.
3 - 4 chutes were seen changes are good for these.
Rest are doubtful because ship appeared to blow up after these were seen.
Mission to Dessau, Germany, Crashed at Niemegk, Germany.
Ford McPherson cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska, USA.
Plot : R - 41
Alexandria National cemetery, Pineville, Louisiana, USA
Plot : C - 373.
Ardennes cemetery, Belgium
Plot : C , Row : 3 , Grave : 12.
Ardennes cemetery, Belgium
Plot : C , Row : 18 , Grave : 6.
1923 - 1944
Will be continued soon
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