44-50697

B-24M serial 44-50697, assigned to the 328th Bomb Squadron, 93rd Bomb Group, departed Hardwick on 5 April 1945 on a bombing mission to Bayreuth.

Eyewitness F/O John H. Van Zandt, flying as co-pilot in ship 157-L of the same squadron, observed the aircraft crossing the Dutch coast at approximately 400-600 feet altitude on the return leg. The aircraft was being engaged by 20mm and 40mm flak fire.

The aircraft initiated a steep bank to the left, apparently attempting to evade the fire. Van Zandt's engineer, S/Sgt Ernest H. Fleming, reported that the plane completed a 180-degree turn and was observed inverted at the end of the maneuver.

Last known position was 5130N 0330E at 1204 hours. Nine crew members were aboard; all were reported Missing in Action as of the date of the report, 9 April 1945.