[pdame141]

All:

With apologies for the mis-posting in the post-war forum a moment ago, I'm seeking information on the crash site(s) of two P-47s of the 397 FS/368 FG that were lost in a mid-air collision during a combat mission on 4 October 1944 in the vicinity of Munstereifel, Germany.

Capt. William Gibson was KIA and his left side wingman Lt. Odell Dustin parachuted clear of his a/c and was captured. Lt. Dustin was a POW at Stalag Luft I.

According to a statement by Capt. Gibson's right side wingman in MACR 9643 (Dustin's MACR is 9642), the flight was climbing through bad weather when they hit a violent updraft at which time Gibson and Dustin collided. The collision occurred at an altitude of around 6,000 ft.

Is there a record of the crash site of either or both P-47? To my knowledge, Capt. Gibson's remains were never recovered. Lt. Dustin was flying a P-47D-16, no. 42-76115 coded D3-X, which was my Great Uncle's assigned a/c.

Thanks as always for any leads.

Best regards,
Paul Dame