Calef, R. C. – 447th Bomb Group

The Robert C. Calef, Jr. crew: 709th Squadron

Lt. Robert Chambers Calef Jr.

Flights with Robert C. Calef, Jr. listed as Pilot

These lists are NOT limited to officially credited Combat missions, and may include Aborts, returns and non-takeoff occurrences as well.”

447th Mission (Date)	Target	Plane Number	Notes
#149 (26-Sep-44)	Bremen, Germany	43-37818	MISSING after target

MACR 9401 reports that on September 26, 1944, at 1610 hours, 43-37818 Hurry Home took a direct flak hit in the right wing just after bombs away.

Eyewitness statements in the MACR report as follows:

“This aircraft flew #3 in the 2nd lead element squadron of the low group of 4A wing. This group bombed Bremerhaven as a last resort target. Aircraft #818 received a direct flak hit over target just after bombs away. At 1610 hours this aircraft was observed to be on fire with the entire right wing ablaze and part of #4 engine falling away. The aircraft went into a spin and then exploded and disintegrated. It was last seen a few miles north of the spot where it suffered initial damage. 2 to 3 chutes were seen before aircraft exploded.”

Roman R Pajakowski and GeorgeJ Dvorak were taken POWs. T/Sgt. Galen E Miller Jr‘s body was recovered and was buried October 3, 1944, at Garrison Cemetery Wesermuende-Geestemuende in Section II, Area G, Row 51, Grave #50.

The Calef crew aboard 43-37818 on the Sept. 26, 1944 mission

Lt. Robert C. Calef Jr.	Pilot
2Lt. George J. Dvorak	Co-Pilot
Lt. Roman R. Pajakowski	Navigator
Lt. Donald N. Fehrenbach	Bombardier
T/Sgt. Paul R. Krubel	Radio Operator
T/Sgt. Galen E. Miller Jr	Top Turret Gunner
S/Sgt. Frank J. Martin	Ball Turret Gunner
S/Sgt. Wayne S. Thompson	Tail Gunner
S/Sgt. John Karbowsky	Waist Gunner

Calef Family photo L-R: Richard T. Calef, Robert C. Chamber Jr. and Robert C. Chamber Sr. (should these be Calef instead of Chambers?)