Col. G.L. Mason, 96th CBW Exec:  On 2 March 1944 we were standing on the roof, just outside the 96th Wing war room on the second floor of Wing Headquarters.  General Peck and I were watching the ships taking off for that day's mission.  About twelve ships had taken off when one ship A/C B-24H #41-27669 piloted by Lt. Gorrell was seen in a stalling position just after leaving the ground.  He proceeded on about a quarter of a mile, stalling all the time, and losing altitude as a result of the "mushing".  His tail was seen to strike either the ground or a house; the ship seemed to turn approximately 160° to original course, and then strike the ground.  He then either burst into flames or the resulting dust made us believe that it was flames.  I believe that there might have been ice on the upper surface of the wing, which caused him to stall and crash.

Colonel Luther J. Fairbanks and I were the first U.S. Army personnel to arrive at the scene of the crash.  By this time, the radio operator and the aerial engineer had extricated the pilot from the crashed ship.  They wanted to return to get more out, but we ordered them not to since the bomb load and gasoline as well as .50 cal ammunition was exploding, making it too dangerous to attempt to re-enter the aircraft.  All possible aid was then given to firefighters, rescue of three civilians who were trapped in the house and removal and salvage of any worthwhile property.

Group Records: T/Sgt Paul F. Dirker was awarded the Soldiers Medal for "...heroism displayed on 2 Mar 1944."