Campremy Oise. On 30 th December , during a mission targeting the IG Farben chemical industries in Ludwigshafen, Rhineland, the 8 th Air Force lost two escort fighters Ps " Thunderbolts ", two B " Liberators " and three B " Flying Fortresses " which crashed in various places in the Oise departement. Among these aircraft, the B " Destiny's Tot " of the 95 th Bomb Group, th Bomb Squadron, had been designated to take part in this perilous raid.
It was piloted by 1 st Lt. Richard M. Smith who was carrying out his 13 th mission that day. The crew of " Destiny's Tot " :. Front row, left to right : Warren C. Smith pilot and William H. Booher co-pilot Back row, left to right : Robert F.
Adams gunner , Tony Onesi gunner , Alphonse M. Mele radio-operator , Thomas G. Morrison top turret gunner, engineer. After being integrated in the vast armada, the bombers set course for France.
Then the four engined aircraft set course for Germany. They were soon joined by American and British fighters escorting them on part of the way before turning back because of their insufficient range. Bs in formation Wikipedia. The waves of bombers, evolving into tight formations at 30, ft, continued their flight to the Reich. About pm, arriving over the target, the bomb bays were opened.
Maintaining their course while following the flight leader amid bursting shells of Flak, the bombs were dropped on the target and its surroundings. The " Destiny's Tot " was hit as it began the return trip. Now flying on three engines, the aircraft lost altitude and was gradually distanced from the rest of the formation.
