Matthew McCrane, On August 17, 1943, the USAAF launched a strategic bombing mission against Nazi Germany, targeting the Messerschmitt fighter factory in Regensburg and the ball-bearing plants in Schweinfurt. The mission, known as the Schweinfurt–Regensburg Raid, was intended to reduce Luftwaffe fighter production and create a ball bearing shortage, which would lead to an industrial collapse. However, the USAAF suffered heavy losses in the attack, as the factories were protected by anti-aircraft guns and Luftwaffe fighters.The 100th Bomb Group lost nine bombers that day, including my great-grandfather’s.
Crew:
Pilot: 1st Lt Donald K. Oakes
Copilot: F/O Joseph C. Harper
Navigator: 2ndt Lt Hiram E. Harris
Bombardier: 2ndt Lt Lloyd A. Hammerlund
Engineer: T/Sgt George W. Elder
Radio: T/Sgt James P. Scott
Ball Turret: S/Sgt Leslie D. Nadeau
Right Waist: S/Sgt Vincent K. McGrath
Left Waist: S/Sgt Nolan D. Stevens
Tail Gunner: T/Sgt Leonard Goyer
A beloved fortress... alternative ending of Masters of the Air.
81 years ago, «For you, the war is over.” Om August 17. 1943 High live crash landed in Switzerland due to flack damage.
Co-Pilot, joseph C. Harper of Brownwood, Texas, great- grandfather of Matthew McCrane
