Mission Date: December 27, 1944
FULDA, MY
100th BG Mission #: 237
Mission Summary
ON THIS DAY... December 27, 1944
At Thorpe Abbotts, the 349th Squadron was enjoying a Stand Down, while the rest of the 100th Bomb Group were to fly a mission to Fulda under foggy cold conditions.
Thirty-eight aircraft left the base between 0755-0834 hours, where the boys encountered icing on their wings during the early morning take-off.
Bombardier on the Rojohn Crew, 350th's LT William Wellings flying his #8 mission remembered, "...Hadn't even made our first turn when we saw a big black cloud of smoke coming up through the fog in front of us. Saw three red explosions and more black smoke and when we got over top of it saw that a 17 had crashed at T.O. and exploded with the bombs...."
Sergeant William Crozier, Ball Turret Gunner on the Joseph Ricker Crew was flying his last mission. "Today is the big day...it made 28 for me and 30 for the rest of the crew. We lost no bombers over Germany but while taking off I saw where two B-17's had cracked up on take off becasue of fog and severe icing conditions. We had a problem of gaining altitude after take off but the ship finally responded and began to climb in time..."
Once safely back at base, later that evening, Staff Sergeant Guy Weaver recorded his thoughts of his #14 mission. He flew with the Donald Lilenquist Crew of the 418th. "... We ran into flak crossing the lines, we got 5 holes in the tail, and one by in our left wing just missing our gas tank. On the way back I got out of the ball to make a ----, when I went to get back in I passed out from lack of oxygen. I didn't know how long I was out but Danny(WG Daniel Robertson) brought me to. I was nearly frozen. My left hand has three fingers now that are still numb. Don( also passed out for alittle while too. Today Dan saved my life. Thank God for our safe return."
Seven of the 100th's B-17s returned that day with battle damage.
With no losses of B-17s or Crews, the Red Cross dance held was well attended. Arriving to the 100th, the Lyman Fillingame crew was assigned to the 349th Squadron, while the Michael Mashyna crew was assigned to the 418th.
Bombing Results
Bombing Results: VERY GOOD
Aircraft Lost: 0
Crew Lost: 0
Claims of Enemy Losses (CLS): 0
Aircraft Returned:
Photos
Fulda Mission Report
Fulda Mission Report (100th Bomb Group Archives)
