Two more B-17 losses in 1945

[Sallyk]

Hello,

I'm trying to find out more information about the crash of two B-17's on April 10, 1945 (44-6593 and 43-38803) over Oranienburg, Germany. They collided in formation and my friend's father's plane (44-6593) was cut in two. They flew out of Chelveston, UK, 305 Bomb. Group, 365 Bomb. Squadron. All died, except for Lloyd E. Mueller. The crew was Leon Keene (pilot), Henry Vinum (co-pilot), Ben Friedman (Bomb.), Alton Dodd (T.Gnr.), LeRoy Elfert (R.Oper.), Thomas Wilding ( B.T.Gnr.), Lloyd Mueller (T.Gnr.). I have the Missing Air Crew Report #13876.

My dear friend's father was Henry (Hank) Vinum from Fortuna, CA. She was only 18 months old when he died. Any information about him personally or about the crash would be greatly appreciated. When I went to England two years ago, I went by the old base and took lots of pictures for her (a field of sheep now). I've been looking at pictures of the base online and trying to match my pictures to the scenes of the 1940's for her. I intend to write a private book for her and would love any info at all about her father, the base or the fateful crash. Perhaps there are children of the other crew members on this forum and we can compare notes? Or anyone who was at Chelveston at the time? Sally