6 missions from 10/5/44 to 11/2/44. shot down on 6th mission in German-occupied Holland, 2 November 1944. Evaded until escape to Allied territory 3/18/45. Returned to US 5/5/45, released from active duty 10/26/45. AFEES Report # 2883 Free Date 18MAR45Helpers: Dutch Underground; J. Verselewez de Witt Hamer and Family; Jacqueline M. E. Horsthuis; Gre Lommerse & her deceased Husband, Yonkheer; D. J. Pauw (deceased); Pieter jan van Dam (deceased); C. Anemaet (Deceased); P. V. Dijk (Deceased); Capt. M. W. Krol (Deceased) (8th AF) 2nd Lt. Ivey (Navigator, B17 'STRAIGHTEN UP AND FLY RIGHT' out of Debach, near Ipswich on a mission to Merseburg) crashed in the vicinity of Leimuiden (HaarlemLeiden), Holland after being hit by Flack and attacked by German jet fighters. Sergeant. Stones, Ball Turret Gunner was wounded and became a Prisoner of War (POW). Sergeant. Hall, Flight Engineer, was wounded in his seat. Number four engine was out, then number one engine and one other engine was on half power. After crash-landing the crew were greeted by Dutch people who exchanged clothing with them. Ivey wound up with a pair of oversized wooden shoes. Only Sergeant. Stones was captured. They were assisted by the Dutch Underground. He and three others of the crew were with the Family Lommerse in Jonkheer for a month. He spent several days with the Policeman P. J. Van Dam in Hillegom. He was then with the De Witt Hamer Family in Noordwykerhout for two months. Another month was spent with the Former Commodore of the Holland/American Lines, Captain M. W. Krol. He eventually escaped across the rivers to Free Holland (Tilburg) to the 1st Canadian Army. From 3Nov-2Dec at Hillegom with Pogue, Atherton, and Larren, at home of Jan Lommerse Family, 1 Nieuwweg. From 2Dec-12Feb at Noordwijkenhout with #2880 2nd Lt. Leonard A. Pogue, Jaap Verselewel de Witt Hamer, son of Doctor. From 12Feb-19Feb in Rotterdam with Pogue, #2872 Rupert L. Phipps and #2873 Harvey P. Walter, w/ Annemat ex band master Dutch Army East Indies. From 19Feb-21Feb in Rotterdam with Phipps, Louise Daniels (21 yrs old), comrade Krol. From 21Feb-15Mar in Rotterdam with Phipps, Capt. M. W. Krol, 31a Sommeren Wegstraat, Ex-Commodore of Holland/American Lines. CREW: 2nd Lt. ROBERT L. PROUDFIT,JR. (PILOT); 2nd Lt. HARVEY P. WALieutenantER (CO-PILOT); 2nd Lt. LEONARD A. POGUE (BOMBARDIER); 2nd Lt. ASHLEY IVEY (NAVIGATOR); Sergeant. ERSEL L. HALL (FLieutenant. ENGR); Sergeant. RICHARD W. STONES (BALL TURRET); Sergeant. JOHN L. ATHERTON (WAIST GUNNER); Sergeant. CLARENCE L. LARREW (TAIL GUNNER); Sergeant. ALBERT M. COBB (RADIO OP. )SEE ATHERTON'S RECORDCRASHED



Bronze Star Medal w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, AM, Army Commendation Medal 2 Oak Leaf Cluster, Amer. Campaign Service Medal, EAME Campaign medal 1 Bronze star, WWII Victory Medal, WWII Army of Occupation Medal, Navigator Wings