Name:
J. Russell Jr.
Rank:
Lieutenant Colonel
Serial Number:
O-663568
Unit:
509th Bomber Squadron, 351st Bomb Group, Heavy
Date of Death:
0000-00-00
State:
Texas
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Plot:
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LtCol J. Russell Jr., pilot of the B-17 42-2838 “The Concho Clipper”, took off from station 110 Polebrook, UK on a bombing mission over Saint Nazaire’s submarine pens along “Flak Alley”. Over the target and harassed by Fw-190 fighters, they had just released their payload when an 88mm flak shell burst in the bomb bay, killing three gunners and the radio operator. Russell dove to extinguish the ensuing fire in both right engines but could not regain control. The order was given to bail out and the plane subsequently crashed in two main pieces. Russell was taken prisoner and sent to Stalag Luft 3 in Sagan-Silesia.