Killed in Action (KIA) Shot down near Bremerhaven, Germany, in B-17 "Hurry Home" #43-37818.

SSgt. John Karbowsky was a waist gunner on the "Hurry Home" during mission 648, the bombing of Bremerhaven, Germany.

Memorial to the crew of the Hurry Home:

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=vcsr&GSvcid=652971

TSgt. Paul R. Krubel was the radio operator on the B-17G "Hurry Home" #43-37818, 447th Bomb Group, 709th Squadron, as part of a crew of 9 men.

MACR (Missing Air Crew Report) 9401 reports that on September 26, 1944, at 1610 hours, the "Hurry Home" took a direct flak hit in the right wing just after bombs away.

Eyewitness statements in the MACR report as follows: "This aircraft flew #3 in the 2nd lead element squadron of the low group of 4A wing. This group bombed Bremerhaven as a last resort target. Aircraft # 818 received a direct flak hit over target just after bombs away. At 1610 hours this aircraft was observed to be on fire with the entire right wing ablaze and part of #4 engine falling away. The aircraft went into a spin and then exploded and disintegrated. It was last seen a few miles north of the spot where it suffered initial damage. 2 to 3 chutes were seen before aircraft exploded."

MACR reports that 3 men were able to escape this aircraft:

1st Lt. Roman Pajakowski navigator

2nd Lt. George J. Dvorak pilot

T/Sgt. Galen E Miller Jr Top Turret

Pajakowski and Dvorak were taken POWs. T/Sgt. Galen E Miller Jr's body was recovered and was buried October 3, 1944, at Garrison Cemetery Wesermuende-Geestemuende in Section II, Area G, Row 51, Grave #50.

This was part of mission #648 which originated from Rattlesden as part of the Eighth Air Force 447th Bomb Group, 709th bomb squadron operations in the bombing of Bremen.

The bombing of Bremerhaven resulted in damage to U-Boat #3509 which was being constructed at the Schichau Seebeckwerft facility.

The entire crew of the B-17 "Hurry Home" #43-37818 was as follows:

1st Lt. Robert C. Calef Jr. Pilot, serial number O-821216

2nd Lt. George J. Dvorak Pilot, serial number O-706042

1st Lt. Roman R. Pajakowski Navigator, serial number O-707974

1st Lt. Donald N. Fenrenbach Bombardier, serial number O-756962

T Sgt. Paul R. Krubel Radio Operator, serial number 11069263

T. Sgt. Galen E. Miller Jr Top Turret, serial number 33574233

S. Sgt. Frank J. Martin Ball Turret, serial number 31139065

S. Sgt. Wayne S. Thompson Tail Gunner, serial number 38370670

S. Sgt. John Karbowsky Waist Gunner, serial number 33591618

TSgt. Paul R. Krubel and SSgt. Wayne S. Thompson's bodies were recovered near Cuxhaven, Germany, prior to November 3, 1944. They originally had interment at Brockeswald Cemetery Grave #96D and #97D.