Assigned to 652BS, 25BG, 8AF USAAF. On 9-May-44 the mission to the Azores was routine until the last leg. We were out from Land's End when all hell broke loose. There was a terrible metal ripping sound and some explosions. Bullets and 20mm shells ripped into the rear fuselage wounding 2 crew. Crew fought off 4 x Ju88's, downing one and forcing a second to trail off homewards with smoke from one engine. RAF spitfire escort, responding to the ships mayday, pointed out the damaged undercarriage, whilst the two failed engines also became apparent. Clary Stephenson bellied landed Lands End. 3 x WIA, 5 x RTD. Crashed fatally on take off for weather recon to Azores 6-Jun-44. Killed in Action (KIA).



Awards: PH.