B-17 Flying Fortress B-17 44-8283 / Lucky 13 aka Dinah-Mite

Geschichte der
B-17 44-8283 / Lucky 13 aka Dinah-Mite

Delivered Cheyenne 2/8/44; Kearney 9/8/44; Grenier 17/8/44; Assigned 18BS/34BG Mendlesham 20/8/44 LUCKY 13; transferred 7BS; Missing in Action Nurnberg, Ger; 5/4/45 with George Mehling, Navigator: Harrison Britton, Flight engineer/top turret gunner: Steve Niatas, Radio Operator: Jack Share{wia-lost leg}, Ball turret gunner: Bob Lamprey,Tail gunner: Lou Morgan (6 Returned to Duty); Co-pilot: Wendell Huntley, Bombardier: Russ Morgan, Waist gunner: Alby Dinnis (3 Killed in Action); flak, ditched Channel. DINAH-MITE.

Zuletzt aktualisiert: 11. Februar 2018

B-17 44-8283 / Lucky 13 aka Dinah-Mite Details

At bombs away, one bomb hug up on one end of the shackle. The plane left formation and began trailing behind, eventually losing sight of formation due to low visibility. Crossing the coast 5-7 miles East of Dunkirk, flak and machine gun fire hit the plane, seriously wounding Harris (B). A fire broke out behind #2 engine and the left alerion was shot out. Share (R) was also wounded. Ditched in the English Channel. At ditching Harris (B) was either dead or near dead. Huntley (CP) apparently never managed to get out. Deines (WG) got out but was holding on the tail section and would not release, saying he could not swim, even though he was wearing a MaeWest. He went down with the tail, still holding on. With 18BS. Pilot: Mehling. No Missing Air Crew Report. 3 Killed in Action, 6 rescued from the Channel and 5 returned to duty. Share (R) was severely wounded and lost his right leg as a result.

Source: http://valortovictory.tripod.com/b17s/44-8283.htm