There were eleven (11) Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers riding in this plane including Major SALZARULO, Commanding Officer, 788th Bomb Sq and 1st Lt JOHN L LOW, Group Bombardier. The a/c flew in No 2 position of the lead section of the lead squadron. The Group bombed Berlin at 1147 hrs and this ship was in formation at that time, but at about 1210 hrs this a/c was reported as having two (2) engines feathered and falling back.
It is believed that this ship had been hit when four (4) Me 109 and four FW 190 attacked in the target area. At 1210 hrs this a/c was again reported as being under attack by five (5) Me 109 and at that time was taking advantage of a cloud layer at a lower altitude to throw off some of these attacks. I was then about over the eastern border of Holland just west of the Ems River at about 52° 30' N. So far as could be observed it was still under control.
At 1415 hrs a radio was received at this station which when decoded read "Petrol low, over enemy territory. 92 Bailing out. TWTM."
It would seem possible therefore that the chances for successful bail-out were good and except for those seriously injured (if any) there is substantial hope for all members of this crew.
Major Robert F. Salzarulo Command Pilot
Lt Bill F. Moore Pilot
Lt John L. Low Group Bombardier
Lt Franklin D. Coslett N
Lt Edgar J. Powell CP
Lt Edward Verbosky B
T/Sgt Clinton L. Watts E
S/Sgt James R. Anslow RO
S/Sgt Walker T. Kilgore G
S/Sgt Henry E. Allen BT