Mission 132 Debriefing
Target: Wesel
No flight report submitted. Plane was lost due to flak on approach to target. Five crewmen lost, two captured after bailing out.
February 17, 1945
I remember this flight well. It was our first daylight mission, and we were none too happy about it. Figured the Yanks should be hitting it not us being flying in the daylight was their cup of tea. We flew to the target and encountered no Jerries until we were all but ready to line up for our run. I figure it was on account of all of our fighters keeping us close company all the way. Just before the target three 109's came at us, but I figured they had no stomach for it as we drove them off with a couple of bursts. But then, as we entered the flak zone, it felt like we hit a wall of exploding shells. Those bloody flak gunners had much more fight in them than their comrades in the sky! We were tossed about something fierce, and then there was a terrible explosion and we were almost flipped on our backs. Freddie came on the intercom and ever so calmly said, "Boys, we've lost a wing, it's time for you all to be leaving. I'll try and keep her steady." Well I was tossed about a bit, but managed to get the escape hatch open and threw myself out of the bird. I only saw one other chute. I later heard it was Billy Beckham, but he died in the camp — fever or something like.
I figure I owe my life to Mr. Weaver. He held the bird steady long enough to give us a chance to get out. I only wish the rest had made it too.
Radio Operator Jonathan "Sparky" Jones
June 25, 1946