Memorial

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2nd Lt Alan G. Hillman attended Bowdoin College for 2 years before he joined the Regular Army in Portland, Maine on 2 October 1942. he was sent overseas in June 1944.

Sgt Edgar L. Harrell:
At approximately 10 minutes after bombs away, altitude 24,500 to 25,000 feet, I observed aircraft B-17G 44-8501 flying on our right wing position whit number 3 engine smoking. At this time no fire was visible. I also noticed that the guns of the ball-turret were pointed downward and the turret was not moving. Approximately the crew were preparing to bail out. Approximately 2 minutes later the tail gunner of our crew reported that subject aircraft was on fire. I then noticed that the ship had lost from 3,000 to 4,000 feet altitude and had slipped behind the formation. The number 3 engine was burning and flames were trailing half-way back to the main entrance door. At this time I saw one men leave the tail position. As his parachute opened three men bailed out of the waist door and their parachutes opened almost immediately. Shortly afterward three more men bailed out of either the nose hatch our the bomb-bay, all three parachutes opening immediately. At this time the aircraft took a steep bank and started into a dive of approximately 60 grade. Just after it started into the dive two men bailed out of the nose and their parachute also opened. The aircraft then disappeared into the clouds. The aircraft was under control for about two minutes after the first man bailed out and it is believed possible that the tenth crew member could have made a delayed jump. I observed a total of nine men leave the aircraft and all of their chutes opened.

F/O Donald C. Burkness:
After bailing out, he was killed by civilians.