MACR (Missing Air Crew Report) 9401 reports that on 26-Sep-44, at 16:10 hours, the "Hurry Home" took a direct flak hit in the right wing just after bombs away.

Eyewitness statements in the MACR report as follows: "This aircraft flew #3 in the 2nd lead element squadron of the low group of 4A wing. This group bombed Bremerhaven as a last resort target. Aircraft #818 received a direct flak hit over target just after bombs away. At 1610 hours this aircraft was observed to be on fire with the entire right wing ablaze and part of #4 engine falling away. The aircraft went into a spin and then exploded and disintegrated. It was last seen a few miles north of the spot where it suffered initial damage. 2 to 3 chutes were seen before aircraft exploded."



MACR reports that 3 men were able to escape this aircraft:



1st Lt. Roman Pajakowski navigator

2nd Lt. George J. Dvorak pilot

T/Sgt. Galen E Miller Jr Top Turret



Pajakowski and Dvorak were taken POWs. T/Sgt. Galen E Miller Jr's body was recovered and was buried 3-Oct-44, at Garrison Cemetery Wesermuende-Geestemuende in Section II, Area G, Row 51, Grave #50.



This was part of mission #648 which originated from Rattlesden as part of the Eighth Air Force 447th Bomb Group, 709th bomb squadron operations in the bombing of Bremen.



The bombing of Bremerhaven resulted in damage to U-Boat #3509 which was being constructed at the Schichau Seebeckwerft facility.



The entire crew of the B-17 43-37818 "Hurry Home" was as follows:

1st Lt. Robert C. Calef Jr. Pilot

2nd Lt. George J. Dvorak Pilot

1st Lt. Roman R. Pajakowski Navigator

1st Lt. Donald N. Fenrenbach Bombardier

T Sgt. Paul R. Krubel Radio Operator

T. Sgt. Galen E. Miller Jr Top Turret

S. Sgt. Frank J. Martin Ball Turrett

S. Sgt. Wayne S. Thompson Tail Gunner

S. Sgt. John Karbowsky Waist Gunner



TSgt. Paul R. Krubel and SSgt. Wayne S. Thompson's bodies were recovered near Cuxhaven, Germany, prior to 3-Nov-44. They originally had interment at Brockeswald Cemetery Grave #96D and #97D.



On 26-Jun-49, Mrs Nora K. Hauptman, Paul's mother, applied for a headstone or marker via form 623 for her son TSgt. Paul R. Krubel, who had reinterment at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield, MA. Veterans Section Plot #13.



Memorial to the crew of the Hurry Home:



http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=vcsr&GSvcid=652971



Roman R. Pajakowski died of cancer 22-May-75.



https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/68720166/roman-robert-pajakowski