B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 44-6327 / The Anthony J

History of
B-17 44-6327 / The Anthony J

Delivered Kearney 5/6/44; Grenier 12/7/44; Assigned 816BS/483BG Steparone 17/7/44; Missing in Action Linz 25/4/45 with Bob Sinton, Nolan, Brach, Ashmore (4 Killed in Action); Westerlund, Zinn, Gable, Chaney, Campbell, Rhodes (6 Prisoner of War); flak, crashed Amstettin; Missing Air Crew Report 14060. THE ANTHONY J.

Last updated: 9. August 2020

B-17 44-6327 / The Anthony J Details

Statement on Ship #44-6327, Mission of 25 April 1945, to Linz S. M/Y.

After rallying left an on a magnetic heaeding of 88°, Ship #44-6327 (flying on our right wing in #2 position) crossed under our ship from 1000 to 3000 feet below us and following the same heading. Time was 1401 (Local Time). He had a fire from the #4 engine out one half the way to the end of the wing. He leveled off and our left was gunner counted (6) six chutes. We then turned right to magnetic heading 183°, time 1408 (Local Time). Ship 44-6327 crossed under us and also turned right, apparently following again the same heading as we. He went that same for three minutes at which time (1411 Local Time) he exploded into three big fires. The plane fell to the ground and started a few small woods fires on the ground. Co-Ordinates of place at which ship hit ground where 48-05 N, 14-48 E.

1Lt. Harold B. Mathiott
Navigator, Ship #44-8592

Ship #44-6327 was flying on our right wing in the box. I observed him in this position just before “Bombs Away”. The next time I saw the ship it was passing about 3000 feet below us whit its right wing on fire. He passed almost to the target area and six (6) chutes were seen leaving the plane. After this the ship appeared under control although still on fire and was heading toward the Russian Lines. He then turned south and losing altitude began a long spiral. The ship then exploded and pieces of it spreade all over the terrain. No other chutes were observed.

1Lt. Edward J. Beller
Bombardier, Ship #44-8592

Ship #44-6327 was flying the number two (2) position above and ahead of our position in the box.

On the run we started getting hits and I saw an aileron from ship #44-6327 fly past us. I looked up and saw he had a wing fire in the left wing. He was leaving the formation and going down. This was the last time that I am sure that I saw Ship #44-6327, but a few minutes later I saw a ship exploded several thousand feet below and to the left of our position.

2Lt. Howard C. Taylor
Pilot, B-17 #44-6326

Source: MACR 14060

B-17 44-6327 / The Anthony J Crew