Feb 44
History > Statistical Data > Missing Air Crew Reports
One of the lessons learned in 1943 by the Eighth Air Force was that control of the air space over the Continent was critical to air superiority. In February of 1944, the 8th Air Force staff decided to make a major push to gain air superiority by striking aircraft production plants, repair facilities, and German airdromes. A total of 15 missions were flown but the greatest losses came during "Big Week" starting on Feb 20th. The most costly strike so far had been against Brunswick, Germany on the 20th with 3 crews lost. Tragedy would strike 4 days later on the 24th when the 445th went to Gotha, Germany. The Germans put up everything they had and the flak enroute was murderous. The 445th lost 13 of 25 aircraft that day and was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation for pressing on to the target and scoring excellent in bombing accuracy. One gallant member of a crew stayed at his station although he was mortally wounded. 2nd Lt Arthur Barks was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) posthumously. Follow this link to read the account on a Gotha survivor.
MACR # | Date | Tail Number | Pilot | Cause |
2509 | 02 Feb 44 | 42-7523 | 2nd Lt Earle G. Metcalf | Engine hit by flak; 10 KIA |
2438 | 20 Feb 44 | 42-64439 | 2nd Lt Robert Q. Kiser | Shot down by fighters; 9 KIA |
2439 | 20 Feb 44 | 42-7569 | 1st Lt Stanley P. Neal | Shot down by fighters; 9 KIA |
2440 | 20 Feb 44 | 42-64434 | 1st Lt Alvin L. Owen Jr. | Shot down by fighters; 9 POW |
2550 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-7515 | 1st Lt Fred (nmi) Malen | Shot down by fighters; 9 KIA, 1 POW |
2551 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-7517 | 2nd Lt Thomas (nmi) Gray | Hit by flak and fighters; 9 KIA |
2552 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-7566 | 1st Lt William E. Shurtz | Shot down by fighters; 5 KIA, 4 POW |
2553 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-7567 | 2nd Lt Robert A. Blomberg | Shot down by fighters; 6 KIA, 4 POW |
2554 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-7579 | 1st Lt Alfred J. Looney | Shot down by fighters; 3 KIA, 6 POW |
2555 | 24 Feb 44 | 41-29117 | Capt Henry G. Bussing | Shot down by fighters; 1 KIA, 9 POW, 1 EVD |
2556 | 24 Feb 44 | 41-29130 | 1st Lt Sidney D. Swanson | Shot down by fighters; 5 KIA, 5 POW |
2557 | 24 Feb 44 | 41-29149 | 1st Lt Philip M. Costain | Shot down by fighters; 9 KIA, 1 POW |
2558 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-52364 | 1st Lt John A. Constable | Shot down by fighters; 8 KIA, 1 POW |
2559 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-64440 | 1st Lt William J. Desmond | Shot down by fighters; 6 KIA, 3 POW |
2560 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-100312 | 1st Lt David P. Skjeie | Hit by flak; 7 KIA, 2 POW |
2561 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-100335 | 1st Lt Peter T. Abell | Hit by flak and a rocket; 1 KIA, 8 POW |
2562 | 24 Feb 44 | 42-100374 | 1st Lt John J. Suitch | Hit by flak; 2 KIA, 7 POW |