1930 - US Census - Elk City, Beckham, Oklahoma
Household ........Role ........Sex .....Age Birthplace
Paul Cook ..........Head ......Male ....50 ..Texas
Willie Cook ........Wife ........Female 24 ..Texas
Lloyd Cook ........Son .........Male ....15 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook ......Daughter Female 12 ..Oklahoma
Jelly Bean Cook Son .........Male ....6 ....Oklahoma
1940 - US Census - Willow Township, Greer, Oklahoma
Household .........Role .........Sex .....Age Birthplace
William P Cook ..Head ........Male ....61 ..Texas
Willie L Cook ......Wife .........Female 33 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook .......Daughter Female 23 ..Oklahoma
Raymon W Cook Son .........Male ....16 ..Oklahoma
Herbert H Cook .Son ..........Male ....10 ..Oklahoma
Lola M Cook .......Daughter Female 7 ....Oklahoma
Jimmie R Cook ..Son ..........Male ....5 ....Oklahoma
Patricia A Cook ..Daughter Female 3 ....Oklahoma
Calvin G Cook ....Son ..........Male ....1 ....Oklahoma
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, August 24, 1944 pg 8
Cpl. Wm. L. Cook Wants To
Get The Journal In England
Cpl. William R. Cook, who is in an advanced gunnery school in England writes his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry, asking that the Journal be sent him since he has not received it lately due to a change of address and he misses the paper so much. Cpl. Cook has been in England since last July, flying there in a B-17 Bomber. He was attending Elk City High school when he entered the Army Air Corps and is a bottom gunner on a Flying Fortress.
Note: This story appeared in the paper on the day of William's death along with two of his crew-mates.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, September 07, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. W. R. Cook
Missing Over
Germany
Brother Of Mrs.
Roy Castleberry
Lost August 24.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944, over Germany, his sister was advised today by telegram from the War Department.
Cpl Cook, a member of the Army Air Corps, was a gunner on a B-17 and had been overseas but two months. The Castleberry's received a letter from him about ten days ago in which he stated he had been on a short furlough and had visited in London. This is the last word they have had from him, until the War Department's report Wednesday morning.
Young Cook graduated from the Elk City high school in the spring. of 1943 and entered the service of September that same year.
He received his basic training at Buckley Field, Kansas, from whence he was sent the Las Vegas Army Air Field and then to Lincoln, Neb. His final advance training was received at Dyersburg, Tenn. from which point he was sent (sic) Kearney Nebr. where he picked up his ship and went overseas.
Cpl. Cook, familitarly(sic) called "Red' by his friends and cronies, was a former Carrier for the Daily News in after-school hours, and the anxiety of all is felt for him, along with Mrs. Castleberry who was his "mother" as well.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Tuesday, September 26, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. Cook
Killed In
Action
War Dep't Reports
Slain In Germany
August 21th.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, who was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944 is now officially reported by the War Department as having been killed in action over Germany on that date, Mrs. Castleberry was notified today.
A gunner on a B-17, Cpl. Cook had only been overseas two months when engaging in the action which proved fatal to him.
He was a 1943 Elk City high school graduate, entering the armed service a few months thereafter.
Before being assigned overseas he trained at Buckley Field, Kansas, Las Vegas Army Airfield. Lincoln Nebraska, Dyersburg, Tennessee and Kearney, Nebraska, having been shipped from the letter station.
"Red" as the Corporal was familiarly called by his friends, was a former carrier for the Daily News in after school hours - everyone knew him and they were all his friends.
William Ramon Cock was born March 13, 1924 at Clemstott, Oklahoma and was practically reared by Mrs. Castleberry.
Two other sisters. Mrs. Pat Kerran, Elk City and Mrs. Charles Ahraham, Clarkade, Miss. also survive as well as a brother Lloy residing in Wichita.
His father, Paul Cook, of Willow, Oklahoma, also survives.
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, June 23, 1949 pg 1
Final Rites Set
For City Airman
Reburial Is Sunday For
Sgt. William Ramon Cook
Reburial and final tribute to Sgt. William Ramon Cook, an Elk City youth who gave his life during the heavy bombing raids over Germany during August, 1944, will be held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday in the Sayre Church of Christ. Reburial will be in the Delhi cemetery.
Sgt. Cook, who made his home here for four years with his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry and Mr. Castleberry was a junior in the Elk City highschool when he entered the army in August, 1943. He received his training at Burkley Field, Denver, Colorado and Las Vegas Army Air Base. From Las Vegas he went to Dyersburg, Tenn., where he joined the 401st Bombing Group of the 613th Bombing Squadron as a B-17 bottom turret gunner and flew to Kearney, Neb., where they picked up a new B-17 bomber and flew to England on July 7, 1944.
Killed Over Germany
Arriving at Denethorp,(sic) England, the crew took part in the bitter fighting over Germany during that time and Sgt. Cook was killed on August 4, 1944, only six weeks after having arrived overseas.
The former city youth was born March 13, 1924, in Clemscott, Okla. Survivors, other than Mrs. Castleberry, include his father, Paul Cook of Delhi; two other sister,(sic) Mrs. Pat Kerran of Honolulu and Mrs. Charles Abraham of Clarksdale, Miss., and a brother, Lloy Cook of Elk City.
Following the war a memographed booklet containing a detailed account of the activities of the B-17, "Jill's Jallopy"(sic) was compiled by S. L. Fish, father of the plane's pilot, Lt. Melvin S. Fish, including the fatal raid in which Sgt. Cook and two fellow members, Sgt. James W. Hutt, tail gunner, and Lt. Leslie H. Hauss, co-pilot, were killed. Other members of the crew, who were taken prisoner by the Germans are Lt. Eugene F. Cramer, navigator; Lt. Kenneth D. Lucas, navigator; Sgt. John Hanchak, gunner; S. Sgt. Warren G. Smith aerial engineer and top gunner, and Sgt. Melvin H. Warren, radioman.
Account of Raid Given
Mr. Fish's detailed acount(sic) of the final flight of the bomber crew is as follows:
On Aug. 24, 1944, the nine members of the crew flew on a B-17 mission to bomb a V-2 plant assembly plant near Weimar, Germany. They left Denethorp,(sic) England at daybreak with a full gas and bomb load. Weimar was maximum range. Perhaps about 1500 planes participated in the mission. They flew in group formation, one group following another several miles apart. (According to press dispatches, 42 main and auxiliary V-2 factory buildings, were destroyed
See No. 3 -- Back Page
Page 8
Number Three
(Continuation)
that day and other buildings wrecked or badly damaged.)
The planes of this mission headed straight for Berlin from Denethorp,(sic) England, going over the North Sea, Holland and Northern Germany and close to Over Ulzen, which is over 100 miles west of Berlin and nearly 40 miles south of Hamburg about 30 to 50 German fighters attacked the group. This was about 11:15 a. m. and about an hour from the target.
The German fighters were as determined as though they had been drugged. They came in again and again. Sixteen or 17 were shot down by the 401st Bombing Group along.(sic) They downed three or four B-17's, one from the 401st Group.
The enemy fighters were first sighted by Sgt. Huff, tail gunner, since they came in from the rear. In the first attack, Sgt. Huff was killed, Sgt. Cook was wounded and the pilot's interphone connections were shot out. Lt. Hauss, co-pilot, still had interphone connections and he reported the casualties.
One engine was also shot out and the B17 dropped behind formation. The pilot and co-pilot were using every effort to nurse the engines and to regain speed. The fighters were seen coming in again and the crippled B-17 was now a lone target for them. In a desperate effort to regain formation, the bombs were jettisoned, but the enemy fighters were back too soon and in too great numbers. Lt. Lucas downed one fighter and Sgt. Hanchak downed one, probably two.
Sgt. Cook was wounded the seconed(sic) time, this time mortally. Sgt. Warren and Sgt. Hanchak were cited by the pilot for bravery in trying to care for Sgt. Cook.
Part of the oxygen equipment, all of the turrets but the chin turret and two engines were now shot out. The plane control system was apparently wrecked. The pilot and co-pilot took off their masks to converse, since the pilot's interphone connection were wrecked. Just then, the left wing burst into flames. There was no alternative but to give the order to jump.
Seven men parachuted, five of them wounded two seriously. Lt. Hauss was unhurt when he jumped, ahead of the pilot. He was not heard of again by any of the crew members until they got the sad news upon their arrival home. The war department received word from the German government that Lt. Hauss was killed August 24 and his body was recovered the same day.
Six of the crew members were taken prisoner, and sent to various prison camps in Germany. Four of the crew were hospitalized(sic) and later recovered. All six of those who survived the battle over Ulzen remained prisoners of the German government for eight months and were released by our invading armies the latter part of April and early in May, 1945. They were returned to the United States in
June and July, 1945.
Set. Cook's body is scheduled to arrive in Sayre Saturday.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Saturday, June 25, 1949 pg 1
Memorial Rites For
Sgt. William R. Cook
To Be Held Sunday
Memorial rites for Sgt. William Ramon Cook, who was killed Aug. 24, 1944 on a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, will be held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Church of Christ in Sayre.
Sgt. Cook was a brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry and Lloyd Cook of this city, and he attended high-school here while making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Castleberry before entering the service during his junior year in August, 1943.
He received his training at Berkley Field, Denver Colo., Las Vegas Army Air Field, Nev., and Dyersburg Army Air Field, Tenn. Sgt. Cook and his fellow crewmen flew to Carney, Neb., after completion of their training and picked up a new B17 bomber, which hey named "Jill's Jalopy."
From Carney the group flew to Denethorp,(sic) England, where they were assigned to the 401st Bombing group of the 613th Boring squadron of the Army Air Force.
Sgt. Cook, who was a bottom turret gunner, was killed in a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, six weeks after he arrived overseas. His plane was flying in a raid in which approximately 1500 ships took part. "Jill's Jalopy" was flying in the last group of the formation, and was repeatedly attacked by German fighter planes.
Sgt. Cook was wounded twice, the second time mortally, by the attacking planes, and his fellow crew members were forced o(sic) bail out of the badly damaged plane. Two other members of the crew were killed by the fighter planes, and the other seven men were captured and held prisoner in
Germany for al-
(Continued on Page 4)
Page 4
Memorial Rites --
(Continued From Page 1)
most a year.
He had been buried in a permanent U.S cemetery in Belgium. His body will arrive in Sayre Saturday afternoon.
Survivors other than Mrs. Castle (Note: Oklahoma History Center failed to image and save the lower section of the newspaper.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation: Weimar (Mission #568), Germany
Date: 24th August 1944 (Thursday)
Unit No: 613th Bombardment Squadron (H), 401st Bombardment Group (H), 1st Air Division, 8th Air Force
Type: B-17G Jill's Jalopy
Serial No: 43-37511
Code: IN:G
Crash Location (after 2nd attack on the b-17): Klein Thondorf, 18 km (11 miles) NE of Uelzen, Germany
Base: Deenthorpe (Station #128), Northamptonshire, England
Pilot: 2nd Lt. Melvin Silas Fish 0-760610 AAF Age 23. POW
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Leslie Horace Hauss 0-768543 AAF Age 24 Murdered
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Eugene Francis Cramer 0-723298 AAF Age 21. POW
Bombardier: and Lt. Kenneth Donald Lucas 0-706622 AAF Age 25. POW
Radio Operator: Sgt. Melvin Harry Warren 15077351 AAF Age 26. POW
Engineer: Sgt. Warren Gilbert Smith 37460314 AAF Age 21. POW
Ball Turret Gnr: Cpl. William Ramon Cook 38563060 AAF Age 20. KIA
Waist Gnr: Cpl. John Walter Hanchak 33706573 AAF Age 27. POW
Tail Gnr: Cpl. James William Huff 35917122 AAF Age 23. KIA
Household ........Role ........Sex .....Age Birthplace
Paul Cook ..........Head ......Male ....50 ..Texas
Willie Cook ........Wife ........Female 24 ..Texas
Lloyd Cook ........Son .........Male ....15 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook ......Daughter Female 12 ..Oklahoma
Jelly Bean Cook Son .........Male ....6 ....Oklahoma
1940 - US Census - Willow Township, Greer, Oklahoma
Household .........Role .........Sex .....Age Birthplace
William P Cook ..Head ........Male ....61 ..Texas
Willie L Cook ......Wife .........Female 33 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook .......Daughter Female 23 ..Oklahoma
Raymon W Cook Son .........Male ....16 ..Oklahoma
Herbert H Cook .Son ..........Male ....10 ..Oklahoma
Lola M Cook .......Daughter Female 7 ....Oklahoma
Jimmie R Cook ..Son ..........Male ....5 ....Oklahoma
Patricia A Cook ..Daughter Female 3 ....Oklahoma
Calvin G Cook ....Son ..........Male ....1 ....Oklahoma
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, August 24, 1944 pg 8
Cpl. Wm. L. Cook Wants To
Get The Journal In England
Cpl. William R. Cook, who is in an advanced gunnery school in England writes his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry, asking that the Journal be sent him since he has not received it lately due to a change of address and he misses the paper so much. Cpl. Cook has been in England since last July, flying there in a B-17 Bomber. He was attending Elk City High school when he entered the Army Air Corps and is a bottom gunner on a Flying Fortress.
Note: This story appeared in the paper on the day of William's death along with two of his crew-mates.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, September 07, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. W. R. Cook
Missing Over
Germany
Brother Of Mrs.
Roy Castleberry
Lost August 24.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944, over Germany, his sister was advised today by telegram from the War Department.
Cpl Cook, a member of the Army Air Corps, was a gunner on a B-17 and had been overseas but two months. The Castleberry's received a letter from him about ten days ago in which he stated he had been on a short furlough and had visited in London. This is the last word they have had from him, until the War Department's report Wednesday morning.
Young Cook graduated from the Elk City high school in the spring. of 1943 and entered the service of September that same year.
He received his basic training at Buckley Field, Kansas, from whence he was sent the Las Vegas Army Air Field and then to Lincoln, Neb. His final advance training was received at Dyersburg, Tenn. from which point he was sent (sic) Kearney Nebr. where he picked up his ship and went overseas.
Cpl. Cook, familitarly(sic) called "Red' by his friends and cronies, was a former Carrier for the Daily News in after-school hours, and the anxiety of all is felt for him, along with Mrs. Castleberry who was his "mother" as well.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Tuesday, September 26, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. Cook
Killed In
Action
War Dep't Reports
Slain In Germany
August 21th.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, who was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944 is now officially reported by the War Department as having been killed in action over Germany on that date, Mrs. Castleberry was notified today.
A gunner on a B-17, Cpl. Cook had only been overseas two months when engaging in the action which proved fatal to him.
He was a 1943 Elk City high school graduate, entering the armed service a few months thereafter.
Before being assigned overseas he trained at Buckley Field, Kansas, Las Vegas Army Airfield. Lincoln Nebraska, Dyersburg, Tennessee and Kearney, Nebraska, having been shipped from the letter station.
"Red" as the Corporal was familiarly called by his friends, was a former carrier for the Daily News in after school hours - everyone knew him and they were all his friends.
William Ramon Cock was born March 13, 1924 at Clemstott, Oklahoma and was practically reared by Mrs. Castleberry.
Two other sisters. Mrs. Pat Kerran, Elk City and Mrs. Charles Ahraham, Clarkade, Miss. also survive as well as a brother Lloy residing in Wichita.
His father, Paul Cook, of Willow, Oklahoma, also survives.
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, June 23, 1949 pg 1
Final Rites Set
For City Airman
Reburial Is Sunday For
Sgt. William Ramon Cook
Reburial and final tribute to Sgt. William Ramon Cook, an Elk City youth who gave his life during the heavy bombing raids over Germany during August, 1944, will be held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday in the Sayre Church of Christ. Reburial will be in the Delhi cemetery.
Sgt. Cook, who made his home here for four years with his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry and Mr. Castleberry was a junior in the Elk City highschool when he entered the army in August, 1943. He received his training at Burkley Field, Denver, Colorado and Las Vegas Army Air Base. From Las Vegas he went to Dyersburg, Tenn., where he joined the 401st Bombing Group of the 613th Bombing Squadron as a B-17 bottom turret gunner and flew to Kearney, Neb., where they picked up a new B-17 bomber and flew to England on July 7, 1944.
Killed Over Germany
Arriving at Denethorp,(sic) England, the crew took part in the bitter fighting over Germany during that time and Sgt. Cook was killed on August 4, 1944, only six weeks after having arrived overseas.
The former city youth was born March 13, 1924, in Clemscott, Okla. Survivors, other than Mrs. Castleberry, include his father, Paul Cook of Delhi; two other sister,(sic) Mrs. Pat Kerran of Honolulu and Mrs. Charles Abraham of Clarksdale, Miss., and a brother, Lloy Cook of Elk City.
Following the war a memographed booklet containing a detailed account of the activities of the B-17, "Jill's Jallopy"(sic) was compiled by S. L. Fish, father of the plane's pilot, Lt. Melvin S. Fish, including the fatal raid in which Sgt. Cook and two fellow members, Sgt. James W. Hutt, tail gunner, and Lt. Leslie H. Hauss, co-pilot, were killed. Other members of the crew, who were taken prisoner by the Germans are Lt. Eugene F. Cramer, navigator; Lt. Kenneth D. Lucas, navigator; Sgt. John Hanchak, gunner; S. Sgt. Warren G. Smith aerial engineer and top gunner, and Sgt. Melvin H. Warren, radioman.
Account of Raid Given
Mr. Fish's detailed acount(sic) of the final flight of the bomber crew is as follows:
On Aug. 24, 1944, the nine members of the crew flew on a B-17 mission to bomb a V-2 plant assembly plant near Weimar, Germany. They left Denethorp,(sic) England at daybreak with a full gas and bomb load. Weimar was maximum range. Perhaps about 1500 planes participated in the mission. They flew in group formation, one group following another several miles apart. (According to press dispatches, 42 main and auxiliary V-2 factory buildings, were destroyed
See No. 3 -- Back Page
Page 8
Number Three
(Continuation)
that day and other buildings wrecked or badly damaged.)
The planes of this mission headed straight for Berlin from Denethorp,(sic) England, going over the North Sea, Holland and Northern Germany and close to Over Ulzen, which is over 100 miles west of Berlin and nearly 40 miles south of Hamburg about 30 to 50 German fighters attacked the group. This was about 11:15 a. m. and about an hour from the target.
The German fighters were as determined as though they had been drugged. They came in again and again. Sixteen or 17 were shot down by the 401st Bombing Group along.(sic) They downed three or four B-17's, one from the 401st Group.
The enemy fighters were first sighted by Sgt. Huff, tail gunner, since they came in from the rear. In the first attack, Sgt. Huff was killed, Sgt. Cook was wounded and the pilot's interphone connections were shot out. Lt. Hauss, co-pilot, still had interphone connections and he reported the casualties.
One engine was also shot out and the B17 dropped behind formation. The pilot and co-pilot were using every effort to nurse the engines and to regain speed. The fighters were seen coming in again and the crippled B-17 was now a lone target for them. In a desperate effort to regain formation, the bombs were jettisoned, but the enemy fighters were back too soon and in too great numbers. Lt. Lucas downed one fighter and Sgt. Hanchak downed one, probably two.
Sgt. Cook was wounded the seconed(sic) time, this time mortally. Sgt. Warren and Sgt. Hanchak were cited by the pilot for bravery in trying to care for Sgt. Cook.
Part of the oxygen equipment, all of the turrets but the chin turret and two engines were now shot out. The plane control system was apparently wrecked. The pilot and co-pilot took off their masks to converse, since the pilot's interphone connection were wrecked. Just then, the left wing burst into flames. There was no alternative but to give the order to jump.
Seven men parachuted, five of them wounded two seriously. Lt. Hauss was unhurt when he jumped, ahead of the pilot. He was not heard of again by any of the crew members until they got the sad news upon their arrival home. The war department received word from the German government that Lt. Hauss was killed August 24 and his body was recovered the same day.
Six of the crew members were taken prisoner, and sent to various prison camps in Germany. Four of the crew were hospitalized(sic) and later recovered. All six of those who survived the battle over Ulzen remained prisoners of the German government for eight months and were released by our invading armies the latter part of April and early in May, 1945. They were returned to the United States in
June and July, 1945.
Set. Cook's body is scheduled to arrive in Sayre Saturday.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Saturday, June 25, 1949 pg 1
Memorial Rites For
Sgt. William R. Cook
To Be Held Sunday
Memorial rites for Sgt. William Ramon Cook, who was killed Aug. 24, 1944 on a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, will be held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Church of Christ in Sayre.
Sgt. Cook was a brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry and Lloyd Cook of this city, and he attended high-school here while making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Castleberry before entering the service during his junior year in August, 1943.
He received his training at Berkley Field, Denver Colo., Las Vegas Army Air Field, Nev., and Dyersburg Army Air Field, Tenn. Sgt. Cook and his fellow crewmen flew to Carney, Neb., after completion of their training and picked up a new B17 bomber, which hey named "Jill's Jalopy."
From Carney the group flew to Denethorp,(sic) England, where they were assigned to the 401st Bombing group of the 613th Boring squadron of the Army Air Force.
Sgt. Cook, who was a bottom turret gunner, was killed in a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, six weeks after he arrived overseas. His plane was flying in a raid in which approximately 1500 ships took part. "Jill's Jalopy" was flying in the last group of the formation, and was repeatedly attacked by German fighter planes.
Sgt. Cook was wounded twice, the second time mortally, by the attacking planes, and his fellow crew members were forced o(sic) bail out of the badly damaged plane. Two other members of the crew were killed by the fighter planes, and the other seven men were captured and held prisoner in
Germany for al-
(Continued on Page 4)
Page 4
Memorial Rites --
(Continued From Page 1)
most a year.
He had been buried in a permanent U.S cemetery in Belgium. His body will arrive in Sayre Saturday afternoon.
Survivors other than Mrs. Castle (Note: Oklahoma History Center failed to image and save the lower section of the newspaper.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation: Weimar (Mission #568), Germany
Date: 24th August 1944 (Thursday)
Unit No: 613th Bombardment Squadron (H), 401st Bombardment Group (H), 1st Air Division, 8th Air Force
Type: B-17G Jill's Jalopy
Serial No: 43-37511
Code: IN:G
Crash Location (after 2nd attack on the b-17): Klein Thondorf, 18 km (11 miles) NE of Uelzen, Germany
Base: Deenthorpe (Station #128), Northamptonshire, England
Pilot: 2nd Lt. Melvin Silas Fish 0-760610 AAF Age 23. POW
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Leslie Horace Hauss 0-768543 AAF Age 24 Murdered
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Eugene Francis Cramer 0-723298 AAF Age 21. POW
Bombardier: and Lt. Kenneth Donald Lucas 0-706622 AAF Age 25. POW
Radio Operator: Sgt. Melvin Harry Warren 15077351 AAF Age 26. POW
Engineer: Sgt. Warren Gilbert Smith 37460314 AAF Age 21. POW
Ball Turret Gnr: Cpl. William Ramon Cook 38563060 AAF Age 20. KIA
Waist Gnr: Cpl. John Walter Hanchak 33706573 AAF Age 27. POW
Tail Gnr: Cpl. James William Huff 35917122 AAF Age 23. KIA
1930 - US Census - Elk City, Beckham, Oklahoma
Household ........Role ........Sex .....Age Birthplace
Paul Cook ..........Head ......Male ....50 ..Texas
Willie Cook ........Wife ........Female 24 ..Texas
Lloyd Cook ........Son .........Male ....15 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook ......Daughter Female 12 ..Oklahoma
Jelly Bean Cook Son .........Male ....6 ....Oklahoma
1940 - US Census - Willow Township, Greer, Oklahoma
Household .........Role .........Sex .....Age Birthplace
William P Cook ..Head ........Male ....61 ..Texas
Willie L Cook ......Wife .........Female 33 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook .......Daughter Female 23 ..Oklahoma
Raymon W Cook Son .........Male ....16 ..Oklahoma
Herbert H Cook .Son ..........Male ....10 ..Oklahoma
Lola M Cook .......Daughter Female 7 ....Oklahoma
Jimmie R Cook ..Son ..........Male ....5 ....Oklahoma
Patricia A Cook ..Daughter Female 3 ....Oklahoma
Calvin G Cook ....Son ..........Male ....1 ....Oklahoma
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, August 24, 1944 pg 8
Cpl. Wm. L. Cook Wants To
Get The Journal In England
Cpl. William R. Cook, who is in an advanced gunnery school in England writes his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry, asking that the Journal be sent him since he has not received it lately due to a change of address and he misses the paper so much. Cpl. Cook has been in England since last July, flying there in a B-17 Bomber. He was attending Elk City High school when he entered the Army Air Corps and is a bottom gunner on a Flying Fortress.
Note: This story appeared in the paper on the day of William's death along with two of his crew-mates.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, September 07, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. W. R. Cook
Missing Over
Germany
Brother Of Mrs.
Roy Castleberry
Lost August 24.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944, over Germany, his sister was advised today by telegram from the War Department.
Cpl Cook, a member of the Army Air Corps, was a gunner on a B-17 and had been overseas but two months. The Castleberry's received a letter from him about ten days ago in which he stated he had been on a short furlough and had visited in London. This is the last word they have had from him, until the War Department's report Wednesday morning.
Young Cook graduated from the Elk City high school in the spring. of 1943 and entered the service of September that same year.
He received his basic training at Buckley Field, Kansas, from whence he was sent the Las Vegas Army Air Field and then to Lincoln, Neb. His final advance training was received at Dyersburg, Tenn. from which point he was sent (sic) Kearney Nebr. where he picked up his ship and went overseas.
Cpl. Cook, familitarly(sic) called "Red' by his friends and cronies, was a former Carrier for the Daily News in after-school hours, and the anxiety of all is felt for him, along with Mrs. Castleberry who was his "mother" as well.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Tuesday, September 26, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. Cook
Killed In
Action
War Dep't Reports
Slain In Germany
August 21th.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, who was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944 is now officially reported by the War Department as having been killed in action over Germany on that date, Mrs. Castleberry was notified today.
A gunner on a B-17, Cpl. Cook had only been overseas two months when engaging in the action which proved fatal to him.
He was a 1943 Elk City high school graduate, entering the armed service a few months thereafter.
Before being assigned overseas he trained at Buckley Field, Kansas, Las Vegas Army Airfield. Lincoln Nebraska, Dyersburg, Tennessee and Kearney, Nebraska, having been shipped from the letter station.
"Red" as the Corporal was familiarly called by his friends, was a former carrier for the Daily News in after school hours - everyone knew him and they were all his friends.
William Ramon Cock was born March 13, 1924 at Clemstott, Oklahoma and was practically reared by Mrs. Castleberry.
Two other sisters. Mrs. Pat Kerran, Elk City and Mrs. Charles Ahraham, Clarkade, Miss. also survive as well as a brother Lloy residing in Wichita.
His father, Paul Cook, of Willow, Oklahoma, also survives.
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, June 23, 1949 pg 1
Final Rites Set
For City Airman
Reburial Is Sunday For
Sgt. William Ramon Cook
Reburial and final tribute to Sgt. William Ramon Cook, an Elk City youth who gave his life during the heavy bombing raids over Germany during August, 1944, will be held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday in the Sayre Church of Christ. Reburial will be in the Delhi cemetery.
Sgt. Cook, who made his home here for four years with his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry and Mr. Castleberry was a junior in the Elk City highschool when he entered the army in August, 1943. He received his training at Burkley Field, Denver, Colorado and Las Vegas Army Air Base. From Las Vegas he went to Dyersburg, Tenn., where he joined the 401st Bombing Group of the 613th Bombing Squadron as a B-17 bottom turret gunner and flew to Kearney, Neb., where they picked up a new B-17 bomber and flew to England on July 7, 1944.
Killed Over Germany
Arriving at Denethorp,(sic) England, the crew took part in the bitter fighting over Germany during that time and Sgt. Cook was killed on August 4, 1944, only six weeks after having arrived overseas.
The former city youth was born March 13, 1924, in Clemscott, Okla. Survivors, other than Mrs. Castleberry, include his father, Paul Cook of Delhi; two other sister,(sic) Mrs. Pat Kerran of Honolulu and Mrs. Charles Abraham of Clarksdale, Miss., and a brother, Lloy Cook of Elk City.
Following the war a memographed booklet containing a detailed account of the activities of the B-17, "Jill's Jallopy"(sic) was compiled by S. L. Fish, father of the plane's pilot, Lt. Melvin S. Fish, including the fatal raid in which Sgt. Cook and two fellow members, Sgt. James W. Hutt, tail gunner, and Lt. Leslie H. Hauss, co-pilot, were killed. Other members of the crew, who were taken prisoner by the Germans are Lt. Eugene F. Cramer, navigator; Lt. Kenneth D. Lucas, navigator; Sgt. John Hanchak, gunner; S. Sgt. Warren G. Smith aerial engineer and top gunner, and Sgt. Melvin H. Warren, radioman.
Account of Raid Given
Mr. Fish's detailed acount(sic) of the final flight of the bomber crew is as follows:
On Aug. 24, 1944, the nine members of the crew flew on a B-17 mission to bomb a V-2 plant assembly plant near Weimar, Germany. They left Denethorp,(sic) England at daybreak with a full gas and bomb load. Weimar was maximum range. Perhaps about 1500 planes participated in the mission. They flew in group formation, one group following another several miles apart. (According to press dispatches, 42 main and auxiliary V-2 factory buildings, were destroyed
See No. 3 -- Back Page
Page 8
Number Three
(Continuation)
that day and other buildings wrecked or badly damaged.)
The planes of this mission headed straight for Berlin from Denethorp,(sic) England, going over the North Sea, Holland and Northern Germany and close to Over Ulzen, which is over 100 miles west of Berlin and nearly 40 miles south of Hamburg about 30 to 50 German fighters attacked the group. This was about 11:15 a. m. and about an hour from the target.
The German fighters were as determined as though they had been drugged. They came in again and again. Sixteen or 17 were shot down by the 401st Bombing Group along.(sic) They downed three or four B-17's, one from the 401st Group.
The enemy fighters were first sighted by Sgt. Huff, tail gunner, since they came in from the rear. In the first attack, Sgt. Huff was killed, Sgt. Cook was wounded and the pilot's interphone connections were shot out. Lt. Hauss, co-pilot, still had interphone connections and he reported the casualties.
One engine was also shot out and the B17 dropped behind formation. The pilot and co-pilot were using every effort to nurse the engines and to regain speed. The fighters were seen coming in again and the crippled B-17 was now a lone target for them. In a desperate effort to regain formation, the bombs were jettisoned, but the enemy fighters were back too soon and in too great numbers. Lt. Lucas downed one fighter and Sgt. Hanchak downed one, probably two.
Sgt. Cook was wounded the seconed(sic) time, this time mortally. Sgt. Warren and Sgt. Hanchak were cited by the pilot for bravery in trying to care for Sgt. Cook.
Part of the oxygen equipment, all of the turrets but the chin turret and two engines were now shot out. The plane control system was apparently wrecked. The pilot and co-pilot took off their masks to converse, since the pilot's interphone connection were wrecked. Just then, the left wing burst into flames. There was no alternative but to give the order to jump.
Seven men parachuted, five of them wounded two seriously. Lt. Hauss was unhurt when he jumped, ahead of the pilot. He was not heard of again by any of the crew members until they got the sad news upon their arrival home. The war department received word from the German government that Lt. Hauss was killed August 24 and his body was recovered the same day.
Six of the crew members were taken prisoner, and sent to various prison camps in Germany. Four of the crew were hospitalized(sic) and later recovered. All six of those who survived the battle over Ulzen remained prisoners of the German government for eight months and were released by our invading armies the latter part of April and early in May, 1945. They were returned to the United States in
June and July, 1945.
Set. Cook's body is scheduled to arrive in Sayre Saturday.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Saturday, June 25, 1949 pg 1
Memorial Rites For
Sgt. William R. Cook
To Be Held Sunday
Memorial rites for Sgt. William Ramon Cook, who was killed Aug. 24, 1944 on a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, will be held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Church of Christ in Sayre.
Sgt. Cook was a brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry and Lloyd Cook of this city, and he attended high-school here while making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Castleberry before entering the service during his junior year in August, 1943.
He received his training at Berkley Field, Denver Colo., Las Vegas Army Air Field, Nev., and Dyersburg Army Air Field, Tenn. Sgt. Cook and his fellow crewmen flew to Carney, Neb., after completion of their training and picked up a new B17 bomber, which hey named "Jill's Jalopy."
From Carney the group flew to Denethorp,(sic) England, where they were assigned to the 401st Bombing group of the 613th Boring squadron of the Army Air Force.
Sgt. Cook, who was a bottom turret gunner, was killed in a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, six weeks after he arrived overseas. His plane was flying in a raid in which approximately 1500 ships took part. "Jill's Jalopy" was flying in the last group of the formation, and was repeatedly attacked by German fighter planes.
Sgt. Cook was wounded twice, the second time mortally, by the attacking planes, and his fellow crew members were forced o(sic) bail out of the badly damaged plane. Two other members of the crew were killed by the fighter planes, and the other seven men were captured and held prisoner in
Germany for al-
(Continued on Page 4)
Page 4
Memorial Rites --
(Continued From Page 1)
most a year.
He had been buried in a permanent U.S cemetery in Belgium. His body will arrive in Sayre Saturday afternoon.
Survivors other than Mrs. Castle (Note: Oklahoma History Center failed to image and save the lower section of the newspaper.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation: Weimar (Mission #568), Germany
Date: 24th August 1944 (Thursday)
Unit No: 613th Bombardment Squadron (H), 401st Bombardment Group (H), 1st Air Division, 8th Air Force
Type: B-17G Jill's Jalopy
Serial No: 43-37511
Code: IN:G
Crash Location (after 2nd attack on the b-17): Klein Thondorf, 18 km (11 miles) NE of Uelzen, Germany
Base: Deenthorpe (Station #128), Northamptonshire, England
Pilot: 2nd Lt. Melvin Silas Fish 0-760610 AAF Age 23. POW
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Leslie Horace Hauss 0-768543 AAF Age 24 Murdered
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Eugene Francis Cramer 0-723298 AAF Age 21. POW
Bombardier: and Lt. Kenneth Donald Lucas 0-706622 AAF Age 25. POW
Radio Operator: Sgt. Melvin Harry Warren 15077351 AAF Age 26. POW
Engineer: Sgt. Warren Gilbert Smith 37460314 AAF Age 21. POW
Ball Turret Gnr: Cpl. William Ramon Cook 38563060 AAF Age 20. KIA
Waist Gnr: Cpl. John Walter Hanchak 33706573 AAF Age 27. POW
Tail Gnr: Cpl. James William Huff 35917122 AAF Age 23. KIA
Household ........Role ........Sex .....Age Birthplace
Paul Cook ..........Head ......Male ....50 ..Texas
Willie Cook ........Wife ........Female 24 ..Texas
Lloyd Cook ........Son .........Male ....15 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook ......Daughter Female 12 ..Oklahoma
Jelly Bean Cook Son .........Male ....6 ....Oklahoma
1940 - US Census - Willow Township, Greer, Oklahoma
Household .........Role .........Sex .....Age Birthplace
William P Cook ..Head ........Male ....61 ..Texas
Willie L Cook ......Wife .........Female 33 ..Texas
Evelyn Cook .......Daughter Female 23 ..Oklahoma
Raymon W Cook Son .........Male ....16 ..Oklahoma
Herbert H Cook .Son ..........Male ....10 ..Oklahoma
Lola M Cook .......Daughter Female 7 ....Oklahoma
Jimmie R Cook ..Son ..........Male ....5 ....Oklahoma
Patricia A Cook ..Daughter Female 3 ....Oklahoma
Calvin G Cook ....Son ..........Male ....1 ....Oklahoma
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, August 24, 1944 pg 8
Cpl. Wm. L. Cook Wants To
Get The Journal In England
Cpl. William R. Cook, who is in an advanced gunnery school in England writes his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry, asking that the Journal be sent him since he has not received it lately due to a change of address and he misses the paper so much. Cpl. Cook has been in England since last July, flying there in a B-17 Bomber. He was attending Elk City High school when he entered the Army Air Corps and is a bottom gunner on a Flying Fortress.
Note: This story appeared in the paper on the day of William's death along with two of his crew-mates.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, September 07, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. W. R. Cook
Missing Over
Germany
Brother Of Mrs.
Roy Castleberry
Lost August 24.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944, over Germany, his sister was advised today by telegram from the War Department.
Cpl Cook, a member of the Army Air Corps, was a gunner on a B-17 and had been overseas but two months. The Castleberry's received a letter from him about ten days ago in which he stated he had been on a short furlough and had visited in London. This is the last word they have had from him, until the War Department's report Wednesday morning.
Young Cook graduated from the Elk City high school in the spring. of 1943 and entered the service of September that same year.
He received his basic training at Buckley Field, Kansas, from whence he was sent the Las Vegas Army Air Field and then to Lincoln, Neb. His final advance training was received at Dyersburg, Tenn. from which point he was sent (sic) Kearney Nebr. where he picked up his ship and went overseas.
Cpl. Cook, familitarly(sic) called "Red' by his friends and cronies, was a former Carrier for the Daily News in after-school hours, and the anxiety of all is felt for him, along with Mrs. Castleberry who was his "mother" as well.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Tuesday, September 26, 1944 pg 1
Cpl. Cook
Killed In
Action
War Dep't Reports
Slain In Germany
August 21th.
(Photo)
Cpl. William R. Cook, brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry, 304 North Madison street, who was reported as missing in action August 24, 1944 is now officially reported by the War Department as having been killed in action over Germany on that date, Mrs. Castleberry was notified today.
A gunner on a B-17, Cpl. Cook had only been overseas two months when engaging in the action which proved fatal to him.
He was a 1943 Elk City high school graduate, entering the armed service a few months thereafter.
Before being assigned overseas he trained at Buckley Field, Kansas, Las Vegas Army Airfield. Lincoln Nebraska, Dyersburg, Tennessee and Kearney, Nebraska, having been shipped from the letter station.
"Red" as the Corporal was familiarly called by his friends, was a former carrier for the Daily News in after school hours - everyone knew him and they were all his friends.
William Ramon Cock was born March 13, 1924 at Clemstott, Oklahoma and was practically reared by Mrs. Castleberry.
Two other sisters. Mrs. Pat Kerran, Elk City and Mrs. Charles Ahraham, Clarkade, Miss. also survive as well as a brother Lloy residing in Wichita.
His father, Paul Cook, of Willow, Oklahoma, also survives.
Elk City Journal, Elk City, Oklahoma · Thursday, June 23, 1949 pg 1
Final Rites Set
For City Airman
Reburial Is Sunday For
Sgt. William Ramon Cook
Reburial and final tribute to Sgt. William Ramon Cook, an Elk City youth who gave his life during the heavy bombing raids over Germany during August, 1944, will be held at 2:30 p. m. Sunday in the Sayre Church of Christ. Reburial will be in the Delhi cemetery.
Sgt. Cook, who made his home here for four years with his sister, Mrs. Roy Castleberry and Mr. Castleberry was a junior in the Elk City highschool when he entered the army in August, 1943. He received his training at Burkley Field, Denver, Colorado and Las Vegas Army Air Base. From Las Vegas he went to Dyersburg, Tenn., where he joined the 401st Bombing Group of the 613th Bombing Squadron as a B-17 bottom turret gunner and flew to Kearney, Neb., where they picked up a new B-17 bomber and flew to England on July 7, 1944.
Killed Over Germany
Arriving at Denethorp,(sic) England, the crew took part in the bitter fighting over Germany during that time and Sgt. Cook was killed on August 4, 1944, only six weeks after having arrived overseas.
The former city youth was born March 13, 1924, in Clemscott, Okla. Survivors, other than Mrs. Castleberry, include his father, Paul Cook of Delhi; two other sister,(sic) Mrs. Pat Kerran of Honolulu and Mrs. Charles Abraham of Clarksdale, Miss., and a brother, Lloy Cook of Elk City.
Following the war a memographed booklet containing a detailed account of the activities of the B-17, "Jill's Jallopy"(sic) was compiled by S. L. Fish, father of the plane's pilot, Lt. Melvin S. Fish, including the fatal raid in which Sgt. Cook and two fellow members, Sgt. James W. Hutt, tail gunner, and Lt. Leslie H. Hauss, co-pilot, were killed. Other members of the crew, who were taken prisoner by the Germans are Lt. Eugene F. Cramer, navigator; Lt. Kenneth D. Lucas, navigator; Sgt. John Hanchak, gunner; S. Sgt. Warren G. Smith aerial engineer and top gunner, and Sgt. Melvin H. Warren, radioman.
Account of Raid Given
Mr. Fish's detailed acount(sic) of the final flight of the bomber crew is as follows:
On Aug. 24, 1944, the nine members of the crew flew on a B-17 mission to bomb a V-2 plant assembly plant near Weimar, Germany. They left Denethorp,(sic) England at daybreak with a full gas and bomb load. Weimar was maximum range. Perhaps about 1500 planes participated in the mission. They flew in group formation, one group following another several miles apart. (According to press dispatches, 42 main and auxiliary V-2 factory buildings, were destroyed
See No. 3 -- Back Page
Page 8
Number Three
(Continuation)
that day and other buildings wrecked or badly damaged.)
The planes of this mission headed straight for Berlin from Denethorp,(sic) England, going over the North Sea, Holland and Northern Germany and close to Over Ulzen, which is over 100 miles west of Berlin and nearly 40 miles south of Hamburg about 30 to 50 German fighters attacked the group. This was about 11:15 a. m. and about an hour from the target.
The German fighters were as determined as though they had been drugged. They came in again and again. Sixteen or 17 were shot down by the 401st Bombing Group along.(sic) They downed three or four B-17's, one from the 401st Group.
The enemy fighters were first sighted by Sgt. Huff, tail gunner, since they came in from the rear. In the first attack, Sgt. Huff was killed, Sgt. Cook was wounded and the pilot's interphone connections were shot out. Lt. Hauss, co-pilot, still had interphone connections and he reported the casualties.
One engine was also shot out and the B17 dropped behind formation. The pilot and co-pilot were using every effort to nurse the engines and to regain speed. The fighters were seen coming in again and the crippled B-17 was now a lone target for them. In a desperate effort to regain formation, the bombs were jettisoned, but the enemy fighters were back too soon and in too great numbers. Lt. Lucas downed one fighter and Sgt. Hanchak downed one, probably two.
Sgt. Cook was wounded the seconed(sic) time, this time mortally. Sgt. Warren and Sgt. Hanchak were cited by the pilot for bravery in trying to care for Sgt. Cook.
Part of the oxygen equipment, all of the turrets but the chin turret and two engines were now shot out. The plane control system was apparently wrecked. The pilot and co-pilot took off their masks to converse, since the pilot's interphone connection were wrecked. Just then, the left wing burst into flames. There was no alternative but to give the order to jump.
Seven men parachuted, five of them wounded two seriously. Lt. Hauss was unhurt when he jumped, ahead of the pilot. He was not heard of again by any of the crew members until they got the sad news upon their arrival home. The war department received word from the German government that Lt. Hauss was killed August 24 and his body was recovered the same day.
Six of the crew members were taken prisoner, and sent to various prison camps in Germany. Four of the crew were hospitalized(sic) and later recovered. All six of those who survived the battle over Ulzen remained prisoners of the German government for eight months and were released by our invading armies the latter part of April and early in May, 1945. They were returned to the United States in
June and July, 1945.
Set. Cook's body is scheduled to arrive in Sayre Saturday.
The Elk City Daily News, Elk City, Oklahoma · Saturday, June 25, 1949 pg 1
Memorial Rites For
Sgt. William R. Cook
To Be Held Sunday
Memorial rites for Sgt. William Ramon Cook, who was killed Aug. 24, 1944 on a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, will be held at 2:30 Sunday afternoon at the Church of Christ in Sayre.
Sgt. Cook was a brother of Mrs. Roy V. Castleberry and Lloyd Cook of this city, and he attended high-school here while making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Castleberry before entering the service during his junior year in August, 1943.
He received his training at Berkley Field, Denver Colo., Las Vegas Army Air Field, Nev., and Dyersburg Army Air Field, Tenn. Sgt. Cook and his fellow crewmen flew to Carney, Neb., after completion of their training and picked up a new B17 bomber, which hey named "Jill's Jalopy."
From Carney the group flew to Denethorp,(sic) England, where they were assigned to the 401st Bombing group of the 613th Boring squadron of the Army Air Force.
Sgt. Cook, who was a bottom turret gunner, was killed in a bombing mission over Weimar, Germany, six weeks after he arrived overseas. His plane was flying in a raid in which approximately 1500 ships took part. "Jill's Jalopy" was flying in the last group of the formation, and was repeatedly attacked by German fighter planes.
Sgt. Cook was wounded twice, the second time mortally, by the attacking planes, and his fellow crew members were forced o(sic) bail out of the badly damaged plane. Two other members of the crew were killed by the fighter planes, and the other seven men were captured and held prisoner in
Germany for al-
(Continued on Page 4)
Page 4
Memorial Rites --
(Continued From Page 1)
most a year.
He had been buried in a permanent U.S cemetery in Belgium. His body will arrive in Sayre Saturday afternoon.
Survivors other than Mrs. Castle (Note: Oklahoma History Center failed to image and save the lower section of the newspaper.)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operation: Weimar (Mission #568), Germany
Date: 24th August 1944 (Thursday)
Unit No: 613th Bombardment Squadron (H), 401st Bombardment Group (H), 1st Air Division, 8th Air Force
Type: B-17G Jill's Jalopy
Serial No: 43-37511
Code: IN:G
Crash Location (after 2nd attack on the b-17): Klein Thondorf, 18 km (11 miles) NE of Uelzen, Germany
Base: Deenthorpe (Station #128), Northamptonshire, England
Pilot: 2nd Lt. Melvin Silas Fish 0-760610 AAF Age 23. POW
Co-Pilot: 2nd Lt. Leslie Horace Hauss 0-768543 AAF Age 24 Murdered
Navigator: 2nd Lt. Eugene Francis Cramer 0-723298 AAF Age 21. POW
Bombardier: and Lt. Kenneth Donald Lucas 0-706622 AAF Age 25. POW
Radio Operator: Sgt. Melvin Harry Warren 15077351 AAF Age 26. POW
Engineer: Sgt. Warren Gilbert Smith 37460314 AAF Age 21. POW
Ball Turret Gnr: Cpl. William Ramon Cook 38563060 AAF Age 20. KIA
Waist Gnr: Cpl. John Walter Hanchak 33706573 AAF Age 27. POW
Tail Gnr: Cpl. James William Huff 35917122 AAF Age 23. KIA
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