42-40781 Hells Angels
Image courtesy of Katherine Rasdorf, via AAM Correspondence
Hit by AA on the approach to target White IV, Ploesti, bomb bay area was set on fire. Large part of the left tail fin and rudder were shot away. The LWG and Engineer were severely wounded. The aircraft was seen banking to the right turning before the target in a climb. The Engineer bailed out successfully from 300 Ft. Thereafter A/C was seen to stall and crash near Chitorani. 9 KIA, 1 POW.
MACR 327.
1Lt Roy C. Harms Pilot KIA;
2Lt. Albert W Stahl Navigator KIA;
2nd/Lt. William Harth Jr Bombardier KIA;
2Lt. Earl Ferguson Co Pilot KIA;
T/Sgt. Michael Doka Gunner KIA;
T/Sgt Ralph E.J.Richardson Radio Op KIA;
T/Sgt Jack J. Reed, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner POW.
TSgt John Shufritz Gunner KIA;
SSgt Arnold M Holen Gunner KIA;
SSgt Winfield V. Long Tail Gunner KIA;
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-740093
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-384490
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-731509
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 329th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 20709155
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Gunner
Missions
- Date: 1 August 1943
- Official Description:
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
Chițorani 107112, Romania | 1 August 1943 | Hit by AA on the approach to target White IV, Ploesti, bomb bay area was set on fire. Large part of the left tail fin and rudder were shot away. The LWG and Engineer were severely wounded. The aircraft was seen banking to the right turning before the target in a climb. The Engineer bailed out successfully from 300 Ft. Thereafter A/C was seen to stall and then crash near Chitorani. 9 KIA, 1 POW. MACR 327. |
Assigned |
Benghazi, Libya | 329th BS, 93rd BG, 8th AF. TDY 9th AF. |