Mount Stivo is a mountain  about  6000 feet surraunding north lake Garda at45,52N and 10,53E  where I  saw the plane crash. have best regards.riva56

I do not know why they continue to say that the 42-97728. was lost on november 15th 1944.instead 5th. Probably was an error typing on writing machine.The document of the loss says 15th but german documents says 5th. besta regards.riva56

I do not know why they continue to say that the 42-97728 was lost on 15th november 1944. probably they typed on the missing plane document 15th instead 5th. Also german documents about a loss of "fortress" on november 5th. have best regards.riva56

hallo Richard,if you search on web "serial number 42-97728" you will see that the plane was lost on "Mediterranean" not Austria   the date is november 5th 1944. probably the date on the document you sent was an writemaschine error.Best regards.riva56

I don t know why there are so differences between various records.the plane 42-97728 on some documents of air forces was on november5th 1944,in other on 15th see crew report.some other documents of nara say the plane lost somewhere on mediterranean.Mediterranean is not Alps. After tower SOS call, nobody says where exact the plane was lost. Other plane crew members wrote there was terrific wind on the wa back that shifted the planes west to reach lake Garda.The plane I saw spinning down that day was a b17 olive drab. The other six plane continuedon the way back to south Italy.The formation encountered some nazi,s fighter and one plane was lost.Which is that plane? Best regards and thank you so much for you help.riva56

Dick Drain's 5th Wing History shows 44-8001  301st BG crashed near Isli after mission on 5 Nov 44.  (MACR 7536).
 
5th Wing History shows 42-97728 as lost on 15 Nov 44.
 
Drain spent time at records copying information.....possible error  USAAF Racords ?
 
Jim :-)

James S. Peters Sr. T/Sgt
B-17 Flt Engr, 27 missions
99 BG, 348BS, 5th Wing, 15th AAF
Tortorella, (Foggia#2), Italy
My Tour was from 12/03/44-06/19/45
M/Sgt USAF (Retired)

dear jim, if you search on missing air crew report data base even aircraft number (42-97728) and macr number you will find loss date on november 5th 1944. how could it happen? thanks for your help and regards.riva56

Hello,
have anybody information for me? I’m looking for living family members of the crewmembers from the aircraft 42-97728, down 15 Nov 1944 in the Austrian alps.
 
The rest of the wreck of the aircraft was rescue in the year 2002, because the crash site is only reachable within walking distance. In the near of the crash site there was built a monument for the 8 killed crewmembers. The date for the induction of this monument is not known
 
Now we will find family members to inform them about this monument.
 
The crew of the aircraft:
Pilot:                                       2nd Lt. Albert H. MITCHKO                   KIA
Co-Pilot:                                1st Lt. Philip M. BULLOCK                   KIA
Radar Navigator:                  1st Lt. Benjamin E. CANTWELL          KIA
Bombardier:                          2nd Lt. William W. FLOOD                   KIA
Radio Operator:                   S/Sgt. Robert G. HAGLUND               KIA
Waist Gunner:                       S/Sgt. Mark E. IMLAY                          KIA
Waist Gunner:                       Sgt. William J. O’BRIEN                      KIA
Tail Gunner:                           Sgt. Thomas J. SPAGNOLO               KIA
Navigator:                              2nd Lt. Harry P. HILLHOUSE               POW
Engineer:                               Sgt. Roy T. PATTERSON                    POW
 
 
A Information is on the site from the commune Kleinsölk in Austria, indeed in Germany.
http://www.kleinsoelk.at/flugzeugabsturz.html
 
Please contact me, when anybody has information for me: manfredbrandner@aon.at
 
 
Best regards
Manfred Brandner

Hello!
 
I became following information about the crash: One of the killed crewmembers was found with a bible in his hand. A man partook this bible and gave it 2 American students, which where visit Austria circa in the year 1990. He requests them to research and give the bible to the next of kin. In the bible there was written: “Howard and Myriam – Christmas 1943”.
Maybe anybody does know, what is happen with this bible?
When the bible is by the next of kin, it’s ok. Otherwise can we have this bible back for our museum?
For information send an e-mail to me: manfredbrandner@aon.at
 
Kind regards
Manfred Brandner, Kleinsölk, Austria