He flew on Richard Jones crew. Reported to the ETO on 22 Sept 1944. Transferred to the 367th BS on 24 Sept 1944; then transferred back to the 368th BS on 30 Oct 1944.

On 29 Dec 1944 B-17 #43-39031 crashed near Bingen-on-the-Rhine. He was part of a nine man crew bombing Bingen river ports and railway yards. He was the tail gunner. A/C was hit by flak just as all bombs were away. The bomb bay doors were still open when shell came into the bomb bay area and started a fire. A/C left formation and started to spiral down to crash. it was smoking badly. Followed by a P-51 for a while. Unknown if Sgt Hop bailed out or not since he was in rear of the plane. Five crew members survived and became German POWs. Four men were KIA after the crash. Sgt Hop was buried in American Cemetery, Lorraine, France but moved to his home state California in 1969 Golden Gate National Cemetery.



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