Eric E. Ericson

F/O Eric E. Ericson served as navigator on B-24H 41-29656, 328th Bomb Squadron, 93rd Bomb Group, on the 26 February 1945 combat bombing mission to Berlin.

Reported missing in action on 26 February 1945 when engines 3 and 4 failed for unknown reasons. Subsequently returned to duty.

From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook

Assigned to Cadle's Crew and trained at Boise for lead crew duty. Went to England aboard Queen Mary. Assigned to 93rd Bomb Group (H), 328th Bomb Sqdn.

On second mission, Feb. 26, 1945, Berlin, Germany flying tail end Charlie, took a hit that wiped #3. Within 10 minutes #4 was likewise hit. They hit their bailout point on target three miles NE of Berlin some two hours after first being hit. Hit the Nylon at 3600 feet. Broke through approximately 900 feet.

After much transferring they flew via USSR C-46 from Poznan, Poland to Brest Litvosk. Took 35 mph express wood burning train to Kharkov then to Kiev and Poltava, the USAAF Airbase there. Went via ATC to Teheran, Cairo, Athens, Naples, Marseilles, Paris and London.

In 1992, two really great guys headed west, Sam Kesler, co-pilot and Bob Faulkner, nose gunner. They were down to eight. They flew North Atlantic with Bill Fisher's crew. Greatest thrill of his military career was to have his two tech sergeants run 35 yards, grab him by both hands saying, 'Thank you for bringing us home.' That was worth the 12 medals he accumulated. The 2nd ADA Journal carries their story a bit more.