13 September 2025
Ceremony in memory of the crew of B-17F # 42-30674 "Destiny's Tot"
95th Bomb. Group, 336th Bomb. Squadron
8th Air Force
Campremy (Oise)
Copyright © 2025 - Association des Sauveteurs d'Aviateurs Alliés- All rights reserved -
En français 
This ceremony was held near the crash site of Boeing B-17F # 42-30674 “Destiny's Tot” of the 95th Bomb. Group, to pay tribute to its crew.
This bomber was shot down on December 30, 1943, returning from a mission over Ludwigshafen, Germany, to bomb the chemical industries and port facilities.
The stele was unveiled by elected representatives of the Hauts-de-France Region, the Conseil Départemental de l'Oise and the Communauté de Communes de l'Oise Picarde.
The ceremony continued with a review of the events of the mission on December 30, 1943. The 10 crew members managed to evacuate the stricken aircraft before it crashed in a field near the village. All the crew survived. Seven managed to escape under cover of the Alsace escape network based in Oise, then Shelburn and also Burgundy escape lines. Seriously wounded, three were taken prisoner. The names of the many families in our region who gave assistance and shelter to the escaped airmen, at enormous risk, have been mentioned.
Although informed, the descendants of 2nd Lts Booher, Feingold and Tarkington were unable to make the trip from the USA to attend this commemoration in memory of their fathers. However, on the other side of the Atlantic, their thoughts were with us on this special day.
Wreaths were laid at the foot of the stele, followed by the American and French national anthems.
This magnificent day came to a close at the village hall in Campremy with a convivial drink. To conclude, elected representatives from the Département and the Région took turns to speak, reminding us of the importance of the duty of remembrance, of remembering the Allied airmen from distant countries who fought far from home, often at the price of the greatest sacrifice, so that we could live in a free country.
