History:During the first daylight attack on Berlin on March 6, 1944 the U.S. plane was damaged by flak over Berlin. The plane crashed at Purmerend. 3 victims (one refused to jump, and two crew members stayed behind to try to convince him to jump), 6 crewmembers taken prisoner. Ball Turret gunner Sgt. Archer Krueger was hiding out for 14 months. Luftwaffe pilot Oblt Georg Kiefner I/JG-26 claimed this victory, although the loss was due to anti-aircraft guns on the ground. Parts recovered 1979; Purmerend. ballturretStanding: Roland Johnson, Harry Bengry, Beverly Ballard, Eugene Singer, James Lewis. Kneeling Raymond Rice, Victor Krueger, Ralph Kracker, James Nemeth, Edwin Sowles.Crew:Bronvermelding: http://www.458bg.com/crew52ballard.htmPLANECrashdateMarch 6th, 1944Investigationdate1979CallsignZ5Serialnumber42-52450Squadron754th BS 458 Bomb GroupB24 LiberatorPurmerend1979YEARLOCATION