42-30795 The Wild Hare

Delivered Cheyenne 29/7/43; Dyersburg 8/8/43; Assigned 548BS/385BG [XA-J] Gt Ashfield 2/9/43; Missing in Action Munster 11/11/43 with John P. McGowan, Co-pilot: James C. Bufkin, Navigator: Ellis Shorb, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Nello A.

Malavasi, Ball turret gunner: Vernon L. Mulvaney, Waist gunner: William J. Bloeser, Waist gunner: Anthony T. Barckett, Tail gunner: Robert D. Johnson (8 Prisoner of War); Radio Operator: James T. French (KIA-bailed out but died of injuries); Bombardier: Thomas B. Applewhite (evaded capture); flak KO’d #3, crashed between Dussen and Waspik, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands. Missing Air Crew Report 1161. THE WILD HARE. Bombardier Applewhite was the sole evader - See his page with fate of the crew at https://www.evasioncomete.be/fapplewtb.html

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 385th Bomb Group.

385th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

Thomas Beasley Applewhite

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 548th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-679171
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Anthony T Barckett

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 548th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

William J Bloeser

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 548th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner

James C Bufkin

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 548th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot

James J French

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 385th Bomb Group 548th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator, Radio Operator Gunner

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Other

Failed to Return (FTR)

between Dussen and Waspik, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands 11 November 1943

Revisions

Date
ContributorED-BB
Changes
Sources

Added address of website www.evasioncomete.be with details about evader Tom Applewhite

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a space before the words "Tail gunner" in the A/C “Description” to aid clarity.

Date
Contributorhermanns
Changes
Sources

385th BG website

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Dave Osborne, B-17 Fortress Master Log / MACR 1161 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database