T/O Nuthampstead in B-17G #43-38129 in 28sept44, target Madgeburg, GE. Landed in Brussels with a damaged aircraft.

From the citation for the DFC awarded to Lieutenant Maris. "For extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on a bombing mission over Germany, 28 September 1944. On this date immediately after bombs away, the airplane which Lieutenant Marias was piloting sustained several direct flak hits. The Number Three engine was hit and had to be feathered. The gasoline tank of Number Four engine was struck and the fuel drained from it, causing it to be feathered. In addition the hydraulic system was disabled, rendering the brakes useless. Due to lack of power caused by the two feathered engines the aircraft rapidly lost altitude and Lieutenant Marias was forced to leave the formation. Exhibiting exemplary tenacity of purpose and consummate flying ability he successfully accomplished the flight to an emergency field in friendly territory and effected a forced landing without injury to the crew or damage to the aircraft." , a/c salvaged. Crew of 9 RTD.