03/06/2026
CREW OF THE WEEK
1st Lt. Harold L. Niswonger's Crew
337th Bomb Squadron
Some photographs capture more than faces.
They capture friendships, hopes, and moments frozen in time before history changed everything.
This week's crew photograph shows the men of 1st Lt. Harold L. Niswonger's crew, gathered together with an unlikely member of their wartime family — their beloved dog, "Miss Lace."
To those who flew from Snetterton Heath, mascots like Miss Lace were often more than pets. They were a reminder of home, a source of comfort, and a welcome distraction from the dangers that awaited beyond the English coast.
Looking at this photograph today, it is difficult to imagine that within months many of these young men would face one of the most costly missions in the history of the 96th Bomb Group.
Berlin – 8 May 1944
The mission to Berlin on 8 May 1944 would become one of the darkest days experienced by the Group.
Ten crews were lost or failed to return to Snetterton Heath.
Among them was the crew of B-17G 42-97782.
As they approached the target, enemy fighters attacked repeatedly. Cannon fire struck the wings and cockpit, while No. 3 engine burst into flames.
Despite the damage, the crew pressed on.
Their bombs were released, but the battered Fortress could not survive much longer.
As crew members began abandoning the aircraft, an attacking FW 190 flown by Staffelführer Lt. Leopold Münster rammed the B-17.
Moments later, the aircraft exploded in a massive fireball over Germany.
The wreckage fell near Daverden, northwest of Verden an der Aller.
Three members of the crew lost their lives that day:
2nd Lt. Harold L. Niswonger
T/Sgt. John R. Caum
T/Sgt. Robert J. Morrison
Seven others survived to become Prisoners of War.
For the men who escaped, the war would continue behind barbed wire.
For those who did not return, only memories remained.
The Legacy of Tom Thomas
One of the survivors was the crew's navigator, 2nd Lt. Thomas L. Thomas.
After enduring captivity and returning home, Tom dedicated much of his life to ensuring that the stories of the men of the 96th Bomb Group would never be forgotten.
He became the driving force behind the 96th Bomb Group Association, helping reunite veterans, preserve records, collect photographs, and share the history of the Group with future generations.
Many of the stories we remember today survive because Tom and the other founding fathers of the 96th Bomb Group Association believed they should.
His work ensured that crews like Niswonger's would remain more than names on a roster.
They would remain people.
Friends.
Airmen.
Brothers.
Crew of B-17G 42-97782
2nd Lt. Harold L. Niswonger – Pilot (KIA)
2nd Lt. Roderick B. Steele – Co-Pilot (POW)
2nd Lt. Thomas L. Thomas – Navigator (POW)
F/O Thomas E. Fitzgerald – Bombardier (POW)
T/Sgt. John R. Caum – Engineer (KIA)
T/Sgt. Robert J. Morrison – Radio Operator (KIA)
S/Sgt. Dale J. Johnson – Left Waist Gunner (POW)
S/Sgt. Albert Grick – Right Waist Gunner (POW)
S/Sgt. Robert R. Robinson – Tail Gunner (POW)
S/Sgt. Edwin H. Marsh – Ball Turret Gunner (POW)
Today, as we look at this photograph, we remember not only the airmen, but also the faithful dog sitting among them.
Miss Lace could never have known where these young men would go, what they would endure, or how many would never return.
But she reminds us that behind every combat mission were ordinary people with friendships, laughter, and lives beyond the war.
Their sacrifice is remembered.
Their stories endure.
We remember them with honour.
