41-23804 Sad Sack

Uploaded
Object Number - UPL 18791
B-24D-5-CO 41-23804 "Sad Sack" was assigned to the 44BG/66BS at Shipdham, UK. The aircraft was despatched on 26-Feb-43 to bomb the docks at Bremen. However, cloud cover obscured the target and the formation diverted to Wilhelmshaven as a target of opportunity. The aircraft was attacked by German fighters just at the Initial Point (IP), two engines were disabled and a fire was started in the bomb bay area. The pilot gave the bale out order near Oldenburg, Germany. 3 airmen were killed in the figther attack but 7 managed to bale out of the stricken aircraft before it crashed at Eversten, Germany. 3KIA 7POW MACR 16053.
P 1LT Robert H. McPhillamey (POW); CP 1LT Wilbur E. Wockenfuss (POW)
N 2LT Rexford W. Lippert (KIA); B 2LT John T. Mooney (POW)
E/TTG SSGT Eugene O. Rudiger (POW); RO TSGT Kenneth R. Sanders (POW)
BTG Sgt Alberto O Salvo (KIA); WG SSGT Robert P. Garmon (POW)
WG SGT Howard W. Beaman (POW); TG SSGT Kenneth R. Morse (KIA)
Connections
See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.
Units served with

- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 37113173
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14098416
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-662346
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Navigator

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-437598
- Highest Rank: First Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Pilot

- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-727368
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
Places

- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Pathway
Missions

- Date: 26 February 1943
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
26131 Eversten, Germany | 26 February 1943 | Severely damaged by fighter attack near the Initial Point (IP) and crashed near Eversten, in the south-west part of the city of Oldenburg, Germany. |
Revisions
Lee Cunningham 22-Jun-2015. Made connections to Place and Mission wihtin existing website data; Added crew position, rank, full proper name and disposition for all crew memebers, formatted crew display, MACR 16053.
Lee Cunningham 22-Jun-2015. Correcting typo in Description.
Lee Cunningham 22-Jun-2015. Added nickname, FTR notes and map location, and crafted Description based on "Losses og the 8th & 9th AIr Forces", Stan Bishop & John A. Hey MBE and MACR 16053.
MACR 16053 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database