04 January 1945

12th AF; 310th BG; 428th BS; B-25 J; Serial No. 43-27666;

Plane Nicknamed: "SAD SACK"; MACR: 10945;

Shot Down by Flak on Bombing Mission on Lavis, Italy

Pilot: Robert G. McPherson, 1LT; O-774711; KIA; Kansas City, Missouri

Co-Pilot: Nolan D. Pickett, 1LT; O-1080060; KIA; Liberty, Texas

Bombardier: William J. Rutherford; S/Sgt; 32284625; RTD; Waddington, New York

Radio Operator: Orlando R. Fazenbaker; T/Sgt; 35760118; KIA; Keyser, Mineral County, West Virginia

Armorer Gunner: Eli Lambert Weaver, Jr.; S/Sgt; 33617590; RTD; Bethelehem, Nothampton County, Pennsylvania

Engineer Gunner: Milo Freer Dailey; S/Sgt; 35434709; KIA; West Hamlin, Lincoln County, West Virginia.

Eye Witness Account of 1Lt. Lloyd E. Lewis

I saw a ship which evidently had been hit by flak in the left engine. Said ship did one complete spin, regaining control between three thousand (3,000) feet and four thousand (4,000) feet above the ground.

The last time I saw the ship, it was under control and flying on a heading of about 270 degrees, in a valley leading down to the head of Lake Guardia. I saw no one bail out

Nolan D Pickett