69 years.

69 years ago today, B-24 42-78127 wrecked in the bay at Argentella, Corsica, having been hit by anti-aircraft fire while bombing Toulon harbor.  This is a photo taken on that mission during the attack; I'm pretty sure 42-78127 is one of the two planes in this picture, as the after-action report said it had lost altitude over the target.

The crew (survivors in black):

• Vaessen H William 1st Lt 0-536855 829th BS 485th BG Pilot KIA

• Sipes R William 2nd Lt 0-705827 829th 485th BG Copilot KIA NC

• Wittenbrink E George S/Sgt 36446168 829th BS 485th BG Radio Opr KIA NC

• Duer N Richard 2nd Lt 0-703456 829th BS 485th BG Bombardier KIA

• Witham L Harris Sgt 35753847 829th BS 485th BG Nose Gunner KIA NC

• McGregor W Jack Sgt 35613832 829th BS 485th BG Ball gunner KIA NC 

• Curtis W Carl S/Sgt 15195606 829th BS 485th BG Engineer NC

• Falerics M Wayne 2nd Lt 0-712782 829th BS 485th BG Navigator NC 

• Korkuc David S/Sgt 32769227 829th BS 485th BG Tail Gunner vivant

• Kristan J John Sgt 36650977 829th BS 485th BG Top Gunner NC 

We got to have Dad around for many years afterwards, but he always remembered July 5.

All I know about that day is over at 42-78127.blogspot.com.