42-37827
Lt Gilbert Whitchurch is 3rd from right, back row. Eugene Sylvester was co-pilot but not sure which one is him.
Michael Whitchurch
Delivered Denver 11/9/43; Gr Island 29/9/43; Assigned 509BS/351BG [RQ-J] Polebrook 27/10/43, then 508BS [YB-J]; Missing in Action 24m Schweinfurt 13/4/44 with Gilbert Whitchurch, Co-pilot: Gene Sylvester, Navigator: Newton Wilbur, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Fred Gowen, Radio Operator: Andy Boyarko, Ball turret gunner: Don Luse, Waist gunner: Fred Vester, Waist gunner: Maurice Turner, Tail gunner: Bob Mondragon (9 Prisoner of War); Bombardier: Richard Cox (KIA-chute failed). shot down by six ME 109s, knocking off half of right stabilizer, salvoed bombs before baling out; ship crashed Oberelsbach, 28 miles N of Schweinfurt; Missing Air Crew Report 3863.
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
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
People
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron 509th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 15324877
- Highest Rank: Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 34338496
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Group 509th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-752-842
- Highest Rank: Second Lieutenant
- Role/Job: Bombardier
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 351st Bomb Group 508th Bomb Squadron 509th Bomb Squadron 510th Bomb Squadron 511th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: O-021528
- Highest Rank: Colonel
- Role/Job: Co-Pilot; Pilot; Group Commanding Officer
Places
- Site type: Airfield
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Failed to Return (FTR) |
Germany | 13 April 1944 |