Crew Robert Rosenthal

Location:

Command or Air Force: 8th

                                    100th Bomb Group     351st Bomb Squadron (Heavy)

Place of Departure: Sta.139

Destination: BERLIN

Type of Mission: Operational

Weather Conditions at time of Crash: Cavu

Date: 3 Feb 1945

Time: 11:28

Aircraft: B-17G

AAF Serial number: 44-8379

Number of Persons Aboard aircraft:11

  Pilot (Com):                Rosenthal, Robert.                Maj.   0-792349

    Pilot:                          John Ernst.                           Capt    0-753979

 Co-Pilot:                      Arthur L. Jacobson.               1Lt.   0-768562

Com, Navigator           Stewart J. Gillison.                1Lt    0-708811

Navigator:                    Chappell C. Louis.                1Lt    0-2064216

Radar, Navigator:         Stropp H. Robert.                  1Lt    0-388339

Bombardier:                 Eugene E. Lockhart.              1Lt    0-766816

R/Operator:                  Webber H. Charles.           T/Sgt    17063224

Engineer:                      West C. Dugger.               T/Sgt.    39295642

Waist/ Gunner               Winters Warren.               S/Sgt.    39140510

Tail/Gunner:                  Windisch. George            S/Sgt     37722999

REMARKS OR EYEWITNESS STATEMENTS

A/C #44-8379 was hit by flak, reported to have been ground rocket, a few seconds before bombs away. A/C continued on bomb run and dropped bombs. Fire producing a dense white smoke was seen to break out in the fuselage and bomb bay, including the cockpit. The bomb bay doors were closed and then reopened. Pilot opened his window and peeled gently off to the right, directing the deputy leader to take over lead on VHF. A/C headed  NE and flew level for a few moments while six members of the crew bailed out. Three men appeared to come from the waist or tail, while the other three came trough the bomb bay. There was a small explosion in #3 engine nacelle and the A/C headed down, burning and beginning to spin when last seen at 15,-000 feet. Observers believe entire crew had an excellent chance to bail out.

Information comes from Macr 12046