Assigned to 573BS, 391BG, 9AF USAAF. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Ahrweiler, Germany. Shot down by Fw190's 3 miles East of Ahrweiler. Last seen dropping behind formation with both engines smoking, gear down, going into spin, crashed. Killed in Action (KIA). MACR 11663.

Awards: AM (OLC), PH.

The heaviest losses sustained by the 391st Bombardment Group in a single operation occurred on 23 December 1944, after an attack on the railroad viaduct at Ahrweiler, Germany (11). Upon completion of the second bomb run, the formation was attacked by an estimated fifty to seventy-five FW-190s and Bf-109's. As a result, sixteen aircraft were missing in action, and the returning planes were badly battle-damaged. Despite the morning losses, all available aircraft flew on the afternoon of the same day against the communications center at Neuerberg, Germany, which was vitally important to the German forces fighting in the Ardennes Bulge. Interpretation of the strike photos credited the Group with destruction at the road intersection and with damage to three main highways leading into the intersection.

B-26 MARAUDER 42-107747

Assigned to 573BS, 391BG, 9AF USAAF. 51 x missions. Failed to Return (FTR) bombing mission to Ahrweiler, Germany. Shot down by Fw190's 3 miles East of Ahrweiler. Last seen dropping behind formation with both engines smoking, gear down, going into spin crashed. 1 x POW, 5 x KIA. MACR 11663.

Crew: Pilot 1Lt Clayton S Abraham[OR], Co-Pilot 2Lt Verne H Bovie, Bomb/Nav S/Sgt Woodrow Wilson[MD], Radio T/Sgt Flloyd R Lemon[OH], Eng S/Sgt Erik Christiansen[CA], Arm S/Sgt Melvin E Murphy[PA].