Memorial

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Lt Earl W. Tautfest graduated from Craigmont High School. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1942 with a degree in soils and forestry. He was employed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Statement from Corporal Carl L. Taylor, crew member of another airplane in the same group:
"On 15 July 1944, our group was on a mission to bomb the target at Ploesti, Rumania. I was flying as nose turret gunner in the #3 position in the lead box of the first attacks unit. Lieutenant Colonel Snaith was flying ship #42-51153 in the lead position of the first attack unit. Over the target area there was intense and accurate flak. A second after bombs away I saw Lt Col Snaith's ship receive a direct flak hit in the bomb bay causing a big explosion in the ship. The ship immediately dropped under our plane and headed straight for the earth in a mass of flames. I saw no parachutes leave the aircraft. I was unable to see the ship hit the earth because of the smoke from the target."

The plane exploded before anyone could jump. Lt Col Snaith was blown out when the ship exploded and was the only survivor of the eleven crew members.

The crew for this flight was formed with members of different planes within the bomber group and came from different squadrons.