Jiri Sasek, Czech Republic
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![[Photo] Jindrichuv Hradec along the river in Southeastern Bohemia in the Czech Republic.](images/allies/js_rivercity.jpg)
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![[Photo] John H. James, 776, flew B-24 no. 42-52479, Little Lulu.](images/allies/js_johnjames.jpg)
John H. James (776)
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My name is Jiri Sasek and I am working to open a museum in Jindrichuv Hradec, Bohemia in the Czech Republic.
As soon as the museum is open (circa 2008), I'll mail photos of
the show cases dedicated to the bombers of the 464th BG.
This is the results of my research into the events of 24 August
1944 when the 15th USAAF attacked targets in Czechoslovakia.
There were 368 bombers sent to oil refineries at Pardubice (55th
Bomb Wing), Kolin (304th Bomb Wing) and the airfield in Pardubice (5th Bomb Wing).
German pilots were alarmed. |
Jagddivison sent to the air five Fw 190A-8/R2s from IV
(Sturm)/JG. 3 (Götzendorf airfield) and nine Fw 190A-8/R2s from II.(Sturm)/JG 300
(Seyring).
Cover was made by twelve Bf 109s from I./ JG 302 (Götzendorf),
fifteen Bf 109s from II./ JG 27 (Fels am Wagram), four Bf 109s from I./JG 300 (Seyring)
and a few Bf 109s from III./JG 300 (Seyring).
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![[Photo] German pilot, Hubert Engst, shot down Little Lulu.](images/allies/js_hubertengst.jpg)
German pilot, Hubert Engst
(6./JG 300) in the cocpit of his
Fw 190A-8/R2
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At 12.40, German fighters saw the first enemy planes over the
Czech Republic near Jindrichuv Hradec. Pilots of II./JG 27 immediately joined the battle
with American fighters. The box of 25 bombers from the 464th BG attacked the
remaining German planes.
B-24 (H), Little Lulu no. 42-52479 (Red J, 776 BS)
piloted by 1st/Lt John H. James was shot down by Uffz. Willi Reschke (1./JG 302) in
cooperation with Fw. Hubert Engst (6./JG 300). The plane crashed near Vlcice,
Czech Republic.
The only survivor of this crew was the Radio Operator, John F.
D'Amore.
D'Amore recalls, "On August the 24th, after succesfully
dropping our bombs on the target we were starting on our way
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back when we were attacked by several Me 109 fighter planes. As the radio operator
my battle position was the left waist gun, the attack came from the right side and also
from the rear."
"Six 20 mm shells came into the fuselage about six inches
from my toes, then the ship went into
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![[Photo] Artifacts from B-24H, Little Lulu, serial no. 42-52479 from the 776 squadron.](images/allies/js_display.jpg)
Artifacts from B-24 Little Lulu,
serial no. 42-52479.
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a flat spin. I was thrown to the floor and pinned there due to the centrifical force of the
spin."
"Then the ship exploded and broke into several parts, leaving
me in the rear section and 1st/Lt. James in the front part. As soon as my parachute
opened I hit the ground and I never saw any member of the crew from then on.
"It is my belief that a shell exploded in the front of the plane
and killed everyone up there, thus causing the flat spin, for I know that if 1st/Lt. James
was alive he would have recovered from the spin."
"To me and the crew he was the best pilot in the world. I only
knew 1s/Lt. James for four months, but in that length of time I got to know him as a good
officer, a good pilot, and a good sport - a combination very seldom encountered in this
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army. I feel as if I lost nine brothers. Every night I say a prayer for them."
B-24 (G), Little Gismo II, no. 42-78376 (776th BS) piloted by
1st/Lt. Virgil A. Leverett exploded in mid-air after heavy damages by the Fockewulfs
of II. (Sturm)/JG 300 over Cimer (Czech Republic). The wreckage crashed directly on
Cimer killing two crewmembers and grand dame, Sophie Bohm (92).
B-24 (H), Black Hall, no. 42-51083 (779th BS) came near
Gross-Gerungs (Austria) with a burning right wing. Shortly after, the pilot 1st/Lt. Kermit
F. Dannehl gave the order to bail out. The plane crashed near Kehrbach, close to
Gross-Gerungs. Two men were killed-in-action.
B-24 Red-O, no. 42-52520 (776th BS), flown by 1st/Lt. Thomas
N. Vague's crew was heavily damaged over Jinrichuv Hradec and lost altitude. The plane
crashed near Klagenfurt, Austria. Seven men managed to survive, but the other three
were killed.
B-24 (J), Journey’s End, no. 42-78437, (Black K, 779th
BS) piloted by 1st/Lt. Joyce W. Lewis recovered first from the German attack over
Jinrichuv Hradec and with serious damage headed back to the south.
During the battle T/Sgt. William F. Wrinn and four injured crew
members bailed out. The plane landed late that afternoon on the base in Bari. T/Sgt.
Richard L. Du Pre died of his wounds.
All 10 men were awarded the Silver Star medal.
But not only American losses were in this battle. About 6 Fw
190s and 4 Bf 109s were shot down by the American gunners' defensive fire.
Sincerely, Jiri Sasek
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![[Graphic] Snapshots from the 464th Bombardment Group.](images/flagd.jpg)