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Re: 15th AF B-24 55th Bomber Wing ID
Not July 26, 1944, but August 22, 1944. Valerian E. Klein, pilot of B-24J 42-51300 gave order to his crew to leave their damaged plane, but one of his crewmember (Fight Engineer?) said he cannot bail out, because his chute is damaged. Klein then gave his own chute to him saying he'll try to crash land. The crew left the plane but Klein died when his B-24 suddenly exploded mid-air. It is a shame, that he still hasn't received the Medal of Honor while others, like Donald Dale Pucket at Ploesti had. BTW, Valerian Klein's photo is in B. Stenge Csaba's new book (Elfelejtett Hosok, new edition / 'Forgotten Heroes') on p. 189.
Gabor
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