Crew Roster · Personal File
Clarence M. Howze
Gunner · 330th Squadron
Gunner aboard B-24D 42-40938, lost 15 September 1943. Captured; status POW.
His name is spelled 'Howze' on the first MACR form (page 7) and 'Howse' on the second form (page 10); the serial number appears as 34405762 on the first form and 34403762 on the second. 'Howze' and 34405762 are used here as the first form's reading is likely more accurate.
Prisoner of War
Sortie Log
1 CATALOGUED SORTIE
15 SEP 1943
15 SEP 1943
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
№ 95
15 SEP 1943
Virology (Villacoublay area)
B-24D serial 42-40938 was lost on 15 September 1943 during a mission departing AAF 104 (Hardwick). The aircraft was last known between the Seine and Fecamp, near Yvetot, France. According to 2nd Lt. Earl D. Warren Jr. (bombardier), A/C No. 938 was damaged by flak or fighters just at dusk while the group was returning. The aircraft had to straggle and was then attacked by enemy fighters. The left wing caught fire and the order to bail out was given. Warren reported that while he was preparing to jump, a large shell or rocket entered the aircraft from underneath, striking just behind the nose wheel and passing up through the cockpit area. The aircraft crashed near Fauville-en-Caux, France. Warren evaded capture for approximately one year and was liberated when the Allies occupied the region. Navigator 2nd Lt. Edward F. Miller reported in August 1945 that the plane was on fire when he jumped. The Germans informed surviving crew that Loveday was dead, and Miller stated he knew the identity of two of three bodies found in the wreckage; the third may have been the assistant engineer (Walther or Meyers).
Bathtub Bessie42-40938