Hometown: Lancaster, Cal.
Squadron: 389th Bomb Group TDY 98th BG
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart
Pilot 1st/Lt. Edward T. McGuire DFC KIA
Target: White IV Ploesti
Missing Air Crew Report Details
USAAF MACR#:
Date Lost: 1-Aug-43
Serial Number: 42-40520
Aircraft Model B-24D
Aircraft Letter:M
Aircraft Name: YEN TU
Location: Lost near the target, Barcanesti Romania
Cause: Crew of 10 7KIA 3POW
Lt. Godde lost his life in the Ploesti raid "Operation Tidal Wave" August 1st 1943. One of the most daring raids of WW2. Coming in at tree top level the 98TH BG destroy Romanian oil refineries. Lt. Godde was awarded the Distinguished flying cross for his valor on this mission.
Flown by Lt. Edward T. McGuire and crew. Briefed to fly in the 5th and last wave attacking White IV. YEN TU was hit by flack on approach to the target and some of the crew were killed, after the target the pilots climbed to allow the crew safe egress three gunners in the tail section bailed out successfully.
YEN TU is reported to have crashed in flames at Barcanesti ironically just a few miles away from BREWERY WAGON of John Palm. The bodies of the other 7 crew members were never recovered.
Lt. Godde appears Tablets of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery Florence, Italy however according to AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION his remains were subsequently recovered and identified. THIS HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED! (Dayle DeBry, 28 June 2017)
Crew of YEN TU
1Lt Edward T. Mcguire Pilot
2nd/Lt. James H. Marrah Co Pilot
2nd Lt. Russell H. Godde Bombardier
1st/Lt. Max H. Schiwetz Navigator
1st/Lt. Max H. Schiwetz Navigator
T/Sgt. Harry G. Konecny Engineer
T/Sgt. Turner Y. Johnston Radio Op.
S/Sgt. James R. Waltman Gunner
S/Sgt. Moses F. Tate Gunner
S/Sgt. Clark S. Fitzpatrick Gunner
Uniform is now on display at the Antelope Valley Rural Museum in Lancaster, California.
Note: The other photo submitted by Alex K. of the officer pictured is NOT Russell Godde.
Hometown: Lancaster, Cal.
Squadron: 389th Bomb Group TDY 98th BG
Awards: Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Purple Heart
Pilot 1st/Lt. Edward T. McGuire DFC KIA
Target: White IV Ploesti
Missing Air Crew Report Details
USAAF MACR#:
Date Lost: 1-Aug-43
Serial Number: 42-40520
Aircraft Model B-24D
Aircraft Letter:M
Aircraft Name: YEN TU
Location: Lost near the target, Barcanesti Romania
Cause: Crew of 10 7KIA 3POW
Lt. Godde lost his life in the Ploesti raid "Operation Tidal Wave" August 1st 1943. One of the most daring raids of WW2. Coming in at tree top level the 98TH BG destroy Romanian oil refineries. Lt. Godde was awarded the Distinguished flying cross for his valor on this mission.
Flown by Lt. Edward T. McGuire and crew. Briefed to fly in the 5th and last wave attacking White IV. YEN TU was hit by flack on approach to the target and some of the crew were killed, after the target the pilots climbed to allow the crew safe egress three gunners in the tail section bailed out successfully.
YEN TU is reported to have crashed in flames at Barcanesti ironically just a few miles away from BREWERY WAGON of John Palm. The bodies of the other 7 crew members were never recovered.
Lt. Godde appears Tablets of the Missing at Florence American Cemetery Florence, Italy however according to AMERICAN BATTLE MONUMENTS COMMISSION his remains were subsequently recovered and identified. THIS HAS NOT BEEN CONFIRMED! (Dayle DeBry, 28 June 2017)
Crew of YEN TU
1Lt Edward T. Mcguire Pilot
2nd/Lt. James H. Marrah Co Pilot
2nd Lt. Russell H. Godde Bombardier
1st/Lt. Max H. Schiwetz Navigator
1st/Lt. Max H. Schiwetz Navigator
T/Sgt. Harry G. Konecny Engineer
T/Sgt. Turner Y. Johnston Radio Op.
S/Sgt. James R. Waltman Gunner
S/Sgt. Moses F. Tate Gunner
S/Sgt. Clark S. Fitzpatrick Gunner
Uniform is now on display at the Antelope Valley Rural Museum in Lancaster, California.
Note: The other photo submitted by Alex K. of the officer pictured is NOT Russell Godde.