The 483rd Bomb Group Archive

Aircraft

44-6333

815thlost with the 483rd, 27 December 1944
Type
B-17G-50-DL (Douglas)
Assigned to the 483rd
19 July 1944
Loss
MACR 10645 · mission 143, 27 December 1944
Sources
Association page · American Air Museum · b17flyingfortress.de
Flags. Association page model B-17 G No disagrees with the database block B-17G-50-DL: 44-6251 to 44-6500

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

German capture report, page 23 · 27 December 1944
Hoersching - 28 Dec. 1944
Air Base Command
Hoersching Receiving Sta.
Ref: Dulag-Luft 2709
Concerning Downing of Fortress in nesr St. Florian, Upper 27 Dec . 1944
at 12:46 o'clock.
Enclosures; 9 forms 8 envollopes - 1 package
To, Oberursel
This Receiving Command tranefors the following living Prisoner s of war.
1.) Lt. Lightfoot
1 entelope
2.) Set. Basel
1
3.)
Sigt. Fore
1
4.) set. Langaton
1
5.)
Sgt. Lehto
1
6.) Sgt. Lopes
1
.
In the plane were also three dand members,
7.)
2nd Lt.
Sampada
1
8.)
F/O
Lane
1
9.)
- -
Karnes
1
The neme of the 4th dead person dould not be setsblished se the living crew
members refused any information. Included are the findiage of the wounded
men, who are transportable.
Purthermore, captured itomm are being forwarded
3 Packs rations
3 Fliers wallets, mpen
1 Purse with 48 do'llars, open
3 Magazine belts vith bandages
2 First-aid kits
5 Printed folder
3 Packe natches
Metal and Chair

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 23 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

German capture report, page 27 · 27 December 1944
MICH No,
10645
Date and Time Airoraft
was shot down
27 Dec 44
Casualty No: ME 2632
Place of Crash
Wols
Type of Graft
Fortress
Reporting office
Wele
NAIE
RANK
SERIAL NO
WOUNDED
PLACE OF INTERNLENT
DEAD
LICHTFOOT
Gracty Gibba.
ist Lt
0-1170060
captured
Dulag-Luft West
21 Oct 17
Pincland, Tex.
LOPEZ
Jesse Maldonado
Sgt
18221136
n
#
35 Dec 25
Albiguergus, N.M.
FORE
Wofford McCampbell Sgt
18233369
II
"
Corpua Christi, Tear.
BISEL
Harlod Frank
Sgt
36827123
#
IN
LEHTO
Reuben Marvin
Sgt
36828773
#
a
13 Jan 25
Mich.
LANGOTON
James T.
Sgt
20122,246
a
#
31 May 22
Ashville, N.U.
SAMPSON
Howard E.
2nd Lt
0-771636
dead
LANE
Richard W.
F/O
T-4430
"
Casualty No: ME 2632
lat delayed report of 26 Jan 45
is
KARNES
Boidy J.
Sgt
38566005
dead
SMITH
s/agt
II
Julag-Luft, 9 Jan 45 Wo.

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 27 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 3 · 27 December 1944
CONFIDENTIAL
815th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
483RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP (II)
OFFICE OF THE OPERATIONS OFFICER
APO 520
27 December 1941
SUBJECT: Statement of Pilot
TO
:
Whom It May Concern
1. I participated in the bembing of Linz, Austria on December 27th*
1944. We were flying in number seven position immediately behind ship number
333, piloted by Lit Sampson and his crew. As we neared the target and came
into the flak area, It Sampson's ship was seen to turn to the left and
gradually it went into a slow, downward spiral to the left. Apparently the
plans had been struck by flak. Smoke poured from the number two engine.
To the best of my knowledge I saw five chutes open shortly after the plane
spun toward the earth. Members of my crew saw from three to five chutes
open.
2. I hereby certify that the foregoing statements are true and
correct to the best of my kmowledge.
s/ William M. Bennett
t/ WILLIAM M. BENNETT
2nd Lit, Air Corr:
ASN 0-774484
Pilot
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY
ARTHUR C. JORDAN
Curbun C Jadon
Capt, Air Corps
Operations Officer
CONMIENTIAL

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 3 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 30: KARICS Buildy J · 27 December 1944
AFPPA 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
nis # 10645
Name of crew member:
KARICS Buildy J.
Rank:
Serial number:
38566005
Position: Crew (Bomber)
:
AAG
Did he bail out?
UNKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
No KNOWLEGE
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
During OXYGEN Check , also calling FIAK
Was he injured?
NO KNOWLEGE
Where was he when last seen?
ON GROUND- DEAD
Any hearsay
information: RADIO OPERATOR, SGT. J.T. LANGSTON Reports
SOMEONE BEARING RESEMBLENCE TO SBT. KARNES
FOUND ON GROUND, PARACHUTE IN TACT AND NOT
OPENED
Source S6T. JAMES T. LANGSTON - RADIO OPERATOR
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: BELEIVED
SGT. KARNES F Either WAS Thrown tromplane-or-
WAS IN A DAZED Condition upon BAILING OUT
and failed to open para chute
Total number of missions of above crew member: Two
Dates
and destinations if possible: 1. 26 Dec.44. ODERTAL, GeRMANY
2.27Dec.44 LINZ, AUSTRIA
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 30 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 31: Stenley n · 27 December 1944
AFFPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File . 10945
Name of crew member:
Stenley n.
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
38421246
Position: Crew (Bomber) (Fichted) :
son
Did he bail out ? No
Where?
If not, why not? Beleived to have been in BOHBAY when plane exploded
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loos of plane
:
Was he injured?
No KNOWLEGE
Where was he when last seen? Going into BOMBAY of plane
Any information:
hearsay GERMAN INTERRO GATION
officer said he was Killed Body S upposedly
found in wreckage of plane
Source: Germans
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: LAST SEEN
ENTERING BOMBAY- BELEIVED To HAVE BEEN
TRAPPED There at time place exploded-
DOORS To BOMBAY NOT OPEN
Total number of missions of above crew member: No KNOWLEGE
Dates and destinations if possible: No KNOWLEGE
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 31 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 32: have, Richard W · 27 December 1944
AFPPA 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File + 10645
Name of crew member:
have, Richard W.
Rank:
7/0
Serial number:
2-4430
Position: Crew (Domber)
Go-Piles
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
WAS vNCONSClOUS
IP not, why not? BELEIVED To have Been PEAD 0 RWOUNDED
Last contect or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: PRIOR
To STARTING BOMB RUN
Was he injured?
Belewed to have been wounded or dead
Where was he when last seen? AT CO-PILOTS POSITION
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Beleived
dead or WOUNDED
Total number of missions of above Four
crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-38361, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 32 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 33 · 27 December 1944
0
AFFPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File + 10645
Name of crew member:
x.
Rank:
2nd 34.
Serial number:
0-771636
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Piles
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
If not, why not?
was at cont rols
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: Pilot
ordered crew to pailout. also to hand his parachute
Was he injured? No
Where was he when last seen? At cont rols of plane
Any hearsay information: None
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Pilot
was at controls when plane crashed-
Total number of missions of above crew member:
four
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 33 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 34 · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1.
Your nama REUBEN M. LEHTP
Rank 5/SCT. Serial No 86728973
81559
2. Organizatio Commander BARTON Rank CoL Sqn COS.C.STANFKS ank MATOR
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1944
month DEC. day 27 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, LINZ, Austria target, MARIHALING YARRS , target To
time, 1220 Approx. altitude, 27,500
route scheduled, Ho KNow
VIENNA
, route flown To LINZ
5. Where you when you left formation? No. 3 position Last Lowlifementin
were
6. Did you bail out? Yes
7. Did other members of erew 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". NAV. 1st Lt. 6.6. Lightfoot
FWD. Escape HATCH, APMGSSOT. R.M. LEHTO, Fwa Escape HATCH. SCTITT.LANG-
STON R.D. MAIN HATCH B.b. SCT.J.M.LOPEZ MAIN HAILH, SGT. W.M. FOREG, MAIN HATCH
S6T. H.F. BASEL, G, MAINHATCH
:. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? IN VICINITY of Wels, Austria
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) 14, Lt. HOWARD E. SAMPSON,
Pilot, F/O. R.W.LANE, G.P, 5/56T. S.J.SMITH, TOG.
11. Where were they in aircraft? PilotaCP-FlightDeck, Too. BOMBAY
12. What was their condition? Pilot- Alive. su C.P. WOUNDED OR DEAD TOG-DAZED
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 10645, page 34 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 35: Earnes, J · 27 December 1944
AF.PA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tie . 10645
Name of crew member:
Earnes, J.
Rank:
SgS.
Serial number:
38566005
Position: Crow (Bomber)
AAG
Did he bail out?
NO
Where?
Linz, Austria.
ona
If not, why not?
Hit by flak.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Last contact was made by prior to approaching the I.P.
Was he injured?
Killed instantly by flak
Where was he when last seen? on the ground 1 dead.
Any hear. ay information:
Sgt. Karnes was bit by flak therefore was
unable to pull the rip cord,bis parachute was still
unopened when I saw him.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Sgt. Karnes was
obiviousley hit by flak sinre he was unable to pull rip
cord.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
two
Dates and destinations if possible:
(1) Odertal Gormeny, (2) Linz Austria
trie sest.
0-3861,AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 35 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 36: Jesse M Lopez · 27 December 1944
PA 12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name
Jesse M Lopez
Rank s/sgt. Serial No 18221136
2. Organization 483rd Gp Commander
?
Rank
Sqn CO
?
Rank ?
(full nama)
(full name)
3. What year 1944
month Dec.
day 27
did you go down?
4. What was the mission, second
,
target, LINZ , AUSTRIA.
, target
time,
12:46
9 altitude, 27,000 ft.
route scheduled,
?
31
, route flown
?
5. Where were you when you left formation? Five nisutestous ofubina: Austria
6. Did you bail out?
yes
7.
Did other members of crew bail out?
yes five others
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".
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Near the town of Wells Austria.
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
crose check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) 2nd Lt. Sampson, F/O
Lane, Sgt. karnes ,S/SGI. Smith.
11. Where were they in aircraft? in their corresponding positions,
12. What was their condition? they were all probably killedinstantly by flak.
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) a-l.
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 36 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 37: Novard n · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-I
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile + 10645
Name of crew member:
Novard n.
Rank:
2ad Lt.
Serial number:
0-772636
Position: Crow (Bomber)
Piles
Did he bail out?
NO
Where?
Linz, Austria
If not, why not?
gried to hold the plane so we could get out.
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane : Last contact
was when he gave the order to abandon ship.
Was he injured?
Killed
Where was he when last seen? when the plane went into a spin.
Any hearsay information: none except that he was still in the plane when it
went into a spin so was obiviously killed.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: yes only proof
is what the Germans told us and due to the fact that
that he wasn't captured with us so he was cbiviously
killed
Total number of missions of above crew member: five
Dates possible: (1) Odertal Gocmany, (2) Linz , Austria.
and destinations if
fea noteremember thetrest,
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 37 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 38 · 27 December 1944
AF?PA-Il
File # 10845
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crow member:
Stanley D.
Rank:
s/ägt.
Serial number:
38421246
Position: Crow (Bomber)
DO
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
Linz 3 Austria.
If not, why not?
H1t by flak.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane : Last time
was when were approsehing the T.P ship. f.
Was he injured?
Killed by flak
Where was he when last seen? when the plane went down.
Any hearsay information: Sgt Smith was obivimusly killed instantly since he
was in the nose of the plane when we were hit.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: yas the only
proof is that he was wasn't taken prisoner with
the rest of us who got out and from the information
I gathered from the ldt. Lightfoot the navigator, who
told me Sgt. Smith was hit br flak.
Total number of missions of above crew member: thirty five.
Dates and destinations if possible:
(1) Odertal Germany, (2) Lins,Austria,
can not tremember the rest.
a-1
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 38 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 39: LAND, V · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11
+ 10845
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
LAND, V.
Rank:
7/0
Serial number:
20430
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Ge-Piles
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
Linz Austria
If not, why not?
hit by flak.
H
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane : Last contact
WAS when Lt. Sampson was trying to get F/o Lanetoto
help him hold the ship ,but was obiviously till.
Was he injured?
killed by flak.
Where was he when last seen? when the plane was hitn
Any hearsay information nane except that he wasn't taken prisoner with usd
and the Germans told us that he had been killed.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Yes only proof
is that he wasn't taken with us and what the Germans
told us.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
two
Dates and destinations if possible:
(1) Odertal Germany (2) Linz, Anstria.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 39 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 4 · 27 December 1944
CONFIDENTIAL
815TH B OMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
483RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
OFFICE OF THE OPERATIONS OFFICER
APO 520
27 Decembor 194,
SUBJECT: Statement of Navigator
TO
:
Whom it May Concern
1. I saw what was probably a direct hit by a 105, where the left
wing attaches to the fuselage. Then seconds later I saw what I thought
was seven men bail out - just aaw five chutes open, just before the left
wing foll off of the airplane.
s/
Harry O. Ritter
c/
HARRY 0. RITTER
2nd It, Air Corps
ASN 0-20611494
Navigator
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY
Cushue C Joshan
ARTHUR C. JORDAN
Capt, Air Corps
Operations Officer
CONFIDENTIAL

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 4 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 40: SNITH, Stanley D · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11
File + 10645 1.
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
SNITH, Stanley D.
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
38421246
Poeition: Crew (Bomber) :
TOG
Did he bail out?
Unknown
Where?
Unlcnown
If not, why not?
Unknown
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
None
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen?
Unknown
Any hearsay information: Yes, according to the Nav. (Lite Lightfnot) he had been vounded.
Source:
Lt. Lightfoot Nav.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Rode aircraft to ground with Pllot and Co-Pilot.
Total number of missions of above crew member Approx. Thirty-five (350)
Dates and destinations if possible: Unk except for the below:
97 Dec. 1944 M/Y Linz, Aus.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 40 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 41: liovard · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-J
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONN/LIRE
File * 10545
Name of crew member:
liovard
Rank:
2ni Li.
Serial number:
0-771636
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Filet
Did he bail out? No, according to infromation received in Ger. Prison Camp.
Where?
Not Apre
If not, why not ? Tzying to save Aircraft and Personnel
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane :
None
Was he injured?
Unknown
In aircraft during flight.
Where was he when last seen?
Any hearsay information:
None except in question one.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Rode aircraft down and was killed in crash.
Total number of missions of above crew member: Approx. Four (4)
Dates and destinations if possible:
Unk except for below:
26 Dec. 1944 O/R Odertal, Ger.
27 Dec. 194h M/I Aus.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 41 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 42: LANE, Richard v · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-1 11
Tile + 10645
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
LANE, Richard v.
Rank:
T/o
Serial number:
TJ4430
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Co-Pilot
Did he bail out?
No, according to infromation received in German Prison Camp.
Where?
Not App.
If not, why not?
Trying to save aircraft and personnel
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
None
Was he injured? Unknown
Where was he when last seen? In aircraft during flight
Any hearsay information: None except in question on
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Rode aircraft clown and was killed in crashe
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Four (L)
Dates and destinations if possible: Unk except for below:
26 Dec. 1944 O/R Odertal, Dermany
27 Dec. 1944 M/I Linz, Austriz.e
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 42 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 43: Farnes, Buddy J · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-J
File 10645 .
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Farnes, Buddy J.
Rank:
Sgt.
Serial number:
38566005
Position: Crew (Bomber)
AAG
Did he bail out? Yes. according to Info. received from radio operator, Chute was unopened
on gr ound.
Where?
In vinicity of radio operator (Sgt. James T. Langston).
If not, why not?
Not App.
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane
None
Was he injured?
Unknown
Where was he when last seen?
Before takeGoff.
Any hears ay information: None with the exception of question one.
Source:
Radio operabor
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
None
Total number of missions of above crew member: Two (2)
Dates and destinations if possible: 26 Dec. O/R Odertal. Ger.
27 Dac. 1944 M/Y Linz, Auso
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 43 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 44: Harold F. Basel · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Harold F. Basel
Rank s/Sgt. Serial No. 36827123
483rd B. Gpes 815th B. Sq., 5th We
Jordan (Oper. off)
2.
Organization 15th AAM Commander Unk
Renk Unk Sqn CO Arthur col Rank
Capt.
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1944
month
December
day
27th did you go down?
4.
What was the mission, Lins, Austrcia , target, M/Y Linz, Austria,
, target
t ime, Approx, 12:55 altitude, Approxa 28000
route scheduled, Italys
Be Qp.) Yugoslavia, Vienna route flown Same as route Scheduled.
Austria to Linz.
5. Where were you when you left formation Five (5) minutes off target. (Linz)
6. Did you bail out?
Yes.
7.
Did
other mambers of creit bail out? Yes. with the exception of Pilot, Co-pilat,
s/sgt.
Smith (TOG) Sgt. Farnes (IG) bailed out but was found later with lahute
unopened, according to Sgt., Langston.
8.
Tell all you know about where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no
individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please
give facts. 1f you don't know, say: "No Knowledge".
lst It Grady Lightfoot, Naves Bailed out Nose Section, It Min off Targe's
Sgt. Reuben Mo Lehto, snges Bailed out. Nose Section, at. same time of wing tank
explosion. Approx. 5 Min. off target.
See Reverse Side.
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Approx. 5 to 10 mi" as from target
Near Farm Describtion; Two Pictures on Out side of house of Jesus and Mary
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
pilot Co-Pilot, and s/sit. Smith (TOG)
11. Where were they in aircraft? 1 heard the Piol - over Inter-com still
In their positions as I left my Position, to bail out.
12. What was their condition? Normal.
13.
When, where, and in whrt condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? All members have been described above,
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
No Knowled,"8.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 44 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 45 · 27 December 1944
Sgt. Wollord McC. Fare ReViGG, Bailed out R. We door, Cleared airGraft, 4 Min. off
target.
Sgt. James T. Langston, Radio Oparator, Bailed out R.W. door, Cleared aircraft, 4 Min.
off Target.
Sgt. Jesse Me Lopes, Ball Turrett Gunner, Bailed out R.W. Doors, Cleared aircraft,
56 Min. off Target.
Sgt. Haroid F. Basel, LeWe Gunner, on agt. Lopez.
co

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 45 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 46 · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11-
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
+ 10945
Name of arew member:
Fuddy J.
Rank:
agt.
Serial number:
Pesition: Crew (Bomber)
38566005
AAG
Did he bail out?
not sure
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: Just before
the bomb run we had on interphone check.
Was he injured?
Killed
Where was he when last seen? Just out side linz Austria
Any heargay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: He was
either Killed m the explosion of ship, or by flak
if niether then he falled to pull his rip
chores He landed about 25 yards from me
Total number of missions of above crew member:
two
Dates and destinations if possible: Dec. 26-1944, ODERTOL, Germany,
Dec. 27-1944, Line, Austria
a- /
/
6-3861,AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 46 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 47: IM, Stanley D · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File . 10615
Name of crew member:
IM, Stanley D.
Rank:
Serial number:
39421246
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out?
not sure
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: Just before
the bomb rwn. interphone check,
Was he injured?
Killed
Where was he when last seen? none of the crew saw him after they boiled
out
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: The engonen
-
Rweben Lehto send he sdw him go past him
evidently going back to the bomb bay, or the worst
but I guess he was hemmed up in the ship when
it exploded.
Total number of missions of above crew member: not sure (about 40)
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 47 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 48: LANK, Richard W · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11
*
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
LANK, Richard W .
Rank:
z/o
Serial number:
2-4430
Position: Crow (Bomber)
Co-Piles
Did he bail out?
not sure
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: Justbefore
the bomb runn
Was he injured?
Killed
Where was he when last seen? I sow to A after wewere hit he seemed
Any hearsay information to be WW CONSCIONS
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: I guess
he went down with the plane as he was seemed
to be WNCONSERS when I last saw him,
Total number of missions of above crew member: two
Dates and destinations if possible: Dec. 26.-1946 ODERt01, GERMANY
Dec. 27-1946 444 LINZ, Anstria,
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 48 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 49: SAMPSON, Hovard n · 27 December 1944
:
AFPPA-11
/
File to 10645
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
SAMPSON, Hovard n.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0-771636
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Pilot
Did he bail out?
not sure
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior in or at time of loss of plane : Just before
I boiled out, I reported the left wons on fire
Was he injured?
Killed
Where was he when last seen? He was doing s swell job of keeping
The ship up the lost time I sawhim,
Any hearsay information:
none of the crew saw him after they
left the Ship.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: He evidoutly
was waiting and givins plenty of time for the crew
to get out, the explosion no doubt traped him
He sure did do a good Job of Keeping his head
and holding the ship up as longas possible.
Total number of missions of above crew member: five
Dates and destinations if possible: Dee 26, 1946, ODERTOL, GERMANY
Dec. 27, 1946, LINZ Austrid
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 49 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 5 · 27 December 1944
CONFIDENTIAL
875Th BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
483RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP (II)
OFFICE OF THE OPERATIONS OFFICER
APO 520
27 December 1944
SUBJECT: Statement of Navigator
To
:
Whom It May Concern
1. On the 27th of December 1944 at apprexinately 124,6, one B-17
G
went down over the target of Linz, Austria. This ship had expleded when
the undorsigned first observed it, alao five parachutes were definately
seen to be open. One wing was seen burning and four or five other objects
were seen falling. It is not kown whether these objects were parts of
the airplane or members of the crew.
s/ Herace G. Small
t/ HORACE G. SMALL
2nd Lt, Air Corps
ASN 0-791863
Navigator
A CERTIFIED TRUE COPY
ARTHUR C. JORDAN
Anthum C. Jandan
Capt, Air Corps
Operations Officer
CHARGEST

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 5 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 50: WAMES T. LANGSTON · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QURSTIONNAIRE
1.
Your name WAMES T. LANGSTON
Rank S/SGT,
Serial No. 20424246
2. Organizatio 483 Gp Commander Sperry Rank Lt. Col Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1944
month Dec. day 27 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Bombing , target, Linz Austria ,target
time, about 12:20 P.M. altitude, 31,000 ft.
route scheduled,
,route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? Just off the target
6. Did you bail cut?
yes
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". wofford Forz the
right woist gunner was the only one I saw bail out
he left immedicti after the pilots instructions to
brol ant, I vent out after him
It was blown All to pieces
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? ports of it landed near me
10. What members of your crew ware in the airoraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
NO KNOW ledge
11. Where were they in aircraft?
No KNOW ledge
12. What was their condition?
no Knowledge
13. When, where, and in what conditior did you last ses any members not already des-
cribed above? I saw the toil amange he was lying Ok the
grownd about 25 words from where I landed h a was
did not pull his chond or either he was dead and
dead, has chaste was straped on but promanty he
was thrown from the stop when it exploded.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. no Knowledge
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 50 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 51: KARNES, Buddy J · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-1,
File + 10645
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
KARNES, Buddy J.
Rank:
Sgt.
Serial number:
38566005
Position: Crew (Bomber)
AAG
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
If not, why not?
Don't KNOW
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane
No Knowledge
Was he injured?
KILLED No Knowledge
Where was he when last seen?
IN the tAll position
Any hearsay information
only that he went DOWN with the
PLANE AND WAS Killed
Source: ONe of MY crew MeM per's SAW him on the ground
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member: two
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 51 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 52: SMITH, Stauley D · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11
File # 10645
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
SMITH, Stauley D.
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
38421246
Position: Crew (Bomber)
TOG
Did he bail out?
Not to MY Knowledge
Where?
If not, why not?
DON't know
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
"FLAK is COMMIN thick"
Was he injured?
Don't KNOW
Where was he when last seen? IN the Nose
Any hearsay information:
He started BACK thru the
BOMBAYS ON the CA+WWLK
Source: ONE ofthe ctewemBers
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
He S tArte D BACK ON the CA+WWLK
So he could BAI) out From the WAIST
But DIDN'T MAKE it BeCAuse the PLANE
went INTO a sprn
Total number of missions of above crew member: 33 MISSIONS
Dates and destinations if possible:
Kokowledge
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 52 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 53 · 27 December 1944
o
AFPPA-1,
File + 10645
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew sember:
LANE, Richard W.
Rank:
F/O
Serial number:
T14430
Position: Crow (Bomber)
Co-Pilot
Did he bail cut?
Not to MY Knowledge
Where?
If not, why no
Don't KNOW
Last contact
g
ernetion just prior to'or at time of loss of plane
No knowledge
Was he injured?
Don't KNOW
Where was Le whoe last aeon?
IN Co pilots seat
Any hearsay information:
upon Being Hit PILOT tells
CO-PiLot ON intercome to Help HIM Holo up the
PLANE But gets NO response. Co-pilot
15 slumped over AS though DeAD
Source : ENGELES
Any explanation of Nis fate based in part or wholly on supposition
He WAS either DEAD or UNCONCIOUS from
a WUUND 02 ANOXIA or Fright
Total number of missions of above crew member:
two
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 53 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 54: Hovard L · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
rase 10645
Name of crew member:
Hovard L.
Rank:
2nd LS.
Serial number:
0-771636
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Pilos
Did he bail out?
Not to MY Kowledge
Where?
If not, why not?
Don't Know
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
"I guess you Better BAIL out Fellows"
Was he injured?
Not TO MY Kowledge
Where was he when last seen?
IN Pilots SeAT
Any hearsay
information: He relayed the information
to LOAD Ship IN the Formation that we
were BAILING out.
Source : ENGINEET
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
He WAITED to Long Before He DECIDED
He would Leave the ship BecAuse OF his
Duties
Total number of missions of above crew member:
three
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 10645, page 54 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 55 · 27 December 1944
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Wofford M "CAMPBell Fore Rank sqt. Serial No. 18233369
2. Organization 483 Op Commander No Koundange Sqn CO 815 sgdn Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1944
month December day 27 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Liny Austriaarget, KowNo Knowledge Parget
time, ,altitude, 30,000 $ route scheduled, NO Knowledge
9 route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? L INZ, AustriA
6. Did you bail out?
7. members of crew
Did other bail out? 5 others T
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".
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 above and individual
SAMPSON, AND LANe
questionnaires) KArNes, Smith,
11.
Where were they in aircraft? TAIL Nose, PILOT'S SEAT, co-pelot's
12. What was their condition? seAt, respectively DEAD to MY Knowlepgo
13.
When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above?
France
Reuben M. Lento At camp Lucky Strike
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 10645, page 55 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Know something about this aircraft?

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