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 |
MACR | Missing Air Crew Report # 4347⇗ |