Crew Roster · Personal File

Thomas D. Gilbert

HometownRockford, IL

Sgt. Thomas D. Gilbert served as a gunner aboard B-24D 42-40938, lost 15 September 1943. He was captured and his status is listed as prisoner of war, consistent across both MACR forms. The first MACR form (page 7) shows an annotation 'POW Gas' alongside his name, possibly indicating he was gassed or received gas treatment while a prisoner.

From the 2nd Air Division Association Yearbook

Assigned to 93rd Bomb Group after basic training. Flew first mission (in Tarfu) Aug. 1, 1943, to the Ploesti Oil Fields, based in Benghazi, Libya. Later moved to Hardwick, England.

Shot down Sept. 15, 1943 over Yvette, France while crew member of Bathtub Bessie (B-24, 93rd Bomb Group). Captured and held prisoner in Stalag 17B, Krems, Austria for one year. Repatriated for burns and wounds received on last mission.

Decorated with Air Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, two Purple Hearts, and other recognition medals. Chosen by Rockford, IL as their Outstanding War Hero.

Prisoner of War

Sortie Log

1 CATALOGUED SORTIE
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

§ Personal Record

Before the War

Born Jan. 19, 1921 in Rockford, IL. Entered USAAC Sept. 1, 1942. Basic training in Jefferson, MO.