26th Bomber Squadron, 11th Bomber Group, Heavy -1944

I am looking for any information on my Great Grandmother's uncle, his name is Donald R. Hartmann & his was in the 26th Bomber Squadron, 11th Bomber Group, Heavy.  His birthdate was 1/27/1922 & he was killed in battle on 2/3/1944 in the Battle of Tarawa. He was a Staff Sergeant.  He was not married nor did he have any children.  If you have any information that you can pass along, I would love to hear anything you have to share. Please email me at jenjackson1975@yahoo.com.
Thank you,
Jennifer Jackson

According to Combat Squadrons of WWI;
The 11thBG/26th Bombardment Squadron was operating from Tarawa as of Jan 1944 to the first part Apr 1944. Battle of Tarawa was Nov 1943.
 
Terry T.

Jennifer,

S/Sgt Donald Hartmann was a gunner on a B-24, serial number 42-73014 that was lost on a ferry flight from Nurufetau in the Ellice Group to Tarawa on February 3, 1944.  Apparently there were no witnesses to the crash.  The plane was last sighted about 23 miles from Tarawa.  Attached below is a page from the Missing Air Crew Report.  As Terry stated the battle for Tarawa was in November 1943.  By February 1944 we were already using bases on Tarawa for attacks on our next objective, the Marshall Islands.

Hal

Attached Image(s)

Jennifer,

I found this additional document in the MACR report.  Sadly it says that the search for the crew of this B-24 was unsuccessful, no trace of the crew was found.  Follow this link to the Department of Defense MIA site and you will find his name on the list of men still missing from WW II.  Sorry.
http://www.dtic.mil/dpmo/WWII_MIA/AAF_M_H.HTM

Hal

Attached Image(s)

Hello,

My father was a door gunner aboard B-24 out of Adak Alaska. His plane made a forced landing on the Kamchatka Peninsula. His crew was interned by the Russians. They were repatriated 6 months later in 1943. His name is John Fallows. He was discharged as a SGT. He is from Detroit.
He is looking for a reunion that he could attend. Please respond to the following E-Mail address:
mcfallows@yahoo.com

Lt Ken Elliot Crew
B - 24 #42 - 40996
404th Sq.
Crash Landed Kamchatka 1/18/45
Crew Interned - Repatriated 5/27/45
I emailed info
Mike
Post should be moved to 28th BG

I have the book 11 TH Bomb Group H published by Turner, on page 48 it lists all the men who were MIA from all the Squadrons of the 11 BG H. There are two names from your report that are not listed including Donald Hartmann.
 
I can find all the other names and have checked the other squadrons from the 11 TH BG H they are listed as well.  
 
As I said I can find all but two of the crew members listed and your Donald Hartmann is one of them and Albert Smith. He maybe able to help you find out.
 
I also have a copy of "Grey Geese Calling" and it too lists everyone but Smith and Hartmann, it gives the planes' number, but it does not provide a name for the bomber. They are not listed in the other squadrons in this book either.   
 
Phil  Gudenschwager is the Historian of the 11 BG H and lost a brother in 1943 from the 11 BG H the 42 Squadron. You maybe able to find out from Phil why Donald Hartmann and Albert Smith are not listed in either book, but all the other crews members are.
 
Phil Gudenschwager   
 
11bga@cox.net
 

Sincerely, PA.Dutchman
Son of T/Sgt. Ray "Bud" Heilman
11 TH F. A. 1937-40
Schofield Barracks
11 TH BGH 42 Sq.1940-45
Hickam 12/7/1941
AAC Armorer 911
P.U.C.

If you go to this site it will give you your bomber's serial number and what happened to it as well as the report number, MACR 2050
 
http://home.att.net/~jbaugher/1942_4.html
 
42-73014
 
42-73014 (11th BG) lost Feb 3, 1944, Central Pacific.  MACR 2050
 

Sincerely, PA.Dutchman
Son of T/Sgt. Ray "Bud" Heilman
11 TH F. A. 1937-40
Schofield Barracks
11 TH BGH 42 Sq.1940-45
Hickam 12/7/1941
AAC Armorer 911
P.U.C.