Last Known Activity:
Charles Angell Hurlbutt, Jr. was born, supposedly in Denver, Colorado, to Charles A., Sr. and Amelia Davidson Hurlbutt in 1920. The US Census 1930 shows the family in Junction, while the US Census 1940 has the family in Denver, but Amelia is listed as "Single" and Head of house.
Hurlbutt evidently attended Denver High School, as the 1937 Yearbook from that school shows him as a member of the R.O.T.C. His first appearance in the military records located show him as an aerial photographer assigned to the 353rd Bomb Squadron in Algeria.
On July 27, 1943, the crew was tasked to participate in a raid on Capua, Italy, near Foggia. The bomb run proceeded normally, with all bombs released and falling in trail. Observers within the formation noted the bomb bay doors never closed, and the top turret (usually manned by the flight engineer) was vacant.This led to later speculation that there was a malfunction on board.
The aircraft suddenly pitched nose-up, almost colliding with another aircraft. Immediately, the nose went down, the ship entered a steep dive, and with several parachutes out and open, plunged into the sea. However, only one crew member survived.
No remains were recovered, and after one year, the status of the crew was changed from Missing In Action to a Finding of Death. All are remembered on the Walls of the Missing in the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy.
www.findagrave.com
www.ancestry.com
www.abmc.gov
www.301stbg.com/Missions_Macrs.cfm
US Census 1930
US Census 1940
US School Yearbooks, 1880-2012
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Comments/Citation:
SSgt Charles A. Hurlbutt, Jr. was an aerial photographer aboard B-17F #42-3170, not named, assigned to the 353rd Bomb Squadron.
Missing Air Crew Report 339 was issued, but contains only aircraft and crew identification. Details of crash available from after-action interviews with formation observers. Mission loading lists agree with crew listing that the crew was:
1 Lt Denis G. Booker p
2 Lt Robert T. Dix c-p
2 Lt Harvey P. Harrington nav
2Lt Bernard Turansky bomb
SSgt William L. Hayes eng/tt gun
SSgt Seeburn V. Rosheger r/o
SSgt Jasper C. Pearson btg
SSgt Eugene B. Fleming wg
SSgt Fred S. Luke tail gun
SSgt Charles A. Hurlbutt photo
Ranks and grades as of mission date.
Sgt Hayes was the only survivor.
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