MACR 4180: Spaven's A/C was hit by Flak at approximately 19:38 hours SW of Hamm, Germany. The #2 engine caught fire and the A/C fell out of formation. Four chutes were seen. A/C then was brought under control and Lt George N. Spaven Jr regained altitude and rejoined formation. After an undetermined period of time, A/C was observed to leave formation and head west, still under control. Tailed and shot down by FW190 'Red 23' of Major Heinz Bär of II/JG1. Pilot Spaven was hit by fighter bullets in Heinz Bär's final attack and held the plane steady so his crew could bail out. He was killed in the crash of the plane, 1km North of Hoetmar, 1km from the Hoetmar/Freckenhorst road, 10km SW of Warendorf, Germany. Killed In Action (KIA).