I am looking for assistance in gathering information about my grandfather.
 

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Here's what I know...

• Herbert Nels Rasch
  
• Enlisted 04 Sept, 1942 (Pvt) in US Army Air Corp
  
• Resided in MN
  
• POW record shows he was a 1LT at the time
  
• POW record shows date of 19 Oct,1944
  
• Taken To Stalag Luft III after capture
  
• 319th BG (Medium Bomber) according to POW record

We have some of his personal items including some handwritten journal style entries that coincide with activities listed on the USAAF Chronology for the 12th Air Force (MTO)
 
With all of the info, and the limited amount of research I think that he would have served with the 319th BG, 440th BS on one of three planes

• 97
  
• 93
  
• 88

All three of these planes were shot down on 19 Oct, 1944 near Mantua,Italy  this also coincides with some info in his handwritten notes,  eventually was transported to Stalag Luft III and after his release was transported to Camp Lucky Strike.

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I recently started to research his service and have not had a chance to request any of the MACR's or his Personnel Record from the military.  I am looking for any assistance in filling in some pieces of the story.  I would love to find out if anyone here has any knowledge of the 3 planes that were shot down, and if he was indeed part of the crew on any of those planes. 
 
If anyone can help with determining what plane he would have flown in and possibly share pictures of the planes.  If I can determine what the tail number was it would help immensely.  I am working on getting some high quality scans of the items we have of his and I would love to be able to share those in return for any help. 
 
Unfortunately, I never had a chance to meet my grandfather.  He passed away about 6 years before I was born.  I am working to share this info with my father and his brothers and sisters.  I am amazed at all of the info that you have all shared and I appreciate any further help anyone could offer.

Jonathan,
He was with the 440th BS.  Serial #: O-712219.  He graduated from bombardier school at Childress, TX class 44-03.
 
For more on Childress and bombardiers, see my website below.
 
Dave

Link to: Bombardiers of WWII Website

New email address as of Feb 2006: hfhmsite@comcast.net

Dave T,
 
Thanks for the information.  I enjoyed looking at your site.  There is a lot of great information there and I look forward to spending more time looking at it.
 

Jonathan,
Thank you for the kind words about the site.  At some future date I will post his information on the site.  If you have any pictures or other info that I can use, please send it to the site's email address, also below.
 
Dave

Link to: Bombardiers of WWII Website

New email address as of Feb 2006: hfhmsite@comcast.net

Jonathan, I think I can help you a bit further with your research. You have found good information to start with, but you will need the three MACR's to find what Marauder your grandfather was a crew member on when they were shot down.
 
Target was Mantua East Rail Road Bridge in Italy. 319th BG sent a 12 ship formation on this mission #409 for the group. Flight Commander was 2nd Lt. J.S. Jackson, and Flight Leader was 1st Lt. M.E. Saunders. The three 440th BS Marauders shot down by enemy fighters (8 to 10 fighters from a newly organized Italian Republican Air Force) were:

• B/N 88 42-107565 "Rodger the Dodger II" Pilot Lt. Donald Treadwell MACR 9309
  
• B/N 93 41-35041 Pilot Lt. Floyd W. Roberts MACR 9307
  
• B/N 97 42-107561 "Tally Ho" Pilot Lt. John L. O'Bryant MACR 9305

I have scans of at least some of these planes + Mantua East RR Bridge. Send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will send you these + some additional information.