Capbreton B-24 (42-109836) Crash Memorial
Details:
In the parking lot of the harbormaster of Capbreton is a large fieldstone memorial to the local resistance. There is a small plaque on the rear of the stone honoring an American aircrew. The plaque was formerly in the Harbormaster office.
A stone plaque with engraved French text.
Monument Text:
60 ème Anniversaire - 27 mars 2004
Le 27 mars 1944, un avion bombardier B-24 américain
de retour de mission a été abattu par la flak allemande
devant la passe de Capbreton.
Ont disparu dans l'épave de leur appareil:
Lt Richard E. Harleman (Pennsylvanie), Lt Melvin J.
Johnson (Utah), Lt William E. Cobane (Michigan),
Sgt Donald A. Lawyer (Pennsylvanie), Sgt Fred D. Wood
(Virginie). A ete tue dans cette action: Lt Paul E. Baum
(Ohio). Les quatre survivants ont été recueillis par des
pécheurs capbretonnais.
Ils ont souffert et sont mort pour notre liberté.
Les Français reconnaissants.
English translation:
60th Anniversary - March 27, 2004
On March 27, 1944, an American B-24 bomber plane
returning from a mission was shot down by German flak
in front of the Capbreton pass.
Missing in the wreckage of their aircraft were
Lt. Richard E. Harleman (Pennsylvania), Lt. Melvin J.
Johnson (Utah), Lt William E. Cobane (Michigan),
Sgt. Donald A. Lawyer (Pennsylvania), Sgt. Fred D. Wood
(Virginia). Killed in action: Lt. Paul E. Baum
(Ohio). The four survivors were taken in by
fishermen from Capbreton.
They suffered and died for our freedom.
The grateful French.
Commemorates:
People:
Units:
44th Bomb Group
66th Bomber Squadron, 44th Bomber Group, Heavy
8th Air Force
United States Air Force
Wars:
WWII
Other images :
