Mission 34

AFPFA-11
are
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIR
File 11543
Name of crew member: SORILED G.
Rank:
no.
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber) Flicht Piles
Did he bail out? No
Where?
If not, why not? THE PLANE BLEW UP BEFORE HE COULD BAIL OUT
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane I NOTIFIED
IN OF FIRE IN RI WING HE LN TURN ORDERED "BAILOUT
Was he injured? HE was KILLED
Where was he when last seen? IN PILAT SEAT
Any hearsay information: No Know LEDGE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member: 20
Dates and destinations if possible: 4-13-44 BROD. YUGO: 4-15-44 NIS.YUGAI
4-17-44SAUR, BELG; 4- 28-44 Toulew, FR; 5-5-44 TURMU SEV; 5-6-44 TURNU SEV;
5-10-44 WEINER NEUSTABT 5-22-44 AVEN ZZANO, STALY 5-73-44 FERRINTINA ITALY
5-24-44 Aveso, ITALY 5-26-44 ETIENNE, FRANGE 5-27-44 AUIGNON FRANGE
6-14-44 FONTO, HUNGARY; 6-16-44 FLORISDORDER, AUSTRIA
6-22-44 FORNEVO, ITALY
6-3861,AF

AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile 23543
Name of crew member: Gatte 7.
Rank:
Serial number:
Position: Crow (Bomber)
Did he bail out? No
Where?
If not, why not? THE PLANE BLEW up BEFORE ME lune BAIL out
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured? HE WAS KILLED
Where was he when last seen? IN CO-PILOT SENT
Any hearsay information: No KNOWLEDGE
Source:
Any explanation of his Tate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member: 19 OR 20.
Dates and destinations if possible: 4-13-44 BROD, yuGD; 4-15-44 NIS, yugo;
4-17-043AVA BELG; 4-29-44 TOULON , FR; 5-5-44 TURNU SEV; 5. 6-44TURALYSEV;
5-10-HYNEWER NEUSTADI 5-22-44 AVENZZAND , ETALY 5-23-44 FERRINTING, ITALY
5-24-44 AVISO, ITALY 5-26-44 ETIENNE, FRANGE 5-27-44 RUIGNON, FRANCE
6-14-44 FONTO, HUNGARY 6-16-44 FLORISDORDER, AUSTRIA; 6-22-U4
FORNOVE ITALY.
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File 11543
Name of crew member: , e.
Rank:
s./agt.
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out?
NO
Where?
If not, why not? PLANE BhEu up BEFORE HE COULD BAIL OUT
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: NONE
Was he injured? KILLED
Where was he when last seen? IN WAIST OF AIRIPANE
Any hearsay information:
No KNOWLEDGE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member:
19
Dates and destinations if possible: 4-13-44 BROD VUGG 4-15-44 NIS, yuce; 4-18-44
SAUA, BELG. 4-29-44 Touton, EN. 5-5-44 TURNU SEV. 5-6-44 THANO
SEV. 5-10-44 WEIMER MEUSTAON; 5-19-44 TAGLIAMENT ITALY; 5-24-44, Ariso, that
5-26-44, ETIENNE, FR.; 5-27-44, AVIGNON, FRANCE; 6-13-44 GERMANY;
FONTO, HUNG; 6-16-44 FLORISDORDER, Aus; 6.22.44 FORMOVE, ITALY
6-3861, AF

AFPRA-11
.
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY
File 11543
Name of erew member:
KLDRIDGE, Charles H.
Rank:
Sgt.
Serial number:
14188063
Position: Crew (Bomber) Asst.Arm.Ounner
Did he bail out? No
Where?
If not, why not? THE PLANE BLEW UP BEFORE HE GOULD BAIL OUT.
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: NONE
Was he injured? KILLED
Where was he when last seen? IN TAIL SECTION OF PLANE
Any hearsay information: No KNOWLEDGE
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Total number of missions of above crew member: 5
Dates and destinations if possible: 5-27-44 AUIONON, FRANCE
6-13-44 OBERPHOFFEN, GERMANY 6-14-44 FONTO, HUNG
-16-44 FLORISDORDER, AUSTRIA 6-22-44 FORNOVD ITALY
6-3861, AF
-

AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QURSTIONNAIRE
1. Your name ERLINGER, LEROY J.
Rank T/SGT. Serial No. 17120888
2. Orgenization 4835° 6 Gp Commander Rank co DAMES LT. cot
cant. L.
(full nama)
(full name)
3. What year
1944
month JUNE
day 22ND did you go down?
4. What was the mission, ternove, mmy targat, MARSHILING YARDS ,target
time, 11:30 AM altitude, 25,000 FT
route scheduled, mescriptic-ever
Pet VALLEY To FORMARD, route flown SAME
5. Where were you when you left formation? OVER Poe VALLEY. SOUTH of BOLOGNA
6. Did you bail out?
YES
7. Did other members of crew bail out? YES, SIX CREW MEMBERS BAILEDOUT
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 KNOWLE DGE
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? SOUTH OF BOOKE IN POE VALLY
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) 140 LT. THE C. SCHILD(PILOT)
LAPHT GENA F. FREIBERSER (CO-PILOT) SPEFFANCIS G. SPRACHER (DRM GUNNER)
SGI CHARLES H. ELDRIDGE CASSY ARAA. GHNNER)
11. Where were they in aircraft?
No KNOWLEDGE
12. What was their condition?
No KNOWLEDGE
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last 5981 any members not already des-
cribed above?
BEFORE TAKE OF ANY OTHER
MEMBERS.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. NO
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

AFPRA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIR:
Tile 11543
Neme of crow member: SCHILD William o.
Rank:
2nd. Lt.
Serial number:
0-690259
Position: Crew (Somber) Pilot
Did he
bail out? Do NOT DEFINITELY KNOW
Where?
If not, why not? DON'T KNOW
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane : CREW CHECK
BY HIM OVER INTERPHONE JUST SOUTH OF BOLOGNA
Was he injured?
Do NOT Know
Where was he when last seen? ABOUT 20 km SOUTH OF BOLOGNA, ITALY
Any hearsay information: BOMBARDIER SAID LATER THAT
HE SAW LT. SCHILD PUTTING ON THE CO-PILOT'S
CHUTE. THE CO-PILOT HAD FLAK WOUNDS IN
THE STOMACH. THEN THE BOMARDIER BAILS
OUT. HE ALSO SAID THAT A PRIEST SHOWED HIM
WHERE 4 OF
Source:
BOMBARDIER LT.J.L. DONONIVE
OUR CREWED
WERE BURIED
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
No
Total number of missions of above crew member: 19
Dates and destinations if possible: 4-13-44 BROD, YUGO-4-15-44 NIS.
YuGe - 4-17-44 BELGRALE YuGo - 4-29-44 TOULON
FRANCE 5-2-44 AVISO, INAY
5-5-44 TURNU
SEVERIN, 56-44 TURNU SEVERIN
5-10-44
WIENER NEUSTANT
5-19-44 - TAGLIAMENTO, ITALY
5-22-44 AVEZAGO HALY 5-23-44 FERRINTING 6-3861, AF
HALI
5-24-44 Aviso R.R. BRIDGE, ITALY- 5-26-44-5 ETIENNE, Fr

AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile 11543
Name of crew member:
Gene 7.
Rank:
2nd 39.
Serial number:
0-759216
Position: Crew (Bomber) or Ge-Piles
Did he bail out?
DON'T KNOW
Where?
If not, why not? DON'T KNOW
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
LAST SAW HIM BEFORE TAKEOFF
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen? 20 KM SOUTH of BOLOGNA , ITALT
Any hearsay information:
SAME AS ON PILOT
Source:
SAME
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: NONE
Total number of missions of above crew member:
19
Dates and
destinations if possible: SANE AS PILOT
6-3861, AF

AFPRA-11
. INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member: o.
Rani:
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
(Rinhtem):
Did he bail out?
DONT KNOW
Where?
If not, why not?
DONT KNOW
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane: No
CONVERSATION AFTER TAKEOFF
Was he injured?
DON'T KNOW
Where was he when lest seen? DON'T KNOW
Any hearsay information: RADIO CUNNER REPORTED TO ME IN Prison
CAMP THAT AFTER HE WAS CAPTURED THE GERMANS LED
HIM PAST THE REMAINS OF OUR PLANE AND HE
SAW THE BODIES OF F.6. SPRACHER AND
CHARLES H. ELDRIDCE.
Source: SCT. VERNON H. JOHNSTON
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
NONE
Total number of missions of above crew member:
19 +
Dates and destinations if possible: SAME AS PILOT PLUS
A FEW WITH OTHER CREWS.
6-3861, AF

APPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
23863
Name of crew member: I.
Rank:
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber) 9 (Righten):
Did he bail out?
DON'T KNOW
Where?
If not, why not?
DON'T KNOW
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane No
CONVERSATION AFTER TAKEOFF
Was he injured?
DON'T KNOW
Where was he when lant seen? DON'T KNOW
Any hearsay information:
SAME AS F.G. SPRACHER
Source:
SAME
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: NONE
Total number of missions of DON'T KNOW
above crew member:
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name DEKOVICH EUGENE K Rank UNDLT Serial No. 0-702909
2.
Organization
48340
Gp
Commander
BARTON Rank Cal Sqn CO REARDONBank MAJOR
(full name)
(full name)
3. What 1944
year
month JUNE day 22 did you g6 down?
4. What was the mission, FORNOVA ITALY, target, MARSHALLING YARDS , target
time, About NOON ,altitude, 20,000
route scheduled, DON'T
REMEMBE R , route flown DON'T REMEMBER
5. Where were you when you left formation? ABOUT 12 KM SOUTH OF BOLOGNA
6. Did you bail out?
YES
7. Did other members of erew bail out?
YES
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 KNOWLEDLE,
EXCEPT THAT Set v. JOHNSTON of SCT. L. ERLINGER
WERE IN PRISON CAMP WITH ME. ALSO IMET LT.
DONONUE IN THE STATES IN Ave. 1945
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground? No KNOWLEDGE
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) No KNOWLEDGE
11. Where were they in aircraft? No KNOWLEDGE
12. What was their condition?
No KNOWLEDGE
13.
When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed
above? HAVE SEEN v. JOHNSTON, L. ERLINGER v
J DONOHUE SINCE BEING SHOT DOWN. DONOTIVE
SAID A PRIEST SHOWED HIM THE FOUR
GRAVES OF LT W. SCHILD, LT 6. CRE.BERLER,
SCT. SPRACHER - Set ELDRIGE RYANY DENNISON
EVADED WITH DONONUE v JOHNSTONA ERLINGER
WERE IN PRISON CAMP WITH ME
14.
Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
DESCRIBED IN off 13
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

AFPPA-II
-
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile 11543
Name of crew member:
SCHILD, Milliam c.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0-690259
Position: Crew (Bomber) or Pilot
Did he bail cut?
No
Where?
XXXXXX
If not, why not? He remained in the plane to try and put a chute on
Lt. Frieberger who was believed to be wounded.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: Lt. Schild spoke
on the intercom, "Donohue, come up here. Freiber- nver mind, everyone
bail out."
While he was speaking I do not believe so, but an explosion
Was he injured? occured shortly after and I believe he was either knocked
unconscious or killed at that time.
Where was he when last seen? I last saw him wresthing with Freiberger's chute
when he pushed me out the escape hatch, when I tried to help him.
Any hearsay information: The bodies of Lts. Schild, Frbiberger and Set.
Eldridge lay in the plane on the ground for three days while the @emram
Intellignce Officers stripped the 1 lane. At the end of this time they duo
a common grave for the three bodies, looted all valuables and then buried
them together. That night the Itlaian peasants dug up the bodies. placed
them in coffins, along with Sgt. Spracher's body, and gave thema
chrsstian funeral and buráal in the church cemetary, marked with forn
wooden crosses with the one worä, AMERICAN.
This iformation was devulged to me by a man sent to me by the
Source:
Catholic priest of that church.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: It Schild was
killed in the plane during his attempts to save the life of a man who
was mortally wounded.
Total number of missions of above crew member: I believe that this was his 19th
Dates and destinations if possible: I do not know them as I was in the hospital
for some time and did not fly all of them with him. (His form 5 will
show therm all.)
NOTE: I have been to see Mrs. Schild personnally and have
told her all about what happened to her husband, but I omitted how he was
robbed of wedding ring, etc.
6-3861, AF

AFPPA 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File 11543
Name of crew member:
R, Gene ".
Rank:
2nd
Serial number:
-759216
Position: Crew (Bomber) 0) Oc-Piles
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
XXXXX
If not, why not ?
It is believed that be was unconscious from
a
wound .
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
It
Freiberger did not have any thing to say for same time
Was he injured?
I believe so
Where was he when last seen? I last saw him sitting in the co- ilot's
seat with his head on his chest.
Any hearsay information: The bodies of Lts. Schild, Freiberger and Sgt.
EIdridge lay in the plane on the round for three-days while the German
Intelli ence Officers stripted he plane, At the-end-of this time they
duga common grave for the the bodies, looted all valuables and then
buries them together. That night the Italian peasants dug up the bodies
placed them in corrins, along with Sgt. Spracher's body, and gave th 3m
a christian funeral and burial in the church cemetary, mariced with
four whr te crosses WICH the one word, AMERICAN.
Source:
This information was devulged to me by a man sent to me
the Catholic priest of that church.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: I believe
that Lt. Schild was krunded by a piece of flak and then died when the
plane struck the ground.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
I believe that this WAS his
19th.
Dates and destinations if possible: I do not know them as I was in the hospit
tal for some time and did not fly all of them with him. (His form s wil
show.
6-386l, AF

,
AFPPA- 11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile 11543
Nome of crew member:
SPRABKER, Francis G.
Rank:
s/Sgt.
Serial number:
15394436
Position: Crew (Bomber) o;
Arm.Ounner
Did he bail out?
Yes.
Whera?
Pianoro, Italy
If not, why not?
XXXXX
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plans: I do not
remember him saying am thing.
Was he injured?
No
Where was he when last seen? He. was last seent by Sgt. Ryan laying on the
side of a hill where he - had landed when his chute did not- opena
Any hearsay information: His body was taken and hidcen by the Iteliar peasants
in the cellar of a Catholic church, and three days later buried with
Lts. Schild, Freiberger. and Sgt. Eldridge in the cemetary next to hhis
church.
Source:
This information wos deviliged to me by a man sent to me b the
priest of this 6atholic church.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
His death
was definately due to a malfunction of his parachute. Sgt. Byan
noticed that the ring had been pulled, but the clute fatte to open
Total number of missions of above crew member: I think that this was his 18th.
Dates and destinations if possible: I do not know what they were.
6-3861, AF
is

AFPPA- li
File 11543
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
ELDRIDGE, Charles H.
Hank:
Sgt.
Serial number:
14168063
Position: Crew (Bomber) Asst.Arm.Gunner
Did he bail out?
No
Where? XXXXXX
If not, why not?
No explanation can be given as to why.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane No one
an the plane heard from Elditdge for quite some time.
Was he injured?
Where was he when last seen? Sgt. Ryan was the last man to bail out. and
he did not see him in the wadät of the ship- so he must have still been
Any hearsay information: in the tail gunner's seat.
The bodies of Lts. Schild, Freiberger and Sgt. Eldridge lay in the plane
on the ground for Siree days while the German Intelligence Officers:
Stripped the lance. At the end of this time they dug a comm: on grave
for the three bodies, looted all valuables- and then buries them together,
That night the Italian peasants oug up the bodies, placed them in- coffins,
along with Sgt. Snracher's body, ane gave them a christian funeral and
buraal in the church cemetary, marked with four wooden crosses with the
one word, AMERICAN.
Thi S information was devulged to me by a man sent to me by the
Source: Catholic priest of that church.
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition: Either sgt.
Eldridge was mortally wounded and unable to put on his chute, or the
centrifical force of the spinning plane must have kept him in there
until 1t crashed.
Total number of missions of above crew member: This was his sixth mission.
Dates and destinations if possible: I do not know them as this was the first
time I had ever flown with him.
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name
John L. Donohue
Rank lst lite Serial No. o-1683580
815 Sq.
2. Organization 483 Gp. Gp Commander Barton Rank Col. . Sqn CO Reardon Rank Lt. Col.
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year
1944
month June
day
22
did you go down?
4. What was the mission, Fornovo, Its Krget,
MXY
, target
time, 1200
altitude, 24,000
route scheduled, see
reverse side forufailrlownformation on this question.
5.
Where were you when you left formation? 5K. north of Pianoro
6. Did you bail out?
Yes, at 21,00 feet.
7.
Did other members of crew bail out? Lt. E. K. Dekovich, s/Sgt. v. Johnson,
s/set. Erlinger, SEt. Ryan and Set. Denison. and Sgt. Spracher.
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". Lt. Dekovich, SgtS Johnson,
and Erlinger were taken prisoner by the Gemmans almost as soon as they
hit the ground. Sgt. Ryan shed his parachute as soon as he hit the
ground and headed south from Pianoro. Sgt. Denison hit the ground and
has hidden by an Italian family until the next morning when 1 found
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground? In a province of Pianoro called
Montonaro. (The spelling might not be exactly right.)
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) Lts. Schild, and
Freiberger. and Sgt. Eldridge.
11. Where were they in aircraft? Lts. Schild and Freiberger were locked in
each others arms in the pilot's compartment and sgt. Elaricges body (Ovez
12. What was their condition? They were killed whent the plane struck the
ground.
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above? Previous answers should cover all crew members.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information. The only other members of
other crews that I met behind enerry lines, whose names I cannont
remember are now back in the states and in good he alth.
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862,AF

4. (cont.) Por this mission we were routed up the Adriatic Sea
to Laire Commecheia where we were to turn inland to aun target.
The mission was unevent ful even to the actual bombing, but
on the return zip home that was supposed to have been over
the same route that we came "in" on, we ran in to some flak,
A decoy burst wes thrown to our right, and when we rallied
left a full barrage was waiting for us. Upon striking the
ground after baining out, I checked my escape maps and found
that the lead navigator had led us 90K. off briefed return
course.
8. (cont.) him. Sgt. Spracher bailed out but his chute did not
open. Sgt. Ryan, who viewed the body on the side of the
moutain, said that the ring had been pulled. Lts. Schild and
Freiberger, and Sgts. Eldrige and Spracher were buried three
days later under cover of darknass in the cemetary of a
nearby Catholic church by the Italian peasants of that valley.
John Donohum
John L. Donohue
lst Lt.
AC
(Discharged)

APPPA-II
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile 11543
Name of crew member:
FREIBERGER, Gene 7.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0-759216
Position: Crew (Bomber) o: Oo-Pilot
Did he bail out? No
Where?
If
not, why not? I believe he was injured
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: none
Was
he injured? I believe he was
Where was he when seen?
last ?
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
I believe he went down with the plane and was
also buried by Ilalians.
Total number of missions of above crew member: ?
Dates and destinations if possible:
?
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Tile 11543
Name of crew member:
Francis G.
Rank:
s/agt.
Serial number:
15391436
Position: Crew (Bomber) ox
Did he bail out?
Yes
Where?
He landed in Pianoro
If not, why not?
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
He w as allright when I bailed. He said he'd Follen me.
Was he injured? No
Where was he when last seen?
On ground by sot Ryan
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
I believe be was buried with the other
three by Italians
Total number of missions of above crew member: ?
Dates and destinations if possible: 3
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-11
Flie 11543
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
Name of crew member:
AD Gharles E.
Rank:
ags.
Serial number:
24168053
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did
he bail out? I don't think
59
Where?
If not, why not? I don't Know
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plare: Last
heard on Crewcheck about 2 miru te before we got in
Was he injured? P
Where was he when last seen? Wasn't seen at heard after check
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
The only point that I was told by Partisions
that there were Four graves I indigan he was
the other
Total number of missions of above crew member: about 4
Dates and destinations if possible: ?
6-3861, AF

I certify that I saw a ship believed to be piloted by Lt Schild spinning
as we came through the flak area.
/s/ Warren 0. Griffin,
Pilot, 0751962
The ship went up about 100 feet over on its belly and then down in a spin.
Just before the ship started to spin I notised one chute. The right wing was
on fire and broke off, about that time it exploded and probably caused the ex-
plosion of the entire aircraft. I noticed three more chutes came out almost
simultaneously with the explosion, one vas on fire. The explosion of the ship
may have blown the other three men clear. The remains were all over the sky
and burning.
/3/ Theodore F. Solomon
S Sgt, Ball furret Gunner
I saw the ship fall off to the right of the formation with his right wing
tip shot off, he went into a spin, I saw four men bail out of the ship but did
not see the plane crash.
/s/ Aaron B. Roberts
Tail Gnr.
From the tail position in 077, I saw Lt. Schild's plane pass by our tail.
Just before his plane started its dive, one man bailed out, probably from
the waist or tail. Then the plane went into a dive, going straight down about
a thousand feet from the ground, the plane exploded bursting intoseveral
pieces. At the same time of explosion I saw. three or four white specs but
could not distinguish whether they were chutes or clouds.
/s/ Farron E. Jones,
Tail Gnr, Pvt.
A true copy:
ELLIS L. BURNS, JR.
CWO, USA,

AFPPA-14
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
File 11543
Name of crew member:
SOMILD, Milliam a.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0-690259
Position: Crew (Bomber)
or
Pilet
Did he bail out? No
Where?
If not, why not' ? T think the plane went into itspint. prick.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane: Reveired
or ders to bail out.
Was he injured? I don't think so.
Where was he when last seen?
Before tareet by me
Any
hearsay information: I believe that Lt Freiberger
was injured which probably als had something
to do with his net petting cut. However sp.t
Erlinger, our engineer, shoult Know more about that
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
I believe he went down w ith the plane
In d was buried by the I talian Farmers
Total number of missions of above crew m-mber:
?
Dates and destinations if possible:
7
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-I
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Your name Ro b bert E Denison
Rank 5/39t Serial No. 31279674
483-derf
sisBs
2. Organization ENE Gp Commander -
Rank
-
Sqn CO
Rank
(full name)
(full name)
3. What 1944
year
month Jan
day 22
did you go down?
4. What was the mission,
21
, target,
, target
time,
,altitude,
route scheduled,
,route , flown
5. Where were you when you left formation?
6. Did you bail out? yes
7. Did other members bail out? Yes - 6
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, suya "No Knowledge".
9.
Where did your aircraft strike the ground? Pianoro - Hills
10. What members of your crew were in t'ie aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and indiv dual questionnaires) Lt Shill
Lt Freiberger,
positive of 1.7 EKdidge
sgt Eldridge (am not
11. Where they in aircraft? Pilot Comp(s) tail (1)
were
12. What was their condition?
?
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already des-
cribed above?
all but 4 are liberated These Four
I didn't see.
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Indicate source of information.
Sgt Spracher's chute didn't open, sgt Ryan, another
crew member saw him on the ground
From in formation lettened from Ilalian Farmers and
partisian; we believe that the Four dead are buried
allin one place, in Pionoro I w could like to Know if
you ever disovered These graves
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862, AF

AFPPA 11-
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
11543
Name of crew member:
SONTLD, milliam 0.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0 -690259
Position: Crew (Bomber) or Piles
Did he bail out?
No
Where?
If not, why not? Staved in plane helping co-pilot and plane then went in spin.
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Gave order to boil out.
Was he injured?
no
Where was he when last seen?
In cockpit
Any hearsay information:
Donohue thought Freiburger was wounded and
Schild tried to help him.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Heard from Italian Peasants that he was removed from wrecked
plane and buried in nearby cemetary.
Total number of missions of above crew member: 19
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRS
File 11543
Name of crew member: FREIBERGER, Gene F.
Rank:
2nd Lt.
Serial number:
0-759216
Position: Crew (Bomber) Co-Pilot
Did he bail out?
no
Where?
If not, why not?
Beli eved wourided, not enough time as plane went in spin
Last contact or conversation just prior to'or at time of loss of plane:
Was he injured?
Believed to be
Where was he when last seen?
Cockpit
Any hearsay information:
Donshue thought Freiburger was wounded.
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Heard from Italian Peasants that he was removed from wreoked
plane and buried in nearby cemetary.
Total number of missions of above crew nember:
18
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
782e 11543
Name of crew member:
n.
Rank:
Serial number:
14168663
Position: Crew (Bomber)
Did he bail out?
no knowledge
Where?
If not, why not?
no knowledge
Last contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Answered crew call approximately three minutes before bail out order
given, was allright then.
Was he injured?
no knowledge
Where was he when last seen?
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
Heard from Italian Peasants that he was
statement buried in nearby cemetary.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
Approximately 6
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

-AFPPA-11
INDIVIDUAL CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
rile 11903
Name of crew member:
Fromois G.
Rank:
s/agt,
Serial number:
Position: Crew (Bomber)
15397436
(Righten):
Ama. Gannes
Did he bail out?
Yes, but chute failed to open
Where?
Pianoro, Italy
If not, why not?
Lest contact or conversation just prior to or at time of loss of plane:
Pounded on ball turret to advise me of bail. out orders, thrim Saw him
80 out waist door.
Was he injured?
no
Where was he when last seen?
in waist bailing out
Any hearsay information:
Source:
Any explanation of his fate based in part or wholly on supposition:
After landing I saw Spragher on ground dead
Heard from Italian Peasants that he was buried in nearby cemetary.
Total number of missions of above crew member:
21
Dates and destinations if possible:
6-3861, AF

AFP 1-12
CASUALTY QUESTIONNAIRE
1.
Your name
John F. Hyan
Rank 1/s et Serial No 32563623
815 Sad
James V. Reardon
2. Organization 483 GPGp CommanderB arton
Rank Col. Sqn CO
Rank Lt. Uol.
(full name)
(full name)
3. What year 1944.
month
June
day
22nddid you go down?
4. What was the mission, Fornovo, Italberget, Marshalling Yards , target
time,
noontime
,altitude, 2:0000 feet
route scheduled,
?
, ,route flown
?
5. Where were you when you left formation? Vade Italy
6. Did you bail out?
Yes
7. Did other members of crew bail out?
Six
8. Tell all you know about wien, 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 knos, say: "No Knowledge". nison,Johnston, and 1
out through waist door Dekovich, Erlinger, Donohue our nose hatch
Rame time -- Same place
sidridie no knowledge Spragher ohute failed to open
9. Where did your aircraft strike the ground?
Pianaro, Italy
10. What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? (Should
cross check with 8 above and individual questionnaires) Freiburger, Schild
11. Where were they in aircraft?
Cockpit
12. What was their condition? both dead and badly burned
13. When, where, and in what condition did you last ses any members not already des-
cribed above?
Spragher's chute failed to open, saw him on pround
killed instantly
14. Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you
have knowledge. Inicate source of information.
none
(Any additional information may be written on the back)
6-3862. AF

CASUALTY REPORT FOR AGO
infean
Proparod by
MIS-X Soction
CPM Branch
DATE:
17 Oct 44
NARRATOR
: DONOBUE, John Las lst Lt.
SQUADRON
: 87.5th
ARMY SERIAL NO. : 0-1683520
GROUP
:
HOME ADDRESS : 115 Franklin Arlington. Mass.
TYPE AIRCRAFT : B-17
EX-REPORT NO. : None
DATE OF MISSION: 22 Jun 44
POSITION
MEMBERS OF CREW
PWIB RECORDS
PILOT
2ud Lt. W. Schild
KIA
CO-PILOT
2nd Lt. G. Preiberger
KIA
NAVIGATOR
2nd Lt. G. Dekovich
P/W
BOMBARDIER
lst Lt. John L. Donohue
Narrator
RADIO OPERATOR
T/Sgt. U. Johnston
ENGINEER
2/Sgt. L. Erlinger
P/N
ARMORER
s/Sgt. F. Denison
RD
ASS'T RADIO OPERATOR
s/Sgt. J. Ryan
RD
ASS'T ENGINKER
s/Sgt. (1) Spracher
KIA
ASS'T ARMORER
s/sgt. (:) Eldridge
KIA
KNOWN INFORMATION: The plane was on fire and the control completely shot away when I
bailed out at 24,000 feet on 22 Jun 1944 in the vicinity of the province of Piaworo,
Italy. The navigator, Lt. Dekovich, co-pilet, Lt. Freiberger and myealf were injured
previous to the pilot's order to bail out. The plane crashed in Gorgangano, a province
of Pianoro, Italy. The bodies of the pilot, Lt. Schild, the co-pilot, Li. Freiberger,
and the ass't armorer, S/Sgt. Eldribge, were buried in a Catholic semetery, near the
plane erash, S/Szt. Spracher bailed out, but his chute did not open. The Italian
peasants buried him 1dth the other three. s/sgts. Denison and Ryan were with me after
landing and returned to duty.
HEARSAY INFORMATION:
DISTRI BUTION:
AGO
-1
AC/AS (PERSONNEL) -1

KE 1475
Date and Time Aroraft
mas shot down
22 June 44 - 1215
Place of Crash
south of Bologna
Typa of Plane
Pertress
Reparting office
Air Fleet- Command 2
CAPPURED
NAE
BANK SERIAL NO WOUNDED PLACE OF
DEAD
ERL INGER
Leroy Jacob
T/ägt 17120888 captured Stalag-Laft 3
24 Nov 20
Beckemayor, n.
Bugene x.
2nd Lt 0-702909
9 June 22
Chieago, ILL
JOHNSTON
Vernon Hagh
T/Sg: 37421082
2 Nov 1é
Fort Dodge, Towa
Dulag-Luft, 3 July 44 We.