The “Joe Noyes Crew” was a B-17 bomber crew assigned to the 334th Bomb Squadron, 95th Bomb Group (H), serving in the Mighty Eighth Air Force flying out of Horham in England. The crew was composed of ten airmen from around the United States and reflected the diversity of backgrounds in America at that time. They came from cities like Seattle, Milwaukee, Union City, and more rural or coastal communities such as Belton, South Carolina, and Carteret County, North Carolina. The youngest was age 19, while the oldest airman there was likely 29.
On Wednesday, September 15th, 1943, Joe Noyes and his crew left Horham for the last time. They initially took the B-17 Flying Fortress, nicknamed Blondie II, but shortly after getting airborne, they spun a prop and had to return to base. Then they boarded a different aircraft, the B-17 named Sittin’ Bull, and took off from Horham again.
The 95th Bomb Group (H) successfully hit their target, the Billancourt-Renault industrial works at 1854 hours, and the formation of bombers turned to return to England. There are conflicting reports of what may have happened next, but the Sittin’ Bull was never seen again.
About 15 miles off Beachy Head, Joe was seen flying in the number 9 spot in the high squadron. At that point, with no apparent difficulty, he was seen to lose altitude and leave his position. Witnesses recalled that the plane was operating normally. In October, Joe’s body was discovered on a beach in France, where he was buried in a local cemetery.
Nine of these men are still Missing in Action and presumed Killed in Action. May we never forget them and their enduring sacrifice.
In Memoriam
| Rank | Name | Age | From | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight Officer | Joseph H. Noyes | 22 | Washington | Pilot in Command |
| Second Lieutenant | David F. Prees | 28 | Wisconsin | Co-pilot |
| Second Lieutenant | Frank A. Roth | ?? | New Jersey | Navigator |
| Second Lieutenant | Rex A. Rice | 26 | South Carolina | Bombardier |
| Technical Sergeant | Billie E. Clapper | 22 | Kansas | Top Turret Gunner |
| Technical Sergeant | Edgar A. Lajoie | 26 | Rhode Island | Radio Operator |
| Staff Sergeant | Robert H. Willis | 29 | North Carolina | Ball Turret Gunner |
| Staff Sergeant | Raymond L. Provost | 19 | Texas | Tail Gunner |
| Sergeant | Daniel J. Fabritz | 21 | Pennsylvania | Waist Gunner |
| Staff Sergeant | William L. Cochran | 28 | Texas and Florida | Waist Gunner |
