S/Sgt John Schomaker's 50th Mission! He bailed out late, thinking he would stand a better chance if they thought his shute did not deploy in time! Unfortunately, he broke both ankles, hitting the ground so hard.

B-25 C 42-64661 (321st BG) lost Nov 12, 1943. MACR 1602 - per B Haney: was lost over Italy but the crew got out as there was no KIA listed in the report (see Haskell in diary and journal folder for rescue story)

321st BG, 448th BS, War-Diary for November, 1943;

_**10 NOVEMBER, 1943; **_At one time a mission to Athens was called for 7 consecutive days, November 5 – 12 and when it finally did go the formation found it necessary to bomb the alternate target of Berat. While on this raid Lt. Haskell had both engines shot out but succeeded in making an excellent water landing. In the confusion preceding the landing two men S/Sgt. Hilton and S/Sgt. Schomaker bailed out and their chutes were seen to be floating down over Albania. It was Lt. DeMuth’s and S/Sgt’s Schomaker 50th mission. The five who stayed with the plane climbed aboard the raft without accident as the plane remained afloat almost three minutes. After six hours in the water they were picked up by an Italian sea plane and arrived at the squadron that evening little worse for their experience. S/Sgt. Hilton landed on the shore of Albania and was immediately hidden by the peasants. Two days later a British Walrus accompanied by two Spit Fires attempted a rescue, they were attacked by two ME-109’s and Sgt. Hilton was wounded in the leg and hand while attempting to board the Walrus. The Walrus was seriously damaged but a short time later another rescue plane succeeded in taking them off. Sgt. Schomaker was reported killed when his chute failed to open completely. DeMuth, Robert D., 2Lt, pilot Haskell, John D., 2Lt, pilot Hilton, Daniel H., Sgt, radio-gunner Schomaker, John W., S/Sgt, gunner ……………………………………

John W Schomaker