Statement from TSgt Allen Cook, MACR 6194: On 14 June 1944, on a mission over France, I was flying in number 4 position in flight in which Lt. Hartley was flying No. 2 position (42-96120). No. 2 ship was hit by heavy flak and burst into flames instantly, apparently a direct hit. No. 2 maintained position momentarily then peeled left and down directly between No. 1 and No. 4 ships nearly hitting No.4 on the way down. Bombs were salvoed from the ship slightly below flight and the ship continued losing altitude with pilot apparently trying to hold it level. He succeeded for some time but the ship finally dove into the ground and exploded. To my observations no one escaped from the plane.