Hi guys,
thanks for this cenversation!!!! I found it very interesting! Am researching about this particular day for a long time...
Mirko,
I have some of the archival material (original German "KU reports" and "J reports") for Rafferty and Mc Curry, also as for oher crashes on that day in area of Giessen, Marburg, etc. (There crashed some B-24 from 2nd BD on that day)
For Ken Rafferty I have also a great photo of his "The Iova Beaut" (this is a famous in-flight photo of this plane, but I have copied it directly from a veteran (Robert Littlefield of the 55th FG who got the original photo from someone long time ago). Is interesting to hear that you have some wreckage of Raffertyś plane... I have detailed describing of the place and was planing to vosot the place once...
What especially might be interesting for you is that I have for Ken Raffery his IDPF (Individual deceased personnel file), becuse he was for some years after the war still listed as MIA, This document contains many pages, including the reports about the research about his MIA status, his body chart, eyewitness accouts, etc.
For McCurry I have also some material, but can not remember right now which, because I am on a "busunes trip" in Holland and returning to my home in Czech Republic on January 15th. Then I can collect the material and copy it ... send it to you both.
Bill,
as I understand, you have a family relation to the 355th FG and ... are you doing any research abut this group.
I would very appreciate your information (from you both, gentlemen) about this day 11th September 1944 and the men who had a kill or especially who were shot down this day (USAAF also as Luftwaffe) and am ready to share with you all my information in relation of these crashes.
I am facinated about this day - 11th September 1944 - for over 20 years. Started as a boy a search about some crashes arund our village and now trying to cover the whole Europe.... to cooperate with and join men like you is great for similar research.
Mirko, Bill, please do you can introduce yourself for me?
Thanks...
please see our website
www.museum119.cz
Bye, Jan