The 483rd Bomb Group Archive

Aircraft

42-107156 The Great Speckled Bird

817thlost with the 483rd, 22 March 1945
Type
B-17G-35-DL (Douglas)
Names
The Great Speckled Bird
Assigned to the 483rd
29 April 1944
Loss
MACR 13244 · mission 186, 22 March 1945
Sources
Association page · American Air Museum · b17flyingfortress.de

Loss and incident records

History

Dates and events from Dave Osborne's B-17 Master Log, as published by b17flyingfortress.de; wording condensed to the facts.

Photographs and loss sheets

These pictures stay on the sites that hold them and are shown here by link only, until their owners say they may be copied.

Statements

Eyewitness statement, page 10: Jales · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
24
INDIVIDUAL CASU ALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Jales
Rank:
Vile 3304
qui
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber) Sadio
Did he bail out? YES-WiTh Aid OF ENGINEER
Where? BETWEEN Bassia n' and GERMAN LINES - smin.e/TABRIT
-
If not, why not?
Zast contact or conversation just prior to or at time of lose of plane: When Ast &
pain- BE FLIED, HURIS WHEN / MOUE
Was he injured? YEs
Where was he when last seen? KUSSIAN HOSPITAL
Any hearsay information: DEAD
(TOCCELER)
Source: ANdREELA SAW him
Any explanation of his fate based in part wholly supposition:
or on
MACHINE GUNOR SMALL M.M.
RAGMENTS
Total number of missions of abc ve crow ai imbe
1st
Dates and destinations if possible: MARCh21945-
RuhLANd
744-v
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 10 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 11 · 22 March 1945
AX2PA- 11
27
INDIVIPUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONMAIRE
Name of erew nember:
Chupa, John B.
File 13244
Nank.
Cpl
Sorial number:
33832366
Crew (Bomber) Radio Gunner
2
Did he bail out?
yes
BReshAu
There? Over A Russian SpeAR heAd
If not, why not?
Lest contact or conversation just prior to or at time of losa of plane: He told
me / hAd a bomb bung up, so / salvoed And
Was he injured? Eighters bitus incredistely of ter bombs Away and
Where
was he when last seen? He-masinjuncal ISAW himlast n
:
Bussian Field Hospital two days
LAteR He hAd just died 1.2 hours
personally the Russians Attended to
buRIAL
Source:
s/s,t. Joh, n Andreula
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Righ AS we
CAme off TARgrT, Jet FighteRs, me 104's + me 210's Litus
mostup EUR l Amage centered From R Alie Room to tail.
ChupA was serious 7 wounded in fighter AHACK
The
Rest.
F
LR
w
the-w
him
out
with
Ripcord
on
starticline
Total number of missions of above crew member: WAS his 1st m issin
Dates and destinations if possible: Ruh lAnd MAR 22 , 1945
744-V.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 11 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 12 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-Il.
21
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of axew member:
Craig, Richard c.
File 13244
Rank:
F/O
Serial numbor:
T-128244
Position: Crew (Bomber) Co-Pilot
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
PILIT Give CREW of choice
If
not, why not? HeLPED LAND SHIP HAP No ORDERS To Bail out
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
NONE.
Flu INTERPHONES PEAD- STILL ON oxigen
Was he injured?
Yes - after CRASHING PLANE and leaving IT.
Where was he when last seen? IN A RUSSIAN HOSPITAL
Any hearsay information:
HE HAP A 50-50 chance for his
life last information RECIEVED
Source: Russian doctors
Any explanation of his fate based ir. part or wholly on supposition: A
:
Total number of missions of above crew member: first ONE Frown
Daten and destinations if possible:
744-V
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 12 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 13 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRK
Name of crew member:
Rivera, Hilario M.
Fila 13244
Rank:
Cpl
Serial number:
38514476
Position: Crew (Bomber) Right Waist
Did he bail out?
Yes.
Where?
startin Gen. 30ml. SW. of Bacskan
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Poltrus, Russia.
Was he injured?
Yes. Severe and on showlder & minorded
Where was he when lest seen? Pollous Russia
Any hearsay information: to
/ heard he reacher U.S.A.
OK and 15 home sate
Source: Engineer.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
know he 1-4-4 Poltress
Russia on a hospital ship bound
for U.S.A.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Fast
Dates and destinations if possible:
22 March 455
Xhuland Gan.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 13 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 14 · 22 March 1945
AFPRA-Il
INTIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
9
Name of erew nember:
Craigs Richard 0.
Pile 33256
Rank:
F/o
Serial number:
Position: Crow (Bomber) de Pilet
Did be bail out? No
Wrere?
If not, why not? ChosE-To- CRASH LAND
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of losa of plane:
NONE
Was he injured? Shot ThRouGh STemAch BETER handing PLANE
Where was he when last seen? Bussian Hospital
Any hearsay information: Russian DectoR. SAid HE HAT
70-50 Chine OF RECEVERY
Source: Pilet
Any explanution of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Shet B, GF
B MAN SNiPER Just BEFORE REAchiN G Russ
iAN TRENCHES
,
Total number of missions of above crew member: Onc about to
Dates and destinations if possible: Not possible
744-v
6-3-31, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 14 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 15 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
20
INDIVIDITAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Neme of crew member:
Pile
Rank:
7/0
Sorial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out?
No
anere?
If not, why
not? Assistant pelot in crush lander
Last contact or conversa+ ign just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
LAX him in hands of Russias uses. a dita
cassh.
Was he injured?
Yes - but not in landing
Where was he when last soen? In hands of Russians with one
Any hearsay
information: Whon / 100$ san him
Russians said he had = sixty
Xikt, chance. zol hav stime
skory to tell Ne saw been
3 days later in = hospital
Source:
tilet & my run
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
saw
him and shot 19 back by Germans while
summiry towards Tussians, Accidesas
dezograp ham, Andreak and ms to lines.
took
ass
x
and
Create
haspital
Total number of missions of above crew member: First
Dates and dectinetions if possible:
22 March 45
Rhuland, Germany
9-1,
744-V
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 15 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 16 · 22 March 1945
AF2PA-11
22
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name ox crew member:
G.
Paze
Rank:
7/0
Serial number:
Position: Crow (Bomber) (Fighter):
be bail out? no
Where?
If not, why not? Became Pilot, Co -Pilot, - navigator l decidelt
Last contact or
conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: crash land.
Wo all talked Touer And decided to stick Tog their
Waa he injured?
yes HE WAS shot while w E wERe Ruan ing Ear Rassan Ling
Where was he when last seen? himwasin Russian Frentline TRenches,
Any hearsay information Pilot said he SAWAIN A week later
and WAS told By Russian me dic thAt CRAIg
had A 50-50 chance to line , He'd been
shot through the - all ok slay had
some out of his hower STomAch.
Source: Pilot Cann h Robins on
Any explanation part wholly supposition: the 11st Time
of his fate based in or on
lsaw
CRAIG
WA ,
MAR
22,
1945
B,lotsawhin
one
week
later
and hecond be
would take careof e verything
Russians said not moved and that They
Total number of missions of above crew member: WAS his 1st mission
Dates
and destinations if possible: RuhLAnd, MAR 22, 1945
R
74H-v
6-3861,AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 16 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 17 · 22 March 1945
AFPFA P11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAITE
18
Name of crew member: Greis, Richent c.
7ile
Rank:
7/0
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
If not, why not? He helped me land the ship because of dying achounded in heat if
voluntarily
ship
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Formatian leader ah the Bomb Run
Was he injured? He was Willed by the Gemans
Where was he when last seen? In sh front lines Russian Hospital
Any hearsay information: I saw him last and he was
alive but had a bullet through his stomache Daly
heard from his mother that he had died.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based. in part or wholly on supposition: None
Total number of missions of above crew member: one
Dates and destinations if possible: same
944-v-
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 17 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 18 · 22 March 1945
AFPFA-il
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
de
Nivera, Hilario M.
File 13244
Rank:
Cpl.
Serial number:
3857A476
Position: Craw (Bomber)
Did he bail out? Yes
Where?
South west S Birdane Genmany
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
on Bomb tun
Was he injured? Yes
Where was he when last seen? we met up in Leon Polsued
Any hoarsay information:
-
Source: -
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Deserves
the Distingliched Flying CLOSS he didnt get
He along at 28000 ft on down helped all the woveded
giving the citiests wounded RO. his own oxygen made
was solvning boll with untill loss of hirown blood exhausted him
Total number of missions of above crew member: one
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 18 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 19 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
:
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
23
Name of crew member: Jola B.
33264
Rank:
Got
Serial number:
Position: Craw (Bomber) Radio
Did he bail out?
Yes
Where? South west 3 Breaker Germany
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior tc or at time of loss of plane:
on the Bamb run
Was he injured? Yes critically 20mm from ME 262
Where
was he when last seen? before the mission by me
Any hearsay information: The Navigator James H. Kalvices
saw him in a hospital on the Russian front dead
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: He bailed
out with help of static lines un be known to
me The plane was falling to pieces
Total number of miss'ons of above crew member: one
Dates and destinations if possible: same
744-v
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 19 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 2 · 22 March 1945
changed
CONPIDENTIAIR
to.
by RE A ARADUNAS. MISSING AIR CREW REPORT
by F. M. MORNCE AD
13244
Date 1: ORGANIZATION: Location Sterparvine, Italy
Command or Air Forra 15th AF
Group
483rd Bomb (H)
Squadron 817th Bomb (H)
2. SPECIFY: Place of departure Sterparone, Italy
Course See attaried overlay
Target Buhland oil Res. 3 dermany
Type of miscion
Combat Bombing
3. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND VISIBILITY AT TIME OF CRASH OR WHEN LAST REPORTED:
0 AVV
4. GIVE: (a) Dzte 22 Varch the Time 1240 Last konwe position 51 25N/14 25E
(b) Specify whether: (X) Last sighted, ( Forced down, ( SéeA to crash,
Last coltacted by radio, ( No information.
5. AIRCRAFT (LOST) (BELIEVED LOST) AS A RESULT. OF: (1 heck onc anly)
(X) Enemy alrcraft, ( ) Enemy anti-aircrait, ( Other
6. AIRCRAFT: Type, model & series
AAF Serial Numbur 12-107156
7. NICKNAME UF AIRCRAPT
Nome
8: ENGINES: Type, mode. & series R-1820-97
AAF Seriai Number (a) 41-57429
(b) ST-01h860
(c)
SW-009135
(d) T-022472
6. INSTALLED WEAPONS: (Make, type and serfal number.) Browning :50 cal.
(s) 777231.
(i) 1190994
(m) 1294720
(5) 736509
(f)
952773
(i) 1192568
(c) 1296300
(2)
952682
(*) 1191525
(d) 1296411
(h)
358627
(1) 952713
10. PERSONNEL LISTED BELOW REPORTED AS: (D) Baitle Casualty,
) Non-Battle Casualty.
11. NUMBER OF PERSONS AROARD AIRCRAFT: Crew 10
; Passengers
0
: Total 10
(If more than 12 persons aboard aircraft, use separate sheet.)
CREW
FULL NAME (Last, first, initial)
CURRENT NEXT OF AJN, RELATIONSHIP
POSITION RANK, SERIAL NUMBER N
STATUS
AND ADDRESS
RTAIL Pilo:
Robinson. Con T. 2nd TA.
MIAA
Teonard F. Robinson - Mother RID
0-7B0726
3705 N. Raymond Ave es Pasadena, callf.
DEA2 G.P. (Craig, Richard C. F/O
T-12824)
noinfurn
Mrs. Gladys Craig - Mother -
3057 Lakevisw Sty, Detroit, 15, Mieb:
N
lakides, James H. 2nd Lt.
MIA
Mr., Harry Kakide: - Father -
0-2068279
18 Laurel Ave., tradford, Mass.
RIN
RTD.)
5209 Andreola, John s/Sgt.
on
DA
Mrs. Lydia Anoreola - Mother -
32889872
1585 Astor Ave., Brom: N-X.
RMA6 Tr /Bunn, Ivox H. Cpl
MIA
Mrs. Ida. A. Newell - Mother -
RTD
15400682
743 Moraine Ave.s Akron, Chio,
power RG
Chupa, Cpl.
MIA
Mrs. Marie Chupa - Mother -
33832366
21 E. Indlow St. Surit Hill, Pa.
DII
Cliffori, Richard A. Sgtum
MTA
lirs. Edward Clifford - Nother -
RIZ
39214844
4714 E. 39th St. Seattle, Wash.
TOT
Rivera, Hilario M. Cpl.
MIA Mr. Pedino Rivera to Tather
RTD
38514476
Route #2, Box 817, San relo, Tuxas.
EUSON
BT
Cochran, Virgil D. Cpl. members
Mrs. Enhyt S. Cochran - Mother
RT2
36629824
TSTA
Sullivan, Illinois.
amenical
TO
from, Carl H.
MTA
anche Troim -
REP
38518790
APR 96 1945 Route #1, Sumerfield La.
(:1)
4
(12)
D
12. DEPCIFY ELOW THOSE PERSONS WHO P BELIEV it TO HAVE LAST KNOWLEDGE OF AARCRAFT
AND CATECI: APPROPRIATE (one only) COL TO MOICATE BASIS FOR SAME:
SAW
CONTACTED LAST
SAW
FORCED
NAME IN FULL.
RANK SERTAL No. BY RADIO SIONTED CRASH LANDING
(1)
Arthur it Hoff
Capt. (Interrogation) Intelligence officer.
(2)
(3)
13. IF PERSONNEL ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE SURVIVED, CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
(
)

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 2 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 20 · 22 March 1945
11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Visgil D.
File
Rank:
dill
Sorial number:
Position: Crom (Bomber)
Did he bail out? Yes
Where?
South west f Brestane Germany
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
On Bomb Run
las he injured? Yes
Where he when last seen? we met also in know Puland
Any hearsay information: more
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Also deseues
DFC which he didnt recieve He was the only Hast
gunner still fiting was queduted in brealing up the
attacking ME 26b would have been Sincing at them till
the ground if not ordered to bail out
Total number of missions of abovo crew mémber: one
Dates and destinations if possible: same
6-3861, AJ

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 20 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 21 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
M.
File
Rank:
Seriel number:
Position: Crew (Bomber) Walet
Did he bail out? YES
Where? 5 min. a/TARGET - BETWEEN 4 is NES
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured? YES - BuLbRY Th ROUGH ARMOR Showler
Where was he when last seen? HEADEd to U.S.A.
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member: 1st
Dates and destinations if possible: Publand MARCH 22 1945
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 21 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 22 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of erew member:
D.
7ile
Rank:
Serial number:
Position: Crow (Bomber) Rall
Did he bail out? YES
Where? smin. of TABGET-BETWEN - LINES
If not, why not?
Last contact or Conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured? BULLET in ABM
Where was he when last seen? ENROUTE U.S.A.
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total
number of missions of above crow member: 1st
Dates and riestinations if possible: RUNI A N d- MARCH22 19%5
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 22 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 23 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-I2
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
to
1. Your name CARL 4 BROWN
Rank segt Serial No. 38518990
2. Organization
Gp Commander
Rank
S/n CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month MARCH day 23 did you go down?
4.
What was the mission, BOMBING
. target, RichLANd
, target
time,
,altitude; 27000
route scheduled,
, ,route flown
5.
Where were when
you you left formation'? foundation off touget
6. Did you bail out? yes - RiGh T-Gunik,
B of Bill TUBAENT MANILA OPERATOR
7. Did ether members of crew bail out? yes
3
8. Tell all you know about when, where, how e/ach person in your aircraft for whom no
is individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached Please
give, faots. If vou don't know, say: "No Knowledge". FITE TaF
(Bim with PLANE LEFT WAisT
GRINN E R B A 12. Ed out - SAFE
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? no KNOWLEdGE
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 sbove and individual questionnaires) Joha ANDRELA- -
DiLaT - Co Pilect - NAVIGATOR
11. Where were they in aircraft? Cockpit- Bombay - Radio Room
12. What was their condition? UNINJUREd
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above?
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 23 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 24 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
25
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Cimpas Jeha D.
File 13244
Rank:
Cpl
Serial number:
33832366
Position: Crew (Bomber) gry Redio
Did he bail out?
Yes.
Where?
Over startin Gra. but some.
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Lask contest he was injured by Vighlans
Was he injured? Yes -Soverley, products entire pape
Where
was he when last seen? / had to dealtry him
Any hearsay information:
desd in a Reason
hospital.
No besong into seconday.
/ dentitied horn y dead.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Bural place ad brown
Town look seen ea of
Breslear.
Total number of missions of above crew member: Find
Dates and destinations if possible:
22 March <<5
Rhulan I Get.
744-v
6-3861,AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 24 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 25 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-1
26
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Jelam B.
File 33844
Rank:
Qpi
Serial number:
33832356
Position: Crow (Bomber)
Did he bail out? Yes
Where?
FIREA Unknown
If not, why not?
Last content or cunversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: I give
him ORDES As. ENG To jump he insisted I to first
Was
he injured? Yes - Very Badiy from EXPLOPINS 20mm. SANNAN SHELL
Where was he when last seen? IN HOSTITAL, MURNING AFTER HE Piec
Any herarsay information
LAST SEEN DEAR Br CLIFFURD*
BROWN
Source:
Any explanation of his fato based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missione of above crew member: FIRST MISSION Flown
Dates and destinations if possible: DIED W RUSSIAN HOSPITAL
23rd MAKCH , 1945 BURIED Be RUSSIANS-Spot unknown
by inyself
744-vo
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 25 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 26: Robinson , Con L · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
28
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Robinson , Con L.
Rank 1st Lt.
Serial No. 0-780726
2. Organization 48346 Sab Gp Commander Stanley Rank Sof Sqn CO Burgesson Rank Mbjor
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month March day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Rhuland 9 target, oil refinety ,
target
ime, 12:45
altitude, 28000
route scheduled, Direct from
Forgia Italy
,route flown same
5.
Where were you when you left formation? on The zally off the target
in # 2 position of C Box
6. Did you bail out? No
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
Yes The tail gunner it. fleft
waist gunners Ball lustet upper local + Ladio operator
8.
Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no
individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please
givo facts. If you don't know, say: "No Knowledge". Each 5 the rest
hands
net mentioned in attached list escape with me into Russian
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Right in between Russian + German Linsts
Soutthas Breslaw
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) The Togglier s inner
Nevegator co-puts to myself
11. Where were they in aircraft? Rt st capitat in cadepit Naw IC is Radio room
12. What was their condition? OK
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last 869 any members not already des-
crited above? The co-pilot was shot by the Gemans in out escape
keten I last saw The Read) a operator be Sore the mission
and I sain him 50 days later in S. Russian hospital He died 2 says
L bailab out and was in a dyns condition The Naw Identified
him after he heached Russian hans as being dead
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crow of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. The remainder of out
Chew met in idand and on to the American Rase in Rusice
although same were wounded pyetty severy F/o Cially
*
CL Chapa were dead in at near Bieslan Customery by Russian hands
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
744-v
6-38€2, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 26 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 27: IUOR H BUNN · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
29
CASUALTY
1. Your name IUOR H BUNN Rank 5/sat. Serial No. 15400682
2. Organization Commander STANLEYBAD 19/c. / Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month MARCH day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, RHULAND , target, oil REFINERYS target
t ime, 1300
altitude, 29,000
route scheduled,
, route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? JUST outside of target area
6. Did you bail out? Yes
7. Yes
Did. other members of crew bail out?
8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no
individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached, Please
give facts. If you don't know, say: "No Knowledge". CREW that pailed
out were as follows: 3/syt CERE H BROWN, Syt RICHARD
A. CULFORD, Cpl VIRGIL D CochRan Cel. HILARIO M. RIVERA
Cpl JOHN B CHURA, Cpl Two M BUNN
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? No INFORNATION as To AREA
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross, check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) 2nd/fr Con L ROBINSON
AndREOLA
JAMES H KAKINES, 7/0 RICHARD c CRAIR, JUHN
11. Where were they in aircraft? PILOT + Co-pilot IN cockpit, NAUY Tog. in radio room.
12.
What was their condition? CRAIG BULLET Wound IN stomach received
while TRAVELING ac Ross no-mans land.
13.
When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above?
Cochran. -in Rupers - Bad wound in arm
Rivera its Russia. Bad wound 1h arm
ReBINioN, BRown, Andreala, KAKINES, SLIFFORD. in Ressia- Well
14.
Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
744-v-
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 27 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 28 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Rivera, M.
Pile
Rank:
OpA
Serial number:
38974476
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out? Yes
Where?
AREA Unknown
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured?
Yes
Where was he when last seen? RUSSIA IN AMERICAN Hosp IN POTOUIA
Any hearacy information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
RETURNED To STATES ON Hosp. ship
Total number of missions above crew member: FIRST ONE FLown
of
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 28 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 29 · 22 March 1945
AFFPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
S.
Vãão
Rank:
Qp)
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out? Yes
Where?
AREA UNKNOWN
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was ho injured? Yes
Where was he when last seen? AMERICAN Hospital at Potovia Russia
Any heargay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
RETURNED To states aboard hosp.ship
Last information recieved based at CHANGTE
FIELD , Ill.
Total number of pissions of above crew member: FIRST ONE Frown
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 29 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 30 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of member:
E.
Pile
Rank:
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
,
Where? OVER between STREhLen + BRESLAU
Did he bail out? yes
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversat ion just prior to or at time of loss of plane : The contact
Was he injured? yes
Where
was he when last seen? BAiledont of ReAR done with restofurew
: met him the next day. He had
gever - A / wounds all over his body the most
SeRsons being a he le in his AK m
Source: slost John Andreol a
Any explanation of his fete based in part or wholly on suppositi n:
He wAs Fh own to the state S MA Hospital
plane.
Total number of missions of above crew member: WAS his 1st m. 558th
Dates and destinations if possible: Ruh hAnd MAR 22, 1945
6-3861, AF
-

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 30 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 31 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew momber:
Cochman, Virgil D.
File 13244
Rank:
Cpl
Serial number:
36629824
Position: Crew (Bomber) Ball Turret
Did he bail out? yes
Where? DoeR BRussia BReslany Strehien
If not, why not?
Tast contant just
or conversation prior to or at time of loss of plane no contact
Wes be fajured? Yes
Where was he when last soen? Bailedout of ReAR look
Aron : methin the next day He hada
few we unds The most serious was A 9 Lopinghol hole
in hus ARM
Source:
5/sqt John An d jeola
Any oxplanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition : He wAs
Fhonn tothe states on A H. spital plane.
Total number of missions of above crew member: WAs his 1st m is SIU n
Dates and destinations if possible: R uh LAnd MAR 22, 1945.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 31 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 32: John Andreola · 22 March 1945
AFPRk-12
CASUALYY OFISTIONNAIRE
1.
Your name John Andreola Rank 5/5, I Serial No. 32889872
4836,6 Cl Paull
(major William J KilpATRick
2. Organization Gp Commander
Rank
Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month march day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, RuhLand target,
t ime, CAN Remenbee altitude, 22000
route scheduled, can't nember
, route flown An' revender
5. Where were wher
you you left formation? a Few miles from RuhLand
6. Did you bail out?
no
7. Did other members of crew bail out? yes
8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no
individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please
give facts. If you don't know, say: "No Knowledge" RedomAn, Right w Aist
LEFTWAIGT Engineer BAll TURKET * TAIl guarte only told by
Polital that theyconld failout whenever they wanted to
g. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Between STRETHEN & BReslAU Grammy
They hit The SILKEVER a Russian Speardied me
or
5th
EHILAGE
in no mans land
10. What members of your erew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) Pilot co- pilot
navigatoe and myself, l was a toggetica
11.
Where were they in aircraft? up in Points compartment, /wasesthe
12.
What was their condition? All Right up to that Time
Bonkomy
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above?
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have Indicate source
knowledge. of information Am enclosin 11st
their w AY to PeltavA RUSSIA where this
of crew m embers shot down and who made
ListwAs colon piled
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 32 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 4 · 22 March 1945
CONFIDENTIAL
OPERATIONS
817th BombarCment Squadron (N)
Office of the Operations Offiser
23 March, 1945.
STALEMENT
At 1234 boars the box in which Air-craft No 42-107156 was
flying was hu Jave. This ship was flying No, 2 pesition
On the attank a large hole was torn in the right horisontal
stab: Fizer and trasers were seen to enter the tail compartment.
y owever, the Air-Craft apparently remained under centrol and
attempted to follow the box leader, who was lesing altitude rapidly
due to axygen and engine trouble. This Air Craft last seen at
1240 hours, at 17,000 fect under lesing altitude,
at 5125 N 1425 E CAppreximate).
ARTHUR R. HOFF/
Captain, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer.
a
CONFIDENTIAL
-

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 4 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 8 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name
Kakides James L/Rank 2ndly Serial No. 0-2068279
2. Organization 483 Gp Commarder Booto Rank Col Sqn capt
(full name;
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month March day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Rhuland G starget,
, targat
time, 1235
,altitude, 27000
route scheduled, along a
route flown same as scheduled
5. wiere were you when you left formation?
Fly.ng
No.
=
position
6. Did you bail out? No
7.
Did
other
members
of
crew
bail
out?
8.
Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no
individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please
give facts. If you don't know, say, "No Knowledge". Clystony & Bunn
354 of home veryually They
the Haly with me hs dad Andacok
and Brown These down were
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground?
stattin, between Gax. & Russian lines.
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with e above and individual questionnaires cange
Andreol and mc.
Rechaneos,
11. Where were in
they aircraft? Felot x Co-pers in cockpil
12. What was their condition? Good after lanking.
Andreoks in Bomb buy ame un Lickoroon
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any merabers not already des-
cribed above?
14.
Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 8 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 9 · 22 March 1945
APPPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Goskean, Virgil D.
File 13244
Rank
Cpl.
Serial number:
35629834
Position: Crew (Bomber) Bell Tuares
Did he bail out?
Yes
Where?
Gen 30mg 10 of Breskay
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane.
Boltzue Pussia
Wae he injured?
Yes. Same som
Where was he when last sven?
Poltaua RUSSA
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Ne got home OK. <eld on
chisame hospital ship is Keview Received
letter from him Dahna he was
a
Channela Field, Illinois
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Finst
Dates
and destinations if possible: 22 March <<5
Phulan Ger.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13244, page 9 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

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