398th Bomb Group
Memorial
Association


Killed While Flight Training in USA

The following table lists the 17 men lost in the 398th Bomb Group while training in the United States. Other pages list the men lost in combat and while working at the Nuthampstead base.

Notes:

  • Data Source: Most of the statistical information in this table was extracted from the 398th BG Historical Microfilm obtained from Maxwell AF Base in Alabama.
  • Data Organization: The data is ordered by date, then by B-17 Serial # for that date, and then alphabetically by surname for a particular B-17.
  • Find Command: Use your web browser's Find Command to search for a particular individual. If you are unsure about the spelling, use the first few letters.
  • Input Requested: Please send any additional information or corrections for this list to the 398th Group Historian.
  • Last Update: The last update of the data below was February 11, 2007.


Killed While Flight Training in USA
398th BG KIA Name
Unit
Position
Date KIA
Mission / Location
Mission #
B-17 Serial #
Comments
Amerigo L. Agostini
602nd
 Asst. Radio Op 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Lloyd H. Beaty
602nd
 Engineer 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Terrell C. L. Brady
602nd
 Co-Pilot 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Harold Coblentz
602nd
 Bombardier 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
James T. Considine
602nd
 Engineer 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Alvin L. Kepley
602nd
 Radio Op 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Frank J. Savasta
602nd
 Gunnery Instructor 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
James E. Sims
602nd
 Gunner 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Walter Wascher
602nd
 Pilot 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Paul J. Wilkins
602nd
 Gunner 12/13/43 10 miles north of Rosebud, SD
Training
 42-29558 B-17F crashed during instrument training flight. Diverted to Ainsworth AAB, NE due to poor weather. Witnesses saw aircraft spiral to ground.
Augustine S. Franzone
603rd
 Co-Pilot 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training
Earl C. James Jr.
603rd
 Bombardier 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training.
James P. Kiernan
603rd
 Pilot 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training. Buried Holy Cross Cemetery, Indianapolis, IN
Casimer P. Klawinski
603rd
 Engineer / TT Gunner 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training
Edward J. Mizerski
603rd
 Gunner 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training
Peter L. Paget
603rd
 Navigator 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training. Buried Riverview Cemetery, Portland, OR
Elvin R. Pritchard
603rd
 Radio Op / Gunner 01/17/44 1 mile west of Martin, SD
Training
 N/A B-17 crashed during nighttime flight training. Buried Los Angeles National Cemetery, CA - Section 138, Row A, Site 9



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