Production-block:
B-17G-50-BO: 42-102379 to 42-102543
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 447th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 708th Bomb Squadron
MACR: 4255
History of
B-17 42-102479
Delivered Cheyenne 7/3/44; Gr Island 29/3/44; Dow Fd 7/4/44; Assigned: 708BS/447BG [CQ- ] Rattlesden 8/4/44; MIA Berlin 29/4/44 Pilot: Edgar Farrell, Co-Pilot: John Benedict, Engineer / Top Turret Gunner: Bill Peters, Radio Operator: Norman Bussel, Waist Gunner: Merle Rumbaugh, Waist Gunner: Wade Fulton (6POW); Navigator: Sherwood Landis, Bombardier: Wynne Longeteig, Ball Turret Gunner: Joe Guida, Tail Gunner: Vasilios Mpouries (4KIA); flak hits followed by Enemy aircraft, crashed Eickendorf, 15 miles SW of Gardelegen, Germany. MACR 4255.
Last updated: 26. August 2018
07. December 2021 access_time 15:47
Nickname of this aircraft was Mississippi Lady, source of information is a autobiographical work by the radioman Norman Bussel in his book “My Private War”. I was honoured to meet him and ask him to sign my copy of his book, and if desired can offer to review the book for more information surrounding the name. I am still trying to confirm more information about the plan, such as nose art or any other details
08. December 2021 access_time 15:28
Thank you for the information. Please let me know, if you can find any pictures of the crew or aircraft.