MACR Statement - A/C was hit by flak burst under open bomb bay.  Small fire started and spread rapidly throughout entire ship.  A/C flew on course for 45 seconds, then fell away.  Tail twisted off first.  A/C broke up completely on way down.  Reports on 'chutes vary from "none seen" to "two seen to open."

Today's target was an airfield eight miles northwest of Osnabruck, Germany.  Bomb load was 52 X 70lb incendiaries totaling 3640lbs.  Again, as in the previous mission, we flew "Last Card Louie", #441.  Altitude was 21,000 feet; temp was -37° C, weather undercast.  We were awakened at 0200 for this mission, and after a delay as to determine weather conditions we finally took off at 0700.  The bombing was to be by P.F.F. as undercast conditions prevailed all over.  Strangely though, the small area around the target was as clear as could be - as though there were a hole in the sky.  Our bombs were dropped right on the target.  The airfield was completely destroyed.  One of our ships was lost off the target area - a flak hit in the open bomb bays before the bombs were released.  The ship exploded.  Only one man was seen to jump and he didn't have his leg straps fastened and slid right out of the chute to his death.  Flak was extremely heavy in the vicinity of Osnabruck - kinda had us sweating, especially before we dropped those incendiaries.  Upon the completion of this mission we were awarded the Air Medal.

                                                                                             Mission list compiled from 458th BG records

"Fritzi" Ship #329

Part of the translated German KU report showing information on downed enemy airmen.  This list of Hetzler's crew contains the name A.T. Paul.  One of Hetzler's enlisted men had borrowed a watch from Sgt Asby T. Paul of Crew 17 which had his name stitched on the band.  The Germans evidently believed it was him.  The notes of an American investigator can be seen in the left margin and at the bottom of the page.

In 1950, six crew members were interred at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, in Missouri in a common grave.

(Photo: Alan Kirby)