Joseph D. Weaver - 386th Bomb Group, WWII B-26 Marauder Crew Member

Early Life and Enlistment

Joseph D. Weaver was a dedicated airman who served with the 386th Bomb Group during World War II. As a member of the B-26 Marauder crew, he participated in several missions over Europe, facing numerous challenges and demonstrating remarkable courage. His story is an important part of the 386th Bomb Group's legacy.

Mission History

Weaver flew 52 combat missions, including dangerous sorties over occupied Europe. On one mission in May 1944, his plane, B-26 Marauder 42-96184, was hit by flak near Trouville Sur Mer, Normandy. Despite the severe damage, the pilot, Captain Walter E. Payne, continued the mission until the plane was forced to ditch in the Channel. Joseph D. Weaver was among the crew members who parachuted to safety and were later captured by German forces.

Flak Injuries and Time as a Prisoner of War

Joseph was injured by flak on more than one occasion, including the mission in which his plane was shot down. After being captured, he was taken to Stalag 11A in Limburg, Germany, and later transferred to Stalag Luft IV. During his time as a prisoner, he endured harsh conditions, including being part of a forced march across Europe. This grueling march, which took place between February and May 1945, left him severely weakened, weighing only 90 pounds upon his return. He had also broken his ankle on the march, a painful injury that his fellow airmen helped him endure.

Joseph D. Weaver's Legacy

Joseph D. Weaver’s service and sacrifices are a testament to the bravery of all the airmen who fought in World War II. His story is an integral part of the history of the 386th Bomb Group, and it is through remembering and honoring men like him that we can truly appreciate the sacrifices made during this pivotal time in history.

42-96184 386BG 554BS 6 Jun 44 to 6 Aug 44 flak in right engine, small fire started which subsided after a few minutes but the flared up brightly, 3 chutes seen from rear, pilot continued to maintain formation for a time steadily losing altitude, 2 more chutes from front of plane, lost altitude more rapidly, about one mile off shore right engine, right wing broke away, spiraled into Channel off Trouville, France.
Capt. Walter.E.Payne P; 1.Lt's Hubert M Altvater C/P; Edward W Roggenkamp B/N; T/Sgt Joseph D Weaver R/G; Sgt Franklin E Swanson E/G; Cpl William D Salyar A/G.
(Swanson wounded by flak, killed when chute failed to open rest pow's)

41-17961, 322BG, 450BS Took off from Toome on a local training flight instructing another pilot on single engine operating with right engine feathered. On approaching to land pilot realized he was undershooting and would not be able to make the runway. A/C just cleared a small house and pilot cut power to the remaining engine landing in a small field and skidding about 240' before coming to rest against a railway embankment about 15' high.
Capt Robert C Fry IP; 2.Lt Vernon R Hedges P; Sgt John G Latiloasis E; S/Sgt Joseph D Weaver R; S/Sgt Pierre S Buckner T/G (Crew safe)