A/C 42 31504 "Rosie's Riveters"

On 12/5/44 flak caused failure of 2 engines and crew was forced to bail out. Reports of Channel ditching were in error.

EYEWITNESS: "A/C #504 was damaged by flak in the target area. Last seen at the French Coast with a P-38 escort. Enroute out the pilot was heard to say on VHF he was jettisoning as much equipment as possible and flying on two engines. Requested fighter support, and asked for A/S (Air Sea) Rescue, apparently in preparation for ditching." However, the crew did not ditch as the following German report indicates:

On 12 May 1944 at 14:30 hours a four engine American bomber crashed on the south exit of the township Miederbachein, District of St. Goarshausen. The bomber exploded and was completely destroyed. .NAMES OF CAPTURED FLYERS: The crew names are listed above.. The POW enemy airmen were sent to Armed Forces Land Gurard Battalion 786 in St Goarshausen and from there on 15 May 1944, at 0940 hours to Dulag Luft Cherusel.