Name: Robert W Nelson
First Name(s): Robert W
Last Name: Nelson
Place of birth: New Jersey, Essex Cnty,
Rank: 1 Lt Navigator
ASN: O-698467
Company: 93rd T Car Sqdrn
Unit: 439th Troop Carrier Grp 9th USAAF
Reported as: MIA ► KIA
Date of incident: 27-12-1944
Place of incident: Sibret area
His story: On December 27, 1944, the Nachowitz crew took off with Douglas SKYTRAIN C-47A-75-DL, #42-100840 from the airstrip at Châteaudun, France.
The formation ran into a barrage of ligth FLAK just Sourt East of Bastogne, Belgium. The right engine was hit and set on fire, the plane started a slow turn to the right. At the same time the glider was cut of from the tow plane. The Pilot of the towed glider stated that the airplane was enveloped in flames before it crashed and burned. Capt Edward A Nachowitz is recorded KIA on December 27, 1944 in the vicinity of Sibret, Belgium.
Co-Pilot 1 Lt Edward L Williams managed to bail out of the plane together with Radio Operator S/Sgt John M McCann and Aerial Engineer T/Sgt Vernon J Brasch. They were taken POW.
According to several statements, there was a 4th jumper who managed to bail out, but unfortunately his parachute didn’t blossom out. 1 Lt Williams stated that this was the parachute of Navigator 1 Lt Robert W Nelson who was at first recorded MIA.
MACR: 11319
Operation: REPULSE
Destination: 1¼ Mile North of Bastogne, Belgium
Mission: Glider Tow – Resupply
Unit history of 439th Troop Carrier Group
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