I remember watching home movies when we were children. I always enjoyed our visits. Deeply love my uncle Ken. Sincerely, Pat

T/Sgt Jewel Kenneth Haynes – Kenneth (as he later preferred to be addressed) reported to the 493rd BG on 26 October 1944, at Debach, England, as an Airplane Armorer-Gunner on the crew of LT Frederick E. Stindt and was assigned to the 862nd BS.  His first combat mission was flown on 11 November with the target being the marshalling yards in Koblenz, Germany.  On 18 November, Kenneth was promoted from Sergeant to Staff Sergeant.  On 8 January 1945, he was reclassified from a MOS of 612 (Airplane Armorer-Gunner) to a MOS of 748 (Flight Engineer-Gunner).  Then, on 9 January, Kenneth was promoted to Technical Sergeant.  On 15 February, LT Stindt and his entire crew were transferred to the 860th BS.  Kenneth’s 17th, and last combat mission, was flown on 20 February with the target being the marshalling yard in Nurnberg, Germany.  Shortly after takeoff, the #3 engine caught fire, which eventually spread across the wing.  Certainly, with 2,700 gallons of fuel and 6,000 pounds of bombs, the situation was dire.  Being at only about 250 to 300 feet, bailing out was not an option.  Also, their bombs couldn’t be dropped as they were over a populated area and approaching the village of Alderton.  LT Stindt chose to crash-land in the Deben River.  The bomber sank immediately in 18 feet of water.  LT Stindt and T/Sgt Haynes were the only two, of a 10-man crew, to survive the crash-landing.  They were rescued by fishermen who were in the area and taken to the Ramsholt Arms Pub, which was located on the bank of the river, for treatment.  Kenneth remained with the 493rd BG up through April; however, he did not fly any additional combat missions.  In early May, he returned to the States and eventually was discharged, returning to his home in Missouri.  In the attached photo, Kenneth is in the front row, 5th from the left.

Sincere condolences to all of Kenneth's family and friends.

Fighting 493rd Bombardment Group (H) Memorial Association

David Schmitt
Director/Historian

Sincerest condolences from all of the volunteers at the 493rd BG Museum, Debach, England.
Kenneth served over here with the 860th and 862nd Squadrons during WWII
Rest in peace

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Jewel Kenneth Haynes

March 21, 1921 – March 8, 2019

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