9th AF Patch

416th Bombardment Group (L)

No Report

November 29, 1944, Wednesday

 

 

 WWII-Medal

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Summary
Aircraft Serial Number (Type): 43-22324 (Douglas A-26B-15-DT Invader)

9th AF; 416th Bomb Gp; 670th Bomb Sq

Mission # 163; Box: II; Flight: 1; Position: 3; A/C Fuselage Code: F6-O

Reason: Enemy anti-aircraft

Damage: Exploded and Crashed

Point Of Departure: A-55 Melun/Villaroche, France

Location: vicinity of Ciney

Personnel
Duty Name Rank S/N Status
Pilot McBride, Leonard Robert Lt O-747840 Bailed out, Not Injured
Airplane Mechanic - Gunner Eutsler, Ralph J. S/Sgt 38463862 Bailed out, Not Injured


Description:
The plane piloted by Lt Lenard R. McBride was hit and broke away from the formation at the target, smoking. He kept the plane under control although he could not extinguish the fire. After he reached friendly territory, he ordered his gunner, Staff Sergeant Ralph Eutsler, to bail out. A short while later, the pilot bailed out. Before the plane had dropped more than 2,000 feet, the flames reached the fuel tanks and the plane exploded. The pilot and gunner landed safely.
(416th BG History 1944)

See Mission # 163 for additional details