Grantsville in Garrett County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Crash of a United States B-52 Bomber
| | Mountain District American Legion Monument | |
Photographed by John Stuber, July 4, 2008
1. Mountain District American Legion Monument
(left pane) In memory and as a tribute to Major Robert L. Payne, Major Robert E. Townley, S/Sgt. Melvin Wooten, and the survivors Major Thomas W. McCormick and Captain Parker C. Peedin.
(right pane) Erected by Mountain District of the American Legion, Department of Maryland, in recognition of the gallant men of the United States Air Force who are constantly vigilant in protecting the security and freedom of these United States and to the citizens of this area who by their example here, stand also ready to lend a helping hand.
Erected 1964 by the Mountain District of the American Legion, Department of Maryland, in July.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Cold. In addition, it is included in the B-52 Bomber Crash in Maryland series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1946.
Location. 39° 41.788′ N, 79° 8.194′ W. Marker is in Grantsville
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Baltimore Metro Region and in Western Maryland. It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Stantons Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bear Hill School (approx. Ό mile away); Yoder House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Schrock Cabin (approx. 0.3 miles away); Compton School (approx. 0.3 miles away); Markley House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Glotfelty House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Miller House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grantsville.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Site of the National Pike Blacksmith Shop (was approx. Ό mile away but has been permanently removed).
Regarding Crash of a United States B-52 Bomber. The B-52 Strato-Fortress was on a routine mission carrying two 24-megaton nuclear bombs. This was the height of the Cold War and 12 atomic-bomb laden aircraft such as this were airborne at all times. The B-52 crashed on Big Savage Mountain near Lonaconing, during a violent snow storm after the tail fin broke off during massive turbulence. Three of the crew died, two survived. The ordnance was recovered.
Also see . . .
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), July 17, 2020
2. Crash of a United States B-52 Bomber Marker
1. A Night To Remember. 2002 article by Dan Whetzel in Mountain Discoveries. “Three states and two counties in the Western Maryland region will never forget the winter storm of 64, when a massive B-52 bomber crashed in the night.” (Submitted on July 6, 2008.)
2. B-52 Crash. Five pages of original photos and newspaper clippings on the Salisbury, Pennsylvania Historical Web Site (Submitted on July 6, 2008.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 6, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 10,987 times since then and 121 times this year. Last updated on January 10, 2014. Photos: 1. submitted on July 6, 2008, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 2, 3. submitted on July 19, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
