384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in World War II

B-17F, Serial Number 42-3235, Squadron Code JD*T, Named "LAKANUKI"
The aircraft crash-landed near Poillé-sur-Vègre about 40km WSW of Le Mans, France, 4 July 1943.

This aircraft was shot down before reaching the target, the Gnome et Rhone Aircraft Engine Plant in Le Mans, France. Only one of the crew, David Butcher, survived and evaded capture.

The Crew was comprised of the following personnel:

Pilot: Myer, Lawrence Wayne, KIA
Copilot: Gauntt, Norman Alton, KIA
Navigator: Crouch, James Claybourne, KIA
Bombardier: Brzoznowski, Thomas Henry, KIA
Radio Operator: Davidson, Jack (NMI), KIA
Engineer/Top Turret: LaRue, James Lynn, KIA
Ball Turret: Carter, James Thomas, KIA
Tail Gunner: Butcher, David L, Evaded
Flexible Gunner: Hubble, Floyd (NMI), Jr, KIA
Flexible Gunner: Christensen, Kenneth Eldon, KIA

The majority of the Crew are buried in Normandy American Cemetery, Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Carter is buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, in San Antonio, Texas, and LaRue is buried in Colfax Cemetery, Colfax, Washington (state).

Photos of grave markers in Normandy American Cemetery and Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery have been provided by Jacky Emery, a true friend of the 384th in France. Jacky welcomes contacts concerning this crew, especially family members, by email at jacky_emery@hotmail.com