The Story of a Bomber Squadron Abandoned by Its Escorts

On July 7, 1944, the 859th Bomb Squadron of the 492nd Bomb Group was assigned a crucial mission: to destroy aircraft factories in Bernberg, Germany. These bombers, manned by seasoned instructors and combat veterans on their second tour, had a reputation for unfortunate timing. This day would prove to be no different.

The “Happy Warriors” Prepare for Battle

The 859th Bomb Squadron, known as the “Happy Warriors,” had seven aircraft assigned to the Bernberg raid. Early that morning, they joined the rest of the 492nd Bomb Group, taking off for Germany.

As they crossed into enemy territory over France, their position became precarious. Planners had anticipated the Luftwaffe would focus on nearby B-17 groups, leaving the 492nd dangerously exposed. The Germans seized the opportunity and scrambled fighters into the air.

A mix of Fw 190s and Me 109s soon attacked from the rear and side. The 859th found themselves in the most vulnerable position. One of the first planes to go down was Super Wolf, likely brought down by German ace Richard Loefgen. The bomber caught fire and exploded mid-air.

Next was Bo II, which also caught fire. Only four of her crew managed to bail out. Shortly after, I’ll Be Around took a direct hit, and five of her crew escaped before the bomber was lost.

The Squadron Falls, One by One

The Steneman crew was hit next, and three of their members were never found. Theories abound about their fate, from being killed by ground forces to accidents while bailing out. Another bomber, believed to be Oonie Doonie, was struck by enemy fire and slowly fell out of formation. Eight crew members managed to parachute to safety.

At this point, only two aircraft from the 859th remained, with nearly 50 men already lost—the highest single-mission casualty for the squadron in the entire war. But the Luftwaffe pressed on.

Jack’s crew was next. Their B-24 suffered heavy damage, and the tail gunner was killed instantly. Eight others managed to escape before the plane went down.

The Last Bomber: Georgette

Now only one aircraft remained—Georgette. The crew knew they were alone and exposed, with no fighter escorts. German rounds hit their mark, and the B-24 began to fall.

Miraculously, all the crew managed to escape before the bomber exploded. However, as they parachuted to the ground, they faced a new danger. Angry German civilians, enraged by the recent bombings, brutally beat several of the airmen. Some crew members were believed to have been killed by these attacks.

In under 20 minutes, the entire squadron had been wiped out. Seven planes had taken off that morning, and none returned. It was the 859th Bomb Squadron’s most devastating mission, with over 70 men captured, missing, or dead.