On February 23, 1944, a tragic event linked Austria and the United States when a U.S. bomber crashed in Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting, resulting in the loss of ten American airmen. The incident also marked a moment of hope as local residents rescued one surviving airman. This act of humanity has since formed the foundation for the modern partnership between the two nations.
Last week, Ambassador Victoria Kennedy and an Embassy delegation participated in a commemoration ceremony to honor this historical connection. The visit commenced at the Tempus Museum in Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting, where Ambassador Kennedy was greeted by Mayor Erwin Stürzlinger and museum curator Norbert Fischer. Curator Fischer shared detailed accounts of the circumstances surrounding the crash of the "Leaky Tub" bomber in 1944.
Mayor Stürzlinger explained why it was important to memorialize this story despite its origins as an "enemy" bomber crash. Both Ambassador Kennedy and Colonel Erik Bauer provided an interview to ORF during their visit.
The group then gathered at a memorial dedicated to those who fell during both world wars in Bad Wimsbach-Neydharting. A plaque there lists the names of the ten deceased U.S. soldiers. Short speeches were delivered by Mayor Stürzlinger and Ambassador Kennedy, followed by a prayer from a local priest.
The final part of the visit took place in Bergham, where the bomber had originally crashed. Here, attendees revisited the events of that day while emphasizing the enduring bond between Austria and the USA. The ceremony concluded with a wreath-laying event.