(From the 36th Bomber Squadron History Entry for 17 July 1942)
Our second combat loss occurred today. Major Marks with his crew that included Lts. Giddens and Mitts was lost over Kiska. Marks was leading a flight of 3 B-17s on an attack at 15,000 feet on Kiska Harbor. Andrews and Keiser were flying wing positions. They reported that Marks sighted several enemy aircraft (identified as float modified Zeros) and immediately initiated violent evasive action. The three ships were separated and the attacking aircraft singled out the formation leader and concentrated their attack on him. In a few moments his right engines burst into flame and his ship went down out of control. Cpl. Smith was the radio operator.
Our second combat loss occurred today. Major Marks with his crew that included Lts. Giddens and Mitts was lost over Kiska. Marks was leading a flight of 3 B-17s on an attack at 15,000 feet on Kiska Harbor. Andrews and Keiser were flying wing positions. They reported that Marks sighted several enemy aircraft (identified as float modified Zeros) and immediately initiated violent evasive action. The three ships were separated and the attacking aircraft singled out the formation leader and concentrated their attack on him. In a few moments his right engines burst into flame and his ship went down out of control. Cpl. Smith was the radio operator.
(From the 36th Bomber Squadron History Entry for 17 July 1942)
Our second combat loss occurred today. Major Marks with his crew that included Lts. Giddens and Mitts was lost over Kiska. Marks was leading a flight of 3 B-17s on an attack at 15,000 feet on Kiska Harbor. Andrews and Keiser were flying wing positions. They reported that Marks sighted several enemy aircraft (identified as float modified Zeros) and immediately initiated violent evasive action. The three ships were separated and the attacking aircraft singled out the formation leader and concentrated their attack on him. In a few moments his right engines burst into flame and his ship went down out of control. Cpl. Smith was the radio operator.
Our second combat loss occurred today. Major Marks with his crew that included Lts. Giddens and Mitts was lost over Kiska. Marks was leading a flight of 3 B-17s on an attack at 15,000 feet on Kiska Harbor. Andrews and Keiser were flying wing positions. They reported that Marks sighted several enemy aircraft (identified as float modified Zeros) and immediately initiated violent evasive action. The three ships were separated and the attacking aircraft singled out the formation leader and concentrated their attack on him. In a few moments his right engines burst into flame and his ship went down out of control. Cpl. Smith was the radio operator.
Gravesite Details
Entered the service from Iowa.
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