457th Bomb Group 457th Bomb Group Honor Roll
Mission No. 123		 748th Bomb Squadron
457th Bomb Group 748th Bomb Squadron
                                         (457th Home) (Back)            Updated 12/03/2000, 19:17:16

Mission Narrative

Mission No. 123
Date - September 17, 1944
Target - Nijmegen
This was the first time that the 457th flew a mission in support of ground troops. This bombing was to preceed the Allied airborn landings near Niemegan, Holland. The flight plan led the group over the Belgium coast and then turned toward the IP at Weert, Holland. The lead aircraft, s/n 42-97951, took a flak hit in the right wing which set fire to the two starboard engines. All the crew parachuted from the plane. Bombs were dropped from 18000feet. with very good results. Another plane, s/n 42-97190, crash landed in Belgium with two engines out and another damaged.
Plane s/n 42-97951, piloted by Lt Douglas Grantham, was the groups lead plane on this mission and contained Air Commander Major George Hozier. The mission, which was to bomb areas near Nijmagen, went smoothly till they passed the IP. They were greeted by moderate but accurate flak and the lead plane was hit and one, and possibly two, engines were knocked out and one set afire. Flames spred to the radio room and the bombay The plane salvoed it's bombs, dived out of formation and headed for the ground. The crew all bailed out and landed safely but were POW's for the balance of the war. [MACR 3756]

......... Crew

The crew was as follows:
     Plane s/n 42-97951     
PilotLt Douglas Grantham. Jr.   POW
Air CommanderMaj. George C. Hozier   POW
CopilotF/O Arthur Gennari   POW
NavigatorCapt Patrick W. Henry   POW
Navigator2Lt Howard V. Quinn   POW
Navigator3Lt Robert O. Douglas   POW
BombardierLt Robert E. Costello   POW
Aircraft EngineerSgt Willie N. Suggs   POW
Radio OperatorSgt Buford R. Milner   POW
Left Waist GunnerSgt August E. Kujala   POW
Ball Turret GunnerSgt Sephus C. Tucker  POW
                                         (457th Home) (Back)            Updated 12/03/2000, 19:17:16
Note: Please feel free to send your observations/comments on
the Content:  Willard (Hap) Reese (Website Author)