2Lt Guy Rogers - Tonopah, NV 1943
April 9, 1945
Dear Mrs. Lademan,
I know you’ve been awaiting this letter with much hope and because of that it’s very hard to write. I’m afraid I haven’t anything to tell you that’s very heartening, but will explain just what happened to us.
As you know our target that day was Berlin. We were unhit until immediately after dropping our bombs. Marvin was in the ball turret at the time. A rocket or incendiary shell came through the floor and exploded by my left arm. It immediately set fire to the airplane and my clothing at the same time. The nearest fire extinguisher was in the compartment near the radio. I left the co-pilot flying the ship and got out of my seat to go back after it. In getting out of the seat I fell on my hands and knees just as the gasoline-soaked floor mat caught on fire. Just a few seconds later the airplane exploded – due to the gasoline in the wing tanks.
I had no way of notifying anyone because the shell had destroyed [illegible] everyone had on a helmet and radio headset. We exploded too soon after being hit for anyone to have time to bail out, I feel certain.
Apparently the co-pilot and myself didn’t receive the full force of the concussion because we were only blown out by the explosion. The co-pilot was completely unhurt, but I sustained facial burns and a broken leg which was later amputated. I later saw the co-pilot on the ground and although the Germans wouldn’t allow us to talk I did succeed in asking him if he’d seen any of the other boys. He said he had seen no one else. We were separated shortly afterwards and I didn’t see him again.
I tried to find some information about the rest of the boys while I was in Germany, but I was unsuccessful. The War Department was unable to give me any news either. I think it’s unlikely Marvin survived the explosion Mrs. Lademan, but I wouldn’t say it’s impossible. I know the suspense is worse than knowing, but my own case was too miraculous for me to be sure enough to say definitely that Marvin was killed. It seems improbable that he escaped, but I can’t feel sure. If he was killed, I know it was instantly. I talked with an English prisoner who was part of a rescue squad clearing a theatre in Coventry that had been bombed. There were over 200 people sitting upright in the theatre as normal as could be. The concussion had killed them and not left a mark on anyone. The concussion is worse than the airplane breaking up.
I thought a lot of Marvin, Mrs. Lademan. He was a fine boy and one to feel justly proud of. I know how you must feel and tho I can’t say definitely, my suggestion would be to expect the worst and if he does come back it will be all the more wonderful. I hope someday to be able to come and visit you and perhaps help you in some small way.
I assure you my heart goes out to you for your loss if such it may be. I feel it too, Mrs. Lademan. If you care to correspond with me in the future I would consider it an honor and enjoy it very much.
May God Bless You –
Signed
Lt. Guy C. Rogers
Letter generously supplied by Barbara Haman
