La Philippière, 61-Orne, in the region of Normandy, France

In the countryside of the Orne department of Normandy, France, in La Philippière, next to a stream off the C5 road, stands a memorial dedicated to the Nymokymi (B-17F 42-29960)⇗ crew who were also shot down July 4, 1943. After being struck by flak and attacked by enemy fighters, the aircraft crashed near Belfonds, France. Two of the crew members were killed in action, Francis M. Hackley (Navigator) and Donald W. Irvine (Bombardier). Two others, Clifford C. Dartt (Co-pilot) and Paul G. Welch (Radio Operator), were taken as prisoners of war. The remaining six crewmen managed to evade capture with the vital assistance of the French Resistance, and returned to Grafton Underwood by mid-September.

Nymokymi crewmembers: 

• Flt. Ofcr. Gordon Bennett Erickson⇗, Age: 24 (Pilot, Evaded capture/Wounded)

Hometown: Ashippun, Wisconsin

Missions flown: 3

• 2nd Lt. Clifford Charles Dartt⇗, Age: 22 (Co-Pilot, POW) 

Hometown: Derby, Connecticut 

Missions flown: 3

• 2nd Lt. Francis Mercer Hackley⇗, Age: 24 (Navigator, KIA) 

Hometown: Oakfield, New York

Missions flown: 3

Resting place: Woodlawn National Cemetery, Elmira, New York

• 2nd Lt. Donald Wesley Irvine⇗, Age: 22 (Bombardier, KIA) 

Missions flown: 3

Resting place: Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens, Pagedale, Missouri

• S/Sgt. Paul Gerald Welch⇗, Age: 20 (Radio Operator, POW/Wounded)

Hometown: Hallstead, Pennsylvania

Missions flown: 3

• S/Sgt. Robert Horace Penly⇗, Age: 30 (Engineer/Top Turret Gunner, Evaded capture/Wounded)

Missions flown: 2

• Sgt. Willard Edward Freeman⇗, Age: 29 (Ball Turret Gunner, Evaded capture/Wounded)

Missions flown: 3

• Cpl. Charles Mankowitz⇗, Age: 27 (Tail Gunner, Evaded capture/Wounded)

Missions flown: 3

• S/Sgt. Frank Jacob Wingerter⇗, Age: 29 (Waist Gunner, Evaded capture/Wounded)

Missions flown: 3

• S/Sgt. George Ashworth⇗, Age: 38 (Waist Gunner, Evaded capture)

Hometown: Liverpool, England

Missions flown: 2

Further details about the memorial and location can be found on American War Memorials Overseas, Inc.⇗