Memorial

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Sgt Joseph E. Moran worked in a machine shop.

He enlisted in the U.S. Air Corps at Fort Thomas, Kentucky on 17 October 1942.

- Eyewitness report of S/Sgt Kaari Halvorson 37281150 (Radio-Gunner):
'On 29 April 1944 we embarked on a bombardment mission; the target being Berlin, Germany. We bombed the target and upon returning from the same, near the coast of Germany we received a direct 20mm explosive bomb hit under the cockpit of the B-24 type airplane in which we were flying, causing a fire in the cockpit on the flight deck and setting at least one engine afire. The Bombardier, whose name was 2nd Lt Neidig, and the Nose Gunner whose name I do not know, because I had only been with this crew three or four times, were both in the nose section where the 20mm his was received. As this was an explosive shell it is very possible that they were both killed or seriously injured preventing them to bail out.'
Eyewitness report of 1st Lt Joseph G. Liebich, O-742435, pilot of A/C 42-94735: '
On the return trip from the target I saw two ships go down. One was piloted by Lt Ponge and the other piloted by Lt. Rogers. One ship which I believe to be Lt Ponge was attacked by fighters and shortly thereafter 8 chutes were seen to open. A/C was in steep vertical dive when last seen.'
2nd Lt William F. Ponge (Pilot), 2nd Lt Harold S. Neidig (Navigator-Bombardier), Sgt Thomas H. Hines (Left Waist Gunner), Sgt John A. Hill (Tail Turret Gunner), S/Sgt John R. O'Brien (Top Turret Gunner) and Sgt Joe E. Moran (Nose Turret Gunner) were Killed in Action.
2nd Lt Edward H. Snowbarger (Co-Pilot), S/Sgt Karl Halverson (Asst. Top Turret Gunner - ROM Gunner) and S/Sgt Henry H. Maynard (Right Waist Gunner) survived the crash.