B-26 41-34955 crash in Belgium
 

On 25/12/1944 B-26 41-34955 from 323BG-453BS was hit by AAA fire and crashed near St-Vith Belgium. One of the crewmembers Sgt Hayden Raymond " Ray" M became POW. Who were the other crewmembers and what happened with them ? The MACR is 11488

Re: B-26 41-34955 crash in Belgium
 

Alain !

The crew-list of B-26C-15 , AAF-s/n 41-34955, doesn't have a crew-member Hayden Raymond M on boarrd. This is filed by MACR 11488.

The mission of this aircraft was an attack alongside with 323rd BG (M) on December 26th, 1944 to Houffalize strongpoint at about 11:04 A hrs. During the attack, 41-34955 was shot up by German FLAK and crashes in the area of Ronchampay,Belgium.

The crash-location had been confirmed by the findings of an officer of 439th Troop Carrier Group on January 28th, 1945, who was informed from a grave registration unit, that the body of Lt. Fox, pilot of MARAUDER 41-34955 was found in the wreck and was tentatively identified by laundry marks.

Can you check, which date your person flew his mission, since obviously no evidences are trailing Mr. Hayden to the events, concerning B-26, AAF-s/n 41-34944.

Best regards,

Horst Weber

Re: B-26 41-34955 crash in Belgium
 

Hello Horst ,

Thanks for the help. I really don't know how this name Hayden Raymond M came on my list.If i can find out something i will let you know.

Alain

Re: B-26 41-34955 crash in Belgium
 

Hi,

I found a Sgt Ralph M. Hayden on the NARA POW site.
Problem is that he is recorded as being from a Heavy bomber Group and not in captivity until February 45.

Date should be December 26th 1944.

Alex