1945 real life horror story in the skies over Weatherford, Texas

October 30, 7:19 AMFort Worth Parenting ExaminerJennifer Locascio

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B-29 Bomber
"Superfortress"

Friday, August 17, 1945 was the same as any other terribly hot summer day in Texas. A serious chapter in our history books was wrapping up with the defeat of Japan in the Pacific, and the end to the worst war in world history.

However, on this unsuspecting day the horrors that haunted Americans about the war would be brought back to life in full color. Weatherford, Texas residents, as well as everyone else, were reminded of how quickly peace of mind could be taken away, and that no one was safe from what was created during the war.
 

Two B-29 Superfortress Bombers were sent out on one last training mission before they were to ship out to Saipan in the Pacific. One B-29 had taken off from Clovis Field, New Mexico, the other from Alamogordo Field, New Mexico.  The first crew's orders were to fly to Fort Worth, Texas and complete five night bombing runs, which would be controlled by radar, on Mecham Field.

This exercise was meant to simulate a real mission of flying nonstop from Guam to Tokyo and back. No personal items were to be allowed on board, only the crew and their dog tags, in case the mission was unsuccessful, and the enemy shot down the planes. Though this was meant to be a successful simulation, something went terribly wrong, and at midnight on this fateful day, the night was set a flame when the two bombers collided over Weatherford, Texas. The collision took place in the skies approximately above where the library now sits.

Crews from both aircraft's attempted to evacuate. Parachutes were seen all over the fire filled skies, themselves a flame. The Alamogordo plane broke apart and came to rest near what is now known as the Peaster Highway, the army soon determined that there were no survivors, and rushed to help with the Clovis crash site. The Clovis Bomber landed on a farm on the Old Brock Road. Amazingly enough there were two survivors from this crash site.

For the next while people came from all over to see the horrific site and find souvenir's. A myriad of items were found strewn over miles. One soldiers crucifix was found hanging in a tree, a loaded machine gun was found in a field, and a soldiers boot, foot still inside, was also found. This tragedy brought back vivid memories to those veterans in town that had already returned home from war, and placed the horrors of  war, and the idea of what could happen at any unsuspecting moment, to everyone else.

Stories such as this horrific event in our history can be far more frightening than any fictional story made up to do the same. It is also a reminder of the brave men and women who serve our country everyday, and the sacrifices that they are willing to make for our country. By teaching today's youth about these events in history we are keeping alive the respect that is owed to each individual that has played an important role in our freedoms. A lot of our history has been left out of the books for todays youth, but there are things that we as parents need to make sure that our own children learn.  It is a reminder to all of us where our freedoms have come from, and not to take for granted, or forget every soldier's sacrifices.

 
List of Airmen Involved in the Crash

From Clovis Field:
1st Lt. Robert A. Mayer, Airplane Commander Buffalo, New York
2nd Lt. Robert L. Knight, Bombardier Mt. Vernon, Washington
2nd Lt. John W. Burtis, Navigator St. Paul, Minnesota
Flight Officer Robert Q. Zaliska, Radar Operator Los Angeles, California
S. Sgt. Clifford. D. Longmire, Engineer Columbus, Georgia
Cpl. Robert H. Aparian, Radio Operator Westerbury, Connecticut
Cpl. Jasper C. Wilson, Jr., Gunner Durham, North Carolina
Cpl. Willard Byarly, Gunner Chicago, Illinois
Cpl. Anthony J. Agliata, Gunner Newark, New Jersey
Survivors:
Lt. Edwin F. Smith, Co-Pilot/Flight Officer Glasgow, Kentucky
Cpl. Earl F. Wischmeier, Gunner West Burlington, Iowa

From Alamogordo Field:
1st Lt. Aubrey K. Stenson, Airplane Commander Caneyville, Kentucky
2nd Lt. Harold N. Swaim, Co-Pilot Wichita Falls, Texas
2nd Lt Gordon E. Myers, Navigator Kansas City, Missouri
2nd Lt. Binson W. Cohen, Bombardier Bronx, New York City
2nd Lt. Edward E. Lahmers, Flight Engineer Decatur, Illinois
Sgt. Donald E. Lefebure, Radar Operator Detroit, Michigan
Sgt. Johnny A. Mosely, Fire Control Columbus, South Carolina
Sgt. Donald E. Reed, Gunner Tyrone, Pennsylvania
Sgt. Clarence A Jurgens, Gunner Sidney, Nebraska
No Survivors
 

GOD BLESS THEM ALL, AND MAY THEY REST IN PEACE.

For More Information: B-29, Boeing, Bombers,

Unreal color footage of B29 Bombers