Memorial

More information

1Lt Harsin volunteerd as a gunner on that flight. The plane was hit by anti-aircraft flak and crashed at Enger, Germany.

Statement form Norbert R. Timbers, 1st Lt., Air Corps:
"I was flying pilot in the No: 3 position, lead flight on 24 February 1945. Just before reaching the bomb release point I saw a burst of flak hit the right engine and right main auxilliary task of aircraft N.42-107576, capt. Hanish's plane. The plane immediataly caught fire veered off to the right and went down in a spiral dive. I followed the plane and saw the wing break off. I then lost sight of it. I saw no chutes."

Statement from Robert E. Ratliff, 17127806, T/Sgt, AAF:
"I was flying as radio gunner in the No. 3 position, on 24 February 1945. I was watching aircraft No. 42-107576, Capt Hanish's plane. I saw a burst of flak hit the left engine, and it caught on fire. The plane veered to the right and went down in a spiral dive. I saw the left wing break off and watched the aircraft until it crashed to the ground. I saw one chute leave the plane."

Statement from Clarence L. Martin, 1st Lt., Air Corps:
"I was flying as pilot, No. 4 position, lead flight, first box on 24 February 1945. About two or three minutes after the bomb run, Capt Hanish's aircraft No. 42-107576, received a burst of HFF in the right gas tank. As I passed him the flames from his plane burned my control surfaces off. Capt Hanish's aircraft began descending in a spiral. I saw no chutes."

Harold Harsin was buried as an unkown soldier in 1946, one year after his bomber, named the Piccadilly Willy, was shot down Feb. 24, 1945. His remains were indentified Feb. 2, 1949 and he was reburied in the cemetery in Margraten on July 19, 1949.