9th AF Patch

416th Bombardment Group (L)

No Report

March 21, 1945, Wednesday

 

 

 WWII-Medal

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Summary
Aircraft Serial Number (Type): 43-22320 (Douglas A-26B-15-DT Invader)

9th AF; 416th Bomb Gp; 670th Bomb Sq

Mission # 246; Box: II; Flight: 1; Position: 4; A/C Fuselage Code: F6-S

Reason: Mid-Air Collision of other Aircraft

Damage: Damaged from Mid-Air Collision of other Aircraft

Point Of Departure: A-69 Laon/Athies, France

Location: A-69 Laon/Athies, France

Personnel
Duty Name Rank S/N Status
Pilot Downing, Wayne Edward Lt O-661726 Not Injured
Gunner Sgroi, Anthony P. Sgt   WIA


Description:
Lt W.E. Downing's gunner, Sgt. A.D. Sgroi, flying in #4 position behind Capt Rooney, realized that a collision was imminent. He opened the bomb bay doors, preparing to bail out. The drag on the plane was sufficient to slow it down and keep it out of the way of the colliding planes. Had it not been for his action, his plane might well have been struck by Captain Andersen's plane. Sgt Sgroi was slightly injured in the eye during the collision.
(416th BG History 1945)

See Mission # 246 for additional details