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Summary:
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The Group encountered heavy clouds up to 30,000 feet on this mission, and when the Group reached the IP it was boxed in by two other Groups and could not make the turn onto the bomb run. However, Lt. Alfred A. Winograd, the "Mickey" (PFF) operator, led the Group around to the correct course, enabling the Wing Bombardier, Capt. Fesmire, to score a "shack".
Several minutes of very accurate flak were experienced over the target, resulting in the loss of three 401st aircraft. The lost crews were those of Lt. W. W. Trimble flying B-17 No. 42-40002 ("Breezing Home"), Lt. W. E. Massey, flying B-17 No. 42-40050 ("Channel Express III") and Lt.G. A. Filemyr, flying B-17 No. 42-31315 ("Liberty Run"). The last named aircraft received a direct hit in the tail, killing the tail gunner, Sgt. L. T. Maiden. However, the pilot was able to remain airborne until reaching Spain, where the crew members bailed out and were ultimately able to return to Deenethorpe.
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