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457th Bomb Group Honor Roll
Mission No. 32 |
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| 457th Bomb Group | 750th Bomb Squadron |
| (457th Home) (Back) Updated 12/03/2000, 19:17:11 |
Mission NarrativeMission No. 32Date - April 25, 1944 Target - Nancy/Essey Cr in France This mission of the 457th was to bomb an airfield in the Nancy/Essey region of France. The base was used by the Germans as a transport base between France and Germany. When the group arrived at the target area there was total cloud cover and it was decided to return to the base with the bombs. As the group was returning, the lead aircraft burst into flames for reasons unknown, turned and headed toward France. The crew bailed out over France. The rest of the planes returned to Glatton. Since the target area was covered with clouds the order was given to return to Glatton with their bombs. Just as they started over the English Channel, the group lead plane, s/n 42-97070, with Air Commander Major Rod Francis in charge, developed an unexplained fire in the bomb bay. They left the formation, dropped their bombs in the Channel, and headed back to France where all the crew parachuted to safety. Major Francis and four members of the 11 man crew evaded and returned later to Glatton. The others were made POW's. |
......... Crew
| Pilot | Capt Edward M Bender | POW | |
| Copilot | Major Rodrick L. Francis (Air Commander) | EVD | |
| Navigator | Lt Earl E. Woodard | EVD | |
| Navigator2 | Capt Arthur T. Cavanaugh | EVD | |
| Navigator3 | Lt Edwin K. Fuller | POW | |
| Aircraft Engineer | Sgt James L Free | POW | |
| Radio Operator | Sgt Lymon M. Mahan | EVD | |
| Left Waist Gunner | Sgt John P. Sarico | POW | |
| Right Waist Gunner | LT Monroe J. Hotaling | EVD | |
| Ball Turret Gunner | Sgt Michael Woyurka | POW | |
| Tail Gunner | Lt Bill Soules | POW |
Plane s/n 42-97070 | Note: Please feel free to send your observations/comments on the Content: Willard (Hap) Reese (Website Author) |