USAAF 42-107682 Martin B-26C-45-MO Marauder

Hello,

Was commenting on your website, I’ve been looking for a picture of my Great Uncle Don’s B-26, serial number listed in the subject, but have not been able to find one. My Uncle, according to my family was the pilot, 1st LT Donald B Damer, KIA on 13 June 44 in this event. Aslo KIA was 2nd Lt. William R Nielson. Other crew members included Other crew members MIA: S/Sgt. Adam Toth; Sgt. Jack King. Crew members taken POW: S/Sgt. Gervaise Jarmer and Sgt. Elmer Fellhauer). Jarmer was the Tailgunner position. I believe Adom Toth and Jack King were also KIA. Either Elmer, or Gervaise, visited my Grandmother’s (Don Damer’s Sister) family and related what happened. Appearently the attack on a Fuel Dump near St. Martin Lieux was successful, the aircraft was shot down by flak on the way back to RAF Boreham, home base. My Uncle was the pilot, and the crew said he was singing “Mares eat oats and Does eat oats” over the intercom as they were flying through the flak. The aircraft took a direct hit. Don then said “Uh, Oh, everyone better get out.” The aircraft split in half with those in the nose perishing. The Tail gunner and a waist gunner escaped to become POWs.

I have located threads online from family members of Gevaise Jarmer, but have never been able to contact them to see if they have photos. The B-26 was named “Hannibal Hoops”, I assume after a Li’l Abner character by the same name, but have been unable to find the cartoon strip with that image. Thought I might send you some further information on this aircraft. I have found reports that show Don as pilot, some show William as pilot.

Thanks for the website,
Don Copple

USAAF serial number S/N: 42-107682 Martin B-26C-45-MO Marauder

1942107682, 42-107682 Martin B-26C-45-MO Marauder, Fate: Shot down Unit: 394BG587BS Remarks: 394BG587BS Bridge Busters Code:5W-? Name:"Hannibal Hoops" shot down by flak Jun 13, 1944. MACR-6048 2Lt. William R. Nielsen Crew: 2Lt. Donald B. Damer - CoPilot SSgt. Adam Toth Sgt. Jack King Sgt. Elmer Fellhauer - Waist Gunner SSgt. Grevaise F. Jarmer - Tail Gunner flak June 13, 1944 MACR 6048 Fellhauer and Jarmer survived as POWs and were liberated after the war. Toth was a POW, escaped the POW camp and survived to get home without re-capture. (by Patti Morris, step-daughter of Adam Toth) All others were KIA. Jun 13, 1944. Disposal: 13-Jun-44