B-24 (42-51187) Memorial (Operation Carpetbagger)
Details:
On the north side of the path.
A white plaque containing a commemoration message that is written in French in blue and printed letters. The Union Jack and the US flags are printed on the top corners of the plaque.
Though the plaque did not mention the plane’s name or registration number, it tells that two allied planes crashed in this place and 8 American aviators died in the plane crash. The 8 American aviators were all crew members of one plane which was the B-24 #42-51187. The B-24, flying from Base # 179, Harrington, crashed while supporting "Operation Carpetbagger", an operation to resupply the French Resistance and to drop OSS/SAS operatives behind enemy lines.
The crew members are as follows:
1Lt |
David Anthony |
Michelson |
Pilot |
2Lt |
Donald Clark |
Boyde |
Navigator |
S/Sgt |
William Joseph |
Hovanec |
Radio Operator |
S/Sgt |
Arnold |
Marinoff |
Gunner |
T/Sgt |
Duncan Locklin |
Patterson |
Mechanic/Gunner |
Lt |
John Portz Jr |
Shaw |
CoPilot |
2Lt |
Melvin |
Weiss |
Bombardier |
S/Sgt |
Enoch Kalsie Jr |
Wooten |
Left Waist Gunner |
Source of photos: Claude Dannau / www.aerosteles.net
Monument Text:
En ce lieu,
dans la nuit du 18 juillet 1944,
lors d'une opération de parachutage à destination
des maquis, deux avions alliés se sont écrasés.
8 aviateurs américains
périrent pour notre liberté.
Qu'ils en soient à jamais glorifiés.
English translation:
In this place,
on the night of July 18, 1944,
during a parachuting operation to
the French Resistance, two allied planes crashed.
8 American airmen
died for our freedom.
May they be glorified forever.
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
492nd Bomber Group
850th Bomber Squadron, 490th Bomber Group, Heavy
850th Bomber Squadron, 801st Bomber Group, Heavy
8th Air Force
US Army Air Corps
Wars:
WWII
Battles:
Operation Carpetbagger
Other images :