Flight of the Forgotten
A True Story of Heroism and Betrayal
by
Mark A. Vance
Copyright 2011 Mark A. Vance,
All rights reserved.
Published in eBook format by Mark A. Vance
Converted by http://www.eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-0-6154-7376-5
No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.
The Jack B. Ketchum Crew
HEADQUARTERS, ARMY AIR FORCES
WASHINGTON
IN REPLY REFER TO: AFPPA-8
AAF 201 – (R-490) DAVIS, Raymond E.
35151144
29 Mar, 1946
Mr. William H Davis
Rt. #4
Washington, Indiana
Dear Mr. Davis:
I am writing you with reference to your son, Staff Sergeant Raymond E. Davis, who was reported by The Adjutant General as having been killed on 13 June 1945.
Information has been received indicating that Sergeant Davis was a gunner on a B-24 (Liberator) bomber which departed from Prestwick, Scotland en-route to Meeks Field, Iceland on 13 June 1945. The report reveals that during this mission a fire or explosion is believed to have occurred in the aircraft while in flight. The plane was found near Gairloch, Scotland, completely destroyed, and parts of the aircraft and equipment were found as far as three miles from the scene of the accident. The report further indicates that there were no survivors. It is regretted that no further information is available in this headquarters relative to Sergeant Davis’ last mission.
Believing you may wish to communicate with the families of the others who were in the plane with your son, I am enclosing a list of these men and the names and addresses of those listed as their agency addressees.
May I assure you that the personnel of the Army Air Forces share the sorrow caused by the untimely passing of Sergeant Davis.
Very sincerely,
LEON W. JOHNSON
Brigadier General, U.S.A.
Chief, Personnel Services Division
Incl.
ADDRESS REPLY TO: COMMANDING GENERAL ARMY AIR FORCES, WASHINGTON, D.C.
(Official U.S. Government Document)
About the Book
Flight of the Forgotten is the true story of one of the most closely guarded American military secrets of all time. It is intriguing, controversial and thought-provoking. It traverses 50 years, two generations, and the realities of our physical world.
The triggering event is the tragic loss of an American Eighth Air Force bomber crew in 1945 under mysterious circumstances while en-route home after the end of World War II.
The loss represents a 50-year-old aviation mystery, officially “forgotten” by the United States Government. Details described and amplified within the story remain permanently “buried” inside a top secret O.S.S. file to this day. This book is a public counter to official efforts by the United States Government to have the events permanently erased from the public record. The author’s extensive research indicates that these events involve murder, conspiracy and sabotage by the O.S.S., the forerunner to the modern CIA.
Flight of the Forgotten exposes these events in detail and highlights the spiritual unrest of the murdered crewmen. Their interaction with the author, an airline captain and nephew of one of the crewmen killed in the crash, addresses not only the sabotage and conspiracy issues, but the very essence of our worldly existence.
The events described in Flight of the Forgotten will challenge many core beliefs that Americans have about their own government and its role in society. The supernatural element and spiritual involvement of the deceased crewmen will interest anyone who has ever wondered, “What’s next?”
Written on behalf of the Jack B. Ketchum crew, Flight of the Forgotten is dedicated to men who can no longer speak for themselves but who have an important message all of us should hear.
For Buster and the ties that bind all airmen.
Acknowledgments
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people and organizations that assisted with this effort that must, for the time being, remain anonymous. Each contribution made it possible to continue steering this uncharted course and eventually reach the truth. A story of this magnitude is never written alone. Dozens of people have contributed on a personal and professional level. To each and every one of them, I give my deepest appreciation and heartfelt gratitude. In addition, I would also like to thank my family for their support and understanding throughout this ordeal and all the families affected by this story whose help made it possible. Finally, to the Jack B. Ketchum crew themselves, for allowing me the opportunity to tell their amazing story to the world.
England and Scotland
Crew List
Lost over Gairloch, Scotland, June 13, 1945
THE JACK B. KETCHUM CREW
| 1st. Lt. Jack B. Ketchum | Pilot | Kansas | Age 22 |
| 1st. Lt. Jack H. Spencer | Copilot | Michigan | Age 22 |
| 2nd. Lt. Richard J. Robak | Navigator | Wisconsin | Age 20 |
| T/Sgt. Hillburn L. Cheek | Engineer | Oregon | Age 21 |
| T/Sgt. Jimmy C. Stammer | Radio-Op. | Iowa | Age 23 |
| S/Sgt. Eldon J. Gilles | Gunner | Wisconsin | Age 24 |
| S/Sgt. Albert L. Natkin | Gunner | Texas | Age 20 |
| S/Sgt. Raymond E. Davis | Gunner | Indiana | Age 26 |
| S/Sgt. Herman Riefen | Gunner | New York | Age 25 |
PASSENGER LISTING FOR JUNE 13, 1945