2nd Lt Bennett J Mackey - 757th SquadronMy uncle, 2 Lt Bennett J Mackey from Indiana, was with the 459th stationed in Italy. He was killed returning from a bombing run to Linz, Austria December 20, 1944. His body along with four other crew members were never recovered. The pilot and one other crew member survived. A third crew members body was recovered. I am helping my father, a 91 year old, WWII veteran in trying to get the remains of his brother returned to US soil for final burial with his family. We have met with DoD and JPac about recovery. At this time there are no missions set for water recoveries in the Adriatic area where my uncle's plane went down. Is there anyone who may have served with my uncle that would be able to share memories of my uncle. 2nd Lt Bennett J Mackey was the youngest of five brothers all of whom served in World War II. Lt Mackey was the first brother of his family from Greenwood, Indiana to enlist for service. His aircraft went down in the Adriatic Sea off the coast of Italy due to mechanical trouble returning from a mission to Linz, Austria 20 Dec 1944. His remains along with four crew members were never recovered. We are trying to see if any scuba diving organizations in Italy are interested in searching for his plane in that area. If the aircraft can be located then JPAC would help in recovering any remains. Thank you, Beverly Everling |