B-17G " Shade Ruff " 42-31488 614th
8 March 1944 Mission # 33 Target: Erkner , Berlin
8 march 1944 , 08:35 engines are on.
22 aircraft were airborne by 0939 , mission #33 , target today is Ball bearing Works in Erkner/Berlin , Germany.
The 401st provided the High Box of the 94th Combat Wing. As clear weather made a visual attack on the ball bearing
works possible, the Group placed its bombs squarely on the target. The Luftwaffe and flak batteries defending the Berlin
area mounted fierce resistance, knocking down 36 8th Air Force bombers and damaging 231 others.
The 401st lost one aircraft and crew, No. 42-31488, piloted by Lt. Dale A. Peterson.
Missing Air Crew Report : 29111. Organization : AAF Sta 128.
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John J. Sederis Sgt. 38562499 613 th
John R. Iseminger S/Sgt. 14084579 613 th
Harold K. Older M/Sgt. 6565810 613 th
- A/C first seen at 1453 hours lagging behind and below.
Place was near Stendal.
Four P-38's picked up this lagging B-17 after it fired about 15 red flares from left window.
P-38's stayed with it almost one half hour , flying back and forth between it and the rest of the group.
A/C was last seen falling farther and farther behind at about 23,000 Feet.
It was under control, bomb bay doors were open.
Mission to Erkner, Germany, Aircraft first seen at 1453 hours lagging behind and below, Four P-38's picked up this lagging B-17.
Chrashed near Meppen, Germany.
Will be continued soon
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