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Albert R. Gallaher

Radio Operator · 409th Squadron
Hometown11033 South B Street, Elwood, Indiana, Indiana

Sgt. Albert R. Gallaher served as radio operator aboard B-24H 42-94991. At the time the aircraft was hit, he was in the forward bomb bays preparing to open the doors. He witnessed the engineer jump down and open the doors himself and saw the pilot standing between the two cockpit seats.

Gallaher successfully bailed out and was captured by the Germans. He was held at Stalag Luft II. Sgt. Bishop reported seeing him there in fair condition. His return to military control was confirmed on 21 April 1945.

Gallaher was the primary source for the individual casualty questionnaires completed for the pilot, co-pilot, and engineer. His next of kin was listed as Mrs. Nellie J. Gallaher (mother), 11033 South B Street, Elwood, Indiana.

Prisoner of War

Sortie Log

2 CATALOGUED SORTIES
13 AUG 1944 — 13 AUG 1944

The sorties below are those we have been able to document for this airman, drawn from flight logs, mission records, and archival sources. It is not necessarily a complete account of every mission flown; gaps may reflect missing documentation, transferred assignments, or records lost to time.

8AF Mission
Date
Target
Aircraft
—
13 AUG 1944
Road junctions, Falaise, France
On the mission of 13 August 1944, B-24H serial 42-94991 was flying number three position in the element directly ahead of the eyewitness aircraft. At approximately 1200 hours, a few minutes before the IP, a direct burst of flak struck near the number one engine, which likely caused the fuel tank to catch fire immediately. The fire burned through the wing section behind the number one engine. The plane banked sharply away from the formation and entered a diving turn, then went into a spin. Three parachutes were observed before the rudder broke off; at that point two or possibly three more parachutes opened, with one chute striking the falling rudder and catching fire. The plane then passed out of sight. The aircraft struck the ground a few kilometers northwest of Falaise, France, and burned completely. Six parachutes were confirmed by surviving crew members and other squadron aircraft. German captors later confirmed that only six men got out.
Flying Fool, The42-94991
—
13 AUG 1944
Road junctions, Falaise, France
On the mission of 13 August 1944, B-24H serial 42-94991 was flying number three position in the element directly ahead of the eyewitness aircraft. At approximately 1200 hours, a few minutes before the IP, a direct burst of flak struck near the number one engine, which likely caused the fuel tank to catch fire immediately. The fire burned through the wing section behind the number one engine. The plane banked sharply away from the formation and entered a diving turn, then went into a spin. Three parachutes were observed before the rudder broke off; at that point two or possibly three more parachutes opened, with one chute striking the falling rudder and catching fire. The plane then passed out of sight. The aircraft struck the ground a few kilometers northwest of Falaise, France, and burned completely. Six parachutes were confirmed by surviving crew members and other squadron aircraft. German captors later confirmed that only six men got out.
Flying Fool, The42-94991