42-100644

Assigned to 91TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) glider tow to Belgium after releasing the glider hit in port engine by flak, left formation with fire streaming from engine and crashed 6 miles W/SW Bastogne. Crew baled out. 1 x RTD, 1 x POW, 2 x KIA. 27-Dec-44. MACR 10906.



Crew:

Pilot Capt James F Hurley POW

Co-pilot 2nd Lt Lester J Epstein KIA captured/executed

S/Sgt Marion B McCarter KIA baled out/hit fatally by groundfire

Sgt Harry A Kortas EVD/RTD

Connections

See how this entry relates to other items in the archive by exploring the connections below.

Units served with

People

Lester Jess Epstein

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 11082226 / O-824856
  • Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
  • Role/Job: Co-pilot

James Francis Hurley

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 12093089 / O-806846
  • Highest Rank: Captain
  • Role/Job: Pilot

Harry August Kortas

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 36660873
  • Highest Rank: Sergeant (RAF)
  • Role/Job: Radio operator

Marion Burdette McCarter

  • Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
  • Nationality: American
  • Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Group 91st Troop Carrier Squadron
  • Service Numbers: 35369890
  • Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
  • Role/Job: Flight engineer

Places

Aerial photograph of Upottery airfield looking west, the main runway runs vertically, barrack sites are to the bottom right of the airfield, 15 March 1944. Photograph taken by No. 541 Squadron, sortie number RAF/CT/91/541. English Heritage (RAF Photography).

Upottery

  • Site type: Airfield
  • Known as: Smeatharpe

Events

Event Location Date Description

Crashed

Failed to Return (FTR)

Sibret, 6640 Vaux-sur-Sûre, Belgium 27 December 1944 Failed to Return (FTR) glider tow to Belgium after releasing the glider hit in port engine by flak, left formation with fire streaming from engine and crashed 6 miles W/SW Bastogne. Crew baled out. 1 x RTD, 1 x POW, 2 x KIA. 27-Dec-44. MACR 10906.

Manufactured

Long Beach, California, USA Built at Douglas.

Delivered

Beale AFB, CA, USA Delivered to USAAF.

Assigned

Upottery, Honiton EX14, UK Assigned to 91TCS, 439TCG, 9AF USAAF.

Revisions

Date
ContributorAl_Skiff
Changes
Sources

http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/dbmsn.asp?SN=42-100644&Submit6=Go
https://www.fold3.com/image/30638978
https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19441227-0
http://www.baaa-acro.com/1944/archives/crash-of-a-douglas-c-47a-70-dl-n…

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

MACR 10906 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database