SSgt. George Eisel was the only survivor of the non-combat crash of his B-24, Hot Stuff. After completing their 25 combat missions, Eisel, as part of the crew of, B-24 41-23728 Hot Stuff, was tasked with flying General Frank Andrews, commanding general of the USAAF in the ETO, back to the U.S. and report for a war bond tour in the States. The plane, Hot Stuff, crashed in bad weather in Iceland, killing all but Tail Gunner Eisel. 3-May-43



Earlier, Eisel had survived another crash as a tail gunner. That crash was a dead stick landing in the desert with his pilot, 1st Lt. John R. "Packy" Roche, the pilot of the B-24D, 41-23909, Ambrose II. Eisel was known to be an excellent tail gunner with 8 x unofficial kills, who held his fire until the Axis fighter pilots moved in close. Eisel's combat career ended with this crash. He was hospitalized in the States, but survived his injuries.



Awards: DFC, AM (3OLC), PH, WWII Victory, EAME (2 x Battle Stars).