384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in World War II

Welcome to the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) Photo Gallery. This gallery makes available the photographic and documentary portion of the 384th BG record. All content on this gallery is visible to all visitors. Those wishing to enter a comment or contribute images will need to register and log in (links at left of Home page). Please register for an account when you need access beyond viewing gallery content. For additional information about the 384th BG, visit the 384th Bomb Group website⇗.

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"SILVER DOLLAR" Death Plunge

BILL SCHOCK PLANE SHOT DOWN.jpg Thomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill SchockThomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill SchockThomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill SchockThomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill SchockThomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill SchockThomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill SchockThomas Chappell FarrowThumbnailsBill Schock

Caption: "This B-17 bomber from the 384th Bomb Group, 8th Air Force, was hit by friendly bombs dropped through the formation on the second raid over Berlin on March 8, 1944. The photo was taken by SSGT. Lester VanGorkum, ball turret gunner, as the stricken bomber passed under the plane piloted by LTs. Phil MacPhail and Bill Schock. No member of the crew of the B-17 piloted by Lt. Reid was able to get out of the aircraft."

This now-famous photograph shows the result of "friendly" bombs on one of our own aircraft. Contrary to the caption, however, there were two crewmen who survived this incident, Arthur J Osepchook, ball turret gunner, and John J Plotz, waist gunner. For a little more about the story, read "I remember..." by Ed Zieba on the 384th Bomb Group website Stories page.

The photo has been colorized and the date in the caption should read 9 March 1944 vice 8 March 1944.

Photo contributed by Judy Murphy, June 2017.

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BILL SCHOCK PLANE SHOT DOWN.jpg
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