The 483rd Bomb Group Archive

Aircraft

42-2979

815thlost with the 483rd, 16 April 1944
Type
B-17F-10-DL (Douglas)
Assigned to the 483rd
31 March 1944
Loss
MACR 3908 · mission 4, 16 April 1944
Sources
Association page · American Air Museum · b17flyingfortress.de
Flags. the two republications of the Master Log line differ; AAM text kept, b17flyingfortress.de text in log_variant

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 · 16 April 1944
U S CONFIDENTIAL equals British CONFIDENTIAL
815th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
483rd BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
STATEMEN!
Flanos were over target at 1119. Flak was moderate to heavy and extremely
accurate. Plane 979, Lt. Warburton, pilot, was noticed trailing and losing
altitude after rallying to the right after bomb release. At 1135, five members
of the crew were seen to bail out by my tail gunner, Sgt. Reamer. I never saw
the plane in distress until the formation circled waiting for 979. The plane
was following the formation until a point approximately on the Yugeslavian Coast,
according to Sgt. Reamer. Bail out occured approximately 45 miles due west of
the alternate target, Nis, Yugoslavia.
/3/ Williem W. Craddock
WILLIAM W. CRADDOCK,
2nd Lt., Air Corps,
Navigator.
A
TRUIS COPY White
W. L. LINN,
Mejor, Air Corps,
Operations Officer.
U S COMPICENTIAL equals British CONFIDENTIAL

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 10 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 17 · 16 April 1944
APPTA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALE QUESTIONNAIRS
Name of crew mombert BAINTS T.
agt.
File 3908
Rank:
Sorial n thber:
Position! Crew (Bomber) 02
Asst.
Quanes
Did he ball out? No-
Where?
If not, why not? UNAbleTo Adjust chesTchuTe To HARNESS Because he HAd
Hooks ON PACK And HARNESS.
Last contaot or conversation Just prior to or at time of loss of
plane: we Tried To Fix it, But where UNAble To, sowe TOLD HIM To ReporT Tothe
PILOT-SINCE INTERPhONE WAS"OUT -He HAd Togo UP IN PERSON.
Kas he injurod? NIT when I LEFTTHE ship.
when I WAS about to LeAve The ship-I Took one
Where WAL le when last seen? LAST Look Foward & Baines WAS JusT ENTERING The
RAdIOROOM.
Any homesay infor ation: About 40R5 dAys AFTER bailing OUT, Some CheTNiK
soldiers Passing ThROVILLAge we were AT, Told us ThAT 4oFFicer ANdAN
ENLISTed MAN HAd BeeN TAKEN By AN ALBANIAN GueriLha Band and Turned
over
ToThe
German's.
(ONe
oTher
VERSION
WAS
that
They
HAd
BeeN
Robbed.
F
CLothing And jewelry ANd PHT To death. BUTThiSMAN changed His sToRy to Their
Being Turned OVER The GERMANS.
Souroe':
FROM CHeTNiK SOLDIERS
Any explucation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos-
ition: I HAVE ALW AYS FeLT ThAT Baine's AND The others ARe
Alive SOMEWhERE IN ALBANI4 Being Held There By The Guerillas. Because
I Believe The Plane WAS To Badly HiT And Losing ALTITUdE enoug h
Net TeHAVE cleARed The coasTAL MOUNTAIN Range.
Total number or nissions of above crew nember: 2
Dates
und destinctions if possill : 4/15/47 NIC, YugosLAviA.
4/16/44 - Nic, YugosLAviA.
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 17 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 18 · 16 April 1944
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRS
Name of crew
vile 3808
Rank:
de
Serial nonber:
7/0
Positioni Crew (Bomber
(fichter)
Did he ball oat? No
Where?
-
If not, why not? No knowledge
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of
plane: THOLASTI CAN Revember WAS AN oxygen check LNWAY To TARgeT
Vas he injured? leknowledge,
The last Time 2 saw him WAS AT TAKE FF"
Where whi he when last seen? ROOM where He issued EMERGENCY KiTs
Any heresay infor ation:
SAME AS BAINES
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos-
ition: I Believe ThAT ED OBRIEN DiDn't JUMP whentheRe,I oF us did
because oF Baives predicAmenT oR IT could) Be thAT ONRIF the ther
oFFiceRs WAS injured so he Jandan They since most of The
FLAK HIT The FRONT end oF The PLANE
Total number of missions of above orew nember: 2
Dates und destinations if possible: 4/15/94 NIC YugosLAviA
4/16/14 Nic YugoslAviA
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 18 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 19 · 16 April 1944
AFPFA-11
INDIVIDU 4 CASUA, 2 CUESTIONIAIRE
Name of crew member:
3908
Rank:
A
d.
Serial nomber:
Fosition: Crew (Bomber) 61
Nevignens
Did he ball out? No-
Where?
If not, why not? N. Kenneledge
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of
plene:
NONE That I CAN Remember
was he Injured?
No Knowledge
Where was he when last seen? 2LAST SAWhiM AT
Any horessy infor ation:
SAME AS BAINES ANY O'BRIeN
Source:
Any explacation of his fate bared in part or wholly on suppos-
ition:
SAME As F.O. O'BRien's.
Total number of missions of above new nember: 2
Dates und destinations if 4/15/14 Nic' YugoslAvit
4/16/44 Nic YugoslAvit
6-386-11

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 19 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 2 · 16 April 1944
3908
295 FILE
DATA ON REMAINS NOT YET RECOVERED OR IDENTIFIED
NAME (Leet, Pirat, Middle Initiel)
GRADE
PRESENT SERTAL NUMB ER
BUEKER, ARThuR, J JR.
2ND/LT.
0702894
ORGANIZATION
RACE
CREED
FORMER SERIAL NUMBER
815Th BOMB s g(H)
(11 Applicable)
483 RD BOMB GP.
WHITE
NOPRFF.
DATE OF DEATHANIA
CAUSE OF DEATH
PLACE OF DEATH OR PLACE LAST SEEN IF NIA
16 APR. 1944
OVER ADRIATIC SEA
DATE OF FOD
24 MILES FROM MANFRE ONIA
18 AUG 1945 FINDING OF DEATH ON ITALY COAST
MEIGNT
WEIGNT
COLOR EYES
COLOR NAIR
SNOE $1.25
64"
-
150
DENTAL C NART
UPPER RIGHT
UPPER LEFT
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
LOWER PIGHT
LOWER LEFT
16
15
:4
13
12
11
10
9
9
10
11
12
13
15
16
x = Extracted
o = Cavious
1
= Cavious Non-Restorable
FRACTURES AND/OR BREAKS
TATTOOS A.m.un BIRTHMARK
NONE Shoun
NONE Shown.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
22 YEARS OLD.
O GMG FORM
371
23 S EP 46
DATE FORWARDED TO FIELD

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 2 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 20 · 16 April 1944
AFPFA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew momber: James
Rank:
9968
Sorial n inber:
0-259179
Position: Crew (3omber) or
co Pilet
Did he ball out? No.
Mhore?
If not, why not? No Knowledge
Last contact or conversation
prior to or at time of loss of
plone:
was he injured? No Knowledge
Where WE he when last seen?
Any homess.y infor ation:
-SAME -
Souroe:
Any explanation of his fate In part or wholl; on suppos- -
ition:
SAME AS O'BRien's
Total missions member: 2
number of of aboy
Daten und destinations if possible: 4/15/44 Nic YugesLAviA
4/16/44 Nic YugoshAvit
6-3261-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 20 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 22: Joseph F. CARDONE · 16 April 1944
AFPTA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Joseph F. CARDONE
Rank 3/59T
Serial No. 31083761
483 BOMbEP
2. Organization 815 spd. Gp Commander
Rank
Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1944
month APRIL
day 16
did you go down?
4.
What was the mission, Nic YUGOSLAVIA , target, RAILROAD YARDS
, target
time,
altitude,
route scheduled, No Knowledge
,route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation?
6. Did you bail out? Yes
7. Did other members of crew bail out? HoThERS- Engineer J.T. HoLcomb. -Radio operator
HeRBeRT BRYNILDSEN - BOLLTURRET FRANKCLOS - -TAIL quesses DAVID JeFFers. -
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". The FIRST ToLeAve The ship WAS
- The RAGIO MAN - MyselF- FoLLowed by Clos +LAST JeFFeRS. We
LeFT The ship AT ABOUT 13.000 FT.
9. aircraft
Where did your 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 above and individual questionnaires) No Knowledge
11. were they in aircraft? No Knowledge
12. What was their condition? No Knowledge
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 3908, page 22 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 23: dre · 16 April 1944
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY CUESTIONNAIRE
3908
Name of crew member: dre
Rank:
indelte.
Serial n inber:
0-70as9%
Position: Crew (Bomber) Navigator
Did he ball out?
Unknowm
Where?
If not, why not?
Unknown
Last contaot or conversation just prior to or at time of loss or
plune:
No couversation affur take off
tas he injured?
Unknown
Where was he when last seen?
Befone take off.
Any hemessy infor ation:
None
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos- -
ition:
None
Total number of missions of above crew nember:
2
Dates und destinetions if possible:
April 15, 1964, Nis
April 16, 1944, Njs
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 23 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 24 · 16 April 1944
A?PFA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY CUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
James
D.
File 3908
Rank:
Serial n inber:
0-759179
Fosition: Crew (Bomber)
do Pilet
Did be ball out?
Where?
Unknown
If not, why not?
Last contaot or conversation just prior to on at time of loss of
plone:
No conversati off.
tas he injured?
No.
Where was he when last seen?
Co-pilia's position
Any hemesay infor ation:
None
Source:
Any explacation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos-
ition:
Nene
Total numbur or missions of above crew member:
2
Dates und destinations if possible:
April 15, 1944, Nis
April 16, 1944, Nis
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 24 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 26 · 16 April 1944
ATPFA-11
INDIVIDUAL L CUESTIVITAIRE
Name of crew member: Justin J.
Mie 3908
Rank:
7/0
Sorial n
Position: Crew (Bomber
or
Did he bell out?
Unknown
Where?
If not, thy not?
Unknown
Last
contact
or,
conversation just prior to or at time of loss of
plane:
No conversation after tâke off.
tas he injurod?
Unknown
Where WFS he when last seen?
Before take off.
Any heresay infor ation:
None
Source:
Anv explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos-
ition:
None
Total number of nissions of above crew member:
2
Dates and destinetions if possible:
April 15, 1944, Nis
April 16, 1944, Nis
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 26 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 27 · 16 April 1944
APPFA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALE I QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of orew momber: %.
Rank:
Tile 3908
Sgt.
Serial n onber:
Fosition: Crew (Bomber ) or ) lass. Gunner
Did he bail out?
Unknown
Where?
If not why not?
Unknom
Last dontact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of
plane:
No conversation after take all
Was he injured?
No
Where MEE he when last seen? Raido comp.
Any hemesey infor ation:
None
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos-
ition:
None
2
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Dates und dectinations if poscible:
April 15, 1944, Nis
April 16, 1944, Nis
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 27 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 28: Jeffers David B · 16 April 1944
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Jeffers David B.
Rank s/Sgt. Serial No.
2. Organization 483 BG Gp Commander Barton Rank Col. Sqn co Reardon Rank Major
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1944
month April
day
16
did you go down?
4. What was the missionWarshalling Yards , target,
Nis
, target
t ime, Aprox. 12:30
, altitude, Aprox. 17000
route scheduled5018ast of
Foggia
,route flown
Same
5. Where were you when you left formation?
Aprox 15 min. from target.
6. Did you bail out?
Yes
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
Five
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".
No Knowledge
9. Where did your aircraft 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)
UNknown
11. Where were they in aircraft?
Unknown
12. What was their condition?
Unknown
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 THAY be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 28 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 3 · 16 April 1944
293
MEMORIAL DIVISION
OOMG FORM 371
INFORMATIONAL DATA SHEET
11 Sep 16
REMAINS NOT YET RECOVERED OR IDENTIFIED
3908
Last Name
First Name Middle Initial
Grade
Serial Number
0759179
Officer's enl.
BURNETTE, JAMES D.
2NDLT
ASN (If upplicuble)
Organi zution
Race
Creed
815th BOME SQ (H)
483RD BOMB GP
WHITE PROTESTANT
Date of Death/MIA
Cause of Death
Place of Death or lust
16 APR 44
Seen if MIA
DATE OF FOD
18 AUG 45
FINDING BF DEATH YUGOSLAVIA
Height
Weight
Color Eyes
Color linir
Shoe Size
5'81's
130
GRAY
BROWN
8/12
DENTAL
CHART 9 JAN 43
8.7 6 5 4 3 2 1
1 : 3 4 5 6 7 8
(Upper R)
(Upper L)
16151413121110 9
9 10 11 12 13 14 le 16
(Upper d)
(Lover L)
X-Extracted
O- Cavious
1- Cavious Non-Posbrable
Fractures and/or Breaks
Tattoos und/or Erthmark
NONE
NONE
additional Information CREW MEMBER ON PLANE LAST SEEN
TO NIS,
OVER THE ADRIATIC SEA RETURNING FROM BOMBINA MISSION
20 YUADSLAVIA
YRS. OLDAT DATE MIA,
Fwd to Field

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 3 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 30 · 16 April 1944
AFPIA-11
INDIVICUAL CASUALIY
Name of crew membor: d.
Rank:
7/0
Sorial Il mber:
Fosition: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out?
NO
Where?
-
If not, why not? NO KNOWLEDGE
Lest conteot or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of
plane:
NONE
tha he injured? NOKNOWIEDGE
Where WEE lie when last seen? BOMBADIER'S CONFERTMENT
Any heresey infor ation: THATTHE PLONE WENT DOWN IN THE
ADRIATIC SEA 24 MilEs OFF THE COAST OF ITALY
Souroe: DON'T REMEMBER
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos- -
ition: IGUPPOSE HE DROWNED
Total number of missions of above crew member:
2
Dates und destinetions if pos. Tole: APPLL 15,1974- MISH
APRIL 16,1944-NISH -
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 30 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 31 · 16 April 1944
A7FTA-11
INDIVIDUAL CUESTIONAIRI
File
Name of crew momber:
d. de.
Rank
Serial nimber:
Fosition: Orew
Did he ball out?
NO
Where?
If not, why not?
AD KNOWLEDGE
Last contact or convernation just prior to or at time of loss of
plane:
NONE
Kas he injured?
Where WRS he whon last seen?? BOURADIERS COMPARTMENT
any homesty infor.ation: THAT THE PLANE HCATT DCH'N 14 THE
ADRIATION SEA 2441189 AFE RE THE CEAST OF 17th
Source: DON'T REMEMBER
Any explanation of his fate baced in part or wholly on suppos-
ition: ISUPPOSE HE PROWNED
Total number of missions of above crew member:
2
Dates and destinetions if possiblo: APRIL15,1974- - NISH
APRIL16, 1974-MISH -
6-3861-AF

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 31 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 32 · 16 April 1944
ATFFA-11
INDIVIDUAL C.SURN ( QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of orew nomber:
Rank:
James S.
Sorial n mber:
nd.ld.
Fosition: Orew El light (Fighter)
de Piles
Did he ball out?
NO
Where?
If not, why not?
NO KNOWLEDGE
Last contaot or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of
plane:
NONE
Kas he Injured? as KNOWLEDGE
Where WRE he whon last seen? 60 eilet's CRCKEIT
Any hemessy infor ation: THAT THE PLAKE WEENT DOH IN THE
ADRIATIC SEA 24 units OFF OF THE COASTOE ITALY
Source: DIN'T REMEMBER
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on suppos-
ition: I SACPOSE HE PROVIDED
Total number of Missions of above crew member:
1
Dates und destinetions if possible : ARRIL15,1944 NISH
APRILLE, 1944 - NISH
6-3861-AP

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 32 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 34 · 16 April 1944
PC ?
SAris
A.FPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. four name
FRANK H. Llos JR
Rank cirilian
Serial No. 14185285
2. Organization 413 Gp Commander BARTON Rank COL. Sqn CO REAKDON Bank MAJOR
(full name)
(full a)
5. What year 1944
month APRIL
day 16
did you go down?
4. What was the mission, MARSHALLING YARD target, NISH
, target
time, 12:30PM? altitude, 17000FFEET
route scheduled, 50°EAST
RE EaGGIA 7
, route flown
SAME
5. Where were you when you left formation? 30MIN. AFTER GOING OVER TARGET
a.
you bail out 2 VES
othor
et oren bail out? YES, SGT. HOIGOMB, SGI BRYLINDSEN
ARDONE
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
girs facts. If you don't know, Bay: "No Knowledge". SGI HOLSOME JUMPEP FIRST
ERRM MAIN ESCAPE HATEN ;SGT BRYLINDSEN JUMPED SECOND FREM MAIN ESCAPE
HATCHI SGI CARDOME JUNPAD THIRD FROM MAIN ECCAPE MATCH; cpi 6103(KYSRIE)
JUMPE D FOURTH FROM MAIN ESCAPE MATCH; SET JEFFERS JUMPED FIFTH FRem
MAINESCAPEHATAN
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground?
ADRIATIC SER ?
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 IRA T. HARDINATON;
2nd JAMES D. BURNETTE; good ARTHER FIOJUSTIN S. O'BREIN;
SGT. HALTERT. BALKES
11. Where were they in aircraft?
No KNOWLEDGE
12. What was their condition?
NO KNOWLEDGE
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? ITRIED To Fix SET BAINES PARA LOHUTE, COUIDNOTSO TOLD 'M TO
SEF LT. WARBURTON; SAH LT. MAREURION BETOUT.OF HIS SEAT To PUT ON HIS
PARACHUTE
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 3908, page 34 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 9 · 16 April 1944
US CONFIDENTIAL equals British COMPIDENTIAL
-
18. ATTACH AERIAL PROTCORAPH, MAP, CHART, OR SKETCH, SHOWING APPROXIMATE LOCATION
WHERE ATRORAFT WAS LAST SEEN. Attached.
14. ATTACH EYENITNESS DESCRIPTION OF CRASH, FORCED LANDING, OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES
PERTAINING TO MISSING ATRCRAFT. Atteched,
15. ATTACH DESCRIPTION OF THE EXTENT OF SEARCH, IF ANY, AND GIVE NAME, RANK, AND
SERIAL NUMBER OF OFFICERS HERE. Negative.
MAY 8 1944
Date of Report 17 April 1944
12
9 10, 11., in 2 3
Sirnature of Officer.
W. L. LINN,
MAJOR, ATR CORPS,
Operations officer.
RECEIVED
US CONFIDENTIAL equals British CONFIDENTIAL

National Archives, MACR 3908, page 9 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Know something about this aircraft?

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