Prisoner of War (POW) Had mechanical failure and crashed at Mittenwald on 7/16/44 in B-17 #4238025

2nd Lt. Harold H. Peters, Brooklyn, NY

H. H. Peters was the copilot on B17G 42-38025 “Flak Happy” based at Podington Air Field.

 

On 92nd BG mission #160 he was part of the group attacking the BMW factory in/near Munich, Germany, July 16, 1944.

213 aircraft participated in this mission and 10 B17’s were lost. B17G 42-38025 was brought down by mechanical failure near Mittenwald in the Bavarian Alps ( MACR 7565).

All crew survived the crash landing and were immediately captured by German soldiers.

All the officers of the crew were transported to Stalag Luft 1 POW camp in Barth, Germany Harold remained until the camp was liberated by the advancing Russian army.

The enlisted members of the crew were transported by train to Stalag Luft 4. According to an Individual Casualty Report, Willie L. Cole was bayonetted by German guards while being forced to run from the train to the POW camp. He was apparently hospitalized at the camp.

The status of TSgt Cole is unknown.

All other crew members are listed as Returned to duty.

 

Members of the air crew:

1. Pilot Earl A. Johnson 2nd Lt RTD

2. Co-pilot Harold H. Peters 2nd Lt RTD

3. Navigator Henry L. Harrison 1st Lt RTD

4. Bombardier Richard J. Driscoll 2nd Lt RTD

5. Top Tur Gnr Gordon A. Zimmermann S Sgt RTD

6. Ball Tur Gnr Willie L. Cole T Sgt FOD

7. R Waist Gnr -

8. L Waist Gnr George A. Males Sgt RTD

9. Tail Gnr Frank J. Tersigni Sgt RTD

10. Radio Opr Arthur D. Batchelor S Sgt RTD