Info wanted on 385th B-17 shot down on 11/11/43 (Mod Ed)

[love2gofly]

My friend is trying to find information and hopefully some photos of his grandfather and his B-17. He sent me this, and I said "Self, this is right up the WIX alley."

My friend's Grandfather is John McGowan in the below info.

Yes, he was at Great Ashfield Airfield, which is where he flew out of the day he was shot down. He was with the 385th Bomb Group, 548th Bomb Squadron and his plane was the Wild Hare. The German who shot him down was Emil Rudolf Schnoor on 11/11/1943 at about 1447 hours. He had flown into Germany and dropped his bombs and was headed back to England when he was shot down between Eethen and Waspik, Netherlands. It was his 10th mission. He'd only been in England since July 1943.

Pop flew an early model B-17

Found this on a website and emailed. Asked for pics. Now we have names!


My father (John Decker) was a ball turret gunner in the 385th flying in John McGowan/James Buffino’s plane. I have a good crew picture. But the MACR for the plane has Vernon Mulvaney in his place on Nov 11, 1943. Looking for any information. Thanks, John
The MACR no. 1161 listed the following crew, positions & disposition:
Pilot John P. McGowan(POW)
Co-Pilot James C. Buffino(RTD)
Navigator Ellis Shorb (RTD)
Bombardier Thomas Applewhite(RTD)
Top turret Neilo Malavasi(POW)
Radio/gunner James French (Dead)
Ball turret Vernon Mulvaney(POW)
Tall gunner Robert Johnson(POW)
Left waist William Bloeser(POW)
Right waist Anthony Barekett(POW)

Does anyone have anything? Thanks WIX!

[JDK]

Bump
Mod Ed: I've edited the thread title to maybe snag some interest. Can anyone help?
JDK.

[DaveM2]

You might want to try the 'Allied' Board here:

http://forum.12oclockhigh.net/forumdisplay.php?f=7

Dave

[Paul Patist]

Or have a try at http://forum.armyairforces.com/

Paul

[Asterperious]

I have the unit history of the 385th as I have an A-2 to 385th crewman from the 'Miss Fortune', the book has lots of pictures, but often low quality. I'll pull it out and see what turns up.

[love2gofly]

Hey thanks a lot you guys.