B-17G 42-31110 Pacific Dream

A white marker on the side of the D144 between Figers and Meussac.

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The B-17G-1-BO 42-31110 QE-M "Pacific's Dream” of the 332nd Bomb Squadron, 94th Bomb Group was an element of mission VIII BC171 that was charged with bombing the area of Cognac-Châteaubernard on December 31st, 1943. It was hit by flak right after bombs away at 1221. Two engines caught fire and the third was inoperable. It lost altitude and left formation. 2nd Lt Edward J. Sullivan gave the order to jump. After drifting a ways the B-17 crashed into the road leading from Figers to Meussac in Les Prats between Figers and Le Puy-Haut.
Three members of the crew were immediately captured. Seven managed to escape but the bombardier, 2nd Lt Ruben Fier, was captured on March 15th, 1944 in Ariege. He was handed over Carcassone's Gestapo before being transferred to Fresnes and a German camp. Ruben Fier came back to the crash site in 1995, a piece of the engine's helice was given to him by one of the eyewitnesses.

Crew (source LES DEUX CHARENTES SOUS LES BOMBES 1940-1945)

Pilot: 2nd Lt Edward J.SULLIVAN Prisoner
Copilot: 2 nd Lt Clifford H.ROBINSON Prisoner
Navigator: 2nd Lt Harvey B.BARR Jr Escaped
Bombardier: 2nd Lt Reuben Fier Prisoner
Radio: S/Sgt Charles HOYES Escaped
Mechanic/Top Gunner : T/Sgt Elmer L.SHUE Prisoner
Belly Gunner : S/Sgt Stanley J.DYMEK Escaped
Right Gunner : Sgt Alvin E.Sanderson Escaped
Left Gunner : S/Sgt John C Mc LAUGHLIN Escaped
Tail Gunner : S/Sgt Kenneth CARSON Escaped

Observe the strange inscription 82nd Air Force.

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