Re: 2Lt. John F. Meade

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Comments:: : : 2Lt. John F. Meade, pilot on a B-17, was reported missing over Holland after a mission of August 19, 1943. His obituary states that the US government has conducted after the war a thorough investigation but could not find his remains. : : : Who can tell me more about his Bomb Group, his aircraft, his crew and the circumstances of his death? : : : Many thanks in advance. : : : John Meurs : : Hi John, : : 2Lt John F. Meade was with the 305th Bomb Group, 364th Squadron. He was flying as co-pilot on 19 August 1943 on 42-29807 WF O "Liberty Lady" when if failed to return due to flak and ditched in the English Channel. MACR 304 is available by contacting Lynn.Gamma@MAXWELL.AF.MIL at no charge. : : Crew list: : : Lt Ralph R. Miller (P) POW : : 2Lt John F. Meade (CP) KIA : : 2Lt Donald J. McGowan (N) KIA : : 2Lt Joseph M. McGinley (B)KIA : : T/Sgt Bynum G. Crabtree (T) KIA : : T/Sgt Fulton F. Horn (RO) KIA : : S/Sgt Albert F. Miller Jr (BT) KIA : : Sgt William J. Crough (LW) KIA : : S/Sgt Edgar G. Lott (RW) KIA : : S/Sgt Emil Radosevich (TG) POW : : Vic : John, : I have only now just come across this post. And I am hoping that you get my message as I have some additional information that you will probably find helpful. My father was 1Lt. Ralph R. Miller, pilot of Lady Liberty on which 2Lt. John F. Meade was co-pilot. Vic's information is correct in regards to the crew list, bomb group and squadron, and date of the Lady Liberty's loss. However the details of the crash are incorrect. : The Lady Liberty did not "ditch" in the English Channel but took a direct hit of flak in mid-ship just off the coast of Flushing Holland on 8/19/43. The ship broke in half and went down in a spectacular crash that was photographed from an adjacent B-17. : A 1998 book "Mission 85, a milk run that turned sour" by Ivo M. de Jong documents much of the the loss of the Lady Liberty and photos of the plane going down as well as crew photos. The story as told by my father is also documented. This book was available for a time through the 8th AF Museum in Savannah. : I am fairly certain that among my fathers photographs is one of John Meade at the controls of the Lady Liberty. I also am pretty sure that most of this crew was together for all 13 missions that the Lady Liberty flew. I can also check to verify that if you wish. : I hope you find this info helpful. : Best regards, : Roger Miller : Lenoir, NC

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