CONSOLIDATED B-24H LIBERATOR (REGISTRATION: 42-72873)
On the secret Carpetbagger mission to supply the French Resistance in arms and materiel (Mission “Ventriloquist 35”) on the night of 4-5 July 1944, B-24 #42-72873 was attacked above Artenay, North of Orleans, by a German Me110 fighter and shot down, Hptm Fritz Söthe of II.4/NJG4 being credited for its loss. Missing Air Crew Report - MACR 6990.
According to a statement in MACR 6990, 42-72873 was the only aircraft on that secret Carpetbagger mission. Co-Pilot Edward Tappan was the sole survivor of the 8-man crew and managed to evade capture.
Seven crew were Killed In Action (KIA) : Pilot John O. Broten; Navigator Roy C. Gehue; Bombardier Alfred C. Emert; Radio Operator William Freidkas; Engineer/Top Turret Gunner Harry L. Sparks; Left Waist Gunner Jessie R. Ellis; Tail Gunner Michael J. Pranzetelli.
SURNAME
Sparks
FORENAME
Harry L.
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
Staff Sergeant
NUMBER
34708160
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
GRAVESITE
Epinal American Cemetery,France Plot A Row 17 Grave 28
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Calhoun County,Alabama
engineer...
SURNAME
Pranzetelli
FORENAME
Michael J.
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
NUMBER
31331737
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
19
GRAVESITE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Wallingford,New Haven County,Connecticut
tail gunner
B-24H 42-72873
down by nightfighter...
SURNAME
Gehue
FORENAME
Roy C.
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
Second Lieutenant
NUMBER
0-707382
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
GRAVESITE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Washington,D.C.
navigator
B-24H 42-72873
down by nightfighter...
SURNAME
Freidkas
FORENAME
William
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
Staff Sergeant
NUMBER
32860380
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
GRAVESITE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Bronx County,New York
radio operator
B-24H 42-72873
down by nightfighter...
SURNAME
Emert
FORENAME
Alfred Caswell
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
First Lieutenant
NUMBER
0-688180
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
GRAVESITE
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Seymour,Sevier County,Tennessee
husband of Ada Emert (daughter Alfreda born one...
SURNAME
Ellis
FORENAME
Jesse Ray
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
Sergeant
NUMBER
18098768
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
20
GRAVESITE
Grace Hill Cemetery, Longview, Gregg County, Texas, USA
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
born 27.03.1924
father John P. Ellis...
SURNAME
Broten
FORENAME
John O.
UNIT
36 Bomber Squadron (801 Bomber Group)
RANK
First Lieutenant
NUMBER
0-1574610
DATE OF DEATH
5th July 1944
AGE
GRAVESITE
Arlington National Cemetery,Virginia Section 12 Site 247
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
from Essex County,New Jersey
pilot...
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.