Memorial

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Statement of 1st Lt Benjamin L. Partlon:

Statement of 1st Lt Benjamin L. Partlon, pilot of plane 44-6360:
'I saw plane # 6653, which was flying 1-3 position of the lead squadron, begin smoking on the left side. I could not determine whether the smoke was caused by one or both engines afire.
The plane continued in formation for about two minutes, and then flames shot back along the left side of the plane.
Immediately after this plane started a shallow diving turn to the right, and I saw one chute open at this time. The altitude was 27,000 feet.
I looked back at my own formation of a few seconds and when I looked back the plane was in a vertical spin, and parts of the plane were falling away. The plane was then lost to my vison.'
Statement of T/Sgt Charles L. McGorry, tail gunner of plane 44-6259:
'While we were over the city of Vienna I noticed that A/C # 44-6653 had a wing afire. It flew along in formation of several minutes and then dropped off to the left side. The Tail Gunner bailed out and his chute opened, and then started to spiral down. Then I saw three or four other chutes, which must have been delayed jumps. The plane then disappeared into the clouds, which was to the south of the target.'
Statement of 1st Lt Luther C. Heffron, navigator of plane 44-7640:
'I believe that plane # 6653 received a hit by flak in # 2 engine immediately after turning on the Initial Point. First I noticed smoke coming from the engine and then I saw fire along the trailing edge of the left wing. I saw one man jump from the waist door before the plane fell away to the left from the formation. When I last saw the plane it appeared to be still under control.'

Seven crew members survivied and were taken prisoner, three were killed. Their remains were initially buried a the cemetery of Andlersdorf, Austria.
Sgt Thomas was at the door ready to jump when he saw that the turret gunner was stuck. He went back to help him and at that moment the aircraft took a direct hit from flak.
His brother Vane served as a medic with the 6the infantry Division in the Pacific. He survived the war. On the photo with the two brothers, John is on the right. I was the last time they saw eachother.