Last Mission

The crew was not flying in Boojum that day. Instead, they where flying in The Texas Ranger, tail number 42-997849. Below is a direct quote from page 14 of the 456th Bomb Group 1943 – Steed’s Flying Colts – 1945 history book dated April 3, 1944:


“Aircraft No. 177 “The Texas Ranger” , a 745th Squadron plane, manned by the crew of 1st Lt. Emil S. Laszewski was severely damaged by anti-aircraft. Lt. Halberstadt the navigator was wounded. When it appeared that the ship would not likely make it back to the base, six of the crew bailed out over Yugoslavia.

The following crewmen were carried as missing in action:

  • 2d Lt. Howard N. Hartman	Co-pilot 		POW 

  • 2d Lt. Edward C. Bonham 	Bombardier		POW 

  • Sgt. Samuel Fischler 		Radio Operator 		MIA 

  • Sgt. Edward L. Dement 		Upper Turret 		POW 

  • Sgt. Frederick G. Abner, Jr. 	Ball Turret 		MIA 

  • S/Sgt. Edward O. Thompson	Tail Turret		MIA”