If war is characterized by chance and uncertainty, so too is the “information” that emerges from it, whether concerning strategy, tactics, weapons, economics, social trends, or of equal importance, the “Life and Fate” (intentional literary allusion, there…) of its participants.
For some WW II American servicemen – aviators, specifically – who were “Missing in Action” in the European Theater in 1944, news of their status would reach their families, and then be released to the news media, within roughly a month of their last recorded combat mission. Then, at some point within the next few months, further information – for good or ill – would follow.
For the families of other missing airmen, however, the passage of time would yield only uncertainty, continuing through and beyond the Allied victory in May of 1945: In some cases, only years after the war’s end would there be a definitive determination and confirmation of their final fate.
And, for many men who lost their lives in that conflict, final and definitive news remains pending. Even, in 2018.
An obituary about one missing airman appeared in The New York Times on October 23, 1945: Second Lieutenant Warren Heim. This was the first information about him to be published since he was first reported Missing in Action, in a Casualty List published on March 16, 1944.
Believe Bombardier Died In Action Over Germany
October 23, 1945
Second Lieut. Warren E. Heim, a bombardier of a Flying Fortress, who was previously reported missing over Brunswick, Germany, on Feb. 10, 1944, is now presumed to have been killed on that date, according to word received from the War Department by his mother, Mrs. Milton Heim of the Delmonico Hotel, it was announced yesterday. Twenty-four years old, Lieutenant Heim entered the Army Air Forces in February, 1942, and was attached to the Eighth Air Force.
Born in New York, he was graduated from the Pawling Preparatory School and left Yale University in his sophomore year to enlist. Besides his mother, he leaves a widow, Mrs. Sally Heim; a son, Peter Heim; a sister, Mrs. Julien Field, and his father, all of New York.
A crew member of B-17G 42-39961 (Bad Check) piloted by 2 Lt. Walter S. Tiska, Lt. Heim’s B-17 was lost in a mid-air collision with a Fortress (B-17G 42-31318) piloted by 2 Lt. Milton Turner. This occurred during the 8th Air Force’s mission to Brunswick on February 10, 1944. Only one crewman – tail gunner Sgt. Lewis T. Haas – survived from among the 10 airmen in Lt. Tiska’s plane. Covered in MACR 2537, and, Luftgaukommando Reports KU 834 and KU 837, Bad Check was an aircraft of the 730th Bomb Squadron of the 452nd Bomb Group, while Lt. Turner’s un-named bomber (in MACR 2536 and Luftgaukommando Report KU 839) was assigned to the 731st Bomb Squadron.
In time, Lt. Heim, serial number 0-736642, was found. He was buried at Plot P, Row 8, Grave 14, at the Netherlands American Cemetery, at Margraten, Holland. His military award of the Purple Heart, listed on page 343 of American Jews in World War II, suggests that he’d completed less than five missions prior to his death.
His family resided at the Delmonico Hotel, at 502 Park Avenue in Manhattan. A 2015 image of this building (now known as Trump Park Avenue) is shown below.
While prior blog posts covering Jewish WW II military casualties reported in the Times encompass – in a very general sense – servicemen from all branches United States armed forces (as well the armed forces of other Allied nations) the date of February 10, 1944 is unusual in that most of the Jewish military personnel who were casualties on that day (at least, those for whom there is documentation) were, like Lt. Heim, aviators in the 8th and 15th Air Forces of the United States Army Air Force.
They include:
2 Lt. Lee Mitchell, ASN 0-691784, son of Alma (Mitchell) Nussbaum, who resided at 110 W. 55th St., New York, N.Y.
Lt. Mitchell was Bad Check’s navigator. He was buried at collective grave 242-244, in section 84 of Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, in Saint Louis, on October 25, 1950. (See the reference below to S/Sgt. Robert E. Honer.) Akin to Lt. Heim, his name appeared in the Times only once: in a Casualty List published on March 14, 1944. Also akin to Lt. Heim, the book American Jews in World War II, where his name appears on page 282, indicates that his sole military award was the Purple Heart.
2 Lt. Milton Turner, ASN 0-800249, pilot of above-mentioned B-17G 42-31318.
Captured, Lt. Turner was imprisoned at North Compound 1 of Stalag Luft I, at Barth, Germany, his name appearing in a Casualty List published on April 25, 1944, and, in a list of liberated POWs published on June 21, 1945. Unlike Lieutenants Heim and Mitchell (and like very many other American Jewish WW II military casualties) his name does not appear in American Jews in World War II.
His wife was Sylvia Berne Turner, his two addresses having been listed as Apartment 8A, 250 West 85th St. in New York City, and, 99-71 65th Road in Forest Hills, Long Island.
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Some other Jewish military casualties on Thursday, February 10, 1944, include the following…
Akin to Bad Check, 1 Lt. Henry Sanford Levine and S/Sgt. Murray Podolsky were crewmen aboard 2 Lt. Clark A. Huddleston’s B-17G 42-31054, Irish Luck (QW * Q) of the 412th Bomb Squadron, 95th Bomb Group, the loss of which reported in MACR 2545 and covered in Luftgaukommando Report 119014.
Nine of the plane’s crew of ten survived; Sergeant Podolsky did not. As reported in the MACR, when crewmen in the rear of the aircraft were about to bail out through plane’s rear entry door, Sgt. Podolsky was killed by shrapnel from either a 20mm cannon shell or aerial rocket that struck the plane’s tail-wheel assembly. He never left the aircraft.
German investigators could not identify him. They listed him as an unknown, for he was not wearing his dog-tags.
Biographical information about both men follows:
Levine, Henry Sanford, 1 Lt., 0-811682, Navigator, Air Medal, Purple Heart, 6 missions
Wounded; Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (South Compound)
Born 1916; Died 4/14/84
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Rose Levine (parents), 306 Maple St., Syracuse, N.Y.
Graduate of Syracuse University College of Law, Class of 1939; Graduated from Selman Field, Monroe, La., 9/43
MACR 2545
Syracuse Herald-Journal 1943, 6/2/44, 7/15/44, 5/20/45, 8/5/45; 3/16/44, 5/17/44, 5/31/45
American Jews in World War II – 377
Podolsky, Murray, S/Sgt., 12181503, Gunner (Right Waist), Air Medal, Purple Heart, 5 missions
Mrs. Rose Podolsky (mother), 654 Beck St., Bronx, N.Y.
MACR 2545
Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupre, Belgium – Plot C, Row 33, Grave 7
Casualty Lists 3/16/44, 11/19/44
American Jews in World War II – 406
Some years ago, I interviewed some veterans who’d been prisoners of war at Stalag Luft I, with a focus on the implication of being a Jewish Prisoner of War in Germany. Some of these men distinctly remembered Henry Levine, describing him as having been highly educated, and, confidently maintaining a strong Jewish identity even as a POW of the Germans.
The latter quality extended to organizing and leading Jewish religious services.
This is recounted in detail by Bernard B. Levine (a bombardier in the 418th Bomb Squadron of the 100th Bomb Group, shot down and captured on February 4, 1944) at Aaron Elson’s TankBooks. Based on the reference to the Kol Nidre prayer in Mr. Levine’s account, it would seem that Jewish religious services at Stalag Luft I transpired from early 1944 at least through September of 1944, since Kol Nidre that year took place on the evening of September 26 (9 Tishri 5705).
Along with the appearance of his name in Casualty Lists published in the Times (and a list of released POWs published on May 31, 1945), at least four articles about Lt. Levine appeared in the Syracuse Herald-Journal. One of these, an interview on August 5, 1945, recounts Lt. Levine’s experiences in detail, albeit curiously (but not at all unexpectedly, given the nature of that era) not addressing the aspect of having been a Jewish prisoner of war. These articles, found via Fulton History (Thomas M. Tryniski’s website), are presented below, and include Henry Levine’s obituary from April of 1984.
Parents Hear From Levine
Syracuse Herald-Journal
July 2, 1944
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Levine of 306 Maple Street have received a card from their son, 2d Lt. Henry S. Levine, now a prisoner of war of Germany. The card was written Feb. 19, nine days after Levine was taken prisoner.
The Lieutenant writes he is in the best of health, has plenty of food and “we are treated well. You need not worry about me any more. As soon as I get a permanent address have everybody write often. The Red Cross is wonderful.”
Lt. Levine was first reported missing in action and later was reported as a prisoner. He was captured when his plane went down in Germany.
Lt. Levine was in law practice in Syracuse before joining the Army.
Lt. Henry S. Levine Writes His Parents From Prison Camp
Syracuse Herald-Journal
July 15, 1944
A report on how American officers fare in one German prison camp is given by Lt. Henry S. Levine in two letters to his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Levine of 306 Maple Street.
In one letter dated March 3 at Kriegie Camp, Lt. Levine wrote he is getting pretty well settled here with a swell bunch of fellows. “Some are boys in my class at Monroe and a few from Syracuse. All the officers of my crew are with me. None of us was injured. We eat well, thanks to Red Cross packages, added to the German ration list. We bake pies, puddings and cakes – good, too.
“We have our own officers with an American colonel, in charge. We have a fine library, a theater, a swing band and a classical orchestra. Almost every day there is a concert or a play. There was a remarkable arts and crafts exhibit today, beautiful creations made from little or nothing. One man has made his own lathe.
Lt. Levine was navigator on a Flying Fortress. He was graduated from the College of Law, Syracuse University in 1938 and was engaged in the practice of law before entering the Army.
Levine Free After Year in Nazi Prison
Syracuse Herald-American
May 20, 1945
A belated Mother’s Day telegram brought inexpressible joy to a Syracuse family yesterday.
The message indicated that the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Levine, 306 Maple Street, Lt. Henry S. Levine, a prisoner of war in Germany for over a year, has been safely returned to Allied military control. It is the first word the parents have heard since the middle of March when he wrote from Stalag 1 that “all was as well as could be expected.”
Addressed to his mother, Mrs. Rose Levine, the Mother’s Day greeting read:
“All well and safe. My love a greetings on Mother’s Day. Love to all at home, Henry.”
For reasons of military security, the telegram was dated “without origin.”
A graduate of the College of Law, Syracuse University, in 1938, Lt. Levine was associated with the law firm of Andrews, McBride, Parsons & Pomeroy before he enlisted in the air forces in January, 1942. He was graduated from the Selman Field Navigation School at Monroe, La., in September, 1943, and went overseas in December. On his sixth mission over Germany as a Flying Fortress navigator the Syracusan was shot down with the rest of his crew Feb. 10, 1044.
Captive, American Officers Fool Nazi Guards With Disparaging Wise-Cracking
Lt. Henry S. Levine in Syracuse For First Time in Three Years
Syracuse Herald-American
August 5, 1945
“Goon, front.”
No, not a sassy room clerk, but an American prisoner of war letting his fellow internees know a German guard was on hand.
And it was weeks before even the literal-minded English-speaking Nazis caught on to such American disparaging wisecracking. Then “goon” became verboten and penalty for its use was solitary confinement.
BUT SUCH WAS the indefatigable humor of Yank officers, even under trying conditions, that other belittling names were soon substituted.
The dramatic story of 15 months of imprisonment at Stalag Luft No. 1 on the shore of the Baltic was told today by Lt. Henry S. Levine, of 306 Maple St., back in Syracuse for the first time in three years.
An attorney in the S., A. & K. Bldg., Levine, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Levine, enlisted in the Army Air Forces and was trained as a navigator. In February, 1944, on his sixth mission, he was shot down over in a Flying Fortress over Germany. April 30 the Nazi prison camp where Levine was held was liberated by the Russian. The camp was filled with more than 9,000 A.A.F. officers.
FIRST THING the Syracusan did when he returned home was get a license plate for the family care. Since his parents do not drive, the auto had been idle since the son went to war.
“Funny, but all during my imprisonment, even when I was famished for want of food, I had a strong desire to drive a care again. I could hardly wait, and sometimes, especially in the dark hours of last February and March, I wondered if I’d ever live to drive one again!” the lieutenant exclaimed.
“YOU HAVE no idea how wonderful home looks to a fellow who has been imprisoned. In camp we used to argue about which part of America is most beautiful. And I’ll still take Syracuse,” Levine declared. “When we were liberated, we heard things were tough in the States, what with rationing and so forth. But Syracuse still looks like the land of plenty to me.”
When Levine parachuted out of his Flying Fortress, leaving a dead waist gunner behind, he was badly bruised by the landing. “It was my first jump,” he recalled.
“WE LANDED on a German farm and I believe some of the laborers must have been slave workers for they appeared glad to see Americans. However, we were soon hustled to a railroad station and imprisoned. It was relatively early in the war and we were regarded with curiosity. It is a funny feeling to have people stare at you and poke you, you can imagine.
“Next, we were sent to a reception center at Frankfurt where hot water, food and a toothbrush were most welcome. After being hungry and dirty for almost a week, we sang in the showers.
“But soon we were moved to the Baltic coast and imprisoned. New prisoners were most welcomed for it meant news from the outside world. The officers’ camo was efficiently organized and there was enough activity to keep a man’s mind off his plight, if he tried.
“BUT IT IS no exaggeration to say many of us would have starved if it had not been for Red Cross packages. German food was scarce and miserable. Many men had suffered for lack of dental care.”
On the lighter side, Levine told of the educational courses and recreational programs. “There were teachers for almost any subject a prisoner would wish to study. I went in for languages, adding to my basic knowledge of Russian, which, incidentally, came in handy when Joe Stalin’s men finally liberated us.
“Some fellows even studied engineering. As for entertainment, with camp talent and musical instruments furnished by the International Y.M.C.A., we put on shows that were as good as some I’ve seen on Broadway.
“BUT DESPITE the camp activities, let me assure you, imprisonment under the Nazi was far from fun. The mental strain began to tell on many of us. Men listen to any rumor, the wilder the better. Most of us lost weight. I lost 30 pounds.”
Nazi soldiers were arrogant and unreasonable most of the time, Levine said. Only courtesy shown on their part was so-called military courtesy.
The day the Russians overtook the camp was the equivalent of a Roman holiday. Russians, even more demonstrative than excited Yanks, danced and yelled when they embraced the Americans. The Germans had evacuated the camp in a hurry a few days before.
“IMMEDIATELY, the Russians fed us all the food we wanted,” Levine said. “Cow after cow was slaughtered. But there was so much international red tape to unwind that it was several days before we could leave. Fortunately, my knowledge of Russian enabled me to help unwind some of this tape.
“At last, we were flown to France, and then moved to England. I managed to visit Paris where the GI has taken over completely. Prices are exhorbitant. Champagne is $30 a bottle. The theaters are so crowded that getting tickets is a problem.
“WELL-KNOWN Parisian nightclubs like the Lido and Bal Tabarin are in full swing. Paris suffered little from bombings and the city was as beautiful as ever.
As for England, Levine is not fond of John Bull’s weather, but has great love for the people. To prove his point, he produced snapshots of many English friends, including whole families, whom he met. He passed a month in that country before he was brought home last week by Liberty ship.
“WHAT’S HE going to do on his 75-day leave before reporting to Atlantic City for reassignment?
Play golf. And then play golf some more, because at Stalag Luft No. 1 the authorities didn’t seem to appreciate the sport.
Henry Levine
Eagle Bulletin
April 18, 1984
Henry Levine, 67, of 7173 East Genesee St., Fayetteville, died Saturday, April 14.
Mr. Levine was a life resident of the Syracuse area. He graduated from Syracuse University in 1937 and from its College of Law in 1939. He was an attorney in the Syracuse area for 20 years and most recently worked for the New York State Job Service as a lecturer and senior employment technician.
He was an Army Air Force lieutenant and navigator in the European Theater in 1944 when the airplane in which he was flying was shot down. He spent 15 months in a prisoner of war camp in Barth, Germany.
At that time, Mr. Levine organized and led what is believed to have been the only Jewish congregation in Nazi Germany, translating a Hebrew prayer book from memory. He was an interpreter for the Russian military when the camp, Stalag Luft I, was liberated. He received the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Air Medal for bravery.
Mr. Levine was a former Democratic committeeman and sought election to the former Onondaga County Board of Supervisors.
He was a member of Onondaga Post 131, Jewish War Veterans, the Air Force Association, and the Syracuse University College of Law Association. He was a former member and past president of Congregation Anshe-Sfard and was a current member of Temple Beth El.
Mr. Levine is survived by three sons, Ronald, Jonathan, and Richard.
Much more information is now available about Henry Levine’s story, though the efforts of Richard and Ronald.
Richard has written a book about his father, entitled The Mogen David of Barth on the Baltic – A True Story, which is described (and includes contact information) at a Facebook page dedicated to his father, and is linked to a companion video, which is set to the melody of the Kol Nidrei prayer. The Cedar Rapids Gazette features an account of Ronald’s 2015 presentation at Temple Judah (in that city) about his father’s experiences.
Ronald, a Grammy Award winning composer and violinist, has created an instrumental composition also entitled The Mogen David of Barth on the Baltic, which forms the background music of a video created together with Richard, the video including images of a two-piece (and therefore unrecognizable by German camp personnel) hand-made wooden Mogen David fashioned by their father specifically for religious services at Barth.
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During the Second World War, Jewish religious services were apparently held by American Jewish POWs at one other German POW camp. This was at Stalag Luft III, at Sagan Germany, the prisoner-of-war camp well-known (well, maybe no longer in 2018…?) in popular culture and historical fact as the location of “The Great Escape” of March 25, 1944. As indicated by the audio clip below – part of a far lengthier interview of ex-POW Lawrence Levinson – Shabbat services were held in the West Compound of Sagan during mid-1944, but seem to have “petered out” well before the forced evacuation of the camp on January 27, 1945.
The audio comprises the following sections:
1) 0 – 1:25: Thoughts about implications of being a Jewish POW of the Germans; Unsuccessful effort by German authorities to identify and potentially segregate (a la Stalag Luft I, at Barth, and Stalag IXB, at Bad Orb) American Jewish POWs during Winter of 1944-45 – stymied by Colonel Darr H. Alkire.
2) 1:26 – 6:15: Jewish religious services in West Compound of Stalag Luft III.
“Larry” Levinson, a navigator in the 721st Bomb Squadron of the 450th “Cottontails” Bomb Group, was captured in central Italy in early May of 1944, having evaded capture for a time after his aircraft (B-24G 42-78189, piloted by 1 Lt. Howard L. Andersen, covered in MACR 4645) was shot down by Me-109s of Jagdgeschwader 53 on April 25, one of seven Cottontail Liberators lost that day. Eight members of his crew survived as POWs. One, Sgt. Byron H. Nelson, of Vinton, Iowa, long interred in Italy as an “unknown”, was finally identified only a few years ago, and buried at Primghar, Iowa in July of 2017. The other casualty was Sgt. John E. White, who was on his first mission. The “Colonel Alkire” mentioned in the interview is Colonel Darr H. Alkire, who, as commander of the 449th Bomb Group, was shot down on January 31, 1944 while piloting Lurchin’ Urchin (B-24H 41-29223, of the 717th Bomb Squadron; see MACR 2403) eventually becoming the senior Allied officer in the West Compound of Stalag Luft III.
A photo of the Andersen crew, at Manduria Italy, some time before April 25, 1944, from Sortie – Fifteenth Air Force (Vol. IV, No. II, 1987).
Rear, left to right:
2 Lt. Joseph F. Henchman – Co-Pilot – POW
2 Lt. Lawrence Levinson – Navigator – POW
1 L. Howard L. Andersen – Pilot – POW
2 Lt. George W. Murray, Jr. – Bombardier – POW
Front, left to right:
S/Sgt. Byron H. Nelson – Nose Gunner (KIA – this was his last scheduled mission)
S/Sgt. William J. Ford – Radio Operator – POW
S/Sgt. Fred L. Walch – Flight Engineer – POW
Sgt. Charles Shafer – Waist Gunner (Not on the crew’s last mission)
Sgt. Robert Acosta – Ball Turret Gunner (not on the crew’s last mission; replaced by Sgt. John E. White, who, on his first mission, was KIA)
S/Sgt. Edward W. Molenda – Tail Gunner
Not pictured is S/Sgt. Raymond F. Welty, who served as Flight Engineer on the last mission, and survived to become a POW
Yankee Fury, B-24H 42-52109, was lost in a mid-air collision over the Mediterranean Sea on March 24, 1944. Piloted by 1 Lt. William E. Whalen, the aircraft collided with B-24H 41-29222 “(Deuces Wild“), piloted by 2 Lt. Elmer J. Hartman. There were no survivors among the twenty men aboard the planes.
Larry Levinson as a Flight Officer. Boston, 1943.
Larry Levinson, 1990
Other Jewish Prisoners of War on February 10, 1944
Emanuel “Mac” Magilavy and Harvey B. Greenfield were the pilot and bombardier of B-17G 42-31492, an aircraft of the 413th Bomb Squadron, 96th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force. Nine of the plane’s crew of ten survived the mission; right waist gunner S/Sgt. Robert Eugene Honer, of Los Angeles, was killed. The aircraft’s loss of which is covered in MACR 2374. According to an interview of Mac some years ago, there had been talk among the crew of bestowing the nickname Discoveree on their plane. But, this never actually happened.
Mac and Harvey Greenfield were imprisoned at Stalag Luft I, albeit in separate compounds of the camp.
Sgt. Honer is interred in a group burial at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with Lt. Lee Mitchell (mentioned above), S/Sgt. Adam G. Bomba, and S/Sgt. Charles P. Schultz, Bomba and Schultz also having been casualties on the February 10 mission.
Greenfield, Harvey Bertram, 2 Lt., 0-749616, Bombardier, Air Medal
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (North Compound 1)
Mrs. Arlene S. Greenfield (wife), 2601 Glenwood Road, Brooklyn, N.Y.
MACR 2374
Casualty Lists 3/16/44, 4/27/44
List of Liberated POWs 6/13/45
American Jews in World War II – 335
Magilavy, Emanuel “Mac”, F/O, T-061121, Bomber Pilot, Air Medal, Purple Heart, 9 missions
Wounded; Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (South Compound)
Born Akron, Ohio, December 17, 1919
Mrs. Billie I. Magilavy (wife); Mrs. Deborah Seyer (daughter), 219 20th St., Ashland, Ky.
Mr. Daniel Isaac and Mrs. Ida Bell (Rutner) Magilavy (parents), 971 Clark St., Akron, Oh.
MACR 2374
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/12/45
Snetterton Falcons : The 96th Bomb Group in World War II – 90, 101
American Jews in World War II – 494
“Mac” and his crew are shown in the photograph below:
Rear, left to right
T/Sgt. Clifford Speare (Flight Engineer)
T/Sgt. Sidney Earl Porter (Radio Operator)
S/Sgt. Robert Eugene Honer (Right Waist Gunner – KIA)
S/Sgt. Floyd Jacob “Jake” Gray (Tail Gunner)
S/Sgt. John Raymond Shirley (Ball Turret Gunner)
S/Sgt. John Donald Cavanaugh (Left Waist Gunner)
Front, left to right
F/O Emanuel “Mac” Magilavy (pilot)
2 Lt. Joseph Conrad Hayes (Co-Pilot)
2 Lt. Peter O’Toole (Navigator)
2 Lt. Harvey B. Greenfield (Bombardier)
A photograph by FindAGrave contributor Eric Kreft, showing the burial marker for Bomba, Honer, Mitchell (mentioned above), and Schultz, at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.
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Sergeants David Fineman and Laurence S. Moses were crewmen of an aircraft which – because of the circumstances, location, and documentation of its loss – has been the subject of much print and digital attention: B-17G 42-37950 Dinah Might (9Z * D) of the 728th Bomb Squadron, 452nd Bomb Group. Piloted by 2 Lt. Thomas F. Sharpless, the loss of the plane is covered in MACR 2538 and Luftgaukommando Report KU 841.
The most thorough account of the bomber’s loss is at ZZ Air War. There, it is revealed that Lt. Sharpless belly-landed the plane on a polder near the edge of Lake Ijsselmeer (“Old Zuyder Sea”), the plane coming to rest south of Emmeloord, with all the enlisted men having remained aboard the bomber. The co-pilot (Lt. Cassill – badly wounded), navigator (Lt. Lyons) and bombardier (Lt. Fleischbein) bailed out in the vicinity of Ossenzijl. Lt. Cassill was captured and eventually repatriated, while Lieutenants Lyons and Fleischbein – after evading capture – were eventually taken prisoner, and liberated in April of 1945.
Teunispats presents portraits of each of the bomber’s ten crewmen, and, an image of the unveiling in 2013 of a plaque commemorating the plane and crew. Nopinoorlogstijd features 22 images of the forlorn bomber, the majority of these images being various views of the aircraft – which became a tourist attraction for local civilians and German soldiers – as it appeared over the next four years. These images reveal that the plane soon became a ready source of souvenirs for its many visitors.
One of these pictures – a very well known image – shows the plane as it appeared on the afternoon of February 10, prior to the removal of its machine guns by German soldiers. This image also appears on page 107 of Roger Freeman’s The Mighty Eighth.
Oddly, though Sergeant Fineman’s name appears in American Jews in World War II, this book does not list him as having received the Purple Heart.
Fineman, David, Sgt., 15335552, Gunner (Right Waist)
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 452nd Bomb Group, 728th Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft IV, Gross-Tychow, Germany
Born in West Virginia December 5, 1922
Mr. and Mrs. Morris and Lena (Weinbren) Fineman (parents), 505 Caroline Ave., Box 14, Chester, W.V.
MACR 2538
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/21/45
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
Moses, Laurence Stanley, S/Sgt., 32503904, Flight Engineer (wounded by fragment from 20mm cannon shell)
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 452nd Bomb Group, 728th Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft III, Sagan, Germany (East Compound); then Stalag VIIA, Moosburg, Germany
Born June 4, 1921
Mr. Sam S. Moses (father), 577 Liberty St., Newburgh, N.Y.
MACR 2538
Casualty Lists 3/14/44, 4/27/44, 5/23/45, List of Liberated POWs 6/20/45
American Jews in World War II – 396
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During the Second World War, nearly fifty American heavy bombers were bestowed with variations of the nickname “Pistol Packin’ Mama”, a sobriquet inspired by a song composed by “Al Dexter and His Troopers”, recorded on March 18, 1942, and released by Okeh Records. The song was subsequently recorded by Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters on September 27, 1943, and released under the Decca label.
First Lieutenant Sidney Balman was the pilot of one such-named bomber. This was PISTOL PACKIN MAMA (OE * N) – B-17F 42-30609 – of the 334th Bomb Squadron of the 95th Bomb Group. Nine of the plane’s crew of ten survived. Ball turret gunner S/Sgt. John Sliwka was killed in action. The bomber’s loss is covered in MACR 2542 and Luftgaukommando Report KU 849.
Balman, Sidney, 1 Lt., 0-667035, Bomber Pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, 25 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 95th Bomb Group, 334th Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (North Compound 1)
Born 1919
Mr. Max Balman (father), 2343 North Upton Ave., Minneapolis, Mn.
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/8/45
The American Hebrew 12/22/44
American Jews in World War II – 199
The aircraft, and some members of Lt. Balman’s crew, can be seen in Army Air Force photo E-59231AC / A9160 (crew names listed by patootie63), while close-ups of the bomber’s nose art, both from the American Air Museum in Britain, are show below that photo.
Rear, Left to Right
S/Sgt. James Ralph Chambers (Right Waist Gunner – POW) (identification uncertain)
S/Sgt. Donald William Goucher (Radio Operator – POW)
S/Sgt. John Sliwka (Ball Turret Gunner – KIA)
Unknown
S/Sgt. John Andrew Kurek (Tail Gunner – POW) (identification uncertain)
S/Sgt. Joseph Law Doherty (Left Waist Gunner – POW) (identification uncertain)
Front, Left to Right
2 Lt. Robert Edgar Paine (Navigator – POW)
1 Lt. Sidney Balman
1 Lt. John Kenneth Smith (Bombardier – POW)
Lt. Wayne W. McIntyre (Bomber pilot – presumably original first pilot of Pistol’ Packin’ Mama; not a member of crew on this mission)
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Gingold, William Seymour, 2 Lt., 0-804327, Bomber Pilot, 2 to 3 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 94th Bomb Group, 333rd Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (North Compound 1)
Born August 6, 1918
Mrs. Ethel S. Gingold (wife), 1628 S. Douglas Ave., Springfield, Il.
Jacob Gingold (brother)
MACR 2370, Aircraft B-17G 42-31838 (Sack Time Charlie), 10 crew – 7 survivors
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/10/45
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
______________________________
Lieutenant Arnold Malkin was the bombardier of B-17F 42-30173, known as Circe. An in-flight photograph of this aircraft is – in terms of clarity, composition, contrast, perspective, and above all visual symbolism – strikingly evocative of the skies over western Europe in 1944. This is Army Air Force photograph 53020AC / A19840, which, based on its caption, “Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses of the 95th Bomb Group leaving trails over Brunswick, Germany,” was photographed in 1944, on January 11, January 30, or February 10. This picture appears below, with two others pictures from the American Air Museum in Britain.
The image was incorporated into the 95th Bomb Group’s unit history “Contrails”, where, reproduced in vastly better clarity than in the original Army Air Force print, the bomber’s serial number and squadron code letter (L) are clearly visible. Originally assigned to the 94th Bomb Group and nicknamed Gorgeous Hussy, the plane was transferred to the 412th Bomb Squadron of the 95th Bomb Group in early June of 1943, where it received the squadron code QW * O and nickname Circe. The plane was then transferred to the 335th Bomb Squadron where it received the individual aircraft letter L, with the 412th’s “QW” seemingly painted over (but still visible) and partially covered by the national insignia.
The plane was piloted by 1 Lt. James S. Pearson, and its loss is covered in MACR 2544 and Luftgaukommando Report KU 838. Of Circe’s crew, seven men survived. Right waist gunner S/Sgt. Michael D. Croker, tail gunner S/Sgt. Jackson O. Hardeman and radio operator T/Sgt. Ralph W. Coyle were killed in action, the latter when he was attempting to open the rear escape door for the two wounded waist gunners.
Malkin, Arnold Lee, 2 Lt., 0-686095, Bombardier, 11 Missions
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (North Compound 1)
Born 7/22/20, Died 9/6/09
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob and Sophia (Rappaport) Malkin (parents), 163 West LaClade Ave., Youngstown, Oh.
Mryon (brother), Louise (sister – died as an infant)
(Genealogical information from Ancestry.com)
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/18/45
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
______________________________
Sheinfeld, Philip, S/Sgt., 13153808, Radio Operator
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 100th Bomb Group, 418th Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft IV, Gross-Tychow, Germany
Mrs. Betty Sheinfeld (mother), 5919 Old York Road, Philadelphia, Pa.
MACR 2383, Luftgaukommando Report KU 835, Aircraft B-17F 42-30062 (LD * O, Reilly’s Racehorse)
Nine of the plane’s ten crewmen bailed out and survived as POWs. Lt. Scoggins, on his tenth mission, did not survive.
List of Liberated POWs 6/14/45
Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Record 3/23/44
Philadelphia Record 4/16/44
The story of the Century – 167
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
______________________________
Simon, Samuel Irving, Jr., 2 Lt., 0-801096, Navigator, 18 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 388th Bomb Group, 562nd Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (North Compound 1)
Born September 8, 1921
Mrs. Anna D. Simon (mother), 2254 E. Tioga St., Philadelphia, Pa.
MACR 2348, Luftgaukommando Report KU 840, Aircraft B-17G 42-31115 (S, Hell’s Belles), 10 crew – 6 survivors
Philadelphia Inquirer and Philadelphia Record 3/16/44 and 4/27/44
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/14/45
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
______________________________
Vilk, Jerome Arthur, S/Sgt., 12144770, Gunner (Tail Gunner), Air Medal, 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, 13 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 390th Bomb Group, 571st Bomb Squadron
Wounded; Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft IV, Gross-Tychow, Germany
Born March 22, 1919
Mr. Norman Vilk (father), 652 East 95th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
MACR 2504, Kuftgaukommando Report KU 842, Aircraft B-17G 42-31218 (FC * E, ETO-Itis), Pilot 1 Lt. John G. Burke, 10 crew – 9 survivors
Casualty List 3/16/44
List of Liberated POWs 6/19/45
The Story of the 390th Bombardment Group (H) – 467
http://www.390thspace.com
American Jews in World War II – 464
______________________________
Zelman, Saul, 2 Lt., 0-741435, Bombardier
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 452nd Bomb Group, 728th Bomb Squadron
Prisoner of War at Stalag Luft I, Barth, Germany (North Compound 1)
Born 1919 Mr. Louis Zelman (father), 1709 N. Shore Road, Revere, Ma.
MACR 2539, Luftgaukommando Report KU 850, Aircraft B-17G 42-3796, Pilot 2 Lt. Hugh E. Noell, Jr., 10 crew – 7 survivors
Casualty List (Liberated POWs) 6/20/45
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
______________________________
– Other Events of February 10, 1944 –
One that Got Away: Escape and Evasion from France
From the crew of B-17G 42-31430, pilot by 1 Lt. John J. Stahl, Jr., seven crew members evaded capture and returned to England. They were 2 Lt. John R. Chernosky (navigator), 2 Lt. George W. Vogle (bombardier), Pvt. John Engstrom (ball turret gunner), S/Sgt. Myron Pogodin (left waist gunner), T/Sgt. Berna L. Johnston (right waist gunner), and S/Sgt. Elbert B. Pyles (tail gunner), and 2 Lt. Julius D. Miller – co-pilot. On April 22, 1944 Lieutenant (later Captain) Stahl attempted to reach Switzerland in company with other evadees (possibly including three of his own crew members), but due to “irregularities in the frontier and lack of a map,” became lost and re-entered France to be captured by a German patrol; he spent the rest of the war as a POW.
According to Lt. Miller’s account (in Escape and Evasion Report 776), he and Lt. Vogle remained together until May 2, when the latter underwent an appendectomy. Lt. Miller reached England on June 11, when he completed his Escape and Evasion Report, a portion of which is transcribed below.
Remarkably, Escape and Evasion Report 776 includes two candid photographs presumably of Lieutenants Miller and Vogle dressed in civilian attire, which Miller carried with him to England. (Unfortunately, there is no caption, so one can’t tell “who is who”.)
Miller, Julius David, 2 Lt., 0-745727, Co-Pilot, 13 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 305th Bomb Group, 366th Bomb Squadron
Evaded Capture; Returned to Duty June 11, 1944
Born October 6, 1922
Mrs. Lillie E. Clark (mother), 300 Hampton Ave., Hamtpon, Va.
MACR 2428, Aircraft B-17G 42-31430, Pilot 1 Lt. John J. Stahl, Jr., 10 crew – all survived
Civilian occupation: Aircraft model-maker (Junior) – Civil Service
Casualty List 3/16/44
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
E&E 736: 2d Lt Julius D. MILLER
We were hit by flak over the target and had to drop out of formation. Over Belgium one engine was about to burst into flame and another was about to go out. A lot of fighters attacked us, and we shot down three. Five of the sergeants bailed out; then I followed the engineer out the nose. I saw one man hit the ground about a kilometer from me; I thought that it was the bombardier. I landed near a farmhouse, picked up my parachute, and ran to the woods. My chute hung up on a barbed wire fence, so I left it there. It could not be seen with all the snow around.
I went through the woods some distance, came to a metal telegraph pole with a German name on it, and thought that I was in Germany. I took out my compass from the escape kit and started SW through the woods. I came to a road and saw a civilian walking towards me. I pretended to be a naturalist juts looking the trees over — not too good a pretense since I was still in flying clothes – and the man paid no attention to me.
I walked on through the fields and woods, saw a small town, and was unable to identify it on my escape map. I could see no Germans in the town, so I thought that I would go in and look for some road signs. I the town I heard some people approaching me and hid behind the corner of a house. Three or four people on bicycles passed. While I was moving away four people came up suddenly from the other direction. They said something to me and I nodded in reply. They walked on.
There was snow on the ground. I could hear people in the house moving dishes and sounding warm and comfortable. I thought that I would not sleep out that night and went to ask them whether I could sleep in their barn. I was taken in and fed. My host took a geography book and showed me where I was.
While I was sitting there to see what happened another man came in. After he discovered who I was he gave me civilian clothes. Soon another man came in; he did not seem convinced that I was an American aviator. After a great deal of questioning and talking he finally seemed satisfied, and –
I was taken to a place from which my journey was arranged.
Compiled by
D E EMERSON
1st Lt, AUS
Approved by
W STULL HOLT
Lt Col, AC
Commanding
Appendix B
1. The following information has been obtained from an officer who evaded capture in enemy occupied territory.
2. Further circulation of this information may be made, but in that case it is important not to divulge any details about the source.
Statement of information covering the period from 20 February to 28 May 1944
a. One of informant’s helpers claimed to have gone with another man to the Belgian coast and to have destroyed a radar installation there. It was said to be in two sections, one out in the water and the other on land. Source reported that the installation was designed to indicate the number and tonnage of approaching ships.
b. In April informant saw FW 190’s flying from an airfield near MERU.
c. In April he saw ME and FW’s with belly tanks taking off from an airfield at CREIL.
d. In April informant saw that railway yards at AMIENS, CREIL, and the Gare du Nord (Paris) had been well hit.
e. The Germans are gradually repairing the Renault works along the Seine.
f. Frenchmen complained about an RAF raid which had some factory in or near Paris as its target, claiming that everything had been hit but the factory. There were also complaints of a couple of instances in which Americans had missed the target.
g. At BORDEAUX there seemed to be an FW assembly plant, to judge from the FW parts which informant saw in railway cars.
Appendix D
1. I carried an aids box from which I used only the compass and map. I did not need any other contents because I received help the first day.
2. I carried a red purse. I had to exchange the French money for Belgian money.
3. I carried six passport size photographs, which I used.
4. I was lectured at base on evasion and escape. The lectures were valuable.
5. Suggestions: Try and get – or have – good shoes for crossing the mountains. DO NOT USE SANDALS.
Try to keep one map for yourself in case you should have to go alone — a map of the French and Spanish border.
_______________________
Evading Capture in Italy
While all the above servicemen were members of Bombardment Groups attached to the 8th Air Force, Lieutenants Sidney Morse and Myron Shapiro were members of the 414th Bomb Squadron of the 97th Bomb Group, a combat group of the Italy-based 15th Air Force. During a mission to a road junction at Cecchina, Italy, their aircraft (B-17G 42-31430) was damaged by anti-aircraft fire, causing a fire in the right wing. Realizing the impending danger of an explosion, pilot F/O John L. Brennan turned the aircraft towards land, with his nine crewmen – and finally F/O Brennan himself – parachuting between German and American lines. The crew’s officers all avoided capture, but five of the plane’s six enlisted men (listed below) were captured and spent the remainder of the war in Stalag Luft IV, at Gross-Tychow, Pomerania. Right waist gunner Arthur Dickie evaded capture and returned to Allied control on June 17, 1944.
Prisoners of war
Radio Operator: Frank A. Bealin T/Sgt.
Flight Engineer: Leslie I. McKinley T/Sgt.
Left Waist Gunner: Thomas P. Smith S/Sgt.
Ball Rutter Gunner: Richard C. Hodges S/Sgt.
Tail Gunner: John H. Kirkpatrick S/Sgt.
Evaded capture
Right Waist Gunner: Arthur C. Dickie S/Sgt.
The incident is described both MACR 2305, the 414th BS Squadron History in AFHRA Microfilm Roll AO609 (frames 326-333), and, in The Hour Has Come : The 97th Bomb Group in World War II. The account from the latter follows:
#236 Road Junction, Cecchina, Italy 10 Feb. 1944 Flak heavy, intense, accurate. 19 A/C received minor flak damage. 5 men wounded, 2 serious. Two ME-109s encountered, no claims. Bombing altitude 12,500 feet. The M/YD and the stores and buildings received numerous hits. One B-17 missing. The pilot, co-pilot, navigator and bombardier all returned to base after bailing out. Missing enlisted personnel thought to be P.O.W.s.
Listed M.I.A. T/Sgt. F.A. Bealin, RO; T/Sgt. L.I. McKinley, Eng; S/Sgt. T.P. Smith, R/W/G; Sgt. A.G. Dickie, L/W/G; S/Sgt. R.C. Hodges, B/T/G; S/Sgt. J.H. Kirkpatrick, T/G
The following was reported by Pilot J.L. Brennan, Flight Officer, AUS:
On February 10th, 1944, while on a bombing mission to Checchina Road Jet., a/c #489 was on the bomb run at 14,000 feet at 0859 hours. Bombs were away on target, the a/c was functioning O.K., but due to the heavy and concentrated flak there were numerous holes in various areas. The nose was shattered. On the way out after the rally, the right waist gunner called F/O Brennan and reported a fire in the right wing. Looking out, F/O Brennan observed a large hole about the size of a steel helmet midway between number four engine and wingtip on the leading edge. Fire could be seen in the opening. F/O Brennan, realizing the danger of explosion, gave an order to the crew to stand by to bail out.
Seeing he was over the water, F/O Brennan turned the a/c toward two ships off the coast, so rescue could be made for the crew. The bomb bay doors were opened with the salvo switch, the navigator, 1st Lt. Everett Anthony, was first to jump followed by 2nd Lt. Sidney Morse, the bombardier. F/O Brennan, operating the a/c made an 80 degree turn to the left to try to get the a/c over land, preferably the beachhead, so the evacuees would come down on land instead of the water. He told the crew to hold up till we were over land. As the a/c was rapidly approaching the coast somewhere over Lake Di Fogliano, F/O Brennan ordered the crew to jump. Copilot, 2nd Lt. Myron Shapiro, was standing in the bomb bays assisting the enlisted crew out of the aircraft. After the last man was out in the clear, in about 5 seconds, Lt. Shapiro left the a/c. After the last member of the crew was out, F/O Brennan jumped from the a/c.
While F/O Brennan was descending in his chute, the a/c made a 360 degree turn above them and fell off, and as the wing came off the a/c crashed near Littoria, Italy. After F/O Brennan landed in his parachute, he took a bearing and found he was in No Man’s Land about 100 yards from our lines. He took his parachute off and waited about 20 minutes when a patrol of four American soldiers, led by S/Sgt. Alfred E. Hurst, 2nd Co., 3rd Regt., 1st Sp Sv Force, came out through a mine field to take him back to the American lines, located west of Mussolini Canal. He was given food and drink and waited until Lt. Shapiro was brought in. After arriving at American lines, and waiting for some time, no word came from the rest of the crew (enlisted). All the chutes of the gunners and radio operator were seen to open and none of them were injured over the target. They all dropped in the vicinity of the target and it is believed they are P.O.W.
From this point, F/O Brennan and Lt. Shapiro were sent through military channels to the Anzio Beachhead Headquarters, Port CC. Then transportation was provided by LST #200 to Naples. While they were waiting for transportation to Naples, the bombardier, 2nd Lt. Sidney Morse joined them and went on to Naples.
Co-Pilot Myron Shapiro described his landing experience from the above a/c as follows:
After parachuting down and landing, I took my gear off and laid low. At this time, I noticed I was under machine gun fire from an enemy outpost. I noticed a hay stack about 20 feet from me and I crawled on my belly to seek cover from the machine gun fire. About 20 minutes later, four volunteers, American soldiers from 1st SP SV Force, 2nd Co, 3rd Regt, headed by S/Sgt. Biblowitz, Pvt. Baving, Sgt. Baughn and Pvt. Langaskey, crawled out through machine gun fire and air burst (mortar) to rescue me. I noticed a dead German near the hay stack and was scared stiff. At first, I didn’t answer them when they called out “Hey! Yank.” After waiting awhile, I heard them talking in English and on closer observation, I saw they had on uniforms of the American Paratroop Corps. I then realized they were O.K. and came out in the open and they escorted me back to their advanced outpost. And then they took me back to the American lines where I rejoined F/O Brennan. (p. 152)
Biographical information for Lieutenants Morse and Shapiro appears below.
Morse, Sidney, 2 Lt., 0-673918, Bombardier, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 9 Oak Leaf Clusters
Wounded; Parachuted; Landed between German and American lines; reached safety with aid of American troops
Mr. Moe Morse (father), 34-32 83rd St., Jackson Heights, N.Y.
(also) 627 Hegeman Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Brooklyn Eagle 3/21/43, 3/25/44
American Jews in World War II – Not Listed
Shapiro, Myron, 2 Lt., 0-684065, Co-Pilot, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart
Parachuted; Landed between German and American lines; reached safety with aid of American troops
Born 1920
Mrs. Mollie Schiffman (mother), 10 East 53rd St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
American Jews in World War II – 439
_______________________
An Enemy Fighter Plane Shot Down
Small, Sherman M., S/Sgt., Tail Gunner, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Purple Heart, 27 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 96th Bomb Group, 339th Bomb Squadron
Shot down an enemy fighter while a crewman in B-17G 42-40016 (The Character), Pilot Capt. Chris Wunnenberg
Born 1923
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Mary Small (parents), 116 Crown St., New Haven, Ct.
Snetterton Falcons : The 96th Bomb Group in World War II – 101
American Jews in World War II – 70
______________________________
Witness to the Loss of Another Aircraft
– Killed in Action Ten Days Later –
Lieutenant Morton B. Lehman’s account (see below) of the February tenth loss of 728th Bomb Squadron, 452nd Bomb Group, B-17G 42-31338, piloted by 2 Lt. Kenneth D. Smith, was incorporated into Missing Air Crew Report 2540. Seven members of Lt. Smith’s crew of ten survived. Lt. Lehman’s statement is shown below.
Only ten days later, on February 20, Lt. Lehman was shot down and killed. His aircraft, B-17G 42-37951 (Mavoureen; 9Z * E (MACR 2779)), piloted by 2 Lt. Billy L. Huffman, was attacked by rocket-firing Ju-88s of ZG 26 during a mission to Poznan, Poland (via Denmark). As recounted as Flensted, Lt. Lehman was among the nine crew members who parachuted over the Store Bælt (Great Belt) sea channel in Denmark, only two of whom (left waist gunner Sgt. Thomas E. McDannold and right waist gunner Sgt. George T. Smith) survived. Lt. Lehman and three other crewmen were never found. The body of Lt. Huffman was found at the site of the plane’s crash, “north of Fuglebjerg near Haldagerlille on Sjælland (Sealand)”. A description of the bomber’s loss follows:
Both Lt. Lehman and radio operator Sergeant Samuel M. Fanburg are listed on the Tablets of the Missing at the Cambridge American Cemetery, in Cambridge, England.
Lehman, Morton B., 2 Lt., 0-809650, Navigator, Purple Heart
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 452nd Bomb Group, 728th Bomb Squadron
Killed ten days later: February 20, 1944
Mr. Irving Lehman (brother), 136 Sherman Ave., New Haven. Ct.
Casualty List 4/4/44
American Jews in World War II – 67
Fanburg, Samuel M., S/Sgt., 14161914, Radio Operator, Air Medal, Purple Heart
Mr. Herman Fanburg (father), 110 East 3rd St., Chattanooga, Tn.
Born 1924
American Jews in World War II – Not listed
______________________________
Wounded in Action
Block, Harry H., Capt., Wounded at Anzio
United States Army, Medical Corps
Mrs. Lillyan Block (wife); Barbara (YOB 1937) and Allan (YOB 1940) (children), 1913 67th St., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mr. Joseph A. Block (father); Lt. Louis Block (brother), 4298 Fullerton Ave., Detroit, Mi.
The Jewish News (Detroit) 10/20/44
American Jews in World War II – 279
______________________________
Some other Jewish military casualties on Thursday, February 10, 1944, include the following…
Killed in Action
– .ת.נ.צ.ב.ה. –
Braude, Moshe, Sgt.
U.S.S.R. (Lithuania), Red Army, 16th Lithuanian Rifle Division
Killed at Zozenki, Pskov
Born 1923
Mr. Zalman Braude (father)
Place of burial – unknown
Road to Victory – 302
______________________________
Freykman (Фрейкман), Beylya Gershonovna / Gershovna (Бейля Гершоновна / Гершовна)
Senior Lieutenant [Старший Лейтенант], Female Soldier, Commanding Officer – Sanitary (Medical) Company
U.S.S.R., Red Army, 281st Rifle Division, 1064th Rifle Regiment
Born 1921, in Bobruisk
Mrs. V.A. Kratser (aunt), Apartment 37, Building 3, Markelovski Street, Moscow, USSR
Place of burial unknown
Memorial Book of Jewish Soldiers Who Died in Battles Against Nazism – 1941-1945 – Volume VI – 360 (Incorrectly gives name as “Фрейнкман, Белла Гершоновна” (“Freynkman, Bella Gershonovna”))
______________________________
Kooshner, Solomon, 2 Lt., 0-1319116, Purple Heart
United States Army, 34th Infantry Division, 168th Infantry Regiment, A Company
Born 1919
Mr. Benjamin Kooshner (father), 17 Estella St., Dorchester, Ma.
War Department News Releases 1/15/44, 4/5/44, 11/14/44
Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy – Plot H, Row 2, Grave 24
American Jews in World War II – 167
______________________________
Розенблюм (Rozenbloom), Борис Григорьевич (Boris Grigorevich), Lieutenant [Лейтенант]
Tank Commander (T-70 Tank)
143rd Autonomous Nevelskiy Tank Brigade
Missing in action in Vitebsk oblast, Belorussia
Born 1923, in Polotsk, Vitesbk, Belorussia
Mrs. Margarita (“Rimma”) Ergardovna Puchina (wife)
Mr. Grigoriy Mikhaylovich Rozenbloom (father)
Buried in Vitebsk oblast
Memorial Book of Jewish Soldiers Who Died in Battles Against Nazism – 1941-1945 – Not Listed
[Книги Памяти евреев-воинов, павших в боях с нацизхмом в 1941-1945 гг – записей не найдено]
______________________
Шпиллер (Shpiller), Борис Моисеевич (Boris Moiseevich)
Lieutenant (Junior) [Младший Лейтенант], Tank Commander
226th Tank Regiment
Killed in action in Leningrad oblast
Born 1920, in Gozovaya, Kharkov oblast
Mr. Moisey Solomonovich Shpiller (father)
Place of burial unknown
Memorial Book of Jewish Soldiers Who Died in Battles Against Nazism – 1941-1945 – Not Listed
[Книги Памяти евреев-воинов, павших в боях с нацизхмом в 1941-1945 гг – записей не найдено]
______________________
Tucker, Harris Abraham (Hebrew name: Asher ben Aharon), 2 Lt., 0-749705, Co-Pilot, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, 15 to 16 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 94th Bomb Group, 331st Bomb Squadron
Born May 24, 1924
Mr. Herbert Aaron Tucker (father) [7/8/97- 10/27/57], 1515 Carr Ave., Memphis, Tn.; Mrs. Marjorie T. Segal (sister); Robert I. Tucker (brother)
MACR 2371, Luftgaukommando Report KU 834, Aircraft B-17G 42-31080 (QE * Y, Hey Moitle), Pilot 2 Lt. Paul A. McWilliams, 10 crew – 5 survivors
New Jewish Cemetery (Heska Amuna Cemetery), Knoxville, Tn.
American Jews in World War II – 568
Portrait of Harris Tucker at his WW II Memorial Honoree Page, contributed by his sister, Marjorie T. Segal.
______________________________
Wasserstrom, Harold Henry, 2 Lt., 0-744293, Bombardier, Air Medal, 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, 8 missions
United States Army Air Force, 8th Air Force, 388th Bomb Group, 561st Bomb Squadron
Mr. Louis Wasserstrom (father), 3288 Woodrow Boulevard, Toledo, Oh.
MACR 2347, Aircraft B-17G 42-31336 (H), Pilot 2 Lt. Robert M. Tolles, 10 crew – no survivors
Tablets of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England
American Jews in World War II – 568
______________________________
Killed (Non-Combat Aircraft Loss in the United States)
Braff, Michael, Cpl., 32442688, Flight Engineer
United States Army Air Force, 668th Navigation Training Group, 340th Navigation Training Squadron
Born 1921
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Mildred Braff (parents), Pvt. Erwin Braff (brother), 1535 Ocean Ave., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mount Lebanon Cemetery, Glendale, N.Y. – Ind. Minsker Society, Block 101, Section 1, Sub-Section 12, Line 1, Grave 10
No Missing Air Crew Report; Aircraft: Lockheed AT-18 navigational trainer 42-55530, Pilot 1 Lt. Jerome T. Walsh; 7 crew members – no survivors
Crashed at George Field, Lawrenceville, Illinois
News Item 2/11/44
The New York Times (Obituary Section) 2/14/44
Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 – Volume 2: July 1943 – July 1944 – 682
American Jews in World War II – 343
References
Books
Carter, Kit C. and Mueller, Robert, Combat Chronology 1941-1945, Center for Air Force History, Washington, D.C., 1991
Doherty, Robert E., and Ward, Geoffrey D., Snetterton Falcons: The 96th Bomb Group in World War II, Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, Tx., 1996
Dublin, Louis I., and Kohs, Samuel C., American Jews in World War II – The Story of 550,000 Fighters for Freedom, The Dial Press, New York, N.Y., 1947
Freeman, Roger, The Mighty Eighth – A History of the U.S. 8th Army Air Force, Doubleday and Company, Inc., New York, N.Y., 1970
Gulley, Thomas F., The Hour Has Come: The 97th Bomb Group in World War II, Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, Tx., 1993
Leivers, Dorothy (Editing and Revisions), Road to Victory – Jewish Soldiers of the 16th Lithuanian Division, 1941-1945, Avotaynu, Bergenfield, N.J., 2009
Mireles, Anthony J., Fatal Army Air Forces Aviation Accidents in the United States, 1941-1945 – Volume 2: July 1943 – July 1944, McFarland & Company Inc., Jefferson, North Carolina, 2006
Memorial Book of Jewish Soldiers Who Died in Battles Against Nazism – 1941-1945 – Volume VI [Surnames beginning with Л (L), М (M), Н (N), О (O), П (P), Р (R), С (C), Т (T), У (U), Ф (F), Х (Kh), Ц (Ts), Ч (Ch), Ш (Sh), Щ (Shch), Э (E), Ю (Yoo), Я (Ya)], Maryanovskiy, M.F., Pivovarova, N.A., Sobol, I.S. (editors), Union of Jewish War Invalids and Veterans, Moscow, Russia, 1999
Nilsson, John R., The story of the Century (The Experiences of the 100th bombardment Group from June 1943 to April 1945), (Privately printed?), Beverly Hills, Ca. (?), 1946
The Story of the 390th Bombardment Group (H) (Privately printed for the Men and Officers of the 390th Bombardment Group), 1947
Websites
Delmonico Hotel / Trump Park Avenue (New York Times)
Aaron Elson (Author and Historian – Interview of Bernard B. Levine)
Burial of Sgt. Byron H. Nelson (YouTube)
Aerie Perduti (Military Aircraft Fallen in the War for Rome (Italy), 1942-1945)
Colonel Darr H. Alkire (Biography)
B-17G 42-37950 “Dinah Might”
B-17G Dinah Might (Photographs)
B-17G Dinah Might (Account of Loss)
B-17G Dinah Might (Monument commemorating crew)
B-17G 42-30609 “PISTOL PACKIN MAMA”
B-17G PISTOL PACKIN MAMA (Nose Art)
Pistol Packin’ Mama (History of Song)
Pistol Packin’ Mama (Al Dexter Version of Song)
Arnold Lee Malkin (Obituary)
B-17G 42-30173 “Circe”
B-17G Circe (In Formation)
B-17G Circe (Nose Art)
95th Bomb Group History Book “Contrails”
B-17G 42-37951 “Mavoureen”
B-17G Mavoureen (Loss of aircraft)