1 Reply Latest reply on Apr 3, 2019 1:21 PM by Rebecca Collier

    American POW John La Rue captured in Croatia

    Newbie
    Nikola Knez Apr 1, 2019 7:06 AM

      Hello there,

       

      I am a filmmaker. Working on documentary film about american pilots who were captured by Croatian military (Home Guard) NDH in WWII and release or otherwise after war was over. I do have some basic information. Like name of the airplane "Sky Pirate" which landed in city of Bjelovar after being damaged by flak over Graz, Austria. It was February 19, 1945.  I have one name from crew, Earl Pleasant and gunner Marvin Cropper. I have escort fighter "Butch" flown by Lt.  Benkoski. Also John La Rue was one of the pilots. Do you have more data about American pilots who were captured and detained in Croatia in period 1941 to 1945? I will appreciate your help because want to make that story based on real facts.

       

      Thank you, Best regards.

        • Re: American POW John La Rue captured in Croatia
          Rebecca Collier Ranger
          Rebecca Collier Expert Apr 3, 2019 1:21 PM (in response to Nikola Knez)

          Dear Ms. Knez,

           

          Thank you for posting your request on History Hub!

           

          We searched the National Archives Catalog and located the series Missing Aircrew Reports (MACRs), 1943 - 1945 in the Records of the Office of the Quartermaster General (Record Group 92). According to the MACR index, MACR No. 14229 reported the crew of the 776th Bomb Squadron, 464th Bomb Group (including John P. La Rue, David Earl Pleasant & Marvin Cropper) missing on 19 February 1945. It was first thought they landed in Pecs, Hungary but later it was determined that they were captured by part of the Ustachi Garrison and returned to duty on 15 May 1945.

           

          We also searched a series titled Subject Files, 1942 - 1946 of the American POW Information Bureau in the Records of the Office of the Provost Marshal General (Record Group 389) and located a file unit titled Camp Reports: Croatia. The documents indicated that the Croatians turned the POWs over to the Germans in Zagreb without interrogation. No additional information was found.

           

          We hope this is helpful. Best of luck with your research!

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