After completing Into Hostile Skies: Missing Air Crews of the 459th Bombardment Group, I felt compelled to continue sharing more of the experiences of air crews of additional bomb groups that were a part of that great crusade to rid the world of evil. This volume includes the three other bomb groups that comprised the 304th Bomb Wing, based out of Cerignola, Italy. A Harrowing Experience: Missing Air Crews of B-24 units during World War II: Volume 1 (454th, 455th & 456th Bomb Groups) is the result. This reference book is a compilation of experiences of the men who were lost over the skies of Germany, Austria, Italy, Romania, Hungary, Yugoslavia and the other Balkan states, while on bombing missions against the Axis powers during World War II (not all of the MACR'S are included, due to the lack of available information). The reader will experience what these young men endured to rid the world of tyranny from Hitler's War Machine. Through the words of these courageous airmen, you will read about their experiences while on bombing missions of strategic military targets, over enemy territory, contributing to the war's end.
These brave men, comprising the many crews of the 454th, 455th (Vulgar Vultures) and the 456th Bomb Group (Steed's Flying Colts) from Stornara and San Giovannia Air Fields, Italy, endured sleepless nights, long flights, freezing temperatures at high altitudes, flak barrages and fighter attacks over a variety of hostile targets over Central Europe. They witnessed their buddies shot down and if their own aircrafts were hit, they endured their own attempts to escape from their stricken ships. If they bailed out safely, they faced the wrath of hostile civilians, who wanted to end their lives quickly. They endured weeks of solitary confinement in prison, while going through the interrogation process, a lack of proper medical treatment and food, and finally being sent to a German Stalag prisoner of war camp, only to endure additional deprivations from their captors. Some of the men were lucky to be picked up by partisans and evade capture, returning to allied controlled territory.
This has been a labor of love for me compiling this reference book and honoring those men who sacrificed and put their own lives on hold to secure the freedoms of the world. They were all, truly, a part of that Greatest Generation. These men brought out the best of American patriotism, determination and fortitude in the face of incredible odds, trials and adversities. Their deeds should never be forgotten. Americans should take pride in the contributions of these men in the preservation of freedom for the world. In the following pages, you will read a short description of each mission, in which aircrews were lost, followed by witness statements, available diary entries and debriefing statements, which were gathered after the men returned to their bases or back in the United States, following the end of the war. Most of the information was derived from the Missing Aircrew reports. It is not my intention to form any opinions of the outcome or make any analysis of each bombing mission, or provide technical information regarding the planes involved. It is my intention to provide the human interest stories of the aircrews involved in this great conflict.
I wish to thank all the men who served in the 454th, 455th, 456th Bomb Groups who enlisted, when the world needed them, to fight the fight against the evil Nazis regime and especially to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. Your devotion to duty, honor and country will never be forgotten. Rest in peace in the Wild Blue Yonder. I want to thank their respective bomb group associations for making information available.
