P-51 lost over Germany at 17/01/1945

[Horst Weber]

Good evening Ruediger !

According J-report # J-2878/2, a "Mustang" with the marking N9 Cock. came down on this day at about 13:45 hrs. at Hemmbrock, 4 km W of Menden/Westphalia.

So the responsible Luftgaukommando reports.

When an a/c with the squadron-code 6N (505th FG) lays after the crash upside-down, a spectator may identify this markings as N9cocade

The 505th FS, 339th FG was loosing this day two a/c:

- 44-15616, flown by Cpt. Richard B. Olander, obviously crashed in the vincinity of Gladbeck, Germany, accd. MACR # 11863. Attacking trains, but hit by anti-aircraft-fire, badly damaged, tried to get home but last seen in clouds. Fate of pilot is KIA.

- 43-106676, flown by 2nd Lt. Waldon E. Howard, obviously crashed in the vincinity of Stadthagen, Germany, accd. MACR # 11864. Attackink trains, hit by a/a, pilot bailed out. Fate of the pilot is KIA.

My guess is, that one of this pilots must be your man. On my opinion, the best evidence for this suggestion is the markings note N9 Cock. in the J-report. Those were written right after it happened and not today.

Hope, this helps.

All the best !

Horst Weber