Howard W. Lynde

Staff Sergeant Howard W. Lynde, known to his friends as Jerry, was the nose-gunner on the Hetzler Crew that was shot down over Germany on March 23, 1944. Jerry was 24 years old and was the only member of the Hetzler Crew that I know was wounded in battle. On March 6, 1944 during our first daylight, large scale raid on Berlin his B-24 bomber, Jayhawker, after unloading its bombs on Berlin, was attacked by one ME-109 and two FW-190's simultaneously at short range. Jayhawker was riddled with holes. The nose gunner position is surrounded by glass, which splintered, wounding Jerry in the arm. The gunners aboard Jayhawker kept up a barrage of fire to keep the fighters at bay and somehow, the crew made it home. He survived this historic and horrific battle only to be killed in action a few weeks later bombing a small Nazi airbase near Alverskirchen, Germany.

Jerry was from Recluse, WY and grew up on a ranch. Of the 10 members of the Hetzler Crew, only Jerry and Jimmie Adkins are buried in their hometowns. Currently, I am busy tracking down any living relatives of his that I can find. Tragically, Jerry had a step-brother, Leonard Harris, who was also killed in the war about the same time. Luckily, Leonard Harris had a daughter, Linda. It would be great to be able to contact her. Jerry had several siblings and step siblings and I am hoping to make contact with one of them soon, if they are still living. I am in a race against time with this research, but I am closing in.

Serial #: 17024585

If you are a relative, friend or have any information about Howard W. Lynde, please contact me: kirbhund at sbcglobal.net