In a wooded location in the valley across from the town of Lovea.

An engraved wooden plaque wrapped in the airplane fuselage.

On April 4, 1945 twelve B-25 Medium bombers of the 380^th Bomber Squadron, 310^th Bomber Group, 57^th Bomber Wing based out of Ghisonaccia, Corsica  are returning from a mission to bomb the railroad bridges at Drauburg (Oberdrauburg), Austria.  While in formation, B-25 (43-27552) “Pretzel”, piloted by 1LT Frank S. Miller, came in contact with B-25 (43-27737) “Oklahoma Betsie” (Also known as just Betsie) piloted by 1LT Donald Oliver.  “Pretzel” with a damaged wing crashes immediately near Monte Zoncolan with complete loss of life. “Oklahoma Betsie” is also damaged, but pilot Oliver is able to manage to control the plane to allow some crew members to bail out.  “Oklahoma Betsie” crashed near Lovea, a neighborhood of the town of Arte Terme in Carnia; Pilot Oliver and 2 others perish in the crash. (Reference:  Missing Aircraft Reports {MACR} 13682 and 13685).  See this website:  B-25 “Pretzel” (43-27552) Crash Site Memorial for more on that aircraft.

Members of the Crew the B-25 “Oklahoma Betsie:

Pilot: 1LT./CAPTAIN Donald Eugene Oliver; O-824330; Mantua, Geauga Co., OH; KIA
*Co-Pilot: 2LT. Raleigh R. Palmer; O-784758; San Anselmo, CA; POW-RTD
*Navigator: F/O Stephen F. Speidel; T-128952; Richland Center, WISC; POW-RTD
Bombardier: 2LT. Thaine Alder Syfert; O-708059; Oklahoma City, OK; KIA
*Radio-Gunner: S/SGT. Walter E. Luckenbill; 35144847; North Manchester, Wabash County, IND; POW-RTD
Turret Gunner: S/SGT. Grady M. Shelton; 34775058; Mount Airy, Surry Co., NC; KIA
*Tail Gunner: S/SGT. Robert A. Adams; 16067521; Sterling, ILL; POW-RTD

* Survived

This site is difficult to find as it is in a remote location. Suggest visitors contact the Carnia Greeters (https://en.carniagreeters.it/home/) for assistance.

The text on the marker is written in Italian and reads:

4 APRILE 1945  ORE 15:55

 QUI

CADDE IL B 25 MITCHELL

OKLAHOMA BETSIE

PILOTATO DA COMMANDANTE

DONALD OLIVER (OHIO)

The translation on the marker in English is:

4 APRIL 1945  TIME 15:55

HERE

FELL A B-25 MITCHELL

OKLAHOMA BETSIE

PILOTED BY COMMANDER

DONALD OLIVER (OHIO)