Biest-Houtakker

Aircraft crash site

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Detailed History

Crash site of B-24 44-40210 in Holland on 18 September 1944 during a supply mission as part of Operation Market Garden. The aircraft slid into a farmhouse and burned, killing all on board except waist gunner Staff Sergeant Frank DiPalma.



The wreck of the aircraft was salvaged in February 1945.



Crash site is between Udenhout and Biezenmortel, at 51 36' 53" N, 5 10' 19" E.

People

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 491st Bomb Group 854th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: O-814244
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier, Nose Gunner
A B-24 Liberator of the 491st Bomb Group after crash landing in Holland, 18 September 1944. Handwritten caption on reverse: '18-9-44 B, 292 Extra.' Second Handwritten caption on reverse: '292/RF. 491BG got shot down, crash landing in Holland. 9/18/44.'
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 491st Bomb Group 854th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12030363
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 491st Bomb Group 854th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 34588582
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: waist gunner
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 491st Bomb Group 854th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 39303415 / O-754955
  • Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Bombardier
  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 491st Bomb Group 854th Bomb Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 20706934 / O-799024
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Aircraft

A B-24 Liberator of the 491st Bomb Group after crash landing in Holland, 18 September 1944. Handwritten caption on reverse: '18-9-44 B, 292 Extra.' Second Handwritten caption on reverse: '292/RF. 491BG got shot down, crash landing in Holland. 9/18/44.'
  • Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
  • Nicknames: Ill Be Seeing You
  • Unit: 491st Bomb Group 854th Bomb Squadron

Missions

B-24 Liberators of the 392nd Bomb Group fly low over countryside. First handwritten caption on reverse: 'Holland or Rhine re supply 392 BG.' Second handwritten caption on reverse: '18/9/44. 392BG B/24 dropping parachute supplies. Low level in Holland 9/17/44.'
  • Date: 18 September 1944

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