Ellerbusch William Charles

Monuments

B-17s Chicken Ship, Scarlet Harlot, & Raven's Nest Crash Memorial -457th Bomber Group

Name:

William Charles Ellerbusch

Rank:

Second Lieutenant

Serial Number:

O-757425

Unit:

749th Bomber Squadron, 457th Bomber Group

Date of Death:

1985-07-16

State:

New York

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William Charles Ellerbusch was born on June 27, 1920, in Buffalo, New York. He served in the 749th Bomb Squadron, 457th Bomb Group, Heavy, as a Second Lieutenant and Navigator of the B-17 (42-31629) known as ''Raven's Haven'' during World War II.

On April 9, 1944, during a raid over the Polish port city of Gdynia, the aircraft sustained heavy damage from German anti-aircraft defenses and was subsequently attacked by Fw 190 fighters. The assault crippled the plane, disabling one of its engines and compromising its cockpit. Despite efforts by pilot Lt. David P. Parks to maintain control, the damage forced the crew to abandon the aircraft over German territory. Out of the ten crew members aboard, seven were killed, while three survived and were taken as prisoners of war.

2Lt Ellerbusch was captured and became a POW, and was held at Stalag Luft I, in Barth, Germany. He was eventually liberated as World War II drew to a close. After returning to civilian life, he lived until July 16, 1985, but his current burial place is unknown.

Source of information: www.americanairmuseum.com