The 483rd Bomb Group Archive

Aircraft

44-6741 Beat's Me Doc / Beat’s Me Doc

815th817thlost with the 483rd, 22 March 1945
Type
B-17G-60-DL (Douglas)
Names
Beat's Me Doc / Beat’s Me Doc
Assigned to the 483rd
3 December 1944
Loss
MACR 13254 · mission 186, 22 March 1945
Sources
Association page · 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 1 · 22 March 1945
CONFIDENTIAL
MISSING AIR CREW REPORT,
13254
1. ORGANIZATION: Location, Sterparone, Italy
Command or Air Force 15th a
Group
4832d Bomb (H)
Squadrom
817th Bomb (H)
2. SPECIFY: Place of departure Sterparone, Italy
Course See attached overlay,
Target
Ruhdand OLL Germany
Type of mission Compat_Borbing
3. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND VISIBILITY AT TIME OF CRASH OR WHEN LAST REPORTED:
GAVO
4. GIVE: (a) Date 22 March 145 Time 1234
Last known position Target
(b) Specify whether: (20 Last sighted, ( ) Parced dowa, C) Seen to crasi,
( ) Last contacted by radlo, ( ) No information.
5. AIRCRAFT (LOST) (BELIEVED LOST) AS A RESULT OF: (Lheck une only)
(K) Enemy alrcraft, ( ) Enemy anti-aircraft, (
)
Other
6. AIRCRAFT: Type, model & series
B-170
AAF Serial Number 44-6710
7. NICKNAME OF AIRCRAFT
None
8. ENGINES: Type, mode. & series
B-1820-97
AAF Serial Number (a)
SW-029548
(b) SII-079470
(c)
(d) SW-029495
9. INSTALLED WEAPONS: (Make, type and serial number.) Browning .50 Cal.
(a)
1464433
(e) 1467161
(i)
21.67968
(m) 723303
(b)
643346
(f) 1467458
(D) 1467024
(c)
874356
(g) 1467959
(k) 1771269
(d)
121,397
(h) 14.66927
(1)
1325108
10. PERSONNEL LISTED BEA.OW REPORTED AS: (C) Battle Caspalty, Non-Batile Casualty.
1f. NUMBER OF PERSONS ABOARD AIRCRAFT: Creis 10 : Passengers a
Total 10
(If more than 12 2ersons aboard aircraft, use separate sheet.)
CREW
FULL NAME (Last, first, initial):
CURRENT NEXT OF KIN, RELATIOASHIP
POSITION RANK, SERIAL NUMBER
STATUS AND ADDRESS
BAS
Pilot V Skinner, Carroll B. lat It's
JITA
0-820085
per Mayme Touis Skinner - WHER-RTD -
719 Central ave s.a Coarlotte, N.C.
was C P m Jounson, Stanley J.
MCA
lics Marjie R. Johnson - Wife - RTD
0-390106
Eur
NY
Theokas, Dionisius A.
let
It.
A
1.728 Sumnyside Stockton, Salia TO
lirs. Georgia G. Theokas - Vife -
0-1998740
17 Third St., Lowell Mass.
Ever
Teigh, James C. lst Item
MIA
Mrs. Mary leigh - Mother -
RTD
0-726.80
1250 S. 100th St.. Seattle,
x
Pircone, Joseph Z. T/Sg
JITA
102 Ar. Peter Pirrone the Father -
91215
848, RG
36 Corwall Ave, Mt. Vernone N.X.
Leflaich, Albart I. T/sg
MTA Mrs. A.H. Leftrich - Mother -
38382287
222 V. 8th St., Thibodaux, Ta.
RID
atta BY
Josephaon, Richard O. s/sct.
MIA
Mc. Eail B. Josephson - Father -
36833071
They BT
Deummond, Wisconsin.
Thompson, John W. s/Sgt.
MIAA
D Mes. June K. Thompson - Wife - RTD
190951.69
Box 572, Kingman, Arisona.
the TG
Verne H, s/set.
in
MEA
lhrs. Harvey, N. Cole - Mother -
16189°56
Box 923, ELA Rapids, itch.
are FOTO
Paton, Rabert D. 1/8gt RTD MIA
Virginia Paton - Wife -
an
3652461'0
1989 Oaiddale Ave, Detroit,
(11)
(12)
12, IDENTIFY BELOW THOSE PERSONS WHO ANE BEL 'EVED\ TO HAVE LAST RNOWLEDGE OF ARCRAFT
AND CHECK APPROPRIATE (one anly) COLUAN TO INDICATE BASIS FOR SAME:
SAW
CONTACTED LAST
SAW
FORCED
NAME IN FULL
RANK SERIAL No. BY MADIO SIGHTED CRASH LANDING
(1) Arthur R. Holl
Capt. 0-5711986 (Internagation) Intall ganca Officer's
(2)
a
(-)
13, IF PERSONNEL ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE SUP /IVED, a N. ONE THE FOLLOWING:
( Parachutes were used. ) Persons we

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 1 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 10: Richard o · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
793e No 30254
INDIVIDUA' CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Richard o
Rank:
s/agt
Serial number:
ou
Position: Crew (Bom r) or Flight (Fightarl:
a Il
Did he bail out? YES
Where?
SOUTH OF BERLIN - I BELIEVE
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: Two OTHER
CREW MEMBERS saw Him BAIL OUT.
Was he injured? No
Where was he when last seen?
WHEN HE BAILFO our
Any hearsay information: Two CREW MEMBERS WERE TOLD HE
WAS DEAD AND WERE SHOWN 415
IDFATIFICATIOA TAGS. - THAT WAS WHAT THEY
WERE Tooo By THE GERMANS.
Source: 5/SGT LEFTWICH - RADIO OPERATOR
Any explanation of his fate basad in part or wholly on supposition IT 15
SUPPOSED THAT HE WAS KILLED ON THE WAY Down
IN HIS PARACHATE OR WAS KILLED By THE GERMANS
AFTER HE REACHED THE GROUND - THAT 15
PURE LY SUPPOSITION.
Total number of missions of above crew member: ABOUT 30
Dates and destinations if possible:

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 10 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 11: PIRRONE Joseph F · 22 March 1945
AFPPA 11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALUE
Name of crew member:
PIRRONE Joseph F.
Rank:
12 191 215
Serial number:
I/Sgt
Position: Crew (Bomber)
T T
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
If not, why not? HE WAS KILLED By A DIRECT HIT FROMA 30 mm 5HM
Last coutact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
UNKHOUN
Was he injured?
KILLED
Where was he when last seen?
IN THE BOMB BAY OF THE PLANE
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member:
About 30
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 11 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 12: heigh JAMES C · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
to
1. Your name
heigh JAMES C
Rank 15ThT. Serial No. -776580
2. Organization 4838 Gp Commander BARTON, P.L Rank Cor Sqn CO GORMAN.,TIDrapt MATOR
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1945 month MARCH day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission,
Bombina , target, o/R. RUNLAND beem, target
t ime, ABOUT 1300 altitude, 23,000
route scheduled,
, route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? NEAR RUHLAND
6. Did you
bail out? EAST OF BERLIN NEAR MUNCHEMBURE
7. Did other members of crew bail out? To THE BEST OF MY KnowleDBE ALL
But ONE (WHOWAS KIUFD in THE PEARE) BRICED our
8. Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no
individual questionnairs is attached bailed out. A crew list is attached. Please
give facts. If you don't know, say: "No Knowledge". CREW LIST NOT
ENCLOSED LT. THEOKAS BAILFO out WITH ME. S/SCT LEFTWIEN
BALLED OHI WITH SISET JOSEPHSON AND A PHOTOGRAPATR-OVER
GERMAN
TERRITORY
LT.
SKINNER
E
MAJOR
Johnson
S/SET
BAILFO OUT in RUSSIAN TEARITORY -ALSO SISET COLE, I BELIEVE
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 questionnaires) Unknown
11. Where were they in aircraft?
12. What was their condition?
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? T/sar PIRROKE WAS in THE AIRCRAFT THE hast
I
saw
OF
Nem
HE
was
HIT
BY
A
SHELL
(PRESUMARY
A 30mm) FROM n GERMAN JET AnD KILLED IMMEDIATHY
WHER IT EXPLODED in Has CODY.
14.
Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
None
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
no return envelope was enclosed
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 12 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 13 · 22 March 1945
AFFPA-11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
COLE Verme n.
Rark:
S/agt
Serial number:
26 189 856
Position: Crew (Bomber)
TO
Did he bail out?
LDDN'T-KNOW No KNOWLEDGE
Where?
No KnowleDGE
If not, why not?
No KnowlEDGe
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
DURING CREW CHECK / MINUTE Before Bome Run
Was he injured?
IDON'T KNOW No KNOWLEDGE
Where was he when last seen?
AT POSITION
Any hearsay information: I WAS TOLD LATER IN FRANCE THAT
S/SGT COLE WAS ONE of Cries MEMBERS WIUNDED AND
RETURNED To ALLIED CONTROL - HE HAD BEEN IN PLANE
AND BAILED OUT OVER RUSSIAN TERRITORY
Source: Officer from SQUADRON LATER SHOT DOWN
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
No - ACC FACTS SUBSAATIATED LATER
WHEN I MET CAPT. BLO MBERG, Sa BomB, IN
CAMP MYLES STANDIST ON JUNE 17, 1945
Total number of missions of above crew member: / DON'T Know NokNaul-DDZ
Dates and destinations
if possible: Unknown No KNOWLEDGE
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 13 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 14 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-1)
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of orew member:
Richard o,
Rank:
$/3ge
Serial number:
36 833 011
Position: Crew (Bomber)
LI
Did he bail out? YES
Where?
OVER TARGET (RUULHAND, GERMANY)
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: DURING
CREW CHECK i MUTUTE BEFORE Bome. Run.
Was he injured?
No
Where was he when last seen?
ON GROUNS
Any hearsay information:
He WAS KILLEDBY GERMANS AS
HE HIT THE GROUND IN His CHUTE
Source: T/SGT. A.I LEFTWICH - R.O. ALSO SHIRT lown IN Some RAVE
Any
explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: T/SGT. LEFTWICH
REPORTS THAT GERMANS BROUGHT To Him AND SHowed Him
WALLET AND PERSONAL THINGS of S/SET. RO. JOSEPHISON- Gernows
Claimed THAT $/OGT JOSEASSON ATTENTED To ESAAE AND WAS
KILLED.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
30
Datas and destinations if possible:
No KNOWLEDGE
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 14 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 15 · 22 March 1945
11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRI
File No 13 254
Name of crew member
PIRRONS
Joseph F.
Rank:
12 191 215
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
T 4
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
If not, why not?
KILLED AT POST.
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of losa of plane: JUST AFTER
Bom.ss AWAY DURING CREW CHECK
Was he injured?
KILLED
Where WC.3 he when last seen?
ON FLOOR of RANE
Any hearsay information:
No HEARSHY INfo. / EXAMINED T/SET
PIRRONE AND found Him DEAD from 20 mm.
WOUND / N CHEST
Source SELF
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
NONE or Supposition
Total number of missions of above crew member: 33
Dates and destinations if possible:
V.C.NOWLEDGE
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 15 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 16: THEOKAS Dionisios A · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name THEOKAS Dionisios A. Rank 15L7. Serial No. 0-1996740
2. Organization PITBS Gp 1300520 Commander BARiON Rank Col. S2D CO KILPATRICK Rank MAj.
483.5.4
3. What 1945
(full name)
(full name)
sar
month MARCH day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, RIH LANS o/R Gre, target, RUALAND d/R GER target
time, 1230
altitude, 27,000
route scheduled, AS
BRIEFED
# route flown as BRIEFED
5. when
Where were you you lert foxmation? ON RALLY
6. Did you bail ont?
VES
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
gite 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 questionnaires)
TISGT. PIRRONE, JOSEPH F 12/9/205
11. Where were they in aircraft?
AT POST
12. What was their condition? DEAD
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed
above? 1st LT. JAMES LEIGH BOMBARDIER AND
TISGT. FIRTH LEFTWICH, A.I., R.D. I SAW IN
FRANCE ALL RIGHT
HTC
I LAST Saw MAI JOHNSON LT. SKINNER AND S/SEC THOUSSON IN
PLANE HEADED TOWARD POLAND - ALL WERE 1.K
14.
Please gize any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicats source of information
THE PHOTOGRAPHER TIST.R.U.PATON LIAS LAST SEEN
By TI-FT REFTUICH LT. LEIGH, AND MYSELF AT
STENDAL GERMANY. AT THAT TIME 4E WAS ALL RIGHT
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 16 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 17: Richard n · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
'INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
Richard n.
Rank:
s/Sgt
Serial number:
36833 Cas
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out? YES.
Where?
NEAR RHULAND, GERMANY
If not, why not?
-
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: JosEpHSON
YELLED
To
ME
To
BAIL
OUT
WHEN
oup
PLANE
was
HiT.
Was he injured?
NOT To my KNOWLEDGE
Where was he when last seen? WHEN HE BAILER OUT OF PLANE
Any
hearsay information: FOUR HOURS AFTER IWAS CAPTURED
I WAS SHOWN His CLOTHES AND IDENTIFICATIES CARD
w ITH His PICTURE THE GUARD SAID THAT HE WAS SHOT
FOR Not PAISING His HANDS. HE WAS SUPPOSEDLY KILLED
AND BURIED ON MARCH 22, 1945
Source:
I WAS TOID THIS AT CENTER (STENDAL, GERM
Any explanation of hia fate based in part or wholly on supposition: AS WE WERE
DESCENDING in OUR PARACHUTES THE GERMANS WERE SHOOTING
AT US WITH RIFLES. I SAW ONE OF THE Boys REACH THE
GROUND AND DID NOT MOVE. Civilians WERE RUNNING To WARDS
THIS Box, WHOM I SUPPOSE WAS JOSEPHSEN.
Total number of missions of above crew member: TWENTY-Six.
Dates and destinations if possible: I CAN'T Rome REMEMBER
CORRECTLY.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 17 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 18 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
PIRRONE
Joseph F.
Rank:
12 191 215
Serial number:
I/S+
Position: Crew (Bomber)
T T
Did he bail out? No
Where?
-
If not, why not? A20mm CANNON EXPLODED IN TOPTORRET
CRITicACLL INJURING Him.
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: ANSWERED
To CREW to CHECK AFTER BimBs AWAY
Was he injured? YES
Where was he when last seen? IN BomB - -BAY DOORS DF PLANE
Any hearsay information: PIRRONE WAS WOUNDED AND COULD
NOT BAIL -CUT. THE BALL- TURRET GUNNER SAID
THAT HE WAS DONE FOR
Source: FRC 2 LT. THEOKAS my NAVIGATOR .
Any explanation of nis fate base? in part or wholly on supposition: SAME AS
ABOVE STATEMENTS.
Total number of missicns of love crew member: TLUENTY-EIGHT
Dates and destinations if possible: I CAN'T RECOLLECT.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 18 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 19: ALBERT I. LEFTWICH · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name ALBERT I. LEFTWICH Rank T/SST. Serial No. 38381287
2. Organization Gp Commander BARTON (??) Rank COL san CO KILPATRICK (??) Rank CAPT.
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month MARCH day 22th did you go down?
4. What was the mission, 33rd. -
, target, RHULAND, GERM , target
time, APPROX. 12:30 altitude, 27,500 FT
route scheduled, UNKNOWN
, ,route flown UNKNO WN
5. Where were you when you left formation? ON Soon SEPERATED
FROM
RALLYOUR,
6. Did you bail out? YES
(h.w.)
(PHOTO.) WAVIAL
7.
Did
other
members
of
crew
bail
out?
YES
JOSEPHSON
-
PATON
-
-
THEOKA
(BOMB) LEIGH
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 Knowladge". D.A. THECKAS (NAV) BAiLED
our APPROXIMATELY 5min. ,AFTERT DiD. so DiD J. LEIGH
A.B. SKINNER (P) DED NOT BAiL Dat AND MADE it To RussiA. ALSO
STANLEY JOHNSON(CP) AND Jahe THOMPSON (EG). - PATON CHOTOL BAILED
OUTWITAME.
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? UN NO KNOWLEDGE
10. What members of your orew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) No KNOWLEDGE
11. Where were they in aircraft? No KNOWLEDGE
12. What was their condition?
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)
6-3863, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 19 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 20 · 22 March 1945
,
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
TINDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
c 0 L E
Verne H.
Rank:
s/Sgt
Serial number:
16 189 856
Position: Crew (Bomber)
T G
Did he bail out? No KNOWLEDGE
Where?
If not, why not?
-
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of lose of plane: ANSWERED
CREW CHECK ON RALLY AFTER "BOMES AWAY."
Was , o injured? No KNOWLEDGE
Where was he when last seen? IN TAIL OF PLANE
Any hearsay information: NONE
Source:
-
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: NONE -
Total number of missions of above crew member: APPROXIMATELY 76
Dates and destinations if possible: UNKNOWN
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 20 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 21: PIRNONE Joseph To · 22 March 1945
AFPPA- 11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
PIRNONE Joseph To
Rank:
32 191 235
Seriel number:
Position: Crew (Bomber) Flight (Rightarl:
IT
Did he bail out?
unknown.
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: just before
target area.
Was he injured? unknown.
Where was he when last seen?
just before reaching enemy territory.
Any hearsay information:
Report from Sgt LEFIWICH R/O, stated that Sgt PIRRON3
got hit in chest by E/A cannon fire, and said it was very serious as he had a large
hole in chest and we.a blseding profusely.
Source: : Sgt LEFTWICH R/O
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
wiknown.
Total number of missions of above crew member: unknown
Dates and destinations if possible: Mar. 22, 1945 - Ruhland O/R Hit ground near
Cottbus, Germany after bail-out.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 21 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 22 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-1
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
COLE
Verne H.
Rank:
s/sgt
Serial number:
16 189 856
Position: Crew (Bomber)
T G
Did he bail out?
Not known.
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation jugt prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured?
Not known.
Where was he when last seen?
T G position.
Any hearsay information:
none.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
When our N/O was attacked by four (4) Me-109's their cannon fire was concentrated on
our tail assembly and seteral direct hits were scored thers before I bailed out.
Total number of missions of above crew member: unknown.
Dates and destinations if possible: March 22 - Target Ruhland O/R - Hit ground near
Cottbas, Germany after bail-out.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 22 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 23: JOSEPESOS Richard C · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
JOSEPESOS Richard C.
Rank:
s/sgt
Serial number:
36 833 011
Position: Crew (Bomber)
LW
Did he bail out? Yes - just before me.
Where?
Just beyond Target area (Ruhland 0/R) toward Russian lines, near Cottbus, Ger.
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: At Right Waist
gun pesition after bomb-bay doors closed and duties at camera position in radio'room
completed, until we bailed out after bits by E/A and our A/C Started going down.
Was he injured?
Not while in v/c.
Where was he when last seen? In air about 6,000 ft until he hit ground.
Any hearsay information:
none
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in pirt or wholly on supposition: After bail=out
and upon decending to approx. 1,000-2,000 ft I heard rifle fire from the area below
and it appeared that German civilians were shooting at us. Am quite sure.as I neared
ground that a couple came olose to me as I remember the whisz noise they made. I
believe s/sgt JOSEPHSON was shot in the above manner as when he hit ground he folded up
and as "Big did Joes not nove $/Sgt ert LBF and I saw his glothes wirkoh
Total number of missions of above crew member:
JOSEPHSON which were covered with blood. Clothes were brought
unknown.
into house where they herded us just after capture.
Dates and destinations if possible: Mar 22, 1945 - Ruhland O/R - Hit ground near
Cottbus, Germany after bail-out.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 23 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 24: Robert D. Paton · 22 March 1945
Ref.
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1.
Your name
Robert D. Paton
Rank I/Sgt
Serial No. 36524480
BARTON
2.
Organization 483 Gp Commander
Rank Col, Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month Maroh
day 22
did you go down? Yes.
4. What was the mission, Bomb 0/k
target, Rubland O/R (S. of Berlin)
$
, target
$ ime, 11,30 AM
altitude, 28,29,000
route scheduled,
,
9 route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? Just beyond target toward Russian lines
near Cottbus, Germany
6. Did you bail out?
Yes.
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
Yes - Set LEFTWICH and Sgt JOSEPHSON were
the only ones at that time.
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".
Sgt LEFTWICH bailed out sometime after I had. (others except for JOSEPHSON -
no
knowledge.
N° KNOWLEDGE
9. Where did your aircraft strike the grounc? reports Katorted it did.
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires| iiv Knowledge,
I/2
11. Where were they in aircraft?
Cheok AFPFA-11 on s/sgt Cole T/G and T/Sgt Pirrone
12. What was their condition?
Check 11 above.
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already de3-
crihed above?
except for ones mentioned everyone else was alraght.
14.
Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crow of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. No kmowledge.
(Any additional information may be written in the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 24 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 25 · 22 March 1945
AFFPA-11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
COLE
Verne H.
Rank:
s/Sgt
Serial number:
16 189 856
Position: Crew (Bomber) C.
T G
Did he bail out? Yes.
Where? Two miles N.W. of Wugarten Germany
If not, why not!
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
Was ho injured? Yes. Botharms wire injured from fighter fire
Where
was
he
when
last
ser,
at
He
was
bailed
out
with
a
static
line
and
chetespened
Any hearsay information: Russian, finded spt. lale up and tooh him to
hospital the next day the Rassian told that he
had been flown to Poltona American base
Source:
Any explanat ion of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: When 2 get
back to Hely Inor tald that estale wor on his way
On may 12,1945 my wife vioueda
letter from his mother stating that he wor in a
hospital. at Mimia Beach tla
Total number of missions of above crew member: to knowledge
Dates and destinations if possible: the knowledge
There must be rome mixup in gyt lobe records
Please check with his family fan confirmation
of his safety and unbreabouts.
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 25 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 26 · 22 March 1945
APPFA-11
File No 13254
T
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crow member:
Richard C.
Rank:
s/Sgt
Serial number:
36 833 011
Position: Crew (Bomber)
L W
Did he bail out? Yes
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact ur conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injureas
Where was ne when last seen?
Any hearsay information He was hilled by Aerman livilions. this
information woi given to me lef my Radio operator who
for details, write bat-tillert
7 Leftwich 222 W.8th st., Hibodaux, La.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member: No knowledge
Dates and destinations if possible: No knowledge
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 26 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 27: PIREONE Toseph F · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
of
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
PIREONE Toseph F.
Rank:
12 191 215
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber) or Flight (Fighter):
T/igt
T?
Did he bail out! Yes
Where? Eastof Berlin. Between Berlin a nd theQder River
If not, why noti
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured? Yes. Head wounds from tighter tire
Where was he when last seen? Was bailedout of ship about twenty or thirty
minutes after skip hit:
our was
Any hearsay information:
set. Pivine wor wounded by frighter fire and was unconcince.
2 had the Co-filal bail him out sooner possible after
me were lit because I know the would all bane to bail
outsoon soon and 2 did not want to the take achone
Seurou: on having to bone anybody in the ship
Any explanetica of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
No knowledge
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible: No knowledge
6-3861,AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 27 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 28: Carroll B. Skinner · 22 March 1945
AFPPA -12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
x.
1.
Your name Carroll B. Skinner
Rank 1st Lt. Serial No. 0-820035
2. Organization 483 BCCD Commander Col Sqn CO William J. Kilpatrick Rank Major
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month March day 22 did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Bombing , target, Rohland oil refinery target
t ime, 1230
,altitute. 27,000 H
route scheduled, Eack to base
in Italy
, route rlown East from Target to Wigarten knowary
5. Where were you when you left formation About five minutes a after bombaaray
6. Did you bail out? Yes, I wastic laston e to bailout
7. Did other members of crew bail out? Yes Allot theirew
8. Tell all you know about when, where, how ecch person in your aircra:t for whom no
questionnaire is attached bailed out. A crew list is atteched. Please
giva racts. If you don't know, say: "No Knowledge".
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? One mile Mich
of
Hosarten
George
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) NONE
11. Where were they in aircraft?
12. What was their condition?
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already dea-
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)
OVER
6-3862.1 AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 28 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 3 · 22 March 1945
CONFIDENTIAL
OPERATIONS
817th Bombardment Squadron (H)
Office of the Operations Officer
23 March, 1945.
STATELEL!
At 1234 hours an attack was made on 2/c 741 by from
two (2) to four (4) ME 262's. On the first pass No. 2 engine
was hit and immediately started burning. Shortly thereafter
eight men bailed out. Seven chutes were seen to open. The
eighth partially opened and caught fire. Last seen shortly
before rally point at 1234 hours.
ARTHUR R. HOFF,
Captain, Air Corps,
Intelligence Officer.
CONFIDENTIAL
chand v

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 3 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 5: JOSEPESON Richard c · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
JOSEPESON Richard c.
Rank:
s/Sgt
Serial number:
36 833 011
Position: Crew (Bomber)
L I
Did he bail out?
I assume that he did.
Where?
unknown
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plans: none
Was he injured?
Not treet I know of
Where was he when last seen?
Just prior to take off.
Any hearsay information: that he was shot by German civilians as he descendad
in his parachutte
Source: Indirectly from Leftwich, another crew menber.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Josephson,
Leftwich. and Paton bailed out immediately after we were hit. German
civilians fired at them as they descended. Josephson was killed.
Total number of missions of above crew member: Unknown
Dates and destinations if possible:
Unknown
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 5 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 6 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
PIRROSS Joseph 7.
Rank:
12 191 215
Serial number:
T/Sgt
Position: Crew (Bomber) Flicht
TT
Did he bail out?
Yes
Where?
Unknown
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to' or at time of loss of plane: No conversation.
I dropped him out of the bomb bay. He was alive but unconscious. I pulled
his rip cord and saw his parachutte open.
Was he injured? Yes, he had severe injuries of his besd, and both arms.
Where was he whsn last seen?
As he bailed out, position unknown.
Any hearsay information:
none
Source:
Any explanation of his fate bassd in part or wholly on supposition: That he died
from loss of blood and shock, probably 8.S a result of not being picked
immediately efter anding.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Unkmown
Dates and destinations if possible:
Inknown
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 6 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 7: Stanley J. Johnson · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Stanley J. Johnson
Rank It. Col Serial No. 0-390705
Paul
2. Organization 483 Gp Commander Barton Rank Col Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1945
month
March
day 22
did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Ruhlenc. Ger , target, Syn. 011 Refinery , target
time, 1235
altitude, 24,500
route scheduled,
?
, route flown
?
5.
Where were you when you left formation? on relly after dropping bombs
6. Did you bail out?
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' Theokas, Leigh, Josephson,
LAftwich, Paton 811 balled out without knowledge of the pilot of co-
pilot. Johnson, Skinner, Cole, Thompsom bailed out about70 miles
www ENE of Berlin. Johnson&Skinner out the front hatch, Cole & Thomp-
son out the Main Hatch, Cole was on a static line.
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? 70 miles ENE of Berlin, about 6 mi.
North of Freideberg, Ger.
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
a
NONE
11. Where were they in aircraft?
NONE
12. What was their condition?
NONE
13.
Whou, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? Pirrone was dropped out of the bomb bay by me. Location
unknown. was alive but unconscious, had severe wounds on head and
urms. His parachutte opened.
14.
Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. NONE
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 7 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 8 · 22 March 1945
-
&
AFPPA-1
Fils No 13254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
COLE
Verne H.
Rank:
s/Sgt
Serial number:
16 189 € 856
Position: Crew (Bomber)
TG
Did he bail out?
Yes
Where?
15 degrees 36 min. E 52 degrees 57 min. N
If not, why not?
Lest contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Normal conversation while giving first aid. Was in good spirits.
Was he injured? Yes he was wounded at at least two different times In the
hands and arms first, and in the head a helf hour later.
Where was he when last seen? When he bsiltd out.
Any hearsay information: Russien military suv't told me that H man, who I balieve
was Cole was sent ahead to a hospital.
Source:
Russian Military Government at Pretashers Germany
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
It is my
understanding that he was evacuated through Russia, to the United
Stated, I believe that he received hospital care by the Americal
Military Mission at Poltava, Russie, while enroute.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
I con't know.
lates and destinations if possible:
Unknown
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 8 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 9 · 22 March 1945
AFPPA-11
File Mo 13 254
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
COLE
Verne i.
Rank:
s/sgt
Serial number:
16 189 856
Position: Crew (Bomber)
TO
Did he bail out?
UNKNOWN
Where?
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane THE LAST
WORD
I
HEAR
FROM
Him
was
JUST
PRIOR
To
OUR
PLANE'S
BEAR
Hir.
Was he injured? I DOUNT Know -
Where was he when last seen?
unknown
Any hearsay information: I HEARD FROM MEMBERS OF MY unit Ano
SQUADRON OPERATIONS OFFICER THATS/SET.COLE BAILFO OUT
IN RUSSIAN TERRITORY WITH RT. Skinner, THE RILUTI
ALSO THAT HE HAD BEEN wounded AND was Geine
FLOWA To AMERICAN FORCES.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: I 010 NOT
Know HE WAS STILL LISTED AS missinG. I
HAD under STOOD HE was SAFE ALTHOUGH
WOUNDED
Total number of missions of above crew member: Unknown - -ABOUT 30
Dates and destinations if possible:
S-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 13254, page 9 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Know something about this aircraft?

If this record is wrong or missing something, a middle name, the right squadron, who is who in a photograph, what he said about a day, tell us. Nothing you send is shown without your say-so.