A series where we take a #lookback at the stories and history of our community, brought to you by Mick Pryor, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
On December 7th, 1941, the United States of America was attacked at Pearl Harbor by the Empire of Japan. The following day at 12:30 pm, after addressing Congress and the nation about the Pearl Harbor attack, the President of the United States signed the declaration of war against Japan, officially bringing the United States into the Second World War. By the end of World War II 16 million Americans served in uniform. With this surge of new people accidents were bound to happen. According to Mason Webb from Warfare History Network, “From 1940 through 1945, according to statistics gathered by Anthony J. Mireles, the U.S. Army Air Corps/Air Force suffered 6,351 fatal accidents, with more than 13,600 fatalities and the loss of more than 7,000 aircraft. Most of the fatal accidents (2,101) occurred in primary, basic, and advanced trainers, while 2,796 aviators died in the 490 fatal B-24 accidents, followed by 1,757 who died in 284 B-17 crashes.” Unfortunately, one of those B-24 crashes would happen near Dubois.
The plane that crashed was a consolidated B-24E Liberator Bomber, Number 41-29032. It had been flying training missions in Nebraska where it had experienced several mechanical issues. At the time of its final flight the aircraft and engines had a total of 496.2 hours on them. It was carrying 2,200 gallons of fuel in it at the time of take off and held 120 quarts of oil in each of its four engines. The plane took off on August 14th, 1943 from Pocatello, Idaho. The crew consisted of 2nd Lt. David MacGowan, 2nd Lt. Allan, Kerschner, 2nd Lt. Lyle Schroeer, 2nd Lt. Royce Davis, T/Sgt. Vernon Warner, S/Sgt. Granville Hampton, S/Sgt. Jesse Bradshaw, S/Sgt. Herbert Roberts, S/Sgt. William Parkey, S/Sgt. Chester Stock, and S/Sgt. Joseph Baiocchi. The bomber was cleared to fly for, “Local flight for the purpose of familiarization and photographing the bomb ranges which were to the southwest and west of the airbase.” The flight would end up crashing 110 miles east-northeast from the Pocatello Army Airforce Base. Multiple witnesses reported seeing the bomber flying low but not from any visible engine issues. The B-24 crashed at approximately 2:45 PM, smashing into the side of Middle Mountain. Debris would be found across several acres. The fuel exploded from the crash starting a forest fire that would burn over 200 acres.
Although many people in the town had left to aid the war effort, those who were still around aided in putting out the fire and recovering the deceased service members. An article in the Riverton review from August 19th, 1943 stated, “The town of Dubois aided as a unit in fighting the fire and in the recovery and removal of the bodies. Forest Supervisor Roy Williams went to the scene, as did Clayton Danks. Deputy Sheriff Abe Boland assisted in the details before their arrival. Horses were secured from Trail Lake and Cm Ranches to pack into the site.”
Author: Braeden Kluber
Next up for the Fremont County Museum
September 23, 6:30pm at the Pioneer Museum, “Nate Champion” Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
September 28, 10:30am at the Dubois Museum, “Kids Corner: DIY Bookmarker” Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
Call the Dubois Museum 1-307-455-2284, the Pioneer Museum 1-307-332-3339 or the Riverton Museum 1-307-856-2665 for detail regarding their programs.
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment, the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution to be used specifically for the benefit of the museum of your choosing by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support.