The 483rd Bomb Group Archive

Mission

Mission 151

21 January 1945 · Vienna oil refinery (unspecified)

Date
21 January 1945
Target as printed
Vienna, Austria oil refinery
Aircraft lost
3
Sources
assoc-mission-summary (row 151)

Target

Aircraft lost

Photographs and loss sheets of this mission

These pictures stay on the sites that hold them and are shown here by link only, until their owners say they may be copied.

Missing Air Crew Reports

Missing Air Crew Report 11273, page 1: B-17 44-6423 Nene, 1945-01-21
Missing Air Crew Report 11273, page 1: B-17 44-6423 Nene, 1945-01-21 · 21 January 1945National Archives Catalog (RG 92, Missing Air Crew Reports) · National Archives (RG 92, MACR 11273)
Missing Air Crew Report 11273, page 2: B-17 44-6423 Nene, 1945-01-21
Missing Air Crew Report 11273, page 2: B-17 44-6423 Nene, 1945-01-21 · 21 January 1945National Archives Catalog (RG 92, Missing Air Crew Reports) · National Archives (RG 92, MACR 11273)
Missing Air Crew Report 11387, page 1: B-17 44-6454, 1945-01-21
Missing Air Crew Report 11387, page 1: B-17 44-6454, 1945-01-21 · 21 January 1945National Archives Catalog (RG 92, Missing Air Crew Reports) · National Archives (RG 92, MACR 11387)
Missing Air Crew Report 11387, page 2: B-17 44-6454, 1945-01-21
Missing Air Crew Report 11387, page 2: B-17 44-6454, 1945-01-21 · 21 January 1945National Archives Catalog (RG 92, Missing Air Crew Reports) · National Archives (RG 92, MACR 11387)
Missing Air Crew Report 11539, page 1: B-17 44-6199, 1945-01-21
Missing Air Crew Report 11539, page 1: B-17 44-6199, 1945-01-21 · 21 January 1945National Archives Catalog (RG 92, Missing Air Crew Reports) · National Archives (RG 92, MACR 11539)
Missing Air Crew Report 11539, page 2: B-17 44-6199, 1945-01-21
Missing Air Crew Report 11539, page 2: B-17 44-6199, 1945-01-21 · 21 January 1945National Archives Catalog (RG 92, Missing Air Crew Reports) · National Archives (RG 92, MACR 11539)

The target on other days

Considerable fresh damage has been inflicted on installations and buildings at various points in the refinery. Much of the damage was caused by fire.-Vienna, Austria.
Considerable fresh damage has been inflicted on installations and buildings at various points in the refinery. Much of the damage was caused by fire.-Vienna, Austria.National Archives Catalog (RG 342-FH) · U.S. Air Force photograph 342-FH-3A04983-52557AC
Oil storage tanks and various installations were destroyed or damaged.-Vienna, Austria.
Oil storage tanks and various installations were destroyed or damaged.-Vienna, Austria.National Archives Catalog (RG 342-FH) · U.S. Air Force photograph 342-FH-3A04984-52558AC
A heavy concentration of hits has caused extensive fresh damage throughout the entire installation.-Vienna, Austria.
A heavy concentration of hits has caused extensive fresh damage throughout the entire installation.-Vienna, Austria.National Archives Catalog (RG 342-FH) · U.S. Air Force photograph 342-FH-3A04985-52559AC
Nova Schwecat Plant Near Vienna, Austria, Was Hit By 15Th Air Force Bombers And Seriously Damaged In March 1944. After The Attack On June 16 On Five Oil Refineries Near Vienna All Of Them Were Made Inactive, And Smoke Rose More Than Three Miles Over Vien
Nova Schwecat Plant Near Vienna, Austria, Was Hit By 15Th Air Force Bombers And Seriously Damaged In March 1944. After The Attack On June 16 On Five Oil Refineries Near Vienna All Of Them Were Made Inactive, And Smoke Rose More Than Three Miles Over Vien · 19 July 1944National Archives Catalog (RG 342-FH) · U.S. Air Force photograph 342-FH-3A04976-116233AC
Here is Bratislava as the first bombs began to pin-point the target. The refinery is 100 miles east of Vienna, which was attacked the same day.
Here is Bratislava as the first bombs began to pin-point the target. The refinery is 100 miles east of Vienna, which was attacked the same day.National Archives Catalog (RG 342-FH) · U.S. Air Force photograph 342-FH-3A26619-60393AC
Despite A Flak Filled Sky, This Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" Of The 15Th Air Force Makes Its Way Toward The Oil Refinery At Schwecat, Vienna, Austria On February 14, 1945. Neither Flak, Snow Or Cold Weather Can Stop The Heavies Of The 15Th Air Force Fro
Despite A Flak Filled Sky, This Boeing B-17 "Flying Fortress" Of The 15Th Air Force Makes Its Way Toward The Oil Refinery At Schwecat, Vienna, Austria On February 14, 1945. Neither Flak, Snow Or Cold Weather Can Stop The Heavies Of The 15Th Air Force FroNational Archives Catalog (RG 342-FH) · U.S. Air Force photograph 342-FH-3A04843-59806AC

Statements from the loss reports

Casualty questionnaire, page 10: BAKER, Earl M · 21 January 1945
PPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File # 11273
Name of crew member: BAKER, Earl M.,
Rank:
s/Sgt.
Serial number:
33548251
Position: Crew (Bomber) Right Waist Gunner.
Did he bail out?
Mo
Where?
If not, why not? Orders from Pilot - PlANe To Low
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
BAdi Contact with other Blanes 1hR. Before CRASH
Was he injured?
No
Where was he whep last seen? All stayed Together All thRu TRIP
Any
hearsay information: The EntiRe CRew slayed
Together the whole 67 dAys missing
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of abovo crew member: About 43
Dates and destinations if possible: No Knowledge Now
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 10 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 11: BAKER, Earl M · 21 January 1945
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File # 11273
Name of crew member: BAKER, Earl M.,
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
33548251
Position: Crew (Bomber) or Flight (Eightar): Right Weist Gunner.
Did be beil out? No.
Whe.e?
If not, why not? WE ALL STAYED WITH THE SHIP. OUR ALTITUDE
WAS BETWEEN 1000-2000.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane WE WERE
ALL TOGETHER FROM THE CRASH LANGING TOEVACWAIION
Was he injured? SHAKEN - NERVOUS, DIET DIFICLENCY-TROUBLE - WITH
WET AND FROZEN FEET.
Where was he when last seen?
NAPLES, ITALY PRIORTO HIS RETLINN
TO THE STATES.
Any hearsay information:
NONE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: BACK IN
THE STATES - 821 WEST BALTIMORE
11, MD.
Total number of missions of above crew member: ABO4T 40-45.
Dates and destinations if possible: Too HARD TO RECALL
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 11 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 12: BAKER, Earl M · 21 January 1945
,
AFPPA-1
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File # 11273
Name of crew member: BAKER, Earl M.,
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
33548251
Position: Crew (Bomber) Right Weist Gunner.
Did he bail out?
No
Whore?
If not, why not?
Crashed Landed
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured?
No
Where was he when last seen?
483rd Bomb Gp. Forgia Italy
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Tischarged and at home
Total number of missions of above crew member:
About 44
Dates and destinations if possible:
Do not recall
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 12 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 13: Thomas I Keane · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Thomas I Keane
Rank ist Lt. Serial No. 0-712290
2. Organization 483 Gp Commander
Rank
Sqn CO Rooks Rank Major
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1945
month January day 21
did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Vienna
, target,
Vienna
target
time, About 1200
,altitude, About 30,000 Ft route scheduled,
,route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? Don't know
6. Did you bail out?
No
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
No
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".
No Knowledge
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? About limiles north of Banjaluka,
Yugo.
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
All of the crew
11. Whe TO were they in aircraft?
Yes
12. What was their condition?
Good
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above?
Seen all of the crew at base in Foggia, Italy.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. No Knowledge
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 13 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 14: GEORGE A. DANIELS JR · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-I2
.
CASUALTN QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name GEORGE A. DANIELS JR. Rank IST.LI. Serial No 0-2057273
2. Organizstion 483 Go Commande) BARTEWANK Col Sqn CO, MAJOR
,B.G.(H) PAUL L.
B.S.(H) (full name)
(full name)
3. What 1945 month JANUARY day 21 did you go down?
year
4.
What was the mission, WIEN AUSTRIA target, LOBALI OIL REFINERKarget
t ime, ABOUT ILNOON infinitude, 28,500
route scheduled,
,route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? SOUTHERN AUSTRIA - OVER THE ALPS
6. Did you
bail out? No
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
No
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". ENTIRE CREW STAYED
WITH SHIP. WE MADE A CRASH -ENDING EVERYBODY
CAME OUT O.K.
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? ABOUT LOKILOMETERS NORTHAND
A LITTLE WEST OF BANJALWA VUBOVLAUIA. COOPDINAES
45°05'N - -770207E
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
ALL (10)
11.
Where
were
they
in aircraft? RADIOKOOM + FUGHT DECK
12.
What was their condition? PHYSICALLYO. BUT MENTALLY SNAKEN UP. NERVOUS
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? WE WERE ALL EVACUATED TOGETHER LAST
SEEN IN ITALY PRIOR TO RETURN TO THE ZONE
OF THE INTERIOR. ALL LOOKED A BIT UNDERFED
RELIEVED, BUT STILL UNDER ANERUOUS STRAIN.
THIS WAS IN NAPLES, I TALY - APRIL 15,1943.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. PRiOR TO our EVACUUTION
FROM YUGOSLAVIA WE CAME INTO CONTACT WITH 13
MORE AMERICANS. TWO HAVING BEEN HEMA ERS OF , A
B-24 CREW ON THE JAN 15,1945 Mission TO WIEN.
THEY WERE S4Y. LAMEY a WHETSTONE AND CPC RESERT c. HOVE BOTH
OF THE KSK TH B.G.(N). THE OTHER ELEVENCIAL MEN WERE
FROM it B-24 THATGET INTO TRAIBIE AN THE WIEN RAID
(OVER)
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 14 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 15 · 21 January 1945
OF MARCH 14,1945 THEYWERE IST.LT CHARLES H.ESTES,
IST.LT JOHN W. CONGLETON, ISILT Ro - E.SWAIN, ISTLT EDWARD
A. VALIANT, 1st LiERNEST R. SWANSON, 1st LT.JAMES R.MULLIGAN,
&
FLT. OFFICER JOSEPH DOCKIN,JSO: RAPHBEL W. GONYEA, 1/sat
WALTER R.Scott, y/sar DONALD A. BROWN, & SBT. JOHN F. NORRIS,
ALL FROM THE 98th B.G.CH) THESE LATER MEN
HS 7.48 DATES WILL SHOU WERE IN RATHER
GOOD CONDITION WHEN THEY WERE REPATRIATED
DATE OF EUACUTION FROM YUGOSLAVIA - -MAR 28,1945.
THE LAST ELEVEN(II) MEN BAILED OUTASDIDTHE
FIRST TWO OTHER CREW MEMBERS WERANINTO
ONLY THE LATER ALL LANDED INFRIENDLY HANDS
AND SHORTLY AFTERWARD WERE CONBINED WITHOUR
GROUP.
THE TWO MEN WE PICKED UP FIRST NAMELY
WHETSTONE VHOWE WERE PART OF ACREW OF TENCID).
THE OTHER EIGHT(8) BAILED OUT AND THE CHUTE
OF ONE FAILED TO OPEN. THIS PERSON WAS CATER
IDENTIFIED AS THE FIRST PILOT AND THE SEVEN
MEN WHO SURVIVED FOUND AND BURIED HIM SOME-
WHERE IN YWGO. THESE SEVEN(Y) MEN LANDED
AMONG FRIENDS AND WERE -UITHIN ACOMPARAT-
IVELY SHORT TIME - EVACUATED TO ITALY.

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 15 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 16: Le Clair, Robert , F · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
11273
1.
Your name Le Clair, Robert , F.
Rank T/syt Serial No. 11083516
2. Organization 840 Commander Col. Sperty Rank Lt.Col Sqn CO BROOK: Rank MAj
453.1 Groupe
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month JAN
day 21st did (full you name) go down?
4. What was the mission, Bombing , target, VIEWNA Austrio , target
ime,
altitude, 32,000 ft route scheduled,
, ,route flown
5. when
Where were you you left formation? OVER HungARy
6. Did you bail out?
No
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
No
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".
15 Km.
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? NoRth of BANjAluKA, Yugo
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) Everyone WA s
IN the PLANE ON the CRA'SH
11. Where zero they in aircraft? Everyone Butthe Pilot-Copilot IN RAdia Room
12. What was their condition? CRASH hurt No one
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? When leaving for the States from Italy
/ Last New + RAC K of them Got split Ep
WAS IN April 1945 Everyone WAS still
sick be but dit't mention it AS we
WAS going home. StomAch AN d DiARR her
Troubles. FROM Not EAting. All Lost A hot of Weight
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
we Fornd Two fellows wh. hAd bAiled out of
A B-24 One ot them WAS Robert Howe
and the athe LARRY something Don't Recall his
Last Name. They got back To ITAlY with us.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 16 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 17: BAKER, Earl M · 21 January 1945
AFPPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File # 11273
Name of crew member: BAKER, Earl M.
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial number:
33548251
Position: Crew (Bomber) Flaght (Righter): Right Waist Gunner.
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
Crashed near Banialuke Yugoglay
If not, why not?
Just told ahove,
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane We vere
to-gothur all tho timo until we loft to come back to the United States.
Was he injured?
No.
Where was he when last seen?
At Naples, Itnly.
Any hearsay information:
No. A couble or datra hafore shimped mit
for lables Itn's Bakor want, on gink and with temila and
us airt in home menz Pogrin. Itentry for A fill daves bith ha animal
"Ith 11.8 111 1907.19. It Iv baioro 1/0 out.
Source:
No.
Any explanation or his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: No.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
(42)
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861,AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 17 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 18: Tames Robert Gourley · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name
Tames Robert Gourley
Rank S/sgt. Serial No. 38148021
2. Organization 483 Gp Commander No knowladge $11 Sqn CO Fowler Rauk Major
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1945
month
January
day
21
did you go down?
4.
What was the missionVienna, Austria, target, Vienna Inbau Oil Reftingew
time, No Knowledge altitude, 28,500
route scheduled, No
Knowledge ,route flown Same AS scheduled
,
5. Where were you when you left formation? Ne4 Menthond OFCyor, Hungary
6. Did you bail out?
No
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
No
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". None of our crew bailed
out and we all staved to-gether until were arrived at Bari, Italy
on the 28 of Mn rch 1945. Where Stanley Taxel Brooklyn, N.Y.
& Carlos Escado Lima, Peru were admitted to hospital for minor
stomack treatment.
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? In the vininity f Banjaluka, Yugo--
slav
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
All ten members woro f attract whon 4f struck the ground.
le made a crashed landing with wheels up in deap snow,
11. Where were they in aircraft? Eight were in radio room. in eeel
cock-pit.
12.
What was their condition? Everyone othor.
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? Left our base in Italy ^pril 7.1945 . All were okay
except two and they were in ho pital with minor stomack asiments
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. While near Banjaluke, Yugoslav
we me+ two B-24 bova Tho had bailed a week before and they started
walking back with us. They were not injured. There names were as
follows: Larry whetstone Equality, AIa. & Robert Howe Reading, Mass.
In Teslic, Yugoslav about the 15 of March 1945 we picked up
elèven more B-24 men which came back to Italy with us, One of them
sprung his ankle when they bailed out, Donst remember any of their
names.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 18 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 3 · 21 January 1945
840TH SQUADRON (H)
483RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
Office of the Operations Offieer
APO 520
22 Jamvary 1945
STATEMENT OF WITNESS
While flying threugh the evereast, at approximately 1400, I hoard Airplane
44-6423 ealling Airplane # 44-8018 but wss apparently umable to ecntact
theme I then called # 423 and alited them if I could help them out. Airplame
+ 44-6423 asswered me and asked mo to give them a call when we changed our
heading. I answored and said I would de that. I neticed at the time that
we were flying a heading of 210. About five minutes after I had caspleted
the original call to # 423, I decided to check on their heading. I mede
several calls but was unable to raise theme Shortly after that we broke
out of the hase into the clear.
Then we changed our heading to appreximately 190° I tried again to contact
# 423, but without any successe I tried several times after that but was
unable to contact them. Simce we wore then in the elear, and had beem for
some time, I assumed that they were clear and I didmt try to establish contact
after that.
JOHN H. MALKAMES
lat Lt, AC
Pilot of é 44-6794

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 3 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 4 · 21 January 1945
CONFIDLENIAL
84OTH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
483RD BOM BARDMENT GROUP (H)
Office of the Operations Offieer
APG 520
22 Jamuary 1945
STATEMENT OF WITNESS
On the bomb run Airplane # 44-6423 was flying # 5 under complete control with of
pilet Plak moderate till then. Group rallied left with flak (105 mostly) following
and bombs were drepped at the primary (Vienna Lebau) 27,800'-1257)
and bracketting us in for five minutes. At that time # 423 was about 600
us in back of formation at 5:30 level. At 1313, Squadrom and Group changed
yards course morth of Bratielava (27, 500) to course of 160 at which # 423 regained
# 5 position. At 1317 Grcup changed course to 189° with + 423 still in + &,
four fans going and showing no evident battle damage. At 1830 north of Gyor,
of Zest tip of Lake Balatomp Group shanged course to 190° with # 405 dropping to
changed to course of 179°, + 423 still ckay (22,500). At 1345, just morth
# 4 pesition. Airplane # 44-6423 was starting to trail a bit behiad, maint-
out of # 4 pesitien due to engime trouble. We in # 317 switched from # 6
rning fuel seasumption (their's was very low) and asked also 1'er a fix. Their at
aining altitiude, at this time. They also called # 018 and asked advice conce=
at the time was also downa to fifty pounds per square inch. We were
exygem 20.000 fest at 1845. Immediately thereafter, we descended to 18,000, flying
thru the feathery hase of the top of the 10/10 undereast. Airplane + 423 had
pulled up and to the side at 0300 and was descending alse. At 1400 visibility
became restricsted to 500 to 600 yards and + 423 was lest to ou: view.
Pesition was the Yugoslavian-Bungarian Border (4608)-17045) altitude 18,000
sourse course N69° Airplane # 423 was paralloling our course.
WILLIAM W. MAUMANN
2nd Lt, AG
Navigater, + 317
CONFIDENTIAL

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 4 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 5 · 21 January 1945
CONFIDERTAL
84OTH BOMBARDMENT SQUADRON (H)
483RD BOMBARDMENT GROUP (H)
Office of the Operations Officer
APO 520
22 January 1945
STATEMENT OF WITNESS
At about 1330 I heard Airplane + 44-5423 calling Airplane + 44-9018. The
pilet of # 423 stated that he was low on oxygen, and intended to let down. At
that time he was about a thousand yards behind the formation and gradually
falling behind.
A short while later # 423 again called # 018 and asked for a heading. He
said he was about tem miles behind the formation. He asked # 018 to notify
him when # 018 turned so he could also turn. Airplane # 44-6423 said that his
exygen was down to about fifty peugds.
At that time wo were at about 18,000 feet in a gradual let downe Altheugh
several attempts were made to contact # 423 I nover heard him again.
dra Giegu
IRA GIEFER
2nd Lt, AC
Co-Pilot 288

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 5 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 8 · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File 11273
Name of member: BAKER, Earl M.
Rank:
s/sgt.
Serial sumber:
Position: Crew (Bomber) or flight (Fightar): Right Waist Gunner.
Did he bail out?
no.
-
ba
Where?
If vot, why not? Entrie crew CRASH LANDED WITH ME
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at
time of loss of plane: REGULAR
DITCHING PRACTICES
Was he injured? no.
Where was he when last seen? EARL m BAKER WAS RETURNED To
Any hearsay information: ThE UNITED STATES APRROXIMATELY. 22
APRIL 1945 iN EXCELLENT HEALTH AFTER RE@UPERATING
FRom RUN Down CoNDiTiON. I BELIEVE HE WAS DISCHARDED
in JULY 1945 FRom FT. Dix AND RESIDES iN BALTIMURE
MD.
Source: VISIONERY AnD LETTERS.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: EXPLAINED
ABOVE
Total number of missions of above crew member: BELIEVE 44-45
Dates and destinations if possible: AUG.1944 To JAn 21, 1945
6-3861, AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 8 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 9 · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name ROBERT M.(I.).) GROSSMAN Rank 1sth Serial No. 0.821403
2. Organize ion 483BGo Commander BORTON Rank CoL. Sqn CO A.FOWLER Rank M.J.
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month JAN.
day 21
did you go down?
4. What was the mission, VIEKNA
,
target, LOBAU Oil
time, 1200
altitude, 28,000
route scheduled, REGULAR
VIENNA ROUTE , route flown SAME
5. formation? 30 min From tARGET, ON COURSE
Where were you when you left
6. Did you bail out? No
7. Did other members of orew bail out? No
8.
Tell all you know about when, where, how esch 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". No ONE BALLDDUY
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground? 3 MILES N.E. BANJALUKA
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnairos) ALL MEMBERS OF
CREW
11.
Where were they in aircraft? IN DITCHING POSITIONS
12. What was their
condition? EXCELLENT.
13. When, where, and in what tondition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? ALL RETURNED To BOMB GROUP IN ITALY
WI TH ME
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. a crew 27 officers and
4 En listed men of 46 454 B.G. AB-24 Ys came of with so plus
2 con's from B. Ax onefit that falled out fire days before whon
Vienna forget all members were from Vienna targer are
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

National Archives, MACR 11273, page 9 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 2 · 21 January 1945
Ation chunged
to
by
BRADUNAS, Lt. Col
by
MISSING AIR CREW REPORT
F. M. Capt. AC
11387
Date
1. OROANIZATION; Location
Sterparone, Italy
Command or Air Force 15th AI
Oroup
483rd Bomb (H)
Squadron
815th Bomb (4)
2
SPECIFY:
Place of departure
Sterparone, Italy
Course See attached gyorlay
Target
Tobau Oil Ref. Austri Type of mission
Coubat Bombing
3. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND VISIBILITY AT TIME OF CRASH OR WHEN LAST REPORTED:
Intense clouds
4. OIVE: [a] Date 21 Jan. 1945 Time 1315
Last known position 47
(b) Specify wheiher: [X] Last sighted, I 1 Forced down, I ] Seen to crash,
I
1 Last contacted by radio, ( 1 No information.
5. AIRCRAFT [LOST] [BELIEVED LOST] AS A RESULT OF: [Check one only]
I
I Enemy aircraft, I 1 Enemy anti aircrsit, Other Unknowm. - last seen it was fiving nomally.
6. AIRCRAFT: Type, model e series
B-170
AAF Seriai Number 11-1-6454
7. NICKNAME OF AIRCRAFT
None
8. ENGINES: Type, model & series
R-1820-97
AAF Seria! Number [a] SIV-023745
[b] 51-023714
[c SIV-020710
[d SI-023564
9.
INSTALLED WFAPONS: [Make, type and serial number)
[a] 1756120
[e! 1757240
[i)
1756231
(m) 5757310
[b] 130661981
[f] 1756557
III 1306073
[c 604749
{g] 1756816
[k]
1306858
(d) 606694
[h] 3546035
[1]
1756843
10. PERSONNEL LISTED BELOW REPORTED AS: [X] Battle Casualty, [ 1 Non Battle Casualty.
11. NUMBER OF PERSONS ABOARD AIRCRAFT: Crew 11 ; Passengers 0
; Total 11
[II more than 12 persons aboard aircraft, use separate sheet)
CREW
FULL NAME [Last, first, initial]
CURRENT NEXT OF KIN, RELATIONSHIP
POSITION
RANK, SERIAL NUMBER
STATUS AND ADDRESS
(1) Pilot
Cunningham, Walter E. Jr. 1st It. MIA Mrs. Katherine Cunnincham - Mother AD
0-823321
289 Humphrey St., Mass.
F2T 0 P
0-772344 RTD
Giboney, Charles A. By 2nd It
MIA Mr. Charles As Giboney, Sr. -Fathe: Dro
Box 327, North Les Vegas, Nevada,
13)
N
Hesterlund, Herbert A. F/O m
MIA Mr. Arthur Mesterlund - Eather - RTO
T-129767
Route 3, Box 569, Dwith, Minnesota.
41
B
McDonell, Keith A. 2nd It. m MIA
lins. Mary K. NcDonell - Mother - RTD
0-776751
Box 38, Chalkville, Birningham, Ala,
151
TT
Sorce, Angelo R. I/SEt. MRIDITA lrs. Josephine Sorce. - Mother - RTD
36755326
941 North Laranine Ave, Chicago, the
tol
wo
Rhodes, Sannuel M. s/spt. MRTD HIA
17153139
Pobert R. Rhodes - Father - RTD
RFD #2, Duncomb, Iowa,
T
R
Sauer, John C. T/Sgt. in RTD
MIA
Mr. Clarence C. Sauer - Eather - RTD
Hormony, Minnesota.
[8]
BT
Campbell, Charles P. Sgt. MIRINHA
Dr. Cuy Campbell - Father
-
37705813
c/o Marshall Boor, ITLE Lakeside
RTD
Drive, Merritt Park, Orlando, Florida
r
WG
Rex, Paul (NHI) Jr. s/Spt.ur MTA Mrs. Gladys Rex - Mother -
35596467
611 East High St, Hount Vernon, AID
10)
TG
22186704
Yannolo, Anthony D. MTA Mrs. Millie Yannolo - Mother - RTD
1223 63rd St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
ii)
F
Paton, Robert D. I/Sct. V
MTA
lirs. Virginia Paton - Whie -
36524488
RTD
[12]
1289 Oakdale Ave., Detroit, Mich.
1
12. IDENTIFY BELOW THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE LAST KNOWLEDGE OF AIRCRAFT
AND CHECK APPROPRIATE (one only COLUMN TO INDICATE BASIS FOR S

National Archives, MACR 11387, page 2 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Eyewitness statement, page 2 · 21 January 1945
040
300
to
HIEC
hg as
by P. M. AG MISSING AIR CREW REPORT
11539
Date, 418
1. OROANIZATION, Location Sterparone, Italy
Command or Air Force 15th AY
Croup 483rd Bomb (H)
Squadron
816th Bomb (H)
2 SPECIFY: Place of departure Sterparone, Italy
Course See attached overlay,
Target
Lobau 011 Ref. Austria.
Type of mission
Combat Bombing
3. WEATHER CONDITIONS AND VISIBILITY AT TIME OF CRASH OR WHEN LAST RÉPORTED:
Intense clouds.
4. OIVE: [a) Date 21 Jan. 1945 Time 1330 Last known position 6-30N / 17 2118
(b) Specify whether: Last sighted, I 1 Forced down, I 1 Seen to crash,
Last ccl id by radio, 1 1 No information.
5. AIRCRAFT [LOST] [BELIEVED LOSTATAS A RESULT OF: [Check one enly]
I 1 Enemy sircrait, I 1 Enemy abti alrcralt, 1 ) Other Nechanical difficulty - loss of tato ergines.
5. AIRCRAFT: Typr, model & serits B-170
AAF Serial Nember
7. NICKNAME OF AIRCRAFT
None
8. ENOINES: Type, model & series
R-1820-97
AAF Serial Number
(b) SW-020877
[c 57-020710
[d] I-020748
9. NSTALLED WFAPONS: [Make, type and serial number
(s) 1178551
(e) 1091122
1178577 (m) 1178005
(b) 1178536
(1) 1180557
H1
604042
[c] 1091124
(g) 1180866
[k]
[d] 1178698
(b) 117862
(1)
1180908
10. PERSONNEL LISTED BELOW REPORTYD AS: IXI Battle Casualty, I 1 Non Battle Casualty.
11. NUMBER OF PERSONS ABOARD AIRCRAFT: Crew 10 ; Passengers 0 ; Total 10
[If more than 12 persons aboard aircratt use separt! sheet)
CREW
FULL NAME (Last, first, initial)
CURI.ENT NEXT OF KIN, RELATIONSH
POSITION
RANK, SERIAL NUMBER
STATUS AND ADDKESS
(1) Pilot
Prescott, Victor 2nd Lt RIDE
Nrs. Prescott - Hife -
0-828517
1642 Rotary Drive, los Angales, Calif.
un
C P
Grim, Jacob L. 2nd It
ATD
lic. Elmer H. Grimm, Sr. - Father -
0-777654
Box 234, Hermanie,
pr
N
Bratlic, Jack n. 2ne-It
RTO Mit
1r. John L. Bratlie - Father -
0-2068581
Ridgefield, Washington.
4)
B
Santiago, Jtari F. 2nd Lt RTD
MIA
Mrs. Dorothy J. Santiago - Wife -
0-2065431
h30 West 3hth St., Los Angoles, Calif.
(5)
TT
Boraten, Bernard I. ap
lirs. Anna Boraten - Mother -
33598623
Box 21, Winfield, Pennaylvania.
101
MO
Gray, James H. s/sst
lirs. Betty Gray - Wife -
34070106
Box 292, Alba, Missouri.
7;
R
Foster, Charles K. Cpl
1TA
lirs. Betty Foster - -
13128h83
6117 Ray Avear St. Louis, Mo.
0)
3T
Caspar, Kenneth il Cpl
RTD
lics. I'lly Caspar - Mother -
33703500
435 Tarkspur St., kunhall, Pennaylvania
91
WG
Crandall, Billy G. Qpl
RTD
lirs. Bessie Ceandall - Mother
-
35876887
19h2 Fergueson Rd., Cincinnati, Obio,
10)
TG. Arthur C.P. Cpl no Wand
33455562
RTD
(11)
(12)
12. IDENTIFY BELOW THOSE PERSONS WHO ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE LAST KNOWLEDOE OF AIRCRAFI
AND CHECK APPROPRIATE [one only) COLUMN TO INDICATE BASIS FOR SAME:
SAW
CONTACTED LAST
SAW
FORCED
NAME IN FULL
RANK
SERIAL No.
BY TADIO SIOHTED CRASH LANDINO
(I) or. L. Linn
It
Col. 0-409926 (See attached statement)
12]
(3)
13.
IF PERSONNEL ONHAVE SURVIVED, CHECK ONE OF THE FOLLOWINO:
[
1 Perachutes werline and Person werá leen walking away from the scene of the crash.
Y
%
Other reasons See attached statement
14. ATT

National Archives, MACR 11539, page 2 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 5: Bratlie, Jack R · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-12
11539.
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Bratlie, Jack R.
Rank ist Lt. Serial No. 0-2068581
Barton
as
2. Organization 483 Bm Gp Commender PAul BartRank Col. Sqn COJack DouglRank Malor,
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1945
month Januery
day 21
did you go down?
4. that was the mission, Vienna on Refzarget,
Vienna
, target
ime, 1258
altitude, 27400
route scheduled,
, route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? Kralova 48° 21' N. 17°18' E.
6. Did you bail out?
No.
7. Did other members of crew bail out? No.
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". Our crew 10 men all
no one bailed out. All landed safely.
9. Where did our aRcreft strike the ground? Landed 11 kilo. southeast of
48 57 N. 19 46 E.
K-3kunmajsa Hungary.
10. What membex of your crew were in the airoraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires)
All members of the crew were 12 the plane, and all crashed-landed
safely,
11. Where wore they in aircraft?They were in ditching positions.
12. What was their condition? No ons was injured,
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? We were all taken safely to friendly peasants, turned
over to Russians, and then turned over to the American mission in
Bucharest, nunania. From there WO were fown to Bari, Italy. 15th
Air Force headquarters, and then interro. ten and frown back to our
base.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crow of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. Lt. Alex Korshumk boabardier
Was killed when the crew with which he was flying tried to crash-land
someplace in Jugoslavia. There were II men on the plane and three of
the men got out sarely, the rest were killed. I don't know the names
OT the other men. The pilot, and 00-01200 were smong those sare and
the co-pilot told the story to ne.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 11539, page 5 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 6: Grimm, I zcob hloyd · 21 January 1945
AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
14539
1. Your name Grimm, I zcob hloyd Rank 1stht Serial No. 0777654
2. Organization 483 Gp Commander Borton Rank Col. Sqn CO Douglass Rank Maj.
(full name)
(full name)
3. what year 1945
month JANUARY day 21 did you go down?
OIL REFINERY
4. What was the mission, VENNIA , target,
, target
time,
,altitude, 27,500
route scheduled,
, route flown
5. Where were you when you left formation? New Lake Bilston
6. Did you bail out?
No
7. bail out? No
Did other members of crew
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".
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Appx. 50 MILE S.E. Budapest
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) ALL MEMBERS
11. Where were they in
aircraft? Radio Room
18. What was their condition?
No Casulties
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed
above? WE NEVER SEPERATED
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)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 11539, page 6 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

Casualty questionnaire, page 8: PRESCON, Victor · 21 January 1945
11539
AFPPA-1?
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name PRESCON, Victor
Rank 15TLr Serial No. 0-828517
PAUL SBARTON
JACK D.DDUSIAS
2. Organization 483 Gp Commander
Rank CoL Sqn CO
Rank MAK
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1945
month JAN day 21 did you go down?
4. What was tire mission, x 5th , target, ROBAN, VIENNA oil REFINERY , target
time, 1225
altitude, 27.5.00
route scheduled, EOGGIA-
ruute flown
SAME
5. Where were you when you left formation? OVER VIENNA (APPROXE)
6. Did you bail out? No.
7. Did other members of crew bail out? No.
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
gi ve facts. If you don't know, say: "No Knowledge". ALL MEMBERS
OF CREN ELECTED To ATTENT CRASM LANDING
RATHER THAN BAIL AT LOW ALTITUDE WHICH
WAS APPROX 1000 ABOVE GROUND
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground! 11 KM. So EASY OF Kis KUNMAIIA
10. What members of your crew wero in the aircraft when it struek the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) ALL MEMEMBERS,
11. Where were they in aircraft? in SRASH haveing Pos. (B-17) iE. CREW
in RADIO RM. PILOT a Co Dicor AT
12. What was their condition? SHAKEN - APPARENTLY Nor HURI
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? WE ALL RETURNED To 15th AAF - HO
TOGETHER.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. Mar 4
5/s6T
(GUANA
SHOT DOWN SAME TIME PREVIOUS PROM OUR an HE
WAS CARTURED By GERMANS. AH 4 BROKEN has
HE
WAS
LIBERATER
Bys.,UUSSIANS
AND
RETURNED
To 15th AAF um HQ ON dr ABOUT THE SAME DAY
AS Wo Dip-
DONT
Know
als
NAME
:R
DESCRIPTION.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

National Archives, MACR 11539, page 8 · Machine-read from microfilm, uncorrected.

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