351st Sqdn. Crew, as above, joined the 100th Group on 23 JUL 44.

When this crew went down on 3 Feb 45, the crew list was as follows:
MACR #12046, MICRO - FICHE #441, A/C#44 8379.

Ernst's leg amputated in German Hospital night of 3/2/45, and he was soon exchanged.

Lockhart was the original Bombardier on the Crew of Lt Oren Hopkins.

EYEWITNESS REPORT (from MACR #12046):
 "A/C #44 8379 was hit by flak, reported to be a ground rocket a few seconds before bombs away. A/C continued on run and dropped bombs.  Fire and dense white smoke was seen in the fuselage and bomb bay, including the cockpit. Bomb bay doors closed and then reopened. Pilot opened his window and peeled gently off to the right, directing deputy leader to take over on VHF. A/C headed NE and flew level for a few moments while six members bailed out (3 appeared to come from waist or tail and 3 from bomb bay. There was a small explosion in #3 engine nacelle and the A/C headed down, burning and beginning to spin when last seen at 15/000 feet. Observers believe entire crew had an excellent chance to bail out."

Taps 1993:
John Ernst last month in California, as S. J. Passen put, "Made his final flight to the Great Airfield in the sky." John was from the 351st and with Robert Rosenthal as command pilot, led the entire 8th Air Force on the 3 Feb 45 maximum effort to Berlin. Shot down over Berlin with what may have been a ground to air rocket seven of the crew became POWs, with one lynched by German civilians. Three were picked up by Russian front line units. As John left the plane his leg struck the jagged edge of the bomb bay doors cutting it severely. It was later amputated by the Germans and soon there after he was returned to Allied control. "Rosie" said of John Ernst, "I regard him as one of the most skillful, courageous and dedicated men I ever severed with." This is no small praise, coming as it did, from the 100th beloved Robert "Rosie" Rosenthal, a man who flew 52 missions in the 100th starting in 1943...pw

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