42-7638 Big Banner
On the return from a mission to Munster, Germany. on 22 Dec 1943 the A/C was ditched in the Zuider Zee. Returned from Münster high above the clouds. Three engines damaged by the Münster-Flak, lost speed and altitude. Near the south-eastern coastline of Lake IJsselmeer (Old Zuyder Sea), the other a/c in the formation witnessed aircraft '638' gliding down under the clouds, out of further view. Pilot gave order to jump, 3 men bailed out (drowned). Eventually the B-24 belly landed, unseen, in the icecold lake. Weather conditions were bad. Co-pilot Charles Taylor was picked up by a German boat by coincidence, only survivor. Wreck recovered 1975 with 4 MIA on board. In the final clearing of the wreckage, the 5th MIA was found. A detailed account can be found at http://www.zzairwar.nl/dossiers/148.html
MACR 1714.
Connections
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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: 44th Bomb Group The Flying Eightballs 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 14080954
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Top Turret Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group The Flying Eightballs 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19087360
- Highest Rank: Technical Sergeant
- Role/Job: Radio Operator Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group The Flying Eightballs 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 19108009
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group The Flying Eightballs 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: 39064175
- Highest Rank: Staff Sergeant
- Role/Job: Waist Gunner
- Military/Civilian/Mascot: Military
- Nationality: American
- Unit: 44th Bomb Group The Flying Eightballs 66th Bomb Squadron
- Service Numbers: T-60679
- Highest Rank: Flight Officer
- Role/Job: Pilot
Places
- Site type: Aircraft crash site
- Known as: Zuyder Sea
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Other Failed to Return |
Lake IJsselmeer | 22 December 1943 |
Revisions
Pulk Pelder
Added information to the "Description" that I gleaned from the MACR 1714 at Fold3.com.
Added the A/C nickname mentioned in the "Summary biography" of severable of the crew from the mission on 22 December 1943.
Added the MACR to the "Description" section per records at Fold3.com.
MACR 1714 / Paul Andrews, Project Bits and Pieces, 8th Air Force Roll of Honor database