[aaatripp]

A memory of that day 71 years ago 9 Aug 44 when Bud awoke that morning and watched his tentmate and best friend, Maj. Don M. Beerbower depart to lead the morning mission of the 353FS as its CO.....he would not return .....shot down and killed over a German airfield by accurate ground fire on a 2nd pass.

Bud was shocked and wanted revenge, but his orders were to lead the afternoon mission as RED ONE on an armed recce sweep to a different area. With no intercepts the formation headed back to RIPSAW (ALG 2 near Criqueville, France). At approx 11,000ft a lucky 88mm burst caught Bud's fuselage tank and his stricken a/c suffered an explosion and fire. Bud was burned in the cockpit but managed to bail out (Lt. Ted Sedvert reported seeing a parachute). Bud's wingman on this mission was new pilot Jack Miller who did not know that Bud had bailed out. Jack followed FT-G "ARSON'S REWARD" as it spiraled down in flames.

That's how it was.....9 Aug 44. 'Lest We Forget


Tripp