Anthony W Geiser

Military
A B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963) of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, 13 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Ho FRE 4686 FRE 4686 Martin B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963 "Bugs Bunny") of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, on the afternoon of 3 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland. Note the plane's severed wing at top of photo. U.S. Air Force Photo.'

(Note: On November 3, 1944, the 323rd flew an attack of 18 Marauders to Amersterdam/Schipol Airdrome. It resulted in 14 of the 18 aircraft returning to base with battle damage, one aircraft, "Bugs Bunny" having been shot down over the target and another crash landing upon return to Earls Colne Airfield. Missing in action were T/Sgt. William G. Fortwender, Capt. Anthony W. Geiser, S/Sgt. James R. Kitchell, 1st Lt. L. Lesher, S/Sgt. Pelligrino P. Lombardo, 1st Lt. THomas Savino and 1st Lt. Maxwell J. Stadler. "Bugs Bunny" is reported to have blown up when it took a direct hit to its bomb bay before the bombs had been released. "We did not see any chutes." Post-war comments of Lawrence B. Efta. The formation dealt with both heavy flak and German fighters.

The Spitfire close escorts of the Digby Wing, led by RCAF Wing Commander Lloyd Chadburn, shot down nine Me109s in nine minutes, for the loss of one pilot. Other escorts shot down an additional one, probably a second and damaged four.

For an extended account see Moench, John O., Marauder Men, p. 86.


Roger Freeman Collection

Fighter Command War Diaries Vol 4 July 1943-June 1944

Pilot's Log Book, Wing Commander L.V. Chadburn

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Object Number - FRE 4686 - Martin B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963 "Bugs Bunny") of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a...

Killed leading a raid on a Nazi German airfield Amsterdam/Schiphol Airfield.



From Lt. Lesher B-26.com entry -



A B-26 Martin Marauder bomber pilot for the 8th Army Air Corp, he was asked to take this mission as co-pilot for Captain Anthony "Tony" Geiser. His was the lead plane and attacked "heavily defended enemy airdrome. (Generally speaking, the lead plane on a mission of this type often got through the run.(2)) Entering the bombing run, heavy mobile and stationary anti-aircraft fire hit the left wing causing a long stream of fire to sweep back from the wing and spread through the ship. At this point in the run it was imperative to the security of the formation as well as the success of the mission that all planes remain in close formation. Although the crew members could have easily abandoned the ship at that time, rather than jeopardize the safety of the formation and success of the assigned task, they elected to remain at their posts and complete the mission, even at the risk of their lives. The pilot and the co-pilot (Chalender was the co-pilot) maneuvered the aircraft slightly below the rest of the aircraft to minimize the danger to the formation in the event the plane exploded, but kept straight to the course. The bombardier held his bombs until over the target, although to have salvoed them would have eased the handling of the stricken aircraft. The gunners were observed briefly to glance at the flames of their aircraft and then unperturbed to return to their guns. Upon completion of the bombing run the flaming aircraft went into a uncontrollable dive and exploded in mid-air carrying with it the valiant crew."



(1) Parents notified missing in action November 11, 1943. Regrets from General Henry Harley "Hap" Arnold*, Commanding General, Army Air Force 11/29/1944, Henry L. Etrusion (sp?), Secretary of War at the request of the President 12/14/1944. A photograph of the planes last moments is seen in the book, Marauder's at War" by Roger Freeman.



About the 8th Air Force. On October 16, 1943 the 9th Air Force relocated to England and began to transfer in B-26 groups from the 8th. The first to transfer were the 322nd, 323rd, 387th, and the 388th. This relocation was preparatory for the "D" Day Invasion. The Ninth was assigned to operation "Point Blank" along with the Eighth. Their mission: to smash the German Luftwaffe in the air and on the ground to bring about complete air supremacy. The plan was to prepare the Ninth for their major role: that of direct tactical support for ground forces for the coming invasion. As of 5/7/00 I have as yet to confirm if Chalender was in the 8th or 9th at the time of his last mission. What is known is, the 8th executed Bomber Command Mission 119 to Wilshaven, Germany port area with 539 B-17's and B-24's. That night, mission120 sent 2 B-17 to drop leafets on Antwerp. The 9th executed the tactical operation of the day sending 71 B-26's to bomb the airfield at Saint-Andre-de-L'Eure, France; 71 to Triqueville Airfield, France and 65 to bomb Schiphol Airfield, the Netherlands. (3)(4)(5)



The plane he was flying that day was named "Jake's Jerks" , serial # 41-34963WT-Q (designates it a B-26c-15 MO(made at Omaha)). This was a plane borrowed by Tony Geiser from Harv Jacobs with the promise he'd return it in good condition. This was the only B-26 lost that day in the European Theater. (6) It is also reported in "Marauder Men" by John Moench that the plane was named "Bugs Bunny". I doubt this at this time.



"During my research I discovered the heavy air combats over Zandvoort on 3 Nov 43, after B 26's had bombed Amsterdam-Schiphol airfield. Owing to these combats the Canadian Fighter Wing, led by Wing Commander Lloyd Vernon Chadburn, claimed their biggest victory so far during the war and their German opponents, the II./Jagdgeschwader 3 (led by Major Kurt Brändle), suffered their heaviest losses as far during the war. Brändle, a German ace with 180 victories, did not return from that mission.



I will give you a rough outline of what happened. After the USA entered the war, aircraft were stationed in England in order to attack Germany by day. The strategic role of Amsterdam/Schiphol airfield grow and the Germans stationed dayfighters (mainly Me 109's and some Fw 190's) at this base, which were ordered to attack the USA formations on their way to Germany. This airfield was the nearest to the Northsea and therefore the most shortest to the USA aircraft on their way. The airfield became a threat to the USA aircraft and had to be bombed.



On 29 July 43 B-26's of 323 BG tried to attack this airfield for the first time, but the mission failed due to improper landfall. On 3 Oct 43 the mission was repeated with two Bomb Groups and Schiphol was bombed - but the damage was not large. A next mission was planned on 16 Oct 43, but this was canceled. On 3 Nov 43, 18 B-26's of 322, 323, 386 and 387 BG took off in the afternoon to attack this heavily defended airfield.



At about 15.50 hrs the B-26's started their bomb run and all hell broke lose, as the German flak burst all around the bombers. The Germans tried to do everything in order to protect their important base. 322 BG was the first to attack, there after 387 BG and after which 323 BG came. Over Amstelveen one B-26 got a direct hit and went down. This B-26 crashed at Bovenkerk (municipal Amstelveen). Unfortunately the entire crew lost their lives.



They were:



Pilot: Captain Anthony W. Geiser (22)



2nd pilot: 1/Lt Chalender L. Lesher(26)



Navigator: 1/Lt Thomas Savino



Bombardier: 1/Lt Maxwell Stadler (23)



Radio-operator: T/Sgt William G. Fortwengler (32)



Gunner: S/Sgt Pellegrino P. Lombardo (23)



Tail gunner: S/Sgt James R. Kitchell (23)



On 12 and 13 Nov 43 the remains of the crew were put in coffins and were buried at the Amsterdam New Eastern Cemetery on 15 Nov 43 at 15.30 hours. On 26 Feb 46 the remains were taken to Neuville-en-Condroz in Belgium for further identification. On 29 Jan 49 S/Sgt Kitchell was buried at Margraten. T/Sgt Fortwengler was buried at 28 Apr 49 at Neuville-en-Condroz. The others were transported to the USA and were buried on 29 Jan 51 at the Arlington National Cemetery, Fort Myer, Arlington, Virginia in section 12, grave 60, 61 and 62."



(8) "323rd Bombardment Group Constituted as 323rd Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 June 1942. Activated on 4 Aug. 1942. Trained with B-26's. Moved to England, April-June 1943. Assigned first to Eighth AF and, in Oct. 1943, to Ninth AF. Began operations in July 1943, attacking marshalling yards, airdromes, industrial plants, military installations, and other targets in France, Belgium, and Holland. Then carried out numerous attacks on V- weapon sites along the coast of France. Attacked airfields at Leeuwarden and Venlo in conjunction with the Allied campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb. 1944. Helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing coastal batteries on 6 June 1944. Participated in the aerial barrage that assisted the breakthrough at St. Lo in July. Flew its first night mission after moving to the Continent in Aug., sticking enemy batteries in the region of St. Malo. Carried out other night missions during the month to hit fuel and ammunition dumps. Eliminated strong points at Brest early in Sept. and then shifted operations to eastern France to support advances against the Siegfried Line. Received a DUC for actions (24-27 Dec. 1944) during the Battle of the Bulge when the group effectively hit transportation installations used by the enemy to bring reinforcements to the Ardennes. Flew interdictory missions into the Ruhr and supported the drive into Germany in May to participate in the disarmament program. Returned to the US in Dec. Inactivated on 12 Dec. 1945.

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Units served with

Private First Class Barbara O'Brien of the Womens Army Corps, paints the nose of a B-26 Marauder (YU-Y. serial number 41-34982) nicknamed "Jolly Roger" of the 323rd Bomb Group. Image stamped on reverse: 'Associated Press.' [stamp], 'Passed for Publcation 4 Dec 1943.' [stamp] and '295589.' [Censor no.] Printed caption on reverse: 'W.A.C.S. on duty at a Bomber Station. Associated Press Photo shows:- Pfc: Barbara O'Brien painting the Jolly Roger on the nose of a Marauder with the crew looking on.'
  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35112464
  • Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Radio Operator
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36054408
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Tail Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-Pilot
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier

Aircraft

A B-26 Marauder (WT-Q, serial number 41-34963) of the 456th Bomb Squadron, 323rd Bomb Group crashes with a burning engine during a raid on Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Holland, 13 November 1943. Handwritten caption on reverse: '71. WT-Q, 134963, 13/11/43.' Printed caption on reverse: '27447 AC - Hit by flak, this 8th Air Force Marauder has had one win shot away, and tailing smoke from a burning motor, plunges towards the earth. It was the only Marauder lost in the raid on the Amsterdam-Schipol airdrome, Ho
  • Aircraft Type: B-26 Marauder
  • Nicknames: Jake's Jerks / Bugs Bunny
  • Unit: 323rd Bomb Group 456th Bomb Squadron

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Revisions

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Contributorjmoore43
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Added role per info in the "Summary biography".

Date
ContributorJMF
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correction

Date
ContributorJMF
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B-26.com website

Anthony W Geiser: Gallery (1 items)