44-8249 DOROTHY C
MACR 11229
MISSION # 178
TARGET: DARMSTADT AIRFIELD
MACR 11229
MISSION # 178
TARGET: DARMSTADT AIRFIELD
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Crew on December 24, 1944
This mission was a maximum effort to bomb the airfield in Darmstadt, Germany. The 452nd
BG put up a total of 64 aircraft, which is believed to be a record number for a single
mission. The group also bombed Heilbron and Neckerslum. 27 aircraft received flak
damage. Two ME-109's made a single pass, attacking from the 6 o'clock position with
20mm gunfire at 13:30 hours. A/C 44-8249 received a direct flak hit to the #3 engine. The
plane left the formation, went into a shallow dive, spiraling down in flames, and exploded
just before hitting the ground. No chutes were observed by other crews, except the tail
gunner of plane #525, who reported two chutes. Click on John Harmon's name to read his
account of this mission. A very tough way to spend Christmas Eve!
BG put up a total of 64 aircraft, which is believed to be a record number for a single
mission. The group also bombed Heilbron and Neckerslum. 27 aircraft received flak
damage. Two ME-109's made a single pass, attacking from the 6 o'clock position with
20mm gunfire at 13:30 hours. A/C 44-8249 received a direct flak hit to the #3 engine. The
plane left the formation, went into a shallow dive, spiraling down in flames, and exploded
just before hitting the ground. No chutes were observed by other crews, except the tail
gunner of plane #525, who reported two chutes. Click on John Harmon's name to read his
account of this mission. A very tough way to spend Christmas Eve!
This plane was named in honor of the original pilot’s fiancé at
the time who was Dorothy Campbell from Houston, Texas. The
pilot was William A. Wyatt.
the time who was Dorothy Campbell from Houston, Texas. The
pilot was William A. Wyatt.
TSGT Martin Rafalco, Jr
L to R bottom row:
Daniel Sweeney & Carl Lambert
Top row L to R:
James Wade, Martin Rafalco, and
Arnold Heikkila
Daniel Sweeney & Carl Lambert
Top row L to R:
James Wade, Martin Rafalco, and
Arnold Heikkila
Martin Rafalco's crew on June 7,
1944 during training in Texas. The
co-pilot 2Lt Harlan Humphrey was
on A/C #43-38696 on October 26,
1944 on Mission #156 to Hanover
when his plane collided with A/C
#42-37906. Humphrey was KIA.
The photo to the left is the official
crew list for the above crew
picture, which were both supplied
by Kenny Rafalco.
1944 during training in Texas. The
co-pilot 2Lt Harlan Humphrey was
on A/C #43-38696 on October 26,
1944 on Mission #156 to Hanover
when his plane collided with A/C
#42-37906. Humphrey was KIA.
The photo to the left is the official
crew list for the above crew
picture, which were both supplied
by Kenny Rafalco.
Special thanks to Kenny Rafalco,
nephew of TSgt Martin Rafalco, Jr,
for supplying the website with
pictures and lots of information.
Kenny has informed me that Buell
Hoagland and John Harmon are
thankfully still alive today. I salute
both of you and your crew for your
bravery and service.
My hat is off to Kenny for all his
help and leg work.
nephew of TSgt Martin Rafalco, Jr,
for supplying the website with
pictures and lots of information.
Kenny has informed me that Buell
Hoagland and John Harmon are
thankfully still alive today. I salute
both of you and your crew for your
bravery and service.
My hat is off to Kenny for all his
help and leg work.