Production-block:
B-17G-65-BO: 43-37509 to 43-37673
Manufacturer:
Boeing
- Bomb Group:
- 385th Bomb Group
- Bomb Squadron:
- 551st Bomb Squadron
- RCL: HR-
MACR: 7819 / KSU/ME/KU: 2585
History of
B-17 43-37663 / Rusty Load
Delivered Cheyenne 9/5/44; Hunter 21/5/44; Grenier 1/6/44; Assigned: 551BS/385BG [HR- ] Gt Ashfield 7/6/44; MIA Merseburg 29/7/44 Pilot: A.L. Benefield (POW); Dick Barry, Herb Kozel, Leon Davidson, Calvin Winwright, Ed McGrath, Harry Crouse, Harry McCarthy, Chas Campbell (8KIA); flak, crashed Bloesien, Germany. MACR 7819.
Last updated: 10. July 2022
B-17 43-37663 / Rusty Load Details
Description to the loss of B-17G 43-37663 / Rusty Load
Aircraft was hit by flak in the #4 engine on the bombing run. The right wing blazed up suddenly after the aircraft had started down in a dive turning steeply to its right.
The right wing panel flew off and the right aileron was observed to be missing. The aircraft then went into a spin for approximately 5,000 feet.
After descending to an altitude of approximately 18,000 feet the aircraft blew up. Three chutes were seen to leave the aircraft before it started its downward dive and after the explosion two additional chutes were seen to open amid the debris.
Source: MACR 7819
B-17 43-37663 / Rusty Load Crew
| Position | Rank | Name | Status | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | 1LT | A. L. Benefield | POW | - |
| CP | 2LT | Richard G. Barry | KIA | - |
| NAV | 2LT | Herbert R. Kozel | KIA | - |
| BOMB | 2LT | Leonard F. Davidson | KIA | - |
| ENG/TT | T/SGT | Calvin O. Winright | KIA | - |
| RO | T/SGT | Edward H. McGrath, Jr. | KIA | - |
| BT | S/SGT | Harold P. Crouse | KIA | - |
| WG | S/SGT | Harry L. McCarthy, Jr. | KIA | - |
| TG | S/SGT | Charles C. Campbell | KIA | - |
11. January 2022 access_time 0:25
My Dad, A.L. Benefield Jr. was the Pilot of “Rusty Load” when the Flying Fortress was shot down by AA fire on his 17th bombing mission over Merseburg. He was a POW until liberated by Patton’s 3rd army in April, 1945. He survived the war and lived his life until his death in 2009. My younger Brother Barry, his second Son, is named for his Co-Pilot, Dick Barry. Throughout his life he always remembered his service to our country and his air crew. A true warrior! May he rest in eternal peace.
11. January 2022 access_time 11:01
Hi Alan,
I’m researching USAAF crashes in the Leipzig-Merseburg region and also the Flak (AA) defense in same area. Would love to hear from you! My E-Mail: c2 (at) strs.de Thanks. Stephan
07. July 2022 access_time 21:38
Herb Kozel was my grandfather James Kozel’s brother. I heard about him from my grandmother growing up. I would be interested in knowing more about his service and the mission he died in.