Posted on 09/16/2023 8:41:50 AM PDT by SunkenCiv
The remains have been identified as those of a gunner killed when the badly damaged aircraft crashed into the sea in 1943.
Archaeological divers have recovered human remains from the wreck of a U.S. bomber that crashed near the Mediterranean island of Malta in May 1943.
Scientific analysis by the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has confirmed the remains are those of U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) Sgt. Irving R. Newman, who was 22 years old when the aircraft — a B-24 Liberator based in Libya — suffered engine trouble and was hit by anti-aircraft fire during a bombing raid over the southern tip of Italy.
The bomber then tried to reach Malta — an emergency landing site for Allied aircraft in trouble — but the aircraft lost power as it approached the island. Nine of the bomber's crew survived the crash landing on the water's surface. They tried to rescue Newman, who had been injured by anti-aircraft fire, but the aircraft sank after a few minutes, taking Newman with it.
The wreck now lies about a mile (1.6 kilometers) off Malta's southernmost point, about 190 feet (58 meters) beneath the water's surface...
Newman had been a gunner on the bomber, and the excavation of his remains was "very challenging because of the ragged edges and the unstable nature of the site," he said...
During World War II, more B-24 Liberators were manufactured than any other American bomber — more than 18,000 by the war's end. The first was produced in 1941, and they were used extensively in bombing raids over Europe. Many B-24s were given nicknames — Hollywood actor Jimmy Stewart piloted one dubbed "Male Call" — but the Liberator that crashed near Malta doesn't seem to have had a moniker.
(Excerpt) Read more at livescience.com ...
Back when heroes were heroes.
After having enlisted at 17 and out at 20, (65-68), 22 is such a young age.
“Male Call”?
Twenty-two years old.
Typically there was a pinup girl painted next to the nickname. :^)
Sad for some, but a relief for his surviving family and descendants.
Thanks, SC. As a military wife, mom, grandmom and widow, I appreciate the sacrifice he made for his country. RIP.
‘Face
;o]
They went back to get him. After all these years. Bravo.
Think we would have learned after all this time to not play/participate in mass extermination events and be grist for the death mill. But we don’t.
Its a pun on the phrase “Mail Call”. Armed forces way of announcing “mail call” when the got a batch of mail/letters/packages for the men. The b24 men were “delivering the mail” (bombs) to the enemy.
Thanks, well put.
bkmk
Welcome home fellas, you’ve been missed.
Y’know, after 80 years in salt water I imagine dog tags and maybe some rubber items are the only things left.
Still, at least the family will know what happened to their brother,uncle or great uncle.
👍
“more B-24 Liberators were manufactured than any other American bomber — more than 18,000 by the war’s end.”
18,000 of just one aircraft type in 4 years. Pity we are no longer capable of that.
L
Thanks SunkenCiv. Another hero returned home so he can finally rest in peace.
I think the number for the B17 was 12000.
I joined the USN at 20, 1971-1975. 1965-68 was a very scary time to be in. 1971-75, not so much.
For 1969 & 1970, my draft lottery numbers were in the three hundreds!
no M-M on the tail i hope...
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