DVIDS – News – Crash site of the “Black Widow” from World War II and commemoration of the crew

A new memorial was unveiled on August 24, 2024, during a memorial ceremony honoring the American pilots of a B-17G Flying Fortress that crashed in Mechtersheim, Germany, during World War II.

The memorial service took place at the very crash site and brought together the pilots' descendants for the first time since the investigation into the crash began in 2016.

The crew flew a mission to an important bridge over the Rhine in winter weather and thick fog. After being hit by anti-aircraft fire, the B-17G caught fire and exploded. Seven of the nine crew members were able to parachute to safety. They survived, but were captured by the German Air Force and spent the remaining months of the war as prisoners of war.

US Army Air Corps 2nd Lt. James Richard Mitchell and US Army Air Corps Sgt. Nelson R. Beyer were both killed in the crash.

Brigadier General Adrienne L. Williams, commander of the U.S. Air Force's 86th Airlift Wing, represented the squadron and delivered a speech thanking the descendants for their families' service.

“Our commemoration today underscores the importance of partnerships and community as descendants of family members, military personnel, Germans, Americans, volunteers and others helped make this memorial permanent. Time continues to march on, but the story, legacy and heritage of the Black Widow and 2nd Lt. Mitchell's crew will always remain an important lesson in service before self. We owe our lives and our future to these young men and their everlasting legacy.”

After the unveiling of the monument and the conclusion of the speeches, guests were led to the exact spot where the cockpit crashed. In addition, those present witnessed a flyover by a US Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, including personnel drop and the release of pigeons, and made their own speeches to express their gratitude.

Following the ceremony, guests and presiding officers attended a reception hosted by the City of Römerberg, an opportunity for the U.S. Air Force, German Air Force, and local communities to strengthen their relationships and pay respect to the past.

“Eighty years after Allied troops landed in Europe, it remains important to honor and memorialize all those who participated in the defeat of the Axis powers,” said Willaims. “Commemorating together as allies, acknowledging history and working to heal is the best evidence of peace.”