Historical Marker · No. 475

Two B-24 "Liberators" Crash Near Milligan, 1943

Fillmore County · Nebraska
Erected by Milligan Memorial Committee/Milligan Public Library, Nebraska State Historical Society and Families of the Crewmen and Friends of the Community, 2010

The Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives identifies the two Liberators as B-24H serials 42-7657 and 42-7673. When 42-7657 left the formation, 42-7673 was ordered into its place, and as 42-7657 came back the top of its tail struck the other bomber. Ten men were aboard 42-7673. Its copilot, 2nd Lt. Melvin Klein, bailed out and was later found unhurt; the other nine died, among them the pilot, Lt. Williams. The Army's investigation blamed both crews for not paying enough attention during the maneuver and for failing to keep a safe distance.

What the plaque says

Two B-24 "Liberators" Crash Near Milligan, 1943 On October 25, 1943, four B-24 "Liberator" bombers from the Fairmont Army Air Field were flying in formation. At approximately 4p.m., one bomber broke formation and the pilot of a second, as trained, moved toward the vacated position. When the first bomber returned to its position, the two planes collided. At an altitude of 20,000 feet, it was the highest fatal World War II training accident in Nebraska. One bomber crashed in the adjoining farm fields of Frank Hromadka Sr. and Anna Matejka, 2 miles north and 1/2 mile east of Milligan. The other crashed in the farmyard of Mike and Fred Stech, 3 miles north and 2 miles east of Milligan. Killed were 2nd Lt. James H. Williams, 2nd Lt. William E. Herzog, 2nd Lt. Kenneth S. Ordway, 2nd Lt. Charles L. Brown, 2nd Lt. Clyde H. Frye, Sgt. James H. Bobbitt, Sgt. William D. Watkins, Sgt. William G. Williams, Sgt. Wilbur H. Chamberlin, Sgt. Edward O. Boucher, Sgt. Ursulo Galindo Jr., Sgt. William C. Wilson, Sgt. Albert R. Mogavero, Sgt. Arthur O. Doria, Sgt. Eugene A. Hubbell, F/O Achille P. Augelli, and Pfc. Andrew G. Bivona. The sole survivor was 2nd Lt. Melvin Klein. Milligan Memorial Committee/Milligan Public Library Nebraska State Historical Society, 2010 Families of the Crewmen and Friends of the Community

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40.51011, -97.38514 · Directions

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