Hammond, LA Bomber Crash, Aug 1942

SEVEN ESCAPE DEATH WHEN BOMBER CRASHES.

Baton Rouge, La., Aug. 31. -- (AP) -- Seven Harding Field flyers escaped death today when the medium bomber they were manning crashed and burned several miles east of Hammond.
One of the members of the plane's crew suffered serious injuries, the others escaped with minor lacerations and bruises.
Second Lt. FLOYD C. PECK, co-pilot, son of Mrs. John Peck of 21 Doughton Avenue, Pittsford, N.Y., was admitted to the Florida Parishes Charity Hospital at Independence suffering from a possible compound fracture of the skull. His condition was regarded as serious tonight.
Lt. PECK was made unconscious by the impact of the crash but was saved by fellow crew members when they pulled him from the blazing ship. Other members of the ship's crew and their injuries follow:
Second Lt. A. L. GAMMON, pilot, 3343 Stockbridge, Los Angeles, minor cuts and bruises.
Second Lt. T. H. SLOAN, bombardier-navigator, Arkadelphia, Ark., contusions and minor lacerations.
Pvt. J. C. POWELL, gunner, severe lacerations to face and hands.
Cpt. B. J. HAMPSHIRE, bombardier-navigator, minor cuts and bruises.
Pfc. E. R. STAPLETON, engineer-gunner, minor cuts and bruises.
Pvt. J. J. PERUSO, radio operator, minor cuts and bruises.
Although full details of the crash were not made available pending the outcome of an investigation by army officials, a member of the crew stated that the ship crashed from an altitude of 500 feet at the completion of a bombing run. The ship at the time was on a training bombardment mission. It burst into flames immediately on striking the ground.
Crew members were rushed to the hospital at Independence in army ambulances stationed at the nearby bombing range.
Pvt. PERUSO was removed to the station hospital at Harding Field tonight, while the remaining five men were discharged after receiving medical treatment.

Galveston Daily News Texas 1942-09-01
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Researched and Transcribed by Stu Beitler. Thank you, Stu!