The “accident” that should never have happened:
Jimmy Stewart’s original bomb group decimated!
28 U.S. B-24 bombers and
29 German fighters
crash in a 6-minute battle!
47 planes go down within a 15-mile radius of each other!
History’s most concentrated air battle!
For the 445th Bomb Group, September 27 1944 was deadly. In just over three minutes, 20 B-24’s—with crews of at least 9 men each—went down in a forest in central Germany, resulting in the highest loss in history for a bomb group in a single day's battle. Five more crashed in Germany, one in Belgium and two in France. Two made emergency landings at Manston, England, just across the White Cliffs of Dover. One crash-landed after being waved off when it tried to land at home. Only 4 of the 35 B-24’s made it back to the base at Tibenham, England safely. The few survivors who did return were told to "get lost" for a few days, while the 445th pulled itself back together.
Now we say to those same men, "Tell us your stories." To the POW's who bailed out and survived, "Tell us what happened." And to their German counterparts, "What was it like for you?" To the family members of the unfortunate men who paid the ultimate sacrifice and died on that mission, we wish to offer our deepest condolences. We share your grief. Tell us about him. Help us to put a face on what, for us, has been only a name on a roster. Share your stories, and, if you can, join us in our effort to tell the world what he did.
In a remarkable joint effort, the survivors of both sides united in 1990 to create a memorial at the site where the American leader’s plane crashed in Germany. A testament to new friendship between former enemies, huge bronze plaques mounted on three giant stones tell the tale and name those lost on both sides. Here, in this beautiful place that once knew horrific conflagration, Americans and Germans alike honor the dead, finding healing, closure and peace in the process.
Walter Hassenpflug, 10-5-08
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A tribute to honor amongst soldiers, peace between former enemies, friendship instead of bloodshed, this website is dedicated to those who fought in what has become known as the “Kassel Mission”.
To the men of the 445th BG
“Always Up and Flying”
Let No Man Be Forgotten
20th Anniversary of the Kassel Mission Memorial Dedication
Kassel Mission Memorial Bench
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
Pooler Georgia
USA
