James R Vest
MilitaryNote : the RCL "K" on the RH vertical fin. 1943The B-24D Liberator bomber, 42-40612, named, Euroclydon The Storm, and most of it's crew, was lost on Operation Tidal Wave, the large bombing mission to Ploesti, Romania. The aircraft took a direct flak hit approaching it's target, igniting its two long range fuselage bomb bay tanks. The pilot, Lt. Enoch Porter, was observed attempting to climb to 300 feet to give his crew enough altitude to bail out . But, with the aircraft, now completely engulfed in fire, broke apart in mid air and crashed in flames on a school at Plopu, Romania. 1 Aug, 1943. - 8 KIA -
3 POW. - MACR 6465
B-24D, 42-40612, The Storm, B-24-75-CO, in Britain, originally in the 8th Air Force in the U.K. in the 93rd Bomb Group, and the 328th Bomb Squadron. With many other 8th Air Force planes, it was detached temporarily (TDY) to the 9th Air Force in North Africa, for Operation Tidal Wave. Failed To Return (FTR). 1 Aug 1943. Note : the RCL "K" on the RH vertical fin. 1943
Detail changes. - Kickapoo
Sgt. James Vest from the 8th Air Force in Britain, was the tail gunner on the B-24D, 42-40612, Euroclydon The Storm, on Operation Tidal Wave to Ploesti, Romania. The Euroclydon, on temporary duty (TDY) to the 9th AF for the Ploesti mission, was hit by flak and crashed while approaching it's refinery target. Sgt. West was one of three crewmen, who bailed out successfully at low altitude, was captured, and was prisoner for the rest of the war. 11 KIA. 3 POW
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Eighth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Aircraft
- Aircraft Type: B-24 Liberator
- Nicknames: Euroclydon The Storm
- Unit: 93rd Bomb Group 328th Bomb Squadron
Missions
- Date: 1 August 1943
- Official Description:
Events
Event | Location | Date | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Other Prisoner of war |
1 August 1943 | ||
Born |
Baraboo, Wisconsin |
Revisions
Added a "#" to the A/C serial number in the "Summary biography" to aid clarity.
Drawn from the records of the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Savannah, Georgia / MACR 6465