The 483rd Bomb Group Archive

Aircraft

42-107172

816thlost with the 483rd, 18 July 1944
Type
B-17G-35-DL (Douglas)
Assigned to the 483rd
19 April 1944
Loss
MACR 7153 · mission 51, 18 July 1944
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

Casualty questionnaire, page 10: GRANDENAN, Olan C · 18 July 1944
FPPA 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File No. 7153
Name of crew member:
GRANDENAN, Olan C.
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
37502007
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Asst Armorer Gunner.
Did he bail out? UNKNOWN,
Where?
work Halera
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane :
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen?
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 10 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 11: NICHOLS , Charles W · 18 July 1944
AFPPA - 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File No. 7163
Name of crew member :
NICHOLS , Charles W.
Rank:
s/Sgt.
Serial number:
38.309175
Position: Crew (Bomber) Armorer Gunner.
Did he bail out? yes
Where? Geomany - ERom waist Hatch
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Keeping Check oF Filiters ANDthin poss.
Was he injured? UNKNOWN
Where was he when last seen? LEAVING Plane
A- hearsay information: NONE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or tholly on supposition:
NONE.
Total number of missions of above member: ABout (30)
crew
Dates and destinations if possible la NKNOWN
:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 11 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 12 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
y ILE l.o. 7153
Name of. crew member:
G I A E D , Robert N.
Rank:
S/Sgt.
Serial number:
11032785
Position: Crow (Bomber) to : Asst Radio Operator
Did he bail out? yes.
Vhere? barm M ANY F Kom waist HAtch
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
inFoRMAtioN ON filtters ,
Was he injured?
Where
was he when last seen? BAiliNG 0 of
Any hearsay information:
NONe
Source:
Any explanation of his ?ate based in part or wholly on supposition :
NoNe.
Total number of missions of above crew member: aBout (301
Dates
and destinations if possible: NOANFORMAtION
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 12 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 13 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-11
in
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE File No. 7163
Name of crew member:
DAUVELD à Mearl E.
Rank:
/Sgt.
Serial number:
17071578
Position: Crew (Bomber) Radio Operator.
Did he bail out? yes
Where? Germany E ROM whist tatus
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
NONE
Was he injured? work,newn
Where was he when last seen?
LEAVING P LHN
my heargay information
New a
Scurce:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
A's Ne.
Total number or missions of above crew member: ABot 30
Dates and destinations if possible: NoNe
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 13 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 14 · 18 July 1944
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE File No. 7153
Name of crew nember:
M A S T & L S K I 5 Joseph J.
Rank:
2nd L*.
Sorinl number:
0-692501
Position: Crew (Bomber) Bombardier.
Did he bail out?
UNKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just pricr to or at time of loss of plane
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen?
Any heersay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in past or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missiona of above crew nember:
Dates and destinations if cossible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 14 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 15: H AMMONTREE, Engene L · 18 July 1944
AFFPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY File No. 7153
Name of crew member:
H AMMONTREE, Engene L.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0-698192
Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator.
Did be
bail out? unknown
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Wes he injured?
Where was he when last seen?
Any hearsay informatioa:
Source: :
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 15 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 16 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-Il
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE File Mo. 7153
Name of crew member:
BEAKA, David 0.
Rank:
2nd
Serial number:
0-809668
Position: Crew (Bomber) Go-Filot.
Did he bail out?
U NKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of lose of plane :
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen?
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition;
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 16 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 17 · 18 July 1944
AFPFA 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE Tile No. 9153
Name of crew member:
$ Bichard v.
Rank:
les
Serial number:
0-807695
Position: Crew (Bomber) Pilot.
Did he bail out?
INKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen?
Any hearsay information:
Source :
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total nu ber of missions of above crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 17 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 18 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile Xo. 7153
Name of crew member:
$ Olan a,
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
37502007
Position: Crew (Bomber) might
Asst Armerer Quaner.
Did he bail out?
UNKNOWN
Where?
-
If not, why not?
I Do Net Know
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plans
Just Prior to Loss oF Plane
Was he injured?
Not When Last beard From
Where was be when last seen?
Taih GUNNErs PositioN-
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any of or on
explanation his fate based in part wholly supposition: I Believe
that He was Killed IN Plane although I did rat
see him beFore I Baihed out.
Total number of missions of above crow member: UNKNOWN,
Dates and destinations if possible: July - 18-1944- mission
To Merxinghem Germary. AN Air drone.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 18 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 19: NIGMOLS a N · 18 July 1944
AF. 2A -11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile Mo. 7163
Name of crew member:
NIGMOLS a N.
Rank:
$/ägt.
Serial number:
Tosition: Crow (Bomber) 38309175 or Fright (Eighter): Gannes.
Die bail out?
he yes
Where?
Near Kempton Germany
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of lose of plane:
Just Prior to hass oF Plane
Was he injured?
UNKNOWN
Where was he when last seen?
in Waist Position.
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on 81 pposition: Must Have
Been Killed aFter Bailing net oF Plane I
Do not Know For sure.
Total number of missions of above crew member: UNKNOWN.
Dates and destinations if possible : July 18. 1944
Mennikghem
Germany - AN Air drome.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 19 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 20 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
yILI No. 7163
Name of crow member:
HIARD, Robart X.
Rank:
s/agt.
Serial number:
11032785
Position: Crew (Bomber) Asst Radio Uperater
Did he bail out?
yes
Where?
Near Kempton Germany
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Just Prior to Loss oF Plane
Was he injured?
UN KNOWN
Where was he when last seen?
IN Waist Position,
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
NoNe
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: I
SuPpose He must Hoye beeN Killed after
Bailing out oF PLANC, Iam Not Certain
Total number of missions of above crew member: UNCKNOWN,
Dates and destinations if possible: July -18-1944- Menruggem
GerMany. AN Fir drome
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 20 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 21 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE File 7153
Name of praw member:
DAUPELD c Nearl a.
Rank:
T/ägt.
Sorial number:
17071676
Position: Crow (Bomber)
Badio Operator.
Did he bail out?
yes
Where?
Near Kempton Germany
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Just BeFore Loss of Plane
Was he injured?
UNKNOWN
Where was he when last seen?
in Radio COMP.
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any his fate based in wholly supposition: Must Have
explanation of part or on
BeeN Killed after Bailina out of PLANe ,
Iam Not sure
Total numbar of missions of above crew member : I Believe. 35
Dates and destinations if possible: July 18-1944
MeNoxinghem Germany . - Airsroft Field
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 21 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 22 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Pile Mo. 7153
Name of crew member:
, Jossph J.
Ravk
and Lt.
Serial number:
0-693501
Position: Crew (Bomber) : Bombardier.
Did hy bail out?
UNKNOWN ,
Where?
-
If not, why not?
UNKNOWN.
Last contact or convereation just prior to'or at time of lose of plane :
Just before Loss oF Phane
Was be injured?
UN KNOWN.
Where was he when last seen?
iN Bombaidier's Comp.
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: NONS
Total number of missions of above crew nemo 9r: 33 I Behieve
Dates and destinations if possible: July - 18 - 1944
Merninghen Germany - AN Air drome
6-386), AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 22 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 23 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-¹
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY "ile Ec. 7163
Name of crew momber:
Ragene L.
Rank:
and
Serial number:
0-698193
Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator.
Did he bail out?
UNKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
UNKNOWN
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Just BeForchoss of Plane
Was he injured?
UNKNOWN
Where
was he when last seen? iN Bombardiers COMP
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition : NONe
He must Have been Waunde dar ANd couldnt
Getant oF Phane or Killed in Phane
Total number of missions of above crew member : around 35.
Dates and destinations if possible: July - 18-19444
menningbem Germany - - AN Hix drame
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 23 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 24 · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE File No. 7153
Name of crew member: B L A K E 6 David G.
Rank:
2n' Lt.
Serial number:
Q--007668
Position: Crew (Bomber) Co-Pilot.
Did he bail out?
INKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
UNKNOWN,
Last conversation just prior to'or at time of lose of plane : During
contact or
Attact Just before Loss of PLANe
Was he injured? UNKNOWN
Where was he when last seen?
in Co-Pibot seat.
Any hearvay information:
NONE
Sourcs
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
I Be heere He Must Have been Killed in Pizer
Total number of missions of above crew member: 33 I Believe,
Dates and destinations if possible: July - 18- 19HH,
Menningham Germany - AN Air drame
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 24 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 25 · 18 July 1944
RFPPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File No. 7153
Name of crew nember:
c 0 K B S , Hichard F.
Rank:
lst Lt.
Berial number:
0-807695
bsition: Crow (Bomber) a Pilot.
Did he bail out' ?
UNKNOWN,
Where?
-
I1° not, why not?
UNKNOWN
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loas of plans:
During Attact Just before Less oF Phane,
Was he injured? Not at Last Conversation
Where was he when last seen? in Pihats seat
Any hearsay information:
NoNe
Source.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: He Must
Have beeN Killed in Plans But ida Not
Know For sure
Total number of missions of above crew member: 35 I Believe
Dates and destinations if possible: July - 18 - 1944
Mexninghem Germany - AN Air drome ,
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 25 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 26: Wright W. Mc Gee · 18 July 1944
AFPPA-12
CASTIALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Wright W. Mc Gee
Rank T/sgt Serial No. 20745958
kot KNOWY.
Rank Cohonia Sqn CO
Fred J. ASCENI.
2. Organization 483 Gp Commander
Rank MaJar,
(full nanie)
(tull came)
3. What year 1944
month July
day 18 did you go down?
4.
What was the mission, Bambing , target, Air Drome.
, target
time, wiknown
altitude, 33500
route scheduled,
unknow N.
9 reute flown unknown
5. when left
Where were you you formation? New Kempton Germany
6. you bail out? yes
Did
7. of crew
Did other members bail out? yes.
8. Tell all you know ubout 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". I went to the
waist door to bailout and Found Russeh E. Becker
There is Passed out so I Eushed Him out of the
clane RAL these Briledant myself
9. Where did your aircreft strike the ground?
UNKNOWN,
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) No knowled ge.
11. Where were
they in aircraft? No Knowledge.
12. Whet was their condition? No Knowledge
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? The Last i Santures of ANYONE except Becker
was When receive started on Mission.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate of information. No Knowled ge.
source
(Any additional information mey be written on the back)
6-706,AF

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 26 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 6 · 18 July 1944
C ONFIDENIIA I
Nob. Armorer Ginner Nichols, Charles N. MIA S/Sgt 38209175 liyrile Nichols, (mother)
2010 E. 7th St, Pine Bluff,Ark.
pm 10. Asst Arm. Gunner Granneman, Olan C. MIHS/SEt. 37502007 Hubert Granneman (Fathor)
a
Alma, Mo.
11, IDENTIFY BELON THOSH PERSONS VHO ARE believed TO HAVE IASI OF AIRCRAFT AND
CHECK APPROPRIATE (only one) COLUAN TO IMDICATE BASIS FOR SAE:
1. Willard S. Sperry It. Col. C-396325
12. IT PERSONNEL ARE HELIEVED TO have SURVIVED, CHECK ONE O THE CLIONING: ( ) Parachutes
were used ( ) Persons scon walking away from scane of crash Any
other
reason
Unknom
Surrounding circumstances are not reasonably conclucive of a
KTA easualty status
13. ATTAGH, no AN INCLOSURE TO THIS REPORT, EITTER AURIAL PHOTGRAPH, MAP, CHALT, OR
SKECTH, SHOWING APPROKINATE LOCATION WHERE AIRCRAFT WAS LAST SEEN. Attached.
14. ATTACH, AS INCLOSURES TO THIS REPORT, EYEWITNESS DESCHIPTIONS or CRASH, FORCED LANDING,
OR OTHER CIRCUNSTANCES PERTAIMING TO MISSING AIRCRAFT. Attached.
15. ATTACH, AN AN INCLOSURE TO THIS REPORT, A DESCRIPTION OF THE EXTENT OF SEARCH, IF ANY.
None. Crow MIA in oneny occupied tarritory.
DATE of this Report- 20 July 1944
Mortha
2 Incls:
W. L. LINE
Incl 1-Ovorlay
Major, Air Corps,
Incl 2-Statement Lit. Col. Sperry
Operations Officer.
CONFIDENTIAI

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 6 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 8 · 18 July 1944
CONFIDENTIAL
FOUR EIGHTY THIRD GROUP (H)
APO 520
Statement of Witness
On 18 July 1944 the 483rd Bombardment Group (H) vent into the
assigned target area without fighter escort or other group support. As
the initial point was appronched approximately seventy-five (75) enemy
fighters swept by the group formation on the right making a wide turn at
the rear in preparation for a tail attack.
When the 483rd Group executed the turn onto the bombing run the
four boxes went into the box-in-trail formation. While the turn was being
made, the aforementioned enemy fighters attacked, supported by an addition-
al force of equal fighter strength. The estimated total enemy fighter
strength wes approximately 175-200 when the tail attack was made.
Seven airplanes of the 816th Bombardment Squadron made up the number
four box, and the entire enemy fighter strength made a concentrated attack
on these seven airplanes. Three B-17's were shot to pieces while in level
flight and while maintaining their positions in formations A fourth went
down, apparently shot out of control, and broke apart as soon as the ship
went into a spin. The three remaining airpianes of the 816ch Squadron
drifted out of formation and appeared to be out of control, two of which
were beginning to burn. Several occasional parachutes were seen although
a number of crew members were thrown from their ships and it is unknowm
rnether their parachutes functioned.
A considerable number of enemy fighters vere shot down by the gunners
in these ships while the attack was being made, but the fighter fire powor
was overwhelming. The enemy attack vas nade in such a manner that very few
guns of each airplano could bear on the fighters.
The fighter attack was executed in waves of 5 and 6 ships in close
javelin formation closing directly and on a lovel with the tail of each B-17.
The fighter waves concentrated on 2 or 3 ships on an attack, and fired only
on the rearmost airplans.
The fighters moved up to the number three box after destroying the
a planes of the 816th Squadron, and five ships of the 817th Squadron were
destroyed in the same manner.
Twelve remaining airplanes of the 483rd Group reached the target and
dropped their bombs.
WILLARD S. SPERRY;
Lt. Col., Air Corps,
Deputy Group Commander.
CONFIDENTIAL

National Archives, MACR 7153, page 8 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

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