Welcome to Project '44: This is an ongoing research project to learn as much as possible about 2nd Lt. Charles Edward Brumback (534th BS), the Bond Crew, and all those involved in the events of April 19, 1944, over Eschwege, Germany.

Ed Brumback was the navigator for the Leslie A. Bond crew aboard a B-17 Flying Fortress in W.W. II. As with Army Air Force tradition, the crew of an aircraft is referred to by the pilot's last name. Their crew was the 'Bond Crew'.

The crew was assembled at a replacement training center in Oklahoma in 1943. In early 1944 they flew to England and were assigned to the 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy), 534th Bombardment Squadron at Ridgewell, England, Station 167.

On April 19, 1944, they were shot down near their target, only two of the nine member crew returned home.

The researchers on this project are two of
2nd Lt. Brumback's grandsons - Scott Burris & Doug Smith.