This was the 6th mission for this crew except for Sgt. Hoffman (Edward J. Hoffman, Jr. was on his first mission, he had been a member of the quartermaster unit, but insisted on volunteering as a gunner) who was a replacement on this mission. He replaced John P. Wargo.  Plane was flying #3 in third element of the high squadron. Had released bombs on target when it was apparently attacked. Floyd Lowe hit between shoulder blades by a 20mm probably died instantly. All others bailed out and were immediately picked up by the Germans.

Marengo Letter (29-Mar-84):
Letter (29/3/84) from C. E. Marengo indicates that his crew joined the 100th in Sept 1943. Sgt.  John P. Wargo was their regular WG but replaced by Hoffman on 8/10/43. Wargo CT on 18/6/44. Cliff Spencer died 1983 in CA of cancer. Lost track of other crew members. Says Nichols may have been a "new" navigator on crew. jb

Of the 8 Oct 43 mission, Marengo has this to say: "We were hit by ME 109s out of the sun. One took part of our tail off and hit #3 engine which burned. I called the pilot and advised him of the fire, but nothing was done. When the fire burned through the wing and they saw it they dove the plane to put out the fire. Part of the tail came off and we went into a spin. the order to bail out was given and I got out the ball and started for the door. then went back for my chest pack. Plane was nose down when I went out hooking the right chute clasp as I went. There was a waist gunner still near his gun when I left. I had never worn the harness before as I had swapped mine (which was too big) with another guy the day before, his was too small. Fate is I wore the smaller harness and am still alive. Floyd Lowe was hit  in the back with a 20mm during the attack and was gone. The co-pilot was the sick that fateful day and two 17s were knocked out ahead of us and one exploded - left nothing but dust ..."