Christoph, Jean was asking if there were any men from the 106th Infantry Division at the hospital in Siegborg. The answer is no. We have not found anyone yet from the 106th or their regiments. By doing a NARA POW record seach just using parent Unit Number: 0106, the list shows alot of the enlisted men at camp: 006, Stalag 4B Muhlberg Sachsen 51-13.

No doubt many of them must have passed through Bonn after being captured in the BOB.

I see! Thank you!

Christoph

The first 3 airmen that were at the Abby in Siegburg:

SSgt. Lester E. Hix

TSgt Frank C. Buettner

SSgt. John A. Potsklan

They were part of the crew on B-24H-15-FO, Serial Number: 42-52507, “MISS JUDY”

789th Bomb Sqdn, 467th Bomb Group, 2nd Air (Bombardment) Division, 8th Air Force.

Plane was shot down 14 October 1944, on a mission to Cologne, crew bailed out over the western font lines.

Apparantly all 3 went to transit camp Dulag Luft West then to Stalag Luft IV after leaving Siegburg.

MACR#9489

Group Mission No.119

14th October 1944

Target: Marshalling yards, Cologne, Ger.

Mission Narrative from the notes of Jim Pippenger, pilot in the 789th, along with observations from Sgt. James F. Brock, in charge of gunnery on Pippenger’s crew, and input from Phillip Day, pilot & group historian.

“Another mission made up of 1100 planes. Our bomb load was mixed. Sixteen 250 lb GP plus four 500 lb incendiaries. We had German fighters trying to be effective, but they had trouble getting into a position to be able to make a real effective pass. The flak was intense and we sustained considerable damage on 14 of our 32 planes. The most problematic [aspect] of this mission was to get the formation together. From take-off we flew in a continuous overcast to 20,000 ft in order to find some blue. Was much to long in the air just to get to Cologne. We MADE it.”

Details of Aircraft Loss B-24H-15-FO 42-52507 “MISS JUDY” 789th Sqdn

Ship suffered engine fire and severe vibration. Crew abandoned ship near the front-line in western Germany. Two crew received shot wounds. Pilot rumored to have been shot and killed while hanging from a tree in his parachute.

Remarks: Ship suffered engine fire and severe vibration. Crew abandoned ship near the front-line in western Germany. Two crew received shot wounds, Pilot rumoured to have been shot and killed while hanging from a tree in his parachute.Pilot was KIA, nine other crew made POW were, 2nd Lt. Ervin R. Estes (Co-pilot), 2nd Lt. Ben A. Bereskin (Navigator), T/Sgt. Frank C. Buettner (Eng.), S/Sgt. Elmer J. Barndt (Gunner), T/Sgt. Gerald L. Pucillo (Radio-oper.), S/Sgt. John A. Potsklan (Gunner), S/Sgt. Lester E. Hix (Nose-Gunner), Dominick J. Cerrito (Ball Turret Gunner), Cpl. Ralph C. Donovan (Tail Gunner).

Hi Guys!

I will slowly go through this information. And I must make new folders on each of the men that I have not done any research on. I am reviewing the Buettner file because I did get things on him from St. Louis.

So fascinating to read the details of their stories. If I knew how, I would put the list of missions and locations on here. I will try and probably get bounced off. Nothing happened.

Larry, Thank you for so much terrific research!

I can not keep up with you, the Legend!

Jean

Another quick note, Larry found the Guidry family, whose Dad escaped with mine.

I met with 2 descendants today - they were wonderful folks. Guidry would be so proud of his daughter and nephew.

Little bits of news came out - including that Guidry DID NOT swim. Separate from his not liking the water, he did not swim.

So if Dad and Guidry had to cross the River Sieg - then Dad had to use his Life Guard techniques to carry Guidry who was about 5'9" across. Christoph, you were right.

It was so exciting to meet them!

Thank you Larry for doing all of that research!

Jean

Oh, I forgot to say that the photo of Dad and Guidry was not kept on a book shelf in his office all of his life - it was on his desk all of his life!

Jean

List of Buettner`s missions

This is what a VI G POW number tag looks like

Larry,

This very recent POW that found me (that is my joke to them - because they contacted me - and should I become a pest well, then I can always remind them that they called me or wrote me first) just a few days ago said that he had his POW tag and it is 1/2 a tag.

I did not understand it but did not over question it - but with this photo I can. It appears it is only 1 layer thick and the dog tags had 2 sides to them?

Some guys did not remember even having a POW # , This will give me something to talk about - when I get lucky enough to again talk to one of them.

Larry the Legend, Thank You, As Always,

Jean

Christoph and Larry,

I should be pretty silent for a few days - what a relief?

I am hoping to go to St. Louis to see the last batch of records I requested - I am not hopeful that much is there based on what the researcher said. But just one part of a paper could provide a big clue to something.

Bye for the moment,

Jean