401st Bomb Group (H) Association
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Harold L Spencer
10/21/2009 9:36:31 PM
Searching for any information regarding 2nd Lt. Walter P Empric who, according to POW records at NARA, was a member of the 401st BG (H). I would greatly appreciate hearing from anyone who might have additional information about Empric's service. His serial number was O 682091; apparently shot down &/or taken prisoner on 11 April 1944.
Many thanks for any info.
Hal Spencer
Yorkshire, NY
Rick Kaufman
10/22/2009 9:40:58 PM
WP Empric was a bombardier in R.O. Stine's crew, (614th squadron).

Information regarding this crew can be found here:
http://www.401bg.com/history/crew.asp?cid=12731

Our information indicates that his aircraft was hit by flak on a mission to Politz/Sorau on 11 April 1944.

Lt. Empric's name is also noted in a post on the "new" 401st bomb group forum.  Please go to www.401stforum.com and select "Search" from the upper right hand side of the page.  Enter Empric in the search for keywords text box and select "Aircrews" from the Search Options Pull Down list.  You will see Lt. Empric's name listed as a crewmember of Shade Ruff #1.

I can send you an image of this aircraft if you desire.  Please request by sending an email to webmaster@401bg.com

I am curious to know if you are related to Walter, or if you were acquainted with him.  It is always good to know the motivation behind the inquiry!
Donald Byers
10/22/2009 10:41:53 PM
Email of nephew sent in response.

Don Byers
Harold L Spencer
10/23/2009 3:54:13 PM
Dear Sir;
I would greatly appreciate an image/photo of Lt. Stine's a/c - "Shade Ruff", and thank you very much.
I'm searching for any information about Lt Empric for a cousin of mine who does not have a computer or internet access. She, my cousin, is a cousin of Walter Empric's wife, Elizabeth (Betty) Gentner of Buffalo, NY. Her interest in Walter was whetted when I researched another cousin who was a S/SGt waist gunner/engineer on a B-17G flying out of Bury St Edmunds, Eng. in the 94th BG (H). Their plane was shot down by German fighters on a mission to a target south of Berlin on 18 Apr 1944. The crew of 10 all survived and were POWs until liberated on a forced march out of Stalag 17B in Austria. I received a wealth of info regarding this cousin, his crewmates, their plane, etc., etc.. I certainly appreciate the help I received from members of the 94th's website, as well as the response from you and others on the 401st Forum.
Thanks very much,
Hal Spencer, Yorkshire, Ny
Group Historian
10/23/2009 8:27:32 PM
Picture of Shade Ruff #2 sent.

Don
Group Historian
10/23/2009 10:56:44 PM
A2 Jacket Art Sent.

Don