Sortie Report#: 0072

Mission Data:
Date 34th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 34th Primary Target
June 07, 1944 13 397 Tours
This was the "Intruder" mission. 26 planes were dispatched to Tours, France with 78 tons of bombs. Two planes aborted. One plane dropped one bomb on the primary target by mistake. This plane and 12 others bombed the secondary target, dropping 3.25 tons of bombs (Underwood says 39 tons), while 13 failed to bomb. On return to base at dusk, the 34BG lost four planes to enemy fighters, ME-410s or Ju-88s, within the base traffic pattern. One crashed into the Personal Equipment Building. One crashed just outside the base. One crash-landed at Eye. The fourth crew bailed out several miles south of the base. Of the 36 crewmen, 12 were killed; at least eight others wounded and one was listed Missing in Action.
Sortie Data:
Combat CreditStatusTarget Attacked (Mode)
Yes Mission Completed Primary (Visual)
Sortie Aircraft Data:
TypeSerial NumberSquadronSQ CodeName
B-24H 41-29567 4 D/B Bambi
Sortie Crew Data:
PositionCrew MemberUnitStatus
Pilot Charles Cook 4th Completed
Co-Pilot Ralph J. Lundeen 4th Completed
Navigator Robert W. Braeger 4th Completed
Bombardier Merle R. Hartman 4th Completed
Radio Operator Clarence T. Peterman 4th Completed
Engineer/Top Turret Norman L. Mayer 4th Completed
Gunner (Ball Turret) John W. Brady 4th Completed
Gunner (Tail) Vernon E. Atwater 4th Completed
Gunner (Waist/Flexible) Frederick W. Harsters 4th Completed
AG El J. Brackeen 4th Completed