B-24 crash captured on film in 1944 over Hungary

[HGabor]

Hi Folks,

Original Royal Hungarian Newscast footage on Allied bombing of Budapest, Hungary in the summer of 1944, including the shocking moments of the crash of 15th AAF, 55 BW, 464. BG, 776 BS. Consolidated B-24H-15-FO “Liberator” S/N: 42-52402, Red “U”, “Rough And Ready”, piloted by 2Lt. Paul J. Kirkland (POW) on July 30, 1944.

(Plane ID in the movie at 1 min. 29 sec. is identified for 99.99%, MACR 11716)

The crew was:

2Lt. Paul J. Kirkland (O-803216, POW)
2Lt. Michael Wojtish Jr. (O-620113, POW)
2Lt. Earl A. MacDougall (O-820113, KIA)
2Lt. Leslie J. Schwier (O-744417, POW)
T/Sgt. Angelo R. Pietronogro (32229576, POW)
T/Sgt. Arthur J. Brisiatte (16080551, POW)
S/Sgt. Robert S. Williams (33568835, POW)
S/Sgt. Ruehl L. Asbridge (37287394, POW)
S/Sgt. Leonard I. West (37617867, POW)
Sgt. Fred H. Cook (42021195, KIA)

Their pilotless plane crashed in 33. Rákó street, Budapest, XI. District.

Other burning plane in the footage is Olive Drab Boeing B-17F-50-DL of 15th AAF, 5th BW, 301st BG, 353. BS S/N: 42-3344 on June 27, 1944. White “C”, marking of 353. BS is clearly visible on the tail.

The crew:

1Lt. Walter W. Lyon pilot (O-807476, +) – he fell on the roof of 26. Nagykőrösi road…
1Lt. Robert L. Hamel Co-pilot (O-680209, POW)
2Lt. Richard H. Willoughby navigator (O-700192, +) – he fell in front of 21. Nagykörösi Road
1Lt. John F. McCormick Jr. (O-669353, POW)
S/Sgt. Joseph J. Naeder (32711950, +) – he fell on the roof of 26. Nagykőrösi road…
S/Sgt. Billy S. Deason (14162091, POW)
S/Sgt. Joseph B. Senger (37096802, POW)
Sgt. James H. Hollibaugh (39410890, POW)
S/Sgt. Robert J. Heintz (+, 36808224) - He fell on the edge of Kispest (Budapest, XIX. District).

(The natural metal B-17G and B-24 are still unidentified.):

http://filmhiradok.nava.hu/watch.php?id=5837

Cheers,

Gabor