SSgt Albert G. Wackerman, mechanic of the B-17 42-29928, took off from station 167 in Ridgewell, Essex, UK at 0930 on a bombing mission over the aero engine factory of Le Mans. The aircraft was hit during its bombing run and forced to return early at low altitude due to damaged oxygen systems. On the way back, numerous enemy strafing runs fatally damaged the aircraft. It crashed at noon, killing two crew members. SSgt Wackerman had been killed by cannon fire during the fighter runs.