The Dispatch - May 17, 1943

Captain Rowland B. Houston, flying with the first wave over Blue Target, Joined the end of an assembling formation as the B-24s fought to give one another protection from the attacking enemy fighters. Willie Steinmann, who had shot down one Liberator at the opening of the battle, was flying one of the Me lO9s that pursued him. "The American machine guns were spatting all around," said Steinmann. The German ace picked out Houston's ship which was "about a hundred fifty feet from the ground. I attacked him from the rear," said Steinmann. "I cut back on the throttle, slowed her with flaps, and gave the Liberator a good raking from wing tip to wing tip. I could see tracers walking across the width of the plane and flames coming out everywhere. The top turret man, (Walter B. Schoer) and the tail gunner (Milford L. Spears), particularly the man in the tail, were shooting me up. I closed to within seventy feet! "My engine caught fire and there was a tremendous quiver- ing. My speed carried me under the left side of the bomber, which we" going out of control. The Liberator and the ground were coming together fast and I was in between, with no control. I had an instant to consider what would happen. The best chance seemed being thrown free in the crash. I loosened my harness and opened the latch on my canopy. I don't remember crashing. "The first thing I knew I was seated on the ground with my pants torn and cuts on my legs. Near me the two planes burned. I got up from the ground and walked away." But no one walked away from Houston's ship. It is believed that this plane is the one described as, "Aircraft skimmed over the top of woods and fell on the other side, and exploded." Lt. Houston volunteered for this mission even though he had completed his tour of operations. It was too important for the war effort to miss.

Flown by Capt.Rowland B.Houston and the crew to Ploesti 1943. Briefed to fly on extreme left on the first wave attacking Blue Traget. Nr 1 engine believed hit by flack.On making the turn after target was seen intercepted by a ME-109 presumed as Hauptmann W.Steinmann of 1/JG4.The B-24 was shot down in flames but not before the TTG and TG have brought down the German fighter .Both airplanes crashed on the same area near Brazi South of Ploesti. .Only 6 bodies identified. The B-24 was a replacement from UK. 2 crew burials unknown as of date of today.

Sgt Carlton standing 2nd from right