P 2/LT Decker, Jack C. KILD CP 2/LT Biakis, Michael J. KILD N 2/LT Johnson, Robert G. KILD EnG S/SGT Demery, Robert F . KILD R/O S/SGT Hadley, Marcus W. KILD
MISSION LOSS CIRCUMSTANCES: A number of Group aircraft were participating in a periodic ‘practice mission’ (basically for new aircrew indoctrination in take-off, formation flying, and recovery tactics training). Upon return to the local Base area, the weather situation had deteriorated in snow squalls and strong winds with poor risibility. This aircrew, reportedly, did return over the Base where they left the flying formation. From this point on, the crew was never heard from again. Official reporting surmised that strong winds aloft contributed to this aircraft and crew being drifted out over the North Sea area in the Ipswich area, where they ultimately went down. They were never heard from or reported on from any source subsequently.
INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS OF CREWMEN FATES: No record exists.
BURIAL RECORDS: All (5) crew members are listed on the WALL OF THE MISSING at the U.S. National Overseas Cemetery at MADINGLEY, near Cambridge, England. All were recorded as having received the Air Medal, but no posthumous notations are given for the Purple Heart awards.
NEXT OF KIN DATA IN WWII: Decker (Mother, Mary C., 4265 Ashland Avenue, Norwood, Ohio); Biakis (Father, James M., 79 Alvia Street, Springfield, Massachusetts); Johnson (Father, Albin Gustav, 4045 North Kedvale Avenue, Chicago, Illinois); Demery (Mother, Mabel Q., 910 12th Avenue Southwest, Fort Dodge, Iowa); Hadley (Wife, Margaret M., Route Two, Box 123, Louisville, Kentucky).
