78 years ago, 25 men returning from World War II died in the crash of a B-17 at Mount Tom

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Tuesday marked the 78th anniversary of the loss of 25 brave young men from the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Army Air Corps, U.S. Public Health Service and American Red Cross when their B-17 crashed into the side of Mount Tom in Holyoke while returning home from World War II to Westover Air Force Base.

Each July, the B-17 Memorial Committee holds a memorial ceremony at the B-17 memorial to honor both the men who lost their lives in the crash and those who made the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country.

“When we erected this memorial in 1996, on the 50th anniversary of the plane crash, we wanted to commemorate the loss of these 25 young men. We did not realize the emotional toll it would have on the community and their families,” said board member Rick Lee.

Lee told 22News that while none of them are local, families of those who lost their lives on July 9, 1946, come to Mount Tom from across the country every year to gather at the memorial.

“I think the people there are going through a bittersweet emotional experience, it’s a very haunting thing. It feels good, but at the same time it’s a little sad because these young men were flying home after serving our country. Their family was waiting for them. They were mostly in their teens and early twenties, they never made it home, they never lived their lives,” Lee said.

This year’s ceremony begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and includes a flyby by a Cape Cod Coast Guard HC144 Ocean Sentry aircraft. Lee and the committee invite the public to honor these men and their sacrifice. Free transportation to the site will be provided on Memorial Day, as well as seating, shade, water and personal amenities. Organizers ask that attendees arrive by 8:30 a.m. to allow time for the shuttle to the site.

The monument is located on the southeast side of Mount Tom, about 300 feet below the summit. Visitors should note that a hike is usually required to view the site, as vehicle access is limited.

“I think people will enjoy being there. It’s a fulfilling and moving experience. It’s a very emotional experience,” Lee said.