SGT Francis W. Wiemerslage was ball turret gunner on B-17G 43-24148 in the 549th Bomb Squadron. His bomber was shot down by German aircraft on 2 March 1945. Of the 10-man crew, two survived and were POW for the remaining two months of the war.
SGT Wiemarslage’s remains were identified on 31 August 2O21.
Cause of 549th Squadron aircraft losses most often is “Lost to enemy aircraft” and “Lost by flak/fire.” Several are noted as “Mid-air collision.” Then there is “Failed to return” and “Disappeared.” The squadron had far more aircraft losses than were listed as “Returned to USA” following end of hostilities.
The life of an aircrew member is never safe.
https://b17flyingfortress.de/en/bs/549th-bomb-squadron/page/3/
My dad flew 2 tours as a ball turret gunner. He flew his first tour in 1943 in the renowned 91st bomb group. a tour was 25 missions, your life expectancy was 10 missions. He did his second tour in '44 with the 388th.
ReplyDeleteYou father was a dedicated man, to fly two tours hanging beneath a B-17. You probably have read the poem "Death of a Ball Turret Gunner." Short, incisive.
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