Memorial

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The airplane was attacked by a FW-190. Both wings burst into flames, right up to the fuselage. The aircraft veered to the left and started to go down, in a spin. Another Fw-190 attacked and the two fired until the plane exploded completely.

According to a statement of Sgt Ercole A. Maffey, gunner, who survived the crash, Anthony Salerno was hit by the first wave of enemy fighters, and fell to the floor of the waist. When the bail out order was given he was observed by the three men, who escaped through the waist door, lying on the floor with wounds in the leg, chest and head. He had no parachute on. He was still conscious and when offered assistance he said there wasn´t time, and to go on and leave him there. Because the plane was seen to explode soon after bail out, and because Sgt Salerno was in no condition to put on his parachute, it is believed he perished in the plane.

The other eight crew members bailed out and were taken prisoner.

Sgt Salerno was initially buried at the cemetery of Finow, Germany.