MIA 8th AF Pilot information needed

[twoworldwars]

Dear froum, I have a document from the War Department of an Emil E.E. Papenfuse, Jr. 35055951. He was supposedly missing while flying from Goose Bay, Labrador to Meeks Field, Iceland and was lost while flying over the North Atlantic 11-2-44. He was assigned to North Atlantic Wing, Air Transport Command, (Redesignated N Atlantic Division, Air Transport Command June 27 1944) The mission was listed as "Foreign Ferry" under command of the ETO USA; as such the plane was not to any group or squadron when it was lost. What exactly was the mission then? Is there any way to find out if they have any new information on his craft and wreck site? Bill

[twoworldwars]

What does "Foreign Ferry" mean?

[edwest]

The Snowball Route:

http://www.jcs-group.com/military/allyair/north2.html




Ed

[edwest]

He is officially listed as MIA. Contact this site:


http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/




Ed

[twoworldwars]

Ed, that was an interesting article. I guess that explains the fate of Papenfuse and his crew. What a hell hole that was. Regards, Bill

[edwest]

Hi Bill,


Glad to help.



Ed

[twoworldwars]

Why does this document say "In the American area" In an allied area? Bill

[twoworldwars]

I have Liberater B24L number 44 49399 He was out of the Cleveland Ohio area. Thank you Ed

[Alan Clark]

The document says American Area, I would take that to be the aircraft was deemed lost somewhere within the first 3 hours (~600 miles) of its flight which would have been in the American area of operations. Beyond about 3 hours for most long distance flights it was the point of no return and for aircraft transiting to Europe and Iceland if lost it would be classed as European Theatre of Operations.

[twoworldwars]

I guess that would mean he didn't die at war? I have had this document for some time. I was hoping in time that maybe they would have found his aircraft and put it to rest. Maybe someday? Bill