Sortie Report#: 0168

Mission Data:
Date 34th BG Mission # 8th AF Mission # 34th Primary Target
July 21, 1944 40 486 Targets of Opportunity
38 planes were dispatched and 2 aborted. 25 planes dropped 59.5 tons on targets of opportunity and 11 failed to bomb. 36 Credit Sorties. One aircraft lost, the 10 crewmembers listed Missing in Action.
Sortie Data:
Combat CreditStatusTarget Attacked (Mode)
Yes Mission Completed Primary (Visual)
Sortie Aircraft Data:
TypeSerial NumberSquadronSQ CodeName
B-24H 41-29559 7 E/P Belchin' Bessie
Sortie Crew Data:
PositionCrew MemberUnitStatus
Pilot Shelby T. Alexander 7th Completed
Co-Pilot Edward R. Carlson 7th Completed
Navigator Robert H. Gross 7th Completed
Radio Operator Harold G. Owens 7th Completed
Engineer/Top Turret Wayne E. Howarter 7th Completed
Gunner (Ball Turret) William W. Seifert 7th Completed
Gunner (Tail) Harold C. Rutka 7th Completed
Gunner (Waist/Flexible) Grady C. Deatherage Jr. 7th Completed
NG Peter Lucyk 7th Completed