20th Century

1945 — July 23, USAAF B-24 engine fire/separation, crash, Tarskavaig, Isle of Skye, Scotland–14

lornajarrettblanchard July 23, 1945

Compiled 12-24-2023 by Wayne Blanchard for: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–14 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF B-24 carrying soldiers to US engine fire, crash, Isle of Skye.

–14 Clark. “B-24H Liberator 41-29369 of the USAAF crashed near Tarskavaig…” 8-5-2016.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 108:

“Date: Monday 23 July 1945

“Time: 12:45

“Type: Consolidated B-24H-15-CF Liberator

“Owner/operator: United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)

“Registration: 41-29369

“MSN: 468

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 14 / Occupants: 14

….

“Location: Tarskavaig, Isle of Skye – United Kingdom

“Phase: En route

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: RAF Valley (EGOV)

“Destination airport: Meeks Field, Keflavik (BIKF) [Iceland]

“Narrative:

“The aircraft was used to fly soldiers back to the U.S. from Europe. This was an original 467th Aircraft, it served from April to September with a total of 38 missions. When the aircraft was nearing the southern end of the Isle of Skye the port outer engine (nr.1) caught fire. When the aircraft crossed the coast the port wing outboard of the No.1 engine broke away. As the wing fell it struck the tail section causing it to separate from the aircraft before the plane dived into a hilltop and exploded, killing all those onboard.”

Clark: “41-29369 was one of many aircraft that following the end of the war in Europe was being used to take aircrews back to the United States. The aircraft were typically approaching the end of their useful lives but only had to make it across the Atlantic. The aircraft had taken off from RAF Valley on Anglesey bound for Meeks Field on Iceland. When the aircraft nearing the southern end of the Isle of Skye the port outer engine caught fire, it would appear that the fire could not be brought under control as when the aircraft crossed the coast the port wing outboard of the No.1 engine broke away. As the wing fell it struck the tail section causing it to separate from the aircraft before the plane dived into a hilltop and exploded, killing all those onboard. An attempt had been made to escape the aircraft as one of the escape hatches was found with the release mechanism having been used….”

Clark provides names of crew and passengers, all of whom died, as follows:

William H. Bell 1^st Lieutenant Pilot

Theodore E. Lundell 1^st Lieutenant Co-pilot

Albert L. Harmonay 1^st Lieutenant Navigator

Svend E. Hansen Technical Sergeant Engineer

Robert R. Bisbing Staff Sergeant Radio Operator

Edward Grzesiek Flight Officer Passenger

George W. Baker Flight Officer Passenger

Stephen A. Fenwick Flight Officer Passenger

Marvin Fleak Flight Officer Passenger

Arthur A. Vogel 2^nd Lieutenant Passenger

Eldon E. Eads Flight Officer Passenger

Edward J. Ruszala Flight Officer Passenger

Wilbur L. Titus Flight Officer Passenger

Newton D. Stanley Flight officer Passenger

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 108. USAAF B-24 carrying soldiers to US engine fire/separation hitting tail, crash, Tarskavaig, Isle of Skye, Scotland, 23 July 1945. Accessed 12-24-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/77757

Clark, Alan. “B-24H Liberator 41-29369 of the USAAF, assigned to BAD 2, Warton, crashed near Tarskavaig on the Isle of Skye, 23^rd July 1945 whilst flying from RAF Valley to Meeks Field on Iceland.” Peak District Air Accident Research, 8-5-2016. Accessed 12-24-2023 at: https://www.peakdistrictaircrashes.co.uk/crash_sites/scotland/consolidated-b-24h-41-29369-tarskavaig/

20th Century

1945 — July 18, USN PB4Y-2 Privateer missing, training flight, out of NAS Miami, FL–15-17

lornajarrettblanchard July 18, 1945

Last edit Dec 1, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–17 Baugher. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (50360 to 60009). 10-27-2011 rev.

–17 Forgotten Props, Warbirds Resource Group Site. “Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer.”

–15 Aviation Archaeology Investigation & Research. “PB4Y USN Aircraft Airframe History List.”

–15 Port Arthur News, TX. “15 Men Feared Lost on Missing Navy Bomber.” 7-20-1945, p. 7.

–15 VPNavy.org. U.S. Navy Patrol Squadrons. “VP-4 Mishap…1940’s”

Blanchard note: We employ a death-toll range of 15-17 deaths based on usually reliable sources. Joseph Baugher, who notes 17 deaths, is a generally reliable source. VPNavy.org, which notes 15 deaths, is also a generally reliable source.

Narrative Information

Aviation Archaeology Investigation & Research: “59642 PB4Y-2….Missing….FL, Nas Miami, at sea off….took off from NAS Miami, navigation flight, last reported position 24-47N X 74-38W, plane & (15-missing), Loss date 18 Jul 1945; Stricken 31 JUL 1945.” (AAIR. “PB4Y USN Aircraft Airframe History List.”)

Baugher: “Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer….59642 (VB-4) went missing on training flight out of NAS Miami, FL Jul 18, 1945. 17 crew missing.” (Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy…Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (50360 to 60009). 10-27-2011 revision.)

Forgotten Props, Warbirds Resource Group Site. Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer/Bu. 59642:

“(VPB-4) went missing on training flight out of NAS Miami, FL Jul 18, 1945. 17 crew missing.”

VPNavy.org: “18 JUL 45 A/C: PB4Y-2…. Location: NAS Miami Strike: No BUNO: 59642 Cause: Navigation training. Take-off was from Master Field, Nas Miami, Fl., at 0026, with an ETA of 1026 at Master Field. Routine position reports were received at Nas Miami from subject aircraft at 0110, 0210, and 0255; the last 0255 report giving planes position as 24-47N X 74-38W; this was the last message received by this station.

Two Nas Miami PB4Y aircraft who were both on 10hr flights and were apparently in the same area stated that visibility and overall weather was good. Flight was base (Miami) to 25-55N X 76W to 21-09N X 69-50W to 22-04N X 69-10W to 25-50N X 76W to base. Extensive search was conducted with negative results. “Strike” Crew, passengers and plane missing:

Pilot Lt. C. M. Bailey USNR,

Ens. P. E. Mattingly A-V(N) USNR,

Ens. F. W. Takkunrn A-V(N) USNR,

Lt(jg) R. H. Bower A-V(N) USNR,

AMM2c M. J. Meola USNR,

ARM2c Carl Clifton Harlan USNR,

AMM2c C. S. McGowan USNR,

ARM3c D. G. McLaughlin USNR,

AOM2c F. M. Carroza USNR,

AOM3c D. R. Strong USNR,

ARM3c P. Kreple USN,

ARM1c D. Bradley USNR, and

3/missing. [totals 15]

(VPNavy.org. U.S. Navy Patrol Squadrons. “VP-4 Mishap…1940’s”)

Newspaper

July 20: “Miami, Fla., July 20 (INS). – Fifteen men were believed lost on a four-engined PB-4-Y2 Navy plane which failed to return to its Miami base after a training flight, the Miami Naval Air station announced today.

“Surface craft and aircraft of the U. S. Navy and of Britain Navy units stationed in the Bahamas took part in a prolonged and extensive search over the Atlantic ocean east of Miami after the plane was listed as missing.

“At the controls was Lt. Cullen William Bailey, USNR. His mother, Mrs. Georgia Bailey of New York City, was visiting in Miami Beach at the time. Others aboard the plane included Donald Bradly, S-1C, Dallas, Tex. The plane was a Privateer which is the Navy’s single-tailed version of the Army’s Liberator.” (Port Arthur News, TX. “15 Men Feared Lost on Missing Navy Bomber.” 7-20-1945, 7.)

Sources

Aviation Archaeology Investigation & Research. “PB4Y USN Aircraft Airframe History List.” Accessed 11-29-2011 at: http://www.aviationarchaeology.com/src/USN/PB4Y.htm

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Third Series (50360 to 60009). Oct 27, 2011 revision. Accessed at: http://www.joebaugher.com/navy_serials/thirdseries6.html

Forgotten Props, Warbirds Resource Group Site. Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer. “Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer/Bu. 59642. Accessed 12-1-2023 at: http://www.forgottenprops.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/pb4y-privateer.html

Port Arthur News, TX. “15 Men Feared Lost on Missing Navy Bomber.” 7-20-1945, 7. Accessed at: http://www.newspaperarchive.com/FullPagePdfViewer.aspx?img=43348106

VPNavy.org. U.S. Navy Patrol Squadrons. “VP-197 Mishap, 1940’s.” Accessed 12-4-2011 at: http://www.vpnavy.org/vp197_mishap.html

20th Century

1945 — July 17, USAAF B-17 AP approach crash at night, heavy rain ~Smoky Hill AAB, Salina, KS–10

lornajarrettblanchard July 17, 1945

Last edit Dec 2, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–10 AP. “Topekan is 10^th Victim of B-17 Crash.” The Emporia Gazette, KS, 7-18-1945, p. 1.

–10 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, p. 1135.

Narrative Information

Baugher: “42-38084/38213….Douglas-Long Beach B-17G-30-DL Fortress….38142 (MSN 8928)….247^th Base Unit (Operational Training Unit), Smoky Hill Field, Salina, KS. Crashed in bad weather two miles northeast of Smolen, KS, 17Jul45.”

Mireles: “At 0220 CWT, a Boeing B-17F crashed two and one-half miles south of Smoky Hill Army Air Base, Salina, Kansas, killing ten crewmembers and seriously injuring three others…. The airplane had taken off at about 2315 CWT (7-16-45) from Selman Field, Monroe, Louisiana, and was returning to Smoky Hill Army Air Base after having completed an administrative flight to Maxwell Field, Montgomery, Alabama. The airplane arrived in the area of Salina at about 0200 and encountered a line of severe thunderstorms, which contained heavy rain and abundant lightning. Investigators stated,

“When over the city of Salina at 1,800 feet, the pilot called the Control Tower and gave his altitude and position and requested transportation for [13] men. The Tower operator answered, giving the pilot the 0130 weather at Salina. Immediately afterward the pilot called the tower and stated that he had the runway lights in sight and was making an approach to land. At this time the Tower operator contacted Weather, requesting the current weather, as it was apparent that the 0130 weather [did not reflect the] the true conditions. He also requested the weather to see about closing the field. The pilot then reported that he was not quite lined up with the runway due to heavy rain and was ‘going around.’ The Weather Station then contacted the Tower operator and [closed the field]….Tower operator attempted to contact the pilot to inform him that the field was closed. No contact could be made. At this time the ceiling was 200 feet, visibility one-quarter mile with very heavy rain and severe lightning.

“A few minutes later Tower operator saw a faint glow, which appeared to be about two miles south of the field and reported it over the crash alarm system….Upon questioning the pilot later, he stated that everything appeared normal until a blinding flash appeared, which he thought was lightning. This was the last thing the pilot remembers until after the crash. From investigation at the scene of the crash and from statements of surviving personnel, it is the opinion of the Accident Classification Committee that the pilot, after starting his go-around and while making a shallow turn to the left, either became blinded or was struck by lightning, causing him to lose control. The left wing tip hit the ground, then the number-one propeller, then number-two propeller, fairly evenly spaced, bearing out the fact that the airplane apparently hit in a fairly flat position. After this initial contact the aircraft continued in a slight left bank and disintegrated, with the main body of the wreckage coming to rest on the Missouri Pacific Railroad tracks.” (Quoted in Mireles 2006, p. 1135.)

Newspapers

July 17 (AP): “Salina, Kas., July 17 – (AP) – A four engine plane, identified as a B-17 from the Smoky Hill army air field here, crashed on the Missouri Pacific right-of-way 3 miles south of the base at 3 a.m. today. No information was released immediately on the number of fatalities. Col. William J. Bohnaker, commandant of the field, said names of the victims would be withheld until next of kin have been notified.” (Associated Press. “Crash Near Salina.” The Sedalia Democrat, 7-17-1945, p. 1.)

July 18, AP: “ Salina, July 18 (AP) – Second Lt. M. W. Dawson, husband of Mrs. Louis Dawson, Topeka, died today, the 10^th victim of the crash of a B-17 bomber from the Smoky Hill Army air field three miles south of the base Tuesday [July 17].” (Associated Press. “Topekan is 10^th Victim of B-17 Crash.” The Emporia Gazette, KS, 7-18-1945, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Crash Near Salina.” The Sedalia Democrat, 7-17-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-2-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/sedalia-democrat-jul-17-1945-p-1/

Associated Press. “Topekan is 10^th Victim of B-17 Crash.” The Emporia Gazette, KS, 7-18-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-2-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/emporia-gazette-jul-18-1945-p-1/

Baugher, Joseph F. 1942 USAAF Serial Numbers (42-30032 to 42-39757). April 10, 2023 revision. Accessed 12-2-2023 at: http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1942_2.html

Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

20th Century

1945 – July 14, USAAF TB-25C engine-related plane crash, 1 mile NW of Weldon, TX– 11

lornajarrettblanchard July 14, 1945

Last edit Dec 2, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–11 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1134.

Narrative Information

Mireles: “At 1119 CWT, a North American TB-25C suffering apparent engine trouble while flying in instrument conditions crashed one mile northwest of Weldon, Texas, killing 11 passengers and crew. The airplane took off at 1025 CWT from Esler Field, Alexandria, Louisiana, on an administrative flight to Temple Army Air Field, Temple, Texas. The Accident Classification Committee stated,

“Shortly after 1100 CWT the aircraft was observed over Stumpville, Texas, a village about 25 miles northeast of Madisonville, Texas, on the highway to Austonio, Texas, coming out of a bank of clouds at an altitude of approximately 500 feet, heading in a southerly or southeasterly direction. Witnesses stated that the left engine was trailing grayish-blue smoke and emitting intermittent puffs of black smoke, and that the landing-gear was down and the bomb bay doors were open. At 1119 CWT, the aircraft crashed in a previously cultivated field about one mile northwest of Weldon, Texas, nine miles southeast of where it was first observed and approximately 16 miles southeast of its course.”

“Investigators noted that the ceiling in the area of the crash was approximately 600 feet agl with scattered thundershowers. It was speculated that the pilot was attempting an emergency forced landing and inadvertently flew the airplane into the ground. The airplane exploded into flames upon impact with the ground, scattering wreckage over an area of 400 yards.” (Mireles 2006, p. 1134.)

Baugher: “41-13039/13296 North American B-25C-1 Mitchell….13105 to TB-25C….crashed 1 mi NW of Weldon, TX Jul 14, 1945…” (Baugher, Joseph F. 1941 USAAF Serial Numbers (41-6722 to 41-13296. April 11, 2023 revision.)

Newspaper

July 14 (AP): “Weldon, Tex., July 14 (AP) – An Army airplane exploded and crashed during a heavy rainstorm a mile west of this central east Texas community Saturday, killing nine persons. Spectators reported the low-flying plane caught fire just before it exploded.” (Associated Press. “Army Plane Explodes in Storm, Killing Nine.” Albuquerque Journal, NM. 7-15-1945, p. 1.)

July 14 (UP): “Weldon, Tex., July 14 (UP) – Nine airmen were killed today when a B-25 medium bomber crashed and burned after exploding near here while on a routine training flight from Esler field, Alexandria, La., to the Temple (Tex.) Army airfield. Lt. Col. Roy P. Ward, commanding officer of the Bryan Army airfield at Bryan, Tex., said that a board of officers had been selected to investigate the crash. No names were announced.” (United Press. “Nine Army Airmen Killed in Crash.” Port Arthur News, TX. July 15, 1945, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Army Plane Explodes in Storm, Killing Nine.” Albuquerque Journal, NM. 7-15-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-2-2023: https://newspaperarchive.com/albuquerque-journal-jul-15-1945-p-1/

Baugher, Joseph F. 1941 USAAF Serial Numbers (41-6722 to 41-13296. April 11, 2023 revision. Accessed 12-2-2023 at: https://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1941_2.html

Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

United Press. “Nine Army Airmen Killed in Crash.” Port Arthur News, TX. July 15, 1945, p. 1.

Accessed 12-2-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/port-arthur-news-jul-15-1945-p-1/

20th Century

1945 — July 14, USAAF B-29 crash after takeoff, sandstorm? ~Kirtland Fld., Albuquerque NM–13

lornajarrettblanchard July 14, 1945

Last edit Dec 1, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13 Albuquerque Journal. “13 Kirtland Field Men Are Killed in Plane Crash.” 7-15-1945, p. 1.

–13 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1134.

Narrative Information

Mireles: “At 1630 MWT, a Boeing B-29 crashed just after take-off from Kirtland. Field, Albuquerque, New Mexico, killing 13 fliers and seriously injuring B-29 instructor ILL John P Shaw. The B-29 was scheduled to fly a routine instrument navigation flight to Davis-Monthan Field, Tucson, Arizona, and return. The airplane made a normal takeoff and began to climb away. Tower personnel observed that the starboard landing gear had remained in the down position after the nose wheel and port landing gear retracted. They alerted the pilot and he acknowledged. Tower personnel observed the airplane with binoculars until it disappeared into a sand storm that was approaching the area several miles distant. Minutes later the tower was alerted that the airplane had crashed. Investigators speculated that the airplane lost power in one or more engines after entering the sand storm. Witnesses on the ground observed the airplane flying at very low altitude just before the crash. Investigation revealed that the airplane had collided with a tall tree before slamming into the ground on the port wing in a tail-low attitude about 2,300 yards further on. The starboard wing hit as the airplane smashed through several trees, the airplane striking a drainage ditch 200 feet further on. The airplane smashed into the ditch and cart-wheeled, exploding into flames as it broke up.” (Mireles 2006, 1134.)

Newspaper

July 15: “Thirteen men were killed and one injured seven miles south of Albuquerque Saturday [14^th] in the crash of a B-29 Superfortress from Kirtland Field, it was announced by Col. Frank Kurtz, commanding officer.

“On a routine training flight, the plane crashed at 4:30 p.m., near the Santa Fe Railroad tracks. Col Kurtz said a board of qualified Army Air Forces officers has been appointed to investigate and determine the exact cause of the accident. Spectators who went to the scene of the crash expressed amazement at the destruction, and declared the wreckage from the huge plane was strewn over an area of several city blocks, in ‘thousands of parts.’….

“The plane, according to these reports, was traveling south, and evidently found itself in trouble and attempted a forced landing, but was torn apart. A telephone pole was sheared off and a fence was torn up. Spectators said….

“The dead and persons listed as next of kin:

First Lieut. Myron Seeder, 27…Easton, Pa.

Second Lieut. Wayne McKinney, 22…Newton, O.

Second Lieut. Richard Serensky, 20…San Francisco, Cal.

Second Lieut. Alfred J. Johnson, 27…Sausalito, Cal.

Second Lieut. James F. O’Brien, 20…Providence, R.I.

Flight Officer Jess Flower, 21…Albuquerque

Sgt. Loren R. Kargel, 23…Chrystal, N.D.

Cpl. Robert J. Wisneski, 20…Charleroi, Pa.

Cpl. Hergert H. Boger, 20…Wynnewood, Pa.

Cpl. Martin S. Kaye, 21…Bronx, N.Y.

Cpl. Roy S. Dupree, 19…Shreveport, La.

“….The names of two of the men killed were withheld by Kirtland Field pending notification of relatives.” (Albuquerque Journal. “13 Kirtland Field Men Are Killed in Plane Crash.” 7-15-1945, p. 1.)

Sources

Albuquerque Journal. “13 Kirtland Field Men Are Killed in Plane Crash.” 7-15-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-2-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/albuquerque-journal-jul-15-1945-p-1/

Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

20th Century

1945 — July 13, USAAF B-24 enters severe turbulence, crash, Southport, ~Panama City, FL–13

lornajarrettblanchard July 13, 1945

Last edit Dec 3, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF Consolidated B-34H Liberator crash 13 July 1945, FL.

–13 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1133.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 105 (42-94956):

“Date: Friday 13 July 1945

“Time: 10:30

“Type: Consolidated B-24H Liberator

“Owner/Operator: United States Army Air Force (USAAF)

“Registration: 42-94956

“MSN: 1721

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 13 / Occupants: 14

….

“Location: 12 miles NW Southport, Florida – USA

“Phase: en route

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport: Tyndall Field AAF, Florida

“Destination airport: return to same

“Narrative:

“Crashed. B-24H-20-FO, 42-94956 (c/n 1721) of the 2135th Base Unit, Tyndall Field, Florida, crashed due to bad weather 12 miles (19 km) NW of Southport, Florida. The crew of fourteen men were on a training mission when stormy weather was encountered. The co-pilot, Flight Officer Johnson, had left his seat to allow several of the men to take turns at the controls. After about 30 minutes, the instructor pilot decided the weather was concerning and began heading back to base. Flying at around 6,000 feet, a dark black thundercell was entered. Severe turbulence was encountered and the airplane began to shudder and vibrate. Co-pilot Johnson, still standing behind the seated men at the controls, began to fasten his parachute. The pilot began to lose control, and the B-24 went into a dive. Johnson shouted at the flight engineer to open the escape hatch, but because of centrifugal forces, he could not open it. He then shouted for the bomb bay doors to be opened. He made his way to the bomb bay and bailed out. Ground witnesses saw the bomber come out of the clouds and zoom close to the ground and then climb back up into the clouds, where it then stalled and fell back in a spiraling descent and crash into the ground. Flt. Off. Johnson was the only member of the crew to escape.

“Killed were:

2nd Lt. Paul R. Snyder, O2061531, IN, Pilot
Flt. Off. Franklin G. Osterman, T-068120, PA, B-24 student pilot
S/Sgt. Robert E. Hill, 35375403, WV, Gunnery Instructor
Sgt. Ray E. Bollman, 16018640, IL, Flight Engineer Instructor
Cpl. Herrell C. Askew, 34451853, NC, Gunner
Cpl. Winford T. Gaskins, 34790206, IA, Gunner
Cpl. John S. Hindman, 13190254, PA, Gunner
Cpl. Donald E. Horton, 34923996, AR, Gunner
Cpl. Jack D. Howe, 15345198, IN, Gunner
Cpl. John L. Huebner, 15345198, MN, Gunner
Cpl. Norman G. Kamsch, 33899242, MD, Gunner
Cpl. Eddie L. Keeffe, 14193872, SC, Gunner
PFC Donald W. Nelson, 37300010, ND, Flight Engineer.”

Mireles: “At 1030 CWT, a Consolidated B-24H crashed at Southport Bay 25 miles southwest of Tyndall Field, Panama City, Florida, killing 13 crewmembers. Co-pilot F/O Gene P. Johnson was able to parachute to safety, suffering only minor injuries…. The aircraft took off at 0800 CWT from Tyndall Field on a gunnery mission. Investigators stated,

“After take-off, aircraft was climbed to 6,000 feet. After completion of the mission, pilot asked the co-pilot to leave the right seat. He then moved a gunnery student into the right seat, permitting him to handle the controls. This lasted for about 20 minutes. Pilot then moved another student in the right seat. The pilot then began to fly through weather that existed at 1000 CWT, giving the students instructions on using the flight instruments. Weather at this time was six to eight tenths cumulus with build-ups to 8,000 feet. Most of the clouds were rain clouds. A stratus layer was about 9,000 to 10,000 feet.

At approximately 1020 CWT, pilot decided to return to Tyndall Field and by use of radio aids picked up a heading back to base. There was a line squall between aircraft and base. By making a deviation to the right of five degrees to ten degrees, pilot headed for the blackest cloud in the squall. According to survivor, a 35-degree correction to the left and weather could have been avoided. As soon as the aircraft entered the cloud, pilot, flying in the copilot’s seat, caged the artificial horizon. Evidently to prove to the gunner that it was possible to fly actual instruments with only basic instruments. Survivor stated that turbulence was severe.

The first indication of trouble was that the aircraft began to shudder. Pilot began to lose control. Evidently aircraft went into a spiral, and began to descend at a rate of 2,500 feet per minute. At this time F/O Johnson reached down, shook the co-pilot and told everybody to snap on their parachutes. There were eight men on the flight deck. F/O Johnson was standing between pilot and copilot’s seat. The engineer was sitting in a position so that he blocked the exit to the bomb bay. F/O Johnson tried to get the engineer to open the escape door into the bomb bay. Centrifugal force was so great that the engineer could not move. Evidently the aircraft zoomed because the centrifugal force was lessened for a moment. At this time the engineer threw open the door. The engineer, another enlisted man and F/O Johnson were thrown through the door into the bomb bay. The bomb bay doors came open but F/O Johnson does not know who opened them. He snapped the other ring of his parachute and bailed out without leg straps fastened. According to witnesses who were fishing near the scene of the accident, the aircraft emerged from a cloud in a dive then pulled up into a steep climbing turn to the left. Re-entered the cloud and when it came into view again it was in a spiral to the right. Aircraft spiraled for about 120 degrees to the right then fell off into a spin making two turns before striking the ground. Aircraft disintegrated and burned upon impact. Witnesses saw no smoke or falling parts. Engines seemed to be at full throttle.” (Quoted in Mireles 2006, 1133.)

Newspaper

July 15, Panama City News Herald: “Col. Walter W. Ross, commanding officer of Tyndall Field, yesterday identified the 13 crewmen of a four-engined bomber who were killed when the huge plane crashed during a routine training flight Saturday. One man parachuted to safety when the accident occurred nine miles north of the city. He was not identified.

“The dead are:

Cpl. Eddie Leroy Keefe, 19…Orangeburg, S.C.

Cpl. George N. Kamsch, 19…Baltimore.

Pfc. Donald William Nelson, 26…North Fargo, N.D.

Cpl. Donald E. Horton, 22…Forrest City, Ark.

Cpl. John S. Hindman, 19…Franklin, Penn.

Cpl. Jack Duane Howe, 19…Los Angeles

T Sgt. Robert E. Hill, 25…Triadelphia, W.V.

Cpl. John J. Huebner, 19…Minneapolis

Sgt. Eray Edward Bollman, 26…Pittsfield, Ill.

F.O. Franklin Gilbert Soterman, 20…Pittsburgh, Penn.

Second Lt. Paul Robert Snyder, 23…Fort Wayne, Ind.

Cpl. Herrell C. Askew…Burlington, N.C.”

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 105. USAAF Consolidated B-34H Liberator crash, 12M NW of Southport, FL, 13 July 1945. Accessed 12-3-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/101015

Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

20th Century

1945 — July 10, USN PBM-3C plane missing, last contact off Providence Isl. Bahamas– 12

lornajarrettblanchard July 10, 1945

–12 Aviation Safety Network. US Navy PBM-3C missing, last contact near Providence Island.

–12 Baugher. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Second Series (5030 to 7303). 3-13-2023 revision.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 104:

“Date: Tuesday 10 July 1945

“Type: Martin PBM-3C Mariner

“Owner/Operator: VPB-3 OUT US Navy

“Registration: 6545

….

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 12 / Occupants: 12

“Aircraft damage: Aircraft missing

“Location: off Great Exuma Island, Bahamas – Atlantic Ocean

“Phase: Unknown

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport:

“Destination airport:

“Narrative: Last position call was near providence island

Went missing on radar patrol flight to Great Exuma Island, Bahamas.”

Baugher: “….Martin PBM-3C Mariner….6545 (MSN 2998) assigned to VPB-2 OUT#3 at NAS Banana River, FL went missing Jul 10, 1945 on radar patrol flight to Great Exuma Island, Bahamas. 12 crew missing. There was an extensive search for 21 days but it was called off….”

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 104. US Navy PBM-3C missing, last contact near Providence Island, Bahamas, July 10, 1945. Accessed 12-23-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/77390

Baugher, Joseph F. US Navy and US Marine Corps BuNos Second Series (5030 to 7303). 3-13-2023 revision. Accessed 12-23-2023 at: http://joebaugher.com/navy_serials/secondseries2.html

20th Century

1945 – July 22, USAAF B-24M engine problem, crash, James River ~Newport News, VA-11

lornajarrettblanchard July 9, 1945

Last edit Nov 30, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–11 Aviation Safety Network. USAAF B-24M Liberator crash 3M W Newport News VA.

–11 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, 1138.

Narrative Information

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 107 (44-51522):

“Date: Sunday 22 July 1945

“Time: 15:08

“Type: Consolidated B-24M Liberator

“Owner/operator: United States Army Air Forces (USAAF)

“Registration: 44-51522

“Fatalities: Fatalities: 11 / Occupants: 11

….

“Location: 3M W off Newport News, BA – USA

‘Phase: En route

“Nature: Military

“Departure airport Langley Field, Hampton, VA

“Destination airport: Return to same

“Narrative:

“Crashed. B-24M Liberator #44-51522, with the 3539 Base Unit. The bomber had taken off from Langley Field, near Hampton, Virginia for a mock bombing training flight to Mulberry Island.

“The flight was observed at about 4,000 feet, heading in a northerly direction when an explosion was heard and smoke began pouring out of the № 3 and № 4 engines. Witnesses observed wing panels falling to earth. The plane entered a cloud and when it came back into sight, it had turned around and was dropping fast. The B-24 came down into the James River, with wings level, and entered the water about three miles west of Newport News, Virginia.

“Two more explosions were heard after the aircraft impacted the water.

“All eleven airmen aboard were killed:

2nd Lt. Raymond L. Ferriman, Pilot
2nd Lt. Rosario Ferlita, O-838871, FL, Co-Pilot
2nd Lt. Donald E. Fisher, O2078760, NY, Navigator
Flt. Off. Frank C. DeMartino, T-134190, NY, Bombardier
1st Lt Charles L. Goerke, O-690559, IN, Bombardier Instructor
Flt. Off. William D. Showalter, T-138262, WV, Navigator
2nd Lt. Hugh E. Leonard, O-930337, CA, Navigator Instructor
S/Sgt. Ralph E. Forney, 35167109, IN, Flight Engineer Instructor
Sgt. Walter Brown, 31448500, RI, Radio Operator
Sgt. Keith T. Hansen, 36647118, IL, Flight Engineer
Cpl. Wesley Faulkner, 35464419, KY, Flight Engineer.”

Mireles: “At 1508, a Consolidated B-24M crashed into the James River three miles west of Newport News, Virginia, killing 11 crewmembers. The airplane took off from Langley Field, Hampton, Virginia, on a medium-altitude bombing mission at Mulberry Island. Investigators stated,

“[The airplane] was first observed at an estimated 4,000 feet at which time the engines were heard to be intermittently sputtering and then roaring. An explosion was also heard and flames were observed coming from engine number-three and engine number-four. Pieces of the aircraft were seen floating down in flames including a large section of wing panel. The aircraft entered a cloud on a north heading and when it reappeared was in a steep dive and turning right to a heading of south. The airplane entered the water with its wings level and two distinct explosions were heard. After the aircraft hit the water gas and oil burned for an hour. Since none of the aircraft’s engines or engine accessories have been recovered, it is impossible to determine definitely the cause of the accident. During the investigation there was definitive evidence of fire in the vicinity of the number-one engine.” (Quoted in Mireles 2006, p. 1138.)

Sources

Aviation Safety Network, Flight Safety Foundation, Database, 1945, p. 107. USAAF B-24M Liberator crash 3M W Newport News VA, 22 July 1945. Accessed 11-30-2023 at: https://aviation-safety.net/wikibase/101573

Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

20th Century

1945 — July 8, USAAF B-29 encounters thunderstorm/loses tail/crashes, 20M ~Pueblo AAB, CO–13

lornajarrettblanchard July 8, 1945

Last edit Dec 3, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–13 Assoc. Press. “Lightning Kills 13 Men in plane.” Somerset American, PA. 8-19-1945, 1.

–13 Mireles 2006. Fatal Army AF Aviation Accidents…US…, V3, Aug 1944-Dec 1945, p1129.

Narrative Information

Mireles: “At 1840 MWT, a Boeing B-29 flying in poor weather broke up in flight and crashed 20 miles southeast of Pueblo Army Air Base, Pueblo, Colorado, killing 13 crewmembers….. Investigators stated,

“B-29 #44-86315 was scheduled for combat training mission which consisted of bombing practice to be followed by 1,600 mile navigation training mission. The ship took off [from Pueblo Army Air Base] at 1613 MWT and returned to the base for a landing at 1749, with the bombing mission completed. At this time, two passengers, the instructor bombardier and the instructor radio operator, were let out of the airplane. The ship then took off at 1803 on its navigation mission. Approximately 37 minutes later [the airplane] crashed 20 miles southeast of Pueblo Army Air Base….

The ship had evidently gone on course for some time when it encountered a severe thunderstorm. Evidently the pilot did not attempt to enter this thunderstorm and changed course to bring him back in the vicinity of where he later crashed. By one witness, the airplane-was seen flying in a westerly direction with a heading of approximately 260 degrees and paralleling the front of the aforementioned thunderstorm. During the time this witness watched, the ship covered a distance of approximately five miles. The ship started into a turn to the left and at this time the only reliable witness stopped observing the airplane for a few seconds. When he looked back [at the airplane], it had completed approximately a 180-degree turn and at this time he noticed the tail was gone. The ship started into a dive of approximately 45 degrees to the ground and, on contact with the ground, exploded. At this time a huge ball of fire went into the air some 200 feet….[The airplane suffered the] failure of both outer wing sections at approximately 20 feet in from the wing tip; failure of the vertical stabilizer and rudder, horizontal stabilizer and elevators. Failure of these parts were induced by extreme turbulence when the airplane was being flown in the vicinity of a thunderstorm….The tail of the ship, less the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer was found approximately 300 yards west of the final impact. The outer wing panels were found approximately 500 yards west of the impact point. At the time of the crash there was a considerable amount of lightning in this vicinity.” (Quoted in Mireles 2006, p. 1129.)

Newspaper

July 9, AP: “Pueblo, Colo., July 9 – (AP) – Pueblo air base officials late today released identifications of 13 men killed yesterday in an explosion soon after takeoff of a Pueblo-based B-29 Superfortress, reportedly hit by lightning. There were no survivors. He dead included:

“1^st Lt. E. J. Fallon, instructor-navigator, Jersey City, N.J.

“2^nd Lt. L. C. Marshall, radar instructor, Curwensville, Pa.

“The plane blew up about 20 miles southeast of Pueblo. A rancher and his son told base authorities they saw lightning rip into the sky giant shortly after 6 p.m. and the ship exploded immediately.” (Associated Press. “Lightning Kills 13 Men in plane.” Somerset American, PA. 8-19-1945, p. 1.)

Sources

Associated Press. “Lightning Kills 13 Men in plane.” Somerset American, PA. 8-19-1945, p. 1. Accessed 12-3-2023 at: https://newspaperarchive.com/somerset-daily-american-jul-10-1945-p-2/

Mireles, Anthony J. Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 (Volume 3: August 1944 – December 1945). Jefferson, NC: McFarland and Co., 2006.

20th Century

1945 — July 8, U.S. Army guard machine-guns sleeping German POWs, Salina, UT — 9

lornajarrettblanchard July 8, 1945

Last edit Dec 3, 2023 by Wayne Blanchard for upload to: http://www.usdeadlyevents.com/

–9 Bagley. “History Matters: Few know of World War II massacre in Salina.” SLT, 11-27-2005.

–9 Blanco, Juan Ignacio. “Clarence B. Bertucci.” Murderpedia. Accessed 12-3-2023.

–9 Salt Lake Tribune. “Ninth German POW Dies.” 7-17-1945, p. 1.

–9 Wikipedia. “Utah prisoner of war massacre.” 11-28-2023 edit.

Narrative Information

Bagley: “….In July 1945, 250 German POWs were in Salina to help with the harvest. They were housed in wooden floored tents watched over by three guard towers….On July 7, after a full day of work in Salina’s beet fields, the Germans were marched back to their compound. Following the evening meal, they went to their tents to sleep. At midnight, the guard changed. Pvt. Clarence V. Bertucci climbed into the tower nearest the camp commander’s office….Bertucci waited a few minutes for the previous watch to find their beds. Then he opened an ammunition box containing a belt of 250 bullets, slapped the belt securely into the tower’s machine gun, and swung the loaded weapon toward the tents of sleeping POWs. Thirty seconds after pulling the trigger the belt was exhausted. Nine POWs were killed….” (Bagley, Pat. “History Matters: Few know of World War II massacre in Salina.” Salt Lake Tribune, 11-27-2005.)

Wikipedia: “….The victims were buried with full military honors at the Fort Douglas Cemetery. Wounded prisoners were sent back to Germany after they were healthy enough to travel. After the massacre, Bertucci was taken into custody with minimal resistance. He was evaluated for a few weeks, before doctors determined that he was “mentally unbalanced”. Military officers forwent a court-martial on account of insanity and he was sent to Mason General Hospital in New York for an undisclosed amount of time.[1] The Midnight Massacre is remembered for being “the worst massacre at a POW camp in U.S. history”. A museum was opened at Camp Salina in 2016.”

“The victims were:

Otto Bross (b. 16 November 1919), Pforzheim, age 25, single

Ernst Fuchs (b. 19 January 1921), Kirchbert, Rhein-Hunsruck, age 24, single

Gottfried Gaag (b. 3 June 1916, Nordrhein-Westfalen), age 29, single

Georg Liske (b. 16 August 1913), age 31, wife Antonie Liske

Hans Meyer (b. 29 August 1920), age 24, single

Adolf Paul (b. 5 February 1917), age 28, single

Fritz Stockmann (b. 23 January 1921), age 24, single

Walter Vogel (b. 17 December 1912), Rossach, Franconia, wife Emma Vogel

Friedrich Ritter (b. 13 November 1896) died of his wounds five days later, age 48, wife

Berta Ritter.

(Wikipedia. “Utah prisoner of war massacre.” 11-28-2023 edit.)

Newspapers at the time

July 8, SLT: “Salina, July 8 – Eight sleeping German prisoners of war were killed and 20 others wounded, eight of them seriously, Sunday at 12:25 a. m. when an American soldier standing in a guard tower above their tents sprayed the camp with three bursts of machine gun fire. The soldier, identified as Pvt. Clarence V. Bertucci, 24, New Orleans, La., was being held for investigation by officers of the Ninth service command. Col. Arthur J. Ericsson, commanding officer of the army service forces prisoner of war camp at Ogden, who conducted the day-long investigation at the branch camp at Salina, said findings and action on the soldier pended medical and mental examinations. Questioning Sunday uncovered no apparent cause for the attack.

250 Bullets Shot Into 30 Prisoner Tents

“According to Lt. Albert I. Cornell, branch camp commander, the first burst of fire occurred approximately one-half hour after Bertucci had gone on guard duty. The two other bursts followed immediately. Lying in the officers’ room, near the foot of the tower, Lt. Cornell jumped up, ran to the door at the first burst and seeing no disturbance ordered the soldier to cease firing. The three bursts from the 30-caliber light machine gun had emptied a complete clip of ammunition, 250 rounds. The slugs had penetrated 30 of the 43 tents in the prison camp and injured or killed 11 of them….

“Although the bursts lasted for only 15 seconds, the entire town of Salina, approximately three blocks from the camp, was aroused. Immediately upon cessation of the gunfire, Lt. Cornell assisted by Corp Delmire O. Butts, ran to the tower and put Bertucci under guard. Meanwhile, prisoners and soldiers at the camp, which has a population of 250 persons, began treatment of the injured and dying.

“After notification was given to A S F headquarters in Ogden and Ninth service command, the most seriously injured were taken, to the Salina hospital where they were treated by Dr. Rae E. Noyes and a staff of nurses. Ambulances and medical officers dispatched from AAF overseas replacement depot at Kearns, Fort Douglas and Tooele ordnance depot arrived and assisted in the emergency treatment before the prisoners were transferred to either Kearns hospital or Bushnell General hospital, Brigham City…..

“First Sgt. Hans Fertig, spokesman for the Germans, testified to army officers that until Sunday morning no threats or shots had ever been experienced at the camp….

“Pvt. Bertucci was described as dark, slender, intelligent and soft spoken. He joined the regular army in 1940 and although he spent eight months in England with a field artillery unit, he has never seen battle action. Before Sunday night he had been subjected to three disciplinary actions, once for being absent without leave, once for refusing guard duty and once for missing a train.

“Other officers and enlisted men at the camp said they could remember of no recent trouble between Americans or the prisoners. Col. Ericsson, through an interpreter, then expressed deep regret for the army and for himself for the incident. Fertig, answering for the prisoners, said he understood how one guard might run amuck, and asked the colonel to allow the prisoners Monday and Tuesday away from work. Col. Ericsson refused the request, saying he thought it better for the prisoners to be working than brooding over the attack in their tents. Fertig nodded assent and thanked the colonel when he informed him a prisoner delegation will be allowed to attend the funeral of their eight companions. The funeral will be held at Fort Douglas….” (Salt Lake Tribune. “Utah Camp Guard Kills 8 Nazis.” 7-9-1945, p. 1.)

July 10, Salt Lake Tribune: “Pvt. Clarence V. Bertucci, guard at the Salina branch German prisoner of war camp who sprayed the compound with 250 30-caliber machine gun bullets early Sunday, was being held under observation Monday in a medical ward at Ft. Douglas awaiting further action in the mass slaughter and wounding of sleeping prisoners. The death toll remained at eight, although several of the 20 wounded were in serious condition at AAF overseas replacement depot, Kearns, and Bushnell General hospitals. At the camp, the shocked prisoners and guards went about their usual routine of working in the beet fields….

“Under questioning Sunday, Pvt. Bertucci reportedly expressed neither regret nor pride in his act.

The investigation disclosed he spent the early part of the evening in Salina, drank a few glasses of beer; later, had a cup of coffee and reported back to the camp to go on guard duty at midnight,

apparently in a normal condition.

“After going to the tower it was necessary for him to insert the shell clip in the machine gun, as the weapons normally are not kept loaded. The ammunition belt was in the tower ready for loading in event of any sign of disturbance in the compound. Within 15 or 20 minutes after the guard went to the tower he criss-crossed the compound with the machine gun fire two or three times in three bursts. Thirty of the 43 tents were hit and men in 11 were killed or wounded. Sgt. Fertig was alone in a tent through which 15 slugs passed, but he escaped injury.

“Bertucci reportedly called out for more ammunition before he was escorted down by Corp. Delmire O. Butts, who, with Lt. Albert I. Cornell, camp commander, reached the foot of the tower at the approximate time the firing was over.” (Salt Lake Tribune. “Hospitalized POW Guard Waits Action by Army.” 7-10-1945, p. 1.)

July 17, SLT: “Death of one of the German prisoners of war wounded in the machine gunning of a branch camp compound at Salina July 8 was announced Monday by the Ninth service command public relations department. This raised the death toll to nine. The prisoner, Pfc. Friedrich Ritter, died last Friday afternoon at Kearns AAF overseas replacement depot hospital of peritonitis resulting from lung and abdominal gunshot wounds. Other wounded prisoners of war were reported to be recovering….” (Salt Lake Tribune. “Ninth German POW Dies.” 7-17-1945, p. 1.)

Sources

Bagley, Pat. “History Matters: Few know of World War II massacre in Salina.” Salt Lake Tribune, 11-27-2005. Accessed 4-17-2013: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_3256256?rss

Blanco, Juan Ignacio. “Clarence B. Bertucci.” Murderpedia. Accessed 12-3-2023 at: https://murderpedia.org/male.B/b/bertucci-clarence.htm

Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Hospitalized POW Guard Waits Action by Army.” 7-10-1945, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=90289241&sterm=german+salina

Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Ninth German POW Dies.” 7-17-1945, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=90289407&sterm=german+salina

Salt Lake Tribune, UT. “Utah Camp Guard Kills 8 Nazis.” 7-9-1945, p. 1. Accessed at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=90289219&sterm=german+salina

Wikipedia. “Utah prisoner of war massacre.” 11-28-2023 edit. Accessed 12-3-2023 at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_prisoner_of_war_massacre

[1] Juan Ignacio Blanco notes in Murderpedia, “Clarence B. Bertucci.” That Bertucci died in December 1969. Blanco was also unaware of how long Bertucci spent in the NY or any other mental hospitals.

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