Paul H Rich Jr

Military ROLL OF HONOUR

Crashed on 11/21/44 in B-17 'Witka Tanka Ton' #42-107138, Killed in Action (KIA).

Connections

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Units served with

The insignia of the 398th Bomb Group.

398th Bomb Group

  • Unit Hierarchy: Group
  • Air Force: Eighth Air Force
  • Type Category: Bombardment

Aircraft

42-107138

  • Aircraft Type: B-17 Flying Fortress
  • Nicknames: Witka Tanka Ton
  • Unit: 398th Bomb Group 603rd Bomb Squadron

Places

Events

Event Location Date Description

Died

21 November 1944

Other

Distinguished Flying Cross Award: GENERAL ORDERS No. 643

21 December 1944 - 21 December 1944 For extraordinary achievement while serving as Pilot of a B-17 airplane on bombing missions over Germany, 22 October 1944 and 28 October 1944. On 22 October 1944 the Number Three engine of the airplane which Lieutenant Rich was flying developed a runaway propeller approximately thirty minutes before reaching the target. Prior to reaching the Initial Point one of cylinders of the Number One engine blew out, causing oil to run out. Lieutenant Rich immediately feathered the propeller. He was unable to remain with the formation and rapidly lost altitude. Bombs were released in the target area and he expertly accomplished the return flight to friendly territory. On 28 October 1944 the Number Three engine of Lieutenant Rich’s aircraft was rendered inoperative due to mechanical difficulty. The propeller began to windmill badly but he maintained his position in the formation. The Number Four engine began to smoke. One minute before bombs away the Number Four engine failed and the propeller could not be feathered. Lieutenant Rich held the airplane on course until bombs were released and then skillfully effected the journey back to friendly territory. The courage, coolness and tenacity of purpose displayed by this officer reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. Entered military service from Massachusetts.

Born

Franconia, New Hampshire

Revisions

Date
Contributoracbernstein1
Changes
Sources

https://www.398th.org/Awards/DFC/DFC_Citations/DFCs_441221.html#anchor_…

Date
Contributorjmoore43
Changes
Sources

Added a "-" to the A/C tail # in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity & consistency.

Date
ContributorAAM
Changes
Sources

Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 11213