T/Sgt Lawrence E. Williams, KIA Politz, 7 Oct 1944

Posted:
By: Dave Edkins
On: 03/15/2005

I am looking for information about T/Sgt L.E. Williams, top turret gunner with Lt. Nelson's crew (613th BS), who was KIA at Politz on 7 Oct 1944. Most useful info would be locating a photo of him or his crew. I have most of the details of his service time and death. Knowledge of anyone who knew him and served with him. His entire crew was killed on that mission, but there may still be people who remember serving with him.
Thank you

Re: T/Sgt Lawrence E. Williams, KIA Politz, 7 Oct 1944

Posted:
By: Donald Byers
On: 03/15/2005

There is no known pictue of this aircraft or crew picture. Reference Bit's and Pices and B-17 Nose Art Directory. One of these would indicate if a picture resides in the National Archives. I was also looking for a member of this crew or relatives as they flew the Carrie B II on 14 Aug 1944 and my Uncle was KIA on this aircraft on 24 Aug 1944.

Don Byers

Re: T/Sgt Lawrence E. Williams, KIA Politz, 7 Oct 1944

Posted:
By: Mark Whelan
On: 03/15/2005

Hello
My Name is Mark Whelan. My Uncle was the Co-Pilot of 1st Lt. A. J. Nelsons crew. I have lots of information of the crew the plane stike photo's and so on contact me through my email address and we will talk. Looking forward to hereing from you.
Regards
Mark

Re: T/Sgt Lawrence E. Williams, KIA Politz, 7 Oct 1944

Posted:
By: Win Bryson
On: 03/16/2005

Dave:

Very glad to see your posting. I'm the nephew of the Nelson Crew's Radioman, S/Sgt. J.T. (Tom) Dorris, and am researching the Crew's history much like you.

I met Mark Whelan through this Website, also - he's been able to connect with some other Nelson Crew kin. Once you connect with Mark and compare notes, I'd certainly like to connect with you, too.

Looking forward to finding additional Nelson Crew information with you.

Win Bryson.

Re: T/Sgt Lawrence E. Williams, KIA Politz, 7 Oct 1944

Posted:
By: Norman L. Sisson
On: 03/17/2005

DAVE, I did not know T/Sgt Williams personally, but I did fly missions with him. I was on the Politz mission. I was flying Maiden USA #6508.I was flying in the composite group "D", three formations bekind the Nelson crew. When we turned on the IP, I saw two aircraft going down. One had an engine fire and the other took a direct hit in the nose and exploded. It was as if the aircraft was not there. I believe the one that exploded was the Nelson crew. I was flying on the right wing of the Silverstein crew. His aircraft took a direct hit in the right wing and exploded.We did not see parachutes from either aircraft. The same flack burst hit our aircraft between engines 3 and 4 We were able to make it back to England and landed at an emergency field.