[faspony]

Hi,

I am looking for information regarding my cousin, T/Sgt Bruce Sleeper. He was the radio operator on A/C 43-37603, B-17G-65-BO called "I'll Be Around" with the 96th BG 338 sqdn based at Snetterton Heath Eng.
On Sept 10th 1944 their B-17G was on a misson to Nurnburg, Germeny when it was downed by flak after hitting the target. The aircraft went down in the area of Laubental Germany, due South of Nurnburg. The entire crew bailed out and became POWs. They were sent to Stalag Luft IV, a camp for NCOs and enlisted men. This camp was located in Gross Tychow, East Prussia.
I don't know where the officers were sent. Toward the end of the war the Germans moved the POWs because the Russians were closing in. The entire group of POWs were marched from Stalag Luft IV to Stalag Luft XI-B, a distance of 632 miles. This camp was located in Fallingbostel, Germany.
Any other facts known about the crew, the aircraft or the camps by either Allied or German forces would be greatly appreciated.

A couple of years ago I learned of one interesting fact from my cousins wife. She was visited by one of the German soldiers whom was present when the crew was captured. He had taken a piece of the metal of the aircraft as a souvenir and he wanted her to have it. A very thoughtful thing to do! She was very pleased!

This is the list of the crew:

Pilot, Lt Oscar A. Williamson
Co pilot, Lt James W. Haynes
Nav. Lt Wiley B. Williams
Bomb. Lt. John W. Greene
Radio, T/Sgt Bruce Sleeper
Eng. T/Sgt Billy J. Lowery
Ball Turret, S/Sgt Robert Tharret
Rht. Waist G. S/Sgt Henry G. Dirocco
Left Waist G. Unknown
Tail G. S/Sgt William G. Montgomery


Thanks,

Mike Dilloway