SORTIE REPORT #2717
MISSION DATA:
DATE 384th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 384th PRIMARY TARGET
1944‑04‑24 94 315 Target: Dornier-Werke GMBH Aircraft Plant
Type: Aircraft Industry
Location: Oberpfaffenhofen, Germany
Aircraft Factory Demolished: The 384th Bombardment Group (H) led the 41st B Combat Bombardment Wing, and provided the majority of the high composite group of that wing, on today's mission. The objective was the factory in which the Do 335 Multipurpose Fighter was being built. This innovative aircraft was seen as a substantial threat to Allied fighter and bomber forces, and no effort was spared to cripple its production. In addition, new bombing formations were being tried for the first time, which made the mission even more hazardous. Regardless of the risk and challenges faced by aircrews, the mission was successful, crippling Do 335 production. For its part on this mission, the 384th was awarded its second Distinguished Unit Citation.
SORTIE DATA:
COMBAT CREDIT STATUS TARGET ATTACKED (MODE)
Yes Failed To Return
Comments: Struck by flak on bomb run; after bombing left formation and headed for Switzerland; shot down by Swiss aircraft, crashing into the Greifensee. MACR 4347. This aircraft was recovered from lake in the 1950's.
Primary (Visual)
SORTIE AIRCRAFT DATA:
TYPE SERIAL NUMBER SQUADRON SQ CODE NAME
B-17G 42‑102446 545th JD*M LITTLE CHUB
SORTIE CREW DATA:
POSITION CREWMEMBER UNIT STATUS
Pilot Bailey, Everett Lee 545 KIA
Co-pilot Burry, James Edgar 545 KIA
Navigator Wallach, Charles Devay 545 Interned
Bombardier Greenebaum, Jesse Leon 545 KIA
Radio Operator Silag, William Joseph 545 Interned
Engineer/Top Turret Newall, Raymond Alexander 545 Interned
Ball Turret Melazzi, Anthony Theodore, Jr 545 KIA
Tail Gunner Pratt, Sidney John 545 KIA
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Hollingsworth, Richard Ray 545 Interned
Waist (Flexible) Gunner Sendlbeck, Richard Michael 545 KIA
SORTIE-RELATED DOCUMENTS:
TYPE IDENTIFICATION
MACRMissing Air Crew Report # 4347
Sortie Report 2717 provided by 384thBombGroup.com
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