Warbird Information Exchange

Ok, I received this from someone visiting my warbird-central.com website.

Any information is appriciated:


THE 409TH BOMBARDMENT GROUP Mission #127 29-9-44 Bingen

One aircraft, 5I-J with Lt. Marion Hightower, pilot, S/Sgt. Earl D. Salmon, and Sgt. James M. Tuchel, gunners, was hit with HFF over the target area. It was reported by several crewmen to have crashed and exploded about three miles southeast of Kirchberg: No parachutes were observed.

Above is the mission that my grandfather Earl D. Salmon was shot down in a A20 and taken POW with the 409th BG 643bs. I've spoken to Joyce Tuchel (James Tuchel's wife in her mid 80's) just last week and she spoke of James talking of whatever happened to Salmon because they didn't have any contact after hitting the ground, although they shared time in the same POW Camps. I also spoke to Art Milow (BS-Leader/Pilot) and he stated that Marion Hightower passed away in 1998. Art Milow led this mission and knew my grandfather. I'm searching for anyone that may know anything about this 5I-J plane or any other missions that were flown in the 409th BG with Earl D.
Salmon between Late July 1944 or Early August 1944 through Sept. 29, 1944.