Memorial

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Cpl Ernest G. Liner:
“Before we got to the target we lost an engine due to flak (ground fire). On three engines, we could not keep up with the formation. After the bombs were dropped, we were attacked by four fighters, lost another engine and got more damage. One fighter came toward the tail, another from the side, and yet another from the underside. I shot the plane attacking our tail and it exploded. The fighter on the side killed Tomlinson and the ball turret gunner was hit, giving the German fighters two positions not covered. The next attacks came from above, and top gunner Peterson and I both were shooting at him and he was hit and bailed out. Then, I realized we were going down fast and our radio was shot out. I got out of my turret and went up into the waist and put on my parachute. Top gunner Peterson came down into the waist with his parachute on, and I had to move waist gunner Tomlinson's body from the escape door so we could get out. I opened the hatch and motioned for Peterson to go out, but he motioned for me to go! I realized that we had to get out, so I jumped. Peterson told me later, when he saw my chute open, he jumped, too.”