My uncle, Cpl. Ernest Crane was killed in a crash at Dobodura on Thursday, February 17, 1944. He was a member of the 405th. He had volunteered to go on a mission, they lost an engine and returned to base only to crash when attempting to go around one more time. The pilot was 1st Lt. Robert G. Apai and crew was Lt. Raymond Cohen, Lt. John Heard, Sgt. John Grahek, Sgt. Charles Kleckner, and Sgt. Abner Yoder. Uncle Ernest was very striking in appearance having solid WHITE wavy hair and sky blue eyes...about 6ft. and 180 pounds. Very fun and friendly guy from Mississippi.

Do any of you remember him and the circumstances surrounding his death? Who were his regular crew members? We know he joined this mission as a volunteer and it was not his regular ship. Many questions...Hope you can help. Thanks and thank you for serving us so well.

Dear David,

In the research material available to me at the moment, I do find a brief mention of that crash but no additional information. I will be receiving some additional records in the next few weeks and I also have an indication that one of the members of our association may know more about that event.

Please get in touch with me directly.

I am the editor of the 38th BG Association newsletter.

David Gunn
pappygnk@juno.com