The 489th Bombardment Squadron in Corsica


D-Day Southern France
August 15, 1944


Pictured from left to right are Lt. Baxter Thomas, Lt. George H. England, Lt. Fred C. Swanson and T/Sgt. John J. Buchanan after their return to Corsica from southern France where their plane, B-25J 9P "Jersey Bounce" 43-4046, was shot down over St. Giles near Avignon. Not pictured are the other crew members S/Sgt. William J. Williamson who was killed and Sgt. Luther S. Craver who was captured by the Germans. After being shot down, the crew apparently crossed the Rhone River on a log and assisted the US army in liberating Nimes, France. They were helped back to the 340th Bomb Group base at Alesani, Corsica by the French Underground, also known as the Maqui. They are obviously well disguised except for perhaps some of their boots. Photo courtesy of Kirk Slemp, grandson of 489th pilot Baxter Thomas, pictured on left above. "My grandmother still has the suit my grandfather is wearing in that photo, it was a French agricultural worker suit am told."



This picture from Kirk Slemp shows the 9P crew in better times. Pictured from left to right are John Buchanan, Fred Swanson, two unidentified soldiers- possibly William Williamson and Luther Craver- and Baxter Thomas. I may have the names wrong.



Kirk Slemp also sent me this picture of the "Jersey Bounce" nose art. You can see his grandfather's name printed on the side of the plane- Airplane Commander B. Thomas.



The following information about Eddie A. Little was provided by his grandson, Jarrett Crump regarding Little's heroics on August 15, 1944 in another 489th plane: "Info on PaPa: S/Sgt. Eddie A. Little, Jr., 489th Bomb Squadron, Bombardier and Aerial Gunner, Aircraft- B-25 9M "Athena," Stationed in Naples and Corsica 1943 and 1944, Itialian Campaign, Naples-Foggia Campaign, Rome-Arno Campaign, 63 combat missions with one German aircraft shot down. Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Campaign Medal with 3 battle stars. Distinguished Flying Cross awarded for extraordinary achievement achieved while participating in aerial flight as bombardier of a B-25 type aircraft. On 15 August 44, S/Sgt Little flew in an attack upon a road and railroad bridge at Avigion, France. Displaying superior professional skill and determination as he guided his pilot on a perfect run over the objective in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire, S/Sgt Little then released his bombs with devastating effect upon this vital objective. While escorting a crippled B-25, forced out of formation and drawing away from the target, S/Sgt Little discovered that one bomb in his aircraft had failed to release over the target. Unable to leave his position, S/Sgt Little immediately instructed other members of his crew in the procedure to render the bomb harmless and then navigated his pilot safely back to base. On more than sixty combat missions, his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States."



In the left picture Eddie Little is on the left with some of his buddies from the 489th Bombardment Squadron on Corsica. In the right picture he is standing next to his main plane B-25J 9M "Athena." Photos courtesy of Jarrett Crump. My father, radio-gunner Quentin Kaiser, and tail-gunner Eddie Little flew a mission together in B-25J 9S on June 30, 1944.


If you have any comments or suggestions please email me.

Go back to main page.