Jump to content

Gene McEntee KIA over Regensburg, Germany


tdogchristy90
 Share

Recommended Posts

tdogchristy90

Eugene F. McEntee O-808871


Eugene F. McEntee was born to Elizabeth and Patrick McEntee on April 14, 1920 in Brooklyn, New York.

Growing up in New York, Eugene went to Xavier High School where he was active on the football team until he graduated in 1938. After High school Eugene went to Bucknell University where he was enrolled in the Civilian Pilot's Training Course.

Eugene McEntee entered the service of the United States Army Air Forces on July 28, 1943. He was assigned to the 724th Bomb Squadron of the 451st Bomb Group, 15th Air Force.

The 451st Bomb Group flew its first mission out of Italy on January 30, 1944. On their 10th mission of February 25, 1944 the squadron was to bomb an ME-109 Aircraft Factory in Regensburg, Germany.

February 25, 1944 was the final day of what would become known as Big Week. Big Week was an allied operation from February 20-25, 1944 that was meant to lure the Luftwaffe into a decisive battle by bombing Germany’s aircraft industry. The plan was to use bombers to attract the German Air Force so allied fighters could shoot them down. The goal was to gain allied air superiority for the upcoming planned invasion of continental Europe.

Leaving from their base at Gioia del Colle, Italy, the 451st Bomb Group began their mission to bomb the ME-109 factory at Regensburg, Germany. Their fighter escort was able to fly with them within an hour of the target when they then had to turn around. That is when German fighters began their attack, harassing the unescorted and vulnerable bombing formation as it approached its target.

It was during this aerial swarm of enemy fighter attacks against the bomber formation just off the target area that B-24 nicknamed Peacemaker 42-52101 was struck and went down near Werba, Yugoslavia. Eugene F. McEntee, co-pilot of B-24 Peacemaker was killed along with six of his fellow crew members. The remaining three members of the ten man flight crew were taken as prisoners of war.

The remainder of the bomber formation finished their bombing run and an hour outside of the target area met back up with their fighter escort, landing safely at Foggia, Italy.

For their actions on February 25, 1944 on Regensburg, Germany, the 451st Bomb Group was given the Presidential Unit Citation for what would become the most successful mission by the 15th Air Force.

"451st Bombardment Group (H)

For outstanding performance of duty in armed conflict with the enemy. Notified to prepare maximum aircraft in the Group for a bombing mission to Regensburg, Germany, ground personnel worked feverishly, enthusiastically, and with untiring intensity to get all B-24 type aircraft in the best possible mechanical condition to insure the success of the operation.

On 25 February 1944, despite the highly unsatisfactory conditions of the airdrome, forty (40) B-24s of the 451st Bombardment Group took off to bomb the Regensburg Prufening Aircraft Factory. Commanders and all personnel participating in the mission had been briefed that the enemy was capable of intercepting the formation with approximately two-hundred (200) fighters and that the route to the target would be without fighter escort.

As the group penetrated enemy territory, a running battle continuing to the target, ensued, during which time approximately two-hundred (200) enemy fighters intercepted the formation with well coordinated and vicious attacks.

In the violent and bitter aerial battle, enemy aircraft used rocket guns, aerial flak, cannon and machine guns in an effort to disrupt the operation.

Despite intense, accurate, and heavy anti-aircraft fire, and enemy fighters over the target, the Group maintained a close formation, and scored many direct hits on the assigned target.

The formation flown and the coordination between the attack units resulted in sixteen (16) enemy fighters destroyed, three (3) probably destroyed, and six (6) damaged, to the loss of six (6) aircraft of the 451st Bombardment Group.

The tremendous material damage inflicted by the 451st Bombardment Group contributed greatly to the curtailment of aircraft production by the enemy at a time of great importance. The grim determination, outstanding skill and unhesitating courage of the officers and men of the 451st Bombardment Group in accomplishing the objectives of this mission through the heaviest of enemy opposition, reflects great credit upon themselves and the Armed Forces of the United States of America."


Eugene F. McEntee was 23 years old when he was killed on the Regensburg, Germany bombing run of February 25, 1944. He is buried in the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, Nettuno, Italy.

Eugene F. McEntee, bottom row, second from the left with the darker colored pants

post-13708-0-34915500-1534371576_thumb.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 7 months later...
  • 2 years later...
  • 1 year later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...